The influence of lithium and/or selenium on plasma amino acids profile in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Selenium belongs to essential microelements and is used in agriculture. Lithium is used in medicine and the possibility of its exposure by environmental pollution has been reported. Both elements have been found to be connected with amino acids metabolism. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the effect of lithium and selenium on plasma amino acids in rats, and to evaluate the influence of selenium in organisms exposed to lithium. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The effect of selenium (0.5 mg/kg b.w., orally as Na2SeO3) and/or lithium (2.7 mg/kg b.w., orally as Li2CO3) given for 6 weeks on the plasma profile of selected amino acids in rats was studied. The concentrations of amino acids were determined using ion exchange chromatography with the aid of an amino acids analyzer AAA400. RESULTS: A significant effect of lithium on plasma amino acids profile was found in rats, much greater than for selenium. Selenium treatment slightly increased Tau, Phe, Tyr, Ala, Trp, Ser and Gln, while Lys and Orn were enhanced in a significant way. In contrast, Li-treatment caused a well-marked increase in Phe, Orn, Ala, His, Trp, Asp and Gln, whereas all the others were only slightly increased. Co-treatment resulted in a significant increase in Orn and Trp, a slight enhancement of Phe, Lys and His, while the rest remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: A significant effect of lithium alone on plasma amino acids profile in animals was demonstrated, with a much less influence of selenium alone. Co-treatment generally resulted in a slight or no effect. The slight selenium influence seems important regarding its agricultural application and the growing interest in its supplementation. Results concerning lithium could contribute to the research regarding the mechanism of Li action.

The Great Healing Potential Hidden in Plant Preparations of Antioxidant Properties: A Return to Nature?

The application of chemicals in industry and agriculture has contributed to environmental pollution and exposure of living organisms to harmful factors. The development of new pharmaceutical agents enabled successful therapy of various diseases, but their administration may be connected with side effects. Oxidative stress has been found to be involved into etiology of numerous diseases as well as harmful action of drugs and chemicals. For some time, plant origin substances have been studied as potential protective agents alleviating toxicity of various substances and symptoms of diseases. The aim of the current review was to present the diversity of the research performed during the last five years on animal models. The outcomes showed a huge protective potential inherent in plant preparations, including alleviating prooxidative processes, strengthening antioxidant defence, ameliorating immune parameters, and reversing histopathological changes. In many cases, plant origin substances were proved to be comparable or even better than standard drugs. Such findings let us suggest that in the future the plant preparations could make adjuvants or a replacement for pharmaceutical agents. However, the detailed research regarding dose and way of administration as well as the per se effects needs to be performed. In many studies, the last issue was not studied, and in some cases, the deleterious effects have been observed.

Selenium prevents lithium accumulation and does not disturb basic microelement homeostasis in liver and kidney of rats exposed to lithium.

INTRODUCTION: Lithium has been used in medicine for almost seventy years. Besides beneficial effects, its therapy may cause serious side-effects, with kidney and liver being the organs most vulnerable to its harmful influence. Therefore, research on protective agents against lithium toxicity has been continuing for some time. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the influence of additional selenium supplementation on lithium content, as well as homeostasis of the essential microelements iron, zinc, copper and manganese in kidney and liver of rats undergoing lithium exposure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed on 4 groups of male Wistar rats (6 animals each) treated with: control - saline; Li-group - Li2CO3 at a dose of 2.7 mg Li/kg b.w.; Se-group - Na2SeO3 at a dose of 0.5 mg Se/kg b.w.; Li+Se-group - both Li2CO3 and Na2SeO3 at doses of 2.7 mg Li/kg b.w. and of 0.5 mg Se/kg b.w., respectively, in the form of water solutions by stomach tube, once a day for 3 weeks. The content of the studied elements in the organ samples was determined using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS). RESULTS: Lithium administered alone caused a significant increase in its content in liver and kidney. Additional supplementation with selenium reversed these effects, and did not markedly affect other studied microelements compared to control. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results suggest that selenium could be regarded as an adjuvant into lithium therapy. However, considering the limitations of the present study (the short duration, using only one dose and form of selenium) the continuation of the research seems to be necessary to clarify the influence of selenium supplementation on basic microelements and lithium accumulation in organs during lithium exposure.

The Oxidative Stress in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients. An Attempt of Evaluation of Possible Compensatory Effects Occurring in the Disease Development.

