Exposure to Deepwater Horizon Crude Oil Burnoff Particulate Matter Induces Pulmonary Inflammation and Alters Adaptive Immune Response

The ″in situ burning" of trapped crude oil on the surface of Gulf waters during the 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill released numerous pollutants, including combustion-generated particulate matter (PM). Limited information is available on the respiratory impact of inhaled in situ burned oil sail particulate matter (OSPM). Here we utilized PM collected from in situ burn plumes of the DWH oil spill to study the acute effects of exposure to OSPM on pulmonary health. OSPM caused dose-and time-dependent cytotoxicity and generated reactive oxygen species and superoxide radicals in vitro. Additionally, mice exposed to OSPM exhibited significant decreases in body weight gain, systemic oxidative stress in the form of increased serum 8-isoprostane (8-IP) levels, and airway inflammation in the form of increased macrophages and eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Further, in a mouse model of allergic asthma, OSPM caused increased T helper 2 cells (Th2), peribronchiolar inflammation, and increased airway mucus production. These findings demonstrate that acute exposure to OSPM results in pulmonary inflammation and alteration of innate/adaptive immune responses in mice and highlight potential respiratory effects associated with cleaning up an oil spill.

Lipopolysaccharides, cytokines, and nitric oxide affect secretion of prostaglandins and leukotrienes by bovine mammary gland during experimentally induced mastitis in vivo and in vitro

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF), interleukin-1-alpha (IL-1α), and nitric oxide donor (NONOate) on both in vivo and in vitro secretion of prostaglandin (PG)E2, PGF2α, leukotriene (LT)B4, and LTC4 by the bovine mammary gland. In the first experiment, tissues isolated from the teat cavity and lactiferous sinus were treated in vitro with LPS (10 ng/mL), TNF (10 ng/mL), IL-1α (10 ng/mL), NONOate (10(-4) M), and the combination of TNF + IL-1α + NONOate for 4 or 8 h. PGE2 or PGF2α secretion was stimulated by all treatments (P < 0.05) excepting NONOate alone, which did not stimulate PGF2α secretion. Moreover, all factors increased LTB4 and LTC4 secretion (P < 0.05). In the second experiment, mastitis was experimentally mimicked in vivo by repeated (12 h apart) intramammary infusions (5 mL) of (1) sterile saline; (2) 250-μg LPS; (3) 1-μg/mL TNF; (4) 1-μg/mL IL-1α; (5) 12.8-μg/mL NONOate; and (6) TNF + IL-1α + NONOate into 2 udder quarters. All infused factors changed PGE2, 13,14-dihydro,15-keto-PGF2α, and LT concentrations in blood plasma collected from the caudal vena cava, the caudal superficial epigastric (milk) vein, the jugular vein, and the abdominal aorta (P < 0.05). In summary, LPS and other inflammatory mastitis mediators modulate PG and LT secretion by bovine mammary gland in both in vivo and in vitro studies.

Grape powder treatment prevents anxiety-like behavior in a rat model of aging

Earlier, we have reported that grape powder (GP) treatment prevented pharmacologic and psychological stress-induced anxiety-like behavior and memory impairment in rats. Protective effects of GP were attributed to its antioxidant effects. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that age-associated behavioral and cognitive deficits such as anxiety and memory impairment will be ameliorated with GP treatment. Using a National Institute of Aging recommended rodent model of aging, we examined a potentially protective role of antioxidant-rich GP in age-associated anxiety-like behavior and memory impairment. Male Fischer 344 rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups: young rats (3 months old) provided with tap water or with 15 g/L GP dissolved in tap water for 3 weeks, aged rats (21 months old) provided with tap water or with GP-treated tap water for 3 weeks (AG-GP). Anxiety-like behavior was significantly greater in aged rats compared with young rats, GP-treated young rats, or aged control rats (P < .05). Also, GP treatment prevented age-induced anxiety-like behavior in AG-GP rats (P < .05). Neither short-term nor long-term age-associated memory deficits improved with GP treatment in AG-GP rats. Furthermore, aged rats showed increased level of physiological stress (corticosterone) and increased oxidative stress in the plasma (8-isoprostane) as well as in selected brain areas (protein carbonylation). Grape powder treatment prevented age-induced increase in corticosterone levels and plasma 8-isoprostane levels in aged rats (P < .05), whereas protein carbonylation was recovered in the amygdala region only (P < .05). Grape powder by regulating oxidative stress ameliorates age-induced anxiety-like behavior in rats, whereas age-associated memory deficits seem unaffected with GP treatment.

Marker of lipid peroxidation related to diabetic nephropathy in Indonesian type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

OBJECTIVE

Even though diabetes patients exhibit an increased oxidative stress, its correlation with diabetic nephropathy is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to determine whether lipid peroxidation marker correlates well with eGFR and UACR in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

METHODS

We collected urine and serum samples of Indonesian type 2 diabetes mellitus outpatients with normo- and microalbuminuria at a Local Government Clinic (from ages: 39-74 years). Urinary 8-iso-PGF2α was measured by ELISA, the serum malondialdehyde by TBARS assay, and urinary albumin by BCG albumin assay. eGFR was calculated using the corrected-Cockcroft-Gault (CG), MDRD, and CKD-EPI equation. Other necessary data were obtained through questionnaires.

RESULTS

The results showed that the increasing level of malondialdehyde was mildly correlated with the decline in eGFR (MDRD). In contrary, there was a significant positive correlation between 8-iso-PGF2α concentration and eGFR based on the corrected-CG, MDRD study, and CKD-EPI equation (r=0.457, p<0.001; r=0.424, p<0.001; r=0.443, p<0.001). This relationship still persisted in the normoalbuminuric subjects (n=43) (r=0.491, p=0.001; r=0.461, p=0.002; r=0.455, p=0.002). The multivariate analysis showed that 8-iso-PGF2α together with fasting plasma glucose was the most predictive factor for the high 2-quantile eGFR (adjusted OR 1.001, (95% CI, 1.000-1.001)). However, there was no significant correlation between UACR with malondialdehyde (r=0.268, p=0.050) and 8-iso-PGF2α(r=-0.030, p=0.808). UACR itself was inversely correlated with eGFR based on the corrected-CG, the MDRD, and CKD-EPI (r=-0.232, p<0.05; r=-0.228, p<0.05; r=-0.232, p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased 8-iso-PGF2α and malondialdehyde in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients may play a role in the pathophysiologic significance of diabetic nephropathy, even while considering the effect of potential confounders.

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.

[Efficacy of acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking on the content of serum prostaglandin F2α, and plasma arginine vasopressin in patients with menstrual headache]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking for menstrual headache and to discuss its mechanism.

METHODS

Eighty-five patients with menstrual headache were randomly divided into an observation group (43 cases) and a control group (42 cases). The observation group was treated with body acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking and the control group was treated with flunarizine hydrochloride capsules orally. The treatments of 3 menstrual cycles were required. The clinical efficacy was observed in the two groups. The content of serum prostaglandin F2α, (PGF2α) and plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) in the menstrual periods of some patients randomly selected in the two groups was tested before and after treatment and was compared with that of 20 cases in a normal group. Results The total effective rate was 95.4% (41/43) in the observation group which was obviously superior to 81.0% (34/42) in the control group (P<0.01). Before treatment, the content of serum PGF2α and plasma AVP of patients in the two groups was higher than that in the normal group (all P<0.01). After treatment,the content of serum PGF2α and plasma AVP was lower than that before treatment in the two groups (P<0.01, P<0.05). The content of serum PGF2α in the observation group was decreased significantly compared with that in the control group (P<0.05) and returned to the level of the normal group.

CONCLUSION

Body acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking achieves positive efficacy for menstrual headache and its mechanism could be related to regulating the abnormal levels of serum PGF2α and plasma AVP.

Lower serum levels of selenium, copper, and zinc are related to neuromotor impairments in children with konzo

We assessed the relationship between key trace elements and neurocognitive and motor impairments observed in konzo, a motor neuron disease associated with cassava cyanogenic exposure in nutritionally challenged African children. Serum concentrations of iron, copper, zinc, selenium, and neurotoxic lead, mercury, manganese, cadmium, and cobalt were measured in 123 konzo children (mean age 8.53 years) and 87 non-konzo children (mean age 9.07 years) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). Concentrations of trace elements were compared and related to performance scores on the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children, 2nd edition (KABC-II) for cognition and Bruininks-Oseretsky Test, 2nd edition (BOT-2) for motor proficiency. Children with konzo had low levels of selenium, copper, and zinc relative to controls. Selenium concentration significantly correlated with serum 8,12-iso-iPF2α-VI isoprostane (Spearman r=0.75, p<0.01) and BOT-2 scores (r=0.31, p=0.00) in children with konzo. Elemental deficiency was not associated with poor cognition. Mean (SD) urinary level of thiocyanate was 388.03 (221.75) μmol/l in non-konzo compared to 518.59 (354.19) μmol/l in konzo children (p<0.01). Motor deficits associated with konzo may possibly be driven by the combined effects of cyanide toxicity and Se deficiency on prooxidant mechanisms. Strategies to prevent konzo may include dietary supplementation with trace elements, preferentially, those with antioxidant and cyanide-scavenging properties.

Peroxidative metabolism of arachidonic acid in the course of Lyme arthritis

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was measurement of serum arachidonic acid level as well as the product of its peroxidation - 8-isoPGF2α, and the activity of phospholipase A2 and PAF-acetylhydrolase that participate in releasing 8-isoPGF2α from glycerol skeleton, and the potential designation of their role in the pathomechanism of Lyme disease (LD).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Changes in the phospholipid arachidonic acid level and the level of 8-isoPGF2α were determined in the plasma and urine of patients with LA (n=57) and of healthy controls (n=41). The activity of phospholipase A2 and PAF acetylhydrolase were assayed. All examined parameters were also measured in the plasma of some LA patients (n=13) after antibiotics treatment.

