Effects of a Tai Chi rehabilitation program implemented using a hybrid online and offline mode on oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in patients with coronary heart disease: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in both developed and many developing countries. Exercise training is a fundamental component of cardiac rehabilitation programs for patients with CHD. This study aims to investigate the effects of a Tai Chi rehabilitation program, which is provided through a hybrid online and offline mode, on oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in patients with CHD. Methods: A total of 34 patients with coronary heart disease were randomly assigned to two groups: an experiment group (n = 14, age 62.07 ± 9.076 years) and a control group (n = 20, age 61.90 ± 9.700 years). The experiment group underwent a 12-week Tai Chi cardiac rehabilitation program (TCCRP), while the control group followed a conventional exercise rehabilitation program (CERP) consisting of 1-h sessions, 3 times per week, for a total of 36 sessions. Participants were studied at baseline and post-intervention. The main assessments include the levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and Interleukin-10 (IL - 10) in blood samples. Pearson correlation analysis was used, and the differences between the two groups were subsequently tested using two-way repeated ANOVA. Statistical significance was defined as a two-sided p-value of <0.05. Results: The key finding of the study reveals that MDA was significantly reduced by 1.027 nmoL/mL. Additionally, the TCCRP showed significant improvements in SOD and IL-10, with values of 10.110 U/mL and 2.441 pg./mL, respectively. Notably, a significant positive correlation was found between SOD and IL-10 (r = 0.689, p = 0.006), while MDA showed a significant positive correlation with TNF-a (r = 0.542, p = 0.045). In contrast, the ECRP group only showed a significant improvement in SOD. Conclusion: The study conducted a 12-week program on TCCRP, which utilized a hybrid online and offline model for individuals with coronary heart disease. The program showed promising results in alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation, possibly by regulating the balance between oxidative and antioxidative factors, as well as pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors.

Effects of dietary phytosterols or phytosterol esters supplementation on growth performance, biochemical blood indices and intestinal flora of C57BL/6 mice.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of phytosterols (PS) and phytosterol esters (PSE) on C57BL/6 mice. Three groups of 34 six-week-old C57BL/6 mice of specific pathogen free (SPF) grade, with an average initial body weight (IBW) of 17.7g, were fed for 24 days either natural-ingredient diets without supplements or diets supplemented with 89 mg/kg PS or diets supplemented with 400 mg/kg PSE. Growth performance, blood biochemistry, liver and colon morphology as well as intestinal flora status were evaluated. Both PS and PSE exhibited growth promotion and feed digestibility in mice. In blood biochemistry, the addition of both PS and PSE to the diet resulted in a significant decrease in Total Cholesterol (TC) and Triglyceride (TG) levels and an increase in Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity. No significant changes in liver and intestinal morphology were observed. Both increased the level of Akkermansia in the intestinal tract of mice. There was no significant difference between the effects of PS and PSE. It was concluded that dietary PS and PSE supplementation could improve growth performance, immune performance and gut microbiome structure in mice, providing insights into its application as a potential feed additive in animals production.

Comparison of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and inflammatory markers between rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis patients.

Objectives: To measure the levels of superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde along with erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein in patients of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. METHODS: The comparative, cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2 to December 30, 2022, at the Centre for Research in Experimental and Applied Medicine laboratory of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, in collaboration with the Department of Rheumatology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi. The sample comprised healthy controls in group 1, patients of rheumatoid arthritis in group 2 and patients of ankylosing spondylitis in group 3. Blood samples were assessed for levels of superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. RESULTS: Of the 180 subjects, 60(33.3%) were in group 1; 32(53.3%) females and 28(46.7%) males with mean age 34.9±6.4 years. There were 60(33.3%) patients in group 2; 35(58.3%) females and 25(41.7%) males with mean age 46.0±11.1 years. There were 60(33.3%) patients in group 3, and all 60(100%) were males with mean age 35.9±6.9 years. Superoxide dismutase level was significantly low and malondialdehyde level was significantly high in groups 2 and 3 compared to group 1 (p<0.05). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was the highest in group 2, followed by group 3 (p<0.05). C-reactive protein levels were the highest in group 2 and the lowest in group 3 (p<0.05). A significantly negative correlation (p<0.001) was found between superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde. CONCLUSIONS: Oxidative stress played a pivotal role in chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

