Cannabidiol protects C2C12 myotubes against cisplatin-induced atrophy by regulating oxidative stress.

Cancer and chemotherapy induce a severe loss of muscle mass (known as cachexia), which negatively impact cancer treatment and patient survival. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether cannabidiol (CBD) administration may potentially antagonize the effects of cisplatin in inducing muscle atrophy, using a model of myotubes in culture. Cisplatin treatment resulted in a reduction of myotube diameter (15.7 ± 0.3 vs. 22.2 ± 0.5 µm, P < 0.01) that was restored to control level with 5 µM CBD (20.1 ± 0.4 µM, P < 0.01). Protein homeostasis was severely altered with a ≈70% reduction in protein synthesis (P < 0.01) and a twofold increase in proteolysis (P < 0.05) in response to cisplatin. Both parameters were dose dependently restored by CBD cotreatment. Cisplatin treatment was associated with increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) content (0.21 ± 0.03 to 0.48 ± 0.03 nmol/mg prot, P < 0.05), catalase activity (0.24 ± 0.01 vs. 0.13 ± 0.02 nmol/min/µg prot, P < 0.01), whereas CBD cotreatment normalized TBARS content to control values (0.22 ± 0.01 nmol/mg prot, P < 0.01) and reduced catalase activity (0.17 ± 0.01 nmol/min/µg prot, P < 0.05). These changes were associated with increased mRNA expression of GPX1, SOD1, SOD2, and CAT mRNA expression in response to cisplatin (P < 0.01), which was corrected by CBD cotreatment (P < 0.05). Finally, cisplatin treatment increased the mitochondrial protein content of NDUFB8, UQCRC2, COX4, and VDAC1 (involved in mitochondrial respiration and apoptosis), and CBD cotreatment restored their expression to control values. Altogether, our results demonstrated that CBD antagonize the cisplatin-induced C2C12 myotube atrophy and could be used as an adjuvant in the treatment of cancer cachexia to help maintain muscle mass and improve patient quality of life.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In an in vitro model, cisplatin treatment led to myotube atrophy associated with dysregulation of protein homeostasis and increased oxidative stress, resulting in increased apoptosis. Cotreatment with cannabidiol was able to prevent this phenotype by promoting protein homeostasis and reducing oxidative stress.

Novel gold-platinum nanoparticles serve as broad-spectrum antioxidants for attenuating ischemia reperfusion injury of the kidney.

Kidney ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is a common and inevitable pathological condition in routine urological practices, especially during transplantation. Severe kidney IRI may even induce systemic damage to peripheral organs, and lead to multisystem organ failure. However, no standard clinical treatment option is currently available. It has been reported that kidney IRI is predominantly associated with abnormally increased endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS). Scavenging excessive ROS may reduce the damage caused by oxidative stress and subsequently alleviate kidney IRI. Here, we reported a simple and efficient one-step synthesis of gold-platinum nanoparticles (AuPt NPs) with a gold core having a loose and branched outer platinum shell with superior ROS scavenging capacity to possibly treat kidney IRI. These AuPt NPs exhibited multiple enzyme-like anti-oxidative properties simultaneously possessing catalase- and peroxidase-like activity. These particles showed excellent cell protective capability, and alleviated kidney IRI both in vitro and in vivo without obvious toxicity, by suppressing cell apoptosis, inflammatory cytokine release, and inflammasome formation. Meanwhile, AuPt NPs also had an effect on inhibiting the transition to chronic kidney disease by reducing kidney fibrosis in the long term. Thus, AuPt NPs might be a good therapeutic agent for kidney IRI management and may be helpful for the development of clinical treatments for kidney IRI.

Remediation of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soil using hydrocarbonoclastic rhizobacteria, applied through Azadirachta indica rhizosphere.

