Plasma Total Antioxidant Activity Research Articles

Polyphenols rich plants extract supplementation to enhance the desaturation and antioxidant activity in goat kids

This study aimed to investigate the effect of supplementation of tanniniferous Terminalia chebula plant extract at different levels on plasma antioxidative property, immunity and desaturation level in crossbred kids. Crossbred (Alpine × Beetal) kids (18) were divided into 3 equal groups and fed a basal diet containing concentrate mixture and green maize fodder for 90 days. In addition, treatment groups T1 and T2 were supplemented with aqueous extract of T. chebula @ 6 and 18 g/kg DM intake, respectively. Average body weight gain per day was higher (P<0.05) in group T2 (58 g) compared to control (44 g) and T1 (55 g) groups. The digestibility of DM, OM and EE were also higher (P<0.05) in group T2 compared to control. Superoxide-dismutase [U/g haemoglobin (Hb)/ min] and catalase (μmols of H2O2 consumed/ min/mg of Hb) activities in T1, T2 groups were 3.37, 14.27 and 0.61, 27.45% lower (P<0.05) than control respectively. Plasma total antioxidant activity on day 90 in T2 group was 9.60% higher than control. Total immunoglobulin concentration was 19.72 and 24.95% higher in T1 and T2 group as compared to control at 90 days of experimental feeding. In T1 and T2 group total monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) contents in muscle were enhanced by 20.25, 24.97 and 26.36, 34.77%, whereas saturated fatty acid (SFA) was reduced by 6.97, 19.65% respectively. Results of the present study indicated that the supplementation of one percent polyphenols through aqueous extract of T. chebula could also be used as an efficient strategy to improve the immunity, antioxidative status and unsaturated fatty acid level in small ruminants’ meat.

The state of the blood antioxidant system in the patients presenting with acromegaly

The state of the blood antioxidant system in the patients presenting with acromegaly. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the total antioxidant activity (TAA) of blood plasma, the levels of non-protein thiols and 2-thyobarbituric acid-active products (TBA-AP), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities as well as ceruloplasmin (CP) level in the patients presenting with acromegaly. It was shown that plasma TAA and SOD activity in this patients was on the average 20 and 30% lower respectively than in the control subjects. At the same time, the TBA-AP and CP levels increased by 50 and 40% respectively. These data suggest the development of oxidative stress in the acromegalic patients.

Oxidative stress mediated electrolyte imbalance in 30 known cases of knee osteoarthritis patients: A clinical approach

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative arthritis, is the leading cause of chronic disability in elderly. Although, it is a process of progressive deterioration of articular cartilage with ageing which involves numerous risk factors, it is conceivable that oxidative stress mediated electrolyte imbalance may have a crucial role in the development of hypertension risk in OA elderly. Aims & objective: The present study was designed to assess the association of oxidative stress and altered serum electrolyte levels in OA elderly patients and to determine their effect in predicting hypertension (HT) risk. Methods: Total antioxidant activity (TAA), lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde; MDA) and serum mineral (Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+) levels were estimated in 40 OA elderly patients by using standard methods and statistically compared it with that of 40 healthy normal individuals of same age group (55-70 years). Result: Plasma TAA, serum potassium, magnesium and calcium levels were significantly low in patient group (p<0.05) as compared to healthy controls whereas erythrocyte MDA levels were significantly high in OA subjects. However, serum sodium levels were increased insignificantly (p<0.1) in OA subjects. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that oxidative stress plays a significant role in shaping the OA older population to develop future hypertension, characterized by altered serum minerals levels. Therefore, consumption of diet rich in antioxidants, proteins and minerals with low dietary salt should be increased with senescence in order to prevent disease complexity.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i5.12274 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(5) 2015 26-30

The lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status of type 2 diabetic patients in Kashmir (India)

