Serum prolidase activity and oxidative stress markers in pregnancies with intrauterine growth restricted infants

Oxidative stress biomarkers in pregnancy: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

This systematic review explores the level of oxidative stress (OS) markers during pregnancy and their correlation with complications. Unlike previous studies, it refrains from directly investigating the role of OS but instead synthesises data on the levels of these markers and their implications for various pregnancy-related complications such as preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restrictions, preterm premature rupture of membranes, preterm labour, gestational diabetes mellitus and miscarriages.

METHOD

STUDY DESIGN: Utilizing a systematic review approach, we conducted a comprehensive search across databases, including MEDLINE, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and SCOPUS. Our search encompassed all publication years in English.

RESULTS

After evaluating 54,173 records, 45 studies with a low risk of bias were selected for inclusion. This systematic review has underscored the importance of these markers in both physiological and pathological pregnancy states such as preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restrictions, preterm premature rupture of membranes, preterm labour, gestational diabetes mellitus and miscarriages.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review provides valuable insights into the role of OS in pregnancy and their connection to complications. These selected studies delved deeply into OS markers during pregnancy and their implications for associated complications. The comprehensive findings highlighted the significance of OS markers in both normal and pathological pregnancy conditions, paving the way for further research in this field.

Pinecone oil supplemented to multiparous sows from 107 days prenatal to 21 days postpartum improves reproductive performance and milk composition and affects serum parameters

Pinecone oil (PO) of Pinus koraiensis mainly contains α-pinene, β-pinene, and limonene that may ameliorate animal well-being and growth performance. This study evaluated its effects on feed intake, milk composition and yield, serum parameters, and litter growth of sows. Twenty-seven pregnant sows (parity 2-4) were distributed to three dietary treatments. The trial started on Day 107 of gestation and ended on Day 21 of lactation. Sows were given either a basal diet or the basal diet + 200 or 400 mg/kg PO. Each treatment contained nine sows and each sow was considered an experimental unit. Results showed that the average daily gain and weaned body weight of piglets from the sows fed 400 mg/kg PO supplements were higher (p < 0.05) than the piglets from the control sows. Lactose content in colostrum samples and fat content in milk samples were higher (p < 0.05) in 400 mg/kg PO-treated sows, respectively, than those from the sows fed basal diet. Additionally, cortisol concentration and aspartate aminotransferase concentration in sow serum was lowered (p < 0.05) by 400 mg/kg PO on Day 21 of lactation. In conclusion, supplementation of 400 mg/kg PO during late gestation and lactation contributed to greater offspring growth performance, possibly by enhanced milk quality and alleviated maternal stress.

The Effect of Maternal Probiotic or Synbiotic Supplementation on Sow and Offspring Gastrointestinal Microbiota, Health, and Performance

The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens has prompted the reduction in antibiotic and antimicrobial use in commercial pig production. This has led to increased research efforts to identify alternative dietary interventions to support the health and development of the pig. The crucial role of the GIT microbiota in animal health and performance is becoming increasingly evident. Hence, promoting an improved GIT microbiota, particularly the pioneer microbiota in the young pig, is a fundamental focus. Recent research has indicated that the sow's GIT microbiota is a significant contributor to the development of the offspring's microbiota. Thus, dietary manipulation of the sow's microbiota with probiotics or synbiotics, before farrowing and during lactation, is a compelling area of exploration. This review aims to identify the potential health benefits of maternal probiotic or synbiotic supplementation to both the sow and her offspring and to explore their possible modes of action. Finally, the results of maternal sow probiotic and synbiotic supplementation studies are collated and summarized. Maternal probiotic or synbiotic supplementation offers an effective strategy to modulate the sow's microbiota and thereby enhance the formation of a health-promoting pioneer microbiota in the offspring. In addition, this strategy can potentially reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the sow and her offspring, enhance the immune potential of the milk, the immune system development in the offspring, and the sow's feed intake during lactation. Although many studies have used probiotics in the maternal sow diet, the most effective probiotic or probiotic blends remain unclear. To this extent, further direct comparative investigations using different probiotics are warranted to advance the current understanding in this area. Moreover, the number of investigations supplementing synbiotics in the maternal sow diet is limited and is an area where further exploration is warranted.

