Total Antioxidant Performance Research Articles

Plasma GSH as Independent Antioxidant Factor of Metabolic Syndrome Lowering by a Lifestyle Modification Program

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is accompanied by pro-oxidative processes that might be reversed or attenuated by the physical exercise. Objective: To investigate the impact of a lifestyle modification program (LiSM) on antioxidant status and redox processes in MetS. Methodology: It was analyzed data from participants of the ongoing dynamic coort-study "Move for Health" during the period of 2009-2012. Fifty-seven subjects full filed the inclusion criteria of attending the 20wk-LiSM with nutritional counseling and supervised aerobic exercises. Assessment at baseline and end of LiSM were undetaken for anthropometric, clinical, dietary, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and plasma-biochemistry data. Plasma hydrophilic total antioxidant performance (TAP) along with malondialdehyde (MDA) and total and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione were measured and reduced (GSH) glutathione was estimated. MetS was defined by NCEP(2005) criteria. Statistical significance was set at p <0,05. Findings: Primary outcomes after LiSM were the decreasing of BMI, WC and body fat and the increasing of HEI, CRF, HDL-c, GSH and plasma TAP. These changes were similar in both groups, MetS and non-MetS. MetS decreased by 16.4%. In the MetS group, the TAP variation during 20wk-LiSM correlated significantly with WC (r=-0.47), fasting blood glucose (r=-0.48) and MDA (r=-0.45) and, in non-MetS group TAP correlated with HDL-c (r=0.38) and GSH (r=0.45). After LiSM, the TAP-responsive (≥3% increased) subjects differed from the non-TAP-responsive (≤3%) by presenting increased values of CRF, HDL-c, uric acid and GSH, and decreased SBP, GSSG and GSSG/GSH ratio. The multiple-adjusted regression analysis pointed out the increased GSH as the only independent risk factor for TAP changes, during LiSM, either in presence or absence of MetS. Conclusion: Thus, this 20-wk LiSM changed the pro-antioxidant balance by modifying GSH redox status irrespective to the presence or absence of MetS.

Optimization of microwave-assisted extraction of cocoa bean shell waste and evaluation of its antioxidant, physicochemical and functional properties

Cocoa bean shell (CBS) waste is obtained in large amounts in chocolate production. In this work, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of CBS was used and experimental parameters were optimised by using response surface methodology. Effects of pH, time, temperature and solid:liquid ratio were evaluated on the extraction yield, total uronic acid content, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant performance. A great influence of pH on the CBS extraction was observed, since alkaline conditions resulted in higher extraction yields and antioxidant capacity. Optimal MAE conditions were determined as 5 min, pH 12, 97 °C and S/L 0.04 g/mL showing better outcome than conventional solvent extraction. Antioxidant performance was evaluated by using colorimetric methods (FRAP, ABTS) while structural (FTIR), physico-chemical and functional properties of the MAE extracts were also determined. MAE extracts obtained at pH 12 were rich in proteins (580.0 mg BSA/g), polysaccharides (370.4 mg Glu/g) and polyphenols (35.9 mg GAE/g), showing important antioxidant performance (35.5 mg TE/g). It can be concluded that MAE is an efficient technique for the release of bioactive molecules from CBS with antioxidant performance and potential applications in the food industry.

Integrated green-based processes using supercritical CO2 and pressurized ethanol applied to recover antioxidant compouds from cocoa (Theobroma cacao) bean hulls

A customised multi-task equipment, combining supercritical carbon dioxide (sc-CO2) and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) with ethanol, was developed to selectively recover antioxidant compounds from cocoa bean hulls, praising this agro-industrial by-product. Total phenolic content of the extracts was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method, while the in vitro antioxidant activity was obtained by DPPH and by β-carotene bleaching methods, whereas the chemical profile of selected extracts was carried out by gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. PLE extracts from sc-CO2 residue showed higher total phenol content and antioxidant performance, compared to extracts from separated methods, providing TPC values from 35 to 51 mg GAE g−1 and EC50 values from 115 to 177 μg mL−1, respectively. The combined application of sc-CO2 and PLE to selectively recover bioactive extracts from cocoa bean hulls, representing green methods, is a promising alternative to provide supplies for cosmetic and food industries, performed at a costumised low cost multi-task unit.