Crude oil/petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs) are major pollutants worldwide. In the present study, three bacterial isolates -Pseudomonas aeruginosa BB-BE3, P. aeruginosa BBBJ, and Gordonia amicalis BB-DAC were selected for their efficient hydrocarbon degradation and plant growth promotion (PGP) abilities. All three isolates were positive for siderophore production, phosphate solubilization, and IAA production, even in the presence of crude oil. The rhizoremediation ability was validated through pot trials where all three isolates promoted the growth of the Azadirachta indica plant in crude oil-contaminated soils. Treatment with the combination of the plant (A. indica) and bacteria, i.e., Pseudomonas aeruginosa BB-BE3; P. aeruginosa BBBJ; Gordonia amicalis BB-DAC showed 95.71, 93.28, and 89.88% removal of TPHs respectively, while the treatment with the plant (only) resulted in 13.44% removal of TPHs whereas, in the control (Sterile bulk soil + Crude oil), the hydrocarbon removal percentage was only 5.87%. The plant tissues were analyzed for catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POX) activities, and the plants augmented with bacterial strains had significantly low CAT and POX activities as compared to uninoculated control. Therefore, the results suggest that the A. indica plant, in symbiotic association with these hydrocarbonoclastic rhizobacteria, could be used for bioremediation of crude oil-polluted soil.

The main objective of the present study is to evaluate the potential of plant­microbe associations, also including Gordonia amicalis with the Azadirachta indica, for the rhizoremediation of petroleum hydrocarbon (PHs) polluted soil. For rhizoremediation strategy, a stable plant-bacteria partnership is important, along with effective remediation, and the Gordonia amicalis­Azadirachta indica pair is being described here for the first time, for this purpose. This plant-microbe pair was highly effective as also validated through pot trials. The hydrocarbonoclastic rhizobacteria (G. amicalis BB-DAC), in symbiotic association with the A. indica plant, has significantly degraded TPHs.

Tolerance of Landoltia punctata to arsenate: an evaluation of the potential use in phytoremediation programs.

Plants used in phytoremediation should accumulate and tolerate a specific pollutant. Here, we aimed at evaluating a possible arsenic (As) accumulation and mechanisms of tolerance against As-induced damage in Landoltia punctata to explore this species for phytoremediation. Plants were subjected to increasing As levels. As absorption was higher with increasing As levels. The activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase as well as anthocyanin levels increased with As levels. Catalase and peroxidase activities increased in plants subjected to As levels up to 1.0 mg L-1 and decreased at higher levels. Due to the antioxidant system, higher levels of reactive oxygen species were restrained in plants under low levels of As. However, the levels of superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and lipid peroxidation increased in response to the impaired antioxidant system induced by the highest As levels. Biomass decreased in plants exposed to As and scanning electron microscopy revealed root structural damage in the root cap of plants under 3.0 mg L-1 As. This work highlights that L. punctata can be considered a hyperaccumulator species and has potential for As phytoremediation when levels are lower than 1.0 mg L-1-a concentration 100-fold higher than that recommended for drinking water. Novelty Statement: Landoltia punctata can be considered a hyperaccumulator species and has the potential for arsenic phytoremediation when levels are lower than 1.0 mg L-1.

Nitroglycerin ameliorates sperm parameters, oxidative stress and testicular injury following by testicular torsion/detorsion in male rats.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine the probable protection mechanisms of nitroglycerin, a widely used medication for treatment of heart failure and angina, in amelioration of testicular ischemia/reperfusion damage. METHODS: 24 adult male rats were randomly divided into three equal groups; with eight rats in each group: Group 1 (Sham) was sham-operated. Group 2 (T_D): 2 h testicular torsion was induced, afterward detorsion was performed and maintained for 2 h. Group 3 (NG): Nitroglycerin was administered immediately after detorsion. Sperm quality parameters such as viability, motility, morphology, and concentration, levels of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)), and amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the blood plasma were examined in each group, thereafter histopathological parameters including germinal epithelial cell thickness (GECT), mean seminiferous tubular diameter (MSTD), Johnson's score and Cosentino's score were assessed. RESULTS: Testicular T_D significantly reduced sperm viability, motility, and normal morphology, whereas the NG administration remarkably increased the percentage of live, motile, and normal spermatozoa (p < 0.05). Levels of GPx, CAT, and TAC significantly reduced and the MDA level significantly increased in the T_D group in comparison to the sham group (p < 0.05). The NG treated group demonstrated significantly reduced MDA concentrations as well as elevated levels of GPx and CAT compared to the T_D group (p < 0.05). Induction of testicular torsion significantly reduced Johnson's score, GESCT (µm), and MSTD (µm), and remarkably increased the Cosentino's score (P < 0.05), while NG injection significantly increased Johnson's score, GESCT (µm), and MSTD (µm) and reduced the Cosentino's score (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to the findings in this research, nitroglycerin was able to protect the testicular tissue from ischemia-reperfusion damage caused by induced torsion/detorsion.

