Selenoprotein P Status Correlates to Cancer-Specific Mortality in Renal Cancer Patients

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for selenoprotein biosynthesis. Selenoproteins have been implicated in cancer risk and tumor development. Selenoprotein P (SePP) serves as the major Se transport protein in blood and as reliable biomarker of Se status in marginally supplied individuals. Among the different malignancies, renal cancer is characterized by a high mortality rate. In this study, we aimed to analyze the Se status in renal cell cancer (RCC) patients and whether it correlates to cancer-specific mortality. To this end, serum samples of RCC patients (n = 41) and controls (n = 21) were retrospectively analyzed. Serum Se and SePP concentrations were measured by X-ray fluorescence and an immunoassay, respectively. Clinical and survival data were compared to serum Se and SePP concentrations as markers of Se status by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. In our patients, higher tumor grade and tumor stage at diagnosis correlated to lower SePP and Se concentrations. Kaplan-Meier analyses indicated that low Se status at diagnosis (SePP<2.4 mg/l, bottom tertile of patient group) was associated with a poor 5-year survival rate of 20% only. We conclude that SePP and Se concentrations are of prognostic value in RCC and may serve as additional diagnostic biomarkers identifying a Se deficit in kidney cancer patients potentially affecting therapy regimen. As poor Se status was indicative of high mortality odds, we speculate that an adjuvant Se supplementation of Se-deficient RCC patients might be beneficial in order to stabilize their selenoprotein expression hopefully prolonging their survival. However, this assumption needs to be rigorously tested in prospective clinical trials.     

Selenium and its relationship with selenoprotein P and glutathione peroxidase in children and adolescents with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and hypothyroidism

The essential trace element selenium (Se) is required for thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolism. Selenoproteins contain selenocysteine and are responsible for biological functions of selenium. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) is one of the major selenoproteins which protects the thyroid cells from oxidative damage. Selenoprotein P (SePP) is considered as the plasma selenium transporter to tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum Se and SePP levels, and GPx activity in erythrocytes of children and adolescents with treated Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, and normal subjects.Blood samples were collected from 32 patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, 20 with hypothyroidism, and 25 matched normal subjects. All the patients were under treatment with levothyroxine and at the time of analysis all of the thyroid function tests were normal. GPx enzyme activity was measured by spectrophotometry at 340 nm. Serum selenium levels were measured by high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption. SePP, TPOAb (anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody), and TgAb (anti-thyroglobulin antibody) were determined by ELISA kits. T₄, T₃, T₃ uptake and TSH were also measured.Neither GPx activity nor SePP levels were significantly different in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or hypothyroidism compared to normal subjects. Although GPx and SePP were both lower in patients with hypothyroidism compared to those with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and normal subjects but the difference was not significant. Serum Se levels also did not differ significantly in patients and normal subjects. We did not find any correlation between GPx or SePP with TPOAb or TgAb but SePP was significantly correlated with Se.Results show that in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or hypothyroidism who have been under treatment with levothyroxine and have normal thyroid function tests, the GPx, SePP and Se levels are not significantly different.     

Dithioerythritol (DTE) prevents inhibitory effects of triphenyltin (TPT) on the key enzymes of the human sex steroid hormone metabolism