Isoflurane and Propofol Contribute to Increasing the Antioxidant Status of Patients During Minor Elective Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Study.

Isoflurane is a volatile halogenated anesthetic used especially for anesthesia maintenance whereas propofol is a venous anesthetic utilized for anesthesia induction and maintenance, and reportedly an antioxidant. However, there are still controversies related to isoflurane-induced oxidative stress and it remains unanswered whether the antioxidant effects occur in patients under propofol anesthesia.Taking into account the importance of better understanding the role of anesthetics on oxidative stress in anesthetized patients, the present study was designed to evaluate general anesthesia maintained with isoflurane or propofol on antioxidant status in patients who underwent minimally invasive surgeries.We conducted a prospective randomized trial in 30 adult patients without comorbidities who underwent elective minor surgery (septoplasty) lasting at least 2 h admitted to a Brazilian tertiary hospital.The patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups, according to anesthesia maintenance (isoflurane, n = 15 or propofol, n = 15). Peripheral blood samples were drawn before anesthesia (baseline) and 2-h after anesthesia induction.The primary outcomes were to investigate the effect of either isoflurane or propofol anesthesia on aqueous plasma oxidizability and total antioxidant performance (TAP) by fluorometry as well as several individual antioxidants by high-performance liquid chromatography. As secondary outcome, oxidized genetic damage (7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine, known as 8-oxo-Gua) was investigated by the comet assay.Both anesthesia techniques (isoflurane or propofol) for a 2-h period resulted in a significant decrease of plasma α-tocopherol, but not other antioxidants including uric acid, carotenoids, and retinol (P > 0.05). Propofol, in contrast to isoflurane anesthesia, significantly increased (P < 0.001) anti-inflammatory/antioxidant plasma γ-tocopherol concentration in patients. Both anesthesia types significantly enhanced hydrophilic antioxidant capacity and TAP, with no significant difference between them, and 8-oxo-Gua remained unchanged during anesthesia in both groups. In addition, both anesthetics showed antioxidant capacity in vitro.This study shows that anesthesia maintained with either propofol or isoflurane increase both hydrophilic and total antioxidant capacity in plasma, but only propofol anesthesia increases plasma γ-tocopherol concentration. Additionally, both types of anesthetics do not lead to oxidative DNA damage in patients without comorbidities undergoing minimally invasive surgery.

Increasing plasma antioxidant performance after lifestyle modification is impaired by the presence metabolic syndrome and its pro‐oxidant status

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is often accompanied by pro‐oxidative processes and lifestyle modifications (LisM) as treatment can provide better antioxidant defense through exercise and diet. We aimed to elucidate influencing factors on plasma total antioxidant performance (TAP) in subjects with or without MetS. Sixty subjects were clinically enrolled in a LisM program with exercise and nutritional guidance. They were divided in two groups: with MetS (n=27) and without MetS (n=33). Both groups performed LisM protocol and clinical (with cardiorespiratory fitness, CRF), nutritional, anthropometrical and biochemical (with TAP and pro‐oxidative markers) assessments. Statistical significances were set at p&lt;0.05. All the subjects responded to LisM reducing MetS prevalence, BMI, body fat and waist circumference (WC) and increasing healthy eating index, CRF and plasma reduced glutathione, HDL‐C and TAP (49.5±8.4 to 51.6±9.0%). Those with MetS showed no changes in TAP (46.5±7.9 to 47.1±7.5%) whereas those without MetS showed increased TAP (48.4±7.4 to 53.7±8.1%) after LisM. We observed that changes (Δ) in TAP in those with MetS were inversely and significantly related to changes in systolic BP (r=‐0.49), fasting blood glucose (r=‐0.48), WC (r=‐0.45), plasma oxidized glutathione (r=‐0.43) and malondialdehyde (r=‐0.39); however, in those without MetS, changes in TAP were directly and significantly related to changes in plasma reduced glutathione (r=0.46) and HDL‐C (r=0.38). We concluded that plasma antioxidant restoration after lifestyle modification is impaired by the presence of MetS components and their oxidative imbalance. Supported by CAPES and CNPq

