Serum Oxidative Stress Levels Research Articles

Comparison of cytokines and prooxidants/antioxidants markers among adults with refractory versus well-controlled epilepsy: A cross-sectional study

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the serum adiponectin, interleukin (IL)-6 and oxidative stress in epilepsy patients who are refractory or non-refractory to treatments. MethodThe study comprised 31 refractory epilepsy, 29 well-controlled epilepsy patients and control group including 29 healthy individuals. The serum adiponectin, IL-6, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status levels (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSİ) were determined. ResultsThe mean serum adiponectin and TAS levels were significantly lower in the refractory epilepsy patients than in the healty controls, and mean IL-6, TOS and OSİ levels were significantly higher. The serum adiponectin, IL-6, TAS, TOS and OSI levels were not significantly different between the well-controlled epilepsy patients and the healthy controls. ConclusionsThe mean serum IL-6 and oxidative stress levels in refractory epilepsy patients were higher and the serum adiponectin level was lower than the healthy control group. These findings may be associated with an increased risk of seizures, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease in refractory epilepsy patients.

Investigation of serum oxidative stress levels in patients with nasal polyps

Objective:  To  compare  serum  total  antioxidant  status  (TAS),  total  oxidant  status  (TOS),  and  paraoxonase  (PON1) levels between nasal polyp patients and heal thy subjects.Method: In the present study, The nasal polyp group includes 26 males an 22 females, a total of 48 patients (mean age 37.11±12.07 years), while the control group included 22 males and 24 females, a total of 46 healthy subjects (mean age 36.91±13.03) years. Groups were compared in terms of serum TAS, TOS and PON1 levels. Results:  The  mean  TAS  level  was  1.248  mmol/L  in  the  control  group,  it  was  1.176  mmol/L  in  the  patient  group (p=0.044). The mean TOS level was 3.443 mmol/L in the control group, and it was 6.720 mmol/L in the patient group (p=006).  Nasal  polyp  and  control  groups  did  not  show  any  significant  difference  for  PON1  (301.15  U/L  vs.  295.75 U/L,p>0.05).  Conclusion: Serum TOS levels were significantly higher, and TAS levels were significantly lower in patients with nasal polyposis  compared  it  the  control  group.  There  was  no  significant  difference  between  the  patients  with  nasal polypand the control group in terms of the PON1 values.

Relationship between serum levels of oxidative stress and metabolic syndrome components

AimsThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) with number of metabolic syndrome (Mets) components on the personnel working in Shahroud University of Medical Sciences. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 167 personnel aged 30–60 years old. ATP III criteria were used to diagnose patients with MetS. Oxidative stress indicators were measured. The data was analyzed via one-way ANOVA, and Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients. ResultsThe result showed that TAC had a significant positive correlation with HDL and a significant negative correlation with abdominal obesity. In addition, there was a significant positive association between the level of MDA and age, BMI, abdominal obesity, diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, and LDL; however, it had a negative significant correlation with HDL. ConclusionsThe measurement of TAC and MDA biomarkers can increase the early diagnosis of patients at risk of developing Mets.

Testosterone Deficiency Causes Endothelial Dysfunction via Elevation of Asymmetric Dimethylarginine and Oxidative Stress in Castrated Rats

