Obesity and its chronic inflammation as pain potentiation factor in rats with osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Obesity produces the accumulation of adipose tissue and a chronic inflammatory process, while osteoarthritis (OA) is also an inflammatory disorder. OBJECTIVES: to evaluate whether obesity associated to OA may be a factor that increases inflammation and pain. METHODS: Male animals (M) were divided into groups: control (CM), OA-induced pain (MP), obese (OM) and obese with OA-induced pain (OMP). Similarly, females (F) were divided into groups: control (CF), OA-induced pain (FP), obese (OF) and obese with OA-induced pain (OFP). All the groups except for control and obese groups were submitted to OA induction by sodium monoiodoacetate injection and monitored until day 65. Their adiposity index, thermal, mechanical and spontaneous pain nociceptive profile were investigated. At the end of the experiment (t = 65 days) hematological parameters, biochemical parameters, andcytokines were assessed. RESULTS: Rats with obesity induction showed alterations in mechanical and thermal nociceptive profile, and increase in systemic inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8 and leptin) with reduction in anti-inflammatory cytokines (adiponectin and IL-10). These profile changes were investigated by principal component analysis (PCA), in which the first two principal components explained near 90% of the data variability. Obesity, when present together with OA in OMP and OFP groups, yielded the highest levels of inflammatory cytokines and pain scores and the lowest levels on anti-inflamatory cytokines. CONCLUSION: Obesity modified the nociceptive profile when inflammatory process is produced. When obesity occurs concomitantly with OA, inflammatory progression is intensified, yelding increase in pain scores.

Mood disorders are associated with the reduction of brain derived neurotrophic factor in the hypocampus in rats submitted to the hipercaloric diet.

Adipose tissue accumulation, resulting from the consumption of hypercaloric foods, can cause a dysfunction of the endocrine system. Such endocrine changes can influence the expression of various neurochemicals including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) - associated with cognitive and emotional problems. Here, we investigated the effects of a hypercaloric diet on depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in young rats along with concomitant changes in BDNF expression levels in the hippocampus. Eight week-old Wistar rats (n = 20) were divided in: control diet (CD) group which received industrial food (n = 8) and hypercaloric diet (HD) group which received animal fat and soybean oil (n = 12). After 45 days on the diet, the animals were evaluated: body weight and blood biochemical analisys. Changes in mood disposition were evaluated using forced swim test and the elevated plus-maze, whereas hippocampal BDNF expression levels were quantified by ELISA. After 45 weeks, the CD group showed a significant increase in body weight relative to the HD group. However, the HD rats had a body fat percentage and exhibited increased level of the biochemical markers. Furthermore, the animals in the HD group presented increased immobility time in the forced swimming test, as well as reduced response to plus-maze test suggesting a depression- and anxiety-like emotional state. In addition, the HD group also showed lower BDNF expression levels in the hippocampus. This study demonstrates that a hypercaloric diet induced increase in adipose tissue concentration in young rats was associated with reduced hippocampal BDNF expression and resulted in an increase in depression- and anxiety-like behaviors. Graphical abstract.

Polymorphism eNOS Glu298Asp modulates the inflammatory response of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

INTRODUCTION: Nitric oxide is a gaseous radical produced by the nitric oxide endothelial synthase (eNOS) whose most studied physiological action is the vasodilation. However, it also acts in the defense of the organism through the formation of cytotoxic radicals, which can potentiate the inflammatory lesion of the cells. The Glu298Asp is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the eNOS gene related to the risk of cardiovascular disease. Blacks present a higher prevalence of hypertension and cardiovascular mortality. Then, we aimed to evaluate the influence of Glu298Asp polymorphism on inflammatory response in vitro and gene expression in blacks. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from blacks with different Glu298Asp genotypes were treated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA), a mitogen and activator of T cells. Oxidative, inflammatory markers, and expression of inflammation genes were evaluated. RESULTS: The genotype frequencies were TT 6.7%; TG 29.3% and GG 64.0%. Activation of PBMCs with 125 µg of PHA modulated the expression of inflammatory genes and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines. The T allele showed increased susceptibility to inflammation (higher levels of interleukin 1, interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha; p < 0.001). The G allele exhibited protection through higher levels of nitric oxide (p < 0.001) and fewer inflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSION: Despite methodological limitations related to in vitro assays, the whole of results suggested that Glu298Asp modulates inflammatory genes, the T allele is more susceptible to inflammation and the G allele is protective.

