Phase angle and cellular health: inflammation and oxidative damage.

Phase angle is a composite measure that combines two raw bioelectrical impedance analysis measures: resistance and reactance. Phase angle has been considered an indicator of cellular health, integrity, and hydration. As inflammation and oxidative stress can damage cellular structures, phase angle has potential utility in early detecting inflammatory and oxidative status. Herein, we aimed to critically review the current understanding on the determinants of phase angle and its relationship with markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. We also discussed the potential role of phase angle in detecting chronic inflammation and related adverse outcomes. Several factors have been identified as predictors of phase angle, including age, sex, extracellular to intracellular water ratio, and fat-free mass. In addition to these factors, body mass index (BMI) also seems to influence phase angle. Available data also show that lower phase angle values are correlated (negligible to high correlation coefficients) with higher c-reactive protein, tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-10 in studies involving the general and aging populations, as well as patients with chronic conditions. Although fewer studies have evaluated the relationship between phase angle and markers of oxidative stress, available data also suggest that phase angle has potential to be used as an indicator (for screening) of oxidative damage. Future studies including diverse populations and bioelectrical impedance devices are required to confirm the validity and accuracy of phase angle as a marker of inflammation and oxidative stress for clinical use.

An Evaluation of Metabolic, Dietetic, and Nutritional Status Reveals Impaired Nutritional Outcomes in Breast Cancer Patients.

Nutritional status can change in breast cancer patients after treatment. However, the metabolic implications of those alterations are poorly understood. We used a cross-sectional study design to compare body composition, lipids, glucose levels, and adiposity indices in breast cancer patients with a matched control and a healthy group. We recruited women who completed their chemotherapy (BC group) and compared them with a group of women without cancer age and body mass index-paired (MC group) and a group of healthy women (HC group). We estimated body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis, physical function by handgrip strength, and food consumption by 24-hour food record. A blood sample was collected. We calculated visceral obesity indices (VAI and LAP) and insulin resistance-triglyceride glucose (TyG). Eighty-eight women were included (BC = 36, MC = 36, HC = 16). BC patients demonstrated worse phase angle values, nutritional risk index and lower handgrip strength. Additionally, according to the indices, BC had impairments in lipids, worse glucose levels, and elevated visceral fat adiposity and presented important unhealthy dietary patterns characterized by under-recommended protein consumption and higher caloric intake than the other groups. No differences were observed between both control groups. Further investigations are required to examine the underlying mechanisms and the potential longitudinal changes during surveillance.

Effect of chocolate on older patients with cancer in palliative care: a randomised controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Older advanced stage cancer patients, with changes in nutritional status, represent an important demand for palliative care. The aim was to determine the effects of 4 weeks of chocolate consumption on the nutritional status of older cancer patients in palliative care. METHODS: Older cancer patients in palliative care with ambulatory (n = 46) monitoring were randomized to control (CG, n = 15), intervention with 55% cocoa chocolate (IG1, n = 16) and intervention with white chocolate (IG2, n = 15) groups and evaluated before and after 4 weeks for nutritional status (primary outcome), evaluated by the Mini Nutritional Assessment tool (MNA). Food consumption, anthropometry, body composition, laboratory parameters and quality of life (QL) with the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer instrument were also evaluated. RESULTS: IG1 progressed with increased screening (estimated difference [95% CI]: - 1.3 [- 2.2;-0.4], p < 0.01), and nutritional (estimated difference [95% CI]: - 1.3 [- 2.5;-0.1], p = 0.04) scores on the MNA, with no change in anthropometry and body composition. Regarding antioxidant capacity, reduced glutathione levels increased (estimated difference [95% CI]: - 0.8 [- 1.6;-0.02], p = 0.04) and malondealdehyde levels decreased in IG2 (estimated difference [95% CI]:+ 4.9 [+ 0.7;+ 9.1], p = 0.02). Regarding QL, functionality improved in IG1, with higher score in the functional domain (estimated difference [95% CI]:-7.0 [- 13.3;-0.7], p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of chocolate with a greater cocoa content may contribute to the improvement of the nutritional status and functionality among older cancer patients in palliative care. The consumption of white chocolate was associated with improved oxidative stress. TRIAL REGISTRATION: A randomized clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04367493 ).

