Xanthine oxidase enzyme activity in keratoconic corneal epithelium.

PURPOSE: To assess the activity of xanthine oxidase (XO) enzyme in keratoconic corneal epithelium and to evaluate its relationship with the keratoconus (KC) severity. METHODS: This prospective and randomized study included 66 eyes of 54 KC patients who received corneal collagen cross-linking treatment and 43 eyes of 32 patients who underwent photorefractive keratectomy due to their refractive error. During surgical procedures, the corneal epithelium was mechanically scraped and gathered to analyze the XO enzyme activity spectrophotometrically. The KC group was subdivided into three groups (stages 1, 2, and 3) according to the Amsler-Krumeich classification. The results were compared between the KC and the control group and in between KC subgroups. RESULTS: No significant differences in age and gender were found between the KC and control groups (p = 0.064 and p = 0.296, respectively). The mean XO activity levels of the KC and control groups were 173.57 ± 87.61 and 223.70 ± 99.52 mIU/mg, respectively (p < 0.001). In KC group, 33 eyes were at stage 1, 19 were at stage 2, and 14 were at stage 3. No significant difference was observed between KC subgroups regarding XO activity levels (p = 0.681). CONCLUSION: In this study, our findings revealed that ultraviolet-related pro-oxidant XO enzyme may have a role in the etiopathogenesis of KC. Further studies are needed to support our result. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: When we started this study in 2018, we did not have a "Clinical Trials Registration." However, we have ethics committee approval (date: 21. 02. 2018/No: 22).

Different effects of heating and freezing treatments on the antioxidant properties of broccoli, cauliflower, garlic and onion. An experimental in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Vegetables have some beneficial effects on human health due to their antioxidant compounds, like polyphenols. Cooking leads to many physical and chemical changes to plant structure that can alter the phytochemical compounds of vegetables. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of heat treatment and freezing on the antioxidant properties of garlic, onion, broccoli and cauliflower. DESIGN AND SETTING: Experimental in vitro study in a university laboratory. METHODS: Fresh broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica), cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis), garlic (Allium sativum) and onion (Allium cepa) were obtained from a local store. These vegetables were divided into three treatment groups: raw, heated and frozen. The heat treatment consisted of heating them in a drying oven at 150 °C for 20 minutes. The freezing treatment consisted of keeping them frozen at -20 °C until analysis. The total phenolic content, antioxidant activity and malondialdehyde levels of the vegetables were measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu phenol reagent, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, respectively. RESULTS: Heat treatment had deleterious effects on the antioxidant properties of onion and garlic; and it decreased the antioxidant activity of broccoli. Freezing improved the antioxidant activity of broccoli and garlic, but had detrimental effects for cauliflower and onion. CONCLUSIONS: Heat treatment and freezing exhibit different effects on the antioxidant properties of broccoli, cauliflower, garlic and onion. Convenient cooking and storage patterns should be identified for each vegetable, to obtain the best nutritional benefit from the antioxidant compounds of vegetables.

Different effects of heating and freezing treatments on the antioxidant properties of broccoli, cauliflower, garlic and onion. An experimental in vitro study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Vegetables have some beneficial effects on human health due to their antioxidant compounds, like polyphenols. Cooking leads to many physical and chemical changes to plant structure that can alter the phytochemical compounds of vegetables. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of heat treatment and freezing on the antioxidant properties of garlic, onion, broccoli and cauliflower. DESIGN AND SETTING: Experimental in vitro study in a university laboratory. METHODS: Fresh broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica), cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis), garlic (Allium sativum) and onion (Allium cepa) were obtained from a local store. These vegetables were divided into three treatment groups: raw, heated and frozen. The heat treatment consisted of heating them in a drying oven at 150 °C for 20 minutes. The freezing treatment consisted of keeping them frozen at -20 °C until analysis. The total phenolic content, antioxidant activity and malondialdehyde levels of the vegetables were measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu phenol reagent, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, respectively. RESULTS: Heat treatment had deleterious effects on the antioxidant properties of onion and garlic; and it decreased the antioxidant activity of broccoli. Freezing improved the antioxidant activity of broccoli and garlic, but had detrimental effects for cauliflower and onion. CONCLUSIONS: Heat treatment and freezing exhibit different effects on the antioxidant properties of broccoli, cauliflower, garlic and onion. Convenient cooking and storage patterns should be identified for each vegetable, to obtain the best nutritional benefit from the antioxidant compounds of vegetables.