Large litter size increases oxidative stress and adversely affects nest-building behavior and litter characteristics in primiparous sows

The study examined 24 primiparous sows (Landrace × Large white) and their offspring, which were grouped based on litter size: NORMAL (n = 8, average litter size 11.5 ± 1.2), with litter size between 7 and 14, and LARGE (n = 16, average litter size 15.9 ± 1.0), with litter size between 15 and 20. Sows were group-housed during gestation, and housed in an adjustable loose housing system (2.4 × 2.3 m) during farrowing and lactation. All the sows were confined in the farrowing crates (0.6 × 2.3 m) for 7 days after the onset of parturition. Saliva samples of sows were collected on days 35, 21, and 7 before farrowing (D-35, D-21 and D7, respectively), and on days 1, 7, and 28 after farrowing (D1, D7, and D28, respectively) to measure the levels of Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Colostrum samples were collected for oxytocin and prolactin assays. Nest-building behavior (NB) for 24 h before parturition and farrowing was observed through video analysis. The results showed that LARGE sows had higher levels of H2O2 on D1 and D7 and AOPP during late gestation (p < 0.05, for all) and lower TEAC levels during late gestation and on D7 and D28 after farrowing (p < 0.05, for all) than NORMAL sows. Additionally, LARGE sows tended to have higher levels of TNF-α on D1 and D7 (p < 0.10, for both). LARGE sows showed shorter duration and lower frequency of NB during 24-12 h before parturition (p < 0.05, for both), and tended to have lower prolactin levels (p = 0.10). Furthermore, large sows tended to show longer farrowing duration and higher stillbirth rate (p = 0.06, p = 0.07, respectively). In conclusion, this study confirmed that large litter size may increase oxidative stress in sows during late gestation and lactation. The data also suggested that this could adversely impact prolactin release, leading to reduced NB.

Nutritional strategies to alleviate oxidative stress in sows

The performance of high-yielding sows is directly related to the productivity of pig farming. Fetal development mainly occurs during the last month of pregnancy, and the aggressive metabolic burden of sows during this stage eventually leads to systemic oxidative stress. When affected by oxidative stress, sows exhibit adverse symptoms such as reduced feed intake, hindered fetal development, and even abortion. In addition, milk synthesis during the lactation period causes a severe metabolic burden. The biological response to oxidative stress during this period is associated with a decrease in milk production, which further affects the growth of piglets. Understanding the nutritional strategies to alleviate oxidative stress in sows is crucial to maintain their reproduction and lactation performance. Recently, advances have been made in the field of nutrition to relieve oxidative stress in sows during late pregnancy and lactation. This review highlights the nutritional strategies to relieve oxidative stress in sows reported within the last 20 years.

The Change of Oxidative Stress in Maternal Blood During Pregnancy

Oxidative stress (OS) is a state in which the oxidative capacity exceeds the antioxidant capacity in vivo. OS is associated with various perinatal diseases. There have been few reports about OS during pregnancy, such as OS changes that occur during gestation, normal maternal OS dynamics, and OS levels in umbilical cord blood. We here examined the oxidative and antioxidant capacity in maternal blood as well as in umbilical cord vein blood during normal pregnancy. Pregnant women managed from early pregnancy to the postpartum period in our hospital, from April 2018 to March 2019, were included. We obtained maternal blood at 12, 24, and 36 weeks of gestation and obtained umbilical cord blood at delivery. The OS (derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites [d-ROMs]) and antioxidant capacity (biological antioxidant potential [BAP]) of blood samples were measured. D-ROMs and BAP were compared across gestational weeks. Moreover, d-ROMs and BAP were compared between mothers with and without disease. We analyzed 100 pregnancies (651 specimens). Eleven patients developed hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP)/preeclampsia (PE). The median maternal age was 35 years, and the median gestational age at delivery was 39 weeks. Thirty-one women had undergone fertility treatments. D-ROM values were significantly higher and BAP values were significantly lower in mid- and late pregnancy than in early pregnancy. D-ROM and BAP showed no significant differences between HDP/PE and non-hypertensive groups. During pregnancy, maternal OS increases, and antioxidant capacity decreases with advancing gestational age.

The Serum Prolidase Enzyme Activity as a Biomarker for Evaluation of the Subclinical Vascular Damage in Children with Epilepsy

Backgroud:

Epilepsy is a chronic medical condition requiring long term or even lifelong therapy. Various researches have shown that epilepsy patients have vascular risk factors such as abnormal lipids, insulin, elevated oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and subclinical atherosclerosis.

