Correlation of Vitamin 25(OH)D, Liver Enzymes, Potassium, and Oxidative Stress Markers with Lipid Profile and Atheromatic Index: A Pilot Study.

According to recent literature, there is a limited amount of data about the correlation of vitamin 25(OH)D, potassium (K), oxidative stress parameters, and other biomarkers with dyslipidemia, which is an established risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This study aims to investigate the correlation of lipid profile and atheromatic index TC/HDL with several biomarkers and oxidative stress parameters. A total of 102 volunteers, 67 with atheromatic index TC/HDL > 3.5 (Group A) and 35 with TC/HDL < 3.5 (Group B), aged from 26 to 78 years, participated in this study. Serum levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low- and high-density lipoproteins (LDL and HDL), vitamin 25(OH)D [25(OH)D], potassium (K), sodium (Na), lactose dehydrogenase (LDH), liver enzymes including serum glutamic oxaloacetic and glutamic pyruvic transaminases (SGOT and SGPT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were analyzed using standard photometric methods. Oxidative stress parameters such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected with fluorometric methods, whereas total oxidative (TOS) and antioxidative status (TAS) were measured with spectrophotometric methods. According to the results, negative correlations of HDL (r = -0.593) and 25(OH)D (r = -0.340) and K (r = -0.220) were found, and positive expected correlations of LDL (r = 0.731), TC (r = 0.663), and TG (r = 0.584) with atheromatic index in the total studied sample were found. In conclusion, patients with a dyslipidemic profile should frequently check not only their lipid profile but also other biomarkers such as 25(OH)D, potassium, and oxidative stress markers to predict dyslipidemia and avoid subsequent disorders.

Does combined training of biofeedback and neurofeedback affect smoking status, behavior, and longitudinal brain plasticity?

Introduction: Investigations of biofeedback (BF) and neurofeedback (NF) training for nicotine addiction have been long documented to lead to positive gains in smoking status, behavior and to changes in brain activity. We aimed to: (a) evaluate a multi-visit combined BF/NF intervention as an alternative smoking cessation approach, (b) validate training-induced feedback learning, and (c) document effects on resting-state functional connectivity networks (rsFCN); considering gender and degree of nicotine dependence in a longitudinal design. Methods: We analyzed clinical, behavioral, and electrophysiological data from 17 smokers who completed five BF and 20 NF sessions and three evaluation stages. Possible neuroplastic effects were explored comparing whole-brain rsFCN by phase-lag index (PLI) for different brain rhythms. PLI connections with significant change across time were investigated according to different resting-state networks (RSNs). Results: Improvements in smoking status were observed as exhaled carbon monoxide levels, Total Oxidative Stress, and Fageström scores decreased while Vitamin E levels increased across time. BF/NF promoted gains in anxiety, self-esteem, and several aspects of cognitive performance. BF learning in temperature enhancement was observed within sessions. NF learning in theta/alpha ratio increase was achieved across baselines and within sessions. PLI network connections significantly changed across time mainly between or within visual, default mode and frontoparietal networks in theta and alpha rhythms, while beta band RSNs mostly changed significantly after BF sessions. Discussion: Combined BF/NF training positively affects the clinical and behavioral status of smokers, displays benefit in smoking harm reduction, plays a neuroprotective role, leads to learning effects and to positive reorganization of RSNs across time. Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02991781.

Vitamin D and Calcium in Osteoporosis, and the Role of Bone Turnover Markers: A Narrative Review of Recent Data from RCTs.

