Protective properties of Myrtus communis extract against oxidative effects of extremely low-frequency magnetic fields on rat plasma and hemoglobin.

PURPOSE: This study investigates the protective properties of Myrtus communis extract against the oxidative effects of extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELFMF). Also, this study is aimed to analyze the conformational changes of hemoglobin, oxidative damages to plasma proteins and antioxidant power of plasma following exposure to ELFMF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult male rats were divided into 3 groups: (1) control, (2) ELFMF exposure, and (3) ELFMF exposure after M. communis extract administration. The magnetic field (0.7 mT, 50 Hz) was produced by a Helmholtz coil for one month, 2 hours a day. The M. communis extract was injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg before exposure to ELFMF. The oxidative effects of ELFMF were studied by evaluating the hemoglobin, methemoglobin (metHb) and hemichrome levels, absorption spectrum of hemoglobin (200-700 nm), oxidative damage to plasma proteins by measuring protein carbonyl (PCO) levels and plasma antioxidant power according to the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP). The mean and standard errors of the mean were determined for each group. One-way ANOVA analysis was used to compare the means of groups. The significance level was considered to be p < .05. Moreover, artificial neural network (ANN) analysis was used to identify the predictive parameters for estimating the oxyhemoglobin (oxyHb) concentration. RESULTS: Exposure to ELFMF decreased the FRAP which was in concomitant with a significant increase in plasma PCO, metHb and hemichrome concentrations (p < .001). Oxidative modifications of Hb were shown by reduction in optical density at 340 nm (globin-heme interaction) and 420 nm (heme-heme interaction). Administration of M. communis extract increased FRAP values and decreased plasma POC, metHb, and hemichrome concentrations. Also, a significant increase in Hb absorbance at 340, 420, 542, and 577 nm showed the protective properties of M. communis extract against ELFMF-induced oxidative stress in erythrocytes. ANN analysis showed that optical absorption of hemoglobin at 520, 577, 542, and 630 nm and concentration of metHb and hemichrome were the most important parameters in predicting the oxyHb concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Myrtus communis extract enhances the ability of erythrocytes and plasma to deal with oxidative conditions during exposure to ELFMF. Also, ANN analysis can predict the most important parameters in relation to Hb structure during oxidative stress.

Mitigation of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor-induced side effects utilizing melanin and vascular-specific lasers: A case report series.

The advent of targeted chemotherapy has led to the emergence of new dermatologic toxicities. We sought to use lasers and light devices to treat recalcitrant cutaneous adverse effects related to cancer treatment. Three stage III or IV cancer patients with cutaneous complications due to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors were treated with melanin and vascular-specific laser and light technologies. Two patients reported reduction in papulopustular eruption following pulse dye laser (PDL) treatment. Two patients noted reduction in hair growth following intense pulsed light (IPL) and/or Alexandrite laser treatments. One patient was treated with both the PDL and IPL and reported improvement of both EGFR-induced hypertrichosis and papulopustular eruption. Laser and light devices targeting melanin and hemoglobin can be utilized to mitigate the cutaneous adverse effects associated with EGFR inhibitors in patients who have failed traditional therapies. This represents a new option for the cancer patient who is suffering from chemotherapy-induced side effects.

Dynamic optical absorption characteristics of blood after slow and fast heating.

