Biochemical study of the effect of lead exposure in nonobese gasoline station workers and risk of hyperglycemia: A retrospective case-control study.

Evaluate the relationship between blood lead (Pb) levels and other biomedical markers and the risk of diabetes in gasoline station workers. The participants were separated into 2 groups: group A consisted of 26 workers from gasoline filling stations, while group B comprised 26 healthy individuals. Serum levels of malondialdehyde, IL-1ß, visfatin, insulin, fasting blood sugar, and vitamin D were assessed. Mean Pb level was significantly higher in group A compared to group B (almost 2.9 times higher levels) (14.43 ±â€…1.01 vs 5.01 ±â€…1.41, µg/dL). The levels of visfatin (23.19 ±â€…0.96 vs 3.88 ±â€…0.58, ng/mL), insulin (22.14 ±â€…1.31 vs 11.26 ±â€…0.75, mU/L), fasting blood sugar (118.4 ±â€…26.1 vs 82.7 ±â€…9.2, gm/dL), malondialdehyde (6.40 ±â€…0.27 vs 1.62 ±â€…0.21, nmol/mL), and IL-1ß (330.25 ±â€…10.34 vs 12.35 ± 1.43, pg/mL) were significantly higher in group A, meanwhile; vitamin D (11.99 ±â€…1.55 vs 35.41 ±â€…3.16, ng/mL) were significantly lower in group A. A positive association exists between blood Pb levels and increased inflammatory markers. Lead exposure increases serum insulin and fasting blood sugar, which suggests that it is diabetogenic and that increased inflammation is a possible cause.

Curcumin Reduces Depression in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Type 2 diabetes and depression co-occur in a bidirectional manner. Curcumin supplements exhibit antidepressant effects that may mitigate depression by modulating neurotransmitters and reducing inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin in improving depression severity in obese type 2 diabetes patients. The study employed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial design with 227 participants. The primary end-point was depression severity assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Biomarkers were measured at baseline and at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month intervals. The biomarkers assessed were serotonin levels, pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha), antioxidant activities (total antioxidant status, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase), and malondialdehyde. After 12 months, the curcumin group exhibited significantly improved depression severity (p = 0.000001). The curcumin group had higher levels of serotonin (p < 0.0001) but lower levels of interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (p < 0.001 for all) than the placebo group. Total antioxidant status, glutathione peroxidase activity, and superoxide dismutase activity were elevated in the curcumin group, whereas malondialdehyde levels were greater in the placebo group (p < 0.001 for all). These findings suggest curcumin may have antidepressant effects on obese type 2 diabetes patients.

Malondialdehyde and Zinc May Relate to Severity of Microvascular Complications in Diabetes: A Preliminary Study on Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Northeast China.

Background: Serum trace elements and oxidative stress factors are related to diabetic microvascular complications. The study was to investigate the complex relationship between trace elements, oxidative stress factors, and the severity of microvascular complications of diabetes in older adults. Methods: The present study included patients with or without type 2 diabetes, and blood glucose, blood lipids, trace elements (iron, magnesium, zinc), oxidative stress factors (malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC)) were evaluated. Risk factors for the severity of diabetic microvascular complications in older adults with diabetes were also estimated. Results: There were statistically significant differences in fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), glycated hemoglobin (HbAlc), MDA, NO, SOD, T-AOC, magnesium, and zinc between the two groups (P<0.05). Iron (rZinc = 0.147, rSOD = 0.180, rT-AOC = 0.193, P < 0.05) was positively correlated with zinc, SOD and T-AOC. Iron was negatively correlated with MDA (rMDA = -0.146, P < 0.05). Magnesium was positively correlated with SOD (rMagnesium = 0.147, P < 0.05). Zinc (rSOD = 0.616, rT-AOC = 0.575, P < 0.01) was positively correlated with SOD and T-AOC. Zinc (rMDA =-0.636, rNO=-0.616, P<0.01) was positively correlated with MDA and negatively correlated with NO. The course of disease (18.653, [5.726; 60.764], P <0.01), FBG (1.265, [1.059; 1.511], P <0.05), HbAlc (1.545, [1.431; 1.680], P <0.01), MDA (2.989, [1.900; 4.702], P <0.01) were risk factor for the severity of diabetic microvascular complications. Zinc (0.680, [0.503; 0.919], P < 0.05) and SOD (0.820, [0.698; 0.964], P < 0.05) were protective factors for the severity of diabetic microvascular complications. Conclusion: Serum trace elements are related to oxidative stress levels in older adults with type 2 diabetes. The more stable trace element in older adults with diabetes, the lower the oxidative stress and the fewer microvascular complications of diabetes.

