Antioxidant-rich date palm fruit extract inhibits oxidative stress and nephrotoxicity induced by dimethoate in rat

Recent investigations have proved the crucial role of nutritional antioxidants to prevent the damage caused by toxic compounds. In this study, the antioxidant effect of date palm fruit extract on dimethoate-induced oxidative stress and nephrotoxicity in rat is investigated and compared with the effect of the well-known antioxidant vitamin C. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups of ten each: a control group (C), a group that received dimethoate (20 mg/kg body weight) (D), a group given Deglet Nour extract (DNE), a group treated with DNE 30 min before the administration of dimethoate (DNE + D), a group which received VitC (100 mg/kg body weight) plus dimethoate (Vit C + D), and a group given dimethoate for the first month and DNE 30 min after administration of dimethoate, during the second month (D + DNE). These components were daily administered by gavage for 2 months. After completing the treatment period, blood samples from rats were collected under inhaled diethyl ether anesthesia for serum urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels, while the rat kidneys were obtained for enzyme assays and histology. Oral administration of dimethoate in rats induced a marked renal failure characterized by a significant increase in serum creatinine and urea levels (p < 0.01) in addition to a significant decrease in serum uric acid (p < 0.05). Interestingly, these drastic modifications were accompanied by a marked enhancement of lipid peroxidation in kidney, indicating a significant induction of oxidative damage (p < 0.01) and dysfunctions of enzymatic antioxidant defenses. These biochemical alterations were also accompanied by histological changes in kidney revealed by a narrowed Bowman’s space, tubular degeneration, tubular cell desquamation, and tubular dilatation of proximal tubules. Treatment with date palm fruit extract (Deglet Nour) and also with vitamin C significantly (p < 0.05) reversed the serum renal markers to their near-normal levels when compared with dimethoate-treated rats. In addition, Deglet Nour extract and vitamin C significantly reduced lipid peroxidation, restored the antioxidant defense enzymes in the kidney, and improved the histopathology changes. The present findings indicate that in vivo date palm fruit may be useful for the prevention of oxidative stress-induced nephrotoxicity.     

Garlic supplementation prevents oxidative DNA damage in essential hypertension

Oxygen-free radicals and other oxygen/nitrogen species are constantly generated in the human body. Most are intercepted by antioxidant defences and perform useful metabolic roles, whereas others escape to damage biomolecules like DNA, lipids and proteins. Garlic has been shown to contain antioxidant phytochemicals that prevent oxidative damage. These include unique water-soluble organosulphur compounds, lipid-soluble organosulphur compounds and flavonoids. Therefore, in the present study, we have tried to explore the antioxidant effect of garlic supplementation on oxidative stress-induced DNA damage, nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide generation and on the total antioxidant status (TAS) in patients of essential hypertension (EH). Twenty patients of EH as diagnosed by JNC VI criteria (Group I) and 20 age and sex-matched normotensive controls (Group II) were enrolled in the study. Both groups were given garlic pearls (GP) in a dose of 250 mg per day for 2 months. Baseline samples were taken at the start of the study, i.e. 0 day, and thereafter 2 months follow-up. 8-Hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), lipids, lipid peroxidation (MDA), NO and antioxidant vitamins A, E and C were determined. A moderate decline in blood pressure (BP) and a significant reduction in 8-OHdG, NO levels and lipid peroxidation were observed in Group I subjects with GP supplementation. Further, a significant increase in vitamin levels and TAS was also observed in this group as compared to the control subjects. These findings point out the beneficial effects of garlic supplementation in reducing blood pressure and counteracting oxidative stress, and thereby, offering cardioprotection in essential hypertensives.     

Lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant status in patients with breast cancer

Oxidative stress is considered to be involved in the pathophysiology of all cancers. The aim of this study is to examine oxidative stress and antioxidant status in patients with breast cancer by evaluation of the serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and lipid peroxidation products as malondialdehyde (MDA) and lipid hydroperoxide and to investigate the relationship between these parameters, oxidative stress and serum lipids and lipoproteins. In our study, serum TAC, MDA, lipid hydroperoxide, HDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol (TAG), albumin and uric acid levels of 56-breast cancer patients in different clinical stages and 18 healthy women were determined. Significantly lower-levels of TAC were detected in patients with breast cancer in comparison to controls (2.01 +/- 0.01 mmol/l and 2.07 +/- 0.03 mmol/l, respectively, p < 0.05). Serum MDA levels of the patients were higher compared to the controls (3.64 +/- 0.25 microM and 2.72 +/- 0.22 microM, respectively, p < 0.05). No significant difference between lipid hydroperoxide levels of patients and controls was found (0.33 +/- 0.05 microM and 0.32 +/- 0.01 microM, respectively, p > 0.05). These data show that lower TAC and higher MDA levels i.e. increased oxidative stress may be related to breast cancer.     

Oxidative stress markers during a course of hyperthyroidism

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have shown the presence of oxidative stress in hyperthyroid patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of hyperthyroidism on lipid peroxidation, plasma lipoprotein oxidation and antioxidant status. We have estimated the clinical utility of the biochemical parameters analysed as markers of oxidative stress in hyperthyroidism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty five patients with overt hyperthyroidism because of Graves' disease or toxic multinodular goitre and 20 healthy subjects were included in the study. Lipid peroxidation was evaluated by measurement of peroxides and malondialdehyde with 4-hydroxynonenal (MDA + 4-HNE) concentrations. Autoantibodies against oxidised LDL (anti-oxLDL) were assayed as a marker of lipoprotein oxidation. Changes in the antioxidant defence system were estimated by measurement of total antioxidant status in serum (TAS) and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity (SOD). RESULTS: A significant increase in serum concentration of peroxides and MDA + 4-HNE was observed in patients with hyperthyroidism. However, no difference was found in anti-oxLDL concentration and antioxidant status parameters (TAS, SOD) between the control group and the patient group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate an intensification of the oxidative processes caused by an excess of thyroid hormones, which is not accompanied by a response from the antioxidant system. Elevated concentrations of lipid peroxidation products in serum, both peroxides and malondialdehyde with 4-hydroxynonenal, may be useful as markers of oxidative stress during the course of hyperthyroidism.     

Relevance of Non-ceruloplasmin Copper to Oxidative Stress in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Altered copper homeostasis and oxidative stress have been observed in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Non-ceruloplasmin copper, the free form, is a potent pro-oxidant than the protein bound copper. The aim of the present study was to evaluate which form of copper can be correlated with the oxidative stress in the circulation and in the malignant liver tissues of hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Hepatocellular carcinoma patients (grades II and III, n = 18) were enrolled in this study. Serum levels of total, free and bound copper, ceruloplasmin, iron, iron-binding capacity, lipid peroxidation products, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were quantified in serum and in malignant liver tissues and compared with those of normal samples (n = 20). A significant positive correlation between the serum non-ceruloplasmin copper and lipid peroxidation products and negative correlation with antioxidants were observed in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. In liver tissue, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activity were significantly decreased with concomitant elevation in oxidative stress markers. Our experiment revealed that the elevation in non-ceruloplasmin copper has high relevance with the oxidative stress than the bound copper.     

The effect of vitamin E supplementation on reduction of lymphocyte DNA damage induced by T-2 toxin and deoxynivalenol in weaned pigs

