Protective effects of paraoxonase-1, vitamin E and selenium, and oxidative stress index on the susceptibility of low density lipoprotein to oxidation in diabetic patients with/without coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

The oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein (LDL) is closely associated with an increased risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) in diabetic patients. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relation between serum vitamin E and selenium, paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and oxidative stress index (OSI) values with the susceptibility of LDL to oxidative modification and the possibility of CAD in diabetic patients.

METHOD

This study was designed as a case control survey of 82 diabetes patients divided into two groups including T2DM alone (as group I) and both T2DM and CAD (as group II). Fasting blood samples were taken to the assay of fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, total cholesterol (TC), TAC, TOS, MDA, OSI, vitamin E, selenium, oxidized low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL), and activity of PON1.

RESULTS

Ox-LDL, MDA, TOS, and OSI values in groups II were significantly higher compared with group I (all with P value = 0.000). TAC, vitamin E, selenium, and PON1 activity values were significantly lower in group II compared with groups I (P value = 0.000; P value = 0.000; P value = 0.007; P value = 0.003, respectively). There were significant relationships between the amounts of TAC, TOS, OSI, and vitamin E with the amounts of PON1 activity and Ox-LDL (p < 0.05). But Ox-LDL and PON1 activity correlated weakly with together (p = 0.094).

CONCLUSION

Results of this study support the belief that oxidative stress might be an important etiologic factor which makes some diabetics more susceptible to CAD. Increased oxidative stress may be a potential therapeutic target in the prevention and management of CAD in diabetic patients.

Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation effects on serum values of some oxidative stress biomarkers in women with gestational diabetes

AIMS

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a unique antioxidant that can eradicate different kinds of free radicals. The current trial was designed to investigate the effects of ALA supplementation on some oxidative stress biomarkers in women with GDM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty women with GDM at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy were selected and then they were divided into the drug (n = 30) received ALA 300 mg/day for 8 weeks and the placebo (n = 30) groups. Serum values of fasting blood sugar (FBS), thiol groups, glutathione, catalase, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. Values of the oxidative stress index (OSI), the MDA/TAC ratio and total antioxidant gap (TAG) were calculated.

RESULTS

After the intervention values of FBS (p = .001), TAC (p < .001), OSI (p = .003), TAG (p = .001) and catalase (p < .001) were improved significantly in the drug group. Values of TOS (p = .070) and glutathione (p = .088) were improved marginally in the drug group.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study showed that ALA supplementation at a dosage of 300 mg/day in women with GDM had improving effects on maternal circulating values of FBS, TAC, OSI, TAG, TOS, glutathione and catalase.

Effect of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on the lipid profile and lipid ratios in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A clinical trial study

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that Oxidative stress has been shown to plays an important role in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) etiology. On the other hand, women with GDM are at an increased risk for complications such as endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) on the maternal circulating values of lipid profile and lipid ratios in women with GDM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty women with GDM were participated in the present study. The ALA group (n = 30) received ALA (100 mg/day) and the placebo group (n = 30) received cellulose acetate (100 mg/day) for eight wk. The maternal circulating values of hemoglobin A1C, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), non-HDL-C, and lipid ratios were assessed before and after the intervention. P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

RESULTS

The values of TyG index (p < 0.001), TG (p = 0.006), TG/HDL-C (p = 0.003), and AIP (p = 0.005) decreased significantly in the ALA group after the intervention.

CONCLUSION

Maternal circulating values of TyG index, TG, TG/HDL, AIP decreased after eight wk of ALA supplementation in women with GDM.