Supplementation of vitamin E as an addition to a commercial renal diet does not prolong survival of cats with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to investigate the effect of vitamin E supplementation as an addition to a commercial renal diet on survival time of cats with different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In addition, we were interested whether vitamin E supplementation affects selected oxidative stress and clinical parameters. Thirty-four cats with CKD and 38 healthy cats were included in the study. Cats with CKD were classified according to the IRIS Guidelines; seven in IRIS stage 1, 15 in IRIS stage 2, five in IRIS stage 3 and seven in IRIS stage 4. Cats with CKD were treated according to IRIS Guidelines. Cats with CKD were randomly assigned to receive vitamin E (100 IU/cat/day) or placebo (mineral oil) for 24 weeks in addition to standard therapy. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) concentrations, DNA damage of peripheral lymphocytes and plasma vitamin E concentrations were measured at baseline and four, eight, 16 and 24 weeks thereafter. Routine laboratory analyses and assessment of clinical signs were performed at each visit. RESULTS: Vitamin E supplementation had no effect on the survival time and did not reduce the severity of clinical signs. Before vitamin E supplementation, no significant differences in vitamin E, MDA and PC concentrations were found between healthy and CKD cats. However, plasma MDA concentration was statistically significantly higher (p = 0.043) in cats with early CKD (IRIS stages 1 and 2) than in cats with advanced CKD (IRIS stages 3 and 4). Additionally, DNA damage was statistically significantly higher in healthy cats (p ≤ 0.001) than in CKD cats. Plasma vitamin E concentrations increased statistically significantly in the vitamin E group compared to the placebo group four (p = 0.013) and eight (p = 0.017) weeks after the start of vitamin E supplementation. During the study and after 24 weeks of vitamin E supplementation, plasma MDA and PC concentrations and DNA damage remained similar to pre-supplementation levels in both the placebo and vitamin E groups. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin E supplementation as an addition to standard therapy does not prolong survival in feline CKD.

Effect of surgery on oxidative stress and endogenous tocopherol concentrations in juvenile female dogs.

BACKGROUND: Surgery such as ovariectomy causes an inflammatory and oxidative stress. This study was designed to evaluate endogenous tocopherol levels in response to surgical oxidative stress induced by abdominal surgery (ovariectomy) in thirty-two juvenile female dogs. The dogs received meloxicam before surgery (0.2 mg/kg SC) and after surgery (0.1 mg/kg OS every 24 h), 0.03 mg/kg of atropine sulfate (IM), and propofol 4 mg/kg intravenously (IV). General anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane. Physiological, hematological and biochemical parameters, malondialdehyde (MDA) and α-, δ-, γ-tocopherols were evaluated at baseline, 36 and 48 h after surgery. RESULTS: The physiological parameters remained within normal ranges. Blood glucose concentration increased, while the albumin levels decreased after surgery. Rescue analgesia was not required. MDA levels increased above the baseline at 36 and 48 h after surgery (P < 0.001). The α-, δ-, and γ-tocopherol concentrations decreased from baseline at 36 and 48 h after surgery (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Surgery in juvenile female dogs revealed oxidative, increased MDA concentrations, reduced tocopherol levels, and had a clinically insignificant influence on homeostasis.

Inter-Relations between Dietary Patterns and Glycemic Control-Related Biomarkers on Risk of Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetes.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), which can cause vision loss, may progress faster with poor glycemic control and oxidative stress. This study aims to examine how dietary patterns and glycemic control biomarkers relate to retinopathy risk in type 2 diabetes patients. In this study, we enrolled diabetic patients with retinopathy (DR) (n = 136) and without retinopathy (no DR) (n = 466) from a cohort of participants in the "Blood Pressure Control to Reduce the Risk of Type 2 Diabetic Nephropathy Study". Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and malondialdehyde were defined as elevated when their levels reached ≥8.5% and ≥2/3 (16.2 µm), respectively. Dietary data were collected by a food frequency questionnaire. Dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis. Elevated HbA1c was significantly correlated with increased risk of DR (OR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.14-3.93, p = 0.017). In subjects with a high animal protein and processed food dietary pattern (≥highest tertile score) or a low vegetable intake pattern (

Oxidative stress and type 2 diabetes: the development and the pathogenesis, Jordanian cross-sectional study.

Accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can disrupt the antioxidant defense system, leading to oxidative stress that leads to pathological damage to vital human organs, including hormone-producing glands. Normal physiological function is subsequently disrupted and disorders such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) may develop. The critical role of the antioxidant defense system in counteracting ROS and mitigating oxidative stress is fundamental to understanding the pathogenesis of T2DM. In our study, we monitored the oxidant/antioxidant status in a selected Jordanian population to further elucidate this relationship. Our results show higher serum levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA); 0.230 ± 0.05 and 0.207 ± 0.06 µmol/l for the diabetic and the obese groups, respectively, relative to 0.135 ± 0.04 µmol/l for the non-obese healthy group. Lower activity of Catalase (CAT) was recorded among the diabetic (9.2 ± 3.2) and obese groups (11.0 ± 2.8), compared to the non-obese healthy group (12.1 ± 3.5). Significant elevations (P < 0.05) were observed in uric acid concentrations in diabetic and obese subjects: 451 ± 57 mg/dl and 430 ± 51, respectively, versus 342 ± 57 mg/dl in the non-obese healthy group. Moreover, no significant differences were obtained between all the studied groups for the serum albumin and total protein concentrations. Our findings demonstrate the potential role of oxidative stress in the development and occurrence of T2DM.

Impending role of inflammatory markers and their specificity and sensitivity in breast cancer patients.

Cancer and related disorders are the most common cause of cancer-related mortality with the incidence of 1 in 9 among the pre-menopausal Pakistani females. among the most common ailments worldwide, indicating the importance of developing particular techniques that could help attenuate the effects of breast cancer and related outcomes. The primary aim of the current study was to review the role of inflammatory and stress markers in the development and progression of breast cancer. Four hundred ninety-eight (n = 498) patients with breast cancer and four hundred and ninety-eight (n = 498) age- and sex-matched controls were selected for this case‒control study. Serum samples were obtained, and the levels of stress and inflammatory markers, including Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), Interleukins (ILs), Heat shock proteins (HSPs), Malondialdehyde (MDA), Nitric Oxide (NO), inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) and Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), were determined. Most (62%) patients had metastatic breast cancer (stage III or IV) with an adverse grade (65% with Grade III and 35% with Grade II). The present study showed that the levels of oxidants such as MDA, ILs, MMPs and HSPs were significantly greater, while the levels of antioxidants such as Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione (GSH), Catalase (CAT), vitamin A, C and D were significantly lower in breast cancer patients than in controls, suggesting their diagnostic importance and role in the pathophysiology of breast cancer. Oxidants, including IL-1, HSP27 and MMP9, which are highly specific and sensitive, may be used to develop the pathophysiological pathways of metastatic breast cancer in these patients. These pathways include cell invasion, cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Therefore, we concluded that an increase in growth factors, e.g., Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Tumour Growth Factor-beta (TGF-ß) and B-cell lymphoma (Bcl2), under the influence of these variables plays a crucial role in the metastasis of breast cancer.

Oxidative stress in relation to serotonin under general anaesthesia in dogs undergoing ovariectomy.

Abdominal surgery such as ovariectomy is a traumatic event that can cause oxidative stress. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the concentration of serotonin in relation to ovariectomy-induced oxidative stress in dogs undergoing general anesthesia. Thirty-two female dogs, under general anesthesia, received meloxicam before surgery (0.2 mgkg-1 SC) and after surgery (0.1 mgkg-1 OS every 24 h). The physiological, hematological, and biochemical parameters: glycemia, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total protein, albumin and BUN were evaluated. Oxidative stress was determined by malondialdehyde (MDA) assay, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChe) at baseline, 36 and 48 h after the last administration of meloxicam. Serotonin (5-HT) concentration was also evaluated at baseline, 36 and 48 h after the last administration of meloxicam. Responses to surgical stimulus were evaluated. Physiological and hematological parameters they fell within the normal ranges for anesthetized dogs. Glycemia increased, albumin levels decreased after surgery. No rescue analgesia was required. MDA and 5-HT concentrations significantly increased from the baseline at 36 and 48 h after surgery (p < .001). 5-HT levels could be used as an indicator for oxidative stress induced by surgery and it might be employed for objectively quantifying the well-being of the surgical patient.