The objective of the present study was to establish the effect of deoxynivalenol (DON) and T-2 toxin on lipid peroxidation, lymphocyte DNA fragmentation and immunoglobulin production in weaned pigs, and furthermore, to evaluate the potential of vitamin E (α-tocopheryl acetate) in prevention of toxin mediated changes. Forty-eight weaned castrated male crossbred pigs (mean live weight at the beginning of the experimental period was 11.7 kg) were randomly assigned to five experimental groups: control (without toxin and vitamin E), T-2 (3 mg/kg T-2 toxin), T-2 + E (3 mg/kg T-2 toxin + 100 mg/kg vitamin E), DON (4 mg/kg DON) and DON + E (4 mg/kg DON + 100 mg/kg vitamin E). After 14 days of treatment blood was collected for analysis. Lipid peroxidation was studied by assays of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS) of plasma and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPx). DNA damage in lymphocytes was measured by comet assay. Serum immunoglobulin levels were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the hepatotoxicity was studied by measuring plasma liver enzyme levels (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and γ-glutamyl-transferase (GGT). Production parameters of both DON groups were significantly impaired in comparison to the control. DON significantly increased the amount of DNA damage in lymphocytes by 28%. Moreover, the levels of TAS were lowered by addition of DON. T-2 toxin significantly impaired daily live weight gain and feed conversion, increased the amount of DNA damage in lymphocytes by 27%, decreased total serum IgG and did not alter plasma TAS. Plasma and 24-h urinary malondialdehyde (MDA) excretion rate and erythrocyte Gpx levels did not differ among the groups. Supplementation with vitamin E did not improve production parameters impaired by DON and T-2 toxin and only partially protected lymphocyte DNA from toxin impact. To our knowledge, these are the first data on genotoxic effects of moderate doses of DON and T-2 toxin on pig lymphocytes. The effect of DON and T-2 toxin on the immune system was reflected as a change in immunoglobulin synthesis, which might be toxin and species specific. According to other results no major induction of oxidative stress could be proven. Enhancement of antioxidant status with vitamin E in the case of DON and T-2 toxin intoxication can be beneficial for remaining the lymphocyte DNA integrity.     

Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in blood and tissue of malignant breast tumor and benign breast disease

Changes in the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrate and nitrite (as an index of nitric oxide production), lipid hydroperoxide (LOH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipids (total cholesterol and triglycerides) and lipoproteins (HDL- and LDL-cholesterol) were estimated in breast cancer patients (n = 15) and benign breast disease (n = 15). Serum and tissue MDA levels were found to be decreased in breast cancer patients compared to the benign group (p < 0.05). In contrast, nitrate and nitrite levels were increased in serum and tissue of the cancer group compared to benign breast disease patients (p < 0.05). Compared to the benign group, tissue TAC levels were elevated in the breast cancer patient group (p < 0.05). Total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were elevated in the benign group compared with cancer patients (p < 0.05). These findings support the hypothesis that lipid peroxidation in serum and tissue of benign breast disease is greater than in breast cancer. However, the enhanced levels of nitric oxide may be in response to inflammation in patients with breast cancer. Total antioxidant status is lower in benign tissue than in cancerous tissue, probably to compensate for this elevated free radical production.     

Alterations of oxidative-antioxidative status in human cutaneous leishmaniasis

Enhanced lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant defences have been defined in several diseases. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the oxidative-antioxidative status of patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Concentrations of erythrocyte lipid peroxidation (LPO), as an indicator for the oxidative status, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and serum vitamin C levels, as indicators for the antioxidative status, were measured. Seventy patients aged between 15 and 50 years (38 patients had active CL and 32 patients had healed CL) and 40 healthy controls aged between 19 and 50 years were included in the study. LPO and GSH of the patients with active CL were significantly higher (p < 0.001), whereas erythrocyte GSH-Px and serum vitamin C levels were lower (p < 0.001, p < 0.01 respectively) than those of healthy controls. There was a significant inverse correlation between LPO and serum vitamin C level (r=-0.32, p < 0.05) in active CL. No significant correlation of LPO, GSH, GSH-Px and serum vitamin C levels in control groups or in the group with healed CL was detected. In the light of our findings it is possible to conclude that patients having CL are affected by oxidative stress, which most likely induces the endogenous antioxidant system. An imbalance between the oxidant and antioxidant systems occurs and the suppressed antioxidants and increased lipid peroxidation may contribute to the progression of the disease.     

