Vitamin D increases IGF-I and insulin levels in experimental diabetic rats.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have found that IGF-I may play an important role in glucose metabolism. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of vitamin D intake on the serum levels of glucose, insulin, and IGF-I in experimental diabetic rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats aged six to seven months, with an average weight of 300±30g, were randomly divided into three groups (eight rats per group). The first group served as control and the other two groups received an intraperitoneal injection of 45mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) to develop diabetes. Then groups were treated for four weeks either with placebo or vitamin D (two injections of 20,000IU/kg). RESULTS: At the end of the experiment, two injection of vitamin D were found to result in a significant increase in plasma cholecalciferol, which could improve hyperglycaemia and hypoinsulinemia in diabetic rats. HbA1c concentration had a slight and insignificant decrease following vitamin D intake. In addition, a significant decline was observed in the serum IGF-I level of STZ-treated rats in comparison to the controls, which was compensated in the vitamin D group. The serum vitamin D concentration was positively correlated to the changes in IGF-I level by Pearson test. CONCLUSIONS: These data showed for the first time that vitamin D intake could significantly improve fasting plasma glucose, insulin, and IGF-I in an experimental type 1 diabetes model.

Effects of L-carnitine supplementation on biomarkers of oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity and lipid profile, in patients with pemphigus vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV), as an autoimmune disease including mucosa and the skin, is associated with several complications and comorbidities. The present study planned to determine the effect of L-carnitine (LC) supplementation on biomarkers of oxidative stress (OS), antioxidant capacity and lipid profile in PV patients.Subjects/MethodsFifty two control and patients with PV, participated in the current randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The patients were allocated randomly to receive 2 g per day LC tartrate subdivided into two equal doses of 1 g before breakfast and dinner (n=26) or placebo (n=26) for 8 weeks. Anthropometric, lipid profile and OS values were determined at baseline and end of intervention period. RESULTS: LC intake significantly reduced serum levels of triglycerides, total-, LDL- cholesterol and oxidative stress index (OSI; P<0.05). In addition, supplementation with LC resulted to a meaningful increase in levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (P=0.05) and serum carnitine (P<0.001). LC intake revealed non-significant change in serum total oxidant capacity (P=0.15) and HDL- cholesterol (P=0.06) in comparison to the placebo. CONCLUSIONS: LC consumption may have favorable results on TAC, OSI and lipid profiles in patients with PV. The results were in line with the idea that LC supplementation can be associated with positive effects on metabolic status and OS of patients with PV.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition advance online publication, 23 August 2017; doi:10.1038/ejcn.2017.131.

CLA Has a Useful Effect on Bone Markers in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic, chronic disease which may increase the risk of osteoporosis. This study was carried out in order to examine the effect of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on bone markers in rheumatoid arthritis disease which is the most common autoimmune disease. The present study is a randomized double-blind clinical trial. Subjects included 52 patients with active rheumatoid arthritis who were divided into two groups. Group I received standard treatment plus 2 daily 1.25 g capsules (Containing about 2 g of 9-cis 11-trans isomer and 10-cis 12-trans isomer in ratio of 50 -50 CLA in glycerinated form), Group II received standard treatment plus 2 Placebo 1.25 g capsules containing sunflower oil with high oleic acid. Telopeptides C, osteocalcin, and MMP3 were analyzed by ELISA method, PGE2 was done by competitive enzymatic immunoassay method, and IGF-1 was analyzed by the IRMA method based on the sandwich method and ALK-P of bone. Before and after the intervention, the questionnaires about general information, nutrition assessment and medical history were filled out by the subjects. Nutritional assessment was done by a 24-h record questionnaire for the three-day diet. The results were analyzed using SPSS software (version 18). FINDINGS: There was no significant difference between the groups in enzyme activity of ALK-P of bone, PGE2 and MMP3 variables. However, differences between the two groups in terms of activity of telopeptides C, Osteocalcin, and IGF1 were significant (P < 0.05). CLA has a potentially beneficial effect on bone markers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, in order to study the effect of CLA on bone health in patients with RA and all patients with autoimmune and bone diseases more studies with longer duration and evaluation of bone mass density are required.

