Prooxidant-antioxidant Balance Research Articles

Association between serum uric acid, high sensitive C-reactive protein and pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance in patients with metabolic syndrome.

There is persuasive evidence that oxidative stress and inflammation are features of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). We have investigated the relationship between serum pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), serum uric acid, and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in 7,208 participants from the MASHAD study cohort, who were categorized as having MetS, or not, using International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) criteria. Serum hs-CRP was measured by Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-enhanced immunoturbidimetry method using an Alycon analyzer (ABBOTT, Chicago, IL, USA). A colorimetric method was used to determine serum PAB. Serum PAB values were significantly higher in the individuals with MetS compared to those without (P < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a step-wise increase in mean serum PAB concentrations as the number of components of the MetS increased. The combination of features of MetS had different association with serum PAB and hs-CRP. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that body mass index (BMI, B = 2.04, P < 0.001), physical activity level (PAL, B = 18.728, P = 0.001), serum uric acid (B = -1.545, P = 0.003), and serum C-reactive protein (B = 0.663, P < 0.001) were associated with serum PAB in individuals with MetS. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that serum PAB (B = 0.002, P < 0.001, CI = 1.001-1.003), serum C-reactive protein (B = 0.007, P < 0.015, CI = 1.001-1.013), and serum uric acid (B = 0.207, P < 0.001, CI = 1.186-1.277) were all significantly associated with MetS. Serum PAB was strongly associated with serum uric acid and serum hs-CRP. Moreover, serum PAB as well as serum uric acid and serum hs-CRP were independently associated with MetS. Individual features of MetS were also associated with serum hs-CRP and PAB. © 2018 BioFactors, 44(3):263-271, 2018.

Prooxidant-Antioxidant Balance and Antioxidant Properties of Thuja orientalis L: A Potential Therapeutic Approach for Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major health problem with an increasing global prevalence. It is usually associated with an imbalance between pro-oxidant mechanisms and antioxidant defenses, contributing to oxidative-stress, and this leads to an increased susceptibility to endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, insulin-resistance and impaired-pancreatic β-cell function. We have assessed the Prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) and anti-hemolytic effect of Thuja orientalis L using the PAB assay and the analysis of hematological markers. The antioxidant and anti-hemolytic activity of Thuja orientalis was evaluated using the PAB assay and the inhibition of RBC hemolysis using the hydrogen peroxide hemolysis test. The percentage of anti-hemolysis was calculated from the ratio of the measurements (A-B)/B×100. Our results showed that the antioxidant effect of Thuja orientalis L. was greater in water than in ethyl-acetate, ethanol and methanol extract, respectively. We also observed its anti-hemolytic effect, which was higher in water, than in ethyl-acetate, methanol and ethanol extract, respectively. In particular our data showed that the H2O2-induced RBC hemolysis was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. we demonstrated the antioxidant and anti-hemolytic effect of Thuja orientalis L. extracts in human serum and RBC, showing its potential property of reducing free radicals supporting further investigations to assess its functional role in larger samples size and in vivo models, as a potential antioxidant agent.

Effect of Drinking Ration with Reduced Deuterium Content on Brain Tissue Prooxidant-Antioxidant Balance in Rats with Acute Hypoxia Model

The aim was to investigate prooxidant-antioxidant system in the blood and brain homogenates functional activity in rats with acute hypoxia model with different deuterium/protium (D/H) ratios in drinking diet. Studies have shown that consuming DDW (–665 ‰) within 8 weeks lead to deuterium concentration decrease in blood plasma at 317 ‰ and brain at 209 ‰ of rats, in comparison to control group, consuming natural water. DDW consumption before hypoxia modeling in rats improves antioxidant defense enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase) activity in the blood, increasing its antioxidant potential by 20 %, while free radical oxidation intensity in plasma and biomolecules peroxide modification rate in erythrocytes. Also, in brain tissues consuming DDW, there were no abnormalities in catalase, superoxide dismutase activity, and it was noted increase (by 71 %) in reduced thiol-containing compounds concentration, which reduces nerve hypoxi? cell damage risk. Neuroprotective effect presence is confirmed by higher (by 32 %) antioxidant activity markers of lyophilized brain tissues, and by free radical oxidation lower intensity (by 13 %) and biomolecules oxidative modification rate (by 16 %) in these lyophilized tissues. Thus, the advisability of using DDW neuroprotective effects in cerebral circulation disturbance in experimental and clinical practice.