Conformational changes of β-thalassemia major hemoglobin and oxidative status of plasma after in vitro exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields: An artificial neural network analysis

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) can generate reactive oxygen species and induce oxidative modifications. We investigated the effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) on oxidative status of plasma and erythrocytes in β-thalassemia major patients and design artificial neural networks (ANN) for evaluating the oxyHb concentration. Blood samples were obtained from age and sex-matched healthy donors (n = 12) and major β-thalassemia patients (n = 12) and subjected to 0.5 and 1 mT and 50 Hz of EMF. Plasma oxidative status was estimated after 1 and 2 h exposure to ELE-EMF. Structural changes of plasma proteins were investigated by Native PAGE and SDS-PAGE. Moreover; multilayer perceptron (MLP) method was applied for designing a feed forward ANN model to predict the impact of these oxidative and antioxidative parameters on oxyHb concentration. Two hour exposure to ELF-EMF induced significant oxidative changes on major β-thalassemia samplesElectrophoretic profiles showed two high molecular weight (HMW) protein aggregates in plasma samples from healthy donors and major β-thalassemia patients. According to our ANN design, the main predictors of oxyHb concentration were optical density of Hb at 542, 340, 569, 630, 577, and 420 nm and metHb and hemichrome (HC) concentration. Accuracy of the proposed ANN model was shown by predicted by observed chart (y = 1.3 + 0.96x, R² = 0.942), sum of squares errors (SSR), and relative errors (RE). Our results showed the detailed effects of ELF-EMF on Hb structure and oxidative balance of plasma in major β-thalassemia patients and significance of ANN analysis during normal and pathologic conditions.

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation effects on lipid ratios in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial study

Objective: This study had been designed to evaluate the effects of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation on the lipid ratios in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Materials and Methods: Sixty-eight women with T2DM were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups. While one group received 100 mg/day of CoQ10 supplement for 12 weeks (n=34) the other was given placebo for the same time duration (n=34). Lipid profile including triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the intervention and lipid ratios were calculated. Results and Discussion: After the intervention, values of non-HDL-C (p=0.001), TG/HDL-C (p=0.03) and LDL-C/HDL-C (p=0.001) were significantly decreased in CoQ10 group. Values of HDL ratio (p=0.002) were increased significantly in CoQ10 group. Conclusion: This study showed that daily supplementation with 100 mg of CoQ10 in women with T2DM could improve some atherogenic lipid ratios that might be useful in preventing cardiovascular diseases in them. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.19(1) 2020 p.152-158

Elevation of the adiponectin/leptin ratio in women with gestational diabetes mellitus after supplementation with alpha-lipoic acid

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a short chain fatty acid and is known as a universal antioxidant. The aim of the current clinical trial study was to explore the effects of ALA supplementation on maternal circulating values of adiponectin (A), leptin (L); and A/L, L/A, adiponectin/homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (A/H), and malondialdehyde/total antioxidant capacity (MDA/TAC) ratios in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Sixty women diagnosed as GDM during 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy were randomly divided into drug (n = 30) and placebo (n = 30) groups. They consumed ALA (100 mg) and cellulose acetate (100 mg) respectively for 8 weeks, per day. The biochemical variables were evaluated before and after the trial. Maternal fasting serum values of glucose (p < .001), HOMA-IR (p < .001), MDA/TAC (p < .001), and L/A (p = .008) were decreased while values of adiponectin (p = .011), A/L (p = .001), and A/H (p < .001) were increased in the drug group after the intervention. In summary, current study had shown that after daily supplementation with 100 mg of ALA for 8 weeks in women with GDM, maternal circulating values of adiponectin, A/L, and A/H were increased while values of L/A and MDA/TAC were decreased.

Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on serum values of adiponectin, leptin, 8-isoprostane and malondialdehyde in women with type 2 diabetes

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been known to be suffering from coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency which results in some complications in them. The purpose of this clinical trial study was to evaluate the effects of CoQ10 supplementation on serum values of adiponectin (A), leptin (L), 8-isoprostane, malondialdehyde (MDA), the A/L ratio in women with T2DM. Sixty-eight women with T2DM were enrolled in the current study and were randomly divided into drug (n = 34) and placebo (n = 34) groups who were consuming 100 mg CoQ10 and 100 mg cellulose acetate per day for 12 weeks, respectively. Measurements were performed at the beginning and after the intervention. Serum values of adiponectin (p = .001) and the A/L ratio (p = .001) were increased while values of leptin (p = .041), MDA (p = .023), 8-isoprostane (p = .004) were decreased significantly in drug group after intervention. This study had shown that CoQ10 supplementation in women with T2DM was effective in elevation of adiponectin and the A/L ratio and reduction of leptin, MDA and 8-isoprostane which could result in improving insulin resistance and modulating oxidative stress situation.

Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on the serum levels of amylase, adenosine deaminase, catalase, and total antioxidant capacity in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Background:

Increased levels of reactive oxygen species is a key factor involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) is a nonenzymatic antioxidant that restores other antioxidants.

Materials and Methods:

This randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial study has been designed to evaluate the effects of CoQ₁₀ supplementation on serum values of amylase, adenosine deaminase, catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) in women with T2DM. Serum levels of CoQ₁₀ were measured too. Sixty-eight women with T2DM were enrolled in this study and randomly divided into two groups. One group received 100 mg/day of CoQ₁₀ supplement for 12 weeks (n = 34), and the other group was given placebo for the same time duration and dosage (n = 34).

Results:

After the intervention, serum CAT activity (P < 0.001), TAC (P = 0.006), CoQ₁₀ (P = 0.001), and QUICKI (P = 0.005) increased and fasting blood sugar (FBS) (P = 0.05) decreased significantly in CoQ₁₀ group.

Conclusion:

This study showed that daily supplementation with 100 mg of CoQ₁₀ could increase TAC and CAT activity as, CoQ₁₀ and QUICKI and could reduce oxidative stress and FBS in women with T2DM.

Reduction in maternal serum values of glucose and gamma-glutamyltransferase after supplementation with alpha-lipoic acid in women with gestational diabetes mellitus

AIM

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a short chain fatty acid which has a key role in energy production. ALA is also known as a universal antioxidant. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of ALA supplementation in women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial study was designed. Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (n = 60) during 24-28 weeks of gestation were selected and divided randomly into drug (n = 30) and placebo (n = 30) groups. Drug group supplemented with ALA (100 mg/day) for 8 weeks. The biochemical markers were measured before and after the intervention and considered significant at a P-value less than 0.05.

RESULTS

Maternal circulating values of fasting blood sugar (P < 0.001), gamma-glutamyltransferase (P < 0.001) and alanine transaminase (P = 0.031) were decreased in the drug group after the intervention. However, values of urea, creatinine, uric acid, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase were not changed significantly after the trial.

CONCLUSION

The present study has shown that supplementation with 100 mg/day of ALA had some beneficial effects on glucose metabolism and liver function in women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Tumor necrosis factor- α, adiponectin and their ratio in gestational diabetes mellitus

Background:

It has been suggested that inflammation might be implicated in the gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) complications, including insulin resistance. The aims of the current study were to explore maternal circulating values of TNF-α, adiponectin and the adiponectin/TNF-α ratio in women with GDM compared with normal pregnancy and their relationships with metabolic syndrome biomarkers.

Methods:

Forty women with GDM and 40 normal pregnant women were included in the study. Commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods were used to measure serum levels of TNF-α and total adiponectin.

Results:

Women with GDM had higher values of TNF-α (225.08±27.35 vs 115.68±12.64 pg/ml, p<0.001) and lower values of adiponectin (4.50±0.38 vs 6.37±0.59 µg/ml, p=0.003) and the adiponectin/TNF-α ratio (4.31±0.05 vs 4.80±0.07, P<0.001) than normal pregnant women. The adiponectin/TNF-α ratio showed negative correlations with insulin resistance (r=-0.68, p<0.001) and triglyceride (r=-0.39, p=0.014) and a positive correlation with insulin sensitivity (r=0.69, p<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that values of the adiponectin /TNF-α ratio were independently associated with insulin resistance. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that GDM was negatively associated with adiponectin /TNF-α ratio.