The effect of aqueous extract of Iranian oak (Quercus brantii) on antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress in beta-thalassemia patients: Randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Frequent administration of blood in ß-thalassemia patients can lead to over-loaded iron, a reduction in the levels of antioxidant activities in the body, and oxidative stress. This study was done to evaluate the antioxidant and protective effect of aqueous oak (Quercus brantii) extract supplementation on these patients. METHODS: This clinical trial was performed on 60 major ß thalassemia patients dividing them into intervention and control groups. In addition to taking desferrioxamine (DFO), the control and intervention groups received respectively placebo capsule supplementation and aqueous Quercus extract capsules (300 mg/day) for 3 months. Serum lipid profiles (LDL-c, HDL-c, triglyceride), Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), Glucose, Uric acid, urea nitrogen (BUN), Creatinine, LFT (Liver Function Tests) such as SGOT, SGPT, ALP, Total bilirubin, Direct bilirubin, ferritin, MDA and carbonyl protein (CO) levels were measured before and after the period. In addition, the activity of catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was measured in the red blood cell. Furthermore, antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of aqueous Quercus were recorded to standardize capsule formulation. RESULTS: Mean serum MDA, and protein CO, significantly decreased in the intervention group with ß-TM after 3 months of treatment with Quercus extract. In addition, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme and Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) significantly increased in comparison with the control group. Changes in serum creatinine, BUN, and alanine transferase were not significant. In the study, Quercus extract capsules contain 48/56 mg gallic acid/g (dry extract) total phenol, 58/6 mg/g (dry extract), and flavonoids of 63/8 µg/ml antioxidant power which by GC/MS analysis has been measured. At the end of the study, serum MDA decreased from 48.65 ± 8.74 to 43.94 ± 10.39 µ mol/l after administration of oak extract and protein CO dropped from 2.44 ± 0.38 to 1.2 ± 0.31 nmol DNPH/mg protein after administration of the oak extract. At the end of the study serum, TAC increased in patients interventional group from 907 ± 319 to 977 ± 327 µmol FeSO4/l compared to the control group 916 ± 275 to 905.233 ± 233 µmol FeSO4/l with placebo, and SOD increased from 1577 ± 325 to 2079 ± 554 U/l (compared to 1687 ± 323 U/l with placebo). The treatment effect of Quercus was measured using a mixed-effects model of variance analysis for changes in MDA, protein CO, TAC, and SOD, with significant effects being demonstrated for each laboratory parameter (P = 0.15, P = 0.001, P = 0.02, and P < 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Aqueous Quercus extract, due to its high antioxidant potential, reduced MDA, serum carbonyl protein, and increased superoxide dismutase activity effectively decreased serum OS and enhanced serum antioxidant capacity in patients with ß-thalassemia major. oak given as an adjuvant therapy to standard iron chelators may provide an improvement in the OS measurements obtained in these patients. REGISTRATION INFORMATION: This study was submitted, evaluated, and approved by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT: http://www.irct.ir; IRCT2015101411819N4), which was established for national medical schools in Iran.

Superoxide Dismutase and Clopidogrel: A Potential Role in Peripheral Arterial Disease Treatment.

Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of peripheral artery disease (PAD). This study aimed to investigate the effect of clopidogrel on oxidative stress in PAD patients. Seventy subjects were divided into three groups: PAD patients before treatment (B-PAD), PAD patients after treatment with clopidogrel (A-PAD), and healthy controls. Serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and oxidized protein were measured. SOD activities were also determined. The results showed that SOD activities, and SOD specific activities were significantly decreased in PAD patients compared to healthy individuals. After treatment with clopidogrel, SOD activities, and SOD specific activities were continuously decrease in PAD patients. The SOD and oxidized protein concentrations were significantly increased in PAD patients compared to healthy individuals. After treatment with clopidogrel, the oxidized protein concentration was significantly decreased, while SOD concentration was significantly increased in PAD patients. These findings suggest that the treatment by clopidogrel stimulated the production of the enzyme but the ratio of active enzyme remained low. The decrease in oxidized protein can be explained by the treatment having antioxidant efficacy that may have compensated for the deficiency in enzyme activity and led to a decrease in oxidized protein. Additionally, the results of this study provide promising evidence that oxidative stress biomarkers including SOD concentration, T-SOD activity, Mn-SOD activity, and oxidized protein levels have potential utility in the diagnosis and management of PAD.

