Plasma Malondialdehyde Levels Research Articles

Long-term Add-on Yoga Therapy Modulates Oxidative Stress Pathway and Offers Clinical Benefits in Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Yoga therapy (YT) as an adjunct treatment has reportedly been demonstrated to offer clinical benefits in major depressive disorder (MDD). Although a few biological pathways are suggested to mediate the effects of yoga, the precise mechanistic basis remains unknown. Oxidative stress pathway activation has consistently been linked to the pathobiology of MDD. Whether YT has a modulatory effect on the oxidative stress pathway in MDD is not adequately understood. In this study, we examined the impact of a course (3 months) of yoga as an add on therapy on the markers of the oxidative stress pathway in MDD patients. Thirty-three MDD patients were randomized to the YT (n = 16) and waitlist control (WC) (n = 17) groups. Colorimetric estimation of the plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant (AO) levels was performed in all the study participants using commercially available kits at the baseline and after 3 months. A significant reduction of plasma MDA levels was observed in MDD patients of YT group (P = 0.05) after 3 months of YT. Notably, the plasma MDA levels also decreased in MDD patients of WC group (P = 0.015) after the trial period. In addition, levels of total AO showed a trend toward significance only in MDD patients after 3 months of YT (P = 0.07). Conclusion: The current study suggests that the benefits of YT might be mediated through its modulatory role on the oxidative stress pathway in MDD.

Lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in patients with Alzheimer's disease and amnestic mild cognitive impairment.

Lipid metabolism and oxidative stress are key mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The link between plasma lipid metabolites and oxidative stress in AD patients is poorly understood. This study was to identify markers that distinguish AD and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) from NC, and to reveal potential links between lipid metabolites and oxidative stress. We performed non-targeted lipid metabolism analysis of plasma from patients with AD, aMCI, and NC using LC-MS/MS. The plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were assessed. We found significant differences in lipid metabolism between patients with AD and aMCI compared to those in NC. AD severity is associated with lipid metabolites, especially TG (18:0_16:0_18:0) + NH4, TG (18:0_16:0_16:0) + NH4, LPC(16:1e)-CH3, and PE (20:0_20:4)-H. SPH (d16:0) + H, SPH (d18:1) + H, and SPH (d18:0) + H were high-performance markers to distinguish AD and aMCI from NC. The AUC of three SPHs combined to predict AD was 0.990, with specificity and sensitivity as 0.949 and 1, respectively; the AUC of three SPHs combined to predict aMCI was 0.934, with specificity and sensitivity as 0.900, 0.981, respectively. Plasma MDA concentrations were higher in the AD group than in the NC group (p = 0.003), whereas plasma SOD levels were lower in the AD (p < 0.001) and aMCI (p = 0.045) groups than in NC, and GSH-Px activity were higher in the AD group than in the aMCI group (p = 0.007). In addition, lipid metabolites and oxidative stress are widely associated. In conclusion, this study distinguished serum lipid metabolism in AD, aMCI, and NC subjects, highlighting that the three SPHs can distinguish AD and aMCI from NC. Additionally, AD patients showed elevated oxidative stress, and there are complex interactions between lipid metabolites and oxidative stress.

Several dementia subtypes and mild cognitive impairment share brain reduction of neurotransmitter precursor amino acids, impaired energy metabolism, and lipid hyperoxidation.

Dementias and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are associated with variously combined changes in the neurotransmitter system and signaling, from neurotransmitter synthesis to synaptic binding. The study tested the hypothesis that different dementia subtypes and MCI may share similar reductions of brain availability in amino acid precursors (AAPs) of neurotransmitter synthesis and concomitant similar impairment in energy production and increase of oxidative stress, i.e., two important metabolic alterations that impact neurotransmission. Sixty-five demented patients (Alzheimer's disease, AD, n = 44; frontotemporal disease, FTD, n = 13; vascular disease, VaD, n = 8), 10 subjects with MCI and 15 control subjects (CTRL) were recruited for this study. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma levels of AAPs, energy substrates (lactate, pyruvate), and an oxidative stress marker (malondialdehyde, MDA) were measured in all participants. Demented patients and subjects with MCI were similar for age, anthropometric parameters, biohumoral variables, insulin resistance (HOMA index model), and CSF neuropathology markers. Compared to age-matched CTRL, both demented patients and MCI subjects showed low CSF AAP tyrosine (precursor of dopamine and catecholamines), tryptophan (precursor of serotonin), methionine (precursor of acetylcholine) limited to AD and FTD, and phenylalanine (an essential amino acid largely used for protein synthesis) (p = 0.03 to <0.0001). No significant differences were found among dementia subtypes or between each dementia subtype and MCI subjects. In addition, demented patients and MCI subjects, compared to CTRL, had similar increases in CSF and plasma levels of pyruvate (CSF: p = 0.023 to <0.0001; plasma: p < 0.002 to <0.0001) and MDA (CSF: p < 0.035 to 0.002; plasma: p < 0.0001). Only in AD patients was the CSF level of lactate higher than in CTRL (p = 0.003). Lactate/pyruvate ratios were lower in all experimental groups than in CTRL. AD, FTD, and VaD dementia patients and MCI subjects may share similar deficits in AAPs, partly in energy substrates, and similar increases in oxidative stress. These metabolic alterations may be due to AAP overconsumption following high brain protein turnover (leading to phenylalanine reductions), altered mitochondrial structure and function, and an excess of free radical production. All these metabolic alterations may have a negative impact on synaptic plasticity and activity.

