Evaluation of Oxidative Stress in Bipolar Disorder in terms of Total Oxidant Status, Total Antioxidant Status, and Oxidative Stress Index

Predictive value of oxidative stress biomarkers in drug-free patients with bipolar disorder

OBJECTIVE

Oxidative stress is one of the primary etiological mechanisms of bipolar disorder (BD).

METHODS

The present study was conducted over a period of 24 months on Tunisian on 34 drug‑free male patients with BD (mean age: 34.5 years) and 101 age and gender matched controls (mean age: 34.20 years) were enrolled in the study.

RESULTS

Plasma reduced glutathione (GSH) and total thiols levels were significantly decreased in patients compared to controls (respectively p < .001; p = .009). In addition, malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), protein carbonyls (PC) and homocysteine (Hcys) concentrations and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity were significantly increased in patients compared to controls (p = .002; p < .001; p = .001; p < .001 and p = .016, respectively). The binary logistic regression analysis revealed that MDA, AOPP and Hcys could be considered as independent risk factors for BD. When using CombiROC analysis, a remarkable increase in the area under the curve (AUC) with higher sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) for MDA, AOPP, PC, GSH-Px and Hcys combined markers was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the identification of the predictive value of these five selected biomarkers related to oxidative stress in drug free patients should lead to a better identification of the etiological mechanism of BD.

The effect of date seed (Phoenix dactylifera) supplementation on inflammation, oxidative stress biomarkers, and performance in active people: A blinded randomized controlled trial protocol

Introduction

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an efficient training method to improve vascular function, maximal oxygen consumption, and muscle mitochondrial capacity while maximizing muscular damage. Recently, functional foods have been considered a practical approach to avoiding HIIT damage and improving sports performance. Thus, the present study will evaluate the effectiveness of date seed powder as a functional food on the nutritional, oxidative stress, anti/inflammatory status, mental health, and performance of active people.

Methods

This study is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, which will be conducted among recreational runners at Tabriz stadiums, Iran. Thirty-six recreational runners will be randomly selected into two groups to consume 26 g/d date seed powder or placebo for 14 days. Both groups will do HIIT workouts. Body composition, food intake, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidative stress index (OSI), total oxidant status (TOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α), uric acid, protein carbonyl (PC), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-6/IL-10, creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), myoglobin (MYO), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), irisin, cortisol, muscle pain, aerobic and anaerobic performance will be evaluated at the beginning, end of the intervention and 24 h later.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of TBZMED (No.IR.TBZMED.REC.1399.1011). This research's findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at international conferences.

Trial registration

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials website (www.IRCT.ir/, IRCT20150205020965N9).

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Date seed powder may have the potential to improve exercise performance in healthy and active subjects performing HIIT bouts.

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The date seed is known as an excellent functional food due to its being high in polyphenols, and total dietary fiber.

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The consumption of date seed powder would improve oxidative stress, inflammation, mental health and performance.

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The results of this trial can be used to provide evidence-based recommendations for recreational runners, and nutritionists.

Therapeutic Interventions to Mitigate Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress–Induced Damage in Patients with Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder (BD) is characterized by mood changes, including recurrent manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes, which may involve mixed symptoms. Despite the progress in neurobiological research, the pathophysiology of BD has not been extensively described to date. Progress in the understanding of the neurobiology driving BD could help facilitate the discovery of therapeutic targets and biomarkers for its early detection. Oxidative stress (OS), which damages biomolecules and causes mitochondrial and dopamine system dysfunctions, is a persistent finding in patients with BD. Inflammation and immune dysfunction might also play a role in BD pathophysiology. Specific nutrient supplements (nutraceuticals) may target neurobiological pathways suggested to be perturbed in BD, such as inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and OS. Consequently, nutraceuticals may be used in the adjunctive treatment of BD. This paper summarizes the possible roles of OS, mitochondrial dysfunction, and immune system dysregulation in the onset of BD. It then discusses OS-mitigating strategies that may serve as therapeutic interventions for BD. It also analyzes the relationship between diet and BD as well as the use of nutritional interventions in the treatment of BD. In addition, it addresses the use of lithium therapy; novel antipsychotic agents, including clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, cariprazine, and quetiapine; and anti-inflammatory agents to treat BD. Furthermore, it reviews the efficacy of the most used therapies for BD, such as cognitive–behavioral therapy, bright light therapy, imagery-focused cognitive therapy, and electroconvulsive therapy. A better understanding of the roles of OS, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation in the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder, along with a stronger elucidation of the therapeutic functions of antioxidants, antipsychotics, anti-inflammatory agents, lithium therapy, and light therapies, may lead to improved strategies for the treatment and prevention of bipolar disorder.

