Systematic oxidative stress indices predicts prognosis in patients with urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract after radical nephroureterectomy.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the occurrence and development of malignancy. However, the relationship between oxidative stress and upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) prognosis remains elusive. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of systematic oxidative stress indices as a predictor of patient outcomes in UTUC after radical nephroureterectomy. METHODS: Clinical data for 483 patients with UTUC who underwent radical nephroureterectomy were analyzed. Patients were categorized according to an optimal value of systematic oxidative stress indices (SOSIs), including fibrinogen (Fib), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GGT), creatinine (CRE), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and albumin (ALB). Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to investigate associations of SOSIs with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Moreover, associations between SOSIs and OS and PFS were assessed with univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: High values of Fib, γ-GGT, CRE, and LDH, and low values of ALB were associated with reduced OS. SOSIs status correlated with age, tumor site, surgical approach, hydronephrosis, tumor size, T stage, and lymph node status. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a significant discriminatory ability for death and progression risks in the two groups based on SOSIs. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models showed that SOSIs were an independent prognostic indicator for OS (p = 0.007) and PFS (p = 0.021). SOSIs and clinical variables were selected to establish a nomogram for OS. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year AUC values were 0.77, 0.78, and 0.81, respectively. Calibration curves of the nomogram showed high consistencies between the predicted and observed survival probability. Decision curve analysis curves showed that the nomogram could well predict the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year OS. CONCLUSIONS: SOSIs are an independent unfavorable predictor of OS and PFS in patients diagnosed with UTUC undergoing RNU. Therefore, incorporating SOSIs into currently available clinical parameters may improve clinical decision-making.

Nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide mediated regulation of chromium (VI) toxicity in wheat seedlings involves alterations in antioxidants and high affinity sulfate transporter.

Chromium contamination of the soil is a major scientific concern with reference to crop productivity and human health. In recent years, several approaches are being employed in managing metal toxicity in crop plants. Here, we have investigated about potential and probable crosstalk of nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in mitigating hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] toxicity in wheat seedlings. Cr(VI) toxicity reduced the fresh mass and overall growth due to accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased efficiency of AsA-GSH cycle and downregulation of high affinity sulfate transporter. However, exogenous treatment of NO and H2O2 significantly alleviated Cr toxicity. Application of NO and ROS scavengers reversed stress mitigating effects of NO and H2O2, respectively suggesting that endogenous NO and H2O2 are necessary for rendering Cr toxicity tolerance. Furthermore, NO rescued negative effect of diphenylene iodonium (DPI, NADPH oxidase inhibitor) and H2O2 reversed the negative effect of c-PTIO suggesting that they exhibit independent signalling in mitigating Cr stress. Altogether, data indicated that NO and H2O2 rendered mitigation of Cr stress by up-regulating enzymes (activity and relative gene expression) and metabolites of AsA-GSH cycle, high affinity sulfate transporter (relative gene expression) and glutathione biosynthesis which collectively controlled occurrence of oxidative stress.

Chili-supplemented food decreases glutathione-S-transferase activity in Drosophila melanogaster females without a change in other parameters of antioxidant system.

OBJECTIVES: Many plant-derived anti-aging preparations influence antioxidant defense system. Consumption of food supplemented with chili pepper powder was found to extend lifespan in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. The present study aimed to test a connection between life-extending effect of chili powder and antioxidant defense system of D. melanogaster. METHODS: Flies were reared for 15 days in the mortality cages on food with 0% (control), 0.04%, 0.12%, 0.4%, or 3% chili powder. Antioxidant and related enzymes, as well as oxidative stress indices were measured. RESULTS: Female flies that consumed chili-supplemented food had a 40-60% lower glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity as compared with the control cohort. Activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was about 37% higher in males that consumed food with 3% chili powder in comparison with the control cohort. Many of the parameters studied were sex-dependent. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of chili-supplemented food extends lifespan in fruit fly cohorts in a concentration- and gender-dependent manner. However, this extension is not mediated by a strengthening of antioxidant defenses. Consumption of chili-supplemented food does not change the specific relationship between antioxidant and related enzymes in D. melanogaster, and does not change the linkage of the activities of these enzymes to fly gender.

