Omega-3 index is directly associated with a healthy red blood cell distribution width.

Low red blood cell (RBC) membrane content of EPA and DHA, i.e., the omega-3 index (O3I), and elevated RBC distribution width (RDW) are risk factors for all-cause mortality. O3I and RDW are related with membrane fluidity and deformability. Our objective was to determine if there is a relationship between O3I and RDW in healthy adults. Subjects without inflammation or anemia, and with values for O3I, RDW, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), body mass index (BMI), age and sex were identified (n = 25,485) from a clinical laboratory dataset of  > 45,000 individuals. RDW was inversely associated with O3I in both sexes before and after (both p < 0.00001) adjusting models for sex, age, BMI and CRP. Stratification by sex revealed a sex-O3I interaction with the RDW-O3I slope (p < 0.00066) being especially steep in females with O3I ≤ 5.6%. In healthy adults of both sexes, the data suggested that an O3I of > 5.6% may help maintain normal RBC structural and functional integrity.

Zinc treatment modulates hematological and morphological changes in rat erythrocytes following arsenic exposure.

The aim of this study was to understand the effects of zinc supplementation on antioxidant defense systems, hematological indices, and erythrocyte morphology in conditions of chronic arsenic toxicity. Male Wistar rats were segregated into four groups: control, arsenic treated, zinc supplemented, and arsenic + zinc treated. The animals in the arsenic-treated group were given arsenic orally in drinking water in the form of sodium arsenite at a dose level of 100 mg L-1, and zinc was administered to zinc-treated animals in the form of zinc sulfate orally in drinking water at a dose level of 227 mg L-1. The animals were subjected to different treatments for a period of 12 weeks, and various investigations were undertaken that included serum zinc content, activity of antioxidant enzymes, and hematological indices. Further, scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies were performed to assess morphological changes in erythrocytes. Arsenic treatment significantly reduced serum zinc concentrations, which, however, were restored to near-normal levels upon zinc supplementation. The activities of enzymes involved in antioxidant defense systems were altered in the erythrocyte lysates of arsenic-treated rats, which interestingly revealed a significant improvement upon simultaneous zinc supplementation. A significant reduction in the counts of total leukocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes was observed following arsenic intoxication, which came back to near control levels following zinc supplementation. Also, protective effects of zinc were evident from SEM that revealed maintenance of topographical appearances of erythrocytes in conditions of arsenic toxicity. Thus, this study clearly shows the protection afforded by zinc on erythrocytes during arsenic-induced toxicity.

Red blood cell salvage analysis from clotted blood.

BACKGROUND: Blood clots discovered within body cavities intra-operatively are often manually broken up and placed in an autotransfusion device to recover autologous blood cells. This study evaluated the efficiency at which these red blood cells can be recovered from clot and to determine if these cells would be free of fibrin and clumping which might pose a risk of micro-emboli. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Whole blood was aliquoted into 25 mL volume samples. The blood was then allowed to clot, and after 24 hours the clotted blood was manually kneaded by hand for 1, 2, 3, or 5 minutes. One mL of the harvested blood was fixed and processed for scanning electron microscope imaging. Plasma from the rest of the sample was then separated and underwent spectrophotometry for analysis of relative free haemoglobin. RESULTS: Blood recovered from the clotted blood ranged from 60 to 80% as time increased from 1 to 5 minutes of kneading. Volume of erythrocytes recovered from 1 minute compared to 2 minutes was statistically significant but not significant between 2 minutes or any longer period of time. Imaging did not show any evidence of fibrin strands or significant cell fragmentation. Spectrophotometry showed a steady increase of observed absorption at 540 nm, indicative of free haemoglobin, as manual kneading time increased. DISCUSSION: Red blood cells were able to be efficiently recovered from clotted blood. Imaging studies did not show any evidence of red blood cells trapped within fibrin mesh.

The stabilizing effect of an oligomeric proanthocyanidin on red blood cell membrane structure of poorly controlled Type II diabetes.