The present study was to evaluate the redox balance in type 2 diabetes mellitus by measuring oxidative stress and antioxidant status along with lipid profile parameters in Kashmiri population. So far, no study has been undertaken on this aspect in Kashmiri population. We, therefore, aimed this maiden study in Kashmiri population to examine redox balance by measuring oxidative stress and antioxidant status along with lipid profile in 50 patients of diabetes mellitus type 2 and 30 matched normal subjects. Fifty patients of diabetes mellitus type 2 without any complications (mean age = 59.8 ± 10.4 years) and 30 normal subjects (mean age = 52.8 ± 12.8 years) were included in this study. Body mass index and waist/hip ratio was measured. Fasting blood sample was collected for the analysis of total antioxidant activity, plasma and urinary thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and lipid profile by standard procedures in both the groups. Total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, plasma, and urinary thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (raised oxidative stress) were significantly raised, whereas plasma total antioxidant activity was significantly reduced in diabetes mellitus type 2 patients as compared to controls. The comparison of old and fresh cases revealed that though total antioxidant activity was lower and plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and urinary thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were higher in patients, but did not attain the level of significance. W/H ratio is significantly higher in patients compared to normal subjects. But, no significant correlation of body mass index and waist/hip with lipid profile is observed in both control and patients. Raised oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, along with deranged lipid profile, increased W/H ratio and decreased antioxidant activity could be the risk factors in the development of complications associated with diabetes mellitus.

Pharmacokinetics and plasma cellular anti‐oxidative effect of flavanols after oral intake formulating green tea with vitamin C and xylitol in healthy subjects (LB387)

Soon‐Mi Shim Department of Food Science & Technology and Carbohydrate Bioproduct Research Center, Sejong University, 98 Gunja‐dong, Gwangjin‐gu, Seoul, 143‐747, Republic of Korea The objective of the current study was to characterize pharmacokinetic, plasma cellular antioxidant activity and plasma metabolites of flavanols after oral intake of green tea formulating with vitamin C and xylitol in healthy subjects. Twelve healthy subjects took three green tea tablet (GT) with 100 mL of water and crossed‐over to intake three green tea tablet formulating vitamin C and xylitol (GTVX) with 100 mL of water following a 2‐week wash out period. Liquid Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry (LC‐MS) was carried out for analysis flavanols in plasma taken at certain time points. The plasma flavanols’ concentration‐time profile for each study subject was determined by using a noncompartmental approach. Total Radical‐Trapping Antioxidant Parameter (TRAP) method was used for measuring total antioxidant activity (TAC) of plasma. Cmax, Tmax, AUC, and t2/1 of favanols in plasma after consumption of GTVX were 2.14 h, 5980.58 ng/mL, 18915.56 h*ng/mL, and 1.13 h, respectively, indicating that GTVX showed higher AUC than GT. The peak of trolox value was found at 3 and 0.5 hr after intake of GT and GTVX, respectively, revealing that they were different from Tmax of total flavanols. TAC of plasma was found to be significantly higher in GTVX than GT at each time point. Measured TAC of plasma was highly correlated with metabolites to gallated flavanols rather than total level of flavanols. Results from our study suggest that formulating green tea with vitamin C and xylitol could increase bioavailability of flavanols, resulting in enhanced biological function such as cellular anti‐oxidative effect.Grant Funding Source: Supported by Korea government (MEST)

Hereditary Breast Cancer in Moroccan Populations: BRCA1 & BRCA2 at the Glance

Objective: Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of mental retardation, and affected individuals are more prone to infections, early senescence, Alzheimer`s disease and other anomalies. One of the principal characteristic of this pathology is the stress oxidative. Individuals with DS have increased susceptibility to oxidative stress. The objective of this study is evaluated the degree of oxidative stress in an adult population. Methods: 17 individuals with Down syndrome, aged from 16 to 37 years, with a mean age of 24.3 ± 4.3 years, participated in the study. Were analyzed several biochemical parameters (glucose, urea, creatinine, uric acid, total proteins, albumin, total bilirubin, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic-piruvic Transaminase (GPT), Alkaline phosphatase, gamma GT, lactate deshidrogenase (LDH), ferritin, saturation transferrin, transferrin, iron, ferritin, vitamin B12 and folic acid); haematological parameters (red blood cells, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, platelets, mean platelet volume, leucocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils; selenium and zinc. The oxidation of proteins was analyzed by measuring the carbonyl groups in plasma; furthermore, it has measured the total antioxidant activity in plasma. Results: There was statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the values total antioxidant activity of individuals with DS (1.08 ± 0.18 mM Trolox/L) and control groups (0.84 ± 0.15 mM Trolox/L). The levels of protein carbonyls in individuals with DS (0.51 ± 0.09 nM/ mg protein) were significant higher than the levels of protein carbonyls in control groups (0.34 ± 0.03 nM/ mg protein). Conclusions: These results provide direct evidence that the oxidative stress is increased in individuals with DS. Since oxidative protein damage reflects increased degenerative processes, this data agrees with the reported premature aging, the increased incidence of cataracts and early Alzheimer changes in DS. This opens the possibility that antioxidant nutrient supplementation might help to ameliorate the pathology of DS.