RESULTS

An almost 3-fold higher level of the total plasma 8-isoPGF2α was observed in LA patients compared to the controls, while in the urine it increased over 5-fold. The plasma PLA2 activity was more than 3-fold higher in LA patients than in the healthy subjects, while PAF acetylhydrolase activity was observed to be modestly, but not significantly lower. The total 8-isoPGF2α level in the plasma and urine of LA patients was significantly lower after antibiotics treatment. The plasma activity of PAF-AH in the LA patients was increased, while the cPLA2 activity decreased after antibiotics treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

It may be suggested that in the course of LA, the level of binding 8-isoPGF2α is significantly enhanced, and it may also be suggested that uncontrolled changes in the lipid status of some patients may make their Lyme arthritis unresponsive to antibiotics.

Protocols for the measurement of the F2-isoprostane, 15(S)-8-iso-prostaglandin F2α, in biological samples by GC-MS or GC-MS/MS coupled with immunoaffinity column chromatography

Arachidonic acid, the origin of the eicosanoids family, occurs in biological samples as free acid and as ester in lipids. Free arachidonic acid is oxidized to numerous metabolites by means of enzymes including cyclooxygenase (COX). Arachidonic acid esterified to lipids is attacked by reactive oxygen species (ROS) to generate numerous oxidized arachidonic acid derivatives. Generally, it is assumed that ROS-derived arachidonic acid derivatives are distinct from those generated by enzymes such as COX. Therefore, ROS-generated eicosanoids are considered specific biomarkers of oxidative stress. However, there are serious doubts concerning a strict distinction between the enzyme-derived eicosanoids and the ROS-derived iso-eicosanoids. Prominent examples are prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and 15(S)-8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (15(S)-8-iso-PGF2α) which have been originally considered to exclusively derive from COX and ROS, respectively. There is convincing evidence that both COX and ROS can oxidize arachidonic acid to PGF2α and 15(S)-8-iso-PGF2α. Thus, many results previously reported for 15(S)-8-iso-PGF2α as exclusive ROS-dependent reaction product, and consequently as a specific biomarker of oxidative stress, require a careful re-examination which should also consider the analytical methods used to measure 15(S)-8-iso-PGF2α. This prominent but certainly not the only example underlines more than ever the importance of the analytical chemistry in basic and clinical research areas of oxidative stress. In the present work, we report analytical protocols for the reliable quantitative determination of 15(S)-8-iso-PGF2α in human biological samples including plasma and urine by mass spectrometry coupled to gas chromatography (GC-MS, GC-MS/MS) after specific isolation of endogenous 15(S)-8-iso-PGF2α and the externally added internal standard [3,3',4,4'-(2)H4]-15(S)-8-iso-PGF2α by immunoaffinity column chromatography (IAC). 15(S)-8-iso-PGF2α esterified to plasma lipids is hydrolysed by KOH. 15(S)-8-iso-PGF2α and [3,3',4,4'-(2)H4]-15(S)-8-iso-PGF2α are analyzed as pentafluorobenzyl ester trimethylsilyl ether derivatives in the electron-capture negative-ion chemical ionization mode.

The changes of serum sKlotho and NGAL levels and their correlation in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with different stages of urinary albumin

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the changes of serum anti-aging protein Klotho and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels and their correlation in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients at different stages of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) determined by urinary albuminuria.

METHODS

462 cases with T2DM were divided into three groups: normoalbuminuric [N-UAlb; urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) < 30 mg/g, n=180], microalbuminuric [M-UAlb; UACR 30-300 mg/g, n = 158], macroalbuminuric [L-UAlb; UACR > 300 mg/g, n = 124]. The levels of serum soluble-Klotho (sKlotho), NGAL, 8-isoprostane prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in all cases and 160 control subjects.

RESULTS

Compared with control, serum sKlotho levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.001), and serum NGAL levels increased significantly (P < 0.001) in T2DM patients. Furthermore, serum sKlotho and NGAL levels were significantly negatively correlated (P < 0.001). Serum sKlotho levels negatively correlated with UACR, TG, CHO, LDL, 8-Iso-PGF2α, MCP-1, TNF-α, TGF-β1 (P < 0.001), but positively correlated with LDL (P < 0.001). Serum NGAL levels positively correlated with UACR, 8-Iso-PGF2α, MCP-1, TNF-α, TGF-β1 (P < 0.001). In addition, serum NGAL levels and LDL were significantly positively correlated (P = 0.005), and HDL was significantly negatively correlated (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Serum Klotho and NGAL levels may become new biomarkers of the early diagnosis of DKD in T2DM. Klotho may participate in the development of DKD pathological mechanism such as oxidative stress related to inflammation, renal fibrosis, lipid metabolic disorders, modulating the pathological process of diabetic kidney tissue. NGAL may play a part in these mechanisms.

High-fat meals rich in EPA plus DHA compared with DHA only have differential effects on postprandial lipemia and plasma 8-isoprostane F2α concentrations relative to a control high-oleic acid meal: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) plus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation has beneficial cardiovascular effects, but postprandial influences of these individual fatty acids are unclear.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective was to determine the vascular effects of EPA + DHA compared with DHA only during postprandial lipemia relative to control high-oleic acid meals; the secondary objective was to characterize the effects of linoleic acid-enriched high-fat meals relative to the control meal.

DESIGN

We conducted a randomized, controlled, double-blind crossover trial of 4 high-fat (75-g) meals containing 1) high-oleic acid sunflower oil (HOS; control), 2) HOS + fish oil (FO; 5 g EPA and DHA), 3) HOS + algal oil (AO; 5 g DHA), and 4) high-linoleic acid sunflower oil (HLS) in 16 healthy men (aged 35-70 y) with higher than optimal fasting triacylglycerol concentrations (mean ± SD triacylglycerol, 1.9 ± 0.5 mmol/L).

RESULTS

Elevations in triacylglycerol concentration relative to baseline were slightly reduced after FO and HLS compared with the HOS control (P < 0.05). The characteristic decrease from baseline in plasma nonesterified fatty acids after a mixed meal was inhibited after AO (Δ 0-3 h, P < 0.05). HLS increased the augmentation index compared with the other test meals (P < 0.05), although the digital volume pulse-reflection index was not significantly different. Plasma 8-isoprostane F2α analysis revealed opposing effects of FO (increased) and AO (reduced) compared with the control (P < 0.05). No differences in nitric oxide metabolites were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

These data show differential postprandial 8-isoprostane F2α responses to high-fat meals containing EPA + DHA-rich fish oil compared with DHA-rich AO, but these differences were not associated with consistent effects on postprandial vascular function or lipemia. More detailed analyses of polyunsaturated fatty acid-derived lipid mediators are required to determine possible divergent functional effects of single meals rich in either DHA or EPA. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01618071.

N-acetylcysteine reduces oxidative stress, nuclear factor‑κB activity and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in heart failure

The roles of oxidative stress on nuclear factor (NF)‑κB activity and cardiomyocyte apoptosis during heart failure were examined using the antioxidant N‑acetylcysteine (NAC). Heart failure was established in Japanese white rabbits with intravenous injections of doxorubicin, with ten rabbits serving as a control group. Of the rabbits with heart failure, 12 were not treated (HF group) and 13 received NAC (NAC group). Cardiac function was assessed using echocardiography and hemodynamic analysis. Myocardial cell apoptosis, apoptosis‑related protein expression, NF‑κBp65 expression and activity, total anti‑oxidative capacity (tAOC), 8‑iso‑prostaglandin F2α (8‑iso‑PGF2α) expression and glutathione (GSH) expression levels were determined. In the HF group, reduced tAOC, GSH levels and Bcl‑2/Bax ratios as well as increased 8‑iso‑PGF2α levels and apoptosis were observed (all P<0.05), which were effects that were attenuated by the treatment with NAC. NF‑κBp65 and iNOS levels were significantly higher and the P‑IκB‑α levels were significantly lower in the HF group; expression of all three proteins returned to pre‑HF levels following treatment with NAC. Myocardial cell apoptosis was positively correlated with left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), NF‑κBp65 expression and 8‑iso‑PGF2α levels, but negatively correlated with the maximal and minimal rates of increase in left ventricular pressure (+dp/dtmax and ‑dp/dtmin, respectively) and the Bcl‑2/Bax ratio (all P<0.001). The 8‑iso‑PGF2α levels were positively correlated with LVEDP and negatively correlated with +dp/dtmax and ‑dp/dtmin (all P<0.001). The present study demonstrated that NAC increased the antioxidant capacity, decreased the NF‑κB activation and reduced myocardial cell apoptosis in an in vivo heart failure model.

Influence of chronic chromium exposition on the processes of lipid peroxidation inflammation and platelet activation in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of chronic treatment with chromium hexavalent (Cr VI) on the platelet activation, inflammation and lipid peroxidation in rats. Thirty male Wistar rats weighing 251 ± 18 g were randomly assigned to one control and one Cr-exposed group. 8-iso-prostaglandin F(2α) (8-iso-PGF(2α)), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and creatinine (Crt), were measured in plasma, while 11-dehydro thromboxane B₂ (11-dehydro-TXB₂) in plasma andurine. Plasma levels of IL-1β, TNF-alpha, 8-iso-PGF(2α) and Crt were significantly increased in the Cr (VI)-treated in comparison to the control group. Also, in the urine of Cr (VI)-treated rats, 11-dehydro-TXB₂ was significantly increased in comparison to control rats. From the obtained data it is evident that chronic treatment with Cr (VI), accelerates arachidonic acid peroxidation in rats, which peroxidation further probably induces enhanced 11-dehydro-TXB₂ excretion rate.

