Pleurotus albidus (Agaricomycetes) Antioxidant Action Induces Vasodilation in Aorta Arteries: The Influence of the NADPH/NOS Balance.

The main objective of this work was to evaluate whether Pleurotus albidus extract exerts influences on aorta artery tone by its antioxidant properties. The hearts and aortic arteries of male Wistar rats were removed for use in biochemical analysis and vascular reactivity. Both tissues were exposed to P. albidus extract at different concentrations for 30 min and were then exposed to a free radical generation system for 30 min. The extract reduced lipid peroxidation levels and increased catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity in cardiac tissue. In the aorta, P. albidus extract demonstrated a direct vasodilatory effect, which was associated with a reduction in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX) activity and an increase in sulfhydryl levels and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity. Our findings suggest that P. albidus extract has regulatory potential on aorta arteries, regulating the balance of NOX/NOS enzymes and then influencing vessel tone. Further studies are needed to determine the protective mechanisms of the extract.

Blueberry extract attenuates norepinephrine-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in H9c2 cardiac cells.

Enhanced sympathetic system activation mediated by norepinephrine (NE) contributes to adverse cardiac remodeling leading to oxidative stress and cell death, progressing to heart failure. Natural antioxidants may help maintain redox balance, attenuating NE-mediated cardiac cell damage. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of a blueberry extract (BBE) on H9c2 cardiac cells exposed to NE on cell death, oxidative stress status and its major signaling pathways. H9c2 cells were pre-incubated with 50 µg/ml of BBE for 4 h and maintained in the presence of 100 µM NE for 24 h. NE exposure resulted in increased caspase 3/7 activity. This was associated with reduced protein expression of antioxidants catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and increase in 4-hydroxynonenal adduct formation. NE led to increased activity of Protein kinase B (Akt), Forkhead box O3a and AMP-activated protein kinase alpha and decreased activity of Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. BBE prevented caspases activation and abrogated NE-induced increase in oxidative stress, as well as attenuated the increase in Akt. Based on these findings, it is concluded that BBE promoted cardioprotection of H9c2 cells in an in vitro model of NE-induced oxidative damage, suggesting a cardioprotective role for BBE in response to NE exposure.

Blueberry extract improves redox balance and functional parameters in the right ventricle from rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

PURPOSE: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disease characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance and right ventricle (RV) failure. In this context, oxidative stress is an essential element contributing to PAH's pathophysiology. Thus, blueberry (BB), which has a high antioxidant capacity, emerges as a natural therapeutic approach in PAH. This work evaluated the effect of BB extract on redox balance in RV in a PAH's animal model. METHODS: Male Wistar rats (200 ± 20 g) (n = 72) were randomized into eight groups: control (CTR); monocrotaline (MCT); CTR and MCT treated at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg BB. PAH was induced by administration of MCT (60 mg/kg, intraperitoneal). Rats were treated with BB orally for 5 weeks (2 weeks before monocrotaline and 3 weeks after monocrotaline injection). On day 35, rats were submitted to echocardiography and catheterization, then euthanasia and RV harvesting for biochemical analyses. RESULTS: RV hypertrophy, observed in the MCT groups, was reduced with BB treatment. MCT elevated RV systolic pressure and pressure/time derivatives, while the intervention with BB decreased these parameters. PAH decreased RV output and pulmonary artery outflow acceleration/ejection time ratio, while increased RV diameters, parameters restored by BB treatment. Animals from the MCT group showed elevated lipid peroxidation and NADPH oxidase activity, outcomes attenuated in animals treated with BB, which also led to increased catalase activity. CONCLUSION: Treatment with BB partially mitigated PAH, which could be associated with improvement of RV redox state. Such findings constitute an advance in the investigation of the role of BB extract in chronic progressive cardiovascular diseases that involve the redox balance, such as PAH.

