Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity Levels Research Articles

Large litter size increases oxidative stress and adversely affects nest-building behavior and litter characteristics in primiparous sows.

The study examined 24 primiparous sows (Landrace × Large white) and their offspring, which were grouped based on litter size: NORMAL (n = 8, average litter size 11.5 ± 1.2), with litter size between 7 and 14, and LARGE (n = 16, average litter size 15.9 ± 1.0), with litter size between 15 and 20. Sows were group-housed during gestation, and housed in an adjustable loose housing system (2.4 × 2.3 m) during farrowing and lactation. All the sows were confined in the farrowing crates (0.6 × 2.3 m) for 7 days after the onset of parturition. Saliva samples of sows were collected on days 35, 21, and 7 before farrowing (D-35, D-21 and D7, respectively), and on days 1, 7, and 28 after farrowing (D1, D7, and D28, respectively) to measure the levels of Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Colostrum samples were collected for oxytocin and prolactin assays. Nest-building behavior (NB) for 24 h before parturition and farrowing was observed through video analysis. The results showed that LARGE sows had higher levels of H2O2 on D1 and D7 and AOPP during late gestation (p < 0.05, for all) and lower TEAC levels during late gestation and on D7 and D28 after farrowing (p < 0.05, for all) than NORMAL sows. Additionally, LARGE sows tended to have higher levels of TNF-α on D1 and D7 (p < 0.10, for both). LARGE sows showed shorter duration and lower frequency of NB during 24-12 h before parturition (p < 0.05, for both), and tended to have lower prolactin levels (p = 0.10). Furthermore, large sows tended to show longer farrowing duration and higher stillbirth rate (p = 0.06, p = 0.07, respectively). In conclusion, this study confirmed that large litter size may increase oxidative stress in sows during late gestation and lactation. The data also suggested that this could adversely impact prolactin release, leading to reduced NB.

Can redox imbalance predict abnormal foetal development?

Based on the current state of knowledge, elevated levels of oxidative stress markers may be considered as risk factors for pregnancy complications. The aim of the research was to assess the correlation between selected oxidative stress biomarkers with the occurrence of foetal chromosomal aberration and congenital malformations. This retrospective research lasted for two years. The purpose was to determine serum levels of selected oxidative stress markers, including total protein (TP), glutathione (GSH), S-nitrosothiols (RSNO), nitric oxide (NO), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) at 11-13 + 6 gestational weeks in 38 women with confirmed foetal developmental abnormalities and in 34 healthy pregnancies in order to assess their utility as predictors of abnormal foetal development. Serum concentrations of TP (56.90 ± 5.30 vs 69.1 ± 15.30 mg/mL), TEAC (4.93 ± 0.82 vs 5.64 ± 0.74 μM/mL) and GST (15.94 ± 4.52 vs 21.72 ± 6.81 nM/min/mg) were statistically significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the group of patients with developmental abnormalities in the fetus, whereas GSH levels (6.43 ± 1.24 vs 4.98 ± 1.88 nM/mg) were significantly higher, compared to the group of healthy fetuses. There were no differences in the concentration of these markers between chromosomal aberrations and fetal dysmorphia in subjects. A significant difference in odds ratio obtained for GSH (OR = 0.57, 95% CL: 0.40-0.80) indicates that its higher concentration can relate to reduced risk of developmental abnormalities, whereas odds ratio for TP (OR=1.11, 95% CL: 1.04-1.17), TEAC (OR = 3.54, 95% CL: 1.56-8.05) and GST (OR = 1.18, 95% CL: 1.03-1.17) indicate that their elevation may increase the risk of developmental abnormalities CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of TP, GST, TEAC and low GSH level may be relevant to predict congenital defects.

Impact of Seminal Plasma Antioxidants on Donkey Sperm Cryotolerance.

