Human erythrocyte δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase activity and oxidative stress in hemodialysis patients

Neuroprotective effects of berberine on recognition memory impairment, oxidative stress, and damage to the purinergic system in rats submitted to intracerebroventricular injection of streptozotocin

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and irreversible neurodegenerative disease. The present study investigated the effects of 50 and 100 mg/kg berberine (BRB) on recognition memory, oxidative stress, and purinergic neurotransmission, in a model of sporadic dementia of the Alzheimer's type induced by intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in rats. Rats were submitted to ICV-STZ 3 mg/kg or saline, and 3 days later, were started on a treatment of BRB or saline for 21 days. The results demonstrated that BRB was effective in protecting against memory impairment, increased reactive oxygen species, and the subsequent increase in protein and lipid oxidation in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, as well as δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase inhibition in the cerebral cortex. Moreover, the decrease in total thiols, and the reduced glutathione and glutathione S-transferase activity in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of ICV-STZ rats, was prevented by BRB treatment. Besides an antioxidant effect, BRB treatment was capable of preventing decreases in ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (NTPDase), 5'-nucleotidase (EC-5'-Nt), and adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities in synaptosomes of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Thus, our data suggest that BRB exerts a neuroprotective effect on recognition memory, as well as on oxidative stress and oxidative stress-related damage, such as dysfunction of the purinergic system. This suggests that BRB may act as a promising multipotent agent for the treatment of AD.

Evaluation of hematological, biochemical parameters and thiol enzyme activity in chrome plating workers

The most commonly used solution in chrome plating bath is chromic acid (hexavalent Cr), and a considerable amount of mists is released into the air and consequently produce hazards to workers. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether the biomarker of exposure to metals, specially Cr levels, presents associations with hematological and biochemical parameters and if they can alter the activity of enzymes that contain thiol groups such as pyruvate kinase, creatine kinase, adenylate kinase, and δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase. Fifty male chrome plating workers were used for exposed group and 50 male non-exposed workers for control group. For that, biological monitoring was performed through quantification of metals on total blood and urine by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and enzyme activity was performed by spectrometry in erythrocytes. In addition, chromium levels in water was quantified and ecotoxicology assay was performed with Allium cepa test. The results demonstrated that blood and urinary chromium levels in exposed group were higher than the control group (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, decreased activity of enzymes was found in those that contain thiol groups from exposed group when compared with the control group (p < 0.001). The water analysis did not present a statistical difference between control and exposed groups (p > 0.05), demonstrating that water did not seem to be the source of contamination. In summary, our findings indicated some toxicology effects observed in the exposed group, such as thiol enzyme inhibition, mainly associated with occupational exposure in chrome plating and besides the presence of other metals, and Cr demonstrated to influence the activity of the enzymes analyzed in this research.

Influence of gestational diabetes on the activity of δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase and oxidative stress biomarkers

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the activity of delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) and oxidative stress biomarkers in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), in order to demonstrate the involvement of oxidative stress in this condition, which presents pathophysiology still undetermined.

Methods: δ-ALA-D activity, lipid peroxidation estimated as the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein (P-SH) and non-protein thiol (NP-SH) content, catalase (CAT) activity and concentration of vitamin C (VIT C) in samples of pregnant women with GDM (n = 48) and in healthy pregnant women (n = 30), who constituted the control group.

Results: The δ-ALA-D activity was significantly lower in pregnant women with GDM compared to controls, as well as levels of thiols, VIT C and CAT activity. Lipid peroxidation was higher in GDM group.

Discussion: The results suggest that the main factor for the increase in oxidative stress and reduced δ-ALA-D activity in diabetic pregnant women is gestational hyperglycemic environment, which changed the redox balance and interfered on mechanism of the δ-ALA-D activity in relation to normoglycemic pregnant women.