Phenolic Compounds from Water-Ethanol Extracts of Tetrapleura tetraptera Produced in Cameroon, as Potential Protectors against In Vivo CCl4-Induced Liver Injuries.

BACKGROUND: Liver diseases are a global health problem. Medicinal plants are being increasingly used to manage a wide variety of diseases including liver disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant properties and hepatoprotective activity of polyphenolic extract from the fruits of Tetrapleura tetraptera (T. tetraptera). RESULTS: The extract of T. tetraptera was administered at doses of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg for 07 per os to rats before the induction of hepatotoxicity with of 2 ml/kg of 1:1 (v/v) carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and olive oil through intraperitoneal route. The in vitro antioxidant and radical scavenging properties of T. tetraptera were conducted by the FRAP method, the phosphomolybdate method, and the inhibition potential of DPPH, ABTS, OH, and NO radicals. The extraction yield of T. tetraptera was 19.35%. This extract contains polyphenols (273.48 mg CAE/g DM), flavonoids (5.2549 mg SE/g DM), and flavonols (1.615 mg SE/g DM). This extract showed in vitro antioxidant activity, an inhibitor power of various free radicals, and radical scavenging potential dose-dependent. The fifty-percent inhibitory concentration of the extract (IC50) for the studied radical varied from 28.16 to 136 µg/L. In rats treated with the extract of T. tetraptera, in a dose-dependent manner, the levels of hepatotoxicity markers such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) significantly increased while the enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and the level of reduced glutathione (GHS) significantly increased compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The extracts from the fruit of T. tetraptera demonstrate antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective effects.

Protective effect of silkworm pupa oil on hydrochloric acid/ethanol-induced gastric ulcers.

BACKGROUND: Silkworm pupae are a traditional Chinese food, rich in various saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Unsaturated fatty acids have a certain protective effect against oxidative damage. The present study used an animal model to determine the protective effect of silkworm pupa oil on hydrochloric acid / ethanol-induced gastric ulcer. RESULTS: Silkworm pupa oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, including palmitoleic acid 63.4 g kg-1 , oleic acid 249.1 g kg-1 , linoleic acid 47.0 g kg-1 , and linolenic acid 337.8 g kg-1 , whereas its unsaturated fatty acid content is 700 g kg-1 . Compared to a gastric ulcer control group, high and low doses of pupa oil reduced gastric ulcer area and gastric secretion, whereas gastric pH increased. It also increased serum antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels, somatostatin (SST), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) levels, and reduced serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-12 (IL-12), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), motilin (MTL), and gastrin (GT) levels. RT-qPCR and western blot analyses indicated that silkworm pupa oil significantly increased CAT, GSH-Px, epidermal growth factor (EGF), Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), Cu/Zn-SOD, Mn-SOD, and NF-kappa-B inhibitor-α (IκB-α) expression and lowered nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. CONCLUSION: Silkworm pupa oil treatment reduced oxidative damage and inflammation in mice, and high-dose silkworm pupa oil was superior to low-dose silkworm pupa oil, following ranitidine. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Roles of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant enzymes on formaldehyde removal from air by plants.

The roles of enzymatic reactions and redox reactions caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in formaldehyde metabolism in tomatoes and wheat seedlings and the changes in peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activities in plants were investigated. Differences in the breakdown of added formaldehyde between fresh and boiled plant extracts were determined to calculate the contributions of different removal mechanisms. Two plant seedlings efficiently removed formaldehyde from air when its level varied from 0.65 to 1.91 mg m-3; meanwhile, the maximum rate at which tomato seedlings transported formaldehyde from air to the rhizosphere solution reached 182.26 µg h-1 kg-1 FW (fresh weight). Metabolism in plants was mainly responsible for the formaldehyde dissipation. The enzymatic contribution to formaldehyde dissipation decreased with increasing shoot exposure time or air formaldehyde level, while the redox contribution increased in importance because of an increasing level of ROS. The different enzymatic antioxidant activities of plants resulted in different levels of ROS and hence different tolerance and removal efficiencies toward formaldehyde. The self-enhancing ability of plants to remove formaldehyde via redox reactions suggested that the formaldehyde removal efficiency could be enhanced by plant adaptation to environmental stress.