Type II diabetes (T2D) is a pandemic characterized by pathological circulating inflammatory markers, high-glucose levels and oxidative stress. The hematological system is especially vulnerable to these aberrant circulating molecules, and erythrocytes (RBCs) show aberrant rheology properties, owing to the direct contact with these molecules. Pathological levels of circulating inflammatory markers in T2D therefore have a direct effect on the molecular and cellular structure of RBCs. Previous research has suggested that antioxidants may reduce oxidative stress that results from the pathological inflammatory markers. Particularly, polyphenol antioxidants like oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) may act as a hydroxyl mopping agent, and may have a positive effect on the deformability and membrane protein structure of RBCs from T2D. In this paper, we look at the effect of one such agent, Pinus massoniana bark extract (standardized to 95% oligomeric proanthicyanidins), on the RBC membrane structures and RBC shape changes of T2D, after laboratory exposure at physiological levels. Our methods of choice were atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to study RBC elasticity and ultrastructure. Results showed that in our hands, this OPC could change both the eryptotic nature of the RBCs, as viewed with scanning electron microscopy, as well as the elasticity. We found a significant difference in variation between the elasticity measurement values between the RBCs before and after OPC exposure (P-value <0.0001). In conclusion, the data from both these techniques therefore suggest that OPC usage might contribute to the improvement of RBC functioning.

Genotoxic and cytotoxic evaluation of Jatropha dioica Sessé ex Cerv. by the micronucleus test in mouse peripheral blood.

Jatropha dioica Sessé ex Cerv. is a medicinal plant credited with low cytotoxicity in vitro. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the possible genotoxic and cytotoxic effect in vivo of the J. dioica aqueous extract by means of micronucleus assay in mouse peripheral blood. Four different J. dioica aqueous extract dose-units were evaluated (30, 60, 100, and 300 mg/kg). The extract was administered orally to male Balb-C-strain mice every 24 h during 5 days. Blood samples were taken at 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h from the mouse's tail and were performed in duplicate extensions. The number of Polychromatic Erythrocytes (PCE), Polychromatic Micronucleus Erythrocytes (PCEMN), and Micronucleus Erythrocytes (MNE) was determined at the different sampling times in the different study groups. Our results showed that the group that received 60 mg/kg of cyclophosphamide (positive control) presented a significant decrease in the PCE (p = 0.044) proportion and a significant increase in MNE (p = 0.032, p = 0.0001). The groups that received the different J. dioica aqueous extract doses did not present either a PCE decrease or an increase in PCEMN and MNE. J. dioica exerts neither a genotoxic nor a cytotoxic effect on mouse peripheral blood at high doses.

Podophyllum hexandrum ameliorates endosulfan-induced genotoxicity and mutagenicity in freshwater cyprinid fish crucian carp.

CONTEXT: Medicinal plants continue to act as a repository for novel drug leads with novel mechanisms of action. Podophyllum hexandrum Royale (Berberideceae) treats diverse conditions in folk medicine. OBJECTIVE: The antimutagenic potential of P. hexandrum was evaluated against endosulfan-induced clastogenicity in a piscine model by cytogenetic endpoints. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Podophyllum hexandrum rhizomes were subjected to successive solvent extraction. Fish were exposed to hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol and aqueous extracts (15 mg/L each) of plant and endosulfan (0.05 mg/L) alone followed by their combination for antimutagenicity estimates. Chromosomal aberrations (CA) were made from kidney cells and micronuclei (MN) slides from peripheral blood erythrocytes at 48, 72 and 96 h. Antioxidant activity was analyzed by the DPPH assay. Phytochemical analyses were carried out using chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. RESULTS: Endosulfan induced significant (p < .05) MN, authenticated by scanning electron microscopy, and CA in a time-dependent manner. However, methanol and ethyl acetate extracts revealed ameliorating effects. The column eluted methanolic fraction-2 (ME-F2) showed highest reduction profile of 83 and 84% in CA and MN, followed in its extent (73 and 72%) by ethyl acetate fraction-4 (EE-F4). ME-F2 and EE-F4 showed three and six major peaks when analyzed by GC-MS. To explore possible mechanism of action, ME-F2 showed potent antioxidant potential and strong correlation (R2 = .900) with antimutagenic activity, whereas EE-F4 seemed to act through a different mechanism. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study confirms the antimutagenic potential of the subject plant with the identification of some novel compounds, justifying their use in folk medicine, and their corresponding benefit to mankind.

Oxidative insult can induce malaria-protective trait of sickle and fetal erythrocytes.

