Increased levels of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) were associated with nociceptive behavior and clinical scores in an experimental progressive autoimmune encephalomyelitis model (PMS-EAE).

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS) generating neuropathic pain and anxiety. Primary progressive MS (PPMS) is the most disabling clinical form, and the patients present an intense neurodegenerative process. In this context, the advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) are oxidized compounds and their accumulation in plasma has been related to clinical disability in MS patients. However, the involvement of AOPPs in neuropathic pain- and anxiety-like symptoms was not previously evaluated. To assess this, female mice C57BL/6J were used to induce progressive experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (PMS-EAE). Clinical score, weight, strength of plantar pressure, rotarod test, mechanical allodynia, and cold hypersensitivity were evaluated before induction (baseline) and on days 7th, 10th, and 14th post-immunization. We assessed nest building, open field, and elevated plus-maze tests 13 days post-immunization. Animals were killed at 14 days post-immunization; then, AOPPs levels, NADPH oxidase, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were measured in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and spinal cord samples. The clinical score increased 14th post-immunization without changes in weight and mobility. Reduced paw strength, mechanical allodynia, and cold allodynia increased in the PMS-EAE animals. PMS-EAE mice showed spontaneous nociception and anxiety-like behavior. AOPPs concentration, NADPH oxidase, and MPO activity increase in CNS structures. Multivariate analyses indicated that the rise of AOPPs levels, NADPH oxidase, and MPO activity influenced the clinical score and cold allodynia. Thus, we indicated the association between non-stimuli painful perception, anxiety-like, and CNS oxidative damage in the PMS-EAE model.

Infrared Spectroscopy in Gynecological Oncology: A Comprehensive Review of Diagnostic Potentials and Challenges.

The early detection of gynecological cancers, which is critical for improving patient survival rates, is challenging because of the vague early symptoms and the diagnostic limitations of current approaches. This comprehensive review delves into the game-changing potential of infrared (IR) spectroscopy, a noninvasive technology used to transform the landscape of cancer diagnosis in gynecology. By collecting the distinctive vibrational frequencies of chemical bonds inside tissue samples, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy provides a 'molecular fingerprint' that outperforms existing diagnostic approaches. We highlight significant advances in this field, particularly the identification of discrete biomarker bands in the mid- and near-IR spectra. Proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids exhibited different absorption patterns. These spectral signatures not only serve to distinguish between malignant and benign diseases, but also provide additional information regarding the cellular changes associated with cancer. To underscore the practical consequences of these findings, we examined studies in which IR spectroscopy demonstrated exceptional diagnostic accuracy. This review supports the use of IR spectroscopy in normal clinical practice, emphasizing its capacity to detect and comprehend the intricate molecular underpinnings of gynecological cancers.

Potential interference of in vitro carbamylation on C-reactive protein laboratory measurement.

Carbamylation is a nonenzymatic post-translational modification observed during the reaction between cyanate and amino acids and/or proteins that may occur during some pathologies such as chronic kidney disease. Evidence suggests that carbamylation may interfere with the quantification of some analytes measured using immunoturbidimetric assays. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory response protein that is commonly quantified through immunoturbidimetry in clinical laboratories. Because the presence of modified proteins in serum can lead to impaired quantification, this study aimed to verify the impact of in vitro carbamylation on the measurement of CRP in a CRP standard solution and serum pool. The samples were incubated with 150 nM, 150 µM, or 150 mM potassium cyanate (KOCN) or 20, 100, or 500 mg/dL urea at 37 °C for 24 h. CRP concentrations were measured using an immunoturbidimetric assay. The results showed a 61%-72% decrease in the CRP detection rate after incubation with KOCN. Incubation with urea resulted in a 0.7%-8% lower CRP detection rate. The results of this study indicate that high concentrations of cyanate can lead to falsely decreased CRP levels, as measured by immunoturbidimetry.

Detection of new phytochemical compounds from Vassobia breviflora (Sendtn.) Hunz: antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antibacterial activity of the hexane extract.

