Prooxidant-antioxidant Balance Research Articles

Predictive value of biochemical and hematological markers in prognosis of asphyxic infants.

Background:Asphyxia is one of the main causes of infant mortality and long-term neurologic complications. This cohort study was aimed to compare the diagnostic value of the hematologic and biochemical factors in the prediction of prognosis of asphyxia according to the high prevalence of asphyxia and its complications.Methods:In this cohort with a two-year follow-up study with availability sampling, 196 term asphyxic infants were involved from 2009 to 2018. A researcher-designed questionnaire was used as the data collection tool containing infantile and maternal particulars as well as the clinical and laboratory assessments. Serum levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), IL-6, pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance (PAB), heat shock protein (HSP) and nucleated red blood cells (NRBC) were checked in infants with perinatal asphyxia. Denver II developmental screening test (DDST-II) was performed at 6, 12, 18, and 24 month post-discharge follow-up visits. Data analysis for comparison of infants with normal and abnormal outcomes was performed using student t- test, chi-square, ROC curve, and regression models.Results:IL-6, IL-1β, PAB, and NRBC count are among the most important predictors of abnormal complications in asphyxic newborns. PAB>22 (HK) showed sensitivity and specificity of 88.6% and 71.6%, respectively in the prediction of complications of asphyxia. The sensitivity and specificity of an IL-6 higher than 28 (pg/mL) in the prediction of complications of asphyxia were found to be 96.1% and 78.6%, respectively. Elevated levels of IL-6 and IL-1β were associated with increased unfavorable outcomes.Conclusion:Combinations of: IL-1β+ IL-6 + NRBC; IL-6 + HIE grade + PAB; and IL-6+ HIE grade + NRBC had the highest predictive value (100%) for prognosis of asphyxic infants.

Antioxidant status and clinicopathological parameters in patients with Parkinson's disease

Backgroun/Aim. Constant production of free radicals and antioxidants (AO) in cells is a part of normal cellular function. Their imbalance might take a part in pathophysiology of many diseases, including Parkinson?s disease (PD). Evaluation of the disease status, prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) and antioxidants are being widely estimated. The aim of this study was to examine potential interaction between several AO variables: glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and PAB, and clinicopathologic features of patients with PD, particularly the Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stage. Methods. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted to analyze mean differences between clinicopathologic characteristics (gender, age at examination, duration of the disease, and the H&Y stage) and AO variables of PD patients and those of age/sex matched healthy controls. The study included 91 patients with idiopatic PD patients and 20 healthy persons. Results. The multivariate effect size was estimated at 0.269 (p < 0.001), implying that 27.0% of the variance of the dependent variables was accounted for the H&Y stage. Univariate tests showed that there were significant differences (p < 0.001) across the H&Y stage of all AO variables. The H&Y stage remained significant predictor after controlling for the second variable, the disease duration (p < 0.001, ?2 = 0.249), and there were still significant differences across the H&Y stage of all variables, with effect size (?2) ranging from 0.132 (p = 0.011) (lnGSH) to the still high values of 0.535 (lnPAB), 0.627 (lnSOD) and 0.964 (lnCAT). Conclusion. The results indicate that higher level of oxidative stress in blood of PD patients is possibly related to the PD stage. Along with reduction of SOD and GSH levels, CAT activity was elevated in comparison to these values in healthy subjects. Furthermore, PAB was shifted toward oxidative stress.