Cafeteria diet during lactation and/or post-lactation altered lipid profile/lipid peroxidation and increased anxiety-like behavior in male rat offspring.

Objective: Evaluate the impact of the cafeteria diet during lactation and/or post-lactation on physiological parameters and anxiety in the offspring of Wistar rats. Methods: Male offspring of Wistar rats (n = 60) were randomized into four groups: Control (C), Lactation Cafeteria (LC), Post-lactation Cafeteria (PC) and Total Cafeteria (TC). Later in adult life the animals were submitted to the behavioral (elevated plus-maze and open field) and biological (body weight, consumption and food preference, glycemia, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, triglycerides, total proteins, urea, creatinine, bilirubin, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, serum protein, and oxidative stress) evaluations. The data were submitted to ANOVA, followed by the Newman-Keuls test (p < 0.05). Results: Animals treated with the cafeteria diet presented greater weight measurements compared to the control group. Triglyceride levels were higher in the PC group than in the other groups. MDA levels were higher in the PC and TC group than CL and C. The animals of the PC and TC groups presented higher levels of anxiety compared to the C and LC groups. No significant differences due to diet were observed in the locomotor and exploratory behaviors. Conclusions: The cafeteria diet ingestion was capable of triggering biological and behavioral alterations in rats.

Oocyte oxidative DNA damage may be involved in minimal/mild endometriosis-related infertility.

Early endometriosis is associated with infertility, and oxidative stress may play a role in the pathogenesis of disease-related infertility. This prospective case-control study aimed to compare the presence of oxidative stress markers in the follicular microenvironment and systemic circulation of infertile women with minimal/mild endometriosis (EI/II) versus individuals undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Seventy-one blood samples (27 from infertile women with EI/II and 44 controls with tubal and/or male infertility factor) and 51 follicular fluid samples (19 EI/II and 32 controls) were obtained on the day of oocyte retrieval. Total hydroperoxides (FOX1 ), reduced glutathione, vitamin E, Superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG) concentrations were measured in both fluids. Women with EI/II showed higher FOX1 (8.48 ± 1.72 vs. 7.69 ± 1.71 µmol/g protein) and lower total antioxidant capacity (0.38 ± 0.18 vs. 0.46 ± 0.15 mEq Trolox/L) concentrations in serum, and higher 8OHdG concentrations (24.21 ± 8.56 vs. 17.22 ± 5.6 ng/ml) in follicular fluid compared with controls. These data implicate both systemic and follicular oxidative stress may in infertile women with EI/II undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation for ICSI. Furthermore, the elevated 8OHdG concentrations in follicular fluid of women with EI/II may be related to compromised oocyte quality.

Relationship Between Adiposity Indices, Lipodystrophy, and Sarcopenia in HIV-Positive Individuals With and Without Lipodystrophy.

Metabolism disorders, as well as body shape abnormalities, have been associated with the introduction of antiretroviral therapy. The objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic ability of adiposity indices and to discuss criteria for the classification of lipodystrophy and sarcopenia (SP) in HIV-positive individuals. Anthropometric measurements were determined in 268 individuals of both genders, also submitted to the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry exam. The adiposity indices calculated were body mass index, body mass index adjusted for fat mass (BMIfat), body adiposity index, body adiposity Index for the Fels Longitudinal Study sample, and The Clínica Universidad de Navarra body adiposity estimator. The presence of lipodystrophy was evaluated using the fat mass ratio (FMR). SP was classified using the appendicular lean mass/height2 ratio. The subjects were divided into 3 groups: HIV+LIPO+ (n = 41), HIV+LIPO- (n = 65), and control (C, HIV-negative individuals; n = 162). Among the adiposity indices assessed, BMIfat showed the strongest correlation with total body fat (in percent) for men (r = 0.87, p < 0.001) and women (r = 0.92, p < 0.001). The frequency of SP was 44.8% and 41.7% in HIV+LIPO+, 27.8% and 20.7% in HIV+LIPO- and 63.3% and 45.45% in C, for men and women, respectively. The cutoff point suggested for the diagnosis of lipodystrophy according to the FMR was 1.14. The adiposity indices, particularly the BMIfat, have strong correlation with body fat determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in HIV-positive patients. The implementation of FMR is recommended for more standardized estimates of the frequency of lipodystrophy.

