Total Sulfhydryl Research Articles

The effect of HTLV1 infection on inflammatory and oxidative parameters in the liver, kidney, and pancreases of BALB/c mice.

Viral infections are linked to the progression of inflammatory reactions and oxidative stress that play pivotal roles in systemic diseases. To confirm this phenomenon, in the present study, TNF‐α level and oxidative stress markers were examined in the liver, kidney, and pancreas of HTLV1‐infected male BALB/c mice. To this end, twenty BALB/c mice were divided into HTLV1‐infected mice that were inoculated with 1‐million HTLV1‐infected cells (MT‐2), and the control groups. Two months after inoculation, the peripheral blood, mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, kidney, and pancreas were collected after deep anesthetization of mice (ketamine, 30 mg/kg). The extracted DNA of mesenteric lymph nodes was obtained to quantify proviral load (PVL) using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). The levels of lipid peroxidation, total thiol (SH), nitric oxide (NO), TNF‐α, catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were examined in the liver, kidney, and pancreases. Furthermore, histopathological changes in the liver and kidney were evaluated. In liver tissue, the levels of MDA, TNF‐α, and blood cell infiltration were significantly increased, and the levels of CAT and SOD were significantly decreased. In the kidney, a reduction in SOD, CAT, and total SH and an increase in MDA and NO were observed. In the pancreas, CAT activity, total SH, and SOD were decreased, and the levels of MDA and NO were enhanced. In terms of TNF‐α production, it has been shown that the level of this inflammatory cytokine was increased in the liver, kidney, and pancreas. The HTLV1 may have a role in inducing inflammatory reactions and oxidative stress pathways in the tissues.

A combination of N-acetyl cysteine and propolis attenuates oxidative-inflammatory parameters during COPD exacerbation.

The aim of this study was to determine any differences in oxidative stress and inflammation parameters in COPD patients treated with either N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) alone or with NAC in combination with propolis (NACP). Forty COPD patients in the exacerbation phase were enrolled into the study and were treated with either NAC (NAC group; n=20) or NACP (NACP group; n=20) twice daily for one month. Redox status was determined by measuring superoxide anion (O2.-), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), total oxidative status (TOS), prooxidative-antioxidant balance (PAB), malondialdehyde (MDA), ischemia modified albumin (IMA) and several other antioxidant markers: superoxide dismutase (SOD), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), total sulfhydryl groups (SHG) and total antioxidant status (TAS). Interleukins 6, 8 and 17 were measured as markers of inflammatory status. Both groups had similar socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. After treatment significantly higher SHG [0.446 (0.395-0.516) vs. 0.292 (0.270-0.325), p<0.001] and significantly lower TOS - 50.6 [49.7-53.4 vs. 73.2 (50.9-84.6), p<0.05] - and IMA [0.650 (0.629-0.682) vs. 0.709 (0.667-0.756), p<0.05] - were found in the NACP group compared to the NAC group. Factorial analysis indicated a larger oxidative stress-inflammatory load in the NAC group after treatment. From an oxidative stress and inflammatory status perspective, treatment with NACP was more successful than with NAC. The inclusion of propolis into therapy for COPD patients, especially those in the exacerbation phase, could prove beneficial.

Quality of frozen mackerel during storage as processed by different freezing methods

ABSTRACT The fresh mackerel was frozen using four different quick-freezing methods, such as refrigerator freezing, quick freezer freezing, spiral tunnel freezing and plate freezing. Water retention, color, texture, electrical conductivity, total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N), K value, malondialdehyde (MDA), sulfhydryl group and protein secondary structure were used as physicochemical indicators to evaluate the changes in fish quality, and water migration in the fish was observed by low field NMR. The results showed that the mackerel treated with spiral tunnel freezing method was the closest to the fresh samples, with the best water retention capacity during freezing, slow decrease in hardness and elasticity, low rate of increase in conductivity values, TVB-N content, MDA content and K value, slow decrease in total sulfhydryl content, and more stable protein secondary structure. This indicated that fat oxidation was the lowest and protein degradation was the least, which effectively maintained the moisture and freshness of the samples and was the most favorable treatment to maintain the quality of mackerel compared with other groups.

