Changes in Cholinesterase Activity in Blood of Adolescent with Metabolic Syndrome after Supplementation with Extract from Aronia melanocarpa.

Obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are growing problems among children and adolescents. There are no reports of changes in the activity of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) in children and adolescents with metabolic syndrome especially after supplementation with extract from Aronia melanocarpa. Materials studied included plasma and erythrocytes isolated from peripheral blood of patients with MetS and healthy subjects. We have estimated the following parameters: acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity, lipid peroxidation and lipids levels in plasma, and erythrocytes membrane. In patients with MetS, a significant increase in AChE and BChE activity, higher LDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels, and lower HDL-cholesterol level were observed. Supplementation with A. melanocarpa extract resulted in mild but statistically significant reduction of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triacylglycerol levels and caused an increase in HDL-cholesterol level and a decrease in lipid peroxidation in plasma patients with MetS. Additionally, a decrease in lipid peroxidation and cholesterol level and a decrease in AChE activity in the erythrocyte membranes after supplementation with A. melanocarpa were noted. Summarizing, an increase in AChE and BChE activity and disruption of lipid metabolism in patients with MetS were observed. After supplementation of MetS patients with A. melanocarpa extract, a decrease in AChE activity and oxidative stress was noted.

Comparison of the effects of rosuvastatin monotherapy and atorvastatin-ezetimibe combined therapy on the structure of erythrocyte membranes in patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Abnormalities in the physical properties of the red blood cells (RBCs) membranes may underlie the defects that are strongly linked to cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The aim of the study was to compare the effects of two therapies of equal hipolipemic efficacy on the erythrocyte membrane fluidity, concentration of membrane cholesterol, lipids peroxidation and RBCs distribution witdh in patients with CVD. METHODS: The study included 44 patients with angiographic evidence of CVD, who despite previous 6-month hypolipemic therapy, did not achieve the concentration of LDL-C <70mg/dl. They were randomly assigned to: rosuvastatin 20mg/day (R20) and atorvastatin 10mg/day combined with ezetimibe 10mg/day (A10+E10). The membrane fluidity, the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances -TBARS, concentration of membrane cholesterol were evaluated after 6 months therapy. RESULTS: An improvement in lipid parameters was observed in each of the groups studied. In R20 the treatment resulted in 33% reduction concentrations of TBARS in serum, as well as in a decrease in membrane cholesterol by 16%, fluorescence anisotropy of TMA-DPH by 17.7%, fluorescence anisotropy of DPH by 2.8%. In A10+E10 the reduction of TBARS by 20.5% in serum, membrane cholesterol by 15.8% as well as a 14.25% increase in RBC membrane fluidity in the superficial layer (TMA-DPH) and decrease fluidity in the deep layer (DPH) were observed. CONCLUSION: Rosuvastatin increases the fluidity of erythrocyte membrane and decreases the TBARS in serum to greater extent than does equal hipolipemic combined therapy atorvastatin with ezetimibe.

The in vitro comparative study of the effect of BPA, BPS, BPF and BPAF on human erythrocyte membrane; perturbations in membrane fluidity, alterations in conformational state and damage to proteins, changes in ATP level and Na+/K+ ATPase and AChE activities.

Bisphenols are massively used in the industry, and thus the exposure of biota including humans to these substances has been noted. In this study we have assessed the effect of BPA and its selected analogs, i.e. BPS, BPF and BPAF on membrane of human red blood cells, which is the first barrier that must be overcome by xenobiotics penetrating the cell, and is commonly utilized as a model in the investigation of the effect of different xenobiotics on various cell types. Red blood cells were incubated with BPA and its analogs in the concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 250 µg/ml for 4 h and 24 h. We have noted that the compounds studied altered membrane fluidity at its hydrophobic region, increased internal viscosity and osmotic fragility of the erythrocytes and altered conformational state of membrane proteins. Moreover, bisphenols examined increased thiol groups level, caused oxidative damage to membrane proteins, decreased ATP level, depleted the activity of Na+/K + ATPase and changed the activity of AChE in human red blood cells. It has been shown that the strongest changes were noted in cells treated with BPAF, while BPS caused the weakest (or none) alterations in the parameters studied.