Fumaria parviflora regulates oxidative stress and apoptosis gene expression in the rat model of varicocele induction.

Varicocele is one of the leading causes of male infertility in which oxidative stress induces DNA damages in spermatozoa of patients with varicocele. Recent studies indicated that the treatment with antioxidant agents has protective effects against the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Our research aimed to evaluate the impact of Fumaria Parviflora (FP) on the varicocele-induced testicular injury. For this purpose, 32 adult male Wistar rats (n = 8 per group) were randomly assigned to four groups as follows: sham group, varicocele group, varicocele treatment group and the control treatment group. The experimental groups daily received FP (250 mg/kg) for 8 weeks. The induction of varicocele was conducted by partial occlusion on the left renal vein. The diameter of seminiferous tubules, Johnsen's score and the epithelium thickness improved in the treated-varicocele group as compared to the varicocele group. FP extract could increase the biochemical parameters including superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, and also decrease malondialdehyde level in the varicocele group. Furthermore, varicocele markedly increased both mRNA and intensity of Bax, while treatment with FP could alleviate them. We concluded that FP could alleviate varicocele, possibly by lowering oxidative stress and testicular damage.

Melatonin protects sperm cells of Capoeta trutta from toxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles.

In this study, it was aimed to determine the protective effects of melatonin (0.01, 0.1, and 1 mM) against 10 mg/L titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) on kinematic and oxidative indices in the sperm cells of Capoeta trutta. Therefore, TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized primarily within the scope of the study. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by structurally different techniques. Then, melatonin and TiO2 were applied to Capoeta trutta sperm cells by in vitro. According to our data, all doses of melatonin showed protective effects on all velocities of sperm cells such as the straight line velocity (VSL), the curvilinear velocity (VCL), and the angular path velocity (VAP) against TiO2-NPs, while 0.1 and 1 mM doses of melatonin improved the VSL value. Although TiO2-NPs increased total glutathione (tGSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) lipid peroxidation, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) compared to the control group, there were positive treatment effects for all doses of melatonin on antioxidant capacity of sperm cells. At the end of this research, it is suggested that over 0.1 mM dose of melatonin improves the velocity of sperm cells and it plays a protective role against the toxic effects of TiO2-NPs.

The Influence of Benson Relaxation on Oxidative Stress Marker of Premenstrual Syndrome in Students of Khoy University of Medical Sciences.

BACKGROUND: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common painful disorder in females. The use of Benson's relaxation technique with a focus on sensations affects a range of physical and mental symptoms, reduces stress, and subsequently leads to changes in oxidative stress indexes. AIM: The present study aimed to determine the impact of Benson's relaxation technique on oxidative stress indexes of premenstrual syndrome in students in Khoy University of Medical Sciences. METHODS: A quasi-experimental design with intervention and control groups was used in this study. The female nursing students at Khoy University of Medical Sciences were selected by convenience and were assigned by the simple random method to control and intervention groups, each of which with 30 samples. The data collection tool was a three-part questionnaire and a checklist for recording values. Data collection was done at two stages of before and after intervention on days 21 to 28 and the third day of menstruation by distributing questionnaires and a blood sampling. The Mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentage using descriptive statistics and Inferential statistically were utilised to analyse data through paired T-test, independent T-test, and Chi-square tests in addition to analysis of relations by using SPSS V25 at the p-value < 0.05. RESULTS: According to the findings, most of the samples were single (90%), native (61.6%) and had PMS symptoms (83.3%). The participants' mean age was 21 ± 1.5 years, and most of them had physical symptoms of headache, fatigue, behavioural symptoms of nervous tension and mood swing. The results indicated a significant difference between control and intervention groups in malondialdehyde2 (MDA2) and Total Antioxidant Capacity2 (TAC2) (p = 0.001). The within-groups comparison indicated a statistically significant difference between the total MDA index with a mean difference of 0.126 and TAC index (-.122) of the intervention group (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The research results emphasised the importance of using Benson's relaxation techniques as an alternative medicine on the variability of levels oxidative stress markers and Consequently for reducing physical and mental symptoms.

