Serum Glutathione Peroxidase Levels Research Articles

Nicotine and modafinil combination protects against the neurotoxicity induced by 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine in hippocampal neurons of male rats

MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a common recreational drug of abuse which causes neurodegeneration. Nicotine and modafinil provide antioxidant and neuroprotective properties and may be beneficial in the management of MDMA-induced neurotoxicity. The purpose of this study was to characterize how acute and chronic administration of nicotine and/or modafinil exert protective effects against the MDMA-induced impaired cognitive performance, oxidative stress, and neuronal loss. Adult male rats were divided into three groups, namely control, MDMA and treatment (modafinil and/or nicotine). MDMA (10 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally during a three-week schedule (two times/day for two consecutive days/week). The treated-groups were classified based on the acute or chronic status of treatment. In the groups which underwent acute treatments, nicotine (0.5 mg/kg) and/or modafinil (100 mg/kg) were injected just prior to the MDMA administration (acute nicotine (NA), acute modafinil (MA), and acute nicotine and modafinil (NMA)). In the rats which received chronic treatments, nicotine (0.5 mg/kg) and/or modafinil (100 mg/kg) were injected every day during the three week-schedule administration of MDMA (chronic nicotine (NC), chronic modafinil (MC), and chronic nicotine and modafinil (NMC)). Learning and memory performance, as well as avoidance response, were assessed by Morris water maze and Shuttle box, respectively. Our findings indicate enhanced learning and memory and avoidance response in the NMC group. By TUNEL test and Cresyl Violet staining we evaluated neuronal loss and apoptosis in the hippocampal CA1 and found increased neuronal viability in the NMC group. On the other hand, chronic administration of modafinil and nicotine significantly down-regulated the caspase 3 and up-regulated both BDNF and TrkB levels in the MDMA-received rats. The serum levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were evaluated and we found that the alterations of serum levels of GPx and TAC were considerably prevented in the NMC group. The overall results indicate that nicotine and modafinil co-administration rescued brain from MDMA-induced neurotoxicity. We suggest that nicotine and modafinil combination therapy could be considered as a possible treatment to reduce the neurological disorders induced by MDMA.

Exercise reduces hyperlipidemia-induced kidney damage in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.

Hyperlipidemia is a risk factor of kidney damage that can lead to chronic kidney disease. Studies have shown that exercise reduces kidney damage; however, the specific mechanisms underlying the protective effects of exercise remain unclear. For 12 weeks, 8-week-old male apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice were randomly divided into four treatment groups (n=7/group) as follows: Mice fed a normal diet (ND group); mice fed a ND and exercised (ND + E group); mice fed a high-fat diet (HD group); and mice fed a HD and exercised (HD + E group). Exercise training consisted of swimming for 40 min, 5 days/week. Metabolic parameters, such as low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, total cholesterol and creatinine levels were higher in the ApoE-/- HD mice compared with those in the ApoE-/- HD + E mice. Serum levels of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were significantly decreased in the HD group compared with those in the HD + E group. Significant pathological changes were observed in the HD + E group compared with in the HD group. Immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting revealed increased levels of oxidative stress (nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2) and fibrosis (Smad3 and TGF-β) markers in the ApoE-/- HD group; however, the expression levels of these markers were significantly decreased in the ApoE-/- HD + E group. Furthermore, NF-κB expression in the HD + E group was significantly lower compared with that in the HD group. These results suggested that exercise may exert protective effects against kidney damage caused by hyperlipidemia.

Hepatotoxic effects caused by simultaneous exposure to noise and toluene in New Zealand white rabbits: a biochemical and histopathological study.