Prediction of hypertension and cardiovascular disease risk in North Indian geriatric population: a conundrum of senescence

Background: Aging has been found to be associated with various sorts of health complications. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the plasma paraoxonase (PON), Nitric Oxide (NO), Total Antioxidant Activity (TAA), lipid peroxidation and serum uric acid levels in the blood samples of different age group subjects and to determine their relation in the prediction of hypertension and cardiovascular disease risk with senescence. Methods: Markers of antioxidant reserves (PON, TAA, and uric acid), lipid peroxidation and endothelial dysfunction were estimated in selected 120 healthy subjects by using standard methods. Out of 120 subjects, 80 individuals were categorized into two groups: group I (40-55 years) and group II (≥56 years) and statistically compared it with that of 40 younger controls (20-30 years). Results: Marked depletion in plasma PON and NO levels were observed in group I and II subjects as compared to healthy controls whereas plasma lipid hydroperoxide (LHP) and erythrocyte malondialdehyde levels (MDA) were increased significantly (P <0.05) in group I and II subjects. However, levels of plasma TAA and uric acid were altered significantly (P <0.05) only in group II subjects. In addition, PON levels were inversely correlated with endothelial dysfunction, lipid peroxidation and uric acid, and positively related with TAA. Conclusions: These findings reflect the importance of assessment of plasma paraoxonase, as excellent marker along with NO in early prediction of hypertension risk and its related cardiovascular complications in elderly. Therefore, antioxidant defence system of body should be boosted up with advancing of age in order to avert future complications.

Tissue-specific gene expression and functional regulation of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) by hypoxia and nutrient availability in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata): implications on the physiological significance of UCP1–3 variants

The aim of this study was to assess in an integrative manner the physiological regulation of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) in gilthead sea bream. A contig of 1,325 nucleotides in length with an open reading frame of 307 amino acids was recognized as UCP2 after searches in our transcriptome reference database ( http://www.nutrigroup-iats.org/seabreamdb ). Gene expression mapping by quantitative real-time PCR revealed a ubiquitous profile that clearly differs from that of UCP1 and UCP3 variants with the greatest abundance in liver and white skeletal muscle, respectively. The greatest abundance of UCP2 transcripts was found in the heart, with a relatively high expression level in blood cells, where UCP1 and UCP3 transcripts were practically undetectable. Functional studies revealed that UCP2 mRNA expression remains either unaltered or up-regulated upon feed restriction in glycolytic (white skeletal muscle) and highly oxidative muscle tissues (heart and red skeletal muscle), respectively. In contrast, exposure to hypoxic conditions (18-19% oxygen saturation) markedly down-regulated the UCP2 mRNA expression in blood cells in a cellular environment with increased haematocrit, blood haemoglobin content, and circulating levels of glucose and lactate, and total plasma antioxidant activity. These findings demonstrated that UCP2 expression is highly regulated at the transcriptional level, arising this UCP variant as an important piece of the complex trade-off between metabolic and redox sensors. This feature would avoid the activation of futile cycles of energy wastage if changes in tissue oxidative and antioxidant metabolic capabilities are able to maintain the production of reactive oxygen species at a low regulated level.

Interleukin-6 and fatigue syndrome in Parkinson’s disease

Interleukin-6 and fatigue syndrome in Parkinson’s disease

Effect of 1-O-Alcylglycerols from sea hydrobionts on the metabolic status of rats with alimentary dyslipidemia