Association of oxidative stress with clinical characteristics in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Few studies examining the association between oxidative stress and clinical parameters or disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are available. Therefore, the objective of this study was to test whether oxidative stress has any association with clinical parameters and disease activity in patients with RA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this post hoc cross-sectional study, 45 patients with RA treated with traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) ± low-dose glucocorticoids ± nonsteroidal analgesics for at least 3 months were analysed. Oxidative stress parameters were malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), antioxidant potential (AOP) and nonenzymatic superoxide radical scavenger activity (NSSA). Clinical parameters were pain, patient global assessment, physician global assessment, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and disease activity score (DAS28). RESULTS: Plasma NSSA levels were significantly inversely correlated with tender joints count (r = -.304; P = .042), swollen joints count (r = -.342; P = .021) and DAS28 (r = -.396; P = .009). There were no significant correlations between MDA/SOD/AOP and any of clinical parameters or DAS28 (P > .05 for all). Multiple regression analysis revealed that NSSA was an independent variable of DAS28 (ß=-.243, P = .016). CONCLUSION: The preliminary results demonstrate that plasma NSSA levels were inversely correlated with tender and swollen joints count and DAS28 and that NSSA was independently associated with DAS28, in patients with RA treated with traditional DMARDs; and provide initial support that NSSA may be used as a biomarker of disease activity in patients with RA.

Effect of spa therapy with saline balneotherapy on oxidant/antioxidant status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a single-blind randomized controlled trial.

Oxidative stress has been shown to play a contributory role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recent studies have provided evidence for antioxidant properties of spa therapy. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether spa therapy with saline balneotherapy has any influence on the oxidant/antioxidant status in patients with RA and to assess clinical effects of spa therapy. In this investigator-blind randomized controlled trial, we randomly assigned 50 patients in a 1:1 ratio to spa therapy plus standard drug treatment (spa group) or standard drug treatment alone (control group). Spa group followed a 2-week course of spa therapy regimen consisting of a total of 12 balneotherapy sessions in a thermal mineral water pool at 36-37 °C for 20 min every day except Sunday. All clinical and biochemical parameters were assessed at baseline and after spa therapy (2 weeks). The clinical parameters were pain intensity, patient global assessment, physician global assessment, Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index (HAQ-DI), Disease Activity Score for 28-joints based on erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-4[ESR]). Oxidative status parameters were malondialdehyde (MDA), nonenzymatic superoxide radical scavenger activity (NSSA), antioxidant potential (AOP), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The NSSA levels were increased significantly in the spa group (p = 0.003) but not in the control group (p = 0.509); and there was a trend in favor of spa therapy for improvements in NSSA levels compared to control (p = 0.091). Significant clinical improvement was found in the spa group compared to the control in terms of patient global assessment (p = 0.011), physician global assessment (p = 0.043), function (HAQ-DI) (p = 0.037), disease activity (DAS28-4[ESR]) (0.044) and swollen joint count (0.009), and a trend toward improvement in pain scores (0.057). Spa therapy with saline balneotherapy exerts antioxidant effect in patients with RA as reflected by the increase in NSSA levels after spa therapy; whether this antioxidant effect contributes to the clinical improvements observed remains to be verified.

Serum glutathione peroxidase, xanthine oxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities and malondialdehyde levels in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Oxidative stress has been hypothesized to play a major role in the development of PD in various studies. This study assessed to investigate oxidative and anti-oxidative status in PD patients. We evaluated oxidant/antioxidant status by measuring serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, xanthine oxidase (XO) activities, and activities of antioxidant enzymes, namely, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The study included 29 patients with PD and 32 healthy subjects as controls. Comparison of oxidative parameters in the patient and control groups revealed significantly higher GSH-Px and XO activities in the patient group. Serum MDA and SOD activities in PD patients were not significantly different from the controls. MDA was negatively correlated with duration of the PD and positively with age of onset. There was a negative correlation between SOD and Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stage. According to these results, we suggest that oxidative stress may contribute to the development of PD.