Organotins are known to induce imposex (pseudohermaphroditism) in marine neogastropods and are suggested to act as specific endocrine disruptors, inhibiting the enzyme-mediated conversion of steroid hormones. Therefore, we investigated the in vitro effects of triphenyltin (TPT) on human 5-reductase type 2 (5-Re 2), cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17β-HSD 3), 3β-HSD type 2 and 17β-HSD type 1 activity. First, the present study demonstrates that significant amounts of TPT occurred in the blood of eight human volunteers (0.17–0.67 μg organotin cation/l, i.e. 0.49–1.92 nmol cation/l). Second, TPT showed variable inhibitory effects on all the enzymes investigated. The mean IC₅₀ values were 0.95 μM for 5-Re 2 (mean of n=4 experiments), 1.5 μM for P450arom (n=5), 4.0 μM for 3β-HSD 2 (n=1), 4.2 μM for 17β-HSD 3 (n=3) and 10.5 μM for 17β-HSD 1 (n=3). To exclude the possibility that the impacts of TPT are mediated by oxidizing essential thiol residues of the enzymes, the putative compensatory effects of the reducing agent dithioerythritol (DTE) were investigated. Co-incubation with DTE (n=3) resulted in dose-response prevention of the inhibitory effects of 100 μM deleterious TPT concentrations on 17β-HSD 3 (EC₅₀ value of 12.9 mM; mean of n=3 experiments), 3β-HSD 2 (0.90 mM; n=3), P450arom (0.91 mM; n=3) and 17β-HSD 1 (0.21 mM; n=3) activity. With these enzymes, the use of 10 mM DTE resulted in an at least 80% antagonistic effect, whereas, the effect of TPT on 5-Re 2 was not compensated. In conclusion, the present study shows that TPT acts as an unspecific, but significant inhibitor of human sex steroid hormone metabolism and suggests that the inhibitory effects are mediated by the interaction of TPT with critical cysteine residues of the enzymes.     

Selenoprotein P in seminal fluid is a novel biomarker of sperm quality

Hepatically-derived selenoprotein P (SePP) transports selenium (Se) via blood to other tissues including the testes. Male Sepp-knockout mice are infertile. SePP-mediated Se transport to Sertoli cells is needed for supporting biosynthesis of the selenoenzyme glutathione peroxidase-4 (GPX4) in spermatozoa. GPX4 becomes a structural component of sperm midpiece during sperm maturation, and its expression correlates to semen quality. We tested whether SePP is also present in seminal plasma, potentially correlating to fertility parameters. Semen quality was assessed by sperm density, morphology and motility. SePP was measured by an immunoluminometric assay, and trace elements were determined by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. SePP levels were considerably lower in seminal plasma as compared to serum (0.4 ± 0.1 mg/l vs. 3.5 ± 1.0 mg/l); Se concentrations showed a similar but less pronounced difference (48.9 ± 20.7 μg/l vs. 106.7 ± 17.3 μg/l). Se and Zn correlated positively in seminal fluid but not in serum. Seminal plasma SePP concentrations were independent of serum SePP concentrations, but correlated positively to sperm density and fraction of vital sperm. SePP concentrations in seminal plasma of vasectomized men were similar to controls indicating that accessory sex glands are a testes-independent source of SePP. This notion was corroborated by histochemical analyses localizing SePP in epithelial cells of seminal vesicles. We conclude that SePP is not only involved in Se transport to testes supporting GPX4 biosynthesis but it also becomes secreted into seminal plasma, likely important to protect sperm during storage, genital tract passage and final journey.     

Serum concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mo and Co in newborn lambs following systemic administration of Vitamin E and selenium to the pregnant ewes

This study was conducted to determine the effects of systemic administration of Vitamin E and selenium to pregnant ewes at the late stage of gestation on serum concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mo and Co in their offspring's. Pregnant Lori–Bakhtiari ewes (n = 14) were randomly assigned to receive Vitamin E and selenium (treatment group; n = 7) or distilled water (control group; n = 7), once 3 weeks and again 1 week before parturition. Blood samples were taken from jugular vein of lambs at parturition and once a week during the 4 week of age. Serum concentration of Fe, Cu, Zn, Mo and Co was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometery.

At parturition, serum concentration of Cu, Zn, Mo and Co were identical in lambs of both groups, while the serum concentration of Fe (mean ± S.E.) was significantly higher in lambs of control (210.83 ± 9.05 μg/dl) than treatment group (140.71 ± 17.8 μg/dl).

From parturition to the forth weeks of age the serum concentrations of Fe and Cu were increased (P < 0.05) in lambs of treated group which was concomitant with a reduction in Zn concentration.