BackgroundTestosterone is believed to mediate the penile erectile response by producing adequate nitric oxide; therefore, testosterone deficiency results in erectile dysfunction through decreased nitric oxide bioavailability. However, the mechanisms underlying endothelial dysfunction in testosterone deficiency remain unclear. AimTo investigate the mechanism of endothelial dysfunction in a rat model of testosterone deficiency. MethodsRats were distributed into 3 groups: castrated (Cast), castrated and supplemented with testosterone (Cast + T), and sham (Sham). In the Cast + T group, castrated rats were treated daily with subcutaneous testosterone (3 mg/kg daily) for 4 weeks; Sham and Cast rats received only the vehicle. OutcomesErectile function using intracavernosal pressure and mean arterial pressure measurements after electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve, endothelial function using isometric tension, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels using ultra-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry, and inflammatory biomarker expression were performed 4 weeks after the operation. ResultsIn the Cast group, the ratio of intracavernosal pressure to mean arterial pressure significantly decreased, acetylcholine-induced relaxation was lower, and serum ADMA, oxidative stress, and inflammation biomarker levels were significantly increased (P < .01). Testosterone injection significantly improved each of these parameters (P < .01). Clinical TranslationThe present results provide scientific evidence of the effect of testosterone deficiency on erectile function and the effect of testosterone replacement therapy. Strengths and LimitationsThis study provides evidence of the influence of testosterone deficiency on endothelial function by investigating ADMA and oxidative stress. A major limitation of this study is the lack of a direct link of increased ADMA by oxidative stress to inflammation. ConclusionTestosterone deficiency increased not only ADMA levels but also oxidative stress and inflammation in castrated rats, which can cause damage to the corpus cavernosum, resulting in erectile dysfunction.Kataoka T, Hotta Y, Maeda Y, Kimura K. Testosterone Deficiency Causes Endothelial Dysfunction via Elevation of Asymmetric Dimethylarginine and Oxidative Stress in Castrated Rats. J Sex Med 2017;14:1540–1548.

Anti-atherosclerotic effect of Fermentum Rubrum and Gynostemma pentaphyllum mixture in high-fat emulsion- and vitamin D3-induced atherosclerotic rats

BackgroundThe mixture of Hongqu and gypenosides (HG) is composed of Fermentum Rubrum (Hongqu, in Chinese) and total saponins of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino (Jiaogulan, in Chinese) in a 3.6:1 weight ratio. Both Hongqu and Jiaogulan are considered valuable traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs); they have been commonly used in China for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and related diseases for centuries. The aim of the current study was assess the anti-atherosclerotic effect of HG. MethodsSixty-four Wistar rats were randomly divided into eight groups: normal, model, positive control (simvastatin, 1 mg/kg), Hongqu-treated (72 mg/kg), gypenoside (total saponin)-treated (20 mg/kg), and three doses HG-treated (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg). All of the rats were fed a basal diet. Additionally, the model group rats were intragastrically administered a high-fat emulsion and intraperitoneally injected with vitamin D3. The serum lipid profiles, oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokine, and hepatic antioxidant levels were then determined. Furthermore, the liver histopathology and arterial tissue were analyzed, and the expression of hyperlipidemia- and atherosclerosis (AS)-related genes was measured using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. ResultsThe AS rat model was established after 80 days. Compared to the model group, the HG-treated groups showed an obvious improvement in the serum lipid profiles, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokine levels, and showed markedly increased hepatic total antioxidant capacity. Moreover, the expression of genes related to lipid synthesis and inflammation reduced and that of the genes related to lipid oxidation increased in the liver and arterial tissue, which also reflected an improved health condition. Conclusionthe anti-atherosclerotic effects of HG were superior to those of simvastatin, Hongqu, and the gypenosides. Therefore, HG may be a useful anti-atherosclerotic TCM preparation.

Docosahexaenoic acid attenuates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats

Fish oil containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has been reported to exert beneficial health effects, including hepatoprotection. However, the effect of DHA alone has not been well studied, and the mechanism is not fully understood. In the present study, we reported the protective effect of DHA on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatic fibrosis. Compared with the control group, the CCl4 group showed hepatic damage as evidenced by histological changes and elevation in serum transaminase activity, fibrosis, inflammation and oxidative stress levels. These pathophysiological changes were attenuated by chronic DHA supplementation. The anti-fibrotic effect of DHA was accompanied by reductions in gene and protein expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin, and collagen in the liver tissue. DHA also attenuated CCl4-induced elevation of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and decrease of glutathione (GSH)/oxidized GSH (GSSG) ratio. The upregulated inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-6 by CCl4 were also ameliorated by DHA. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ upregulation and type I and II receptors for transforming growth factor (TGF)-β (Tβ-RI and Tβ-RII) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-β receptor (PDGF-βR) downregulation on both mRNA and protein levels were observed by DHA treatment compared to CCl4 group. Moreover, in vitro study showed that DHA inhibited HSC activation, being associated with elevating PPARγ level and reducing the phosphorylation levels of Smad2/3 and ERKs, which are downstream intermediates of TGFβ and PDGF receptors, respectively. Taken together, the hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of DHA appeared to be multifactorial. Further, one of the mechanisms of the anti-fibrotic effect of chronic DHA supplementation is probably through PPARγ signaling to interrupt TGFβ/Smad and PDGF/ERK pathways in HSCs.