Associations among environmental exposure to manganese, neuropsychological performance, oxidative damage and kidney biomarkers in children

Environmental exposure to manganese (Mn) results in several toxic effects, mainly neurotoxicity. This study investigated associations among Mn exposure, neuropsychological performance, biomarkers of oxidative damage and early kidney dysfunction in children aged 6-12 years old. Sixty-three children were enrolled in this study, being 43 from a rural area and 20 from an urban area. Manganese was quantified in blood (B-Mn), hair (H-Mn) and drinking water using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The neuropsychological functions assessed were attention, perception, working memory, phonological awareness and executive functions - inhibition. The Intelligence quotient (IQ) was also evaluated. The biomarkers malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls (PCO), δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALA-D), reactivation indexes with dithiothreitol (ALA-RE/DTT) and ZnCl2 (ALA-RE/ZnCl2), non-protein thiol groups, as well as microalbuminuria (mALB) level and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity were assessed. The results demonstrated that Mn levels in blood, hair and drinking water were higher in rural children than in urban children (p<0.01). Adjusted for potential confounding factors, IQ, age, gender and parents' education, significant associations were observed mainly between B-Mn and visual attention (β=0.649; p<0.001). Moreover, B-Mn was negatively associated with visual perception and phonological awareness. H-Mn was inversely associated with working memory, and Mn levels from drinking water with written language and executive functions - inhibition. Rural children showed a significant increase in oxidative damage to proteins and lipids, as well as alteration in kidney function biomarkers (p<0.05). Moreover, significant associations were found between B-Mn, H-Mn and Mn levels in drinking water and biomarkers of oxidative damage and kidney function, besides between some oxidative stress biomarkers and neuropsychological tasks (p<0.05). The findings of this study suggest an important association between environmental exposure to Mn and toxic effects on neuropsychological function, oxidative damage and kidney function in children.

Analysis of metallic traces from the biodegradation of endomedullary AZ31 alloy temporary implants in rat organs after long implantation times

AZ31 alloy has been tested as a biodegradable material in the form of endomedullary implants in female Wistar rat femurs. In order to evaluate the accumulation of potentially toxic elements from the biodegradation of the implant, magnesium (Mg), aluminium (Al), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) and fluorine (F) levels have been measured in different organs such as kidneys, liver, lungs, spleen and brain. Several factors that may influence accumulation have been taken into account: how long the implant has been in place, whether or not the bone is fractured, and the presence of an MgF2 protective coating on the implant. The main conclusions and the clinical relevance of the study have been that AZ31 endomedullary implants have a degradation rate of about 60% after 13 months, which is fully compatible with fracture consolidation. Neither bone fracture nor an MgF2 coating seems to influence the accumulation of trace elements in the studied organs. Aluminium is the only alloying element in this study that requires special attention. The increase in Al recovered from the sampled organs represents 3.95% of the amount contained in the AZ31 implant. Al accumulates in a statistically significant way in all the organs except the brain. All of this suggests that in long-term tests AZ31 may be a suitable material for osteosynthesis.

Early hematological and immunological alterations in gasoline station attendants exposed to benzene

INTRODUCTION

Elucidation of effective biomarkers may provide tools for the early detection of biological alterations caused by benzene exposure and may contribute to the reduction of occupational diseases. This study aimed to assess early alterations on hematological and immunological systems of workers exposed to benzene.

METHODS

Sixty gasoline station attendants (GSA group) and 28 control subjects were evaluated. Environmental and biological monitoring of benzene exposure was performed in blood and urine. The potential effect biomarkers evaluated were δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALA-D) activity, CD80 and CD86 expression in lymphocytes and monocytes, and serum interleukin-8 (IL-8). The influence of confounding factors and toluene co-exposure were considered.

RESULTS

Although exposures were below ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists) limits, reduced ALA-D activity, decreased CD80 and CD86 expression in monocytes and increased IL-8 levels were found in the GSA group compared to the control subjects. Furthermore, according to multiple linear regression analysis, benzene exposure was associated to a decrease in CD80 and CD86 expression in monocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest, for the first time, a potential effect of benzene exposure on ALA-D activity, CD80 and CD86 expression, IL-8 levels, which could be suggested as potential markers for the early detection of benzene-induced alterations.