In conclusion, increase in serum concentrations of Cu and Fe during the first 4 weeks of age in lambs of ewes given vitamin E and selenium compound, could disturb the Zn:Cu and Zn:Fe ratios which in turn lead to zinc deficiency.     

In vitro antiprotozoal activity of the lipophilic extracts of different parts of Turkish Pistacia vera L.

Thirteen lipophilic extracts prepared with n-hexane from various parts of Pistacia vera L. tree (Anacardiaceae) growing in Turkey were screened for their in vitro activity against four parasitic protozoa, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania donovani and Plasmodium falciparum. Melarsoprol, benznidazole, miltefosine, artemisinin and chloroquine were used as reference drugs. The cytotoxic potentials of the extracts on rat skeletal myoblast (L6) cells were also assessed and compared to that of podophyllotoxin. The screening method employed was medium-throughput, where the extracts were tested at two concentrations, at 0.8 and 4.8 μg/ml (T. brucei rhodesiense, L. donovani and Plasmodium falciparum), or at 1.6 and 9.7 μg/ml (T. cruzi and L6 cells). At 4.8 μg/ml concentration, the branch extract of Pistacia vera (PV-BR) significantly inhibited (77.3%) the growth of L. donovani, whereas the dry leaf extract (PV-DL) was active against Plasmodium falciparum (60.6% inhibition). The IC₅₀ values of these extracts were determined as 2.3 μg/ml (PV-BR, L. donovani) and 3.65 μg/ml (PV-DL, Plasmodium falciparum). None of the extracts possessed cytotoxicity on mammalian cells.     

Serum malondialdehyde: possible use for the clinical management of chronic hepatitis C patients

Serum lipid peroxidation products are increased in inflammatory liver disease and, as we previously reported, also in chronic hepatitis C. We have performed a specific assay of malondialdehyde, the reported most abundant product of lipid peroxidation, in serum of twenty four chronic hepatitis C patients, before, during, and after interferon treatment. Liver biopsies were performed in each patient before and after interferon treatment. The results show higher serum malondialdehyde values in chronic hepatitis C patients than healthy subjects (n = 68) before interferon treatment (p < .001). Mean value of serum malondialdehyde levels after interferon treatment was significantly lower than before it (p < .002). Associating the histopathological findings in each of the 48 biopsies performed, with serum malondialdehyde and alanine aminotransferase activity levels, of the sample obtained the same day of biopsy, a much better correspondence with the histopathological severity was observed for malondialdehyde concentration than for alanine aminotransferase activity. These levels decreased significantly after interferon treatment. However, when the patients were grouped in responding (group I; n = 9) and non-responding (group II; n = 15) to interferon treatment, according to the histopathological findings before and after interferon, the values of group I before interferon treatment were significantly higher than group II (p < .03). Thus, a potential predictive value could be ascribed to the serum malondialdehyde levels before interferon treatment in these patients. We propose the utility of the specific assay of malondialdehyde for the clinical management of chronic hepatitis C patients.     

Metabolite and ionic composition of follicular fluid from different-sized follicles and their relationship to serum concentrations in dairy cows