The in vitro effect of cypermethrin on quality and oxidative stress indices of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss spermatozoa.

There is limited information on the scientific literature about the effect of in vitro exposure of fish sperm to pesticides. In vitro effect of cypermethrin on sperm quality and oxidative stress has not yet been fully investigated. Therefore, the effects of cypermethrin, a type II pyrethroid insecticide, on quality and oxidative stress of spermatozoa were examined in vitro. To explore the potential in vitro toxicity of cypermethrin, fish spermatozoa were incubated with different concentrations of cypermethrin (1.025, 2.05 and 4.1 µg/l) for 2 h. The motility rate and duration of sperm were determined after exposure to cypermethrin. Reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in spermatozoa were analyzed for determination of oxidant and antioxidant balance. Our results indicated that spermatozoa motility and duration significantly decreased with exposure to cypermethrin. Additionally, activity of GSH-Px (P<0.05) and MDA and GSH levels increased in a concentration-dependent manner while CAT activity decreased (P<0.05). Consequently, the oxidant and antioxidant status and sperm quality were affected by quantitative changes and different concentrations of cypermethrin.

The in vitro effect of Lambda-cyhalothrin on quality and antioxidant responses of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss spermatozoa.

There is little information in the scientific literature about effect of in vitro exposure of fish spermatozoa to pesticides. In vitro effect of Lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) on sperm quality and oxidative stress has not been fully explored yet. The effects of LCT, which is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, on quality and oxidative stress of spermatozoa were investigated in vitro due to extensively use to control a wide range of insect pests in agriculture, public health, and homes and gardens. To explore the potential in vitro toxicity of LCT, fish spermatozoa were incubated with different concentrations of LCT (0.6, 1.2 and 2.4 µg/L) for 2h. Reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in spermatozoa were analyzed for determination of oxidant and antioxidant balance. Our results indicated that the percentage and duration of sperm motility significantly decreased with exposure to LCT. Activity of GSH-Px and MDA (P<0.05) and GSH levels (P<0.05) increased in a concentration-dependent manner while CAT activity decreased (P<0.05). In conclusion, the oxidant and antioxidant status and sperm quality were affected by increasing concentrations of LCT.

Effect of bisphenol A on blood glucose, lipid profile and oxidative stress indices in adult male mice.

Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical, has been considered as a possible risk factor for diabetes and its complications. However, the underlying mechanisms of BPA-induced diabetes are not clear. The present study was performed to evaluate the effects of BPA on the hyperglycemia, lipid abnormalities and oxidative stress. In this study, the mice were divided into three groups of six animals each: One group as a control (C) and two other groups which exposed to 0.5 and 2 mg/kg concentrations of BPA. BPA powder was dissolved in sterile extra virgin olive oil and injected intraperitoneally to the tested groups, while the control group only received pure olive oil for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, the changes of glucose, lipid profile reduced, total protein, glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS), catalase (CAT) and super oxide dismutase (SOD) were determined in serum and pancreas. The results indicated that BPA dose-dependently increased the levels of blood glucose, lipid profile and MDA in the tested groups compared with the control group (p < 0.001). BPA reduced significantly the levels of HDL-C and GSH in dose-dependent manner (p < 0.001). BPA injection increased the levels of MDA and decreased the levels of GSH and TAS, and also the activities of SOD and CAT in the pancreas of exposed mice compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, body weight increased in the mice exposed to BPA compare to control animals. These results suggest that BPA exposure might induce hyperglycemia and its complications in adult male mice by induction of oxidative stress.

