Protein Carbonyl, Lipid Peroxidation, Glutathione and Enzymatic Antioxidant Status in Male Wistar Brain Sub-regions After Dietary Copper Deficiency

Copper a quintessential transitional metal is required for development and function of normal brain and its deficiency has been associated with impairments in brain function. The present study investigates the effects of dietary copper deficiency on brain sub-regions of male Wistar rats for 2-, 4- and 6-week. Pre-pubertal rats were divided into four groups: negative control (NC), copper control (CC), pairfed (PF) and copper deficient (CD). In brain sub regions total protein concentration, glutathione concentration and Cu-Zn SOD activity were down regulated after 2-, 4- and 6 weeks compared to controls and PF groups. Significant increase in brain sub regions was observed in protein carbonyl and lipid peroxidation concentration as well as total SOD, Mn SOD and catalase activities after 2-, 4- and 6 weeks of dietary copper deficiency. Experimental evidences indicate that impaired copper homeostasis has the potential to generate reactive oxygen species enhancing the susceptibility to oxidative stress by inducing up- and down-regulation of non-enzymatic and enzymatic profile studied in brain sub regions causing loss of their normal function which can consequently lead to deterioration of cell structure and death if copper deficiency is prolonged.

Individual variation within wild populations of an arid-zone lizard dictates oxidative stress levels despite exposure to sublethal pesticides

The relationship between sublethal pesticide exposure and oxidative stress in an ecologically relevant field setting is relatively unknown for reptiles. Oxidative stress is a multi-faceted concept that dictates key survival and fitness parameters in any organism. Fipronil and fenitrothion are two pesticides widely used globally for agricultural pest management. Using a field-based, BACI designed experiment we investigated the impact of sublethal pesticide exposure on oxidative stress biomarkers protein carbonyl and DNA damage (8-OHdG), in an arid-zone lizard species, Pogona vitticeps. A single ecologically relevant dose of pesticide was applied via oral gavage to treatment animals. Lizard condition, activity measures, and blood biomarkers were measured at relevant sampling intervals. Cholinesterase (ChE) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzymatic biomarkers were measured in response to fenitrothion, and fipronil blood residues were measured for fipronil-treated lizards. Results suggested no significant treatment effect of either pesticide on parameters measured, however, 8-OHdG levels decreased by ≥ 45% for both pesticide treatment groups and not controls. Protein carbonyl levels showed a high degree of individual variation that proved more influential than pesticide exposure. Building our understanding of the macromolecular impacts of sublethal pesticide exposure on wild lizard populations is an integral step in addressing the current gap in literature and management practices. Our study has also highlighted the complex nature of studying oxidative stress in the field and the sheer necessity of future study.

Stress Response of European Common Frog (Rana temporaria) Tadpoles to Bti Exposure in an Outdoor Pond Mesocosm

The biocide Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) is applied to wetlands to control nuisance by mosquitoes. Amphibians inhabiting these wetlands can be exposed to Bti multiple times, potentially inducing oxidative stress in developing tadpoles. For biochemical stress responses, ambient water temperature plays a key role. Therefore, we exposed tadpoles of the European common frog (Rana temporaria) three times to field-relevant doses of Bti in outdoor floodplain pond mesocosms (FPM) under natural environmental conditions. We sampled tadpoles after each Bti application over the course of a 51-day experiment (April to June 2021) and investigated the activity of the glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and protein carbonyl content as a measure for detoxification activity and oxidative damage. GST activity increased over the course of the experiment likely due to a general increase of water temperature. We did not observe an effect of Bti on either of the investigated biomarkers under natural ambient temperatures. However, Bti-induced effects may be concealed by the generally low water temperatures in our FPMs, particularly at the first application in April, when we expected the highest effect on the most sensitive early stage tadpoles. In light of the global climate change, temperature-related effects of pesticides and biocides on tadpoles should be carefully monitored - in particular since they are known as one of the factors driving the worldwide decline of amphibian populations.

An assessment of the ameliorative role of hesperidin in Drosophila melanogaster model of cadmium chloride-induced toxicity

Cadmium chloride (CdCl₂) is an important heavy metal widely regarded as an environmental contaminant. Hesperidin, a flavanone glycoside found in citrus fruits, has an established properties against free radicals, apoptosis, and inflammation. The present study investigated the protective actions of hesperidin on CdCl₂-induced oxidative damage and inflammation in Drosophila melanogaster. For 7 consecutive days via their diet regimen, the flies were exposed to CdCl₂ alone (0.05 mM) or in combination with hesperidin (50 and 100 μM). Exposure to CdCl₂ significantly (p < 0.05) increased mortality rate of flies, whereas the survived flies demonstrated significant oxidative toxicity from decreased activities of catalase and Glutathione S-transferase (GST) and Total Thiol (T-SH) and Non-Protein Thiols (NPSH) levels as well as accumulation of Nitric Oxide (NO (nitrite/nitrate)), protein carbonyl and Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂). However, hesperidin-supplemented diet improved Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, mitochondrial metabolic rate (cell viability), locomotor activity, and amelioration of oxidative damage and lipid peroxidation induced by CdCl₂. The hesperidin diet supplement boosted the antioxidant milieu and ameliorated the oxidative damage in the treated flies. Overall, the findings revealed that hesperidin improved antioxidative protective capacity in Drosophila melanogaster model of CdCl₂-induced toxicity. This suggests hesperidin as a potential therapeutic agent against oxidative stress disorders due to exposure to CdCl₂ and or related toxicants.

Antioxidant Micronutrients and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers

Chronic inflammatory diseases are the major causes of mortality in humans and recent research has improved our understanding of the major impact of lifestyle factors upon inflammatory diseases and conditions. One of the most influential of these is nutrition, which may drive both pro-inflammatory as well as anti-inflammatory cascades at molecular and cellular levels. There are a variety of model systems that may be employed to investigate the impact of micronutrients and macronutrients upon inflammatory pathways, many of which operate through oxidative stress, either at the level of controlling the redox state of the cell and downstream redox-regulated gene transcription factors, and other acting as free radical generating or scavenging agents. This chapter focuses upon biological sample preparation prior to assay and details methods for analyzing certain antioxidant micronutrients and biomarkers of oxidative stress.