Osteoporosis is a common disease, defined primarily by a low measured bone density, which is associated with an increased risk of fragility fractures. Low calcium intake and vitamin D deficiency seem to be positively correlated with the prevalence of osteoporosis. Although they are not suitable for the diagnosis of osteoporosis, the biochemical markers of bone turnover can be measured in serum and/or urine, enabling the assessment of the dynamic bone activity and the short-term effectiveness of the osteoporosis treatment. Calcium and vitamin D are essential for maintaining bone health. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the effects of vitamin D and calcium supplementation separately and in combination, on bone density and circulating serum and blood plasma vitamin D, calcium, parathyroid hormone levels, markers of bone metabolism concentrations, and clinical outcomes, such as falls and osteoporotic fractures. We searched the PubMed online database to find clinical trials from the last five years (2016-April 2022). A total of 26 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included in this review. The present reviewed evidence suggests that vitamin D alone or in combination with calcium increases circulating 25(OH)D. Calcium with concomitant vitamin D supplementation, but not vitamin D alone, leads to an increase in BMD. In addition, most studies did not detect significant changes in circulating levels of plasma bone metabolism markers, nor in the incidence of falls. Instead, there was a decrease in blood serum PTH levels in the groups receiving vitamin D and/or Ca supplementation. The plasma vitamin D levels at the beginning of the intervention, and the dosing regimen followed, may play a role in the observed parameters. However, further study is needed to determine an appropriate dosing regimen for the treatment of osteoporosis and the role of bone metabolism markers.

A Preliminary Study about the Role of Reactive Oxygen Species and Inflammatory Process after COVID-19 Vaccination and COVID-19 Disease.

During the last couple of critical years, worldwide, there have been more than 550 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, including more than 6 million deaths (reported by the WHO); with respect to these cases, several vaccines, mainly mRNA vaccines, seem to prevent and protect from SARS-CoV-2 infection. We hypothesize that oxidative stress is one of the key factors playing an important role in both the generation and development of various kinds of disease, as well as antibody generation, as many biological paths can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cellular activities can be modulated when ROS/antioxidant balance is interrupted. A pilot study was conducted in two stages during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 involving 222 participants between the ages of 26 and 66 years. ROS levels were measured before an after vaccination in the blood samples of 20 individuals who were vaccinated with two doses of mRNA vaccine, and an increase in ROS levels was observed after the first dose, with no modifications observed until the day before the second vaccination dose. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was observed between time points 3 and 4 (before and after second dose), when participants were vaccinated for the second time, and ROS levels decreased from 21,758 to 17,580 a.u. In the second stage, blood was collected from 28 participants 45 days after COVID-19 infection (Group A), from 131 participants 45 days after receiving two doses of mRNA vaccine against COVID-19 (Group B), and from 13 healthy individuals as a control group (Group C). Additionally, antibodies levels were measured in all groups to investigate a possible correlation with ROS levels. A strong negative correlation was found between free radicals and disease antibodies in Group A (r = −0.45, p = 0.001), especially in the male subgroup (r = −0.88, p = 0.001), as well as in the female subgroup (r = −0.24, p < 0.001). Furthermore, no significant correlation (only a negative trend) was found with antibodies derived from vaccination in Group B (r = −0.01), and a negative trend was observed in the female subgroup, whereas a positive trend was observed in the male subgroup.

The Clinical Utility of ABO and RHD Systems as Potential Indicators of Health Status, a Preliminary Study in Greek Population.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to further highlight the differences between different ABO blood groups and Rhesus types with health biomarkers. METHODS: In total 150 active healthy blood donors participated in our study comprising of 80 males from 19-61 years and 70 females aged from 21 to 64. Participants carrying blood group A were 55 individuals, blood group B 32, blood group O 51, and blood group AB 12, RHD+ 132, and RHD- 18. All the volunteer regular blood donors were selected recognizing them as a healthy population excluding drug and supplements intake. Their blood samples were analyzed just before blood donation for biochemical, hematological, and antioxidant markers. Statistical computations were performed using the SPSS tool, specifically, the one-way ANOVA test, Chi-square statistics, and logistic regression were used as statistical models. RESULTS: O blood donors presented better iron absorption and the worst lipid profile. Indeed, a significant trend of high atheromatic index values revealed an increased risk for hyperlipidemia, in contrast with blood group A presenting a better lipid profile with lower atheromatic index values. There was also a gender related association for blood group A compared with O that was further highlighted using binary logistic regression. CONCLUSION: In this study, a significant difference was observed among the ABO blood groups in several of the examined biochemical and hematological biomarkers. O blood group appeared different behavior in comparison to all the tested blood groups and furthermore the RHD-group presented a better lipid profile in comparison to the RHD+ group. In order to obtain a more comprehensive view of the correlation between the ABO blood group and biochemical markers, further studies are required.

