Plasma Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances Research Articles

Effects of hydroxy trace minerals on oxidative metabolism, cytological endometritis, and performance of transition dairy cows

Multiparous Holstein cows (n=60) were used to determine effects of supplementing hydroxy forms of Zn, Cu, and Mn compared with 2 other common supplementation strategies on oxidative metabolism, cytological endometritis, and performance of transition cows. After a 1-wk pretreatment period, cows were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 dietary treatments from 21d before expected calving through 84d postcalving. Dietary treatments administered by daily top-dressing included (1) inorganic sulfate forms of Zn, Cu, and Mn (ITM); (2) a blend (75:25) of sulfates and organic complexes of Zn, Cu, and Mn (ITM/OTM); and (3) hydroxy trace minerals (HTM) of Zn, Cu, and Mn. The resulting dietary concentrations of supplemental Zn, Cu, and Mn were similar among treatments and averaged 40, 10, and 27mg/kg, respectively, before calving and 59, 15, and 40mg/kg, respectively, after calving. Total concentrations of Zn, Cu, and Mn averaged 80, 16, and 62mg/kg during the prepartum period and 102, 23, and 75mg/kg, respectively, during the postpartum period. Overall, effects of treatment on milk yield and milk composition were not significant. Cows fed HTM during the prepartum period had higher body weight (BW) than those fed ITM during the prepartum period and had higher BW during the postpartum period than those fed the other treatments; however, BW change, body condition score, and body condition score change were not affected by treatment. Plasma total antioxidant capacity was lower in cows fed HTM than ITM but was not different from cows fed ITM/OTM. Cows fed HTM tended to have lower concentrations of plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances than those fed ITM during the whole study period, but plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were not different between HTM and ITM/OTM. Plasma haptoglobin was lower in cows fed HTM than ITM/OTM at 1wk postpartum. Endometrial cytology 7d postcalving and cytological endometritis as assessed on 1d between 40 and 60d postcalving was not affected by treatment. In conclusion, supplementation with HTM sources of Zn, Cu, and Mn modulated plasma variables related to oxidative metabolism compared with supplementation with ITM; however, HTM and ITM/OTM resulted in similar responses. Furthermore, the source of trace minerals did not affect performance or uterine health in this experiment.

Oxidative stress is decreased with short‐term Protandim use when piperine is substituted for ashwagandha (LB399)

Ashwagandha is an active ingredient of Protandim, a commercially available, plant‐based nutraceutical that activates nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2). In some countries ashwagandha is considered medicinal and thus is subject to regulation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Protandim without ashwagandha, and Protandim with piperine substituted for ashwagandha, on circulating markers of oxidative stress. 33 overweight/obese adults, aged 45‐69 years, were assigned to one of three 30‐day interventions comprising daily consumption of: placebo (PLAC: 719 mg maltodextrin), Protandim minus ashwagandha (P‐A: a blend of milk thistle extract, bacopa monnieri extract, green tea extract, turmeric powder, and maltodextrin), or Protandim with piperine substituted for ashwagandha (P+P). Compared with baseline, circulating plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were unaffected by PLAC (n=13; 4.70±0.44 vs. 6.09±0.84 nmol/mL; mean±SE), or P‐A (n=7; 5.44±0.86 vs. 7.79±1.42 nmol/mL), but were decreased with P+P (n=13; 6.31±0.91 vs. 4.90±0.47 nmol/mL); P=0.02. Nrf2 activation may provide protection from chronic diseases associated with increased oxidative stress. These preliminary data suggest, in countries where ashwagandha is considered medicinal, piperine may be an acceptable substitute ingredient in the Nrf2 activator, Protandim.Grant Funding Source: Supported by LifeVantage

Plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, vitamin A and vitamin E levels and resumption of postpartum ovarian activity in dairy cows