Oxidative and nitrosative stress in serum of patients with Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the common neurodegenerative disorders. Oxidative stress is considered as a contributing factor to the development of PD. The present study aims to investigate serum oxidative stress status in patients with PD. Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring serum nitric oxide levels, lipid hydroperoxide concentrations, and nitric oxide synthase activity. In addition, total serum antioxidant capacity (TAC) was evaluated using the serum 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging method in 32 patient with Parkinson's disease and 32 control subjects. Our results indicated that serum nitric oxide and lipid hydroperoxide levels were significantly lower in patients with PD than controls. Moreover, nitric oxide levels were found to be negatively correlated with Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). However, no statistical difference was observed in total serum antioxidant capacities and nitric oxide synthase activities between patients and controls. The present study indicates that although antioxidant capacity was not changed, lipid hydroperoxide (LPO) level was found decreased. This might show pre-oxidative process in these patients. In addition, decreased nitric oxide (NO) level and negative correlation observed between NO level and disease rating scale implicated a role for NO in the disease process.

Antioxidative-oxidative balance in epilepsy patients on antiepileptic therapy: a prospective case-control study.

Oxidative stress has been implicated in various disorders, including epilepsy. The aim of this study was to investigate the oxidant and antioxidant status of patients with epilepsy using antiepileptic drugs regularly and to compare them with healthy subjects. We investigated serum catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and xanthine oxidase (XO) levels in 58 epilepsy patients and 25 healthy controls. Patients were divided into polytherapy (n = 17) and monotherapy (n = 41) groups, and antioxidant status was compared between the two groups and controls. There was no significant difference between the patient and control groups in terms of age or gender (p > 0.05). The mean duration of illness in the patients was 14.8 years, and the mean duration of treatment was 11.4 years. Comparison of the patient and control groups in terms of oxidative stress and antioxidant defence parameters revealed significantly higher MDA, GSH-Px, XO and lower level of CAT, SOD levels (p < 0.05). There were no differences in CAT, MDA, GSH-Px or SOD levels between the monotherapy and polytherapy groups; but the XO level was higher in the monotherapy group (p < 0.05). Although the XO level was decreased by polytherapy, it was higher than in controls. Our study found significantly low level of antioxidants in patients with epilepsy as compared to control. Thus, antiepileptic treatment did not improve oxidative stress parameters. Furthermore, our results show that polytherapy does not change the situation as compared with monotherapy. Antioxidant replacement therapy may benefit these patients.

Serum oxidant and antioxidant status of patients with chronic tension-type headache: possible effects of medical treatment.

Tension-type headache (TTH) is one of the most common and costly primary types of headache in clinical practice, with an unknown etiology. This study assessed to investigate oxidative and antioxidative status in patients with chronic tension-type headache (CTTH), and to evaluate possible effect of medical treatment. The study included 41 CTTH patients and 19 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects without headache as controls. The CTTH group comprised 20 patients receiving treatment and 21 untreated patients. We evaluated oxidant/antioxidant status by measuring serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and activities of antioxidant enzymes, namely glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT). Comparison of oxidative parameters in the patient and control groups revealed significantly lower CAT activities and higher MDA level and GSH-Px activities in the patient group. In the CTTH group, serum CAT activities were found to be significantly decreased in patient groups, while serum MDA levels and GSH-Px activities were found to be higher in the untreated CTTH patients. These findings suggest that oxidative stress is increased in the patients with CTTH, and medical treatment abolishes the stress in part. It has been concluded that antioxidant support might be helpful for the patients with CTTH to prevent oxidant stress and peroxidation damages further.

Prognostic implications of arrhythmias during primary percutaneous coronary interventions for ST-elevation myocardial infraction.

The authors reviewed current knowledge on occurrence, clinical and prognostic significance, and management of sustained ventricular arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation and bradyarrhythmias in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Cardiac arrhythmias worsen clinical course and prognosis in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary PCI. Sustained ventricular arrhythmias developing during or early after PCI and associated with mechanical restoration of coronary flow and reperfusion do not affect mortality, whereas those related to incomplete revascularization and ongoing ischemia are associated with poor prognosis. New-onset atrial fibrillation increases mortality and stroke rates in patients undergoing primary PCI. Among bradyarrhythmias, high-degree atrioventricular block is associated with short- and long-term mortality. Prompt and complete revascularization is the cornerstone of arrhythmia management. Arrhythmias related to reperfusion do not usually require specific treatment, whereas those because of ongoing ischemia, incomplete revascularization and presence of substrate require adequate management including nonpharmacological and pharmacological therapies.