Blueberry extract decreases oxidative stress and improves functional parameters in lungs from rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

OBJECTIVES: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a condition characterized by an increased resistance of pulmonary vasculature, culminating in an increase in pulmonary pressure. This process involves disturbances in lung redox homeostasis, causing progressive right heart failure. In this context, the use of natural antioxidants, such as those found in blueberries, may represent a therapeutic approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of blueberry extract (BB) on functional parameters and oxidative stress levels in rat lungs with induced PAH. METHODS: Forty-eight male Wistar rats (weighing 200 ± 20 g) were randomized into five groups: control, monocrotaline, monocrotaline + BB 50, monocrotaline + BB 100, and monocrotaline + BB 200. PAH was induced by the administration of monocrotaline (60 mg/kg, intraperitoneal). Rats were treated with BB at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg via gavage for 5 wk (2 wk before monocrotaline and 3 wk after monocrotaline injection). At day 35, rats were submitted to echocardiography and catheterization. They were then sacrificed and lungs were harvested for biochemical analyses. RESULTS: BB increased the E/A ratio of blood flow across the tricuspid valve and tricuspid annular phase systolic excursion, as wells as decreased the mean pulmonary artery pressure of animals compared with the PAH group. Moreover, BB decreased total reactive species concentration and lipid oxidation, reduced activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase and expression of xanthine oxidase, increased the activity of superoxide dismutase and restored sulfhydryl content in the animal lungs compared with those in the PAH group. Additionally, BB restored expression of the antioxidant transcriptional factor Nrf2 in the lungs of the animal subjects. Finally, BB normalized the endothelin receptor (ETA/ETB) expression ratio in the animal lungs, which were increased in the PAH group. CONCLUSION: Intervention with BB mitigated functional PAH outcomes through improvement of the pulmonary redox state. Our results provide a basis for future research on natural antioxidant interventions as a novel treatment strategy in PAH.

Spinal Manipulation Therapy Improves Tactile Allodynia and Peripheral Nerve Functionality and Modulates Blood Oxidative Stress Markers in Rats Exposed to Knee-Joint Immobilization.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effect of manually assisted lumbar spinal manipulation therapy on tactile allodynia, peripheral nerve functional recovery, and oxidative markers in rats exposed to knee immobilization-inducing hypersensitivity. METHODS: Tactile allodynia and sciatic, tibial, and peroneal functional indices were assessed before the knee joint immobilization, 24 hours after the knee cast removal, and 24 hours after 3 weeks of lumbar therapy with the Activator Adjusting Instrument, model 4 (AAI 4). Subsequently, the blood was collected from each rat, and oxidative markers such as lipid hydroperoxide levels; nitric oxide metabolites; and superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities were assessed. RESULTS: The AAI 4 improved the immobilization-induced allodynia and recovered the peripheral nerve functional indices impaired after knee immobilization. Immobilized rats treated with AAI 4 therapy presented a lack of significant changes in lipid hydroperoxides and nitric oxide metabolites in the plasma contrasting with rats that were kept freely in their cages, with no therapy applied, which presented elevated lipid hydroperoxides levels. Also, the antioxidant catalase enzymatic activity decreased in the blood of rats immobilized and treated with AAI 4. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that manually assisted lumbar spinal manipulation therapy modulates systemic oxidative stress, which possibly contributes to the analgesia and recovery of peripheral nerve functionality.

Chronic whole-body heat treatment relieves atherosclerotic lesions, cardiovascular and metabolic abnormalities, and enhances survival time restoring the anti-inflammatory and anti-senescent heat shock response in mice.

Unhealthy lifestyle persistently feeds forward inflammation in metabolic organs thus imposing senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), as observed in obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, SASP blocks physiological resolution of inflammation by suppressing the anti-inflammatory and anti-senescent heat shock (HS) response, i.e., the gene program centered in heat shock factor-1 (HSF1)-dependent expression heat shock proteins (HSPs). As SASP-inducing factors are not removed, leading to the perpetuation of inflammation, we argued that SIRT1-HSF1-HSP axis might also be suppressed in atherosclerosis, which could be reversible by heat treatment (HT), the most powerful HS response trigger. LDLr-/- adult mice were fed on high-fat/high-cholesterol diet from the age of 90 days until the end of study (age of 270 days). After 120 days under atherosclerotic diet, the animals were submitted to either whole-body HT (n = 42; 40 °C) or sham (n = 59; 37 °C) treatment (15 min/session), under anesthesia, once a week, for 8 weeks, being echographically and metabolically monitored. Aortic expressions of SIRT1, HSF1, HSP27, HSP72 and HSP73 were progressively depressed in atherosclerotic animals, as compared to normal (LDLr+/+; n = 25) healthy counterparts, which was paralleled by increased expression of NF-κB-dependent VCAM1 adhesion molecule. Conversely, HT completely reversed suppression of the above HS response proteins, while markedly inhibiting both VCAM1 expression and NF-κB DNA-binding activity. Also, HT dramatically reduced plasma levels of TG, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, oxidative stress, fasting glucose and insulin resistance while rising HDL-cholesterol levels. HT also decreased body weight gain, visceral fat, cellular infiltration and aortic fatty streaks, and heart ventricular congestive hypertrophy, thereby improving aortic blood flow and myocardial performance (Tei) indices. Remarkably, heat-treated mice stopped dying after the third HT session (= 8 human years), suggesting a curative effect. Therefore, evolution of atherosclerosis is associated with suppression of the anti-inflammatory and anti-senescent SIRT1-HSF1-HSP molecular axis, which is refreshed by chronic heat treatment.

