Plasma Oxidative Stress Markers Research Articles

Interaction of oxidative stress and BDNF on executive dysfunction in patients with chronic schizophrenia

Executive dysfunction is increasingly recognized as one of the widely observed dimensions of cognitive impairments in the course of schizophrenia (SCZ). However, the potential molecular pathological mechanisms remain elusive. Previous studies have demonstrated that decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and oxidative damage may be associated with the psychopathology and cognitive impairment of SCZ. The present study aims to assess whether the interaction between BDNF and oxidative damage is involved in the disruption of executive function (EF) in patients with chronic SCZ. Serum BDNF and plasma oxidative stress markers were measured in 189 patients and 60 control subjects. EFs were evaluated by Wisconsin card sorting tests (WCST), Stroop word/color test (Stroop), and verbal fluency tests (VFT). The results showed that patients performed worse in the VFT, WCST and Stroop tests than healthy subjects. Moreover, patients had lower activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lower BDNF levels, but higher malondialdehyde (MDA) levels than healthy controls. In patients, BDNF was negatively correlated with SOD (p < 0.01). For patients, catalase (CAT) activity was negatively associated with WCST error score (p = 0.02) and BDNF was positively correlated to VFT score (p = 0.02). However, all these correlations between biomarkers and EF domains did not pass Bonferroni corrections. Finally, multiple regression analyses identified BDNF × SOD activity and BDNF × MDA as influencing factors for VFT score in patients (both p < 0.05). Our results highlight the complex interplay between OS parameters and BDNF in the pathophysiology of EF impairment in SCZ, consistent with its neurodevelopmental hypothesis.

Molecular and biochemical investigations of key antioxidant/oxidant molecules in Saudi patients with recurrent miscarriage.

The present study was undertaken to: i) Determine the levels of oxidative stress (OS) markers, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide anions (SOA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), in both plasma and placental tissues of recurrent miscarriage (RM) patients in comparison with those of healthy pregnant (HP) and non-pregnant (NP) women; ii) determine the levels of enzymatic antioxidants [glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GSR), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)], and non-enzymatic antioxidant micronutrients [selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn)] in both plasma and placental tissues of RM patients, in comparison with those of HP and NP women; iii) profile differential expression levels of selected antioxidant and apoptosis-related genes in the placental tissues of RM cases, in relation to those of HP women of matched gestational age, using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The results revealed highly significant increases of all investigated OS markers in plasma and placental tissues of RM patients compared with those of HP women. Moderate, but significant, increases of OS markers were observed in the plasma of HP patients in relation to those of NP women. The activities of antioxidant enzymes exhibited statistically significant decreases in both plasma and placental tissues of RM patients compared with those of HP women. The significantly reduced level of antioxidant enzymes was also evident in the plasma of HP women as compared with those of NP women. Results of RT-qPCR assays clearly indicated that the expression level of apoptosis-related genes [tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and S100A8], and pro-inflammatory cytokine genes [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8] were significantly upregulated in placental tissue of RM cases in relation to those of HP subjects. By contrast, mRNA transcriptional levels of key antioxidant genes (GPx, SOD, GSR and CAT) were found to be significantly reduced in placental tissue of RM patients in comparison to those of HP women. In conclusion, our data highlight a plausible cause-effect association between the observed increase in placental OS level and depletion of the activity of antioxidant enzymes. This suggests that OS is a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of idiopathic RM.

Evaluating plasma oxidative stress markers in prelingual profound sensorineural hearing loss