The effect of exchange transfusion on prooxidant-antioxidant balance in newborns Jaundice

Introduction: Newborns have a limited amount of antioxidant protection. Exchange transfusion may affect Prooxidant-Antioxidant Balance (PAB). The present study is conducted to investigate the effect of the exchange transfusion on PAB in newborn jaundice.&#x0D; Methods: The present study is based on a clinical trial which is conducted at Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad, Iran during 2015-2016 that involved sampling on 22 jaundiced newborns (high bilirubin of 17 mg/dL) over a course of 35 weeks. Data collection for the study questionnaire included maternal blood group, neonatal characteristics (age, sex, weight, gestational age, Apgar score, etc.), and laboratory assessment (bilirubin, hematocrit, direct and indirect Coombs testing, reticulocytes, Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), thyroxine (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and PAB). The amount of PAB and serum total bilirubin (STB) of newborns before, after and 6 hours after the exchange transfusion were investigated. Data analysis was performed via statistical tests (paired t-test) using SPSS version 19.&#x0D; Results: The average bilirubin before the exchange transfusion was 22.02±5.80 mg/dL, after the exchange transfusion was 11.56±3.95 mg/dL, and at 6 hours after the exchange transfusion was 14.99±4.20 mg/dL. The average PAB before the exchange transfusion was 19.06±11.91 HK units, after the exchange transfusion was 29.40±17.70 HK, and at 6 hours after the exchange transfusion was 40.82±18.79 HK.&#x0D; Conclusion: The results of the study show that the Prooxidant-Antioxidant balance in the exchange transfusion changes in favor of prooxidants and also intensifies even up to 6 hours after the exchange transfusion.

Down-regulation of CatSper 1 and CatSper 2 genes by lead and mercury

In the study of the expression of CatSper genes, consideration of the effects of environmental metal toxicity is very important. Therefore, in this study, the effects of lead acetate and mercury chloride exposure on expression of CatSper genes, sperm parameters, histology of testis and prooxidant antioxidant balance (PAB) values of serum were investigated.A total of 28 mice was divided into four groups. The control group did not receive injections. The sham group received normal saline intraperitoneally. Lead and mercury groups were injected 60 and 1.25 mg/kg/daily lead acetate and mercury chloride respectively intraperitoneally for 2 weeks. After 35 days, the sperm analysis and histology of left testis were performed. In addition, serum was obtained to measure the PAB values. The right testis was used for molecular analysis of real-time PCR.Administration with either lead acetate or mercury caused significant damage to the seminiferous tubules as well as a reduction in sperm parameters compared to the control group. The relative expression of CatSper 1 and CatSper 2 in the lead group was lower than that of the control group (−0.01 ± 0.24, −0.007 ± 0.52 vs. 1 ± 0.50, P = 0.34). The relative expression of CatSper 1 and CatSper 2 was significantly lower in the mercury group compared to the control ones (−0.24 ± 2.28, −4.49 ± 4.86 vs. 1 ± 0.50, P = 0.21). PAB values significantly increased in lead or mercury exposed- mice compared to the control ones (0.93 ± 0.17, 1.54 ± 0.17 vs. 0.51 ± 0.11; P ≤ 0.000).The results of this study showed that administration with either lead acetate or mercury chloride caused degenerative damage in seminiferous tubules and reduction in sperm quality and expression of CatSper 1, 2 genes in mice. Therefore, it is possible in infertile men who have had exposure to lead acetate or mercury chloride. Owing to structural similarities, these metals are substitutes for calcium ions and have effects on calcium channels. These cause immobility in sperm by blocking CatSper-specific calcium channels. However, more studies are required to elucidate the mechanism underlying the impact of different doses of heavy metals on CatSper genes expression.