Associations of bifenthrin exposure with glucose homeostasis and type 2 diabetes mellitus in a general Chinese population: Roles of protein carbonylation

The adverse health effects of pyrethroids exposure have attracted wide concern. We aimed to assess the associations of bifenthrin, a widely used pyrethroid, with glucose homeostasis and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to explore the underlying mechanism. Serum bifenthrin, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting plasma insulin (FPI), and plasma protein carbonyl (PCO) were determined among 3822 participants from the Wuhan-Zhuhai cohort. Glucose homeostasis was evaluated by FPG, FPI, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and abnormal glucose regulation (AGR). The associations of serum bifenthrin with glucose homeostasis and risk of T2DM were assessed by generalized linear models and logistic regression models. The role of PCO in the above associations was evaluated by mediation analyses. After adjusting for covariates, each 2-fold increase in serum bifenthrin was associated with a 0.21 mmol/L increase in FPG and a 5.19%, 10.49%, and 12.18% increase in FPI, HOMA-IR, and PCO levels, respectively. Monotonically elevated ORs of IFG and AGR (all P and P for trend <0.05), but not T2DM (P > 0.05) were detected to be associated with increased bifenthrin. Compared with the participants with low bifenthrin and low PCO, participants with high bifenthrin exposure and high PCO showed a 0.40 mmol/L, 11.07%, and 22.50% increase in FPG, FPI, and HOMA-IR, as well as a 119.97% and 48.88% increase in risks of IFG and AGR, respectively (P for trend <0.05). Moreover, PCO mediated 13.61%-24.98% of the serum bifenthrin-associated glucose dyshomeostasis. The study suggested that bifenthrin exposure was dose-dependently associated with glucose dyshomeostasis in the general Chinese urban adults, and these associations were exacerbated and partly mediated by PCO. Given that other pollutants were not included in this study, the effect of co-exposure of pyrethroids with multiple pollutants is necessary to be considered in future studies.

Impact of rs11024102 PLEKHA7, rs3753841 COL11A1 single nucleotide polymorphisms, and serum levels of oxidative stress markers on the risk of primary angle-closure glaucoma in Egyptians

Background

Primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) is one of the major causes of blindness in the Middle East with genetic loci and systemic oxidative stress as potential risk factors. The current case-control study aimed to investigate the associations of rs11024102 in Pleckstrin homology domain-containing family A member 7 (PLEKHA7), rs3753841 in collagen 11 A1 (COL11A1), and the systemic oxidative stress markers with PACG in Egyptian patients. Thirty-five control subjects and 64 PACG patients were enrolled in this study. The polymorphisms in PLEKHA7 and COL11A1 were analyzed using quantitative PCR, and their associations were statistically tested with PACG at homozygous, heterozygous, dominant, and recessive genetic models. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced glycation-end product (AOPP), protein carbonyl (PC), and ischemia modified albumin (IMA) were quantitated colorimetrically, and their associations with PACG were analyzed statistically. The associations of MDA, AOPP, PC, and IMA with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) were statistically tested.

Results

Neither significant difference in the genotype distribution nor allele frequency of PLEKHA7 11024102 T>C (p = 0.425 and 0.517, respectively) and COL11A1 rs3753841 G>A (p = 0.600 and 0.473, respectively) were recorded under any of the tested genetic models. Either rs11024102 PLEKHA7 or rs3753841 COL11A1 was not significantly (p > 0.025 after Bonferroni correction) associated with an increased risk of PACG in Egyptians. Egyptian patients with PACG showed significant elevations in the serum levels of MDA, AOPP, and PC either in patients with or without cases with diabetes mellites, hypertension, coronary vascular diseases, and smoking. Serum levels of MDA, AOPP, and PC were significantly associated with PACG in Egyptians (p < 0.013 after Bonferroni correction). However, MDA and PC only showed significant associations with the elevation in the IOP (p = 0.007 and 0.045, respectively) in PACG patients.

Conclusion

Both rs11024102 and rs3753841 could not be considered as potential gene-dependent risk factors for PACG pathogenesis in Egyptians. On the other hand, serum levels of MDA, AOPP, and PC might be considered risk factors for PACG. Moreover, MDA and PC could serve as good predictors for the elevation of the IOP in PACG disease.

Evaluation of antioxidants, nitrosative, and oxidative stress before & after acute brucellosis treatment in North of Iran

BACKGROUND

In vivo studies of antioxidants, nitrosative, and oxidative processes in Brucella infection have not been comprehensive. This research looked at these critical concerns before and after treating individuals with acute brucellosis.

METHODS

A total of 50 individuals with acute brucellosis were studied before and after treatment in Babol, Iran. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT) activity, protein carbonyl, oxidative stress markers like malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitrosative stress markers such as nitrite oxide metabolites (NO3, NO2) were all assessed.

RESULTS

The individuals were 44.15 ± 13.5 years old on average. Before therapy, protein carbonyl and plasma MDA were 0.887 ± 0.12 and 0.725 ± 0.33, respectively, and after treatment, they were 0.697 ± 0.17 and 0.467 ± 0.48 (p < 0.05). After treatment, the average TAC level was greater (870.1 ± 88.64 mol/l vs. 670.13 ± 133.96 mol/l) (p < 0.001). Before and after therapy, CAT activity was significantly different (8.53 ± 2.70 vs. 6.94 ± 2.84, p < 0.001). In addition, SOD activity was 41.79 ± 9.79 before treatment and 28.95 ± 8.11 after treatment (p < 0.001). The difference in plasma nitrite oxide levels before and after therapy was substantial (50.89 ± 17.74 vs. 28.68 ± 15.97, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The findings revealed that in acute brucellosis, nitrosative and oxidative stress, as well as antioxidant depletion, were all elevated. The addition of appropriate natural antioxidants to therapy regimens may improve their effectiveness.

CaM kinase phosphatase (CaMKP/PPM1F/POPX2) is specifically inactivated through gallate-mediated protein carbonylation

CaMK phosphatase (CaMKP/PPM1F/POPX2) is a Mn²⁺-dependent, calyculin A/okadaic acid-insensitive Ser/Thr protein phosphatase that belongs to the PPM family. CaMKP is thought to be involved in regulation of not only various protein kinases, such as CaM kinases and p21-activated protein kinase, but also of cellular proteins regulated by phosphorylation. A large-scale screening of a chemical library identified gallic acid and some of its alkyl esters as novel CaMKP inhibitors highly specific to CaMKP. Surprisingly, they caused specific carbonylation of CaMKP, leading to its inactivation. Under the same conditions, no carbonylation nor inactivation was observed when PPM1A, which is affiliated with the same family as CaMKP, and λ-phosphatase were used. The carbonylation reaction was inhibited by SH compounds such as cysteamine in a dose-dependent manner with a concomitant decrease in CaMKP inhibition by ethyl gallate. The pyrogallol structure of gallate was necessary for the gallate-mediated carbonylation of CaMKP. Point mutations of CaMKP leading to impairment of phosphatase activity did not significantly affect the gallate-mediated carbonylation. Ethyl gallate resulted in almost complete inhibition of CaMKP under the conditions where the carbonylation level was nearly identical to that of CaMKP carbonylation via metal-catalyzed oxidation with ascorbic acid/FeSO₄, which resulted in only a partial inhibition of CaMKP. The gallate-mediated carbonylation of CaMKP absolutely required divalent cations such as Mn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Co²⁺ and Fe²⁺, and was markedly enhanced by a phosphopeptide substrate. When MDA-MB-231 cells transiently expressing CaM kinase I, a CaMKP substrate, were treated by ethyl gallate, significant enhancement of phosphorylation of CaM kinase I was observed, suggesting that ethyl gallate can penetrate into cells to inactivate cellular CaMKP. All the presented data strongly support the hypothesis that CaMKP undergoes carbonylation of its specific amino acid residues by incubation with alkyl gallates and the divalent metal cations, leading to inactivation specific to CaMKP.

