Plasma Oxidative Stress Markers Research Articles

Exploring pathogenic pathways in carpal tunnel syndrome: sterile inflammation and oxidative stress.

The main objective of the current study was to find the association between oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, and electrophysiological profile with symptom severity in patients of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Thirty-two carpal tunnel syndrome patients and 32 controls were included in the study. Boston CTS questionnaire along with plasma oxidative stress markers including superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide and inflammatory markers including IL-6 and TNF-α were compared with the electrophysiological parameters derived from nerve conduction studies. Statistical significance of the levels between groups was calculated using unpaired-t test after checking for normality with D'Agostino & Pearson omnibus normality test. We found that the median nerve conduction velocity was prolonged, amplitude was decreased, while the levels of oxidative stress markers like malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxidase dismutase (SOD), and nitric oxide (NO) were increased in CTS patients compared to controls. Inflammatory markers like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were also increased in CTS patients. We found that plasma SOD and TNF-α correlated well with the median motor amplitude. There was no other significant correlation between oxidative stress markers and inflammatory markers with nerve conduction studies or disease severity. Patients with mild disease also showed lesser levels of SOD, NO, IL-6, and TNF-α markers than patients with severe disease. CTS is probably a disease of sterile inflammation and disbalance of oxidative stress, with higher inflammatory and oxidative stress markers pointing to a more severe disease.

Redox balance and immunity of piglets pre- and post-E. coli challenge after treatment with hemp or fish oil, and vitamin E

This study investigated the influence of polyunsaturated fatty acid composition and vitamin E supplementation on oxidative status and immune responses in weanling piglets pre- and post-E. coli challenge. Suckling piglets (n = 24) were randomly selected from two litters for an oral supplementation (1 mL/day) with fish oil or hemp oil and vitamin E supplementation (60 mg natural vitamin E/mL oil) from day 10 to 28 of age. At day 29 and 30 of age, each piglet was orally inoculated with 6.7 × 108 and 3.96 × 108 CFU of F4 and F18 E. coli, respectively. Blood was sampled from all piglets on day 28 before E. coli challenge and on day 35 of age to investigate immunological and oxidative stress markers in plasma. One week after weaning and exposure to E. coli, a general reduction in the α-tocopherol concentration and activity of GPX1 was obtained. Vitamin E supplementation lowered the extent of lipid peroxidation and improved the antioxidative status and immune responses after E. coli challenge. Hemp oil had the greatest effect on antioxidant enzyme activity. Provision of hemp oil and vitamin E to suckling piglets may reduce the incidence of post-weaning diarrhea.

Plasma oxidative stress marker levels related to functional brain abnormalities in first-episode drug-naive major depressive disorder

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is marked by abnormal brain function and elevated plasma oxidative stress markers. The specific relationship between these factors in MDD remains unclear. In this study, we conducted resting-state fMRI scans on fifty-seven first-episode, drug-naive MDD patients and sixty healthy controls. Plasma levels of oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GSR)) were assessed using ELISA. Our results revealed a positive correlation between plasma SOD and GSR levels in MDD patients and the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) values in key brain regions—thalamus, anterior cingulate gyrus, and superior frontal gyrus. Further analysis indicated positive correlations between plasma SOD and GSR levels and specific ALFF values in MDD patients without suicidal ideation, with these correlations not significant in MDD patients with suicidal ideation. Additionally, seed-based whole-brain functional connectivity analysis demonstrated a negative correlation between plasma GSR levels and connectivity between the thalamus and insula, while plasma SOD levels showed a positive correlation with connectivity between the thalamus and precuneus. These findings contribute to our understanding of MDD's pathophysiology and heterogeneity, highlighting the association between plasma oxidative stress markers and functional abnormalities in diverse brain regions.