Background and Aim: The etiopathogenesis of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is an ess­ential contributing factor to its morbidity, which cannot be explained entirely so far. The current study aimed to determine the oxidative stress (OS) status by comparing the total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) values in patients with pediatric prelingual profound SNHL. We also evaluated the correlation between OS parameters and audiological test results. Methods: The study included 25 participants (9 females; age range: 6‒34 months) diagnosed with pediatric prelingual profound SNHL and 25 healthy subjects (10 females; age range: 9‒28 months). Their TAS, TOS, and OSI levels were measured in the plasma of both groups. We evaluated the correlation between OS para­meters and audiological test results in the pati­ent group. Results: We found significantly higher serum TOS levels and OSI values in the patient group (mean ± SD of TOS: 16.08 ± 1.88 μmol H2O2 eq/L, p &lt; 0.001; mean ± SD of OSI: 1.71 ± 0.48 arbitrary units, p &lt; 0.001), compared to the controls. Moreover, we found lower serum TAS levels in the patient group (mean ± SD of TAS: 0.99 ± 0.20 mmol Trolox eq/L), compared to the controls. There was a strong correlation between OS parameters and audiological test results of the patient group. Conclusion: We detected significantly higher TOS, OSI, and lower TAS levels in pediatric patients with SNHL, compared to the healthy subjects. The obtained data indicated that pediatric SNHL is under OS influence.

Diagnostics of oxidative stress in firefighters and rescuers EMERCOM of Russia

Relevance. Due to their carcinogenic, oxidative and toxic potential, chemical compounds from burning products are especially dangerous for rescuers and firefighters and result in the oxidative stress as a precursor of many diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to diagnose the oxidative stress before its serious effects.Intention. To assess oxidative stress markers in plasma of rescuers and firefighters of EMERCOM of Russia via modern methods for targeted treatment and preventive actions.Methodology. Malonic dialdehyde, fat-soluble vitamins (A and E), polyunsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in plasma were determined by gas and liquid chromatography during routine periodical medical examination of 98 rescuers and firefighters of rescue units of EMERCOM of Russia. The average age of the examined persons was (32.1 ± 0.5) years; of them, 21 were rescuers from the North-West Regional Search and Rescue Squad and 77 were firefighters from the territorial fire departments of St. Petersburg.Results and Discussion. Malonic dialdehyde plasma concentrations in rescuers and firefighters were 1.5-1.7-fold higher than reference values. Docosahexaenoic and arachidonic acids were increased in all examined groups. In firefighters with work experience of &gt; 10 years, plasma concentrations of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids were increased. Their antioxidative potential is decreased.Conclusion. According to the obtained results, rescuers and firefighters can be assigned to a high-risk group in terms of health deterioretion, especially those with work experience for more than 5 years. Periodic correction of the observed changes is recommended.

Preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction: Role of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells-trophoblast cross-talk.

BackgroundOxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis and maintenance of pregnancy-related disorders, such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preeclampsia (PE). Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUMSCs) have been suggested as a possible therapeutic tool for the treatment of pregnancy-related disorders in view of their paracrine actions on trophoblast cells.ObjectivesTo quantify the plasma markers of peroxidation in patients affected by PE and IUGR and to examine the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of PE and IUGR in vitro by using hUMSCs from physiological and pathological pregnancies and a trophoblast cell line (HTR-8/SVneo).Study designIn pathological and physiological pregnancies the plasma markers of oxidative stress, arterial blood pressure, serum uric acid, 24h proteinuria, weight gain and body mass index (BMI) were examined. Furthermore, the pulsatility index (PI) of uterine and umbilical arteries, and of fetal middle cerebral artery was measured. In vitro, the different responses of hUMSCs, taken from physiological and pathological pregnancies, and of HTR-8/SVneo to pregnancy-related hormones in terms of viability and nitric oxide (NO) release were investigated. In some experiments, the above measurements were performed on co-cultures between HTR-8/SVneo and hUMSCs.ResultsThe results obtained have shown that in pathological pregnancies, body mass index, serum acid uric, pulsatility index in uterine and umbilical arteries and markers of oxidative stress were higher than those found in physiological ones. Moreover, in PE and IUGR, a relation was observed between laboratory and clinical findings and the increased levels of oxidative stress. HTR-8/SVneo and hUMSCs showed reduced viability and increased NO production when stressed with H2O2. Finally, HTR-8/SVneo cultured in cross-talk with hUMSCs from pathological pregnancies showed a deterioration of cell viability and NO release when treated with pregnancy-related hormones.ConclusionOur findings support that hUMSCs taken from patients affected by PE and IUGR have significant features in comparison with those from physiologic pregnancies. Moreover, the cross-talk between hUMSCs and trophoblast cells might be involved in the etiopathology of IUGR and PE secondary to oxidative stress.