Sensing of oxidative stress biomarkers: The cardioprotective effect of taurine & grape seed extract against the poisoning induced by an agricultural pesticide aluminum phosphide

Aluminum phosphide is a well-known hazardous agent used as an agricultural pesticide to protect stored grains from insect damage. However, accidental consumption of a trivial amount of it caused irreversible damage to the human body or even death in acute cases. The present study used taurine and grape seed extract as a natural cardioprotective medicine against aluminum phosphide poisoning by decreasing oxidative stress. The activity of oxidative stress biomarkers (Malondialdehyde, Catalase, Protein carbonyl, and Superoxide dismutase) were evaluated in the cell line model on Human Cardiac Myocyte cells. In the beginning, to clarify the pure impact of aluminum phosphide poison, taurine, and grape seed extract on the human heart cells, their effects on the biomarkers quantity in cell line were measured. Subsequently, the effect of taurine and grape seed extract with various concentrations as a treatment on the oxidative stress biomarkers of the poisoned heart cells were studied. Data analysis reveals that taurine and grape seed extract treatment can successfully diminish the poisoning effect by their antioxidant properties. The oxidative markers values of the poisoned cells were recovered by taurine and grape seed extracts treatment. Taurine (2 g/l) can recover Malondialdehyde, Catalase, Protein carbonyl, and Superoxide dismutase by 56%, 78%, 88%, 78%, when the recovering power of grape seed extract (100 g/l) for the aforementioned enzymes are 56%, 0.71%,74%, 51%, respectively. Therefore, it is clear that the performance of taurine in the recovery of the biomarkers' value is better than grape seed extract.

Sublethal diclofenac induced oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, molecular responses and alters energy metabolism proteins in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

Reports have shown that residues of pharmaceuticals and their metabolites can pose toxicological threats to organisms living in aquatic ecosystem. Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, was exposed at 0.17, 0.34, and 0.68 mg L^-1 of diclofenac up to 60 days in a renewal static bioassay system. Antioxidant enzymes reactions, molecular responses, activities of energy metabolism proteins, and the neurotoxic potentials of the drug in the brain and fish muscle were evaluated. Antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, and also fructose 1, 6 bisphosphatase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase as well as the levels of lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl were elevated, while glutathione peroxidase, total reduced glutathione, and acetylcholinesterase in the brain and muscles of the treated groups were significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent association. Expression of superoxide dismutase (sod), catalase (cat), and heat shock proteins (hsp 70) genes in brain and muscle tissues was up-regulated. Continuous treatment with sublethal diclofenac for a long time can induce oxidative imbalance, cause neurotoxicity, and alter the expression of genes related to stress in Nile tilapia, suggesting the use of these biomarkers in monitoring the adverse effects the pharmaceuticals could cause to organisms in aquatic ecosystem for possible mitigation.

Gallic acid mitigates diclofenac-induced liver toxicity by modulating oxidative stress and suppressing IL-1β gene expression in male rats

CONTEXT

Diclofenac (DIC) is an NSAID and consumption of this drug creates side effects such as liver injury. Gallic acid (GA), a natural component of many plants, is used as an antioxidant agent.

OBJECTIVE

This study assesses the hepatoprotective effects of GA in the rat model of DIC-induced liver toxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this research, the male Wistar rats were separated into five groups (n = 6). Group 1, control, received normal saline (1 mL/kg bw, i.p.); Group 2 received DIC-only (50 mg/kg bw, i.p.); Groups 3, received DIC (50 mg/kg bw, i.p.) plus silymarin (100 mg/kg bw, po), groups 4 and 5 received DIC (50 mg/kg bw, i.p.) plus GA (50 and 100 mg/kg, po, respectively).

RESULTS

The data demonstrated that the liver levels of the GSH, GPx, SOD, and CAT significantly reduced and the levels of the serum protein carbonyl, AST, ALP, ALT, total bilirubin, MDA, serum IL-1β, and the liver IL-1β gene expression were remarkably increased in the second group compared to control group. On the other hand, treatment with GA led to a significant elevation in GSH, GPx, SOD, CAT, and a significant decrease in protein carbonyl, AST, ALP, ALT, total bilirubin, MDA, serum IL-1β, and gene expression of IL-1β in comparison with the second group. Histological changes were also ameliorated by GA oral administration. Discussion and Conclusions: The data show that the oral administration of GA could alleviate the noxious effects of DIC on the antioxidant defense system and liver tissue.

Copper-induced oxidative stress and biomarkers in the postlarvae of Penaeus indicus

The objective of the present research is to study the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protein carbonyl (PC) and the functional protein levels of metallothioneins (MT) in Penaeus indicus postlarvae (PL) upon sublethal copper exposure and to determine the biomarkers. The PL were exposed to sublethal copper of 0.164 ppm. The experiments were carried out in the laboratory over a period of 30 days with sampling intervals of 24, 48, and 96 h and 10, 20, and 30 days. The present study confirms that high oxidative stress can be induced from 24 h onwards upon sublethal exposure to copper in P. indicus PL. This is evident from the increasing levels of ROS in the exposed PL during both short-term and long-term exposures to sublethal copper. Since variability in metallothionein levels from 24 h through 30 days of experimental period was observed, metallothioneins cannot be regarded as a good biomarker as far as copper toxicity with respect to P. indicus PL is concerned. The effect of copper on protein carbonyl seems to be very rapid and consistent. The results suggest that protein carbonyl in P. indicus PL is significantly induced in a time-dependent manner upon copper exposure even at sublethal dose, and it seems reasonable to support that protein carbonyl could be used as a biomarker to copper toxicity.

Serum levels of protein carbonyl, a marker of oxidative stress, are associated with overhydration, sarcopenia and mortality in hemodialysis patients

Background

Increased oxidative stress in end-stage renal disease is regarded as one of the important mechanisms in the atherosclerosis and muscle wasting. However, studies examining the clinical significance of oxidative stress by direct measurement of these markers and its association with volume status and sarcopenia are limited.

Methods

A follow-up cross-sectional study was performed in stable hemodialysis (HD) patients and serum protein carbonyl levels were measured as a biomarker of oxidative stress. Additionally, multi-frequency body composition analysis, handgrip strength (HGS) and nutritional assessments were performed at baseline.

Results

Eighty-eight patients undergoing HD were included and 30 (34.1%) patients died during a mean follow-up of 5.2 years. The mean patient age was 60.6 ± 13.5 years, and the mean HD duration was 50.8 ± 41.3 months. In total, 16 patients (18.2%) were overhydrated, 49 (55.7%) had low HGS and 36 (40.9%) had low muscle mass. Serum protein carbonyl levels were associated with serum levels of albumin, prealbumin and transferrin, hydration status and low HGS. Overhydration (odds ratio [OR] 7.01, 95% CI 1.77–27.79, p = 0.006), prealbumin (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.83–0.99, p = 0.030), subjective global assessment (OR 3.52, 95% CI 1.08–11.46, p = 0.037) and sarcopenia (OR 3.41, 95% CI 1.02–11.32, p = 0.046) were significantly related to increased serum protein carbonyl levels. Multivariate analysis showed that the serum levels of protein carbonyl (Hazard ratio [HR] 2.37, 95% CI 1.02–5.55, p = 0.036), albumin (HR 0.17, 95% CI 0.06–0.46, p = 0.003), prealbumin (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.80–0.92, p = 0.001), overhydration (HR 2.31, 95% CI 1.26–8.71, p = 0.015) and sarcopenia (HR 2.72, 95% CI 1.11–6.63, p = 0.028) were independent determinants of all-cause mortality.