FASTING INCREASES THE SEVERITY OF ACUTE PANCREATITIS IN A MOUSE MODEL: IMPLICATIONS FOR PREOPERATIVE INTERVENTIONS TO REDUCE COMPLICATIONS OF PANCREATIC SURGERY.

BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis following surgical or endoscopic procedures on the pancreas can compromise the outcome and lead to severe complications and even death. The aim of this study was to determine whether prolonged fasting affects the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP). METHODS: Male mice were divided into 4 groups: Group CF (n=5) control animals that fasted for 24 hours; Group CNF (n=5) control animals that did not fast; Group APF (n=7) that fasted for 24 hours and underwent induction of acute pancreatitis (AP) and Group APNF (n=7) that did not fast and underwent AP. Eight hours after AP blood was collected for evaluation of cytokines: IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and MCP-1. Liver tissue was collected for determination of Malondialdehyde, pancreatic tissue for determination of enzyme content and lung tissue for determination of myeloperoxidase. RESULTS: Significant increase in pancreatic amylase content was observed in group CF and increased serum levels of IL -6, Il-10 and MCP-1 were in group APF. Liver malondialdehyde was also increased in APF animals. APF group showed much more necrosis of the pancreatic acinar cells. CONCLUSION: In the present study, we observed an increase in the severity of acute pancreatitis with prolonged fasting in a severe acute pancreatitis model. These results suggest that in clinical practice, the preoperative fasting time should be shortened before pancreatic procedures.

Circulating Malondialdehyde Is a Potential Biomarker for Predicting All-Cause Mortality during Follow-Up by Reflecting Comprehensive Inflammation at Diagnosis in Patients with Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis.

Background and Objectives: To investigate whether circulating malondialdehyde (cMDA) at diagnosis could contribute to reflecting cross-sectional comprehensive inflammation or vasculitis activity and further predicting all-cause mortality during follow-up in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV). Materials and Methods: This study included 78 patients with AAV. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were collected as indices reflecting cross-sectional comprehensive inflammation, whereas the Birmingham vasculitis activity score (bVAS), and the five-factor score (FFS) were reviewed as AAV-specific indices. All-cause mortality was considered to be a poor outcome during follow-up. cMDA was measured from stored sera. Results: The median age of the 78 patients (32 men and 46 women) was 63.0 years. The median BVAS, FFS, ESR, and CRP were 5.0, 0, 24.5 mm/h, and 3.4 mg/L, respectively. Six patients died during the median follow-up duration based on all-cause mortality at 26.7 months. At diagnosis, cMDA was significantly correlated with cross-sectional ESR but not with BVAS or FFS. Compared to patients with cMDA < 221.7 ng/mL, those with cMDA ≥ 221.7 ng/mL at diagnosis exhibited an increased relative risk (RR 12.4) for all-cause mortality and further showed a decreased cumulative patient survival rate. Cox analyses revealed that cMDA ≥ 221.7 ng/mL (hazard ratio 24.076, p = 0.007) exhibited an independent association with all-cause mortality during follow-up in patients with AAV. Conclusions: cMDA at diagnosis may be a potential biomarker for predicting all-cause mortality during follow-up by reflecting comprehensive inflammation at diagnosis in patients with AAV.

Quantification of oxidative stress markers in the blood sera following subacute administration of different oximes in rats.

Oxidative stress status, as a disruption of redox homeostasis, in the blood sera of Wistar rats caused by repeated application of selected acetylcholinesterase reactivators - asoxime, obidoxime, K027, K048, K074, and K075 were evaluated. Throughout this study, each oxime in a dose of 0.1 of LD50/kg im was given 2x/week for 4 weeks. Then, seven days after the last oximes' application, markers of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA), and protein oxidation (advanced oxidation protein products, AOPP), as well as the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, CAT, superoxide dismutase, SOD, reduced glutathione, GSH, and oxidized glutathione, GSSG), were determined. Oxidative stress parameters, MDA and AOPP were significantly highest in the K048-, K074- and K075-treated groups (p < 0.001). The activity of CAT was significantly elevated in the obidoxime-treated group (p < 0.05), while treatment with K027, K048, and K074 induced high elevation in SOD levels (p < 0.01, p < 0.001). Interestingly, the activity of GSH in each oxime-treated group was significantly elevated. Unlike, treatment with obidoxime caused elevation in GSSG levels (p < 0.01). As a continuation of our previously published data, these results assure that applied oximes following subacute treatment ameliorated the oxidative status and further adverse systemic toxic effects in rats.