Metabolic changes in blood serum may be reflected in the biochemical composition of follicular fluid and could indirectly influence oocyte quality. The purpose of this study was to examine the biochemical composition of follicular fluid harvested from different-sized follicles and its relationship with that of blood serum in dairy cattle. Following slaughter, blood samples were collected from dairy cows (n=30) and follicular fluid aspirated from three size classes of non-atretic follicles (<4 mm, 6–8 mm and >10 mm diameter). Samples remained independent between cows and between size classes within cows. Serum and follicular fluid samples were assayed using commercial clinical and photometric chemistry assays for ions (sodium, potassium and chloride) and metabolites (glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate (β-OHB), lactate, urea, total protein, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and total cholesterol). Results showed that follicular fluid concentrations of glucose, β-OHB and total cholesterol increased from small to large follicles and decreased for potassium, chloride, lactate, urea and triglycerides. There was a significant concentration gradient for all variables between their levels in serum and follicular fluid (P<0.05). Significant correlations were observed for chloride (r=0.40), glucose (r=0.56), β-OHB (r=0.85), urea (r=0.95) and total protein (r=0.60) for all three follicle size classes and for triglycerides (r=0.43), NEFA (r=0.50) and total cholesterol (r=0.42) for large follicles (P<0.05). The results from the present study suggest that the oocyte and the granulosa cells of dairy cows grow and mature in a biochemical environment that changes from small to large follicles. Furthermore, the significant correlation between the composition of serum and follicular fluid for the above-mentioned metabolites suggests that metabolic changes in serum levels will be reflected in the follicular fluid and, therefore, may affect the quality of both the oocyte and the granulosa cells.     

Correlations of selenium and selenoprotein P with asymmetric dimethylarginine and lipid profile in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Accumulating evidence has suggested that selenium (Se) is of importance for optimal function of the cardiovascular system. This study aimed to investigate the associations of selenium and selenoprotein P (SePP) with asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and lipid profile in women with PCOS.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 125 females aged 18–45 years diagnosed with PCOS were recruited. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was applied to gather the relevant demographic characteristics, detailed clinical information, and lifestyle habits of participants. Fasting blood samples were obtained to measure biochemical parameters. Serum concentrations of total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), ADMA, and lipid profiles as well as anthropometric measurements were assessed across tertiles of serum Se and SePP concentrations.ResultsThere was a positive correlation between serum Se and SePP concentrations (r = 0.434, p < 0.001). Serum Se level was inversely correlated with ADMA (r = −0.21, p = 0.025) and TG (r = −0.17, p = 0.041) concentrations. There were also inverse correlations between SePP and ADMA (r = −0.34, p < 0.001), TG (r = −0.21, p = 0.019), and oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) (r = −0.25, p = 0.007) levels. No significant relationship was found between serum Se and SePP concentrations with total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein-A1 (Apo-A1), apolipoprotein-B (Apo-B100), total testosterone, SHBG, and free androgen index as well as anthropometric parameters (All p > 0.05).ConclusionThe present study found that Se and SePP levels were inversely correlated with ADMA and TG concentrations as well as ox-LDL levels.     

Colocalization of NO and VIP in neurons of the submucous plexus in the rat intestine

Since very few previous studies have carried out the quantitative analysis for the colocalization of nitric oxide (NO) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the submucous neurons in the rat digestive tract, we applied in vivo treatment of colchicine to enhance the immunoreactivity and examined the colocalization of NO synthase (nNOS) and VIP in neurons of the submucous plexus throughout the rat digestive tract. The density of nNOS-containing neurons in the submucous plexus in the stomach corpus (103±25 cells/cm², n=3) and that in the antrum (157±9 cells/cm², n=3) were significantly lower than those in small and large intestine. However no difference was detected in the cell density among duodenum (1967±188 cells/cm², n=3), jejunum (2640±140 cells/cm², n=3), ileum (2070±42 cells/cm², n=3), proximal colon (2243±138 cells/cm², n=3) and distal colon (2633±376 cells/cm², n=3). The proportion of nNOS-immunoreactive (IR), nNOS/VIP-IR and VIP-IR neurons to the total number of submucous neurons was examined. nNOS/VIP-IR neurons comprised 45–55% of total number of submucous neurons from the duodenum to the proximal colon, however those comprised 66.4±5.1% in the distal colon. The results showed that the dense distribution of nNOS-containing neurons was found in the submucous plexus throughout the small and large intestine, and large population of submucous neurons co-stored nNOS and VIP.     