Serum Oxidative Stress Levels in Patients with Nasal Septal Deviation.

Comparison of the total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS) and paraoxonase (PON1) serum levels in patients with nasal septum deviation (NSD) and healthy subjects. The TAS, TOS, and PON1 serum levels of 47 patients with NSD (mean age 35.3) and 50 healthy subjects (mean age 37.8) were compared in this study. We found significantly higher TAS levels in the control group (p<0.001). The mean TAS value was 1.196 mmoL/L in the control group, whereas it was 1.046 mmoL/L in the NSD group. On the other hand, TOS was significantly higher in the NSD group (p<0.001). We found that the mean TOS value was 6.600 mmoL/L in the control group, and 20.194 mmoL/L in the NSD group. The NSD and control groups had similar PON1 levels (p=0.446). The mean PON1 value was 279.64 U/L in the control group, and 324.21 U/L in the NSD group. We detected higher TOS and lower TAS levels in patients with NSD compared to healthy subjects. These results indicate that patients with NSD are exposed to oxidative stress.

Association of MTH1 expression with the tumor malignant potential and poor prognosis in patients with resected lung cancer

ObjectivesThe oxidized purine nucleoside triphosphatase, mutT homolog 1 (MTH1), physiologically sanitizes 8-oxo-dGTP in the nucleotide pool. Previous studies indicated that MTH1 is associated with tumor proliferation and invasion in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines; however, the role of MTH1 in patients with NSCLC remains unclear. Materials and MethodsTwo patient cohorts that underwent surgery for NSCLC in our institution were investigated retrospectively. In one cohort consisting of 197 patients, the associations between MTH1 expression and clinicopathological factors or prognosis were analyzed. In another cohort consisting of 41 patients, the relationship between MTH1 expression in the tumors and serum oxidative stress levels (evaluated by the diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites [d-ROMs] test) or antioxidant capacity in the patients (evaluated by the biological antioxidant potential (BAP) test) was analyzed. A total of 238 patients were assessed for MTH1 protein levels using immunohistochemistry. ResultsAmong the 197 patients in the former cohort, 111 (56.3%) exhibited high MTH1 expression, while 86 (43.7%) exhibited low MTH1 expression. Male sex, smoking habit of ≥20 pack-years, squamous cell carcinoma, pathological stage ≥ II, tumor diameter ≥30mm, lymph node metastases, pleural invasion, lymphatic permeation and vascular infiltration were significantly associated with high MTH1 expression (p<0.05). The high MTH1 expression group had a significantly worse prognosis than that of the low MTH1 expression group (5-year overall survival: 81.6% vs. 92.3%, p=0.0011; 5-year disease-free survival: 55.0% vs. 83.7%, p=0.0002). d-ROMs and BAP test values were significantly higher in the high than in the low MTH1 expression group (p<0.05). ConclusionThis study showed that MTH1 protein expression was closely related to factors associated with a high malignant potential and poor patient survival. MTH1 may be a novel therapeutic target for NSCLC.