Conclusions:

In summary, the adiponectin/TNF-α ratio decreased significantly in GDM compared with normal pregnancy. The ratio might be an informative biomarker for assessment of pregnant women at high risk of insulin resistance and dyslipidemia and for diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring aims in GDM.

Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Serum Values of Gamma-glutamyl transferase, Pseudocholinesterase, Bilirubin, Ferritin, and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Women with Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a disease associated with increased oxidative stress which results from mitochondrial dysfunction. Coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) is an essential antioxidant for energy production in mitochondria. The purpose of this randomized double-blind clinical trial study was to evaluate the effects of CoQ₁₀ supplementation on serum values of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), pseudocholinesterase (PchE), bilirubin, ferritin, and high-sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and metabolic syndrome biomarkers in women with T2DM.

MATERIAL & METHODS

Eighty women with T2DM enrolled in this study. Thirty six of them were randomized in the drug group (receiving 100 mg/day of CoQ₁₀) and 44 women were randomized in placebo group. Intervention was continued for 12 weeks. In both groups 35 subjects finished the study and were included in the analysis. Serum levels of the variables were measured before and after supplementation.

RESULTS

Serum values of FBS (P=0.039), HOMA-IR (P=0.01), ferritin (P<0.001), total cholesterol (TC) (P=0.006), LDL-C (P=0.007) decreased and HDL-C (P=0.02) increased significantly in the drug group after intervention. Serum levels of triglyceride (P=0.09) decreased marginally in CoQ₁₀ group.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study had shown that after supplementation with 100 mg/day of CoQ₁₀ for 12 weeks, serum values of FBS, HOMA-IR, TC, LDL-C and ferritin were decreased and values of HDL-C were increased in women with T2DM.

Maternal circulating levels of some metabolic syndrome biomarkers in gestational diabetes mellitus

The aims of the present study were to explore serum levels of lipid profile, atherogenic indexes LDL-C/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, and TC/HDL-C, bilirubin, adiponectin, pseudocholinesterase, activities of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), adenosine deaminase (ADA), and α-amylase, insulin resistance using homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) formula, and assessment of correlations between them in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) compared with normal pregnancy. A cross-sectional study was designed. The patients consisted of 30 women with GDM. The normal group consisted of 30 healthy pregnant women. The Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's correlation analysis were used for statistical analysis. A p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Serum activities of enzymes GGT (p = 0.001) and ADA (p = 0.02) were significantly higher in GDM compared with normal pregnancy, while pseudocholinesterase were significantly decreased (p = 0.02). However, activity of enzyme α-amylase did not show significant difference between two groups (p = 0.75). Serum levels of both HDL-C and adiponectin were significantly decreased in GDM group (p = 0.001). The atherogenic indexes and the HOMA-IR index were significantly higher in GDM (p = 0.001). Serum activity of ADA showed positive correlation with total cholesterol (TC) (r = 0.46, p = 0.01) and CRP (r = 0.66, p = 0.001) in GDM group. Serum levels of total bilirubin correlated negatively with both ADA (r = -0.38, p = 0.04) and triglyceride (r = -0.45, p = 0.01) in women with GDM. Serum activity of GGT correlated positively with LDL-C (r = 0.48, p = 0.01) and TC (r = 0.52, p = 0.003) in GDM group. Increased atherogenic indexes, ADA, GGT, and decreased pseudocholinesterase might be risk factors for GDM.

Antioxidant properties and inhibitory effects of Satureja khozestanica essential oil on LDL oxidation induced-CuSO(4) in vitro

OBJECTIVE

To assess various antioxidative activities of Satureja khozestanica essential oil (SKE) and its effect on oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) induced by CuSO4 in vitro by monitoring the formation of conjugated dienes and malondialdehyde (MDA).