Plasmodium falciparum infections can cause severe malaria, but not every infected person develops life-threatening complications. In particular, carriers of the structural haemoglobinopathies S and C and infants are protected from severe disease. Protection is associated with impaired parasite-induced host actin reorganization, required for vesicular trafficking of parasite-encoded adhesins, and reduced cytoadherence of parasitized erythrocytes in the microvasculature. Here we show that aberrant host actin remodelling and the ensuing reduced cytoadherence result from a redox imbalance inherent to haemoglobinopathic and fetal erythrocytes. We further show that a transient oxidative insult to wild-type erythrocytes before infection with P. falciparum induces the phenotypic features associated with the protective trait of haemoglobinopathic and fetal erythrocytes. Moreover, pretreatment of mice with the pro-oxidative nutritional supplement menadione mitigate the development of experimental cerebral malaria. Our results identify redox imbalance as a causative principle of protection from severe malaria, which might inspire host-directed intervention strategies.

Ultrastructure of the Subcutaneous Primo-Vascular System in Rat Abdomen.

Recently, we identified the primo-vascular system (PVS), a novel vascular network, in rat subcutaneous tissues. Little is known about the subcutaneous PVS (sc-PVS). Here, we examined the ultrastructure of the sc-PVS in the hypodermis at the rat abdominal midline by electron microscopy. On the surface of sc-PVS, we observed three types of cells: microcells (5-6 µm), large elliptical cells (>20 µm), and erythrocyte (3-4 µm). The inside of the sc-PVS was filled with numerous cells, which can be classified into three major groups: leucocytes, mast cells, and erythrocytes. The dense leucocytes and mast cells were easily noticed. The extracellular matrix of the sc-PVS was mainly composed of extensive fibers (79 ± 6.5 nm) tightly covered by micro- (0.5-1 µm) and nanoparticles (10-100 nm). In conclusion, the ultrastructural features, such as the resident cells on and in the sc-PVS and fiber meshwork covered by particles, indicate that sc-PVS might act as a circulatory channel for the flow and delivery of numerous cells and particles. Our findings will help understand the nature of various sc-PVS beneath-the-skin layers and how they relate to acupuncture meridians.

Morphological Effects and Antioxidant Capacity of Solanum crispum (Natre) In Vitro Assayed on Human Erythrocytes.

In order to gain insight into the molecular mechanism of the antioxidant properties of Solanum crispum, aqueous extracts of its leaves were assayed on human erythrocytes and molecular models of its membrane. Phenolics and alkaloids were detected by HPLC-MS. Scanning electron and defocusing microscopy showed that S. crispum changed erythrocytes from the normal shape to echinocytes. These results imply that molecules present in the aqueous extracts were located in the outer monolayer of the erythrocyte membrane. Dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and dimyristoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DMPE) were chosen as representative of phospholipid classes located in the outer and inner monolayers of the erythrocyte membrane, respectively. X-ray diffraction showed that S. crispum preferentially interacted with DMPC bilayers. Experiments regarding its antioxidant properties showed that S. crispum neutralized the oxidative capacity of HClO on DMPE bilayers; defocusing microscopy and hemolysis assays demonstrated the protective effect of S. crispum against the oxidant effects of HClO on human erythrocytes.

Physical Effects of Buckwheat Extract on Biological Membrane In Vitro and Its Protective Properties.

Buckwheat is a valuable source of many biologically active compounds and nutrients. It has properties that reduce blood cholesterol levels, and so reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, seals the capillaries, and lowers blood pressure. The aim of the study was to determine quantitative and qualitative characteristics of polyphenols contained in extracts from buckwheat husks and stalks, the biological activity of the extracts, and biophysical effects of their interaction with the erythrocyte membrane, treated as a model of the cell. An analysis of the extract's composition has shown that buckwheat husk and stalk extracts are a rich source of polyphenolic compounds, the stalk extracts showing more compounds than the husk extract. The study allowed to determine the location which incorporated polyphenols occupy in the erythrocyte membrane and changes in the membrane properties caused by them. It was found that the extracts do not induce hemolysis of red blood cells, causing an increase in osmotic resistance of erythrocytes. They affect mainly the hydrophilic region by changing the degree of order of the polar heads of lipids, but do little to change the fluidity of the membrane and its hydration. The results showed also that polyphenolic substances included in the extracts well protect the membranes of red blood cells against oxidation and exhibit anti-inflammatory effect.

