Erythrocyte antioxidative enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation levels in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis

Although cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a local infection, the cellular immune response against the disease is systemic, and reactive oxygen intermediates (ROIs) are an important part of cellular immune response involved in killing the parasite. However, whether these intermediates cause oxidative damage in host is unknown. In this study, the metabolism of ROIs were investigated in patients with CL, and compared with healthy subjects. Erythrocyte lipid peroxidation was determined, as an index of oxidative damage, by measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Erythrocyte MDA levels and SOD activities were found to be significantly higher in CL patients than in control subjects (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively). However, CAT and GSH-Px activities were significantly lower in the CL group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). There was a tendency to decreased hemoglobin (Hb) levels, but values did not reach statistical significance. These findings suggest that changes in antioxidant enzyme activities may amplify the leishmanicidal effect in patients with CL. However, these changes may not only cause the killing of parasite but also may cause oxidative damage in the other cells or tissues.     

Effectiveness of moderate green tea consumption on antioxidative status and plasma lipid profile in humans

The antioxidant activity of green tea (GT) has been extensively studied; however, the results obtained from dietary intervention studies are controversial. In the present study we investigated the effect of the addition of two cups of GT (containing approximately 250 mg of total catechins) to a controlled diet in a group of healthy volunteers with respect to a group following the same controlled diet but not consuming GT. Antioxidant status and lipid profile in plasma, the resistance from oxidative damage to lipid and DNA, and the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in isolated lymphocytes were measured at the beginning and the end of the trial. After 42 days, consumption of GT caused a significant increase in plasma total antioxidant activity [from 1.79 to 1.98 micromol Trolox equivalent (TE)/ml, P<.001], significant decreases in plasma peroxides level (from 412 to 288 Carr U, P<.05) and induced DNA oxidative damage in lymphocytes (from 14.2% to 10.1% of DNA in tail, P<.05), a moderate although significant decrease in LDL cholesterol (from 119.9 to 106.6 mg/dL, P<.05) with respect to control. The present study suggests the ability of GT, consumed within a balanced controlled diet, to improve overall the antioxidative status and to protect against oxidative damage in humans.     

Nickel-induced changes in lipid peroxidation, antioxidative enzymes, and metal accumulation in Lemna gibba

In this study, an experiment was carried out to study the process of stress adaptation in Lemna gibba grown under nickel stress (0-20 mg Ni L(-1)). The results showed that Ni concentrations in plants increased with increasing Ni supply levels and reached a maximum of 142.82 mg.kg1 DW at 0.5 mg x L(-1) Ni treatments. The level of photosynthetic pigments (Chl a, Chi b, and total Chl) and soluble proteins increased upon exposure to high Ni concentrations. At the same time, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) increased with increasing Ni concentration. These results suggested an alleviation of stress that was presumably the results of antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) which generally increased linearly with increasing Ni levels. In addition, the proline content in L. gibba increased with increasing nickel levels. Our present work concluded that Lemna gibba has a high level of nickel tolerance and accumulation. We also found that moderate nickel treatment (0.05-5 mg x L(-1)) alleviated oxidative stress in plants, while the addition of higher amounts of nickel (10-20 mg x L(-1)) could cause an increasing generation of ROS, which was effectively scavenged by the antioxidative system. Therefore, L. gibba may be used as a phytoremediator in moderately polluted aquatic ecosystems.     

Biomarkers of antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation in elderly patients with hypertension

Objective: The objective of the present study was to examine selected parameters of the blood redox system in elderly patients with hypertension.examine selected parameters of the blood redox system in elderly patients with hypertension. Methods: We analyzed differences in redox-associated molecules and enzymes among elderly hypertensive subjects (age above 65?years, n?=?49) and two groups of normotensive subjects (<65 years old – Control group I; n?=?27, and >65 – Control group II; n?=?30). Results: Decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes, increased lipid peroxidation and reduced production of nitric oxide were observed in hypertensive subjects, compared to healthy younger controls, or those of the same age. In healthy controls, an age-related decrease in the production of nitric oxide and the activities of SOD-1 and GPx-1 was also evident. The pathology of hypertension was characterised by further, significant decreases in the values of these parameters. When the subgroups of females and males were compared to their respective controls, a compromised redox balance was observed that was more evident in female hypertensives. Discussion: Hypertension in elderly patients is accompanied by changes in biomarkers of antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation status, which significantly differ from those observed in healthy ageing subjects. Our study also suggests that the relationship of gender and changes in redox balance with regard to hypertension should be further explored.     