Aqueous extract from taxus baccata inhibits adenosine deaminase activity significantly in cancerous and noncancerous human gastric and colon tissues.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate possible effects of aqueous taxus baccata extract on adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity in cancerous and noncancerous human tissues and to clarify mechanism(s) of its anticancer potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cancerous and noncancerous human gastric and colon tissues were used in the study. The extracts were prepared in distilled water. Before and after treatment with the extracts, ADA activities in the tissue homogenates were measured. RESULTS: ADA activity was found to be higher in gastric tissue compared with colon tissue, but no differences were found between ADA activities of cancerous and noncancerous tissues for both as well. In the plant extract studies, it was found that taxus extract significantly inhibited ADA activity both in cancerous and noncancerous gastric and colon tissues. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that aqueous extract from taxus baccata inhibits ADA activities in both gastric and colon tissues significantly. It is suggested that in addition to other proposed mechanisms, accumulated adenosine due to the inhibition of ADA enzyme might also play part in the anticancer properties of taxus species.

Decreased antioxidant status in migraine patients with brain white matter hyperintensities.

Migraine patients have an increased risk to develop deep white matter hyperintensities (WMH) than the general population. Oxidative stress is believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of migraine. The present study was undertaken to assess oxidant/antioxidant balance of migraineurs with and without WMH. We hypothesized that increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant response may play a role in the pathophysiology of WMH in migraineurs. The study included 32 patients in the migraine group and 17 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects without headache in the control group. The migraine group comprised 18 with WMH and 14 without WMH. We evaluated oxidative status with malondialdehyde (MDA) and to determine the activities of antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase (CAT) in serum of migraineurs and controls. Comparison of the patient and control groups for oxidative parameters revealed significantly lower level of CAT and higher level of MDA in the patient group. Two-way comparison for CAT and MDA of the migraine with and without WMH and the controls revealed that CAT serum level significantly decreased in migraine patients with WMH than migraine patients without WMH and controls. In this preliminary study, we demonstrated that the levels of CAT were decreased in migraine patients with WMH compared to patients without WMH and controls. These findings suggest that decreased antioxidant response may play a role in the pathophysiology of WMH in migraineurs. Besides, our results encourage the new treatment and follow-up options based on antioxidant systems.

The effect of oral honey and pollen on postoperative intraabdominal adhesions.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We evaluated the effect of oral usage of honey and pollen, either separately or together, on postoperative intraabdominal adhesions. METHODS: Forty rats were randomly separated into 4 groups of 10 rats each. Abrasion was performed on the cecum, and a patch of peritoneum located opposite to the cecal abrasion was completely dissected. Group 1 rats received no treatment; Group 2 rats received 4 g/kg/day honey; Group 3 rats received 4 g/kg/day pollen; and Group 4 rats received 4 g/kg/day honey and pollen mixed in equal amounts, in addition to the standard feeding for postoperative 21 days. All the rats were sacrificed on the 21st day. Following the adhesion scoring, tissue specimens of the peritoneum and bowel were subjected to histopathological investigation. The tissue and blood specimens were also taken for biochemical analysis to investigate the antioxidant capacity. RESULTS: Adhesion scores were significantly different between the control and other groups. No dense adhesion was observed in the treatment groups. Tissue malondialdehyde levels were significantly different between the control and honey and honey+pollen groups. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione-peroxidase levels were significantly different between the control and other groups. Catalase levels were different between the control and honey groups. Plasma antioxidant levels were different between the control and other groups. The pathological scores for fibrosis and inflammation were significantly different between the control and other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Honey and pollen were found to be effective in preventing postoperative intraabdominal adhesions, and these effects were thought to be a result of their antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Mode of onset of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia in acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (PVT) can occur during acute myocardial infarction (MI). In the past, studies investigated the initiation pattern of ventricular tachycardias in different patient populations; however, the mode of onset of PVT in acute MI patients has not been investigated previously. OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively investigate the electrophysiological features of PVT with different initiation patterns in acute MI patients to assess whether there is a relationship of the initiation patterns of PVT with clinical and electrophysiological characteristics. METHODS: Sixty-two rhythm strips defined as PVT from 53 patients (mean [± SD] age 63±8 years) with acute ST elevation MI were analyzed. All patients were monitored while they were hospitalized in the coronary care unit, and the electrocardiogram strips were obtained from continuous monitoring. PVT was defined as sudden-onset tachycardia if it was not preceded by ventricular ectopic beats. PVT that was preceded by single or multiple ectopic beats was defined as nonsudden-onset tachycardia. RESULTS: Nonsudden-onset episodes were more common than suddenonset episodes (40 episodes [64.5%] versus 22 episodes [35.5%]). In the nonsudden-onset group, 25 episodes (62.5%) were initiated after a single ectopic beat, while 15 episodes (37.5%) were initiated after multiple complexes. The mean (± SD) left ventricular ejection fraction of patients with nonsudden-onset PVT was decreased (53±6% versus 65±7%, P<0.01). Nonsudden-onset tachycardias had lower coupling intervals than suddenonset tachycardias. Similarly, the PVT cycle length was shorter in the presence of nonsudden-onset initiation. When nonsudden-onset PVT episodes were further subclassified based on the morphology of the first beat of tachycardia, 26 PVTs (65%) had a first beat of tachycardia similar to the subsequent PVT beats and 14 (35%) did not. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that PVT is often preceded by ventricular ectopy in acute MI patients. Nonsudden-onset PVT is usually characterized by a lower coupling interval, shorter PVT cycle length and an associated lower ejection fraction.