Betulin-rich hydroalcoholic extract of Daphne oleoides attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rat

Background and objectivePulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic and progressive respiratory disease representing the final stage of lung inflammatory disorders. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), an essential factor in the formation and progression of pulmonary fibrosis, are a significant adverse effect of Bleomycin (BLM). Antioxidant activities have been found in Daphne oleoides. In this study, we attempted to explore the function of hydroalcoholic extract of Daphne oleoides (D. oleoides) and Betulin in inhibiting bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rat". Materials and methodsThe current experimental study used 36 male Wistar rats (180–220). Following a random process, the animals were divided into six groups six (n = 6). Group, I (the control group) received normal saline, while Group II (the hazardous group) received intratracheal BLM (7.5 units per kg). Following the administration of BLM, Groups V and VI received daily doses of vitamin E (500 mg/kg/d, p.o.) and Betulin (10 mg kg/d, p.o.), whereas Groups III and IV received daily doses of Daphne oleoides extract (300 and 600 mg/kg/d, p.o.). Then, blood samples from the hearts of the animals were taken to assess the plasma concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Finally, the rats were euthanized, and the lung tissues were taken out for histological analysis and assessments of the levels of lung hydroxyproline (HP), ferric-reducing ability (FRAP), NO, Glutathione Concentration (GSH), thiol content (tSH) and MDA. FindingsElevated lung index, lung hydroxyproline, NO, and MDA plasma levels, and a reduction in total body thiol content (tSH) in the group receiving BLM were evidence of pulmonary toxicity. Treatment with D. oleoides extracts, Betulin, and Vit E, especially at 600 mg/kg, led to a marked reduction in the above parameters compared with the BLM-received group (p < 0.01). Histological Analysis of the BLM-treated group showed a considerable Lung injury with interstitial infiltration, collapsed alveolar spaces, and alveolar septal thickening. These changes were mitigated with D. oleoides 600, Betulin-, and vitamin E. These changes were mitigated with D. oleoides 600, Betulin-, and vitamin E. ConclusionThese findings suggest that D. oleoides and Betulin prevent bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in rats by decreasing inflammatory and antioxidant markers. Daphne oleoides, therefore, have the potential to be used therapeutically to treat pulmonary fibrosis.

Potential association of neutrophil extracellular traps with cognitive impairment in cerebral small vessel disease.

No acceptable biomarker can facilitate the early identification of cognitive impairment associated with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) in the older persons. The neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in the inflammation response of circulatory and central systems are essential in destroying the blood-brain barrier. The present study aims to explore the potential associations of plasma NETs with cognitive performance in CSVD. We recruited 146 CSVD patients and 66 healthy controls (HCs), and comprehensive neuropsychological assessments and multimodal magnetic resonance imaging were conducted. Three NETs markers, viz., citrullination of histone H3, neutrophil elastase-DNA, and myeloperoxidase (MPO)-DNA, and four oxidative stress-related indexes in plasma samples were measured. The plasma levels of three NETs markers were more significantly elevated in CSVD patients than in HCs. Significant correlations of the three NETs markers were observed with multiple cognitive domain scores. Furthermore, higher plasma MDA and NETs levels were significantly associated with the worse Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores among CSVD patients. Moreover, plasma MPO-DNA levels significantly mediated the effect of the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation value within the bilateral caudate and the scores of global cognitive function, executive function, and information processing speed. Additionally, a panel of three NETs markers had the highest area under the curve value to distinguish the cognitively impaired CSVD patients from HCs and non-impaired ones. Therefore, plasma NETs may be potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of CSVD-related cognitive impairment. Activated lipid peroxidation in circulation and impaired caudate function support potential associations of plasma NETs in cognitively impaired CSVD patients.