Alterations in Antioxidant Status and Erythrocyte Properties in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Erythrocytes are responsible for the transport of oxygen within the organism, which is particularly important for nerve tissues. Erythrocyte quality has been shown to be deteriorated in oxidative stress conditions. In this study, we measured the same series of oxidative stress markers in plasma and erythrocytes to compare the differences between neurotypical children (controls) and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We also focused on erythrocyte properties including their deformability, osmotic resistance, Na,K-ATPase activity, nitric oxide levels and free radical levels in children with ASD and controls. Greater oxidative damage to proteins and lipids was observed in the erythrocytes than in the plasma of ASD subjects. Additionally, antioxidant enzymes were more active in plasma samples from ASD children than in their erythrocytes. Significantly higher nitric oxide level and Na,K-ATPase enzyme activity were detected in erythrocytes of ASD individuals in comparison with the controls. Changes in oxidative status could at least partially contribute to the deterioration of erythrocyte morphology, as more frequent echinocyte formation was detected in ASD individuals. These alterations are most probably responsible for worsening the erythrocyte deformability observed in children with ASD. We can conclude that abnormalities in antioxidant status and erythrocyte properties could be involved in the pathomechanisms of ASD and eventually contribute to its clinical manifestations.

Protein intake affects erythrocyte glutathione synthesis in young healthy adults in a repeated-measures trial

BackgroundIn 2005, the Institute of Medicine advised using methods other than nitrogen balance (NB) for determining protein requirements. Since then, protein requirements using indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) have been published and are higher than NB. Glutathione (GSH), a tripeptide of cysteine, glutamate, and glycine, is a principal antioxidant that can be used as a functional indicator of protein adequacy. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to measure changes in erythrocyte GSH kinetics [fractional synthesis rate (FSR) and absolute synthesis rate (ASR)] in healthy adults following a range of protein intakes at and above the current recommendations. MethodsSixteen healthy adults [8 males and 8 females, aged 25.6 ± 0.9 y (mean ± SEM)] were studied at 4 of 6 protein intakes ranging from 0.6 to 1.5 g⋅kg-1⋅d-1. Erythrocyte GSH kinetics were assessed during a 7-h infusion of [U-13C2–15N]glycine following 2 d of adaptation to each protein intake. Blood and urine tests were performed to measure oxidative stress markers, plasma homocysteine, triglycerides, plasma amino acid concentrations, 5-L-oxoproline (5-OP), and urinary sulfate. The protein intake that maximized GSH synthesis was determined using mixed-effect change-point regression in R. Primary and secondary outcomes were analyzed using linear mixed-effects and repeated-measures analysis of variance with Tukey’s post hoc test. ResultsThe protein intake that maximized GSH FSR at 78%⋅d-1 was 1.0 g⋅kg-1⋅d-1 (95% confidence interval: 0.63, 1.39). GSH ASR was significantly lower at 0.6 and 0.8 g⋅kg-1⋅d-1 than at 1.5 g⋅kg-1⋅d-1 (2.03 and 2.17, respectively, compared with 3.71 mmol⋅L-1⋅d-1). Increasing the protein intake led to increased urinary sulfate but did not affect erythrocyte GSH concentration, plasma oxidative stress markers, triglycerides, homocysteine, or 5-OP. ConclusionsA protein intake of 1.0 g⋅kg-1⋅d-1 maximized GSH synthesis, which is in agreement with earlier IAAO-derived protein requirements of 0.93 to 1.2 g⋅kg-1⋅d-1. These findings suggest that recommendations based on NB (0.66 g⋅kg-1⋅d-1) may underestimate protein needs for adequate health.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02971046.

Weak Hypotensive Effect of Chronic Administration of the Dual FAAH/MAGL Inhibitor JZL195 in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats as Revealed by Area under the Curve Analysis.

The enhancement of the endocannabinoid tone might have a beneficial influence on hypertension. Polypharmacology proposes multi-target-directed ligands (MTDLs) as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of complex diseases. In the present paper, we studied JZL195, a dual inhibitor of the two major endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY). Hemodynamic parameters were assessed in conscious animals via radiotelemetry and tail-cuff methods and then evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC). Single administration of JZL195 induced dose-dependent weak hypotensive and bradycardic responses in SHR but not in WKY. Similarly, its chronic application revealed only a slight hypotensive potential which, however, effectively prevented the progression of hypertension and did not undergo tolerance. In addition, multiple JZL195 administrations slightly decreased heart rate only in WKY and prevented the gradual weight gain in both groups. JZL195 did not affect organ weights, blood glucose level, rectal temperature and plasma oxidative stress markers. In conclusion, chronic dual FAAH/MAGL inhibition prevents the progression of hypertension in SHR without affecting some basal functions of the body. In addition, our study clearly proves the suitability of AUC for the evaluation of weak blood pressure changes.