Beneficial effects of omega-3 and vitamin E coadministration on gene expression of SIRT1 and PGC1α and serum antioxidant enzymes in patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: SIRT1 and PGC1α are two important genes, which play critical roles in regulating oxidative stress and inflammation processes. The study aimed assess the effects of coadministration of omega-3 and vitamin E supplements on SIRT1 and PGC1α gene expression and serum levels of antioxidant enzymes in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Participants of this randomized controlled trial included 60 CAD male patients who were categorized into three groups: Group 1 received omega-3 (4 g/day) and vitamin E placebo (OP), group 2 omega-3 (4 g/day) and vitamin E (400 IU/day; OE), and group 3 omega-3 and vitamin E placebos (PP) for 2 months. Gene expression of SIRT1 and PGC1α in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCS) was assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Furthermore, serum antioxidant enzyme and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were assessed at the beginning and end of the intervention. Gene expression of SIRT1 and PGC1α increased significantly in the OE group (P = 0.039 and P = 0.050, respectively). Catalase and hsCRP levels increased significantly in the OE and OP groups. However, glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels did not statistically change in all groups. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) increased significantly in the OE group (P = 0.009) but not in OP and PP groups. CONCLUSION: Supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids in combination with vitamin E may have beneficial effects on CAD patients by increasing gene expression of SIRT1 and PGC1α and improving oxidative stress and inflammation in these patients.

Effect of vitamins A, E, C and omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on the level of catalase and superoxide dismutase activities in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: Since free radicals and antioxidant enzymes may play an important role in the development of diabetes, the present study was designed to assess the effect of supplementation with vitamins A, E and C and ω-3 fatty acids on catalase and superoxide dismutase activity in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: A total of 64 male Wistar rats weighing 250 g were divided into four groups as normal control, diabetic control, diabetic supplemented with vitamin A, E and C and diabetic supplemented with ω-3 fatty acids. After four weeks the rats were anesthetized and catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were investigated in blood samples, liver and heart homogenates. RESULTS: In diabetic rats, the activity levels of heart SOD (p < 0.001) and heart and liver CAT (p < 0.001) were significantly lower than in normal control rats. Supplementation with vitamins A, E and C significantly increased heart CAT (p = 0.05). No significant change was observed in diabetic rats supplemented with ω-3 fatty acids. CONCLUSION: Supplementation with vitamins A, E and C and ω-3 fatty acids was found to increase heart CAT activity in diabetic rats and they can be valuable candidates in the treatment of the complications of diabetes (Tab. 6, Ref. 26).

Evaluation of antioxidant enzyme activity and antioxidant capacity in patients with newly diagnosed pemphigus vulgaris.

BACKGROUND: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune blistering disorder of the skin and/or mucosa. Increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were previously reported in PV. AIM: Because oxidative stress has an important role in the inflammatory process, we designed this study to evaluate the antioxidant status in patients with PV and to compare it with that of healthy controls (HCs). METHODS: In this case-control study, 43 newly diagnosed patients with PV were compared with 58 HCs. The severity of the disease was estimated according to Harman scores. Erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), CAT and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) activities and total antioxidant capacity were measured. Data were analyzed by independent t-test. RESULTS: Both groups were similar in sex, age and body mass index. Mean duration of disease was 5.6 months. Mean oral and skin severities were 1.79 and 2.3 respectively, based on Harman scores. SOD activity was not significantly different between groups (1003.30 ± 39.96 vs. 1009.76 ± 32.68 U/gHb). Levels were noticeably higher in patients with PV than in HCs for both GPx (52.13 ± 2.85 vs. 36.63 ± 1.49 U/gHb, respectively; P < 0.001) and CAT (205.69 ± 8.10 vs. 130.26 ± 6.80 kU/gHb, respectively; P < 0.001) activities, and CAT activity correlated with disease severity. In addition, patients had lower total antioxidant capacity than controls (3.39 ± 0.06 vs. 3.72 ± 0.09 mmol/L, P = 0.006). There was no noticeable difference in serum MDA between the two groups (P = 0.45). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PV have significantly higher antioxidant enzyme activities and lower total antioxidant capacity compared with HCs. These data indicate the importance of improving antioxidant level in patients with pemphigus.