METHODS

The formation of conjugated dienes, lag time and MDA were measured. Inhibition of this Cu-induced oxidation was studied in the presence of several concentrations of SKE. Also total antioxidant activity and free radical scavenging of SKE were determinated.

RESULTS

It was demonstrated that SKE was able to inhibit LDL oxidation and decrease the resistance of LDL against oxidation. The inhibitory effects of SKE on LDL oxidation were dose-dependent at concentrations ranging from 50 to 200 µg/mL. Total antioxidant capacity of SKE was (3.20±0.40) nmol of ascorbic acid equivalents/g SKE. The SKE showed remarkable scavenging activity on 2, 2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl, IC50 (5.30±0.11) ng/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that SKE is a source of potent antioxidants and prevents the oxidation of LDL in vitro and it may be suitable for use in food and pharmaceutical applications.

Amelioration of lipid peroxidation in vivo and in vitro by Satureja khozestanica essential oil in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Background

We examined possible protective effect of Satureja khozestanica essential oil (SKE) on in vivo and in vitro lipid peroxidation in alloxan-induced Type 1 diabetic rats.

Methods

Thirty Sprage-dawley male rats were divided into three groups randomly; group one as control, group two diabetic untreatment, and group three treatments with SKE by 500 ppm in drinking water, respectively. Diabetes was induced in the second and third groups by alloxan injection subcutaneously. After 8 weeks, animals were anaesthetized, livers and kidneys were then removed immediately and used fresh or kept frozen until their lipid peroxidation analysis. Lipid peroxidation was determined by measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Blood samples were also collected before killing to measure the levels of fasting blood suger (FBS) and lipid peroxidation.

Results

SKE significantly inhibited the levels of FBS, TBARS serum and kidney content in treated group compared with the diabetic untreated group. Also the levels of malonedialdehyde liver content unaltered in treated group. SKE significantly inhibited LDL oxidation in vitro.

Conclusions

The findings showed that SKE exerts beneficial effects on the lipid peroxidation in alloxan-induced Type 1 diabetic rats.

Leptin to adiponectin ratio in preeclampsia

The aim of the present study was to assess leptin/adiponectin ratio in preeclamptic patients compared with normal pregnant women. A cross-sectional study was designed. The study population consisted of 30 preeclamptic patients and 30 healthy pregnant women. Serum levels of total leptin and adiponectin were assessed using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods. The oneway ANOVA and Student’s t tests and Pearson’s correlation analysis were used for statistical calculations. Levels of leptin and adiponectin were also adjusted for BMI. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The leptin/adiponectin ratio was increased significantly in preeclamptic patients. The leptin/adiponectin ratio was significantly higher in severe preeclamptic patient than in mild preeclampsia. Adjusted leptin/adiponectin ratio was also significantly increased in preeclamptic patients than in normal pregnant women. The findings of the present study suggest that the leptin/adiponectin ratio was increased in preeclamsia and imbalance between the adipocytokines could be involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v39i1.15805 Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2013; 39: 18-21

Amelioration of altered antioxidant enzymes activity and glomerulosclerosis by coenzyme Q10 in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Coenzyme Q10 is a natural antioxidant and scavenging free radicals. In the present study, we examined antioxidative activities of coenzyme Q10 and possible protective effect of coenzyme Q10 on in vivo and in vitro lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes activity and glomerulosclerosis in alloxan-induced type 1 diabetic rats. Thirty Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into three groups randomly: group 1 as control, group 2 as diabetic untreatment, and group 3 as treatments with coenzyme Q10 by 15 mg/kg i.p. daily, respectively. Diabetes was induced in the second and third groups by alloxan injection subcutaneously. After 8 weeks, animals were anaesthetized, liver and kidney were then removed immediately and used fresh or kept frozen until their lipid peroxidation analysis. Blood samples were also collected before killing to measure the lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes activity. Kidney paraffin sections were prepared and stained by periodic acid-Schiff method. Glomerular volume and leukocyte infiltration were estimated by stereological rules and glomerular sclerosis was studied semi-quantitatively. Coenzyme Q10 significantly inhibited leukocyte infiltration, glomerulosclerosis and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) serum and kidney content in treated group compared with the diabetic untreated group. Coenzyme Q10 significantly inhibited LDL oxidation in vitro. Coenzyme Q10 significantly increased the serum levels of glutathione (GSH) and serum activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in treated group compared with the diabetic untreated group. Coenzyme Q10 alleviates leukocyte infiltration and glomerulosclerosis and exerts beneficial effects on the lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes activity in alloxan-induced type 1 diabetic rats.