Creatine supplementation prevents hyperhomocysteinemia, oxidative stress and cancer-induced cachexia progression in Walker-256 tumor-bearing rats.

The purpose of this study was to investigate (1) the impact of tumor growth on homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism, liver oxidative stress and cancer cachexia and, (2) the potential benefits of creatine supplementation in Walker-256 tumor-bearing rats. Three experiments were conducted. First, rats were killed on days 5 (D5), 10 (D10) and 14 (D14) after tumor implantation. In experiment 2, rats were randomly assigned to three groups designated as control (C), tumor-bearing (T) and tumor-bearing supplemented with creatine (TCr). A life span experiment was conducted as the third experiment. Creatine was supplied in drinking water for 21 days (8 g/L) in all cases. Tumor implantation consisted of a suspension of Walker-256 cells (8.0 × 10(7) cells in 0.5 mL of PBS). The progressive increase (P < 0.05) in tumor mass coincided with a progressively lower body weight and higher hepatic oxidative stress; plasma Hcy concentration was 80 % higher (P < 0.05) by 10 days of tumor implantation. Impaired Hcy metabolism was evidenced by decreased hepatic betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (Bhmt), glycine N-methyltransferase (Gnmt) and cystathionine beta synthase (CBS) gene expression. In contrast, creatine supplementation promoted a 28 % reduction of tumor weight (P < 0.05). Plasma Hcy (C 6.1 ± 0.6, T 10.3 ± 1.5, TCr 6.3 ± 0.9, µmol/L) and hepatic oxidative stress were lower in the TCr group compared to T. Creatine supplementation was unable to decrease Hcy concentration and to increase SAM/SAH ratio in tumor tissue. These data suggest that creatine effects on hepatic impaired Hcy metabolism promoted by tumor cell inoculation are responsible to decrease plasma Hcy in tumor-bearing rats. In conclusion, Walker-256 tumor growth is associated with progressive hyperhomocysteinemia, body weight loss and liver oxidative stress in rats. Creatine supplementation, however, prevented these tumor-associated perturbations.

An adaptation for exhaled breath condensate collection in rabbits.

AIM: To set up and test the feasibility of a handmade apparatus adapted for exhaled breath condensate (EBC) collection in medium-sized animals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The apparatus was produced using an 18-mm thick u-shaped borosilicate glass. The u-shaped tube body is 25 cm in diameter, and the horizontal portions are 12 cm in diameter. The base consists of a tube joint 14/20 or 14 mm thick by 20 cm in diameter, and has a length of 5 cm. This has a hole that is plugged for condensate flow to a 1.5 mL polypropylene microtube that stores the condensate during collection. Was placed inside a styrofoam box and immersed in crushed ice and salt to ensure cooling. The temperature was monitored and maintained throughout the collection at -10°C. One of the outputs of the u-shaped tube was connected to the expiratory limb of the ventilator. RESULTS: An experimental model of ALI, induced by oleic acid (OA) was adopted to determine the concentration of biomarkers of oxidative stress: malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and nitrite/nitrate (NOx). The proposed model allows measurement of NOx, MDA, and GSH. However, the NOx and MDA levels in the EBC were not significant. It was only possible to observe an upward trend, which suggests a temporal evolution of the presence of these markers in the EBC. CONCLUSION: The EBC collection method adapted is effective to generate sufficient content that allows to determine the levels of different biomarkers, such as NOx, MDA, and GSH, that are involved in oxidative and inflammatory stress processes during respiratory diseases.

Dietary docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid influence liver triacylglycerol and insulin resistance in rats fed a high-fructose diet.

This study aimed to examine the benefits of different amounts of omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids from fish oil (FO) on lipid metabolism, insulin resistance and gene expression in rats fed a high-fructose diet. Male Wistar rats were separated into two groups: Control (C, n = 6) and Fructose (Fr, n = 32), the latter receiving a diet containing 63% by weight fructose for 60 days. After this period, 24 animals from Fr group were allocated to three groups: FrFO2 (n = 8) receiving 63% fructose and 2% FO plus 5% soybean oil; FrFO5 (n = 8) receiving 63% fructose and 5% FO plus 2% soybean oil; and FrFO7 (n = 8) receiving 63% fructose and 7% FO. Animals were fed these diets for 30 days. Fructose led to an increase in liver weight, hepatic and serum triacylglycerol, serum alanine aminotransferase and HOMA1-IR index. These alterations were reversed by 5% and 7% FO. FO had a dose-dependent effect on expression of genes related to hepatic ß-oxidation (increased) and hepatic lipogenesis (decreased). The group receiving the highest FO amount had increased markers of oxidative stress. It is concluded that n-3 fatty acids may be able to reverse the adverse metabolic effects induced by a high fructose diet.

