Evaluating oxidative stress biomarkers in oncology nurses exposed to antineoplastic drugs: A cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Antineoplastic drugs (ADs) are widely used in cancer treatment. Nurses in chemotherapy centers are exposed to these drugs during preparation. They can affect healthy cells, leading to teratogenic and mutagenic effects, as well as oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate oxidative stress biomarkers in the nurses exposed to these drugs. METHOD: This study was conducted on 30 nurses exposed to ADs and 30 nurses with no exposure to these drugs as non-exposed group. Oxidative stress biomarkers were measured in the blood serum samples of both groups, including malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and blood thiol groups. RESULTS: Considering the possibility of confounding effect of nutritional supplement consumption, the effect of this factor was adjusted in the analysis. A significant difference was observed for CAT, SOD, thiol, and TAC biomarkers between two groups (P < 0.05). However, the difference in MDA and GPx biomarkers between two groups was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study showed that supplement consumption has a significant effect on the biomarker of total antioxidant capacity. Thus, total antioxidant capacity measurement is advised as the best biomarker for tracking oxidative status in nurses exposed to ADs due to its capacity to measure all antioxidants in the body, except the thiol group, and its lower cost when compared to other biomarkers. Furthermore, it can be claimed that the consumption of nutritional supplements has a greater effect on the non-enzymatic biomarkers of oxidative stress than on enzymatic antioxidant system.

The positive effect of short-term nano-curcumin therapy on insulin resistance and serum levels of afamin in patients with metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of cardio-metabolic risk factors. MS is known as a highly prevalent disease worldwide. According to the existing evidence, consuming curcumin has positive effects on lipids profile, glucose, and body weight. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of nano-curcumin therapy on insulin resistance and serum level of afamin in patients with MS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty MS patients (15 males and 15 females) received 80 mg/daily nano-curcumin for two months. The samples of fasting blood were collected from the participants at the beginning and 60 days after initiation of the intervention to measure biomarkers. RESULTS: Comparing pre- and post-treatment with nano-curcumin values revealed a significant decrease in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (p=0.017), insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (p=0.006), and afamin (p=0.047). Moreover, there was a significantly negative relationship between afamin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p=0.044), as well as a significantly positive relationship between afamin and systolic (SBP) (p<0.001) and diastolic (DBP) (p<0.001) blood pressures. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that taking nano-curcumin for 60 days may have positive effects on afamin, FPG, insulin, and HOMA-IR in patients with MS, but would not significantly affect other metabolic profiles. More studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm these findings.

Evaluation of the hepatoprotective effects of curcumin and nanocurcumin against paraquat-induced liver injury in rats: Modulation of oxidative stress and Nrf2 pathway.

Paraquat (PQ) is a widely used herbicide all over the world, which is highly toxic for animals and humans. Its cytotoxicity is based on reactive radical generation. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the hepatoprotective effects of curcumin and nanocurcumin against liver damage caused by sub-acute exposure with PQ via modulation of oxidative stress and genes expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. Rats were exposed to PQ (5 mg/kg/day, orally) + curcumin or nanocurcumin (100 mg/kg/day, orally) for 7 days. Then rats were anesthetized and serum and liver samples were collected. Next, serum enzymatic activities, liver histopathology, oxidative stress, and expression of genes involved in Nrf2 signaling pathway were assessed by biochemical and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. PQ significantly increased malondialdehyde, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase levels, and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 gene expression and also decreased total antioxidant capacity, total thiol group levels, Glutathione S-transferases, heme oxygenase 1, Nrf2, and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 genes expression, causing histological damages to liver tissue. These changes were significantly modulated by curcumin and nanocurcumin treatments. Our findings showed that nanocurcumin had better hepatoprotective effect than curcumin in liver damage after PQ exposure most likely through modulation of oxidative stress and genes expression of Nrf2 pathway.

Antinociceptive activity of Cnicus benedictus L. leaf extract: a mechanistic evaluation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cnicus benedictus, a medicinal herb, traditionally had been used for the treatment of stomachache pain. In this study, the possible efficacy of Cnicus benedictus leaf methanolic extract (CBHE) and also cnicin, one of its major constituents, was measured on pain. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: In this study, pain assessment tests include writhing, tail-flick (TF), and formalin- induced paw licking test (FIPLT) were used. To understand the possible mediated anti-nociceptive mechanism of CBHE, the opioid mechanism(s), and involvement of the L-arginine/ nitric oxide/cGMP/ATP-sensitive potassium channel pathway (LNCaP) were scrutinized. FINDINGS/RESULTS: In TF and writhing tests, CBHE (150 and 300 mg/kg, i.p) remarkably exhibited an anti-nociceptive effect compared to that of the control. Furthermore, CBHE (150 and 300 mg/kg, i.p) in comparison with the control showed a noteworthy anti-nociceptive effect (P < 0.01) in the tonic phase of FIPLT. In the writhing test, administration of selective opioid antagonist (naltrindole, nor-binaltorphimine, and naloxonazine) attenuated the anti-nociceptive effect of CBHE (300 mg/kg) in comparison with control. Moreover, pre-treatment with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride, L-arginine hydrochloride, and glibenclamide significantly blocked the CBHE (300 mg/kg) anti-nociception (P < 0.05) while administration of sodium nitroprusside remarkably potentiated (P < 0.05) the antinociception induced by CBHE in the tonic phase of the FIPLT. Besides, cnicin (30 mg/kg) showed noteworthy anti-nociceptive effects in writhing, TF, and FIPLT paradigms. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Taken together, we elucidate that both CBHE and cnicin demonstrated antinociceptive effects in behavioral tests. The possible mechanisms of CBHE antinociception may involve in various neural signaling and modulatory pathways including LNCaP and opioidergic mechanisms.