Vitamin D status of type 2 diabetic patients compared with healthy subjects in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

An inverse relationship has been shown between vitamin D deficiency and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). In this cross-sectional study in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, a country with a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, we determined the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among 90 type 2 DM patients and 90 healthy subjects. Based on serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, the rates of deficiency (< 50 nmol/L) and insufficiency (50-75 nmol/L) were 59.0% and 27.0% respectively in patients with type 2 DM, and 47.0% and 24.0% respectively in healthy subjects. Using the national cut-offs for vitamin D deficiency, 64.0% women with DM and 47.4% of healthy women were suffering from different degrees of vitamin D deficiency. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in men with type 2 DM and healthy men were 42.7% and 22.2% respectively. None of the differences between the 2 groups was statistically significant.

Insulin resistance via modification of PGC1α function identifying a possible preventive role of vitamin D analogues in chronic inflammatory state of obesity. A double blind clinical trial study.

AIM: Obesity-induced chronic inflammation is a key component of the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. Mounting evidence has demonstrated anti-inflammatory characteristics for vitamin D. Although analogues of vitamin D3 have extensively been used in the treatment of various chronic inflammatory diseases, to our knowledge, no such research is conducted in regards with obesity. The aim of this double blind clinical trial study is to investigate whether alphacalcidol treatment in obese subjects can affect the cytokine profile and insulin resistance. Moreover, we evaluated the pathways of vitamin D receptor (VDR), PPARγ and PGC1α gene expressions which may lead to insulin resistance following treatment with either alphacalcidol or placebo. METHODS: A total of 94 obese participants (BMI≥30) were recruited for the current double blind clinical trial study. Patients were divided into two intervention (N.=40) and control groups (N.=54) based on the stratified randomized method. One-Alpha® Capsules 1 microgram: alfacalcidol (1-α hydroxyvitamin D3) and placebo were given to subjects once a day for 8 weeks. Analysis of body composition was performed with use of Body Composition Analyzer. The circulating levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17, PTH, and 25-Hydroxy Vi-tamin D were measured with the use of EIA method. The PBMCs were separated from whole blood by Ficoll-hypaque technique. Total cellular RNA was extracted and the cDNA was synthesized. The real-time PCR using specific primer pairs for VDR, PGC1α, PPARγ, and ß-actin was performed. RESULTS: The FPG, fat percent and PTH levels were decreased and the levels of HDL-cholesterol and 25-hydroxy vitamin D were significantly increased after treatment with Alfacalcidol. Regarding to cytokines levels, the levels of IL6 were significantly decreased and IL10 were significantly increased in Alfacalcidol group in comparison with the control group. The relative expressions of VDR, PGC1α, and PPARγ genes significantly increased in Alfacalcidol group. We found also significant positive correlation between circulating 25-OH vitamin D and relative PGC1α gene expression in participants with insulin resistance. CONCLUSION: It seems that Alfacalcidol treatment may be effective in amelioration of the inflammatory state in obesity. This supplement might also improve resistance to insulin through enhancement of relative VDR and its downstream genes expression, which are demonstrated to be involved in glucose homeostasis pathways.

The effect of antioxidant vitamins E and C on cognitive performance of the elderly with mild cognitive impairment in Isfahan, Iran: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of vitamins E and C on cognitive performance among the elderly in Iran. METHODS: About 256 elderly with mild cognitive impairment, aged 60-75 years, received 300 mg of vitamin E plus 400 mg of vitamin C or placebo daily just for 1 year. BACKGROUND: Demographic characteristics, anthropometric variables food consumption, cognitive function by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and some of the oxidative stress biomarkers were examined. RESULTS: Antioxidant supplementation reduced malondialdehyde level (P < 0.001) and raised total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.001) and glutathione (P < 0.01). The serum 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine remained unchanged (P < 0.4). After adjusting for the covariates effects, MMSE scores following 6- (25.88 ± 0.17) and 12-month antioxidant supplementation (26.8 ± 0.17) did not differ from control group (25.86 ± 0.18 and 26.59 ± 0.18, respectively). CONCLUSION: Despite significant improvement in most of the oxidative stress biomarkers, antioxidants' supplementation was not observed to enhance cognitive performance. A large number of kinetic and/or dynamic factors could be suspected.