Enhancing Endothelial Function with Nutrient-Enriched Table Hen Eggs: A Randomized Study in Patients Recovering from Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of consumption of table eggs enriched with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), lutein, vitamin E and selenium on microvascular function, oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators in patients after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Patients and Methods: In a prospective, randomized, interventional, double-blind clinical trial, ACS patients were assigned to either the Nutri4 (N=15, mean age: 57.2 ± 9.2 years), or the Control group (N=13; mean age 56.8 ± 9.6 years). The Nutri4 group consumed three enriched hen eggs daily for three weeks, providing approximately 1.785 mg of vitamin E, 0.330 mg of lutein, 0.054 mg of selenium and 438 mg of n-3 PUFAs. Biochemical parameters, including serum lipids, liver enzymes, nutrient concentrations, serum antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD)), and markers of oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and ferric reducing ability (FRAP)), were assessed before and after the dietary interventions. Additionally, arterial blood pressure, heart rate, body composition, fluid status, anthropometric measurements, and skin microvascular blood flow responses to various stimuli (postocclusive reactive hyperemia (PORH), acetylcholine- (Ach ID), and sodium nitroprusside- (SNP ID)) were measured using laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) throughout the study. Results: The intake of Nutri4 eggs led to a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol levels, while the levels of total cholesterol remained within the established reference values. Consuming Nutri4 eggs resulted in a 12.7% increase in serum vitamin E levels, an 8.6% increase in selenium levels, and demonstrated a favorable impact on microvascular reactivity, as evidenced by markedly improved PORH and ACh ID. Nutri4 eggs exerted a significant influence on the activity of GPx and SOD, with no observed changes in TBARS or FRAP values. Conclusion: The consumption of Nutri4 eggs positively influenced microvascular function in individuals with ACS, without eliciting adverse effects on oxidative stress.

RENAL PROTECTIVE EFFECT AND CLINICAL ANALYSIS OF VITAMIN B 6 IN PATIENTS WITH SEPSIS.

ABSTRACT: Objective: To investigate the protective effect and possible mechanisms of vitamin B 6 against renal injury in patients with sepsis. Methods: A total of 128 patients with sepsis who met the entry criteria in multiple centers were randomly divided into experimental (intravenous vitamin B 6 therapy) and control (intravenous 0.9% sodium chloride therapy) groups based on usual care. Clinical data, the inflammatory response indicators interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and endothelin-1 (ET-1), the oxidative stress response indicators superoxide dismutase, glutathione and malondialdehyde, and renal function (assessed by blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and renal resistance index monitored by ultrasound) were compared between the two groups. Results: After 7 d of treatment, the IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and ET-1 levels in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group, the oxidative stress response indicators were significantly improved in the experimental group and the blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and renal resistance index values in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in the rate of renal replacement therapy and 28 d mortality ( P > 0.05). However, the intensive care unit length of stay and the total hospitalization expenses in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: The administration of vitamin B 6 in the treatment of patients with sepsis attenuates renal injury, and the mechanism may be related to pyridoxine decreasing the levels of inflammatory mediators and their regulation by redox stress.

Glyphosate contamination of drinking water and the occurrence of oxidative stress: Exposure assessment to rural Brazilian populations.