This study investigated whether the activities of the antioxidant components of donkey seminal plasma (SP)—both enzymatic (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase-like (CAT), glutathione peroxidase-like (GPX), and paraoxonase type 1 (PON1)) and non-enzymatic (measured in terms of total thiol, copper-reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC))—and oxidative stress index (OSI) are related to sperm cryotolerance. For this purpose, 15 ejaculates from jackasses (one per individual) were collected and split into two aliquots. The first one was used for measuring the activities levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants and OSI in SP, whereas the other aliquot was cryopreserved. Before cryopreservation, sperm quality parameters (concentration, motility, and viability) were evaluated. After thawing, sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, lipid disorder, mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and calcium intracellular levels were also determined. Based on the percentages of total motility (TM) and of sperm with an intact plasma membrane (SYBR14+/PI−) after thawing, samples were classified as good-freezability (GFE) or poor-freezability (PFE) ejaculates through cluster analyses. The SP activity levels of enzymatic (SOD and PON1) and non-enzymatic antioxidants (CUPRAC, FRAP, and TEAC) were higher (p < 0.05) in GFE than in PFE, whereas SP-OSI was higher (p < 0.05) in PFE than in GFE. In addition, the activity levels of SOD, PON1, GPX, CUPRAC, FRAP, and TEAC were positively (p < 0.05) related to post-thaw sperm motility and plasma membrane integrity and negatively to intracellular ROS levels. The SP-OSI was negatively correlated (p < 0.05) to post-thaw sperm quality parameters and positively to intracellular ROS levels. It can thus be concluded that donkey SP antioxidants are related to sperm cryotolerance and that measurements of antioxidants PON1, SOD, CUPRAC, FRAP, and TEAC, as well as SP-OSI, could be used as markers of sperm cryotolerance. Further research addressing the relationship of these antioxidants and SP-OSI with sperm cryotolerance and their potential use as freezing markers is warranted.

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.

Role of total antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress in fertilization and embryo selection in the IVF cycle

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the oxidant and antioxidant parameters in follicular fluid and embryo culture medium in IVF cycles and investigate their effects on embryo quality, fertilization success, and pregnancy.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Fifty-one patients who underwent IVF/ICSI were included in this prospective study. Two hundred sixty of a total of 454 follicular fluids and the cell culture media of transferred fifty-one embryos (one from each patient) were examined. Antioxidant activity (AOA), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), thiobarbiturate reactive substances (TBARS), ferric antioxidant power (FRAP), paraoxonase, nitrotyrosine were analyzed.&#x0D; Results: TBARS were significantly lower in the follicular fluid of fertilized oocytes than in non-fertilized oocytes (21 vs. 29.75 nmol/ml). There was no difference in terms of other parameters. TEAC levels were higher in oocytes in the agonist protocol group than in the antagonist protocol group. In terms of embryo quality, there were no differences between the groups in any analysis. TEAC levels were higher in the embryo cell culture medium in the group that became pregnant after embryo transfer on the second day. &#x0D; Conclusion: When oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters were evaluated in both follicle fluid and embryo cell culture medium, it was determined that lipid peroxidation negatively affected fertilization. However, there is no significant difference in terms of embryo quality and pregnancy rates.

Glabridin from licorice alleviates vascular inflammation and promotes vascular remodeling of the left anterior descending coronary artery in diabetic rat heart

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of glabridin on vascular inflammation and vascular remodeling of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) in diabetic rat heart.Material and methodsEighty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: (1) control rats; (2) glabridin control rats that received diet supplemented with glabridin (CGB); (3) diabetic rats (STZ); (4) diabetic rats that received a supplemented with glabridin (STZ + GB) 40 mg/kg BW; and (5) diabetic rats treated with glyburide (STZ + GR) 4 mg/kg BW. Diabetic animals were rendered diabetic by injection of a single dose (60 mg/kg BW) of streptozotocin (STZ). After 8 weeks, the biochemical markers of oxidative stress were assessed. The three-dimensional morphology of LAD was examined by vascular corrosion casting. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was applied to determine the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β proteins. Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis were used to detect the expression of VEGF and TGF-β1 secretions.ResultsThe lumen diameter of the LAD was notably smaller and stenotic. LAD analysis revealed arterial notch and evolved irregular caliber. Moreover, neovascularization appeared and was extensive. The Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacities and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity levels of heart tissue were significantly decreased and levels of malondialdehyde were found to be elevated in STZ rats whereas they were improved in the STZ + GB group. Increased expression levels of VEGF, TGF-β1, TNF-α, and IL-1β proteins in heart tissues were observed in the STZ group. The inflammation cytokine levels were decreased in the STZ + GB group.ConclusionsThese results revealed that glabridin was able to reduce LAD and heart tissue damage. Glabridin can be an antioxidant and can reduce the pathology of the LAD in terms of reducing inflammation and restoring condition of the LAD. It would be beneficial in examining the role of glabridin as a therapeutic aim in diabetes treatment research in coronary artery disease.