Oxidative damage in mitochondrial fatty acids oxidation disorders patients and the in vitro effect of l-carnitine on DNA damage induced by the accumulated metabolites.

BACKGROUND: The mitochondrial fatty acids oxidation disorders (FAOD) are inherited metabolic disorders (IMD) characterized by the accumulation of fatty acids of different sizes of chain according to the affected enzyme. METHODS: This study evaluated the lipid peroxidation by the measurement of 8-isoprostanes, nitrosative stress parameters by the measurement of nitrite and nitrate content and DNA and RNA oxidative damage by the measurement of oxidized guanine species in urine samples from long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (LCHADD), medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD) and multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) patients. Also, we analyzed the in vitro DNA damage by comet assay induced by adipic acid, suberic acid, hexanoylglycine and suberylglycine, separated and in combination, as well as the effect of l-carnitine in human leukocytes. RESULTS: An increase on 8-isoprostanes levels in all groups of patients was observed. The nitrite and nitrate levels were increased in LCHADD patients. DNA and RNA damage evaluation revealed increase on oxidized guanine species levels in LCHADD and MADD patients. The in vitro evaluation revealed an increase on the DNA damage induced by all metabolites, besides a potencialyzed effect. l-carnitine decreased the DNA damage induced by the metabolites. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that toxic metabolites accumulated could be related to the increased oxidative and nitrosative stress of FAOD patients and that the metabolites, separated and in combination, cause DNA damage, which was reduced by l-carnitine, demonstrating antioxidant protection. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: This work demonstrated oxidative stress in FAOD patients and the genotoxic potential of MCADD metabolites and the protective effect of l-carnitine.

Prevention by L-carnitine of DNA damage induced by 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric and 3-methylglutaric acids and experimental evidence of lipid and DNA damage in patients with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric aciduria.

3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric aciduria (HMGA) is an inherited disorder of the leucine catabolic pathway in which occurs a deficiency of the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA lyase enzyme. Therefore, the organic acids 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric (HMG) and 3-methylglutaric (MGA), mainly, accumulate in tissues of affected patients. Lately, much attention has been focused on free radicals as mediators of tissue damage in human diseases, causing lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and DNA damage. The treatment of this disease is based in a restricted protein ingest and supplementation with l-carnitine (LC), an antioxidant and detoxifying agent. In the present work, we investigated the in vitro oxidative damage to DNA induced by the accumulation of organic acids and oxidative stress parameters in vivo of patients with 3-HMG, as well as the effect of the recommended therapy. The in vitro DNA damage was analyzed by the alkaline comet assay in leukocytes incubated with HMG and MGA (1 mM, 2.5 mM and 5 mM) and co-incubated with LC (90 µM and 150 µM). The in vivo urinary 15-F2t-isoprostane levels and urinary oxidized guanine species were measured by ELISA kits in patient's urine before and after the treatment with LC. HMG and MGA induced a DNA damage index (DI) significantly higher than that of the control group. The DI was significantly reduced in the presence of LC. It was also verified a significant increase of oxidized guanine species and urinary isoprostane levels, biomarker of oxidative DNA damage and lipid peroxidation respectively, in patients before treatment. After the treatment and supplementation with LC, patients presented significantly lower levels of those biomarkers. Analyzing the data together, we can conclude that HMGA patients present oxidative lipid and DNA damage, which is induced by HMG and MGA, and the antioxidant therapy with LC can prevent that kind of injuries.

Chronic mild Hyperhomocysteinemia impairs energy metabolism, promotes DNA damage and induces a Nrf2 response to oxidative stress in rats brain.