Antioxidants and lipid peroxidation status in the blood of patients with alopecia

The aim of this research was to determine levels in blood of vitamin E, beta-carotene, lipid peroxidation as thiobarbituric-acid reactive substances (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GSH) and activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in patients with alopecia. Studies were carried out on 37 patients with alopecia and 34 healthy age-matched controls. Red blood cell (RBC) and plasma samples from healthy and patient subjects were taken. Beta-cartotene levels (P<0. 001) in plasma and levels of GSH (P>0.05) and the activity of GSH-Px (P<0.05, P<0.01) in both plasma and RBC samples were significantly lower in patients with alopecia than in controls, whereas TBARS levels in plasma (P<0.05) and RBC (P<0.001) samples were significantly higher in patients with alopecia than in controls. However, vitamin E levels in plasma did not differ statistically. Although being far from conclusive, these results provide some evidence for a potential role of increased lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidants in alopecia.     

Carvedilol inhibition of lipid peroxidation. A new antioxidative mechanism

To define the molecular mechanism(s) of carvedilol inhibition of lipid peroxidation we have utilized model systems that allow us to study the different reactions involved in this complex process.

Carvedilol inhibits the peroxidation of sonicated phosphatidylcholine liposomes triggered by FeCl₂ addition whereas atenolol, pindolol and labetalol are ineffective. The inhibition proved not to be ascribable (a) to an effect on Fe²⁺ autoxidation and thus on the generation of oxygen derived radical initiators; (b) to the scavenging of the inorganic initiators O^·-₂ and ^·OH; (c) to an effect on the reductive cleavage of organic hydroperoxides by FeCl₂; (d) to the scavenging of organic initiators. The observations that (a) carvedilol effectiveness is inversely proportional to the concentration of FeCl₂ and lipid hydroperoxides in the assay; (b) the drug prevents the onset of lipid peroxidation stimulated by FeCl₃ addition and; (c) it can form a complex with Fe³⁺, suggest a molecular mechanism for carvedilol action. It may inhibit lipid peroxidation by binding the Fe³⁺ generated during the oxidation of Fe²⁺ by lipid hydroperoxides in the substrate. The lag time that carvedilol introduces in the peroxidative process would correspond to the time taken for carvedilol to be titrated by Fe³⁺; when the drug is consumed the Fe³⁺ accumulates to reach the critical parameter that stimulates peroxidation. According to this molecular mechanism the antioxidant potency of carvedilol can be ascribed to its ability to bind a species, Fe³⁺, that is a catalyst of the process and to its lipophilic nature that concentrates it in the membranes where Fe³⁺ is generated by a site specific mechanism.     

Effect of metformin on renal microsomal proteins, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in dexamethasone-induced type-2 diabetic mice

An SDS-PAGE analysis of renal microsomal fraction of albino mice was performed to study the involvement of proteins in dexamethasone-induced type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and their alterations by metformin, a widely accepted oral antidiabetic drug. In addition, changes in renal lipid peroxidation (LPO), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH) content, as well as renal somatic index (RSI) and daily rate of water consumption were also investigated. While dexamethasone administration (1.0 mg/kg for 21 days) expressed two renal proteins (43 kDa and 63.23 kDa), in addition to the increased fasting serum levels of glucose and insulin, renal LPO, RSI and daily rate of water consumption, a parallel decrease in renal SOD, CAT and GSH was also observed. Treatment with metformin normalized these alterations including the renal proteins and LPO, confirming its efficacy in ameliorating dexamethasone-induced type-2 DM and also the association of two proteins with type-2 DM.     