Efficacy of black garlic extract on anti-tumor and anti-oxidant activity enhancement in rats

ObjectiveThe current study aimed to investigate the effect of oral administration of aqueous aged garlic extract (AGE) on the anti-tumor activity of diethylnitrosoamine (DEN)-induced hepatocarcinogenic rats for 7 weeks.MethodsForty-five male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 9) as follows: Groups A (control); B (DEN-group) received a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of DEN and a dose of and Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) two weeks later; C, D, and E received the same carcinogenesis protocol as B plus AGE oral doses 150, 300, and 600 mg/Kg/d, respectively, for 7 weeks. Liver function tests (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (TBIL), and serum and liver glutathione reductase (GR) activity, and serum Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) were measured.ResultsThe present study revealed that administration of AGE doses 300 mg/Kg/d (group D) and 600 mg/Kg/d group (E), for 7 weeks, significantly (p < 0.01) decreased liver weight, relative to that in group B, with significantly decreased (p < 0.01) serum ALT, AST, and TBIL levels. It also showed that AGE improved liver and serum GR activity levels and serum TEAC levels than in group B.ConclusionThis finding suggests that AGE has remarkable hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects in DEN-induced hepatocarcinogenic rats. Further studies are needed to demonstrate effective various doses of AGE in human. The mechanisms underlying the active principle responsible for the anti-tumor activity and need to be elucidated in future studies. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of oral administration of aqueous aged garlic extract (AGE) on the anti-tumor activity of diethylnitrosoamine (DEN)-induced hepatocarcinogenic rats for 7 weeks. Forty-five male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 9) as follows: Groups A (control); B (DEN-group) received a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of DEN and a dose of and Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) two weeks later; C, D, and E received the same carcinogenesis protocol as B plus AGE oral doses 150, 300, and 600 mg/Kg/d, respectively, for 7 weeks. Liver function tests (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (TBIL), and serum and liver glutathione reductase (GR) activity, and serum Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) were measured. The present study revealed that administration of AGE doses 300 mg/Kg/d (group D) and 600 mg/Kg/d group (E), for 7 weeks, significantly (p < 0.01) decreased liver weight, relative to that in group B, with significantly decreased (p < 0.01) serum ALT, AST, and TBIL levels. It also showed that AGE improved liver and serum GR activity levels and serum TEAC levels than in group B. This finding suggests that AGE has remarkable hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects in DEN-induced hepatocarcinogenic rats. Further studies are needed to demonstrate effective various doses of AGE in human. The mechanisms underlying the active principle responsible for the anti-tumor activity and need to be elucidated in future studies.

Imaging Microstructural Damage and Alveolar Bone Loss in Rats Systemically Exposed to Methylmercury: First Experimental Evidence.

The alveolar bone is an important mineralized structure of the periodontal support apparatus, and information about the methylmercury (MeHg) effects on the structural integrity is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed toinvestigate whether systemic, chronic, and low-dose exposure to MeHg can change the alveolar bone microstructure of rats. Adult Wistar rats (n = 30) were exposed to 0.04mg/kg/day of MeHgor vehicle through intragastric gavage. The animals were euthanized after 60days, and blood samples were collected for trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and comet assays. The mandible of eachanimalwas collected and separated into hemimandibles that were used to determine the total Hg level in the bone and to analyze microstructural damage and alveolar bone loss in terms of trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), bone volume fraction (BV/TV), and exposed root area of the second molars. MeHg exposure triggered oxidative stress in blood represented by lower levels of GSH and TEAC and the increase in LPO and DNA damage of the blood cells. High total Hg levels were found in the alveolar bone, and the microstructural analyses showed a reduction in Tb.N, Tb.Th, and BV/TV, which resulted in an increase in the exposed root area and a decrease in bone height. Long-term MeHg exposure promotes a systemic redox imbalance associated with microstructural changes and alveolar bone loss and may indicate a potential risk indicator for periodontal diseases.

