Serum Glutathione Levels Research Articles

Effect of Endodontic Treatment on Serum Glutathione (GSH) Levels in Patients with Chronic Apical Periodontitis: A Clinical Pilot Study

Aim: To assess the before- and after-treatment levels of glutathione (GSH) in the serum of patients with chronic apical periodontitis. Materials and Methods: The study involved 20 systemically healthy patients with radiographic evidence of chronic apical periodontitis in at least one tooth, of which 11 were finally assessed. 10 mL of the patient’s venous blood was obtained before commencing the endodontic treatment to assess the pre-operative serum GSH levels (T0). The canals cleaned and shaped, and irrigated with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite, and filled with a calcium hydroxide based intracanal medicament. At the subsequent appointment after one week, teeth were obturated. The patients were recalled 30 days after the completion of endodontic therapy, and blood samples were assessed again at time frame T1 for serum GSH. The difference in pre- and post-treatment values for T0 and T1 was statistically analyzed. Results: The mean age of the subjects ( N = 11) was 21.09±3.24 years, with 19.50±0.71 years in female group and 21.44±3.50 years in the male group. The mean GSH at T0 was 11.73±8.30 units, which was increased to 14.04±13.96 units at T1. However, no significant change was observed in the GSH level from T0 to T1 (change = –2.30, t-value = –0.49, P = .635). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that endodontic therapy may play a role in restoring the systemic oxidative balance, as seen by the increase in post-treatment serum GSH levels.

Fucoidan attenuates hyperoxia-induced lung injury in newborn rats by mediating lung fibroblasts differentiate into myofibroblasts.

BackgroundHyperoxia-induced lung injury is one of the most common and frequent diseases in premature infants and may develop into bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Fucoidan, extracted from brown seaweed and brown algae, has anti-apoptosis, antioxidative and anti-fibrosis effects. This study aimed to explore whether fucoidan could alleviate hyperoxia-induced lung injury in newborn rats.MethodsLung wet-weight/dry-weight (W/D) ratio, total protein (TP) content, total cell counts, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels are used to evaluate lung injury. Masson staining is used to evaluate lung fibrotic. Tunnel assay and Hoechst 33258 assay were used to evaluate apoptosis. The levels of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) were measured using ELISA to assess oxidative stress. Western blot assay was used to detect apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-1, Bax, and myofibroblast proteins α-SMA.ResultsThe data indicating fucoidan treatment remarkably reduces the lung W/D ratio and TP content, total cell counts, and LDH levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Also, fucoidan treatment significantly inhibited cell apoptosis with the elevated expression of Bcl-2/Bax in cultured lung fibroblasts. Moreover, treatment with fucoidan suppressed the levels of MDA significantly and elevated the level of SOD and GSH, showing that oxidative stress was restrained by fucoidan. Furthermore, the decreased expression levels of α-SMA and collagen I was detected in fibroblast treated with fucoidan.ConclusionsThese data suggest fucoidan may protect the lung from hyperoxia via suppressing cell apoptosis, mitigating oxidative stress, and inhibiting lung fibroblasts from differentiating into myofibroblasts.

Fluorescence Detection of Glutathione Using N-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots–MnO2 Nanoarchitecture

We build a novel fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) method based on N-doped graphene quantum dots (NGQDs)–MnO2 nanocomposite for rapid, sensitive detection of glutathione (G SH) levels in human serum. In this strategy, MnO2 nanosheets on the NGQDs surface serve as a quencher. NGQDs fluorescence can make a recovery by the addition of GSH, which can reduce MnO2 to Mn2+, and thus the GSH can be monitored. The MnO2 platform affords minimal background and high sensitivity for detecting GSH in this proposed scheme. Meanwhile, relevant fluorescence on–off–on processes were monitored, and the sensing mechanism was explored.