Homocysteine (HCY) has been linked to oxidative stress and varied metabolic changes that are dependent on its concentration and affected tissues. In the present study we evaluate parameters of energy metabolism [succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), complex II and IV (cytochrome c oxidase), and ATP levels] and oxidative stress [DCFH oxidation, nitrite levels, antioxidant enzymes and lipid, protein and DNA damages, as well as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related (Nrf2) protein abundance] in amygdala and prefrontal cortex of HCY-treated rats. Wistar male rats were treated with a subcutaneous injection of HCY (0.03 µmol/g of body weight) from the 30th to 60th post-natal day, twice a day, to induce mild hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCY). The rats were euthanatized without anesthesia at 12 h after the last injection, and amygdala and prefrontal cortex were dissected for biochemical analyses. In the amygdala, mild HHCY increased activities of SDH and complex II and decreased complex IV and ATP level, as well as increased antioxidant enzymes activities (glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase), nitrite levels, DNA damage, and Nrf 2 protein abundance. In the prefrontal cortex, mild HHCY did not alter energy metabolism, but increased glutathione peroxidase, catalase and DNA damage. Other analyzed parameters were not altered by HCY-treatment. Our findings suggested that chronic mild HHCY changes each brain structure, particularly and specifically. These changes may be associated with the mechanisms by which chronic mild HHCY has been linked to the risk factor of fear, mood disorders and depression, as well as in neurodegenerative diseases.

Assessment of Leishmania infantum infection in equine populations in a canine visceral leishmaniosis transmission area.

BACKGROUND: Leishmaniosis, zoonosis that produces significant public health impacts, is caused by Leishmania infantum. Canines are the main domestic reservoir and, besides humans, other species of mammals could be infected when living in endemic areas. In this study, we detected equine Leishmania infantum infections in a canine visceral leishmaniosis transmission area and evaluated the clinical, haematological, biochemical and oxidative stress disorders. This study was conducted in Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, south of Brazil. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 124 animals (98 horses and 26 dogs) of both genders and several breeds after they underwent general and dermatologic examinations. RESULTS: Twenty five Leishmania infantum infected animals (20.16%), 14 horses and 11 dogs were detected by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) amplification of kinetoplast DNA regions with 96% homology to Leishmania infantum (GenBank Accession No. L 19877.1). The clinical and haematological alterations of infected equines were skin lesions, nodules, lymphadenopathy, decreased levels in red blood cells and haematocrit (p < 0.05) and increase in urea serum concentration (p < 0.05), while CVL presented a decrease in red blood cells counts (p < 0.05), increase in lymphocytes (p < 0.05), and decrease in neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (p < 0.05). Oxidative stress markers of plasma protein carbonyl and plasma lipid peroxidation were not statistically significant (p > 0.05) in both species. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this has been the first leishmaniosis equine survey performed in south of Brazil, caused by Leishmania infantum that were able to initially identify haematological and biochemical changes in the species, even in asymptomatic animals. We present evidence supporting those findings of haematological and biochemical changes could be related to infection. Surprisingly, the clinical manifestations of equine infection were similar to those found in canine visceral leishmaniosis. The equine population could be play an important role in the cycle of leishmaniosis in south Brazil and consequently indicates a great risk of public health. This evaluation of infected animals is important to establish the clinical and laboratory parameters involved in the disease progression.

Oxidative damage in glutaric aciduria type I patients and the protective effects of l-carnitine treatment.

The deficiency of the enzyme glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase, known as glutaric acidemia type I (GA-I), leads to the accumulation of glutaric acid (GA) and glutarilcarnitine (C5DC) in the tissues and body fluids, unleashing important neurotoxic effects. l-carnitine (l-car) is recommended for the treatment of GA-I, aiming to induce the excretion of toxic metabolites. l-car has also demonstrated an important role as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in some neurometabolic diseases. This study evaluated GA-I patients at diagnosis moment and treated the oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, and the inflammatory profile, as well as in vivo and in vitro DNA damage, reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and antioxidant capacity, verifying if the actual treatment with l-car (100 mg kg-1 day-1 ) is able to protect the organism against these processes. Significant increases of GA and C5DC were observed in GA-I patients. A deficiency of carnitine in patients before the supplementation was found. GA-I patients presented significantly increased levels of isoprostanes, di-tyrosine, urinary oxidized guanine species, and the RNS, as well as a reduced antioxidant capacity. The l-car supplementation induced beneficial effects reducing these biomarkers levels and increasing the antioxidant capacity. GA, in three different concentrations, significantly induced DNA damage in vitro, and the l-car was able to prevent this damage. Significant increases of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, GM-CSF, and TNF-α were shown in patients. Thus, the beneficial effects of l-car presented in the treatment of GA-I are due not only by increasing the excretion of accumulated toxic metabolites, but also by preventing oxidative damage.