Ischemic perconditioning on mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

ABSTRACTPurpose:To evaluate if the perconditioning affects the antioxidant capacity in mesenteric ischemia and reperfusion injury.Methods:Twenty-one Wistar rats were assigned into three groups, as follows: Sham, IR and rPER. The animals were subjected to mesenteric ischemia for 30 min. rPER consisted of three cycles of 5-min hindlimb ischemia followed by 5 min hindlimb perfusion at the same time to mesenteric ischemic period. After 5 minutes, blood and 5 cm of terminal ileum were harvested for thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) measurement.Results:rPER technique was able to reduce intestinal tissue TBARS levels (p<0.0001), but no statistic difference was observed in blood levels between groups, although it was verified similar results in rPER and Sham group. rPER technique also enhanced TEAC levels in both blood (p = 0.0314) and intestinal tissue (p = 0.0139), compared to IR group.Conclusions:rPER appears as the most promising technique to avoid IR injury. This technique reduced TBARS levels in blood and intestinal tissue and promoted the maintenance of antioxidant defense in mesenteric acute injury.

Long-Term Exposure to Inorganic Mercury Leads to Oxidative Stress in Peripheral Blood of Adult Rats.

Mercury chloride (HgCl2) is a compound found in the environment that presents low risk due to low liposolubility. Considering the importance of blood as access rout to the systemic distribution of this toxicant to the organism as well as functions performed by it, this study aimed to investigate the effects of HgCl2 on the peripheral blood of rats, evaluating the oxidative biochemistry, blood count, and morphology of cell populations. For this, 20 adult Wistar male rats were divided into control (n = 10) and exposed (n = 10) groups and received distilled water or HgCl2 at a dose of 0.375mg/kg for 45days, respectively, through intragastric gavage. Then, the animals were euthanized and the blood was collected for total mercury (Hg)levels determination, complete blood and reticulocyte count, oxidative biochemistry by Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC), reducedglutathione (GSH) levels, superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and nitric oxide (NO), in blood cells and plasma. Long-term exposure increased total Hg in plasma and blood cells. In blood cells, only TEAC has decreased; in plasma, the HgCl2 increased TBARS and NO levels, followed by a decrease in TEAC and GSH levels. There were no quantitative changes in reticulocytes, erythrocytes, and hemoglobin; however, the number of leukocytes have increased and platelets have decreased. Our results suggest that even in the face of low toxicity when compared with other mercury species, HgCl2at low doses is able to modulate the systemic redox balance and affect some blood cell populations.

Physical Exercise Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Morphofunctional Cerebellar Damages Induced by the Ethanol Binge Drinking Paradigm from Adolescence to Adulthood in Rats.

Ethanol (EtOH) binge drinking is characterized by high EtOH intake during few hours followed by withdrawal. Protection strategies against the damages generated by this binge are poorly explored. Thus, this study is aimed at investigating the protective role of treadmill physical exercise (PE) on the damage caused after repeated cycles of binge-like EtOH exposure in the oxidative biochemistry, morphology, and cerebellar function of rats from adolescence to adulthood. For this, animals were divided into four groups: control group (sedentary animals with doses of distilled water), exercised group (exercised animals with doses of distilled water), EtOH group (sedentary animals with doses of 3 g/kg/day of EtOH, 20% w/v), and exercised+EtOH group (exercised animals with previous mentioned doses of EtOH). The PE occurred on a running treadmill for 5 days a week for 4 weeks, and all doses of EtOH were administered through intragastric gavage in four repeated cycles of EtOH in a binge-like manner. After the EtOH protocol and PE, animals were submitted to open field and beam walking tests. In sequence, the cerebellums were collected for the biochemical and morphological analyses. Biochemical changes were analyzed by measurement of Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), reduced glutathione content measurements (GSH), and measurement of nitrite and lipid peroxidation (LPO). In morphological analyses, Purkinje cell density evaluation and immunohistochemistry evaluation were measured by antimyelin basic protein (MBP) and antisynaptophysin (SYP). The present findings demonstrate that the binge drinking protocol induced oxidative biochemistry misbalance, from the decrease of TEAC levels and higher LPO related to tissue damage and motor impairment. In addition, we have shown for the first time that treadmill physical exercise reduced tissue and functional alterations displayed by EtOH exposure.