Isolation of biologically active metabolites from Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. cultivated in Egypt

Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. is an ornamental plant cultivated in tropical, subtropical regions and other places as Egypt. The present study aimed to perform bioassay guided fractionation and isolation of some of the bioactive compounds from the Egyptian cultivate. The total ethanol extracts of the leaves (T.ET.L.), stems (T.ET.S.) and flowers (T.ET.F.) were screened for some pharmacological activities viz. in vivo anti-oxidant and anti-hepatotoxic, in addition to in vitro cytotoxic activities. The anti-oxidant effect was assessed by measuring serum glutathione level (GSH) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The anti-hepatotoxic activity was evaluated via measuring serum markers level viz . alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. In vitro cytotoxicity of the different extracts was estimated for liver cancer cell line (HEPG2) adopting Sulforhodamine B stain assay. T.ET.L. exhibited significantly potent anti-oxidant and anti-hepatotoxic activities, while T.ET.S. showed the highest cytotoxic activity. Through biological guided fractionation, leaves and stems were subjected to successive solvent extraction, whereas the leaves ethyl acetate (Et.Ac.L.) and the stems ethanol 70% (Et.70%S.) extracts showed highly potent activities. Thus, different chromatographic techniques were performed on Et.Ac.L. and Et.70%S. extracts leading to the isolation of five bioactive metabolites. Three flavonoids were isolated from Et.Ac.L.; genistein-7-O-rutinoside (1) , formononetin-7-O-rutinoside (2) and myricetin (3) , while orobol-7-O-glucoside (4) and hesperidin (5) were isolated from Et.70%S. This work demonstrated the importance of the plant as a promising anti-oxidant, anti-hepatotoxic and cytotoxic product for nutraceutical use.

The palliative effect of camel milk on hepatic CYP1A1 gene expression and DNA damage induced by fenpropathrin oral intoxication in male rats

The present study investigated the alleviating role of camel milk (CM) in the mitigation of fenpropathrin (FNP) type II pyrethroid induced oxidative stress, alterations of hepatic (CYP1A1) mRNA expression pattern, and DNA damage using the alkaline comet assay (SCGE) in male rats. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into six groups (n = 10): 1st control (C), 2nd corn oil (CO), 3rd (CM): gavaged CM 2ml/rat, 4th (FNP): gavaged FNP 7.09 mg/kg body weight (BW), 5th (FNP pro/co-treated): gavaged CM firstly for 15 days, then CM + FNP by the same mentioned doses and route, 6th (FNP + CM co-treated): gavaged FNP firstly followed by CM by the same mentioned doses and route. Rats were orally gavaged three times per week, day after day for 60 days. FNP exposure significantly reduced serum glutathione (GSH) levels, but significantly increased serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PCO), and 8hydroxy2deoxyguanosine (8OH2dG). Additionally, FNP exposure significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression levels of hepatic CYP1A1 and increased the SCGE indices in whole blood, liver, and spleen tissues of exposed male rats. Administration of CM significantly regulated the FNP induced oxidative stress, reduced hepatic CYP1A1 mRNA expression levels and values of comet assay indices particularly in the (CM + FNP pro/co-treated) group compared to the (FNP + CM co-treated) group. In conclusion, our results indicate, for the first time, that FNP retains an in vivo genotoxic potential at a dose of (1/10 LD50) and up-regulated hepatic CYP1A1 mRNA expression in male rats. Additionally, CM supplements may improve the genotoxic outcomes, oxidative stress, and altered CYP1A1 mRNA expression induced by FNP particularly in the pro/concurrent-treatment compared to the concurrent treatment alone.