Prooxidant-antioxidant balance in the methylotrophic yeast Ogataea polymorpha exoposed to spermidine

Background. Many molecular compounds used by eukaryotic cells as antioxidant agents can directly interact with reactive oxygen/nitrogen species. Among them are polyamines – natural substances with pronounced antioxidant properties. The main polyamines are putrescine, spermidine, spermine. Spermidine is a positively charged polyamine that is synthesized from putrescine and serves a precursor of spermine. In particular, spermidine is distinguished by its anti-aging properties. When administered to several model organisms, it prolonged their lifespan and provided resistance to stress. Spermidine also limits overproduction of reactive oxigene species and reduces age-related oxidative protein damage, which accounts for its antioxidant activity. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of exogenous spermidine in different concentrations on the prooxidant-antioxidant balance in the methylotrophic yeast Ogataea polymorpha naturally adapted to stressful conditions such as growth on toxic methanol-containing medium and cultivation at high temperatures (42–45 °C). Materials and Methods. In this work, O. polymorpha wild-type strain was used. Yeast cells were cultivated in the mineral medium with 0.1 % glucose for creating stressful conditions. Spermidine was added in 1 and 2 mM concentrations immediately before the start of yeast cultivation. Reactive oxygen species, the level of oxidative modifications of proteins and lipids, the concentration of reduced gluthatione, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were assayed to examine the prooxidant-antioxidant state of the yeast cells. Results. In this study, we analyzed the effects of exogenous spermidine in different concentrations on the enzymatic (superoxide dismutase and catalase activity) and non-enzymatic (reduced glutathione) antioxidant defense systems and markers of oxidative injury (products of proteins and lipids oxidation) in the methylotrophic yeast O. polymorpha starved for glucose. It was revealed that 1 mM spermidine had a protective effect on O. polymorpha cells and decreased the content of products of the oxidative modification of proteins. At the same time, the superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and content of the reduced glutathione remained almost unchanged in the cells cultivated in the glucose-depleted medium with 1 mM spermidine compared to the medium without spermidine. Adverse effects of 2 mM spermidine (increased levels of carbonyl groups of proteins, lipid peroxidation products, disregulated superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, reduced glutathione levels, growth inhibition and cells vacuolization) were observed in the exponential growth phase of the yeast culture. During a long-term cultivation, these effects diminished, and the corresponding values approximated those of the cells grown in the control medium with the low concentration of glucose without spermidine. Conclusions. The data suggest a concentration-dependent effect of spermidine on the physiology of O. polymorpha that can be used in further studies on compounds able to mitigate negative effects of the oxidative stress in this yeast and other model organisms . At 1 mM concentration, spermidine had an apparent protective effect, whereas at the elevated 2 mM concentration this polyamine exacerbated stress load in this yeast. Keywords: methylotrophic yeast, Ogataea polymorpha , spermidine, oxidative stress

α-Lipoic Acid Ameliorates The Changes in Prooxidant-Antioxidant Balance in Liver and Brain Tissues of Propylthiouracil-Induced Hypothyroid Rats.

Objective There are controversial data about the prooxidant-antioxidant balance in hypothyroidism. We aimed to investigate the effect of α-lipoic acid (ALA) on oxidative stress parameters in the liver and brain of propylthiouracil (PTU)-induced hypothyroid rats. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, PTU (500 mg/L) was given to rats in drinking water for 10 weeks. ALA (0.2% in diet) alone and together with thyroxine (T4, 20 µg/kg body weight, s.c) were given to hypothyroid rats in the last 5 weeks of the experimental period. The levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and glutathione (GSH) levels, superoxide dismutase, and GSH peroxidase activities were determined in the liver and brain of rats. Histopathological examinations were also performed. Results Prooxidant parameters were increased in the brain but not liver in hypothyroid rats. ALA treatment alone lowered enhanced brain oxidative stress in hypothyroid rats. Also, ALA was found to ameliorate the changes as a result of oxidative stress arising from T4 replacement therapy. ConclusionOur results indicate that ALA alone and together with T4 may be useful in reducing oxidative stress in thyroid dysfunctions.