Evaluation of a Summary Score for Dyslipidemia, Oxidative Stress and Inflammation (The Doi Score) in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Its Relationship with Obesity

SummaryBackground: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a cardiometabolic disorder whose features include dyslipidemia, increased oxidative stress (OS, oxy) and chronic inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of a summary score for dyslipidemia, OS and inflammation (the DOI score) to discriminate PCOS patients from healthy individuals and to evaluate the effect of obesity on individual scores and the DOI score in patients. Methods: Lipid status parameters, OS status parameters (advanced oxidation protein products; total oxidative status; prooxidant-antioxidant balance; malondialdehyde; total protein sulphydryl groups and paraoxonase 1 activity) and CRP were measured in 114 patients and 50 controls using standardised assays. The DOI score was calculated as the sum of dyslipidemia, oxy and inflammation scores, determined as Z-score values for every subject in relation to the controls. Results: PCOS patients had significantly higher oxy-score compared to controls (P&lt;0.001). In addition, the DOI score was significantly higher in PCOS patients (P&lt;0.001) as the dyslipidemia (P&lt;0.05) and inflammatory scores (P&lt;0.001) were greater. According to ROC analysis, the oxy-score showed better diagnostic accuracy in discriminating PCOS patients compared to the DOI score (AUC&gt;0.9, P&lt;0.01). Furthermore, obesity affected the risk scores in patients, especially the DOI score (significantly higher DOI scores in such patients, P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: PCOS patients had greater dyslipidemia, chronic inflammation and OS compared to controls and could be segregated using all four scores. Our data suggest that weight gain could be the common factor responsible for induction and propagation of dyslipidemia, OS and inflammation in PCOS patients.

N-Acetylcysteine supplementation decreased brain lipid and protein oxidations produced by experimental homocysteine thiolactone exposure: Relevance to neurodegeneration

High levels of homocysteine (Hcy) have neurotoxic effects. Homocysteine thiolactone (HcyT), a thioester of Hcy, plays a role in Hcy-induced toxicity. In this study, effects of HcyT treatment (500 mg/kg body weight/day in drinking water) for 6 weeks on serum Hcy levels and brain prooxidant-antioxidant balance were investigated in rats. The effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment (1 g/kg body weight/day in chow) for 6 weeks on HcyT-induced neurotoxicity was evaluated. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), diene conjugate (DC), protein carbonyl (PC) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) were determined in the brain tissue. Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and non-protein sulfydryl groups (NPSH) levels as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were also measured to evaluate the antioxidant potential of brain the tissue. HcyT elevated serum Hcy levels and brain ROS, TBARS, DC, PC and AOPP levels. However, HcyT did not affect FRAP levels and SOD, and GSH-Px activities. NAC treatment decreased serum Hcy and brain ROS, TBARS, DC, PC and AOPP levels in HCyT-treated rats. Our results indicate that NAC supplementation may be effective in decreasing serum Hcy levels and HcyT-induced oxidative stress in brain of rats.

Acute sleep deprivation induces cardioprotection against ischemia/ reperfusion injury through reducing inflammatory responses: the role of central GABA-A receptors.

Sleep is considered as a physiological regulator in the body. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter that modulates sleep and affects cardiac functions. We evaluated effects of acute sleep deprivation (SD) on cardiac hemodynamic parameters, expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and Heat shock protein (Hsp70), serum level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and prooxidant/antioxidant balance (PAB). Male Wistar rats were bilaterally cannulated in the central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) and saline or bicuculline was injected 24 hours prior to induction of 30 minute ischemia following 120 minute reperfusion. Forty-eight animals were randomly divided into four groups: Control (CONT), bicuculline (BIC), acute SD and bicuculline + acute sleep deprivation (BIC+SD). Animals in SD and BIC+SD groups were put in an aquarium for inducing sleep deprivation. SD attenuated LDH, pro-inflammatory cytokines and PAB; improved cardiac hemodynamic parameters and increased Hsp70 in non-infarcted area as compared to CONT. Administration of bicuculline increased LDH, pro-inflammatory cytokines and PAB, reduced cardiac hemodynamic parameters and Hsp70 as compared to CONT. Furthermore, bicuculline administration prior to acute sleep induction decreased SD effects on LDH, PAB, Hsp70, cardiac hemodynamic parameters and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Induction of SD prior to ischemia/reperfusion induces cardioprotection through suppressing inflammatory responses.