The humic acid-induced changes in the water status, chlorophyll fluorescence and antioxidant defense systems of wheat leaves with cadmium stress.

The using of bio-stimulant in plants grown under stress conditions for enhancing nutrition efficiency and crop quality traits is an effective approach. One of the bio-stimulants, humus material, is defined as humic acid (HA). HA application as a promotion of plant growth to plants grown in the heavy metals-contaminated soils has promised hope in terms of effects on plants but the its limiting effect is the application dose. Therefore, the wheat seedlings were grown in hydroponic culture for 21 d and the various concentrations of humic acid (HA; 750 or 1500 mg L-1) were treated alone or in combination with cadmium (Cd) stress (100 or 200 µM) for 7 d. The results showed that after Cd stress treatment, water content (RWC), osmotic potential (ΨΠ) and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters decreased and proline content (Pro) increased for 7 d. In spite of activated peroxidase (POX) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), stress induced the toxic levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation. Cd stress triggered lipid peroxidation (TBARS content). HA application successfully eliminated the negative effects of stress on RWC, ΨΠ and photosynthetic parameters. In the presence of HA under stress, the increased activation of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and NADPH-oxidase (NOX) enzymes and ascorbate, glutathione and GSH/GSSG ratio observed. Only 750 mg L-1 HA under stress conditions induced the activities of monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR) and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), and dehydroascorbate (DHA) content. After the combined application of HA and Cd stress, the low contents of H2O2 and TBARS maintained in wheat leaves. Hence, HA successfully eliminated the toxicity of Cd stress by modulating the water status, photosynthetic apparatus and antioxidant activity in wheat leaves.

Copper complexes of the 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives modulate antioxidant defense responses and resistance in tomato plants against fungal and bacterial diseases.

The metallic complexes µ-chloro-µ-[2,5-bis (2-pyridyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole] aqua chlorocopper (II) dichlorocopper (II) (abbreviated 2PTH-Cu2-Cl4); aquabis [2,5-bis (2-pyridyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole-κ2N2,N3] (trifluoromethane-sulfonato-κO) copper(II) trifluoro metrhanesulfonate (2PTH-Cu-tF) and bis[(2,5-bis(pyridine-2-yl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole-di-azido copper(II)] (2PTH-Cu-Az) were compared for their antimicrobial activities in vitro, and their aptitude to control Verticillium wilt and crown gall diseases development of tomato in the greenhouse. Results showed that the complex 2PTH-Cu-Az inhibited drastically the growth of V. dahliae in vitro. 2PTH-Cu2-Cl4 and 2PTH-Cu-tF did not display any noticeable antimicrobial activity in vitro against all of the pathogens tested. However, in planta evaluation revealed that the three complexes protected tomato against crown gall similarly. They also reduced Verticillium wilt disease severity, although the complex 2PTH-Cu-Az was the most efficient. When compared to other complexes, 2PTH-Cu-Az triggered only a weak oxidative burst as revealed by H2O2 measurement and the activity of ascorbate peroxidase and catalase. These results suggest that the superiority of 2PTH-Cu-Az against V. dahliae rely on its direct antifungal activity and its ability to modulate H2O2 accumulation.

Protective effects of ellagic acid and ozone on rat ovaries with an ischemia/reperfusion injury.

AIM: This study investigated the effects of the antioxidant agents, ozone (O) and ellagic acid (EA), on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries developed from an ovarian torsion-detorsion model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Arteries in the left ovaries of rats were clamped for two hours to achieve torsion, and then the clamps were removed for a two-hour detorsion period. Thirty-five female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: control: administered only with anesthesia, rats were not subjected to torsion-detorsion; I/R: subjected to torsion and subsequent detorsion, without administering any treatment agent; and I/R + EA, I/R + O and I/R + O + EA: subjected to torsion and detorsion processes and administered with EA, O or EA + O at the 75th minute of torsion. The rats were then sacrificed under general anesthesia and the ovarian tissues were excised. The tissues were homogenized and levels of glutathione reductase, catalase, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde (MDA) were analyzed. Tissue damage was evaluated in terms of histopathological parameters, such as hemorrhage, congestion, edema and inflammation. RESULTS: Antioxidant enzyme activity and MDA levels in the ovary tissue increased in the I/R group and decreased in the O, EA and O + EA groups (P < 0.05). Histopathological examination revealed that tissue damage in the O, EA and O + EA groups decreased in comparison with the I/R group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These biochemical and histopathological findings suggest that EA and O are effective against ovarian I/R injury.

THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE IMMUNE AND METABOLIC DISORDERS DURING VARIOUS METHODS OF MULTICOMPONENT GENERAL ANESTHESIA IN LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY.

BACKGROUND: In addition to operating injury in the pathogenesis of immunological and metabolic disorders after surgical interventions anesthesia plays an important role. THE AIM: to establish the relationship of the immune and metabolic disorders during various methods ofmulticomponent general anesthesia in conditions of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with cholelithiasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Under constant observation there were 68 women admitted to the hospital for surgical treatment of cholelithiasis. Patients were divided into 3 groups depending on multicomponent general anesthesia (halothane, propofol, sevoflurane). We determined the concentration of cytokines (TNFa, IL-la, IL-i/8, IL-4, IL-iRA, IL-2, IFNy), components of the complement system (C,, C3, C4, C, and C, factor H, C,-inhibitor), the activity of neutrophilsperipheral blood, the concentration of the products ofperoxidation, catalase, superoxide dismutase in blood plasma. RESULTS: The level of immune-inflammation and metabolic disorders in patients with cholelithiasis was higher in patients operated with the use of halothane. The use of sevoflurane has had the most positive effect on the studied indices. CONCLUSION: The close correlation between the investigated immune and metabolic parameters on the background of the use of different schemes of multicomponent general anesthesia in patients with cholelithiasis have let to the conclusion that in the conditions of use of sevoflurane has the least place a "tension" immune and oxidative status.

Antioxidant capacity of chewing stick miswak Salvadora persica.

BACKGROUND: Chewing stick (miswak Salvadora persica L.) is an effective tool for oral hygiene. It possessed various biological properties including significant antibacterial and anti-fungal effects. In the present study, we evaluated the antioxidant compounds in miswak. METHOD: Miswak root was extracted with 80% methanol. Methanol extract as antioxidant was evaluated by using DPPH, ABTS and phosphomolybdenum complex assays and analysis by GC-MS. Peroxidase, catalase and polyphenoloxidase assays were performed for crude extract of miswak root. RESULTS: The methanol extract of miswak contained the highest amount of crude extract among the various solvent extracts. The methanol extract showed a concentration dependent scavenging of DPPH and ABTS radicals with IC50 values 4.8 and 1.6 µg crude extract, respectively. The total antioxidant activities, based on the reduction of molybdenum (VI) to molybdenum (V), increased with increasing crude extract content. The correlation coefficients (R2) between total crude extract and DPPH, ABTS scavenging activities and the formation of phosphomolybdenum complex were 0.97, 0.99 and 0.95, respectively. The GC-MS analysis showed that the methanol extract doesn't contain phenolic and flavonoid compounds or under detected limit. After silylation of methanol extract, three compounds namely 2-furancarboxaldehyde-5-(hydroxymethyl), furan-2-carboxylic acid-3-methyl- trimethylsilyl ester and D-erythro-pentofuranose-2-deoxy-1,3,5-tris-O-(trimethylsilyl) were identified by GC-MS analysis. These furan derivatives as they contain hydroxyl groups could be possessed antioxidant activities. The antioxidant enzymes were also detected in the miswak extract with high level of peroxidase and low level of catalase and polyphenoloxidase. CONCLUSIONS: The synergistic actions of antioxidant compounds and antioxidant enzymes make miswak is a good chewing stick for oral hygiene and food purposes.

Elicitor-induced defense responses in Solanum lycopersicum against Ralstonia solanacearum.

We investigated on important parameters of induced resistance in hydroponic tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) against Ralstonia solanacearum using the elicitors chitosan (CHT), salicylic acid (SA), and jasmonic acid (JA). The increase in total phenolic content of roots by the elicitors was significantly higher than control. Most pronounced increase in lignin synthesis was triggered by SA followed by CHT. At 24 h post-elicitation (hpe), the activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase was 4.5 times higher than control elicited by CHT. The peroxidase activity was about 86 nkat/mg protein at 24 hpe in case of SA and 78 nkat/mg protein in case of CHT. The activity of polyphenol oxidase increased several folds by the elicitors. Cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase activity increased to the maximum at 48 hpe under the influence of CHT. The results indicate that the elicitors SA and CHT induced effective defense responses in tomato plants against R. solanacearum. This was evident from reduced vascular browning and wilting symptoms of tomato plants treated with SA and CHT and challenged subsequently with R. solanacearum. This reduced disease incidence in tomato by SA and CHT may be a result of cell wall strengthening through deposition of lignin and the coincident induction of defense enzymes.