Effect of Selenium Supplementation on Lipid Peroxidation,Antioxidant Enzymes,and Lactate Levels in Rats Immediately After Acute Swimming Exercise

The present study aims to evaluate the effect of selenium supplementation on lipid peroxidation and lactate levels in rats subjected to acute swimming exercise. Thirty-two adult male rats of Sprague–Dawley type were divided into four groups. Group 1, control; group 2, selenium-supplemented; group 3, swimming control; group 4, selenium-supplemented swimming group. The animals in groups 2 and 4 were supplemented with (i.p.) 6 mg/kg/day sodium selenite for 4 weeks. The blood samples taken from the animals by decapitation method were analyzed in terms of erythrocyte-reduced glutathione (GSH), serum glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and lactate using the colorimetric method, and serum selenium values using an atomic emission device. In the study, the highest MDA and lactate values were found in group 3, while the highest GSH, GPx and SOD values were obtained in group 4 (p < 0,001). Group 2 had the highest and group 3 had the lowest selenium levels (p < 0,001). Results of the study indicate that the increase in free radical production and lactate levels due to acute swimming exercise in rats might be offset by selenium supplementation. Selenium supplementation may be important in that it supports the antioxidant system in physical activity.     

Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Attenuates Bisphosphonate-Induced Oxidative Injury but Decreases Zinc and Copper Levels in Oral Epithelium of Rat

Recent studies have reported oxidative damage due to bisphosphonate (BP) in various cancer tissues and neurons, although basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) induced antioxidant effects in the cells. The bFGF may modulate the BP-induced oxidative stress in oral epithelium of rats. This study was undertaken to explore possible beneficial antioxidant effects of bFGF on oxidative stress induced by BP in oral epithelium of rats. Twenty-eight rats were equally divided into four groups. The first group was used as control. The second, third and fourth groups intraperitoneally received BP (zoledronic acid), bFGF and BP + bFGF. At the end of 10 weeks, the rats were sacrificed, and oral epithelium samples were taken for analyses. In BP group, the lipid peroxidation levels were increased in the oral epithelium, while the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and the concentrations of total antioxidant status (TAS) were decreased. In rats treated with bFGF, lipid peroxidation levels decreased, and the activities of GSH-Px and concentrations of TAS improved in the oral epithelium. However, zinc and copper levels were decreased in the oral epithelium by BP and bFGF treatments. Concentrations of vitamin E and reduced glutathione in the samples did not change in the groups. In conclusion, treatment with bFGF modulated the antioxidant redox system and reduced the oral epithelium oxidative stress induced by BP. However, zinc and copper levels were decreased by BP and bFGF treatments.     

Plasma and erythrocyte lipid peroxidation levels in patients with testis tumor after orchiectomy

Plasma and erythrocyte lipid peroxidation levels of 20 patients with histopathologically confirmed testis cancer and 20 healthy control individuals were studied between November 1995 and June 1997. The group with testis cancer had a mean age of 24.8±8.2 yr and the control group’s mean age was 28.3±6.9 yr. Stage distribution of the testis cancer cases were 4 of stage A, 10 of stage B, and 6 of stage C. Blood samples of the patients were drawn after orchiectomy and after 12 h fasting before chemotherapy. Mean plasma and erythrocyte lipid peroxidation levels were detected to be 14.51±5.30 nmol malondialdehide (MDA)/mL and 9.30±2.06 nmol MDA/g hemoglobin (Hb), respectively, in the testis cancer group, whereas the healthy control group had mean plasma and erythrocyte lipid peroxidation levels of 10.7±1.82 nmol MDA/mL and 6.18±1.68 nmol MDA/g Hb, respectively. Plasma and erythrocyte lipid peroxidation values of the testis cancer patients were determined to be statistically significantly higher than that of the health control group (p<0.001, p<0.001). No significant correlation was determined between plasma, erythrocyte lipid peroxidation levels and tumor markers. In conclusion, it can be said that an increase in the lipid peroxidation may play a role in the pathogenesis of testis carcinomas in addition to the other causes.     