Objectives:

The purpose of the present study was to determine serum prolidase enzyme activity as a biomarker in children taking antiepileptic drug treatment through comparison with control cases.

Materials and Methods:

The present study group consists of 61 children (20 females, 41 males) with epilepsy and a control group was formed of 32 healthy individuals (14 females, 18 males). Aspectrophotometric method was used to measure serum prolidase enzyme activity.

Results:

The epilepsy group demonstrated statistically significantly higher prolidase enzyme activity values when compared with the control group (P = 0.003). It was measured that the serum TOS and OSI values were significantly elevated in patients with epilepsy compared to controls (P < 0.001). However, serum TAS values were significantly lower in the epilepsy group than in the control group (P = 0.032).

Conclusions:

These results supported that epileptic patients taking the antiepileptic treatment had increased serum prolidase enzyme activity, suggesting that it may show an increased risk of subclinical vascular damage related to both chronic inflammation and fibrotic process associated with degenerated collagen turnover. Therefore, serum prolidase enzyme activity could be considered a useful biomarker for evaluation of the subclinical vascular damage in children with epilepsy on some antiepileptic drugs.

Plasma prolidase levels are high in schizophrenia but not in first-episode psychosis

An increasing number of studies have focussed on the neurobiology of schizophrenia (SCH), contributing to a better understanding of this disorder. Prolidase is a metalloprotease found in various tissues, which has been associated with the concentrations of proline, a neurotransmitter, in the brain. There is evidence to suggest that elevated proline levels play a role in SCH. The aim of the present study was to compare plasma proline levels in patients with drug-naive first-episode psychosis (FEP) and in those with SCH. Patients diagnosed with FEP (n = 26) and SCH (n = 26) were recruited for this study, in addition to healthy control volunteers (n = 26). Plasma prolidase levels were found to be elevated in the SCH group compared to drug-naive FEP and healthy control groups. This finding indicates that prolidase levels are higher in SCH patients, while levels in patients with drug-naive FEP are similar to those of healthy control. Follow-up studies are needed to provide a better understanding of prolidase in the etiopathogenesis of SCH.

Relationship between zinc content and carbonic anhydrase activity in blood of anemic pregnant women in Turkey

AIMS

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) in pregnancy plays an important part in gaseous exchange across the placenta. The aim of our study was to determine the relationship between zinc content and the CA activity in blood of anemic and normal pregnant women in their third trimester, in Turkey.

METHODS

The patients with hemoglobin values below 11 g/dL were accepted as anemic. CA enzyme activity and zinc levels in erythrocyte of anemic and non-anemic pregnant women were carried out in 27 non-anemic pregnant women and 31 anemic pregnant women. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) levels of the participants were also tested.

RESULTS

Zinc levels were lower in the anemic group compared to the non-anemic group (P = 0.049). Total CA enzyme activity was also lower in the anemic group (P = 0.044). MCV levels were found to be lower in the anemic group (P = 0.007). The decrease in these values was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to evaluate the zinc content in red blood cells of anemic pregnant women in the third trimester and its relationship with carbonic anhydrase activity. CA isoenzymes to work healthily, providing iron and zinc supports is important for fetal development.

Total antioxidant status as marker of oxidative stress in infants with intrauterine growth restriction

Aim: The aim of this study is to identify correlations between total antioxidant status values of mothers and their infants and compare these values in accordance to the presence or absence of intrauterine growth restriction.

Material and methods: This is a prospective, comparative study performed over a period of 3 years on a number of 52 infants and their mothers. Thirty-six of them had intrauterine growth restriction and 16 were appropriate for their gestational age and were used for comparative purposes. General information regarding the mother, infant and pregnancy were recorded. In addition, total antioxidant status was assessed from blood samples, taken right before delivery from mothers and from the cord blood in infants.

Results: We found significant differences between total antioxidant status both between mothers and neonates with IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction) versus without IUGR (p=0.018, and p<0.001, respectively). In addition, in both groups, there was a significant direct correlation between maternal and neonatal values of serum total antioxidant status (TAS) (p<0.001).