Studies reported that continuous application of glyphosate can cause disturbance in aquatic/terrestrial environments. As such, the objective of this study is to discuss the risk of exposure to the herbicide in drinking water and to assess the oxidative stress in the consumers rural populations of Casimiro de Abreu/ RJ and Paraguaçu/ MG, Brazil. For this, water samples (n=69) were analysed from the home of volunteers, by FMOC derivatizing- LC-FLD method. The oxidative stress was analysed determining lipid peroxidation (MAD) and defense enzymes (SOD and CAT) in serum samples from rural population (n=42) compared to urban residents (n= 42). Results of the analysis from drinking water, despite the low and moderate risk, by the hazard quotient (HQ), revealed that the population is environmentally exposed to the glyphosate. The relevant findings showed that is important to implement monitoring/ biomonitoring programs to prevent pollution and toxic effects in the rural populations.

Blood plasma and urinary biomarkers of oxidative stress in cats with urethral obstruction.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate variations of the oxidative status in cats affected by urethral obstruction (UO) under Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC) and Bacterial Cystitis (BC), in comparison with a group of healthy subjects. In both groups, the levels of several markers (either direct or indirect) indicative of the oxidative attack and of the antioxidant response were analyzed on plasma and urine samples. In particular, the plasma samples were evaluated for nitric oxide (NO), hydroperoxides derived by reactive oxygen activity (d-ROMs test), superoxide anion (O2-), glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx), superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP test); while on urine the levels of NO, d-ROMs, FRAP, SOD, malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were measured. Urine of UO patients was also subjected to urine-culture test. RESULTS: The analytical data on plasma showed that UO, independently of the FIC or BC etiology, induced the insurgence of oxidative stress conditions at the systemic level. In the urine of the UO patients, except for SOD that increased, the markers of redox status were markedly decreased due probably their compromised filtration, thus suggesting involvement of renal function (assessed also by the high levels of plasma creatinine and proteinuria) with no oxidative damage of the lower urinary tract. Moreover, the adoption of a novel oxidative stress index' (OSI) allowed to establish, by means of a numerical value, the different degrees of oxidative stress conditions for single UO patients, both in terms of oxidative attack and antioxidant response. CONCLUSIONS: Feline urethral obstruction, induced by Idiopathic Cystitis and Bacterial Cystitis, causes oxidative stress conditions at the systemic level that do not interest the lower urinary tract. Despite to the high variability of the profiles of oxidative stress indexes both in healthy and UO patients, the determination of OSI made possible the evaluation of their single degrees of oxidative stress. Possibly the results of this investigation can be compared with those of correspondent pathologies both in humans and in other animal species.

[Correlation between CRAB Symptoms and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity in Patients with Multiple Myeloma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between clinical indicators of CRAB symptoms and antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). METHODS: The activity of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the bone marrow supernatants of 44 patients with MM and 12 patients with non-malignant hematological diseases was detected by colorimetric assay, and then the differences in the activity of antioxidant enzymes between the two groups were compared. Furthermore, the relationship between the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the MM group and the levels of serum calcium, serum creatinine (Scr), hemoglobin (Hb), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as well as bone lesions were analyzed. RESULTS: The antioxidant enzyme activity was lower in MM patients compared with the control group (P < 0.05). When the concentrations of serum calcium and ALP were higher than the normal levels, Hb was lower than 85 g/L, and there were multiple bone lesions, the activity of CAT, SOD and GPX was significantly declined (P < 0.05); When the concentration of Scr≥177 µmol/L, the activity of GPX was significantly declined (P < 0.05). Regression analyses showed that CAT, SOD and GPX were negatively correlated with serum calcium (r =-0.538, r =-0.456, r =-0.431), Scr (r =-0.342, r =-0.384, r =-0.463), and ALP (r =-0.551, r =-0.572, r =-0.482). CONCLUSION: The activity of antioxidant enzymes, including CAT, SOD and GPX, were decreased in patients with MM and they were negatively correlated with some clinical indicators of CRAB symptoms (such as serum calcium, Scr, and ALP), which suggests that promoting the activity of antioxidant enzymes may be beneficial to treat the CRAB symptoms of the patients with MM.

Superoxide Dismutase Modified the Association of Serum Malondialdehyde Levels with Cognitive Decline Among Older Adults: Findings from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey.