Serum Selenium Concentrations Correlate Significantly with Inflammatory Biomarker High-sensitive CRP Levels in Hungarian Gestational Diabetic and Healthy Pregnant Women at Mid-pregnancy

Selenium is an essential trace element and a component of various enzymes with antioxidant functions. High-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is an early indicator of increased lipid peroxidation. The serum selenium concentration, lipid parameters, and hsCRP values of gestational diabetic pregnant women (GD), control pregnant women (CP), and healthy nonpregnant controls (HC) were compared. Blood was taken between the 24th and the 28th week of pregnancy when the oral glucose tolerance test was performed. Selenium concentration was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry after hydride generation. HsCRP was measured by immunturbidimetry. HC had significantly higher serum selenium concentrations than GD and CP women (HC = 77.4 ± 14.82, GD = 51.7 ± 11.62, and CP = 40.5 ± 8.03 μg/l, respectively). HsCRP values of both GD and nondiabetic pregnant women were significantly higher compared to controls. Significant negative correlations were found between serum selenium and total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and hsCRP values indicating that low selenium levels are associated with increased lipid peroxidation. Serum selenium concentrations of Hungarian pregnant women are low compared to internationally published data.     

Enhanced testicular antioxidant capacity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is associated with diabetic impairment of testicular function, ultimately leading to reduced fertility. Its etiology may involve oxidative damage by reactive oxygen substances, and protection against this damage can be offered by antioxidant supplementation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of intraperitoneal administration of vitamin C and E, selenium (Se), and vitamin E plus Se (COM) on concentrations of lipid peroxide (as malondialdehyde; MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and vitamin E concentrations and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in the testes of rats with diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ). Sixty groups were used (10 animals each) and these animals were initially allocated to two groups: control group and diabetic group. The diabetic group was subdivided into five groups as follows: diabetic control (DC), vitamin E, Se, COM, and vitamin C. Animals in the DC group and vitamin C, vitamin E, Se, and COM groups were made diabetic by the injection of STZ on 4 d after an injection of vitamins C and E, Se, and COM. Those vitamins and Se were also administered for 21 consecutive days. The MDA, vitamin E, GSH levels, and GSH-Px activities in testes were determined. Although the vitamin E concentration was higher in the control than in the DC group, the MDA levels were found to be lower in the control than in the DC group. The MDA levels in the testes samples of vitamin C, vitamin E, Se, and COM groups were lower than the DC group. However, GSH-Px activity and GSH levels in the testes were not significantly different between the control and DC groups. Vitamin E concentrations in the vitamin C, vitamin E, Se, and COM groups and GSH levels and GSH-Px activities in the Se, COM, and vitamin C groups were higher than either the control or DC group. The results indicate that reactive oxygen substances may be involved in possible testicular complications in diabetes of rats. Administration of vitamins C and E and Se reduced the testicular lipid peroxidation; these vitamins and Se had significant protective effects on testes of rats against oxidative damage in diabetes. Abstract of the study was presented at the conference Trace Elements in Men and Animals-11. June 2–6, 2002; Dr. Naziroğlu has been awarded a TEMA11 Investigative Scientist Award.     

Colchicine Modulates Oxidative Stress in Serum and Leucocytes from Remission Patients with Family Mediterranean Fever Through Regulation of Ca<Superscript>2+</Superscript> Release and the Antioxidant System

We investigated the effects of colchicine on oxidative stress and Ca²⁺ release in serum and polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) of Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) patients with attack, remission and unremission periods. Eighteen FMF patients and six age-matched healthy subjects in four groups were used. The first group was a control. The second group included patients with active FMF. The third and fourth groups were patients with remission and unremission, respectively. Colchicine (1.5 mg/day) was given to the third and fourth groups for 1 month. PMN cells, serum lipid peroxidation and intracellular Ca²⁺-release levels in the attack and unremission groups were higher than in those in controls, although they were lower in the remission group than in the attack group. Serum vitamin E and β-carotene concentrations were higher in the remission group than in the control and attack groups. However, PMN, serum lipid peroxidation and Ca²⁺-release levels were further increased in the unremission group compared to the attack group. Glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione and vitamin A values in the four groups did not change by FMF and colchicine. In conclusion, we observed that colchicine induced protective effects on oxidative stress by modulating vitamin E, β-carotene and Ca²⁺-release levels in FMF patients with a remission period.     