Vitamins with antioxidative functions are commonly used as supplements to improve fertility in dairy cows. However, according to field test results uncertainty exists about the effect of these vitamins, especially in vitamin A and vitamin E, on ovarian functional activity. This study was performed to reveal the physiological characteristics of cows receiving enough feed and the ovaries of which were activated in the early postpartum period. Six of 12 primiparous cows showing the corpus luteum on 25 to 27 days after parturition were classified as early responders (PER); the remaining six were classified as late responders (PLR). Among 11 multiparous cows, nine were early responders (MER), and the remaining two were late responders (MLR). Plasma concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the PER were lower than those in the PLR (P<0.01). The ratio of plasma all-trans-retinol to intake α-tocopherol or β-carotene were increased in the following order: MER<PER<PLR (P<0.01). The milk lactose (P<0.025) and plasma glucose (P<0.01) of the early responders tended to be lower than those of the late responders. These may have been associated with the availability of vitamins or energy balance. Thus, we suggest the possibility that the cows which were able to utilize antioxidants and energy from the feed efficiently may have earlier resumption of ovaries postpartum.

Tempol intake improves inflammatory status in aged mice.

Oxidative stress is associated with both healthy aging and age-related disease states. In connection with oxidative stress, immunity is also a major component as a result of the chronic, low-grade inflammation associated with the development of tissue aging. Here we show that long-term treatment with the antioxidant tempol extends life-span in mice. Tempol-treated mice exhibited a reduction in mortality at 20 months. Tempol drinking did not have any effect on body weight, amount of visceral adipose tissue, or plasma biochemical parameters in aged mice. Body temperature of aged control mice (which drank only water) was significantly lower than young mice, but this reduction of body temperature was partially restored in aged mice which drank tempol. Plasma thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and C-reactive protein were significantly increased in the control aged mice compared with young mice, but levels of both were normalized by tempol drinking. One of the endogenous antioxidants, ascorbic acid, was significantly increased in the plasma of mice which consumed tempol. The proportion of CD4 lymphocytes in the blood of aged tempol-treated mice was partially increased in comparison to aged control mice. These results suggest that the reduction of mortality by tempol is due to amelioration of chronic inflammation and improved function of the immune system through antioxidant effects.

Contrast agent suppresses endothelium-dependent arterial dilation after digital subtraction angiography procedure in patients with diabetic foot

Recent studies showed that contrast agents can induce renal injury. Thus, the present study was designed to assess whether the contrast agents used during digital subtraction angiography (DSA) procedure can damage endothelium. Fow-mediated endothelium-dependent vasodilation (FMD) was measured at baseline, 1, 3, and 7 days after DSA in 198 subjects with diabetic foot. We also measured the levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and von Willebrand factor (vWF), interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Compared with baseline (3.60 ± 0.47 %), FMD at 1 day decreased (2.74 ± 0.47 %), and increased significantly from 1 to 3 days (p < 0.01), and returned to baseline level at 7 days after DSA. The plasma TBARS increased at 1 day and decreased from 1 to 3 days (p < 0.01), and returned to baseline level at 7 days after DSA. CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α had similar changes before and after DSA procedure. FMD was significantly correlated to vWF, IL-6, TNF-α, CRP, and TBARS (p < 0.01). A negative correlation between contrast volume and FMD, positive correlation between contrast volume and vWF, TBARS, CRP, IL-6 at 1 or 3 days after DSA exist in diabetic group (p < 0.05). Contrast medium suppresses FMD, probably through an increased production of oxygen-derived free radicals and inflammation although adequate hydration was given in type 2 diabetes. Therefore, an effective prophylaxis should allow to prevent this complication.