Background: Numerous studies have investigated the correlation between malondialdehyde (MDA) and cognitive decline. However, limited research has explored the interplay between superoxide dismutase (SOD), C-reactive protein (CRP), and MDA. Objective: This study aims to scrutinize the association between MDA and cognitive function in older adults, while also elucidating the roles of SOD and CRP within this relationship. Methods: Utilizing data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) spanning 2008-2009, 2011-2012, and 2014, this study included 2,696 eligible subjects. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Linear mixed-effects models were employed to examine the links between MDA, SOD, CRP, and their interactions with cognitive function. Results: Elevated serum levels of MDA and CRP, as well as decreased serum SOD levels, were related to decreased cognitive function (ß= -0.220 and -0.346, 95% CI: -0.399, -0.041 and -0.526, -0.167 for MDA and CRP; ß= 0.384, 95% CI: 0.204, 0.564 for SOD). Notably, a significant interaction between MDA and SOD was detected (p = 0.001). An increase per standard deviation in serum MDA levels was significantly associated with a 0.347-point lower MMSE score only in participants with normal cognitive function and high SOD levels (ß= -0.347, 95% CI: -0.497, -0.197; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Elevated serum MDA levels in the normal population with high SOD levels suggested diminished cognitive performance. Combining MDA with SOD could be pivotal in identifying older adults at risk of cognitive decline in clinical settings.

The relationship between the gut microbiota and oxidative stress in the cognitive function of schizophrenia: A pilot study in China.

Cognitive impairment is a core symptom of schizophrenia. The gut microbiota (GM) and oxidative stress may play important roles in the pathophysiological mechanisms of cognitive impairment. This study aimed to explore the relationship between GM and oxidative stress in the cognitive function of schizophrenia. GM obtained by 16S RNA sequencing and serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels from schizophrenia patients (N = 68) and healthy controls (HCs, N = 72) were analyzed. All psychiatric symptoms were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Cognitive function was assessed using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). Correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between GM, SOD, and cognitive function. Machine learning models were used to identify potential biomarkers. Compared to HCs, the relative abundances of Collinsella, undefined Ruminococcus, Lactobacillus, Eubacterium, Mogibacterium, Desulfovibrio, Bulleidia, Succinivibrio, Corynebacterium, and Atopobium were higher in patients with schizophrenia, but Faecalibacterium, Anaerostipes, Turicibacter, and Ruminococcus were lower. In patients with schizophrenia, the positive factor, general factor, and total score of MCCB positively correlated with Lactobacillus, Collinsella, and Lactobacillus, respectively; SOD negatively correlated with Eubacterium, Collinsella, Lactobacillus, Corynebacterium, Bulleidia, Mogibacterium, and Succinivibrio, but positively correlated with Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus, and MCCB verbal learning index scores; Faecalibacterium and Turicibacter were positively correlated with MCCB visual learning index scores and speed of processing index scores, respectively. Our findings revealed a correlation between SOD and GM and confirmed that cognitive dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia involves abnormal SOD levels and GM changes.

Association of impulsive behavior and cerebrospinal fluid/plasma oxidation and antioxidation ratio in Chinese men.

OBJECTIVES: Impulsive behavior is the precursor of many psychiatric and neurological conditions. High levels of impulsive behavior will increase health risk behavior and related injuries. Impulsive behavior is produced and regulated by central and peripheral biological factors, and oxidative stress (OS) can aggravate it. However, previous studies only showed that impulsive behavior was related to the level of the peripheral OS. Therefore, this study aims to clarify the relationship between OS and impulsive behavior in the brain and peripheral blood. METHODS: We recruited 64 Chinese men. We measured superoxide dismutase (SOD) (including copper, zinc and manganese) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) (including total, inducible and constitutive) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma. The Barratt Impulsiveness Scale version 11 (BIS-11) was used to evaluate impulsive behavior. The relationship between OS and impulsive behavior was evaluated by partial correlation analysis and stepwise multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Partial correlation analysis showed that the ratio of total NOS-to-MnSOD and iNOS-to-MnSOD in CSF were negatively correlated with the BIS-11 motor scores (r = -0.431, p = -0.001; r = -0.434, p = -0.001). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the ratio of CSF iNOS-to-MnSOD was the most influential variable on the BIS-11 motor scores(ß = -0.434, t = -3.433, 95 %CI(-0.374, -0.098), p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The imbalance of central oxidation and antioxidation is related to impulsive behavior, which broadens our understanding of the correlation between impulsive behavior and OS.