Protective effects of Co-Q10, Ginkgo biloba, and l-carnitine on brain, kidney, liver, and endocrine system against sub-acute heavy metals toxicity in male rats

Since occupational exposure to heavy metals is associated with diverse disorders, the present study evaluates the ameliorative and protective capacity of Co enzyme Q10, l-carnitine and Ginkgo biloba against systemic sub-acute cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) toxicity in male rats. We randomly divided 24 adult male rats into four groups of six rats each; they were placed in pairs in plastic cages. The intoxicated (Group 1) received a mixture of Cd (2 mg/kg) and Pb (60 mg/kg) orally for 30 days. The protected (Group 2) received Co-Q10 (100 mg/kg), l-carnitine (100 mg/kg), and G. biloba (100 mg/kg) orally once daily for 30 days before oral administration of Cd and Pb mixture. The comparison (Group 3) received Co-Q10 (100 mg/kg), l-carnitine (100 mg/kg), and G. biloba (100 mg/kg) administered orally once daily for 30 days. The control group received normal saline orally in volumes equal to those of the substances administered to the other groups. At the end of the study period, all rats were killed, blood was withdrawn, and organs were excised for biochemical and histopathological analyses. Group (1) showed the least weight gain, hyperthyroidism (high free T4, while TSH was suppressed), decreased testosterone secretion, abnormal liver and renal functions that were associated with damaged cells. Heavy metals adversely affect lipid profile and significantly decreased glutathione levels in serum and tested organs tissues. The administration of Co-Q10, l-carnitine, and G. biloba) showed significant protection against endocrine disorder and organs damage, including improvements in liver and renal functions and a significant increase in glutathione level. Rat exposure to Co-Q10, l-carnitine, and G. biloba is associated with protective effects on Pb- and Cd-mediated toxicity of brain, kidney, liver, and endocrine system.

Glutathione-dependent enzymes in the follicular fluid of the first-retrieved oocyte and their impact on oocyte and embryos in polycystic ovary syndrome: A cross-sectional study.

Background Oxidative stress and GSH-dependent antioxidant system plays a key role in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Objective We compared glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in serum and follicular fluid (FF) of the first-retrieved follicle and their impact on quality of oocyte and embryo in PCOS women undergoing IVF.Materials and Methods This cross sectional study was conducted on 80 pairs of blood samples and FF of the first-retrieved follicle from PCOS women, at the Infertility center of Ghadir Mother and Child Hospital. The mean activity of GPx and GR, also GSH levels in the serum and FF were compared to the quality of the first follicle and resultant embryo.ResultsRetrieved oocytes included 53 (66.25%) MII, 17 (21.25%) MI, and 10 (12.5%) germinal vesicles; after IVF 42 (52.50%) embryos with grade I and 11 (13.75%) with grade II were produced. The mean values for all three antioxidants were higher in the FF compared to serum (p 0.001). Also all of the mean measured levels were significantly higher in the FF of the MII oocytes compared to that of oocytes with lower grades (p = 0.012, 0.006 and 0.012, respectively). The mean GPX activity and GSH levels were significantly higher in the serum (p = 0.016 and 0.012, respectively) and FF (p = 0.001 for both) of the high-quality grade I embryos.Conclusion GSH-dependent antioxidant system functions more efficiently in the FF of oocytes and embryos with higher quality.

Correlation Between Glutathione Plasma with Degree Severity of Melasma in Balinese Women.

IntroductionMelasma is a condition of hyperpigmentation of the facial skin that increases in prevalence with ageing. The alleged involvement of reactive oxygen species and antioxidants is the basis of the pathology of melasma. Glutathione is one of the non-enzymatic antioxidants produced by the body and plays a role in melanogenesis. The purpose of this study was to examine serum glutathione levels on the severity of melasma.MethodsThis study used a cross-sectional design conducted at the Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic at Sanglah Hospital, Denpasar, from September to October 2016. Serum glutathione was examined through venous blood with ELISA method, and the severity of melasma was assessed using melasma area severity index (MASI). Independent t-test and ANOVA were used to evaluate differences in plasma glutathione levels based on the characteristics of the sample. Pearson correlation test and linear regression were used to assess the relationship between MASI and plasma glutathione.ResultsThis study involved 47 people with a clinical diagnosis of melasma. There was a significant strong negative correlation between plasma glutathione and MASI (p<0.001; r = −0.624). Mild melasma (1.89 ± 0.28 µmol/L) had higher plasma glutathione levels compared to moderate melasma (1.53 ± 0.13 µmol/L) and severe (1.18 ± 0.20 µmol/L) (p=0.043). Linear regression showed a significant negative linear relationship between MASI scores against plasma glutathione (β = −58.2; p <0.01).ConclusionGlutathione plasma has a strong negative correlation with the MASI score in person with melasma.