Fish Oil Supplementation Reduces Markers of Oxidative Stress But Not Muscle Soreness After Eccentric Exercise

Due to the potential anti-inflammatory properties of fish-derived long chain n-3 fatty acids, it has been suggested that athletes should regularly consume fish oils-although evidence in support of this recommendation is not clear. While fish oils can positively modulate immune function, it remains possible that, due to their high number of double bonds, there may be concurrent increases in lipid peroxidation. The current study aims to investigate the effect of fish oil supplementation on exercise-induced markers of oxidative stress and muscle damage. Twenty males underwent a 6-week double-blind randomized placebo-controlled supplementation trial involving two groups (fish oil or placebo). After supplementation, participants undertook 200 repetitions of eccentric knee contractions. Blood samples were taken presupplementation, postsupplementation, immediately, 24, 48, and 72 hr postexercise and muscle soreness/maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) assessed. There were no differences in creatine kinase, protein carbonyls, endogenous DNA damage, muscle soreness or MVC between groups. Plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were lower (p < .05) at 48 and 72 hr post exercise and H2O2 stimulated DNA damage was lower (p < .05) immediately postexercise in the fish oil, compared with the control group. The current study demonstrates that fish oil supplementation reduces selected markers of oxidative stress after a single bout of eccentric exercise.

Plasma paraoxonase 1 arylesterase activity in d-galactose-induced aged rat model: correlation with LDL oxidation and redox status

There is much evidence linking the involvement of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of aging. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is an HDL-associated antioxidant enzyme that inhibits the oxidative modification of low-density lipoproteins (LDL). We have investigated the changes in plasma PON1 activity, LDL oxidation, radical scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation in D-galactose-induced aging rat model and also compared the results with 24-month naturally aged rats. Arylesterase activity of PON1, susceptibility of LDL for oxidation, plasma radical scavenging activity and plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were measured in normal control rats (4-months-old control rats subjected to D-galactose-induced experimental aging, and 24-month-old naturally aged rats). There was a significant decrease in plasma PON1 arylesterase activity in both subcutaneous D-galactose-treated groups and 24-month-old aged rats (P < 0.05, for each). TBARS, an oxidative stress marker, was seen to increase in the experimental groups (P < 0.01). In both subcutaneous galactose-treated and naturally aged rats, there was a significant rise in plasma LDL oxidation (P < 0.05, for each). However, radical scavenging activity was decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in both groups, as compared to control. The D-galactose-induced rat model of aging mimics the naturally aged rat with reference to PON1 arylesterase activity and susceptibility to LDL oxidation. The results emphasize the importance of PON1 with respect to aging and its association with redox balance of the body.

Abstract 33: Atorvastatin Downregulates Vascular Nox Expression and Ameliorates Oxidative Stress-associated Inflammatory Process in Type 2 Diabetic Db/db Mice

Nox-derived reactive oxygen species generation plays a role in endothelial dysfunction and vascular inflammation, which underline vascular damage observed in diabetes. Increasing evidence indicates that the beneficial effects of atorvastatin are associated with antioxidant mechanisms. We tested the hypothesis that atorvastatin influences Nox isoforms expression and ameliorates diabetes-associated vascular inflammation and redox signalling. Diabetic mice (db/db model of obesity and diabetes type II) and their control counterparts (db/+) were treated with atorvastatin (10 mg/Kg/day, p.o., 2 weeks). No differences were observed in BP among the groups. Improved oral glucose tolerance was observed in atorvastatin-treated db/db group (area under curve, db/db: 2858 ± 81 vs db/db atorvastatin: 2251 ± 158). Atorvastatin lowered plasma thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances levels in db/db mice (db/+: 4,7 ± 0,7 ;db/db: 6,5 ± 1,1 vs db/db atorvastatin: 4,9 ± 0,5 ). Increased expression of Nox1, 2 and 4 (1 to 3 fold increase vs db/+) and the associated enhance of ROS generation in the vasculature of db/db mice (db/+: 4312 ± 874; db/db: 27828 ± 8215 vs db/db atorvastatin: 8742 ± 2393 RLU) were abrogated by atorvastatin. The increase of vascular p47phox and RAC1/2 membrane translocation observed in db/db mice was also inhibited by atorvastatin. Diabetes-associated increase of VCAM-1 expression, NFkB p65 phosphorylation, and vascular monocyte adhesion were reduced by aotrvastatin treatment. Higher MAP kinase phophorylation levels observed in db/db mice were blunted by atorvastatin. Impaired vascular responses to acetylcholine (maxium effect %; db/+: 83 ± 5,1 ;db/db: 48 ± 6,4 vs db/db atorvastatin: 75 ± 5,2) and insulin (maxium effect %; db/+: 103 ± 7,5 ;db/db: 47 ± 2,0 vs db/db atorvastatin: 95 ± 7,1) in db/db mice were normalized by atorvastatin treatment. Our results demontrate that atorvastatin ameliorates oxidative stress and inflammatory process in db/db mice. Findings from this study identify NADPH oxidase as a target for atorvastatin. We describe novel mechanisms whereby statins may improve vascular function in obesity-associated diabetes.