Effect of Whole Wheat on the Development of Metabolic Syndrome in Rats Fed Snack Foods

Constituents of whole wheat, such as fiber, phytosterols, and phenolic acids, may act to reduce the development of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). This study examined whether the addition of whole wheat rusk would ameliorate risk factors of MetS in male Wistar rats induced by human snack foods (SF). Seventeen highly palatable, energy dense SF were mixed in equal proportions and then used in the preparation of the rat diets to mimic a “Cafeteria diet” which appears to play a significant role in the MetS development. Fifty rats were weight‐matched and assigned to one of 5 dietary groups: AIN‐93G (C),) 18% refined wheat rusk (RF), 18% whole wheat rusk (WW), RF+65% SF (SRW) or WW+SF (SWW), provided ad libitum for 24 wk. All diets contained 20% protein and adequate minerals and vitamins. The 5 diets did not affect feed intake, growth rate, organ weight or adiposity. After 24 wk, fasting glucose of the SRW was 14 and 16% larger than C and RW, respectively (P 蠄0.05). In a glucose tolerance test, 30‐min incremental blood glucose of SRW rats was 67 and 60% larger than RW and WW, respectively (P 蠄0.05). Plasma malondialdehyde of SWW rats was 26% lower than SRW (P 蠄0.05). Total Antioxidant Performance in the liver of SRW rats was 10% lower than RW (P 蠄0.05). The diets did not affect biomarkers of inflammation. Thus, SF impaired glucoregulation and hepatic antioxidant defenses, and the addition of whole wheat rusk diminished SF‐induced lipid peroxidation.

Bioavailability of plant pigment phytochemicals in Angelica keiskei in older adults: A pilot absorption kinetic study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESAngelica keiskei is a green leafy vegetable rich in plant pigment phytochemicals such as flavonoids and carotenoids. This study examined bioavailability of flavonoids and carotenoids in Angelica keiskei and the alteration of the antioxidant performance in vivo.SUBJECTS AND MATERIALSAbsorption kinetics of phytochemicals in Angelica keiskei were determined in healthy older adults (> 60 y, n = 5) and subjects with metabolic syndrome (n = 5). Subjects consumed 5 g dry Angelica keiskei powder encapsulated in gelatin capsules with a low flavonoid and carotenoid liquid meal. Plasma samples were collected at baseline, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 h. Samples were analyzed for flavonoids and carotenoids using HPLC systems with electrochemical and UV detection, respectively, and for total antioxidant performance by fluorometry.RESULTSAfter ingestion of Angelica keiskei increases in plasma quercetin concentrations were observed at 1-3 and 6-8 hr in the healthy group and at all time points in the metabolic syndrome group compared to baseline (P < 0.05). Plasma lutein concentrations were significantly elevated in both the healthy and metabolic syndrome groups at 8 hr (P < 0.05). Significant increases in total antioxidant performance were also observed in both the healthy and the metabolic syndrome groups compared to baseline (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONSFindings of this study clearly demonstrate the bioavailability of phytonutrients of Angelica keiskei and their ability to increase antioxidant status in humans.

Oxidative stress on cardiotoxicity after treatment with single and multiple doses of doxorubicin

The mechanism of doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity remains controversial. Wistar rats (n = 66) received DOX injections intraperitoneally and were randomly assigned to 2 experimental protocols: (1) rats were killed before (-24 h, n = 8) and 24 h after (+24 h, n = 8) a single dose of DOX (4 mg/kg body weight) to determine the DOX acute effect and (2) rats (n = 58) received 4 injections of DOX (4 mg/kg body weight/week) and were killed before the first injection (M0) and 1 week after each injection (M1, M2, M3, and M4) to determine the chronological effects. Animals used at M0 (n = 8) were also used at moment -24 h of acute study. Cardiac total antioxidant performance (TAP), DNA damage, and morphology analyses were carried out at each time point. Single dose of DOX was associated with increased cardiac disarrangement, necrosis, and DNA damage (strand breaks (SBs) and oxidized pyrimidines) and decreased TAP. The chronological study showed an effect of a cumulative dose on body weight (R = -0.99, p = 0.011), necrosis (R = 1.00, p = 0.004), TAP (R = 0.95, p = 0.049), and DNA SBs (R = -0.95, p = 0.049). DNA SBs damage was negatively associated with TAP (R = -0.98, p = 0.018), and necrosis (R = -0.97, p = 0.027). Our results suggest that oxidative damage is associated with acute cardiotoxicity induced by a single dose of DOX only. Increased resistance to the oxidative stress is plausible for the multiple dose of DOX. Thus, different mechanisms may be involved in acute toxicity versus chronic toxicity.