The pathophysiology of smoking during pregnancy: a systems biology approach

This article focuses on a systems biology approach to studying the pathophysiology of cigarette smoking during pregnancy. Particular emphasis is given to the damaging role of oxidative stress. Cigarette smoking exerts multiple adverse affects but abundant evidence, mostly in adults, suggests that oxidative stress and free radical damage is a major pathophysiological factor. Smoking during pregnancy is known to contribute to numerous poor birth outcomes, such as low birth weight, preterm birth as well as life-long health and developmental problems. It is clinically important to know the separate contributions that cigarette derived-nicotine and smoking-induced free oxidative stress make to these poor outcomes. Surprisingly, the extent to which smoking dependent oxidative stress contributes to these poor outcomes is not well studied but the application of redox proteomics should be useful. Considerable biochemical evidence suggests that antioxidants, such as tocopherols and ascorbate, could be useful in minimizing oxidative stress induced pathology to the developing fetus in those women who, despite medical advice, continue to smoke. Nevertheless, this suggestion has yet to be tested in well-designed clinical studies.

Correlation of inflammatory markers with echocardiographic parameters of left and right ventricular function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiovascular diseases

INTRODUCTION

 Inflammation and oxidative stress play an essential role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

OBJECTIVES

 The aim of the study was to evaluate the echocardiographic parameters of the left and right ventricular functions in patients with COPD with or without CVD and in healthy controls, and to establish their relationships with biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

 The study included 24 patients with COPD and CVD, 20 patients with COPD, and 16 healthy controls. Physical examination, spirometry, and echocardiography were performed in all participants, and blood samples were collected. The levels of 8‑isoprostane, leukotriene B4, and interleukin 8 were determined in the blood and exhaled breath condensate (EBC).

RESULTS

 In patients with COPD, the left ventricular ejection fraction was lower than in healthy controls (58.84% ±9.57% vs. 65.50% ±3.35%, P <0.01); moreover, it was lower in patients with COPD and CVD than in those without comorbidities (54.29% ±10.58% vs. 64.30% ±3.74%, P <0.01). The systolic and diastolic functions of the right ventricle were lower in patients with COPD than in the control group, while systolic pulmonary arterial pressure was significantly higher in patients with COPD than in the control group (37.04 ±7.6 mmHg vs. 28.12 ±4.44 mmHg, P = 0.01). Some echocardiographic parameters of the left and right ventricular functions correlated with the concentrations of inflammatory markers both in serum and EBC.

CONCLUSIONS

 The echocardiographic parameters of cardiac function correlate with the markers of inflammation in patients with COPD, which emphasizes the inflammatory background of CVD.

Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa, H.B.K.) improves oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers in hemodialysis patients

Cumulative evidence indicates that oxidative stress and inflammation frequently occurs in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD) and as a result of overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a decrease of antioxidant defenses such as selenium (Se). Previous studies in our laboratory showed that the supplementation of 1 unit of Brazil nut (the richest known food source of Se) a day during 3 months is effective to improve Se status and increase glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels in HD patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Brazil nut supplementation on oxidative stress and inflammation markers in HD patients. Forty HD patients from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil were studied. All patients received one nut per day for 3 months. The Se plasma levels and GPx, 8-isoprostane, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and cytokine (TNF-α and IL-6) levels and lipid profile were determined before and after 3 months of supplementation. The plasma Se and GPx activity increased, while cytokines, 8-OHdG, and 8-isoprostane plasma levels decreased significantly after 3 months supplementation. HDL-c levels increased and LDL-c levels decreased significantly. These data suggest that the consumption of only one Brazil nut per day during 3 months was effective to reduce the inflammation, oxidative stress markers, and the atherogenic risk, thereby increasing the antioxidant defenses in HD patients. Our results indicate that Brazil nut as Se source plays an important role as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent in HD patients.

Asymmetric dimethylarginine and oxidative stress following coronary artery bypass grafting: associations with postoperative outcome

OBJECTIVES

Elevated asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease. A prognostic value of ADMA following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is unknown. The aim of the current study was to assess the effect of CABG on ADMA and oxidative stress and determine their associations with postoperative complications.

METHODS

In 158 consecutive patients (35 women, 123 men, aged 65.2 ± standard deviation 8.2 years) undergoing isolated, elective CABG procedure, we measured plasma ADMA and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) preoperatively and twice postoperatively: 18-36 h and 5-7 days after surgery. The primary end points were postoperative myocardial infarction (PMI) and in-hospital cardiovascular death.

RESULTS

ADMA increased from 0.56 ± 0.06 μmol/l at baseline by 68% to 0.94 ± 0.11 μmol/l at 18-36 h after CABG, and then decreased by 20% to 0.75 ± 0.12 μmol/l on 5-7 days postoperatively (P = 0.0001 for all comparisons). A similar pattern of changes was observed for 8-iso-PGF2α. Thirteen (8.2%) patients developed PMI, and 6 patients (3.8%) died during the early postoperative period because of extensive PMI. PMI and early perioperative mortality were positively associated with ADMA and 8-iso-PGF2α.

CONCLUSIONS

A marked increase of ADMA and oxidative stress is observed within the first days following CABG, and is associated with unfavourable early post-CABG outcomes, including PMI and in-hospital cardiovascular death.

Evaluation of serum leaking enzymes and investigation into new biomarkers for exercise-induced muscle damage

This investigation determined whether existing muscle damage markers and organ damage markers respond to an acute eccentric exercise protocol and are associated with affected muscle symptoms. Nine healthy-young men completed one-leg calf-raise exercise with their right leg on a force plate. They performed 10 sets of 40 repetitions of exercise at 0.5 Hz with a load corresponding to half of their body weight, with 3 min rest between sets. The tenderness of medial gastrocnemius, lateral gastrocnemius and soleus, and the ankle active range of motion (ROM) were assessed before, immediately after, 24 h and 48 h, 72 h, 96 h and 168 h after exercise. Blood and urine were collected pre-exercise and 2 h, 4 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h post-exercise. Serum was analyzed for creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aldolase (ALD) activities. We also determined heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP), intestinal-type fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) and liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-23, nerve growth factor (NGF), soluble-Endothelial (sE)-selectin, s-Leukocyte (L)-selectin, s-Platelets (P)-selectin, and 8-isoprostane in plasma and urine. The tenderness of proximal and middle gastrocnemius increased significantly 72 h (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) after exercise. Ankle active ROM in dorsal flexion decreased significantly 48 h (p < 0.05) and 72 h (p < 0.01) after exercise. CK and ALD activities significantly increased at 72 h (p < 0.05) and remained elevated at 96 h (p < 0.01) postexercise compared to pre-exercise values. Also, ALD which showed relatively lower interindividual variability was significantly correlated with tenderness of middle gastrocnemius at 72 h. LDH activity significantly increased 96 h postexercise (p < 0.01), whereas the increase in AST and ALT activities 96 h post-exercise was not significantly different from pre-exercise values. There were no significant changes in FABPs, NGAL, IL-17A, IL-23, NGF, selectins and 8-isoprostanes in plasma and urine. In conclusion, calf-raise exercise induced severe local muscle damage symptoms which were accompanied by increases in both serum CK and ALD activities, but we could not detect any changes in examined markers of organ damage, inflammation and oxidative stress. Further research is needed to determine other more sensitive biomarkers and the underlying mechanisms of exercise-induced muscle damage.

Cellular and Soluble Inflammatory Markers in Induced Sputum of Composting Plant Workers

Inflammatory processes, including respiratory symptoms, can be induced among workers in composting plants exposed to bioaerosols containing microorganisms and their compounds. We evaluated inflammatory processes in the lower respiratory tract via cellular and soluble mediator profiles in induced sputum (IS). IS samples of 140 current (35% smokers) and 49 former compost workers (29% smokers) as well as 29 white-collar workers (17% smokers) were collected and analyzed for the cell count and composition, and for soluble biomarkers. Significant differences between current and former compost workers and white-collar workers were detected for total cell count (p=0.0004), neutrophils (p=0.0045), sCD14 (p=0.008), and 8-isoprostane (p<0.0001). IS of non-smoking former compost workers showed lower concentrations of IL-8, total protein, immunoreactive MMP-9 and sCD14, compared with non-smoking current compost workers. 10.1% of the study population was suffering from chronic bronchitis with significant differences (p=0.018) between former compost workers (24.5%), current workers (5%), and white-collar workers (10.3%). Significantly lower IL-8 (p=0.0002), neutrophils (p=0.001), and MMP-9 (p=0.0023) values were measured in healthy subjects compared with subjects with chronic bronchitis. In conclusion, changes in lower airways were detected by analysis of biomarkers in IS of current exposed and, to a lesser extent, in IS of former compost workers. These effects are especially pronounced in subjects with chronic bronchitis.

Impact of prostaglandin F2-alpha and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on pain in patients undergoing thermal balloon endometrial ablation

The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the correlation between prostaglandin F2-alpha and tumour necrosis factor-alpha concentration and that of pain experienced by patients undergoing thermal balloon ablation. Furthermore we evaluated the correlation between the endometrial and myometrial thicknesses and the degree of pain experienced by patients undergoing the procedure, and in addition the correlation between PGF2-alpha, TNF-alpha and endometrial and myometrial thicknesses. Single-arm cohort study (Canadian Task force classification II-2). In University Medical Centre Ljubljana, outpatient setting, 40 perimenopausal women with dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB), underwent endometrial thermal balloon ablation. The thickness of the endometrium and myometrium was measured prior to surgery using a transvaginal ultrasound that provided cross-sectional images. The degree of pain was rated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and numeric rating scale (NRS) immediately and 60 minutes after the procedure. The concentration of PGF2-alpha and TNF-alpha in venous blood was measured prior to, at the end of and 60 minutes after the procedure. The results showed a positive correlation between the concentration of PGF2-alpha released during endometrial ablation and the endometrial and myometrial thickness (p > 0.01), including the reported degree of pain (p > 0.01). The concentration of TNF-alpha indicates a positive correlation with the level of pain (p > 0.05), but is not dependent on the thicknesses of the endometrium and myometrium. Endometrial thickness correlates to the degree of pain and the prostaglandin F2-alpha concentration. In clinical practice, performing the Gynecare ThermaChoice procedure immediately after menstruation or preoperative preparation of the endometrium using oral contraceptives enables this procedure to be performed in outpatient settings and can be considered a valuable treatment option for DUB.