The effect of nitrogen monoxide donors on the indexes of cadmium-induced oxidative stress in different rat tissues

Oxidative stress is considered to be the main mechanism of cadmium ions toxic effect on the cells and is caused by cadmium, as a non-transition metal, indirectly. Oxidative damage to cells due to the action of cadmium ions is tissue-specific and is associated with the antioxidant system inhibition, free heme accumulation and essential metals substitution in metalloproteins. Nitrogen monoxide (NO) exhibits high affinity for heme and proteins and peptides sulfhydryl groups, known to be the main molecular targets for cadmium ions. Taking all the above-mentioned into account, the aim of this work was to study the effect of NO radicals donors on the prooxidant-antioxidant state of mammalian tissues under oxidative stress caused by cadmium chloride administration in vivo. Male Wistar rats weighing 160–200 g were used in the study. CdCl2 was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 14 mg/kg body weight. The direct donor of the NO radical sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 1 mg/kg mass) and the substrate of the NO synthase reaction L-arginine (600 mg/kg mass) were administered intraperitoneally. In order to study the corrective action, donors of the NO radical were injected 0.5 h before the cadmium salt. The objects of investigation were blood plasma and liver, kidneys and spleen homogenates of rats. The cadmium chloride treatment caused a number of prooxidant-antioxidant balance disorders, most of which were revealed a day after injection. The accumulation of lipid peroxidation products was found in rat serum, liver, and spleen. The enhancement of prooxidant processes in these tissues may originate from cadmium ions and hemolysis products entry. In the antioxidant system, significant changes were observed under cadmium action only in the liver: an increase in the reduced glutathione content and SOD activity and a decrease in catalase activity. The precursor of nitric oxide L-arginine did not change the basal level of prooxidant-antioxidant parameters, and in most cases did not affect their dynamics in the organs studied after cadmium chloride administration. A direct NO donor, sodium nitroprusside, acted in liver and spleen mostly as a prooxidant. In liver, the injection of only nitroprusside, as well as the combined administration of SNP and CdCl2, led to free radical processes activation just in two hours. In spleen, the combined treatment by SNP and cadmium salt also caused an earlier development of oxidative stress, as witnessed by an increase in lipid hydroperoxides level and a decrease in reduced glutathione content. Therefore, the injection of a direct NO donor, sodium nitroprusside, and a substrate of NO synthase, L-arginine, in selected doses has insignificant corrective action on cadmium-induced oxidative stress in the liver, kidneys and spleen. However, in blood both donors of NO effectively prevented the accumulation of lipid peroxidation products under CdCl2 treatment; in addition, L-arginine significantly reduced the lactate dehydrogenase release, which may indicate blood cells and blood vessels protection from the damage caused by cadmium ions.

ОЦІНЮВАННЯ АНТИОКСИДАНТНИХ ВЛАСТИВОСТЕЙ ЕКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНИХ ПОЛІКОМПОНЕНТНИХ КОМПЛЕКСІВ

The involvement of free radicals appears to be the feature of most human diseases. The general mechanism of cell damage involves the excessive uncontrolled production of reactive oxygen species resulting in the intensification of lipid peroxidation processes and damaging of macromolecules. These processes are generally accompanied by a decrease in the concentration and/or activity of natural antioxidants. Moreover, the exhaustion of the antioxidant capacity of the organism is among the key reasons leading to the development of pathological states. The maintenance of the prooxidant-antioxidant balance by the systematic use of products or dietary supplements, the components of which exhibit antioxidant activity, can be considered as a part of a strategy for the prevention and control of diseases associated with oxidative stress. The current work aims to study the free radical scavenging activity of two experimental poly-component complexes. Antioxidant properties of complexes were determined in experiments in vitro. The estimation of total antioxidant activity, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide radical, and superoxide anion scavenging activity was performed. The results revealed that both complexes have the potentials to prevent the formation of free radicals and can be used as agents with antioxidant properties. It was established that the effect of complex 1 and 2 is complex and first of all aimed at the prevention of the formation of dangerous free radicals by reducing the level of hydrogen peroxide. The additional mechanism involves the chelating of metal ions, in particular ferrous iron. The antioxidant ability exhibited by complex 1 was found to be higher than the total antioxidant activity of complex 2. Complex 1 was more effective in the ability to neutralize superoxide anion-radicals while complex 2 showed a high percentage inhibition of Fe2+-induced lipid peroxidation.