Effects of dietary coenzyme Q10 supplementation during gestation on the embryonic survival and reproductive performance of high-parity sows

BackgroundFertility declines in high-parity sows. This study investigated whether parity-dependent declines in embryonic survival and reproductive performance could be restored by dietary coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation.MethodsTwo experiments were performed. In Exp. 1, 30 young sows that had completed their 2nd parity and 30 high-parity sows that had completed their 10th parity, were fed either a control diet (CON) or a CON diet supplemented with 1 g/kg CoQ10 (+ CoQ10) from mating until slaughter at day 28 of gestation. In Exp. 2, a total of 314 post-weaning sows with two to nine parities were fed the CON or + CoQ10 diets from mating throughout gestation.ResultsIn Exp. 1, both young and high-parity sows had a similar number of corpora lutea, but high-parity sows had lower plasma CoQ10 concentrations, down-regulated genes involved with de novo CoQ10 synthesis in the endometrium tissues, and greater levels of oxidative stress markers in plasma and endometrium tissues. High-parity sows had fewer total embryos and alive embryos, lower embryonic survival, and greater embryo mortality than young sows. Dietary CoQ10 supplementation increased the number of live embryos and the embryonic survival rate to levels similar to those of young sows, as well as lowering the levels of oxidative stress markers. In Exp. 2, sows showed a parity-dependent decline in plasma CoQ10 levels, and sows with more than four parities showed a progressive decline in the number of total births, live births, and piglets born effective. Dietary supplementation with CoQ10 increased the number of total births, live births, and born effective, and decreased the intra-litter covariation coefficients and the percentage of sows requiring farrowing assistance during parturition.ConclusionsDietary CoQ10 supplementation can improve the embryonic survival and reproductive performance of gestating sows with high parity, probably by improving the development of uterine function.

CARD2: Plasma Homocysteine and Oxidative Stress Markers May Predict the Stress Burden of Human Hearts Donated After Circulatory Death

Background: Initial result of heart transplantation using donation after circulatory death (DCD) heart with warm ischemic time (WIT) less than 30 minutes was encouraging. However, little is known about how donor respond to WIT systemically and its impact on the heart with subsequent cold storage as used in normothermic regional perfusion(NRP) on the DCD hearts. Since elevated homocysteine (Hcy) and oxidative stress burden in cardiovascular system have been associated with ischemia, we investigated if circulating Hcy, oxidative stress and antioxidant were elevated in DCD blood and myocardium and if there is temporal relationship with the WIT and subsequent cold storage. Methods: We studied 12 human DCD hearts for research (WIT range:20-110 min). They were assigned to 3 groups of WIT [20 (n=4), 40 (n=5), ≥60 (n=3) min.]. Two time-point donor blood samples were collected from each donor at the baseline (prior to or at extubation) and at the cross-clamp. All hearts received del Nido cardioplegia before they were placed at cold storage for 6 hours. Left ventricular (LV) biopsies were performed at hour 0,2,4 and 6. Circulating Hcy, oxidative stress (oxidized low-density lipoprotein: OxLDL, malondialdehyde: MDA) and total antioxidant in blood were quantified. The MDA and GPx activity (glutathione peroxidase: antioxidant) were quantified in cardiac biopsies. Results: Change in plasma Hcy (Fig.1A), oxidative stress (Fig.1B,C) and antioxidant (Fig.1D) found to be comparable between the 3 groups at baseline; while significant differences were noticed in samples at cross-clamping; especially in DCD≥60 groups. The WIT found to be positively correlated Hcy and oxidative stress at cross-clamping; and negatively correlated with antioxidant (p<0.05,Table:1). The myocardial oxidative stress (MDA) found to be minimal at baseline (DCD20 and 40), and slightly elevated at 2 hrs. and maintained at similar levels at 4 and 6 hrs. of cold storage (Fig.1E); while a preexisting high oxidative stress at baseline in DCD≥60, an exponential increase during the cold storage indicating severity of stress burden. Temporal decrease in cardiac antioxidant (GPx) found to be more pronounced in DCD≥60 group, while the rates of change are comparable in DCD:20 and 40 groups (Fig.1F). The change of blood markers was found to be correlated with change of myocardial markers(Table:1). Conclusions: Systemic warm ischemia promoted hyperhomocystenemia and increased oxidative stress and might be used as initial screening biomarkers for the stress burden on the donor hearts. The correlation between blood and myocardial markers suggested the systemic markers can potentially be used in predicting stress burden of donor hearts. The duration of cold storage was related to progressive increase in myocardial oxidative stress and diminished antioxidant status. We recommend rejecting DCD hearts with WIT≥60 minutes, as both the blood and tissue data indicating maximum oxidative stress burden in this group.