ADIPOQ + 45T≥G Polymorphism, Food Ingestion, and Metabolic Syndrome in Elderly Persons.

INTRODUCTION: The current nutritional transition process contributes further to accelerate the onset of metabolic disorders, as do a number of environmental factors that lead to the diagnosis of chronic diseases, as a diet of low nutritional value, is possibly related to the incidence of metabolic syndrome. In addition to these factors, metabolic syndrome may also be related to genetic factors, the ADIPOQ + 45T> G polymorphism has been associated with serum adiponectin levels, insulin sensitivity, and obesity, which affects adiponectin levels act as protective factor for cardiovascular disease. In this way, the present study aimed to analyze the possible association between the ADIPOQ + 45T> G gene polymorphism, usual diet and metabolic syndrome in the elderly. METHODS: We evaluated inflammatory and biochemical markers compared with older age groups (age 60 years) with and without metabolic syndrome. In addition to the anthropometric measurements of weight, height and waist circumference, the ADIPOQ + 45T> G gene polymorphism was determined by PCR- RFLP, and food consumption was investigated using a food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: The study included 111 elderly individuals. Our main results show that there was a significant relationship between the habitual consumption of milk for the group that had metabolic syndrome (p < 0.05). HDL-c levels, glucose, triglycerides, diastolic blood pressure and weight, height and waist circumference had to be altered in patients with metabolic syndrome. There was an association between habitual dietary intake of white meat with haplotypes TG and GG. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the relationship between the habitual consumption of certain food groups and ADIPOQ indicates the need for further studies to develop a better understanding of this relationship; however, there was no association between the ADIPOQ + 45T> G gene polymorphism and metabolic syndrome in the group of elderly studied.

Clozapine linked to nanocapsules minimizes tissue and oxidative damage to biomolecules lipids, proteins and DNA in brain of rats Wistar.

Clozapine, atypical antipsychotic, can change oxidative stress parameters. It is known that reactive species, in excess, can have a crucial role in the etiology of diseases, as well as, can potentiating adverse effects induce by drugs. The nanocapsules have attracted attention as carriers of several drugs, with consequent reduction of adverse effects. This study aimed to evaluate histopathology and oxidative damage of biomolecules lipids, proteins and DNA in the brain of Wistar rats after treatment with nanocapsules containing clozapine. The study consisted of eight groups of male Wistar rats (n = 6): saline (SAL), free clozapine (CZP) (25 mg/Kg i.p.), blank uncoated nanocapsules (BNC), clozapine-loaded uncoated nanocapsules (CNC) (25 mg/Kg i.p.), blank chitosan-coated nanocapsules (BCSN), clozapine-loaded chitosan-coated nanocapsules (CCSN) (25 mg/Kg i.p.), blank polyethyleneglycol-coated nanocapsules (BPEGN), clozapine-loaded polyethyleneglycol-coated nanocapsules (CPEGN) (25 mg/Kg i.p.). The animals received the formulation once a day for seven consecutive days and euthanized in the eighth day. After euthanasia, the brain was collected and homogenate was processed for further analysis. The histopathology showed less brain tissue damage in nanocapsules-treated groups. The lipid peroxidation and carbonylation of proteins showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) induced by CZP. CNC and CPEGN groups obtained a reduction membrane of lipids damage and nanocapsules-treated groups showed significant improvement protein damage. CZP was able to induce genetic oxidative damage, while the nanocapsules causing less damage to DNA. The findings show that different coatings can act protecting target tissues decreasing oxidative damage, suggesting that the drug when linked to different nanocapsules is able to mitigate the harmful effects of clozapine.

14 Days of supplementation with blueberry extract shows anti-atherogenic properties and improves oxidative parameters in hypercholesterolemic rats model.

The effects of supplementation with blueberry (BE) extract (Vaccinium ashei Reade) for 14 consecutive days on biochemical, hematological, histopathological and oxidative parameters in hypercholesterolemic rats were investigated. After supplementation with lyophilized extract of BE, the levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were decreased. Histopathological analysis showed significant decrease (p < 0.05) of aortic lesions in hypercholesterolemic rats. Oxidative parameters showed significant reductions (p < 0.05) in oxidative damage to lipids and proteins and an increase in activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. The BE extract showed an important cardioprotective effect by the improvements in the serum lipid profile, antioxidant system, particularly in reducing oxidative stress associated with hypercholesterolemia and anti-atherogenic effect in rats.