Cognitive deficits and ALA-D-inhibition in children exposed to multiple metals

Children are especially vulnerable to adverse effects of multiple metals exposure. The aim of this study was to assess some metals concentrations such as lead (Pb), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) in whole blood, serum, hair and drinking water samples using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in rural and urban children. In addition, evaluate the adverse effects of multiple metals exposure on cognitive function and δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALA-D) activity. The cognitive ability assessment was performed by the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM) test. The ALA-D activity and ALA-D reactivation index (ALA-RE) activity with DTT and ZnCl2 also were determined. Forty-six rural children and 23 urban children were enrolled in this study. Rural children showed percentile IQ scores in the RCPM test significantly decreased in relation to urban children. According to multiple linear regression analysis, the Mn and Fe in hair may account for the cognitive deficits of children. Manganese and Fe in hair also were positively correlated with Mn and Fe in drinking water, respectively. These results suggest that drinking water is possibly a source of metals exposure in children. ALA-D activity was decreased and ALA-RE with DTT and ZnCl2 was increased in rural children in comparison to urban children. Moreover, ALA-D inhibition was correlated with Cr blood levels and ALA-RE/DDT and ALA-RE/ZnCl2 were correlated with levels of Cr and Hg in blood. Thus, our results indicated some adverse effects of children's exposure to multiple metals, such as cognitive deficits and ALA-D inhibition, mainly associated to Mn, Fe, Cr and Hg.

Evaluation of toxic metals and essential elements in children with learning disabilities from a rural area of southern Brazil

Children’s exposure to metals can result in adverse effects such as cognitive function impairments. This study aimed to evaluate some toxic metals and levels of essential trace elements in blood, hair, and drinking water in children from a rural area of Southern Brazil. Cognitive ability and δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALA-D) activity were evaluated. Oxidative stress was evaluated as a main mechanism of metal toxicity, through the quantification of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. This study included 20 children from a rural area and 20 children from an urban area. Our findings demonstrated increase in blood lead (Pb) levels (BLLs). Also, increased levels of nickel (Ni) in blood and increase of aluminum (Al) levels in hair and drinking water in rural children were found. Deficiency in selenium (Se) levels was observed in rural children as well. Rural children with visual-motor immaturity presented Pb levels in hair significantly increased in relation to rural children without visual-motor immaturity (p < 0.05). Negative correlations between BLLs and ALA-D activity and positive correlations between BLLs and ALA-RE activity were observed. MDA was significantly higher in rural compared to urban children (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that rural children were co-exposed to toxic metals, especially Al, Pb and Ni. Moreover, a slight deficiency of Se was observed. Low performance on cognitive ability tests and ALA-D inhibition can be related to metal exposure in rural children. Oxidative stress was suggested as a main toxicological mechanism involved in metal exposure.

Are delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase inhibition and metal concentrations additional factors for the age-related cognitive decline?

Aging is often accompanied by cognitive impairments and influenced by oxidative status and chemical imbalances. Thus, this study was conducted to examine whether age-related cognitive deficit is associated with oxidative damage, especially with inhibition of the enzyme delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALA-D), as well as to verify the influence of some metals in the enzyme activity and cognitive performance. Blood ALA-D activity, essential (Fe, Zn, Cu, Se) and non-essential metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Cr, Ni, V) were measured in 50 elderly and 20 healthy young subjects. Cognitive function was assessed by tests from Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD) battery and other. The elderly group presented decreased ALA-D activity compared to the young group. The index of ALA-D reactivation was similar to both study groups, but negatively associated with metals. The mean levels of essential metals were within the reference values, while the most toxic metals were above them in both groups. Cognitive function impairments were observed in elderly group and were associated with decreased ALA-D activity, with lower levels of Se and higher levels of toxic metals (Hg and V). Results suggest that the reduced ALA-D activity in elderly can be an additional factor involved in cognitive decline, since its inhibition throughout life could lead to accumulation of the neurotoxic compound ALA. Toxic metals were found to contribute to cognitive decline and also to influence ALA-D reactivation.

[The degree of chronic renal failure is associated with the rate of pro-inflammatory cytokines, hyperhomocysteinemia and with oxidative stress]

AIM

To evaluate pro-inflammatory cytokines, homocysteinemia and markers of oxidative status in the course of chronic renal failure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred and two patients (male/female: 38/64; age: 45±07 years) with chronic renal failure were divided into 4 groups according to the National Kidney Foundation classification. They included 28 primary stage renal failure patients, 28 moderate stage renal failure, 28 severe stage renal failure and 18 end stage renal failure. The inflammatory status was evaluated by the determination of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6) and total homocysteine. Pro-oxidant status was assessed by assaying thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, hydroperoxides, and protein carbonyls. Antioxidant defence was performed by analysis of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase.