Short-term beetroot juice supplementation improves muscle speed and power but does not reduce blood pressure or oxidative stress in 65–79 y old men and women

We have previously demonstrated that acute ingestion of inorganic nitrate (NO3−)-rich beetroot juice (BRJ), a source of nitric oxide (NO) via the NO3− → nitrite (NO2−) → NO pathway, can improve muscle speed and power in older individuals. It is not known, however, whether this effect is maintained or perhaps even enhanced with repeated ingestion, or if tolerance develops as with organic nitrates, e.g., nitroglycerin. Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, we therefore studied 16 community-dwelling older (age 71 ± 5 y) individuals after both acute and short-term (i.e., daily for 2 wk) BRJ supplementation. Blood samples were drawn and blood pressure was measured periodically during each ∼3 h experiment, with muscle function determined using isokinetic dynamometry. Acute ingestion of BRJ containing 18.2 ± 6.2 mmol of NO3− increased plasma NO3− and NO2− concentrations 23 ± 11 and 2.7 ± 2.1-fold over placebo, respectively. This was accompanied by 5 ± 11% and 7 ± 13% increases in maximal knee extensor speed (Vmax) and power (Pmax), respectively. After daily supplementation for 2 wk, BRJ ingestion elevated NO3− and NO2− levels 24 ± 12 and 3.3 ± 4.0-fold, respectively, whereas Vmax and Pmax were 7 ± 9% and 9 ± 11% higher than baseline. No changes were observed in blood pressure or in plasma markers of oxidative stress with either acute or short-term NO3− supplementation. We conclude that both acute and short-term dietary NO3− supplementation result in similar improvements in muscle function in older individuals. The magnitudes of these improvements are sufficient to offset the decline resulting from a decade or more of aging and are therefore likely to be clinically significant.

Changes in the balance of Th17/Treg cells and oxidative stress markers in patients with HIV‑associated pulmonary tuberculosis who develop IRIS.

Tuberculosis (TB) is the most common opportunistic infection in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and is one of the primary causes of death from AIDS. The increased accessibility to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has significantly improved the clinical outcome of patients with HIV infection. However, following ART, rapid restoration of the immune system leads to immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). Oxidative stress and innate immunity play a role in TB-associated IRIS (TB-IRIS). The present study investigated the changes that occur in oxidative stress markers and T helper (Th)17/regulatory T (Treg) cell balance and their significance in IRIS patients with HIV-associated pulmonary TB. A total of 316 patients with HIV-associated pulmonary TB were treated with HAART and followed up regularly for 12 weeks. Those who developed IRIS were included in the IRIS group (n=60), while the remaining patients were included in the non-IRIS group (n=256). The changes in plasma oxidative stress markers superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected with the ELISA, and the ratio of Th17 to Treg cells in whole blood were analyzed before and after treatment through the flow cytometric assay. Following treatment, MDA and Th17 cells levels were significantly increased while SOD and Treg cells levels were decreased in the IRIS group (P<0.05) compared with before treatment. In the non-IRIS group, a non-significant decrease was observed in SOD levels (P>0.05), while the MDA levels significantly decreased compared with before treatment (P<0.05) and the Th17 and Treg cells levels were both significantly increased (P<0.05). After treatment, compared with the non-IRIS group, the IRIS group showed a significant increase in MDA and Th17 cells and decrease in SOD and Treg cells levels (P<0.05). In addition, Th17 cells levels were positively correlated with MDA but negatively correlated with SOD levels. Treg levels were negatively correlated with MDA and positively correlated with SOD levels (P<0.05). The area under the curve values of serum MDA and SOD, Th17 and Treg levels predicting the occurrence of IRIS were 0.738, 0.883, 0.722 and 0.719, respectively (P<0.05). These results indicated that the above parameters have certain diagnostic value for the occurrence of IRIS. The occurrence of IRIS in patients with HIV-associated pulmonary TB may be associated with oxidative stress and Th17/Treg cell imbalance.