Breath alkanes as a marker of oxidative stress in different clinical conditions

We assessed oxidative stress in three different clinical conditions: smoking, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and inflammatory bowel disease, using breath alkane output and other lipid peroxidation parameters such as plasma lipid peroxides (LPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Antioxidant micronutrients such as selenium, vitamin E, C, beta-carotene and carotenoids were also measured. Lipid peroxidation was significantly higher and antioxidant vitamins significantly lower in smokers compared to nonsmokers. Beta-carotene or vitamin E supplementation significantly reduced lipid peroxidation in that population. However, vitamin C supplementation had no effect. In HIV-infected subjects, lipid peroxidation parameters were also elevated and antioxidant vitamins reduced compared to seronegative controls. Vitamin E and C supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation with a trend toward a reduction in viral load. In patients with inflammatory bowel disease, breath alkane output was also significantly elevated when compared to healthy controls. A trial with vitamin E and C is underway. In conclusion, breath alkane output, plasma LPO and MDA are elevated in certain clinical conditions such as smoking, HIV infection, and inflammatory bowel disease. This is associated with lower levels of antioxidant micronutrients. Supplementation with antioxidant vitamins significantly reduced these lipid peroxidation parameters. The results suggest that these measures are good markers for lipid peroxidation.     

Apple Cider Vinegar Modulates Serum Lipid Profile,Erythrocyte, Kidney,and Liver Membrane Oxidative Stress in Ovariectomized Mice Fed High Cholesterol

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potentially beneficial effects of apple cider vinegar (ACV) supplementation on serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, liver and kidney membrane lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant levels in ovariectomized (OVX) mice fed high cholesterol. Four groups of ten female mice were treated as follows: Group I received no treatment and was used as control. Group II was OVX mice. Group III received ACV intragastrically (0.6 % of feed), and group IV was OVX and was treated with ACV as described for group III. The treatment was continued for 28 days, during which the mice were fed a high-cholesterol diet. The lipid peroxidation levels in erythrocyte, liver and kidney, triglycerides, total, and VLDL cholesterol levels in serum were higher in the OVX group than in groups III and IV. The levels of vitamin E in liver, the kidney and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and erythrocyte-reduced glutathione (GSH) were decreased in group II. The GSH-Px, vitamin C, E, and β-carotene, and the erythrocyte GSH and GSH-Px values were higher in kidney of groups III and IV, but in liver the vitamin E and β-carotene concentrations were decreased. In conclusion, ACV induced a protective effect against erythrocyte, kidney, and liver oxidative injury, and lowered the serum lipid levels in mice fed high cholesterol, suggesting that it possesses oxidative stress scavenging effects, inhibits lipid peroxidation, and increases the levels of antioxidant enzymes and vitamin.     

Serum prolidase enzyme activity and oxidative status in patients with Behçet's disease

Abstract

Objectives

To assess serum prolidase enzyme activity and oxidative stress in patients with Behçet's disease (BD).

Methods

The study population consisted of BD patients (n = 42) and healthy participants (n = 29). BD patients were classified as active (n = 18) or inactive (n = 24) according to disease activity. Serum prolidase enzyme activity, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidative status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured.

Results

In BD patients with active disease, serum prolidase activity was significantly higher compared with the inactive and control participants. Serum prolidase activity was also significantly higher in all BD patients in comparison with controls. Serum prolidase activity was also positively correlated with OSI, C-reactive protein, and active BD. MDA, TOS, and OSI levels were all significantly higher in the BD group when compared with the healthy control participants. Serum TAS levels were significantly lower in BD patients in comparison with healthy controls.