Experimental Woodsmoke Exposure During Exercise and Blood Oxidative Stress

The current laboratory study quantified blood oxidative stress to woodsmoke exposure. Participants inhaled woodsmoke during three randomized crossover exercise trials (Clean Air [0 μg/m], Low Exposure [250 μg/m], and High Exposure [500 μg/m], Woodsmoke [particulate matter less than 2.5 μm, PM2.5]). Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), uric acid (UA), 8-isoprostanes (8-ISO), lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH), protein carbonyls (PC), nitrotyrosine (3-NT), 8-isoprostane, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were quantified in Pre, immediately Post, and 1- (1Hr) hour post blood samples. UA decreased following Low Exposure, while plasma TEAC levels increased Post and 1Hr. LOOH levels decreased 1Hr Post (High Exposure), while 8-Iso increased following both smoke trials. PC and MPO were unchanged following all trials, while 3-NT increased over Clean Air. Blood oxidative stress occurred largely independent of PM2.5 concentrations. Future studies should employ longer duration smoke and exercise combined with physiologic parameters.

Chronic Exposure to Sodium Fluoride Triggers Oxidative Biochemistry Misbalance in Mice: Effects on Peripheral Blood Circulation.

The excessive fluoride (F) exposure is associated with damage to cellular processes of different tissue types, due to changes in enzymatic metabolism and breakdown of redox balance. However, few studies evaluate doses of F compatible with human consumption. Thus, this study evaluated the effects of chronic exposure to sodium fluoride (NaF) on peripheral blood of mice from the evaluation of biochemical parameters. The animals were divided into three groups (n = 10) and received three concentrations of NaF in the drinking water for 60 days: 0 mg/L F, 10 mg/L F, and 50 mg/L F. The blood was then collected for trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), concentrations of nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH). The results showed that doses of 10 mg/L F and 50 mg/L F were able to increase TBARS concentration and decrease NO levels and CAT activity in the blood, but there was no statistical difference for SOD levels. The 50 mg/L F group showed an increase in TEAC levels and a decrease in the GSH content when compared to the control group. In this way, oxidative changes in blood from chronic exposure to F, especially at the highest dose, indicate that F may be a toxic agent and, therefore, the long-term exposure to excessive doses should be avoided.

Effects of prenatal oxidative stress levels on fetal programming: Results from the NELA birth cohort

Introduction The Developmental Origins of Health and Diseases (DOHaD) hypothesis states that both the pre- and postnatal environments shape health and disease later in life. Prenatal oxidative stress can have long term health consequences in the offspring through developmental programming, including an increased risk of adiposity; however studies in humans are limited. We aim to investigate the effects of prenatal oxidative stress levels on birth size measures used as proxies of fetal adiposity development. Methods Data come from the Nutrition and Early Life Asthma (NELA) study, a population-based birth cohort set up in 2015 in Spain. Maternal fasting blood samples were drawn at 24 weeks of gestation and newborn cord blood samples were collected at birth to analyze for oxidative stress markers, including protein carbonyl (protein oxidation), hydroperoxides (lipid oxidation), and 8-hydroxy-2’ -deoxyguanosine (DNA oxidation). Maternal and newborn antioxidant status was assessed by glutathione peroxidase, catalase, the trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP). In addition, vitamin A and E levels were assessed as a measured of exogenous antioxidant markers. In multivariable regression models we assessed the association between maternal and newborn biomarkers with birth size measures including weight and length-derived anthropometric indicators: weight-for-age z score, weight-for-length z score, and BMI-for age z score as proxies of body composition; skinfold thickness as a proxy for subcutaneous adiposity; and length z score, which is considered as a proxy for lean mass. Results Maternal and newborn FRAP, TEAC and protein carbonyl levels were positively correlated (correlation coefficients range 0.45–0.63, P-values Conclusions Fetal antioxidant capacity and exogenous antioxidant levels (i.e. vitamin A) may influence body composition at birth. These results could help to unravel the link between prenatal oxidative stress with fetal programming and long term health consequences for the offspring. In addition, the results will shed new light on prenatal factors that may perturb maternal and fetal oxidative stress status providing new insights of the biological pathways central to fetal programming.