Effect of insulin pump infusion on comprehensive stress state of patients with diabetic ketoacidosis

Purpose: To assess changes in the comprehensive stress state of patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) following treatment with insulin infusion pump. Methods: A total of 240 patients suffering from DKA who received treatment at The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from Feb. 2011 to Feb. 2014 were selected randomly and divided into a control group (120 cases), administered continuous intravenous insulin, and a treatment group (120 cases), administered insulin with an infusion pump. Relevant diabetes-associated serum indices, oxidative stress and stress hormone levels were compared between the groups at different time points. Results: Levels of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbAlc), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and anion gap (AG) were lower (p < 0.05) in the treatment group than in the control group at various time points. Carbon dioxide combining power (CO 2 -CP) and C-reactive peptide levels in the treatment group were higher (p < 0.05) than those of the control group at different time points. Except for the level of methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA), the values of other oxidative stress indices were higher (p < 0.05) in the treatment group than in the control group at various time points. Moreover, the treatment group had lower serum cortisol (Cor) and noradrenalin (NA) levels and higher levels of free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) than those of (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Insulin pump infusion effectively relieves the comprehensive stress state of patients suffering from DKA, and its therapeutic effect is superior to that of continuous instillation of low-dose insulin. Keywords: Diabetic ketoacidosis, Insulin pump, Comprehensive stress state, Blood glucose, Carbon dioxide combining power, C-reactive peptide

Inflammation in adult women with a history of child maltreatment: The involvement of mitochondrial alterations and oxidative stress

The experience of maltreatment during childhood is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation in adulthood. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this pro-inflammatory phenotype remain unclear. Mitochondria were recently found to principally coordinate inflammatory processes via both inflammasome activation and inflammasome-independent pathways. To this end, we hypothesized that alterations in immune cell mitochondrial functioning and oxidative stress might be at the interface between the association of maltreatment experiences during childhood and inflammation. We analyzed pro-inflammatory biomarkers (levels of C-reactive protein, cytokine secretion by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in vitro, PBMC composition, lysophosphatidylcholine levels), serum oxidative stress levels (arginine:citrulline ratio, l-carnitine and acetylcarnitine levels) and mitochondrial functioning (respiratory activity and density of mitochondria in PBMC) in peripheral blood samples collected from 30 women (aged 22–44years) with varying degrees of maltreatment experiences in form of abuse and neglect during childhood. Exposure to maltreatment during childhood was associated with an increased ROS production, higher levels of oxidative stress and an increased mitochondrial activity in a dose-response relationship. Moreover, the increase in mitochondrial activity and ROS production were positively associated with the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines by PBMC. Decreased serum levels of lysophosphatidylcholines suggested higher inflammasome activation with increasing severity of child maltreatment experiences. Together these findings offer preliminary evidence for the association of alterations in immune cell mitochondrial functioning, oxidative stress and the pro-inflammatory phenotype observed in individuals with a history of maltreatment during childhood. The results emphasize that the early prevention of child abuse and neglect warrants more attention, as the experience of maltreatment during childhood might have life-long consequences for physical health.

Serum paraoxonase activity and oxidative stress levels in patients with cutaneous anthrax.

Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by the aerobic sporeforming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It has been suggested that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of B. anthracis. The aim of this study was to investigate serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity, catalase activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in patients with cutaneous anthrax. Fifteen patients with cutaneous anthrax and 15 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The serum MDA levels, SOD levels, paraoxonase, arylesterase, and catalase activities were measured using a spectrophotometer. The serum SOD levels, paraoxonase, arylesterase, and catalase activities were significantly lower in patients with cutaneous anthrax than in controls (for all, p < 0.001), whereas MDA levels were significantly higher ( p < 0.001). No significant correlation was found between serum paraoxonase activity, arylesterase activity, SOD levels, and MDA levels (all, p > 0.05) in patients with cutaneous anthrax. The current study was the first to show decreased antioxidant levels and increased oxidant levels in patients with cutaneous anthrax. Therefore, decreased PON1 activity may play a role in the pathogenesis of cutaneous anthrax.

Improvement of Acetylcholine-Induced Vasodilation by Acute Exercise in Ovariectomized Hypertensive Rats.