Pre-apoptotic activity of aqueous extracts of Cynanchum sarcomedium Meve & Liede on cells of Allium cepa and human erythrocytes.

Cynanchum sarcomedium Meve & Liede is a member of Apocynaceae, seen in dry and rocky areas. The present study highlights the cytotoxic potential of C. sarcomedium mediated by apoptosis on cells of Allium cepa and human red blood cells (RBCs). Cytogenetic changes in A. cepa and in situ visualization of cell death were revealed through acetocarmine and Evans blue staining techniques. Quantitative estimation of cell death was carried out at 600 nm in a spectrophotometer. Membrane characteristics of RBC in response to the treatment were evaluated by May-Grünwald-Giemsa staining and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cell membrane damage is a major factor for assessing apoptosis which is observed in the present study (90.91 %). Cell shrinkage, cytoplasmic fragmentation, condensed chromatin and presence of apoptotic bodies were the common cytological changes in A. cepa associated with apoptosis. Blebs in RBC evidenced by SEM revealed the membrane damage potential of the plant. Results obtained hereby suggest that the plant is an effective source to be used in toxicological studies and anti-cancer therapy.

Aspartic acid functions as carbonyl trapper to inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end products by chemical chaperone activity.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) were implicated in pathology of numerous diseases. In this study, we present the bioactivity of aspartic acid (Asp) to inhibit the AGEs. Hemoglobin and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were glycated with glucose, fructose, and ribose in the presence and absence of Asp (100-200 µM). HbA1c inhibition was investigated using human blood and characterized by micro-column ion exchange chromatography. The effect of methyl glyoxal (MG) on hemoglobin and BSA was evaluated by fluorescence spectroscopy and gel electrophoresis. The effect of MG on red blood cells morphology was characterized by scanning electron micrographs. Molecular docking was performed on BSA with Asp. Asp is capable of inhibiting the formation of fluorescent AGEs by reacting with the reducing sugars. The presence of Asp as supplement in whole blood reduced the HbA1c% from 8.8 to 6.1. The presence of MG showed an increase in fluorescence and the presence of Asp inhibited the glycation thereby the fluorescence was quenched. MG also affected the electrophoretic mobility of hemoglobin and BSA by forming high molecular weight aggregates. Normal RBCs showed typical biconcave shape. MG modified RBCs showed twisted and elongated shape whereas the presence of ASP tends to protect RBC from twisting. Asp interacted with arginine residues of bovine serum albumin particularly ARG 194, ARG 198, and ARG 217 thereby stabilized the protein complex. We conclude that Asp has dual functions as a chemical chaperone to stabilize protein and as a dicarbonyl trapper, and thereby it can prevent the complications caused by glycation.

A dose response randomised controlled trial of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in preterm infants.

Thirty one infants born less than 30 weeks׳ gestational age were randomised to receive either 40 (n=11), 80 (n=9) or 120 (n=11) mg/kg/day of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) respectively as an emulsion, via the feeding tube, commenced within 4 days of the first enteral feed. Twenty three infants were enroled in non-randomised reference groups; n=11 who had no supplementary DHA and n=12 who had maternal DHA supplementation. All levels of DHA in the emulsion were well tolerated with no effect on number of days of interrupted feeds or days to full enteral feeds. DHA levels in diets were directly related to blood DHA levels but were unrelated to arachidonic acid (AA) levels. All randomised groups and the maternal supplementation reference group prevented the drop in DHA levels at study end that was evident in infants not receiving supplementation. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12610000382077.

Biophysical mechanism of the protective effect of blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L. var. kamtschatica Sevast.) polyphenols extracts against lipid peroxidation of erythrocyte and lipid membranes.

