Total Antioxidant Status In Patients Research Articles

Dietary patterns; serum concentrations of selenium, copper, and zinc; copper/zinc ratio; and total antioxidant status in patients with glaucoma.

This study aimed to identify the biochemical parameters that determine the occurrence of glaucoma and assess the correlation between oxidative stress and clinical data in patients with glaucoma and healthy controls. We enrolled 169 participants; the glaucoma group comprised 104 patients with primary open-angle, pseudoexfoliation, or angle-closure glaucoma, and the control group comprised 65 healthy individuals. Serum concentrations of selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn); Cu/Zn ratio; and total antioxidant status were measured in both groups. Significantly lower Se and Zn serum levels were observed in men (67.7 ± 17.14 g/L and 0.76 ± 0.11 mg/L, respectively) and women (68.73 ± 16.21 g/L and 0.76 ± 0.13, respectively) with glaucoma. Moreover, significant correlations were identified between serum Se concentration and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and between serum Cu concentration and CDVA (p < 0.005 and p < 0.05, respectively). We also observed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.244, p < 0.05) between pRNFL thickness and BMI and a negative correlation (r = -0.289, p < 0.05) between serum Se concentration and the age of male patients with glaucoma. Additionally, the percentages of participants with below-normal, normal, and above-normal Se, Zn, and total antioxidant capacity serum levels were compared between both groups. Compared with healthy controls, a significantly higher percentage of patients with glaucoma had a below-normal Se serum concentration. A notable negative correlation was observed between Zn and copper serum levels of patients with glaucoma in both sexes. We believe that this study serves as a basis for considering personalized nutritional therapy for the prevention and supportive treatment of patients with glaucoma.

Efficacy of a Novel Intracanal Medicament on Total Antioxidant Status in Patients With Apical Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Introduction Successfulendodontic treatment relies upon the microbial debridement of the root canal system. This can be achieved to a great extent by using intracanal medicaments, which inhibit the microbes growing in the root canal. Evaluating the capacity of oxidants in the saliva is a crucial parameter for assessing the antioxidant capacity of any individual, which decreases in inflammatory conditions. An effective intracanal medicament can increase the total antioxidant capacity of saliva, which comes down because of inflammatory conditions. Aim To evaluate the effect of two intracanal medicaments on the antioxidant capacity of saliva. Materials and methods In a randomized prospective clinical trial, 42 patients with a mean age of 18-70 years were selected based on exclusion and inclusion criteria, and the baseline value of the total antioxidant capacity of saliva was recorded. The patients were categorized into two groups as per the block randomization method (Group I: calcium hydroxide (Maarc, New Delhi, India) intracanal medicament; Group II: Hekla lava (SBL Pvt. Ltd., Germany) intracanal medicament). Access opening, working length determination, and cleaning and shaping were conducted using hand K-files and ProTaper Gold rotary files. Intracanal medicaments were placed according to the groups assigned, and temporary restoration was placed. The patients were recalled after seven days. If the tooth was asymptomatic, obturation was completed, and a saliva sample was collected to assess thetotal antioxidant capacity. Results The total antioxidant capacity of saliva was increased afterusing intracanal medicaments and endodontic therapy, and there was a statistically significant difference before and after using both the medicaments (p=0.0005; i.e., calcium hydroxide and Hekla lava. When both medicaments were compared, there was no significant difference in the antioxidant capacity of salivaamong medicaments (p=0.384). Conclusion The total antioxidant capacity ofsaliva was increased after using both the intracanal medicaments. Hence, Hekla lava can be potentially used as an alternativeintracanal medicament.

