Redox and biometal status in Wistar rats after subacute exposure to fluoride and selenium counter-effects.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of 150 mg/L sodium fluoride (NaF) on redox status parameters and essential metals [copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn)] in the blood, liver, kidney, brain, and spleen of Wistar rats and to determine the protective potential of selenium (Se) against fluoride (F-) toxicity. Male Wistar rats were randomly distributed in groups of five (n=5) receiving tap water (control) or water with NaF 150 mg/L, NaF 150 mg/L + Se 1.5 mg/L, and Se 1.5 mg/L solutions ad libitum for 28 days. Fluorides caused an imbalance in the redox and biometal (Cu, Fe, and Zn) status, leading to high superoxide anion (O2 .-) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the blood and brain and a drop in superoxide dismutase (SOD1) activity in the liver and its increase in the brain and kidneys. Se given with NaF improved MDA, SOD1, and O2 .- in the blood, brain, and kidneys, while alone it decreased SH group levels in the liver and kidney. Biometals both reduced and increased F- toxicity. Further research is needed before Se should be considered as a promising strategy for mitigating F- toxicity.

Effects of Gentiana lutea Root on Vascular Diseases.

BACKGROUND: Gentiana lutea (GL), commonly known as yellow gentian, bitter root, and bitterwort, belongs to family Gentianaceae. GL belongs to genus Gentiana, which is a rich natural source of iridoids, secoiridoids, xantones, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and carbohydrates. Medicinal plants from Gentiana species have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-mitogenic, anti-proliferative, and lipidlowering effects, as well as a cardioprotective, hypotensive, vasodilator and anti-platelet activities. OBJECTIVE: We reviewed the recent literature related to the effects of Gentiana species, and their active components on vascular diseases. METHODS: Data used for this review were obtained by searching the electronic database [PUBMED/ MEDLINE 1973 - February 2020]. The primary data search terms of interest were: Gentiana lutea, Gentienacea family, phytochemistry, vascular diseases, treatment of vascular diseases, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic. CONCLUSION: Gentiana species and their constituents affect many different factors related to vascular disease development and progression. Therefore, Gentiana-based therapeutics represent potentially useful drugs for the management of vascular diseases.

Genotoxicity of fluoride subacute exposure in rats and selenium intervention.

The aims of this study were to: (i) examine the toxic effects of sodium fluoride (NaF) in blood, liver, spleen, and brain cells of Wistar rats after the subacute exposure; (ii) explore the potential protective properties of selenium (Se) against fluoride toxicity after the simultaneous administration. Twenty male Wistar rats, eight weeks old, weighing approximately 140-190 g, were divided into four experimental groups (n = 5) as follows: I control-tap water; II NaF 150 ppm; III NaF 150 ppm and Se 1.5 mg/L; IV Se 1.5 mg/L, and had available water with solutions ad libitum for 28 days. DNA damage detected by comet assay was confirmed in the liver, spleen, and brain cells, but not in blood. Selenium supplementation together with NaF decreased DNA damage in liver and spleen cells. According to the histological findings, no changes were observed in spleen and brain tissues after NaF administration. Unlike the observed Se protective effect on the DNA level, no significant reduction of liver tissue injury was observed after the NaF and Se treatment, resulting in mild inflammation. Data of this study suggest that DNA damage after NaF subacute exposure at moderately high concentration was reduced in liver and spleen cells due to Se supplementation, but a similar change was not seen in the brain.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Vascular Complications in Diabetes Mellitus.

Vascular complications in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are common. Since impaired oxygen balance in plasma plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic DM-associated complications, the administration of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been recommended to influence development of vascular complications. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves inhalation of 100% oxygen under elevated pressure from 1.6 to 2.8 absolute atmospheres in hyperbaric chambers. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases plasma oxygen solubility, contributing to better oxygen diffusion to distant tissues and preservation of the viability of tissues reversibly damaged by atherosclerosis-induced ischemia, along with microcirculation restoration. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy exerts antiatherogenic, antioxidant, and cardioprotective effects by altering the level and composition of plasma fatty acids and also by promoting signal transduction through membranes, which are impaired by hyperglycemia and hypoxia. In addition, HBOT affects molecules involved in the regulation of nitric oxide synthesis and in that way exerts anti-inflammatory and angiogenic effects in patients with DM. In this review, we explore the recent literature related to the effects of HBOT on DM-related vascular complications.