Comparison of grain-based diet supplemented with synthetic vitamin E and lucerne hay-based diet on blood oxidative stress biomarkers and lamb meat quality

Individually-housed lambs were used to compare the effect of a grain-based diet supplemented with moderate (MOD) or supranutritional (SUP) levels of vitamin E and selenium, and a lucerne hay-based diet (LUC) on plasma-oxidative stress biomarkers, muscle pH decline and meat quality. Lambs fed LUC had different reactive oxygen metabolite concentrations and biological antioxidant potentials to the MOD and SUP treatment groups. All plasma oxidative stress markers decreased in concentration across the four sampling time points measured over the eight week feeding study, except biological antioxidant potential (BAP). Diet did not impact on lamb muscle pH decline traits. Of the meat quality traits measured, the effect of diet was only significant for shear force which was highest for the LUC lambs. Particle size and carbonyl content in meat were influenced by ageing period. Meat cooking loss, peroxidase activity and oxidation-reduction potentials were not influenced by any experimental factors. These findings show that LUC offers a strategic feeding system that is comparable to MOD and SUP diets.

High Flavonoid Cocoa Supplement Ameliorates Plasma Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Levels While Improving Mobility and Quality of Life in Older Subjects: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

The age-related decline in mass, strength, and performance of skeletal muscle is associated with loss of independence, falls risk, disability, institutionalization, and death. To determine whether a cocoa supplement enriched in flavonoids can improve plasma markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, physical performance and frailty in middle-aged and older subjects, we conducted a two-phase, randomized, double-blind, clinical trial. The initial study included 60 subjects (55- to 70-year-old) allocated into placebo (P), highly alkalinized (no-flavonoid; NF), or flavonoid-rich natural cocoa (F) beverage groups. The follow-up study included 74 older subjects (65- to 90-year-old) randomly distributed into NF or F groups. Subjects were instructed to consume the beverages once/day for up to 12-weeks. A comprehensive (aging relevant) set of end points were assessed, which included mean change in blood plasma metabolic and oxidative stress indicators, in physical performance tests and quality of life (QoL). In the initial study, the F group showed improved glycemia, triglyceridemia, High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceridemia/HDL index, and oxidative markers. Performance on the Up and Go test, skeletal muscle index, and quality of life also improved. In the follow-up study, F treatment was associated with significant improvements in metabolic, oxidative stress, and inflammatory endpoints and positive effects on physical performance, frailty indicators, and quality of life (F vs. NF group). Regular flavonoids consumption positively affects blood oxidative stress and inflammation end points, cardiometabolic risk markers, physical performance, and quality of life. The sum of such effects may help to mitigate the extent of frailty development in the elderly people. NCT03585868.

Temporal effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on adipokines, inflammation, and oxidative stress in patients with impaired glucose homeostasis.

Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for morbid obesity and metabolic dysfunction. The aim of this work was to examine the early temporal effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on adipokines (adiponectin, leptin), inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, interleukin-10), and global plasma measures of oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and total antioxidant status) in a sample of 55 participants preoperatively, and 1 and 6 months postoperatively. The focus was on a sample of patients with impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes, which is associated with increased low-grade systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. University hospital, United Kingdom. This was a prospective study comprising 55 participants with impaired glucose homeostasis and type 2 diabetes undergoing LSG (mean body mass index 50.4 kg/m2, mean glycated hemoglobin 7.4%). Serial measurements of the above markers were made preoperatively, 1 and 6 months postoperatively (43 had measurable cytokines and oxidative stress at 1- and 6-mo follow-up). We observed a significant reduction in interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, leptin, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, along with an increase in adiponectin 6 months postoperatively. To our knowledge the effects of LSG on inflammatory cytokines and plasma markers of oxidative stress have not been examined temporally in a sizeable sample of participants who have undergone LSG. This present study supports the role of LSG for the treatment of the proinflammatory and pro-oxidant status associated with obesity-related glucose dysregulation.