Smooth Muscle Cells from a Rat Model of Obesity and Hyperleptinemia Are Partially Resistant to Leptin-Induced Reactive Oxygen Species Generation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of leptin on reactive oxygen species' (ROS) generation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from a rat model of obesity and hyperleptinemia. Obesity and hyperleptinemia were induced in rats by a sucrose-based diet for 24 weeks. ROS generation was detected by using dichloro-dihydrofluorescein (DCF), a fluorescent ROS probe in primary SMCs culture. An increase in plasma leptin and oxidative stress markers was observed in sucrose-fed (SF) rats. At baseline SMCs from SF rats showed a more than twofold increase in fluorescence intensity (FI) compared to that obtained in control (C) cells. When the C cells were treated with 20 ng leptin, the FI increased by about 250%, whereas the leptin-induced FI in the SF cells increased only by 28%. In addition, sucrose feeding increased the levels of p22phox and gp91phox, subunits of Nox as an O2•- source in SMCs. Treatment of cells with leptin significantly increased p22phox and gp91phox levels in C cells and did not affect SF cells. Regarding STAT3 phosphorylation and the content of PTP1B and SOCS3 as protein markers of leptin resistance, they were found to be significantly increased in SF cells. These results suggest that SF aortic SMCs are partially resistant to leptin-induced ROS generation.

Studying the actions of sage and thymoquinone combination on metabolic syndrome induced by high-fat diet in rats.

High-fat diet is one of the most imperative risk factors for cardiovascular disorders. Thymoquinone (TQ) is one of the active pharmacological components of Nigella sativa (black cumin). Salvia officinalis L. (sage) has been demonstrated to have diverse pharmacological actions. The main objective of this study was to determine the effects of sage and TQ combination on hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, blood pressure, and lipid profile in rats fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Wistar male rats were divided into five groups; normal diet (ND) and HFD, in which rats were fed with a normal diet or HFD for 10 weeks, respectively. In HFD + sage group, animals were administered sage essential oil (0.052 ml/kg) orally along with HFD. In HFD + TQ group, rats were administered TQ (50 mg/kg) orally with HFD. In HF + sage + TQ group, animals received sage + TQ along with HFD. Blood glucose (BGL) and Fast serum insulin (FSI) levels, oral glucose tolerance test, blood pressure, liver function tests, plasma, and hepatic oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzymes, and glutathione content, and lipid profile were measured. Sage and TQ combination decreased the final body weight, weight gain, BGL, FSI, and Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). The combination also lowered systolic and diastolic arterial pressures and liver function enzymes. The combination deterred lipid peroxidation, advanced protein oxidation product, and nitric oxide amplification, as well as restoring the superoxide dismutase, catalase activities, and glutathione content in plasma and hepatic tissue. Sage and TQ combination reduced the plasma total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels and amplified high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The results of the current study verified that sage essential oil, together with TQ exhibited hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant actions and thus could be a valuable addition to diabetes management.