Copaiba Oil Attenuates Right Ventricular Remodeling by Decreasing Myocardial Apoptotic Signaling in Monocrotaline-Induced Rats.

There is an increase in oxidative stress and apoptosis signaling during the transition from hypertrophy to right ventricular (RV) failure caused by pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) induced by monocrotaline (MCT). In this study, it was evaluated the action of copaiba oil on the modulation of proteins involved in RV apoptosis signaling in rats with PAH. Male Wistar rats (±170 g, n = 7/group) were divided into 4 groups: control, MCT, copaiba oil, and MCT + copaiba oil. PAH was induced by MCT (60 mg/kg intraperitoneally) and, 7 days later, treatment with copaiba oil (400 mg/kg by gavage) was given for 14 days. Echocardiographic and hemodynamic measurements were performed, and the RV was collected for morphometric evaluations, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cell survival signaling, and eNOS protein expression. Copaiba oil reduced RV hypertrophy (24%), improved RV systolic function, and reduced RV end-diastolic pressure, increased total sulfhydryl levels and eNOS protein expression, reduced lipid and protein oxidation, and the expression of proteins involved in apoptosis signaling in the RV of MCT + copaiba oil as compared to MCT group. In conclusion, copaiba oil reduced oxidative stress, and apoptosis signaling in RV of rats with PAH, which may be associated with an improvement in cardiac function caused by this compound.

DHEA Treatment Effects on Redox Environment in Skeletal Muscle of Young and Aged Healthy Rats.

BACKGROUND: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an important precursor of active steroid hormone, produced abundantly by the adrenal cortex with an age-dependent pattern. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether chronic DHEA administration impacts on redox status and on Akt protein activation in skeletal muscle during the aging process (3 and 24 months-old rats). METHODS: Rats received one weekly dose/5 weeks of DHEA (10 mg/kg) or vehicle. Gastrocnemius muscle was removed to evaluate glutathione system, hydrogen peroxide, antioxidant enzymes, and expression of Akt kinase protein. RESULTS: In the 3-months-old rats DHEA induced an increase in hydrogen peroxide when compared both to its control (276%) and the 24-months-old DHEA group (485%). Moreover, in the 24- months-old rats DHEA caused an increase in GSSG (41 and 28%), a decrease in reduced-GSH (55 and 51%), and a more oxidized redox status (reduction in GSH/GSSG ratio, 47 and 65 %) when compared to 3-month-old DHEA and to 24-months-old control groups, respectively. Both older groups had increased G6PDH (2.7 fold) and GST (1.7 fold) activities when compared to younger groups, independently of any DHEA treatment. However, there was no modulation of Akt protein (phosphorylated/total isoform). CONCLUSION: The results show that chronic DHEA administration to 3 and 24-months-old rats may not present positive effects regarding the redox environment in skeletal muscle without modulation of pro-survival Akt kinase. Due to the large-scale self-administration of DHEA as an "anti-aging" dietary supplement, it is crucial to investigate its molecular mechanisms over oxidative stressinduced related diseases.

Effects of Methanol Fraction from Leaves of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi on Nociception and Spinal-Cord Oxidative Biomarkers in Rats with Neuropathic Pain.