Korean Red Ginseng enhances cardiac hemodynamics on doxorubicin-induced toxicity in rats

BackgroundKorean Red Ginseng (KRG) has been known to possess many ginsenosides. These ginsenosides are used for curing cardiovascular problems. The present study show the protective potential of KRG against doxorubicin (DOX)–induced myocardial dysfunction, by assessing electrocardiographic, hemodynamic, and biochemical parameters and histopathological findings. MethodsAnimals were fed a standard chow and adjusted to their environment for 3 days before the experiments. Next, the rats were equally divided into five groups (n = 9, each group). The animals were administered with KRG (250 and 500 mg/kg) for 10 days and injected with DOX (20 mg/kg, subcutaneously, twice at a 24-h interval) on the 8th and 9th day. Electrocardiography and echocardiography were performed to study hemodynamics. Plasma levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde were measured. In addition, the dose of troponin I and activity of myeloperoxidase in serum and cardiac tissue were analyzed, and the histopathological findings were evaluated using light microscopy. ResultsAdministration of KRG at a dose of 250 and 500 mg/kg recovered electrocardiographic changes, ejection fraction, fractional shortening, left ventricular systolic pressure, the maximal rate of change in left ventricle contraction (+dP/dtmax), and left ventricle relaxation (-dP/dtmax). In addition, KRG treatment significantly normalized the oxidative stress markers in plasma, dose dependently. In addition, the values of troponin I and myeloperoxidase were ameliorated by KRG treatment, dose dependently. And, KRG treatment showed better histopathological findings when compared with the DOX control group. ConclusionThese mean that KRG mitigates myocardial damage by modulating the hemodynamics, histopathological abnormality, and oxidative stress related to DOX-induced cardiomyopathy in rats. The results of the present study show protective effects of KRG on cardiac toxicity.

Analysis of Oxidative Stress Markers in Plasma Derived from Individuals Exposed to Ionizing Radiation

Ionizing radiation with low-linear energy transfer generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) or free radicals such as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals by indirect action of energy on water molecules and simultaneously generating doublestrand breaks (DSBs), which are known to be lethal, by direct action on DNA itself, with sequence apoptosis or stress-related responses [1,2].

Genotoxic evaluation and plasma oxidative stress markers in copper smelters

Smelters are at elevated risk of oxidative stress and DNA damage because of metal fumes exposure. This study aimed to evaluate oxidative stress (antioxidant capacity, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA)) and DNA damage in 47 smelters and to compare the results with 33 non-exposed workers. The DNA damage was significantly higher in the exposed compared to the non-exposed group (p < .001), with the largest effect size for tail intensity. There was no significant difference in the MDA and total antioxidant capacity between exposed and non-exposed participants. Exposure to metal fumes could increase the primary DNA damage and accelerate the cellular aging process in smelters.

Does whole body vibration exercise improve oxidative stress markers in women with fibromyalgia?

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of whole body vibration (WBV) exercise on oxidative stress markers in a group of women with fibromyalgia (FM) compared to a group of healthy women (CT). Twenty-one women diagnosed with FM and 21 age- and weight-matched healthy women were enrolled the study. Plasma oxidative stress markers (primary outcomes) were evaluated at rest and after WBV, and included thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), iron reduction capacity (FRAP), superoxide dismutase antioxidant enzymes activity (SOD), and catalase (CAT). At rest, the FM group had higher TBARS (P<0.001) and FRAP (P<0.001), and lower CAT (P=0.005) compared to the CT. In the CT group, the WBV had no effect on TBARS (P=0.559) and FRAP (P=0.926), whereas it increased both SOD (P<0.001) and CAT (P<0.001). In the FM group, the WBV reduced TBARS (p <0.001), FRAP (P<0.001), and CAT (P=0.005), while it increased SOD (P=0.019). There was an interaction effect (moments vs groups) in the TBARS (effect size=1.34), FRAP (effect size=0.93), CAT (effect size=1.45), and SOD (effect size=1.44) (P<0.001). A single trial of WBV exercise improved all oxidant and antioxidant parameters towards a greater adaptation to the stress response in FM women.

The synergism of high-intensity intermittent exercise and every-other-day intermittent fasting regimen on energy metabolism adaptations includes hexokinase activity and mitochondrial efficiency.