[Time course of changes in iron metabolic and oxidative-antioxidative system parameters in patients with acute myeloid leukemia].

AIM: To study an association between iron metabolism, free radical oxidation (FRO), and antioxidative system (AOS) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) during intensive chemotherapy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: AML patients (n = 14) with a median age of 46 years received 7+3 courses (n = 3) containing cytarabine > or = 1 g/m2/introduction (n = 8) and myeloablative conditioning regimen before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (n = 3). The concentrations of iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation (TFS), and malonic dialdehyde and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ceruloplasmin (CP), and catalase were investigated in their sera. The investigations were performed before and after chemotherapy and during hemopoietic recovery and rehospitalization. RESULTS; After therapy termination, there was a significant increase in TFS (6.8% vs 41.9%; p < 0.0001), which gave way to its reduction during hemopoietic recovery (89.5% vs 96.8%; p = 0.003). The activity of antioxidant enzymes was found to be altered at a time. That of catalase was enhanced throughout cytopenia (3.8 and 3.3 vs 5.7 conventional units (CU)/ml; p = 0.028 and p = 0.011). The lower activity of SOD (21.0 vs 41.0 CU/ml; p = 0.018) and the higher activity of CP (1.1 vs 0.8 g/l) were ascertained when leukocyte count increased up to > or = 1 x 10(9)/l. CONCLUSION: After intensive cytostatic therapy, there was a phasic TFS increase accompanied by the compensatory change in AOS activity, which is aimed at neutralizing FRO products.

The potential of Streptococcus thermophiles (TCI633) in the anti-aging.

BACKGROUND: Streptococcus thermophilus (TCI633) is a probiotic that has been newly isolated from human breast milk, and it can produce hyaluronic acid (HA) when colonizing the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of rodents and humans. A recent study has the established that TCI633 can alleviate synovial tissue inflammation and has potential to mitigate the progression of osteoarthritis. OBJECTIVE: TCI633 has not been available for use in skincare and this preliminary clinical study will assess its improvement of the skin. METHODS: In this study, DNA protection, Hyaluronidase assay, cell viability, and collagen synthesis on human fibroblasts of TCI633 were assessed. Subjects were enrolled in this clinical study and randomly assigned to the TCI633 or placebo group. Each subject was informed to intake two tablets daily for 8 weeks. Each subject was required to undergo skin condition inspection at weeks 0, 4, and 8 and hematology tests to monitor HA, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase levels, and kidney and liver function at weeks 0 and 8. RESULTS: The effects of TCI633 supplementation, including the promotion of skin cell proliferation, the increase of their collagen content, their protection against DNA damage, and the inhibition of hyaluronidase activities, are investigated. Subjects were recruited for an 8-week long clinical trial to confirm the efficacy of TCI633 in improving the serum biochemical HA, SOD and catalase levels, and anti-skin age markers. CONCLUSIONS: This work provides an alternative approach to improving health, indicating the potential of TCI633 supplementation to delay the aging of skin and improve its condition.

Comparison of the efficacy of Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment and Tacrolimus 0.1% plus topical pseudocatalase/superoxide dismutase gel in children with limited vitiligo: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of vitiligo is complex and multifactorial, accumulating evidence of increased oxidative stress and reduction in catalase levels in vitiligo patients has been shown, hence, pseudocatalase/superoxide dismutase (PSD) gel has been used as treatment option for vitiligo. AIM: To assesses the synergic effect of PSD when combines with Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment versus Tacrolimus 0.1% alone. METHOD: A randomized controlled trial that included 49 children with vitiligo with limited area (10% or less). Patients were randomized into two groups: Group 1 (24 patients) were treated only with Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment whereas Group 2 (25 patients) were treated with Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment plus PSD. Degree of repigmentation compared to baseline was assessed at 3, 6, and 9 months. RESULTS: The median age was 10.05 years (range 2-18). The percentages of pigmentation on 3, 6, and 9 months for Group 1 were 23.9%, 40.4%, and 60%, respectively and for Group 2 were 23.2%, 40.7%, and 62.4%, respectively. There was no significant difference according to repigmentation percentages between the two groups (p > .86, p > .97, and p > .78, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the addition of PSD to Tacrolimus ointment in children with limited vitiligo was not associated with any therapeutic benefit.