The aim of this experimental study was to investigate hepatotoxicity effects of noise and toluene, and in particular, to study hepatotoxicity effects of simultaneous exposure to noise and toluene by histopathological and biochemical experiments. To experiment hepatotoxicity effects of noise and toluene, 100 dB white noise and 1000 ppm toluene vapors were generated during two consecutive weeks in healthy male New Zealand White rabbits. Non-simultaneous exposure to noise and toluene increased liver enzymes and the serum levels of superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, and total antioxidant capacity, and also decreased serum level of glutathione peroxidase. Alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity, and superoxide dismutase levels increased by simultaneous exposure to noise and toluene. Furthermore, catalase and alkaline phosphatase level decreased by simultaneous exposure to noise and toluene. The hematoxylin and eosin stain (H&E) experiments indicated significant swelling, lipidosis, eosinophilic cytoplasm, pyknosis, karyorrhexis, and disruption of the cytoplasmic membrane in the liver tissue due to exposure to noise, toluene and simultaneous exposure to them.

Short term chronic toxicity of tributyltin on the testes of adult albino rats and the possible protective role of omega-3.

The declining rate of male fertility is a growing concern. Tributyltin (TBT) is a well-known endocrine disruptor (ED), that induces imposex in female gastropods and is widely used in various industrial applications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxic effects of TBT on the testes of adult albino rats and the possible role of omega-3. Forty two adult male albino rats were divided into five groups; control group (Group I) and four experimental groups: omega-3 treated group, TBT treated group, TBT & omega-3 treated group and follow up group. At the end of the study, the rats were subjected to biochemical, histological, immunohistochemical staining for Ki-67 and seminal examinations. Our results clarfied that TBT induced a significant decrease in testosterone, FSH, LH and serum glutathione peroxidase levels and a significant increase in the serum Malondialdehyde as compared to the control group. Tributyltin induced disorganization and shrinkage of seminiferous tubules, apoptosis, cellular damage and marked reduction in the germinal epithelium. A significant decrease in the cell proliferation and arrested spermatogenesis were also detected. Seminal analysis of TBT group showed a significant affection of all parameters as compared to other groups. Omega-3 ameliorated all of these hazardous effects. Follow up group still showed toxic effects. In conclusion, TBT has a toxic effect on the testis. Increased testicular oxidative stress, cellular damage and arrest of spermatogenesis with attenuation in antioxidant defenses are all contributing factors. Omega-3 can protect against TBT induced reproductive toxicity.

Minimum Dietary Selenium Requirement to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes in Mice

Abstract Objectives Classic selenium (Se) deficiency syndromes are rare in the United States, but individuals with sub-optimal body Se status free of symptoms may be prone to certain chronic diseases such as diabetes if the condition is sustained. In-depth analyses of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey estimate that mortality rate is increased when serum Se is < 105.8 μg/L, suggesting that Se status in 10% or 15.5 million Americans aged 40 or older might be sub-optimal. Nonetheless, previous mouse studies show that both dietary selenium deficiency and in excess can promote type 2 diabetes. In this study, we determined the minimally required intake of dietary Se for prevention of type 2 diabetes-like phenotype in mice. Methods Male C57BL/6 J mice at 4 months of age were fed a modified AIN-93 M Se(-) diet containing 24% Torula yeast or the basal diet (0.0072 Se/kg) added with sodium selenate (0.03, 0.06, 0.09, and 0.12 mg Se/kg) for 4 months (n = 6 per group). Glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were determined at 5, 6 and 8 months of age. Blood, liver, pancreas and muscle were collected at 8 months of age for biochemical analysis. Results Compared to the Se-adequate diet added with 0.12 mg Se/kg, mice on the Se(-) diet showed increased (P < 0.05) body weight at 7–8 months of age and mice on the Se(-) diet added with 0, 0.03 or 0.06 but not 0.09 mg Se/kg displayed glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in a temporal manner. Results of Western analyses showed that levels of serum glutathione peroxidase 3 and muscle AKT phosphorylation on Ser-473 and Thr-308 were decreased (P < 0.05) in mice on the diets added with 0–0.09 mg Se/kg. Conclusions Collectively, we show that mature mice on Se-insufficient diet at levels lower than 0.09 mg Se/kg for 4 months display sub-optimal body Se status and develop type 2 diabetes-like phenotype. Funding Sources NIH.

Effects of Selenium-Deprived Habitat on the Immune Index and Antioxidant Capacity of Przewalski's Gazelle.