Study of prooxidant-antioxidant balance and some risk factors of coronary artery disease

Background: There is evidence that oxidative stress can be considered as a critical event in the development of atherosclerotic complications. In this study, we aimed to assay the values of prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), as a cardiovascular risk factor, and its relationship with some clinical, biochemical, and anthropometric parameters was examined. Materials and Methods: In a case–control study, forty CAD patients and forty age and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy controls hospitalized in the cardiology section of Imam Ali hospital of Zahedan, Iran, were enrolled. The levels of serum lipid profile, C-reactive protein (CRP), blood pressure, BMI, and waist circumference (WC) were evaluated. The values of PAB were also assayed simultaneously by photometric method, using 3, 3′, 5, 5′-tetramethylbenzidine and its cation, used as an indicator of redox. Results: PAB was found to be significantly higher in CAD patients (P

ОСОБЕННОСТИ КИСЛОРОДТРАНСПОРТНОЙ ФУНКЦИИ КРОВИ И ПРООКСИДАНТНО-АНТИОКСИДАНТНОГО БАЛАНСА В ЗАВИСИМОСТИ ОТ ХАРАКТЕРА ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗНОГО ПРОЦЕССА

Background. In conditions of tuberculosis inflammation decompensation occurs in the system of lipid peroxidation- antioxidant protection, an important role in which belongs to the mechanisms of oxygen transport by blood. Purpose of the study. To study the features of blood oxygen transport and prooxidant-antioxidant state, depending on the character of the tuberculosis process. Material and methods. A total of 120 patients with various types of the tuberculosis process in the lungs were examined. In the first 10 days, after admission of the patient to the hospital, 10 ml of blood was taken from the ulnar vein under the restored outflow. Evaluation of blood oxygen transport was performed within an hour after venous blood sampling. The rest of the blood was separated by centrifugation into plasma and erythrocyte mass, which were stored at -80° C with the subsequent measurement of prooxidant-antioxidant status within one month.Results. The blood oxygen transport and prooxidant-antioxidant balance were analyzed for different types of the tuberculosis process. The most significant increase in p50 was observed in the advanced tuberculosis process (by 13.06% (p <0.05), in the presence of destruction in the lung tissue (by 13.06% (p <0.05).), in the presence of bacterial excretion (by 10.07% (p <0.05).) and in the multiple drug resistance of mycobacterium tuberculosis (by 9.89% (p <0.05). This was ccompanied by more pronounced activation of lipid peroxidation processes and a decreased antioxidant reserve. Conclusions. Changes in the blood oxygen transport as well as the activity of free radical oxidation in pulmonary tuberculosis depend on the extent of the tuberculosis process, the presence of destruction in the lung tissue, bacterial release and the presence of multiple drug resistance. The revealed features justify the administration of antioxidant therapy and drugs promoting tissue oxygenation.

Phagocytosis and Cytotoxicity Analysis of Thioflavin-T Doped Silica-Coated Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Bound to Amyloid Beta 1–42

With superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) increasingly attracting interest in life sciences, especially in applications such as cancer or Alzheimer's disease, the need for in vitro and in vivo investigation of their behavior, when taken up by structures of the immune system, becomes imperative. In this letter, thioflavin-T tagged core-shell SPIONs bound to amyloid beta 1–42 (A β 1-42) were imbued into macrophages in order to fully understand the effect of phagocytosis on functionalized T-SPIONs and cellular structures. Results after 24 h of exposure in macrophage cultures at various concentrations of T-SPIONs (both free and bound) indicate that the material is successfully phagocytosed, with an uptake above 60%, and cannot be considered cytotoxic, as proven by both tetrazole MTT colorimetric assays and trypan blue measurements. Concurrently, it does not affect the prooxidant–antioxidant balance in the cell culture. Taking into consideration that Α β 1-42 dissolves during phagocytosis, whereas the magnetic and fluorescent character of the silica-coated nanoparticles is maintained after a second phagocytosis cycle, a reuse process of T-SPIONs seems feasible, presenting multiple advantages.