Proptosis is associated with thiol-disulfide in patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy.

Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) is a vision-threatening finding observed in approximately half of Graves' disease patients. The pathophysiology of GO is unclear, and one of the suspected factors is oxidative stress. In our study, we compared the relationship between proptosis and SH-SS in patients diagnosed with GO. In this prospective study, 40 recently diagnosed Graves' disease patients with proptosis, 40 recently diagnosed Graves' disease patients without GO and 30 healthy individuals with similar demographic characteristics were included. Serum thiol-disulfide (SH-SS) measurements were performed. Eye examinations were performed by a single ophthalmologist to check for the presence of GO, and proptosis values were recorded with a Hertel exophthalmometer. Total SH values were lower in the group with proptosis than in the other groups (p < 0.05). Total and native SH values were lower in patients without proptosis than in the control group (p < 0.05). Total SH, native SH and SS levels were independently associated with proptosis (p < 0.05). According to this analysis, it was found that increasing SS and decreasing total and native SH levels increased the probability of proptosis by 24.4%, 32.7% and 32.4%, respectively. A decrease in SH, which is a natural antioxidant that protects the body against oxidative stress, and an increase in SS are important signs of oxidative damage. Proptosis and SH-SS are closely related in GO. This may help us detect GO and proptosis in Graves' patients. It can also assist in developing new options for preventing and treating GO.

Aggregation and conformational change of mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) polyphenol oxidase subjected to atmospheric cold plasma treatment

Atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) is a novel nonthermal technology with potential applications in maintaining and improving food quality. The effect of ACP on the activity and structure of mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) polyphenol oxidase (PPO) was evaluated. Results demonstrated that the dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) based plasma technology could inactivate PPO (up to 69%) at 50 kV with the increased concentrations of H2O2 and NOx. An obvious enhancement of surface hydrophobicity was observed, whereas a gradual reduction of total sulfhydryl content was recorded with the increasing exposure time. Data from circular dichroism, atomic force microscopy, particle size distribution and fluorescence spectra displayed the rearrangement of secondary structure and disruption of the tertiary structure. Red shifts of fluorescence spectra showed positive correlations with the inactivation rate of PPO. Therefore, ACP treatment could be served as an alternative approach to inactivate undesirable enzymes to minimize the loss of food nutrition and quality.

Joint effects of enzymatic and high-intensity ultrasonic on the emulsifying propertiesof egg yolk

This study investigated the joint effect of the enzymatic and high-intensity ultrasonic (HIU) treatments on the emulsifying and structural properties of egg yolk (EY). The evaluation was performed under different HIU powers (i.e., 0, 240, and 480 W) and for different durations (10, 20, and 30 min). Results reveal that the emulsification activity and emulsification capacity at 240 W for 10 min significantly increase than that of the samples without HIU treatment (P < 0.05). The thermal stability reached a maximum of 90.33% in 480 W + 30 min. The HIU treatment under low power and for a short time (240 W + 10 min) reduced the average particle size of the EY to 224.77 nm. The combined treatment produced high zeta potential and total sulfhydryl contents. The highest hydrophobicity was 111.49 μg at 240 W for 20 min. The joint treatment enhanced the hardness and cohesiveness of the EY. Moreover, the α-helix content significantly decreased from 37.13% to 25.02% after the enzymatic treatment, while the β-sheet content increased with time in the 240 W treatment. The G' and G″ curves show an increasing tendency, and the highest G' and G″ were obtained in the 240 W + 30 min group, which is consistent with the dense microstructure. These results reveal that the combined treatment can improve the emulsifying characteristics, which could influence the structural properties of EY, expanding its application in the food industry.

