Prooxidant-antioxidant Balance Levels Research Articles

Effects of propolis supplementation on prooxidant-antioxidant balance, oxidative stress biomarkers, and body composition in obese patients with NAFLD: A double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial

Background: Oxidative stress is one of the main hits in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Propolis (PRP), a natural substance made by bees from plant extracts, has been reported to have antioxidant properties. The present clinical trial investigated the effect of Iranian PRP on prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), oxidative stress biomarkers, and body composition in obese patients with NAFLD. Methods: In the present double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial, 44 obese patients with NAFLD were randomly allocated to either Iranian PRP (1500 mg/d) or placebo (1500 mg/d) accompanied by a calorie-restricted diet (CRD) for eight weeks. PAB, oxidative stress biomarkers, and body composition were assessed at baseline and the end of the study. Results: There was a significant reduction in PAB levels over the trial in both groups. However, the between-group difference was not significant at the endpoint. At the end of the study, the inter-group comparison showed a significant decrease in serum glutathione peroxidase level in the placebo group compared to the PRP group after adjusting for confounding variables based on models 1 (P=0.027) and 2 (P=0.028). No significant within- or between-group differences in other studied oxidative stress biomarkers were found. Moreover, no between-group differences were observed for body composition and dietary intakes of energy and antioxidant micronutrients. Conclusion: Iranian PRP supplementation (1500 mg/d) for eight weeks could prevent the reduction of glutathione peroxidase levels compared to the control group. However, it could not affect other oxidative stress biomarkers, body composition, or dietary intakes of energy and antioxidant micronutrients.

Oxidative balance and mental health: Exploring the link between prooxidant-antioxidant balance and depression in hypertensive and normotensive individuals, accounting for sex differences

BackgroundExisting studies have suggested a link between oxidative stress levels and depression. Additionally, factors such as gender and conditions like hypertension have been shown to influence oxidative stress. This ten-year follow-up cohort study aims to examine the association between prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) and the onset of depression and its symptoms in both hypertensive and normotensive individuals, while considering gender differences. MethodsThe data for this study was obtained from the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorder (MASHAD) study, a cohort study conducted in eastern Iran. Serum PAB levels were measured in 1702 hypertensive and 4096 normotensive individuals aged 35 to 65 years. After ten years, the participants' depression status was evaluated using the Beck questionnaire, and depression symptoms were investigated using the BDI-II structural model, which includes somatic, affective, and cognitive symptoms. ResultThe analysis indicates that in hypertensive male participants, the highest tertile of PAB is associated with an increased risk of depression (β: 1.22, 95 % CI: −0.046, 2.485; P = 0.059) and symptoms of depression, including cognitive (β: 2.937, 95 % CI: 0.511, 5.362; P = 0.018) and somatic (β: 2.654, 95 % CI: 0.37, 4.939; P = 0.023) symptoms. However, there was no significant association between affective symptoms and PAB tertiles. Additionally, there was no significant link between depression and depressive symptoms in female hypertensive and normotensive individuals. ConclusionIn male hypertensive patients, but not in normotensive individuals of both genders and hypertensive women, depression and its associated symptoms, including somatic and cognitive symptoms, are associated with elevated levels of oxidative stress, as evidenced by higher serum PAB values. PAB is not associated with affective symptoms. Future studies should focus on the gender-specific nature of this relationship and work to clarify its underlying mechanisms.

Effects of Bosentan on Hypoxia, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Experimental Blunt Thoracic Trauma Model.

Background and Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of bosentan, an endothelin receptor antagonist, on endothelin-1 (ET-1), hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α as inflammation markers, pro-oxidant antioxidant balance (PAB), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels as oxidative stress parameters in lung tissues of rats in an experimental model of pulmonary contusion (PC) induced by blunt thoracic trauma. Materials and Methods: Thirty-seven male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups. C: The control group (n = 6) consisted of unprocessed and untreated rats. PC3 (n = 8) underwent 3 days of PC. PC-B3 (n = 8) received 100 mg/kg bosentan and was given orally once a day for 3 days. The PC7 group (n = 7) underwent 7 days of PC, and PC-B7 (n = 8) received 100 mg/kg bosentan and was given orally once a day for 7 days. Results: ET-1, NF-κB, TNF-α, HIF-1α, and PAB levels were higher, while TAC activity was lower in all groups compared with the control (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in ET-1 and TNF-α levels between the PC-B3 and PC-B7 groups and the control group (p < 0.05), while NF-κB, HIF-1α, and PAB levels were still higher in both the PC-B3 and PC-B7 groups than in the control group. Bosentan decreased ET-1, NF-κB, TNF-α, HIF-1α, and PAB and increased TAC levels in comparison to the nontreated groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Bosentan decreased the severity of oxidative stress in the lungs and reduced the inflammatory reaction in rats with PC induced by blunt thoracic trauma. This suggests that bosentan may have protective effects on lung injury mechanisms by reducing hypoxia, inflammation, and oxidative stress. If supported by similar studies, bosentan can be used in both pulmonary and emergency clinics to reduce ischemic complications, inflammation, and oxidative stress in some diseases that may be accompanied by ischemia.