Interactive effects of mechanical ventilation, inhaled nitric oxide and oxidative stress in acute lung injury

To compare conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) and high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV), with/without inhaled nitric oxide (iNO), for oxygenation, inflammation, antioxidant/oxidative stress status, and DNA damage in a model of acute lung injury (ALI). Lung injury was induced by tracheal infusion of warm saline. Rabbits were ventilated at FIO2 1.0 and randomly assigned to one of five groups. Overall antioxidant defense/oxidative stress was assessed by total antioxidant performance assay, and DNA damage by comet assay. Ventilatory and hemodynamic parameters were recorded every 30min for 4h. ALI groups showed worse oxygenation than controls after lung injury. After 4h of mechanical ventilation, HFOV groups presented significant improvements in oxygenation. HFOV with and without iNO, and CMV with iNO showed significantly increased antioxidant defense and reduced DNA damage than CMV without iNO. Inhaled nitric oxide did not beneficially affect HFOV in relation to antioxidant defense/oxidative stress and pulmonary DNA damage. Overall, lung injury was reduced using HFOV or CMV with iNO.

Evaluation Of Antioxidant Defense In Patients Undergoing Minor Elective Surgery With Balanced Anesthesia Maintained With The Inhaled Isoflurane

It is suggested that invasive surgical procedure can induce oxidative stress. However, only a few data regarding elective surgeries and the adjuvant effect of anesthesia are available. Fifteen patients without comorbidities, aged 18–45 years old, and scheduled for septoplasty or tympanoplasty, received general anesthesia maintained with the volatile isoflurane anesthetic. Blood samples were collected before and at the end of anesthesia. Total antioxidant performance (TAP), that measures the oxidizability of both aqueous and lipid compartments of plasma, was evaluated by fluorometry and plasma antioxidants carotenoids, tocopherols and retinol were determined by a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system. Most of the carotenoids significantly decreased as well as alpha‐tocopherol and retinol (p&lt;0.001), whereas TAP was increased (p&lt;0.002) at the end of anesthesia. In vitro experiment revealed that this anesthetic showed an antioxidant potential in the equivalent concentration of blood during anesthesia in dose‐dependent manner. Thus, the current study indicates that despite of the decrease of some lipophilic endogenous antioxidants during balanced anesthesia with isoflurane in patients undergoing minor elective surgeries, the antioxidant activity of isoflurane itself may be resulted in increases of plasma TAP in these patients.Supported by FAPESP, Brazil #2010/05611–0 and USDA/USA #58–1950‐7–07

Effect of hypercaloric diet on RAGE mRNA expression, oxidative stress and kidney function in rats

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) produced under oxidative stress can trigger porinflammatory responses by interacting with receptors for AGEs (RAGE). RAGE may link to the pathogenesis of chronic kidney diseases.ObjectiveTo evaluate the influence of hypercaloric diet on RAGE mRNA expression and oxidative stress in the kidney and its physiologic function.MethodsMale Wistar rats were fed a control diet (C, n=14) or a hypercaloric diet (HD, n=14) for 12 weeks. The adiposity index (AI) was used as an obesity indicator. Kidney function was evaluated by glumerular filtration rate, kidney RAGE mRNA expression by real time PCR, and kidney oxidative stress by total antioxidant performance (TAP).ResultsRAGE mRNA expression was significantly (p&lt;0,001) higher in HD (1.89±0.77) than C rats (0.76±0.37). A positive correlation between RAGE and AI (r=0.64, p &lt;0.001) was found. There were no differences in glomerular filtration rate and TAP between groups.ConclusionThe hypercaloric diet for 12 weeks resulted in an increase of RAGE mRNA expression, which may lead to inflammation in the kidneys from HD group.Support: CAPES, FAPESP (2010/06100–9)