Selected oxidative stress biomarkers in antenatal diagnosis as 11–14 gestational weeks

The primary objective in modern obstetrics and prenatal diagnosis is to predict risks of congenital abnormalities. The aim of the research was to assess the correlation between selected oxidative stress biomarkers with the risk of foetal chromosomal aberration evaluated at the first trimester screening.A series of studies show that balanced free radical activity and oxidative homeostasis are essential for proper bodily growth and function. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be one of the factors associated with disruption of cell cycle and tissue development, thus leading to developmental abnormalities. That's why it's so important to examine connection between level of oxidative stress and congenital abnormalities.Using ultrasonography examinations between 11–13+6d gestational weeks combined with serum levels of pregnancy associated plasma protein A and human chorionic gonadotropin and spectrophotometric analysis of oxidative stress markers such as glutathione (GSH), S-transferase, S-nitrosothiols (RSNO), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), protein and nitrites we tried to find correlation between birth defects and oxidative stress status.In conclusion, our analysis suggests that elevated maternal serum levels of protein, S-transferase and TEAC as well as decreased maternal serum levels of GSH and protein correlated with the risk of chromosomal aberrations and congenital developmental defects in a foetus.

Changes of Oxidative Stress, Glutathione, and Its Dependent Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma before and after Tumor Resection.

The changes in and relationship between oxidative stress and the glutathione (GSH) antioxidant system in the plasma and tissues of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before and after tumor resection have not been clearly determined. We investigated the changes in oxidative stress, GSH status and its dependent antioxidant enzyme activities in HCC patients before and after tumor resection, and to determine the association of oxidative stress with GSH and its dependent antioxidant enzyme activities in plasma and tissues. This study employed a cross-sectional design. Forty-four men and 16 women with HCC were recruited. Fasting blood was drawn on the day before the tumor resection and one month after the tumor resection. HCC tissue and adjacent normal liver tissue were obtained at the time of surgical resection. Patients had significantly increased plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and oxidized-low density lipoprotein levels but decreased GSH and oxidized GSH levels before tumor resection compared with the corresponding post-resection values. GSH and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) levels and activities of GSH peroxidase were significantly increased while MDA level was significantly lower in HCC tissue when compared with the adjacent normal tissue. The pre-resection plasma MDA level was significantly correlated with pre-resection plasma GSH concentration, and MDA level in HCC and adjacent normal tissues. Pre-resection plasma GSH concentration was significantly correlated with GSH and TEAC level in HCC tissue. HCC patients had increased oxidative stress, decreased GSH, and lower dependent antioxidant capacities before tumor resection. However, hepatocellular tumor had increased GSH and TEAC levels as well as GSH peroxidase activities which might protect itself against increased oxidative stress.

Dietary potato peel extract reduces the toxicity of cholesterol oxidation products in rats

We determined the polyphenolic profiles of the potato peel by HPLC. To elucidate the effect of potato peel extract (PPE) on the toxicity of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) in rats, a synthetic polyphenolic mixture was prepared, mimicking the composition of PPE. Six groups were treated with a control diet, an oxidized cholesterol diet, a PPE diet, an oxidized cholesterol plus PPE diet, and various doses (1–3%) of the PPE diet. After treatment, significantly increased liver glutathione and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity levels; superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities; and mRNA expression were observed in the rats treated with 2% and 3% doses of the PPE diet and significantly decreased aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and COPs levels were observed compared with the control rats. These results demonstrated the PPE diet reduction in the long-term toxicity of COPs was significant in rats.

N-acetyl cysteine and mushroom Agaricus sylvaticus supplementation decreased parasitaemia and pulmonary oxidative stress in a mice model of malaria.