Potential Role of Certain Biomarkers Such as Vitamin B12, ROS, Albumin, as Early Predictors for Prognosis of COVID-19 Outcomes.

COVID-19 disease is still a major global concern because of its morbidity and its mortality in severe disease. Certain biomarkers including Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), vitamins, and trace elements are known to play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of the disease. The aim of our study was to evaluate how certain biomarkers, such as ROS, biochemical indicators, trace elements in serum blood of 139 COVID-19 hospitalized patients, and 60 non-COVID cases according to age and sex variations, can serve as the predictors for prognosis of COVID-19 outcome. An attempt of correlating these biomarkers with the severity of the disease as well as with each other is represented. All subjects were hospitalized from April 2021 until June 2021. A statistically significant increase of B12 levels (p = 0.0029) and ROS levels (p < 0.0001) as well as a decrease in albumin and Total Protein (T.P.) levels (p < 0.001) was observed especially in the early stage of the disease before CRP and ferritin elevation. Additionally, a statistically significant increase in ferritin (p = 0.007), B12 (p = 0.035, sALT p = 0.069, Glucose p = 0.012 and urea p = 0.096 and a decrease in Ca p = 0.005, T.P p = 0.052 albumin p = 0.046 between stage B (CRP values 6−30 mg/L) and C (CRP values 30−100 mg/L) was evident. Thus, this study concludes that clinicians could successfully employ biomarkers such as vitamin B12, ROS and albumin as possible prognosis tools for an early diagnosis. In addition, the total biochemical profile can assist in the understanding of the severity of COVID-19 disease, and could potentially lead to a better diet or early pharmaceutical treatment to prevent some of the more acute symptoms.

Carnosic Acid and Carnosol Display Antioxidant and Anti-Prion Properties in In Vitro and Cell-Free Models of Prion Diseases.

Prion diseases are transmissible encephalopathies associated with the conversion of the physiological form of the prion protein (PrPC) to the disease-associated (PrPSc). Despite intense research, no therapeutic or prophylactic agent is available. The catechol-type diterpene Carnosic acid (CA) and its metabolite Carnosol (CS) from Rosmarinus officinalis have well-documented anti-oxidative and neuroprotective effects. Since oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of prion diseases, we investigated the potential beneficial role of CA and CS in a cellular model of prion diseases (N2a22L cells) and in a cell-free prion amplification assay (RT-QuIC). The antioxidant effects of the compounds were confirmed when N2a22L were incubated with CA or CS. Furthermore, CA and CS reduced the accumulation of the disease-associated form of PrP, detected by Western Blotting, in N2a22L cells. This effect was validated in RT-QuIC assays, indicating that it is not associated with the antioxidant effects of CA and CS. Importantly, cell-free assays revealed that these natural products not only prevent the formation of PrP aggregates but can also disrupt already formed aggregates. Our results indicate that CA and CS have pleiotropic effects against prion diseases and could evolve into useful prophylactic and/or therapeutic agents against prion and other neurodegenerative diseases.

The Potential Impact of Blood System on Dietary Habits and Smoking.

The 'Blood-Type' diet advises individuals to eat according to their ABO blood group to improve their health and decrease the risk of chronic diseases. However, the food preferences of individuals with different blood groups have not been examined. The aim of our study was to investigate, in healthy regular blood donors (rBDs), the associations of smoke, alcohol, caffeine, vitamin and fat intake with their different blood groups and if ABO groups could be a potential predictor tool for disease prevention. A total of 329 volunteers were divided into four groups according to their ABO types: Group 1 (A) comprised 141 rBDs; Group 2 (B), 65 rBDs; Group 3 (O), 96 rBDs; and Group 4, 27 rBDs. Additionally, they were divided into two groups according to their rhesus types and their preferences for smoke, too. Dietary intake was assessed using 3-day food recall and the Food Processor computer program for nutrient analysis. Alcohol, caffeine, sugar and Vitamin D consumption were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the O group. The A group presented statistically significantly (p < 0.05) greater preferences for cholesterol intake and a higher trend for smoking (25%) habits compared with all the other groups, whereas Group B preferred more fatty foods. The blood group AB appeared to be the most controlled food intake group. Regarding the rhesus comparisons, alcohol; caffeine; and Vitamin C, D, E and K consumptions were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in rhesus-positive individuals than their rhesus-negative counterparts. For the non-smoker group, compared with the smokers, a higher consumption of Vitamin D and fibers was found. In conclusion, in the present study, statistically significant correlations of the ABO and rhesus system with some dietary parameters were found, indicating a consequent influence of these preferences on the progression of different diseases.