The effect of atristamine on prooxidant-antioxidant balance in the rat brain after traumatic brain injury

The effect of atristamine on prooxidant-antioxidant balance in the rat brain after traumatic brain injury

Menstrual problems in adolescence: relationship to serum vitamins A and E, and systemic inflammation.

Vitamin status and inflammatory mechanisms may be related to menstrual cycle abnormalities. We investigated the associations between serum fat soluble vitamin (vitamins A and E) concentrations and biomarkers of inflammation and antioxidant status with menstrual characteristics, primary dysmenorrhea (PD) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in healthy adolescents. A total of 897 adolescent girls either suffering from PMS (n = 134), PD (n = 322), PMS and PD (n = 293) or healthy adolescents (n = 148) were recruited. Serum vitamin A and E, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), antibody titers to Hsp27 (anti-Hsp27), serum prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), WBC, mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet distribution width (PDW) and RBC distribution width (RDW) were measured. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and RDW-to-platelet ratio (RPR) were calculated. Girls with long bleeding periods had lower concentrations of serum vitamin E compared to those who reported a normal period duration. There were significantly differences between the groups reporting oligomenorrhea, regular menses and polymenorrhea with respect to NLR, RPR, MPV and PDW. Logistic regression demonstrated that the presence of both PMS and PD was positively related to higher serum hs-CRP, PAB and NLR, while serum vitamin A level was inversely related to the presence of PMS. We found that serum vitamin A, hs-CRP, PAB and NLR are significantly associated with the presence of PMS and PD. Inflammatory processes may contribute to the etiology, symptoms and severity of menstrual disorders. Prospective studies are needed to elucidate the possibility of targeting oxidative stress and inflammatory process for the amelioration of menstrual symptoms.

Effects of Melatonin on the Oxygen Transport in Blood, Gas Transmitters, and Prooxidant–Antioxidant Balance in the Exercise

We studied the effects of melatonin on the oxygen transport in blood and prooxidant−antioxidant balance in males aged from 18 to 21 years in submaximal physical exercise. The subjects received 3 mg of melatonin once a day for two months. As a result of melatonin administration, we observed a shift of oxyhemoglobin dissociation to the right, which results in reduced manifestation of oxidative stress after physical exercise. We found that the increased level of gas transmitters (nitrogen monoxide and hydrogen sulfide) after melatonin administration can influence oxygen transport in blood and prooxidant–antioxidant balance in exercise.

The Antioxidant Activity of Ceruloplasmin in Rhabdomyolysis-Induced Acute Kidney Injury

Abstract—Rhabdomyolysis is a life-threatening syndrome that may occur after skeletal muscle injury; in 10 to 40% of cases, it leads to acute renal tubular necrosis and acute kidney injury induced by myoglobin release from damaged myocytes. Reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress are major determinants of acute kidney injury. One of the principal antioxidants in the blood plasma is ceruloplasmin, which performs many physiological functions. The effects of ceruloplasmin on renal function and the prooxidant–antioxidant balance in the kidneys and blood were studied in adult non-linear white rats with experimental rhabdomyolysis. It was found that prophylactic administration of ceruloplasmin had a renoprotective effect; it improved renal function, reduced the intensity of lipid and protein peroxidation, and increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase in kidney tissue and blood, as well as the levels of ceruloplasmin and molecules with SH-groups in the blood plasma.