THE EFFECT OF APPLICATION OF ANTIOXIDANT THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF NON-ALKOHOLIC STEATOHEPATATIS IN CHORNOBYL NPP ACCIDENT SUFFERERS IN THE REMOTE PERIOD AFTER IRRADIATION.

to determine the effectiveness of combined treatment with hepatoprotectors and antioxidant a complexpreparation of vitamins A and E (I) in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) who suffered from theChornobyl NPP accident based on the results of evaluation of metabolic changes. The state of the hepatobiliary system of 72 patients with NASH suffered as a result of theChornobyl accident was studied based on the results of the biochemical analysis of blood, indicators characterizingthe processes of oxidative modification of macromolecules and the state of the antioxidant system (AOS), as well asstructural changes in the liver according to ultrasound investigations in the course of the examination before andafter treatment. The treatment of NASH with hepatoprotectors and antioxidant I in the sufferers of the Chornobyl accidentincreased the level of antioxidant defense products (catalase and superoxide dismutase) with the normalization ofthe integral index of the AOS, and a significant decrease in the number of patients with reduced AOS status (from42.6% to 24, 2%, p <0.05), positive dynamics of biochemical parameters of blood with decreasing frequency ofdetection of cholestasis syndrome, hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia were established as well as the positivedynamics of structural changes in the liver according to ultrasound data. Combined therapy of NASH with hepatoprotectors and antioxidant I in patients who suffered from theChornobyl NPP accident contributes to the restoration of the prooxidant-antioxidant balance, decreases cholestasis,hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia, and promotes positive dynamics of structural changes in the liver.

Prooxidant-antioxidant balance depending on endothelial nitric oxide synthase G894T polymorphism

The aim of the study was to assess the prooxidant-antioxidant balance depending on endothelial nitric oxide synthase G894T polymorphism. The frequency distribution of alleles and genotypes of G894T polymorphism, nitrite concentration, hydrogen sulphide, lipid peroxidation products (diene conjugates, malonic dialdehyde), antioxidants (reduced glutathione, catalase, ceruloplasmin, retinol) were determined in venous blood of healthy males. The incidence of the GG genotype was 49.1%, GT - 44.2%, TT - 6.7%. The level of malonic dialdehyde in erythrocytes with the GG genotype is 16.8% lower than in the genotype GT. The concentration of hydrogen sulphide in the blood with the GG genotype was 27.5 [18,2; 32,5] mM, GT - 28.6 [22.9; 33.8] mM, TT - 36.3 [33.8; 42.5] mM. The content of total nitrites in plasma with the GG genotype was 10.4 [9,0; 12,5] mM, GT - 10.4 [8.9; 11.8] mM, TT - 9.4 [8.8; 9.8] mM. The genotype GG causes a lower level of malonic dialdehyde in comparison with the heterozygous genotype. The G894T polymorphism allele T is associated with a low content of total nitrites in the plasma and a high concentration of hydrogen sulfide. The data obtained suggest that if the oxygen supply of the organism is impaired, the endothelial nitric oxide synthase G894T polymorphism may be important for the oxidative stress development.

Prooxidant-antioxidant balance in the organism of bulls (young cattle) after using cadmium load

&lt;p&gt;The results of studies of the effect of Cadmium influence on the state of the enzyme and nonenzyme system of antioxidant protection of young cattle organism, namely on the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, level of reduced glutathione, Selenium, vitamins A and E. It was determined that the feeding of young bulls with cadmium chloride in a dose of 0.04 mg / kg of body weight contributed to a decrease both, enzyme and non enzyme level of the system of antioxidant protection (superoxide dismutase by 22%, catalase - by 12%, renewed glutathione by 11%, glutathione peroxidase by 22 %, Selenium - by 18%, vitamin A - by 23%, vitamin E - by 27%,). The lowest level of the antioxidant protection system in the blood of young cattle was set at the sixteenth and twenty-fourth day of the experiment, which is due to the increased activation of lipoperoxidation processes and a disturbance of the balance between the activity of the antioxidant system and the intensity of peroxidation of lipids. The toxic effect of Cadmium contributes to the change in the stationary concentrations of the radical metabolites O2, ˙OH, NO2, which, in their turn, initiate the processes of peroxide oxidation of lipids, indicating an increase in the level of diene conjugates and malonic dialdehyde. The highest level of intermediate and final products of peroxid oxidation of lipids in the blood of young cattle was determined on the thirtieth day of the experiment, while comparing with the control group, they increased by 31 and 27%, respectively.&lt;/p&gt;

Oxidative and nitrosative stress responses during macrophage-Candida albicans biofilm interaction.