Oxidative stress and inflammation in obesity after taurine supplementation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

PURPOSE: Some researchers found decreased levels of plasma taurine in obese subjects and animals, and reduced expression of an important enzyme of taurine synthesis. These evidences, coupled with the metabolic imbalance of obesity and the possible anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of taurine, highlighted the use of taurine as a supplement in obesity treatment. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether taurine supplementation, associated with nutritional counseling, modulates oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and glucose homeostasis in obese women. METHODS: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted with 16 women with obesity diagnosis and 8 women in the normal weight range. The obese volunteers were matched by age and body mass index and randomly assigned to either the placebo (3 g/day starch flour) or taurine (3 g/day taurine) group. The study lasted 8 weeks, and the experimental protocol included nutritional assessment and determination of plasma sulfur amino acids, insulin, and adiponectin, serum glycemia, and markers of inflammatory response and oxidative stress. RESULTS: Plasma taurine levels were significantly decreased (41%) in the obese volunteers. Both the placebo and taurine groups showed significant reduction in weight (3%), with no differences between groups. Different from placebo, taurine-supplemented group showed significant increase in plasma taurine (97%) and adiponectin (12%) and significant reduction in the inflammatory marker hs-C-reactive protein (29%) and in the lipid peroxidation marker thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (20%). CONCLUSIONS: Eight weeks of taurine supplementation associated with nutritional counseling is able to increase adiponectin levels and to decrease markers of inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) and lipid peroxidation (TBARS) in obese women.

Short-term creatine supplementation does not reduce increased homocysteine concentration induced by acute exercise in humans.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects of creatine supplementation on homocysteine (Hcy) plasma levels after acute exercise in humans. METHODS: Twenty-three young (under-20) soccer players were divided into 2 groups: creatine (Cr)- and placebo (Pla)-supplemented groups. The supplementation was performed in double-blind controlled manner using creatine or placebo tablets with 0.3 g/kg during 7 days. Before and after 7 days of supplementation, the athletes performed an acute high-intensity sprint exercise (two consecutive running-based anaerobic sprint test protocol consisted in 6 × 35 m sprint with 10 s between them). Blood samples were collected before and after 7 days of supplementation as well as 0 and 1 h after exercise protocol. RESULTS: Homocysteine concentration significant increased (P < 0.05) 1 h after acute exercise (18%). Acute exercise also decreased red blood cell S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) 30% with no changes in SAM/SAH ratio. Seven days of creatine supplementation were able to increase (P < 0.05) plasma creatine concentration (Pla 130.1 ± 21.7 vs Cr 1,557.2 ± 220.3 µmol/L) as well as decrease (P < 0.05) plasma guanidinoacetic acid (33%). Controversially, creatine supplementation did not change Hcy plasma level after 7-day supplementation (Pla 6.9 ± 0.2 vs Cr 7.2 ± 0.2 µmol/L) or after acute exercise (Pla 8.2 ± 0.3 vs Cr 8.4 ± 0.3 µmol/L). No changes in plasma vitamin B12 and folate as well as cysteine and methionine were found. CONCLUSIONS: Seven days of creatine supplementation does not avoid increased plasma Hcy induced by acute sprint exercise in humans.

Homocysteine and nitrite levels are modulated by MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism in obese women treated with simvastatin.

Higher homocysteine (Hcy) levels are associated with cardiovascular risk. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of simvastatin treatment on circulating Hcy levels in obese women without hypertension, diabetes or dyslipidaemia; and to determine whether the 677C>T polymorphism located in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (NAD(P)H) (MTHFR) gene modulates the effects of this treatment on Hcy and nitrite (as a biomarker of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability). Twenty-five obese women (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m(2) ) who had received 20 mg/day simvastatin for 6 weeks were enrolled in the study. Venous blood samples were collected to measure plasma biomarkers and gene polymorphisms. Simvastatin treatment significantly reduced total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and Hcy, whereas nitrite levels were increased. The reduction in Hcy levels in carriers of the T allele was -20.3% compared with -9.4% in patients with the CC genotype. Importantly, before treatment, nitrite levels were significantly higher in patients with the CC genotype compared with T allele carriers, whereas after treatment these levels were similar between groups. Our findings demonstrate that obese women without comorbidities and carrying the T variant of the 677C>T polymorphism of MTHFR exhibit benefits with simvastatin treatment, mainly in terms of increased NO levels.