Vitamin D status and its association with antioxidant profiles in diabetic patients: A cross-sectional study in Iran.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There are increasing evidences about the relationship between vitamin D status and the control of diabetes. Several studies showed that vitamin D has an antioxidant property. In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH-D) and glycemic, antioxidant profile in diabetes compared to healthy groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 100 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 100 healthy controls. Fasting serum levels of 25-OH-D, calcium, phosphorous, parathyroid hormone, glucose, HbA(1C), insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) were measured. RESULTS: Eighty-two percent of type 2 diabetic patients and 75% of healthy subjects were suffering from vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. The activities of GR and GSH-PX were higher in diabetic patients compared to control. There was a negative relationship between 25-OH-D and activity of GR, GSH-PX. Also, 25-OH-D had a positive association with activity of SOD in diabetic patients. In the control group, 25-OH-D had an inverse relationship with SOD, GSH-PX, and positively with GR activities. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency has a high prevalence among Iranian adult population with and without type 2 diabetes. Our results showed that vitamin D may have a beneficial effect on the control of glycemic profiles and oxidative stress in T2DM patients.

Effect of diet-induced weight loss on inflammatory cytokines in obese women.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with lowgrade systemic inflammation which has been linked to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes in obese patients. AIM: To evaluate changes in pro/anti-inflammatory adipocytokines and metabolic profile after moderate diet-induced weight loss. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine pre-menopausal obese women (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) aged 21 to 54 years without diabetes, hypertension, or hyperlipidemia, were enrolled in this study. We measured anthropometric parameters, lipid and glucose profiles, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and IL-18 in obese women, who then entered a medically supervised program aimed at reducing body weight by 10% or more. Obese women restricted their caloric intake (by 500-1000 kcal/day) and consumed 50 g/day of a fiber supplement (Slim Last Powder) for 12 weeks. RESULTS: By completing the dietary intervention program, weight (Δ = -10.0%, p<0.0001), body mass index, waist circumference, triceps skinfold thickness, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and fasting plasma glucose significantly decreased, while HDL-cholesterol significantly increased. While plasma levels of IL-6 and IL-18 decreased by 27% after 12 weeks, no significant change was observed in circulating levels of IL-10. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that an improved body composition induced by restriction of energy intake is associated with favorable serum concentrations of IL-6 and IL-18 in obese women. However, the anti-inflammatory IL-10 is not affected by a moderate weight decrease.

Decreased plasma levels of ceruloplasmin after diet-induced weight loss in obese women.

BACKGROUND: Plasma ceruloplasmin (Cp) has been shown to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and also to be associated with obesity. However, it is not known whether weight loss could decrease the plasma Cp levels. AIM: To investigate the effect of diet-induced weight loss on plasma Cp in obese women. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sixty-seven healthy obese women [age =33.4±8.7 yr, body mass index (BMI) =36.0±4.8 kg/m2] were entered into a medically supervised program aimed at reducing body weight by 10% or more. Weight loss was achieved through a diet providing a daily energy deficit of 500-1000 kcal/day. In addition, all patients were prescribed to use 50 g of a fiber supplement per day. For all subjects, assessment of dietary intake, anthropometric indices, and plasma levels of C-reactive protein and Cp was performed at the first visit and repeated at 12th week of follow-up. RESULTS: By completing the program, weight (Δ=-9.5%, p<0.0001), BMI (Δ=-9.7%, p<0.0001), waist-circumference (Δ=-6.1%, p<0.0001), and triceps skinfold thickness (Δ=-14.9%, p<0.0001) significantly decreased. Plasma Cp significantly decreased after 12 weeks of dietary intervention (33.6±5.6 mg/dl vs 25.2±5.8 mg/dl, p<0.0001). Percent change in Cp was correlated with percent change in waist-circumference (r=446, p=0.015). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that an improved body composition induced by restriction of energy intake is associated with decreased serum concentrations of Cp in obese women which in turn might have reduced the subjects' risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Effect of n-3 supplementation on hyperactivity, oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators in children with attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder.