Glyburide, a K(+)(ATP)channel blocker, improves hypotension and survival in anaphylactic shock induced in Wistar rats sensitized to ovalbumin

Allergens can induce anaphylactic shock and death due to serve hypotension. Potassium channel blockers (K(+)(ATP)) such as glyburide (GLY) induce vasoconstriction. The effect of (K(+)(ATP)) channel blockers on anaphylactic shock is poorly understood. Objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that GLY reduces hypotension induced in anaphylactic shock and increases survival. Rats were grouped into: G1-N=Naïve; G2-SC=Sensitized-Control; G3-SG=Sensitized-GLY (glyburide 40 mg/kg); G4-SE=Sensitized-EPI (epinephrine 10 mg/kg). G2 to G4 groups were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) and shock was induced by i.v. injection of OVA. Treatments were administered intravenously 5 min later. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and mean survival time (MST) were measured for 60 min following OVA injection and treatments administration. At the end of the experiment, blood withdrawal was performed to measure plasma levels of histamine, leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)), prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) and prostaglandin F(2) (PGF(2)). Additionally blood gas (paO2, paCO2, SaO2) and electrolytes (Na(+), K(+) and Ca (++)) were measured. MAP was normal in G1-N; severe hypotension, negative inotropic and short MST were observed in G2-SC; normalization of MAP, with lesser negative inotropism and increased MST were observed in G3-SG; full recovery was observed in G4-SE. Histamine level was significantly higher in G2-SC; reduced in G3-SG and G4-SE. PGE(2) increased in G3-SG; PGF(2) increased in G2-SC and G3-SG. Na(+) and Ca (++) concentration decreased in sensitized rats but reversed in treated groups, without change in K(+) concentration. In conclusion, our data suggest that administration of GLY reduced hypotension and increases survival time in rat anaphylactic shock.

The effects of dietary omega fatty acids on pregnancy rate, plasma prostaglandin metabolite levels, serum progesterone levels, and milk fatty-acid profile in beef cows

The objectives were to determine the effects of feeding supplements rich in omega-6 or omega-3 fatty acids (FA) during the late gestation to the early postpartum and breeding periods on reproduction and milk FA profile in beef cows. For each of two years, at the beginning of period 1 (mid-December), 72 beef cows, calving in January or February, were assigned to diets supplemented with roasted flaxseed (Flax) or roasted soybean (Soybean). For each of two years, after 11 wk (end of period 1), 18 cows of 36 in the Flax group were switched to the soybean supplement and 18 cows of 36 in the Soybean group were switched to the flax supplement (start of Period 2). Cows were bred by timed artificial insemination (TAI) in week 5 of period 2. The FA composition of the milk reflected the FA profile of the oilseed supplements. There were no differences in pregnancy rates among the 4 groups. The treatments had no effect on plasma prostaglandin metabolite levels or ratios at 4 to 11 d postpartum. At 5 to 6 d post- TAI, pregnant cows fed Flax in period 1 had lower (P < 0.05) plasma prostaglandin F metabolite (PGFM) levels and PGFM to prostaglandin E metabolite (PGEM) ratio than cows fed Soybean, but there were no significant differences at 19 to 20 d post-TAI. Cows pregnant from TAI and fed Flax in period 2 had higher (P < 0.05) serum progesterone levels at 5 to 6 d post-TAI than cows fed Soybean, but there was no difference at 19 to 20 d post-TAI. The dietary treatments had no effect on pregnancy rates, but there were some effects on plasma PGFM levels, PGFM to PGEM ratios, and serum progesterone levels. The FA supplements influenced the FA composition of milk.

Boron deprivation alters rat behaviour and brain mineral composition differently when fish oil instead of safflower oil is the diet fat source*

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

To determine whether boron deprivation affects rat behaviour and whether behavioural responses to boron deprivation are modified by differing amounts of dietary long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.

RESEARCH DESIGN

Female rats were fed diets containing 0.1 mg (9 micromol)/kg boron in a factorial arrangement with dietary variables of supplemental boron at 0 and 3mg (278 micromol)/kg and fat sources of 75 g/kg safflower oil or 65 g/kg fish (menhaden) oil plus 10 g/kg linoleic acid. After 6 weeks, six females per treatment were bred. Dams and pups continued on their respective diets through gestation, lactation and after weaning. Between ages 6 and 20 weeks, behavioural tests were performed on 13-15 male offspring from three dams in each dietary treatment. The rats were euthanized at age 21 weeks for the collection of tissues and blood.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

At ages 6 and 19 weeks, auditory startle was evaluated with an acoustic startle system and avoidance behaviour was evaluated by using an elevated plus maze. At ages 7 and 20 weeks, spontaneous behaviour activity was evaluated with a photobeam activity system. A brightness discrimination test was performed on the rats between age 15 and 16 weeks. Brain mineral composition was determined by coupled argon plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Plasma total glutathione was determined by HPLC and total cholesterol and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2alpha (8-iso-PGF2alpha) were determined by using commercially available kits.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Boron-deficient rats were less active than boron-adequate rats when fed safflower oil based on reduced number, distance and time of horizontal movements, front entries, margin distance and vertical breaks and jumps in the spontaneous activity evaluation. Feeding fish oil instead of safflower oil attenuated the activity response to boron deprivation. In the plus maze evaluation, the behavioural reactivity of the boron-deficient rats fed fish oil was noticeably different than the other three treatments. They made more entries into both open and closed arms and the center area and thus visited more locations. The boron-deficient rats fed fish oil also exhibited the lowest copper and zinc and highest boron concentrations in brain and the highest plasma glutathione concentration. Both boron deprivation and safflower oil increased plasma 8-iso-PGF2alpha.

CONCLUSIONS

Both dietary boron and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids influence rat behaviour and brain composition and the influence of one these bioactive substances can be altered by changing the intake of the other. Brain mineral and plasma cholesterol, glutathione and 8-iso-PGF2alpha findings suggest that rat behaviour is affected by an interaction between boron and fish oil because both affect oxidative metabolism and act the cellular membrane level.

A high-salt diet further impairs age-associated declines in cognitive, behavioral, and cardiovascular functions in male Fischer brown Norway rats

Aging-associated declines in cognitive, emotional, and cardiovascular function are well known. Environmental stress triggers critical changes in the brain, further compromising cardiovascular and behavioral health during aging. Excessive dietary salt intake is one such stressor. Here, we tested the effect of high salt (HS) on anxiety, learning-memory function, and blood pressure (BP) in male Fischer brown Norway (FBN) rats. Adult (A; 2 mo) and old (O; 20 mo) male rats were fed normal-salt (NS; 0.4% NaCl) or HS (8% NaCl) diets for 4 wk after being implanted with telemeter probes for conscious BP measurement. Thereafter, tests to assess anxiety-like behavior and learning-memory were conducted. The rats were then killed, and samples of plasma, urine, and brain tissue were collected. We found that systolic BP was higher in O-NS (117 ± 1.2 mm Hg) than in A-NS (105 ± 0.8 mm Hg) rats (P < 0.05). Furthermore, BP was higher in O-HS (124 ± 1.4 mm Hg) than in O-NS (117 ± 1.2 mm Hg) rats (P < 0.05). Moreover, anxiety-like behavior (light-dark and open-field tests) was not different between A-NS and O-NS rats but was greater in O-HS rats than in A-NS, O-NS, or A-HS rats (P < 0.05). Short-term memory (radial arm water maze test) was similar in A-NS and O-NS rats but was significantly impaired in O-HS rats compared with A-NS, O-NS, or A-HS rats (P < 0.05). Furthermore, oxidative stress variables (in plasma, urine, and brain) as well as corticosterone (plasma) were greater in O-HS rats when compared with A-NS, O-NS, or A-HS rats (P < 0.05). The antioxidant enzyme glyoxalase-1 expression was selectively reduced in the hippocampus and amygdala of O-HS rats compared with A-NS, O-NS, or A-HS rats (P < 0.05), whereas other antioxidant enzymes, glutathione reductase 1, manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Cu/Zn SOD remained unchanged. We suggest that salt-sensitive hypertension and behavioral derangement are associated with a redox imbalance in the brain of aged FBN rats.

SFAs do not impair endothelial function and arterial stiffness

BACKGROUND

It is uncertain whether saturated fatty acids (SFAs) impair endothelial function and contribute to arterial stiffening.

OBJECTIVE

We tested the effects of replacing SFAs with monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) or carbohydrates on endothelial function and arterial stiffness.

DESIGN

With the use of a parallel-designed randomized controlled trial in 121 insulin-resistant men and women, we measured vascular function after 1 mo of consumption of a high-SFA (HS) diet and after 24 wk after random assignment to the HS diet or diets that contained <10% SFAs and were high in either MUFAs or carbohydrates. The primary outcome was a change in flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and secondary outcomes were changes in carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and plasma 8-isoprostane F2α-III concentrations.