Host-parasite interaction in severe and uncomplicated malaria infection in ghanaian children.

PURPOSE: During malarial infection, both parasites and host red blood cells (RBCs) come under severe oxidative stress due to the production of free radicals. The host system responds in protecting the RBCs against the oxidative damage caused by these free radicals by producing antioxidants. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant enzyme; superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and cytokine interactions with parasitaemia in Ghanaian children with severe and uncomplicated malaria. METHODOLOGY: One hundred and fifty participants aged 0-12 years were administered with structured questionnaires. Active case finding approach was used in participating hospitals to identify and interview cases before treatment was applied. Blood samples were taken from each participant and used to quantify malaria parasitaemia, measure haematological parameters and SOD activity. Cytokine levels were measured by commercial ELISA kits. DNA comet assay was used to evaluate the extent of parasite DNA damage due to oxidative stress. RESULTS: Seventy - Nine (79) and Twenty- Six (26) participants who were positive with malaria parasites were categorized as severe (56.75 × 103 ± 57.69 parasites/µl) and uncomplicated malaria (5.87 × 103 ± 2.87 parasites/µl) respectively, showing significant difference in parasitaemia (p < 0.0001). Significant negative correlation was found between parasitaemia and SOD activity levels among severe malaria study participants (p = 0.0428). Difference in cytokine levels (IL-10) amongst the control, uncomplicated and severe malaria groups was significant (p < 0.0001). The IFN-γ/IL-10 /TNF-α/IL-10 ratio differed significantly between the malaria infected and non- malaria infected study participants. DNA comet assay revealed damage to Plasmodium parasite DNA. CONCLUSION: Critical roles played by SOD activity and cytokines as anti-parasitic defense during P. falciparum malaria infection in children were established.

Clinical Effect of Vitamin E Combined with Recombinant Human Epidermal Growth Factor on the Recurrent Oral Ulcer and Effects of Serum Superoxide Dismutase, IL-10, and TNF-α.

Objective: To examine the therapeutic effects of vitamin E combined with recombinant human epidermal growth factor on recurrent oral ulcers as well as on the levels of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-α), to provide evidence to facilitate medical management. Method: From June 2021 to May 2022, 84 patients with recurrent oral ulcers assessed and treated in our hospital were assigned to the control group and observation group with 42 cases in each group. Vitamin E was administered to the control group, while recombinant human epidermal growth factor and vitamin E were administered to the observation group. The clinical efficacy, serum SOD level, inflammatory factor level (IL-10, TNF-α), immune function index, clinical symptom improvement, pain disappearance time, healing time of ulcer surface, and adverse reactions were examined. Results: Clinical efficacy of the observation group (92.86%) was considerably greater than the control group (73.81%), (P < .05). Following treatment, the observation group had comparatively higher levels of serum SOD and significantly decreased TNF-α and IL-10 concentrations compared to the control group (P < .05). Similarly, post-treatment, the observation group had substantially higher CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ concentrations and lower CD8+ concentrations compared to the normal control (P < .05). In contrast to the control group, the observation group's pain degree score, ulcer diameter, duration for pain relief, and ulcer surface healing time duration were reduced substantially (P < .05). Notably, the incidence of adverse reactions was fairly similar in both groups (P > .05). Conclusion: Vitamin E combined with recombinant human epidermal growth factor has a significant clinical effect on recurrent oral ulcers, can achieve rapid improvement of symptoms in patients, and is relatively safe to be used as a clinical therapy.