RESULTS

Inflammatory markers were elevated in the end stage renal failure group compared to the other groups (P<0.001). Indeed, an increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, hydroperoxides and protein carbonyls was noted in the end stage renal failure group in comparison with the other groups (P<0.001), while the levels of antioxidants enzymes activity were decreased in the study population (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Impaired renal function is closely associated with the elevation of inflammatory markers leading to both increased markers of oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant defense.

Effect of different stages of chronic kidney disease and renal replacement therapies on oxidant-antioxidant balance in uremic patients

Oxidative stress seems to be involved in the path physiology of cardiovascular complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this study, we determined the effect of different stages of CKD and substitutive therapies on oxidative stress. One hundred sixty-seven patients (age: 44 ± 06 years; male/female: 76/91) with CKD were divided into 6 groups according to the National Kidney Foundation classification. Prooxidant status was assessed by assaying thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, hydroperoxides, and protein carbonyls. Antioxidant defence was performed by analysis of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, vitamin E, Iron, and bilirubin. TBARS and LPO were higher in HD patients compared to other groups (P < 0.001), while protein carbonyls were more increased in PD patients. The antioxidant enzymes were declined already at severe stage of CKD and they were declined notably in HD patients (P < 0.001). Similar observation was found for vitamin E, Fe, and bilirubin where we observed a significant decrease in the majority of study groups, especially in HD patients (P < 0.001). The evolution of CKD was associated with elevated OS. HD accentuates lipid, while PD aggravates protein oxidation. However, the activity of antioxidant enzymes was altered by impaired renal function and by both dialysis treatments.

Effects of diphenyl diselenide on oxidative stress induced by sepsis in rats

Sepsis is a potentially deadly complication that can be caused by different factors. Actually, it is known that oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)(2), an emergent compound, on oxidative stress parameters induced by sepsis in rats. Animals were pre-injected with (PhSe)(2) or vehicle. Twenty-four hours later, sepsis was induced by cecal ligation puncture (CLP). After 12 h, liver was taken for thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) measurement, δ-aminolevunic acid dehydratase (δ-ALA-D), Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities assay. The sepsis increased TBARS, inhibited δ-ALA-D, activated Cu/Zn SOD and had a tendency to decrease CAT activity. However, (PhSe)(2) prevented the TBARS formation, but did not prevent the inhibition of δ-ALA-D activity in the animals with damage. Thus, this study showed that (PhSe)(2) partially prevents the oxidative stress induced by sepsis, indicating the potential of this compound as a treatment for this pathology. Nevertheless, more tests should be performed to confirm the hypothesis suggested here.

The relationships between exogenous and endogenous antioxidants with the lipid profile and oxidative damage in hemodialysis patients

Background

We sought to investigate the relationships among the plasma levels of carotenoids, tocopherols, endogenous antioxidants, oxidative damage and lipid profiles and their possible effects on the cardiovascular risk associated with hemodialysis (HD) patients.

Methods

The study groups were divided into HD and healthy subjects. Plasma carotenoid, tocopherol and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, as well as erythrocyte reduced glutathione (GSH), were measured by HPLC. Blood antioxidant enzymes, kidney function biomarkers and the lipid profiles were analyzed by spectrophotometric methods.

Results

Plasma lycopene levels and blood glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were significantly decreased in HD patients compared with healthy subjects. Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), creatinine, urea, MDA, GSH, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were significantly increased in HD (p < 0.05). Lycopene levels were correlated with MDA (r = -0.50; p < 0.01), LDL-c (r = -0.38; p = 0.01) levels, the LDL-c/HDL-c index (r = -0.33; p = 0.03) and GPx activity (r = 0.30; p = 0.03). Regression models showed that lycopene levels were correlated with LDL-c (β estimated = -31.59; p = 0.04), while gender was correlated with the TC/HDL-c index and triglycerides. Age did not present a correlation with the parameters evaluated. GPx activity was negatively correlated with MDA levels and with the LDL-c/HDL-c and CT/HDL-c indexes.