Przewalski's gazelle (Procapra przewalskii) is an endangered ungulate in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau of China. This study aimed to determine the influence of selenium (Se) deprivation in the natural habitat on the immune index and antioxidant capacity of P. przewalskii. Samples of soil and forage were collected from affected and healthy areas, and animal tissues were collected from affected and healthy P. przewalskii. The samples were used for measuring mineral content and for hematological and biochemical analyses. The results showed that Se concentrations were significantly lower in the soil and mixed forage samples from the affected area than in those from the healthy area. The Se concentrations were significantly lower in blood and hair samples from affected P. przewalskii than in those from healthy P. przewalskii. Meanwhile, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, and platelet count of affected P. przewalskii were significantly lower than those of healthy P. przewalskii. The serum level of glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant capacity were significantly lower and the serum levels of malondialdehyde, total nitric oxide synthase, and lipid peroxide were significantly higher in affected P. przewalskii. The serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, immunoglobulin A (IgA), and IgG significantly decreased and the serum levels of IL-6 and IgM significantly reduced in affected P. przewalskii compared with healthy P. przewalskii. Therefore, the findings indicated that Se deprivation in soil and forage caused oxidative stress damage and posed a serious threat to the immune function of P. przewalskii.

The effect of coenzyme Q10 on serum glutathione peroxidase levels and severity of acne vulgaris

Objective: The objective of the study was to study the effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation on serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels and the severity of acne vulgaris (AV). Methods: A double-blind randomized controlled trial was carried out on 36 patients with AV classified according to severity. These patients were randomly divided into two groups (treatment group = 18 patients treated with tretinoin 0.025% cream and once-daily supplementation with a CoQ10 100 mg tablet; placebo group = 18 patients treated with tretinoin 0.025% cream and a once-daily placebo tablet). Blood samples were taken from a vein and examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The study period was 8 weeks. Response to treatment was determined based on serum GSH-Px level and AV severity. The study used a pre- and post-test design for the two groups. The data were processed with SPSS for Windows version 25. Results: Administration of CoQ10 to AV significantly improved the severity of AV after 8 weeks compared to a placebo (P = 0.008). Serum GSH-Px levels after treatment with CoQ10 increase higher in the study than control group, but the statistical test result showed not significant in the study group (P = 0.3) and also control group (P = 0.07). Conclusion: CoQ10 supplementation may increase serum GSH-Px levels and improve the severity of AV, but there was no relationship between serum GSH-Px levels and the severity of AV.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Full-Fat Canola Seeds on Productive Performance, Blood Metabolites and Antioxidant Status of Laying Japanese Quails

ABSTRACT The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of different levels of full-fat canola seeds (FFCS) on productive performance, blood metabolites and antioxidant status of laying Japanese quails. A total of 360, 8-week-old quails were divided into a completely randomize design with 4 dietary experimental groups and three pens each, each pen containing 30hens. The experimental groups were fed iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous diets supplemented with FFCS at levels 0, 50, 100 and 150 g/kg diet. The experiment lasted 16 weeks. All supplemented groups showed significant effects in the final body weight (g), hen feed consumption (g/hen/day), egg mass (g egg/hen/day) and hen-day egg production (%). However, egg weight (g) at 8-12 weeks of age reduced significantly. Moreover, feed conversion ratio (g feed/g egg), did not alter among groups. Egg quality criteria were not affected by FFCS supplementationexcept for the egg shape index which decreased significantly at 10 and 15% FFCS groups. Serum total protein, albumen, uric acid, creatinine, hepatic enzyme activities, triiodothyronine, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterolconcentrations were not altered. However, serum triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol showed significant reduction in all treated groups. Furthermore, serum glutathione peroxidase level was greatly influencedin supplemented groups, while malondialdehyde level reduced significantly. In conclusion, FFCS inclusion in Laying Japanese quail diets up to 15% enhanced the laying performance, blood lipids profile and anti-oxidative status. Thus, it can be regarded as alternative sources of energy and protein in poultry rations.

