Paraoxonase Research Articles

Observation of Efficacy of rt-PA Thrombolysis Combined with Solitaire AB Stent Mechanical Thrombectomy in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Retrospective Analysis

Objective: To observe and analyze the efficacy of recombinant tissue-plasminogen activator (rt-PA) thrombolysis combined with Solitaire AB stent mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Methods: Clinical efficacy, neurological function, oxidative stress response, adverse reactions, and quality of life were compared between the two groups. Results: Lower NIHSS scores were observed among patients who received treatment within 2 hours after stroke onset when compared with those in a timeframe of 2-6 hours, suggesting better neurological function recovery of the patients with early intervention and thus emphasizing the importance of early treatment for patients with stroke onset. Clinical efficacy in the combination group was significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) levels were higher, while lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) and Serum Amyloid A (SAA) levels were lower in the combination group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions was significantly lower in the combination group (P < 0.05). At discharge, we observed significantly more patients with good recovery in the combination group when compared to the control group (P < 0.05), suggesting better quality of life of the patients, while this statistical significance was no longer observable at 90 days after discharge (P > 0.05). Conclusion: For acute ischemic stroke patients, rt-PA thrombolysis combined with Solitaire AB stent mechanical thrombectomy treatment is effective. It promotes neurological function recovery, improves vascular stenosis, reduces inflammation and adverse reactions, and enhances quality of life, showing promising clinical applications.

The landscape of allelic expression and DNA methylation at the bovine SGCE/PEG10 locus.

Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic regulation in mammals in which a small subset of genes is monoallelically expressed dependent on their parental origin. A large imprinted domain, SGCE/PEG10 locus, is located on human chromosome 7q21s and mouse proximal chromosome 6. However, genomic imprinting of bovine SGCE/PEG10 cluster has not been systematically studied. In this study, we investigated allele expression of 14 genes of the SGCE/PEG10 locus in bovine somatic tissues and term placenta using a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based sequencing method. In addition to SGCE and PEG10, two conserved paternally expressed genes in human and mice, five other genes (TFPI2, GNG11, ASB4, PON1, and PON3) were paternally expressed. Three genes, BET1, COL1A2, and CASD1, exhibited tissue-specific monoallelic expression. CALCR showed monoallelic expression in tissues but biallelic expression in the placenta. Three genes, GNGT1, PPP1R9A, and PON2, showed biallelic expression in cattle. Five differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were found to be associated with the allelic expression of TFPI2, COL1A2, SGCE/PEG10, PON3, and ASB4 genes, respectively. The SGCE/PEG10 DMR is a maternally hypermethylated germline DMR, but TFPI2, COL1A2, PON3, and ASB4 DMRs are secondary DMRs. In summary, we identified five novel bovine imprinted genes (GNG11, BET1, COL1A2, CASD1, and PON1) and four secondary DMRs at the SGCE/PEG10 locus.

Serum myeloperoxidase, paraoxonase, and plasma asprosin concentrations in patients with acute myocardial infarction