Pharmacological correction of periodontitis using synthetic analogues of indolicidin

Introduction: The leading role of pathogenic microorganisms in the pathogenesis of periodontitis is beyond doubt. However, the use of antibiotics for periodontitis is associated with a number of problems. Indolicidins have a unique anti-microbial effect. The relevance of the search for new drugs for the treatment of acute periodontitis based on the natural indolicidin peptide becomes obvious.
 Materials and methods: The investigation was performed on 320 Wistar male rats, using synthetic analogues of natural indolicidin: No. 7 and No. 8, which were administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 500 µg/kg in a volume of 0.2 ml once a day for 7 days. Periodontitis was simulated in animals according to the method proposed by Volozhin A.I. and Vinogradova S.I.
 Results and discussion: The correcting effect of indolicidin analogues on the periodontitis course, was manifested by a decrease in edema and in the relative area of cell infiltrates, a significant increase in the relative area of normal tissue, and a correction of the periodontal composition. The use of indolicidin analogues led to an increase in the functional activity of neutrophils and macrophages, acute phase proteins concentration, a correction of pro-oxidantantioxidant balance and production of vasoactive substances. The effect of indolicidin analogues was higher than that of lincomycin. The greater effectiveness of peptide No.8 compared to that of No.7 was established.
 Conclusion: The investigation opens up the prospects of the synthesis of new antimicrobial drugs on the basis of the synthetic analogues of indolicidin.

Influence of melatonin on the prooxidant–antioxidant balance at physical exertion in people with low-level physical state

The influence of melatonin on the prooxidant–antioxidant balance in 18 to 21 year-old males with a low-level physical state at submaximal physical exertion is considered. The studied group took melatonin 3 mg once a day for 2 months. As a result of taking melatonin after physical exertion, there is a decrease in the activity of processes of peroxide oxidation of lipids and a high level of antioxidant protection in the blood plasma and erythrocytes, which diminishes the manifestations of the oxidative stress and maintains the prooxidant–antioxidant balance of an organism.

ВПЛИВ ПРЕПАРАТУ КАРДОНАТ НА ПОКАЗНИКИ БІОХІМІЧНОГО ТА ГОРМОНАЛЬНОГО ГОМЕОСТАЗУ СПОРТСМЕНІВ З КАРДІОМІОПАТІЄЮ ХРОНІЧНОГО ФІЗИЧНОГО ПЕРЕНАПРУЖЕННЯ

Introduction. Modern sport of the highest achievements is inextricably linked with the constant physical activity of high intensity, which ultimately leads to the formation of overvoltage phenomena of various body systems. The purpose. To substantiate the expediency of appointment of athletes with clinical and instrumental signs of the cardiomyopathy, caused by chronic physical overload (CMPCPO) of the metabolic preparation Cardonat on the basis of evaluation of its influence on the indices of biochemical and hormonal homeostasis. Materials and methods. The study involved 48 athletes, representatives of cyclic sports, with a diagnosis CMPCPO who were randomized to 2 equivalent (n = 24) groups: the main group and the controls. The volume and intensity of training loads was reduced in athletes of both groups by 75%. The control group participants received only basic therapy (the combination of the drug panangin (potassium and magnesium aspartate) and the drug Trіovіt, at therapeutic doses of vitamin-mineral orientation and placebo (capsule with starch). Athletes of the main group in addition to basic therapy used Cardonat for one capsule three times a day for 4 weeks. A comprehensive laboratory study of athletes before and after the course of treatment included a study of the indicators of biochemical and hormonal homeostasis, as well as prooxidant-antioxidant balance. Results. The addition of Cardonat to the complex therapy of athletes from the CMPCPO during the month is accompanied by a positive effect on the structural characteristics of the erythrocyte membranes of the athletes, which is reflected in the improvement of the state of prooxidant-antioxidant equilibrium: in the representatives of the main group, the administration of the drug caused a statistically significant decrease, compared with the data in the control group, malodialdehyde (MDA), increase in the concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) in erythrocyte membranes and decrease of prooxidant-antioxidant coefficient (Cpa), indicating the predominance of antioxidant processes over lipopereoxidation processes. It is also shown that taking a Cardonat with athletes with manifestations CMPCPO is not accompanied by negative changes in standard laboratory biochemical parameters that reflect the functional state of various organs and systems of the body's organs. The decrease in the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and the tendency towards a more pronounced decrease in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), α-amylase and urea content in comparison with the values of the corresponding indices in the control group, confirms the positive effect of the drug on the functional state of the liver and pancreas. Indicators of hormonal homeostasis are indicative of improving the ratio of anabolic and catabolic processes in the body of athletes and reducing the level of stress due to the use of the drug. Thus, after taking Cardonat in the main group, testosterone levels increased by 31.6 % (р < 0.05) compared to baseline data, and cortisol decreased by 63.8 % (р < 0.05); the average index of anabolism in the main group after treatment increased by 58.9 % (р < 0.05), which indicates a significant increase in the rate of anabolic processes. Conclusions. The additional use of сardonat in therapy is safe, expedient, pathogenetically justified, in particular for the treatment of homeostatic shifts in the body of athletes with clinical and electrocardiographic manifestations of CMPСPО.