Decreased activity of butyrylcholinesterase in blood plasma of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

INTRODUCTION: Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is involved in the metabolism of endogenous lipids and xenobiotics, such as esters of carboxylic or phosphoric acids. Butyrylcholinesterase activity is associated with both inflammation and oxidative stress. Changes in the activity of this enzyme have been observed in various diseases such as liver cirrhosis, diabetes, neurodegenerative disease and others. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 30 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and 18 healthy subjects. The COPD patients were divided according to the severity of the disease by applying the classification of COPD based on GOLD standards for forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and the FEV1/forced expiratory volume (FVC) ratio. The control group comprised blood samples collected from healthy subjects without concomitant diseases related to the respiratory system. Butyrylcholinesterase activity, lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined in the blood plasma. RESULTS: A significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the activity of BChE, associated with an increase in lipid peroxidation and a decrease in the total antioxidant capacity, was observed in blood plasma of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows for the first time that activity of BChE in the blood plasma of patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is considerably reduced compared with healthy subjects. These changes were accompanied by a decrease of TAC and an increase of lipid peroxidation, which suggests that they may be related to the oxidative stress induced by COPD disease.

Tolerance of monocytes and macrophages in response to bacterial endotoxin.

Monocytes belong to myeloid effector cells, which constitute the first line of defense against pathogens, also called the nonspecific immune system and play an important role in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. In response to stimulation, monocytes differentiate into macrophages capable of microorganism phagocytosis and secrete factors that play a key role in the regulation of immune responses. However excessive exposure of monocytes/macrophages to the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Gram negative bacteria leads to the acquisition of immune tolerance by these cells. Such state results from disruption of different biological processes, for example intracellular signaling pathways and is accompanied by a number of disease states (immune, inflammatory or neoplastic conditions). Regulation of monocytes/macrophages activity is controlled by miRNAs, which are involved in the modulation of immune tolerance acquired by these cells. Moreover, the tolerance to endotoxin is conditioned by the posttranscriptional processes and posttranslational epigenetic modifications leading to the impairment of normal immune response for example by alterations in the expression of many genes encoding immune signaling mediators. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview existing knowledge on the modulation of activity of monocytes/macrophages in response to bacterial endotoxin and impaired immune responses.

Effect of intensive lipid-lowering therapies on cholinesterase activity in patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Many disease entities, including coronary artery disease (CAD), demonstrate abnormalities in the activity of cholinesterases. As CAD is characterized by an increase in cholesterol level, patients with this disease are treated with lipid-lowering drugs. The present study attempts to determine how statin or combined statin and ezetimibe therapy influences cholinesterase activity. METHODS: Plasma and erythrocytes were isolated from the peripheral blood of CAD patients (n=61) and healthy subjects (n=63). The patients were randomized into three groups: 20mg/day rosuvastatin, 40mg/day atorvastatin, and combined 10mg/day atorvastatin with 10mg/day ezetimibe. The following parameters were studied: activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinoesterase (BChE) and lipid levels. RESULTS: Patients with CAD demonstrated significant increase in AChE and BChE activity. We observed increase in the level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (TG) level, and decrease in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) level. After atorvastatin monotherapy, the following decrease in activity were observed: 17% LDL, 43% total cholesterol (TC) level, 33% AChE and 17% BChE. The following decrease in activity were observed following rosuvastatin monotherapy: 26% LDL level, 26% AChE and 18% BChE. After combined atorvastatin+ezetimibe therapy, the following decrease in activity occurred: 27% of LDL level, 15% TC, 33% of AChE and 20% BChE. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that intensive lipid-lowering therapy has a beneficial effect on AChE and BChE activity and lipid levels. Combination atorvastatin+ezetimibe therapy was found to have similar effects on the tested parameters as statin monotherapy.

The Effect of Combined Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin Therapy vs. Atorvastatin Monotherapy on the Erythrocyte Membrane Structure in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Erythrocytes play an important role in atherogenesis. An excessive accumulation of cholesterol in erythrocyte membranes leads to disruption of the erythrocytes. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare the effect of two different hypolipidemic therapies on the structure of erythrocyte membranes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 18 patients with angiographic confirmed coronary artery disease who, despite at least 6 months of hypolipidemic treatment, had not achieved LDL-C < 70 mg/dL and 18 healthy individuals as the control group. The following parameters were studied: total cholesterol level and erythrocyte membrane fluidity, lipid peroxidation, SH groups in membrane protein and plasma lipids. RESULTS: We observed a decrease in TC (20%), LDL-C (35%), level of lipid peroxidation (25%) and total cholesterol in erythrocytes (23%), and an increase in HDL-C (8%) and erythrocyte membrane fluidity of subsurface layers (14%) after 6 months of 10 mg atorvastatin + 10 mg ezetimibe therapy, in comparison with healthy controls. In the group treated with 40 mg atorvastatin for 6 months, decreased LDL-C (23%), lipid peroxidation (37%) and membrane cholesterol concentration (18%) was noted, as well as an increase in erythrocyte membrane fluidity in the subsurface layers (12%). CONCLUSIONS: Both the combination therapy and the monotherapy lead to an improvement of erythrocyte membrane structure, whose parameters reached values close to those in the control healthy group.