Effects of mobile phone use on brain tissue from the rat and a possible protective role of vitamin C - a preliminary study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate effects of mobile phone use on brain tissue and a possible protective role of vitamin C. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty female rats were divided into four groups randomly (Control, mobile phone, mobile phone plus vitamin C and, vitamin C alone). The mobile phone group was exposed to a mobile phone signal (900 MHz), the mobile phone plus vitamin C group was exposed to a mobile phone signal (900 MHz) and treated with vitamin C administered orally (per os). The vitamin C group was also treated with vitamin C per os for four weeks. Then, the animals were sacrificed and brain tissues were dissected to be used in the analyses of malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidant potential (AOP), superoxide dismutase, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), xanthine oxidase, adenosine deaminase (ADA) and 5'nucleotidase (5'-NT). RESULTS: Mobile phone use caused an inhibition in 5'-NT and CAT activities as compared to the control group. GSH-Px activity and the MDA level were also found to be reduced in the mobile phone group but not significantly. Vitamin C caused a significant increase in the activity of GSH-Px and non-significant increase in the activities of 5'-NT, ADA and CAT enzymes. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that vitamin C may play a protective role against detrimental effects of mobile phone radiation in brain tissue.

Effects of computer monitor-emitted radiation on oxidant/antioxidant balance in cornea and lens from rats.

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the possible effects of computer monitor-emitted radiation on the oxidant/antioxidant balance in corneal and lens tissues and to observe any protective effects of vitamin C (vit C). METHODS: Four groups (PC monitor, PC monitor plus vitamin C, vitamin C, and control) each consisting of ten Wistar rats were studied. The study lasted for three weeks. Vitamin C was administered in oral doses of 250 mg/kg/day. The computer and computer plus vitamin C groups were exposed to computer monitors while the other groups were not. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) activities were measured in corneal and lens tissues of the rats. RESULTS: In corneal tissue, MDA levels and CAT activity were found to increase in the computer group compared with the control group. In the computer plus vitamin C group, MDA level, SOD, and GSH-Px activities were higher and CAT activity lower than those in the computer and control groups. Regarding lens tissue, in the computer group, MDA levels and GSH-Px activity were found to increase, as compared to the control and computer plus vitamin C groups, and SOD activity was higher than that of the control group. In the computer plus vitamin C group, SOD activity was found to be higher and CAT activity to be lower than those in the control group. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that computer-monitor radiation leads to oxidative stress in the corneal and lens tissues, and that vitamin C may prevent oxidative effects in the lens.