Reduction of metabolic syndrome by a lifestyle‐modification program is accompanied by improvements of aerobic fitness and plasma antioxidant markers

Lifestyle change is an effective strategy in the primary care of metabolic syndrome (MetS). To verify the effects of a lifestyle‐modification program (LISC) on MetS and its co‐morbidities, 60 subjects (53yrs, 84% women) clinically approved to attend a 20wks intervention in the LISC “Move for Health” were submitted to weekly nutritional counseling and daily (3–5 times/wk) physical activities. Before and after intervention there were performed anthropometric, clinical, physical (with VO2max test) and laboratorial assessments including plasma analysis of total antioxidant performance (TAP), reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione, malonyldialdehyde (MDA) and C‐reactive protein (CRP). For statistical analysis we used paired‐t or signed rank tests with p&lt;0.05 by SigmaStat 3.5 software. The reduction of MetS (47 to 40%) was followed by reductions in waist circumference (97±16 to 94±14cm) and elevations in plasma HDLC levels (47±12 to 49±12mg/dL). VO2max increased (30±5 to 33±5.2mL/kg/min) as well as plasma TAP (50±9 to 52±9%), reduced GSH (5.9±1.9 to 6.9±1.9μmol/L) with a decrease of GSSG/GSH ratio (0.13[0.08–0.17] to 0.10[0.07–0.13]). No differences in insulin resistance (fasting glucose and HOMA‐IR), inflammatory (CRP) and pro‐oxidant markers (MDA and GSSG) were observed. This LISC was effective in lowering MetS probably secondary to raising either cardiorespiratory fitness and/or antioxidant potential.Supported by CAPES, CNPq

Biomarkers for oxidative stress in acute lung injury induced in rabbits submitted to different strategies of mechanical ventilation

Oxidative damage has been said to play an important role in pulmonary injury, which is associated with the development and progression of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We aimed to identify biomarkers to determine the oxidative stress in an animal model of acute lung injury (ALI) using two different strategies of mechanical ventilation. Rabbits were ventilated using either conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) or high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV). Lung injury was induced by tracheal saline infusion (30 ml/kg, 38°C). In addition, five healthy rabbits were studied for oxidative stress. Isolated lymphocytes from peripheral blood and lung tissue samples were analyzed by alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay) to determine DNA damage. Total antioxidant performance (TAP) assay was applied to measure overall antioxidant performance in plasma and lung tissue. HFOV rabbits had similar results to healthy animals, showing significantly higher antioxidant performance and lower DNA damage compared with CMV in lung tissue and plasma. Total antioxidant performance showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.58; P = 0.0006) in plasma and lung tissue. In addition, comet assay presented a significant positive correlation (r = 0.66; P = 0.007) between cells recovered from target tissue and peripheral blood. Moreover, antioxidant performance was significantly and negatively correlated with DNA damage (r = -0.50; P = 0.002) in lung tissue. This study indicates that both TAP and comet assay identify increased oxidative stress in CMV rabbits compared with HFOV. Antioxidant performance analyzed by TAP and oxidative DNA damage by comet assay, both in plasma, reflects oxidative stress in the target tissue, which warrants further studies in humans.