Cerium and Yttrium Oxide Nanoparticles and Nano-selenium Produce Protective Effects Against H2O2-induced Oxidative Stress in Pancreatic Beta Cells by Modulating Mitochondrial Dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Type 1 diabetes mellitus is characterized by the destruction of insulin- producing Beta cells in the pancreas. Researchers hope that islet transplantation will help to patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Oxidative stress is the most important challenge that beta cells face to it after isolation, and mitochondrial dysfunction is a crucial mediator in beta cells death. Hence, therapeutic approaches can shift to antioxidants through the application of nanoparticles such as cerium and yttrium oxide nanoparticles (Cer and Ytt Ox NPs) and nano-selenium (Nan Se). OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the effects of Cer and Ytt Ox NPs and Nan Se on H2O2- induced oxidative stress in pancreatic beta cells with focus on mitochondrial dysfunction pathway. METHODS: CRI-D2 beta-cell line were pretreated with Cer Ox NPs (200 µM) + Ytt Ox NPs (0.5 µg/mL) for 3 days and/or Nan Se (0.01 µM) for 1 day. Then markers of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, insulin and glucagon secretion were measured. RESULTS: We reported a decrease in H2O2-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and glucagon secretion, and an increase in H2O2-reduced ATP/ADP ratio, MMP, as well as UCP2 protein expression, and insulin secretion by pretreatment of CRI-D2 cells with Cer and Ytt Ox NPs and/or Nan Se. CONCLUSION: We found maximum protective effect with Cer and Ytt Ox NPs on CRI-D2 beta-cell line exposed by H2O2 for keeping beta cells alive until transplant whereas combination of Cer and Ytt Ox NPs and Nan Se had very little protective effect in this condition.

Effects of crocin in reducing DNA damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress in multiple sclerosis patients: A double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the nerve cells, resulting in neurological disorders. Oxidative stress, free radicals, and neuritis have important roles in MS pathogenesis. Here, we aim to evaluate the effect of crocin on inflammatory markers, oxidative damage, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage in the blood of patients with MS. A total of 40 patients were divided into two groups, drug and placebo-treated groups, using random assignment. Participants of the intervention and control groups received two crocin capsules or placebo per day for 28 days, respectively. Findings revealed a significant decrease in the level of important pathogenic factors in MS, including lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin 17 as well as a significant increase in the total antioxidant capacity in the serum of patients treated with crocin compared with the placebo group. Our results suggest the beneficial and therapeutic effects of crocin in MS.

Influence of adjuvant Coenzyme Q10 on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with bipolar disorders during the depressive episode.

Bipolar disorder (BPD) is a severe and chronic mental disease with high rates of social and functional disability. To explain the emergence and maintenance of BPD, increasing attention has been focused on dimensions of inflammation and oxidative stress (OTS). Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is known for its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects; accordingly, the aim of the present study was to investigate, if compared to placebo, adjuvant CoQ10 might favorably impact on serum levels of inflammatory and OTS biomarkers in patients with BPD during their depressive phase. A total of 89 BPD patients, currently in a depressive episode were allocated by block randomization either to the adjuvant CoQ10 (200 mg/day) condition or to the placebo condition. At baseline and 8 weeks later at the end of the study, serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiol groups (TTG), catalase activity (CAT), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interlukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-10 were assessed. 69 patients completed the 8-week lasting study. Compared to baseline and to the placebo condition, serum levels of TTG and TAC significantly increased, and TNF-α, IL-10, and NO statistically decreased over time in the adjuvant CoQ10 condition. No statistically significant changes were observed for CAT, MDA, and IL-6. The pattern of results suggests that compared to placebo and over a time lapse of 8 weeks, adjuvant CoQ10 favorably impacted on OTS and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with BPD during the depressive episode. Thus, CoQ10 might be considered a safe and effective strategy for treatment of patients with BPD during their depressive phase.