Study of Protein Oxidative Stress, Antioxidant Vitamins and Inflammation in Patients Undergoing either Hemodialysis or Peritoneal Dialysis.

BACKGROUND: The influence of dialysis modality on oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation is not yet clear. Elucidating this influence could provide novel therapy concepts for cardiovascular diseases. AIM: To compare protein OS, antioxidant vitamins and inflammation in patients undergoing either hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed with 19 PD and 21 HD patients treated for ≥ 6 months. The control group was composed of 17 healthy individuals. Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), advanced glycation end products (AGEs), vitamins C, A and E, C-reactive protein and interleukin 6 were measured in plasma samples. RESULTS: OS was higher in the dialysis group when compared with controls, but HD patients showed higher AOPP compared with PD (HD:141.9 ± 75.2 µmol/L; PD: 112.5 ± 69.3 µmol/L, P< 0.01) and AGEs (HD: 32.2 ± 10.6 AU x10³; PD: 26.6 ± 4.9 AUx10³, P< 0.05). There was no difference in inflammation and vitamin levels among dialysis patients. In HD patients, AGEs correlated moderately with serum vitamin C (r = 0.46; P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: The dialysis modality adopted influences protein OS, but it has no effect on antioxidant status or inflammation. Hemodialysis probably exacerbates OS due to the increased bioincompatibility of the dialysis procedure, and this scenario seems to be related to the intravenous supplementation of vitamin C. Peritoneal dialysis allows for a better oxidative balance, which may reduce cardiovascular risk.

HIGH-FIBER DIET PROMOTES METABOLIC, HORMONAL, AND SATIETY EFFECTS IN OBESE WOMEN ON A SHORT-TERM CALORIC RESTRICTION.

•Body weight and BMI decrease in both the EG and CG groups during the period of caloric restriction. •For both the EG and CG groups, fat-free mass decreases during food restriction. •Subjects on a high-fiber diet have reduced fasting glucose and basal insulin as well as improved insulin resistance, as attested by the lower HOMA-IR index. •Obese women on a high-fiber diet have suppressed postprandial (after 60 min) acylated ghrelin, confirming that the diet composition influences ghrelin levels from the first day. •In the present study, it was possible to verify that fasting leptin concentration diminishes in obese women on a high-fiber diet. Background - Several mechanisms, including excessive hunger, account for patients' difficulties in maintaining weight loss and dietary changes after caloric restriction. Objective - To evaluate the effect of short-term high-fiber calorie-restricted diet in appetite-regulating hormones, and hunger and satiety sensations in women with obesity. In a randomized controlled trial study, thirty women with body mass index (BMI) higher than 30 kg/m2, and aged from 20 to 50 years were hospitalized following a calorie-restricted diet (1000 kcal/day) for three days. The experimental group (n=15) received high-fiber diet and the control group (n=15), conventional diet. Results - Body weight, BMI, resting energy expenditure (REE), acylated and total ghrelin, leptin, insulin and glucose, and hunger and satiety sensations were evaluated. Linear regression models with mixed effects (fixed and random effects) helped to assess the variables between the two groups and within the groups. Body weight and BMI decreased in both the experimental and control groups (P<0.001). After the high-fiber diet, postprandial acylated ghrelin (P=0.04), glucose (P<0.001), insulin (P=0.04), and leptin (P=0.03) levels as well as the HOMA-IR index (P=0.01) decreased, whereas satiety improved (P=0.02). Obese women that followed the conventional diet had increased body fat percentage (P=0.04) and lower REE (P=0.02). The two diets did not differ in terms of hunger sensation. Conclusion - A short-term high-fiber diet improves satiety sensations and metabolic parameters while suppressing postprandial acylated ghrelin (60 minutes) and maintaining the resting energy expenditure.