Effects of Inhaled Nitric Oxide on Oxidative Stress and Histopathological and Inflammatory Lung Injury in a Saline-Lavaged Rabbit Model of Acute Lung Injury

Conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) is fundamental in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) treatment. Inhaled nitric oxide (INO), an adjunctive therapy, has been used with ventilation in an attempt to improve oxygenation and reduce lung injury. To analyze the early effects of low INO dose on oxygenation, oxidative stress, inflammatory, and histopathological lung injury in a rabbit model of acute lung injury (ALI). This was a prospective, controlled, in vivo animal laboratory study. Forty rabbits were instrumented and ventilated at F(IO(2)) 1.0. ALI was induced by tracheal infusion of warm saline (30 mL/kg, 38°C) and lung oxidative stress was assessed by total antioxidant performance (TAP) assay. Animals were assigned to groups: control group (no. = 10, low tidal volume [V(T)] = 6 mL/kg, PEEP = 5 cm H(2)O), ALI without INO (no-INO group, no. = 10, low V(T) = 6 mL/kg, PEEP = 10 cm H(2)O), ALI plus INO (INO group, no. = 10, low V(T) = 6 mL/kg, PEEP = 10 cm H(2)O, INO = 5 ppm). Plateau pressure was limited to 30 cm H(2)O in all groups. Ten non-instrumented animals (healthy group) were studied for TAP assay. Ventilatory and hemodynamic parameters were recorded every 30 min for 4 hours. After lung injury, the instrumented groups were worse than the control group for P(aO(2)) (control group 438 ± 87 mm Hg, no-INO group 80 ± 13 mm Hg, INO group 81 ± 24 mm Hg, P < .001). The INO group showed decreased lung inflammation by leukocyte count in lung lavage fluid (no-INO group 4.8 ± 1.64, control group 0.16 ± 0.15, INO group 0.96 ± 0.35 polymorphonuclear cells × 10(6)/bronchoalveolar lavage fluid/lung, P < .001), decreased histopathological injury score (no-INO group 5 [range 1-16], INO group 2 [range 0-5], control group 0 [range 0-3], P < .001), and better lung protection against oxidative injury than the no-INO group (healthy group 68 ± 8.7, control group 66.4 ± 6.8, INO group 56.3 ± 5.1, no-INO group 45.9 ± 3.4 percent protection/g protein, P < .001). INO attenuates oxidative stress and histopathological and inflammatory lung injury in a saline-lavaged rabbit ALI model.

High-frequency oscillatory ventilation attenuates oxidative lung injury in a rabbit model of acute lung injury

Mechanical ventilation (MV) can induce lung oxidative stress, which plays an important role in pulmonary injury. This study compared protective conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) and high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) for oxygenation, oxidative stress, inflammatory and histopathological lung injury in a rabbit model of acute lung injury (ALI). Rabbits (n = 30) were ventilated at FiO(2) 1.0. Lung injury was induced by tracheal saline infusion (30 mL/kg, 38°C). Animals were randomly assigned to: (a) sham control (CG: tidal volume [V(T)] 6 mL/kg, positive end expiratory pressure [PEEP] 5 cmH(2)O, respiratory rate [RR] 40 ipm); (b) ALI + CMV (CMVG: V(T) 6 mL/kg, PEEP 10 cmH(2)O, RR 40 ipm); or (c) ALI + HFOV (HFG: mean airway pressure [Paw] 14 cmH(2)O, RR 10 Hz) groups. Lung oxidative stress was assessed by total antioxidant performance assay, inflammatory response by the number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes/bronchoalveolar lavage fluid/lung and pulmonary histological damage was quantified by a score. Ventilatory and hemodynamic parameters were recorded every 30 min. Both ALI groups showed worse oxygenation after lung injury induction. After four hours of ventilation, HFG showed better oxygenation (partial pressure of oxygen [PaO(2)] - CG: 465.9 ± 30.5 = HFG: 399.1 ± 98.2 > CMVG: 232.7 ± 104 mmHg, P < 0.05) and inflammatory responses (CMVG: 4.27 ± 1.50 > HFG: 0.33 ± 0.20 = CG: 0.16 ± 0.15; polymorphonuclear cells/bronchoalveolar lavage fluid/lung, P < 0.05), less histopathological injury score (CMVG: 5 [1-16] > HFG: 1 [0-5] > CG: 0 [0-3]; P < 0.05), and lower lung oxidative stress than CMVG (CG: 59.4 ± 4.52 = HFG: 69.0 ± 4.99 > CMVG: 47.6 ± 2.58% protection/g protein, P < 0.05). This study showed that HFOV had an important protective role in ALI. It improved oxygenation, reduced inflammatory process and histopathological damage, and attenuated oxidative lung injury compared with protective CMV under these experimental conditions considering the study limitations.