The effect of balneotherapy on the oxidative system and changes in anxiety behavior, enhanced by low doses of radon

PURPOSE

The aim of our research was to study the effect of radon hormesis balneotherapy using natural thermal waters of Tskaltubo spring, practically, its effect on oxidant and antioxidant systems and anxiety reactions in rats. Radon is a natural gas with radioactive properties, which can have a hermetic effect when used in small doses. Radon was used to activate antioxidant mechanisms in rats, which resulted an anxiolytic effect and positively enhanced the effect of balneotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To study the effect of radon in balneotherapy, groups of experimental animals (rats) were exposed to three different treatments. The radon-containing waters of Tskaltubo spring were inhaled in one group and 5 after taking the water in another group. Saline was used for inhalation in animals of the saline group. In animals of the control and sham control groups, inhalation was not used. To assess the anxiolytic effect of radon inhalation, the anxiety was induced and behavioral tests were performed (the open field and the elevated plus-maze test) after 24 h and 5 days of inhalation procedures.

RESULTS

The anxiety test results showed that exposure to low doses of radon led to a decrease in the level of anxiety in rats. The data show that the total distance traveled by rats in the open field test after inhalation of radon was significantly greater than that by animals in the sham control and control groups. During the open field and elevated plus-maze tests, rats that had inhaled radon spent more time in the central part of the open field and on the open arms of the maze than did the other groups of rats. In the group of rats that had not inhaled radon, an increase in anxiety was observed. The basis of this reaction was an increase in the glutathione concentration.

CONCLUSION

Based on our research, it can be concluded that the inhalation of small doses of radon, associated with treatments of waters from the Tskaltubo spring, activated the antioxidant systems of the body and enhanced the positive effect of balneotherapy. Clinically, this is expressed as a decrease in anxiety. Inhalation of small doses of radon activated antioxidant processes in the brain, causing an increase in glutathione/glutathione disulfide ratio in the brain.

Melatonin improves the antioxidant capacity in cardiac tissue of Wistar rats after exhaustive exercise

We investigated the effects of melatonin on the onset and resolution of the oxidative stress in the cardiac muscle in melatonin-treated and nontreated rats subjected to an exhaustive exercise session. Forty male rats were divided into: melatonin-treated (20 mg/kg supplemented for 10 d) and control. On the 10th day, each group was subdivided according to euthanasia moments: control or melatonin-treated not exercised (C0h and M0h); immediately after the exercise (CIA and MIA); and 2 h after exercise (C2h and M2h). The heart of animals was removed and the levels of oxidative stress index (OSI) and the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyl, and the activities of aconitase, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were evaluated. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and the protein expression of CAT, GPx, and SOD was also measured. Our data revealed significant differences on: (i) OSI (p=.029), CAT activity (p=.016), CAT content (p<.001), GPx content (p=.014), reduced glutathione levels (p<.001), and aconitase activity (p<.001) for interaction of melatonin; (ii) GPx activity (p=.005), reduced glutathione (p=.004), protein carbonyl (p=.035), and TBARS levels (p=.028) between groups, and (iii) TBARS levels (p=.016) for significance between moments. Although the exhaustive exercise protocol imposed mild oxidative stress on the cardiac tissue of rats, melatonin induced antioxidant responses that rebalanced the redox status of the cardiac tissue, especially after exhaustive exercise.

The Nrf2 pathway in psychiatric disorders: pathophysiological role and potential targeting

Introduction: All psychiatric disorders exhibit excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress, and neural damage as their common characteristic. The endogenous nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway is implicated in the defense mechanism against oxidative stress and has a significant role in psychiatric disorders.Areas covered: We explore the role of Nrf2 pathway and its modulators in psychiatric disorders. The literature was searched utilizing various databases such as Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Pub-Med, and Google Scholar from 2010 to 2020. The search included research articles, clinical reports, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.Expert opinion: Environmental factors and genetic predisposition can be a trigger for the development of psychiatric disorders. Nrf2 downregulates certain inflammatory pathways and upregulates various antioxidant enzymes to maintain a balance. However, its intricate balance with NF-Kβ (Nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells) and its crosstalk with the transcription factor Nrf2 is critical in severe oxidative stress. Several Nrf2 modulators are now in clinical trials and can help reduce oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. There are immense potential opportunities for these modulators to become a novel therapeutic option.

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) and juçara (Euterpe edulis Mart.) juices improved HDL-c levels and antioxidant defense of healthy adults in a 4-week randomized cross-over study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of moderate-term açaí and juçara juice intake on fasting glucose, lipid profile, and oxidative stress biomarkers in healthy subjects.

METHODS

A randomized cross-over study was performed with 30 healthy adults. The subjects were assigned to drink 200 mL/day of açaí or juçara juice for four weeks with a 4-week washout period. Before and after each nutritional intervention, blood samples were obtained to evaluate the outcomes: fasting glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), small, dense LDL-c (sd-LDL-c), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), uric acid, and activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx).