IntroductionThe objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the serum biomarkers myeloperoxidase (MPO), paraoxonase (PON), and plasma asprosin in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) diagnosis and assess their compatibility with routinely screened cardiac biomarkers. MethodsThis study was conducted using a prospective cross-sectional design and included 90 patients, consisting of 60 patients diagnosed with AMI (30 with ST-segment elevation and 30 with non-ST-segment elevation on ECG) and 30 controls (without a diagnosis of AMI). Changes in the levels of cardiac biomarkers (Hs-cTnI, CK, CK-MB), lipid profile (TC, TG, LDL, HDL), MPO, PON, asprosin, and routine biochemical parameters of patients were evaluated. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed the diagnostic value of Hs-cTnI, MPO, PON, and asprosin in predicting AMI. Binary logistic regression analysis of cardiac marker concentrations was used to predict the presence of AMI. In contrast, multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to predict the type of AMI and the control group. ResultsThe median levels of MPO and plasma asprosin were found to be higher in the patient group (3.22 [interquartile range {IQR}: 2.4–4.4] ng/ml and 10.84 [IQR: 8.8–17.8] ng/ml, respectively) than in the control group (2.49 [IQR: 1.9–2.9] ng/ml and 4.82 [IQR: 4.6–8.0] ng/ml, respectively) (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The median levels of PON were 8.94 (IQR: 7.6–10.4) ng/ml in the patient group and 10.44 (IQR: 9.1–20.0) ng/ml in the control group (p < 0.001). In the binary logistic regression model, compared with the control group, a 1 ng/ml increase in MPO level increased the odds of having AMI by 3.61 (p = 0.041, 95% CI: 1.055–12.397), whereas a 1 ng/ml increase in asprosin level increased the odds of having AMI by 2.33 (p < 0.001, 95% CI: 1.479–3.683). In the multinominal logistic regression model, compared with the control group, a 1 ng/ml increase in the MPO level increased the odds of having NSTEMI by 4.14 (p = 0.025, 95% CI: 1.195–14.350), whereas a 1 ng/ml increase in asprosin concentrations increased the odds of having NSTEMI by 2.35 (p < 0.001, 95% CI: 1.494–3.721). ConclusionHerein, MPO and asprosin concentrations increased with Hs-cTnI, and a decrease in PON concentration indicated that oxidant–antioxidant parameters and adipokines were related to AMI pathogenesis.

Corinthian Currants Promote the Expression of Paraoxonase-1 and Enhance the Antioxidant Status in Serum and Brain of 5xFAD Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease.

Paraoxonase-1 (PON1), a serum antioxidant enzyme, has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis that involves early oxidative damage. Corinthian currants and their components have been shown to display antioxidant and other neuroprotective effects in AD. We evaluated the effect of a Corinthian currant paste-supplemented diet (CurD), provided to 1-month-old 5xFAD mice for 1, 3, and 6 months, on PON1 activity and levels of oxidation markers in serum and the brain of mice as compared to a control diet (ConD) or glucose/fructose-matched diet (GFD). Administration of CurD for 1 month increased PON1 activity and decreased oxidized lipid levels in serum compared to ConD and GFD. Longer-term administration of CurD did not, however, affect serum PON1 activity and oxidized lipid levels. Furthermore, CurD administered for 1 and 3 months, but not for 6 months, increased PON1 activity and decreased free radical levels in the cortex of mice compared to ConD and GFD. To probe the mechanism for the increased PON1 activity in mice, we studied the effect of Corinthian currant polar phenolic extract on PON1 activity secreted by Huh-7 hepatocytes or HEK293 cells transfected with a PON1-expressing plasmid. Incubation of cells with the extract led to a dose-dependent increase of secreted PON1 activity, which was attributed to increased cellular PON1 expression. Collectively, our findings suggest that phenolics in Corinthian currants can increase the hepatic expression and activity of antioxidant enzyme PON1 and that a Corinthian currant-supplemented diet during the early stages of AD in mice reduces brain oxidative stress.

Changes in Paraoxonase, β-Glucosidase, and Carbonic Anhydrase Enzymes Related to Age and Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment in Rats

This study aimed to investigate the changes in Paraoxonase (PON), Carbonic Anhydrase (CA), and β-glucosidase levels of different aged rats and scopolamine-induced memory impairment rats. This study used young, adult, and middle-aged male Wistar Albino rats. Scopolamine was administered as a single dose/multiple doses and a Morris water maze (MWM) was used for spatial learning testing in rats. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to determine serum and liver PON and β-glucosidase levels. The CA enzyme activity was assayed following the hydration of CO2. As a result of the comparison of age-related and scopolamine-related changes in PON and β-glucosidase levels in liver and serum samples, no significant age-related and scopolamine-effective changes were observed in serum, while liver PON and liver β-glucosidase levels were found to change significantly. CA activity studies, on the other hand, showed that adults have the lowest CA activity compared to young and middle-aged groups and scopolamine inhibited CA activity in vivo. We found that adult rats modeled with memory impairment had statistically lower levels of liver PON and liver β-glucosidase. CA activity was also found to be significantly reduced. β-glucosidase and CA should be further investigated in terms of neurodegenerative disease risk factors, just like PON, whose importance has been determined by numerous studies in the literature.