In conclusion, we can say that TAS values, as an important marker of the oxidative status of patients, are correlated with the presence of IUGR and values recorded from blood samples of the mother may be predictive for the oxidative status of the infant, thus of IUGR.

Oxidative stress status and reproductive performance of sows during gestation and lactation under different thermal environments

Objective

Two experiments were conducted using 28 healthy multiparous sows to evaluate the oxidative stress status and reproductive performance of sows during gestation and lactation under different thermal environments.

Methods

Fourteen multiparous sows were used in Exp. 1 under a high thermal environment, and the other 14 multiparous sows were used in Exp. 2 under a moderate thermal environment. In both experiments, reproductive performances of sows were recorded. Plasma samples were collected on d 35, 60, 90, and 109 of gestation, and d 1 and 18 of lactation for malondialdehyde, protein carbonyls, 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine, immunoglobulin g (IgG), and IgM analysis.

Results

For sows in Exp. 1, plasma malondialdehyde concentration on d 109 of gestation tended to be greater (p<0.05) than it on d 18 of lactation. Plasma concentration of protein carbonyl on d 109 of gestation was the greatest (p<0.05) compared with all the other days. Plasma concentrations of 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine on d 109 of gestation was greater (p< 0.05) than d 18 of lactation in Exp. 1. For sows in Exp. 2, there was no difference of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl concentration during gestation and lactation. In both Exp. 1 and 2, litter size and litter weight were found to be negatively correlated with oxidative stress indicators.

Conclusion

Sows under a high thermal environment had increased oxidative stress during late gestation indicating that increased oxidative damage to lipid, protein, and DNA could be one of the contributing factors for reduced reproductive performance of sows in this environment. This study indicates the importance of providing a moderate thermal environment to gestating and lactating sows to minimize the increase of oxidative stress during late gestation which can impair reproductive outcomes.

Nutrient sensor signaling pathways and cellular stress in fetal growth restriction

Fetal growth restriction is one of the most common obstetrical complications resulting in significant perinatal morbidity and mortality. The most frequent etiology of human singleton fetal growth restriction is placental insufficiency, which occurs secondary to reduced utero-placental perfusion, abnormal placentation, impaired trophoblast invasion and spiral artery remodeling, resulting in altered nutrient and oxygen transport. Two nutrient-sensing proteins involved in placental development and glucose and amino acid transport are mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT), which are both regulated by availability of oxygen. Impairment in either of these pathways is associated with fetal growth restriction and accompanied by cellular stress in the forms of hypoxia, oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, metabolic dysfunction and nutrient starvation in the placenta. Recent evidence has emerged regarding the potential impact of nutrient sensors on fetal stress response, which occurs in a sexual dysmorphic manner, indicating a potential element of genetic gender susceptibility to fetal growth restriction. In this mini review, we focus on the known role of mTOR and OGT in placental development, nutrient regulation and response to cellular stress in human fetal growth restriction with supporting evidence from rodent models.

Oxidative Stress in Women Treated with Atosiban for Impending Preterm Birth

Preterm birth is defined as delivery before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy, and it is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Oxidative stress is recognized as an important factor in the pathogenesis of premature labor. We conducted this analysis to investigate the safety of administration of the tocolytic drug Atosiban—a reversible, competitive antagonist of the oxytocin receptor in the treatment of preterm birth and its impact on the level of oxidative stress in pregnant women after 48 hours of tocolytic treatment. This prospective study was conducted between March 2016 and August 2017 at the Obstetric Clinic of the Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute. Total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) values as well as 3-nitrotyrosine, carbonyl, and thiol group levels were measured using an ELISA test in serum and plasma of 56 pregnant women before and after 48 hours of continuous administration of Atosiban. We found that TAS levels decreased almost twice after the 48-hour drug administration (0.936 ± 0.360 mmol/L vs. 0.582 ± 0.305 mmol/L, P < 0.001) while TOS increased from 18.217 ± 16.093 μmol/L to 30.442 ± 30.578 μmol/L (P < 0.001). We also found a significant increase in OSI index—almost a threefold increase from 0.022 ± 0.022 to 0.075 ± 0.085, P < 0.001. In addition, statistically significant differences in the level of carbonyl groups were found. It increased from 65.358 ± 31.332 μmol/L to 97.982 ± 38.047 μmol/L (P < 0.001), which indicates increased oxidation of plasma proteins. Furthermore, patients who gave birth prematurely had higher levels of TOS after a 48-hour drug administration than the second group with labor after 37 weeks of pregnancy (42.803 ± 34.683 μmol/L vs. 25.792 ± 27.821 μmol/L, P < 0.031). The obtained results clearly indicate that pregnant women during tocolytic treatment with Atosiban are in a state of increased oxidative stress and occurrence of preterm birth can be associated with this phenomenon. This trial is registered with NCT03570294.