The Impact of Glyphosate, Its Metabolites and Impurities on Viability, ATP Level and Morphological changes in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells.

The toxicity of herbicides to animals and human is an issue of worldwide concern. The present study has been undertaken to assess toxic effect of widely used pesticide-glyphosate, its metabolites: aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) and methylphosphonic acid and its impurities: N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (PMIDA), N-methylglyphosate, hydroxymethylphosphonic acid and bis-(phosphonomethyl)amine on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We have evaluated the effect of those compounds on viability, ATP level, size (FSC-A parameter) and granulation (SSC-A parameter) of the cells studied. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were exposed to different concentrations of glyphosate, its metabolites and impurities (0.01-10 mM) for 4 and 24 h. It was found that investigated compounds caused statistically significant decrease in viability and ATP level of PBMCs. The strongest changes in cell viability and ATP level were observed after 24 h incubation of PBMCs with bis-(phosphonomethyl)amine, and particularly PMIDA. Moreover, all studied compounds changed cell granularity, while PMIDA and bis-(phosphonomethyl)amine altered PBMCs size. It may be concluded that bis-(phosphonomethyl)amine, and PMIDA caused a slightly stronger damage to PBMCs than did glyphosate. Changes in the parameters studied in PBMCs were observed only at high concentrations of the compounds examined, which clearly shows that they may occur in this cell type only as a result of acute poisoning of human organism with these substances.

[PARP1 inhibitors: contemporary attempts at their use in anticancer therapy and future perspective]. / Inhibitory PARP1: wspólczesne próby zastosowania w terapii przeciwnowotworowej i perspektywy na przyszlosc.

Current cancer therapies are based mainly on the use of compounds that cause DNA damage. Unfortunately, even the combination therapies do not give rewarding effects, due to the high efficiency of DNA damage repair mechanisms in tumor cells. Therefore, the present studies should be focused on proteins that are involved in DNA repair systems. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 is an example of a protein commonly known as an enzyme that plays a role in the detection of DNA damage and repair. Activation of PARP1 in response to DNA damage leads to poly-ADP-ribosylation of proteins contributing to DNA repair systems, therefore facilitating the maintenance of genome stability. On the other hand, inhibition of PARP1 enzyme results in the accumulation of DNA damage, which in turn contributes to cell death. Studies on inhibitors of PARP1 are still ongoing, and some of them are currently in the third phase of clinical trials. To date, only one representative of the PARP1 inhibitors, called olaparib, has been approved for anti-cancer therapy in the EU and the USA. Moreover, a growing body of evidence indicates a role of this protein in various intracellular processes such as bioenergetics, proliferation, regulation of gene expression, cell death as well as immunoregulation. A number of different intracellular processes regulated by PARP1 give rise to potential wider use of PARP1 inhibitors in treatment of other diseases, including immune or autoimmune disorders.

Intensive statin therapy, used alone or in combination with ezetimibe, improves homocysteine level and lipid peroxidation to a similar degree in patients with coronary artery diseases.

BACKGROUND: Increase in the concentration of homocysteine is one of the risks of cardiovascular diseases. Coronary artery disease accompanied the increase of LDL cholesterol level and hipolipemic drugs are used in such treatments. Also these drugs have pleiotropic effects, which are not greatly known. The aim of that study is to compare the effect of three different hipolipemic therapies (rosuvastatin 15mg/d; atorvastatin 40mg/d; atorvastatin+ezetymibe 10mg/d+10mg/d) depending upon the concentration of homocysteine and lipid peroxidation in plasma of CAD patients with non-target LDL-cholesterol level. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study involved 30 healthy subjects as well as 30 patients with angiographically confirmed coronary artery disease who despite at least 6 months hypolipidemic treatment did not achieve LDL-C <70mg/dl. The following parameters studied included homocysteine level, lipid peroxidation in plasma and lipidogram parameters. Our study showed increase of homocysteine level, lipid peroxidation in plasma, LDL-C concentration and total cholesterol level. After six months therapy, the following changes were observed in comparison to the values before therapy: decrease of homocysteine level in plasma - R15 20%, A40 26% and A+E 28%; decrease of lipid peroxidation in plasma - R15 31%, A40 27% and A+E 32%; decrease of LDL-C cholesterol level - R15 18%; A40 17% and A+E 33% and decrease of total cholesterol level - R15 9%, A40 15% and A+E 17%. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that intensive lipid-lowering therapy has a beneficial effect on certain parameters of the blood of CAD patients.