We determined the antioxidant potential of fractions obtained from leaves of Schinus terebinthifolius, a medicinal plant known in Brazil as aroeira, to select the fraction with the best yield and antioxidant performance. These qualities were found in the methanol fraction (MeF), which was administered intraperitoneally (20 mg/kg/day) for 3 and 10 days to rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve, a model of neuropathic pain. The MeF increased the mechanical and thermal thresholds that had been lowered by CCI. In parallel, the lumbosacral spinal cord showed an increase in superoxide dismutase but a decrease in glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase activities in saline- and MeF-treated CCI rats. Catalase activity decreased only in saline-treated CCI rats for 10 days. Total thiols decreased in saline- and MeF-treated CCI rats. Ascorbic acid increased in these rats at day 3 but only in saline-treated CCI rats at day 10. No change was found in hydrogen peroxide and lipid hydroperoxide. Open-field and elevated plus-maze tests and blood parameters of liver function did not change. Thus, the MeF from leaves of S. terebinthifolius has an antinociceptive action with no toxic effects, and it affects oxidant biomarkers in the spinal cord of rats with CCI.

Acute Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Patients' Functional Capacity in the Postoperative Period of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Randomized, Crossover, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the functional capacity to exercise tested by incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT) after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. METHODS: Fifteen male patients (60 ± 9 years) were crossed over during the experiment, to compare the outcomes after active LLLT and placebo LLLT treatments. LLLT (850 nm, 200 mW, 30 J to each point, resulting in a total of 240 J per quadriceps muscle), using a multidiode cluster (five spots; 6 J/spot) in eight points per leg was performed 3 min before the ISWT. We analyzed distance walked, Borg scale of perceived exertion, heart rate, and brachial arterial blood pressure. Markers of tissue damage [lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)] and oxidative stress [lipid peroxidation, total thiol levels, and antioxidant enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)] were also measured in peripheral blood. RESULTS: Comparison of the distances walked revealed no significant differences between the LLLT and placebo LLLT groups (p = 0.779). Regarding the Borg scale (p = 0.567), heart rate (p = 0.506) as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.164 and p = 0.140, respectively), no differences were observed between LLLT and placebo LLLT groups. Application of LLLT was not able to change levels of LDH (p = 0.214), oxidative lipid damage (p = 0.733), total thiol levels (p = 0.925), SOD (p = 0.202), and CAT (p = 0.825) enzyme activities. CONCLUSIONS: Acute LLLT improved neither functional capacity to exercise nor the markers of oxidation after CABG. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered as a clinical trial (NCT02688426).

llex paraguariensis decreases oxidative stress in bone and mitigates the damage in rats during perimenopause.

During perimenopause, oxidative stress increases, which may result in disruption of bone turnover, and consequently in osteoporosis. The use of antioxidants may be an effective nutritional approach to reducing osteoporosis in this period of life. Mate tea (MT) (Ilex paraguariensis), a typical and inexpensive beverage consumed in the Brazilian south-east, Argentina and Uruguay, increases antioxidant defense. Our hypothesis was that MT would decrease oxidative stress and mitigate bone deterioration. To test this, we analyzed oxidative stress markers of bone turnover, and local and systemic markers of bone metabolism of rats during natural perimenopause. Female Wistar rats (aged 16months) in proven perimenopause period received 20mg/kgBW/day of mate tea, by gavage (PM+MT Group, n=10) or water (PM Group, n=10). Female rats aged 4months (AD Group, n=10) received water. The treatment period was four weeks. MT minimized the deterioration of rat microarchitecture, characterized by increase in the bone trabecular area, number of osteocytes and areal bone mineral density. These results were accompanied by a lower level of malondialdehyde, an oxidative stress marker, in femoral tissue homogenate. Plasmatic tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, a typical osteoclastic function marker, decreases after treatment, indicating a decrease in osteoclastic function. MT also modified the immunostaining pattern of bone metabolism markers, decreasing the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligant (RANKL), superoxide dismutase isoform 2 (SOD2) and increasing osteoprotegerin (OPG), a decoy receptor for the RANKL, which positively modulates bone mass. These results suggested MT was capable of decreasing bone resorption by inhibiting the osteoclastogenesis in a RANKL-dependent signaling pathway activated by oxidative stress. Taken together, the results indicated that MT minimized bone loss in perimenopause and this effect is at least partly due to the decrease in oxidative stress, confirming our hypothesis.