Vassobia breviflora (Sendtn.) Hunz is a plant of the Solanaceae family from South America and there are no apparent studies reported on the biological activity of the hexane extract. The aim of this investigation was to conduct phytochemical analyses using ESI-TOF-MS, while antioxidant activities were evaluated by the following methods 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) 2,2"-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical capture (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total oxidant status (TOS). Antimicrobial activities were performed by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and antibiofilm formed. Cytotoxicity was measured by MTT and dsDNA PicoGreen tests, beyond the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) determined by Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA). The hexane extract showed the presence of 5 (choline, pantothenic acid, calystegine B, lanciphodylactone I, and 15"-cis-zeaxanthin) compounds detected. V. breviflora extract demonstrated reliable results utilizing different antioxidant methods. In antibacterial activity, V. breviflora extract exhibited inhibitory, bactericidal, and antibiofilm action in biofilm-forming bacteria. The hexane extract exhibited cytotoxicity against melanoma, lung cancer, glioblastoma, leukemia, uterine colon, and hepatocarcinoma tumor cells. In addition, all tested strains resulted in increased production of ROS. This plant extract may be considered in future as an alternative for development of new therapeutic options aimed at the treatment of diverse pathologies.

Topical application of a TRPA1 antagonist reduced nociception and inflammation in a model of traumatic muscle injury in rats.

Musculoskeletal pain is a widely experienced public healthcare issue, especially after traumatic muscle injury. Besides, it is a common cause of disability, but this pain remains poorly managed. However, the pathophysiology of traumatic muscle injury-associated pain and inflammation has not been fully elucidated. In this regard, the transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) has been studied in inflammatory and painful conditions. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effect of the topical application of a TRPA1 antagonist in a model of traumatic muscle injury in rats. The mechanical trauma model was developed by a single blunt trauma impact on the right gastrocnemius muscle of Wistar male rats (250-350 g). The animals were divided into four groups (Sham/Vehicle; Sham/HC-030031 0.05%; Injury/Vehicle, and Injury/HC-030031 0.05%) and topically treated with a Lanette® N cream base containing a TRPA1 antagonist (HC-030031, 0.05%; 200 mg/muscle) or vehicle (Lanette® N cream base; 200 mg/muscle), which was applied at 2, 6, 12, 24, and 46 h after muscle injury. Furthermore, we evaluated the contribution of the TRPA1 channel on nociceptive, inflammatory, and oxidative parameters. The topical application of TRPA1 antagonist reduced biomarkers of muscle injury (lactate/glucose ratio), spontaneous nociception (rat grimace scale), inflammatory (inflammatory cell infiltration, cytokine levels, myeloperoxidase, and N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase activities) and oxidative (nitrite levels and dichlorofluorescein fluorescence) parameters, and mRNA Trpa1 levels in the muscle tissue. Thus, these results demonstrate that TRPA1 may be a promising anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive target in treating muscle pain after traumatic muscle injury.

Delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase enzyme activity and the oxidative profile of pregnant women being treated for acute toxoplasmosis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and oxidative profile, including the activity of the enzyme delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D), in women who acquired toxoplasmosis during pregnancy and used the triple regimen (sulfadiazine + pyrimethamine + folinic acid [SPFA]) as treatment. These parameters have not been evaluated in pregnant women with toxoplasmosis who used the triple regimen. A total of 53 pregnant women were recruited and divided into two groups: control (C; n = 27) and acute toxoplasmosis (AT; n = 26). Clinical data and blood samples were obtained from all patients. The clinical profile was analyzed by checking parameters such as body mass index, blood pressure, and complete blood count. Oxidative stress was evaluated by quantifying protein (P-SH) and non-protein (NP-SH) thiol groups, vitamin C, plasma iron reduction capacity (FRAP), δ-ALA-D enzyme activity, reactive substances to thiobarbituric acid (TBARS), and nitric oxide (NO). Changes in hematological parameters (increased red cell distribution width and decreased hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration), increased antioxidant system (P-SH, NP-SH, FRAP, δ-ALA-D enzyme activity), as well as damage markers (TBARS and NO), were significantly elevated in pregnant women with toxoplasmosis, compared to those in the control group. Pregnant women treated for this acute infection showed increased damage markers, as well as a significant increase in the antioxidant system, including the activity of the δ-ALA-D enzyme. Given this evidence, it is suggested that these changes occur as a form of compensation, with a possible contribution from drug therapy.

Insights of ethyl acetate fraction from Vassobia breviflora in multidrug-resistant bacteria and cancer cells: from biological to therapeutic.