Laser treatment is the most effective therapy in dermatology for vascular skin disorders, such as port-wine stains (PWS). Changes in heat-induced absorbance in blood must be determined for accurate numerical simulation and implementation of multi-pulse laser therapy for treatment of PWS. Thermally induced absorbance changes in hemoglobin in blood were compared in vitro between slow water bath heating and fast heating irradiated by using sub-millisecond Nd:YAG laser. Blood composition at different temperatures was calculated by comparing blood absorption spectra with those of pure HbO2, Hb, and metHb at room temperature. Blood absorbance to heat energy were categorized into three stages distinguished by metHb and coagulation points, which are the validity and security thresholds of the optimized therapy, respectively. Rapid laser heating can distinctively enhance blood absorbance by photochemically induced strong instability compared with slow heating at a constant temperature. Slow heating facilitates metHb point at 70 °C and coagulation point at 75 °C as the temperature of the water bath increases. However, the temperature at which metHb or coagulation point shifts to higher than 10 °C when pulses and fluence in laser irradiation change. Laser fluence less than 20 J/cm2 and more than 50 J/cm2 is unsuitable for laser treatment because of its low probability to coagulate vascular hyperplasia and high probability to damage normal tissues adjacent to target lesions, respectively. Few bubbles formed after mediate fluence is beneficial to minimize adverse side-effects. Considering blood absorbance, temperature evolution, and bubble formation, we recommend 30-40 J/cm2 and 2-4 Hz frequency as the optimal laser parameters in sub-millisecond Nd:YAG laser.

Influence of the first radioactive iodine ablation on peripheral complete blood count in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer.

Radioactive iodine (RAI) is considered to be related with hematologic changes. This study aimed to evaluate influence of the first RAI ablation on peripheral complete blood count (CBC) in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).Data of CBC at baseline and 6 months after RAI were obtained in 385 patients with DTC with approximately 3700 MBq I (ranging 2220-7585 MBq). Further comparison was done in 196 patients with 1-month postablation data available. Routine blood examinations were performed to determine impact of RAI on white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin, platelet, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte in both sexes. Continuous variables were compared by paired t tests and independent samples t test, and categorical variables were compared by chi-square analysis. Data with repeated measurements were analyzed by analysis of variance.The first RAI after thyroidectomy was associated with mild, yet significant declines in WBC, platelet, and lymphocyte, which persisted for 6 months. One month after RAI, significant declines were found in all CBC, including RBC and hemoglobin (all P < 0.05). While CBC partly recovered 6 months after RAI, this follow-up CBC still demonstrated significant declines in WBC, platelet, and lymphocyte (all P < 0.05) without gender differences. Significant rises in RBC and hemoglobin in males and females were found. The decline of platelet in females was more obvious than in males at 3700 to 4440 MBq of RAI. On the contrary, the rises of RBC and hemoglobin in males were higher than in females. There were no significant complications during the follow-up.WBC and platelet decreased obviously 1 month after RAI. While they partly recovered 6 months after RAI, they were still lower than the baseline. However, RBC and hemoglobin transiently decreased at 1 month and then increased to levels even higher than baseline 6 months later. At 3700 to 4440 MBq of RAI, the decline of platelet in females was more obvious than in males. Yet, rises of RBC and hemoglobin in males were higher than in females. The risks associated with these changes are unlikely to outweigh the potential benefits of RAI in patients with DTC.

Effects of 10-GHz microwaves on hematological parameters in Swiss albino mice and their modulation by Prunus avium.

The objective of this study was to investigate the modulatory role of Prunus avium fruit extract (PAE) on several blood parameters after exposure to 10-GHz microwaves. Swiss albino mice from an inbred colony were selected and divided into 3 groups. Mice in group I served as the control; they were placed in a Plexiglas cage (without energizing the system) for 2 hours/day for 30 consecutive days. Group II mice were exposed to 10-GHz microwaves for 2 hours/day for 30 consecutive days. Mice in group III received PAE (500 mg/kg/body weight) orally once daily 1 hour before exposure to 10-GHz microwaves (2 hours/day) for 30 consecutive days. After 30 days of treatment, blood samples were collected from mice in all groups and analyzed. Hemoglobin, monocytes, packed cell volume, red blood cells, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration declined significantly (P ≤ 0.01), whereas white blood cells, lymphocytes, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and mean corpuscular volume increased significantly (P ≤ 0.01) compared to the control group (group I). Cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, and lipid peroxidation also increased significantly (P ≤ 0.01). Depletion in blood sugar, total protein, acid phosphatase, and glutathione levels was noted after microwave exposure compared with levels in the sham-exposed (control) mice. Histopathological alterations in blood cells also were seen. Signs of improvements in the hematological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters were recorded in group III, where PAE was supplemented before exposure. Exposure to microwaves influences hematological parameters, which could be ameliorated by the supplementation of PAE.