BACKGROUND: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with difficulties in learning, behaviour and psychosocial adjustment that persist into adulthood. Decreased omega-3 fatty acids and increased inflammation or oxidative stress may contribute to neuro-developmental and psychiatric disorders such as ADHD. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of n-3 supplementation on hyperactivity, oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators in children with ADHD. METHODS: In this double blind study, 103 children (6-12 years) with ADHD receiving maintenance therapy were assigned randomly into two groups. The n-3 group received n-3 fatty acids (635 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 195 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)), and the placebo group received olive oil capsules which were visually similar to the n-3 capsules. The duration of supplementation was 8 weeks. Plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the activity of glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined before and after the intervention. Likewise the Conners' Abbreviated Questionnaires (ASQ-P) was applied. RESULTS: After 8-week intervention, a significant reduction was observed in the levels of CRP ( P < 0.05, 95% CI = 0.72-2.02) and IL-6 (P < 0.001, 95% CI = 1.93-24.33) in the n-3 group. There was also a significant increase in activity of SOD and GR (P < 0.001). A significant improvement was seen in the ASQ-P scores in the n-3 group (P < 005). CONCLUSION: Eight weeks of EPA and DHA supplementation decreased plasma inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress in the children with ADHD. These results suggest that n-3 fatty acid supplementation may offer a safe and efficacious treatment for children with ADHD.

Beta-Carotene, Vitamin E, MDA, Glutathione Reductase and Arylesterase Activity Levels in Patients with Active Rheumatoid Arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have investigated the possible role of reactive oxygen species in the etiology and pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to investigate the activities of some antioxidants in RA patients. METHODS: In this case-control study, 59 RA patients and 60 healthy sex and age-matched controls were selected. Vitamin E and Beta-carotene were determined using HPLC. Erythrocytes glutathione reductase (GR) activity was measured spectrophotometrically, and malondialdehyde (MDA) was determined by colorimetric method. Arylesterase activity (AEA) was measured by Phenylacetate. The clinical data were determined by a rheumatologist, medical history and filling the questionnaire by interview. Statistical analyses were carried out using the SPSS software. RESULTS: In patients with RA, serum MDA level was significantly higher and plasma concentration of vitamin E, Beta-carotene and GR activity, were significantly lower than healthy control (P< 0.001). AEA activity differences between two groups were non-significant. CONCLUSIONS: Oxidative stress may play an important role in the inflammation and pathogenesis of RA.

Effect of eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and vitamin e on the blood levels of inflammatory markers, antioxidant enzymes, and lipid peroxidation in Iranian basketball players.

BACKGROUND: Exercise can change the release of numerous cytokines and modulate their receptor systems. Dietary ω-3 lipids may decrease the levels of inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins (PGs). Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of exercise and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) supplementation, with or without vitamin E, on the blood levels of IL-2, TNF-α, catalase, glutathione reductase, and MDA in male basketball players. METHODS: Thirty-four well-trained male basketball players were enrolled into the study. Venous blood samples were obtained from all subjects between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m., after intensive endurance exercising for 2 hours, at the baseline and after intervention. Subjects received 2g EPA and/or 400 IU vitamin E or placebo depends on their groups for 6 weeks. RESULTS: There were significant fall (paired t-test) in TNF-α in group1(P< 0.05), and in MDA in group 3 (P<0.05), whereas there were significant increase in glutathione reductase in groups1 and 3 (P< 0.05), and in MDA in group2 (P< 0.05).There were significant differences (Tukey) in glutathione reductase between groups 2 and 3 (P< 0.05), and in IL-2 between groups 1 and other groups (P< 0.01), but there were no significant differences in MDA, CAT, and TNF-α, among groups after 6 week of intervention. CONCLUSION: Six weeks of EPA+vitamin E supplementation enhances the plasma levels of IL-2 and erythrocytes glutathione reductase, whereas it reduces TNF-α, and 6 weeks of EPA supplementation alone enhances only the serum level of MDA.