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.

Etomidate alleviates ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the protective effects of etomidate against oxidative damage in an experimental model of ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS: A total of 24 female rats were randomized into three groups. Group 1 served as the control. Group 2 underwent an ovarian torsion/detorsion procedure. Group 3 underwent similar procedures as Group 2; additionally, 4 mg/kg of etomidate was administered intraperitoneally 30 minutes before ovarian detorsion. Blood samples were analyzed for lipid peroxidation, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and antioxidant enzyme activity RESULTS: Biochemical analysis of blood samples revealed reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1 Beta (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), in Group 3 compared to Group 2 (p=0.005, p=0.016, and p<0.001, respectively). Additionally, a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels was observed in Group 3 compared to Group 2 (p<0.001). In contrast, activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), were significantly increased in Group 3 compared to Group 2 (p=0.031 and p=0.001, respectively). Furthermore, Group 3 demonstrated notable reductions in histopathological scores for follicular degeneration, vascular occlusion, bleeding, and inflammation compared to Group 2 (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, and p=0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Etomidate alleviates ischemia-reperfusion injury in a rat ovarian torsion-detorsion model by improving both histopathological and biochemical outcomes.

Oxidative Stress Assessment of Noise Exposure in the Workers Using Hearing Protection in a Pressing Industry.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Exposure to noise by generation of free radicals causes oxidative stress in body. The aim of this study was the evaluation of oxidative stress in workers who have used hearing protection devices during working time. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Pressing workers (n=24) of a home appliance industry were studied using hearing protection devices to reduce noise exposure. Twenty two office staff (without exposure to noise) were considered as a control group. Two groups were matched for age, work experience and smoking. Exposure to noise was measured by dosimeter method at workstations. By obtaining 3 ml blood sample, Malondialdehyde levels, Thiol groups and total antioxidant capacity were evaluated in all subjects. RESULTS: Exposure to sound pressure level in pressing workers by considering the noise reduction factor of the earplug was observed in 77.65 dB with minimum 75.1 dB and Maximum 81.22 dB. Plasma thiol groups (0.076 (0.041-0.119) vs (0.110 (0.076-0.197), mmol/l P =0.0001) and total antioxidant capacity (361.33± 54.65 vs 414.14± 96.82, µmol/ml P = 0.026) in pressing workers significantly decreased than control group. Pearson correlation showed significant results between exposure to noise and oxidative stress parameters. CONCLUSION: Exposure to noise wave cause oxidative stress in different site of body. Oxidative stress is an intermediate way for different disease due to noise exposure. Reducing of noise exposure by earplug in pressing workers is not efficient protection for oxidative stress generation. Therefore, hearing protection devices are not a barrier to the harmful effects of noise in occupational exposure.

Postprandial Antioxidative Response to Ingestion of Formulated Date- and Fruit-Based Nutritional Bars by Healthy Individuals.