Mitochondrial activity and oxidative stress markers in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and healthy subjects

Evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD). However, the exact mechanisms underlying this dysfunction are not well understood. Impaired activity of electron transport chain (ETC) complexes has been described in these disorders and may reflect changes in mitochondrial metabolism and oxidative stress markers. The objective of this study was to compare ETC complex activity and protein and lipid oxidation markers in 12 euthymic patients with BD type I, in 18 patients with stable chronic SZ, and in 30 matched healthy volunteers. Activity of complexes I, II, and III was determined by enzyme kinetics of mitochondria isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Protein oxidation was evaluated using the protein carbonyl content (PCC) method, and lipid peroxidation, the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay kit. A significant decrease in complex I activity was observed (p = 0.02), as well as an increase in plasma levels of TBARS (p = 0.00617) in patients with SZ when compared to matched controls. Conversely, no significant differences were found in complex I activity (p = 0.17) or in plasma TBARS levels (p = 0.26) in patients with BD vs. matched controls. Our results suggest that mitochondrial complex I dysfunction and oxidative stress play important roles in the pathophysiology of SZ and may be used in potential novel adjunctive therapy for SZ, focusing primarily on cognitive impairment and disorder progression.

Positive influence of a natural product as propolis on antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation in senescent rats

Given the importance of oxidative stress associated to aging, it would be interesting to assess the effect of oral supplementation with antioxidant substances capable of diminishing oxidative aggression and free radicals generation associated to this condition. This study investigated the effects of AIN-93 M diet supplemented either with 2 % of propolis, or with 4 % of a natural product obtained from lyophilizate vegetables, selected by its antioxidant properties, in senescent healthy Wistar rats fed ad libitum over 3 months. Propolis supplementation leads to a lower level of glucose and cholesterol concentrations together with a reduction in protein oxidation. Plasma thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance levels were lower in the rats consuming the natural vegetable product and propolis possibly due to its antioxidant components, neutralizing the free radical produced, and thus preventing cellular damage. The results of the present study suggest a synergic effect of overall propolis compounds reducing the oxidative stress and glucose and cholesterol plasma levels associated with aging.

Common biomarkers of oxidative stress do not reflect cardiovascular dys/function in rats

Predicting cardiovascular events remains challenging despite the range of known biomarkers. To establish relationships between various biochemical and functional parameters of the cardiovascular system. The relationship between cardiovascular dys/function and various biomarkers was examined in 145 experimental rats half of which received isoprenaline 100 mg/kg s.c. to induce cardiac impairment. Serum concentration of cardiac troponin T (cTnT), a known marker of cardiac derangement, correlated strongly with degree of myocardial injury (e.g. calcium overload, stroke volume) but correlations between cTnT and oxidative stress parameters were weak (for glutathione and vitamin C) or not found (for serum vitamin E and plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels). Relationships between cTnT and other parameters were exponential with the exception of myocardial calcium, where a power function was found. Commonly used biomarkers of oxidative stress cannot reliably predict cardiovascular dys/function in experimental rats.