Physiological and histopathological study on the influence of Ocimum basilicum leaves extract on thioacetamide-induced nephrotoxicity in male rats

Kidney disease is a worldwide public health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Globally, many risk factors for kidney disease progression have been identified. The global prevalence of acute and chronic forms of kidney disease is rising continuously. Nephrotoxicity is defined as rapid dysfunction of kidney due to toxic influence of medications and chemicals. Nephroprotective agents are material that has potential to minimize the effects of nephrotoxic agents. Plants have been shown to be potential therapeutic agents to protect against nephrotoxicity. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of basil leaves extract against thioacetamide (TAA) in male rats. Experimental male rats were divided into four groups. Rats of the first group were served as controls. Rats of the second group were exposed to TAA. Rats of the third group were treated with basil leaves extract and TAA. Rats of the fourth group were treated with basil leaves extract. After the end of experimental duration (6 Weeks), rats of the second group showed significantly increases of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and uric acid levels, while the levels of serum superoxide dismutase and glutathione were significantly decreased. Histopathologically, renal sections from rats treated with only TAA showed several alterations in the structure of most renal corpuscles including a degeneration of glomeruli and Bowman's capsules. Treatment with basil leaves extract improved the observed biochemical and histopathological changes induced by TAA intoxication. These new findings indicate that the extract of basil leaves represent protective roles on biochemical and histopathological changes induced by TAA toxicity due to its antioxidant activities.

Assessment of Glutathione Level in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a range of hepatic disorders associated with fatty deposits in liver, which occur in the absence of alcohol consumption or alcohol abuse. NAFLD. The present study assessed glutathione level in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients. Subjects and Methods: The present study was conducted in Department of Internal Medicine, Narayana Medical College &amp; Hospital, Chintareddy Palem, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. Duration of the study was from February 2018 to January 2019. 40 patients of NAFLD and 20 cases of fatty liver disease were recruited. Serum levels of 8-OHdG were measured using the highly sensitive 8-OHdG Check enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum levels of GGT were measured using the Qualigent® GGT kit. Serum levels of glutathione (GSH) were measured using the GSH kit. Results: The mean total bilirubin in group I was 1.2 mg/dL and in group II was 0.7 mg/dL, aspartate transaminase was 58.2 U/l in group I and 62.6 U/l in group II, alanine transaminase in group I was 142.4 U/l in group I and 128.2 U/l in group II, alkaline phosphatase was 284.2 U/l in group I and 302.4 U/l in group II and γ-glutamyltranspeptidase in group I was 98.2 U/l and 118.4 U// in group II. The difference was non- significant (P&gt; 0.05). The mean glutathione level in group I was 0.6 and in group II was 0.4 and which increased to 1.4 in group I and 1.2 in group II after 3 months. The difference within the group found to be significant (P&lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Authors found that there was reduction in alanine transaminase, glutathione and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase level. Antioxidant therapy with glutathione may reduce the pathological oxidative stress in the liver in NASH, preventing the progression from NAFLD to NASH cases.

Neurodegenerative and Hepatorenal Disorders Induced Via Aluminum Chloride in Murine System: Impact of β-Secretase, MAPK, and KIM.