Visceral lipid accumulation, organ hypertrophy and a reduction in skeletal muscle strength are all signs associated with the severity of obesity-related disease. Intermittent fasting (IF) and high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) are natural strategies that, individually, can prevent and help treat obesity along with metabolic syndrome and its associated diseases. However, the combinatorial effect of IF and HIIE on energetic metabolism is currently not well understood. We hypothesized that their combination could have a potential for more than strictly additive benefits. Here, we show that two months of every-other-day intermittent fasting regimen combined with a high-intensity intermittent exercise protocol (IF/HIIE) produced a synergistic effect, enhancing physical endurance (vs. control, HIIE and IF) and optimizing metabolic pathways of energy production in male Wistar rats. The IF/HIIE group presented enhanced glucose tolerance (vs. control, HIIE and IF), lower levels of plasma insulin (vs. control and HIIE), and a global activation of low Km hexokinases in liver (vs. control, HIIE and IF), heart (vs. control and HIIE) and skeletal muscle (vs. control, HIIE and IF). The IF/HIIE synergism, rather than a simply additive effect, is evidenced by increase in muscle mass and cross-section area, activation of the FoF1 ATP synthase, and the gain of characteristics suggestive of augmented mitochondrial mass and efficiency observed in this group. Finally, important reductions in plasma oxidative stress markers were present preferentially in IF/HIIE group. These findings provide new insights for the implementation of non-pharmaceutical strategies to prevent/treat metabolic syndrome and associated diseases.

Markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant status in the plasma, urine and saliva of healthy mice.

Oxidative stress markers are usually measured in plasma, a stable environment for biomarkers. Blood collection is invasive, but the use of alternative biofluids is limited, due to high variability. In this study, we aimed to establish reference values for oxidative stress markers in plasma, urine and saliva of adult, healthy mice and to identify some sources of variability. Samples were obtained from 41 female and 37 male adult, healthy mice of the CD-1 strain, aged 95-480 days, weighing 21-55 grams. Reference ranges of TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), AOPP (advanced oxidation protein products), fructosamine, GSH/GSSG (reduced and oxidized glutathione) ratio, TAC (total antioxidant capacity), and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) were measured in plasma and urine, and TBARS, GSH/GSSG ratio, TAC and FRAP in saliva, using standard spectrophotometric and fluorometric methods. Salivary GSH/GSSG and urinary AOPP were higher in females. Urinary fructosamine, GSH/GSSG and FRAP were higher in males. Urinary TAC and FRAP negatively correlated with age, and urinary GSH/GSSG positively correlated with weight. We determined that urine and saliva can be obtained non-invasively from mice, in sufficient amounts for reliable oxidative status assessment. Further studies are needed to uncover whether these biofluids reflect systemic oxidative status in diseases.

Abstract P150: Chronic Exercise Provides Antihypertensive Effects With Upregulation of Oxidative Stress-Induced Nitric Oxide Upregulation in The Kidney of High-Fructose Fed Rat