Effects of high pressure processing on microbial, textural and sensory properties of low-salt emulsified beef sausage

The salt content of sausage needed for microbial preservation is typically >2% (w/w); however, it is desirable to decrease the salt content of foods because of associated adverse effects on cardiovascular health. It was hypothesized that high pressure processing (HPP) applied pre-cooking (100–400 MPa at 10 °C for 15 min), in combination with lowering the salt content of emulsified sausage (1.4%, w/w), could achieve microbial stability. Effects of HPP/low salt conditions on microbiological, physicochemical, color, texture and sensory properties of beef sausage were studied, and compared with no-HPP control conditions (2.8% salt, w/w, C1) and 1.4% salt, w/w, C2). Microbiological quality was evaluated by total viable counts (TVCs) and changes in counts of selected micro-organisms. Physicochemical parameters studied included: protein quality, pH, moisture loss after cooking, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), colour and texture analyses. Sensory parameters studied included consumer evaluation of flavor and texture. The myofibrillar protein extracted from HPP-treated, pre-cooked sausage was characterized for solubility, carbonyl and total sulfhydryl contents. The results showed that lower salt, in combination with HPP-treatment, produced TVCs equivalent to the C1 conditions. In addition, HPP treatment affected other measured parameters, with treatment at 200 MPa producing physicochemical properties similar to C1 conditions, and achieved textural and sensory attributes preferred by consumers. Sensory and textural properties of sausages decreased for HPP treatments ≥300 MPa. To conclude, HPP shows promise as a processing method for achieving microbial preservation of sausages with lower salt content, and with acceptable sensory properties.

Preparation of mechanically strong and active composite films based on fish myofibrillar proteins: The dual effects of oxidized polyphenol crosslinking and layered double hydroxide reinforcement

To improve the properties of films prepared from silver carp muscle, a cross-linked nanocomposite antioxidant film based on myofibrillar protein (MP) was prepared using oxidized caffeic acid (OC), p-coumaric acid (OP), eriodictyol (OE) and naringenin (ON) as crosslinking agents in combination with layered double hydroxide (LDH). The structural, physical properties and antioxidant activity of the film were investigated. The examination of the changes in the side-chain groups of MP revealed that the addition of oxidized polyphenols decreased total sulfhydryl and free amino acid levels, showing a greater decrease in OC and OE with o-phenolic hydroxyl groups, whereas LDH showed no significant effect. Additionally, FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) and XRD (X-ray diffraction) confirmed the covalent or non-covalent interactions between oxidized polyphenols, LDH and MP, in which resulted in increased surface hydrophobicity of MP and a shift of the α-helical structure to random coils. This suggests that the protein underwent unfolding, which tends to induce intermolecular aggregation. Additionally, the microregional structure in the film became more compact. Moreover, the mechanical properties of MP-based films were significantly enhanced by the combination of oxidized polyphenols and LDH, especially the incorporation of OE and LDH resulted in a tensile strength reaching 17.4 MPa. Furthermore, the water vapor and oxygen permeability, surface hydrophobicity, UV barrier and thermal stability of MP-based films were also improved. Therefore, the dual effect of oxidized polyphenol cross-linking and LDH complex confers excellent free radical scavenging abilities and iron-reducing antioxidant functions to MP films.

Trehalose and alginate oligosaccharides enhance the stability of myofibrillar proteins in shrimp ( Litopenaeus vannamei ) muscle during frozen storage