Evaluating the levels of capture-related stress and physical injury in métiers that use gillnets and trammel nets

Captured fish are subjected to a variety of stressors, but exhaustion and injury stand out as the most harmful and common. While hanging nets like gillnets and trammel nets may have fewer overall environmental effects than towed gear, they are commonly associated with high rates of incidental mortality among discarded fish, posing the highest stressor exposure risk and the least opportunity for practical mitigation measures. The present study sought to determine and compare the amount of physical damage and stress (plasma cortisol and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels) caused by trammel nets and gillnets to fish in a small-scale fishery in the North Aegean Sea (E. Mediterranean). We focused on four fish species with minor commercial importance and high discarding potential to examine whether captured related stressors are not only gear-specific but also species-specific. We found that trammel net deployments are associated with higher levels of physical injury and physiological stress than gillnets which were attributed to different soak-times but also to differences in the mechanics of capture between the two gears and among the four species.

Metabolite profiling and biochemical investigation of the antidiabetic potential of Loranthus pulverulentus Wall n-butanol fraction in diabetic animal models

Ethnopharmacological relevanceGlobally, 537 million individuals are estimated to have diabetes. The traditional use of herbs for ameliorating diabetes symptoms is a common practice in Pakistan and use of Loranthus pulverulentus Wall (L. pulverulentus) by local people in Azad Jammu and Kashmir has been reported. Aim of the studyIn the present study, the antidiabetic potential of standardized n-butanol fraction of leaves of L. pulverulentus Wall, which is a parasite of Dalbergia sisso Roxb was assessed in both alloxan (ALX) and streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic animal models. Materials and methodsChemical characterization of BF was performed using HPLC, GCMS and UHPLC-MS. The effect of the fraction (250 mg/kg) on insulin, plasma free fatty acids, L-lactate, pyruvate, MDA, HbA1c and glycogen levels in ALX and STZ animal models was determined. Liver and renal profiles were analyzed in the STZ model. Toxicological studies were performed by hemolytic, Ames mutagenicity, DNA protection, and thrombolytic assays. Histopathological analysis of the pancreas, liver, and kidney was performed. ResultsBF demonstrated highly significant (p < 0.001) antidiabetic potential in both diabetic models. BF significantly (p < 0.05) improved OGTT results in alloxanized diabetic mice and blocked the absorption of glucose from the gut. A significant (p < 0.001) increase in insulin levels and glycogen content in liver tissue and a decrease in plasma FFA, MDA, HbA1c, L-lactate, and pyruvate levels in STZ-diabetic mice were recorded. GC-MS and chromatographic analysis showed the presence of catechin, eugenol, longifolene, caryophyllene, Ar-tumerone and Geranyl-alpha-terpinene. Various metabolites with antidiabetic potential, including 4-hydroxycinnamyl alcohol 4-D-glucoside, zingerone glucoside, trans-trismethoxy resveratrol-d4, epigallocatechin 3-O-cinnamate, and β-glucogallin, were identified using UHPLC-MS. Animals treated with BF showed marked improvements in cellular structures of the pancreas, liver and kidneys. This fraction is non-mutagenic and protects the DNA. ConclusionThe experimental fraction contained potential antidiabetic bioactive compounds responsible for alleviating diabetes-associated biochemical dysregulation. The fraction increased insulin levels and enhanced glycogen storage in muscles and the liver. It blocked glucose absorption from the intestine and substantially decreased HbA1c, lactate, pyruvate, free fatty acids, lipid, liver and kidney damage. Therefore, the use of BF for the treatment of type-2 diabetes may be beneficial.