Oxidative stress and damage to erythrocytes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease--changes in ATPase and acetylcholinesterase activity.

The study indicates, for the first time, the changes in both ATPase and AChE activities in the membrane of red blood cells of patients diagnosed with COPD. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common and severe lung disorders. We examined the impact of COPD on redox balance and properties of the membrane of red blood cells. The study involved 30 patients with COPD and 18 healthy subjects. An increase in lipid peroxidation products and a decrease in the content of -SH groups in the membrane of red blood cells in patients with COPD were observed. Moreover, an increase in the activity of glutathione peroxidase and a decrease in superoxide dismutase, but not in catalase activity, were found as well. Significant changes in activities of erythrocyte membrane enzymes in COPD patients were also evident demonstrated by a considerably lowered ATPase activity and elevated AChE activity. Changes in the structure and function of red blood cells observed in COPD patients, together with changes in the activity of the key membrane enzymes (ATPases and AChE), can result from the imbalance of redox status of these cells due to extensive oxidative stress induced by COPD disease.

[Supplementation with omega fatty acids in various diseases]. / Suplementacja kwasami omega w róznych chorobach.

For some decades, an increase in propagation of coronary heart disease, obesity, diabetes, tumors and mental disorders has been observed. Consequently, new and effective methods of treatment of these diseases using drugs and diet supplements have been developed. A promising solution is the use of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the treatment of some diseases. These compounds have broad application in prevention of many diseases and are used to support standard therapies. Their activity is connected with participation in metabolic processes regulating biochemical transformations in cells and tissues. Omega-3 fatty acids regulate production of cytokines, increased levels of which may contribute to occurrence of chronic inflammatory diseases, autoaggression of the immunological system, arteriosclerosis or tumor development. These substances exert a beneficial effect on the blood system by improvement of blood circulation and nerve signal transmission. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of irregular heartbeat, stabilize arterial pressure, and restore balance in cholesterol metabolism disorders. They also play a key role in maintaining physical and mental efficiency; thus administration of these compounds for young children is of great importance. Nevertheless, administration of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet seems to be essential. The purpose of this study is to present the structure and sources of omega-3 and - 6 fatty acids and discuss the problems concerning therapeutic use of these compounds in various disorders.

[The use of various diet supplements in metabolic syndrome]. / Zastosowanie róznych suplementów diety w zespole metabolicznym

Civilization development is associated with immense progress in science and significant improvement of human living conditions but simultaneously it contributes to many health problems including metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a set of mutually associated factors including insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, obesity, lipids disorders and hypertension, which is the main cause of development of coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The first line of defense against metabolic syndrome is a change of life style including body mass reduction, application of a low-calorie diet and performance of physical activity. In spite of the simplicity of therapy, long-term success of the above treatment among patients is observed seldom because it is very difficult to obey rigorous rules. Nowadays, it is considered that diet supplements including antioxidants, polyunsaturated fatty acids and mineral elements are helpful in metabolic syndrome treatment due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is considered that a health balanced diet enriched with various diet supplements may be the best strategy in metabolic syndrome treatment.

[Increased level of lipid peroxidation products and disturbances in oxidation-reduction balance in erythrocytes from patients suffering from systemic sclerosis, who are chronically treated with vitamin E]. / Zwiekszone stezenie produktów peroksydacji lipidów oraz zaburzenia aktywnosci enzymów antyoksydacyjnych w erytrocytach u chorych na twardzine ukladowa, przewlekle leczonych witamina E.