Selenium in Complicated Pregnancy. A Review

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element of significant importance in human health. Diet is the major source of Se, and intake of this element depends on its concentration in food sources as well as the amount of those sources consumed. Unfortunately, daily dietary intake of Se in most European countries is generally low, ∼30-40μg/day, compared with the recommended dietary allowance, ∼55 and 70μg/day for adult females and males, respectively. The importance of Se as an essential trace element is linked to its role as selenocysteine in a number of selenoproteins including antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidases (GSH-Pxs), thioredoxin reductases (TrxRs), and selenoprotein P (SePP). These enzymes protect tissues against the damaging effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other endogenous products of cellular metabolism implicated in DNA damage and potentially leading to mutagenesis, cell death, and carcinogenesis. Reduced body Se and antioxidant enzyme activity during pregnancy results in oxidative stress within tissues contributing to premature birth, miscarriage, preeclampsia, and intrauterine growth retardation. Because placenta development is highly dependent on oxygen status, uncontrolled ROS formation is likely detrimental. Despite these findings, the role of Se and Se-dependent enzymes in pregnancy remains controversial. The objective of this review is to explore Se status in pregnancy with respect to adverse outcomes. Effects related to decreased antioxidant activity and increased oxidative stress will be highlighted.

Ischemia modified albumin in perinatology

Ischemia modified albumin is a novel marker of ischemia generated due to hypooxygenation and increased hydroxyl free radicals in low pH. The molecule has been licenced for clinical use as an early marker for acute coronary syndrome in cardiology. Since presence of ischemia might have serious and sometimes devastating effects in perinatology, various researches have evaluated its value in different clinical conditions. This narrative review aims to summarize the literature concerning the value of IMA in perinatology and guide for further research.

Oxygen flux reduces Cux1 positive neurons and cortical growth in a gestational rodent model of growth restriction

BACKGROUND

The mammalian cerebral cortex forms in an inside-out manner, establishing deep cortical layers before superficial layers and is regulated by transcription factors which influence cell differentiation. Preterm birth interrupts the trajectory of normal neurodevelopment and adverse perinatal exposures have been implicated in cortical injury. We hypothesise that growth restriction (GR) and fluctuating hyperoxia (ΔO₂) impair cortical laminar development.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats received 18% (non-restricted, NR) or 9% (growth restricted, GR) protein diet from E15-P7. Litters were reared in air or fluctuating hyperoxia (circa 10kPa) from P0 to P7. Cortical laminae were stained and measured. Neuronal subtypes were quantified using immunofluorescence for subtype-specific transcription factors (Satb2, Cux1, Ctip2, Tbr1).

RESULTS

ΔO₂ did not affect brain weight at P7 but reduced cortical thickness in both NR (p<0.05) and GR groups (p<0.001). ΔO₂ resulted in superficial cortical thinning in both groups and in the deep layers of GR pups (p<0.001). Cell density was preserved. ΔO₂ did not affect proportions of callosal, corticothalamic and corticospinal neurons but resulted in a reduction of neurons expressing Cux1 (p<0.01) implicated in dendritic branching and synapse formation.

CONCLUSION

Postnatal ΔO₂, a modifiable factor in neonatal care, impairs cortical development in a rodent model with preferential disadvantage to superficial neurons.

Is there any role of prolidase enzyme activity in the etiology of preeclampsia?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a relationship between preeclampsia and prolidase enzyme activity.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study of 41 pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia and 31 healthy pregnant women as control group was selected at Harran University Hospital Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The prolidase enzyme activity was analyzed in maternal and umbilical cord plasma, amniotic fluid and placental and umbilical cord tissues by Chinard method in addition to maternal serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) and serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT).