Factors Associated with Plasma Malondialdehyde Levels in People over 40 Years

Aging is a progressive process caused by a physiological decline in body functions. It is known that several factors can accelerate aging, namely age, lifestyle, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial damage. Various pollutants such as cigarette smoke, motor vehicle fumes, industrial waste, and exposure to sunlight / ultraviolet light will form free radicals. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level is one of the indicators used to measure oxidative stress. Increased MDA levels are found in various degenerative diseases. This study aims to determine plasma MDA levels in the age group of 40 years and over and factors that can affect plasma MDA levels. This study was a cross-sectional study by including 42 subjects. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire to obtain subject demographic data and physical activity, as well as physical examinations complemented by laboratory examinations and MDA levels. The mean age of the subjects was 52.7 years, and most of the 32 (76.2%) subjects were categorized as obese and had high activity. Pearson correlation test obtained body mass index statistically significantly correlated with plasma MDA levels with a value of p = 0.039, as well as physical activity statistically significantly correlated with a negative correlation, with a value of r = -0.26 and p = 0.043. Conclusion Body mass index and activity are significantly correlated with plasma MDA levels.&#x0D; Keywords: malondialdehyde, stress, oxidative, radicals

Infliximab abrogates adenine-induced chronic kidney disease via modulation of the MAPK/JNK/ASK signaling pathway in rats

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a prominent cause of death worldwide. Infliximab is one of the anti-TNF-α; herein, we studied the effect of infliximab on adenine-induced CKD. To inspect the role of infliximab, either ameliorative or curative, on CDK induced with adenine. Thirty Wistar albino rats were separated into five groups of 6 rats’ each: rats of group Ι were kept as control given saline, rats of group II were treated with infliximab (5 mg/kg, i.p.) for 5 weeks, rats of group ΙΙΙ (the diseased group) had an adenine containing diet (0.25% W/W in feed) for 5 weeks, rats of group ΙV (the ameliorative group) had an adenine-containing diet and infliximab (5 mg/kg, i.p.) for 5 weeks simultaneously, and rats of group V (the curative group) had adenine containing diet then a single dose of infliximab (5 mg/kg, i.p.) was given in the 6th week. Infliximab treatment revealed a decrease in the plasma levels of urea, creatinine, NGAL, and MDA with a substantial increase in TAC. Also, inflammatory mediators such as IL-6 and NF-κB were significantly decreased with the down-regulation of the ASK1/MAPK/JNK pathway. Caspase 3 was downregulated. Also, infliximab treatment exhibited improvement in the histological and immunohistochemical kidney changes. Through its involvement in reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, infliximab has an ameliorative and curative effect on CKD induced with adenine.

Effect of Wheatgrass Juice on Fertility Changes Induced by Cyclophosphamide in Male Wistar Albino Rats

In the present study, reproductive toxicity caused by cyclophosphamide on sperm parameters, biochemical parameters, histopathology and protective effect of wheatgrass juice was examined. There were total 6 groups of adult Wistar albino rats. Each group had 6 rats. After 24hrs of the last treatment, rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and sperm parameters like sperm count and motility, plasma malonaldehyde (MDA) levels, catalase (CAT) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) activities in testicular tissue, and testicular histopathological changes in the testicular tissue were examined. Administration of cyclophosphamide showed an increase in plasma MDA level and decrease in SOD, GSH and Catalase activity. These values were statistically significant. However, wheatgrass juice treatment along with cyclophosphamide markedly showed improvement in reducing Cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative stress, and normalized sperm characteristics and testicular histopathology. Thus, in conclusion, cyclophosphamide causes fertility changes which leads to male infertility, whereas wheatgrass juice has a protective effect on reversing the testicular damage and male infertility.

Antioxidant Activity of Vitamin C and E Versus Oxidative Stress Induced by Heavy Metals in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

The present study was undertaken to investigate the antioxidant activity of vitamins C and E singly and together in modulating levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA), total protein, and glucose in different organs (gills, liver, &amp; muscles) and plasma of common carp exposed to heavy metals (Pb, Cd, &amp; Hg). The division of fish into two groups (control group and experimental group) was done after acclimatization. Seven days after exposure to heavy metals, the results showed a significant increase in the level of MDA in all organs of the experimental group (B) compared to those of the control group (A). Metal exposure caused a significant increase in the level of glucose in the liver and plasma (group B), while in muscles and gills, it caused a decrease in the amount of glucose (group B). Heavy metals have caused a slight decrease in total protein (gills, liver, &amp; muscles). Seven days after exposure, the fish were split into three groups: one group was fed with vitamin C, another group with vitamin E, and the third group was fed with both vitamins (C &amp; E). Results show that the addition of vitamins C and E as a food supplement resulted in the restitution of MDA and glucose values similar to those of the control group in all three investigated organs. But in terms of the amount of total protein, the results show that the addition of vitamins (C, E, &amp; C+E) could not restore these values. Otherwise, in most cases, these two vitamins (C &amp; E) administered together have shown more ameliorative effects than in the case of separate administration.