Modification of Antioxidant Status by Ingesting Angelica keiskei (Ak) and/or Glycine max (Gm) in Subjects with Metabolic syndrome (MS)

MS is associated with elevated oxidative stress. We have reported that Ak, a vegetable rich in bioavailable phytochemicals, can increase antioxidant performance. To determine the effect of dietary modification on antioxidant status and DNA damage using Ak and/or Gm, a randomized double-blind placebo controlled intervention study was conducted. Thirty-two non-smoking men and post-menopausal women (>50 yr) with MS were randomly assigned to one of 4 groups, consuming two nutrition bars containing 1) placebo, 2) Ak (5 g), 3) Gm (5g), or 4) Ak (2.5 g) + Gm (2.5 g). Blood samples were collected on d1, 15, 29 and 43. Plasma carotenoids and tocopherol concentrations were analyzed by a HPLC system, total antioxidant performance (TAP) by fluorometry and lymphocyte DNA damage by single cell gel electrophoresis (comet). The combination of Ak + Gm showed significant increase in TAP on d29 as compared with the baseline (p=0.003). Ak+Gm and Ak also showed significant increase in plasma lutein concentration on d29 as well as d43 as compared to the baseline (p<0.05). Plasma β-carotene concentration was significantly higher in Ak group as compared to the placebo group on d29 (p=0.002). The data on DNA damage are being analyzed. The current study indicated that dietary modification using Ak and Gm increase plasma carotenoid concentrations and antioxidant performance. [Supported by USDA ARS #58-1950-7-07, USA and BioGreen 21 #20070301034009 RDA, Korea]

Effects of high‐frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) and inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) against oxidative lung injury in a rabbit model of acute lung injury (ALI)

Mechanical ventilation (MV) can induce lung injury. Oxidative damage has been said to play an important role in pulmonary injury which is associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) development and progression. To compare protective conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) and HFOV associated with/without iNO for lung oxidative stress, DNA damage, total antioxidant performance and nitric oxide (NO) concentration were determined in an animal model. Lung injury was induced by tracheal infusion of warm saline. Fifty rabbits (male, Norfolk white) were randomly assigned to: a) Sham Control (CG): without ALI + CMV; b) ALI + CMV (MVG); c) ALI + CMV with iNO (MVGNO); d) ALI + HFOV (HFG) and e) ALI + HFOV with iNO (HFGNO). Lung oxidative stress was assessed in the lung tissue and plasma by total antioxidant performance (TAP) assay using fluorometry, DNA damage by single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay) in the lung tissue, and NO concentration in the plasma by a fluorometric assay. After 4 hours of MV, HFOV groups and CMV associated with iNO had a significant reduction in the lung oxidative stress and DNA damage compared to CMV (p< 0.05). There was no significant difference in plasma NO concentration among groups (p > 0.05). HFOV and iNO showed a protective effect against oxidative lung injury in saline-lavaged rabbit model of ALI. [Supported by FAPESP: 2008/08199-2, USDA 58-1950-7-07]

TOTAL ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY, LIPID PEROXIDATION, BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND BLOOD PRESSURE IN GENETICALLY OBESE RATS

Obesity is a disease that is associated with increased risk of mortality. Genetically obese Zucker rats (mutation of the leptin receptor gene, fa/fa) have been used as an experimental model for the study of obesity. These rats seems to display a sufficient line of defense against oxidative stress during the development of obesity. The aim of this study was to evaluated the total antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation, biochemical parameters and blood pressure in obese Zucker rats (ZO) males at 34 weeks of age. Ten Zucker rats (ZO, n=5, control n=5) were used in the study. Body fat (g), Total antioxidant performance (TAP: %), malondialdehyde (MDA: μM), glucose (mg/dL), triglycerides (mg/dL), total cholesterol (TC, mg/dL), and systolic blood pressure (SBP: mmHg) were analyzed. Compared to the control group, ZO showed increased (p &lt;0.05) in body fat (89.5±11.77 vs 16.8±2,42), glucose (180.2±35.9 vs 111.3±11.3), triglycerides (260.5±143.4 vs 40.3±12.7), TC (85.1±40.9 vs 40.3±12.7) and SBP (155.4±7.2 vs 128.0±8.0). The groups showed similar values (p&gt;0.05) of TAP (44.1±19.5 vs 59.6±14.3) and MDA (0.21±0.02 vs 0.19±0.02). These data support the conclusion that obese Zucker rats at 34 weeks of age not show losses of antioxidant defense system, despite the comorbidity installed, such as hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and hypertension.Financial Support: CAPES, FAPESP