Catalase and interleukin-6 serum elevation in a prediction of treatment-resistance in male schizophrenia patients.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress (OS) and neuroinflammatory pathways play an important role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The present study investigated the relationship between OS, inflammatory cytokines, and clinical features in male patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS). METHOD: We measured plasma OS parameters, including manganese-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), copper/zinc-containing SOD (CuZn-SOD), total-SOD (T-SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px); and serum inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)- 1α, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interferon (IFN)-γ, from 80 male patients with chronic schizophrenia (31 had TRS and 49 had chronic stable schizophrenia (CSS)), and 42 healthy controls. The severity of psychotic symptoms was evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). RESULTS: Compared with healthy controls, plasma Mn-SOD, CuZn-SOD, T-SOD, GSH-Px, and MDA levels were significantly lower, while CAT and serum IL-6 levels were higher in both TRS and CSS male patients (all P < 0.05). Significant differences in the activities of CAT (F = 6.068, P = 0.016) and IL-6 levels (F = 6.876, P = 0.011) were observed between TRS and CSS male patients after analysis of covariance. Moreover, a significant positive correlation was found between IL-6 levels and PANSS general psychopathology subscores (r = 0.485, P = 0.006) and between CAT activity and PANSS total scores (r = 0.409, P = 0.022) in TRS male patients. CAT and IL-6 levels were predictors for TRS. Additionally, in chronic schizophrenia patients, a significant positive correlation was observed between IL-6 and GSH-Px (r = 0.292, P = 0.012), and the interaction effect of IL-6 and GSH-Px was positively associated with PANSS general psychopathology scores (r = 0.287, P = 0.014). CONCLUSION: This preliminary study indicated that variations in OS and inflammatory cytokines may be involved in psychopathology for patients with chronic schizophrenia, especially in male patients with TRS.

Impact of Oxidative Stress on Risk of Death and Readmission in African Children With Severe Malaria: A Prospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that oxidative stress in Ugandan children with severe malaria is associated with mortality. METHODS: We evaluated biomarkers of oxidative stress in children with cerebral malaria (CM, n = 77) or severe malarial anemia (SMA, n = 79), who were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial of immediate vs delayed iron therapy, compared with community children (CC, n = 83). Associations between admission biomarkers and risk of death during hospitalization or risk of readmission within 6 months were analyzed. RESULTS: Nine children with CM and none with SMA died during hospitalization. Children with CM or SMA had higher levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) (P < .001) and lower superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity than CC (P < .02). Children with CM had a higher risk of death with increasing HO-1 concentration (odds ratio [OR], 6.07 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.17-31.31]; P = .03) but a lower risk of death with increasing SOD activity (OR, 0.02 [95% CI, .001-.70]; P = .03). There were no associations between oxidative stress biomarkers on admission and risk of readmission within 6 months of enrollment. CONCLUSIONS: Children with CM or SMA develop oxidative stress in response to severe malaria. Oxidative stress is associated with higher mortality in children with CM but not with SMA. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT01093989.

Effect of Normobaric Hypoxia on Alterations in Redox Homeostasis, Nitrosative Stress, Inflammation, and Lysosomal Function following Acute Physical Exercise.

Hypoxia is a recognized inducer of oxidative stress during prolonged physical activity. Nevertheless, previous studies have not systematically examined the effects of normoxia and hypoxia during acute physical exercise. The study is aimed at evaluating the relationship between enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant barrier, total antioxidant/oxidant status, oxidative and nitrosative damage, inflammation, and lysosomal function in different acute exercise protocols under normoxia and hypoxia. Fifteen competitive athletes were recruited for the study. They were subjected to two types of acute cycling exercise with different intensities and durations: graded exercise until exhaustion (GE) and simulated 30 km individual time trial (TT). Both exercise protocols were performed under normoxic and hypoxic (FiO2 = 16.5%) conditions. The number of subjects was determined based on our previous experiment, assuming the test power = 0.8 and α = 0.05. We demonstrated enhanced enzymatic antioxidant systems during hypoxic exercise (GE: ↑ catalase (CAT), ↑ superoxide dismutase; TT: ↑ CAT) with a concomitant decrease in plasma reduced glutathione. In athletes exercising in hypoxia, redox status was shifted in favor of oxidation reactions (GE: ↑ total oxidant status, ↓ redox ratio), leading to increased oxidation/nitration of proteins (GE: ↑ advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), ↑ ischemia-modified albumin, ↑ 3-nitrotyrosine, ↑ S-nitrosothiols; TT: ↑ AOPP) and lipids (GE: ↑ malondialdehyde). Concentrations of nitric oxide and its metabolites (peroxynitrite) were significantly higher in the plasma of hypoxic exercisers with an associated increase in inflammatory mediators (GE: ↑ myeloperoxidase, ↑ tumor necrosis factor-alpha) and lysosomal exoglycosidase activity (GE: ↑ N-acetyl-ß-hexosaminidase, ↑ ß-glucuronidase). Our study indicates that even a single intensive exercise session disrupts the antioxidant barrier and leads to increased oxidative and nitrosative damage at the systemic level. High-intensity exercise until exhaustion (GE) alters redox homeostasis more than the less intense exercise (TT, near the anaerobic threshold) of longer duration (20.2 ± 1.9 min vs. 61.1 ± 5.4 min-normoxia; 18.0 ± 1.9 min vs. 63.7 ± 3.0 min-hypoxia), while hypoxia significantly exacerbates oxidative stress, inflammation, and lysosomal dysfunction in athletic subjects.