Serum selenium and single-nucleotide polymorphisms in genes for selenoproteins: relationship to markers of oxidative stress in men from Auckland, New Zealand

There is controversy as to the recommended daily intake of selenium (Se), and whether current New Zealand diets are adequate in this nutrient. Various functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) polymorphisms may affect the efficacy of Se utilisation. These include the glutathione peroxidases GPx1 rs1050450, GPx4 rs713041, as well as selenoproteins SEPP1 rs3877899, SEL15 rs5845, SELS rs28665122 and SELS rs4965373. This cross-sectional study measured serum Se levels of 503 healthy Caucasian men in Auckland, New Zealand, between ages 20–81. The Se distribution was compared with activities of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase, and DNA damage as measured by the single cell gel electrophoresis assay, both without and with a peroxide-induced oxidative challenge. Serum Se was measured using inductively coupled plasma-dynamic reaction cell-mass spectrometry, while selenoprotein SNPs were estimated using TaqMan^® SNP genotyping assays. While antioxidant enzyme activities and DNA damage recorded after a peroxide challenge increased with increasing serum selenium, the inherent DNA damage levels in leukocytes showed no statistically significant relationship with serum selenium. However, these relationships and dietary Se requirements at the individual level were modified by several different SNPs in genes for selenoproteins. The GPx1 rs1050450 C allele was significantly associated with GPx activity. Significant correlations between serum Se level and GPX activity were seen with all genotypes except for homozygous minor allele carriers, while the GPx1 rs1050450 CT genotype showed the highest correlation. Several genotypes showed significant correlations between serum Se and TR activity with SEPP1 rs3877899 GG genotype showing the highest correlation. A significant decreasing trend in DNA damage with increasing serum Se was seen among GPx1 rs1050450 CC and GPx4 rs713041 TT genotype carriers up to a serum Se level of 116 and 149 ng/ml, respectively. In the absence of this genetic information, we would recommend a serum Se concentration in the region of 100–150 ng/ml as providing a useful compromise.     

Effect of oxygen supply on cell growth and saponin production in bioreactor cultures of Panax ginseng

The effects of oxygen supply within the range 20.8–50% (using pure oxygen and air), on cell cultures of Panax ginseng were investigated in a balloon-type bubble bioreactor (5 L capacity, containing 4 L Murashige and Skoog medium, supplemented with 7.0 mg L⁻¹ indolebutyric acid, 0.5 mg L⁻¹ kinetin and 30 g L⁻¹ sucrose). A 40% oxygen supply was found to be optimal for the production of both cell mass and saponin yielding values of 12.8 g (DW) L⁻¹, 4.5 mg (g DW)⁻¹ on day 25, respectively. Low (20.8%, 30%) and high (50%) oxygen concentration supplies were unfavorable to cell growth and saponin accumulation. The results indicate that oxygen supplementation to bioreactor-based ginseng cultures was beneficial for biomass accumulation and saponin production.     

Biopsied and vitrified bovine embryos viability is improved by trans10, cis12 conjugated linoleic acid supplementation during in vitro embryo culture