Conclusions

Lycopene may represent an additional factor that contributes to reduced lipid peroxidation and atherogenesis in hemodialysis patients.

Pathological role of aminolevulinate in uremic patients

Previous reports have demonstrated that δ-aminolevulinate (ALA) can promote iron release from horse spleen ferritin under conditions of high serum ALA levels in uremia; therefore, we speculated that the accumulated ALA in uremic patients would stimulate iron release from ferritin, resulting in accelerated oxidative stress and uremic complications. We measured the plasma ALA of uremic patients and examined the ALA-induced iron release from human ferritin. The participants consisted of 30 hemodialysis patients and 14 healthy subjects. Plasma malondialdehyde was measured as a surrogate marker of lipid peroxidation. The plasma exchange effluent from two patients who had undergone plasma exchange (for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus and acute myeloblastic leukemia) was collected and treated to obtain the human ferritin-rich fraction. Iron release from ferritin was examined using bathophenanthroline sulfate. The influence of antioxidants and different pH levels on iron release were investigated. Plasma ALA and malondialdehyde concentration in the hemodialysis patient was significantly higher than that in healthy subjects. ALA was positively correlated with malondialdehyde. The abundance of iron release was dependent on the ALA concentration and incubation time. Iron release at the high pH of 7.6 was decreased compared with that at pH 7.4. Citrate increased iron release at pH 7.4, but citrate-stimulated iron release was totally abolished at pH 7.6. Our study suggests that ALA accumulation may have a role to play in certain complications in uremic patients, such as oxidative stress, by releasing iron from ferritin.

Mercury exposure and oxidative stress in communities of the Brazilian Amazon

This study was designed to assess possible associations between biomarkers of mercury (Hg) exposure and oxidative stress in fish-eating Amazonian communities. Clinical samples were obtained from riparians living in the Brazilian Amazon. Biomarkers of oxidative stress (glutathione - GSH, glutathione peroxidase - GSH-Px, catalase - CAT, activity and reactivation index of delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase - ALA-D (R%) were determined in blood. Total Hg was measured in whole blood (B-Hg), plasma (P-Hg) and hair (H-Hg). Association between biomarkers of Hg exposure and oxidative stress were examined using multiple regression models, including age, gender, alcohol consumption, smoking status, fish consumption and then stratified for gender. Significant inverse relations were observed between GSH-Px, GSH, CAT, ALA-D activity and B-Hg or H-Hg (p<0.05). ALA-D reactivation index was positively related to B-Hg (p<0.0001). P-Hg was directly related to ALA-D reactivation index and inversely associated with GSH-Px, GSH, and ALA-D activity (p<0.05). When stratified for gender, women showed significant inverse associations between all biomarkers of Hg exposure and CAT (p<0.05) or GSH (p<0.05), while for men only P-Hg showed a significant inverse relation with GSH (p<0.001). Our results clearly demonstrated an association between Hg exposure and oxidative stress. Moreover, for B-Hg, P-Hg and H-Hg gender differences were present.

Ischemia-reperfusion reduces cystathionine-beta-synthase-mediated hydrogen sulfide generation in the kidney

Cystathionine-beta-synthase (CBS) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the transsulfuration pathway for the metabolism of homocysteine (Hcy) in the kidney. Our recent study demonstrates that ischemia-reperfusion reduces the activity of CBS leading to Hcy accumulation in the kidney, which in turn contributes to renal injury. CBS is also capable of catalyzing the reaction of cysteine with Hcy to produce hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S), a gaseous molecule that plays an important role in many physiological and pathological processes. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of ischemia-reperfusion on CBS-mediated H(2)S production in the kidney and to determine whether changes in the endogenous H(2)S generation had any impact on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. The left kidney of Sprague-Dawley rat was subjected to 45-min ischemia followed by 6-h reperfusion. The ischemia-reperfusion caused lipid peroxidation and cell death in the kidney. The CBS-mediated H(2)S production was decreased, leading to a significant reduction in the renal H(2)S level. The activity of cystathionine-gamma-lyase, another enzyme responsible for endogenous H(2)S generation, was not significantly altered in the kidney upon ischemia-reperfusion. Partial restoration of CBS activity by intraperitoneal injection of the nitric oxide scavenger, 2-phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide not only increased renal H(2)S levels but also alleviated ischemia-reperfusion-induced lipid peroxidation and reduced cell damage in the kidney tissue. Furthermore, administration of an exogenous H(2)S donor, NaHS (100 microg/kg), improved renal function. Taken together, these results suggest that maintenance of tissue H(2)S level may offer a renal protective effect against ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Delta-ALA-D activity is a reliable marker for oxidative stress in bone marrow transplant patients