Vertebrate ancient opsin photopigment spectra and the avian photoperiodic response.

In mammals, photoreception is restricted to cones, rods and a subset of retinal ganglion cells. By contrast, non-mammalian vertebrates possess many extraocular photoreceptors but in many cases the role of these photoreceptors and their underlying photopigments is unknown. In birds, deep brain photoreceptors have been shown to sense photic changes in daylength (photoperiod) and mediate seasonal reproduction. Nonetheless, the specific identity of the opsin photopigment 'sensor' involved has remained elusive. Previously, we showed that vertebrate ancient (VA) opsin is expressed in avian hypothalamic neurons and forms a photosensitive molecule. However, a direct functional link between VA opsin and the regulation of seasonal biology was absent. Here, we report the in vivo and in vitro absorption spectra (λ(max) = ~490 nm) for chicken VA photopigments. Furthermore, the spectral sensitivity of these photopigments match the peak absorbance of the avian photoperiodic response (λ(max) = 492 nm) and permits maximum photon capture within the restricted light environment of the hypothalamus. Such a correspondence argues strongly that VA opsin plays a key role in regulating seasonal reproduction in birds.

Amelioration of radiation-induced hematological and biochemical alterations in Swiss albino mice by Panax ginseng extract.

BACKGROUND: This study was carried out to observe the radioprotective effect of Panax ginseng root extract (PGE) against radiation-induced hematological and biochemical alterations in blood and liver of mice. Materials and methods. Adult Swiss albino mice were exposed to 6 Gy gamma radiation in the presence (experimental) or absence (control) of PGE to study the quantitative and qualitative alterations in the blood and liver. RESULTS: Radiation exposure resulted in a significant decline (P<.001) in erythrocyte count, hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct) in peripheral blood. Maximum changes in all the parameters were observed on day 3 after irradiation. In contrast, PGE-pretreated irradiated animals showed a significant increase in erythrocyte, Hct, and Hb values compared with irradiated controls. Furthermore, a significant elevation in lipid peroxidation level over normal was recorded in irradiated control mice, whereas this increase was considerably lesser in PGE pretreated animals. Likewise, pretreatment with PGE caused a significant increase in glutathione levels in serum as well as in liver in comparison to irradiated controls. CONCLUSION: From this study, it is clearly evident that PGE provides protection against radiation-induced hematological and biochemical alterations in Swiss albino mice.

Amelioration of radiation-induced hematological and biochemical alterations by Alstonia scholaris (a medicinal plant) extract.

The radioprotective efficacy of a hydro-alcoholic extracted material from the bark of Alstonia scholaris (ASE) was studied in mice against radiation-induced hematological and biochemical alterations. Swiss albino mice were administered ASE (100 mg/kg body weight/d for 5 consecutive day) orally prior to whole-body gamma irradiation (7.5 Gy). Radiation exposure resulted in a significant decline (P<.001) in erythrocytes and hemoglobin until the third day, following a gradual recovery (ie, day 7), but these values did not reach normal values during the remainder of the animals' life span. Hematocrit percentage declined significantly (P<.001) until day 15. In contrast, ASE-pretreated irradiated animals had significantly higher erythrocyte, hematocrit, and hemoglobin values than the irradiated controls. Furthermore, a significant elevation in lipid peroxidation level over normal was recorded in gamma-irradiated mice, whereas this increase was considerably lower in ASE-pretreated animals. Pretreatment with ASE caused a significant increase in glutathione levels in serum as well as in liver in comparison to irradiated animals. This study showed that ASE protects against radiation-induced hematological and biochemical alterations in Swiss albino mice.

Effect of low power laser irradiation on disconnecting the membrane-attached hemoglobin from erythrocyte membrane.

In our previous study we found that low power laser irradiation improved the erythrocyte deformability, but the mechanism is unclear. The membrane-attached hemoglobin (Hbm) may be one of the determining factors for the erythrocyte deformability. We report here for the first time, that laser irradiation can reduce the Hbm contents in pig's erythrocytes, providing the explanation for the improvement of erythrocyte deformability. The decrease of the Hbm was proportional to the irradiation dose, but the relative change of Hbm was saturated around 35%. The 532 nm laser was more efficient at lowering Hbm than the 632.8 nm laser, consistent with the absorption spectrum of Hbm.