RESULTS

A significant relationship was found between plasma prolidase activity (635 ± 83 U/L) (p  = 0.007), umbilical cord plasma prolidase activity (610 ± 90 U/L) (p = 0.013), amniotic fluid prolidase activity (558 ± 100 U/L) (p  = 0.001), umbilical cord tissue prolidase activity (4248 ± 1675 U/gr protein) (p  = 0.013) and placental tissue prolidase activity (2116 ± 601 U/gr protein) (p  = 0.001) in preeclamptic group when compared to healthy pregnant women.

CONCLUSION

There is a strong correlation between prolidase enzyme activity and preeclampsia. Prolidase enzyme activity may play a role in preeclampsia.

Prolidase activity in chronic plaque psoriasis patients

INTRODUCTION

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, T-cell-mediated and hyperproliferative skin disease characterized by erythematous, squamous, sharply circumscribed and infiltrated plaques. The metabolisms of the collagen proteins undergo considerable changes due to the acceleration of their turnovers as a result of increased prolidase activity in psoriasis patients.

AIM

To determine the level of prolidase activity in psoriasis patients and evaluate its relationship with the oxidative system.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The serum prolidase enzyme activity, total antioxidant levels and total oxidant levels of 40 psoriasis patients and a control group including 47 healthy individuals were analyzed by using their serum samples, and their oxidative stress indices were calculated.

RESULTS

The prolidase levels (p < 0.01), total oxidant levels (p < 0.01) and oxidative stress index levels (p < 0.001) of the patient group were higher than the corresponding parameters in the control group. The total antioxidant level was low (p < 0.01). Although a positive correlation was found between the prolidase and total antioxidant levels and the total oxidant level, no correlation was found between prolidase and the oxidative stress index.

CONCLUSIONS

It has been determined that the activity of the prolidase enzyme increases due to the increased collage turnover in psoriasis patients. Increased serum oxidant levels and oxidative stress indices values may play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Idiopathic Fetal Growth Restriction: Repercussion of Modulation in Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress has been proposed as one of the causes involved in idiopathic fetal growth restriction (IFGR). However, the exact relationship between oxidative stress and IFGR is not understood. This study aimed at understanding the role of oxidative stress and antioxidant status in IFGR materno-fetal dyads and matched controls. 75 materno-fetal dyads with IFGR were enrolled with equal number of normal low risk controls. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured as marker of oxidative stress, while paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of serum were measured as markers of antioxidant status. MDA levels were increased in both maternal and cord blood of IFGR neonates as compared to controls (p < 0.001). TAC of serum were found to be decreased in IFGR (both maternal and cord blood) as compared to controls (p < 0.001; p < 0.05, respectively). PON1 activity was found to be decreased in the IFGR mothers while it was found increased in IFGR cord blood (p < 0.01; p < 0.001)). IFGR is a state of increased oxidative stress. Decreased PON1 enzymatic activity in mothers is also associated with IFGR.

Effect of multivitamin versus multivitamin-mineral supplementation on metabolic profiles and biomarkers of oxidative stress in pregnant women: a double-blind randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to determine the favorable effects of received multivitamin versus multivitamin-mineral supplements on metabolic profiles and biomarkers of oxidative stress among Iranian pregnant women.

METHODS

This double-blind randomized-controlled clinical trial was conducted among 70 pregnant women, primigravida, aged 18-35 years old between 16 and 37 weeks gestation. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either the multivitamin (n = 35) or multivitamin-mineral supplements (n = 35) for 20 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after a 20-week intervention to measure lipid profiles and biomarkers of oxidative stress.

RESULTS

After 20 weeks of intervention, multivitamin-mineral supplementation resulted in a significant difference on serum triglycerides levels (changes from baseline in multivitamin-mineral group: +6.1 versus in multivitamin group: +45.9 mg/dl, p = 0.04) compared with the multivitamin group. In addition, increased concentrations of serum HDL-cholesterol (changes from baseline in multivitamin-mineral group: +0.1 versus in multivitamin group: -7.4 mg/dl, p = 0.02) and total glutathione (GSH) levels (changes from baseline in multivitamin-mineral group: +151.09 versus in multivitamin group: -116.21 µmol/l, p = 0.003) were also seen in the multivitamin-mineral group compared with the multivitamin group.

CONCLUSION

Supplementation of multivitamin-mineral compared to multivitamin supplementation for 20 weeks during pregnancy had beneficial effects on triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol and GSH levels.