Cancer and infectious diseases are among the leading causes of death in the world. Despite the diverse array of treatments available, challenges posed by resistance, side effects, high costs, and inaccessibility persist. In the Solanaceae plant family, few studies with Vassobia breviflora species relating to biological activity are known, but promising results have emerged. The phytochemicals present in the ethyl acetate fraction were obtained using ESI-MS-QTOF, and the antioxidants assays 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical capture (ABTS), plasma ferric reduction capacity (FRAP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Cytotoxic activity was evaluated by MTT, Neutral Red, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) released. The production of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, and purinergic enzymes was also investigated. Antibacterial activity was measured through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and antibiofilm activity, in addition to genotoxicity in plasmid DNA. Five major masses were identified D-glucopyranose II, allyl disulfide, γ-lactones, pharbilignoside, and one mass was not identified. V. breviflora exhibited relevant antioxidant and cytotoxic activity against the HeLa cell line and enhanced expression effect in modulation of purinergic signaling. Antibacterial activities in the assays in 7 ATCC strains and 8 multidrug-resistant clinical isolates were found. V. breviflora blocked biofilm formation in producing bacteria at the highest concentrations tested. However, there was no plasmid DNA cleavage at the concentrations tested. Data demonstrated that V. breviflora exhibited an antioxidant effect through several methods and proved to be a promising therapeutic alternative for use against tumor cells via purinergic signaling and multidrug-resistant microorganisms, presenting an anti-biofilm effect.

Variation of the Oxidative Profile in Pregnant Women With and Without Gestational Complications.

INTRODUCTION: Oxidative stress is closely related to the pathophysiology of gestation, where the placenta is susceptible to oxidative damage, contributing to the onset of gestational complications. Currently, few studies evaluate the use of oxidative markers for prediction of risk of gestational complications. However, there are some reports that suggest these biomarkers as potential prognostic biomarkers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the biomarkers of oxidative stress from gestations with and without complications, and also evaluate the delta of variation in these markers from the first gestational trimester. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 45 pregnant women were evaluated during the three gestational trimesters, of whom 15 developed gestational complications by the end of gestation. The evaluated oxidative damage markers were thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and nitric oxide dosage. Evaluation of the antioxidant system was performed by the quantification of vitamin C, sulfhydryl groups, total antioxidant capacity, plasmatic iron reduction ability, the evaluation of catalase and delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase enzymatic activity. RESULTS: According to the results, the markers of oxidative damage are increased, and the antioxidant profile decreased, in the third trimester of complicated pregnancies as compared to uncomplicated pregnancies. Moreover, the delta of variation in both oxidative damage markers and antioxidants was higher in complicated gestations as compared to uncomplicated gestations, thus suggesting a higher oxidative stress in pregnancies with complications. CONCLUSIONS: Oxidative stress parameters appear altered in pregnant women with gestational complications. The markers to oxidative stress can be possible biomarkers, helping in understanding mechanisms underlying the associations between complications during pregnancy and various health outcomes.

Photobiomodulation and Sida tuberculata combination declines the inflammation's markers in knee-induced osteoarthritis.

The aim of this study was to assess potential combination effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) with Sida tuberculata extracts on the oxidative stress and antioxidant activity, as well as on the inflammatory process. Rats with knee osteoarthritis (OA) were treated with S. tuberculata extracts and PBMT (904 nm, 18 J/cm2). The animals were evaluated for nociception and edema. The blood, knee lavage and structures, spinal cord, and brainstem were collected for biochemical analyses (lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl content, superoxide dismutase activity, non-protein thiol levels, and measurement of nitrite/nitrate). The knee structures were also used to measure cytokine levels. PBMT lowered the damage due to oxidative stress in the knee and at distant sites from the lesion. PBMT also reduced the levels of nitric oxide and cytokines, which could explain the nociception reduction mechanism. Similarly, S. tuberculata decreased the damage by oxidative stress, levels of nitrite/nitrate, and cytokines. The therapy combination reduced levels of cytokines and nitrite/nitrate. PBMT and S. tuberculata extracts reduced the oxidative stress and inflammation. It is noteworthy that PBMT increased the antioxidant activity in the knee and at sites distant from the lesion, contributing to a more significant decrease in nociception. The combination of therapies did not present significant effects on the analyzed parameters. Therefore, it is suggested that PBM is sufficient to minimize the signs and symptoms of the knee OA in our rat model.