Nutritional bars (NBs) are gaining popularity among healthy and athletic individuals, but postprandial antioxidative response has not been investigated. Therefore, the current study examined the postprandial alterations in total phenolic content (TPC), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the plasma of healthy individuals after the ingestion of 140 g (510 Kcal) from formulated date-based bars (DBBs) or fruit-based bars (FBBs). Firstly, the free and bound phenolic contents (PCs) were determined to be 10.15 and 12.98 and 6.19 and 3.57 mg GAE g-1, respectively. FBBs were significantly higher in free PC than DBBs, while DBBs were considerably higher in bound PC than FBBs. Secondly, twenty participants with age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, and fat-free mass averages of 21.4 years, 170.0 cm, 66.3 kg, 22.9 kg m2, 14.5, and 29.2 kg, respectively, were subjected to metabolic experiments (ISRCTN19386758). Ingestion of 140 g of FBB or DBB resulted in 288.50 or 302.14 µg TPC mL-1 blood, respectively. Postprandial TPC content increased with time progression and peaked after 120 min. T-AOC contents averaged 22.63 and 23.61 U mL-1 before ingestion of FBBs or DBBs, respectively. The T-AOC content increased significantly 120 and 180 min after ingestion of DBBs, while no significant change was noted after consuming FBBs. A significant decrease in MDA content was observed 180 min after consuming DBBs, while no significant change was noted after consuming FBBs. SOD concentrations ranged from 193.99 to 201.07 U L-1 in FBBs and DBBs, respectively. No considerable response was noted up to 3 h after ingestion of FBBs. On the contrary, a significant response was found 120 min after consuming DBBs. Pearson's correlation coefficient indicated a highly significant positive correlation coefficient (p < 0.01) between T-AOC and either MDA or SOD, as well as between MDA and SOD. The principal component analysis demonstrated a strong and positive relationship between SOD and TPC at 60 and 120 min after DBB ingestion. In conclusion, the relative changes in postprandial responses in T-AOC and MDA did not significantly (p > 0.05) differ between DBBs and FBBs, except for TPC (p = 0.04, paired t-test) and SOD (p = 0.003, paired t-test). Further studies with an extended experimental time are needed to confirm the current findings.

Moringa oleifera leaf extracts improve exercise performance in young male adults: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Moringa oleifera leaves are rich in bioactive substances. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf aqueous extract supplements on energy metabolism and antioxidant function in young male adults. METHODS: Forty-four young male adults (26.3 ± 3.5 years) were randomly assigned to two groups: a supplement group (n = 23) receiving aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves and a placebo group (n = 21). The supplementation period lasted for 30 days. Baseline measurements were taken at the beginning of the study, and further measurements were taken at the end of the supplementation period. Changes in upper- and lower-body strength, treadmill endurance, and certain blood biochemical parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: After 30 days of supplementation, participants in the supplement group exhibited enhanced performance in push-ups and treadmill exhaustion tests compared to the placebo group. Levels of glucose, urea, malondialdehyde, and glutathione peroxidase activity in serum were also improved in the supplement group. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that Moringa oleifera leaf aqueous extracts have the potential to improve post-exercise energy metabolism and antioxidant function in young male adults.

Exploring the relationship between oxidative stress status and inflammatory markers during primary Sjögren's syndrome: A new approach for patient monitoring.

INTRODUCTION: Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affects exocrine glands dysfunction. Oxidative stress (OS) is a phenomenon occurring as a result of an imbalance between the generation of free radicals and antioxidant defense system. Hence, we aimed to establish the status of OS and inflammatory response according to the pSS disease activity index. In this context, we investigated malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant enzymes during pSS. The possible association between MDA and nitric oxide (NO) levels and between MDA and some pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-33). METHODS: The study has been conducted on 53 pSS patients. The antioxidant enzymes, represented by glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were estimated by a colorimetric activity kit. Whereas, MDA value was assessed by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Moreover, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-33) and NO were respectively quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and the modified Griess. RESULTS: Interestingly, we report a notable reduction in our pSS patients' antioxidant enzyme activity, while NO, MDA and proinflammatory cytokines values were significantly increased. pSS patients with higher disease activity had much stronger increases in NO and MDA levels. No significant difference was assessed in CRP level. Additionally, substantial significant correlations between plasmatic NO and MDA levels and between MDA, NO and IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α cytokines were reported. However, no significant association was found between NO, MDA and IL-33 concentrations. CONCLUSION: Collectively, our data showed altered oxidant-antioxidant balance in pSS patients. MDA, NO, IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α seem to be good indicators in monitoring disease activity. Oxidative stress was closely related to inflammation in pSS. Exploiting this relationship might provide valuable indicators in the follow-up and prognosis of pSS with a potential therapeutic value.

Serological and histolomorphological investigation of camel bulls testes (Camelus dromedaries) during the rutting and non-rutting seasons.