Effects of Greek Honey and Propolis on Oxidative Stress and Biochemical Parameters in Regular Blood Donors.

Background and objectives: Honey products contain a lot of compounds, such as vitamins, enzymes, and minerals, which make honey and its products a great antioxidant with a critical role in health status. It is well accepted that honey and propolis can improve a lot of health problems when they are consumed in certain quantities. The objective of this study is to help regular blood donors improve their health status after donation. Material and methods: Eighty regular blood donor volunteers-30 males aged 19-61 and 30 females aged 21-64-were divided into 4 groups: group A (n = 20) consumed 2 spoons of Greek honey and 1 drop of propolis per day for 1 month, group B (n = 20) consumed 2 spoons of honey per day for 1 month, group C (n = 20) consumed 1 drop of propolis per day, and group D (n = 20) did not consume any Greek honey products. Blood samples were collected from all participants just before the consumption of the products, one month after the consumption, and six months after honey product consumption had ceased. All samples were analyzed for reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid profiles, and ferritin levels. Results: The ROS were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in groups A, B, and C after the honey product consumption and increased significantly again after six months. No significant differences in lipid profiles were observed. Only triglyceride levels were increased after six months in all groups. On the other hand, ferritin levels were not statistically significantly decreased after six months in groups A and B, while they were increased in group C. Conclusions: In the present study, statistically significant decreases in ROS status was found after a small dose of honey product consumption, indicating a diet with an extra small dose of honey products after blood donation.

Effect of Silica Based Nanoparticles against Plasmodium falciparum and Leishmania infantum parasites.

Malaria and Leishmaniasis are two major parasitic diseases, endemic in large areas of tropical countries with high morbidity and mortality across the world. Nanoparticles in small sizes are specifically considered in medicine due to their ability to enter the cells, control the distribution of the administered drug and carry the drug specifically to the place of action. The present study aims to introduce the application of silica nanoparticles as new promising nanotools in malaria and leishmaniasis treatment. Ion doped silica nanomaterials revealed antileishmanial activities indicating the positive role of calcium, magnesium and copper to the surface of the particles against Leishmania parasites. Artemisinin-loaded nanoparticles presented the most promising antiparasitic properties with a sustained release able to overcome the parasite invasion. The sustainable release of artemisinin guarantee both the maintenance of its potential efficacy and also introduce an administration of drug to avoid subsequent drug resistance.

Effect of Artemisinin-Loaded Mesoporous Cerium-Doped Calcium Silicate Nanopowder on Cell Proliferation of Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts.

Ion doping has rendered mesoporous structures important materials in the field of tissue engineering, as apart from drug carriers, they can additionally serve as regenerative materials. The purpose of the present study was the synthesis, characterization and evaluation of the effect of artemisinin (ART)-loaded cerium-doped mesoporous calcium silicate nanopowders (NPs) on the hemocompatibility and cell proliferation of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPDLFs). Mesoporous NPs were synthesized in a basic environment via a surfactant assisted cooperative self-assembly process and were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD) and N2 Porosimetry. The loading capacity of NPs was evaluated using Ultrahigh Performance Liquid Chromatography/High resolution Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC/HRMS). Their biocompatibility was evaluated with the MTT assay, and the analysis of reactive oxygen species was performed using the cell-permeable ROS-sensitive probe 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA). The synthesized NPs presented a mesoporous structure with a surface area ranging from 1312 m2/g for undoped silica to 495 m2/g for the Ce-doped NPs, excellent bioactivity after a 1-day immersion in c-SBF, hemocompatibility and a high loading capacity (around 80%). They presented ROS scavenging properties, and both the unloaded and ART-loaded NPs significantly promoted cell proliferation even at high concentrations of NPs (125 µg/mL). The ART-loaded Ce-doped NPs with the highest amount of cerium slightly restricted cell proliferation after 7 days of culture, but the difference was not significant compared with the control untreated cells.