Bovine embryos cultured in serum-containing media abnormally accumulate lipids in the cytoplasm. This is well known to contribute to their higher susceptibility to cryopreservation and biopsied embryos are even further susceptible. We aimed to improve in vitro produced (IVP) embryos resistance to micromanipulation and cryopreservation by supplementing serum-containing media with trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid (t10, c12 CLA). The effect of t10, c12 CLA on lipid deposition and embryonic development was also tested. After in vitro maturation and fertilization (IVF day = D0), zygotes were cultured on granulosa cells + M199 + 10% serum + 100 μM GSH supplemented with 100 μM of t10, c12 CLA (CLA group, n = 1394) or without supplementation (control group, n = 1431). Samples of D7/D8 embryos were observed under Nomarsky microscopy for lipid droplets evaluation while others were biopsied and vitrified (group B-Control, n = 24; group B-CLA, n = 23). Non-biopsied embryos were also frozen (group NB-Control, n = 49; group NB-CLA, n = 45). Biopsied cells were used for embryo sex determination. Postwarming embryo survival and viability were determined at 0 and 24 h of culture, respectively. Supplementation of t10, c12 CLA did not influence cleavage, embryo sex ratio, D7/D8 embryo rate or morphological quality. CLA embryos had higher number of small lipid droplets (P ≤ 0.003) and a smaller (P < 0.001) fat embryo index being leaner (P = 0.008) than control embryos. Embryo postwarming survival was higher in B-CLA than in B-control group (95.0 ± 7.0% versus 62.5 ± 7.9%; P < 0.001). After 24 h of culture, the viability (expansion rate) of biopsied embryos and nonbiopsied embryos, cultured with t10, c12 CLA was higher than control embryos (B-CLA = 64.6 ± 4.4% and B-control = 27.5 ± 2.5%, P = 0.01; NB-CLA = 86.0 ± 3.5% and NB-Control = 68.6 ± 7.0%, P = 0.05). Results showed that supplying t10, c12 CLA to serum-containing media decreases embryo cytoplasmic lipid deposition during in vitro culture and significantly improves resistance of IVP embryos to micromanipulation and cryopreservation.     

Chemical composition, nutritive value, fatty acid and amino acid contents of Galega officinalis L. during its growth stage and in regrowth

The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition, nutritive value, fatty acid profile and amino acid concentrations of Galega officinalis L. during its first growth cycle and in regrowth. Herbage samples were collected three times at progressive morphological stages from the vegetative to the budding stage, and during regrowth. The dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fibre (NDFom), acid detergent fibre (ADFom), lignin (sa) and gross energy (GE) increased during maturation, while the crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), ash and OM digestibility (OMD) decreased with increasing stage. During the whole growth cycle, and in regrowth, the NE_L was unchanged. Analyses of fatty acids did not reveal differences among plant stages, but did instead between the first cut and regrowth cut. The fatty acid profiles in the plant during growth was characterised by three dominant fatty acids, being -linolenic acid (C_{18:3n − 3}), palmitic acid (C_16:0), and linoleic acid (C_{18:2n − 6}). The -linolenic acid content was instead lower than in the whole plant during growth. The n − 6/n − 3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio of the plant was steady at 0.13 during the growth cycle and in regrowth, while it was 0.78 in the seed. The individual amino acid contents of G. officinalis declined with increasing stage of maturity, as the CP declined, but with the exception of the serine content, there was no change in the relative proportions of the individual amino acids due to stage of maturity. Data shows that the nutritive value of G. officinalis forage did not diminish during its growth cycle and that it can improve the self sufficiency of dairy farms. Autumn regrowth was judged to be a good quality forage with a high nutritive value and a higher level of -linolenic acid than during the first growth cycle.     

Simultaneous production of anthocyanin and triterpenoids in suspension cultures of Perilla frutescens

When cultivated in Murashige & Skoog medium supplemented with 0.2 mg l⁻¹ 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid and 0.5 mg l⁻¹ 6-benzyladenine, Perilla frutescens cells in suspension culture grew rapidly reaching about 13.6 g dry wt l⁻¹ after 12 days. The cell line produced both anthocyanin 0.9 g l⁻¹ and triterpenoids: 16 mg l⁻¹ oleanolic acid (OA), 25 mg l⁻¹ ursolic acid (UA) and 14 mg l⁻¹ tormentic acid (TA). When P. frutescens cells of 7-day-old cultures were exposed to a yeast elicitor at 0.5–5% (v/v) for 7 days, it was found that anthocyanin content peaked at 10.2% of dry weight with yeast elicitor at 1% (v/v) whereas the maximum production of oleanolic acid and ursolic acid in cultures treated with 2% (v/v) yeast elicitor was 19 and 27 mg l⁻¹, a 46 and 24% increase over the control, respectively. This is the first report of simultaneous production of both anthocyanin and triterpenoids in a single culture system.     