Pristanic acid provokes lipid, protein, and DNA oxidative damage and reduces the antioxidant defenses in cerebellum of young rats.

Zellweger syndrome (ZS) and some peroxisomal diseases are severe inherited disorders mainly characterized by neurological symptoms and cerebellum abnormalities, whose pathogenesis is poorly understood. Biochemically, these diseases are mainly characterized by accumulation of pristanic acid (Prist) and other fatty acids in the brain and other tissues. In this work, we evaluated the in vitro influence of Prist on redox homeostasis by measuring lipid, protein, and DNA damage, as well as the antioxidant defenses and the activities of aconitase and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase in cerebellum of 30-day-old rats. The effect of Prist on DNA damage was also evaluated in blood of these animals. Some parameters were also evaluated in cerebellum from neonatal rats and in cerebellum neuronal cultures. Prist significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and carbonyl formation and reduced sulfhydryl content and glutathione (GSH) concentrations in cerebellum of young rats. It also caused DNA strand damage in cerebellum and induced a high micronuclei frequency in blood. On the other hand, this fatty acid significantly reduced α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and aconitase activities in rat cerebellum. We also verified that Prist-induced increase of MDA levels was totally prevented by melatonin and attenuated by α-tocopherol but not by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, indicating the involvement of reactive oxygen species in this effect. Cerebellum from neonate rats also showed marked alterations of redox homeostasis, including an increase of MDA levels and a decrease of sulfhydryl content and GSH concentrations elicited by Prist. Finally, Prist provoked an increase of dichlorofluorescein (DCFH) oxidation in cerebellum-cultivated neurons. Our present data indicate that Prist compromises redox homeostasis in rat cerebellum and blood and inhibits critical enzymes of the citric acid cycle that are susceptible to free radical attack. The present findings may contribute to clarify the pathogenesis of the cerebellar alterations observed in patients affected by ZS and some peroxisomal disorders in which Prist is accumulated.

Globotriaosylceramide is correlated with oxidative stress and inflammation in Fabry patients treated with enzyme replacement therapy.

Fabry disease is an X-linked inborn error of glycosphingolipid catabolism due to deficient activity of α-galactosidase A that leads to accumulation of the enzyme substrates, mainly globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), in body fluids and lysosomes of many cell types. Some pathophysiology hypotheses are intimately linked to reactive species production and inflammation, but until this moment there is no in vivo study about it. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate oxidative stress parameters, pro-inflammatory cytokines and Gb3 levels in Fabry patients under treatment with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and finally to establish a possible relation between them. We analyzed urine and blood samples of patients under ERT (n=14) and healthy age-matched controls (n=14). Patients presented decreased levels of antioxidant defenses, assessed by reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and increased superoxide dismutase/catalase (SOD/CAT) ratio in erythrocytes. Concerning to the damage to biomolecules (lipids and proteins), we found that plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl groups and di-tyrosine (di-Tyr) in urine were increased in patients. The pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α were also increased in patients. Urinary Gb3 levels were positively correlated with the plasma levels of IL-6, carbonyl groups and MDA. IL-6 levels were directly correlated with di-Tyr and inversely correlated with GPx activity. This data suggest that pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidant states occur, are correlated and seem to be induced by Gb3 in Fabry patients.

Brain effect of insulin and clonazepam in diabetic rats under depressive-like behavior.

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects on insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. It has recently become clear that the central nervous system is not spared from the deleterious effects of diabetes, since diabetic encephalopathy was recognized as a complication of this heterogeneous metabolic disorder. There is a well recognized association between depression and diabetes, once prevalence of depression in diabetic patients is higher than in general population, and clonazepam is being used to treat this complication. Oxidative stress is widely accepted as playing a key mediatory role in the development and progression of diabetes and its complications. In this work we analyzed DNA damage by comet assay and lipid damage in prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats submitted to the forced swimming test. It was verified that the diabetic group presented DNA and lipid damage in the brain areas evaluated, when compared to the control groups. Additionally, a significant reduction of the DNA and lipid damage in animals treated with insulin and/or clonazepam was observed. These data suggest that the association of these two drugs could protect against DNA and lipid damage in diabetic rats submitted to the forced swimming test, an animal model of depression.