Aluminum chloride (AlCl3) is commonly used in daily life; meanwhile, it is the potential etiology of various neurodegenerative as well as hepatorenal diseases. Therefore, the present study was carried out to investigate the correlation between AlCl3-induced biochemical alterations and the toxicity induced in various organs such as the brain, liver, and kidney. Male mice received AlCl3 in an oral dose of 50mgkg-1 in addition to (50mg) in drinking water for 2weeks. Two weeks post-AlCl3 intoxication, the brain, liver, and kidney biochemical indices were assessed via molecular and western blot analysis. The results are as follows: AlCl3 intoxication induced a significant elevation in serum malondialdehyde in addition to a significant reduction in serum glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Brain β-secretase (tubulin-binding protein) and tau proteins which are responsible for the synthesis of β-amyloid protein that may interfere with neuronal communication in Alzheimer's disease (AD) were also upregulated; regarding hepatic function, AlCl3 elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities. Moreover, it upregulated hepatic mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) protein expressions as well as renal kidney-inducible molecule-1 (KIM-1) which indicated the deleterious effect of AlCl3 on these organs. These results were confirmed by histopathological investigations. So, we hypothesize that acute AlCl3 administration is responsible for oxidative cell damage that interferes with brain function inducing β-amyloid accumulation, Alzheimer's disease, and neurodegenerative damage as well as hepatorenal injuries.

Probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii Alleviates Lung Injury by Reduction of Oxidative Stress and Cytokine Response Induced by Supraceliac Aortic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats.

ObjectivesIschemia-reperfusion injury is an important cause of multiple organ failure in cardiovascular surgery. Our aim is to investigate the effect of the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii on oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and lung injury in an experimental model of aortic clamping.MethodsTwenty-one Wistar rats were randomized into three groups (n=7). Control group animals received saline gavage for a week before undergoing median laparotomy. In other groups, supraceliac aorta was clamped for 45 minutes to induce ischemia followed by reperfusion for 60 minutes. In the ischemia-reperfusion group, saline gavage was given preoperatively for one week. Ischemia-reperfusion+probiotic group rats received probiotic gavage for seven days before aortic clamping. The levels of oxidative stress markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines were determined in both serum and lung tissue samples. Ileum and lung tissues were harvested for histological examination.ResultsIschemia-reperfusion caused severe oxidative damage and inflammation evident by significant increases in malondialdehyde and cytokine levels (tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1 beta) and decreased glutathione levels in both serum and lung tissues. There was severe histological tissue damage to the lung and ileum in the ischemia-reperfusion group. Probiotic pretreatment before aortic clamping caused significant suppression of increases in serum and lung tissue malondialdehyde and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels. Histological damage scores in tissue samples decreased in the ischemia-reperfusion+probiotic group (P<0,005).ConclusionsOral supplementation of probiotic S. boulardii before supraceliac aortic ischemia-reperfusion in rats alleviates lung injury by reducing oxidative stress, intestinal cellular damage, and modulation of inflammatory processes.

Hematological, antioxidant, and trace elements status in healthy mechanical welders: A pilot study