RESULTS

For 112 participants with data available for analysis on the specified outcomes, no significant differences were shown. FMD with the HS reference diet was 6.7 ± 2.2%, and changes (95% CIs) after 6 mo of intervention were +0.3 (-0.4, 1.1), -0.2 (-0.8, 0.5), and -0.1 (-0.6, 0.7) with HS, high-MUFA (HM), and high-carbohydrate (HC) diets, respectively. After consumption of the HS reference diet, the geometric mean (±SD) PWV was 7.67 ± 1.62 m/s, and mean percentages of changes (95% CIs) were -1.0 (-6.2, 4.3) with the HS diet, 2.7 (-1.4, 6.9) with the HM diet, and -1.0 (-5.5, 3.4) with the HC diet. With the HS reference diet, the geometric mean (±SD) plasma 8-isoprostane F2α-III concentration was 176 ± 85 pmol/L, and mean percentage of changes (95% CIs) were 1 (-12, 14) with the HS diet, 6 (-5, 16) with the HM diet, and 4 (-7, 16) with the HC diet.

CONCLUSION

The replacement of SFAs with MUFAs or carbohydrates in healthy subjects does not affect vascular function. This trial was registered at Current Controlled Trials (http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN) as ISRCTN 29111298.

The progesterone receptor antagonist, onapristone has differential effects on the timing and control of the luteolytic mechanism depending on timing of administration in sheep

Cyclic ewes were treated with control vehicle or progesterone receptor antagonist (onapristone; 100mg i.m. twice daily) during either early (day 3-5) or late (day 12-14) luteal phase and plasma samples collected for hormone analysis and to determine endogenous and oxytocin induced PGF2α release. On day 14 and 17, ewes were euthanised and reproductive tracts collected for ovarian morphology and endometrium for oxytoxin and steroid hormone receptor analysis. Early treatment increased LH, but not progesterone or oestradiol, while late treatment elevated all three hormones. Early treatment delayed the up-regulation of endometrial oxytocin receptors and responsiveness to oxytocin challenge, delaying luteolysis. Late treatment advanced development of oxytocin receptors and responsiveness to oxytocin though not timing of luteolysis. Patterns of hormone receptor mRNA were differentially disrupted by treatments. Results provide mechanistic insight into hormonal control of the oestrous cycle and identify the ability of the luteolytic mechanism to dissociate from functional luteolysis.

Fish oil supplementation alters circulating eicosanoid concentrations in young healthy men

OBJECTIVE

Increasing omega-3 fatty acid (FA) intake, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is associated with numerous health benefits; however, the benefits on inflammation appear to vary depending on the study population examined. While improvements in inflammatory status have been reported in the elderly, there is less evidence regarding the effects of fish oil supplementation on inflammation in young adults. The goal of the present study was to examine the influence of fish oil supplementation on lipid metabolites and the inflammatory status of young healthy men.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Fasted serum samples were collected from 10 young healthy males (23.4 ± 1.7 years) before and after a 3-month supplementation of fish-oil containing 2.0g EPA and 1.0g DHA. Samples were analyzed to investigate changes in FA profiles, bioclinical parameters (e.g. triglyceride and hs-CRP), and a panel of 26 eicosanoids. Paired t-tests were used to evaluate changes between the time points.

RESULTS

Serum triglycerides decreased (P=0.0006) while the proportion of HDL-c (relative to total cholesterol) increased significantly (P=0.0495) after fish oil supplementation. Specific monounsaturated and polyunsaturated FA levels were changed following supplementation, including reductions in palmitoleic and oleic acid, and, as expected, increases in EPA and DHA. We also observed increases in eicosanoids, namely prostaglandin-F2α (P<0.0001) and thromboxane-B2 (P=0.0296), after fish oil supplementation.

CONCLUSIONS

A 3-month fish oil supplementation in young healthy men improved circulating triglyceride levels and the HDL-c ratio while, concomitantly, increasing the concentrations of two eicosanoids (prostaglandin-F2α and thromboxane-B2). This suggests that fish oil supplementation does have significant benefits in young healthy adults and that specific omega-6-derived eicosanoids can help to further our understanding regarding the beneficial link between omega-3 FA and inflammation.

Supplemental oxygen for caesarean section during regional anaesthesia

BACKGROUND

Supplementary oxygen is routinely administered to low-risk pregnant women during an elective caesarean section under regional anaesthesia; however, maternal and foetal outcomes have not been well established.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective was to determine whether supplementary oxygen given to low-risk term pregnant women undergoing elective caesarean section under regional anaesthesia can prevent maternal and neonatal desaturation. The secondary objective was to compare the mean values of maternal and neonatal blood gas levels between mothers who received supplementary oxygen and those who did not (control group).

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, Issue 2, 2012), MEDLINE (1948 to February 2012) and EMBASE (1980 to February 2012). We did not apply language restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials of low-risk pregnant women undergoing an elective caesarean section under regional anaesthesia and compared outcomes with, and without, oxygen supplementation.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently extracted data, assessed methodological quality and performed subgroup and sensitivity analyses.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 10 trials with a total of 683 participants. Supplementary oxygen administration varied widely in dose and duration between trials. No cases of maternal desaturation were reported, although none of the 10 trials focused on maternal desaturation. Significant differences were noted in maternal oxygen saturation (higher with oxygen, N = three trials; mean difference (MD) 1.6%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.8 to 2.3, P < 0.0001), maternal PaO2 (oxygen pressure in the blood; higher with oxygen, N = six trials; MD 141.8 mm Hg, 95% CI 109.3 to 174.3, P < 0.00001), neonatal UaPO2 (foetal umbilical arterial blood; higher with oxygen, N = eight trials; MD 3.3 mm Hg, 95% CI 1.8 to 4.9, P < 0.0001) and UvPO2 (foetal umbilical venous blood; higher with oxygen, N = 10 trials; MD 5.9 mm Hg, 95% CI 3.2 to 8.5, P < 0.0001). No significant differences were reported in neonatal UapH (N = eight trials; MD 0.00, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.00, P = 0.26) and in average Apgar scores at one minute (N = five trials; MD 0.07, 95% CI -0.20 to 0.34, P = 0.6) and at five minutes (N = five trials; MD 0.00, 95% CI -0.06 to 0.05, P = 0.91).Only two out of 10 trials had a low risk of bias in all categories. When we separated the studies into low risk and high risk for bias, we found substantial statistical heterogeneity. None of the low-risk studies showed a significant difference in neonatal UaPO2 between the two intervention groups, whereas the high-risk studies showed a benefit for the neonatal oxygen group.The level of oxygen free radicals (malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-isoprostane) was higher in participants who received supplementary oxygen (N = two trials; MD 0.2 µmol/L, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.4, P = 0.0002; MD 64.3 pg/mL, 95% CI 51.7 to 76.8, P < 0.00001, respectively).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence suggests that supplementary oxygen given to healthy term pregnant women during elective caesarean section under regional anaesthesia is associated with higher maternal and neonatal oxygen levels (maternal SpO2, PaO2, UaPO2 and UvPO2) and higher levels of oxygen free radicals. However, the intervention was neither beneficial nor harmful to the neonate's short-term clinical outcome as assessed by Apgar scores.

Cardiovascular changes in atherosclerotic ApoE-deficient mice exposed to Co60 (γ) radiation

Background

There is evidence for a role of ionizing radiation in cardiovascular diseases. The goal of this work was to identify changes in oxidative and nitrative stress pathways and the status of the endothelinergic system during progression of atherosclerosis in ApoE-deficient mice after single and repeated exposure to ionizing radiation.

Methods and Results

B6.129P2-ApoE tmlUnc mice on a low-fat diet were acutely exposed (whole body) to Co60 (γ) (single dose 0, 0.5, and 2 Gy) at a dose rate of 36.32 cGy/min, or repeatedly (cumulative dose 0 and 2 Gy) at a dose-rate of 0.1 cGy/min for 5 d/wk, over a period of 4 weeks. Biological endpoints were investigated after 3–6 months of recovery post-radiation. The nitrative stress marker 3-nitrotyrosine and the vasoregulator peptides endothelin-1 and endothelin-3 in plasma were increased (p<0.05) in a dose-dependent manner 3–6 months after acute or chronic exposure to radiation. The oxidative stress marker 8-isoprostane was not affected by radiation, while plasma 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine decreased (p<0.05) after treatment. At 2Gy radiation dose, serum cholesterol was increased (p = 0.008) relative to controls. Percent lesion area increased (p = 0.005) with age of animal, but not with radiation treatment.

Conclusions

Our observations are consistent with persistent nitrative stress and activation of the endothelinergic system in ApoE−/− mice after low-level ionizing radiation exposures. These mechanisms are known factors in the progression of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.

Plasma concentrations of PGFM and uterine and ovarian responses in early lactation dairy cows fed omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids

A total of 120 dairy cows were assigned randomly to three diets to determine the effects of omega-6 or omega-3 fatty acid (FA) supplementation on uterine diseases, ovarian responses, and blood concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, and PGFM in lactating Holstein dairy cows. Diets contained either protected palm oil (C), extruded linseed (L), or roasted whole soybeans (S), and they were fed from calving to Day 70 postpartum. Estrous cycles were synchronized and ovarian follicular development was monitored daily for an entire cycle. There were no differences among diets in the incidence of lameness, mastitis, or metritis, but the incidence of clinical endometritis was lower (P < 0.05) in cows fed S (0%) compared with cows fed C (28.2%) and L (20.5%). Uterine involution in cows fed S occurred 3.77 and 2.78 days earlier, respectively, than in those fed C and L. The PGFM response 60 minutes after an oxytocin challenge was highest for cows fed S and lowest for cows fed L. Mean plasma progesterone concentration on Day 15 of the synchronized cycle was higher in cows fed S (14.5 ng/mL) and L (15.0 ng/mL) than in those fed C (12.0 ng/mL). The ovulatory follicle on Day 21 of the estrous cycle (estrous = Day 0) was larger in cows fed S (16.1 ± 0.9 mm) and L (15.7 ± 0.7 mm) compared with cows fed C (13.2 ± 0.87 mm; P = 0.02) but there were no significant differences between cows fed diets S and L. The mean number of small and medium follicles and diameter of subordinate follicle were similar among diets. In conclusion, feeding a source of omega-6 FA can be a strategy to improve uterine health after calving, although a source of omega-3 FA such as L should be fed after uterine involution to decrease PGF2α secretion.