Pyridostigmine ameliorates pristane-induced arthritis symptoms in Dark Agouti rats

Objective Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder. Pyridostigmine (PYR), an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, has been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in several animal models for inflammation-associated conditions. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of PYR on pristane-induced (PIA) in Dark Agouti (DA) rats. Method DA rats were intradermally infused with pristane to establish the PIA model, which was treated with PYR (10 mg/kg/day) for 27 days. The effects of PYR on synovial inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota were evaluated by determining arthritis scores, H&E staining, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and biochemical assays, as well as 16S rDNA sequencing. Results Pristane induced arthritis, with swollen paws and body weight loss, increased arthritis scores, synovium hyperplasia, and bone or cartilage erosion. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in synovium was higher in the PIA group than in the control group. PIA rats also displayed elevated levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in plasma. Moreover, sequencing results showed that the richness, diversity, and composition of the gut microbiota dramatically changed in PIA rats. PYR abolished pristane-induced inflammation and oxidative stress, and corrected the gut microbiota dysbiosis. Conclusion The results of this study support the protective role of PYR in PIA in DA rats, associated with the attenuation of inflammation and correction of gut microbiota dysbiosis. These findings open new perspectives for pharmacological interventions in animal models of RA.

1491-P: ER Stress Drives the VEGF Expression in Monocytic Cells by Mechanisms Involving CHOP/ROS/HIF-1alpha/NRF2 and NF-kappaB/p38 MAPK Pathways

Obesity is marked by metabolic inflammation and by metabolic impairment caused by increased endotoxin, free fatty acids, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels; and involves the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress as well. However, it remains unclear whether the ER stress can induce/amplify VEGF expression in metabolically-stressed monocytic cells; and if so, by which mechanism(s). To test this, metabolic stress was induced in THP-1 monocytic cells by treating cells separately with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), palmitic acid (PA), and oleic acid (OA), in presence/absence of ER stressor thapsigargin (TG). Gene expression of VEGF/ER stress markers was assessed by qRT-PCR, protein expression by ELISA, ROS by DCFH-DA assay, phosphorylation of HIF-1α, NF-κB, ERK1/2, and p38 MAPK by immunoblotting, and the insulin response in stressed cells by glucose-uptake assay. Regarding clinical analyses, adipose VEGF gene and protein expression was detected using qRT-PCR and IHC, respectively, while plasma hs-CRP, TNF-α, MDA, and OX-LDL levels were measured by ELISA. The experimental data show that a cooperative interaction between the metabolic and ER stresses led to the expression of VEGF, ROS, CHOP, ATF6, SOD2, and NRF2 (P˂0.05), as well as stimulated the CHOP and NRF2 promoter activities in reporter cells (P˂0.05). However, the glucose uptake was not impaired. The VEGF expression was dependent on phosphorylation of HIF-1α, NF-κB, and p38 MAPK; and the inhibitors of NF-κB/MAPK pathways as well as antioxidants or ROS scavengers suppressed the VEGF production. Further, individuals with obesity showed increased VEGF expression which associated positively with plasma levels of hs-CRP, TNF-α, MDA, and OX-LDL (P≤0.05). Overall, our findings support a cooperativity model in which the ER and metabolic stresses interact to augment VEGF expression in monocytic cells via the mechanisms involving CHOP/ROS/HIF-1α/NRF2 and NF-κB/p38 MAPK pathways. Disclosure S.A.K.Sindhu: None. F.Alzaid: None. F.Almulla: None. R.Ahmad: None. N.Akhter: None. A.Wilson: None. H.Arefanian: None. A.Al madhoun: None. R.S.Thomas: None. S.P.Kochumon: None. F.Alrashed: None. F.Bahman: None. Funding Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (RA2015-027, RA2010-003, RAHM-2019-022)

Neurodegeneration, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism plasma biomarkers to differentiate Parkinson's disease from atypical parkinsonian syndromes