Glutathione peroxidase in ovarian cancer patients in Indonesia

Background . Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) is one of the antioxidant enzymes that maintain the balance of reactive oxygen species. GPx has a notable role in the progression of cancer, including ovarian cancer. Synthesis of this enzyme may be down-regulated in cases of ovarian cancer. As far as we are aware, this has not been studied in an Indonesian population. Objective. To identify the difference in serum GPx levels between ovarian cancer patients and healthy controls. Methods . This was an observational analytical study with a case–control design. The study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Haji Adam Malik Hospital in Medan, Indonesia. Serum GPx levels were measured in 20 ovarian cancer patients and 20 control subjects. Results . The types of ovarian cancer identified by histopathology in this study included serous adenocarcinoma ( n =10; 50%) and various non-serous adenocarcinomas (50%). The mean (SD) serum GPx level was significantly lower in the cancer group (295.235 (244.479) mU/mL) than in the control group (743.546 (131.949) mU/mL) ( p 0.226). Conclusion . Serum GPx levels were found to be significantly lower in patients with ovarian cancer than in healthy controls. Further studies are needed to determine an appropriate cut-off level for serum GPx in ovarian cancer in this population.

Hesperidin attenuated apoptotic-related genes in testicle of a male rat model of varicocoele.

Varicocoele is a swollen bulge of the pampiniform venous plexus inside the scrotum. It is also considered one of the causes of infertility in males. It has been demonstrated that hesperidin has remarkable pharmacological potentials, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticarcinogenic effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of hesperidin on varicocoele-induced testicular tissue damage and oxidative stress in the testicles of adult male rats. Animals were assigned into the following groups: control group (Ctrl) or sham, varicocoele group (Vcl) which received no treatment, varicocoele group that was daily fed with hesperidin (Vcl+Hsp) at a dose of 50mg/kg for eight weeks, and hesperidin group (Hsp) which received only hesperidin. At the end of the treatment period, the levels of oxidative stress markers were measured in plasma, and the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 was determined by immunocytochemistry and RT-qPCR methods. The index of apoptosis was assessed by the TUNEL assay. Johnsen's score, the epithelium thickness, and diameter of seminiferous tubules were improved in the Vcl+Hsp group as compared to the Vcl group. Treatment with hesperidin enhanced the serum levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes and decreased the heightened concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) in testicular tissue (p<0.001). Moreover, our results demonstrated that hesperidin considerably diminished Bax and increased Bcl-2 expression (gene and protein) levels compared with the Vcl group (p<0.05). It also markedly reduced the rate of programmed cell death in germ cells (p<0.05). It seems that the treatment with hesperidin could mitigate testicular tissue damage in rats underwent varicocoele possibly through its antioxidant properties.

Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory impact of valsartan against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury; role of nitric oxide signaling pathway

Introduction: Renal ischemia reperfusion injury is one of the main causes of acute renal failure, which is associated with high mortality. Tissue damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion occurs due to the release of oxygen free radicals. Type I angiotensin receptor antagonists such as valsartan can be useful in the treatment of chronic kidney disease and hypertension. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the protective effect of valsartan against renal ischemia reperfusion via antioxidant property and nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathway. Materials and Methods: Fifty male Wistar rats (220±10 g) were randomly divided into five groups as follows: Group 1; healthy rats without ischemia-reperfusion (control group). Group 2; rats with ischemia reperfusion (IR) (IR control group). Group 3; rats with IR which received 30 mg/kg valsartan orally. Group 4; rats with IR which received 30 mg/kg valsartan together with 40 mg/kg L-NAME. Group 5; rats with IR which received 30 mg/kg valsartan together with 40 mg/kg L-arginine. To induce ischemia-reperfusion, rats were anesthetized with thiopental and underwent surgery. Then, we induced ischemia with blocking blood vessels for 45 minutes by clamping. Biochemical parameters including urea and creatinine were measured using commercial kits. Oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters were measured by ELISA method. Renal tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Finally, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to determine the normal distribution of data. Results: The findings of this study indicated that treatment with valsartan and valsartan plus L-arginine leads to significant decrease in the serum levels of creatinine, urea, and albumin/creatinine, malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in contrast to IR control group which has increased level of these parameters. On the other hand, treatment with valsartan and valsartan plus L-arginine lead to increase in the serum levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPX), in contrast to ischemia reperfusion control group. Conclusion: Our data revealed that valsartan as a type I angiotensin receptor antagonist could decrease oxidative stress and inflammation due to renal ischemia reperfusion injury. Hence, valsartan could propose as a therapeutic agent for kidney diseases such as renal ischemia-reperfusion injury regarded to these renoprotective effects.