Effect of an Extract from the Egyptian Sea Cucumber, Bohadschia marmorata, on Methotrexate-Induced Hepatorenal Toxicity in Male Mice.

BACKGROUND: The sea cucumber, Bohadschia marmorata, is a marine echinoderm consumed and used as a medication. Extract of this species displays a broad spectrum of bioactivity, such as antifungal, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, and cytotoxic properties. This investigation explored sea cucumber extract for hepatorenal protection against the toxicity of methotrexate (MTX). METHODS: Four groups of mice were divided into G1: control, G2: MTX treated, G3: B. marmorata extract-treated daily for 14 days, and G4: B. marmorata extract and MTX treated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Biochemical analysis and histopathological examination of liver tissue showed that administration of MTX increased serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lowered levels of serum albumin, total protein, Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH). Administration of B. marmorata extract to MTX- injected mice significantly reversed the increase in serum levels of liver enzymes and induced a significant elevation in serum albumin and total protein levels. SOD, CAT, and GSH levels returned to nearly normal levels. Histopathological examination indicated fewer signs of toxicity in liver and kidney tissues of mice treated with both extract and MTX compared to MTX treatment alone. An extract of B. marmorata will protect mice from hepatorenal toxicity induced by MTX.

Exercise improves angiogenic function of circulating exosomes in type 2 diabetes: Role of exosomal SOD3.

Exosomes, key mediators of cell-cell communication, derived from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) exhibit detrimental effects. Exercise improves endothelial function in part via the secretion of exosomes into circulation. Extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD3) is a major secretory copper (Cu) antioxidant enzyme that catalyzes the dismutation of O2•- to H2 O2 whose activity requires the Cu transporter ATP7A. However, the role of SOD3 in exercise-induced angiogenic effects of circulating plasma exosomes on endothelial cells (ECs) in T2DM remains unknown. Here, we show that both SOD3 and ATP7A proteins were present in plasma exosomes in mice, which was significantly increased after two weeks of volunteer wheel exercise. A single bout of exercise in humans also showed a significant increase in SOD3 and ATP7A protein expression in plasma exosomes. Plasma exosomes from T2DM mice significantly reduced angiogenic responses in human ECs or mouse skin wound healing models, which was associated with a decrease in ATP7A, but not SOD3 expression in exosomes. Exercise training in T2DM mice restored the angiogenic effects of T2DM exosomes in ECs by increasing ATP7A in exosomes, which was not observed in exercised T2DM/SOD3-/- mice. Furthermore, exosomes overexpressing SOD3 significantly enhanced angiogenesis in ECs by increasing local H2 O2  levels in a heparin-binding domain-dependent manner as well as restored defective wound healing and angiogenesis in T2DM or SOD3-/- mice. In conclusion, exercise improves the angiogenic potential of circulating exosomes in T2DM in a SOD3-dependent manner. Exosomal SOD3 may provide an exercise mimetic therapy that supports neovascularization and wound repair in cardiometabolic disease.