Objective: Sea hydrobionts are a rich source of biologically active lipid compounds. Search for new biologically active substances to determine their pharmacological effectiveness is of current interest.Background: In recent interest held pharmaceuticals from marine hydrobionts containing 1-O-alkyl-diacylglycerol (ADG). Significant amounts of ADG found in the tissues of some marine organisms of Pacific ocean - squid Berryteuthis magister (up to 50% in the lipids of the liver), crab Paralithodes camtschatica (10% lipids of the hepatopancreas). This makes it possible to use these aquatic animals as new sources of dietary supplements. In rats with alimentary dyslipidemia (DLP) examined the effect of nature 1-O-alkyl-glycerol (AG) on the metabolism of lipids, the state of the hepatobiliary, antioxidant systems and hematological parameters of blood.Method: Alimentary model DLP caused high-fat diet of beef fat and cholesterol. Were injected AG in rats with DLP a dose of the 0.4 g/kg for 30 days. 1-O-alkyl-glycerol were obtained by hydrolysis of the lipids of the liver ADG squid Berryteuthis magister. Biochemical parameters of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and liver enzymes measured in blood serum. Investigated the total antioxidant activity (TAA) of blood plasma, the activity of catalase in erythrocytes, glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GP) activity, glutathione (GSH) lever. The content of initial and final products of lipid peroxidation – hydroperoxides of lipids (HPL), malondialdehydes (MDA) in the blood were investigated. Determination of hematological parameters is carried out on «Abacus» (USA). Statistical significance of differences was calculated by Student's t-test.Results: Introduction AG resulted in a reduction in triglycerides in the blood serum of rats by 24.2% compared with rats with DLP (p &lt;0.05), increase in HDL-C by 63% (p &lt;0.001). There was an increase in blood glucose concentration by 21.3% (p &lt;0.001), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDG) activity by 30% (p &lt;0.05), ALT – 24% (p &lt;0.001) compared with rats with DLP. After use AG in rats showed an increase in the activity of catalase, reduction of lipid hydroperoxides in plasma. Showed normalization of the TAA and the trend to reduce the concentration of MDA. In the glutathione-redox system under the influence of AG increased activity GR, GP, GSH levels. After use AG an increase in the total number of red blood cells in the blood by 40% (p &lt; 0,001), total hemoglobin by 38% (p &lt; 0.001), platelet count by 30% (p &lt; 0.001 ), lymphocytes - 43% (p &lt; 0.001), blood clotting time increased by 57%.Conclusion: The study showed that the use of AG causes increased protective functions - hematopoietic, immune-stimulating and antioxidant. These data suggest the widespread use of AG from lipid liver squid Berryteuthis magister in rehabilitation practice of various pathologies.Keywords: natural 1-O-alkyl-lglycerols, dislipidemia, metabolic status

Plasma Lipid Profiles and Redox Status are Modulated in a Ketogenic Diet-Induced Chicken Model of Ketosis

Ketone bodies such as β-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate have physiological functions in addition to being used as an energy source. In order to assess the effect of elevated ketogenesis on blood lipid profiles and redox status, a ketogenic diet (KD), a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, and low-protein diet, was fed to chicken for 4 weeks. Plasma βhydroxybutyrate, but not acetoacetate, concentrations were significantly increased by KD feeding for 2 and 4 weeks. The KD also induced elevation of plasma non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and total cholesterol concentrations, whereas plasma triglyceride concentration was decreased. Plasma total antioxidant activity in chicken with ketosis induced by KD was lower than that of the control. However, the level of plasma TBARs, an oxidative stress marker, was also reduced by KD feeding. A reduction of energy intake was observed in chickens fed the KD; therefore, the effect of a restricted diet (RD) was also investigated. Plasma β-hydroxybutyrate concentration, lipid (total cholesterol and NEFA) concentration, and redox status were not affected by RD feeding. These data suggest that a high-fat, lowcarbohydrate, and low-protein diet induces ketosis by elevating blood β-hydroxybutyrate concentration in chicken. Under conditions of ketosis induced by the KD, total antioxidant capacity was reduced along with a modulation of the blood lipid profile in chicken.

Plasma catalase, glutathione-s-transferase and total antioxidant activity levels of children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder

Objective: In this study, we plan to measure plasma Catalase (CAT), Antioxidant Activity (AOA) and Glu- tathione-S-Transferase (GST) levels to understand whether oxidative stress develops or not and whether or not the detoxification mechanism properly functions in children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) with unknown etiology and pathogenesis. Method and Results: Plasma CAT, AOA, and GST activities were spectrophotometrically measured in forty patients (average age 10.27 ± 2.54) and thirty-five (average age, 9.97 ± 2.59) healthy individuals as the control group. While the CAT activity showed no difference in the patient group (P > 0.05) compared to the control group, AOA and GST levels were found significantly meaningful (P = 0.001). Conclusion: In this pilot study ,the study shows that no oxidative stress develops in individuals with ADHD in high AOA and stable CAT activity, and that the de- toxification mechanism functions extremely in high GST activity. These findings need to be supported by other studies.