IntroductionThe identification of blood biomarkers appears to be a means of improving diagnosis accuracy in Parkinson's disease (PD) and atypical parkinsonian syndromes (APS). We, therefore, evaluate the performance of neurodegeneration, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism plasma biomarkers to distinguish PD from APS. MethodsThis was a monocentric study with a cross-sectional design. Plasma levels and discriminating power of neurofilament light chain (NFL), malondialdehyde (MDA) and 24S-Hydroxycholesterol (24S-HC) were assessed in patients with clinical diagnoses of PD or APS. ResultsIn total, 32 PD cases and 15 APS cases were included. Mean disease durations were 4.75 years in PD group and 4.2 years in APS group. Plasma levels of NFL, MDA and 24S-HC differed significantly between the APS and PD groups (P=0.003; P=0.009; P=0.032, respectively). NFL, MDA and 24S-HC discriminated between PD and APS (AUC=0.76688; AUC=0.7375; AUC=0.6958, respectively). APS diagnosis significantly increased with MDA level≥23.628nmol/mL (OR: 8.67, P=0.001), NFL level≥47.2pg/mL (OR: 11.92, P<0.001) or 24S-HC level≤33.4pmol/mL (OR: 6.17, P=0.008). APS diagnosis considerably increased with the combination of NFL and MDA levels beyond cutoff values (OR: 30.67, P<0.001). Finally, the combination of NFL and 24S-HC levels, or MDA and 24S-HC levels, or all three biomarkers’ levels beyond cutoff values systematically classified patients in the APS group. ConclusionOur results suggest that 24S-HC and especially MDA and NFL could be helpful for differentiating PD from APS. Further studies will be needed to reproduce our findings on larger, prospective cohorts of patients with parkinsonism evolving for less than 3 years.

Myocardial capacity of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in response to prolonged electromagnetic stress.

Mitochondria are central energy generators for the heart, producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system. However, mitochondria also guide critical cell decisions and responses to the environmental stressors. This study evaluated whether prolonged electromagnetic stress affects the mitochondrial OXPHOS system and structural modifications of the myocardium. To induce prolonged electromagnetic stress, mice were exposed to 915 MHz electromagnetic fields (EMFs) for 28 days. Analysis of mitochondrial OXPHOS capacity in EMF-exposed mice pointed to a significant increase in cardiac protein expression of the Complex I, II, III and IV subunits, while expression level of α-subunit of ATP synthase (Complex V) was stable among groups. Furthermore, measurement of respiratory function in isolated cardiac mitochondria using the Seahorse XF24 analyzer demonstrated that prolonged electromagnetic stress modifies the mitochondrial respiratory capacity. However, the plasma level of malondialdehyde, an indicator of oxidative stress, and myocardial expression of mitochondria-resident antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase 2 remained unchanged in EMF-exposed mice as compared to controls. At the structural and functional state of left ventricles, no abnormalities were identified in the heart of mice subjected to electromagnetic stress. Taken together, these data suggest that prolonged exposure to EMFs could affect mitochondrial oxidative metabolism through modulating cardiac OXPHOS system.

Changes in blood oxidative stress biomarker and cholinesterase activity after general vs spinal anesthesia for elective cesarean sections

Background &amp; Objective: There is an increased ratio of cesarean sections (CS) compared to normal deliveries the world over. Both general and regional anesthetic techniques are in practice for CS. Limited information is available on the determination of blood cholinesterase (ChE) activity in conjunction with oxidative stress biomarkers after the CS. The purpose of the present study was to determine and compare the plasma and erythrocyte ChE activity as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) level and total antioxidant status in pregnant women before anesthesia and after the use of general anesthesia (GA) or spinal anesthesia (SA) for elective CS.&#x0D; Methodology: A pre-post study was conducted on 102 full-term pregnant women, who underwent elective CS in four hospitals at Duhok (Iraq) from January 2022 to July 2022. GA with propofol and SA with bupivacaine 0.5% were administered to 52 and 50 women, respectively. Maternal blood samples before anesthesia and after the completion of operation were assayed for the ChE activity in the plasma and erythrocytes, and plasma oxidative stress biomarkers malondialdehyde and total antioxidant status.&#x0D; Results: Plasma ChE activity significantly decreased in the GA and SA groups after the cesarean-deliveries compared to the corresponding pre-anesthetic values. The plasma MDA level in both GA and SA groups, but not the total antioxidant status, was significantly reduced. Estimation of the odds ratio and the relative risk indicated that a risk factor is associated with the reduced plasma ChE activity in women after the CS when the general anesthetic propofol is used.&#x0D; Conclusion: Both general anesthesia with propofol and spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine inhibited plasma cholinesterase activity and reduced oxidative stress biomarker malondialdehyde after the cesarean sections.&#x0D; Abbreviations: CS - Cesarean section; ChE: Cholinesterase; EChE: Erythrocyte Cholinesterase; MDA: Malondialdehyde; OS: Oxidative Stress; PChE: Plasma ChE; TAS: Total Antioxidant Status.&#x0D; Key words: Anesthesia, Spinal; Cesarean section; General anesthesia; Malondialdehyde; Oxidative stress&#x0D; Citation: Karam RS, Mohammad FK. Changes in blood oxidative stress biomarker and cholinesterase activity after general vs spinal anesthesia for elective cesarean sections. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2023;27(3):396−404; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v27i3.2244&#x0D; Received: March 23, 2023; Reviewed: May 06, 2023; Accepted: May 09, 2023

Hypoglycemia and anxiolysis mediated by levofloxacin treatment in diabetic rats.