UNLABELLED: Systemic sclerosis is a chronic connective tissue disease of unknown pathogenesis. In view of the reports of essential role of oxidative stress in development of disease, trials with supportive care with vitamin E are undertaken. The aim of the study was to estimate parameters of oxidation-reduction balance in erythrocytes from scleroderma patients, who were chronically treated with vitamin E compared with healthy controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the study there were included 14 women with systemic sclerosis (limited form - ISSc - n = 10, diffuse form - dSsc - n = 4, age 53.8 lat +/- 11.5), who were treated with vitamin E in dose 400 mg/day not shorter than in 6 months period and 23 healthy women (age 52.7 +/- 11.2) as a control group. The following measurements were done: hs CRP (immunoturbidimetic method), glutathione peroxidase activity (Gpx--method of Rice-Evans, 1991), superoxide dismutase activity (SOD--method of Misra, 1972), catalase activity (CAT--method of Aebi H, 1984), free thiol group concentration (SH--method of ElIman, 1959), level of lipid peroxidation products (TBARs--method of Stocks and Dormandy, 1971), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) depended of slow (TAC "slow") and fast (TAC "fast") antioxidants. RESULTS: . In both forms of systemic sclerosis significantly higher TBARs in comparison of healthy controls (5.81 +/- 1.57 vs 4.28 +/- 0.89 nM TBARS/gHb; p < 0.01) was observed. Patients with limited systemic sclerosis have significantly higher activity of Gpx (59.9 +/- 26.11 vs 32.19 +/- 11.67 U/mg Hb; p < 0.01), and no differences in activity of CAT and SOD. In patients with diffuse systemic sclerosis significantly lower activity of CAT (173.06 +/- 60.3 vs 284.47 +/- 43.33 U/mg Hb; p < 0.01) and SOD (2334.95 +/- 193.97 vs 3231.47 +/- 840.21 U/mg Hb; p < 0.05) was observed. There are no differences in TAC and SH between investigated groups. CONCLUSIONS: In scleroderma patients despite chronical treatment with vitamin E, oxidation-reduction balance disturbances are observed in the form of increased level of lipid peroxidation products. Besides, a lower activity of catalase and superoxide dysmutase in patients who suffer from diffuse form of systemic sclerosis is noted. Patients with limited systemic sclerosis have higher glutathione peroxidase activity.

Increased oxidative stress and decreased membrane fluidity in erythrocytes of CAD patients.

One of many risk factors for cardiovascular disease appears to be oxidative stress. To estimate possible changes in redox balance, membrane fluidity, and cholesterol level in erythrocytes was collected erythrocytes from patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD). The study included 20 patients with previous myocardial infarction occurring more than 6 months prior to the time of screening with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) > 70 mg/dL and 21 healthy controls. The following parameters were studied: catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), thiobarbituric acid reactive substrates (TBARS), sulfhydryl (SH) groups in membrane protein, total cholesterol level, and erythrocyte membrane fluidity. Our study showed an increase in the level of lipid peroxidation (13%) and total cholesterol (19%), and a decrease in membrane fluidity (14%) in the subsurface layers and in the deeper layers of erythrocyte membrane (7%) isolated from patients with CAD in comparison to healthy controls. A significant decrease in catalase (10%) and SOD (17%) activities were also observed. No changes in GPx activity or the level of SH groups were observed. Our study indicates that there are disorders in the antioxidant system as well as changes in the membrane structure of erythrocytes obtained from CAD patients.

Effect of safeners on damage of human erythrocytes treated with chloroacetamide herbicides.

Chloroacetamides are used as pre-emergent substances for growth control of annual grasses and weeds. Since they can be harmful for crop plants, protective compounds (safeners) are used along with herbicides. So far, their effects on human blood cells have not been evaluated, and this study is the very first one devoted to this subject. We examined the harmful effects of chloroacetamides, their metabolites and safeners, used alone or in combination with herbicides, on human erythrocytes measuring the extent of hemolysis, lipid peroxidation and catalase activity. Higher impact of herbicides than their metabolites on all of the investigated parameters was found. Safeners alone did not produce any damage to erythrocytes and did not elicit any changes in oxidative stress parameters. Combination of safener with herbicide did not attenuate hemolysis of erythrocytes compared to the herbicide alone. Safeners reduced lipid peroxidation induced by herbicides, which suggest the role of safeners as antioxidants.

Effect of polyphenols extracts from Brassica vegetables on erythrocyte membranes (in vitro study).