Conclusions

Serum protein carbonyl was significantly associated with overhydration, nutritional status and sarcopenia, and could be a new predictor of mortality in patients undergoing HD.

A Study on Association Between Protein Carbonyl and Anti-cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Introducing a New Supplementary Biomarker

Redox state and immune mechanisms are two major factors implicated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Regarding some limitations of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody in RA diagnosis, recruiting another strong marker of oxidative stress could lead to more definitive diagnosis. To evaluate the potential of protein carbonyl content as a supplementary biomarker for RA. Eighty patients with RA attending the Research Center from 2015 to 2016 were recruited in this study. Smoker and alcoholic subjects, or those with any other systemic illness were excluded from the study. Demographic information and clinical data were collected. Numbers of swollen and tender joints were determined and RA disease activity was assessed. Serum samples were used for assessing protein carbonyl level, platelet count, and anti-CCP antibody values. Statistical analyses for significant differences were performed according to parametric (Student t test) and nonparametric (Mann-Whitney test) tests. The correlation was determined by Pearson coefficient. There was a significant correlation between protein carbonyl levels and anti-CCP antibodies in active RA (p value = 0.01), but not in remission phase (p value = 0.28). A significant positive correlation was observed between protein carbonyl levels and platelets count in active RA (p value = 0.001), but not in remission phase (p value = 0.85). Protein carbonyl could be considered as a future cost-effective supplementary biomarker, alongside anti-CCP antibody, in active RA diagnosis as it showed a significant positive correlation with anti-CCP antibody and platelet, two major mediators in the disease pathogenesis.

Evaluation of immunological, inflammatory, and oxidative stress biomarkers in gasoline station attendants

Background

Gasoline is a complex mixture of saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, in which aromatic compounds, such as BTX (benzene, toluene, and xylene) feature as the main constituents. Simultaneous exposure to these aromatic hydrocarbons causes a significant impact on benzene toxicity. In order to detect early alterations caused in gasoline station attendants exposed to BTX compounds, immunological, inflammatory, and oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated.

Methods

A total of 66 male subjects participated in this study. The gasoline station attendants (GSA) group consisted of 38 gasoline station attendants from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The non-exposed group consisted of 28 subjects who were non-smokers and who had no history of occupational exposure. Environmental and biological monitoring of BTX exposure was performed using blood and urine.

Results

The GSA group showed increased BTX concentrations in relation to the non-exposed group (p < 0.001). The GSA group showed elevated protein carbonyl (PCO) levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines, decreased expression of CD80 and CD86 in monocytes, and reduced glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity compared to the non-exposed group (p < 0.05). BTX levels and trans,trans-muconic acid levels were positively correlated with pro-inflammatory cytokines and negatively correlated with interleukin-10 contents (p < 0.001). Increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were accompanied by increased PCO contents and decreased GST activity (p < 0.001). Furthermore, according to the multiple linear regression analysis, benzene exposure was the only factor that significantly contributed to the increased pro-inflammatory cytokines (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Taken together, these findings show the influence of exposure to BTX compounds, especially benzene, on the immunological, inflammatory, and oxidative stress biomarkers evaluated. Furthermore, the data suggest the relationship among the evaluated biomarkers of effect, which could contribute to providing early signs of damage to biomolecules in subjects occupationally exposed to BTX compounds.

The Changes of Brain Edema and Neurological Outcome, and the Probable Mechanisms in Diffuse Traumatic Brain Injury Induced in Rats with the History of Exercise

Since no definitive treatment has been suggested for diffuse traumatic brain injury (TBI), and also as the effect of exercise has been proven to be beneficial in neurodegenerative diseases, the effect of endurance exercise on the complications of TBI along with its possible neuroprotective mechanism was investigated in this study. Our objective was to find out whether previous endurance exercise influences brain edema and neurological outcome in TBI. We also assessed the probable mechanism of endurance exercise effect in TBI. Rats were randomly assigned into four groups of sham, TBI, exercise + sham and exercise + TBI. Endurance exercise was carried out before TBI. Brain edema was assessed by calculating the percentage of brain water content 24 h after the surgery. Neurological outcome was evaluated by obtaining veterinary coma scale (VCS) at - 1, 1, 4 and 24 h after the surgery. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl and histopathological changes were evaluated 24 h after the surgery. Previous exercise prevented the increase in brain water content, MDA level, histopathological edema and apoptosis following TBI. The reduction in VCS in exercise + TBI group was lower than that of TBI group. In addition, a decrease in the level of serum IL-1β and the content of brain protein carbonyl was reported in exercise + TBI group in comparison with the TBI group. We suggest that the previous endurance exercise prevents brain edema and improves neurological outcome following diffuse TBI, probably by reducing apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress.

Association of environmental exposure with hematological and oxidative stress alteration in gasoline station attendants

Gasoline station attendants spend a great deal of their time in the direct exposure to noxious substances such as benzene and byproducts of gasoline combustion. Such occupational exposure increases the risk of oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate hematological and biochemical alterations among petrol station workers. Forty gas station attendants and 39 non-attendants were recruited as exposed and control subjects, respectively. Plasma samples were evaluated for hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell count via the Sysmex KX-21 analyzer. Then, oxidized hemoglobin, methemoglobin, and hemichrome were measured spectrophotometrically. Moreover, serum antioxidant capacity and protein oxidation were evaluated. The means ± SD of hemoglobin (16.76 ± 0.14 g/dl vs 15.25 ± 0.14 g/dl), hematocrit (49.11 ± 0.36% vs 45.37 ± 0.31%), RBC count (5.85 ± 0.06 mil/μl vs 5.33 ± 0.06 mil/μl), Met-HB (1.07 ± 0.07 g/dl vs 0.39 ± 0.04 g/dl), and hemichrome (0.80 ± 0.07 g/dl vs 0.37 ± 0.02 g/dl) in the exposed group were significantly greater than the control group (P < 0.001). The results of the independent-sample t test illustrated that the FRAP test value in the exposed group (0.23 ± 0.01 mM) was significantly lower than the control group (0.34 ± 0.01 mM), while the value of the plasma protein carbonyl test in the exposed group (7.47 ± 0.33 mmol/mg protein) was meaningfully greater than the control group (5.81 ± 0.19 mmol/mg protein) (P < 0.001). In conclusion, gas station attendants suffer from higher levels of oxidative stress, and they need to take antioxidants in order to minimize the effects of oxidative stress.