Increased oxidative stress in normal-weight postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome compared with metabolically healthy overweight/obese individuals

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess whether the metabolically healthy overweight/obese phenotype is associated with decreased oxidative stress compared with normal-weight individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS).

MATERIALS/METHODS

Plasma oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) and urinary 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α (8-epi-PGF2α) were analyzed in a cross-sectional study of 1846 healthy postmenopausal women. Participants were classified by presence (n=569) or absence (n=1277) of MetS and by BMI (18.5-24.9kg/m(2)=normal weight, n=1254; ≥25kg/m(2)=overweight/obese, n=592). MetS was diagnosed with the modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria.

RESULTS

Compared to normal weight women with MetS (n=296), metabolically healthy overweight/obese women (n=319) showed lower blood pressure, triglyceride, and glucose and higher HDL cholesterol, adiponectin, and LDL particle size. Ox-LDL was higher in overweight/obese women without MetS than in normal weight women without MetS (n=958) but was lower than in women with MetS. Urinary 8-epi-PGF2α level was about 11% lower in women without MetS than in women with MetS. Normal weight women with MetS had greater odds of having ox-LDL (multivariate odds ratio [OR] 2.42, 95% CI: 1.65-3.55) and 8-epi-PGF2α (OR 1.49; CI: 1.03-2.14) levels in the top quartile compared to normal weight women without MetS after adjusting for age, drinking, smoking, total- and LDL-cholesterol, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein. Additionally, there was no significant correlation between ox-LDL and 8-epi-PGF2α.

CONCLUSIONS

The metabolically healthy overweight/obese phenotype was associated with a better overall metabolic profile and less oxidative stress than that observed in normal weight individuals with MetS. Furthermore, there was a lack of association between ox-LDL and 8-epi-PGF2α.

Hepatic response to chronic hypoxia in experimental rat model through HIF-1 alpha, activator protein-1 and NF-kappa B

Chronic liver diseases are commonly associated with tissue hypoxia that may cause inflammation, oxidative stress, liver cell injury and increased nuclear transcriptional regulation. The hepatic response to chronic hypoxia at the molecular level has not yet been clearly understood until now. The aim of this study is to investigate whether nuclear transcription factors [hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1α), activator protein-1 (AP-1), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)] exhibit activity changes during hepatic response to chronic hypoxia. Blood and liver samples were collected from adult Sprague-Dawley rats living in atmospheric air or 10% oxygen for four weeks. Levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), 8-isoprostane and nitrotyrosine were measured. The activities of nuclear transcription factors and the expression of downstream genes (iNOS, eNOS, ET-1 and VEGF) were measured using RT-PCR, Western blotting and Gel shift analysis. Results showed that serum ALT level, 8-isoprostane level and formation of nitrotyrosine were within normal range at all time-points. In the hypoxic liver, DNA-binding activities of HIF-1α, NF-κB and AP-1 increased significantly. Expression levels of iNOS, VEGF and ET-1 progressively increased from day 7 to day 28. eNOS was also elevated in the hypoxic liver. In conclusion, our study suggests that increased activity of HIF-1α, AP-1 and NF-κB may partly play a significant role in the hepatic response to oxidative stress and liver injury under chronic hypoxia. The increased expression of VEGF, ET-1, iNOS and eNOS may be partly due to the compensatory mechanism in the vascular beds of the liver in response to chronic hypoxia.

Nutrition intervention to decrease symptoms in patients with advanced heart failure

For a majority of patients with advanced heart failure, there is a need for complementary, non-pharmacologic interventions that could be easily implemented by health care providers to provide palliative care. Three major pathologic pathways underlying heart failure symptoms have been identified: fluid overload, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Prior research has demonstrated that three nutrients-sodium, omega-3 fatty acids, and lycopene-can alter these pathologic pathways. Therefore, the purposes of this study are to test the effects of a 6-month nutrition intervention of dietary sodium reduction combined with supplementation of lycopene and omega-3 fatty acids on heart failure symptoms, health-related quality of life, and time to heart failure rehospitalization or all-cause death. The aims of this double blind-placebo controlled study are (1) to determine the effects of a 6-month nutrition intervention on symptom burden (edema, shortness of air, and fatigue) and health-related quality of life at 3 and 6 months, and time to heart failure rehospitalization or all-cause death over 12 months from baseline; (2) compare dietary sodium intake, inflammation, and markers of oxidative stress between the nutrition intervention group and a placebo group at 3 and 6 months; and (3) compare body weight, serum lycopene, and erythrocyte omega-3 index between the nutrition intervention group and a placebo group at 3 and 6 months. A total of 175 patients with advanced heart failure will be randomized to either the nutrition intervention or placebo group.

Follicular-phase concentrations of progesterone, estradiol-17β, LH, FSH, and a PGF2α metabolite and daily clustering of prolactin pulses, based on hourly blood sampling and hourly detection of ovulation in heifers

Circulating concentrations of hormones were determined each hour in 13 heifers from the end of the luteolytic period to ovulation (follicular phase, 3.5 days). Diameter of the preovulatory follicle was determined every 8 hours, and the time of ovulation was determined hourly. The diameter of the preovulatory follicle decreased 0.8 ± 0.1 mm/h in heifers when there was 1 to 3 hours between the last two diameter measurements before ovulation. The concentration of progesterone (P4) after the end of the luteolytic period (P4 < 1 ng/mL) changed (P < 0.0001), as shown by a continued decrease until Hour -57 (Hour 0 = ovulation), then was maintained at approximately 0.2 ng/mL until 2 hours before the peak of the LH surge at Hour -26, and then a decrease to 0.1 ng/mL along with a decrease in estradiol-17β. Concentrations of LH gradually increased (P < 0.007) and concentrations of FSH gradually decreased (P < 0.0001) after the end of luteolysis until the beginning nadirs of the respective preovulatory surges. A cluster of prolactin (PRL) pulses occurred (P < 0.0001) each day with approximately 24 hours between the maximum value of successive clusters. Hourly concentrations of a PGF2α metabolite decreased (P < 0.007) until Hour -40, but did not differ among hours thereafter. Novel observations included the gradual increase in LH and decrease in FSH until the beginning of the preovulatory surges and follicle diameter decrease a few hours before ovulation. Results supported the following hypotheses: (1) change in the low circulating P4 concentrations during the follicular phase are temporally associated with change in LH concentrations; and (2) PRL pulses occur in a cluster each day during the follicular phase of the estrous cycle.

[The influence of intravenous laser therapy on prostaglandin E2 and F2-alpha dynamics and the state of microcirculation in the patients presenting with gastroesophageal reflux disease]

The objective of the present work was to study the influence of low-frequency laser radiation on the levels of prostaglandins E2 and F2-alpha and characteristics of microcirculation in the patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A total of 112 patients at the age from 19 to 79 years presenting with GERD were examined. 78 of them were given the complete 10-day course of intravenous laser therapy based on a Matriks-VLOK ("Matriks", Russia) therapeutic laser set emitting in the continuous mode at a wavelength of 0.405 mcm with the radiation power 1-11.5 mW at the output of the main lightguide. The characteristics of interest were determined before and after the treatment. It was shown that laser irradiation resulted in the elevation of pro-inflammatory prostaglandin levels and the improvement of parameters of microcirculation.

Cord blood 8-isoprostane in the preterm infant

BACKGROUND

Cord blood 8-isoprostane (8-IP) is a marker of lipid peroxidation in the peripartum period. The independent association with degree of prematurity is not well-described.

OBJECTIVE

To identify patterns of lipid peroxidation among early, moderate and late preterm infants, and to understand how cord blood 8-IP varies with gestational age (GA) and related covariates.

STUDY DESIGN

Mother-infant pairs from 237 preterm births were studied as part of a longitudinal birth cohort study. GA subgroups were defined as extremely (≤28w), moderately (29-33w), and late (34-36w) preterm. Cord blood 8-IP was measured using EIA. Elevated 8-IP (4th quartile) was the primary outcome for multivariate logistic regression models, which were adjusted for maternal age/race, multiple gestation and infant gender, as well as other relevant covariates.

RESULTS

Elevated 8-IP was associated with extremely preterm birth (OR=4.31; 95% CI=1.90, 9.76), and was inversely associated with increasing GA (OR=0.88; 95% CI=0.80, 0.97). Elevated 8-IP was also associated with decreasing birth weight (BW), clinical chorioamnionitis, fetal inflammatory response of the placenta (FIR), and signs of perinatal depression. The GA on 8-IP association appeared to be modified by several maternal disease and fetal-infant factors. Lastly, the indirect associations between log-transformed 8-IP, GA and BW appeared to be most prominent for GA<30w and for BW<2000g.

CONCLUSION

Lipid peroxidation in preterm birth, and the relative influence of accompanying peripartum factors, varies according to degree of prematurity. These findings have important implications for the developmental regulation of antioxidant defense and its impact on neonatal outcomes.

The relationship between pregnancy and oxidative stress markers on patients undergoing ovarian stimulations

PURPOSE

We investigated the activities and relevance of a validated panel of antioxidant enzymes, cytokines, specific lipid peroxidation end products and six fatty acids by correlational analyses with peak E(2) levels and pregnancy outcome after ovarian stimulation for IVF or IUI.

METHODS

Blood samples obtained from 15 patients undergoing ovarian stimulation with rFSH or hMG were divided into two groups. Group-1 was baseline blood collected on day-2-3 of women cycle. Group-2 is blood collected at the end of FSH/hMG injection. Serum was collected and stored in liquid nitrogen at -196 °C until analysis. Standard IVF and IUI procedures were followed. The serum levels of Paraoxonase (PON1), Superoxide Dismutases (SOD), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), 8-Isoprostane, and fatty acids Arachidic, Palmitic, Stearic, Oleic, Linoleic & Linolenic were measured.