Background and Objective: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disorder of the musculoskeletal system resulting in worsening of life condition. The research revealed the involvement of oxidative stress into both OA pathogenesis and the effects of therapeutic agents applied in OA cases. The activities of the most important antioxidant enzymes, namely superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant status (TAS), in blood of the knee OA patients were studied, with the aim of clarifying which enzymatic antioxidants are involved into osteoarthritis (OA)-related oxidative stress and whether any compensatory effects occur. The results were additionally analyzed with regard to gender. Methods: Whole blood SOD (U/mL), plasma GPx (U/L) and CAT (U/mL) activities as well as plasma TAS (mmol/L)) in knee OA patients were investigated. Sixty-seven patients (49 females and 18 males) with primary knee OA were enrolled. The control comprised 21 subjects (10 females and 11 males) free of osteoarthritis or inflammation. Results: TAS was decreased in OA subjects (4.39 0.53 vs. 4.70 0.60), with this effect being more significant in OA females (4.31 0.51 vs. 5.02 0.54). GPx was depressed in all OA patients (518 176 vs. 675 149). In both genders, GPx was decreased, significantly in males (482 185 vs. 715 105). SOD was decreased in all OA patients (109 32 vs. 127 42). CAT showed no difference in all OA subjects vs. control, while in OA females it was depleted (20.2 (11.6-31.6) vs. 38.5 (27.9-46.6)) and in OA men it increased (26.9 (23.3-46.5) vs. 14.0 (7.0-18.6)). Conclusions: The obtained results suggest that in men some compensatory mechanisms towards OA-related oxidative stress occurred. Based on the obtained data, the introduction of antioxidant supplements into OA therapy could be suggested with further research concerning the choice of agents.

Lithium disturbs homeostasis of essential microelements in erythrocytes of rats: Selenium as a protective agent?

BACKGROUND: Selenium is an essential element which shows protective properties against diverse harmful factors. Lithium compounds are widely used in medicine, but, in spite of undoubted beneficial effects, treatment with these compounds may lead to severe side effects, including renal, gastrointestinal, neurological, endocrine and metabolic disorders. This study was aimed at evaluating the influence of selenium and/or lithium on lithium, iron, zinc and copper content in rats' erythrocytes as well as estimate the action of additional selenium on lithium exposure effects. METHODS: The experiment was performed on four groups of rats (six animals each): control - received saline; Li - received 2.7mg Li/kg b.w. as lithium carbonate; Se - received 0.5mg Se/kg b.w. as sodium selenite; Se+Li - received simultaneously 0.5mg Se/kg b.w. and 2.7mg Li/kg b.w. (sodium selenite and lithium carbonate). The administration was performed for three weeks, once a day by stomach tube, in form of water solutions. In erythrocytes the content of lithium, iron, zinc and copper was determined using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. RESULTS: Lithium treatment insignificantly disturbed iron and zinc homeostasis as well as markedly increased lithium accumulation and copper content in rat erythrocytes. Selenium coadministration reversed those effects. CONCLUSIONS: The beneficial effect of selenium on disturbances of studied microelements homeostasis as well as on preventing lithium accumulation in erythrocytes in Li receiving animals allows suggesting that further research on selenium application as an adjuvant in lithium therapy is worth carrying on.

Antioxidant Potential of Propolis, Bee Pollen, and Royal Jelly: Possible Medical Application.

Honeybees products comprise of numerous substances, including propolis, bee pollen, and royal jelly, which have long been known for their medicinal and health-promoting properties. Their wide biological effects have been known and used since antiquity. Bee products are considered to be a potential source of natural antioxidants such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, or terpenoids. Nowadays, the still growing concern in natural substances capable of counteracting the effects of oxidative stress underlying the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, diabetes, and atherosclerosis, as well as negative effects of different harmful factors and drugs, is being observed. Having regarded the importance of acquiring drugs from natural sources, this review is aimed at updating the current state of knowledge of antioxidant capacity of selected bee products, namely, propolis, bee pollen, and royal jelly, and of their potential antioxidant-related therapeutic applications. Moreover, the particular attention has been attributed to the understanding of the mechanisms underlying antioxidant properties of bee products. The influence of bee species, plant origin, geographic location, and seasonality as well as type of extraction solutions on the composition of bee products extracts were also discussed.

Selenium - a fascinating antioxidant of protective properties.

Selenium is a trace element which fulfils important functions in the organism. Its deficit may cause acute disorders, but an overdose can also lead to severe consequences. The functions of selenium in the organism are mainly connected with its antioxidant properties, as it is an essential part of important antioxidant enzymes. Disturbances of oxidant balance have been found to be involved in the activity of numerous harmful factors as well as in the pathogenesis of diverse illnesses. Selenium administration has proved to be effective against the toxicity of many agents and the side effects of drugs. However, the narrow range between therapeutic and toxic doses of selenium, as well as the dependence of its effect on the applied form, dose and method of treatment, makes the choice of the most effective supplement a very complex issue. Divergent forms of selenium are still being studied, including both inorganic and organic compounds as well as Se-enriched natural products. The newest research has also involved selenium nanoparticles. The aim of this review is to present the great potential of selenium for protecting the organism against a wide variety of environmental pollutants, drugs and physical factors.