Background

Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is often used in the treatment of various diseases. Before BMT, patients are submitted to a conditioning regimen (CR), which consists of the administration of high doses of chemotherapy. The action of many cytostatic drugs involves the overproduction of reactive oxygen species, which together with inadequate antioxidant protection can lead to oxidative stress and this has been implicated in the etiology of various diseases. The objectives of this study were to look for evidence of oxidative stress and also to analyze δ-Aminolevulinato dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) activity as a possible marker of oxidative stress in autologous and allogeneic BMT patients.

Methods

Lipid peroxidation, vitamin C and thiol group levels as well as catalase, superoxide dismutase and δ-ALA-D activity were determined in 37 healthy controls, 13 patients undergoing autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation and 24 patients undergoing allogeneic BMT.

Results

We found that patients presented signs of oxidative stress before they were submitted to BMT, during CR and up to 20 days after BMT. There was a decrease in enzymatic and non enzymatic antioxidant defenses, in δ-ALA-D activity, and an increase in lipoperoxidation in the blood of both patient groups.

Conclusion

This study has indicated that autologous and allogeneic BMT are associated with oxidative stress. Moreover, blood δ-ALA-D activity seems to be an additional biomarker of oxidative stress in BMT patients.

Oxidative stress and delta-ALA-D activity in different conditioning regimens in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation patients

OBJECTIVES

To compare different conditioning regimens (CR), in order to determine whether either of them could be less toxic to allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) patients in terms of oxidative stress and also analyze delta-ALA-D activity as a possible marker of oxidative stress.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Lipid peroxidation, vitamin C, thiol groups levels and catalase, superoxide dismutase and delta-ALA-D activity were determined in 21 healthy controls, 5 patients with fludarabine+cyclophosphamide (FluCy) CR, 12 with busulfan+cyclophosphamide (BuCy) and 4 with cyclophosphamide+total body irradiation (CyTBI).

RESULTS

There were a decrease in enzymatic and non enzymatic antioxidants, in delta-ALA-D activity, and in all CRs and an increase in lipid peroxidation more pronounced in CyTBI CR.

CONCLUSIONS

All CRs promoted oxidative stress in allogeneic BMT patients, but this was more pronounced with CyTBI and delta-ALA-D activity seemed to be an additional biomarker of oxidative stress in these patients.

Evaluation of ischemia-modified albumin in anemia associated to chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is highly prevalent, with increasing numbers of patients affected by the disease world-wide, and anemia is a common finding in patients with CKD. Anemia impacts negatively on cardiovascular disease, exercise capacity, and quality of life, resulting in significant mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of ischemia-modified albumin and lactate in patients with established anemia associated with CKD and its correlations with hemoglobin levels. Hematocrit, hemoglobin, iron, ferritin, albumin, creatinine, lactate, and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) were measured in 17 patients with established anemia associated to CKD and 19 controls by standard methods. The results of hematocrit, hemoglobin, iron, and albumin were lower in the anemia group than in the control group. Ferritin, creatinine, and lactate levels were higher in anemia of the CKD group than the control group. IMA increase in the anemia group (0.8115+/-0.1304 absorbance units [ABSU]) compared to control (0.4951+/-0.0393 ABSU). Significant correlations between IMA and lactate, IMA and hemoglobin, IMA and creatinine, and hemoglobin and lactate were observed. IMA and lactate increase during anemia and this elevation could be associated to hypoxia due to low hemoglobin levels. However, our data suggest that lactate is more sensitive to anemia compared to IMA.