RESULTS

With the exception of 8-Isoprostane, results showed a positive correlation between baseline and peak levels of E(2) and that of SOD, GPx, PON1, and IL-6. The PON1, IL-6 and SOD were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in pregnant than non-pregnant group. Fatty acid levels at baseline and peak E(2) were not different but pregnancy rates were found to be decreasing with higher palmitic, and stearic acid levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Ovarian stimulation causes a significant increase in serum PON1, SOD, GPx and IL-6 activity in women undergoing IVF or IUI. The high levels of IL-6, SOD, and PON1 and lower levels of palmitic, and stearic acids in the pregnancy positive group indicate that these oxidative stress and nutritional factors may be used as a predictive marker in controlled ovarian stimulation success.

The relationship between oxidative stress and the levels of serum circulating adhesion molecules in patients with hyperglycemia crises

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between oxidative stress and the levels of serum circulating adhesion molecules in patients with hyperglycemia crises.

METHODS

A total of 73 patients with diabetic ketoacidosis and nonketotic hyperglycemia were treated on a low-dose insulin protocol using intravenous infusion of insulin with the established rate of 0.1U·kg(-1)·h(-1). The patients received intravenous fluids and nutrition orally and intravenously. The levels of serum ICAM-1, E-selectin, and 8-iso-prostaglandin F(2α) (8-iso-PGF(2α)); the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD); the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) in 68 patients with hyperglycemia crisis on admission and after insulin therapy with resolution of hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis (72 h after resolution) were measured. Another 33 healthy individuals served as normal controls.

RESULTS

The activities of SOD and TAC at admission were lower in patients with hyperglycemia crisis than in normal controls, and the levels of MDA, 8-iso-PGF(2α), ICAM-1 and E-selectin were higher in patients with hyperglycemia crisis than in normal controls (all p<0.05). The activities of SOD and TAC in patients at resolution were significantly lower than in patients at admission and were significantly higher than in controls (p<0.05). The levels of MDA, 8-iso-PGF(2α), ICAM-1 and E-selectin in patients at resolution were markedly lower than in patients at admission (all p<0.05) and were significantly higher than in normal controls (p<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between ICAM-1 and SOD (r=0.32, p<0.05) and between E-selectin and MDA (r=0.30, p<0.05) in patients at admission, and the level of E-selectin was positively correlated with MDA and 8-iso-PGF(2α) in patients at resolution (r=0.33, 0.36, p<0.05). In stepwise regression analysis, MDA and 8-iso-PGF(2α) showed a significant association with E-selectin, and 8-iso-PGF(2α) showed a significant association with ICAM-1.

CONCLUSION

The oxidative stress and the levels of serum circulating adhesion molecules are significantly changed in patients with hyperglycemia crisis. Intensive insulin therapy can attenuate the abnormity of oxidative stress and the levels of serum circulating adhesion molecules in patients with hyperglycemia crisis.

The impact of pioglitazone on ADMA and oxidative stress markers in patients with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

To determine whether pioglitazone 30 mg daily reduces levels of ADMA in adult patients with diabetes, and whether there is improvement in markers of oxidative stress.

METHODS

Prospective randomized cross-over placebo-controlled study of 36 adults age 40-75 years with type 2 diabetes recruited from a single academic health center. Intervention was for 12 weeks, followed by a 4-week wash-out period, followed by a second 12-week cross-over treatment period. The main outcome was comparison of the change in ADMA levels in the two treatment periods. Secondary outcomes included change in NOx and F2-isoprostanes.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients were enrolled in the study, 31 completed the protocol; the study enrollment met the sample size required to detect a change of 18% in levels. There were no differences in ADMA, NOx and F2-isoprostanes levels in the two treatment periods. Non-study medication changes or changes in dose were infrequent, and a statin was added during the study period in only one patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite previous animal data that showed an effect of pioglitazone on ADMA, the current study in human patients did not demonstrate any differences in ADMA, NOx, or F2-isoprostane levels. The results do not favor that pioglitazone has a significant impact on ADMA levels in human patients with diabetes.

Effects of biomarkers of oxidative stress damage on prevalence and severity of visual disability among black Central Africans

BACKGROUND

Because of the demographic transition, lifestyle changes, urbanization, and nutrition transition, Central Africans are at higher risk of ocular diseases associated with oxidative stress and visual disability. This study aimed to estimate the normal values of oxidant status defined by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL), 8-Isoprostane and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and to determine their pathogenic role in the prevalence and the severity of visual disability among these black Africans.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study, run in a case-control study randomly selected from Kinshasa province, DR Congo. The study included 150 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients (cases) matched for sex and age to 50 healthy non diabetic controls. Logistic regression models were used to identify independent determinants of visual disability.

RESULTS

The presence rates were 8.5% for blindness, 20.5% for visual impairment and 29% for visual disability including blindness and visual impairment. After adjusted for taro leaves intake, red beans intake, T2DM, aging, waist circumference, and systolic blood pressure, we identified low education level (OR=3.3 95%CI 1.5-7.2; p=0.003), rural-urban migration (OR=2.6 95% CI 1.2-5.6; p=0.017), and high Ox-LDL (OR=2.3 95% CI 1.1-4.7; p=0.029) as the important independent determinants of visual disability. After adjusted for education, intake of red beans, intake of taro leaves, triglycerides, and T2DM, we identified no intake of safou fruit (OR=50.7 95% CI 15.2-168.5; p<0.0001), rural-urban migration (OR=3.9 95%CI 1.213; p=0.012), and high 8-OHdG (OR=14.7 95% CI 3.9-54.5; p<0.0001) as the significant independent determinants of visual disability. After adjusted for education level, no intake of red beans, no intake of Taro leaves, triglycerides, and T2DM, we identified no intake of Safou fruit (OR=43.1 95% CI 13.7-135.4; p<0.0001), age ≥ 60 years (OR=3.4 95% CI 1.3-9; p=0.024), and high 8-Isoprostane (OR=11 95% CI 3.4-36.1; p<0.0001) as the significant independent determinants of visual disability.

CONCLUSIONS

Visual disability remains a public health problem in Central Africa. Antioxidant supplement, fruit intake, nutrition education, control of migration, and blocking of oxidative stress are crucial steps for delayed development of vision loss.

Effects of sevelamer on HbA1c, inflammation, and advanced glycation end products in diabetic kidney disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Increased inflammation and oxidative stress may be caused by proteins and lipids modified by cytotoxic advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in food. Restricting food containing elevated AGEs improves these risk factors in diabetic CKD. Because diet adherence can be problematic, this study aimed to remove cytotoxic AGEs from food already ingested and to determine whether sevelamer carbonate sequesters cytotoxic AGEs in the gut, preventing their uptake and thereby reducing AGE-induced abnormalities.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

This single-center, randomized, 2-month, open-label, intention-to-treat, crossover study compared sevelamer carbonate with calcium carbonate treatment in stage 2-4 diabetic CKD. Participants received 2 months of treatment with one drug, had a 1-week washout, and then received the opposite drug for 2 months.

RESULTS

Sevelamer carbonate reduced HbA1c, serum methylglyoxal, serum (ε)N-carboxymethyl-lysine, triglycerides, and 8-isoprostanes. Total cholesterol and fibroblast growth factor 23 were reduced by sevelamer carbonate, relative to calcium carbonate. AGE receptor 1 and sirtuin 1 mRNA were increased and PMNC TNFα levels were decreased by sevelamer carbonate, but not calcium carbonate. Medications and caloric and AGE intake remained unchanged. Sevelamer carbonate reversibly bound AGE-BSA at intestinal, but not stomach, pH.

CONCLUSIONS

Sevelamer carbonate significantly reduces HbA1c, fibroblast growth factor 23, lipids, and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, and markedly increases antioxidant markers, independently of phosphorus in patients with diabetes and early kidney disease. These novel actions of sevelamer carbonate on metabolic and inflammatory abnormalities in type 2 diabetes mellitus may affect progression of early diabetic CKD.

Influence of maternal metabolism and parental genetics on fetal maldevelopment in diabetic rat pregnancy

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of parental transgenerational genetics and maternal metabolic state on fetal maldevelopment in diabetic rat pregnancy. Rats from an inbred malformation-resistant (W) strain, and an inbred malformation-prone (L) strain, were cross-mated to produce two different F(1) hybrids, WL and LW. Normal (N) and manifestly diabetic (MD) WL and LW females were mated with normal males of the same F(1) generation to obtain WLWL and LWLW F(2) hybrids. Maternal diabetes increased malformation and resorption rates in both F(2) generations. MD-WLWL offspring had higher resorption rate but similar malformation rate compared with the MD-LWLW offspring. Malformed MD-WLWL offspring presented with 100% agnathia/micrognathia, whereas malformed MD-LWL offspring had 60% agnathia/micrognathia and 40% cleft lip and palate. The MD-WL dams showed increased β-hydroxybutyrate levels and alterations in concentrations of several amino acids (taurine, asparagine, citrulline, cystine, glutamic acid, leucine, tyrosine, and tryptophan) compared with MD-LW dams. Fetal glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (Gapdh) activity and gene expression were more altered in MD-WLWL than MD-LWLW. Fetal gene expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger enzymes was diminished in MD-WLWL compared with MD-LWLW. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor and Ret proto-oncogene gene expression was decreased in both MD-WLWL and MD-LWLW fetuses, whereas increased bone morphogenetic protein 4 and decreased Sonic hedgehog homolog expression was found only in MD-LWLW fetuses. Despite identical autosomal genotypes, the WL and LW dams gave birth to offspring with markedly different malformation patterns. Together with fetal differences in enzymatic activity and expression of Gapdh, ROS scavengers, and developmental genes, these results may suggest a teratological mechanism in diabetic pregnancy influenced by maternal metabolism and parental strain epigenetics.