Lithium as a prooxidant? A possible protective role of selenium - in vitro study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Lithium is used in medicine but its application may cause diverse side effects. Selenium has been found to show protective properties against negative influence of different harmful factors. This study was aimed at evaluating the influence of non-toxic dose of lithium on antioxidant parameters in FaDu (ATCC HTB-43) and Vero (ECACC No. 84113001) cell lines as well as the possible protective effect of non-toxic concentration of sodium selenite. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cells were subjected to 0.17 mmol/L of Li2CO3 and/or 2.9 µmol/L of Na2SeO3 · 5H2O for Vero as well as 0.47 mmol/L of Li2CO3 and/or 3.0 µmol/L of Na2SeO3 · 5H2O for FaDu cells. The incubation was continued for the subsequent 72 h. In the cells total antioxidant status (TAS) values, activities of antioxidant enzymes - superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) as well as the reduced glutathione concentration (GSH) were determined. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In Vero cells lithium decreased all studied parameters, particularly GPx. Selenium co-treatment showed a distinct protective effect. In FaDu cells the similar effect was observed only in case of GSH. The results point to differences in action of lithium and selenium in physiological and pathological state. As long-term lithium therapy is applied in psychiatric patients the results regarding Vero line let suggest that selenium might be considered as an adjuvant alleviating side effects of Li-treatment.

The Influence of Lithium and/or Selenium Treatment on Homeostasis of Chosen Bioelements in Rats.

Lithium is widely used in medicine and the therapy is often long term. Apart from beneficial effects, its application can cause diverse side effects. The current study was performed with the aim of the evaluation of the effect of lithium and/or selenium administration on magnesium, calcium and silicon levels in rats. The study was performed on rats divided into four groups (six animals each): control-received saline, Li-received Li2CO3 (2.7 mg Li/kg b.w.), Se-received Na2SeO3·H2O (0.5 mg Se/kg b.w.), and Li+Se-received simultaneously Li2CO3 and Na2SeO3·H2O (2.7 and 0.5 mg Se/kg b.w.). The administration was performed in form of water solutions by a stomach tube once a day for 6 weeks. In the organs (liver, kidney, brain, spleen, heart, lung and femoral muscle), the concentrations of magnesium, calcium and silicon were determined. Lithium significantly increased Ca in the kidney, brain and spleen. Coadministration of selenium reversed this effect. No changes of magnesium in organs were observed. Silicon was affected only in spleen-an increase vs. control was observed in all studied groups. The beneficial influence of coadministration of selenium in case of calcium lets us suggest that an issue of its possible use as an adjuvant alleviating side effects in lithium-treated subjects is worth being continued.

Homeostasis of chosen bioelements in organs of rats receiving lithium and/or selenium.

Lithium is an essential trace element, widely used in medicine and its application is often long-term. Despite beneficial effects, its administration can lead to severe side effects including hyperparathyroidism, renal and thyroid disorders. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the influence of lithium and/or selenium treatment on magnesium, calcium and silicon levels in rats' organs as well as the possibility of using selenium as an adjuvant in lithium therapy. The study was performed on rats divided into four groups (six animals each): control-treated with saline; Li-treated with Li2CO3 (2.7 mg Li/kg b.w.); Se-treated with Na2SeO3·H2O (0.5 mg Se/kg b.w.); Se + Li-treated simultaneously with Li2CO3 and Na2SeO3·H2O (2.7 mg Li/kg b.w. and of 0.5 mg Se/kg b.w., respectively). The administration was performed in form of water solutions by stomach tube once a day for 3 weeks. In the organs (liver, kidney, brain, spleen, heart, lung and femoral muscle) the concentrations of magnesium, calcium and silicon were determined. Magnesium was increased in liver of Se and Se + Li given rats. Lithium decreased tissue Ca and co-administration of selenium reversed this effect. Silicon was not affected by any treatment. The beneficial effect of selenium on disturbances of calcium homeostasis let suggest that further research on selenium application as an adjuvant in lithium therapy is worth being performed.