Saccharin with antifreeze effects can reduce protein loss in some aquatic products and effectively preserve taste and quality characteristics. However, the mechanisms responsible for stabilizing these types of food products are still unknown. Here, we use the trehalose fragment index to study the effects of trehalose and alginate oligosaccharides on frozen shrimp meat over 120 days. The stability of muscle protein in Litopenaeus vannamei was evaluated using the myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and SDS-PAGE. We found that the role of saccharin is markedly retarded by the decrease in the rate of Ca2+-ATPase activity, and that it effectively inhibited increases in the total sulfhydryl, active sulfhydryl, and carbonyl content, as well as changes in the water migration of myofibrillar protein. The SDS-PAGE results further confirmed that trehalose and alginate oligosaccharide treatments can effectively inhibit degradation of myofibrillar proteins. Our study aims to reduce the quality loss of aquatic products in cold chain logistics and provide a theoretical basis for controlling associated factors. Novelty impact statement The stability of muscle protein in Litopenaeus vannamei was evaluated using the myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and SDS-PAGE. We found that the role of saccharin is markedly retarded by the decrease in the rate of Ca2+-ATPase activity, and that it effectively inhibited increases in the total sulfhydryl, active sulfhydryl, and carbonyl content, as well as changes in the water migration of myofibrillar protein. The SDS-PAGE results further confirmed that trehalose and alginate oligosaccharide treatments can effectively inhibit degradation of myofibrillar proteins.

Enhanced thermal stability of soy protein particles by a combined treatment of microfluidic homogenisation and preheating

AbstractRecently, the pursuit of having a healthy diet has heightened the superiority of protein‐enriched beverages; however, this is challenged by the heat‐induced aggregation and gelation of proteins at high concentration. In this study, a facile and efficient strategy of combined preheating and microfluidic homogenisation treatment (CPMHT) was tested to enhance the heat stability of soy proteins (SPs). Results revealed that the CPMHT promoted the denaturation and unfolding of SPs, evidenced by the reduction of β‐sheet content and a slight red shift of fluorescence intensity. Increasing the number of CPMHT cycle led to an apparent decrease in the surface hydrophobicity and total sulfhydryl groups of soy proteins. In addition, when the suspensions (10% (w/v)) of modified soy proteins at higher CPMHT cycle were reheated at 100 °C for 30 min, no gelation was found, along with lower viscosities and higher flow behaviour index. The present study provides an approaching to enhance the heat stability of soy proteins by CPMHT, which might expand the application of soy proteins in protein‐enriched beverages.

Oxidative stress and inflammation parameters-novel biomarkers for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

The pathophysiological mechanisms of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are not well elucidated. It is assumed that oxidative stress and inflammation are the key underlying culprits for its onset and progression. To gain deeper insight into these processes, we have evaluated several oxidative stress parameters, inflammation markers [i.e., high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), serum amyloid A1 (SAA1)], soluble programmed cell death-ligand 1 (sPD-L1), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in IPF patients. Biochemistry analyses were done in 30 consecutive IPF patients and 30 age and gender-matched healthy control group (CG). IPF patients had significantly higher advanced oxidation protein products (p<0.001), pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (p=0.010), total oxidative status (p<0.001), and ischemia modified albumin (p<0.001) compared to CG. Lower total antioxidant status and total sulfhydryl groups (tSGH) and significantly higher sPD-L1, hsCRP (p<0.001 for all), SAA1 proteins (p=0.014) and [25(OH)D] severe deficiency [11.0 (9.6-15.1) nmol/L] in IPF patients compared to CG were observed. Paraoxonase 1 activity and hsCRP level were lower, while tSHG and sPD-L1 were higher in IPF patients with more severe disease (i.e., II+III stage compared to I stage, p<0.05 for all). IPF patients are in a state of profound oxidative stress compared to healthy people. The inflammatory component of the disease was confirmed by higher hsCRP and SAA1, but lower [25(OH)D] in IPF than in healthy people. Also, higher levels of sPD-L1 in patients with IPF compared to healthy individuals suggest that sPD-L1 may have a significant role in immune response in IPF.

Native thiol decreases in patients with asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism, especially in the presence of surgery indication.