Evaluation of the utility of serum prolidase as a marker for liver fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Liver dysfunction is common and often unrecognized. Liver biopsy is the gold standard in the assessment of liver fibrosis, but has disadvantages. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of serum prolidase enzyme activity (SPA) in predicting the presence and degree of liver fibrosis, as compared with liver biopsy. Further, we evaluated the effect of hemolysis on measured SPA levels.

METHODS

We undertook a prospective case control study. Thirty eight outpatients without apparent liver illness and 20 patients with liver pathology scheduled to undergo liver biopsy had their SPA levels measured.

RESULTS

Patients undergoing liver biopsy had higher SPA levels (361 (268) IU/l [median (interquartile range)]) compared with controls (169 (160) (P < 0.001)). A SPA cutoff value of 200 IU/l yielded a sensitivity of 89%, specificity of 59%, an odds ratio of 11.5, negative predictive value of 92%, and a positive predictive value of 50%. Hemolysis causes an apparent increase in SPA levels.

CONCLUSION

Higher SPA levels in patients undergoing liver biopsies compared with controls may reflect the presence of liver fibrosis. SPA levels could not be used to stage the degree of fibrosis. SPA measurement may be useful in the diagnostic workup of suspected liver disease.

Effect of social ranks and gestation housing systems on oxidative stress status, reproductive performance, and immune status of sows

Ninety-six multiparous sows were randomly assigned into 2 different gestation housing systems on d 35 of gestation: individual gestational crates (n = 24) or small groups with 3 sows in gestational pens (n = 24). Sows were classified into 4 treatments based on gestation housing systems and social ranks within each gestational pen: sows housed in individual gestational crates were in control treatment (CON), and sows destined to high, middle, or low social ranks within each pen were classified into high social rank treatment (HR), middle social rank treatment (MR), and low social rank treatment (LR). The social rank of sows within a pen was determined by their winning percentage during aggressive interactions observed for a 4-d period after mixing on d 35 of gestation. Plasma samples collected from each sow on d 35, 60, 90, and 109 of gestation and d 1 and 18 of lactation were used to determine concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls, 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), IgG, and IgM. Sows in HR had higher (P < 0.05) body weight during gestation and lactation, smallest (P < 0.05) litter weight at birth, increased (P < 0.05) number of stillborn than sows in MR and LR, and tended to have decreased (P = 0.073, P = 0.064) number of born alive compared with sows in CON and LR. Sows in LR had lower farrowing rate compared with sows in MR. Plasma concentration of protein carbonyl in HR was higher (P < 0.05) than that in MR on d 3 of lactation. Plasma concentrations of 8-OHdG in LR was greater (P < 0.05) than that in HR on d 90 of gestation, d 3 and 18 of lactation, and greater (P < 0.05) than CON on d 18 of lactation. The reproductive performance of sows from all of the social ranks was related to their oxidative stress status during gestation and lactation. Collectively, the reproductive performance, oxidative stress status, and immune status did not differ between sows housed in gestational crates (CON) and pens (HR + MR + LR). Sows in CON and MR did not show inferior reproductive performance during gestation and lactation. Sows in HR and LR had increased oxidative damage during late gestation and lactation which could contribute to the reduced litter size and litter weight in HR and lower farrowing rate in LR.

Maternal plasma prolidase, matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 13, and oxidative stress levels in pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of the membranes and chorioamnionitis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the role of various biochemical markers in preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and in prediction of chorioamnionitis in patients with PPROM.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This case-control study included a total of 100 pregnant women at 26-34 gestational weeks. Of these women, 50 were healthy and 50 had PPROM. The biochemical markers in the maternal plasma including prolidase, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 1 and 13, total oxidative status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were assayed. These levels were compared between the PPROM and control groups and between women with or without chorioamnionitis in the PPROM group.

RESULTS

Compared to the control group, the levels of prolidase, MMP-13, and TOS were significantly higher (p values <0.001, 0.020, and 0.035, respectively) and those of TAC and PON-1 were significantly lower in the maternal plasma of the PPROM group (p values=0.012 and <0.001, respectively). The plasma prolidase and TOS levels were significantly higher (p values=0.033 and 0.005, respectively) and the plasma TAC and PON-1 levels were significantly lower in women with chorioamnionitis as compared with the corresponding values in women without chorioamnionitis in the PPROM group (p values =0.041 and 0.048, respectively). The multivariate logistic regression analysis observed that prolidase, TAC, and PON-1 were important markers for the presence of PPROM and prolidase and TOS were important markers for predicting chorioamnionitis.