Effect of sodium selenite on chosen anti- and pro-oxidative parameters in rats treated with lithium: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Selenium is an essential element of antioxidant properties. Lithium is widely used in medicine but its administration can cause numerous side effects including oxidative stress. The present study aimed at evaluating if sodium selenite could influence chosen anti- and pro-oxidant parameters in rats treated with lithium. METHODS: The experiment was performed on four groups of Wistar rats: I (control) - treated with saline; II (Li) - treated with lithium (2.7 mgLi/kg b.w. as Li2CO3), III (Se) - treated with selenium (0.5 mgSe/kg b.w. as Na2SeO3), IV (Li+Se) - treated with Li2CO3 and Na2SeO3 together at the same doses as in group II and III, respectively. All treatments were performed by stomach tube for three weeks in form of water solutions. The following anti- and pro-oxidant parameters: total antioxidant status (TAS) value, catalase (CAT) activity, concentrations of ascorbic acid (AA) and malonyldialdehyde (MDA) in plasma as well as whole blood superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were measured. RESULTS: Selenium given alone markedly enhanced whole blood GPx and diminished plasma CAT vs. CONTROL: Lithium significantly decreased plasma CAT and slightly increased AA vs. CONTROL: Selenium co-administration restored these parameters to the values observed in control animals. Furthermore, selenium co-administration significantly increased GPx in Li-treated rats. All other parameters (TAS, SOD and MDA) were not affected by lithium and/or selenium. CONCLUSION: Further research seems to be warranted to decide if application of selenium as an adjuvant in lithium therapy is worth considering.

The investigation of the possible protective influence of selenium on antioxidant barrier in heart of rats exposed to lithium.

AIMS: Selenium is an essential element possessing antioxidant properties and the treatment with it has displayed protective effects against toxicity of different substances occurring in the environment and food as well as against the side effects of some drugs. Lithium is used in medicine although numerous side effects can occur during therapy, including disturbances of the heart. For these reasons studies to find protective adjuvants have been performed. In the current study the possibility of selenium (as sodium selenite) application as a protective adjuvant in lithium treatment was studied. MAIN METHODS: Male Wistar rats were treated: control - with saline; Li-group - with Li2CO3 (2.7 mg Li/kg b.w.); Se-group - with Na2SeO3 (0.5 mg Se/kg b.w.); Li+Se-group simultaneously with Li2CO3 and Na2SeO3 (2.7 mg Li/kg b.w. and 0.5 mg Se/kg b.w., respectively) by a stomach tube for a period of three weeks, once a day. In heart homogenate activities of antioxidant enzymes - catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), concentrations of low-molecular-weight antioxidants - ascorbic acid (AA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) as well as total antioxidant status (TAS) values were determined. GPx/SOD and CAT/SOD ratios were evaluated. KEY FINDINGS: In comparison with control selenium caused no significant changes of the studied parameters except for GPx, whereas lithium slightly disturbed TAS and markedly GPx, CAT and CAT/SOD ratio. In Li-treated rats co-administration of selenium displayed tendency towards restoring the impaired parameters. SIGNIFICANCE: The results suggest that research on selenium application as an adjuvant in lithium therapy is worthy to be continued.

Could selenium administration alleviate the disturbances of blood parameters caused by lithium administration in rats?

Lithium is widely used in medicine, but its administration can cause numerous side effects. The present study aimed at the evaluation of the possible application of selenium, an essential and antioxidant element, as a protective agent against lithium toxicity. The experiment was performed on four groups of Wistar rats: I (control)-treated with saline, II (Li)-treated with lithium (Li2CO3), III (Se)-treated with selenium (Na2SeO3) and IV (Li + Se)-treated with lithium and selenium (Li2CO3 and Na2SeO3) in the form of water solutions by stomach tube for 6 weeks. The following biochemical parameters were measured: concentrations of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, urea, creatinine, cholesterol, glucose, total protein and albumin and activities of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in serum as well as whole blood superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Morphological parameters such as red blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, platelets, white blood cells, neutrophils as well as lymphocytes were determined. Lithium significantly increased serum calcium and glucose (2.65 ± 0.17 vs. 2.43 ± 0.11; 162 ± 31 vs. 121 ± 14, respectively), whereas magnesium and albumin were decreased (1.05 ± 0.08 vs. 1.21 ± 0.15; 3.85. ± 0.12 vs. 4.02 ± 0.08, respectively). Selenium given with lithium restored these parameters to values similar to those observed in the control (Ca-2.49 ± 0.08, glucose-113 ± 26, Mg-1.28 ± 0.09, albumin-4.07 ± 0.11). Se alone or co-administered with Li significantly increased aspartate aminotransferase and glutathione peroxidase. The obtained outcomes let us suggest that the continuation of research on the application of selenium as an adjuvant in lithium therapy seems warranted.

The influence of selenium compounds of different structure on morphology, blood biochemistry and phagocytic capability of granulocytes in rats.