Co-administration of retinoic acid and atorvastatin mitigates high-fat diet induced renal damage in rats

Obesity causes many problems such as cardiovascular and chronic kidney diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of retinoic acid and atorvastatin co-administration in kidneys protection against high-fat diet induced damage. Twenty-five male Wistar rats (200.00 ± 20.00 g) were divided into five groups: 1) Control (standard diet), 2) High-fat diet (cholesterol 1.00%, 75 days), 3) High-fat diet + atorvastatin (20.00 mg kg^-1 per day, orally, on the 30^th day, for 45 consecutive days), 4) High-fat diet + retinoic acid (5 mg kg^-1 per day, orally, on the 30^th day, for 45 consecutive days), and 5) High fat diet + atorvastatin and retinoic acid. At the end, blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histological analyses. The results showed that atorvastatin and retinoic acid alone and in combination decreased cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein and increased high-density lipoprotein in high-fat diet. Also, atorvastatin - caused total antioxidant capacity increase and protein carbonyl content decrease the in the renal tissue. Atorvastatin also prevented high-fat diet-induced renal histological injury. Treatment with atorvastatin significantly mitigates high-fat diet-induced renal changes probably due to its potent antioxidant and lipid-lowering effects. The effect of retinoic acid in renal protection in a high-fat diet is far less than that of atorvastatin. The protective effect of the combination of these two agents in the high-fat diet on the kidneys seems to be due to the effect of atorvastatin.

Serum Oxidative-Antioxidative Status in Patients With Alkaptonuria

Background

Alkaptonuria (AKU) is a rare genetic disease associated with the deposition of melanin-like pigments (ochronosis) in connective tissues. However, data regarding the effect of oxidative stress products on disease pathogenesis are limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate oxidative stress and related factors in patients with alkaptonuria and compare the findings with those in healthy control subjects.

Methods

The study sample comprised of 21 AKU patients and 19 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Serum samples were obtained to detect the total antioxidative capacity (TAC), and oxidation degradation products of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, protein carbonyls, advanced oxidation protein products, and homogentisic acid levels in urine were determined.

Results

Serum TAC, oxidation degradation products of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, and protein carbonyl levels in the AKU group were higher than those measured for the control subjects, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Moreover, a positive correlation was found between the patient's serum protein carbonyl, patient's age and AKU severity score (r = 0.492 and 0.746, respectively; P < 0.05). Furthermore, the protein carbonyl serum levels can be used to predict the disease severity score in alkaptonuria patients (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

In sum, the study results provide further support for the role of oxidation in the pathogenesis of alkaptonuria, suggesting presence of a more complex relationship than what has been previously assumed. Thus, further studies are needed to clarify these conflicting results.

Probucol Slows the Progression of Cataracts in Streptozotocin-Induced Hyperglycemic Rats

We examined the effect of probucol, an antihyperlipidemic drug with potent antioxidant properties, on cataract formation in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemic rats that were given 5% D-glucose as drinking water. Probucol treatment was initiated immediately after the induction of hyperglycemia was confirmed. Using full horizontal-plane lens images captured with an original digital camera system, the opacity of central region of lens was assessed by measuring the opaque area in the region. Central opacities were detected after 3 weeks of hyperglycemia, and progressed in a time-dependent manner. The majority of STZ-induced hyperglycemic rats developed severe cataracts after 9 weeks of hyperglycemia. Probucol slowed the progression of cataracts in a dose-dependent manner. Levels of sorbitol and protein carbonyls in lenses of STZ-induced hyperglycemic rats were higher than those of control rats. Probucol suppressed the increase in protein carbonyls, but not of sorbitol, in lenses of STZ-induced hyperglycemic rats. Probucol had no significant effect on increases in plasma concentrations of glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride observed in STZ-induced hyperglycemic rats. These results suggest that probucol slows the progression of sugar cataracts, independent of its lipid-lowering effects. The beneficial effect of probucol on cataracts is partially attributable to the attenuation of oxidative damage to lens proteins.

p38 MAPK Inhibitor (SB203580) and Metformin Reduces Aortic Protein Carbonyl and Inflammation in Non-obese Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Microvascular and macrovascular diseases are the main causes of morbidity in type 2 diabetes patients through chronic hyperglycaemic condition via oxidative stress and inflammation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) activate p38 MAPK phosphorylation and inflammation which enhances protein modification by carbonylation. The use of metformin and a p38 MAPK inhibitor is hypothesised to reduce ROS production and inflammation but effects of metformin and p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580) on ROS production and inflammation in vascular type 2 diabetes mellitus non-obese (T2DM) have not been investigated. The Goto-Kakizaki rat T2DM model was divided into three groups as T2DM, T2DM treated with 15 mg/kg bw metformin and T2DM treated with 2 mg/kg bw SB203580 for 4 weeks. Rat aortas were isolated and protein carbonyl (PC) contents were measured by spectrophotometric DNPH assay. Aortic IL-1ß level was determined by ELISA. Results showed that aortic PC contents in the T2DM group were significantly higher than in non-diabetic rats. Treatment with metformin or SB203580 significantly reduced PC contents while only metformin significantly reduced IL-1ß levels. Findings indicated that metformin reduced ROS production and inflammation in diabetic vessels and possibly reduce vascular complications in non-obese T2DM.

Oxidative stress changes observed in selected organs of African giant rats (Cricetomys gambianus) exposed to sodium metavanadate

Vanadium is a contaminant of crude oil that released into the atmosphere through burning of fossil fuels. The mechanism by which it exerts toxic influences had not been fully elucidated in African giant rat (AGR). This study investigates the mechanisms of sodium metavanadate (SMV) induced oxidative stress in AGR. A total of 24 adult male AGR weighing 600-850 g were used. Animals were randomly divided into six groups. Groups 1, 3 and 5 served as control while groups 2, 4 and 6 were treated with intraperitoneal 3 mg/kg body weight of SMV for 3, 7 and 14 days, respectively. Serum, brain, liver, testes, kidneys, spleen and lungs were harvested for biochemical assays. SMV induced significant increase in malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, sulfhydryl (total thiol) and protein carbonyl levels but decreased non-protein thiol levels in tissues accessed. A significant decrease was observed in glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels in SMV treated rats compared to controls. Serum myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase and Advanced Oxidative Protein Products (AOPP) were markedly increased while nitrous oxide levels were significantly decreased in all treated groups. SMV exposure to AGR induced oxidative stress through generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and depletion of the antioxidant defence system. These conditions could become severe with prolonged exposure.

Modifications of protein-related compounds of beef minced meat treated by high pressure

In this study, we evaluated the modifications of the protein-related compounds of minced beef treated with high pressure, including refrigeration after treatment. The free amino acid content, protein carbonyls and free thiol groups were assessed. High pressure up to 200 MPa had a significant effect. Above 300 MPa, irreversible structural changes occurred, with an increase in the protein oxidation products and a modification of the amounts of amino acids after 14 days of storage. Protein carbonyls and the free thiols were correlated with the free amino acids. These results showed that protein modifications under pressure result from both conformational and chemical changes, possibly associated with lipid changes under high-pressure treatment.