Investigation of Potential Protective effects of Betanin on experimental Monosodium Glutamate–induced toxicity in Elderly rats

This study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of Betanin active ingredient in red beetroot plant (Beta vulgaris) in elderly rats exposed to chronic toxicity of monosodium glutamate (MSG). A total of 48 elderly rats were randomly divided into 4 different groups. At the end of the 28–day study, the rats were sacrificed under deep anesthesia. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant capacity (TOC), paraoxonase (PON), thiol, malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO) levels were investigated in rat blood serum using the spectrophotometric method. Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) was calculated by dividing TOC by TAC. Total bilirubin was measured with the colorimetric method using an ELISA kit. Liver tissues were stained with hematoxylin–eosin (HE) for histopathological examination. The difference in serum levels of TAC, TOC, OSI, PON, MDA, and thiol was statistically significant between the groups (P&lt;0.05). The difference in serum levels of NO and total bilirubin was not statistically significant between the groups (P&gt;0.05). The analysis of histopathological findings revealed uncommon mild hydropic degeneration in the MSG group and almost normal histological appearance in the MSG+Betanin group. This study demonstrated that betanin could increase the antioxidant effect and reduce the histopathological damage caused by MSG.

Aloe vera gel relieves cadmium triggered hepatic injury via antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic routes.

Aloe vera (AV) gel extracted from fresh AV leaves was chosen in this study to evaluate its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities against cadmium (Cd) -induced liver injury. Forty Wistar male adult rats were equally divided into four groups. Group I (standard control) ingested with 2.5 ml/kg b.w. of physiological saline. Group II (Cd-intoxicated) received 3 mg/kg b.w./day of CdCl2 dissolved in saline. Group III (AV) received 200 mg/kg b.w./day of AV gel dissolved in saline. Group IV (Cd+AV) ingested with 200 mg/kg b.w./day of AV gel solution along with 3 mg/kg b.w. CdCl2. All groups were ingested orally by gavage for 3 consecutive weeks. Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) and HSP70 were measured in serum. The deposited Cd level, nitric oxide content, lipid peroxidation, collagen-1 (COL-1), and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels were all determined in liver tissue homogenates. Gene expression of NF-κB and IL-6, Bax, and Bcl2, as well as immunohistochemistry analysis of activated caspase-3, was performed. Results showed that ingestion of AV gel greatly relieved all oxidative stress due to Cd exposure, modulated the NF-κB, IL-6, Bax, and Bcl2 expression levels, and improved the apoptotic state. In conclusion, AV gel confirmed its potential ameliorating effect against liver injury induced due to Cd exposure.

The Role of Polyphenols in Modulating PON1 Activity Regarding Endothelial Dysfunction and Atherosclerosis.

The incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular diseases are still rising. The principal mechanism that drives them is atherosclerosis, an affection given by dyslipidemia and a pro-inflammatory state. Paraoxonase enzymes have a protective role due to their ability to contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways, especially paraoxonase 1 (PON1). PON1 binds with HDL (high-density lipoprotein), and high serum levels lead to a protective state against dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, stroke, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and many others. Modulating PON1 expression might be a treatment objective with significant results in limiting the prevalence of atherosclerosis. Lifestyle including diet and exercise can raise its levels, and some beneficial plants have been found to influence PON1 levels; therefore, more studies on herbal components are needed. Our purpose is to highlight the principal roles of Praoxonase 1, its implications in dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and other diseases, and to emphasize plants that can modulate PON1 expression, targeting the potential of some flavonoids that could be introduced as supplements in our diet and to validate the hypothesis that flavonoids have any effects regarding PON1 function.

Role of PON1 L55M Gene Polymorphism in Parkinson's Disease among North Indian Population.