Relationship between dietary fats and serum antioxidants with atheromatic index in regular blood donors.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Nutritional choices, which include dietary fatty acids (FA), vitamins and sugars, have an important significant impact on the development of atheromatic index levels. Controversial opinions exist in the literature regarding the role of different fat types and their association with atheromatic index. We investigated the relationship between dietary intake with different atheromatic index groups of volunteer regular blood donors (rBDs) recognizing them as a healthy population excluding drug and supplements intake and we correlated their values with serum total antioxidant status (sTAS). MATERIAL & METHODS: 150 individuals used in this study were divided in 3 groups according to their atheromatic index (AI = Total cholesterol/HDL) (AI): Group 1 (AI < 3.5) comprised of 50 rBDs, Group 2 (AI 3.5-4.49) of 52 rBDs and Group 3 of 48 rBDs (AI > 4.5). Dietary intake was assessed using the 3 day food recall and the Food Processor, computer program for nutrient analysis. sTAS was measured in all samples and correlated with atheromatic index too. RESULTS: Our study showed that rBDs with low dietary intake of all vitamins, Ω3 fatty acids, trans fatty acids and dietary cholesterol presented an increased atheromatic index. On the other hand rBDs with high dietary intake of saturated fat, total fats, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats and sugar showed increased atheromatic index. In addition, groups with the higher atheromatic index presented statistically significant higher total antioxidant status. Trans FA are also positively associated with sTAS and on the other hand dietary cholesterol is negatively associated with sTAS and positively in groups B and C. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study showed that dietary intake of different types of fatty acids should be used separately as atheromatic index predictors. Moreover, sTAS is correlated with dietary intake of SFA, MUFA, PUFA, Cholesterol, Trans FA and sugar. Finally, the measurement of each fatty acid would be of great value for the screening of lipid metabolism disorders in atheromatic index control.

Effect of Sintering Temperature of Bioactive Glass Nanoceramics on the Hemolytic Activity and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Erythrocytes.

INTRODUCTION: The nature of the surface is critical in determining the biological activity of silica powders. A novel correlation between toxicity and surface properties of bioactive glass ceramics (BGCs) synthesized via the sol-gel method was attempted in this study. METHODS: The behavior of BGCs after their attachment to the surface of red blood cells (RBCs) was evaluated and their toxic effects were determined based on hemolysis, membrane injury via anti-phosphotyrosine immunoblot of Band 3, lipid peroxidation, potential to generate reactive oxygen species, and antioxidant enzyme production. In particular, three BGCs were synthesized and treated at three sintering temperatures (T1 = 835 °C, T2 = 1000 °C and T3 = 1100 °C) to investigate possible relation between surface charge or structure and hemolytic potential. RESULTS: Their toxicity based on hemolysis was dose dependent, while BGC-T2 had the best hemocompatibility in compare with the other BGCs.No BGCs in dosages lower than 0.125 mg/mL could damage erythrocytes. On the other hand, all BGCs promoted the production of reactive oxygen species in certain concentrations, with the BGC-T2 producing the lowest ROS and increasing the glutathione levels in RBCs protecting their damage. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that various factors such as size, a probable different proportion of surface silanols, a balanced mechanism between calcium and magnesium cellular uptake or the different crystalline nature may have contributed to this finding; however, future research is needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms.

Effect of ion doping in silica-based nanoparticles on the hemolytic and oxidative activity in contact with human erythrocytes.

AIM: The aim of this study was the synthesis of ion doped silica-based nanoparticles and the evaluation of their toxic effect on erythrocytes. MATERIALS & METHODS: Their synthesis was performed using the sol-gel method, by the progressive addition of calcium, magnesium and copper ions on pure silica nanoparticles. The toxicity evaluation was based on hemolysis, lipid peroxidation, ROS, H2O2 species and antioxidant enzyme production. RESULTS: The addition of Mg and Cu in the SNs presented better hemocompatibility by protecting erythrocytes from oxidative stress. CONCLUSION: Ion doping with magnesium in the investigated calcium silicate system induces a protective effect in erythrocyte membrane in compare with pure silica nanoparticles.