Vaginal delivery is associated with lower levels of thiol groups, vitamin C and ferric reducing ability in colostrum compared with caesarean section.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of delivery type (normal or caesarean) on the antioxidant and oxidative capacity of colostrum collected shortly after delivery. A total of 61 parturients were included in the study and divided into two groups: those who underwent vaginal delivery (n = 36) and those who underwent elective caesarean section (n = 25). Colostrum samples were collected by manual milking up to 48 h post parturition and analysed for thiol groups (-SH), vitamin C, ferric reducing ability (FRAP), nitrate/nitrite oxides (NOx), and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP). Colostrum levels of -SH (p = 0.0042), vitamin C (p = 0.0455), and FRAP (p = 0.0374) were significantly lower in the vaginal delivery group. The results suggest that vaginal delivery, compared to caesarean section, is associated with lower levels of antioxidants in colostrum and the mode of delivery plays an important role in the composition of antioxidants in maternal colostrum that help protect newborns from oxidative damage.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Colostrum is the first biological fluid produced by the mother after delivery and is responsible for a child's growth, cognitive development and health. It is known that childbirth can cause oxidative imbalance, and its effects have already been evaluated in maternal and foetal blood, however, there are few studies evaluating the effects of childbirth on colostrum composition.What do the results of this study add? Previously, a study showed that caesarean section caused greater oxidation of colostrum compared to vaginal delivery. Thus, we sought to evaluate other markers (thiol groups, vitamin C, ferric reducing ability, nitrate/nitrite oxides, and advanced oxidation protein products), in a short period of time after delivery, in order to elucidate this still little discussed issue. Unlike the previous one, our study suggests that vaginal delivery, compared to caesarean section, is associated with lower levels of antioxidants in colostrum, which may make it difficult to protect newborns from oxidative damage.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Our study suggests that normal delivery can influence the antioxidant composition of maternal colostrum, and it is debateable for future clinical practice to improve eating habits during pregnancy and lactation, in order to strengthen the antioxidant capacity of colostrum and reduce oxidative damage to newborns.

Impact of albumin carbamylation on immunoturbidimetric measurement of urinary albumin.

Urinary albumin is one of the main markers used in clinical practice to assess kidney damage. It is usually measured in laboratories through immunological assays, but these assays may not detect molecules with conformational changes, such as carbamylated albumin/proteins. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of albumin carbamylation on the measurement of albuminuria by an immunoturbidimetric assay. The addition of the carbamylating agent to PBS buffer and urine pool promoted a lower quantification of albumin measured by the immunoturbidimetric method, indicating that this process may be responsible for an underestimation of the results in clinical practice.

Efficacy of the World Health Organization analgesic ladder in the paclitaxel-induced pain syndrome in rats.

Paclitaxel use in cancer treatment is limited by a painful syndrome that has no effective treatment. Despite new therapies, drugs of the World Health Organization (WHO) analgesic ladder remain a useful therapeutic tool for cancer pain relief. Since cancer pain is caused by both tumor and chemotherapy, we assessed the efficacy of drugs from the WHO analgesic ladder for cancer pain relief in a paclitaxel-induced pain syndrome (P-IPS) model. P-IPS was induced in rats by one or four injections of paclitaxel on alternate days. The acute and chronic phases were assessed 24 h and 15 days after the first paclitaxel injection, respectively. The mechanical allodynia was evaluated after (step 1 of the ladder) paracetamol, (step 2) codeine alone or plus paracetamol and (step 3) morphine treatment in the acute or chronic phase of P-IPS. Paracetamol, codeine and morphine were equally efficacious in reducing the acute phase of the P-IPS. Codeine plus paracetamol had similar efficacy and potency when administered together in the acute phase of the P-IPS, but produced a longer-lasting effect than when separately managed. Moreover, paracetamol, codeine and morphine partially reduced the chronic phase of P-IPS, losing their efficacy and, in the case of codeine, potency when compared to the acute phase. However, paracetamol plus codeine increased the potency and efficacy of the codeine when compared to codeine administered alone in the chronic phase of P-IPS, producing a long-lasting anti-allodynic effect. Together, analgesics of WHO analgesic ladder reduce both acute and chronic phases of P-IPS, with codeine plus paracetamol presenting more potent, efficacious and long-lasting effect. Thus, in addition to tumor pain, drugs of WHO analgesics ladder could also be useful to treat P-IPS.

Characterization of Cancer-Induced Nociception in a Murine Model of Breast Carcinoma.