Daily calcium intake and its relation to blood pressure, blood lipids, and oxidative stress biomarkers in hypertensive and normotensive subjects.

Several studies revealed that low calcium intake is related to high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension is high in Koreans along with their low dietary calcium consumption. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the status of calcium intake between the hypertension and normotension groups and to investigate the correlation between dietary calcium intake and blood pressure, blood lipid parameters, and blood/urine oxidative stress indices. A total of 166 adult subjects participated in this study and were assigned to one of two study groups: a hypertension group (n = 83) who had 140 mmHg or higher in systolic blood pressure (SBP) or 90 mmHg or higher in diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and an age- and sex-matched normotension group (n = 83, 120 mmHg or less SBP and 80 mmHg or less DBP). The hypertension group consumed 360.5 mg calcium per day, which was lower than that of the normotension group (429.9 mg) but not showing significant difference. In the hypertension group, DBP had a significant negative correlation with plant calcium (P < 0.01) after adjusting for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and energy intake. In the normotension group, total calcium and animal calcium intake were significantly and positively correlated with serum triglycerides. No significant relationship was found between calcium intake and blood/urine oxidative stress indices in both groups. Overall, these data suggest reconsideration of food sources for calcium consumption in management of the blood pressure or blood lipid profiles in both hypertensive and normotensive subjects.

Daily calcium intake and its relation to blood pressure, blood lipids, and oxidative stress biomarkers in hypertensive and normotensive subjects

Several studies revealed that low calcium intake is related to high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension is high in Koreans along with their low dietary calcium consumption. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the status of calcium intake between the hypertension and normotension groups and to investigate the correlation between dietary calcium intake and blood pressure, blood lipid parameters, and blood/urine oxidative stress indices. A total of 166 adult subjects participated in this study and were assigned to one of two study groups: a hypertension group (n = 83) who had 140 mmHg or higher in systolic blood pressure (SBP) or 90 mmHg or higher in diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and an age- and sex-matched normotension group (n = 83, 120 mmHg or less SBP and 80 mmHg or less DBP). The hypertension group consumed 360.5 mg calcium per day, which was lower than that of the normotension group (429.9 mg) but not showing significant difference. In the hypertension group, DBP had a significant negative correlation with plant calcium (P < 0.01) after adjusting for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and energy intake. In the normotension group, total calcium and animal calcium intake were significantly and positively correlated with serum triglycerides. No significant relationship was found between calcium intake and blood/urine oxidative stress indices in both groups. Overall, these data suggest reconsideration of food sources for calcium consumption in management of the blood pressure or blood lipid profiles in both hypertensive and normotensive subjects.

Computer diagnosis in cardiology: oxidative stress hypothesis.

BACKGROUND: Virtual scanning is one of the emerging technologies in complementary medicine practice. The diagnostic principle is hinged on perception and ultra weak light emission, while the treatment options associated with it includes diet, flash light, exercise and relaxation. However, a mechanism that links the diagnostic and treatment principles has yet to be elucidated. AIMS: The objective here is to further explanation of oxidative stress concept as the biochemical basis of the technology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using available literature and basic science textbook, the function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenalin axis as neuro-endocrine physiological system that is strongly linked to the rate of alterations in biochemical processes through to cardiovascular complications is articulated. RESULTS: The hypothesis brings to fore the potential of using the alterations in biochemical processes associated with cognition as tool to validate the Virtual Scanning technology for possible incorporation into clinical practice. Or vice versa to use Virtual Scanning technology to determine the chemiluminescence-related biochemical changes resulting from pathologies that could benefit from relaxation, light therapy, exercise and antioxidant nutrition. CONCLUSIONS: This article advances the applicability of cognitive test procedure for indication of the disease(s) affecting heart function. The implication for some laboratory indices that are already available in clinical practice is highlighted. Investigation of this hypothesis will help provide clear link between plausible mechanism and the theory proposed.