Interrelationship between serum lipid profile,serum hormones and other components of the metabolic syndrome

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between the serum lipid profile and components of the metabolic syndrome, such as central obesity (anthropometric, computed tomography and fat cell data), insulin, sex-hormone-binding-globulin (SHBG) and different hormones influencing this important syndrome, e.g. sex steroids, leptin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). The sample consisted of 85 obese patients (30 men and 55 women) who had undergone abdominal surgery. Fasting serum lipids were analysed, as well as anthropometric and computed tomography data, perivisceral and subcutaneous fat cell size and serum glucose and hormones. Abdominal fat revealed itself as an important correlator of the adverse changes in plasma lipoprotein levels, the waist-to-hip-ratio and waist-to-thigh-ratio being the best morphological correlators in men and women, respectively. Intra-abdominal fat (VA) correlated significantly and positively to perivisceral fat cell size in women, while no correlation was found between subcutaneous fat accumulation (SA) and adipocyte size in both genders. Perivisceral fat cell size showed the greatest number of correlations with the adverse plasma lipid profile compared to that in the subcutaneous depot. SHBG and sex steroids showed a negative correlation with serum lipids considered a cardiovascular risk. In contrast, TNF-alpha and C-peptide were inversely correlated with potential protector lipids. In conclusion, abdominal obesity, adipocyte hypertrophy from visceral fat, serum TNF-alpha and C-peptide seem to be the best correlators of the lipoprotein disturbance characteristic of the metabolic syndrome, whereas SHBG and sex steroids could play a protective role regarding the lipid profile associated to this syndrome.     

Role of zinc on lipid peroxidation and antioxidative enzymes in intestines of ethanol-fed rats

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of zinc on lipid peroxidation and various antioxidative enzymes in the intestines of male Wistar rats fed on ethanol. It was observed that NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation (LP) was significantly increased upon ethanol treatment for 4 and 8 wk. The concentraton of glutathione as well as the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) were also found to be significantly increased upon ethanol feeding at all of the treatment intervals. The glutathione levels were found to be further elevated upon combined zinc and ethanol treatments. Interestingly, the administration of zinc to ethanol-fed rats was able to bring down the elevated levels of LP, catalase, SOD, and GPx, thus indicating the antiperoxidative potential of zinc under such conditions.     

Iron induction of lipid peroxidation and effects on antioxidative enzyme activities in rice leaves

Lipid peroxidation in relation to toxicity of detached rice leavescaused by excess iron (FeSO₄) was investigated. ExcessFeSO₄, which was observed to induce toxicity, enhanced the contentoflipid peroxidation but not the content of H₂O₂.Superoxidedismutase activity was reduced by excess FeSO₄. Ascorbate peroxidaseand glutathione reductase activities were increased by excess FeSO₄.Free radical scavengers, such as mannitol and reduced glutathione, inhibitedexcess iron-induced toxicity and at the same time inhibited excessiron-enhancedlipid peroxidation, suggesting that lipid peroxidation enhanced by excess ironis mediated through free radicals.     

Inhibition of lipoxygenase-dependent lipid peroxidation by quercetin: Mechanism of antioxidative function

Quercetin inhibited soybean lipoxygenase-1-dependent linoleic acid peroxidation. Two to three μM quercetin was required for 50% inhibition. During the inhibition, quercetin was oxidized. The oxidation was observed as an absorbance decrease at about 380 nm and an absorbance increase at about 335 nm. Inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation by quercetin seems to be due to reduction by the reagent of the linoleic acid radical formed as an intermediate during lipoxygenation. Quercetin oxidation was suppressed by ascorbate under conditions when ascorbate did not affect lipoxygenase-dependent linoleic acid peroxidation. The results suggest that ascorbate can reduce the quercetin oxidized by the linoleic acid radical back to quercetin. Based on the results, the significance of a redox reaction between oxidized quercetin and ascorbate is discussed.     