Effects of low-volume walking programme and vitamin E supplementation on oxidative damage and health-related variables in healthy older adults

BackgroundBoth exercise and vitamin E supplementation have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and cardiovascular disease risk in older adults, and when combined there is evidence suggesting that they act synergistically. The currently recommended amount of exercise for older adults is 150 min/week of moderate-intensity exercise; however, the minimum amount of exercise necessary to achieve health benefits is not known. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of participation in a low-volume walking exercise programme (i.e. 90 min/week) combined with daily vitamin E supplementation on thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and oxidised low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations in older adults.MethodsThe participants were recruited from the following four groups separately: 1) control (CG, n = 14), 2) vitamin E supplementation (SG, n = 10), 3) walking (WG, n = 7), or 4) walking + supplementation (WSG, n = 7). In the CG, participants were advised to maintain their normal lifestyle during the study. Participants in both the SG and WSG received 450 IU (300 mg) /day of α-tocopherol for 12 weeks. The exercise programme for the WG and WSG consisted of two 30–60 minute sessions weekly for 12 weeks (average walking time was 44.5 ± 1.6 min/session). Blood samples were collected at baseline and at 12 weeks.ResultsDelta plasma oxidised LDL concentrations did not differ among four groups (One-factor ANOVA, P = 0.116). However, negative delta plasma TBARS, a marker of oxidative damage, concentrations were observed in the WG, WSG and SG relative to the CG at the end of the study period (One-factor ANOVA, P = 0.001; post hoc tests; CG compared with WG, WSG and SG, P = 0.005; P = 0.021; P = 0.024, respectively).ConclusionThese findings suggest that a low-volume of physical activity and/or vitamin E supplementation may be an effective intervention strategy for reducing TBARS concentrations of older adults.Trial registrationUMIN000008304

Antioxidant Action of Solid Preparation of Xingnaojing in SHRSP

We investigated the antioxidant action of a solid preparation of Xingnaojing (XNJ) and ascorbic acid (AA) in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). The total antioxidant states in the plasma, systolic blood pressure, and heart rate were measured every 2 weeks, and lipid peroxidation, expressed as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in plasma, was measured in the 6th week. The results showed that AA and XNJ significantly increased the total antioxidant status in plasma and reduced malondialdehyde in the plasma. These data suggest that during 6-week administration, XNJ has antioxidant action on SHRSP, which may relate to its generalized inhibition of lipid peroxidation and promotion of the total antioxidant state. These results demonstrated that orally treated XNJ has an antioxidant effect on SHRSP plasma.

Losartan Reduces Oxidative Stress Within the Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla of Rats With Renovascular Hypertension

Previous studies showed that the microinjection of antioxidants or the overexpression of superoxide dismutase within the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) reduces hypertension and sympathoexcitation in the 2-kidney, 1-clip (2K-1C) model. In this study, we hypothesized that angiotensin II (ANG II) type 1 receptor (AT1R) is involved in the oxidative stress within the RVLM and contributes to cardiovascular dysfunction in renovascular hypertension. Losartan (30mg/kg/day, oral gavage) was administered for 7 consecutive days by week 5 after implantation of the clip (gap width = 0.2mm). Mean arterial pressure, baroreflex, and renal sympathetic nerve activity (rSNA) were evaluated. Superoxide production was evaluated by dihydroethidium (DHE) staining within the RVLM and within a control area. Systemic oxidative stress was characterized by measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and total glutathione (tGSH) in the blood. AT1R blockade significantly (P < 0.05) reduced hypertension by approximately 20% (n = 11) and sympathoexcitation to the kidneys by approximately 41% (n = 6) in the 2K-1C rats. Losartan treatment increased the baroreflex sensitivity of rSNA to pressor (67%) and depressor (140%) stimuli in the 2K-1C rats. AT1R blockade caused a significant (66%) reduction in DHE staining within the RVLM but not within the control area, reduced plasma TBARS (from 1.6±0.1 to 1.0±0.1 nmol/ml), and increased tGSH (from 3.4±0.4 to 5.2±0.3 μmol/g Hb) in the 2K-1C group only. Our findings suggest that the beneficial effects of ANG II blockade in renovascular hypertension are partly due to preferential reduction of oxidative stress in the RVLM.