Ilex paraguariensis supplementation may be an effective nutritional approach to modulate oxidative stress during perimenopause.

Perimenopause is a period in a woman's life that precedes menopause and is characterized by hormonal changes that result in increased oxidative stress. Since oxidative stress is associated with age-related diseases and perimenopausal symptoms including somato-vegetative manifestations, nutritional antioxidant supplementation may be an effective approach to minimizing this stress. Mate tea (MT) (Ilex paraguariensis), a typical and inexpensive beverage consumed in the Brazilian south-east, Argentina and Uruguay, increases antioxidant defense. We hypothesized that MT could minimize oxidative stress during perimenopause by modulating enzymatic antioxidant defense. To test this, we analyzed the lipid oxidative damage and antioxidant defense in erythrocytes and liver of rats, after MT treatment. Female Wistar rats (aged 16months) in proven perimenopause period received 20mg/kgBW/day of mate tea, by gavage (PM+MT group) or water (PM group). Female rats aged 4months (AD group) received water. Erythrocytes and liver were used to determine lipid oxidative damage, determined by malondialdehyde (MDA); superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) activities. Total plasma antioxidant capacity was examined by ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) and estrogen by radioimmunoassay. MT increased FRAP and did not change estrogen levels. Increased SOD and GPx, and reduced MDA were observed in both tissues studied. Increased CAT activity was observed only in the liver. We confirmed the hypothesis that MT was capable of minimizing oxidative stress in this period of life by modulating antioxidant defense.

Effect of Free and Nanoencapsulated Copaiba Oil on Monocrotaline-induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Copaiba oil comes from an Amazonian tree and has been used as an alternative medicine in Brazil. However, it has not been investigated yet in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This study was designed to test whether copaiba oil or nanocapsules containing this oil could modulate monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Male Wistar rats (170 ± 20 g) received oil or nanocapsules containing this oil (400 mg/kg) by gavage daily for 1 week. At the end of this period, a single injection of MCT (60 mg/kg i.p.) was administered and measurements were performed after 3 weeks. The animals were divided into 6 groups: control, copaiba oil, nanocapsules with copaiba oil, MCT, oil + MCT, and nanocapsules + MCT. Afterward, echocardiographic assessments were performed, and rats were killed to collect hearts for morphometry and oxidative stress. MCT promoted a significant increase in pulmonary vascular resistance, right ventricle (RV) hypertrophy, and RV oxidative stress. Both oil and copaiba nanocapsules significantly reduced RV hypertrophy and oxidative stress. Pulmonary vascular resistance was reduced by copaiba oil in natura but not by nanocapsules. In conclusion, copaiba oil seems to offer protection against MCT-induced PAH. Our preliminary results suggest that copaiba oil may be an important adjuvant treatment for PAH.

Effects of isolated vitamin B6 supplementation on oxidative stress and heart function parameters in experimental hyperhomocysteinemia

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of isolated vitamin B6 (VB6 ) supplementation on experimental hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhe) induced by homocysteine thiolactone (HcyT). Methods: Fifteen male Wistar rats were divided into three groups according to their treatment. Animals received water and food ad libitum and an intragastric probe was used to administer water for 60 days (groups: CB6, HcyT, and HB6 ). On the 30th day of treatment, two groups were supplemented with VB6 in the drinking water (groups: CB6 and HB6 ). After 60 days of treatment, homocysteine (Hcy), cysteine, and hydrogen peroxide concentration, nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) immunocontent, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and GST activities were measured. Results: The HcyT group showed an increase in Hcy concentration (62%) in relation to the CB6 group. Additionally, GST immunocontent was enhanced (51%) in the HB6 group compared to the HcyT group. Also, SOD activity was lower (17%) in the HB6 group compared to the CB6 group, and CAT activity was higher in the HcyT group (53%) compared to the CB6 group. Ejection fraction (EF) was improved in the HB6 group compared to the HcyT group. E/A ratio was enhanced in the HB6 group compared to the CB6 group. Correlations were found between CAT activity with myocardial performance index (MPI) (r = 0.71; P = 0.06) and E/A ratio (r = 0.6; P = 0.01), and between EF and GST activity (r = 0.62; P = 0.02). Conclusions: These findings indicate that isolated VB6 supplementation may lead to the reduction of Hcy concentration and promotes additional benefits to oxidative stress and heart function parameters (AU)

Dietary Supplementation of Ginger and Turmeric Rhizomes Modulates Platelets Ectonucleotidase and Adenosine Deaminase Activities in Normotensive and Hypertensive Rats.