Serum levels of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in patients with chronic viral hepatitis

Serum levels of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in patients with chronic viral hepatitis

Comparison of serum glutathione peroxidase levels in healthy controls and patients with oral cavity malignancy

Objective: In this study, we investigated the glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity changes in patients with oral cavity malignancies. Material and Methods: Twenty-five patients with oral cavity malignancy and 24 healthy individuals were included in the study. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of age, gender and smoking-alcohol consumption habits. Results: Glutathione peroxidase activity was found to be significantly lower in the blood of patients with oral cavity malignancies than the control group ( 2,238±0,039, p: 0,0001). Conclusion: The level of glutathione peroxidase in the blood can be used as an important biomarker for the prognosis and to guide to the treatment approaches for the patients with oral cavity malignancy.

Protective effect of aliskiren against renal ischemia reperfusion via antioxidant property and nitric oxide signaling pathway

Introduction: Renal ischemia reperfusion (RIR) is created following different mechanisms such as oxidative stress and inflammation. Objectives: The roles of chemical drugs, including aliskiren, have been evaluated in various kidney diseases. Hence, we assessed the effect of aliskiren on renal ischemia reperfusion. Materials and Methods: Fifty male Wistar rats (220±10 g) were grouped randomly in five groups; 1. Healthy control group, 2. Ischemia of reperfusion (IR) control group, 3. Rats with IR which received 30 mg/kg aliskiren orally, 4. Rats with IR which received 30 mg/kg aliskiren together with 40 mg/kg L-NAME, 5. Rats with IR which received 30 mg/kg aliskiren together with 40 mg/kg L-arginine. To induce ischemiareperfusion, rats were anesthetized treated with thiopental and went under surgery. Then, we revealed the left and right kidneys, and we induced ischemia with blocking blood vessels for 45 minutes by clamping. Biochemical parameters including urea and creatinine were measured using commercial kits with auto analyzer. Oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters were evaluated using ELISA method. Renal tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Finally, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was applied to determine the normal distribution of data. Results: Our results showed that treatment with aliskiren and aliskiren plus L-arginine causes a significant decrease in the serum levels of creatinine, urea, albumin/creatinine and malondialdehyde (MDA), in contrast with IR control group which has increased level of these parameters. On the other hand, treatment with aliskiren and aliskiren plus L-arginine leads to increase in the serum levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in contrast with IR control group. Conclusion: The protective effect of aliskiren has been proven in different kidney diseases such as RIR and diabetic nephropathy. Our results demonstrated that aliskiren could be proposed as a therapeutic agent against renal ischemia complications.

Assessment of Summer Stress and Management with Poly Herbal Anti-Stressor Product (Restobal) in Buffaloes

Variations in the different environmental parameters including temperature, wind velocity, pressure and relative humidity had influenced the bovines and reduce the feed intake further leads to the reduction in the milk production. The present study was conducted to evaluate the summer stress and to record the efficacy of polyherbal anti-stressor product (Restobal®, M/s Ayurvet Limited) against the management of summer stress in buffaloes with hyperthermia. Twenty buffaloes with hyperthermia were selected during the summer period and divided into two equal groups. Group I buffaloes (control group) with hyperthermia were treated for hyperthermia alone and buffaloes under group II (treatment group) was treated for hyperthermia along with the oral polyherbal anti stressors product. Whole blood and serum were collected on the 0th day, 3rd day and 5th day of treatment for laboratory analysis. Buffaloes in the treatment group showed the increased total leukocyte, neutrophil and lymphocyte count, elevated serum glutathione peroxidase levels and reduced serum cortisol levels when compared with the buffaloes in the control group. The present study concluded that polyherbal anti stressor product (Restobal which contains Ocimum sanctum, Phyllanthus emblica, Mangifera indica and Withania somnifera) is recommended as supportive therapy in the management of summer stress along with the treatment of hyperthermia in buffaloes.