Reversibility of some oxidative stress markers in chronic hepatitis C patients after receiving direct-acting antiviral agents

IntroductionHepatitis C (HCV) is associated with extra-hepatic involvment, morbidity as well as metabolic changes. Whether these might be reversible if sustained virologic response (SVR) is achieved by direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy remains unknown. MethodsChronic hepatitis C (CHC) individuals receiving DAA treatment with SVR were compared to those who underwent spontaneous clearance (SC) of HCV infection at the 2-year follow-up. Plasma oxidative stress markers (oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), malondialdehyde (MDA) and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA)) as well as progression of liver fibrosis were evaluated. ResultsCompared to SC individuals, those in the CHC group exhibited at baseline higher levels of oxLDL, 8-OHdG and IMA but not of MDA. In the SC group, 8-OHdG levels were elevated at 2-year post-SVR (p = 0.0409), while the DAA-treated CHC group showed decrease in oxLDL (p < 0.0001) and 8-OHdG (p = 0.0255) levels, approaching those of the SC group, but increased MDA (p = 0.0055) levels. Additionally, oxLDL levels were positively correlated with liver stiffness measurements at SVR (p = 0.017) and at 1 year post- SVR (p = 0.002). ConclusionsPlasma oxLDL showed post-SVR normalization after clearance of HCV viremia with DAAs and was associated with levels of hepatic fibrosis.

Differential expression of interferon inducible protein: Guanylate binding protein (GBP1 & GBP2) in severe dengue.

Dengue virus is reported to activate endothelial cells (EC), but the precise cause for severe dengue (SD) is not known. Guanylate binding proteins (GBPs) are IFN-inducible proteins secreted by ECs and are involved in the anti-oxidant and anti-viral response. The involvement of GBPs in the pathogenesis of dengue remains under explored. In the present study, we quantified the mRNA and protein levels of GBP1 and 2 during acute, defervescence and convalescent phase in SD-10, dengue without warning sign-15 and dengue with warning sign-25 compared to other febrile illnesses-10 and healthy controls-8 using RT-PCR and ELISA respectively. Lipid peroxidation in plasma samples were measured using the Kei Satoh method. Protein and DNA oxidation were determined by ELISA. The efficacy of the proteins in predicting disease severity was done by Support Vector Machine (SVM) model. A significant (P≤0.01) decrease in the levels of mRNA and protein of both GBP1 and GBP2 was observed during defervescence in both SD and DWW cases. The levels were significantly (P≤0.05) tapered off in SD cases from acute till critical phases compared to other study groups. DNA, protein and lipid oxidation markers showed an increasing trend in SD (P≤0.01). Both GBP1 & 2 were found to be negatively associated plasma leakage and oxidative stress markers. EC's activated with SD serum showed a reduced expression of GBP 1 and 2. Nevertheless, the SVM model revealed that plasma levels of proteins along with clinical symptoms could predict the disease outcomes with higher precision. This is the first study reporting a downregulated expression of GBP1 & 2 and their association with oxidative stress and plasma leakage in dengue cases. This suggests the importance of GBPs in regulating disease manifestation. However, further investigations are required to ascertain its role as a biomarker or therapeutic target in dengue infection.

GLYNAC SUPPLEMENTATION IN OLDER ADULTS PROTECTS FROM MEAL DRIVEN OXIDATIVE STRESS AND INFLAMMATION: RESULTS OF A RCT

Abstract Elevated oxidative stress (OxS) and inflammation are linked to many age-associated abnormalities, but underlying contributing factors are not well understood. In a randomized clinical trial (RCT) in older adults (OA), we investigated the contribution of a single carbohydrate-meal on OxS and inflammation, and tested the protective effect of supplementing GlyNAC (combination of glycine+N-acetylcysteine) from the meal-driven rise in OxS and inflammation. We studied 20 OA and 10 YA (young-adults) to (1) compare the impact of a 75g oral glucose-meal on plasma markers of OxS (as TBARS) and inflammation (as IL-6); (2) re-assess these outcomes after supplementing OA with either GlyNAC or isonitrogenous placebo (alanine) for 16-weeks, and YA with GlyNAC for 2-weeks. We found that (1) 2-hours after a glucose-meal, compared to YA the OA had higher increases (expressed as percent-change over baseline) of OxS (TBARS –0.1 +/- 0.6 vs. 5.6 +/- 0.6, p &amp;lt; 0.0000) and inflammation (IL-6 3.5 +/- 1.2 vs. 11.2 +/- 0.7, p &amp;lt; 0.0000); (2) GlyNAC supplementation in OA protected against the glucose meal-driven increase in OxS (TBARS pre vs post: 4.8 +/- 0.9 vs. -0.4 +/- 0.8, p=0.002) and inflammation (IL-6 pre vs. post: 10.8 +/- 3.2 vs. 4.2 +/- 2.3, p=0.0001). No improvements occurred in OA receiving placebo or YA receiving GlyNAC. These findings suggest that: (1) In OA, a single carbohydrate-meal significantly increases OxS and inflammation; (2) GlyNAC supplementation protects from carbohydrate meal-driven increases in OxS and inflammation. Additional research to investigate the implications of supplementing GlyNAC on improving meal-related health in aging are warranted.