Hematological, biochemical and antioxidant indices variations in regular blood donors among Mediterranean regions.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: One of the most important problems in Mediterranean regions is finding blood donors to overcome the high need of its population. Understanding the health benefits of blood donation frequency will activate more volunteers to donate. The aim of this study variations of hematological and biochemical indices in regular male and female donors from Greece and Italy METHODS: A cross-sectional study consisted of 350 voluntary blood donors (VDs)was conducted in two mediterranean Blood Banks, Greece and Italy. The first one from the General Hospital of Naousa, Greece on samples of 90 regular and 60 first-time blood donors. The second one from AOU Sassari, Sardinia, Italy on convenient samples of 100 first-time samples and 100 regular blood donors. Donors' particulars were obtained from blood bank records. The hematological and biochemical parameters were determined for all donors and Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) only for greek VDs. RESULTS: High frequency blood donation of Greek VDs could be associated with evidence of reduction of body iron stores, reduced oxidative stress and improvement of liver function biomarkers in regular groups. Interestingly, Sardinian regular male VDs presented increased iron stores in compare with the first time VDs. In both Mediterranean populations (Greeks and Italians) the lipid profile of the female regular blood donors has been improved in compare with the first timers. CONCLUSION: Regular blood donation increases antioxidant capacity and affects positively the hematological parameters and biochemical biomarkers in donors. Gender plays an important role in relation to all hematological and biochemical parameters. Further studies in larger population should evaluate the beneficial-effect of blood donation and promote people to donate more frequent.

Exploring the Neuroplastic Effects of Biofeedback Training on Smokers.

Smoking and stress cooccur in different stages of a nicotine addiction cycle, affecting brain function and showing additive impact on different physiological responses. Resting-state functional connectivity has shown potential in identifying these alterations. Nicotine addiction has been associated with detrimental effects on functional integrity of the central nervous system, including the organization of resting-state networks. Prolonged stress may result in enhanced activation of the default mode network (DMN). Considering that biofeedback has shown promise in alleviating physiological manifestations of stress, we aimed to explore the possible neuroplastic effects of biofeedback training on smokers. Clinical, behavioral, and neurophysiological (resting-state EEG) data were collected from twenty-seven subjects before and after five sessions of skin temperature training. DMN functional cortical connectivity was investigated. While clinical status remained unaltered, the degree of nicotine dependence and psychiatric symptoms were significantly improved. Significant changes in DMN organization and network properties were not observed, except for a significant increase of information flow from the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and right temporal pole cortex towards other DMN components. Biofeedback aiming at stress alleviation in smokers could play a protective role against maladaptive plasticity of connectivity. Multiple sessions, individualized interventions and more suitable methods to promote brain plasticity, such as neurofeedback training, should be considered.

Total Antioxidant Capacity, Haematological and Coagulation Parameters after Orthodox Christian Fast.

BACKGROUND: Orthodox Christian believers fast abstaining from meat, eggs, dairy products or even fish and oil in certain days of the fasting period, three times a year. AIM: The present study aimed to investigate the impact of a 48-day fast before Easter in blood count parameters, coagulation and antioxidant status. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 35 healthy volunteers, 19-66 years old, were included in the study. White blood cells (WBC), lymphocytes (Lymph), granulocytes (Gran), haemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht), red blood cells (RBC), mean erythrocyte volume (MCV), platelets (Plt), were measured. Blood coagulation parameters, such as PT, aPTT, fibrinogen concentration, factor VII activity were also determined, and INR (PTsample/PTcontrol) and aPTT ratio (aPTTsample/aPTTcontrol) were calculated. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was assayed. RESULTS: Levels of all parameters remained within normal. By the end of the fasting period, lymphocytes and TAC levels were significantly increased (p = 0.011), whereas all the other parameters, except fibrinogen, were significantly decreased. CONCLUSION: Orthodox Christian fast impairs all haematological and coagulation parameters and seems to be beneficial in the body antioxidant protection.