Effects of Different Vegetable Oils on the Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in C57/BL Mice.

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common hepatic disorder, affecting 22-28% of the adult population and more than 50% of obese people all over the world. Modulation of the fatty acids in diet as a means of prevention against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in animal models (NAFLD) remains unclear. The treatment of NAFLD has not been described in specific guidelines so far. Thus, the justification for the study is to check modifications in macronutrients composition, fatty acids, in particular, play a significant role in the treatment of NAFLD regardless of weight loss. Aim: To investigate different vegetable oils in prevention and progression of NAFLD in animal models. Methods: For the experiment were used fifty C57BL/6J mice male fed with high fat and fructose diet (HFD) to induce the NAFLD status and they received different commercial vegetable oils for 16 weeks to prevent steatosis. Liver steatosis and oxidative stress parameters were analyzed using biochemical and histological methods. Fatty acids profile in the oils and in the liver samples was obtained. Results: The high fat and fructose diet led to obesity and the vegetable oils offered were effective in maintaining body weight similar to the control group. At the end of the experiment (16 weeks), the HFHFr group had a greater body weight compared to control and treated groups (HFHFr: 44.20 ± 2.34 g/animal vs. control: 34.80 ± 3.45 g/animal; p < 0.001; HFHFr/OL: 35.40 ± 4.19 g/animal; HFHFr/C: 36.10 ± 3.92 g/animal; HFHFr/S: 36.25 ± 5.70 g/animal; p < 0.01). Furthermore, the HFD diet has caused an increase in total liver fat compared to control (p < 0.01). Among the treated groups, the animals receiving canola oil showed a reduction of hepatic and retroperitoneal fat (p < 0.05). These biochemical levels were positively correlated with the hepatic histology findings. Hepatic levels of omega-3 decreased in the olive oil and high fat diet groups compared to the control group, whereas these levels increased in the groups receiving canola and soybean oil compared to control and the high fat groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, the commercial vegetable oils either contributed to the prevention or reduction of induced nonalcoholic fatty liver with high fat and fructose diet, especially canola oil.

Phase angle is related to oxidative stress and antioxidant biomarkers in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to analyze the influence of chemotherapy on health biomarkers and examine the relationship between phase angle (PhA) and oxidative stress. METHODS: A prospective study was performed. Women who were starting chemotherapy were recruited. Also, this study included a control group of women without cancer. Bioelectrical impedance multiple-frequency (BIS) analysis, 24h food recall, and blood samples were collected at 2-time points: diagnosis (T0) and after one month of completion of therapy (T1) for the main study group and one-time point for the control group. T-tests or Mann-Whitney Wilcoxon Test was used to compare variables. Linear regression analysis was conducted to test if PhA is related to the dependent variables after adjusting for age and body mass index. RESULTS: 119 women were included (61 with breast cancer and 58 healthy). There was no difference between the groups concerning anthropometrics, fat mass, and fat-free mass. Breast cancer patients had a worsening in PhA (p<0.001) after chemotherapy completion. PhA was positive statistically correlated with extracellular water, albumin, and the antioxidant markers at both times. The linear model showed that PhA was significantly predicted by C reactive protein, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Malondialdehyde (MDA), total body water/extracellular water, and body mass index fat mass. This model explained 58% of PhA variability (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings show that PhA is an easy and affordable tool that correlates oxidative stress markers in breast cancer patients, regardless of age or body mass index.

Age-dependent changes in rat lacrimal gland anti-oxidant and vesicular related protein expression profiles.

PURPOSE: Anti-oxidation and exocytosis are important for maintaining exocrine tissue homeostasis. During aging, functional and structural alterations occur in the lacrimal gland (LG), including oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA. The aims of the present study were to determine in the aging LG: a) the effects of aging on LG structure and secretory activity and b) changes in the expression of oxidative stress markers. METHODS: To address these goals, tear secretion composition and corneal impression cytology were compared between male Wistar rats of 2 (control) and 24 (aged) months. LG morphology and the expression levels of vitamin E and malonaldehyde (MDA) were evaluated to determine the anti-oxidant activity and lipid peroxidation, respectively. RT-PCR and western blot analysis were used for the analysis of Ras related in brain GTPase protein (Rab) and soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins of the secretory machinery (i.e.; Rab 3d, Rab 27, vesicle-associated membrane protein-2 (Vamp-2), and syntaxin). RESULTS: Histological analysis of aged rats revealed a higher frequency of corneal epithelia metaplasia. In the acinar cells, organelles underwent degeneration, and lipofucsin-like material accumulated in the cytoplasm along with declines in the anti-oxidant marker vitamin E. Rab3d and Rab27b mRNA levels fell along with Rab3d protein expression, whereas syntaxin levels increased. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that exocytotic and anti-oxidant mechanisms become impaired with age in the rat LG. In parallel with these structural alterations, functional declines may contribute to the pathophysiology caused by tear film modification in dry eye disease.