Usefulness of Skin Autofluorescence as a Biomarker of Acute Oxidative Stress in Young Male Japanese Long-Distance Runners: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Chronic oxidative stress in long-distance runners adversely affects conditioning. It is important to objectively assess and monitor oxidative stress, but measuring oxidative stress can be invasive or require skill to measure. Therefore, this study aimed to verify whether skin autofluorescence (SAF), a non-invasive, rapid, and easily calculable metric for calculating advanced glycation end products (AGEs), is useful as an oxidative stress biomarker. The subjects were 50 young Japanese male long-distance runners (aged 20.2 ± 1.2 years); 35 average-sized male university students (aged 19.8 ± 1.1 years) served as controls. The interactions and relationships between SAF and plasma pentosidine and oxidative stress markers (reactive oxygen metabolite-derived compounds [d-ROMs], biological antioxidant potential [BAP], and the BAP/d-ROMs ratio) in runners were examined, and SAF in the runners and controls was compared. The results suggest that plasma pentosidine in runners is associated with oxidative stress markers and that it can assess oxidative stress. However, as SAF was not associated with oxidative stress markers, it was not validated as one. In future, clarifying the factors affecting SAF may also clarify the relationship between SAF, plasma pentosidine, and oxidative stress markers.

Pycnogenol® supplementation alleviates symptoms of Parkinson's disease with mild cognitive impairment.

The aim of this pilot registry study was to assess the preventive effect of an 8-week Pycnogenol® (French maritime pine bark extract) supplementation on symptoms, such as cognitive and motor aspects, in subjects with Parkinson's disease (PD). The study was based on five types of observations: a. Karnofsky performance scale index; b. oxidative stress markers in plasma (plasma free radicals, PFR); c. the main signs and symptoms, evaluated by a physician; d. face motion and expressions and their symmetry, recorded with a high-speed video camera. A total of 79 patients were included in the study: 39 controls using only standard management (SM) and 40 subjects supplemented with Pycnogenol® 150 mg/day. At inclusion, the two groups (SM and SM+Pycnogenol®) were comparable for age, symptoms, Karnofsky performance scale rating and for the management of PD. Likewise, oxidative stress and the presence of peripheral edema were also comparable between the two groups. No side effects of supplementation were observed. There were no tolerability problems. At the end of the study after 8 weeks, the Karnofsky performance index was significantly (P<0.05) higher with Pycnogenol® compared to controls. Also, the proportion of patients with a clinically visible peripheral edema decreased significantly over 8 weeks with Pycnogenol® compared to controls (P<0.05). Plasma oxidative stress was significantly lower with Pycnogenol® (P<0.05). The scores of PD main signs/symptoms like tremor, bradykinesia, alterations in cognitive functions, rigidity and speech impairment were significantly lower in the Pycnogenol® group compared to controls (P<0.05). Face expression evaluation showed a marked asymmetry at inclusion. Over 8-week supplementation, facial expression scores for visible and subliminal asymmetry, altered facial responses, altered shoulder motion and altered emotional pattern improved significantly in the Pycnogenol® group compared to controls (P<0.05) where the scores did not change significantly. In conclusion, according to this pilot registry study, Pycnogenol® supplementation helps patients with moderate, well-controlled PD - under stable treatment - to attenuate most signs and symptoms and life-relational aspects associated with Parkinson-related cognitive impairment.

Cognitive Impairment and Psychopathology Are Related to Plasma Oxidative Stress in Long Term Hospitalized Patients With Chronic Schizophrenia.