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that maternal plasma prolidase, TAC, and PON-1 may be useful for the diagnosis of PPROM, and prolidase and TOS may be used to predict chorioamnionitis in patients with PPROM.

The effect of prolyl oligopeptidase inhibition on extracellular acetylcholine and dopamine levels in the rat striatum

Prolyl oligopeptidase (PREP, EC 3.4.21.26) inhibitors have potential as cognition enhancers, but the mechanism of action behind the cognitive effects remains unclear. Since acetylcholine (ACh) and dopamine (DA) are known to be associated with the regulation of cognitive processes, we investigated the effects of two PREP inhibitors on the extracellular levels of ACh and DA in the rat striatum using in vivo microdialysis. KYP-2047 and JTP-4819 were administered either as a single systemic dose (50 μmol/kg∼17 mg/kg i.p.) or directly into the striatum by retrodialysis via the microdialysis probe (12.5, 37.5 or 125 μM at 1.5 μl/min for 60 min). PREP inhibitors had no significant effect on striatal DA levels after systemic administration. JTP-4819 significantly decreased ACh levels both after systemic (by ∼25%) and intrastriatal (by ∼30-50%) administration. KYP-2047 decreased ACh levels only after intrastriatal administration by retrodialysis (by ∼40-50%) when higher drug levels were reached, indicating that higher brain drug levels are needed to modulate ACh levels than to inhibit PREP. This result does not support the earlier hypothesis that the positive cognitive effects of PREP inhibitors in rodents would be mediated through the cholinergic system. In vitro specificity studies did not reveal any obvious off-targets that could explain the observed effect of KYP-2047 and JTP-4819 on ACh levels, instead confirming the concept that these compounds have a high selectivity towards PREP.

Improved prolidase activity assay allowed enzyme kinetic characterization and faster prolidase deficiency diagnosis

BACKGROUND

Prolidase is a metallo-exopeptidase hydrolyzing X-Pro and X-Hyp dipeptides. Its absence or reduced level is typical in prolidase deficiency (PD) patients, and altered prolidase activity was reported in various diseases. Therefore, standardized and accurate measurement of prolidase activity is essential for PD diagnosis, as well as to elucidate the pathophysiology of other disorders.

METHODS

Human recombinant prolidase was used to optimize a spectrophotometric enzyme activity assay. Kinetic parameters and Mn(2+) affinity were evaluated. The method was validated on blood and fibroblasts from PD patients.

RESULTS

An activation step consisting in prolidase incubation with 1 mmol/l MnCl(2) and 0.75 mmol/l reduced glutathione at 50°C for 20 min was necessary to obtain the maximum activity and to accurately determine, for the recombinant enzyme, V(max) (489 U/mg), K(m) (5.4 mM) and Mn(2+) affinity (54 mM(-1)). The method applied to PD diagnosis revealed an intra-assay CV=8% for blood and 9% for fibroblasts lysates. The inter-assay CV was 21% for blood and 20% for cell lysates.

CONCLUSION

We optimized a faster spectrophotometric method to measure the activity when the enzyme is fully activated, this is crucial to allow a reliable evaluation of prolidase activity from different sources.

Influence of maternal redox status on birth weight

The aim of this study was to determine the influence that maternal redox status, between 30 and 36 weeks of healthy human pregnancy, has on birth weight. Ferric reducing potential (FRP), extracellular superoxide dismutase (ecSOD) activity and erythrocyte reduced glutathione (eGSH) concentration were measured as antioxidant indicators, and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration as a lipoperoxidation indicator. Consumption of dietary micronutrients with antioxidant capacity was recorded. We observed a direct correlation between birth weight and ecSOD activity and eGSH concentration. An interaction between eGSH with FRP and serum ecSOD activity also correlated directly with birth weight. Other correlating factors included maternal thiamine consumption and interactions between vitamins C and E and carotenoids and vitamin E intake. These findings support the notion that antioxidant status has a positive influence on birth weight.