Selenoprotein P, peroxiredoxin-5, renalase, and total antioxidant status in patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea

PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between selenoprotein P, peroxiredoxin-5, renalase, total antioxidant status (TAS), mean blood pressure (mBP), and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI).MethodsThe study group consisted of 112 patients hospitalized to verify the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The inclusion criteria were consent to participate in the study and age ≥ 18 years. Patients with active proliferative disease, severe systemic diseases, or mental diseases were excluded from the study. Each patient underwent full polysomnography and had blood pressure measured. Blood samples were collected and laboratory test was performed.ResultsAmong 112 patients enrolled, there was a statistically significant negative linear correlation between blood pressure values (sBP, dBP, mBP) and selenoprotein P, renalase, and TAS levels. Similarly, there was a negative linear correlation between AHI and selenoprotein P, renalase, and TAS levels, but none between AHI and peroxiredoxin-5. Based on the obtained regression models, higher selenoprotein P, peroxiredoxin-5, and renalase levels were independently associated with higher TAS. Lower mBP values were independently associated with the use of antihypertensive drugs, higher TAS, and younger age. Male gender, higher BMI, and higher mBP were independently associated with higher AHI.ConclusionsHigher concentrations of selenoprotein P, peroxiredoxin-5, and renalase were associated with higher TAS, which confirms their antioxidant properties. There was an indirect connection between tested antioxidants and blood pressure values.

Lipid Peroxidation and Serum Total Antioxidant Status in Patients with Recurrent Aphthous Ulceration Treated by Herbal Medicine

Background: Recurrent aphthous is a common but poorly understood oral mucosal disorder. Impaired oxidant/antioxidant balance is associated with the tissue damage in recurrent aphthous. Aim: To evaluate lipid peroxidation and serum total antioxidant status (TAS) in aphthous patients treated locally by herbal medicine.Patients and methods: Patients were diagnosed and treated for recurrent ulceration in Outpatient Clinic, Mosul, Iraq, from September 2011 to February 2012. A total of 42 patients with recurrent aphthous ulceration (31 males and 11 females) and 25 healthy subjects as controls (19 males and 6 females) were included in the study. The patients were treated with aphthous cream that contained clove, thyme, mint, and liquerice, applied six times daily until cure or for two weeks. The patients were advised to use the cream for two weeks even the aphthous is healed. Blood samples were taken (5 mL) from patients before and after two weeks of treatment and other blood samples from the control group and analyzed for serum malodialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant status (TAS) by colorimetric methods. Results: In aphthous patients, serum MDA was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.001) than that in controls (1.82 ± 0.19 vs 1.06 ± 0.12 μmol/L), while serum TAS was significantly lower (p ≤ 0.001) than in the control group (1.16 ± 0.11 vs 1.70 ± 0.16 mmol/L). After treatment, serum MDA was decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.001) compared with the value before treatment (1.82 ± 0.19 vs 1.74 ± 0.17 μmol/L); however, serum TAS was increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) after treatment compared with the value before treatment (1.16 ± 0.11 vs 1.2 ± 0.08 mmol/L). Both serum MDA and TAS in patients after treatment did not return to the control levels. The aphthous healed in most of the treated patient after 5-7 days, only two patients cured after 10 days of treatment. Conclusion: Aphthous ulceration in patients raises lipid peroxidation and reduces antioxidants. Aphthous treated with cream contained clove, thyme, ment and liquerice, healed within a week and the cured patients were associated with reduced lipid peroxidation and raised antioxidants status.

Relationship between Selected Micronutrient Concentrations, Total Antioxidant Status, Pain Severity, and the Image of 1H MR Spectroscopy in Degenerative Spine Disease: A Case-Control Study.

Osteoarthritis of the spine is a common disease and constitutes a significant problem in highly developed countries. Due to the aging of the population, the number of patients with advanced degenerative changes continues to grow. Trace elements and antioxidant status may play an active role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis of the spine. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between total antioxidant status (TAS), the concentration of selected elements (Zn, Cu, Se, Mn) in the serum, nutritional and environmental factors, the severity of pain, and images of degenerative changes in the spine demonstrated in proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS). The study included 90 patients with degenerative spine disease and 40 healthy people. Serum Zn, Cu, Se, and Mn concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The Cu/Zn molar ratio was calculated. TAS was determined spectrophotometrically using a ready-made Randox kit. The severity of spine pain was assessed using the visual analogue scale VAS. In the 1H MRS study, the fat/water ratio was determined in L1 and L5 vertebral bodies and in the L4/5 intervertebral disc. In patients with osteoarthritis of the spine, there was a reduced concentration of Zn and Cu in the serum (0.77 ± 0.22 mg/L, 1.1 ± 0.35 mg/L) compared to the control group (0.83 ± 0.13 mg/L, 1.25 ± 0.41 mg/L, respectively). In the study group, we also observed a significantly lower Cu concentration in smokers (1.07 ± 0.35 mg/L) compared to non-smokers (1.17 ± 0.34 mg/L). A relationship between the female sex and a decreased concentration of TAS in the serum, both in people with degenerative spine disease and in healthy people, has been demonstrated. In patients with serum TAS levels below the reference values, the fat/water ratio was higher in the L5 spine shaft, while in those with elevated Mn levels, the value was higher in the L4/L5 intervertebral disc, which indicates a greater degree of degeneration in both cases. Patients with normal serum Cu concentration experienced lower pain intensity assessed in the VAS scale. The study showed some abnormalities in serum trace element levels and TAS in patients with osteoarthritis of the spine.

Association between Changes in Total Antioxidant Levels and Clinical Symptom Improvement in Patients with Antipsychotic-Naïve First-Episode Schizophrenia after 3 Months of Risperidone Monotherapy.

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is associated with aberrant redox regulation in the early stages of brain development. There is growing evidence that the antioxidant defense system is closely associated with the therapeutic response to antipsychotics in SCZ patients. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of risperidone monotherapy on total antioxidant status (TAS) and the relationship between symptom improvement and changes in TAS in patients with antipsychotic-naïve first-episode (ANFE) SCZ. Clinical symptoms were evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Two hundred and forty-six ANFE patients were treated with risperidone for 3 months. PANSS and TAS levels were assessed at baseline and at a 3-month follow-up. Relative to healthy controls, ANFE patients had higher TAS levels, which increased even further during the treatment. Moreover, baseline TAS levels were a predictor of symptom reduction after risperidone treatment. In addition, there was a significant association between increased TAS levels and the decreased cognitive factor. Our findings suggest that antioxidant protection is possibly associated with clinical improvement in ANFE patients after risperidone treatment.

Comparison of albumin adjusted ischemia-modified albumin and total antioxidant status in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer: A pilot study.

Among all types of cancers in India, head and neck cancer (HNC) accounts for 30%. Oxidative stress (OS) is one of the aetiologies for cancer. However, it is not evaluated for these patients scheduled for anticancer therapy. Therefore, in the present study, we have compared two biochemical markers in HNC patients before therapy to assess their suitability as a marker for ongoing OS in the locally advanced stage of HNC. We measured the body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), blood pressure (BP), albumin, total antioxidant status (TAS), ischemia modified albumin (IMA), and albumin adjusted IMA (AdjIMA) in forty locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma HNC patients and compared with forty healthy individuals of similar age and gender. AdjIMA and TAS were compared by the receiver operating curve. BMI and WHR were significantly lower in HNC patients with no difference in BP parameters. Both IMA and AdjIMA were higher and TAS was lower in HNC patients. TAS was positively associated with BMI and negatively with AdjIMA. Between AdjIMA and TAS, AdjIMA at an optimal cutoff value of 0.23 absorbance unit had higher sensitivity (71%), specificity (65%), and area under the curve (0.710 vs. 0.365). Antioxidant levels are grossly altered in HNC patients. AdjIMA can be considered a better marker for assessing OS in HNC patients than TAS.

Effect of periodontal disease on oxidative stress markers in patients with atherosclerosis

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of periodontal inflammation on oxidative stress in patients with atherosclerosis by considering serum and saliva total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI). In the study, there were 4 groups, with 20 individuals in each group. These groups consisted of individuals who had periodontitis with atherosclerosis (group A-P), were periodontally healthy with atherosclerosis (group A-C), were systemically healthy with periodontitis (group P), and were systemically and periodontally healthy (group C). Clinical periodontal parameters were recorded. PISA values were calculated. Atherosclerosis severity was determined by the Gensini score. The ratio of TAS/TOS resulting in the OSI levels of the serum and saliva samples was examined biochemically. Group A-P serum TAS and group C saliva OSI values were lower than those of the other groups (p < 0.05). Group A-P serum TOS and OSI values were higher than those of the other groups (p < 0.05). Groups A-C and P serum TOS and OSI values were higher than those of group C (p < 0.05). In the multivariate linear regression analysis, group A-P and PISA values were independently associated with serum TOS and OSI values (p < 0.05). Group A-P, group P, and PISA values were independently associated with saliva OSI values (p < 0.05). Periodontitis and atherosclerosis may have systemic oxidative stress-increasing effects. The coexistence of periodontitis and atherosclerosis increases oxidative stress beyond that seen in either condition alone. Periodontitis can be associated with increased systemic TOS and OSI values in patients with atherosclerosis. Oxidative status is affected more severely when periodontitis and atherosclerosis coexist rather than when either exists alone. Periodontitis can cause increasing effect on serum TOS and OSI and decreasing effect on TAS in patients with atherosclerosis. The increase in oxidative stress markers with the presence of periodontal disease in patients with atherosclerosis emphasizes that controlling periodontal diseases, a treatable disease, may contribute to the prognosis of atherosclerosis.

Association between calcitriol and paricalcitol with oxidative stress in patients with hemodialysis.

Background: The pathophysiological basis of chronic kidney disease and its complications, including cardiovascular disease, are associated with chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. We investigated the effects of active vitamin D (calcitriol) and synthetic vitamin D analog (paricalcitol) on oxidative stress in hemodialysis patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was composed of 83 patients with a minimum hemodialysis vintage of one year. Patients with a history of any infection, malignancy, and chronic inflammatory disease were excluded. Oxidative markers (total oxidant and antioxidant status) and inflammation markers (C-reactive protein and interleukin-6) were analyzed. Results: A total of 47% (39/83) patients were using active or analog vitamin D. Total antioxidant status was significantly higher in patients with using active or analog vitamin D than those who did not use (p=0.006). Whereas, total oxidant status and oxidative stress index were significantly higher in patients with not using vitamin D when compared with the patients who were using vitamin D preparation (p=0.005 and p=0.004, respectively). On the other hand, total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, and oxidative stress index were similar between patients who used active vitamin D or vitamin D analog (p=0.6; p=0.4 and p=0.7, respectively). Conclusion: The use of active or selective vitamin D analog in these patients decreases total oxidant status and increases total antioxidant status. Also, paricalcitol is as effective as calcitriol in decreasing total oxidant status and increasing total antioxidant status in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Reactive oxygen species generation and the total antioxidant status in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and community-acquired pneumonia

The objective of this study was to investigate reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and the total antioxidant status (TAOS) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Methods. Fifty-five hospitalized patients with COPD were involved in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: patients with acute exacerbation of COPD (COPD group; n = 28), and patients with COPD and CAP (COPD + CAP group; n = 27). Severity of symptoms, clinical and laboratory findings were analyzed. ROS generation was assessed using the luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (ChL) of the blood. TAOS was evaluated in the blood serum using TAS RANDOS kit (RANDOX laboratory Ltd., GB). Results. Both spontaneous and pyrogenal-induced ChLs in the blood were reduced in all patients that indicated reduced ROS generation. TAOS was also decreased. The intensity of ChL and TAOS were related to lung function and serum level of C-reactive protein. After treatment, the inflammation has not been resolved and abnormal TAOS and ROS were still detected. Conclusion. CAP in patients with COPD and the acute exacerbation of COPD were associated with reduction in ROS generation and TAOS in the blood. Clinical symptoms were more prominent, C-reactive protein level was higher, and TAOS was lower in COPD + CAP patients compared to patients with acute exacerbation of COPD.

Role of oxidative stress and serum lipid levels in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been associated with increased oxidative stress or reduced antioxidant resources. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the levels of serum ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), total oxidant status (TOS), and total antioxidant status in patients with stable COPD, compared with a control group. MethodsThis study was performed on 51 patients with stable COPD (42 men and 9 women; mean age 56.92 ± 3.0 years) and 45 healthy control participants (32 men and 13 women; 54.8 ± 3.8 years). The levels of serum lipids, IMA, total antioxidant status, TOS, and ox-LDL were measured in all participants. ResultsThe levels of serum IMA, ox-LDL, and TOS were significantly higher in patients with COPD than those in control individuals. There was no difference between the levels of serum total antioxidant status, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of patients with COPD and those of control individuals. Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly lower in patients with COPD than in control individuals. ConclusionOur study indicated that serum IMA, ox-LDL, and TOS may be increased as a result of chronic hypoxia, inflammation, and oxidative stress in patients with severe and very severe stable COPD. Our findings also revealed that IMA is higher in patients with Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease Stages II, III, and IV, while TOS and ox-LDL are higher in patients with Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease Stage IV. Measurements of serum IMA, TOS, and ox-LDL levels may be useful markers in the evaluation of stable COPD.

Aqueous Humour and Serum Levels of Nitric Oxide, Malondialdehyde and Total Antioxidant Status in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes with Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy and Nondiabetic Senile Cataracts.

Diabetic retinopathy is associated with enhanced oxidative stress and/or reduction of antioxidant status. Several studies have examined the oxidative agents, such as nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA), in the body fluids of patients with diabetes. However, total antioxidant status (TAS) in the aqueous humour of patients with diabetes has not been determined to date. To address this issue, we analyzed the aqueous humour and serum levels of NO, MDA and TAS in patients with type 2 diabetes and nondiabetic senile cataracts. This prospective study included 35 patients with type 2 diabetes and 35 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects in whom cataract surgery was indicated. Aqueous humour and serum MDA, NO and TAS levels were determined by spectrophotometric methods, respectively. The analysis of MDA levels in the serum and aqueous humour revealed no significant differences in any of the groups (p>0.05). At the level of aqueous humour, patients with type 2 diabetes had significantly increased NO levels, compared to the controls (p=0.003). The control group also presented significantly higher TAS levels than the subgroup with type 2 diabetes in serum (p=0.001). However, there were no significant differences in the TAS levels of aqueous humour and serum NO levels in the groups (p>0.05). Our results seem to demonstrate that the development of diabetic retinopathy is associated with high levels of aqueous humour NO and reduced serum antioxidant defenses. Therefore, inhibition of reactive oxygen species production and substitution of serum antioxidant status may be a therapeutic target for eye diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Basal low antioxidant capacity correlates with cognitive deficits in early onset psychosis. A 2-year follow-up study

The objective of the study is to examine the association of baseline total antioxidant status (TAS) and glutathione (GSH) levels with short- and long-term cognitive functioning in patients with early onset first-episode psychosis, comparing affective and non-affective psychoses.We analysed 105 patients with an early onset-first episode psychosis (age 9–17 years) and 97 healthy controls. Blood samples were taken at admission for measurement of TAS and GSH, and cognitive performance was assessed at baseline and at 2years of follow-up. Regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between TAS/GSH levels at baseline and cognitive performance at both time points, controlling for confounders.Baseline TAS and GSH levels were significantly lower in patients than healthy controls. In patients, baseline TAS was positively associated with the global cognition score at baseline (p=0.048) and two years later (p=0.005), while TAS was not associated with cognitive functioning in healthy controls. Further, baseline TAS in patients was specifically associated with the memory domain at baseline and with the memory and attention domains two years later. Stratifying by affective and non-affective psychoses, significant associations were only found between TAS and cognition in the non-affective psychosis group. Baseline GSH levels were not associated with cognitive functioning at either time point in either group.The antioxidant defence capacity in early onset first-episode psychotic patients is directly correlated with global cognition at baseline and at 2years of follow-up, especially in non-affective psychosis.

Association between matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9 and total antioxidant status of patients with asymptomatic hepatitis C virus infection

The aim of this study is to predict potential hepatocellular damage by determining total antioxidant status (TAS) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 levels of different groups of dental surgery patients who are asymptomatic (normal alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase records). Patients were divided into five groups according to the anamnesis [to be diagnosed formerly as hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection or not], microbiological (positive-anti-HCV antibodies and HCV RNA-positive or negative) and biochemical test results. Except for the control group, serum anti-HCV antibody levels and line immunoassay tests were found positive in all groups. HCV RNAs were found positive only in group 3 whom were formerly diagnosed with HCV infection, not under medical treatment and in group 5 under medical treatment (<2 × 10(5) IU ml(-1)). Statistical analyses were performed using one-way multifactorial anova (manova) at the statistical significance level of 5% and were confirmed that the changes in biochemical markers had significant effects on subjects who had been in different groups. Following multiple comparisons, significant groups' differences were obtained in all biochemical markers. In conclusion, to determine not only TAS levels but also the MMPs and evaluate those together may be noninvasive biomarkers for predicting the inflammation in liver and approaching the prognosis of HCV infection.

Assessment of Serum and Salivary Oxidant and Total Antioxidant Status of Patients with Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis in a Sample of Basrah City

Assessment of Serum and Salivary Oxidant and Total Antioxidant Status of Patients with Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis in a Sample of Basrah City

Total oxidative stress and antioxidant status in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome

ObjectivesStudies in the carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) are supported ischemia-induced changes rather than inflammation of the flexor tenosynovium. In this study, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidative stress (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) in patients with CTS has been investigated.MethodsForty-three patients (38 female and 5 male, 81 hands in total) diagnosed as CTS after the physical examination and electrophysiological findings included in study. The mean age of patients was 43.30 ± 10.49 years.ResultsBilateral CTS in 38 (88%) patients and unilateral CTS in five patients were detected. Dominant hand was involved in all patients. The mean symptoms duration was 30.9 months (range, 5–67 months). TAS in patients with CTS was significantly lower compared with control (1.01 ± 0.14 versus 1.11 ± 0.20 mmol Trolox equiv./l), (P = 0.008). TOS and OSI in patients with CTS were significant higher compared with control (15.60 ± 7.03 versus 11.86 ± 2.18 µmol H2O2 equiv./l and 1.57 ± 0.72 versus 1.09 ± 0.28), (respectively P = 0.002 and <0.001).ConclusionThis study shows that there is a change in the oxidative stress and antioxidant defences in patients with CTS. Increased TOS and OSI and decreased TAS might be stimulate fibrosis through disturbed signaling pattern in the tenosynovium and median nerve. These processes might play a role in occurrence and progression of CTS.

Effects of Green Tea Supplementation on Elements, Total Antioxidants, Lipids, and Glucose Values in the Serum of Obese Patients

The consumption of green tea has been associated with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. There have been some studies on the influence of green tea on the mineral status of obese subjects, but they have not yielded conclusive results. The aim of the present study is to examine the effects of green tea extract on the mineral, body mass, lipid profile, glucose, and antioxidant status of obese patients. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted. Forty-six obese patients were randomly assigned to receive either 379 mg of green tea extract, or a placebo, daily for 3 months. At baseline, and after 3 months of treatment, the anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, and total antioxidant status were assessed, as were the levels of plasma lipids, glucose, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper. We found that 3 months of green tea extract supplementation resulted in decreases in body mass index, waist circumference, and levels of total cholesterol, low-density cholesterol, and triglyceride. Increases in total antioxidant level and in zinc concentration in serum were also observed. Glucose and iron levels were lower in the green tea extract group than in the control, although HDL-cholesterol and magnesium were higher in the green tea extract group than in the placebo group. At baseline, a positive correlation was found between calcium and body mass index, as was a negative correlation between copper and triglycerides. After 3 months, a positive correlation between iron and body mass index and between magnesium and HDL-cholesterol, as well as a negative correlation between magnesium and glucose, were observed. The present findings demonstrate that green tea influences the body's mineral status. Moreover, the results of this study confirm the beneficial effects of green tea extract supplementation on body mass index, lipid profile, and total antioxidant status in patients with obesity.

Effect of Greater cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) on blood lipids, fibrinolysis and total antioxidant status in patients with ischemic heart disease

ObjectiveGreater cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) fruit powder (seeds with pericarp) was evaluated for its effect on some of the cardiovascular risk factors in patients with ischemic heart disease. MethodsThirty male individuals (50-70 years) with ischemic heart disease (old MI>6 months) were selected for the study and divided into two groups of fifteen each. Group I (Treated) received 3 g cardamom powder in two divided doses while Group II (Placebo) received matched placebo capsules for 12 weeks. Blood samples were collected initially and at 6 and 12 weeks for analysis of lipid profile, fibrinolytic activity and total antioxidant status. ResultsAdministration of Greater cardamom significantly (P<0.001) reduced atherogenic lipids without significant alteration in HDL-cholesterol. Plasma fibrinolytic activity and serum total antioxidant status were also enhanced significantly (P<0.05) at the end of the study. The placebo group however did not show significant alteration in any of these parameters. It was tolerated well without any untoward effects. ConclusionsDietary supplementation of Greater cardamom favorably modifies lipid profile and significantly enhances fibrinolytic activity and total antioxidant status in patients with ischemic heart disease.

Total antioxidant status in patients with obstructive sleep apnea without comorbidities: the role of the severity of the disease

Several studies suggest that obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with oxidative stress. However, there are also contrary observations and the role of antioxidant mechanisms has not been fully explored. The present study evaluated serum total antioxidant status (TAS) in 32 OSAS patients without comorbidities, before and after a diagnostic sleep study and at a second sleep study after continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) application. Lower TAS values were found in the morning, immediately after the first sleep study, compared with those before sleep (1.68 ± 0.11 vs. 1.61 ± 0.10 mmol/l, p < 0.01); this was evident in patients with less severe syndrome [apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) <30; 1.73 ± 0.08 vs. 1.65 ± 0.09 mmol/l, p = 0.01] but not in severe syndrome (AHI ≥30; 1.64 ± 0.12 vs. 1.58 ± 0.10 mmol/l, p = 0.07). After CPAP application, a statistically significant decrease in TAS values was observed in patients with less severe syndrome (1.72 ± 0.05 vs. 1.63 ± 0.04 mmol/l, p = 0.003). On the contrary, no statistically significant changes in TAS were observed in patients with severe syndrome. The present study supports a reduction in antioxidant capacity during sleep in otherwise healthy patients with OSAS. This reduction was evident in less severe syndrome. However, a single night of CPAP application seems to ameliorate this antioxidant disturbance only in less severe syndrome.

Role of oxidative stress in various stages of psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory, proliferative skin disease characterized by pathological skin lesions due to various exogenous and endogenous factors. It is associated with a number of biochemical and immunological disturbances. Recently, it has been suggested that increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and compromised function of antioxidant system may be involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. In the present study, 90 psoriasis patients were selected. Disease severity was assessed by psoriasis area severity index score and grouped as mild, moderate and severe (each group consists of 30 subjects) and compared with 30 healthy controls. Serum levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide end products and the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as erythrocyte-superoxide dismutase, catalase and total antioxidant status were investigated in these groups/subjects. As compared to controls, we found severitywise significantly increased serum malondialdehyde, nitric oxide end products with decrease in erythrocyte-superoxide dismutase activity, catalase activity and total antioxidant status in patients with psoriasis suggesting worsening of the disease. It seems to be linked with the enhancement of Reactive Oxygen Species production and decreased antioxidant potential in psoriasis.