Hypertension is associated with platelet alterations that could contribute to the development of cardiovascular complications. Several studies have reported antiplatelet aggregation properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) with limited scientific basis. Hence, this study assessed the effect of dietary supplementation of these rhizomes on platelet ectonucleotidase and adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities in Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (l-NAME) induced hypertensive rats. Animals were divided into seven groups (n = 10): normotensive control rats; induced (l-NAME hypertensive) rats; hypertensive rats treated with atenolol (10 mg/kg/day); normotensive and hypertensive rats treated with 4% supplementation of turmeric or ginger, respectively. After 14 days of pre-treatment, the animals were induced with hypertension by oral administration of l-NAME (40 mg/kg/day). The results revealed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in platelet ADA activity and ATP hydrolysis with a concomitant decrease in ADP and AMP hydrolysis of l-NAME hypertensive rats when compared with the control. However, dietary supplementation with turmeric or ginger efficiently prevented these alterations by modulating the hydrolysis of ATP, ADP and AMP with a concomitant decrease in ADA activity. Thus, these activities could suggest some possible mechanism of the rhizomes against hypertension-derived complications associated to platelet hyperactivity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effect of Ginger and Turmeric Rhizomes on Inflammatory Cytokines Levels and Enzyme Activities of Cholinergic and Purinergic Systems in Hypertensive Rats.

Inflammation exerts a crucial pathogenic role in the development of hypertension. Hence, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) on enzyme activities of purinergic and cholinergic systems as well as inflammatory cytokine levels in Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride-induced hypertensive rats. The rats were divided into seven groups (n = 10); groups 1-3 included normotensive control rats, hypertensive (Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride) rats, and hypertensive control rats treated with atenolol (an antihypertensive drug), while groups 4 and 5 included normotensive and hypertensive (Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride) rats treated with 4 % supplementation of turmeric, respectively, and groups 6 and 7 included normotensive and hypertensive rats treated with 4 % supplementation of ginger, respectively. The animals were induced with hypertension by oral administration of Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride, 40 mg/kg body weight. The results revealed a significant increase in ATP and ADP hydrolysis, adenosine deaminase, and acetylcholinesterase activities in lymphocytes from Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride hypertensive rats when compared with the control rats. In addition, an increase in serum butyrylcholinesterase activity and proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1 and - 6, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α) with a concomitant decrease in anti-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-10) was observed in Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride hypertensive rats. However, dietary supplementation of both rhizomes was efficient in preventing these alterations in hypertensive rats by decreasing ATP hydrolysis, acetylcholinesterase, and butyrylcholinesterase activities and proinflammatory cytokines in hypertensive rats. Thus, these activities could suggest a possible insight about the protective mechanisms of the rhizomes against hypertension-related inflammation.

Thyroid hormones improve cardiac function and decrease expression of pro-apoptotic proteins in the heart of rats 14 days after infarction.

Apoptosis is a key process associated with pathological cardiac remodelling in early-phase post-myocardial infarction. In this context, several studies have demonstrated an anti-apoptotic effect of thyroid hormones (TH). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of TH on the expression of proteins associated with the apoptotic process 14 days after infarction. Male Wistar rats (300-350 g) (n = 8/group) were divided into four groups: Sham-operated (SHAM), infarcted (AMI), sham-operated + TH (SHAMT) and infarcted + TH (AMIT). For 12 days, the animals received T3 and T4 [2 and 8 µg/(100 g day)] by gavage. After this, the rats were submitted to haemodynamic and echocardiographic analysis, and then were sacrificed and the heart tissue was collected for molecular analysis. Statistical analyses included two-way ANOVA with Student-Newman-Keuls post test. Ethics Committee number: 23262. TH administration prevented the loss of ventricular wall thickness and improved cardiac function in the infarcted rats 14 days after the injury. AMI rats presented an increase in the pro-apoptotic proteins p53 and JNK. The hormonal treatment prevented this increase in AMIT rats. In addition, TH administration decreased the Bax:Bcl-2 ratio in the infarcted rats. TH administration improved cardiac functional parameters, and decreased the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins 14 days after myocardial infarction.