Egg yolk improves lipid profile, lipid peroxidation and retinal abnormalities in a murine model of genetic hypercholesterolemia

Carotenoids are believed to inhibit oxidative stress. We investigated the protective effect of lutein and egg yolk supplementation on systemic and retinal alterations in apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE-/-) mice, an experimental model of hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular disease. Three-month-old wild-type and apoE-/- mice received one of the following: vehicle, lutein (0.09 mg/kg per day) or egg yolk (0.8 g/kg per day), by gastroesophageal cannula for 3 months. Total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG) and lipid peroxidation (TBARS) were measured in plasma. TBARS levels were also determined in retinal homogenates. Ultrastructural morphology was analyzed by electron microscopy. ApoE-/- mice, with increased TC and TG concentrations, had higher systemic (P<.05) and retinal (P<.01) levels of lipid peroxidation than wild-type strains. Electron microscopy showed ultrastructural alterations (basal laminar deposits, open intercellular junctions, increased cytoplasmic vacuoles) in the retinas from apoE-/- mice. Egg yolk significantly reduced plasma TG (P<.05) and, without changes in TC, decreased plasma lipid peroxidation (P<.05). Lutein supplementation marginally affected the parameters. Less severe retinal ultrastructural alterations were observed in apoE-/- mice receiving either egg yolk or lutein. In the apoE-/- mouse model, egg yolk improved the lipid profile and reduced systemic lipid peroxidation (P<.05). While lutein and egg yolk did not seem to reduce retinal lipid peroxidation, a reduction in retinal ultrastructural alterations was observed.     

Antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation in hemodialysis patients undergoing erythropoietin and erythropoietin-vitamin E combined therapy

In this study, plasma and red blood cell (RBC) antioxidant status and plasma lipid peroxidation were investigated in 46 hemodialysis patients. In addition, the effect of erythropoietin (EPO) and EPO-vitamin E combination therapy on plasma and RBC antioxidant status, and plasma lipid peroxidation were examined.

There were 10 healthy subjects in the control group and 10 hemodialysis patients in the untreated group. The third group included 36 hemodialysis patients that were given EPO (100 U/kg) for 3 months, 3 times per week. The fourth group included 36 hemodialysis-patients from the EPO group that were given EPO at a 50% decreased dose + vitamin E (300 mg/day) for 3 months.

MDA levels in the untreated group, the EPO group and the EPO + vitamin E groups were found to be higher than the control group (p<0.001, in both). Furthermore, MDA levels in both of the treatment groups were lower when compared to the untreated group (p<0.001, in both). Plasma vitamin E levels in the untreated, the EPO group and EPO + vitamin E groups were lower than the control group (p<0.001). In contrast, plasma vitamin E levels in the treatment groups were higher in comparison with the control group (p<0.05). SOD activities in the untreated, the EPO group and the EPO + vitamin E groups were found to be lower than the control group (p<0.001). SOD activities in the treatment groups were higher than the control group (p<0.001). The SOD activities in the EPO + vitamin E group increased when compared to the EPO group (p<0.001). CAT activities in the untreated, the EPO group and the EPO + vitamin E groups were found to be lower than the control group (p<0.001 in untreated and EPO groups, p<0.01 in EPO + vitamin E group). CAT activities in EPO and EPO + vitamin E groups were increased when compared to the untreated group (p<0.01).

In conclusion, our findings have shown that antioxidant status decreased and lipid peroxidation increased in hemodialysis patients. EPO has an antioxidant effect on the RBC and plasma antioxidant status, and plasma lipid peroxidation. These effects were moderately increased by the combination of vitamin E and EPO.     

The effect of salt stress on lipid peroxidation, antioxidative enzymes and proline content of sesame cultivars

The effect of increasing NaCl concentrations was studied on two different cultivars (cv. Orhangazi and cv. Cumhuriyet) of Sesamum indicum. Seedlings were grown for 40 days in half strength Hoagland solution and after 40 days treated with different NaCl concentrations (0, 50 and 100 mM) for 21 days. Differences in growth parameters, lipid peroxidation, antioxidative enzyme activities and proline accumulation were tested in order to put forward the relative tolerance or sensitivity of the cultivars. Results indicated that both parameters differ according to the cultivar's ability in coping oxidative stress caused by salinity. Constitutive levels of antioxidative enzyme activities were almost the same between the cultivars; however, cv. Cumhuriyet was able to induce antioxidative enzyme activities more efficiently when subjected to salt stress. Growth parameters, lipid peroxidation and proline accumulation results are also in good correlation with supporting this cultivar's being relatively tolerant.     