The aim of the present research was to determine the effect of blue honeysuckle fruit and leaf extracts components on the physical properties of erythrocyte and lipid membranes and assess their antioxidant properties. The HPLC analysis showed that the extracts are rich in polyphenol anthocyanins in fruits and flavonoids in leaves. The results indicate that both extracts have antioxidant activity and protect the red blood cell membrane against oxidation induced by UVC irradiation and AAPH. The extracts do not induce hemolysis and slightly increase osmotic resistance of erythrocytes. The research showed that extracts components are incorporated mainly in the external part of the erythrocyte membrane, inducing the formation of echinocytes. The values of generalized polarization and fluorescence anisotropy indicate that the extracts polyphenols alter the packing arrangement of the hydrophilic part of the erythrocyte and lipid membranes, without changing the fluidity of the hydrophobic part. The DSC results also show that the extract components do not change the main phase transition temperature of DPPC membrane. Studies of electric parameters of membranes modified by the extracts showed that they slightly stabilize lipid membranes and do not reduce their specific resistance or capacity. Examination of IR spectra indicates small changes in the degree of hydration in the hydrophilic region of liposomes under the action of the extracts. The location of polyphenolic compounds in the hydrophilic part of the membrane seems to constitute a protective shield of the cell against other substances, the reactive forms of oxygen in particular.

Mutagenicity and genotoxicity effects of Lignosus rhinocerotis mushroom mycelium.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Lignosus rhinocerotis mushroom is widely used as traditional medicine and as soup ingredient in Malaysia and Hong Kong. Its sclerotium is the part of edibility and is traditionally used for the treatment of fever, cough, asthma and cancer. In view of its safety profile, very little information is found in scientific literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the potential genotoxic and mutagenic effects of Lr in the Ames test using Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, TA100, TA102, TA1535 and TA1537, an in vitro chromosome aberration test in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO-K1) cells and an in vivo erythrocyte micronucleus test in ICR mice. RESULTS: In all tested concentrations, no mutagenicity was observed in either testing strain under both presence and absence of S9 metabolic mixture when tested up to the highest dose of 100mg/ml. No significant increases in chromosome aberration numbers or micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes were observed. Erythropoiesis was not affected in animals gavaged up to 2000 mg/kg of Lr. CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study conclude that Lignosus rhinocerotis mycelium does not provoke mutagenicity and genotoxicity in these applied systems.

Marcadores inflamatorios en pacientes con síndrome metabólico después de consumir ácidos grasos omega-3 y ácido linoleico conjugado (CLA) / Inflammatory markers in patients with metabolic syndrome after the intake

Introducción: El síndrome metabólico (SM) aumenta la probabilidad de morir por enfermedad cardiovascular, causa número uno d \pe mortalidad mundial. Los ácidos grasos poliinsaturados han evidenciado un efecto protector tanto en la en la enfermedad cardiovascular como en sus comorbilidades. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de tres tipos de ácidos grasos poliinsaturados sobre la inflamación crónica del SM. Métodos: El grupo de estudio se formo con 45 adul - tos con diagnóstico de SM según la IDF. Cada grupo de tratamiento se asignó cuasi-aleatoriamente a 15 de los participantes durante seis semanas: a) 1.8 g/d n-3 (1.08 g eicosapentaenoico EPA + 0.72 g docosahexaenoico DHA), b) 2.0 g/d ácido linoleico conjugado CLA, (en relación 50:50 de los isómeros cis9:trans11, trans10:cis12), y c) 40 g/d nuez de castilla Juglans regia. Los resultados se compararon en cada grupo mediante la prueba de t-Student con un valor de significación estadística p <0.01. Resultados: En el grupo que consumió n-3, disminuyó significativamente el nivel de IL-6 (de 9.81 ±1.28 a 8.47 ±0.81 pg/ml, p=0.002), leptina (de 25.94 ±5.06 ng/ml a 20.53 ±3.96 ng/ml, p=0.003) y homocisteína (de 18.80 ±1.95 a 16.72 ±1.99 µmol/l, p=0.007), en los eritrocitos disminuyó el porcentaje de ácido α–linolénico (de 1.90 ±0.77 a 1.26 ±0.17 %, p=0.004) y la relación n6/n3 (de 4.48 ±1.06 a 3.11 a ±0.60, p=0.000), mientras que aumentó el porcentaje de ácidos EPA (de 1.13 ±0.45 a 1.58 ±0.42 %, p=0.009) y DHA (de 2.61 ±0.36 a 4.64 ±0.91 %, p=0.000). En el grupo que consumió nuez de castilla disminuyeron las concentraciones de TNF-α (de 8.75 ±2.06 pg/ml a 6.68 ±0.97 pg/ml, p=0.002) e IL-6 (de 10.61 ±1.45 a 8.72 ±0.79 pg/ml, p=0.000) y en los eritrocitos aumentó el porcentaje de ácido α–linolénico (de 1.86 ±0.65 a 2.62 ±0.72 %, p=0.005). En el grupo que consumió CLA disminuyó la homocisteína (de 18.01 ±2.65 a 15.34 ±2.26 µmol/l, p=0.006). Conclusiones: Los grupos que recibieron ácidos grasos n-3, tanto en suplementos (EPA/DHA) como en nuez de castilla evidenciaron una modificación en la composición de ácidos grasos en los eritrocitos lo que podría estar asociado a la disminución del estado pro inflamatorio. En el grupo que consumió CLA el nivel de homocisteína disminuyó sin cambio en los demás marcadores ni en los ácidos grasos eritrocitarios (AU)