Functional goat milk cheese with feruloyl esterase activity

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effect of the intake of goat milk cheese manufactured with Lactobacillus fermentum CRL1446 on intestinal feruloyl esterase (FE) activity and oxidative status in Swiss albino mice. This strain was used as single-strain culture (CRL cheese) and in combination with starter culture (Mix cheese). In both cheeses, L. fermentum reached 8–9logcfu/g and FE activity increased during ripening. Highest activity level was observed in Mix cheese. In vivo studies showed that total intestinal FE activity in mice fed with CRL and Mix cheeses increased 1.5 and 2-fold compared to non-treated mice, respectively. Administration of Mix cheese produced a 2-fold increase in FE activity in small and large intestine mucosa. Mice receiving this cheese also showed an approx. 2-fold decrease in plasmatic thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) levels and an approx. 3-fold increase in glutathione reductase (GR) activity.Goat milk cheese elaborated with FE-producing strain L. fermentum CRL1446 could represent a novel functional food with FE activity, responsible for increasing intestinal FE activity and consequently the bioavailability of antioxidant ferulic acid in the gut, thus enhancing the oxidative status and providing protection against oxidative stress-related disorders.

Pravastatin Attenuates Hypertension, Oxidative Stress, and Angiogenic Imbalance in Rat Model of Placental Ischemia-Induced Hypertension

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific condition characterized by an imbalance of circulating angiogenic factors and new-onset hypertension. Although current treatment options are limited, recent studies suggest that pravastatin may improve angiogenic profile and reduce blood pressure in preeclampsia. We hypothesized pravastatin would restore angiogenic balance and reduce mean arterial pressure (MAP) in rats with reduced utero-placental perfusion pressure (RUPP)-induced hypertension. Pravastatin was administered intraperitoneally (1 mg/kg per day) in RUPP (RUPP+P) and normal pregnant rats (NP+P) from day 14 to 19 of pregnancy. On day 19, MAP was measured via catheter, conceptus data were recorded, and tissues collected. MAP was increased (P<0.05) in RUPP compared with NP dams, and pravastatin ameliorated this difference. Pravastatin attenuated decreased fetal weight and plasma vascular endothelial growth factor and the RUPP-induced increased soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 when compared with NP dams. Pravastatin treatment did not improve angiogenic potential in RUPP serum and decreased (P<0.05) endothelial tube formation in NP rats. RUPP rats presented with indices of oxidative stress, such as increased placental catalase activity and plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances along with decreased plasma total antioxidant capacity compared with NP controls, and pravastatin attenuated these effects. MAP, fetal weight, plasma vascular endothelial growth factor, and plasma soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 were unchanged in NP+P compared with NP controls. The present data indicate that treatment with pravastatin attenuates oxidative stress and lowers MAP in placental ischemia-induced hypertension, but may have negative effects on circulating angiogenic potential during pregnancy. Further studies are needed to determine whether there are long-term deleterious effects on maternal or fetal health after pravastatin treatment during pregnancy-induced hypertension or preeclampsia.

Ulinastatin Suppresses Burn-Induced Lipid Peroxidation and Reduces Fluid Requirements in a Swine Model

Objective. Lipid peroxidation plays a critical role in burn-induced plasma leakage, and ulinastatin has been reported to reduce lipid peroxidation in various models. This study aims to examine whether ulinastatin reduces fluid requirements through inhibition of lipid peroxidation in a swine burn model. Methods. Forty miniature swine were subjected to 40% TBSA burns and were randomly allocated to the following four groups: immediate lactated Ringer's resuscitation (ILR), immediate LR containing ulinastatin (ILR/ULI), delayed LR resuscitation (DLR), and delayed LR containing ulinastatin (DLR/ULI). Hemodynamic variables, net fluid accumulation, and plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentrations were measured. Heart, liver, lung, skeletal muscle, and ileum were harvested at 48 hours after burn for evaluation of TBARS concentrations, activities of antioxidant enzymes, and tissue water content. Results. Ulinastatin significantly reduced pulmonary vascular permeability index (PVPI) and extravascular lung water index (ELWI), net fluid accumulation, and water content of heart, lung, and ileum in both immediate or delayed resuscitation groups. Furthermore, ulinastatin infusion significantly reduced plasma and tissue concentrations of TBARS in both immediate or delayed resuscitation groups. Conclusions. These results indicate that ulinastatin can reduce fluid requirements through inhibition of lipid peroxidation.