BACKGROUND: Camels are bred for their milk, meat, wool and hair, transportation, and their excrement as fuel. The seasonal reproduction of camel bull is accompanied by changes in sexual activity, the morphology, and function of the testes. This study aimed to evaluate the seasonal fluctuations in serum testosterone (T) levels as well as total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the testes of dromedary bulls (Camelus dromedarius) during the rutting and non-rutting seasons. Moreover, the impact of rutting season on the testicular size and histomorphology was also observed. Seventy mature dromedary bulls were divided into a rutting group (n = 35) and a non-rutting group (n = 35). From these bulls, blood samples and testes were collected during the rutting season (October to April) and non-rutting season (May to September) from a local slaughterhouse. RESULTS: All parameters changed significantly during rutting and non-rutting periods in camel bulls. The levels of TAC in testes, and serum T were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the rutting group than in the non-rutting group. However, testicular MDA was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the rutting group than in the non-rutting group. TAC was negatively correlated with MDA (r = -0.59, p < 0.01). Moreover, in the rutting group and the non-rutting group, T was positively correlated with levels of TAC (r = 0.66, p < 0.0003). Additionally, testicular size (length, breadth, and thickness) was significantly greater in camels during the rutting season than in camels during the non-rutting season. Moreover, the number and diameter of seminiferous tubules, and spermatogenesis increased during the rutting season, whereas, the collagen content and apoptosis increased during the non-rutting season. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the rutting normal breeding season (NBS, rutting group) was associated with higher levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), T, and spermatogenic activity while the collagen content, concentrations of MDA (the oxidative stress factor) and apoptosis (an outcome of oxidative stress) were lower than those in the low breeding season (LBS, non-rutting group). In addition, the testicular size and seminiferous tubule diameter and number were higher during the NBS.

Impact of diet and physical activity on reproductive profile: A comparison of middle-aged and elderly men.

Age is a known determinant of reproductive health and fertility in both genders. The present work aims to assess the reproductive hormone profile of a middle-aged and elderly man. For this descriptive cross-sectional study, healthy male subjects (n=77) were recruited from the valley. Any individual suffering from any acute or chronic diseases and on drugs was ruled out from the study. Group A consisted of 40 elderly men between 60-70 years of age, and Group B comprised 37 men between 35-46 years of age. Blood samples were taken to estimate the reproductive hormone profile. Level of oxidant and antioxidant: Malondialdehyde and Glutathione. The demographic variables, which included retrospective and prospective questions, helped to assess the physical activity and diet intake behaviour of all inducted individuals. The analysis of the reproductive profile of both groups was similar and within the normal range of standards. However, the median level of LH was higher in group A than in group B: 6.7 mIU/ml versus 3.4 mIU/ml, respectively, and p<0.003. Both groups showed predominantly involvement in physical activity, >90%. The correlation of biochemical variables gives an insight into the fact that the Mediterranean diet and physical activity help to maintain a normal BMI. These implicate the normal secretion of various hormones, leading to intact spermatogenesis. We can safely deduce from this study that physically active lifestyles and a healthy diet are crucial factors in maintaining an endocrine profile.

L'âge est un déterminant connu de la santé reproductive et de la fécondité chez les deux sexes. Le présent travail vise à évaluer le profil hormonal de la reproduction d'un homme d'âge moyen et âgé. Pour cette étude transversale descriptive, des sujets masculins en bonne santé (n = 77) ont été recrutés dans la vallée. Toute personne souffrant de maladies aiguës ou chroniques et prenant des médicaments a été exclue de l'étude. Le groupe A était composé de 40 hommes âgés de 60 à 70 ans et le groupe B de 37 hommes âgés de 35 à 46 ans. Des échantillons de sang ont été prélevés pour estimer le profil des hormones reproductives. Niveau d'oxydant et d'antioxydant : Malondialdéhyde et Glutathion. Les variables démographiques, qui comprenaient des questions rétrospectives et prospectives, ont permis d'évaluer l'activité physique et le comportement alimentaire de tous les individus intronisés. L'analyse du profil reproducteur des deux groupes était similaire et se situait dans la fourchette normale des normes. Cependant, le taux médian de LH était plus élevé dans le groupe A que dans le groupe B : respectivement 6,7 mUI/ml versus 3,4 mUI/ml et p<0,003. Les deux groupes présentaient une participation prédominante à l'activité physique, > 90 %. La corrélation des variables biochimiques donne un aperçu du fait que le régime méditerranéen et l'activité physique contribuent à maintenir un IMC normal. Celles-ci impliquent la sécrétion normale de diverses hormones, conduisant à une spermatogenèse intacte. Nous pouvons déduire de cette étude qu'un mode de vie physiquement actif et une alimentation saine sont des facteurs cruciaux pour maintenir un profil endocrinien.