Oxidative stress increases in many systemic and endocrine diseases. The effect of increased parathyroid hormone levels (PTH) and the effects of this hormone on oxidative stress in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is unknown. We aimed to investigate the change of Thiol-disulfide (SH-SS), one of the oxidative stress parameters, in patients diagnosed with pHPT and the usability of this parameter in patients with pHPT. Forty-six patients who recently diagnosed with asymptomatic pHPT and 40 healthy controls were included in this prospective study. In addition to routine examinations for pHPT, serum SH-SS measurements were recorded. The pHPT patients included in the study were divided into two groups as patients with and without surgical treatment indication. It was observed that the pHPT group had lower total SH and native SH values and higher SS values compared to the control group (P<0.05 for each). Native SH values were found to be lower in pHPT patients who were indicated for surgical treatment compared to those who did not (P<0.05). An independent relationship was found between Native SH and serum calcium, urine calcium and T scores in DEXA level in asymptomatic pHPT patients with surgical treatment indication (P<0.05). In our study, native SH level decreases in patients with pHPT, especially in patients with surgical treatment indication for pHPT. The decrease in SH levels, which is a natural antioxidant that protects the body against oxidative stress, and the increase in SS levels in pHPT patients may be another metabolic effect of this disease. Native SH may be helpful in determining the indication for surgical treatment in asymptomatic pHPT patients.

Effects of Cathepsins on Gel Strength and Water-Holding Capacity of Myofibrillar Protein Gels from Bighead Carp (Aristichthys nobilis) under a Hydroxyl Radical-Generation Oxidizing System.

This study investigates the effects of cathepsins on the gel strength and water-holding capacity (WHC) of myofibrillar protein gels from bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) under a hydroxyl radical-generation oxidizing system. The myofibrillar proteins were divided into control group (with cathepsins) and E64 group (without cathepsins). The changes of cathepsin B and cathepsin L activities, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), protein oxidation (total sulfhydryl and carbonyl contents), and chemical interactions (nonspecific association, ionic bonds, hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and disulfides) of myofibrillar protein and gels, as well as the gel strength and WHC of two groups under 0–100 mM H2O2, were measured. The results indicated that mild oxidation (10 mM H2O2) made a better gel strength and WHC. Cathepsin B and L activities decreased with increasing H2O2 concentrations but their effects on myofibrillar protein degradation still existed during 0.1–50 mM H2O2, which was expressed by higher carbonyl contents and ionic bonds at 0.1 and 50 mM H2O2, higher total sulfhydryl contents at 0 mM H2O2, and a lower intensity of MHC and actin of the control group than the E64 group. Besides more protein degradation, cathepsin proteolysis also resulted in lower gel strength and WHC in control gels than E64 gels under mild oxidation, which could be explained by lower hydrophobic interaction and moderate disulfides bonds between gel protein molecules of control gels.

The Quality Changes and Proteomic Analysis of Cattle Muscle Postmortem during Rigor Mortis

Rigor mortis occurs in a relatively early postmortem period and is a complex biochemical process in the conversion of muscle to meat. Understanding the quality changes and biomarkers during rigor mortis can provide a theoretical basis for maintaining and improving meat quality. Herein, a tandem mass tag proteomic method is used to investigate the effects of differentially expressed proteins on the meat quality of cattle Longissimus lumborum muscle postmortem (0, 6, and 24 h). The pH, total sulfhydryl content and sarcomere length decrease significantly during storage. In contrast, meat color values (L*, a*, and b*) and the myofibril fragmentation index increase significantly. Altogether, 147 differentially expressed proteins are identified, most being categorized as metabolic enzymes, mitochondrial proteins, necroptosis and ferroptosis proteins and structural proteins. The results also reveal additional proteins that are potentially involved in rigor mortis, such as cardiac phospholamban, acetyl-coenzyme A acyltransferase, and ankyrin repeat domain 2. The current results provide proteomic insights into the changes in meat quality during rigor mortis.

Radiolytic synthesis and characterization of selenium nanoparticles: comparative biosafety evaluation with selenite and ionizing radiation.