Alterations in root lipid peroxidation and antioxidative responses in two rice cultivars under NaCl-salinity stress

The comparative alterations of short term NaCl stress and recovery on growth, water relations, ionic composition, lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in roots of two rice cultivars differing in salt tolerance were studied. Exposed for 24 h to increasing (50, 100 and 150 mmol l⁻¹) concentrations of NaCl, roots of 12D Oryza sativa L. cv. Lunishree and cv. Begunbitchi decreased in fresh weight, dry weight and relative water content. Increased Na⁺ and decreased K⁺ ion were determined at increasing NaCl concentrations. Both peroxide content and lipid peroxidation measured in terms of MDA level increased and the ratio was higher in Begunbitchi compared to Lunishree. Recovered roots showed lower peroxide and MDA content. Ascorbate and glutathione contents increased in the stressed and recovered roots of Lunishree, but decreased in Begunbitchi with increasing NaCl concentrations. Although SOD, CAT and GR activities decreased in the stressed roots, CAT activity also increased in recovered roots of both the cultivars. The POX activity increased in stressed and recovered roots of both Lunishree and Begunbitchi. Higher free radicals scavenging capacity and more efficient protection mechanism of Lunishree against salt stress, as revealed by the lower level of lipid peroxidation and improved plant water status as well as activities of some of the antioxidants, suggest that significant cultivar differences in response to salt stress in rice are closely related to differences in the activities of antioxidants and ion content. Another possible conclusion is that improved tolerance to salt stress may be accomplished by increased capacity of antioxidative system.     

铁镉互作对水稻脂质过氧化及抗氧化酶活性的影响

利用营养液培养方法,以‘沈农265’为供试品种,研究不同Fe(0、0.1、0.25、0.5mmolFe2+·L-1)、Cd(0、0.1、1.0μmolCd2+·L-1)处理对水稻植株体内脂质过氧化及抗氧化酶活性的影响.结果表明:单独供应Fe显著降低了水稻地上部和根系生物量,同时供应Cd后生物量不再下降;单独供应Cd降低了根系中丙二醛(MDA)和可溶性蛋白含量,而同时供应Fe时这种降低作用消失.Fe处理降低了水稻地上部和根系Cd含量,Cd处理也降低了Fe含量,两者表现出明显的相互抑制作用.高Cd(1.0μmol·L-1)和Fe互作,增加了水稻根系中MDA和可溶性蛋白含量,降低了超氧化物岐化酶(SOD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性.表明在低Cd环境中为水稻提供一定数量的外源Fe能降低植株Cd含量;但高Cd胁迫将降低水稻对Fe的吸收,并导致植株体内产生脂质过氧化.     

Fasciola hepatica: effects on the antioxidative properties and lipid peroxidation of rat serum

Fasciola hepatica infection is accompanied by increased formation of reactive oxygen species. The aim of this study was to analyze antioxidative properties of rat serum in the course of fasciolosis. Wistar rats were infected per os with 30 metacercariae of F. hepatica. Activities of antioxidant enzymes and concentrations of non-enzymatic antioxidants in serum were determined at 4, 7, and 10 weeks post-infection (wpi). Activity of superoxide dismutase (Cu, Zn-SOD) significantly decreased (by 35% during the migratory phase, by 40 and 23% at 7 and 10 wpi, respectively), while glutathione reductase activity significantly increased (by 62, 65, and 41%, at 4, 7, and 10 wpi, respectively). No significant changes were found in the activity of glutathione peroxidase. Significant decreases in concentrations of reduced glutathione, vitamins C, E, and A were observed, particularly during the migratory phase of fasciolosis (at 4 wpi). These changes were accompanied by enhancement of lipid peroxidation processes as evidenced by increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE). Concentrations of MDA and 4-HNE at 4 wpi increased by 38% and by 59%. MDA increased by 51% at 7 wpi and by 79% at 10 wpi, while 4-HNE increased by 87 and 118%, respectively. The results indicate that fasciolosis is associated with enhanced oxidative reactions and reduced antioxidant defense capability of rat serum.     