Aqueous extract of pummelo pulp (Citrus maxima) improves the biochemical profile and reduces the inflammation process in Wistar rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

This study investigated the effect of pummelo extract (Citrus maxima) on biochemical, inflammatory, antioxidant and histological changes in NAFLD rats. Forty male Wistar rats divided into four groups were used: (1) control group; (2) fructose associated with high-fat diet - DHF; (3) normal diet + pummelo extract (50 mg/kg); and (4) FHD + pummelo extract. This was administered at dose of 50 mg/kg of the animal's weight, by gavage, for 45 days. Significant improvement in lipid profile, liver and kidney function, inflammation, oxidative stress markers was identified in group 4 compared to group 2. Regarding TNF-α and IL-1ß, group 2 showed higher values (respectively 142, 5 ± 0.7 and 560.5 ± 2.7 pg/mg protein) compared to group 4 (respectively 91.4 ± 0.9 and 402.1.4 ± 0.9 pg/mg protein), p < 0.05. Significant increases were found in SOD and CAT activities, respectively 0.10 ± 0.06 and 8.62 ± 1.67 U/mg protein for group 2 and respectively 0.28 ± 0.08 and 21.52 ± 2.28 U/mg of protein for group 4. Decreases in triglycerides, hepatic cholesterol and fat droplets in hepatic tissue were observed in group 4 compared to group 2. Results highlight that pummelo extract may be useful for prevent the development of NAFLD.

VDR, SOD-2, and CYP24A1 Gene Expression in Different Genotypes of BsmI SNP of the Vitamin D Receptor Gene in Individuals with Hypovitaminosis.

BACKGROUND: Hypovitaminosis D is a public health problem due to its implications for various diseases. Vitamin D has numerous functions, such as modulating the metabolism of cellular tissues, and it is expressed through the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene that may influence gene expression modulation, which plays an important role in vitamin D metabolism. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the genotypes of BsmI single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the VDR gene on VDR, SOD2, and CYP24A1 gene expression in individuals with low serum vitamin D levels. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional analytical study. After signing the informed consent form, individuals were invited to participate and answered a structured questionnaire with identification data. Blood was collected for biochemical analysis, and vitamin D was measured by chemiluminescence; BsmI polymorphism was determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays with TaqMan allelic discrimination, and gene expression was conducted by qRT-PCR using QuantiFast SYBR® Green PCR Master Mix. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 20.0 software, and differences were considered significant at p < 0.05. RESULTS: 98 individuals with vitamin D ≤ 20 ng/dL were evaluated, and the BsmI SNP of the VDR gene showed CYP24A1 overexpression and low SOD2 expression. CONCLUSION: BsmI SNP of the VDR gene can modulate the expression of the genes evaluated without interfering with serum levels.

The effect of bone marrow transplantation on oxidative stress in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy.

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, including X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD). In the present work, we evaluated lipid (malondialdehyde [MDA] content) and protein (sulfhydryl and carbonyl contents) oxidative damage parameters in plasma from X-ALD patients before and after bone marrow transplant (BMT), in order to verify if this treatment is capable to alter the oxidative parameters studied. We also evaluated the plasma concentration of hexacosanoic acid (C26:0) from X-ALD patients and correlated it with the oxidative damage parameters investigated. We observed that MDA content was significantly increased in plasma of X-ALD patients before BMT and after BMT when compared to controls, and that it was significantly reduced in plasma of X-ALD after BMT when compared to the before BMT group. These results indicate that lipid peroxidation is stimulated in X-ALD patients but there is a significant reduction of lipid peroxidation after BMT. Next, we observed a significant reduction of sulfhydryl content in plasma of X-ALD patients before BMT compared to controls indicating protein oxidative damage and that this measurement was increased in these patients after BMT as compared to before BMT. We found no significant differences in plasma carbonyl content in X-ALD patients before and after BMT as compared to controls. However, we observed a significant reduction in this parameter in X-ALD patients after BMT compared to before BMT. Finally, C26:0 plasma concentration was significantly reduced in X-ALD patients after BMT when compared to before BMT. We found no significant correlations between MDA and carbonyl values with C26:0 levels of the patients before BMT and after BMT, but a significant inverse correlation between sulfhydryl content and C26:0 levels was detected. In conclusion, the present study reinforces the hypothesis that lipid peroxidation and protein damage are induced in plasma of X-ALD patients and, in addition, demonstrates that BMT treatment is capable to reduce this pathogenic process. Taken together, the data obtained from plasma of X-ALD patients before and after BMT showing induction and protection, respectively, of oxidative stress, allowed to suggest that BMT, when well succeeded and under the recommendations, is effective to reduce C26:0 plasma levels and the increased lipid and protein oxidative damage in X-ALD.