Creatine supplementation reduces oxidative stress biomarkers after acute exercise in rats.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of creatine supplementation on muscle and plasma markers of oxidative stress after acute aerobic exercise. A total of 64 Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control group (n = 32) and creatine-supplemented group (n = 32). Creatine supplementation consisted of the addition of 2% creatine monohydrate to the diet. After 28 days, the rats performed an acute moderate aerobic exercise bout (1-h swimming with 4% of total body weight load). The animals were killed before (pre) and at 0, 2 and 6 h (n = 8) after acute exercise. As expected, plasma and total muscle creatine concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the creatine-supplemented group compared to control. Acute exercise increased plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) and total lipid hydroperoxide. The same was observed in the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles. Creatine supplementation decreased these markers in plasma (TBARS: pre 6%, 0 h 25%, 2 h 27% and 6 h 20%; plasma total lipid hydroperoxide: pre 38%, 0 h 24%, 2 h 12% and 6 h 20%, % decrease). Also, acute exercise decreased the GSH/GSSG ratio in soleus muscle, which was prevented by creatine supplementation (soleus: pre 8%, 0 h 29%, 2 h 30% and 6 h 44%, % prevention). The results show that creatine supplementation inhibits increased oxidative stress markers in plasma and muscle induced by acute exercise.

Mikania glomerata Sprengel (Asteraceae) influences the mutagenicity induced by doxorubicin without altering liver lipid peroxidation or antioxidant levels.

As shown in numerous studies, natural compounds may exert adverse effects, mainly when associated with some drugs. The hydroalcoholic extract of Mikania glomerata is the pharmaceutical form present in commercially available syrup used for the treatment of respiratory diseases in popular Brazilian medicine. The objective of the present investigation was (1) to evaluate the preventive effects of standardized hydroalcoholic extract of M. glomerata (MEx) against antitumoral drug doxorubicin (DXR)-induced micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE) in a subchronic assay in mice, and (2) to determine the liver content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the antioxidants glutathione (GSH) and vitamin E (VE). Male Swiss mice were treated for 30 d with MEx added to drinking water, combined or not with DXR (90 mg/kg body weight) injected intraperitoneally (ip) 24 h before analysis. The results demonstrated that MEx produced no genotoxic damage, but significantly increased the frequency of MNPCE induced by DXR, indicating a drug-drug interaction. This rise was not accompanied by lipid peroxidation or antioxidants level reduction, as measured by MDA, GSH, and VE. Despite the presence of coumarin (a known antioxidant), MEx may exert adverse effects probably in association with mutagenic compounds, although this effect on DNA damage did not involve oxidative stress.

The Impact of Controlled Ovarian Stimulation on Serum Oxidative Stress Markers in Infertile Women with Endometriosis Undergoing ICSI.

Endometriosis-related infertility is associated with oxidative stress (OS). The present study aims to compare serum OS markers of infertile women with endometriosis and controls during the follicular phase of the natural cycle (D1), after pituitary downregulation using a GnRH agonist (D2), after controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration (D3), and on the day of oocyte retrieval (D4). One hundred and eight serum samples (58 controls and 35 early and 18 advanced endometriosis cases) were collected at these four timepoints. OS markers were compared among the groups and timepoints using a linear regression model with mixed effects and a post-test using orthogonal contrasts. The significance was set at 5%. We observed altered OS markers in the endometriosis patients during the D1, D2, D3, and D4 timepoints compared to the controls. The evidence of systemic OS in infertile patients with endometriosis during COS suggests the mobilization of potent antioxidants in an attempt to protect the oocyte from oxidative damage, especially on the day of oocyte retrieval.