Markers of Oxidative Stress and Endothelial Dysfunction Predict Haemodialysis Patients Survival

Introduction: Overall survival of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) remains poor. Oxidative stress is one of the major risk factors associated with mortality in this patient group. As glutathione S-transferases (GST) are well-established antioxidants, we hypothesized that a model including GST gene polymorphisms, oxidative damage byproducts and cell adhesion markers has a prognostic role in ESRD patient survival. Methods: A prospective study of 199 patients with ESRD on haemodialysis was conducted. GST genotype, oxidative stress byproducts and cell adhesion molecules were measured in plasma. Multivariate Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were performed to test the predictive ability of these parameters in the 8-year follow-up period. Results: GSTM1-null genotype was associated with significantly shorter overall (HR 1.6, p = 0.018) and cardiovascular-specific (HR 2.1, p = 0.010) survival. Oxidative stress byproducts (advanced oxidation protein products [AOPP], prooxidant-antioxidant balance [PAB], malondialdehyde [MDA]) and cell adhesion molecules (soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 [sVCAM-1] and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [sICAM-1]) demonstrated a significant predictive role in terms of overall and cardiovascular survival. When 6 biomarkers (GSTM1 genotype, high AOPP/PAB/MDA/­sVCAM-1/sICAM-1) were combined into a scoring model, a significantly shorter overall and cardiovascular survival was observed for patients with the highest score (p < 0.001). Conclusion: We identified a novel panel of biomarkers that can be utilized in predicting survival in ESRD patients. This biomarker signature could enable better monitoring of patients and stratification into appropriate treatment groups.

L-Theanine promotes cultured human Sertoli cells proliferation and modulates glucose metabolism.

L-Theanine is the major free amino acid present in tea (Camellia sinensis L.). The effects of several tea constituents on male reproduction have been investigated, but L-theanine has been overlooked. Sertoli cells (SCs) are essential for the physical and nutritional support of germ cells. In this study, we aimed to investigate the ability of L-theanine to modulate important mechanisms of human SCs (hSCs) metabolism, mitochondrial function and oxidative profile, which are essential to prevent or counteract spermatogenesis disruption in several health conditions. We evaluated the effect of a dose of L-theanine attained by tea intake (5μM) or a pharmacological dose (50μM) on the metabolism (proton nuclear magnetic resonance and Western blot), mitochondrial functionality (protein expression of mitochondrial complexes and JC1 ratio) and oxidative profile (carbonyl levels, nitration and lipid peroxidation) of cultured hSCs. Exposure of hSCs to 50µM of L-theanine increased cell proliferation and glucose consumption. In response to this metabolic adaptation, there was an increase in mitochondrial membrane potential, which may compromise the prooxidant-antioxidant balance. Still, no alterations were observed regarding the oxidative damages. A pharmacological dose of L-theanine (50µM) prompts an increase in hSCs proliferation and a higher glucose metabolization to sustain the pool of Krebs cycle intermediates, which are crucial for cellular bioenergetics and biosynthesis. This study suggests an interplay between glycolysis and glutaminolysis in the regulation of hSCs metabolism.