BACKGROUND: Welding work is considered to be an occupational hazard and welders are exposed to a range of metal fumes that are toxic to the blood system. Regular inhalation of the welding toxic fumes alters the hematological, antioxidant, and trace element levels and therefore an attempt is made at understanding these changes in the welders.AIM OF THE WORK: In this case–control study, an attempt is made at understanding the general health, hematological, antioxidant, and trace elements status of welders by comparing with age-matched office workers from the same area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a purposive, case–control prospective study and was carried out in healthy volunteers devoid of any chronic or acute systemic ailments in Mangalore, India. The sociodemographic details were collected in a structured questionnaire, while a detailed clinical examination was carried out by the senior clinicians. The blood collected as per the standard laboratory procedure was analyzed for hematological parameters, antioxidant, and trace elements status. The data were subjected to frequency, percentage, and analyzed using the unpaired ttest. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The results suggest that when compared to the controls, the welders showed significantly lower neutrophil count (53.45 ± 6.11 vs. 46.68 ± 6.12; P = 0.0003) and platelet count (267409.1 ± 42329.4 vs. 199142.9 ± 73735.1; P = 0.0002), and significantly higher counts of eosinophils (5.86 ± 4.12 vs. 9.86 ± 2.76; P = 0.0004) and monocytes (2.45 ± 1.63 vs. 4.89 ± 1.17; P < 0.0001). The levels of lipid peroxidation were high (225.73 ± 56.88 vs. 255.82 ± 30.26; P = 0.04), whereas total antioxidant capacity was less (3.00 ± 0.91 vs. 2.16 ± 1.04; P = 0.004) in the welders. When compared to controls, the serum iron (84.09 ± 6.18 vs. 94.46 ± 8.44; P ≤ 0.0001), copper (104.68 ± 40.63 vs. 148.93 ± 34.18; P = 0.0002), and lead (8.53 ± 5.49 vs. 14.18 ± 8.05; P = 0.005) were all significantly high in welders. There was no significant difference in the serum zinc and glutathione levels between the controls and welders.CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study indicate that occupational exposure to welding fumes among welders disturbs the homeostasis of trace elements in systemic circulation and induces oxidative stress.

Effect of L-Methionine Feeding on Serum Homocysteine and Glutathione Levels in Male and Female Wistar Rats

Homocysteine (Hcy) is a critical indicator of cardiovascular disease. High levels of Hcy have now been recognised as a risk factor for the development of a wide range of diseases. Hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhcy) can be induced by methionine or Hcy supplementation. On the other hand, Glutathione (GSH) is a major antioxidant in the body and also an important compound for oxidative defence. It is composed of 3 amino acids: cysteine, glutamate, and glycine. Interestingly, methionine is also a crucial compound in GSH synthesis. This study aims to assess the impact of 1% L-methionine feeding (10 or 30 weeks) on the body weight and serum Hcy and GSH levels of young adult (16 weeks) and middle-aged (36 weeks) Wistar rats of both sexes. Serum was analysed for Hcy and reduced GSH levels by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) in response to 1% L-methionine feeding. One percent L-methionine feeding decreased body weight in all conditions investigated, although this only reached significance in males after 10 weeks supplementation and females after 30 weeks supplementation. It also induced a significant increase in the serum Hcy levels of male Wistar rats, whilst having no significant effect on Hcy serum levels in female rats. Finally, we also observed a small increase in serum GSH levels in female Wistar rats but no change in serum GSH levels in the males. These results suggest that methionine feeding affects body weight homeostasis and alters by products of methionine catabolism.

Kannabinoid Tip 2 Reseptör Agonistinin Sıçanlarda Over İskemi/reperfüzyon Hasarına Karşı Koruyucu Etkisi

Objective: The aim of this study is to prove whether or not the cannabinoid (CB) 2 receptor agonist, which is known to be effective in anti-inflammatory effects and tried in various organ and/or tissue ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries, works in the treatment of I/R injury, which is a replication of the damage caused by clinical ovarian torsion. Materials and Methods: Rats were divided into five groups (n=6). After anesthesia, an approximately 2-cm incision was made in the lower abdominal region of the rats and both ovaries, uterine horns, and adnexa were occluded with a clamp for 30 min, except for the sham control group. After 3 h, both ovaries were surgically removed. Blood was collected for the measurement of cytokine levels in the serum. Results: The i nduction of ovaries by I/R injury resulted in an increase in interleukin 1 beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and malondialdehyde levels and decrease in glutathione (GSH) levels in ovarian tissues and serum. The pretreatment of the CB 2 receptor agonist decreased these cytokines levels in both ovarian tissues and serum. The GSH level in both was reduced by I/R injury, while the agonist increased the GSH level reduced by I/R injury. The administration of the antagonist reversed the curative effect of the agonist. Conclusion: The results of this study support that the CB 2 receptor agonist can be used to treat I/R injury, which is an imitation of ovarian torsion. However, no the clinical trial is a limitation of this study.