Biomarkers of oxidative stress in patients with wet age related macular degeneration.

The aim of this study was to analyze biomarkers of oxidative stress in patients with wet age related macular degeneration (AMD). Case-control study that includes 163 patients with wet AMD (age group of 55-82 years with the mean age of 71 years and 170 age-matched healthy controls in the age group of 55-78 years with the mean age of 71 years. The following parameters were determined: reduced and oxidized Glutathione (GSH/GSSH), protein carbonyl groups, total antioxidant activity in plasma and the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, such as, gluthatione peroxidase, gluthatione reductase and superoxide dismutase. We observed total antioxidant activity higher in control group (CG) compared with patients with wet AMD (7.1 ± 1.2 μM Trolox vs 5.8 ± 1.1 μM Trolox). Values of superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), gluthatione reductase (GR) and gluthatione peroxidase (GPx) are higher in control group than in patients with wet AMD. According to the GSH/GSSH results, average values were higher in the CG than in patients with wet AMD and data were not significantly different.. Values of protein carbonyl groups were higher in patients with wet AMD than in CG and significant differences were found. The finding of the present study suggests that the patients with wet AMD are an altered metabolic state of oxidation-reduction and that it is convenient to give therapeutic interventions with antioxidants. We have demonstrated that systematic oxidative stress, measured by different biomarkers is closely associated with the wet AMD.

Effect of Vitamin E Supplementation on Arsenic Induced Oxidative Stress in Goats

The present study was designed to assess whether supplementation of different levels of vitamin E to long-term arsenic exposed goats affords protection against the oxidative stress caused by the metalloid. Twenty-four crossbred lactating goats were distributed randomly into four groups (control, T(1), T(2) and T(3)) of six in each. The animals in T(1), T(2) and T(3) were given 50mg/kg DM arsenic daily, while in T(2) and T(3), vitamin E @100IU and 150IU/kg DM, respectively, was also supplemented additionally for the period of 12months. Compared to control, significant (p<0.05) decline in SOD (45%), CAT activities of erythrocytes (63%), plasma total Ig (22%) and total antioxidant activity (24%) was observed in only arsenic treated groups and vitamin E supplementation in both doses produced partial mitigation effect against SOD (23%, 20%) and CAT (39%, 48%) while complete mitigation against total Ig (16%, 7%) and antioxidant activity (10%, 8%) was found. Average lymphocyte stimulation index at the end of experiment was (p<0.05) lower in arsenic exposed groups (1.003±0.01) and significant (p<0.05) recovery was observed in response of vitamin E supplementation at higher doses (1.138±0.03). So, vitamin E is helpful in reducing the burden of arsenic induced oxidative stress and activities of antioxidant enzymes in goats.

Effect of dietary supplementation with rocket salad (Eruca sativa) seeds powder on certain seminal plasma traits of Hy – line laying breeder roosters subjected to oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of adding different levels of rocket salad seeds powder to the diet on seminal plasma traits of roosters subjected to oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide. A total of 60 Hy – line laying breeder roosters 57 weeks old were used in this study. Roosters were randomly distributed into 5 treatments with 3 replicates each. Each replicate constituted of 4 roosters (12 roosters for each treatment). Experimental treatments were as following: T1: Males fed control diet and normal water, T2: Males fed diet supplemented with 3 gm rocket salad powder / kg of diet + 0.25 ml hydrogen peroxide (0.5%) / litter of water, T3: Males fed diet supplemented with 3 gm rocket salad powder / kg of diet + 0.5 ml hydrogen peroxide (0.5%) / litter of water, T4: Males fed diet supplemented with 3 gm rocket salad powder / kg of diet + 1 ml hydrogen peroxide (0.5%) / litter of water, and T5: Males fed control diet and drink tap water supplemented with 1 ml hydrogen peroxide (0.5%) / litter of water. Males were treated with hydrogen peroxide (6%) and rocket salad for 12 weeks starting from 59 week of male ages. Results revealed that treated the roosters with hydrogen peroxide without adding rocket salad powder to the diet of these roosters (T5) resulted in highly significant (p&lt; 0.01) decrease as regards concentrations of phospholipids, cholesterol, glutathione, the activity of superoxide desmutase and catalase, and total antioxidant activity in seminal plasma and highly significant (p&lt; 0.01) increase concerning concentrations of tyrosine and malondialdehyde as compared with control group (T1) and rocket salad powder treatments (T2, T3, T4) after 12 weeks of experiment. However, supplementing diet of roosters with rocket salad powder (T2, T3, T4) resulted in highly significant (p&lt; 0.01) increase with relation to concentrations of phospholipids, cholesterol, glutathione, the activity of superoxide desmutase and catalase, and total antioxidant activity in seminal plasma and highly significant (p&lt; 0.01) decrease respecting concentrations of tyrosine and malondialdehyde as compared with (T5) In conclusion adding rocket salad powder to the diet of roosters had important role in limiting the negative effect of oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide on seminal plasma quality of roosters. Therefore, dietary supplementation with rocket salad powder could be used as one of important tools for improving semen quality of roosters.