Seminal plasma levels of 15-F2α-isoprostane, malondialdehyde and total homocysteine in normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic males

It has been proposed that oxidative stress plays an important role in male infertility. The aims of this study were to compare seminal plasma levels of 15-F2t-isoprostane (8-iso-PGF2α), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total (sum of free and bound) homocysteine (tHcy) from normozoospermic vs. asthenozoospermic men, and to examine the relationships between tHcy and lipid peroxidation products. The study was a case-control study with a simple random sampling. The case group was consisted of 15 asthenozoospermic males. This group was compared with 15 normozoospermic men. Seminal plasma levels of 15-F2α-isoprostane and tHcy were measured using commercially available enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kits. MDA levels were determined by the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare two groups. Coefficients of correlation were calculated using Spearman's correlation analysis. All hypothesis tests were two-tailed with statistical significance assessed at the p value <0.05 level. MDA levels were higher in asthenozoospermic subjects than in control subjects (0.72±0.06 μM vs. 0.40±0.06 μM; p<0.05). No differences were seen in 15-F2α-isoprostane levels in asthenozoospermic subjects and controls (65.00±3.20 pg/ml vs. 58.17±4.12 pg/ml; p>0.05). Interestingly, tHcy levels were to be slightly higher in asthenozoospermic subjects than in controls (6.18±1.17 μM vs. 4.8±0.52 μM). Sperm motility was inversely correlated with seminal plasma 15-F2α-isoprostane and MDA levels, respectively (p<0.05). In summary, seminal plasma levels of 15-F2α-isoprostane and tHcy showed no significant difference between normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic men. Sperm motility was not correlated with seminal plasma levels of tHcy. No relationship was found between tHcy and lipid peroxidation.

Positive correlation between serum levels of adiponectin and homocysteine in pre-eclampsia

AIM

The aims of the present study were to assess the correlation between homocysteine and adiponectin and the homocysteine-to-adiponectin ratio in pre-eclampsia compared with normal pregnant women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study population consisted of 30 women with pre-eclampsia and 30 normal pregnant women. Serum levels of total adiponectin and total homocysteine were assessed using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods. Data are presented as median.

RESULTS

Serum levels of total adiponectin correlated directly with total homocysteine in both pre-eclampsia (r = 0.48, P = 0.01) and normal pregnancy (r = 0.68, P = 0.001). The homocysteine-to-adiponectin ratio was increased significantly in pre-eclampsia compared with normal pregnancy (0.90 vs 0.70, P = 0.03). Compared with normal pregnancy, women with severe pre-eclampsia showed significant increase in total adiponectin (14.29 vs 10.24, P = 0.01), total homocysteine (13.80 vs 7.25, P = 0.000) and homocysteine-to-adiponectin ratio (0.92 vs 0.70, P = 0.02). Women with mild pre-eclampsia had higher values of total adiponectin (16.19 vs 10.24, P = 0.000) and total homocysteine (13.11 vs 7.25, P = 0.000) compared with normal pregnancy. No significant differences were observed between mild and severe pre-eclampsia.