The Effect of Erythropoietin in Preventing Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Ovarian Tissue Transplantation.

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation are the only options accepted for prepubertal girls and women requiring immediate chemotherapy. Ischemia-reperfusion injury is the main obstacle for ovarian tissue transplantation. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) on tissue viability in autotransplanted rat ovaries. Seventeen female rats were randomized into 3 groups as sham control group (n = 5), EPO-treated group (n = 6), and EPO-untreated group (n = 6). Both ovaries were excised and transplanted into a subcutaneous pouch formed at the anterior abdominal wall in the EPO-treated and untreated groups. In the EPO group, 5000 U/kg EPO was applied as local injection to the site that ovarian tissue was placed and the dose was repeated with the same route at the end of the fourth week. After 2 months, ovaries were removed and blood samples were obtained. Levels of estradiol (E2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF-C, and lipid hydroperoxidase (LPO) and the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were measured both in blood and tissue samples. Histopathological and morphometric analyses were also performed on tissue samples. Considering serum levels, mean CAT was significantly higher ( P = .003) and mean SOD ( P = .033), LPO ( P = .050), VEGF ( P = .001), and VEGF-C ( P = .024) were significantly lower in the EPO-treated group than in the untreated group. Mean serum GPX levels were similar. Significantly higher levels of E2 were determined in the EPO group than in the untreated group. Highest serum E2 levels were found in the sham group ( P = .001). Tissue levels of GPX (1.23) and CAT (53.17) were significantly higher in the EPO group ( P = .002 and P = .001, respectively). However, tissue levels of SOD and LPO, VEGF, and VEGF-C levels were significantly lower in the EPO group than those in the untreated group ( P = .033, P = .050, P = .002, and P = .003, respectively). In tissue examination, the highest values of x, y axis and epithelial height were in the sham group. Mean value of the EPO group was found statistically significantly higher than that of the untreated group ( P ≤ .05). In terms of antral follicle count, ordering was found as sham > EPO-treated > EPO-untreated group. Follicle counts in the EPO group were significantly higher than those in the untreated group ( P ≤ 0.05). Erythropoietin improved the survival of follicles in ovarian grafts most likely by reducing ischemic injury, by improving neoangiogenesis, and by its antioxidant effects.

The Impact of Ozone Therapy on Antioxidant Status and Quality of Life in Palliative Care - Exploratory Study

There is a constant concern about finding new or alternative therapeutical approaches for symptom control and quality of life that are essential in palliative care. Ozone therapy has been studied for over a century, since the development of the first medical ozone-generator able to ensure a correct titration of the ozone-oxygen mixture. When used in precise therapeutic doses O3 prove many consistent and safe therapeutic benefits, with minimal and preventable side actions. Our prospective exploratory study aimed to analyze the effects of ozone therapy administration on palliative care patients, by dynamically monitoring the antioxidant status (superoxide-dismutase and glutathione-peroxidase serum levels), pain perception, and quality of life. The results confirm ozone therapy as a promising alternative adjuvant therapy for increasing the quality of life in palliative care services.