Effects of prenatal exposure to chrysotile asbestos on hippocampal neurogenesis and long-term behavioral changes in adult male rat offspring

Prenatal development is a critical period of life that many environmental pollutants have been suggested to influence fetal growth. Nevertheless, there are still a few investigations into the prenatal exposure to chrysotile asbestos and its neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcome in offspring.In this study, twenty-eight pregnant Wistar rats were divided into four groups and received three-times repeated intraperitoneal injections of normal saline, chrysotile, ascorbic acid and the combination of chrysotile and ascorbic acid on gestational days 11, 14 and 17. The maternal serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) and hippocampal MDA content in adult male offspring were measured. At postnatal day (PND) 60, elevated plus maze was performed to determine anxiety-like behavior, also depression-like behavior was examined using a forced swim test at PND 61- 62. Thereafter, the quantitative analysis of Ki-67, NeuN and GFAP positive cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus were studied by immunostaining.Our data showed that prenatal exposure to chrysotile increased the maternal serum level of MDA and PAB as well as hippocampal MDA content in adult male offspring, also increased the depression- and anxiety-like behaviors of adult male offspring and decreased the hippocampal Ki-67+, NeuN+ and GFAP+ cells in dantate gyrus of adult male offspring. However, co-administration of ascorbic acid and chrysotile decreased hippocampal lipid peroxidation and increased the Ki-67+, NeuN+ and GFAP+ cells in adult male offspring. In summary, these results indicated that oxidative stress induced by prenatal exposure to chrysotile, lead to the long-lasting decrease of the hippocampal cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation as well as astrogliosis of adult male offspring that exhibit more depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in adulthood and co-treatment of ascorbic acid with chrysotile asbestos attenuated the changes.

Acupuncture for acne vulgaris: findings from a systematic review and meta-analysis

The purpose of this study is to review the impact on the usage of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of obesity, specifically the usage of acupuncture and phytoacupuncture.PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials, which the methodology focused on the use of acupuncture and phytoacupuncture for the treatment of obesity from the beginning of these databases to February 2018, supplementing with literature retrospective and manual searches.A total of 8 trials including 566 participants met the selected criteria. In the alterations of the body mass index and waist circumference, acupuncture and phytoacupuncture seems to have a positive effect as opposed to the subjects who received superficial acupuncture or none. However, there were other parameters that showed promising results such as improvements in the levels of (1) serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and serum fasting triglyceride, (2) serum insulin and leptin, plasma ghrelin and cholecystokinin and (3) serum pro-oxidant antioxidant balance, as well as improvements in (4) skin fat thickness in the upper limbs, trunk and abdomen, (5) abdominal fat and deep subcutaneous fat tissue. The main acupoints employed in the selected studies are found along several meridians such as the stomach, spleen and conception vessel, and the plants used had the main objective of accelerating the metabolism, reducing appetite and resolving the unbalances in the genesis of obesity.It is suggested that acupuncture and phytoacupuncture can be useful tools for weight loss. When combined with a life-style change, they can contribute to achieve better results than just a life-style change by itself. Nevertheless, the need for further studies to clarify mechanisms of action and adequacy of protocols in order to obtain more homogeneous results is also present.