Effects of Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa on the peripheral blood and small intestine of mice exposed to gamma radiation.

The radioprotective effect of bael (Aegle marmelos, AME) extract was studied in Swiss albino mice against radiation-induced changes in the peripheral blood, spleen colony forming units, and intestinal mucosa. The mice were treated with 250 mg/kg body weight of AME orally once daily for five consecutive days before exposure to an acute dose of 7 Gy of gamma radiation after the last administration. The peripheral blood was collected and evaluated for red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin, total leukocyte count (TLC), and lymphocyte count on days one and seven postirradiation. The nucleated bone marrow cells were isolated and tested for colony-forming units (CFUs) in spleen at days one and seven. AME protected mice against the radiation-induced decline in hemoglobin, total leukocyte, and lymphocytes counts and the clonogenicity of hemopoietic progenitor cells assessed by the exogenous spleen colony-forming assay. Irradiation of mice caused a significant decline in the villus height and crypt number with an increase in goblet and dead cells in the small intestine, where the maximum changes were observed on day one postirradiation, indicating a severe damage, and signs of recovery at day seven postirradiation. Treatment of mice with AME before irradiation elevated the peripheral cell count as well as villus height and the crypt number accompanied by a decline in goblet and dead cells when compared with the irradiation control. The recovery and regeneration were faster in AME pretreated animals than the irradiation alone. AME pretreatment significantly decreased lipid peroxidation accompanied by a significant elevation in the GSH concentration in the mouse intestine. The data clearly indicate that the AME significantly reduced the deleterious effect of radiation in the intestine and bone marrow of mouse and could be a useful agent in reducing the side effects of therapeutic radiation.

Effect of photothermal therapy on breast tumor vascular contents: noninvasive monitoring by near-infrared spectroscopy.

The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of photothermal laser irradiation on rat breast tumor (DMBA-4) vascular contents. An 805-nm diode laser was used in our experiment with a power density ranging from 0.32 to 1.27 W/cm2. The dynamic changes of oxygenated hemoglobin and total hemoglobin concentrations, delta[HbO2] and delta[Hb]total, in rat tumors during photothermal irradiation were noninvasively monitored by a near-infrared spectroscopy system. A multichannel thermal detection system was also used simultaneously to record temperatures at different locations within the tumors. Our experimental results showed that: (1) photoirradiation did have the ability to induce hyperthermic effects inside the rat breast tumors in a single exponential trend; (2) the significant changes (P < 0.005) of delta[HbO2] and delta[Hb]total in response to a low dosage of laser irradiation (0.32 W/cm2) have a single exponential increasing trend, similar to that seen in the tumor interior temperature; and (3) the increase in magnitude of delta[HbO2] is nearly two times greater than that of delta[Hb]total, suggesting that photoirradiation may enhance tumor vascular oxygenation. The last observation may be important to reveal the hidden mechanism of photoirradiation on tumors, leading to improvement of tumor treatment efficiency.

Zinc sulfate in the prevention of total-body irradiation-induced early hematopoietic toxicity: a controlled study in a rat model.

Exposure to ionizing total-body radiation suppresses hematopoiesis, resulting in decreased production of blood cells. Many researchers have demonstrated the critical role of zinc (Zn) in diverse physiological processes, such as growth and development, maintenance and priming of the immune system, and tissue repair. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of zinc sulfate (40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg) on early hematopoietic toxicity, caused by total-body irradiation (TBI) of rats with a single dose of 8 Gy. Both in the Zn 40 and in the Zn 80 groups, there were significantly increased white blood cell (WBC) count, when compared with control group. The WBC count was higher in the control group than in the TBI group. This result was statistically significant (p<0.05). Both the TBI+Zn 40 and the TBI+Zn 80 groups had a significantly protected WBC count against TBI. No difference was detected in any final measurement of thrombocyte count and hemoglobin level with direct comparison among all groups, with the exception that the hemoglobin level in the Zn 80 group compared to the control group. Whereas hemoglobin level in the control group was at a median figure of 13.98 g/dL (13.30-14.80), it was at a median figure of 14.25 g/dL (14.10-15.50) in the Zn 80 group. It would be worthwhile studying the effect of oral zinc sulfate supplements in radiation-treated cancer patients, in the hope of reducing radiation-induced toxicity.