The effects of propolis extract on ovarian tissue and oxidative stress in rats with maternal separation stress

Stress in infancy has dramatic effects on different systems, including the nervous system, endocrine, immune, reproductive and etc. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of extract of Iranian propolis (EIP) on ovarian tissue and oxidative stress in rats with maternal separation stress. 48 immature female rats were divided randomly into six groups. 1) Control group, 2) Control group+saline, 3) Stress group, includes infants that were separated from their mothers 6 hr/day, the 4th, 5th and 6th groups consisted of infants who in addition to daily stress received 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of EIP, respectively. Then serum corticosterone, 17-beta-estradiol, malondialdehyde, total superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and ferric reducing antioxidant power levels were measured. The ovarian sections were stained by H&E, PAS, and TUNEL methods and were studied with optical microscopy. Stress increased the blood serum corticosterone levels and 17-beta-estradiol reduced significantly (p<0.001) and EIP prevented from this changes (p<0.01). EIP significantly increased the number of ovarian follicles, oocytes and oocytes diameter in neonatal rat following stress (p<0.01). EIP also significantly decreased the number of atretic follicles, TUNEL+granulosa cells, malondialdehyde levels and increased ferric reducing antioxidant power, total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase serum levels in neonatal rats following stress. The dose of 200 mg/kg EIP was more effective. This Study showed that the Iranian Propolis significantly could prevent oxidative stress and histopathological changes in the ovary of the neonatal rat the following stress.

Impact of generic antimalarial or Phyllanthus amarus and vitamin co-administration on antioxidant status of experimental mice infested with Plasmodium berghei

Oxidative stress is a key factor in malaria pathogenesis, particularly, malaria induced anaemia and pathological changes in some organs in the body. This research aimed at investigating the effect of Phyllanthus amarus seed extract (PASE), chloroquine (CLQ), and artesunate (ATS) used alone and co-administered with vitamin A, B, C, or E on oxidative stress in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. A total of eighty (80) adult albino male mice infected with P. berghei (NK 65 strain) were randomly allotted to 16 treatment groups, mice in another group (17th group) were uninfected; n=5. Of the treatment groups, fifteen were administered sole generic antimalarials/PASE and combined vitamins A, B, C or E orally for 5days. Biochemical assay for glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) were carried out on the serum. Assay for glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CA), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were carried out on homogenised liver and brain. Treatment with PASE, CLQ and ATS combined with vitamin A, B, or E respectively, demonstrated significant increase in the serum levels of GPx and GR concentration. Treatment with PASE/ATS alone and in combination with vitamin A, B, C, and E significantly increased the liver GPX, SOD, and CA levels with significant decrease in liver MDA levels. Treatment with PASE/CLQ alone and in combination with vitamin A, B, C, and E significantly increased the brain GPX, GR and SOD levels with significant decrease in brain MDA levels. PASE showed enhanced antioxidant capacity in plasmodiasis solely or combined with vitamins A, B and E. Furthermore the co-administration of generic agent like artesunate with vitamins A, B, and E enhanced the antimalarial activity and treatment outcome as shown by the antioxidant effects. However, co-administration with vitamin C may be counter-productive.

The ankle‐brachial pressure index and it's correlation with oxidative stress in Acute Myocardial Infarction

BackgroundIn recent years significant attention has been paid in identifying markers of increased cardiovascular risk, in particular the coronary artery disease. The ankle‐brachial pressure index (ABI), an easily accessible, inexpensive bedside test can be a significant tool to assess the vascular risk in symptomatic and asymptomatic cardiovascular patients. Oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation is thought to play a crucial role in the generation of atherosclerotic lesions of Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI).ObjectiveTo determine the association between an abnormal ankle brachial index (ABI) and oxidative stress in coronary artery disease (CAD).MethodThe study population included 160 subjects divided in two groups, 90 patients with AMI and 70 age and sex matched healthy subjects as controls. Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABI) was measured in all the subjects along with their LDH level. Antioxidant status of the individuals was determined by measuring the serum levels of Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD). Estimation of Malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation was used as a surrogate marker of free radical activity.ResultA significantly low ABI (&lt;0.9) was observed among the AMI patients as compared to healthy controls. Moreover the ABI showed negative correlation with the level of LDH amd MDA in the AMI patient. GPx and SOD were positively correlated with ABI.ConclusionABI calculation would be able to identify more patients at high risk and as such it should be considered routine investigation for cardiovascular risk prediction.Support or Funding InformationTRAVEL GRANT AND REGISTRATION GRANT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE REQUIRED TO TRAVEL TO CHICAGO.REQUEST TO ORGANIZERS TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE.