Total Antioxidant Status Research Articles

Oxidative stress in branched-chain organic acidemias using thiol-disulfide homeostasis.

Branched-chain organic acidemias (OAs) are inherited metabolic disorders resulting from enzyme deficiencies in the catabolic pathway of branched-chain amino acids, which could lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate oxidative stress in OA patients using thiol-disulfide homeostasis (TDH) parameters. 21 OA patients [methylmalonic acidemia (MMA), propionic acidemia (PA), and isovaleric acidemia] and 12 healthy controls participated in this study. TDH parameters such as native thiol, total thiol, and disulfide levels, in addition to Oxidative Stress Index, Total Antioxidant Status, and Total Oxidant Status were analyzed using spectrophotometry. The OA group had significantly lower native (p=0.004) and total thiol (p=0.006) levels compared to controls. When analyzing subgroups, native thiols were found to be lower in MMA (p=0.012) and in PA (p=0.008) with elevated disulfides in MMA (p=0.003) in comparison to both PA and controls. As compared to abnormal neurodevelopmental status, there was a statistically significant relationship with lower native thiols and a shift towards oxidative stress (p=0.004). The parameters of the TDH are altered in patients with OA, especially in those with MMA and PA, indicating a significant level of oxidative stress. The neurodevelopmental outcome in OA may be exacerbated by this oxidative imbalance. The utilization of TDH as a biomarker may be a potential provider of oxidative status in OA patients and facilitate informing therapeutic strategies.

Glutathione S-transferase gene polymorphism, total antioxidant status, and blood pressure changes in androgenic alopecia

Aim: To investigate the relationship of glutathione S-transferase gene polymorphism with total antioxidant capacity and blood pressure changes in patients with androgenic alopecia. Methods: Hamilton-Norwood classification was used for the diagnosis and staging of androgenic alopecia (AGA), and all individuals were evaluated by the same physician. Family history of AGA was questioned; body mass index (BMI), lipid profile, blood pressure (BP) levels, total oxidative stress (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene polymorphisms were evaluated. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) methods were used to detect GST polymorphisms. Blood pressure of the patients was measured by 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Results: The study included 43 male patients with a mean age of 35.09 ± 10.51 years and 90.6% of the individuals had a family history of AGA. When TOS, TAS, 24-hour BP measurement results (systolic-diastolic BP values) and dipper/nondipper BP status were compared according to GSTT1, GSTM1, GSTP1 I105V, GSTP1 A114V genotypes, the difference was not significant. However, TOS levels were higher in individuals with GSTP1 A114V heterozygous genotype (polymorphism detected) compared to individuals with the normal genotype. In addition, TAS was lower in individuals with GSTT1 null genotype (deletion in both alleles) compared to individuals with GSTT1 gene. Although the difference was not statistically significant, a positive correlation was observed between androgenic alopecia stages and the oxidative stress index (r=0.14). Conclusion: GST gene polymorphisms may be associated with increased oxidative stress and decreased total antioxidant capacity in patients with androgenic alopecia. Moreover, oxidative stress appears to increase with the progression of AGA stage.

Protective effects of macelignan against mesenteric ischemia–reperfusion injury: experimental study

IntroductionIschemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury refers to a destructive process that can aggravate and sustain when damaged cells are reoxygenated following ischemia (hypoxia) in tissue. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of macelignan and its underlying mechanism in an experimental mesenteric I/R injury model in rats. MethodsA total of 24 adult male Sprague–Dawley rats weighing 200 to 250 g were randomly divided into four groups: control, sham, I/R group, and group receiving intravenous macelignan after ischemia (M). In all groups except the control group, the experimental protocol involved vascular clamping of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) for 45 min, followed by a 240-min (4-h) reperfusion period after the removal of the vascular clamp. Macelignan was administered to the M group during the reperfusion phase. At the end of the study, blood and tissue samples were taken from the rats for biochemical and histopathological analyses.ResultsThe mean serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and MDA levels showed statistically significant differences among the groups and were found to be at levels similar to the sham group in the M group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.016, respectively). Among the oxidative and antioxidative parameters measured in tissue, total antioxidant status [TAS], total oxidant status [TOS], Oxidative stress index [OSI] showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was also observed in tissue nitric oxide [NO] levels, which were lower in the M group compared to the I/R group (p = 0.006). Histopathological analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in the total intestinal injury score among the groups (p < 0.001). However, no significant histological differences in intestinal damage were observed between the macelignan-treated group and the I/R group. ConclusionOur study results show favorable results regarding the antioxidative protective effects of macelignan on intestinal tissue subjected to mesenteric I/R injury. However, further research is needed to identify its benefits in humans.

The Effect of Quercetin on Oxidative Stress Parameters in A Fructose-Induced Experimental Metabolic Syndrome Model

Aim: With the rising prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), antioxidant therapies for managing oxidative stress are gaining attention. Fructose, a major metabolic stressor and a prevalent sweetener in processed foods, plays a significant role in this condition. This study evaluates quercetin's effects on MetS components, specifically its ability to alleviate oxidative stress in liver tissue within a fructose-induced MetS model. Material and Methods: 24 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, fructose, quercetin, and fructose+quercetin. Quercetin (15 mg/kg/day) was administered via gavage, and a 20% fructose solution was provided in drinking water over 10 weeks. Key metabolic parameters, including body weight, blood pressure, serum glucose, triglycerides, insulin levels, and insulin resistance, were assessed to confirm MetS. Liver tissue was analyzed for oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and the oxidative stress index (OSI). Results: Fructose administration successfully induced key metabolic syndrome components, such as obesity, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance. Quercetin significantly reduced fructose-induced hypertension and insulin resistance, though its effects on obesity, hyperglycemia, and hypertriglyceridemia were limited. Fructose exposure markedly elevated liver MDA, AOPP, and TOS levels, with nonsignificant increases in NO and TAS. Co-administration of quercetin with fructose resulted in significantly higher MDA levels compared to controls, while AOPP levels were notably reduced. Conclusion: At the administered dose, quercetin showed limited efficacy in mitigating fructose-induced lipid peroxidation; however, it displayed notable antioxidant activity by modulating protein oxidation and NO levels. These findings provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome and suggest potential therapeutic avenues for targeting its underlying components.

The acute effects of simulated hypoxic training at different altitudes on oxidative stress and muscle damage in elite long-distance runners

Background Understanding the impact of altitude on muscle damage and oxidative stress is essential for optimizing training and recovery strategies for athletes exposed to high-altitude conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of acute exercise at different altitudes on oxidative stress and muscle damage. Methods A total of twelve elite long-distance runners (mean age: 20.3 ± 1.5 years) from different branches participated in the study. The exercise protocol was the Bruce submaximal treadmill exercise test, which was conducted under three simulated hypoxic conditions (at 1,700 m, 2,450 m, and 3,200 m) and one normoxic condition (sea level). All measurements took place at the same time of the day. After the exercise protocol, 5 ml venous blood samples were taken from the participants, while heart rate and oxygen saturation were monitored at the 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th minutes during the exercise. Results Significant altitude-dependent variations were observed in oxidative stress markers, with total oxidant status (TOS) (p = 0.017) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (p &lt; 0.001) levels increasing at higher altitudes, while total antioxidant status (TAS) (p &lt; 0.001) exhibited an elevation and oxidative stress index (OSI) (p &lt; 0.001) demonstrated a decline as altitude increased. However, no significant difference was found in creatine kinase (CK, p = 0.059) levels. Additionally, there were significant differences in the oxygen saturation measurement taken at the 3rd (p &lt; 0.001), 6th (p &lt; 0.001), 9th (p &lt; 0.001), and 12th (p &lt; 0.001), minutes following the exercise session. There was no difference in the pulse measurement taken at the 3rd and 12th minutes, but a difference was observed at the 6th and 9th minutes post-exercise (p &lt; 0.01). Conclusions In conclusion, the study determined that endurance exercises performed under simulated normobaric hypoxia at different altitudes increased TAS and reduced OSI in elite long-distance runners. The increase in TAS and the reduction in OSI were more pronounced at higher altitudes, particularly at 2,450 m and 3,200 m, compared to sea level. These findings highlight the need for altitude-specific training and recovery strategies to minimize oxidative stress and muscle damage in athletes.

The Potential of Ozone Therapy as an Adjunct to Periodontal Treatment in Diabetes Mellitus: A Biomarker Scoping Review.

Periodontitis is a prevalent inflammatory disease and a critical complication in individuals with Diabetes Mellitus (DM). The bidirectional relationship between periodontitis and DM exacerbates systemic inflammation and complicates disease management. Ozone therapy (OT), with its antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties, has emerged as a promising adjunctive treatment for periodontitis in individuals with DM, though it remains underexplored. This scoping review evaluates the effects of OT on biomarkers associated with DM, which may indirectly suggest its potential as a complementary therapy for periodontitis management in DM. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, LIVIVO, Scopus, Web of Science, and LILACS (up to March 2024) identified 38 studies: 19 involving individuals with DM and 19 using DM animal models. OT positively influenced biomarkers such as Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), reduced Glutathione (GSH), Catalase (CAT), Total Antioxidant Status (TAS), and Total Oxidant Status (TOS). OT also modulated inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and CRP) and regenerative biomarkers (bFGF, BMP-2, CD34, VEGF, PDGF) while improving glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). This study represents the first review to explore the effects of OT on DM biomarkers and infer possible implications of these effects if used as an adjunct in the treatment of periodontitis associated with DM. OT may complement conventional periodontal treatments in individuals with DM by modulating biomarkers linked to periodontal health. These insights may guide future clinical studies to validate OT's role in the treatment and establish standardized protocols for its application in periodontal management in DM.

Ursodeoxycholic acid ameliorates paclitaxel-induced hepatic injury in rats: Evaluation ofoxidative and DNA damage, apoptosis andautophagy.

Paclitaxel (PTX), widely used in chemotherapy, can cause serious side effects such as hepatotoxicity. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) - a secondary bile acid, a byproduct of intestinal bacteria with potent antioxidant properties - against PTX-induced liver injury. PTX was administered intraperitoneally at 2 mg*kg-1 for 5 days to induce liver damage. Rats in the first treatment group received UDCA orally at 60 mg*kg-1 for fifteen days, while the second group received the same dose for ten days. Serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, total protein, and albumin were analysed using an autoanalyzer. Liver tissue was assessed for total oxidative status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) and total antioxidant status (TAS). Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were also conducted. UDCA administration ameliorated PTX-induced changes in bodyweight and liver enzymes. It reduced necrosis, hydropic degeneration and mononuclear cell infiltration in liver tissue. UDCA also significantly decreased TOS and OSI levels, alleviating oxidative stress, and increased TAS. Furthermore, UDCA reduced DNA damage, evidenced by lower 8-OHdG immunoreactivity, and regulated autophagy and apoptosis by reversing elevated LC3B and cleaved caspase-3 levels. These findings suggest that UDCA may offer therapeutic benefits against PTX-induced hepatotoxicity.

Use of Fermented Black Tea (Camellia sinensis) Factory Wastes in Standard Rat Diets.

Although there are studies on the use of different tea extracts in animal diets, there are no studies on the use of fermented black tea factory production waste (FTFW) in rodent diets. This study aims to evaluate the effects of FTFW, considered an environmentally hazardous waste, in standard rat diets regarding nutritional, histopathological, and biochemical parameters. In this study, 40 male Wistar albino rats (70 days old, with a live weight of 200-250 g) were divided into four groups, each containing 10 rats. They were fed standard rat diets for 63 days, with varying amounts (0%, 3%, 5%, and 10%) of tea production waste. At the end of the experiment, biochemical analysis of blood and histopathological analysis of all organs were performed. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of body weight, internal organ weights, or serum biochemical parameters (p > 0.05). No pathological findings were observed in any of the groups. The group receiving 10% tea waste, which had the highest total polyphenol level (1.42 ppm), also showed the highest serum total antioxidant status (TAS) (p < 0.05). In contrast, this group had the lowest total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels (p < 0.05). The study concluded that FTFW can be included in the pellet diet of rats without changing their general health status and that a potential environmental pollutant can be used in rat diets.

Exploring the link between nutritional status and total antioxidant status in patients with severe asthma: a cross-sectional study

Background and objectiveThis study aimed to assess the nutritional status of individuals with severe asthma and to determine how dietary antioxidant (AO) intake influences the disease prognosis and plasma total antioxidant status (TAS).MethodsThe study included 44 patients with severe asthma and 45 healthy participants. Anthropometric measurements, asthma control levels, scores from a validated antioxidant food consumption frequency questionnaire, 3-day food records, and demographic information were gathered from each participant. Blood samples obtained after overnight fasting were analyzed for plasma TAS and total oxidant status (TOS).ResultsThe mean antioxidant intake measured by the FFQ and food records, as well as plasma TAS levels, were significantly lower in the asthma group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In the asthma group, negative correlations were found between the duration of asthma and both plasma TAS and antioxidant intake from the FFQ and food records, indicating that longer asthma duration was associated with lower antioxidant status (p < 0.05). Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between the asthma control level and the antioxidant intake from the FFQ in the case group, suggesting that better asthma control was associated with higher antioxidant intake (p < 0.05).ConclusionPlasma TAS levels in patients with severe asthma were significantly lower than in healthy individuals. Higher dietary antioxidant intake was positively associated with plasma TAS and may contribute to improved asthma control. These findings suggest that increasing dietary antioxidant intake could be beneficial in the management of severe asthma.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

Cathepsin B: Plasma Expression and Concentration in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients

Numerous studies point to the significance of cathepsin B (CTSB) in the development of carcinoma. Therefore, the aim of this pilot study was to investigate the levels of cathepsin B (CTSB) and the expression of CTSB mRNA in the plasma of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients. Methods: The study included 44 newly diagnosed NHL patients and 35 healthy volunteers comprising the control group. CTSB in the plasma samples were detected using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The level of CTSB was significantly higher in NHL patients compared to control subjects: 15.28 (11.68–17.23) versus 11.57 (10.12–13.41), p = 0.003. In addition, a positive correlation between plasma CTSB mRNA and CTSB after therapy was observed (rho = 0.591, p = 0.026). Regarding redox parameters, we found a negative correlation between CTSB and the total antioxidant status (TAS) (rho = −0.499, p = 0.035), as well as a positive correlation with the total oxidant status (TOS) (rho = 0.576, p = 0.012). Conclusions: Targeting CTSB might have significant clinical relevance in the diagnostics of NHL.

Potential Relationship Between Decreased Serum Selenium Levels and Oxidative Stress in Periodontitis Stage III-IV.

In this study, the relationships between periodontitis and total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and selenium levels were investigated. A total of 122 participants, including 61 periodontitis patients and 61 periodontally healthy individuals, were included. Serum TOS, TAS, and selenium levels were measured, and the biochemical and clinical parameters were compared. The relationship between selenium levels and periodontitis was assessed through univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. Compared with the healthy group, the periodontitis group had significantly higher TOS and significantly lower TAS and selenium levels (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis also revealed a significant correlation between selenium levels and periodontitis (p < 0.001). Our study demonstrated that periodontitis was related to TOS, TAS, and selenium levels. The present study investigated the relationships of periodontitis with TOS, TAS, and selenium levels. Selenium levels could serve as an important biomarker for periodontal disease, as they are strongly correlated with the TOS value, the TAS value, and clinical parameters. Furthermore, lower selenium levels were observed in periodontitis patients than in healthy individuals.

Oxidative Stress and Dynamic Thiol/Disulfide Homeostasis in Autism: A Focus on Early Childhood

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with multifactorial etiopathogenesis, where oxidative stress (OS) has been implicated as a key contributing factor. This study aimed to evaluate the plasma dynamic thiol/disulfide homeostasis (DTDH) parameters—a relatively novel OS biomarker—alongside classical OS biomarkers, including total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI), glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), in preschool children diagnosed with ASD. A total of 49 children with ASD and 31 age- and sex-matched typically developing children between the ages of 2 and 6 years were included. In addition to sociodemographic data collection, the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale (CGI-S) were administered to assess autism severity. Blood samples were analyzed using automated spectrophotometric techniques to determine OS biomarkers. The results demonstrated that DTDH parameters and classical OS markers exhibited parallel changes; however, no statistically significant differences were detected between the ASD and control groups across all OS markers. Furthermore, no significant association was found between OS biomarkers and autism severity. Moreover, we intentionally restricted our sample to a younger age group to enable a focused examination of OS dynamics during early developmental stages. This study underscores the potential impact of age as a critical determinant in OS-related alterations in autism and highlights the need for further age-stratified investigations to elucidate the role of OS in ASD pathophysiology and its potential diagnostic relevance.

Effect of selenium on reproductive function and oxidative stress in male rats with cisplatin-induced testicular damage

Objective: Cisplatin (Cis) is an anticancer agent used to treat several types of cancers, including testicular cancer. However, despite its therapeutic efficacy, it increases the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage healthy tissues and cells, resulting in tissue toxicity. This study aimed to examine the healing effect of selenium (Se) on cisplatin-induced testicular injury in male rats by evaluating testicular weight and monitoring the levels of oxidative stress and reproductive function markers in testicular homogenates. Methods: A total of 38 male rats were divided into four distinct groups. The control group was administered an isotonic solution as the solvent for the active ingredients, while the Se group was administered 1 mg/kg Se dissolved in an isotonic solution via gastric gavage. The Cis group was administered 7.5 mg/kg Cis dissolved in an isotonic solution. The Cis+Se group received both the treatments. Reproductive function and oxidative stress markers in testicular homogenates were analyzed using ELISA. Results: Compared to the control group, the Cis group exhibited significantly lower testicular weight, antioxidant activity (superoxide dismutase [SOD]; total antioxidant status [TAS], P &lt; 0.001), and reproductive function activity (follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH]; Inhibin B, P &lt; 0.001; luteinizing hormone [LH], P &lt; 0.01), and significantly higher oxidant levels (malondialdehyde [MDA], P &lt; 0.01; total oxidant status [TOS], P &lt; 0.01). The Cis+Se group exhibited significantly higher TAS (P &lt; 0.04) and testosterone (P &lt; 0.01) levels than the control group. Conclusion: Administration of Se ameliorated the toxic effects of Cis. Owing to its antioxidant effects, Se may be useful in preventing Cis-induced toxicity in the testicles by alleviating oxidative stress.

Investigation of the effects of propofol and sevoflurane anesthesia on oxidant-antioxidant status and biochemical parameters in Turkish hair goats.

To investigate the effects of propofol and sevoflurane anesthesia on the oxidant-antioxidant status and biochemical parameters in Turkish hair goats. The study was conducted from February 15 through March 15, 2024. Seven clinically healthy female Turkish hair goats aged 1 to 2 years with an average live weight of 29.95 (26.1 to 33.8) kg were included. A bolus of propofol (6 mg/kg) was injected IV. The goats were placed in the sternoabdominal position and administered 1% to 3% sevoflurane with 100% oxygen for 2 hours with the help of a vaporizer. Blood samples were collected before and after the administration of propofol and at the 15th, 30th, 60th, and 120th minutes after the start of sevoflurane administration in nonanticoagulated tubes. The oxidant-antioxidant status (serum total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, paraoxonase activity, and arylesterase activity) and biochemical parameters (levels of glucose, AST, GGT, ALT, ALP, LDH, creatine kinase, amylase, lipase, creatinine, urea, uric acid, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, magnesium, chlorine, calcium, iron, sodium, phosphorus, and potassium) were evaluated. The heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature of the goats were measured using a bedside monitor. Arylesterase activity increased with sevoflurane administration. Changes were observed in heart rate and body temperature as well as in the levels of glucose, creatine kinase, urea, total bilirubin, and potassium at different time intervals of propofol-sevoflurane administration. Propofol-sevoflurane anesthesia has no adverse effects on oxidant-antioxidant status in Turkish hair goats. The evaluation of heart rate and body temperature, as well as glucose, creatine kinase, urea, total bilirubin, and potassium levels, must be considered in propofol-sevoflurane anesthesia protocol.

Acute Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Exercise on Hemorheological and Oxidative Stress Parameters: A Preliminary Study

Previous studies reported that WBV can increase peripheral blood flow and oxygenation. Investigating the acute effects of a single WBV exercise session on hemorheological parameters, blood glucose levels, balance, flexibility, and oxidative stress markers (total oxidant status [TOS], total antioxidant status [TAS], and oxidative stress index [OSI]) was the goal of this study. All participants engaged in a WBV exercise program consisting of nine exercises, each lasting 60 seconds, for a total of 13 minutes. Flexibility, balance, visual analog pain scale (VAS) scores, heart rate, blood pressure, capillary blood glucose levels, hemorheological parameters, and TOS/TAS were assessed before and immediately after the WBV session. Twelve healthy active male volunteers (mean age: 20.83±2.59 years; mean height: 174.79±5.26 cm; mean weight: 79.21±14.87 kg) participated in the study. Hematocrit values and heart rate significantly increased, while blood glucose levels decreased following the WBV protocol (p

An examination of the antioxidant and antibacterial capabilities, as well as the phenolic compounds, of Silene macrodonta and Silene chaetodonta

In this study, Silene macrodonta Boiss. and S. chaetodonta Boiss. plant species belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family growing in the Gaziantep region were examined in terms of antioxidant, antimicrobial and phenolic compounds. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) values of S. macrodonta and S. chaetodonta Boiss. plant species were determined using Rel Assay kits. It was determined that the TAS value of S. macrodonta was higher with 5.983±0.156, the TOS value of S. chaetodonta was higher with 15.686±0.188, and the OSI value of S. chaetodonta was higher with 0.341±0.010. Within the scope of this study, the antimicrobial activity of plant species was examined by the Agar dilution method, and it was determined that S. chaetodonta showed higher antimicrobial activity than S. macrodonta. Phenolic contents of plants were examined using LC-MS/MS device. For some of the standards used, the presence of phenolic compounds in the plant was detected. As a result of the studies, it was determined that S. macrodonta and S. chaetodonta plants have high biological activity.

Effect of Cortexin administration on Kisspeptin and Spexin expression after testicular torsion

Kisspeptin–1 (KISS–1) and Spexin (SPX) are neuropeptides that play crucial roles in metabolism and sexual function, with their expression levels in tissues potentially influenced by antioxidant treatments. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cortexin treatment against ischemia–reperfusion injury (I/R) resulting from testicular torsion on KISS–1 and SPX levels in testicular tissues. Twenty–eight male Sprague–Dawley, rats, aged 8–10 weeks, were divided into four equal groups: control, torsion, torsion/ detorsion, and torsion/detorsion+cortexin. At the conclusion of the experiment, histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to assess the expressions of KISS–1, SPX, tumor necrosis factor–alpha (TNF–α), and Caspase–3 in the testicular tissues. For biochemical analyses, total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) levels were measured in serum samples using the ELISA method, while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were assessed spectrophotometrically in testicular tissues. The results showed that compared to the control group, the torsion and torsion/detorsion groups exhibited significant histopathological damage, along with increased levels of MDA, TOS, Caspase–3, and TNF–α, and decreased levels of TAS, KISS–1, and SPX in the testicular tissues. Conversely, in the torsion+detorsion+cortexin group, which received treatment for reperfusion injury, there was a notable reduction in tissue damage, with decreased levels of MDA, TOS, caspase–3, and TNF–α, alongside increased levels of TAS, KISS, and SPX. Cortexin decreases testicular damage by reducing oxidative stress, increases spermatogenesis by improving seminiferous tubule and germinal epithelial thickness, and regulates KISS–1 and SPX expression, which have effects on the reproductive system.

Investigation of sestrin-2 levels and thiol-disulfide homeostasis in polyp tissue of patients with nasal polyps

Nasal polyposis (NP), a chronic inflammatory disease of the upper respiratory tract, has a poorly understood pathophysiology and no etiological factors explaining its pathogenesis, but inflammation remains an important factor. Sestrins (SESNS), which are conserved antioxidant proteins that accumulate in cells in response to various stresses, regulate the regulatory roles of SESN2 in the immune system and inflammatory responses. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the sestrin-2 pathway, oxidative stress and thiol-disulfide homeostasis in NP tissue of patients. The study included a total of 90 participants with the age 12–65 years. The patient group consisted of 45 patients diagnosed with NP and free from chronic disease. The control group comprised 45 patients who underwent nose surgery for anatomical pathology other than NP. The levels of native thiol, total thiol, disulfide, disulfide/native thiol and disulfide/total thiol were found to be significantly higher in the patient group, while native thiol/total thiol levels were lower when compared to the control group. Besides, the levels of total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) were significantly higher while total antioxidant status (TAS) levels were significantly lower compared to the control group. Also, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) levels were found to be higher and SESN2 lower than those in control group. The findings show that decreased SESN2, TAS levels and increased ERK1/2, TOS and OSI levels and impaired thiol-disulfide homeostasis in polyp tissues of patients with NP cause oxidative stress.

Physicochemical and Biological Modifications in Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Derived Conditioned Media Under Hypoxic Preconditioning: Impact on Oxidative Stress and Nanoparticle Stability.

Hypoxic preconditioning (HP) is a promising approach to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by modulating their oxidative stress response, metabolic activity, and secretome composition. Conditioned media (CM) obtained from MSCs cultured under hypoxia contains bioactive molecules and extracellular vesicles (EVs) that support regenerative processes. However, the effects of varying oxygen levels on the redox status and physicochemical characteristics of MSC-derived CM remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate how two physiologically relevant oxygen concentrations (1% and 5%) influence oxidative stress parameters and nanoparticle features in Wharton's jelly-derived MSC (WJ-MSC)-conditioned media. Cells were cultured under 1% or 5% O2 and subjected to serum starvation for 48 or 72 h. CM samples were analyzed for total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and oxidative stress index (OSI). Nanoparticle size and zeta potential were evaluated using dynamic light scattering (DLS), and HIF-1α levels were quantified via ELISA. Results showed that CM from 1% O2 cultures exhibited significantly higher oxidative stress, with elevated TOS and OSI values and reduced TAS levels, particularly after 72 h. Nanoparticle size was initially larger under 1% O2 but decreased with time, whereas 5% O2 supported more stable size profiles. Zeta potential measurements revealed more negative values under 5% O2, indicating greater colloidal stability. HIF-1α expression markedly increased under 1% O2, confirming hypoxia-induced cellular adaptation. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that graded hypoxia distinctly modulates oxidative stress and nanoparticle characteristics in MSC-derived CM. These findings provide a basis for optimizing hypoxic preconditioning protocols to improve the quality and therapeutic potential of acellular MSC-based therapies.

Combined Effects of Toxic Metals and Oxidative Stress on the Development and Health of Sea Trout (Salmo Trutta L.).

Contaminants in the environment pose a considerable threat to biodiversity, ecological balance, and the health of both wildlife and humans, particularly through the transfer of these harmful substances via fish in the food chain. This study focused on the developmental stages of sea trout (Salmo trutta L.) in both riverine and Baltic Sea environments, with the aim of exploring how chemical element accumulation influences oxidative stress biomarkers in these species. The findings revealed notable age- and tissue-specific patterns in the accumulation of chemical elements in sea trout. Specifically, higher levels of lead (Pb), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), and tin (Sn) were detected in the muscle tissues of adult trout, while cadmium (Cd) primarily accumulated in the gills, particularly in smolts. These results underscore the influence of both age and tissue type on the bioaccumulation of contaminants in the trout, highlighting how the accumulation of toxic elements contributes to increased oxidative stress in the fish. This oxidative stress, reflected by increased lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and carbonyl derivatives of oxidatively modified proteins, was closely related to the presence of contaminants such as Cd, Pb, As, Hg, and Sn. Gills, which are directly exposed to waterborne pollutants, exhibited significantly higher levels of oxidative damage compared to muscle tissue, consistent with the greater accumulation of metals in this organ. Despite higher total antioxidant status (TAS) in muscle tissue, both muscle and gill tissues of adult trout showed signs of considerable oxidative stress, indicating the cumulative effects of prolonged exposure to these contaminants. The study highlights the detrimental consequences of chemical element contamination on the health of trout, with a particular emphasis on oxidative damage, and calls for effective environmental management to protect aquatic species from the long-term effects of exposure to contaminants. Furthermore, the correlation and regression analysis conducted revealed significant patterns, demonstrating positive correlations between the accumulation of Cd, Pb, and As in the gills of adult trout, and between Pb and oxidative stress markers in smolts. Additionally, the analysis indicated that mercury contributes significantly to oxidative damage.