In vitro effects of low-level laser irradiation at 660 nm on peripheral blood lymphocytes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The effects of low-level laser light irradiation are still highly contested, and the mechanisms of its action still unclear. This study was conducted to test the effects of low-level laser irradiation at 660 nm on human lymphocytes and to investigate the possible mechanisms by which these effects are produced. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Whole blood obtained by phlebotomy was irradiated at 660 nm by using energy fluences between 0 and 5.0 J/cm(2). The lymphocytes were isolated after irradiation of the whole blood. For the control experiment, the lymphocytes were first isolated and then irradiated at the same wavelength and energy fluence for comparison. The proliferation of lymphocytes and the formation of free radicals and lipid peroxides were monitored. Hemoglobin was also irradiated in a cell-free environment to test for the production of lipid peroxides. RESULTS: Lymphocyte proliferation was significantly higher (P<0.05) as expressed by a Stimulation Index in samples irradiated in the presence of whole blood compared with lymphocytes irradiated after isolation from whole blood. Free radical and lipid peroxide production also increased significantly when samples were irradiated in the presence of red blood cells. CONCLUSION: The present study supports the hypothesis that one mechanism for the photobiostimulation effect after irradiation at 660 nm is the reaction of light with hemoglobin, resulting in oxygen radical production.

Effect of Sobatum on radiation-induced toxicity in mice.

Sobatum, the active fraction of the plant Solanum trilobatum was obtained from the petroleum ether/ethyl acetate (75:25) extractable portion. Sobatum was proven to be an anticancer agent by in vitro and in vivo methods. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Sobatum on radiation-induced toxicity in mice. In this assay there are three groups. Group I, the control group, received radiation alone, while groups II and III received Sobatum (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight, respectively) with radiation. Sobatum was administered 24 h before radiation and was continued for 4 alternate days. Body weight, food intake and blood parameters were determined before radiation and every 3 days after radiation for 17 days. The results indicated that there was significantly less body weight gain and food intake in the radiation alone-treated group compared to the Sobatum-treated group. The average leukocyte count and haemoglobin level of the Sobatum-treated group was considerably improved at the end of the experimental period. Hence, it can be concluded that Sobatum reduced the side-effects of radiation-induced toxicity and suggested that it could be used along with radiation therapy.

[The mechanisms of the porphyrin conformation of normal blood hemoglobin and in pathology]. / Mekhanizmy konformatsii porfirinov gemoglobina krovi v norme i pri patologii.

The spectra of resonance Raman scattering of blood in norm and under pathology (myocardial infarction and sepsis), as well after artificial hemotransfusion or UV photomodification have been studied. It has been shown that under heart pathology the structure of hemoglobin porphyrin macrocycle of erythrocytes changes, the size of porphyrin "nucleus" increases. The opposite conditions are observed at blood sepsis. It has been found that the traditional methods in tissue restoration, hemotransfusion and UV photomodification of blood don't result in complete restoration of hemoporphyrin molecule.

[Effect of the autotransfusion of UV-irradiated blood on the homeostatic indices of surgical patients]. / Vliianie autotransfuzii UF-obluchennoi krovi na nekotorye pokazateli gomeostaza khirurgicheskikh bol'nykh.

The investigation of parameters of hemograms, biochemical composition of blood, hemostasis, certain indicators of the immunological status in transfusing UV-irradiated autologous blood the authors made a conclusion that this variant of autohemotransfusion exerted a specific effect on the patient's organism. It depended on the scheme of irradiation of the blood, number of sessions of autotransfusions and intervals between them.