Conclusion

High prolidase activity may indicate critical biological activities relevant to pathological events in BD, and this activity may be a biological indicator of disease. Further studies are needed to verify these findings.     

Paraoxonase and arylesterase activities in fibromyalgia

We aimed to evaluate the association of serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities and oxidative/antioxidative status in patients with fibromyalgia. Forty-two patients with fibromyalgia and 53 healthy controls were included in the study. Serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were measured spectrophotometrically. Oxidative and antioxidative status were evaluated by measuring serum lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) levels, total antioxidant status (TAS) and free sulfhydryl groups (-SH = total thiol). Lipid parameters were determined by routine laboratory methods. Serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities, and TAS were lower in patients with fibromyalgia than in controls (P < 0.001, for all), and the -SH level was also lower in the patient group (P = 0.03). LOOH levels were higher in the patient group than in controls (P = 0.01). Our results suggest that patients with fibromyalgia were exposed to oxidative stress, and paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were decreased in these patients. Patients with fibromyalgia might be prone to development of atherosclerosis with reduced paraoxonase and arylesterase activities.     

Clemizole hydrochloride,a potent TRPC5 calcium channel inhibitor,prevents cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in Spraque–Dawley rats

Cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (cisplatin, Cis) is widely employed to treat several types of cancer. It has many important toxic side effects; one of the most important of which is nephrotoxicity. Clemizole hydrochloride (Clem) as the most potent inhibitor of TRPC5 channels was tested in an animal model of Cis-induced nephrotoxicity. Rats were divided into the following groups: control; Cis (8 mg/kg); Cis + 1 mg/kg Clem; Cis + 5 mg/kg Clem; Cis + 10 mg/kg Clem. Kidney injury was detected by histopathological and biochemical analysis. Urine urea nitrogen (UUN), creatinine, urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), serum catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) were studied using a colorimetric assay. Nephrin, synaptopodin, and Rac family small GTPase 1 (RAC1) expressions were detected by Western blot analysis. Cis was found to induce histopathological alterations, including tubular degeneration, congestion, hemorrhage, hyaline casts, glomerular collapse, and apoptotic cell death. Clem at a dose of 1 and 5 mg/kg attenuated histopathological alterations. UUN, creatinine, and NGAL levels increased in the Cis-administered group, while all doses of Clem decreased in those. CAT and TAS levels decreased, while TOS and oxidative stress index levels increased in the Cis-treated group. A dose of 1 and 5 mg Clem showed antioxidant effects against oxidative stress. Cis induced lipid peroxidation by increasing MDA levels. All doses of Clem reduced MDA levels. Nephrin and synaptopodin expressions were decreased by Cis, and all doses of Clem increased that. All doses of Clem successfully depressed RAC1 expression. Clem showed a highly ameliorating effect on toxicity caused by Cis by blocking TRPC5 calcium channels.     

Coenzyme Q10, Copper,Zinc, and Lipid Peroxidation Levels in Serum of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation is associated with increased level of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and lipid peroxidation (malodialdehyde, MDA). The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of lipid peroxidation, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), Zn, and Cu in the COPD exacerbations. Forty-five patients with COPD acute exacerbation and 45 healthy smokers as control group were used in the study. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were lower in exacerbation group than in control. C- reactive protein levels, white blood cell count, and sedimentation rate were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in patients than in control. CoQ10 level and Cu/Zn ratio was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in patients than in control, although MDA, Cu, and Zn levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in patients than in control. Negative correlations were found among MDA, Cu, Zn, FEV1, and FVC values in exacerbation and control subjects (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we observed that oxidative stress in the exacerbation period of COPD patients was increased. The decrease in CoQ10 level and Cu/Zn ratio and elevation in Cu and Zn levels observed in the patients probably result from the defense response of organism and are mediated by inflammatory-like substances.