Object: The fructose consumption was reported to correlated with increase of oxidative stress, which thereby impair nitric oxide system. Chronic exercise (Ex) can provide antihypertensive effects though nitric oxide upregulation. The mechanisms of Ex in nitric oxide upregulation are various and remains unclarified. Method: A total of 24 Sprague Dawley rats at 5-week age were allocated to 3 groups as controlled diet group (CON), high-fructose diet group (HFr) and HFr underwent 12-week chronic exercise (HFr-Ex). The systolic blood pressure (SBP) and urinary albumin excretion were taken every 2 weeks. At the final week, after the insulin tolerance test, the rats were euthanized. The plasma and kidneys were obtained. The plasma and renal oxidative stress markers were measured. The nitric oxide related parameters including renal endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression were measured. Result: The SBP was significantly increased in HFr than CON, which Ex significantly attenuated the SBP elevation (115 vs. 141 mmHg, p&lt;0.01). Ex reversed albuminuria induced by HFr without alteration in creatinine clearance ratio (474 vs. 1446μg/day, p&lt;0.01). Ex significantly lowered uric acid, and attenuated the insulin resistance (uric acid, 1.41 vs. 2.05 mg/dL, p&lt;0.01; HOMA-IR, 0.64 vs. 0.50, p&lt;0.01). Ex significantly inhibited renal cortex xanthine oxidase activity (XO), meanwhile the NADPH oxidase activity (NADPH) was even enhanced (XO, 15.7 vs. 11.8 units/mg protein, p&lt;0.05; NADPH, 897 vs. 1370 c.p.m, p&lt;0.01). The hydrogen peroxide was not changed. Renal eNOS expression was increased in HFr (228%, p&lt;0.01), and Ex significantly enhanced the expression higher than HFr (316%, p&lt;0.01). The phosphorylation of eNOS in serine 1177 were inhibited by HFr and reversed by Ex (87%, p&lt;0.01). AMPK was not changed by HFr, and Ex significantly increased AMPK expression (266%, p&lt;0.01). The phosphorylation of AMPK at threonine 172 were increased by HFr (306%, p&lt;0.01), and Ex even enhanced the expression (473%, p&lt;0.01). Conclusion: Ex provided antihypertensive effects with nitric oxide upregulation. The mechanism of nitric oxide upregulation may mediate with the improve of phosphorylation and alteration in oxidases activities.

Gut microbiota and serum metabolite differences in African Americans and White Americans with high blood pressure

BackgroundBlack Americans have greater rates, severity and resistance to treatment of hypertension than White Americans. The gut microbiota and its metabolites may contribute to this. This concept was tested in a pilot study. MethodsSubjects with high (HBP, >140/80 mm Hg) and normal (NBP, <120/80 mm Hg) blood pressure (BP) provided stool and blood samples for whole genome sequencing (WGS) of gut microbiota and global untargeted metabolomics of serum. Patients were either black (B) with NBP (n = 10 for WGS, 5 for metabolomics) and HBP (n = 10 and 9, BHBP) or white (W) with NBP (n = 20 and 13, WNBP) and HBP (n = 12 and 8, WHBP). ResultsAll four subject groups had distinct gut microbiota taxonomy by partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). More importantly, linear discriminant analysis effect size showed marked differences in function of the microbiota of BHBP and WHBP (PLS-DA) with LDA scores <1. This included pathways for synthesis and interconversion of amino acids and inflammatory antigens. Similarly, metabolites differed (PLS-DA) with BHBP having significantly higher sulfacetaldehyde, quinolinic acid, 5-aminolevulinic acid, leucine and phenylalanine and lower 4-oxoproline and l-anserine. DiscussionCombination analyses of functional gut metabolic pathways and metabolomics data in this small pilot study suggest that BHBP may have greater oxidative stress markers in plasma, greater inflammatory potential of the gut microbiome and altered metabolites with gut microbial functions implying insulin resistance. A fuller understanding of these potential differences could lead to race-based treatments for hypertension.

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field reduces oxidative stress during the rehabilitation of post-acute stroke patients.

One of the therapeutic methods used in stroke rehabilitation is magnetotherapy using extremely low frequency and variable pulse shape electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF). The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of magnetotherapy on the condition of postacute stroke patients, as measured by plasma oxidative stress markers and clinical parameters which show the progress of rehabilitation. The selected 57 post-stroke patients were divided into 2 groups, those with ELFEMF therapy and those without. The level of oxidative stress in the plasma was estimated by typical markers: thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), thiol groups, and carbonyl groups. The effect of ELF-EMF on the course of the patients' rehabilitation following ischemic stroke was evaluated with the use of scales of physical activity and mental state: Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Our comparative analysis showed that all parameters of oxidative stress are significantly reduced during rehabilitation using ELF-EMF, compared to the control group rehabilitated only by kinesiotherapy. We also recorded much higher therapeutic benefits using magnetotherapy, which revealed a significant improvement of clinimetric parameters. The ELF-EMF therapy meaningfully improves the overall condition of patients through a decrease of oxidative stress markers and it significantly affects the psychophysical abilities of patients after stroke. The change in carbonyl group level correlates with the change in the degree of physical and mental disability; therefore, it could be a marker for the effectiveness of rehabilitation.