Introduction: The metabolic syndrome (MS) increa - ses the odds of dying for cardiovascular disease, the world’s leading cause of death. It has been shown that polyunsaturated fatty acids have a protective role in cardiovascular disease and its comorbidities. Objective: To assess the effect of three kinds of polyunsaturated fatty acids on the chronic inflammation in MS. Methods: The study group was 45 adults with MS diagnose according to IDF criteria. Each group of treatment was assigned cuasi-randomly to 15 subjects during six weeks: a) 1.8 g/d n-3 (1.08 g eicosapentoaenoic acid EPA + 0.72 g docosahexaenoic acid DHA), b) 2.0 g/d conjugated linoleic acid (CLA, 50:50, cis9:trans11, trans10:cis12), c) 40 g/d walnut Juglans regia. The results at the beginning and the end of the essay were compared in each group, using the t-Student test and p <0.01 as statistical signification value. Results: In the patients supplemented with n-3 fatty acids, significantly decreased the level of IL-6 (from 9.81 ±1.28 to 8.47 ±0.81 pg/ml, p=0.002), leptin (from 25.94 ±5.06 ng/ml to 20.53 ±3.96 ng/ml, p=0.003) and homocysteine (from 18.80 ±1.95 to 16.72 ±1.99 µmol/l, p=0.007), in erythrocytes decreased the percentage α-linolenic content (from 1.90 ±0.77 to 1.26 ±0.17 %, p=0.004) and the n6/n3 rate (from 4.48 ±1.06 to 3.11 a ±0.60, p=0.000), while increased the percentage of EPA (from 1.13 ±0.45 to 1.58 ±0.42 %, p=0.009) and DHA (from 2.61 ±0.36 to 4.64 ±0.91 %, p=0.000). In the group that consumed walnut declined the levels of TNF-α (from 8.75 ±2.06 pg/ml to 6.68 ±0.97 pg/ml, p=0.002) and IL-6 (from 10.61 ±1.45 to 8.72 ±0.79 pg/ml, p=0.000), in erythrocytes increased the α-linolenic content (from 1.86 ±0.65 to 2.62 ±0.72 %, p=0.005). In the group that consumed CLA decreased the level of homocysteine (from 18.01 ±2.65 to 15.34 ±2.26 µmol/l, p=0.006). Conclusions: The groups that consumed n-3 fatty acids in supplements (EPA/DHA) and in walnut, became evident the modification in the erythrocyte fatty acids content, which could be associated to the reduction of pro inflammatory state. In the group that consumed CLA the homocysteine level decreased without changes in the other markers or erythrocyte fatty acids (AU)