Severe and poorly treated pain often accompanies breast cancer. Thus, novel mechanisms involved in breast cancer-induced pain should be investigated. Then, it is necessary to characterize animal models that are reliable with the symptoms and progression of the disease as observed in humans. Explaining cancer-induced nociception in a murine model of breast carcinoma was the aim of this study. 4T1 (104) lineage cells were inoculated in the right fourth mammary fat pad of female BALB/c mice; after this, mechanical and cold allodynia, or mouse grimace scale (MGS) were observed for 30 days. To determine the presence of bone metastasis, we performed the metastatic clonogenic test and measure calcium serum levels. At 20 days after tumor induction, the antinociceptive effect of analgesics used to relieve pain in cancer patients (acetaminophen, naproxen, codeine or morphine) or a cannabinoid agonist (WIN 55,212-2) was tested. Mice inoculated with 4T1 cells developed mechanical and cold allodynia and increased MGS. Bone metastasis was confirmed using the clonogenic assay, and hypercalcemia was observed 20 days after cells inoculation. All analgesic drugs reduced the mechanical and cold allodynia, while the MGS was decreased only by the administration of naproxen, codeine, or morphine. Also, WIN 55,212-2 improved all nociceptive measures. This pain model could be a reliable form to observe the mechanisms of breast cancer-induced pain or to observe the efficacy of novel analgesic compounds.

Influence of maternal labor time on delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase enzyme activity and markers of oxidative stress in newborns.

The purpose is to determine markers of oxidative stress related to the longer and shorter duration of labor (DOL) of pregnant women in the umbilical cord blood of neonates, not yet studied. Blood samples from the umbilical cord were collected from pregnant women with normal delivery and classified according to DOL in two groups: a group with DOL less than 310 min (n = 33) and a group with DOL greater than or equal to 310 min (n = 35). The oxidative stress parameters were analyzed by the quantification of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), nitrate/nitrite (NOx), protein thiol groups (P-SH) and non-protein (NP-SH), vitamin C and plasma iron reduction capacity (FRAP), in addition to the activity of the enzyme delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D). The activity of the δ-ALA-D enzyme was shown to be decreased in longer DOL, however, the oxidant parameters and antioxidants were higher in the longer DOL, with the exception of NP-SH that was lower. The longer maternal DOL time is related to the alteration of δ-ALA-D enzyme activity and other parameters in neonates, suggesting an increase in the passage of maternal oxidative markers by umbilical cord blood.

Anti-inflammatory effect of geranium nanoemulsion macrophages induced with soluble protein of Candida albicans.

Pelargonium graveolens is a member of the Geraniaceae family and has been used in folk medicine in many countries because of its anti-inflammatory activity. No studies have yet been reported to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of a nanoemulsion containing geranium oil (GO) model in macrophages. In this study the anti-inflammatory effect of Geranium nanoemulsion (NEG) macrophages induced with soluble proteins of Candida albicans was investigated. GO presented citronellol (17.74%) and geraniol (14.43%) as main constituents. The characterization in NEG was demonstrated, showing the particle size of 164 ± 3.5 nm, PDI of 0.12 ± 0.006 and zeta potential -10 mV ± 1.7. The MIC obtained for NEG and GO were 3.64 µg ml-1 and 1.82 µg ml-1, respectively. The viability of the macrophages treated with NEG and GO concentrations (1/2 x, 1x and 2x MIC) was evaluated. There was a significant reduction of viability and the MTT assay was not confirmed after the LDH assay. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by determining nitric oxide (NO), cytokines (interleukin IL-1, IL-6 and IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) and the expression levels gene of interleukin (IL-2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). The apoptosis inhibition capacity was assessed by determination of INFγ, caspase 3 and caspase 8. The results indicated that there was a significant increase of NO in the levels after treatment with NEG and significantly reduced levels after treatment with GO. The cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF) were evaluated and NEG (½ x, 1x MIC) decreased IL-1 levels by 1.25-1.37 times, respectively. The NEG did not decrease IL-6 levels and a significant increase was observed for IL-10. GO significantly decreased IL-6 and IL-10 levels. There was a significant decrease in IL-2 and COX-2 levels and increased levels of iNOs. The levels of IFNγ and caspase-3 after treatment with NEG decreased indicating an anti-inflammatory effect and can inhibit apoptosis. Finally, the levels of caspase-8 do not change. Thus, pretreatment with NEG induced an anti-inflammatory effect against soluble proteins of C. albicans model macrophages.

Impact of Lipid-Inflammatory-Oxidative Metabolism on Auditory Skills after Hearing Aid Fitting in the Elderly.