CONCLUSION

The present study showed a positive association between adiponectin and homocysteine in pre-eclampsia. The homocysteine-to-adiponectin ratio may be an informative biomarker for the disease diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring.

Circulating levels of homocysteine in preeclamptic women

It has been hypothesized that maternal hyperhomocysteinemia to be associated with preeclampsia. The aims of the present study were to examine maternal serum levels of total homocysteine in preeclamptic women and its association with the severity of the disease. The study population consisted of 30 preeclamptic patients and 30 matched healthy pregnant women. Serum levels of total homocysteine were assessed using enzyme immunoassay method. Maternal serum levels of total homocysteine were significantly higher in preeclamptic group than in normal pregnant women. Women with severe preeclampsia had higher serum levels of total homocysteine than mild preeclamptic patients. Levels of total homocysteine correlated positively with systolic blood pressure values in preeclamptic women. In summary, maternal serum levels of total homocysteine were increased in preeclamptic women and hyperhomocysteinemia was associated with severity of preeclampsia.

Maternal serum levels of adiponectin in preeclampsia

BACKGROUND

The results of the serum levels of adiponectin in preeclamptic patients are conflicting.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to assess serum levels of adiponectin in women with preeclampsia compared with healthy pregnant women.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was designed. The case group consisted of women with preeclampsia (n = 30). The control group consisted of 30 matched normal pregnant women. Serum levels of adiponectin were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.

RESULTS

Serum levels of adiponectin were significantly higher in the preeclamptic group than those in the normal control group. In the preeclamptic patients serum levels of adiponectin showed a significant negative correlation with body mass index while no correlation was found in the normal pregnant women. In women with preeclampsia, levels of adiponectin were decreased significantly in the overweight women compared with normal weight women, while in the control group no significant difference was observed.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, elevation of adiponectin levels might be a physiological feedback response to minimize endothelial dysfunction in preeclamptic patients.

Fatty acid composition of human spermatozoa and seminal plasma levels of oxidative stress biomarkers in subfertile males

INTRODUCTION

The lipid composition of the sperm membrane has a significant effect on the functional characteristics of spermatozoa.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In the present study, fatty acid composition of spermatozoa and seminal plasma levels of free 15-F(2t)-Isoprostane and catalase were assayed in men with normozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, asthenoteratozoospermia, and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia.

RESULTS

In spermatozoa from asthenozoospermic men only oleic acid levels showed a significant difference from normozoospermic men. In spermatozoa from asthenoteratozoospermic and oligoasthenoteratozoospermic samples all of the tested fatty acids were significantly higher than those from normozoospermic samples. Seminal plasma levels of catalase were significantly lower in all patients while levels of free 15-F(2t)-Isoprostane were significantly higher in all patients compared with normozoospermic men.

DISCUSSION

Spermatozoa from pathological samples may have higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), than spermatozoa from normozoospermic men. Therefore, damage induced by lipid peroxidation would be higher in spermatozoa from pathological samples than those from normozoospermic men.

Levels of oxidative stress biomarkers in seminal plasma and their relationship with seminal parameters

Background

There is growing evidence that damage to spermatozoa by reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a key role in male infertility. The aim of the present study was to assess seminal plasma levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), free 8-Isoprostane and activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in men with asthenozoospermia, asthenoteratozoospermia and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia compared with normozoospermic males.

Methods

The patients consisted of 46 men with seminal parameters abnormalities. The patients were grouped into asthenozoospermic (n = 15), asthenoteratozoospermic (n = 16) and oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (n = 15). The control group consisted of 16 healthy males with normozoospermia. Catalase activity was measured by Aebi spectrophotometeric method. Levels of TAC and SOD were measured by commercially available colorimetric assays. Level of free 8-Isoprostane was assessed by commercially available enzyme immunoassay (EIA) method. Differences between groups were assessed using Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test. Coefficients of correlation were calculated using Spearman's correlation analysis. All hypothesis tests were two-tailed with statistical significance assessed at the p value < 0.05 level with 95% confidence intervals