Effect of Yisui Shengxue Granule () on the oxidative damage of erythrocytes from patients with hemoglobin H disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Yisui Shengxue Granule (, YSSXG), a complex Chinese medicine, on the oxidative damage of erythrocytes from patients with hemoglobin H (HbH) disease. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with HbH disease and 22 healthy volunteers were observed. YSSXG was given to patients with HbH disease for 3 months. Before and after the 3-month treatment, blood parameters [hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBCs), and reticulocyte percent (Ret)] were examined; inclusion bodies in erythrocytes were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM); activities of antioxidant defense enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (Cat)] and erythrocyte membrane malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were determined. RESULTS: In patients with HbH disease, measured values of RBC and Hb obtained from the first to the third months after treatment with YSSXG were significantly higher than before treatment (P<0.01). Measured values of Ret from the second to the third months after treatment were significantly lower than before treatment (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). Prior to treatment with YSSXG, TEM images of RBCs showed the presence of numerous inclusion bodies. After treatment with YSSXG, the amount and volume of inclusion bodies decreased. Treatment with YSSXG also led to a significant increase in SOD activity (P<0.01), a decrease in Cat activity (P<0.01), and no significant differences in GSHPx activity (P>0.05) or MDA concentration (P>0.05). However, compared with the healthy counterparts, SOD, GSH-Px, and Cat activities presented at high levels (P<0.01) both before and after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: YSSXG could improve the degree of hemolysis and anemia in patients with HbH disease. The mechanism may be related to its antioxidative effects, which could elevate the activity of total SOD in erythrocytes and efficiently inhibit the oxidative precipitation of ß-globin chains.

Protection of DNA and erythrocytes from free radical induced oxidative damage by black gram (Vigna mungo L.) husk extract.

Antioxidants present in various plant tissues exhibit health benefits by scavenging reactive oxygen species generated under various pathophysiological conditions. In the present study, bioactive compounds from black gram husk were extracted with water and the protection of black gram husk (BGH) extract against oxidative damage in DNA and erythrocytes were studied. BGH extract had total polyphenol content of 59 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE). The phenolic acids identified in the extract using RP-HPLC were gallic, protocatechuic, gentisic and ferulic acids. The extract showed good antioxidant properties. The IC(50) value for DPPH radical scavenging activity was found to be 3.92 µg of GAE. The BGH extract also showed α-glucosidase inhibition and the IC(50) value was found to be 2.78 µg of GAE. The oxidative hemolysis caused by hydrogen peroxide in rat erythrocytes was inhibited by BGH extract in a dose dependent manner. The IC(50) values for BGH extract and BHA for hemolysis were 11.5 and 14 µg of GAE, respectively. Morphological changes in erythrocyte membrane caused by hydrogen peroxide were protected by BGH extract. As BGH extract exhibited various antioxidant properties in different systems, it could be used as a functional food or nutraceutical product for health benefits.

High-resolution full-field optical coherence microscopy using a Mirau interferometer for the quantitative imaging of biological cells.

In this paper quantitative imaging of biological cells using high-resolution full-field optical coherence microscopy (FF-OCM) is reported. The FF-OCM was realized using a swept-source system, a Mirau interferometer, and a CCD camera (a two-dimensional detection unit). A Mirau-interferometric objective lens was used to generate the interferometric signal. The signal was analyzed by a Fourier analysis technique. Optically sectioned amplitude images and a quantitative phase map of biological cells such as onion skin and red blood cells (RBCs) are demonstrated. Further, the refractive index profile of the RBCs is also presented. For the 50× Mirau objective, the experimentally achieved axial and transverse resolution of the present system are 3.8 and 1.2 µm, respectively. The CCD provides parallel detection and measures enface images without X, Y, Z mechanical scanning.

Radioprotective role of selenium after single-dose radioiodine (¹³¹I) exposure to red blood cells of rats.

The present study elucidated the protective potential of selenium following ¹³¹I-induced alterations in rat blood. Forty rats were segregated into 4 groups. Animals in Group I served as normal controls, Group II animals were injected with a single dose of 3.7 Mbq of ¹³¹I (carrier free), Group III animals were supplemented with selenium (1 ppm), and Group IV animals were given a combined treatment of selenium and ¹³¹I. ¹³¹I treatment of rats showed significant increases in total leukocyte counts (TLCs), lymphocytes, and neutrophils (monocytes and eosinophils were not recorded). These were significantly restored upon supplementation of selenium. Lipid peroxidase (LPO), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) were found to be enhanced following ¹³¹I treatment. However, the levels of catalase were found to be decreased. Selenium administration to ¹³¹I-treated rats resulted in significant restoration of these enzyme activities. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies also revealed various surface deformities in erythrocytes after ¹³¹I treatment, which upon supplementation with selenium were significantly restored. In conclusion, selenium may prove to be an effective radioprotector following ¹³¹I treatment.