BackgroundMalaria infection can cause high oxidative stress, which could lead to the development of severe forms of malaria, such as pulmonary malaria. In recent years, the role of reactive oxygen species in the pathogenesis of the disease has been discussed, as well as the potential benefit of antioxidants supplementation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) or mushroom Agaricus sylvaticus supplementation on the pulmonary oxidative changes in an experimental model of malaria caused by Plasmodium berghei strain ANKA.MethodsSwiss male mice were infected with P. berghei and treated with NAC or AS. Samples of lung tissue and whole blood were collected after one, three, five, seven or ten days of infection for the assessment of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), nitrites and nitrates (NN) and to assess the degree of parasitaemia.ResultsAlthough parasitaemia increased progressively with the evolution of the disease in all infected groups, there was a significant decrease from the seventh to the tenth day of infection in both antioxidant-supplemented groups. Results showed significant higher levels of TEAC in both supplemented groups, the highest occurring in the group supplemented with A. sylvaticus. In parallel, TBARS showed similar levels among all groups, while levels of NN were higher in animals supplemented with NAC in relation to the positive control groups and A. sylvaticus, whose levels were similar to the negative control group.ConclusionOxidative stress arising from plasmodial infection was attenuated by supplementation of both antioxidants, but A. sylvaticus proved to be more effective and has the potential to become an important tool in the adjuvant therapy of malaria.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-015-0717-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Clinical Oxidative Stress during Leprosy Multidrug Therapy: Impact of Dapsone Oxidation

This study aims to assess the oxidative stress in leprosy patients under multidrug therapy (MDT; dapsone, clofazimine and rifampicin), evaluating the nitric oxide (NO) concentration, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, glutathione (GSH) levels, total antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation, and methemoglobin formation. For this, we analyzed 23 leprosy patients and 20 healthy individuals from the Amazon region, Brazil, aged between 20 and 45 years. Blood sampling enabled the evaluation of leprosy patients prior to starting multidrug therapy (called MDT 0) and until the third month of multidrug therapy (MDT 3). With regard to dapsone (DDS) plasma levels, we showed that there was no statistical difference in drug plasma levels between multibacillary (0.518±0.029 µg/mL) and paucibacillary (0.662±0.123 µg/mL) patients. The methemoglobin levels and numbers of Heinz bodies were significantly enhanced after the third MDT-supervised dose, but this treatment did not significantly change the lipid peroxidation and NO levels in these leprosy patients. In addition, CAT activity was significantly reduced in MDT-treated leprosy patients, while GSH content was increased in these patients. However, SOD and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity levels were similar in patients with and without treatment. These data suggest that MDT can reduce the activity of some antioxidant enzyme and influence ROS accumulation, which may induce hematological changes, such as methemoglobinemia in patients with leprosy. We also explored some redox mechanisms associated with DDS and its main oxidative metabolite DDS-NHOH and we explored the possible binding of DDS to the active site of CYP2C19 with the aid of molecular modeling software.

Genetic and biochemical markers of hydroxyurea therapeutic response in sickle cell anemia

BackgroundSickle cell anemia (SCA) presents a complex pathophysiology which can be affected by a number of modifying factors, including genetic and biochemical ones. In Brazil, there have been no studies verifying βS-haplotypes effect on oxidative stress parameters. This study evaluated βS-haplotypes and Hb F levels effects on oxidative stress markers and their relationship with hydroxyurea (HU) treatment in SCA patients.MethodsThe studied group was composed by 28 SCA patients. Thirteen of these patients were treated with HU and 15 of them were not. We used molecular methodology (PCR-RFLP) for hemoglobin S genotype confirmation and haplotypes identification. Biochemical parameters were measured using spectrophotometric methods (Thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substances and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity levels, catalase and GST activities) and plasma glutathione levels by High-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrochemical detection.ResultsWe found the highest frequency of Bantu haplotype (48.2%) which was followed by Benin (32.1%). We observed also the presence of Cameroon haplotype, rare in Brazilian population and 19.7% of atypical haplotypes. The protective Hb F effect was confirmed in SCA patients because these patients showed an increase in Hb F levels that resulted in a 41.3% decrease on the lipid peroxidation levels (r =−0.74, p=0.01). Other biochemical parameters have not shown differential expression according to patient’s haplotypes. Bantu haplotype presence was related to the highest lipid peroxidation levels in patients (p < 0,01), but it also conferred a differential response to HU treatment, raising Hb F levels in 52.6% (p = 0.03) when compared with the group with the same molecular profile without HU usage.ConclusionsSCA patients with Bantu haplotype showed the worst oxidative status. However these patients also demonstrated a better response to the treatment with HU. Such treatment seems to have presented a “haplotype-dependent” pharmacological effect.