Chronic training increases blood oxidative damage but promotes health in elderly men

The objective of the present study was to investigate a large panel of oxidative stress biomarkers in long-term trained elderly men to analyse the effects of chronic training on an aged population. We collected blood samples from two groups of male volunteers older than 65 years who maintain a measure of functional independence: one group of sedentary subjects without a history of regular physical activity and the other of subjects who have sustained training, starting during middle age (mean training time=49 ± 8 years). We studied morbidity and polypharmacy, as well as haematological parameters including red cell count, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, red cell distribution width and several oxidative biomarkers including protein carbonyl content and lipid peroxidation in plasma and erythrocytes, red blood cell H2O2-induced haemolysis test, plasma total antioxidant activity and the main antioxidant enzymes of erythrocytes: superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione-S-transferase. After adjusting for confounding factors, we observed an increase in all oxidative damage biomarkers in the plasma and erythrocytes of the long-term exercise group. However, we reported a decrease in the number of diseases per subject with statistical differences nearly significant (p=0.061), reduced intake of medications per subject and lower levels of red cell distribution width in the chronic exercise group. These results indicate that chronic exercise from middle age to old age increases oxidative damage; however, chronic exercise appears to be an effective strategy to attenuate the age-related decline in the elderly.

Mecanismos moleculares de inflamación durante las agudizaciones de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica

Introduction Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by an inflammatory and systemic response that increases during exacerbations of the disease (ECOPD), although the mechanisms of this inflammatory process are not well known. Objectives To explore the inflammatory changes and possible mechanisms during ECOPD. Methods We determined the inflammatory cell concentrations in blood and sputum, nitric oxide in exhaled air (FeNO), reactive C-reactive protein (CRP) in plasma, cytokines (IL-6, 8, 1β, 10, 12, TNF-α) and SLPI and total antioxidant activity (TAS) in blood and sputum, the activity of nuclear kappa B factor (NF-kB) and of the histone deacetylase enzymes (HDAC) in 17 patients during ECOPD, in stable phase and in 17 smoking controls and 11 non- smoking. Results ECOPD is characterised by higher levels of FeNO ( P<.05), plasma CRP ( P<.001) and IL-8, IL-1B, IL-10 in sputum ( P<.05) compared with stable COPD and controls. The TAS levels in sputum were lower in the exacerbated than in stable phase ( P<.05) although significantly higher than the controls ( P<.05). These findings were accompanied by a greater activation of NF-kB in sputum macrophages during the ECOPD with no changes in the HDAC activity or in the number of neutrophils in sputum, and a statistically significant deterioration ( P<.05) of lung function. Conclusions Changes were observed in different pulmonary and systemic inflammatory markers during ECOPD, that were not completely resolved during stability. However, current treatment does not allow the modification of HDAC activity, which limits its anti-inflammatory effects.