The role of various genetic markers including alpha synuclein, Parkin, etc., is known in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Novel genetic markers including paraoxonase 1 (PON1) have also been linked to PD pathogenesis in recent studies. The PON1 L55M allele carriers may have defective clearance of environmental toxins and may result in increased susceptibility to PD. Hence, we studied the role of PON1 L55M polymorphism in PD among a North Indian population. Seventy-four PD patients and 74 age- and sex-matched controls were recruited in this hospital-based case-control study. Baseline characteristics were recorded using structured questionnaire. DNA was extracted from 3-4 ml of venous blood, followed by PCR and restriction digestion. PON1 L55M genotypes were visualized as bands: LL (177 bp), LM (177, 140 bp) and MM (140,44 bp) on 3% agarose gel. Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-squared test were used for comparing two groups of skewed and categorical variables, respectively. Measures of strength of association were calculated by binary regression analysis. P value < 0.05 was considered as significant. Parkinson's disease patients had significantly higher exposure to pesticides (12.2%; P (organophosphate exposure) < 0.001) and well water drinking (28.4%; P = 0.006) compared to controls. Frequency distribution of LL, LM, MM genotypes was 67.5% (50/74), 28.4% (21/74), and 4.1% (3/74), respectively, for cases and 72.6% (54/74), 26% (19/74) and 1.4% (1/74), respectively, for controls. PON1 L55M genotype distribution between Parkinson's disease cases and controls was not significant (P = 0.53). PON1 L55M polymorphism was not associated with PD after adjusting for confounders by binary regression analysis. There was no significant association between PON1 L55M polymorphism and PD. Larger population-based studies would be required from India before drawing any definite conclusions.

Increased oxidative stress in shoe industry workers with low-level exposure to a mixture of volatile organic compounds.

This study aimed to assess the redox status and trace metal levels in 49 shoe industry workers (11 men and 38 women) occupationally exposed to a mixture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which includes aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, esters, ethers, and carboxylic acids. All measured VOCs were below the permitted occupational exposure limits. The control group included 50 unexposed participants (25 men and 25 women). The following plasma parameters were analysed: superoxide anion (O2 •-), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), total oxidative status (TOS), prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), oxidative stress index (OSI), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and paraoxonase-1 (PON1) enzyme activity, total SH group content (SHG), and total antioxidant status (TAS). Trace metal levels (copper, zinc, iron, magnesium, and manganese) were analysed in whole blood. All oxidative stress and antioxidative defence parameters were higher in the exposed workers than controls, except for PON1 activity. Higher Fe, Mg, and Zn, and lower Cu were observed in the exposed vs control men, while the exposed women had higher Fe and lower Mg, Zn, and Cu than their controls. Our findings confirm that combined exposure to a mixture of VOCs, even at permitted levels, may result in additive or synergistic adverse health effects and related disorders. This raises concern about current risk assessments, which mainly rely on the effects of individual chemicals, and calls for risk assessment approaches that can explain combined exposure to multiple chemicals.

Oxidative stress in polycystic ovary syndrome: a case-control study.

To compare the serum levels of biochemical and oxidative stress markers i.e., malondialdehyde (MDA) and paraoxonase-1(PON1) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients and healthy female individuals of reproductive age group (18-40 years). This case-control study was conducted in Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), Karachi from June 2019 to October 2020. Seventy Subjects including 35 PCOS patients that have primary subfertility problem (cases) and 35 healthy and fertile females (controls) were recruited. Serum samples were collected for analysis of insulin, sex hormone-binding globulin, testosterone, fasting blood glucose and lipid profile. PON 1 and MDA levels were estimated by ELISA. Comparison between the two groups was done using independent t-test. The patients had significantly increased mean body mass index (28.5+4.6 kg/m2 vs 25.7+4.5 kg/m2, p=0.014), systolic (129.6±13.9 mm of Hg vs 113±7.7 mm of Hg, p<0.001) and diastolic (78.7±8.8 mm of Hg vs 74.6±6.7 mm of Hg, p=0.032) blood pressures compared to controls. The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly lower in PCOS (42.2±8.6mg/dl) than controls (48.8±11.8mg/dl, p=0.009, p=0.009). Serum insulin (14.3±5.8 uIU/mL) vs (10.0±5.2 uIU/mL), p=0.002 and testosterone levels (1.3±0.9 nmol/L) vs (0.82±0.3 nmol/L), p<0.001 were significantly higher whereas sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels (35.2±19.7nmol/L vs 58.8±31.0 nmol/L) were significantly lower in patients than healthy controls (p<0.001). Both oxidative stress markers, paraoxonase 1 (7.7±2.4 vs 6.4±2.6 μg/mL, p=0.04) and malondialdehyde (2.5±1.0 vs 1.9+0.51μg/mL, p=0.034) levels were significantly elevated in PCOS patients than controls. No significant correlation was found between dietary habits and life style between cases and controls. The study reported significantly elevated levels of oxidative stress markers in PCOS patients.

Relationship between pattern reversal visual evoked potential P100 wave latency and dysfunctional HDL in patients with multiple sclerosis subjected to an optic neuritis attack: A case-control study.

Optic neuritis frequently occurs during the clinical course of multiple sclerosis (MS). In this condition, demyelination of the optic nerve occurs, which electrophysiologically causes a delay in P100 wave latency. Sensitive cholesterol homeostasis is critical for the formation of the myelin sheath and for myelin to become functionally mature. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) becomes dysfunctional under oxidative stress and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of MS. In this study, HDL levels of MS patients suffering from optic neuritis were compared with those of healthy individuals, and the relationship between pattern reversal visual evoked potential (PRVEP) P100 wave latency and HDL levels in patients with optic neuritis attacks was analyzed. PRVEP studies were performed in patients with MS who had an episode of optic neuritis, and P100 wave latencies were measured. Peripheral blood samples were collected from healthy participants and patients. Lipid levels and myeloperoxidase (MPO) and paraoxonase (PON) activities were measured, and the MPO/PON ratio was then calculated. The lipid profiles and dysfunctional HDL levels in the healthy and patient groups were compared. Finally, the relationship between these parameters and the PRVEP-P100 wave latency was examined. Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were significantly higher in the patient group (P = .044; P = .038, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in HDL levels between groups (P = .659). The distribution of MPO values was similar between groups (P = .452). PON values were significantly lower, whereas the MPO/PON ratios were significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group (P = .025; P = .028, respectively). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the elevated MPO/PON ratio, representing dysfunctional HDL, and both the mean and maximum PRVEP-P100 wave latencies (P < .001, R = 0.690; P < .001, R = 0.815, respectively). A dysfunctional form of HDL may lead to poor deactivation of remyelination-limiting factors and may ultimately be associated with poor outcomes in optic neuritis.

Effects of Vaccinium myrtillus L. extract on TNF-α-induced inflammation human paraoxonases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is a leading cause of death worldwide, and is characterized by a range of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. The extract of Vaccinium myrtillus L. fruit has been found to have cardioprotective effect. Human paraoxonases (PON1, PON2, PON3) genes play an important role in protecting against the development of CVDs by acting as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.The present study aimed to investigate the chemical constituents and cardioprotective effects of V. myrtillus L. extract on TNF-α inflammation and oxidative stress in ECV-304 human endothelial cell line and the potential role of human paraoxonases in these effects. The results indicated that V. myrtillus L. extract has cardioprotective effects against inflammation and oxidative stress in ECV-304 cells, and these effects may be mediated through the upregulation of PON1, PON2, and PON3 genes. These findings suggest that V.myrtillus L. may have therapeutic potential for the prevention and treatment of CVDs.

Investigation of the effects of Terminalia chebula seed hydroalcoholic extract on Paraoxonase1 enzyme activity in rats

Background and aims: Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is related to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in serum and protects against low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Terminalia chebula on PON1 in hyperlipidemic rats and the molecular docking effects of some compounds of this medical plant on PON1 activity. Methods: Overall, 40 male rats (200–250 gr) were randomly divided into four groups, including the control group, the hyperlipid group, the hyperlipid group receiving 400 mg/kg of the hydroalcoholic extract of T. chebula seeds, and the hyperlipid group receiving 800 mg/kg of the hydroalcoholic extract of T. chebula seeds. The PON1 arylesterase activity in serum and the PON1 gene expression in the liver tissue underwent investigation. Then, the molecular docking effects of its compounds were studied on PON1 through in-silico studies using the AutoDock software (version 4.2.0). Results: T. chebula decreased (P&lt;0.001) the serum triglycerides from 105.88±10.15 mg/dL in the hyperlipidemic group to 66.88±14.90 and 74.25±9.51 mg/dL in hyperlipidemic groups receiving 400 and 800 mg/kg of the hydroalcoholic extract of T. chebula seeds, respectively. In addition, the PON1 serum aryl esterase activity increased from 202.12±6058 in hyperlipidemic rats to 224.34±58.74 (P=0.83) and 235.80±37.05 (P=0.6) in hyperlipidemic groups receiving 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg of the hydroalcoholic extract of T. chebula seeds, respectively. It also demonstrated a significant effect on PON1 gene expression (P&lt;0.001). In addition, the in-silico and docking results revealed that the main antioxidant compounds of T. chebula, such as catechin, kaempferol, and quercetin, could bind to the PON1 enzyme directly and influence the enzyme activity. Conclusion: T. chebula increased PON1 activity and PON1 gene expression. However, among the plant’s compounds, catechin, kaempferol, and quercetin played the most substantial role in the PON1 activity. It seems that these compounds can be useful as co-treatments in hyperlipidemia therapies.

Association of the polymorphism of the Pon-1 locus with the concentration of Paraoxonase-1 and post-thaw sperm viability in pig

The objective of the present work was to correlate the expression of the PON-1 locus polymorphism, the concentration of the enzyme paraoxonase 1 in seminal plasma and the effect on post-thawing sperm viability in the pig. Nine ejaculates from 3 boars were used, to obtain seminal plasma; part of the ejaculates was centrifuged at 800 g/10 min; the material obtained was stored at -20°C until use. To freeze the semen, the samples were diluted 1:1 in commercial diluent (Magapor®) at 37°C and the temperature was gradually lowered to 16°C. They were transported to the laboratory protected from light, and kept at the same temperature in the laboratory for 24 h. After this, they were frozen using the glycerolation technique and a portion was cryopreserved by adding 20% of seminal plasma to the conservation medium and another portion was made without seminal plasma. The concentration of PON-1 was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The functional status of the plasma membrane was evaluated by chlortetracycline staining. The amplification of a fragment of the PON-1 gene was carried out by PCR and the identification of allelic variability by the analysis of Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), with the enzymes HinfI and FokI, from a DNA sample of each individual. The results were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Spearman correlation, with the use of statistical software (Statistica V10 for Windows). In electrophoresis of enzymatic digestion with the enzyme HinfI All the expected fragments were obtained, with the FokI enzyme a mutation was observed in one individual. No correlation was observed (R=-0.1, P&gt;0.05) between the concentration of the paraoxonase-1 enzyme in seminal plasma and the observed mutations. As well as the concentration of the enzyme paraoxonase-1 in the ejaculates was 1.8 to 2.7 ng/mL and this had no statistically significant difference in the seminal plasma of the ejaculates analyzed (P&gt;0.05). As well as with sperm viability in thawed semen (P&gt;0.05).

Combination Therapy of Cuban Policosanol (Raydel®, 20 mg) and Intensive Exercise for 12 Weeks Resulted in Improvements in Obesity, Hypertension, and Dyslipidemia without a Decrease in Serum Coenzyme Q10: Enhancement of Lipoproteins Quality and Antioxidant Functionality in Obese Participants.

Obesity and overweight, frequently caused by a lack of exercise, are associated with many metabolic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Aerobic exercise effectively increases the high-density lipoproteins-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and alleviates the triglyceride (TG) levels. The consumption of Cuban policosanol (Raydel®) is also effective in enhancing the HDL-C quantity and HDL functionality to treat dyslipidemia and hypertension. On the other hand, no study has examined the effects of a combination of high-intensity exercise and policosanol consumption in obese subjects to improve metabolic disorders. In the current study, 17 obese subjects (average BMI 30.1 ± 1.1 kg/m2, eight male and nine female) were recruited to participate in a program combining exercise and policosanol (20 mg) consumption for 12 weeks. After completion, their BMI, waist circumference, total fat mass, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) reduced significantly up to around -15%, -13%, -33%, -11%, and -13%, respectively. In the serum lipid profile, at Week 12, a significant reduction was observed in the total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels, up to -17% and -54% from the baseline, respectively. The serum HDL-C was elevated by approximately +12% from the baseline, as well as the percentage of HDL-C in TC, and HDL-C/TC (%), was enhanced by up to +32% at Week 12. The serum coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) level was increased 1.2-fold from the baseline in all participants at Week 12. In particular, the male participants exhibited a 1.4-fold increase from the baseline. The larger rise in serum CoQ10 was correlated with the larger increase in the serum HDL-C (r = 0.621, p = 0.018). The hepatic function parameters were improved; the serum γ-glutamyl transferase decreased at Week 12 by up to -55% (p < 0.007), while the aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase levels diminished within the normal range. In the lipoprotein level, the extent of oxidation and glycation were reduced significantly with the reduction in TG content. The antioxidant abilities of HDL, such as paraoxonase (PON) and ferric ion reduction ability (FRA), were enhanced significantly by up to 1.8-fold and 1.6-fold at Week 12. The particle size and number of HDL were elevated up to +10% during the 12 weeks, with a remarkable decline in the TG content, glycation extent, and oxidation. The improvements in HDL quality and functionality were linked to the higher survivability of adult zebrafish and their embryos, under the co-presence of carboxymethyllysine (CML), a pro-inflammatory molecule known to cause acute death. In conclusion, 12 weeks of Cuban policosanol (Raydel®, 20 mg) consumption with high-intensity exercise displayed a significant improvement in blood pressure, body fat mass, blood lipid profile without liver damage, CoQ10 metabolism, and renal impairment.

Naringenin, Hesperidin and Quercetin Ameliorate Radiation-Induced Damage In Rats: In Vivo And In Silico Evaluations.

In this study, we sought to determine how well naringenin, hesperidin, and quercetin prevented damage brought on by radiotherapy. During the investigation, 48 adult female Sprague Dawley rats were used. Eight groups of eight rats each were formed by randomly assigning the rats to the groups. The normal control group was represented by Group 1. Group 2 rats were those that received a dose of 15 Gray (Gy) of radiotherapy. The rats assigned to Group 3 received only Naringenin, whereas those assigned to Group 4 received only quercetine, and those assigned to Group 5 received only hesperidin. Rats in Group 6, 7 and 8 were received naringenin, quarcetin and hesperidin at a dose of 50 mg/kg daily for one week prior to radiotheraphy exposition. After radiotheraphy and phenolic compounds rats were sacrificed and some metabolic enzyme (aldose reductase (AR), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), paraoxonase-1 (PON1), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and glutathione S-transferase (GST)) activity was determined in eye and brain tissues. It was found that phenolic compounds have protective effect against radiation-induced damage because of their anti-diabetic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, hesperidin was found to be superior to quercetin and naringenin in terms of enzyme activity efficacy. Furthermore, hesperidin exhibited favorable binding affinity for BChE in silico compared to other enzymes.

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy: predictors of the development of cognitive disorders and functional disability

Background. Predicting the individual risk of developing cognitive impairment and functional disability in everyday life among patients with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) will allow timely and adequate treatment to prevent dementia. Therefore, the study aimed to develop a mathematical model for predicting the risk of cognitive disorders and functional disability in patients with CTE based on the analysis of polymorphic variants of the ACE, AT2R1, eNOS, ePON1, IL-1β, IL-10, TNF-α genes, as well as cofactors (gender, age group, follow-up, presence/absence of somatic comorbidity). Materials and methods. We examined 145 individuals with CTE who were undergoing inpatient treatment in the Communal Non-Profit Enterprise “Ternopil Regional Clinical Psychoneurological Hospital” in 2021–2022 and were included in the retrospective analysis. The molecular and genetic testing was performed for 26 patients. The molecular and genetic differentiation of the studied polymorphic variants of genes was carried out in the molecular and genetic laboratory of the State Institution “Reference Centre for Molecular Diagnostics of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine” in Kyiv. Cognitive functions were studied using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), activities of daily living — with the Barthel index. Statistical analysis was done using Microsoft Excel and Statistica 13.0 computer software. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the likelihood of cognitive impairment and functional disability in patients with CTE. Results. When analyzing polymorphic variants of the ACE, AT2R1, eNOS, ePON1, IL-1β, IL-10, TNF-α genes, as well as such cofactors as gender, age group, follow-up, presence/absence of somatic comorbidity in the context of the development of cognitive disorders in patients with CTE, it has been found that the I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene has the most significant prognostic value (in the presence of the D/D genotype, the probability of cognitive impairment is 83.33 %). At the same time, patients with CTE who were carriers of the D allele of the ACE gene had a significant decrease in the MoCA score compared to the group of those who didn’t carry this allele. Regarding the development of functional disability in patients with CTE, the C108T polymorphism of the PON1 gene has the most significant prognostic value (in the presence of the T/T genotype, the risk of functional disability is 41.49 %, with significantly lower Barthel index compared to the C/C homozygotes). Conclusions. It was found that the I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene and the C108T polymorphism of the PON1 gene are likely associated with the development of cognitive impairment and functional disability in patients with CTE that indicates the feasibility of further studies involving a larger sample of patients.

The diversity and clinical implications of genetic variants influencing clopidogrel bioactivation and response in the Emirati population

BackgroundClopidogrel is a widely prescribed prodrug that requires activation via specific pharmacogenes to exert its anti-platelet function. Genetic variations in the genes encoding its transporter, metabolizing enzymes, and target receptor lead to variability in its activation and platelet inhibition and, consequently, its efficacy. This variability increases the risk of secondary cardiovascular events, and therefore, some variations have been utilized as genetic biomarkers when prescribing clopidogrel.MethodsOur study examined clopidogrel-related genes (CYP2C19, ABCB1, PON1, and P2Y12R) in a cohort of 298 healthy Emiratis individuals. The study used whole exome sequencing (WES) data to comprehensively analyze pertinent variations of these genes, including their minor allele frequencies, haplotype distribution, and their resulting phenotypes.ResultsOur data shows that approximately 37% (n = 119) of the cohort are likely to benefit from the use of alternative anti-platelet drugs due to their classification as intermediate or poor CYP2C19 metabolizers. Additionally, more than 50% of the studied cohort exhibited variants in ABCB1, PON1, and P2YR12 genes, potentially influencing clopidogrel’s transport, enzymatic clearance, and receptor performance.ConclusionsRecognizing these alleles and genotype frequencies may explain the clinical differences in medication response across different ethnicities and predict adverse events. Our findings underscore the need to consider genetic variations in prescribing clopidogrel, with potential implications for implementing personalized anti-platelet therapy among Emiratis based on their genetic profiles.

Determination of Paraoxonase 1 Activity and Phenotype Distribution in Cervical Disk Herniation Patients

Determination of Paraoxonase 1 Activity and Phenotype Distribution in Cervical Disk Herniation Patients&#x0D; &#x0D; Abstract&#x0D; Objectives: Cervical disk herniation (CDH) is a common disease that usually develops as a result of intervertebral disk degeneration (IVDD) or trauma, which can cause pain or neurological deficiency by nevre root or spinal cord compression. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) has antioxidant qualities, and its function may vary based on genetic variations and ethnic background. This study aims to compare PON1 activity and phenotype distribution in CDH patients and individuals without the condition.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This study involved 70 CDH patients and 70 individuals in good health. Spectrophotometric tests were conducted to measure the serum PON1 and arylesterase (ARE) activities. The PON1 ratio, which indicates the salt-stimulated PON/ARE level, showed a three-peak distribution. This ratio was utilized to determine the various phenotypes; QQ, QR, and RR for each participant.&#x0D; Results: The PON1 activity was lower in CDH patients compared to the healthy individuals (p &lt; 0.05). CDH patients exhibited a statistically significant QQ phenotype in comparison to the healthy participants (p &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Patients with CDH exhibited significantly reduced PON1 activity, indicating that low PON1 activity and the PON1 QQ phenotype could potentially be a risk factor for the development of CDH.&#x0D; Keywords: Cervical disk herniation, Paraoxonase, Phenotype, PON1