RESULTS

After four weeks, açaí and juçara juices increased the concentrations of HDL-c by 7.7% and 11.4%, respectively (P < 0.05). In addition, açaí juice intake promoted significant increases in TAC (66.7%), CAT (275.1%), GPx (15.3%), and a decrease in OSI (55.7%) compared to baseline (P < 0.05 for all). Juçara juice intake significantly increased CAT activity (~15.0%) in relation to baseline. No significant intergroup differences were observed for any outcomes (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results indicated a positive impact of regular consumption of açaí and juçara juices on the HDL-c levels, as well as on the antioxidant enzyme activities, which may contribute to cardiovascular health.

Peripheral Oxidative Stress Markers in Patients with Bipolar Disorder during Euthymia and in Siblings

AIMS

Oxidative stress is increased during the acute phases of bipolar disorder (BD). Our aim here was to analyze oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with BD during euthymia and their siblings.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study was performed in euthymic patients with BD-I (n=48), unaffected siblings (n=23) and genetically unrelated healthy controls (n=21). Protein carbonyl content (PCC), total antioxidant capacity (TRAP), lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and uric acid were measured as biomarkers of oxidative stress in blood.

RESULTS

The antioxidant capacity (TRAP) was lower (p<0.001) in patients with BD compared to their siblings and controls, whereas no differences were observed in PCC, TBARS or uric acid. In patients, the concentrations of TRAP and TBARS were positively associated with the dose of valproic acid (p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively). The concentrations of these biomarkers were not significantly associated with any of socio-demographic and clinical variables.

CONCLUSION

A selective reduction in antioxidant capacity is present in BD during euthymia state, whereas other markers of oxidative stress are unaltered during euthymia. Siblings did not show any alterations in oxidative stress biomarkers. Oxidative stress might represent a state-dependent marker in BD. The association between treatment with valproic acid and oxidative stress markers in euthymia deserves further studies.

Biochemical and morphological evaluation of the effects of propolis on cisplatin induced kidney damage in rats

Cisplatin (CP) is a chemotherapeutic agent used to treat various types of cancer; nephrotoxicity is the most common adverse effect of the drug. We investigated the protective effects of propolis against CP induced kidney injury. Thirty-six male rats were divided into six equal groups: untreated control group, 50 mg/kg/day propolis group, 100 mg/kg/day propolis group, single-dose 7 mg/kg CP group, 7 mg/kg CP + 50 mg/kg/day propolis and 7 mg/kg CP + 100 mg/kg propolis. Rats were sacrificed after 14 days and kidneys were removed for histopathological and biochemical analyses. We used hematoxylin & eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining to evaluate kidney histopathology and we used the TUNEL technique to assess apoptosis. We also measured total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI), ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in tissue and blood specimens. Normal morphology was observed in the control, 50 mg/kg/day propolis and 100 mg/kg/day propolis groups by light microscopy. Degeneration of tubule cells, edema and tubule dilation were increased in the CP group compared to the control group. Degeneration of tubule cells and dilation of Bowman's spaces were decreased in the CP + 50 mg/kg/day propolis and CP + 100 mg/kg/day propolis groups compared to the CP group. Tubule dilation decreased significantly in the CP + 100 mg/kg propolis group compared to the CP group. Also, the 7 mg/kg CP group exhibited altered proximal tubule epithelial cells, loss of brush border and thickening of the parietal layer of Bowman's capsule in glomeruli and basal laminae of tubules. A normal brush border was observed in the CP + 50 mg/kg/day propolis and CP + 100 mg/kg/day groups. Serum OSI and MDA levels were increased in the CP group compared to the control group. Serum MDA levels decreased significantly in the CP + 50 mg/kg/day propolis and 100 mg/kg CP + propolis groups compared to the CP group. CP caused significant damage to kidney tissue; propolis exhibited dose-dependent prevention of tissue damage.

Clinical significance of serum total oxidant/antioxidant status in patients with operable and advanced gastric cancer

Purpose

Oxidative stress was significantly associated with the development of malignancies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the significance of serum total oxidant/antioxidant status in operable advanced gastric cancer patients.

Materials and methods

A total of 284 patients who underwent curative resection for primary stage III gastric cancer were enrolled. Total oxidant status, total antioxidant status, and oxidative stress index (OSI) were evaluated within 24 hours before surgery, and compared with 120 healthy donors. The correlation between the OSI and survival outcome was analyzed by the Kaplan–Meier method with log-rank test and Cox’s regression methods, respectively.

Results

Mean OSI of gastric cancer patients was higher than healthy controls (1.41±0.96 vs 0.78±0.42, P<0.001). All patients were stratified into two groups using the optimal cutoff value (1.42) of OSI using a sensitivity of 94.1% and a specificity of 64.0% as optimal conditions from receiver operating curve analysis. Patients with an OSI ≥1.42 had poorer mean overall survival (45.6 vs 29.8 months, P=0.022) and mean recurrence-free survival (43.3 vs 28.1 months, P=0.011) than patients with an OSI <1.42 in univariate analysis, and OSI was also confirmed as an independent predictor for survival for gastric cancer in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 0.541; 95% CI: 0.127–1.102; P=0.01).

Conclusion

Preoperative OSI can be considered as an independent prognostic factor for operable and advanced gastric cancer.