Effects of supplementation of Tinospora cordifolia to crossbred cows peripartum

Guduchi ( Tinospora cordifolia), a medicinal plant used in ayurveda is well documented for its immunomodulatory properties. Since the crossbred periparturient cow is highly susceptible to various diseases that effectively reduces its reproductive performance postpartum we explored the possibility of enhancing the reproductive performance of crossbred cows by guduchi supplementation peripartum. A total of 15 pregnant Karan Fries cows were selected and divided into two groups: treatment group of 8 cows which were supplemented with guduchi at 60 g/day for 45 days prepartum and 120 g/day for 45 days postpartum and unsupplemented control group of 7 cows. Jugular blood samples were collected from all cows during the periparturient period for analysis of endocrine (progesterone, total estrogens and PGFM), immunological and hematological parameters. Incidence of retention of fetal membranes, endometritis, pyometra ands calf mortality were higher in control group of cows in comparison to those recorded in treated group. The guduchi supplemented cows exhibited faster uterine involution (28 days vs. 42 days) and early commencement of cyclicity (37 days vs. 58 days; based on plasma progesterone profiles) in comparison to untreated control group of cows. Mean birth weight of calves from treatment group of cows was significantly higher than those from control group however no significant difference was observed in average daily body weight gain of calves in both the groups. A higher total leukocyte, lymphocyte, neutrophil count along with increased neutrophil lymphocyte ratio was recorded in guduchi supplemented cows in comparison to untreated cows although plasma total antioxidant activity was similar between the two groups. Prepartum plasma progesterone concentration was significantly lowered in the treated group however there was no significant change in peripartum plasma total estrogens and PGFM levels due to guduchi supplementation.

Pathophysiological Aspects of the Development of Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Pregnant Women with Preeclampsia

Objective: to estimate the incidence of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and to define the main biochemical parameters characterizing the severity of preeclampsia in pregnant women. Subjects and methods. The study was conducted in 117 pregnant women aged 18 to 42 years with varying preeclampsia at 36—38 weeks of gestation. Results. According to the severity of preeclampsia in pregnant women, there was an increase in the rate of free radical oxidation that caused direct damage to the vascular endothelium, by inhibiting the total antioxidant activity of plasma, which largely depended on the state of the nitroxidergic system. There was an inverse correlation between nitrite levels and hemodynamic parameters and a functional relationship between systemic hemodynamic disorders and nitrite levels in pregnant women with preeclampsia. There was a reduction in the count of platelets and a significant increase in platelet aggregation in stages III and IV ARDS. Conclusion. Varying interstitial lung edemas develop in relation to the severity of preeclampsia. The maximum impairment of lipid peroxidation processes and lower nitrate levels were noted in severe preeclampsia. There was a progressive platelet count fall in Stages III and IV ARDS. In the authors&#8217; opinion, the magnitude of involvement of platelets in aggregates and free radical damage to the pulmonary vascular endothelium play a significant role in the development of ARDS in pregnant women with preeclampsia. However, impairments in the thrombocytic link are likely to be regarded as a direct cause of lung dysfunction. Key words: preeclampsia, respiratory distress syndrome, nitrites, lipid peroxidation.

Effect of Red Wine on Adipocytokine Expression and Vascular Alterations in Fructose-Fed Rats

Imbalance in adipocytokines secretion is related to the development of metabolic syndrome (MS). In addition, moderate consumption of red wine (RW) decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of moderate consumption of RW or ethanol (E) on adiponectin and resistin expression, and vascular alterations in fructose-fed rats (FFRs) as an experimental model of MS. Thirty-day-old male Wistar rats were assigned to control (C), F (10% fructose in drinking water), F+E (4.5 ml/kg), and F+RW (35 ml/kg of Malbec RW containing 4.5 ml/kg E). E and RW were administered during the last 4 weeks of a 10-week period. RW administration to F rats was able to significantly decrease insulin resistance, mesenteric adipose tissue weight, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) compared to F group. F+E only reduced the SBP (P < 0.05 vs. F). F+RW also reduced aortic NAD(P)H-oxidase activity, NAD(P)H subunits Nox4 expression in mesenteric tissue, plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and recovered plasma total antioxidant activity (TAA) compared to F and F+E groups (P < 0.05). Adiponectin expression decreased, whereas resistin, vascular cell adhesion molecules-1 (VCAM-1), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) expression and vascular remodeling in mesenteric arteries were higher in F than in C group (P < 0.05). Only RW was able to partially reverse the aforementioned alterations. In this study, Malbec RW, but not alcohol alone, improved the balance of adipocytokines and attenuated the oxidative stress and vascular inflammation in a model of MS, suggesting that nonalcohol components of RW are responsible for the beneficial effects.