Oxidative Stress in Urothelial Carcinogenesis: Measurements of Protein Carbonylation and Intracellular Production of Reactive Oxygen Species

Oxidative stress contributes substantially to urothelial carcinogenesis. Its extent can be assessed by measurements of reactive species (mainly reactive oxygen species (ROS)), oxidatively modified damage products, and levels of various antioxidants. We presented herein the methods for the measurement of protein carbonyl content and intracellular production of ROS. Protein carbonyl is the most commonly used indicator of protein oxidation because it is early formed and relatively stable under oxidative stress. Determination of protein carbonyl relies on the derivatization of carbonyl groups (aldehydes: R-CHO and ketones: R-CO-R) with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) under strongly acidic conditions to yield stable dinitrophenyl (DNP) hydrazones. Absorbance of the DNP hydrazones at 370-375 nm is proportional to the content of carbonyl groups. To report the protein carbonyl content, it is usually normalized by total proteins. Detection of intracellular ROS production is based on oxidation of 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein-diacetate (DCFH-DA) by ROS to produce the highly fluorescent 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein (DCF). Fluorescent intensity measured at 480 nm excitation and 535 nm emission is directly proportional to the amount of ROS generated.

Sex-dependent telomere shortening, telomerase activity and oxidative damage in marine medaka Oryzias melastigma during aging

Marine medaka Oryzias melastigma at 4months (young), 8months (middle-aged) and 12months old (senior) were employed to determine age-associated change of sex ratios, sex hormones, telomere length (TL), telomerase activity (TA), telomerase transcription (omTERT) and oxidative damage in the liver. Overall, O. melastigma exhibited gradual senescence, sex differences in longevity (F>M), TL (F>M) and oxidative damage (F<M) during aging. In females, the plasma E2 level was positively correlated with TL (TRF>5kb), TA and omTERT expression (p≤0.01), and negatively correlated with liver DNA oxidation (p≤0.05). The results suggest high levels of E2 in female O. melastigma may retard TL shortening by enhancing TA via TERT transcription and/or reducing oxidative DNA damage. The findings support TL shortening as a biomarker of aging and further development of accelerated TL shortening, abnormal suppression of TA and excessive oxidative DNA damage as early molecular endpoints, indicative of advanced/premature aging in marine medaka/fish.

Antioxidant Micronutrients and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers

Chronic inflammatory diseases are the major causes of mortality in humans and recent research has improved our understanding of the major impact of life-style factors upon inflammatory diseases and conditions. One of the most influential of these is nutrition, which may drive both pro-inflammatory as well as anti-inflammatory cascades at molecular and cellular levels. There are a variety of model systems that may be employed to investigate the impact of micronutrients and macronutrients upon inflammatory pathways, many of which operate through oxidative stress, either at the level of controlling the redox state of the cell and downstream redox-regulated gene transcription factors, and other acting as free radical generating or scavenging agents. This chapter focuses upon biological sample preparation prior to assay and details methods for analyzing certain antioxidant micronutrients and biomarkers of oxidative stress.

Cytotoxicity and oxidative stress responses of silica-coated iron oxide nanoparticles in CHSE-214 cells

The present study aimed at investigating cytotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by silica-coated iron oxide nanoparticles functionalized with dithiocarbamate (Fe₃O₄ NPs) in Chinook salmon cells (CHSE-214) derived from Oncorhynchus tshawytscha embryos. A significant reduction in cell viability was evident in response to Fe₃O₄ NPs as revealed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay after 24 h of exposure. Out of the tested concentrations (10, 20, and 30 μg/ml), the highest concentration has shown significant decrease in the viability of cells after 24 h of exposure. Alterations in the morphology of CHSE-214 cells was also evident at 10 μg/ml concentration of Fe₃O₄ NPs after 24 h. Fe₃O₄ NPs elicited a significant dose-dependent reduction in total glutathione content (TGSH), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) with a concomitant increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO), and protein carbonyl (PC) at highest concentration (30 μg/ml) after 24 h of exposure. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that Fe₃O₄ NPs have potential to induce cytotoxicity in CHSE-214 cells, which is likely to be mediated through reactive oxygen species generation and oxidative stress.

Cellular and subcellular oxidative stress parameters following severe spinal cord injury

The present study undertook a comprehensive assessment of the acute biochemical oxidative stress parameters in both cellular and, notably, mitochondrial isolates following severe upper lumbar contusion spinal cord injury (SCI) in adult female Sprague Dawley rats. At 24h post-injury, spinal cord tissue homogenate and mitochondrial fractions were isolated concurrently and assessed for glutathione (GSH) content and production of nitric oxide (NO(•)), in addition to the presence of oxidative stress markers 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), protein carbonyl (PC), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Moreover, we assessed production of superoxide (O2(•-)) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in mitochondrial fractions. Quantitative biochemical analyses showed that compared to sham, SCI significantly lowered GSH content accompanied by increased NO(•) production in both cellular and mitochondrial fractions. SCI also resulted in increased O2(•-) and H2O2 levels in mitochondrial fractions. Western blot analysis further showed that reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) mediated PC and 3-NT production were significantly higher in both fractions after SCI. Conversely, neither 4-HNE levels nor LPO formation were increased at 24h after injury in either tissue homogenate or mitochondrial fractions. These results indicate that by 24h post-injury ROS-induced protein oxidation is more prominent compared to lipid oxidation, indicating a critical temporal distinction in secondary pathophysiology that is critical in designing therapeutic approaches to mitigate consequences of oxidative stress.

Free radicals and antioxidant status in chronic osteomyelitis patients: a case control study

INTRODUCTION

Osteomyelitis (OM) is a local or generalized infection of the bone and bone marrow which may be multifactorial in its causation. Chronic infection is characterised by sequestrum and involucrum formation.

AIM

The present study has been carried out for assessing the oxidative stress in chronic OM by measurement of serum oxidants {such as malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), nitrite} and the serum antioxidants {such as ascorbic acid, superoxide dismutase (SOD), ceruloplasmin (Cp), blood glutathione} by spectrophotometric method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a case control study. About 5 ml of venous blood was collected for the estimation of biochemical parameters. This study comprised of 50 OM patients diagnosed at SSLH Hospital, Varanasi and 50 healthy ages (15-35 y) and sex matched individuals.

RESULTS

Significantly increased (p<0.0001) levels of serum oxidants and significantly decreased (p<0.0001) levels of all serum antioxidants except ceruloplasmin indicated significantly increased (p<0.0001) levels in response to infections in chronic OM patients as compared to the healthy controls.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that there occurs an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants, especially an increase in oxidative stress, as measured by the levels of the parameters: serum MDA, serum protein carbonyl and serum nitrite.