Short-term cardiovascular physical programme ameliorates arterial stiffness and decreases oxidative stress in women with metabolic syndrome

To evaluate the impact of a short-term cardiovascular physical programme on the metabolic, anthropometric and oxidative stress parameters of women with metabolic syndrome. Thirty sedentary female patients, age range 30-60 years, were invited to participate in a 6-week cardiovascular physical programme. The training consisted of 60-min sessions of aerobic and strength exercises performed 3 times a week; a total of 18 sessions. Anthropometric data, functional exercise capacity, general biochemical profile, serum lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity in erythrocytes were evaluated according to standardized protocols. Peripheral vascular function was assessed using applanation tonometry. All assessments were performed before and after the training programme. The physical programme proved effective in improving the distance covered in the 6-min walk test and in reducing arterial pressure levels, pulse pressure and the Augmentation Index, without modifying heart rate. The plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels, indicators of oxidative stress, were significantly decreased after the programme. Superoxide dismutase activity was increased in erythrocyte lysates, with no significant change in catalase activity. Waist circumference was significantly decreased compared with baseline. The distance covered in the 6-min walk test was significantly greater after the short-term cardiovascular training. These findings indicate that short-term combined aerobic and strength training may represent an important non-pharmacological approach for treating individuals with metabolic syndrome.

Aging decreases antioxidant effects and increases lipid peroxidation in the Apolipoprotein E deficient mouse

In this study, to study the effect of aging and Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) deficiency on antioxidant ability in mice, we examined whether lipid peroxidation is promoted by aging in ApoE deficient (ApoE−/−) mice, which have a shorter lifespan than normal mice. The levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), a biomarker of lipid peroxidation, were measured in plasma and liver in ApoE−/− mice aged 12 weeks (young) and 52 weeks (early stage of senescence). TBARS in plasma and liver were significantly increased by aging. Next, we examined the reasons why lipid peroxidation was promoted by aging, based on measurement of protein and mRNA levels for antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) in liver in ApoE−/− mice aged 12 and 52 weeks. The levels of superoxide dismutase 1 and 2 in liver were significantly decreased by aging. The mRNA level of catalase was also significantly decreased and the mRNA levels of superoxide dismutase 1, superoxide dismutase 2 and glutathione peroxidase 1 all showed a tendency to decrease with age. These results suggest that lipid peroxidation is caused by reduction of antioxidant activity with aging and that this promotes senescence and shortens lifespan in ApoE−/− mice.

The Effects of Single Long and Accumulated Short Bouts of Exercise on Cardiovascular Risks in Male Japanese Workers: A Randomized Controlled Study

The aim of this study was to determine whether accumulated short bouts of exercise can achieve the same cardiovascular benefits as a single long bout of exercise in sedentary male Japanese workers and to compare the programs’ relative effects on oxidative stress. Twenty-three sedentary male workers were randomly assigned into 2 different exercise programs: a Long-bout group, which performed a single period of continuous exercise (Long-bout group: 30 min × 1) 3 d per week, and a Short-bouts group, which performed 3 short bouts of exercise (Short-bouts group: 10 min × 3) 3 d per week. Cardiovascular risk factors, including the plasma thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) level, were examined at baseline and after both 10 and 20 wk. In the Long-bout group, waist circumference and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) significantly improved after 20 wk. The Short-bouts group demonstrated significant increases in VO2max after 10 weeks and in HDL-C after 20 wk. Plasma TBARS significantly decreased after 20 weeks in the Long-bout group and tended to decrease (but not significantly) in the Short-bouts group. These results indicate that accumulated short bouts of exercise are an effective option, especially for busy workers, for incorporating exercise into one’s lifestyle.