Effects of Melatonin-Aided Therapy on the Glutathione Antioxidant System Activity and Liver Protection

[Effect of 6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline on the intensity of free radical processes and the activity of oxidative metabolism enzymes under toxic liver injury in rats]

The effect of 6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline on markers of hepatocytes cytolysis (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase), parameters reflecting the state of oxidative status (intensity of biochemical luminescence and the content of diene conjugates), and the activity of oxidative metabolism enzymes (aconitate hydratase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase) was studied in rats with CCl4-induced liver injury. The results obtained in the course of the work demonstrated the ability of the test compound to reduce the severity of oxidative stress and liver cells damage, as well as to change the activity of aconitate hydratase and NADP-generating enzymes in the direction of control values. 6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline was more effective in normalizing CCl4-induced changes of the analyzed parameters that Carsil used as a reference compound. The tendency to normalize the state of oxidative status and enzyme activity of oxidative metabolism can attributed to hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of the tested compound.

Diplomats' Mystery Illness and Pulsed Radiofrequency/Microwave Radiation

Importance: A mystery illness striking U.S. and Canadian diplomats to Cuba (and now China) "has confounded the FBI, the State Department and US intelligence agencies" (Lederman, Weissenstein, & Lee, 2017). Sonic explanations for the so-called health attacks have long dominated media reports, propelled by peculiar sounds heard and auditory symptoms experienced. Sonic mediation was justly rejected by experts. We assessed whether pulsed radiofrequency/microwave radiation (RF/MW) exposure can accommodate reported facts in diplomats, including unusual ones. Observations: (1) Noises: Many diplomats heard chirping, ringing or grinding noises at night during episodes reportedly triggering health problems. Some reported that noises were localized with laser-like precision or said the sounds seemed to follow them (within the territory in which they were perceived). Pulsed RF/MW engenders just these apparent "sounds" via the Frey effect. Perceived "sounds" differ by head dimensions and pulse characteristics and can be perceived as located behind in or above the head. Ability to hear the "sounds" depends on high-frequency hearing and low ambient noise. (2) Signs/symptoms: Hearing loss and tinnitus are prominent in affected diplomats and in RF/MW-affected individuals. Each of the protean symptoms that diplomats report also affect persons reporting symptoms from RF/MW: sleep problems, headaches, and cognitive problems dominate in both groups. Sensations of pressure or vibration figure in each. Both encompass vision, balance, and speech problems and nosebleeds. Brain injury and brain swelling are reported in both. (3) Mechanisms: Oxidative stress provides a documented mechanism of RF/MW injury compatible with reported signs and symptoms; sequelae of endothelial dysfunction (yielding blood flow compromise), membrane damage, blood-brain barrier disruption, mitochondrial injury, apoptosis, and autoimmune triggering afford downstream mechanisms, of varying persistence, that merit investigation. (4) Of note, microwaving of the U.S. embassy in Moscow is historically documented. Conclusions and relevance: Reported facts appear consistent with pulsed RF/MW as the source of injury in affected diplomats. Nondiplomats citing symptoms from RF/MW, often with an inciting pulsed-RF/MW exposure, report compatible health conditions. Under the RF/MW hypothesis, lessons learned for diplomats and for RF/MW-affected civilians may each aid the other.

[The effect of biguanide derivatives on oxidative stress in rats with hyperglycemia]

The effect of the synthetic biguanide derivatives N-[imino(1-piperidinyl)methyl]guanidine (NIPMG) and 1,3-dimethyl-5-[(carbamimidamidomethanimidoil) amino]benzoyl-1,3dicarboxylate (DCB) on the degree of proteins oxidative modification (POM) and the DNA fragmentation, the content of the lipid peroxidation primary products - conjugated dienes (CD), and the activity of glutathione antioxidant system in the liver and heart of rats with experimental hyperglycemia was investigated. Administration of the biguanides (15.0 mg/kg) to hypoglycemic rats promoted reduction of the free radical processes intensity in the studied tissues. Data about CD and POM level changes in hyperglycemic rats treated by NIPMG and DKB correlate with the results of DNA fragmentation degree evaluation. At the same time, the activity of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase), and the reduced glutathione content in the liver and heart of rats changed toward control values. For metformin, which was used as a comparison drug, changes in the studied parameters in the same direction were also found. These results indicate the ability of the tested biguanide derivatives to exhibit a positive regulatory effect on free radical homeostasis, reducing the degree of oxidative stress at this pathology.

The Effects of Melatonin on Elevated Liver Enzymes during Statin Treatment

Taking statins can cause increase in the level of aspartate and alanine aminotransferase. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of melatonin in counteracting the adverse hepatic events from statins. Methods. The research program included 60 patients (aged 47–65 years, 41 women and 19 men) with hyperlipidemia taking atorvastatin or rosuvastatin at a dose of 20–40 mg daily. The patients were randomly allocated in two groups. Group I (n = 30) was recommended to take the same statin at a standardized daily dose of 20 mg together with melatonin at a dose of 2 × 5 mg. Group II (n = 30) patients took statin with placebo at the same dose and time of the day. Follow-up laboratory tests (AST, ALT, GGT, and ALP) were evaluated after 2, 4, and 6 months of treatment. Results. In Group I the levels of all enzymes decreased after 6 months, particularly AST, 97,2 ± 19,1 U/L versus 52,8 ± 12,3 U/L (p < 0,001); ALT, 87,4 ± 15,6 U/L versus 49,8 ± 14,5 U/L (p < 0,001); and GGT, 84,1 ± 14,8 U/L versus 59,6 U/L (p < 0,001). Conclusion. Melatonin exerts a hepatoprotective effect in patients taking statins.