Comparative Metabolomics Elucidates Postprandial Metabolic Modifications in Plasma of Obese Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome

Although higher intakes of dairy milk are associated with a lower risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS), the underlying protective mechanism remains unclear. This study investigated the dynamic metabolic profile shift following the ingestion of low-fat milk or an isocaloric volume of rice milk in obese individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS). In a randomized, double-blind, crossover study, postprandial plasma samples ( n = 266) were collected from 19 MetS participants. Plasma samples were analyzed by a targeted metabolomics platform which specifically detects 117 metabolites from 25 metabolic pathways. The comprehensive time-course metabolic profiling in MetS participants indicated that the postprandial metabolic profiles distinguish low-fat milk and rice milk consumption in a time-dependent manner. Metabolic biomarkers, such as orotate, leucine/isoleucine and adenine, showed significantly different trends in the two test beverages. Bayesian statistics identified 12 metabolites associated with clinical characteristics of postprandial vascular endothelial function, such as flow-mediated dilation (FMD), postprandial plasma markers of oxidative stress and NO status. Furthermore, metabolic pathway analysis based on these metabolite data indicated the potential utility of metabolomics to provide mechanistic insights of dietary interventions to regulate postprandial metabolic excursions.

Systemic oxidative stress in Suffolk and Santa Ines sheep experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus.

The mechanisms responsible for the imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants in sheep infected with Haemonchus contortus are not well established. This study aimed to prove the hypothesis that oxidative stress occurring during infection by H. contortus varies according to breed, and that the parasite burden correlates with hypoalbuminaemia and anaemia. Thus, after deworming and confirming the absence of infection, two different sheep breeds, Suffolk (n = 15) and Santa Ines (n = 22), were orally inoculated with a single dose of 5,000 L3 of H. contortus. The egg counts per gram of faeces (EPG), packed cell volume (PCV) and concentrations of several plasma markers of oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation, albumin, uric acid, total bilirubin, total antioxidant capacity [TAC], total oxidant concentration [TOC] and the oxidative stress index [OSI]) were quantified before (control group) and during the experimental infection (28, 34 and 42 days post-inoculation). In both breeds, TOC increased at 28 days and TAC increased at 42 days. In Suffolk sheep, there was a positive correlation of EPG with oxidant components (28 days) and a negative correlation of EPG with PCV (42 days). In Santa Ines sheep, there was a positive correlation of EPG with bilirubin (r = 0.492; p = 0.020). H. contortus infection caused oxidative stress, which varied according to the breed. Parasite burden was not associated with hypoalbuminaemia, whereas there was a negative correlation with PCV. This research provides the first evidence that the antioxidant status contributes more to the resilience to H. contortus in Santa Ines sheep compared to Suffolk sheep.

Effect of L-carnitine on the skeletal muscle contractility in simvastatin-induced myopathy in rats.

Abstract Background Statins therapy is effective in the prevention of cardiovascular events. However, its use is associated with skeletal muscle myopathy, which may be severe enough to discontinue statin therapy, thus exposing patients to more morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted to assess the effect of L-carnitine on the skeletal muscle contractility in a rat model of statin-induced myopathy and to clarify its possible mechanisms. Methods Twenty-one female Sprague Dawley rats were used throughout this study. The rats were divided into the normal control group, statin-induced myopathy group and statin/L-carnitine-treated group. The assessment of gastrocnemius muscle contractility, plasma creatine kinase (CK) levels and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione) was also carried out done. Results The results of the current study suggest that simvastatin decreased the skeletal muscle mass and altered the muscle contractile properties. It also significantly increased plasma CK level and induced a state of oxidative stress state (high MDA, low GSH). Meanwhile, concurrent L-carnitine significantly reduced statin-induced myopathy and improved the oxidative stress markers and skeletal muscle contractile parameters. Conclusions Statin myopathy is postulated to be due to mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular oxidative stress, induction of apoptosis, reduction in the expression of chloride channel and its related conductance, in addition to the alteration of Ca2+ homeostasis. L-carnitine has an antioxidant effect, reduces skeletal muscle atrophy and improves the skeletal muscle contractility in simvastatin-induced myopathy.