BackgroundThe present study aimed to examine whether plasma oxidative stress is associated with cognitive impairment in long term hospitalized patients with chronic schizophrenia.MethodNinety-six chronic schizophrenia patients and 94 healthy unaffected subjects were enrolled. Plasma markers of oxidative stress, including malondialdehyde (MDA), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), were measured. Psychiatric symptoms and cognitive function were assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), respectively.ResultsPlasma MDA levels and MnSOD and GSH-Px activities were significantly lower in schizophrenia patients than in healthy controls (P < 0.001), while plasma CAT activity was higher than in healthy controls (P < 0.005). Cognitive scores on the RBANS and all of its five subscales (all P < 0.001) were significantly lower in schizophrenia patients than in healthy unaffected subjects. CAT and GSH-Px activities were positively correlated with the cognitive function scores corresponding to Visuospatial/Constructional abilities in the patient group (r = 0.298, 0.213, respectively, P < 0.05). Also, the multiple regression analysis revealed that CAT and GSH-Px activities were independent and separate contributors to the Visuospatial/Constructional index of the RBANS. Meanwhile, CAT activity was negatively correlated with general pathological symptoms (r = −0.307, Bonferroni corrected P = 0.008) and the total score of the PANSS domains (r = −0.299, Bonferroni corrected P = 0.012).ConclusionOur results that the reduced of MDA level and the increased CAT activity in plasma in male patients with chronic schizophrenia suggest that redox imbalance may be associated with the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, and it can induce impaired cognition and psychiatric symptoms.

Glutathione S-transferase gene polymorphism and asthma: a case-control study in a pediatric population.

Aim: To carry out a case-control study of the association of GST gene polymorphisms in pediatric asthma-related oxidative stress. Materials & methods: Asthma patients (n=250) and age-matched healthy subjects (n=250) DNA were genotyped for GSTM1/GSTT1 (+/+, +/-, -/+ and -/-) frequencies using multiplex-PCRand plasma oxidative stress markers(examined spectrophotometrically). Results: Asthma patients had significantly more common null-genotype GSTM1-/GSTT1- (10.4%; p=0.002) and elevated levels of malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine as compared with controls. In addition, thelevel of plasma glutathione, GST activity and ferric-reducing ability were significantly decreased as compared with controls. Conclusion: Our data revealed significant associations between GSTM1-/GSTT1- genotype and oxidative stress markers in asthmatic children, which may very likely contribute to increased incidence of bronchial asthma.

Pre-Operative Assessment of Micronutrients, Amino Acids, Phospholipids and Oxidative Stress in Bariatric Surgery Candidates.

Obesity has been linked to lower concentrations of fat-soluble micronutrients and higher concentrations of oxidative stress markers as well as an altered metabolism of branched chain amino acids and phospholipids. In the context of morbid obesity, the aim of this study was to investigate whether and to which extent plasma status of micronutrients, amino acids, phospholipids and oxidative stress differs between morbidly obese (n = 23) and non-obese patients (n = 13). In addition to plasma, malondialdehyde, retinol, cholesterol and triglycerides were assessed in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue in both groups. Plasma γ-tocopherol was significantly lower (p < 0.011) in the obese group while other fat-soluble micronutrients showed no statistically significant differences between both groups. Branched-chain amino acids (all p < 0.008) and lysine (p < 0.006) were significantly higher in morbidly obese patients compared to the control group. Malondialdehyde concentrations in both visceral (p < 0.016) and subcutaneous (p < 0.002) adipose tissue were significantly higher in the morbidly obese group while plasma markers of oxidative stress showed no significant differences between both groups. Significantly lower plasma concentrations of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, lyso-phosphatidylethanolamine (all p < 0.05) and their corresponding ether-linked analogs were observed, which were all reduced in obese participants compared to the control group. Pre-operative assessment of micronutrients in patients undergoing bariatric surgery is recommended for early identification of patients who might be at higher risk to develop a severe micronutrient deficiency post-surgery. Assessment of plasma BCAAs and phospholipids in obese patients might help to differentiate between metabolic healthy patients and those with metabolic disorders.