Postmenopause is associated with the development of cardiovascular disease, such as hypertension. However, limited information is available regarding effects of exercise on cardiovascular responses and its underlying mechanisms in the simultaneous postmenopausal and hypertensive status. We aimed to investigate whether acute exercise could enhance vasodilation mediated by acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in ovariectomized hypertensive rats. The fifteen-week-old female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were bilaterally ovariectomized, at the age of twenty-four weeks, and randomly divided into sedentary (SHR-O) and acute exercise (SHR-OE) groups. Age-matched WKY rats were used as the normotensive control group. The SHR-OE group ran on a motor-driven treadmill at a speed of 24 m/min for one hour in a moderate-intensity program. Following a single bout of exercise, rat aortas were isolated for the evaluation of the endothelium-dependent (ACh-induced) and endothelium-independent (SNP-induced) vasodilation by the organ bath system. Also, the serum levels of oxidative stress and antioxidant activities, including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase, were measured after acute exercise among the three groups. We found that acute exercise significantly enhanced the ACh-induced vasodilation, but not the SNP-induced vasodilation, in ovariectomized hypertensive rats. This increased vasodilation was eliminated after the inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Also, the activities of SOD and catalase were significantly increased after acute exercise, whereas the level of MDA was comparable among the three groups. These results indicated that acute exercise improved the endothelium-dependent vasodilating response to ACh through the NOS-related pathway in ovariectomized hypertensive rats, which might be associated with increased serum antioxidant activities.

Healing enhancement of diabetic wounds by locally infiltrated epidermal growth factor is associated with systemic oxidative stress reduction.

The diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is the leading cause of lower extremity amputation worldwide and is directly associated with comorbidity, disability and mortality. Oxidative stress mechanisms have been implicated in the pathogenesis of these wounds. Intra-lesional infiltration of epidermal growth factor has emerged as a potential therapeutic alternative to allow for physiological benefit while avoiding the proteolytic environment at the centre of the wound. The aim of this study was to characterise the response of patients with DFUs to epidermal growth factor treatment in terms of redox status markers. Experimental groups included patients with DFUs before and 3-4 weeks after starting treatment with epidermal growth factor; compensated and non-compensated diabetic patients without ulcers; and age-matched non-diabetic subjects. Evaluations comprised serum levels of oxidative stress and antioxidant reserve markers. Patients with DFUs exhibited the most disheveled biochemical profile, with elevated oxidative stress and low antioxidant reserves, with respect to non-ulcerated diabetic patients and to non-diabetic subjects. Epidermal growth factor intra-lesional administration was associated with a significant recovery of oxidative stress and antioxidant reserve markers. Altogether, our results indicate that epidermal growth factor intra-ulcer therapy contributes to restore systemic redox balance in patients with DFUs.

Relationship between serum DHEAS and oxidative stress levels of body mass index in healthy postmenopausal women

Objectives: Menopause is a natural step in the process of aging. Postmenopausal women have decreased levels of antioxidants and increased oxidative stress, the latter of which plays an important role in atherogenesis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship of the body mass index (BMI) with serum catalase activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels in healthy postmenopausal women and estimate whether the MDA/DHEAS ratio is a possible marker of oxidative stress for determining cardiovascular risk in these women. Methods: We investigated serum catalase activity, MDA, and DHEAS levels, parity history, age, and BMI in 96 healthy postmenopausal women aged 50–82 years. The serum MDA levels and catalase activity were measured spectrophotometrically. The serum DHEAS levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The ratio percentage of the serum DHEAS levels to serum MDA levels was designated as a biomarker for oxidative stress. Results: The mean BMI of the patients was 31.72 ± 6.16 kg/m2 (range = 20.5–47.94). The MDA/DHEAS ratio was significantly decreased in patients with a BMI over 30 compared to that of patients with a BMI between 25 and 30 (P = 0.025). Moreover, BMI was positively correlated with serum DHEAS levels (r = 0.285, P < 0.01) and negatively correlated with the MDA/DHEAS ratio (r = −0.241, P < 0.05) in postmenopausal women. Furthermore, BMI was observed to be a potential predictor of the MDA/DHEAS ratio based on covariance analysis (P = 0.039). Conclusions: Our results indicate that healthy, obese, postmenopausal women have a decreased MDA/DHEAS ratio. Additionally, BMI was observed to be a potential predictor of the MDA/DHEAS ratio.