BACKGROUND: Selenium belongs to important microelements. Numerous studies have revealed relationships between its deficiency and occurrence of diverse illnesses, but the question of the proper form and dose of Se-supplementation still remains unsolved. OBJECTIVE: In the present study the influence of different selenium compounds on blood morphology and biochemistry as well as on phagocytic capacity of granulocytes and NBT test in rats was investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Adolescent male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (ten animals each): I--control, received saline; II--received sodium selenite Na2SeO3; III--received selenoorganic compound A of chain structure 4-(o-tolyl-)-selenosemicarbazide of 2-chlorobenzoic acid; IV--received selenoorganic compound B of cyclic structure 3-(2-chlorobenzoylamino-)-2-(o-tolylimino-)-4-methyl-4-selenazoline. The administration was performed by stomach tube at a dose of 5 x 10(-4) mg Se g(-1) b.w. once a day for 10 days. RESULTS: Selenium compounds treatment decreased haematocrit. Erythrocytes number was unchanged in all groups receiving Se vs. control, whereas leucocytes number was depressed in groups II and IV. Haemoglobin was significantly decreased in group III. White blood count was altered in groups II and III, where all parameters were markedly decreased except for lymphocytes in group III and remained unchanged in group IV. The outcomes regarding selenium effect on biochemistry parameters of blood showed that urea remained unchanged, glucose was statistically decreased in groups II and III, whereas cholesterol was significantly diminished in group II and increased in group III vs. control. Results concerning phagocytosis and NBT test displayed that % of positive cells were decreased in groups II and III, whereas remained unaltered in group IV vs. control. CONCLUSIONS: As cyclic selenoorganic compound B did not cause many significant changes of the studied parameters it may be suggested that after further researches it could be taken into account as a possible selenium supplement.

Oxidant balance in brain of rats receiving different compounds of selenium.

The influence of two organic selenocompounds and sodium selenite on oxidant processes in rat brain tissue was investigated. The study was performed on male Wistar rats. The animals were divided into four groups: I-control; II-administered with sodium selenite; III-provided with selenoorganic compound A of chain structure 4-(o-tolyl-)-selenosemicarbazide of 2-chlorobenzoic acid and IV-provided with selenoorganic compound B of ring structure 3-(2-chlorobenzoylamino-)-2-(o-tolylimino-)-4-methyl-4-selenazoline. Rats were treated by stomach tube at a dose of 5 × 10(-4) mg of selenium/g of b.w. once a day for a period of 10 days. In brain homogenates total antioxidant status (TAS), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), concentrations of ascorbic acid (AA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) as well as concentration of malonyl dialdehyde (MDA) were determined. TAS was insignificantly diminished in all selenium-supplemented groups versus control. SOD was not significantly influenced by administration of selenium. GPx was markedly decreased in group III versus control, whereas increased in group IV versus control and group III. Selenosemicarbazide depleted AA in well-marked way versus group II. GSH was significantly depressed in group III versus both control and group II and diminished in group IV versus group II. MDA was significantly decreased in group III versus both control and group II, whereas in group IV increased versus group III. As selenazoline A did not decrease elements of antioxidant barrier and increased GPx activity, it seems to be a promising agent for future studies concerning its possible application as a selenium supplement.

Level of magnesium in patients with depression treated with lithium -- pilotage research.

INTRODUCTION: Depression is a major public health problem. Magnesium (Mg(2+)) is involved in many metabolic processes as an activator of over 300 different enzymes. For the last 60 years lithium (Li(+)) compounds have been used in psychiatry. Li(+) salts are regarded as the first choice medicine in the treatment of affective disorders and are also applied as an adjuvant intensifying the therapy in drug-resistant depression patients. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was an analysis of the relationship between the levels of magnesium, lithium, and education and place of residence of patients hospitalized due to depression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with bipolar affective disorders undergoing lithium therapy during their stay in the Department of Psychiatry at the Medical University in Lublin were examined. Patients were divided into three groups according to education level and were also analyzed according to place of residence. RESULTS: In the group of patients in the study, a significantly lower level of magnesium was found (p=0.02) in blood plasma of patients with secondary education level, compared to those who had elementary education. There was also a significantly higher level of magnesium (p=0.01) in blood plasma of patients who lived in urban areas, compared to rural inhabitants. No statistically significant differences were noted between lithium level in plasma, and the patients' place of residence (p=0.34). CONCLUSION: Significantly higher plasma magnesium levels were observed among city than village inhabitants, there was also a relationship between type of education and magnesium level in blood plasma of the patients in the study. Further studies including larger groups of patients should be performed to enable a final conclusion.