The present study was designed to determine the effect of levofloxacin (LVX) treatment on the blood glucose level, insulin sensitivity, anxiety level, nitrite and MDA level of STZ induced diabetic rats. Wistar rats were used in the present study. The rats were made diabetic by the administration of single dose of STZ (45mg/kg, i.p.) and NAD (50mg/kg, i.p.). The rats with the blood glucose level greater than 200mg/dl were considered as diabetic (confirmed at day-3 of STZ-NAD administration). The non-diabetic rats were considered as control and received saline.Diabetic rats received metformin (50mg/kg, p.o.) and LVX (20, 25, 30 and 35mg/kg, i.p.) daily for 14 days (starting from the day at which STZ was injected). Following administration on 14th day,the blood sample was collected and the rats were subjected to behavioral assays for the determination of locomotor activity and anxiety level. Plasma was separated and used for the estimation ofnitrite and malondialdehyde (MDA)level. On 15th day OGTT was performed in the overnight fasted rats for the assessment of insulin sensitivity. The results obtained suggested that the administration of STZ-NAD induced the hyperglycemia at day-3 of administration. Diabetic rats displayed the significant increase in blood glucose, anxiety related behavior, MDA level while significant decrease in the insulin sensitivity and plasma nitrite level. Daily administration of metformin to the diabetic rats decreased the blood glucose level, increased the time spent at the center of open field, reversed the anxiety related behavior in LDT and EPM, did not affect the plasma nitrite level, decreased the plasma MDA level, decreased the fasting glucose level and AUC in OGTT assay. LVX (30 and 35mg/kg) treatment significantly decreased the blood glucose level of diabetic rats. LVX (20, 25 and 30mg/kg) treatment significantly decreased the number of square crossing while LVX (20, 25, 30 and 35) treatment significantly increased the time spent at the center of the field by the diabetic rats. LVX (20 and 35mg/kg) treatment significantly reversed the STZ induced anxiety in LDT while LVX (20, 30 and 35mg/kg) treatment significantly reversed the STZ induced anxiety in EPM test. LVX (20, 25 and 35mg/kg) treatment significantly increased the plasma nitrite level and LVX (20-35mg/kg) treatment significantly decreased the MDA level of diabetic rats. Further only LVX (35mg/kg) treatment significantly decreased the fasting glucose level and increased the AUC of diabetic rats. In conclusion, STZ-NAD administration increased the blood glucose level, anxiety related behavior, decreased the plasma nitrite and increased the MDA level. LVX administration potentiated the diabetogenic effects of STZ-NAD in rats. Daily administration of LVX decreased the blood glucose level of diabetic rats. LVX administration alleviated the STZ induced anxiety in OFT, LDT and EPM test. LVX administration increased the plasma nitrite level and decreased the lipid peroxidation in diabetic rats. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-023-01234-0.

Immunomodulatory, apoptotic and anti-proliferative potentials of sildenafil in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma murine model: In vivo and in silico insights.

Sildenafil is a potent phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor that effectively inhibits cGMP and increases the strength of nitric oxide. PDE5 was overexpressed in several carcinomas, including breast cancer, which inhibited tumor growth and cell division. The current research aims to investigate the in vivo sildenafil's immunomodulatory and antineoplastic potentials against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma. This study looked at the effects of sildenafil mono-treatment and co-treatment with cisplatin; tumor cell count, viability and the inhibition rate were determined. Apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, alterations in tumor cells and splenocytes proliferation, changes in splenocytes immunophenotyping using flowcytometry, plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), interferone (IFN)-γ, granzyme B, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea, creatinine and hematological alterations were detected. Additionally, docking study was conducted to get further insights on how Sildenafil exerts its activity. Sildenafil mono-treatment and co-treatment with cisplatin markedly reduced tumor cell count, viability, growth rate and proliferative capability accompanied by apoptosis enhancement and G0/G1 and sub G1 cells cycle arrest. Fortunately, sildenafil evoked efficient cellular immune response by increasing plasma levels of granzyme B and IFN-γ, proportion of splenic T cytotoxic (CD3+CD8+) and T helper (CD3+CD4+), accompanied by decrease in the proportion of splenic regulatory T cells. . Moreover, in silico data suggest LcK and MAPKs as the potential targets of sildenafil. Furthermore, sildenafil rebalanced the oxidant-antioxidant status by decreasing MDA and increasing GSH plasma levels. Sildenafil successfully retrieved various hematological values besides renal and hepatic functions in EAC-bearing animals. In conclusion, our results suggest that sildenafil could be potential safe anti-tumor agent with immuno-modulatory properties against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma.