The effects of vitamins e and d supplementation on erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and catalase in atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis is a public health problem worldwide. Increment of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production may be one of the contributing factors of tissue damage in atopic dermatitis. The present study was designed to determine the effect of vitamins E and/or D on erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in patients with atopic dermatitis. METHODS: In a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial 45 atopic dermatitis patients were divided into four groups. Each group received one of the following supplements for 60 days: group A (n=11) vitamins E and D placebos; group B (n= 12) 1600 international unit (IU) vitamin D3 plus vitamin E placebo; group C (n=11) 600 IU synthetic all-rac-α tocopherol plus vitamin D placebo; group D (n=11) 1600 IU vitamin D3 plus 600 IU synthetic all-rac-α tocopherol. Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities, serum 25 (OH) D, plasma α-tocopherol were determined. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired t-test. RESULTS: After 60 days vitamin D and E supplementation, erythrocyte SOD activities increased in groups B, C and D (P= 0.002, P= 0.016 and P= 0.015, respectively). Erythrocyte catalase activities increased in groups B and D (P= 0.026 and P= 0.004, respectively). The increment of erythrocyte catalase activity was not significant in group C. There was a positive significant correlation between SOD activity and serum 25 (OH) D (r= 0.378, P= 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that vitamin D is as potent as vitamin E in increasing the activities of erythrocyte SOD and catalase in atopic dermatitis patients.

Effects of EPA and Vitamin E on Serum Enzymatic Antioxidants and Peroxidation Indices in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is associated with chronic changes in peripheral arteries because of oxidative stress and insufficient antioxidative defense mechanism. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation could be effective in some diabetes complications; however, polyunsaturated fatty acids may increase lipid peroxidation. This study aimed to determine whether eicosapentaenoic acid alone or in conjunction with vitamin E had differential effects on serum antioxidants and peroxidation indices. METHODS: This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out on 136 patients with type II diabetic mellitus (age 48.8±4.4 yr, BMI 27.8±1.7 kg/m(2)). The four groups of the study either received two grams of omega-3 fatty acids, 400 IU of vitamin E, a combination of the two or placebo for three months. Their serum total antioxidant capacity, enzymatic antioxidants and peroxidation indices were assessed. RESULT: Fasting serum TAC increased in EPA+E (10.7%, P< 0.001) and E groups (7.5%, P< 0.05). SOD, G-PX and G-RD increased in EPA group (7.3%, 5.1%, and 8.4%, P< 0.05, respectively). MDA and protein carbonyl decreased in EPA and E groups (respectively, 12.5%, 7.6% P< 0.05, P< 0.05; 13%, 15.3% P< 0.001, P< 0.05). After adjustment for baseline values, age, sex, BMI and duration of diagnosed diabetes, protein carbonyl decreased in EPA+E and E group (30.7%, 15.3%; P< 0.05 respectively) relative to the placebo group. CONCLUSION: EPA, by itself has a statistically significant effect on serum total antioxidant capacity, enzymatic antioxidants and peroxidation indices in diabetic patients compared to EPA+E or E alone. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00817622.