Comparative study on dynamics of antioxidative action of alpha-tocopheryl hydroquinone, ubiquinol, and alpha-tocopherol against lipid peroxidation.

Alpha-tocopheryl quinone is a metabolite of alpha-tocopherol (TOH) in vivo. The antioxidant action of its reduced form, alpha-tocopheryl hydroquinone (TQH2), has received much attention recently. In the present study, the antioxidative activity of TQH2 was studied in various systems in vitro and compared with that of ubiquinol-10 (UQH2) or TOH to obtain the basic information on the dynamics of the antioxidant action of TQH2. First, their hydrogen-donating abilities were investigated in the reaction with galvinoxyl, a stable phenoxyl radical, and TQH2 was found to possess greater second-order rate constant (1.0 x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1)) than UQH2 (6.0 x 10(3) M(-1) s(-1)) and TOH (2.4 x 10(3) M(-1) s(-1)) at 25 degrees C in ethanol. The stoichiometric numbers were obtained as 1.9, 2.0, and 1.0 for TQH2, UQH2, and TOH, respectively, in reducing galvinoxyl. Second, their relative reactivities toward peroxyl radicals were assessed in competition with N,N'-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPPD) and found to be 6.0 (TQH2), 1.9 (UQH2), and 1.0 (TOH). Third, their antioxidant efficacies were evaluated in the oxidation of methyl linoleate in organic solvents and in aqueous dispersions. The antioxidant potency decreased in the order TOH > UQH2 > TQH2, as assessed by either the extent of the reduction in the rate of oxidation or the duration of inhibition period. The reverse order of their reactivities toward radicals and their antioxidant efficacies was interpreted by the rapid autoxidation of TQH2 and UQH2, carried out by hydroperoxyl radicals. Although neither TQH2 nor UQH2 acted as a potent antioxidant by itself, they acted as potent antioxidants in combination with TOH. TQH2 and UQH2 reduced alpha-tocopheroxyl radical to spare TOH, whereas TOH suppressed the autoxidation of TQH2 and UQH2. In the micelle oxidation, the antioxidant activities of TQH2, UQH2, and TOH were similar, whereas 2,2,5,7,8-pentamethyl-6-chromanol exerted much more potent efficacy than TQH2, UQH2, or TOH. These results clearly show that the antioxidant potencies against lipid peroxidation are determined not only by their chemical reactivities toward radicals, but also by the fate of an antioxidant-derived radical and the mobility of the antioxidant at the microenvironment.     

Alterations in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in pregnancy with preeclampsia

Soy consumption is associated with a lower risk of atherosclerotic disease in the oriental population. Genistein is a soy isoflavone bearing estrogenic properties. Previous experiments in our laboratory demonstrated the potentiation of endothelium-independent relaxation of coronary artery by both estrogen and genistein. The potentiating effects of both estrogen and genistein were mediated through the cAMP-signaling pathway. We hypothesize that genistein could enhance protein kinase A (PKA) activity in porcine coronary artery smooth muscle, thereby offering a mechanism for the potentiation of vascular relaxation by genistein. In our study, a high concentration of genistein (10^−4.5 M) significantly increased PKA activity in porcine coronary artery rings. While genistein at 10^−5.5 M and forskolin at 10⁻⁷ M had no effect on PKA activity, the combination of the two compounds at the prescribed concentrations caused a significant increase in PKA activity. The increase in PKA activity by genistein was abolished by SQ 22536 (adenylate cyclase blocker), but not by NF 449 (Gs protein blocker) or ICI 182780 (estrogen receptor antagonist). Our results suggest that the action of genistein is mediated via adenylate cyclase, but does not appear to involve Gs protein or ICI 182780-sensitive estrogen receptor.