Protective effects of Borago officinalis extract on amyloid ß-peptide(25-35)-induced memory impairment in male rats: a behavioral study.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder and most common form of dementia that leads to memory impairment. In the present study we have examined the protective effects of Borago officinalis (borage) extract on Amyloid ß (A ß)-Induced memory impairment. Wistar male rats received intrahippocampal (IHP) injection of the A ß (25-35) and borage extract throughout gestation (100 mg/kg). Learning and memory functions in the rats were examined by the passive avoidance and the Morris water maze (MWM) tasks. Finally, the antioxidant capacity of hippocampus was measured using ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The results showed that A ß (25-35) impaired step-through latency and time in dark compartment in passive avoidance task. In the MWM, A ß (25-35) significantly increased escape latency and traveled distance. Borage administration attenuated the A ß-induced memory impairment in both the passive avoidance and the MWM tasks. A ß induced a remarkable decrease in antioxidant power (FRAP value) of hippocampus and borage prevented the decrease of the hippocampal antioxidant status. This data suggests that borage could improve the learning impairment and oxidative damage in the hippocampal tissue following A ß treatment and that borage consumption may lead to an improvement of AD-induced cognitive dysfunction.

Inhibition of tumor necrosis factor and nitrosative/oxidative stresses by Ziziphora clinopoides (Kahlioti); a molecular mechanism of protection against dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition of the intestine with unknown etiology involving multiple immune genetic and environmental factors. The authors were interested in examining the protective effect of Ziziphora clinopoides methanolic extract, an Iranian folk herbal medicine, on inflammatory mediators in experimental colitis. Colitis in NMRI mice was induced by oral administration of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS, 3%). Z. clinopoides was administrated orally at doses of 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg/day for 7 days. The level of lipid peroxidation (LP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiol molecules (TTM), antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and nitric oxide (NO) as a marker of nitrosative stress, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) as a mediator of inflammation and apoptosis were measured in the colon homogenate. Treatment by DSS increased bowel LP, NO, and TNF-alpha while decreasing TAC, SOD, CAT, and TTM. All measured parameters were improved by Z. clinopoides treatment and reached close to normal levels. The present study further supports the role of oxidative/nitrosative stresses and TNF-alpha in the pathogenesis of colitis and protective effects of this herb. The data are promising for further preclinical studies directed towards understanding mechanism of action and cross-species and cross-model comparisons for potential protective effects.

Rat Plasma Oxidation Status After Nigella Sativa L. Botanical Treatment in CCL(4)-Treated Rats.

ABSTRACT Nigella sativa Linn. (family Ranunculaceae), commonly known as black cumin, is native to the Mediterranean area and has been used for thousands of years as a health and beauty aid. The present study investigated the protective effects of Nigella sativa (NS) extract (NSE) and oil (NSO) on CCl(4)-induced nitrosative stress and protein oxidation in rat. CCl(4) (0.8 mg/kg) was used as an aid for induction of nitrosative stress. In vitro antioxidant potential was tested in the presence of 2,4-dinitrophenylhyrdazine (DPPH) as an organic nitrogen radical. Doses of 0.2, 0.3, and 1 mg/kg of the NS extract and oil were administered to CCL(4)-treated rats for 10 days. At the end of treatment, blood was taken from rats under anesthesia and plasma was separated. The concentration of nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant power (TAP), carbonyl molecules (CM) as measure of protein oxidation (PO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and total thiol molecules (TTM) were measured in plasma. In vitro evaluation of antioxidant effects of NSE and NSO showed that the highest antioxidant activity (80%) was observed with the concentration of 10 and 20 mg/ml, respectively, that were equal to vitamin E (200 mg/ml). Administration of CCL(4) increased plasma PO, NO, TNF-alpha and decreased TAP and TTM. Both NSE and NSO showed significant protection against CCl(4)-induced changes in biochemical parameters, but not dose-dependently. Doses of 0.3 and 1 mg/kg were more effective than doses of 0.2 mg/kg for both NSE and NSO, but dose of 1 mg/kg was the most effective one. The results indicate the potential of NS in preventing CCL(4)-induced toxic nitrosative stress. It is concluded that NS has marked antioxidant potentials that may be beneficial in alleviating complications of many illnesses related to oxidative/nitrosative stress in humans, but preclinical safety measures should be completed before clinical trials.

Antioxidant Activity of Iranian Echium amoenum Fisch & C.A. Mey Flower Decoction in Humans: A cross-sectional Before/After Clinical Trial.

Medicinal plants are recognized as sources of natural antioxidants that can protect from biological system oxidative stress. The present cross-sectional before/after clinical trial was carried out to investigate the antioxidant properties of the decoction of the flowers of Echium amoenum Fisch & C.A. Mey in humans. A group of 38 healthy subjects was invited to use the E. amoenum (7 mg kg(-1)) twice daily for 14 days. Blood samples before and after entering the study were measured for lipid peroxidation level (LPO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total thiol (SH) molecules. A significant reduction of blood LPO (24.65 +/- 11.3 versus 19.05 +/- 9.7, P = 0.029) was observed after 14 days of E. amoenum consumption. Blood TAC (1.46 +/- 0.51 versus 1.70 +/- 0.36, P = 0.018) and total thiol molecules (0.49 +/- 0.11 versus 0.56 +/- 0.12, P = 0.001) increased after 14 days of E. amoenum consumption. In conclusion, this antioxidative stress potential of E. amoenum may be due to its bioactive antioxidant components, especially rosmarinic acid and flavonoids. In recent years the importance of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of many human disorders has been confirmed, thus use of this plant as a dietary supplement is highly recommended.