Antioxidant characterization of soy derived products in vitro and the effect of a soy diet on peripheral markers of oxidative stress in a heart disease model.

This study analyzed and compared the content of isoflavones in 2 soy products, the effectiveness of isoflavones as antioxidants, in vitro, and demonstrated the antioxidant effect of a soy diet in rats with myocardial infarction (MI). Isoflavone content was analyzed in soybean hypocotyl (SH) and isolated soy protein (ISP). The quality (TAR) and quantity (TRAP) of antioxidants present in the samples was quantified. The amount of daidzin was higher in SH (9 times) and genistein in ISP (5 times). SH presented a 3-fold increase in TAR, while both products exhibited same TRAP. The rats were fed an ISP diet for 9 weeks. Animals were distributed among 6 treatment groups: (i) Sham Casein; (ii) Infarct Casein < 25%; (iii) Infarct Casein > 25%; (iv) Sham Soy; (v) Infarct Soy < 25%; and (vi) Infarct Soy > 25%. MI was induced 5 weeks after the commencement of the diets. Lipid peroxidation (LPO), antioxidant enzyme activity, and levels of nitrites/nitrates were determined in blood. Rats receiving the ISP diet demonstrated increased activity of antioxidant enzyme activity and nitrite/nitrate content. In addition, the increase in LPO seen in rats subjected to MI was significantly mitigated when the ISP diet was given. These findings suggest a nutritional approach of using a soy-based diet for the prevention of oxidative-stress-related diseases such as heart failure.

Effect of high-velocity, low-amplitude treatment on superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in erythrocytes from men with neck pain.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the analgesic effect of high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) manipulation and antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in erythrocytes of men with neck pain. METHODS: Twenty-two men with neck pain of mechanical origin who were aged 20 to 50 years, were nonsmokers, had a sedentary lifestyle, had no comorbidities, and were not in adjuvant therapy underwent 6 sessions of HVLA chiropractic manipulation 3 times a week for 2 weeks. Patients were treated by the same chiropractor and under the same conditions. Blood samples were collected before the beginning of the treatment and at the end of the third and last session. Erythrocytes were separated from blood and then processed to determine SOD and GPx activities. The quadruple visual scale and the Neck Disability Index were used to demonstrate the analgesic effect of treatment. The results were analyzed by repeated-measures analysis of variance followed by Bonferroni posttest. Differences were considered significant when P was less than .05. RESULTS: Despite the tendency to reduction in SOD and increase in GPx activities, there was no significant change after the treatment. CONCLUSION: High-velocity, low-amplitude treatment for 6 sessions in men with neck pain did not affect systemic SOD and GPx activities. Despite the absence of significant changes, this study is important because it is the first to investigate the activities of SOD and GPx in patients with neck pain treated with HVLA spinal manipulation.

Effects of parboiled rice diet on oxidative stress parameters in kidney of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

The effect of parboiled rice (PR) and white rice (WR) diets on oxidative stress (OS) parameters was investigated in the kidneys of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes (40 mg kg(-1), iv). The experimental groups (n=8) were control fed with PR (CPR), control fed with WR, diabetic fed with PR, and diabetic fed with WR. After 30 days of treatment, all animals were anesthetized and exsanguinated before removal of kidneys, which were used to determine thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), lipid hydroperoxides, carbonyl protein, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase activities, and levels of glutathione (GSH). Total phenolic compounds were determined in WR and PR grains. Our data indicated that diabetes induced increase in TBARS and lipid hydroperoxides levels. Although PR has not prevented the rise in the levels of these measurements, its consumption by our animals resulted in higher GPx activity and GSH content than that of the CPR. Moreover, PR also presented concentration of total phenolic compounds 127% higher than WR grains. Thus, its consumption in this diabetic condition is suggested because this seems to confer greater protection against OS in the renal tissue of diabetic animals.