The Association between Inflammatory Markers in the Acute Phase of Stroke and Long-Term Stroke Outcomes: Evidence from a Population-Based Study of Stroke

Background: Little is known about the association between inflammatory markers in the acute stroke phase and long-term stroke outcomes. Methods: In a population-based study of stroke with 5 years follow-up, we measured the level of serum heat shock protein 27 immunoglobulin G antibody (anti-HSP27), C-reactive protein (CRP), and pro-oxidant antioxidant balance (PAB) in the acute stroke phase. We analyzed the association between these inflammatory biomarkers and stroke outcomes (recurrence, death and disability/functional dependency) with using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models. Results: Two hundred sixty-five patients with first-ever stroke were included in this study. The severity of stroke at admission, measured by National Institute of Health Score Scale was associated with serum concentration of CRP (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient r_s = 0.2; p = 0.004). CRP also was associated with 1-year combined death and recurrence rate ([adjusted hazard ratio 1.06, 95% CI 1.01–1.12; p = 0.02]). However, we did not find any association between the concentrations of CRP, anti-HSP27, PAB, and 5-year death and stroke recurrence rates. None of 3 biomarkers was associated with the long-term disability rate (defined as modified Rankin Scale >2) and functional dependency (defined as Barthel Index <60). Conclusion: CRP has a significant direct, yet weak, correlation to the severity of stroke. In addition, the level of CRP at admission may have a clinical implication to identify those at a higher risk of death or recurrence.

HSP27 expression in the human peripheral blood mononuclear cells as an early prognostic biomarker in coronary artery disease patients

BackgroundCoronary artery disease (CAD), is one of the leading causes of death globally. CAD risk factors, such as smoking, dyslipidemia, and obesity, are mainly associated with increased oxidative stress. Heat Shock Protein-27 (HSP27) has a protective role in conditions of oxidative stress. The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between HSP27 mRNA copy numbers in the peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMCs) and the degree of CAD progression. MethodsA total of 103 subjects aged 49–71 years were recruited; Patients with CAD were categorized into two groups: patients having <50% stenosis (Angio−) and ≥50% stenosis (Angio+). The mRNA copy numbers of HSP-27 in PBMCs, anthropometric-parameters, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and the fasted serum lipid profile were evaluated. ResultsAngio+ patients had a significantly higher level of TC and LDL-C values compared with Angio− patients and the control group (p < 0.05). The HSP27 expression in PBMCs was significantly increased in Angio+ and Angio− subjects, compared to the control group. Moreover, there was a significant association between the FBG, TC, LDL-C and TG among the groups (p < 0.05). ConclusionIt was shown that the increased expression of HSP27 in PBMCs of CAD patients is significantly correlated with CAD severity in Angio+ subjects, which can be used as an early prognostic biomarker, indicating the degree of overall oxidative stress in patients. In order to verify this statement, it is suggested to measure Pro-oxidant- Antioxidant Balance (PAB) test by the same design in subsequent studies.

Effect of Mesenchimal Stem Cells on Apoptosis Indices in Renal Parenchyma during Experimental Stress

Background. Kidneys are extremely sensitive to various environmental factors. Stress disturbs prooxidant-antioxidant balance, causes hyperproduction of reactive oxygen species, changes activity of the nitroxidergic system components, regulating apoptosis. The use of mesenchymal stem cells can normalize functioning of damaged organs in the pathological process.Aim: to assess the effectiveness of mesenchymal stem cells in a single 24-hour immobilization according to the dynamics of apoptosis indices in renal tissue – nitric oxide (NO) and fragmented DNA.Materials and methods. The study included male nonlinear white rats aged 3 to 4 months and weighing 225 ± 25 grams. Experimental stress was modeled by the immobilization of animals in the fixation chambers within 24 hours. The efficacy of cell therapy was determined by the change in the concentration of the tested substances at 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 30 days of the experiment.Results. There was a sharp increase in the total amount of nitrates / nitrites and the level of DNA fragmentation in the homogenates of the renal parenchyma after the action of an acute stressor, which may indicate the induction of apoptosis. It was proved that in animals, receiving mesenchymal stem cells as a treatment, the restoration of the studied parameters in the kidney tissue was significantly accelerated in comparison with the controls values.Conclusion. Mesenchymal stem cells protect cells from self-destruction and activate reparation, which makes them promising for further study.