Results

Levels of catalase and TAC were significantly lower in patients than the control group. No significant changes were seen in SOD activities. Levels of free 8-Isoprostane were significantly higher in patients than the control group. Furthermore, asthenozoospermic, asthenoteratozoospermic and oligoasthenoteratozoospermic groups had significantly lower values of catalase activity and TAC when compared to normozoospermic males. Levels of free 8-Isoprostane were significantly higher in all patients subgroups than the control group. Levels of catalase and TAC were positively correlated with sperm motility and morphology. Free 8-Isoprostane levels showed an inverse correlation with sperm motility and morphology.

Conclusion

Decreasing seminal plasma antioxidants levels, especially catalase and TAC, could have significant role in etiology of impaired sperm function. Measurement of 8-Isoprostane may be used as a specific biomarker for assessing oxidative stress on sperm.

Involvement of N-terminal-extended Form of Sphingosine Kinase 2 in Serum-dependent Regulation of Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis

Sphingosine kinase (SPHK) 1 is implicated in the regulation of cell proliferation and anti-apoptotic processes by catalyzing the formation of an important bioactive messenger, sphingosine 1-phosphate. Unlike the proliferative action of SPHK1, another isozyme, SPHK2, has been shown to possess anti-proliferative or pro-apoptotic action. Molecular mechanisms of SPHK2 action, however, are largely unknown. The present studies were undertaken to characterize the N-terminal-extended form of SPHK2 (SPHK2-L) by comparing it with the originally reported form, SPHK2-S. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis revealed that SPHK2-L mRNA is the major form in several human cell lines and tissues. From sequence analyses it was concluded that SPHK2-L is a species-specific isoform that is expressed in human but not in mouse. At the protein level it has been demonstrated by immunoprecipitation studies that SPHK2-L is the major isoform in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. SPHK2-L, when expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells, did not show any inhibition of DNA synthesis in the presence of serum, whereas it showed marked inhibition in the absence of serum. Moreover, serum deprivation resulted in the translocation of SPHK2-L into the nuclei. In addition, serum deprivation induced SPHK2-L expression in HEK293 cells. Furthermore, suppression of SPHK2 by small interfering RNA treatment prevented serum deprivation- or drug-induced apoptosis in HEK293 cells. Taken together, these results indicate that a major form of SPHK2 splice variant, SPHK2-L, in human cells does not inhibit DNA synthesis under normal conditions and that SPHK2-L accumulation in the nucleus induced by serum deprivation may be involved in the cessation of cell proliferation or apoptosis depending on the cell type.

Thyroid hormones status during pregnancy in normal Iranian women

Pregnancy is associated with significant, but reversible changes in thyroid function studies, which are among the most profound seen as a result of a normal physiologic state. The present study was carried out to find out alterations in thyroid function tests in each trimester in normal pregnant women as compared to non-pregnant women in Tabriz-Iran. A case-control study designed with 229 normal pregnant women that randomly selected from the first (64 samples), the second (92 samples), and the third (73 samples) trimesters and 250 randomly selected non-pregnant healthy female controls. Age range in both groups was 16-40 years. Thyroid function tests carried out by measuring serum levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free and total thyroxin (FT(4), TT(4)), and free and total triiodothyronine (FT(3), TT(3)) by commercially available radio immunoassay kits. We found that mean TT(4) increased progressively during pregnancy. Our study showed increasing in serum levels of TT(3) in the second trimester and then declining during the third trimester compared with non-pregnant women. We showed that FT(4) strongly decreased during the third trimester. Free T(3) showed declining in the second and third trimesters. Mean TSH did not show significant difference in each trimester compared with non-pregnant women. The thyroid function tests in pregnancy should be interpreted against gestational age-related reference intervals to avoid mis-interpretation of thyroid function during pregnancy.