Candida albicans is an important source of device-associated infection because of its capacity for biofilm formation. This yeast has the ability to form biofilms which favors the persistence of the infection. Furthermore, the innate immune response has a critical role in the control of these infections and macrophages (Mø) are vital to this process. An important fungicidal mechanism employed by Mø involves the generation of toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen intermediates (RNI). The interaction between biofilms and these immune cells, and the contribution of oxidative and nitrosative stress, that is determinant to the course of the infection, remains elusive. The aim of this study was to investigate this interaction. To this purpose, two models of Mø-biofilms contact, early (model 1) and mature (model 2) biofilms, were used; and the production of ROS, RNI and the oxidative stress response (OSR) were evaluated. We found that the presence of Mø decreased the biofilm formation at an early stage and increased the production of ROS and RNI, with activation of ORS (enzymatic and nonenzymatic). On the other hand, the interaction between mature biofilms and Mø resulted in an increasing biofilm formation, with low levels of RNI and ROS production and decrease of OSR. Dynamic interactions between Mø and fungal biofilms were also clearly evident from images obtained by confocal scanning laser microscopy. The prooxidant-antioxidant balance was different depending of C. albicans biofilms stages and likely acts as a signal over their formation in presence of Mø. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the immune-pathogenesis of C. albicans biofilm infections.

The relation between pro-oxidant antioxidant balance and glycolipid profile, 6 months after gastric bypass surgery

BackgroundMorbid obesity is a chronic disease that contributes to increased oxidative stress. Gastric bypass surgery is the gold standard method in treating co-morbidities. ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate the relation between pro-oxidant antioxidant balance (PAB) as one measure of oxidative stress and glycolipid profile 6 months after gastric bypass surgery. SettingImam Reza Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. MethodsThirty-five morbidly obese patients with body mass index ≥35 kg/m2 with co-morbidities or ≤40 kg/m2 were randomly recruited. The PAB assay was used to estimate oxidative stress. Anthropometrics and glycolipid profile were collected at recruitment and 6 months after surgery. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 16 software. ResultsThe study showed a significant postoperative reduction in serum PAB values compared with the baseline (P<.001). All anthropometric and several glycolipid parameters significantly reduced after surgery (P<.001), while serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was unaffected. Repeated measures analysis of variance showed that postoperative PAB values were affected by gastric bypass surgery (F = 12.51, P = .001). Regression analysis demonstrated medication usage controlling co-morbidities (β^ = −.6, P = .002) and fasting blood glucose (β^ = .41, P = .04) as independent factors in predicting PAB values 6 months after surgery. ConclusionsGastric bypass surgery can reduce PAB values in favor of antioxidants 6 months after the operation. Accordingly, fasting blood glucose after gastric bypass surgery can be an independent factor in predicting PAB values.

Prooxidant–antioxidant balance, advanced oxidation protein products and lipid peroxidation in Serbian patients with Parkinson's disease

ABSTRACTBackground: Biomarkers of oxidative stress are relevant in the evaluation of the disease status and prooxidant–antioxidant balance, advanced oxidation protein products and lipid peroxidation products (malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxynonenal) are being extensively evaluated regarding their relationship with clinical presentation and disease severity.Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of the above-mentioned parameters in plasma of 39 men and 17 women with Parkinson's disease, originated from the Republic of Serbia and their relation to clinicopathological characteristics (gender, age at examination, duration of the disease, and Hoehn and Yahr score) and oxidative status.Results: The incidence of disease was 2:1 towards males. The investigated oxidative parameters were gender and Hoehn and Yahr related. Significant association of higher Hoehn and Yahr scores was observed for malondialdehyde (p = 0.01) and prooxidant–antioxidant balance (p = 0.02). Relation between oxidant–antioxidant status was further supported by observed positive correlation between 4-hydroxynonenal (p = 0.04) and prooxidant–antioxidant balance (p = 0.03). Finally, the multivariate analysis indicated that prooxidant–antioxidant balance and malondialdehyde were partially determined by gender (10.6% and 7.6%) and Hoehn and Yahr scores (13.6% and 18.8%), while Hoehn and Yahr scores contributed to the variance of advanced oxidation protein products with 13.2%.Conclusion: Our results indicate the higher level of oxidative stress (oxidant–antioxidant imbalance) and possible relation of several markers with gender and disease stage in patients with Parkinson's disease. The analyzed markers could be used to specify the severity of oxidative stress; however, their potential value should be analyzed in further studies.