Effect of vitamin C upon Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) treated Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Patients: A randomized controlled clinical trial in Bangladesh

Objective: To assess the efficacy of vitamin C as an adjunct to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) intreating OCD patients. Design: Single-blind randomized controlled trial. Study eligibility: Randomly selected 96 OCD patients diagnosed by the psychiatric consultants following the DSM-5criteria of both sexes aged 18 years and above were initially enrolled; finally, 83completed the study. The study wasconducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from March 2018 toFebruary 2019. Interventions: After obtaining written informed consent, participants were randomly divided into group A (controlgroup) and group B (intervention group). A baseline recording of the body's endogenous antioxidant markers (plasmavitamin C and erythrocyte glutathione levels), oxidative stress marker (plasma malondialdehyde), and Yale-Brownscore of OCD by Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale(Y-BOCS) were measured in both groups. The control group(n=40) received oral SSRIs daily for eight weeks, while the intervention group (n=56) received the SSRIs plus oralvitamin C (500 mg twelve hourly) daily for the same duration. The biochemical parameters and the Y-BOCS score ofOCD of both groups were obtained after eight weeks, and the result was analyzed and compared.Main outcome measures: The outcomes were levels of plasma vitamin C, erythrocyte (RBC) glutathione and plasmamalondialdehyde, and the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS). Result: Baseline recordings suggest significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower levels of plasma vitamin C and RBC glutathioneconcentrations and non-significant (p&gt;0.05) higher levels of plasma MDA concentrations in both groups. After eightweeks of intervention with vitamin C plus SSRIs, plasma vitamin C and RBC glutathione levels were significantly(p&lt;0.001) increased more in the intervention group compared to the control group (97.26% vs 44.44% and 57% vs44.16%, respectively). On the other hand, plasma MDA concentrations and the mean Y-BOCS score were reduced morein the intervention group compared to their counterpart (48.15% vs 37.74% and 29.69% vs 21.74%; p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The result showed that vitamin C adjunct to SSRIs in OCD patients had significantly improved vitamin Cand RBC glutathione concentrations, while the plasma MDA level and the Y-BOCS score were decreased in theintervention group. Treatment with vitamin C leads to a more significant improvement in OCD symptoms.Trial registration: Registered with Clinical Trials. Gov (NCT03754647). Bangladesh Crit Care J March 2023; 11 (1): 24-30

Evaluation of oxidative stress in idiopathic male infertility in the Iraqi population

Introduction and Aim: Idiopathic infertility accounts for at least 30% of all cases of infertility, and oxidative stress has been identified as a novel developing factor in idiopathic male infertility. Oxidative stress occurs when antioxidant defense mechanisms are outmatched by the creation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The purpose of this research was to examine the impact of enzymatic antioxidants (catalase and superoxide dismutase; CAT and SOD) on sperm DNA fragmentation and associated sperm alteration in Iraqi males with idiopathic infertility. Materials and Methods: One hundred infertile guys (50 oligozoospermia and 50 asthenozoospermia) and 50 normospermia) had their superoxide dismutase, catalase, and malondialdehyde levels tested. Results: Our study showed that the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) of patients who suffered from oligozoospermia and asthenozoospermia was higher than that of individuals who suffered from normozoospermia. Seminal plasma SOD and MDA levels were higher in infertile participants compared to controls (P &lt; 0.001) .The concentration of CAT in the seminal plasma of oligozoospermic and asthenozoospermic men was not significantly different from that of normospermic men. DFI correlated negatively with seminal antioxidant status (SOD, CAT) and MDA, while CAT correlated positively with SOD and MDA. Conclusion: The impacts of oxidative stress include the breakage of DNA in sperm, with lipid peroxidation being the primary cause of idiopathic male infertility. This is associated with less successful fertility outcomes in couples. According to the findings that we obtained, the sperm DNA fragmentation index as well as malondialdehyde are substantially associated with the quality of the sperm.