The aim of this work was to estimate the in vitro effects of polyphenol extracts from Brassica vegetables (Brussels sprouts and red cabbage) on erythrocyte membranes with normal and high concentration of cholesterol. To determine the effect of phenolic compounds we prospectively studied cholesterol concentration, lipid peroxidation, membrane fluidity and ATPase activity. Polyphenol extracts from Brassica vegetables resulted in statistically significant reductions in cholesterol concentrations in hypercholesterolemic erythrocytes. For control erythrocytes, no significant reduction of cholesterol levels was observed for both extracts. Decreases in lipid peroxidation intensity were observed after incubation of hypercholesterolemic erythrocytes with the extracts. No changes in membrane fluidity for both extracts were noted for normal and hypercholesterolemic erythrocytes. The activity of ATPase decreased after incubation of normal and hypercholesterolemic erythrocytes with extract from Brassica vegetables. Our results indicate that polyphenols from red cabbage and Brussels sprout may directly influence erythrocyte membrane properties.

In vivo influence of extract from Aronia melanocarpa on the erythrocyte membranes in patients with hypercholesterolemia.

BACKGROUND: Hypercholesterolemia increases cholesterol concentration in erythrocyte membranes, which results in decrease of membrane fluidity and decreases the deformability of red blood cells. The fruits of Arona melanocarpa contains many of polyphenols and other compounds that have beneficial health effects. MATERIAL/METHODS: The aim of the study was to estimate the influence of 2-month supplementation of extract from Aronia melanocarpa (100 mg Aronox, three times per day) on cholesterol concentration, lipid peroxidation, membrane fluidity, level of thiol groups and activity of ATPase in erythrocytes from patients with hypercholesterolemia. The study involved 25 patients with hypercholesterolemia without pharmacological treatment and 20 healthy individuals as a control group. Blood samples were collected before, and after 1 and 2 months of Aronia administration. RESULTS: The 2-month Aronia supplementation resulted in a decrease of cholesterol concentration (by 22%) and a decrease of lipid peroxidation (by 40%), and an increase of membrane fluidity. No statistically significant increase of the concentration of thiol groups and of ATPase activity were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that supplementation of extract from Aronia melanocarpa has a beneficial effect on rheological properties of erythrocytes.

Disorders of erythrocyte structure and function in hypertensive patients.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of hypertension is growing at an alarming rate. Increasing attention is being focussed on the oxidative stress accompanying this disease. In this study we examined the impact of this disease on some parameters of erythrocytes and human blood plasma. MATERIAL/METHODS: We examined the impact of hypertension on some parameters of erythrocytes and human plasma. The study involved 13 patients with hypertension and 19 healthy subjects. We determined lipid peroxidation, SH groups concentration, antioxidants enzymes activity, ATPase activity, total antioxidant capacity, total cholesterol level and erythrocyte membrane fluidity. RESULTS: We found an increased level of lipid peroxidation and the concentration of SH groups in membrane proteins in patients with hypertension, and a decrease in the activity of catalase and superoxide dysmutase. No changes were observed in glutathione peroxidase and ATPase activity, level of total antioxidant capacity, total cholesterol level and fluidity of erythrocyte membranes. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest the existence of an impaired oxidative balance in hypertensive human erythrocytes.

Uncaria tomentosa extracts protect human erythrocyte catalase against damage induced by 2,4-D-Na and its metabolites.

The effect of ethanolic and aqueous extracts from leaves and bark of Uncaria tomentosa was studied, with particular attention to catalase activity (CAT - EC. 1.11.1.6). We observed that all tested extracts, at a concentration of 250 µg/mL were not toxic to erythrocyte catalase because they did not decreased its activity. Additionally, we investigated the protective effect of extracts on changes in CAT activity in the erythrocytes incubated with sodium salt of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D-Na) and its metabolites i.e., 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) and catechol. Previous investigations showed that these chemicals decreased activity of erythrocyte catalase (Bukowska et al., 2000; Bukowska and Kowalska, 2004). The erythrocytes were divided into two portions. The first portion was incubated for 1 and 5h at 37°C with 2,4-D-Na, 2,4-DCP and catechol, and second portion was preincubated with extracts for 10 min and then incubated with xenobiotics for 1 and 5h. CAT activity was measured in the first and second portion of the erythrocytes. We found a protective effect of the extracts from U. tomentosa on the activity of catalase incubated with xenobiotics studied. Probably, phenolic compounds contained in U. tomentosa scavenged free radicals, and therefore protected active center (containing -SH groups) of catalase.