The effect of electro-acupuncture on pro-oxidant antioxidant balance values in overweight and obese subjects: a randomized controlled trial study.

Objective To undertake a randomized controlled trial in 196 obese subjects to examine the effect of electro-acupuncture on serum pro-oxidant antioxidant balance (PAB) values. Methods Subjects received authentic acupuncture (cases) or sham acupuncture (controls) for 6 weeks in combination with a low-calorie diet. In the following 6 weeks, they received the low-calorie diet alone. Serum PAB was measured at baseline, and 6 and 12 weeks later. Results We found that serum PAB values decreased significantly in the group receiving the authentic acupuncture compared to the sham treatment (p<0.001) at week 6, and whilst serum PAB increased significantly (p<0.05) in the second phase of the study, a significant difference between two groups remained at 12 weeks (p<0.05). Conclusions Electro-acupuncture in combination with a low-calorie diet was more effective at reducing serum PAB values in obese subjects compared to diet alone. Further work is required to determine the mechanism by which electro-acupuncture has this effect.

The effect of the ovarian varicose vein on the DNA methylation in the rat's oocyte.

Objective(s):We intended to determine whether the ovarian varicose which is one of the common etiologies of the pelvic congestion syndrome, has the ability to interfere with the DNA methylation reprogramming in the oocyte and thereby affect the oocyte quality or not.Materials and Methods:Varicose model was induced according to the Turner’s method in the rats. Briefly, a 20-gauge needle was placed on the left renal vein and a thread was tied over both the needle and the renal vein medial to the insertion of the ovarian vein, and then the needle was removed. Evaluation of prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) was assessed using specific kits and the expression level of the DNA methyltransferase genes Dnmt1, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3L was assessed by Real-time PCR. Immunofluorescent staining for 5-methylcytosine in the oocytes evaluated the global DNA methylation.Results:A significant PAB increase in the ovaries from varicose group was seen. Real-time PCR demonstrated a remarkable decrease in the expression of the Dnmt3a and Dnmt3L which are responsible for de novo DNA methylation in the oocytes. Immunofluorescent staining for 5-mC showed a reduction in the fluorescence intensity in the oocytes collected from the varicose group.Conclusion:Our findings from Real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry suggest that the epigenetic parameters in the oocyte could be affected by varicose induction and these epigenetic alteration has the potential to affect the oocyte quality. We suggest that the epigenetic changes could happen in the oocytes after the induction of ovarian varicose and lead to the oocyte quality reduction or even infertility.

The effects of crocin on the symptoms of depression in subjects with metabolic syndrome.

Studies have suggested that metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with increased depressive symptoms, and reducing depression in subjects with MetS is important. Crocin, an active component of saffron, has useful properties for subjects with MetS, including antidepressant properties. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of a preparation of crocin on the symptoms of depression in subjects with MetS, and the relationship between changes in those symptoms and the serum pro-oxidant/anti-oxidant balance (PAB). This sub-study was carried out on 34 subjects with MetS from the authors' previous randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial (RCT), all of whom met the inclusion criteria for this study. The subjects were randomly assigned to treatment and placebo groups (n = 17 in each group) and received each 30 mg of crocin (2 tablets of 15 mg) or placebo for 8 weeks. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The BDI questionnaire was completed for each subject at the baseline and at the end of the 8th week of treatment. Blood samples were taken from the subjects before and after the intervention period. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS for Windows, v. 16 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, USA). Out of the 34 participants enrolled, 33 completed the trial. The degree of depression decreased significantly in the crocin group (p = 0.005), but not in the placebo group (p > 0.05), and the difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant (p = 0.013). No significant relationship was observed between changes in depression symptoms and changes in the serum PAB (p > 0.05). This study demonstrates that at a dose of 30 mg per day for 8 weeks, crocin reduced the symptoms of depression in subjects with MetS compared to the control group, and this effect was independent of its effect on the serum PAB.