Lymphocyte HSP72 following exercise in hyperthermic runners: The effect of temperature

Heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) is the most inducible HSP, but is not always increased in lymphocytes following exercise. This field study examined whether lymphocyte HSP72 was increased in hyperthermic (T_rec>39.0 °C) male athletes following a 14 km competitive race in cool conditions (ambient temperature 11.2 °C). A comparison was also made between control runners (n=7) and those treated for exertional heat illness (n=9). Lymphocyte HSP72 was not increased in control runners immediately post- compared with pre-race, and there was no difference between both groups of runners. A second study of the race (ambient temperature 14.6 °C) found that lymphocyte HSP72 in control (n=7) and treated (n=9) athletes was higher 2 days post- compared with immediately post-race (p<0.01) and these increases were correlated with post-exercise T_rec (p<0.05).     

Synthesis and characterization of cross-linked malonylchitosan microspheres for controlled release of acyclovir

The purpose of the present study was to obtain a polymeric system for delayed release of the drug acyclovir (ACV), which can be used for treatment of Herpes simplex and Varicella Zoster. The gelled chitosan (GCT) microspheres were obtained by coacervation-phase separation. They were treated with malonic acid to obtain malonylchitosan (MLCT) microspheres, which were characterized by, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹³C NMR), elemental analysis (CHN), thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The drug was encapsulated in MLCT microspheres by a contact adsorption technique, and the final formulation (MLCT-ACV), was analyzed for loading efficiency, degree of swelling and in vitro release profiles. The results obtained support the N-substitution of malonyl groups in the MLCT microspheres. The loading efficiency increased with impregnation time and a major amount of drug was encapsulated after 24 h. The swelling rate was higher in acid pH. The median release time was 5.5 h in pH 1.2 and 6.8. The mechanism involved in release was non-Fickian (0.43 < n < 0.85, n = 0.8474) and Super Case II kinetics (n > 1, n = 1.0491) at pH 1.2 and 6.8, respectively.     

Antiviral activity of the volatile oils of Melissa officinalis L. against Herpes simplex virus type-2

Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) has been used in a variety of practical applications in medical science. Our objective in the current study was to determine the effects of the volatile oil components of M. officinalis on Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) replication in HEp-2 cells. Four different concentrations (25, 50, 100, 150 and 200 μg/ml) of volatile oils were examined. Experiments were carried out using HEp-2 cells. M. officinalis volatile oil was found to be non-toxic to HEp-2 cells up to a concentration of 100 μg/ml. It was, however, found to be slightly toxic at a concentration over of 100 μg/ml. The antiviral activity of non-toxic concentrations against HSV-2 was tested. The replication of HSV-2 was inhibited, indicating that the M. officinalis L. extract contains an anti-HSV-2 substance.     

Selenium Status Is Positively Associated with Bone Mineral Density in Healthy Aging European Men

ObjectiveIt is still a matter of debate if subtle changes in selenium (Se) status affect thyroid function tests (TFTs) and bone mineral density (BMD). This is particularly relevant for the elderly, whose nutritional status is more vulnerable.ResultsThe overall Se status in our population was low normal with only 0.5% (2/387) of subjects meeting the criteria for Se deficiency. SePP and Se levels were not associated with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) or reverse triiodothyronine (rT3) levels. The T3/T4 and T3/rT3 ratios, reflecting peripheral metabolism of thyroid hormone, were not associated with Se status either. SePP and Se were positively associated with total BMD and femoral trochanter BMD. Se, but not SePP, was positively associated with femoral neck and ward''s BMD. Multivariate linear analyses showed that these associations remain statistically significant in a model including TSH, FT4, body mass index, physical performance score, age, smoking, diabetes mellitus and number of medication use.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that Se status, within the normal European marginally supplied range, is positively associated with BMD in healthy aging men, independent of thyroid function. Thyroid function tests appear unaffected by Se status in this population.