Phenolic enriched extract of Baccharis trimera presents anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

Baccharis trimera is a plant popularly used as a tea and to treat gastrointestinal diseases and inflammatory processes as well. The total phenolic content was determined and the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of six extracts (dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, butanol, aqueous, saponin and phenolic) from B. trimera were evaluated. Using carrageenan-induced pleurisy as a model of acute inflammation, the phenolic extract at 15 mg/kg decreased significantly the analyzed parameters when compared to the carrageenan group ( p < 0.05), thus showing potential anti-inflammatory activity. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were evaluated by the Folin-Ciocalteau and DPPH methods, respectively. Phenolic and ethyl acetate extracts presented higher antioxidant activity ( p < 0.05) than ascorbic acid. The phenolic extract also showed the highest antioxidant potential in relation to the other extracts, thus suggesting that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were due to the presence of phenolic compounds.

Comparative study of oxidative stress and antioxidative markers in patients infected with Toxoplasma gondii.

Recently, oxidative stress and antioxidative compounds have been described as potential biomarkers. However, there is no consensus on the most appropriate oxidative and antioxidative biomarkers for patients with Toxoplasma gondii. In the present study, we evaluated the levels of lipid, protein, DNA oxidative damage and antioxidants in samples from patients infected with T. gondii with and without ocular toxoplasmosis. The levels of MDA, TBARS, micronuclei, carbonyl, GSH, vitamin C and vitamin E were measured on samples from 8 patients positive for T. gondii antibodies with ocular toxoplasmosis (OT), 20 patients positive for T. gondii antibodies without ocular toxoplasmosis (non OT), and 12 healthy individuals negative for T. gondii antibodies. The levels of MDA, TBARS, carbonyl and micronuclei were significantly higher in non OT patients, while MDA and TBARS levels were lower in OT patients. In contrast, the antioxidative factors, GSH and vitamin E levels were significantly lower in non OT patients, while vitamin C was lower in non OT and OT patients. Additionally, non OT patients were indicated to be high producers of oxidative markers (TBARS, MDA, micronuclei and carbonyl), while control group was indicated to be high producer of antioxidative markers (GSH, vitamins C and E). However, OT patients were not found as high producers of oxidative nor antioxidative markers. Our results provide a starting point of possible markers to better understand the disease pathogenesis in patients infected with T. gondii. Additional studies are needed to clarify the potential contribution of oxidative and antioxidative markers in these patients population.

The Val16Ala MnSOD gene polymorphism is associated with hypertension in self-declared black individuals.

Hypertension is the leading contributor to cardiovascular disease worldwide; the prevalence of hypertension is higher among black adults than other racial/ethnic groups. One of the cellular defense mechanisms against reactive oxygen species are the antioxidants, such as the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the influence of the SNP Val16Ala of the SOD2 gene on oxidative stress and hypertension in a community population of self-declared black individuals in southern Brazil. The 158 participants declared themselves black (black/brown) regarding their skin color, being 89 (56.3%) self-declared black and 69 (43.7%) brown. A real-time polymerase chain reaction determined the MnSOD Ala16Val polymorphism, and oxidative stress marker levels were significant, in addition to differences in the hypertensive group regarding the levels of carbonyl (p = .016), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (p = .040), ischemia-modified albumin (p = .046), total antioxidant capacity (p = .011), and Nitric oxide metabolites (p = .029). The SOD Val/Val genotype was considered a risk factor regardless of the other variables for hypertension (p = .034). The Val16Ala polymorphism of the MnSOD gene presented an association with hypertension.