[Changes of oxidative and antioxidative properties of blood under the action of perftoran in patients with acute sensorineural loss of hearing].

The authors report the results of examination and treatment of 100 patients presenting with acute sensorineural loss of hearing using audiological and biochemical methods. General oxidative (GO) and antioxidative (GAO) activities, malonic dialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (C) levels in blood plasma were measured in 60 patients given original perftoran-based therapy and in 40 patients receiving traditional treatment. Management of acute sensorineural loss of hearing with the use of perftoran proved efficacious in 95% of the cases compared with 80% using traditional therapy. Plasma oxidative activity decreased and antioxidative activity increased within 1 week after infusion of perftoran. These changes correlated with positive functional outcomes of the treatment.

Oxidative stress in Vitiligo patients and administration of Munzij and Mushil therapy, a poly herbal Unani formulation - hospital-based study.

Background Vitiligo, a skin disorder is viewed as a multifactorial process with major role of reactive oxygen species in concert to destroy or incapacitate melanocytes. In Unani system of medicine the treatment of Bars (Vitiligo) starts with removal of harmful materials from the body with Munzij and Mushil (MM), a poly herbal Unani formulation. Methods Herein, oxidative stress related parameters as MDA, SOD, GPx and CAT have been estimated in the 21 clinically diagnosed Vitiligo in-patients and subsequently these parameters were evaluated during and after administration of MM therapy and compared with 21 healthy subjects. Results There was significant difference in the parameters viz., SOD (p<0.001) and CAT (p<0.005) activity at the baseline with no statistical significant difference in MDA and GPx activity among Vitiligo subjects and controls. After MM therapy there was no statistical significant difference among the values of these parameters in Vitiligo subjects. Conclusions The results suggest that there is imbalance in the oxidant-antioxidant status of Vitiligo subjects and the MM therapy is not found to significantly change the levels of oxidative stress related parameters.

Phytoplankton Supplementation Lowers Muscle Damage and Sustains Performance across Repeated Exercise Bouts in Humans and Improves Antioxidant Capacity in a Mechanistic Animal.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of antioxidant-rich marine phytoplankton supplementation (Oceanix, OCX) on performance and muscle damage following a cross-training event in endurance-trained subjects. Additionally, an animal model was carried out to assess the effects of varying dosages of OCX, with exercise, on intramuscular antioxidant capacity. METHODS: In the human trial, endurance-trained subjects (average running distance = 29.5 ± 2.6 miles × week-1) were randomly divided into placebo (PLA) and OCX (25 mg) conditions for 14 days. The subjects were pre-tested on a one-mile uphill run, maximal isometric strength, countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) power, and for muscle damage (creatine kinase (CK)). On Day 12, the subjects underwent a strenuous cross-training event. Measures were reassessed on Day 13 and 14 (24 h and 48 h Post event). In the animal model, Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 7): (i) Control (no exercise and placebo (CON)), (ii) Exercise (E), (iii) Exercise + OCX 1 (Oceanix, 2.55 mg/day, (iv) Exercise + OCX 2 (5.1 mg/day). The rats performed treadmill exercise five days a week for 6 weeks. Intramuscular antioxidant capacity (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)) and muscle damage (CK and myoglobin (MYOB) were collected. The data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and t-test for select variables. The alpha value was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: For the human trial, SJ power lowered in PLA relative to OCX at 24 h Post (-15%, p < 0.05). Decrements in isometric strength from Pre to 48 h Post were greater in the PLA group (-12%, p < 0.05) than in the OCX. Serum CK levels were greater in the PLA compared to the OCX (+14%, p < 0.05). For the animal trial, the intramuscular antioxidant capacity was increased in a general dose-dependent manner (E + Oc2 > E + Oc1 > E > CON). Additionally, CK and MYOB were lower in supplemented compared to E alone. CONCLUSIONS: Phytoplankton supplementation (Oceanix) sustains performance and lowers muscle damage across repeated exercise bouts. The ingredient appears to operate through an elevating oxidative capacity in skeletal muscle.