This study aimed to assess whether lipid-inflammatory-oxidative metabolism influences auditory processing skills, and whether they function in changing auditory performance after hearing aid fitting in the elderly. Twelve subjects with bilateral hearing loss were submitted to blood tests (to check their lipid-inflammatory-oxidative metabolism) and auditory processing skill tests. After 3 months of using the hearing aids, their auditory skills were re-evaluated and the data were correlated statistically. Oxidative stress levels mainly showed some impact on auditory temporal processing; such a relation and others should best be examined in further studies with larger populations.

Functional and biochemical adaptations of elite level futsal players from Brazil along a training season.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Although hard training is mandatory in elite level futsal training, few studies have proposed a biochemical follow up in futsal players during a whole season. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare functional and biochemical markers in Brazilian elite level futsal players throughout a competition season. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight players aged 25.5±5.4 years were evaluated at three time points: preseason (T1), immediately before the FIFA®-Intercontinental-Futsal-Cup (T2), and at the end of the season (T3), with a tapering period of 1 week before T2. Functional parameters (weight, height, body fat, VO2max, heart rate, and distance ran) and blood sampling for cell count and lipid profile (cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, triglycerides) were assessed at each time point. After, a Yo-Yo R2 test was carried out in each time point (T1, T2 and T3) and blood samples to assess skeletal muscle damage (creatine kinase [CK], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]), inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP]) and oxidative stress markers (ischemia modified albumin [IMA], and advanced oxidation protein products [AOPP]) were obtained before and after the tests. RESULTS: Although functional parameters did not change throughout the season, greater total number of erythrocytes (P≤0.05), and hemoglobin (P≤0.05) were found at T2 compared to T1. Similarly, lower LDH (P≤0.05) and CK (P≤0.05) levels were found at T2 compared to T1. CPR levels were also decreased at T2 in comparison to T1 both before and after Yo-Yo R2 test (P≤0.05), while IMA and AOPP levels showed only a season effect (P≤0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The tapering strategy was successful considering players presented lower levels of muscle damage, inflammation and oxidative stress makers before T2, which preceded the main championship of the year. These results are of great relevance, considering the team won the FIFA®-Intercontinental-Futsal-Cup, which happened at T2. Thus, it seems that routine-based biochemical markers may be useful as training control means in this population.

Oxidative Profile of Patients with ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Patients with ST-segment elevation (STEMI) have totally occluded vessels, while patients with non-ST-segment elevation (NSTEMI) present partial vessel occlusion, which may generate different levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the oxidative profile in AMI patients with ST segment elevation and non-STEMI as well as control subjects. METHODS: This study was carried with 46 AMI patients divided into STEMI and NSTEMI. The control group consisted of 40 healthy subjects. Oxidative stress profile was evaluated analyzing carbonyl protein (PCO), lipid peroxidation (TBARS), ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), vitamin C (VIT C), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). RESULTS: Serum PCO (p < 0.001), plasma TBARS (p < 0.01), serum IMA (p < 0.0001) levels, erythrocytes CAT (p < 0.001), and SOD activities (p < 0.05) were significantly higher in STEMI patients when compared with the control group (p < 0.001). No difference in the IMA levels and oxidative stress parameters was observed between conditions of AMI. Only plasma VIT C in STEMI patients was significantly lower when compared with NSTEMI patients and control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that the oxidative profile generated by STEMI and NSTEMI is similar regardless of the size of arterial occlusion generated by thrombus.

Genoprotective and hepatoprotective effects of Guarana (Paullinia cupana Mart. var. sorbilis) on CCl4-induced liver damage in rats.

CONTEXT: Several biological effects of Paullinia cupana (guarana) have been demonstrated, but little information is available on its effects on the liver. OBJECTIVE: The current study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective and genoprotective effects of powder seeds from guarana on CCl4-induced liver injury in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats were pretreated with guarana powder (100, 300 and 600 mg/kg) or silymarin 100 mg/kg daily for 14 days before treatment with a single dose of CCl4 (50% CCl4, 1 mL/kg, intraperitoneally). RESULTS: The treatment with CCl4 significantly increased the serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). In addition, CCl4 increased the DNA damage index in hepatocytes. Guarana in all concentrations was effective in decreasing the ALT and AST activities when compared with the CCl4-treated group. The treatment with guarana decreased DNA damage index when compared with the CCl4-treated group. In addition, the DNA damage index showed a significant positive correlation with AST and ALT. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the guarana has hepatoprotective activity and prevents the DNA strand breakage in the CCl4-induced liver damage in rats.