High‐frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) associated with inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) attenuates oxidative lung injury in a saline‐lavaged rabbit model of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

ARDS has been associated with high mortality rate despite a better understanding of its pathophysiology and recent advances in treatment.ObjectiveTo compare protective conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) and HFOV associated or not with iNO for lung oxidative stress.MethodsLung injury was induced by tracheal infusion of warm saline. Fifty rabbits were randomly assigned to: a) Control (CG): without ARDS + CMV; b) ARDS + CMV (MVG); c) ARDS + CMV with iNO (MVGNO); d) ARDS + HFOV (HFG) and e) ARDS + HFOV with iNO (HFGNO). In addition, ten rabbits were used for oxidative stress analysis without ARDS and MV treatment, Healthy group (HG). Lung oxidative stress was assessed by total antioxidant performance (TAP) assay.ResultsAll ARDS groups showed worse PaO2/FiO2 (CG: 438.4±87.1 &gt; MVG: 79.9±12.7 = MVGNO: 80.7±24 = HFG: 66.2±34.2 = HFGNO: 56±21; p&lt;0.05), as compared to those of CG. After 4 hours of MV, HFOV groups showed better oxygenation (PaO2/FiO2: CG: 465.9±30.5 = HFG: 399.1±98.2 = HFGNO: 326.9±119 &gt; MVG: 232.7±104 = MVGNO: 218.3±118; p&lt;0.05) and reduced oxidative stress in lung (TAP, % protection: HG: 67.3±4.21 = HFG: 69.0±4.99 = HFGNO: 68.9±4.14 &gt; MVG: 47.6±2.58 = MVGNO: 56.3±2.40 = CG: 59.4±4.52, p&lt;0.05) compared to CMV groups.ConclusionHFOV improves oxygenation and attenuates oxidative lung injury in saline‐lavaged rabbit model of ARDS. [Supported by FAPESP: 2008/08199‐2, USDA 1950‐51000‐065‐08S]

Oxidative stress status of high prolific sows during pregnancy and lactation

Sows are highly prolific with insufficient nutrient intake during late pregnancy and lactation periods causing a severe catabolic condition. Antioxidant status and oxidative DNA damage were determined in blood samples collected during the course of gestation and lactation in multiparous sows (parity 3 and 4). Blood samples were collected from sows (n=5) at d 30, 60, 90 and 110 of pregnancy, d 3, 10, and 18 of lactation, and d 5 postweaning. Lymphocytes were isolated from the fresh blood and cryopreserved in each time point. Lymphocyte DNA damage was analyzed by alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay) to determine the single and double strand brakes, plasma total antioxidant performance (TAP) using fluorometry and endogenous antioxidant by a HPLC system with UV detection. The comet assay showed lower (p&lt;0.01) endogenous DNA damage at d 30 of pregnancy (21%) as compared with those of the other time points (38 to 47%). On the other hand, TAP was lower (p&lt;0.05) during d 30 to 90 of pregnancy as compared with that of d 10 of lactation. Plasma α‐tocopherol concentration was lower (p&lt;0.05) at d 110 of pregnancy as compared with d 30 of pregnancy. The current study indicates that there is a systemic oxidative stress during the pregnancy and antioxidant nutrients can be reduced in the mother pig during the end of the pregnancy and that oxidative DNA damage can be elevated during the pregnancy, which can be sustained until the end of lactation period.[Supported by CAPES 0635‐09, NCPC 09M69MF1, USDA 1950‐51000‐065‐08S]