Oxidative damage induced by copper and beta-cypermethrin in gill of the freshwater crayfish Procambarus clarkii

Copper (Cu) and pyrethroid are common contaminants found in the aquatic environment, and their potential toxicological effects on aquatic organisms have received extensive attention. However, the impact on crayfish species of exposure to the two chemicals are still largely unknown. The current study assessed the sublethal toxicities induced by Cu and commercial formulation of beta-cypermethrin in the freshwater crayfish Procambarus clarkii. The static test method of acute toxicity test was used. Five biomarkers of oxidative effects, i.e. reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls, and pathologic changes were determined. The results demonstrated that there was a significant increase in the contents of ROS, MDA and protein carbonyls accompanied by markedly decreased SOD and CAT activities in a concentration-dependent manner. The linear relationship between protein carbonyls induction and MDA formation was observed evidently in crayfish gills at 96h. Higher contents of ROS enhanced the risk of lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation, thus impacting vital physiological functions of gills. The results indicated that protein oxidation may be one of the main mechanisms of pollution-induced toxicity to crayfish gills. Protein carbonyl levels could be considered as a potential biomarker of exposure to environmental contaminants.

Markers of macromolecular oxidative damage in maternal serum and risk of neural tube defects in offspring

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are among the most common and severe congenital malformations. To examine the association between markers of macromolecular oxidative damage and risk of NTDs, we measured levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), protein carbonyl (PC), and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) in maternal serum samples of 117 women with NTD-affected pregnancies and 121 women with healthy term newborns. We found higher levels of 8-OHdG and PC in the NTD group than in the control group; however, we did not observe a statistically significant difference in 8-iso-PGF2α levels between the NTD and the control groups. NTD risk increased with increasing quartiles of 8-OHdG [odds ratio (OR)=1.17; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39-3.51; OR=2.19; 95% CI, 0.68-7.01; OR=3.70; 95% CI, 1.30-10.51, for the second, third, and fourth quartile relative to the lowest quartile, respectively; P=0.009], and with increasing quartiles of PC (OR=2.26; 95% CI, 0.66-7.69; OR=3.86; 95% CI, 1.17-12.80; OR=5.98; 95% CI, 1.82-19.66, for the second, third, and fourth quartile relative to the lowest quartile, respectively; P=0.002]. Serum levels of 8-OHdG were higher in women who did not take folic acid supplements during the periconceptional period. These results suggest that oxidative stress is present in women carrying pregnancies affected by NTDs.

Toxicity of copper oxide nanoparticles in the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis: a redox proteomic investigation

Relatively little is known about the fate and effects of nanomaterials even in relatively simple organisms such as Mytilus edulis. Here, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NP) are shown to induce dose-dependent toxic effects at the biochemical, physiological and tissue levels in the blue mussel. Stable CuO NP suspensions were sized by differential light scattering and nanoparticle tracking analysis to yield average particle diameters of approximately 100 nm. These were administered to M. edulis, at doses of 400, 700 and 1000 ppb. Ingested copper was predominantly located in the gill tissue with small amounts in digestive gland. Fifteen coomassie-stained spots were excised from two dimensional gel electrophoresis separations of gill tissue extacts and identified by peptide mass fingerprinting. These contained six unique proteins (alpha- and beta-tubulin, actin, tropomyosin, triosephosphate isomerase and Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase). Of these, two spots (actin and triosephosphate isomerase) showed decreased protein thiols while three (alpha-tubulin, tropomyosin and Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase) showed increased carbonylation which is indicative of protein oxidation of cytoskeleton and enzymes in response to CuO NP. The neutral red retention time (NRRT) assay revealed toxicity due to the CuO NPs which was comparable with toxic metal oxide nanoparticles such as chromium and cobalt. In contrast, non-toxic titanium and gold metal oxide nanoparticles gave no NRRT effects at similar NP concentrations. Histology revealed deposition of pigmented brown cells in response to CuO NP, located predominantly along the mantle and gill margin but also lining digestive tubules and some of the sinuses and distributed throughout the connective tissue and in the adductor muscle.

Nitrative modifications of α-enolase in hepatic proteins from diabetic rats: the involvement of myeloperoxidase

Many studies reported that oxidative and nitrative stress might be important in the pathogenesis of diabetes and the development of its complications. In this study, we showed that α-enolase (EC 4.2.1.11, 2-phospho-d-glycerate hydrolase) was identified as the important target for oxidative and nitrative modifications in diabetic hepatic proteins. After 6 weeks of streptozotocin-administration, α-enolase expression and nitration were clearly increased in diabetic rat liver, whereas the enolase activity and oxidation status were not significantly changed in diabetic group. By means of immunoprecipitation and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis, it was found that Tyr 12 and Tyr 257 of α-enolase were the most susceptible to nitration in diabetic rat liver. Moreover, myeloperoxidase (MPO) as a likely alternative mechanism for nitrative modification of α-enolase in vivo was apparently facilitated by the presence of higher MPO level and activity in diabetic liver, and fact that Tyr 12 and Tyr 191 of enolase was nitrated by MPO/nitrite/H2O2 system in vitro. Further studies in vitro indicated that carbonyl formation, rather than tyrosine nitration, might make a major contribution to the inactivation of enolase. The present results provided the new evidence for α-enolase as a susceptive target for MPO-catalyzed nitrative modification in diabetes. They also suggested a potential contribution of nitrative and oxidative modifications of enolase to an impaired glycolytic activity in diabetic hepatic injury.

The acute antinociceptive effect of hyperbaric oxygen is not accompanied by an increase in markers of oxidative stress

AIMS

Exposure to hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) causes an antinociceptive response in mice. However, breathing oxygen (O2) at an elevated pressure can potentially cause oxygen toxicity. The aim of this study was to identify the determinants of HBO2 antinociception and the toxicity profile of HBO2.

MAIN METHODS

Male NIH Swiss mice were assessed for acute antinociceptive responsiveness under room air or 100% O2 at 1.0 or 3.5 atmospheres absolute (ATA), using the acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction test. For the oxygen toxicity test, mice were exposed to 3.5 ATA oxygen for 11min, 60min, and 60min daily for 2days (120min) or 60min daily for 4days (240min), then assessed by analyzing the levels of two oxidative stress markers, MDA (malondialdehyde) and protein carbonyl in brain, spinal cord and lung.

KEY FINDINGS

Only the combination of 100% O2 and 3.5 ATA caused significant antinociception. The antinociceptive effect of 100% O2 was pressure-dependent up to 3.5 ATA. In the oxygen toxicity test, mice exposed to HBO2 for different time intervals had levels of brain, spinal cord and lung MDA and protein carbonyl that were comparable to that of control animals exposed to room air.

SIGNIFICANCE

Treatment with 100% O2 evokes a pressure-dependent antinociceptive effect. Since there was no significant increase in levels of the oxidative stress markers in the tested tissues, it is concluded that HBO2 at 3.5 ATA produces antinociception in the absence of oxidative stress in mice.

Serum thiamine concentration and oxidative stress as predictors of mortality in patients with septic shock

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study is to determine the influence of serum thiamine, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, and serum protein carbonyl concentrations in hospital mortality in patients with septic shock.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective study included all patients with septic shock on admission or during intensive care unit (ICU) stay, older than 18 years, admitted to 1 of the 3 ICUs of the Botucatu Medical School, from January to August 2012. Demographic information, clinical evaluation, and blood sample were taken within the first 72 hours of the patient's admission or within 72 hours after septic shock diagnosis for serum thiamine, GPx activity, and protein carbonyl determination.