Investigation of Serum Oxidative Stress Index and Paraoxonase Activity Levels in Colostrum Period of Dairy Cows

In this study, the investigation of serum oxidative stress index (OSI), paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity, total antioxidant (TAS) and oxidant status (TOS) levels in colostrum period of dairy cows was aimed. It was used sixteen Simmental cows for blood samples as follows: within 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 days postpartum (group I, II, III, IV and V, respectively). Serum TAS, TOS and PON1 activity levels were determined by spectrophotometric methods. The results showed that oxidative stress in group IV was higher than group I and II. PON1 activity in group V was significantly higher than other groups. It was concluded that serum oxidative stress and PON1 activity levels in colostric period of dairy cows changed daily.

Ameliorative effects of N-acetylcysteine on fluoride-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in male rats’ testis

This study was to elucidate DNA damage in rats treated with sodium fluoride (NaF) by performing 8-Hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) immunohistochemical staining assays on seminiferous tubules of rats’ testis, and also to evaluate the protective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on spermatogenesis. Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were exposed to a single dose of NaF (25mg/kg/day) with or without NAC (150mg/kg/day) for 7 weeks (7W) by gastric gavage. Testicular fluorine content was detected by fluorine ion selective electrode method. Oxidative damage to DNA was evaluated by measuring the increase in 8-OHdG formation in testicular tissue through immunohistochemical staining assays and also the effects of NAC pretreatment. The biochemical indicators about oxidative stress were detected by colorimetric assays, sperm parameters and the morphological changes of testis were studied. NaF significantly increased serum levels of oxidative stress, markedly elevated testicular fluorine and 8-OHdG expression levels as well as the rate of sperm aberration compared to saline group. Testosterone in serum, sperm counts and the mobility of sperm were lower than those of the rats in control group. The pathological morphological changes in testicular seminiferous tubule were also obvious in the rats with NaF treatment. Pretreatment with NAC did not reduce the contents of fluoride content in testis, but significantly reduced 8-OHdG formation and lipid peroxidation. This study suggests that NAC may have certain antagonism on the reproductive damage induced by NaF.

Cardiovascular and psychiatric characteristics associated with oxidative stress markers among adolescents with bipolar disorder

IntroductionIn the field of bipolar disorder (BD) research there is an absence of validated biomarkers and limited understanding of the biology underlying excessive and premature cardiovascular disease (CVD). Oxidative stress is a potential biomarker in both BD and CVD. ObjectiveTo examine psychiatric and cardiovascular characteristics associated with peripheral oxidative stress markers among adolescents with BD, who are at high risk for CVD. MethodsParticipants were 30 adolescents, 13–19years old, with BD and without CVD. Ultrasonography was used to evaluate vascular function and structure. Traditional CVD risk factors were also measured. Psychiatric assessments were conducted via semi-structured interview. Serum levels of oxidative stress (lipid hydroperoxides (LPH) and protein carbonylation (PC)) were assayed. ResultsCompared to published data on adults with BD, adolescents had significantly lower levels of LPH and PC (t52(11.34), p<0.0001; t58(29.68), p<0.0001, respectively). Thicker mean and maximum carotid intima media thickness was associated with greater levels of LPH (r=.455, p=.015; r=.620, p<0.0001, respectively). LPH was associated with diastolic blood pressure (r=−.488, p=0.008) and pulse pressure (r=.543, p=0.003). Mood symptoms and medication were not significantly associated with oxidative stress. ConclusionAdolescents with BD have lower levels of oxidative stress compared to adults with BD, supporting prevailing illness staging theories for BD. Oxidative stress is robustly associated with a proxy measure of atherosclerosis and may explain in part the increased risk of CVD in BD.