The associations of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers with obesity in Iranian population: MASHAD cohort study

BackgroundLow-grade inflammation and stress oxidative condition play a role in the pathogenesis of obesity, and the serum levels of these markers, such as pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and uric acid may indicate obesity progression. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between obesity with PAB, hs-CRP, and uric acid in the Iranian population.MethodsThis study was derived from the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorder (MASHAD) study. A total of 7985 subjects aged 35 to 65 years were divided into three groups according to body mass index (BMI) as: normal, overweight and obese groups. Anthropometric indices and biochemical parameters such as PAB, superoxide dismutase type 1 (SOD1), hs-CRP, and uric acid were measured in all the participants. We evaluated the association of obesity with inflammatory factors by using multivariate regression analysis. Also, those participants with hypertension, an endocrine disorder, history of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus were excluded from the study.ResultsThere was a positive significant correlation between BMI and serum PAB, hs-CRP and uric acid (p < 0.001). While no statistically significant relation was observed between BMI and SOD1 (p = 0.85). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the risk of overweight and obesity increased 1.02 and 1.03-fold according to increase 10 units of PAB raise in comparison to reference group (normal weight) [(odds ratio (OR): 1.02, 95% CI (1.01–1.03)] and [OR: 1.03, 95% CI (1.01–1.04)], respectively). In addition, hs-CRP serum concentration was significantly associated with a high risk of obesity [(OR: 1.02; 95% CI (1.01–1.03)]. While the high levels of serum uric acid were associated with increased odds of overweight and obesity risk [OR: 1.4; CI (1.39–1.58) and OR: 1.76; CI (1.63–1.89), respectively].ConclusionsGenerally, we showed a significant association between BMI and serum PAB, hs-CRP values and uric acid levels, suggesting the role of these factors as risk stratification factors for obesity.

Association between Genetic Variants Linked to Premature Ovarian Insufficiency and Inflammatory Markers: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Premature menopause (PM) is the cessation of ovarian function before age 40. PM women are more likely to have cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, and mental disorders. This is the first study that assessed the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with anti-heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27), High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs- CRP), and PM and serum pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), as putative risk factors for CVDs. We aimed to explore the association of oxidative stress markers with eight different SNPs shown to be related to premature menopause. In this cross-sectional research, we included 183 healthy women and 117 premature menopausal women. We determined baseline characteristics for all participants and measured serum hs-CRP, anti-HSP-27 antibody titer, and PAB levels using the established methods. Genotyping for eight SNPs was done using the tetra amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (Tetra-ARMS PCR) and allele-specific oligonucleotide PCR (ASO-PCR) methods. We found a significant difference between mean serum PAB levels and the genetic variant of rs16991615 (P=0.03). ANCOVA showed a significant effect of the genotypes rs4806660 and rs10183486 on hs-CRP serum levels in the case and control groups, respectively (P=0.04 and P=0.007). ANCOVA also showed an association between rs244715 genotypes and anti-hsp27 serum levels in the case group (P=0.02). There was a significant effect of the genotypes of rs451417 on the serum hs-CRP level in the control group (P=0.03). There was a significant association of the genetic variants related to PM with oxidative stress and inflammatory markers (serum PAB, anti-hsp27 antibody, and hs-CRP). Accordingly, this seems to be an effective approach to predicting susceptible subjects for cardiovascular and mental disorders as well as various cancers.

Pro-Oxidant/ Antioxidant Balance Correlates with Red Blood Cell Indices and Anemia Severity in the Anemic Patients.