Assessment of the antidiabetic potentiality of glyburide loaded glyceryl monostearate solid lipid nanoparticles

The high rate homogenisation techniques was used for preparing glyburide loaded glyceryl monostearate solid lipid nanoparticles (Glb-SLNs) to improve the drug's solubility and oral bioavailability. It was mediated through pseudo-ternary phase diagrams to optimize the surfactant/co-surfactant ratio. The optimized Glb-SLNs were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, DSC, powder X-ray diffraction study and SEM analysis. In rat skeletal muscle cells (L6 myocytes) and in streptozotocin and high-fat diet-induced diabetic rats, anti-diabetic activity was evaluated. Flow cytometry analysis has accessed the effects of glucose uptake performed by the 2-(N-(7-Nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl) amino)-2- deoxyglucose (2-NBDG) in L6 myotubes. In normal rats and diabetic rats, parameters such as the blood glucose level, serum insulin, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), lipid peroxidase, catalase, glutathione, and HbA1c levels were assessed. Glb-SLNs at a dose of 50 μM showed a relative increase in relative fluorescence intensity of 92.5% to represent the glucose uptake potentiality. In vivo results revealed that the treatment with SLNs of glyburide (Glb-SLNs) normalized blood-glucose levels and serum biochemical parameters as compared with those of STZ controls. The protective effect was further confirmed by histopathological examination of the liver. These animals showed a comparable histopathological regeneration on Glb-SLNs treatment. These positive results demonstrated the success of the proposed SLNs approach in enhancing glyburide oral bioavailability and confirmed its potential as an effective system for diabetes treatment.

The effect of intense physical exertion on the biochemical parameters of antioxidant protection systems and nitric oxide in swimming athletes

Introduction. Intense physical activity leads to a violation of homeostasis, which is supported by a balanced work of the body’s defense systems against oxidative stress, in particular, antioxidant, thiol disulfide and nitric oxide system. The study of these indicators will improve the mechanisms of adaptation of the human body to physical activity.The aim of the study was to identify the features of changes in antioxidant protection systems and nitric oxide during intense physical activity in athletes-swimmers.Materials and methods. Blood of athletes-swimmers (n=30, age 23,0±2,5 years) in the conditions of intensive physical loadings is investigated. Oxidative stress, total serum antioxidant capacity, glutathione levels and nitric oxide metabolites were studied by photometric biochemical methods.Results. In 73.3% of athletes after intense physical activity remained elevated levels of oxidized glutathione, 30% had a high level of oxidative stress, 26.7% of the level of antioxidant capacity of serum is low, 73.3% was reduced relative to the initial level of the concentration of nitric oxide metabolites.Conclusion. Intense physical activity leads to oxidative stress and disturbances in the antioxidant system of the athlete’s body. With increasing load, the degree of violations increases. The level of oxidative stress increases, the total antioxidant capacity of serum decreases, the functioning of glutathione is disrupted. Integral indicators of oxidative stress, as well as glutathione fractions can be recommended for monitoring the state of oxidative stress.

Protective effect and mechanism of alpha-lipoic acid on partial hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in adult male rats.