The goal of this work is use a green chemistry route to synthesize selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) that do not trigger oxidative stress, typical of metallic, oxide metallic and carbonaceous nanostructures, and supply the same beneficial effects as selenium nanostructures. SeNPs were synthesized using a radiolytic method involving irradiating a solution containing sodium selenite (Se4+) as the precursor in 1% Yeast extract, 2% Peptone, 2% Glucose (YPG) liquid medium with gamma-rays (60Cobalt). The method did not employ any hazardous reducing agents. Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells were incubated with 1mM SeNPs for 24h and/or then challenged with 400Gy of ionizing radiation were assessed for viability and biomarkers of oxidative stress: lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, free radical generation, and total sulfhydryl content. Spherical SeNPs with variable diameters (from 100 to 200nm) were formed after reactions of sodium selenite with hydrated electrons (eaq-) and hydrogen radicals (H·). Subsequent structural characterizations indicated an amorphous structure composed of elemental selenium (Se0). Compared to 1mM selenite, SeNPs were considered safe and less toxic to Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells as did not elicit significant modifications in cell viability or oxidative stress parameters except for increased protein carbonylation. Furthermore, SeNPs treatment afforded some protection against ionizing radiation exposure. SeNPs produced using green chemistry attenuated the reactive oxygen species generation after in vitro ionizing radiation exposure opens up tremendous possibilities for radiosensitizer development.

ОЦЕНКА ТОКСИЧНОСТИ ПОЛИМЕРНОГО МАТЕРИАЛА «ПЕНОПЛЕКС», ИСПОЛЬЗУЕМОГО В ЖИВОТНОВОДСТВЕ

The article presents the results of toxicological assessment of the polymer material «Penoplex». The above material is made of expanded polystyrene and is used in many areas of production, including to reduce heat loss of livestock facilities. Hematological studies of experimental and control animals revealed no differences in clinical parameters of the blood of white rats, the serum content of total protein, immunoglobulins and sulfhydryl groups. The polymer material «Penoplex » does not have a negative effect on the indicators that characterize the immunity of animals and the antitoxic function of the liver. Significant differences of coefficients of the mass of the internal organs of the control and experimental groups of rats, kept in a cage with a polymer material «Penoplex », did not reveal. This indicates that the material «Penoplex» does not have a negative effect on the mass of the liver, kidneys, spleen and heart. The results of the research also indicate the absence of toxicity of the polymer material «Penoplex».

Strenuous swimming raises blood non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity in rats.

The non-enzymatic antioxidant system protects blood components from oxidative damage and/or injury. Herein, plasma non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity after acute strenuous swimming exercise (Exe) and exercise until exhaustion (Exh) was measured in rats. The experiments were carried out in never exposed (Nex) and pre-exposed (Pex) groups. The Nex group did not undergo any previous training before the acute strenuous swimming test and the Pex group was submitted to daily swimming for 10 min in the first week and 15 min per day in the second week before testing. Plasma glucose, lactate, and pyruvate were measured and plasma total protein sulfhydryl groups (thiol), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), and total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP) levels were evaluated. There were marked increases in plasma lactate concentrations (Nex-Control 1.31±0.20 vs NexExe 4.16±0.39 vs NexExh 7.19±0.67) and in thiol (Nex-Control 271.9±5.6 vs NexExh 314.7±5.7), TEAC (Nex-Control 786.4±60.2 vs NexExh 1027.7±58.2), FRAP (Nex-Control 309.2±17.7 vs NexExh 413.4±24.3), and TRAP (Nex-Control 0.50±0.15 vs NexExh 2.6±0.32) levels after acute swimming and/or exhaustion. Also, there were increased plasma lactate concentrations (Pex-Control 1.39±0.15 vs PexExe 5.22±0.91 vs PexExh 10.07±0.49), thiol (Pex-Control 252.9±8.2 vs PexExh 284.6±6.7), FRAP (Pex-Control 296.5±15.4 vs PexExh 445.7±45.6), and TRAP (Pex-Control 1.8±0.1 vs PexExh 4.6±0.2) levels after acute swimming and/or exhaustion. Lactate showed the highest percent of elevation in the Nex and Pex groups. In conclusion, plasma lactate may contribute to plasma antioxidant defenses, and the TRAP assay is the most sensitive assay for assessing plasma non-antioxidant capacity after strenuous exercise.