Can circulating M30 and M65 levels be beneficial markers in the diagnosis and management of patients with complete hydatidiform mole?

The objective of this study is to evaluate the prognostic value of M30 and M65 levels as markers of apoptotic activity and maternal serum oxidative stress in patients with complete hydatidiform mole (CHM). In total, 68 pregnant women were included in the study. The study group included 34 pregnant with CHM, while 34 healthy pregnant were employed as a control group. Venous blood samples were drawn to assess the maternal serum oxidative stress and M30-M65 levels. In addition, a second blood sample was drawn from patients with CHM on day 8 after dilatation evacuation. Maternal serum oxidative stress and M30-M65 levels were found to be significantly higher in patients with CHM as compared with the control group. It was found that serum β-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) level had a significant positive correlation with M30-M65 levels in patients with CHM. In addition, serum M65 level was found to be as effective as β-hCG in the identification of the patients with CHM. Our results indicated that oxidative stress and apoptosis may play significant roles in CHM development. In addition, it seems that serum M30-M65 levels can presumably be an ancillary laboratory test to β-hCG in the diagnosis and follow-up of the patients with CHM.

Serum antioxidant enzymes activities and oxidative stress levels in patients with acute ischemic stroke: influence on neurological status and outcome.

Oxidative stress is well believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of acute ischemic stroke. Reports on antioxidant enzyme activities in patients with stroke are conflicting. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate serum antioxidant enzyme activities and oxidative stress levels in patients with acute ischemic stroke within 1st, 5th, and 21st day after stroke onset and also the relationship between these results and the clinical status of patients. The current study comprised 45 patients with acute ischemic stroke and 30 healthy controls. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase activities were measured spectrophotometrically. Serum MDA levels were significantly higher in acute ischemic stroke patients within 24 h after stroke onset than controls (p < 0.05), whereas serum catalase activity was significantly lower (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in GSH-Px and SOD activities. Serum catalase and SOD activities were significantly lower in fifth day than those of controls (both, p < 0.05) but GSH-Px activity and MDA levels did not change (p > 0.05). Serum SOD activity was significantly lower in 21st day compared to SOD activity of controls (p < 0.05) but MDA levels, GSH-Px, and CAT activities did not change significantly. Our study demonstrated that acute ischemic stroke patients have increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant enzymes activities. These findings indicated that an imbalance of oxidant and antioxidant status might play a role in the pathogenesis of acute ischemic stroke.

Phosphate binders prevent phosphate-induced cellular senescence of vascular smooth muscle cells and vascular calcification in a modified, adenine-based uremic rat model.

Clinical and experimental studies have reported that phosphate overload plays a central role in the pathogenesis of vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease. However, it remains undetermined whether phosphate induces cellular senescence during vascular calcification. We established a modified uremic rat model induced by a diet containing 0.3% adenine that showed more slowly progressive kidney failure, more robust vascular calcification, and longer survival than the conventional model (0.75% adenine). To determine the effect of phosphate on senescence of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and the protective effect of phosphate binders, rats were divided into four groups: (1) normal control rats; (2) rats fed with the modified adenine-based diet (CKD); (3) CKD rats treated with 6% lanthanum carbonate (CKD-LaC); and (4) CKD rats treated with 6% calcium carbonate (CKD-CaC). After 8 weeks, CKD rats showed circumferential arterial medial calcification, which was inhibited in CKD-LaC and CKD-CaC rats. CKD rats showed increased protein expression of senescence-associated β-galactosidase, bone-related proteins, p16 and p21, and increased oxidative stress levels in the calcified area, which were inhibited by both phosphate binders. However, serum levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, serum fibroblast growth factor 23, and aortic calcium content in CKD-CaC rats were higher than those in CKD-LaC rats. In conclusion, phosphate induces cellular senescence of VSMCs in the modified uremic rat model, and phosphate binders can prevent both cellular senescence and calcification of VSMCs via phosphate unloading. Our modified adenine-based uremic rat model is useful for evaluating uremia-related complications, including vascular calcification.