The oxidant/ antioxidant balance is disrupted in anemia. Antioxidant capacity depends on antioxidant enzyme activity and some trace elements. This study aimed to evaluate oxidant/ antioxidant status and its correlation with red blood cell indices and anemia severity in anemic patients. Blood samples were taken from 90 anemic patients and 95 healthy people. Circulatory miR-122 was assayed by real-time PCR. Malondialdehyde (MDA), pro-oxidant/ antioxidant balance (PAB), supper oxide demitasse (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPxs) activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and zinc were measured by colorimetric method. Selenium was also determined using atomic absorption. Selenium and zinc decreased significantly in the case group (**P=0.004 and ***P=0.000). The amount of miR-122 up-regulated in the anemia (**P=0.003). MDA was significantly raised in the case vs control (***P=0.0002). PAB was higher in the case group (**P=0.005). SOD and GPxs activity was decreased along with TAC in anemic patients (*P=0.02, **P=0.008, *P=0.038). Zinc and PAB levels correlated with some red blood cell indices. PAB was associated with anemia severity. Increased PAB and decreased zinc/selenium increased oxidant levels in anemic patients. RBC indices and anemia severity were correlated with oxidant/ antioxidant somewhere.

A Survey on Diagnosis and Prognosis of Prenatal Asphyxia based on Antioxidant Oxidant Balance: Evidence from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The mechanism of occurrence and complications of asphyxia change in the treatment process and the future prognosis of newborns. One of the discussed mechanisms is the disruption of oxidants to anti-oxidants balance. Therefore, the current study was conducted aiming to systematically review and conduct a meta-analysis on the diagnosis and prognosis of prenatal asphyxia based on oxidant-antioxidant balance. A comprehensive electronic search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, up to February 2023 to identify relevant studies examining the association between Prooxidant anti-oxidant balance (PAB) and Malondialdehyde 1 levels with the risk of prenatal asphyxia. Only English studies were incorporated. The search terms used included Asphyxia, Diagnosis, Prognosis, Newborns, Prenatal, Oxidant antioxidant balance, and oxidative stress. A total of 13 studies were retrieved. Data regarding the standard mean difference (SMD) were collected, and a pooled SMD with 95%CI was calculated using a random-effect model to determine the strength of the relationship. Furthermore, the risk of publication bias was assessed through funnel plot and Egger's linear regression tests. Inclusion criteria was 1) The studies conducted on neonates, diagnosis and outcomes of prenatal asphyxia, oxidants and antioxidants were included. Research conducted on adults or on animals or review articles, and articles in which only their abstracts were available were excluded. The quality of the reported studies was also assessed. Out of 980 searched articles, 13 articles (10 prospective articles and 3 cross-sectional articles) were studied. An increase in antioxidant enzymes (Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT) and Plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD)) cannot be dealt with excessive oxidants produced in the body (Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA), free radical products (F8-isoprostane and MDA), saturated fatty acids and % CoQ-10). Prooxidant anti-oxidant balance (PAB) levels among neonates who had asphyxia were announced to be two times higher than normal newborns. PAB values in neonates with asphyxia, who had adverse prognosis, were about three times higher than those with favorable prognosis. The sensitivity of PAB in predicting the prognosis of neonates with asphyxia was reported 83- 89% and its specificity was 71- 92%. The pooled SMD analysis revealed a significant association between PAB and MDA levels with the risk of prenatal asphyxia both overall (SMD = 1.447, 95%CI: 0.961-1.934, P < 0.001), as well as separately in subgroups of PAB (SMD = 1.134, 95%CI: 0.623-1.644, P < 0.001) and MDA (SMD = 1.910, 95%CI: 0.916-2.903, P < 0.001). Our meta-analysis findings revealed the potential of evaluating antioxidant enzymes and oxidant agents, as well as assessing the balance between them (PAB), in diagnosing and predicting the prognosis of neonatal asphyxia. The limitations of the present study included not having access to all related complete articles, lack of quality and usability in reports of some articles, and the different diagnostic methods of prenatal asphyxia in different studies.

Effect of captopril on paraplegia caused by spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

This study investigated the effect of captopril (Cap) on spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury (SCII) in rats. Twenty-four adults male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of six animals each: spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion (SCI-R) with Cap (SCI-R + Cap), SCI-R, sham-operated with Cap (SHAM + Cap), and SHAM. The 24 hr and 90 min before ischemia induction, Cap was administered intragastrically (100 mg kg-1) to the SHAM + Cap and SCI-R + Cap groups. Abdominal aortic clamping was performed in the SCI-R and SCI-R + Cap groups for 40 min. Hindlimb motor function was evaluated using the Tarlov Scale at 4, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 60 hr after SCII. The malondialdehyde (MDA), the ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) values were also measured. Throughout the study period, the SCI-R group had significantly lower motor function scores compared to the other groups. The MDA and PAB levels were higher and the FRAP value was lower in the SCI-R group compared to in the SHAM group. The SCI-R + Cap had higher motor function scores compared to the SCI-R group at all time points. There were no significant differences in MDA concentration, FRAP and PAB values between the SCI-R + Cap and SCI-R groups. Captopril may act as a protective agent against SCII in rats based on hind limb motor function assessment.

The association of pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance and blood parameters in patients with beta-thalassemia major: a cross-sectional study.

Oxidative stress due to iron accumulation in patients with beta-thalassemia major (BTM) causes complications such as tissue damage and destruction. This study aimed to assess the association between the serum prooxidant/antioxidant balance (PAB) and blood parameters in patients with BTM. This cross-sectional study included 92 patients with BTM. In this study, PAB was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum ferritin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), complete blood cell count (CBC), and history of blood transfusion were recorded. The association of the blood parameters was assessed across the tertiles (T) of serum PAB (highest T vs. lowest T). The results showed that high serum ferritin was directly associated with serum PAB [odds ratio (OR), 12.80; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.98‒54.91; T3 vs. T1]. Also, direct associations were found for high TC (OR, 4.97; 95% CI, 1.42‒17.32; T3 vs. T1), high ALT (OR, 4.95; 95% CI, 1.33‒18.46; T3 vs. T1) and high TSH (OR, 3.78; 95% CI, 1.10‒13.02; T3 vs. T1). The findings of the present study showed that serum PAB levels were directly associated with ferritin, ALT, TC, and TSH levels. This indicates that improvements in blood parameters, especially ferritin and TSH levels, occur by ameliorating oxidative stress in patients with BTM.

HIF-1α gene/protein and oxidative stress in patients with colorectal cancer: A pilot study

BackgroundSeveral risk factors such as may enhance the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). These include hypoxia and oxidative stress. We investigated serum pro-oxidant antioxidant balance (PAB) and HIF-1α Gene/protein levels in CRC patients over 3 months. MethodFifty newly diagnosed cases of CRC and 50 healthy individuals were recruited. Tumor sections and marginal healthy tissue, for use as control tissue, were obtained on the day of surgery and HIF-1α mRNA gene expression was determined using Real-Time PCR. Blood from each patient was collected to measure serum PAB using a colorimetric assay, and serum HIF-1α protein concentrations were measured using ELISA method in the patient group before, 24 h after surgery, at the time of discharge, one month, and three months after surgery. The control group samples were obtained on the day of a routine check-up. ResultsThe expression of the HIF-1α gene in the tumor tissue was 7.31 times greater than in healthy tissue margins (p < 0.001) and the level of expression was significantly higher in men than woman (p = 0.006). The mean serum of HIF-1α protein levels and PAB values in patients significantly decreased after surgery up until 3 months (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001; respectively), and were not significantly different between the two genders during follow up (p > 0.05). ConclusionHIF-1α gene expression was significantly higher in tumor tissue than normal marginal tissue and serum HIF-1α protein and PAB levels in patients with CRC were higher preoperatively than the control subjects, and decreased over the 3 months of follow-up.

Evaluation of the effect of crocin on prevention of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting or heart valve replacement: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of crocin on the prevention of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and heart valve replacement. 100 patients who were scheduled for CABG or heart valve replacement surgeries were randomly assigned into two groups of treatment and placebo. In the treatment group, patients received crocin tablets from three days prior to surgery and on the first three postoperative days (for a total of six days). During the first three days after surgery, postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) was assessed by electrocardiogram monitoring. Prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) and c-reactive protein (CRP) levels were also assessed. POAF developed in 7 patients in the treatment group versus 18 patients in the control (p=0.02). PAB levels were significantly lower in the crocin group (p<0.001), while differences in CRP levels were insignificant (p=0.39). It seems that prophylactic use of crocin is effective in reducing the incidence of POAF in patients undergoing heart surgeries.

Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Patients with Diabetic Foot.

Background and Objectives: Diabetic foot (DF) development is driven by complex interactions of hyperglycemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress (OS). We aimed to investigate OS and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with DF and their potential to improve early diagnosis and management of DF. Materials and Methods: The prooxidant−antioxidant balance (PAB), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total oxidative status (TOS), total sulfhydryl groups (SHG), routine biochemical parameters, and complete blood count were determined in 42 patients with type-2 DM, of which 23 patients had DF, while 19 patients were without DF complications. The neutrophils-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was evaluated as a biomarker of inflammation. Results: Patients with DF had significantly higher (p < 0.05) PAB levels (170 ± 33.9 U/L) compared to those without DF complications (142 ± 31.3 U/L). In addition, patients with DF had significantly reduced SOD activities (p < 0.01). NLR values were significantly higher in the DF group (median: 2.8; interquartile range: 2.0−4.3) than in the group without DF (median: 1.4; interquartile range: 1.4−2.1; p < 0.01). A positive correlation was found between the PAB and NLR index (r = 0.449; p < 0.05). The diagnostic accuracy of both PAB (AUC = 0.741; p < 0.01) and NLR (AUC = 0.760; p < 0.01) was estimated as acceptable. Conclusions: In conclusion, the development of DF is associated with enhanced OS and inflammation processes. PAB and NLR could be useful non-invasive biomarkers of DF development.

Serum pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance in term versus preterm neonates.

The oxidant/antioxidant status balance is a process that begins before birth and premature infants are particularly susceptible to oxidative stress. According to the mechanisms of oxidative stress and lack of study in this field, in this prospective study, we aimed to compare the levels of serum pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance (PAB) in preterm versus term babies. This was a prospective cross-sectional study that was performed in Ghaem hospital, a university tertiary hospital, in Mashhad, Iran. The study population included all term and preterm neonates who were admitted to the hospital within birth time. In our study, 324 neonates were included. One hundred ninety-eight neonates were preterm (61.1%) and others were term (38.9%). There was a significant difference between PAB levels in term and preterm neonates. Serum PAB level was significantly lower in preterm neonates rather than in term neonates (21.86 ± 21.01 vs 50.33 ± 31.69; P = .001). There was also a significant negative correlation between PAB levels and gestational age. According to previous investigations, we showed for the first time in our study that PAB is lower in preterm newborns rather than in term ones.

The effects of consuming a low-fat yogurt fortified with nano encapsulated vitamin D on serum pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) in adults with metabolic syndrome; a randomized control trial

Background and aimThe current study aimed to assess the effect of fortified yogurt with nano-encapsulated vitamin D on serum pro-oxidant anti-oxidant balance (PAB) in adults with or without metabolic syndrome. MethodsIn a quadruple blind clinical trial study, 139 adults with an age range of 30–50 years were randomly selected to receive either 1500 IU nano-encapsulated vitamin D fortified yogurt or placebo for ten weeks. Before and after the intervention period, blood sample was taken to determine the serum levels of vitamin D, pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). The laboratory tests were checked at baseline and at the end of the treatment. ResultsSerum vitamin D increased significantly, from 14.47 ± 6.07 ng/mL to 21.39 ± 6.54 ng/mL (P < 0.001) after ten weeks in the intervention group. Serum hs-CRP and PAB were significantly lower following consumption period in intervention group [1.95(0.4–8.15) g/dL vs. 1.35(0.25–3.62) g/dL; P = 0.013] and (135.19 ± 42.4 HK vs. 115.39 ± 44.69) HK; P = 0.018] respectively. There were no significant differences between the intervention and control groups regarding weight and BMI at the end of the intervention period (p > 0.05). ConclusionLow-fat yogurt fortified with nano-encapsulated vitamin D was found to reduce serum PAB levels in adults with metabolic syndrome. Practical applicationThe findings of the present study indicated that a low-fat yogurt fortified with 1500 IU nano-encapsulated vitamin D for ten weeks, leads to a significant reduction in serum hs-CRP and PAB concentrations highlighted the anti-inflammatory/anti-oxidative effect of vitamin D.