Is the insulin necessary for the struggle against oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus type 2: A pilot study

Background/Aim. Hyperglycaemia has a detrimental effect on the progress of micro/macrovascular complications in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM). Additionally, all known complications in T2DM are coupled with oxidative stress developed from different metabolic pathways. The aim of this study was to estimate the quality of glucoregulation and the degree of oxidative stress in T2DM patients depending on the applied therapeutic protocol and assess their correlation with clinical data and crucial biochemical parameters important for the development of diabetes complications. Methods. All included patients were divided into two groups: those treated with oral antidiabetic drugs (OAD) and those treated with oral antidiabetic drugs and insulin (OA-DINS). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total sulfhydryl groups (TSH), the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), total nitrites (NOx), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and activities of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) were measured, together with lipid profile and routine biochemical parameters. All subjects were analyzed for demographic characteristics and detailed medical history as well as smoking habits and calculated for body mass index (BMI). Results. All patients were uniformly poor glucoregulated and dyslipidemic. SOD activity was decreased, and lipid peroxidation was increased in the OAD group compared to OADINS. Deficient glucoregulation in both the OAD and the OADINS groups did not associate with an oxidative state outcome. In both of these groups, the concentrations of VEGF and MMP9 were significantly higher than in controls. Conclusion. The better antioxidative outcome, expressed with a normalized concentration of TBARS, preserved TSH, and normalized SOD activity in T2DM patients treated with OADINS compared to those treated exclusively with OAD, suggests the need for more careful consideration of earlier insulin introduction into T2DM therapy in order to prevent the development of complications.

Exposure to lead and dietary furan intake aggravates hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular axis toxicity in chronic experimental rats

Lead (Pb) and furan are toxic agents, and persistent exposure to humans and animals may impair reproductive function. We therefore explored the effect of Pb and furan on male rat hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal reproductive status, oxidative stress, inflammation, and genomic integrity. We found that co-exposure to Pb and furan reduced the activities of testicular function enzymes and endogenous antioxidant levels, total sulfhydryl group, and glutathione. Sperm abnormality, biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and p53 expression were increased in dose-dependent manner by treatment with furan and Pb. Typical rat gonad histoarchitecture features were also damaged. Convincingly, co-exposure to furan—a steroid hormone disruptor; and lead—a toxic metal common in water pipes—induced male reproductive function derangement by decreasing the antioxidant defences in rats, increasing abnormalities in spermatozoa morphology, and reducing reproductive hormone in circulation. These pathophysiological alterations, if persistent, might provide a permissive environment for potentiating reproductive dysfunction and infertility.

Structural changes and exposed amino acids of ethanol-modified whey proteins isolates promote its antioxidant potential

Whey protein isolates (WPI) were treated with different ethanol level (20, 40, 60, and 80%, v/v) to promote structural unfolding and subsequent aggregation. In general, protein aggregation gradually increased with increasing ethanol level in a dose-dependent manner, which was implied by notably increased turbidity and gradually decreased solubility. The formation of aggregates, which were confirmed by the results of circular dichroism spectrum and total sulfhydryl content, were promoted mainly through disulfide bonds and intra-molecular hydrogen bonds. Moreover, ethanol treated WPI (E-WPI) had significantly enhanced antioxidant activities over native WPI, which was mainly attribute to the higher contents of specific amino acids (such as hydrophobic amino acids, aromatic amino acids, and sulfur-containing amino acids), and E-WPI prepared with moderate ethanol concentration (40% in our present study) exhibited the highest antioxidant activities. These results reveal that antioxidant activities of WPI can be increased by ethanol treatment and are possibly achieved through molecular unfolding of native WPI.