Association of glomerular and tubular dysfunction with glycaemic control, lipid, lipoprotein, apolipoprotein and antioxidant status in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

INTRODUCTION: This study was conducted to investigate the relationship of glomerular and tubular dysfunctions with glycaemic control, lipid, lipoprotein, apolipoproteins and antioxidant status in 72 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Urine albumin concentration was measured by immunoturbidimetric and urine N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) and alanine aminopeptidase (AAP) activities with colorimetric methods. Glycated haemoglobin was measured using affinity chromatography. Erythrocyte glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase activities and serum levels of malondialdehyde, lipids, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins were determined in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. RESULTS: In univariate regression, urinary albumin excretion, and activities of NAG and AAP were associated with glycaemic control. These glycaemic factors included serum glucose concentrations and glycated haemoglobin. Urinary albumin excretion was also inversely correlated with erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity, and positively correlated with erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity. No significant associations were found with serum levels of insulin, lipids, lipoproteins, apolipoproteins, malondialdehyde or blood pressure. In multivariate regression, glycated haemoglobin was the most significant predictor of urinary albumin concentration and with erythrocyte glutathione reductase, whereas only glycated haemoglobin was the independent predictor of tubular dysfunctions. Erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase was not an independent predictor of urinary albumin excretion, after adjusting for glycated haemoglobin, glutathione reductase, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and apolipoprotein B. CONCLUSION: In type 2 diabetes mellitus, both glomerular and tubular dysfunctions are dependent on glycaemic control. Glomerular, but not tubular, dysfunction is also significantly associated with increased glutathione reductase activity.

Serum antibodies to the major proteins found in cow's milk of Iranian patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus.

The purpose of this study was to assess the humoral immune response to cow's milk proteins in Iranian children with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Eighty children aged 4-17 yr with T1DM from two centres in Iran (the Iranian Association of Diabetes in Tehran and Center for Diabetes Research in Hamedan), 37 apparently healthy siblings of diabetic patients (related controls), 82 apparently healthy age- and sex- matched controls (unrelated controls), and 32 patients aged 11-15 yr with auto-immune thyroiditis were examined for specific whole antibodies (Igs), IgG, and IgM to the major proteins found in cow's milk or to ovo-albumin by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A crude extract was made from 2.5% fat pasteurized cow's milk. This extract, together with individual commercial major proteins of cow's milk, was then used as antigen to evaluate the humoral immune response of the subjects to the individual proteins found in cow's milk or to cow's milk as a whole. A questionnaire on medical history, duration of exclusive and non-exclusive breast-feeding and daily intake of dairy products was completed before blood sampling. Diabetic children had significantly higher serum levels of Igs, IgG and IgM to the proteins found in cow's milk than unrelated healthy controls (p<0.001). Healthy siblings of diabetic patients, compared to unrelated controls, had significantly higher levels of serum Igs and IgG to cow's milk proteins (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). Serum levels of Igs and IgG to the cow's milk proteins showed a significantly negative correlation with duration of non-exclusive breast-feeding but positive correlation with daily intake of dairy products. These correlations were stronger when calculated just within the T1DM group. In this group, serum levels of IgM to cow's milk proteins also showed a positive correlation with daily intake of dairy products. Though serum levels of IgG to casein were insignificantly higher in diabetic children than in healthy controls, there was a significant negative correlation between serum levels of IgG to casein and duration of non-exclusive breast-feeding. Again in the T1DM group, this correlation was stronger. There was no significant difference in serum levels of Igs, IgG or IgM to other major proteins of cow's milk or to ovo-albumin between groups. It was concluded that though high levels of Igs or IgG were found to cow's milk proteins, especially casein, it seems unrelated to the early introduction of cow's milk into an infant diet and the onset of T1DM in Iranian subjects.

Glycemic optimization may reduce lipid peroxidation independent of weight and blood lipid changes in Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of diet-therapy on lipid peroxidation in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Fifteen T2DM patients of both sexes, aged between 35-70 years, were given the diet suggested for patients with diabetes by the American Diabetic Association. This diet comprised 50-60% carbohydrate, 10-15% protein, 20-30% fat and about 35 g fiber was given for weight maintenance. Weight and body mass index did not change significantly during 8 weeks of study. Also, no statistically significant difference was observed in serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol from before to after dietary intervention. However, the levels of fasting blood sugar, HbA1c and malondialdehyde were lowered significantly after dietary intervention. It was concluded that glycemic optimization, independent of weight and blood lipid profile, through a well-designed diet is likely to be the most effective factor in reducing the process of oxidative stress in T2DM. This may have preventive implications for such diabetic complications as atherosclerosis.