Impact of adiponectin and quercetin on alleviating palmitic acid-induced kidney cell damage through Keap1/Nrf2 pathway

High concentrations of palmitic acid (PA) develop oxidative stress, leading to kidney cell damage; therefore, this study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of adiponectin and quercetin for preventing kidney cell damage.To this end, HEK-293 cells were exposed to high and low concentrations of PA with and without adiponectin (10,100 ng/ml) and quercetin (10, 25 μM). The MTT assay was carried out to measure cell survival, and the real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to examine the expressions of Keap1and Nrf2 genes. The prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) value was computed using the colorimetric method. To analyze the achieved data, a one-way ANOVA was run in the SPSS software (version 19).The analysis of gene expression revealed that the expressions of Nrf2 and Keap1 genes in the PA-treated cells significantly changed compared to those in the control cells (p < 0.05). Quercetin and adiponectin significantly reduced the relative expression of the keap1 genes and improved PAB levels in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05).Based on these results, it can be concluded that an effective strategy for decreasing fatty acid complications in kidney cells is to activate the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway using adiponectin and quercetin and improve oxidative stress status.

Antioxidant Effects of Resistance Training with Pumpkin Seed Extract Consumption in Heart Tissue of Rats Exposed to H2O2-induced Oxidative Damage

Background: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are small, unstable, highly reactive molecules that can oxidize proteins, lipids, and DNA. It has been shown that ROS levels increase with aging, leading to loss of muscle mass and heart damage as well as muscle diseases such as muscular dystrophy. However, proper exercise and antioxidant consumption like pumpkin seed (PS) can have protective effects against oxidative stress. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant effects of resistance training (RT) and PS extract consumption in the rat’s heart tissue exposed to H2O2-induced oxidative damage. Methods: Forty-two male Wistar rats were selected and divided into seven groups of six subjects, including (1) control (C); (2) treatment control (TC); (3) RT; (4) 1 g/kg PS (1PS); (5) 2 g/kg PS (2PS); (6) RT + 1PS; and (7) RT + 2PS. The groups 2 to 7 received 1 mg/kg of H2O2 peritoneally for eight weeks; groups 4, 5, 6, and 7 received ethanolic extract of PS at given doses by gavage; the groups 3, 6, and 7 performed RT (the initial weight selected was 50% of the rats’ body weight, which gradually increased by the end of the eight-week period and increased by 100% in the final week) three days per week. Forty-eight hours after the last RT and PS administration the rats were sacrificed, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) levels were measured in the heart tissue. Results: H2O2-induced oxidative damage significantly reduced ATP and GSH as well as increased MDA and PAB levels (P = 0.001); RT significantly increased GSH and decreased MDA and PAB levels (P = 0.001); 1PS and 2PS significantly increased GSH and decreased PAB levels (P = 0.001); RT + 1PS and RT + 2PS significantly increased ATP and GSH as well as decreased PAB levels (P = 0.001) also RT + 2PS had more effect on ATP increase and MDA decrease and PAB compared with RT, 1PS, 2PS, and RT + 1PS (P = 0.001). Conclusions: It seems that RT simultaneously with PS administration compared with RT and PS alone have more protective effects in the heart tissue of rats exposed to H2O2-induced oxidative damage; also, effects of PS consumption are dose-dependent.

Aerobic training and hydroalcoholic extracts of green tea improve pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance and histopathological score in the N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced prostate cancer model of rat.

Green tea is a main resource for catechins. Catechins as antioxidant compounds reduce the production of reactive oxygen species and they have a protective role in the development of cancer. As well as, aerobic exercise change free radicals with two contradictory mechanisms. Aerobic training promotes excessive production of free radicals resulting in oxidative stress. In contrast, it increases the total antioxidant capacity. In this study, effect of aerobic training and hydroalcoholic extract of green tea (HEGT) on the pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and histopathological score of cancerous tissue in the N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced prostate cancer was investigated. A rat model of prostate cancer was induced by hormonal change and N-Nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU). HEGT 0.1 % and 45 min of aerobic exercise in 5 days a week for eight weeks were scheduled. The presence of major catechins was approved using GC-MS. Histological study, PAB and PSA levels were used to monitor the preventive role of treatments. The prostate weights of cancerous rats were significantly higher than healthy controls (P<0.05). The PAB was only significantly higher in cancerous rats and cancerous rats receiving aerobic exercise (P<0.05). The mean of histological score of cancerous tissue was reduced in rat receiving HEGT and both HEGT and aerobic exercise. The amounts of PSA level did not significantly differ between the groups of this study (P>0.05). Our results provided laboratory and histological documentation for the preventive role of green tea extract in developing prostate cancer via its potential to re-establish the pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance.

Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factor in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) is involved in atherosclerosis progression. We investigated association between plasma HB-EGF levels and lipid, oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Levels of HB-EGF, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL), metabolic control and serum lipid parameters and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity were determined in 74 patients and 40 controls. In comparison to controls, patients had significantly higher levels (p < 0.01) of HB-EGF, hsCRP, PAB and oxLDL particles (p < 0.001), but lower levels of TAS and PON1 activity. In T1DM group, HB-EFG levels were positively associated with hsCRP, PAB and oxLDL levels. hsCRP and oxLDL levels were independent predictors of HB-EGF concentration. We demonstrated that oxidative modifications of LDL particles and low-grade inflammation are main determinants of increased plasma HB-EGF levels, which indicates an interactive role of oxidative stress, dyslipidemia and inflammation.

Resistin and prooxidant-antioxidant balance: Markers to discriminate acute coronary syndrome from stable angina.

BACKGROUNDResistin and oxidative stress may play a role in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease (CHD) including acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The aim of this study was to investigate the role of serum resistin and prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) in ACS occurrence in order to differentiate it from stable angina. Moreover, we aimed to determine the correlation between resistin and PAB in patients with ACS and its difference from patients with stable CHD.METHODSThis cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted on 50 patients with ACS and 50 patients with stable CHD who underwent coronary angiography (CAG). Serum resistin level was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). PAB and other variables were analyzed using standard methods.RESULTSA significant increase in serum resistin and PAB was observed in patients with ACS (2.55 ± 0.13 ng/ml and 123.5 ± 5.58 HK unit, respectively) compared to patients with stable CHD (1.53 ± 0.12 ng/ml and 95.9 ± 2.7 HK unit, respectively) (P < 0.001). In addition, a significant positive correlation was seen between serum resistin and PAB in patients with ACS (r = 0.39; P = 0.005), but this correlation was not found in patients with stable CHD (r = 0.21; P = 0.140). Resistin (r = 0.52; P < 0.001) and PAB (r = 0.55; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in patients with ACS, but this association was not found in patients with stable CHD (resistin: r = 0.24; P = 0.090; PAB: r = -0.02: P = 0.910).CONCLUSIONHigh serum resistin or PAB levels, and their association with the occurrence of ACS, can be used as a robust discriminating factor to differentiate ACS from stable CHD.

Prognostic Factors Associating with Pro-oxidant-antioxidant Balance; Neutrophils to Lymphocytes Ratio, Vitamin D, Heat Shock Protein 27, and Red Cell Distribution Width

Several chronic diseases are mediated by oxidative stress. Oxidative stress affects cell morphology and function and is associated with alterations in the serum protein component. In the current study, we analyzed four individual prognostic factors associating with serum Pro-Oxidant-Antioxidant Balance (PAB): neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), Vitamin D, anti-heat shock protein 27 (anti-hsp27) antibody titer, and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) to evaluate them as the potential prognostic markers. In the current study, we attempted to investigate the relationship between serum PAB, RDW, NLR, serum vitamin D and anti-hsp27 concentration. A total of 852 participants (438 males and 414 females) aged 47.64±7.77years were recruited in a cross-sectional study based on the Mashhad stroke and heart atherosclerotic disorders (MASHAD) cohort study data. Hematological parameters, and vitamin D, PAB and anti-hsp27 antibody titers were measured using the Sysmex auto analyzer system and enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The results showed a significant correlation between Vitamin D and anti-hsp27 antibody titers (r=-0.13 and p <0.001) as well as between RDW and serum PAB (r=0.120 and p <0.001). Moreover, we found that serum PAB was positively associated with serum anti hsp27 antibody titers. The results showed increasing 1 unit of serum vitamin D can cause 3% decreases in anti hsp 27 values (OR=0.97; CI 95% (0.96-0.99); p=0.004). While this association was not significant for RDW, NLR and PAB (p >0.05) we found a significant association between serum PAB and serum anti hsp-27 antibody titers. Subjects with PAB levels 36.31-82.63 had a higher risk (1.83 fold) of having an increased anti-hsp27 antibody titers in comparison to the reference group (PAB level <36.31) (OR=1.83 (95% CI=1.33-2.52), p <0.001). The present study shows that serum vitamin D can be associated with reduction in inflammatory status probably by decreasing levels of serum anti-hsp27 antibody titers, reduction in oxidative stress and therefore may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Anti-hsp27 antibody titers are associated with oxidative stress through the serum PAB, therefore these factors may be of prognostic values in detecting oxidative stress and risk of atherosclerosis. The evaluation of these factors in a larger population may help further confirm these findings.