Apoptotic and inflammatory cytokine protein expression in intestinal lymphocytes after acute treadmill exercise in young and old mice

AIM

Gastrointestinal disturbances are common in athletes following intense exercise. Variations in apoptotic protein expression and cell death may contribute to acute exercise-induced intestinal inflammation. The effect of age on apoptotic protein response in the intestinal compartment in response to exercise is not known. Using a mouse model, we examined the effects of a single bout of treadmill running in young and old mice on intestinal lymphocyte (IL) expression of the apoptosis-inducing cytokine TNF-α, the pro-apoptotic proteins caspase-3 and 7, the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, and IL apoptotic status (% AnnexinV+).

METHODS

Young (3-4 months, N.=44) and old (13-14 months, N.=45) female C57Bl/6 mice were randomized to treadmill exercise (10 min warm-up, 20 min at 22 m min-1, 30 min at 25 m min-1, 30 min at 28 m min-1, 2º slope) with sacrifice immediately (IMM) or 2hr after (2Hr), or to a non-exercised control (SED). IL were removed and prepared for analysis of % apoptosis (flow cytometry) and determination of apoptotic protein and cytokine expression (Western blotting). Plasma corticosterone and 8-iso-PGF2α were measured by EIA.

RESULTS

Exercise was associated with a higher IL expression of caspase-3 in IMM and 2Hr groups vs. SED (P<0.001), a higher expression of TNF-α in the IMM group vs. SED (P<0.001), and a lower Bcl-2 expression in the IMM and 2Hr groups vs. SED (P<0.01). There was a trend (P=0.07) for increased caspase-7 expression after exercise. IL caspase-3 and 7 and TNF-α expression did not differ by age whereas Bcl-2 expression was lower (P<0.001) and % Annexin V+ IL was higher (P<0.05) in old vs. young mice. Plasma corticosterone and 8-iso-PGF2α were higher (P<0.001 and P<0.05) in IMM vs. SED mice but did not differ by age.

CONCLUSION

The expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins, caspase-3 and caspase-7, and the apoptosis-inducing cytokine, TNF-α, in IL did not differ by age in this animal model in response to a single intense exercise challenge. However, Old mice had lower expression of the 'protective' anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and a higher percentage of early apoptotic IL. Whether repeated exercise results in less IL resiliency in elderly individuals remains to be determined.

Dried blood spot (DBS) sample collection for determination of the oxidative stress biomarker 8-epi-PGF(2α) in humans using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

RATIONALE

F2-isoprostanes are a series of prostaglandin F2-like compounds that are formed by free-radical-catalyzed peroxidation of arachidonic acid (ARA). Several F2-isoprostanes, but in particular 8-epi-PGF(2α), are widely used as oxidative stress biomarkers. In this study we have developed an analytical tool for finger-tip blood sampling and analysis of 8-epi-PGF(2α) from dried blood spots (DBS).

METHODS

We have applied solid-phase extraction (SPE) and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) for the extraction, separation and detection of 8-epi-PGF(2α) in DBS and have studied the stability of this marker using the DBS collection platform.

RESULTS

The mass limit of detection (mLOD) for 8-epi-PGF(2α) extracted from DBS samples was 1.5 pg while the concentration limit of detection (cLOD) and concentration limit of quantitation (cLOQ) were 6 pg/mL and 18 pg/mL, respectively. All values based on triplicate analysis. Sufficient stability of 8-epi-PGF(2α) in DBS was achieved by preconditioning DBS paper with vitamin E and BHT.

CONCLUSIONS

The developed method is sensitive, specific, robust, efficient, and can accurately measure endogenous concentrations of 8-epi-PGF(2α) in DBS. Thus, it offers an analytical approach to measure 8-epi-PGF(2α) by a novel sample collection technique that is less invasive and costly than conventional techniques.

[The role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of oxidative stress in pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), especially in the obese PCOS.

METHODS

43 PCOS patients with BMI > or = 23 kg/m2 were grouped into PCOS1. 42 PCOS patients with BMI < 23 kg/m2 were grouped into PCOS2. Meanwhile, 85 infertility patients with normal endocrine function and body weight were grouped into control group. All patients were subjected to the measurement of serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), 8-iso-prostaglandin F2alpha (8-iso-PGF2alpha) and visfatin. The difference among PCOS1, PCOS2 and control group were compared and the relationships between the indexes were analyzed with simple liner regression analysis.

RESULTS

The serum level of SOD in PCOS1 and PCOS2 were lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05), and the serum level of SOD in PCOS1 was lower than that in PCOS2 (P < 0.05). The serum levels of 8-iso-PGF2alpha and visfatin in PCOS1 were higher than those in PCOS2 and control group (P < 0.05). The serum levels of 8-iso-PGF2alpha and visfatin between PCOS2 and control group were not statistical different. In PCOS1 and PCOS2 groups, SOD activity decreased with increasing levels of 8-iso-PGF2alpha, the regression coefficient was -0.407. For serum vifation, there were positive correlations with both BMI and 8-iso-PGF2alpha, but negative correlation with SOD; the coefficients were 0. 402 (P = 0.008), 0.612 (P = 0.000), and -0.153 (P = 0.000), respectively. The indexes mentioned above did not have the liner relationship in the control group.

CONCLUSION

There was oxidative stress in PCOS patients, which was not obvious in the normal weight PCOS patients but quite severe in the obese PCOS patients.

Elevated advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) indicate metabolic risk in severely obese children

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The assessment of oxidative stress may aid in the identification of subsequent metabolic risk in obese children. The objective of this study was to determine whether the plasma level of advanced oxidation protein products, analyzed with a recently proposed modified assay that involves a delipidation step (mAOPPs), was related to metabolic risk factors (MRFs) in severely obese children.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The plasma levels of mAOPPs were determined by spectrophotometry in 54 severely obese and 44 healthy children. We also measured lipid peroxidation biomarkers (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, malondialdehyde, and 8-isoprotane F(2α)) and sulfhydryl groups, a marker of antioxidant defense. Protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation markers were higher and sulfhydryl levels were lower in obese children compared with controls. Taking metabolic risk into account, obese children were subdivided according to the cutoff point (53.2 μmol/L) obtained for their mAOPPs values from the ROC curve. Anthropometric measures and the existence of hypertension did not differ between groups. The presence of dyslipidemia and insulin resistance was significantly higher in the group with higher mAOPPs levels. The highest levels of mAOPPs were found in the children with ≥3 MRFs. The level of mAOPPs was positively correlated with triglycerides and negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. There was no correlation of this marker of protein oxidation with biomarkers of lipid peroxidation.

CONCLUSION

The determination of mAOPPs in delipidated plasma is an easy way to evaluate protein oxidation. It may be useful in severely obese children for better cardiovascular risk assessment.

α-Tocopherol supplementation avoids apoptosis in the anal sphincter

PURPOSE

To analyze the influence of α-tocopherol supplementation on the levels of oxidative stress and apoptosis rates in the anal sphincter induced by orchiectomy in rats.

METHODS

Forty male Wistar rats weighing 250-300 g, were divided into four groups and sacrificed 8 weeks after: I- Control: sham; II- Orchiectomy: bilateral orchiectomy; III- Pre Orchiectomy Tocopherol: α-tocopherol supplementation for 4 weeks preceding bilateral orchiectomy; IV- Orchiectomy Full Tocopherol: α-tocopherol supplementation for 4 weeks before and 8 weeks after bilateral orchiectomy. The anal sphincter was analyzed stereologically to evaluate the density of collagen and the muscle fibers. The oxidative stress and the apoptosis were determined with 8-isprostane and caspase-3, respectively.

RESULTS

The collagen fibers concentration was statistically greater in Orchiectomy group than the others. The muscle fibers concentration was higher in Control and Orchiectomy Full Tocopherol than Orchiectomy and Pre Orchiectomy Tocopherol groups. Orchiectomy group showed higher 8-isoprostane concentrations compared to the other groups (p < 0.0003). Pre Orchiectomy Tocopherol and Orchiectomy Full Tocopherol groups presented caspase-3 levels lower than the Orchiectomy group (0.0072).

CONCLUSION

Vitamin supplementation with α-tocopherol for 12 weeks had the highest protection against bilateral orchiectomy generation of reactive oxygen species as well as apoptosis in the muscle fibers of the anal sphincter of rats.

A randomly-controlled study on the cardiac function at the early stage of return to the plains after short-term exposure to high altitude

High altitude acclimatization and adaptation mechanisms have been well clarified, however, high altitude de-adaptation mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we conducted a controlled study on cardiac functions in 96 healthy young male who rapidly entered the high altitude (3700 m) and returned to the plains (1500 m) after 50 days. Ninety eight healthy male who remained at low altitude were recruited as control group. The mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS), cardiac function index (Tei index) were tested. Levels of serum creatine kinase isoform MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme-1 (LDH-1), endothelin-1 (ET-1), nitrogen oxide (NO), serum hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), 8-iso-prostaglandin F_2α (8-iso PGF_2α), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malonaldehyde (MDA) were measured at an altitude of 3700 m and 1500 m respectively. The results showed that after short-term exposure to high altitude mPAP and Tei index increased significantly, while LVEF and LVFS decreased significantly. These changes were positively correlated with altitude. On the 15^th day after the subjects returned to low altitude, mPAP, LVEF and LVFS levels returned to the same level as those of the control subjects, but the Tei index in the returned subjects was still significantly higher than that in the control subjects (P<0.01). We also found that changes in Tei index was positively correlated with mPAP, ET-1, HIF-1α and 8-iso PGF_2α levels, and negatively correlated with the level of NO, LVEF, LVFS, CK-MB and LDH-1. These findings suggest that cardiac function de-adapts when returning to the plains after short-term exposure to high altitude and the function recovery takes a relatively long time.