In order to reduce tissue damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion injury, this study aims to investigate the protective effect and mechanism of ?-lipoic acid on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. The bloodstream of rats was blocked in the left middle and left lateral liver lobes of the liver. Forty rats were randomly divided into two groups: treatment group and injury group. Rats were injected with either 25 mg/1 ml of alpha-lipoic acid (treatment group) or 1 ml of saline (injury group) into the caudal vein 15 min before hepatic ischemia-reperfusion. Rat serum alanine aminotransferase (GPT), glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were examined at various time points (1, 3, 6 and 12 h) in both groups. Changes in nuclear factor kappa B P65 (NF-kappaB P65) expression in ischemia-reperfusion liver at various time points after reperfusion (1, 3, 6 and 12 h) were evaluated through immunohistochemistry assay. Changes in macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) mRNA and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression in ischemic reperfused rat livers were detected by RT-PCR. Serum GPT level was significantly higher in the injury group than in the treatment group (P<0.01). NF-kappaB P65, MIP-2 mRNA and iNOS mRNA expression in ischemic reperfused rat livers were significantly higher in the injury group than in the treatment group (P<0.01). Serum GSH and SOD levels were higher in the treatment group than in the injury group (P<0.01). Alpha-lipoic acid significantly reduced ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat livers. This may be associated to the direct scavenging of oxygen-free radicals, increased GSH production, and the activation of downstream media due to decreased NF-kappaB and GSH consumption.

The Effects of Irisin on L-Name Induced Hypertension in Rats

Background:The cause of about 95% of hypertension, an important public health problem, is unknown. Intensive studies are underway to understand the physiopathology of hypertension. Irisin, a newly discovered hormone, has been reported to dilate vascular smooth muscle and lower blood pressure acutely.Aims:To investigate the effects of chronic irisin treatment on blood pressure and renal functions in a hypertension model established by nitric oxide synthase inhibition by treatment with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride.Study Design:Animal experimentation.Methods:Male Sprague−Dawley rats were divided into four groups (n=8). Control and irisin groups received an intravenous saline injection, hypertension and hypertension + irisin (hypertension + irisin) groups received 1.5 mg/100 g Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride. Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (150 mg/L) was added to the drinking water of rats in groups hypertension and hypertension + irisin for three weeks. In the second week of the experiment, irisin (50 nmol/day) was given to rats in groups irisin and hypertension + irisin, and saline was administered to rats in groups control and hypertension for two weeks through subcutaneously placed osmotic minipumps. Blood pressure was measured by the tail-cuff plethysmography method. On the twenty-first day of the experiment, 24-hour urine, blood, and both kidneys of the rats were collected.Results:The hypertension group had elevated systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure values compared with the control group, with decreased glutathione levels in tissue and serum, but an increase in serum oxidized glutathione level (p<0.05). Histopathologically, increased tubular injury, cast formation, glomerular sclerosis, and peritubular fibrosis levels were observed (p<0.05). Irisin treatment did not cause any significant change in blood pressure, renal functions, and injury scores. However, renal nitric oxide levels significantly increased, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity was determined to be reduced (p<0.05).Conclusion:Treatment with chronic irisin at a physiological dose does not reduce blood pressure in an experimental model of hypertension. In different models of experimental hypertension, the effects of irisin administration at different doses and at different periods should be thoroughly investigated.

Assessment the level of some heavy metal in vital body fluids and blood parameters in lactating Awassi ewes

The aim of the study was to estimate the level of cadmium, zinc and oxidative stress parameters in serum and milk as well as the blood constituents in local at the age of 3-4 years during the spring and summer seasons. Blood and milk samples were collected from 30 ewes (15 each season). The blood samples were allocated to into two tubes, for complete blood profile study and for biochemical analysis. Milk was used for biochemical tests. Blood analysis showed a significant difference between some blood values during the two seasons represented by significant increase of total white blood number, haemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume in circulating blood of lactating ewes during summer season compared with spring season. Red blood cells number and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration did not change among the two seasons. Both mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin value of lactating ewe increased significantly during spring season with respect to the summer season. The serum glutathione level showed a significant elevation during spring season compared with the summer season, while, the level of malonaldehyde and peroxynitrite free radicle remain constant during the study period. There were no significant changes in the level of cadmium in serum and milk of examined ewes, while the serum level of zinc significantly higher during the spring compared to the summer season and milk zinc level remain stable during both seasons. The study concluded variations in haematological, oxidative stress biomarkers, serum and milk concentration of Zn and Cd according to lactation season in ewes.