RESULTS

One hundred eight consecutive patients were evaluated. The mean age was 57.5 ± 16.0 years, 63% were male, 54.6% died in the ICU, and 71.3% had thiamine deficiency. Thiamine was not associated with oxidative stress. Neither vitamin B1 levels nor the GPx activity was associated with outcomes in these patients. However, protein carbonyl concentration was associated with increased mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with septic shock, oxidative stress was associated with mortality. On the other hand, thiamine was not associated with oxidative stress or mortality in these patients.

Influence of lifelong dietary fats on the brain fatty acids and amphetamine-induced behavioral responses in adult rat

The influence of dietary fatty acids (FA) on mania-like behavior and brain oxidative damage were evaluated in rats. First generation of rats born and maintained under supplementation with soybean-oil (SO), fish-oil (FO) or hydrogenated-vegetable-fat (HVF), which are rich in n-6, n-3 and trans (TFA) FA, respectively, until adulthood, were exposed to an amphetamine (AMPH)-induced mania animal model to behavioral and biochemical evaluations. While AMPH caused hyperlocomotion in HVF and, to a less extent, in SO- and FO-groups, a better memory performance was observed in FO group. Among vehicle-groups, HVF increased reactive species (RS) generation and protein-carbonyl (PC) levels in cortex; FO reduced RS generation in hippocampus and decreased PC levels in hippocampus and striatum. Among AMPH-treated animals, HVF exacerbated RS generation in all evaluated brain areas and increased PC levels in cortex and striatum; FO reduced RS generation in hippocampus and decreased PC levels in hippocampus and striatum. FO was related to higher percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in cortex and striatum, while HVF was associated to higher incorporation of TFA in cortex, hippocampus and striatum, besides increased n-6/n-3 FA ratio in striatum. While a continuous exposure to TFA may intensify oxidative events in brain, a prolonged FO consumption may prevent mania-like-behavior; enhance memory besides decreasing brain oxidative markers. A substantial inclusion of processed foods, instead of foods rich in omega-3, in the long term is able to influence the functionality of brain structures related to behavioral disturbances and weaker neuroprotection, whose impact should be considered by food safety authorities and psychiatry experts.

Protein and lipid oxidative damage in healthy students during and after exam stress

Oxidative damage at cellular level is thought to be one of the mechanisms in the pathogenesis of psychological stress (anxiety). The aim of this study was to investigate lipid and protein oxidative damage in exam anxiety conditions. Blood samples were collected in two stages (during the exam period and post vacation) from 51 healthy female students after responding to Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and test anxiety questionnaire. Protein carbonyl, total thiol and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined in serum. Participants reported significantly higher levels of subjective anxiety during the exam period than post vacation. Also the level of total thiol was significantly lower during the exam period compared with post vacation (p<0.001). Meanwhile, protein carbonyl and MDA levels during the exams were significantly higher than those in post-exam period (p<0.01). During the exam period, there was a negative correlation between serum total thiol levels and the severity of anxiety (r=-0.45, p<0.01). A significant positive correlation between the changes in serum protein carbonyl and MDA levels, also between those markers and anxiety score was found during the exam period. The high level of protein carbonyl and MDA, also low level of total thiol during the exam period demonstrated an oxidative damage to proteins and lipids in stress conditions. Our results suggest that oxidative damage to cellular compounds may be one of the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of anxiety.

Simultaneous progression of oxidative stress, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation in prostate carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

To understand the association between markers of oxidative stress, levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and cell proliferation index in relation to disease progression, clinical stage, and cytologic grade in pathophysiology of prostate carcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Case control study comprised of 40 prostate carcinoma patients along with 40 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects as controls. Levels of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxy guanosine, protein carbonyl, and malondialdehyde along with total antioxidant status were measured to study the oxidative stress status in the study subjects. Angiogenesis was evaluated by studying the VEGF level and cell proliferation index.

RESULTS

The levels of markers of oxidative stress along with VEGF and cell proliferation index were found to be significantly higher with significantly decreased levels of antioxidant activity in the study subjects in comparison with healthy controls. The results indicate oxidative stress, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation activity increase progressively with the increase in staging and progression of disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Oxidative stress parameters, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation activity point clearly that with the progression of oxidative stress there is a simultaneous progression of angiogenesis, regulation and control of endothelial cell proliferation in relation to disease progression, clinical stage, and cytologic grade in the pathophysiology of prostate carcinoma.

Combinatorial Determination of Ischemia Modified Albumin and Protein Carbonyl in the Diagnosis of NonST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Ischemia modified albumin (IMA) and Protein Carbonyl (PC) have known as proteins that are modified on the similar basis of oxidative stress induced protein modification and may have diagnostic potential in acute myocardial infarction. This study aims to evaluate the ability of using IMA and PC content to diagnose Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and efficiency of combining these two markers. Serum from NSTEMI and healthy control were determined for serum IMA and PC content. The results showed that both of serum IMA level and PC content in NSTEMI was significantly higher than that of healthy controls. However, the PC content showed greater diagnostic performance than IMA. Combinatorial determination of serum IMA level with PC content level was enhanced test efficiency. In conclusion, our finding demonstrated that IMA and PC content can be used as a diagnostic marker for NSTEMI.

Oxidative stress and antioxidant status in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia

Chronic myeloid leukemia is a myeloproliferative disorder with a unique rearrangement, the Philadelphia chromosome. Oxidative stress, a pervasive condition of an increased number of reactive oxygen species, is now recognized to be prominent feature of various diseases and their progression. Thus antioxidants, which control the oxidative stress state, represent a major line of defense regulating overall true state of health. The relationship between antioxidants status and levels of well-known markers of oxidative stress that are measured as lipid peroxides and oxidized proteins reflect better health indices and postures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of oxidative stress in pathophysiology of Chronic myeloid leukemia by measuring the circulating plasma lipid peroxide levels in terms of malonyldialdehyde, total lipid hydroperoxide and oxidized proteins as protein carbonyl whereas antioxidant status were estimated in terms of reduced glutathione and total thiol in plasma of Chronic myeloid leukemia patients. The present study included 47 Chronic myeloid leukemia patients and 20 age-and sex-matched healthy subjects. Out of 47 Chronic myeloid leukemia patients, 31 were in chronic phase (CML-CP) and 16 in accelerated phase (CML-AP). The median age of Chronic myeloid leukemia patients was 33 years and that of controls was 32 years. Oxidative stress and antioxidant status in plasma were evaluated by spectrophotometric procedures. There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in plasma malonyldialdehyde, total lipid hydroperoxide and protein carbonyl levels in Chronic myeloid leukemia patients as compared to healthy subjects. Our results also showed that plasma malonyldialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels were markedly elevated (p<0.05) in both chronic phase (CML-CP) and accelerated phase (CML-AP) as compared to healthy volunteers. Antioxidant status was found to be significantly decreased (p<0.05) in Chronic myeloid leukemia patients and its phases as compared to healthy participants. It could be concluded that oxidative stress may be associated with the pathophysiology of Chronic myeloid leukemia.