Oxidant stress due to non ionic low osmolar contrast medium in rat kidney.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Contrast media may cause contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in risk group. This study was taken up to establish possible effects of non ionic low osmolar contrast medium administration on oxidant/antioxidant status and nitric oxide (NO) levels in rat kidney tissues. METHODS: Fourteen female, 14 wk old Wistar-albino rats were divided into 2 groups of 7 rats each (control and contrast groups). Non ionic low osmolar contrast medium was administered iv to the animals in the contrast group. The day after, animals were sacrificed and malondialdehyde (MDA) and NO levels and activities of antioxidant [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT)] and oxidant [xanthine oxidase (XO)] enzymes were measured in kidney tissues. Serum creatinine levels were measured to evaluate kidney functions. RESULTS: Contrast medium administration caused an increase in MDA levels and a decrease in NO levels in kidney tissues. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that non ionic low osmolar contrast medium administration leads to accelerated oxidant reactions and decreased NO level in rat kidney tissues. Further studies need to be done to assess the role of these changes in CIN.

Cardioprotective roles of aged garlic extract, grape seed proanthocyanidin, and hazelnut on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

Doxorubicin (DXR) is a chemotherapeutic agent used effectively in the treatment of several childhood malignancies. During treatment, cardiotoxicity caused by cell damage due to the free oxygen radicals that are generated is a major limiting factor. This study was undertaken to determine whether DXR-induced cardiotoxicity could be prevented by natural foods with antioxidant properties such as aged garlic extract (AGEX), grape seed proanthocyanidin (PA), and hazelnut. Wistar albino male rats were assigned randomly to 9 groups each consisting of 15 rats. AGEX, PA, and hazelnut groups received these antioxidants in addition to their standard rat diet. They were also treated with cumulative intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections according to 2 different regimens: either a high-dose of 15 mg/kg DXR (3.75 mg/kg per week for 4 weeks) or a low-dose of 7.5 mg/kg DXR (1.875 mg/kg per week for 4 weeks). The control group received i.p. 0.9% saline. AGEX, PA, or hazelnut supplements were given orally to the groups for a 6-week period starting 1 week before the DXR treatment and ending 1 week after the treatment. One week after the last DXR injection, heart tissue samples were analyzed to determine malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and xanthine oxidase (XO) levels, and serum samples were taken for creatine kinase (CK). There were no significant changes in MDA levels among the control, DXR-treated groups, or supplemented groups that received additional natural antioxidant foods. SOD enzyme levels were decreased in rats treated with DXR. PA prevented the decrease at low doses of DXR. DXR treatment decreased CAT enzyme levels, but additional PA and hazelnut consumption increased these levels at low cumulative doses. XO enzyme levels were decreased in AGEX and hazelnut groups, but PA prevented the decrease. CK levels were elevated after DXR administration, indicating myocardial injury, but PA significantly reversed this. Although there were no differences histopathologically between AGEX, PA, and hazelnut groups, the protective effects of AGEX and PA were evident in electron microscopy. In conclusion, the positive effects of natural antioxidant foods on the prevention of DXR-induced cardiac injury could not be clearly shown on the basis of antioxidant enzymes. However, the electron microscopic changes clearly demonstrated the protective effects of AGEX and PA. The supplementation of these antioxidant foods over longer periods may show more definitive results. Human studies with different doses are needed to evaluate the effects of these foods on the human heart.

Plasma paraoxonase activity in patients with systemic sclerosis.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease characterized vascular damage and fibrosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible relation between systemic sclerosis and paraoxonase which is an antioxidant enzyme on the HDL. METHODS: Twenty nine patients with SSc and 16 healthy subjects (control group) participated in the study. Plasma cholesterol levels, anti-centromere antibody (ACA) levels and paraoxonase (PON) activities were measured. RESULTS: Lower level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was observed in ACA negative SSc patients than in controls. Paraoxonase activity in ACA positive patients was however found to increase relative to control and ACA negative patient groups. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested that low HDL level in ACA negative SSc patients might be one of the factors leading to some vascular problems, and increased PON activity in ACA positive SSc group might have some role in the limitation of cutaneous sclerotic process observed in these patients. However, these preliminary findings need to be confirmed with a larger sample.

Hepatic oxidant/antioxidant status in cholesterol-fed rabbits: Effects of garlic extract.

AIM: The investigation of oxidant/antioxidant status in hepatic tissues from cholesterol-fed rabbits and the establishment of possible protective effects of aqueous garlic extract on cholesterol-induced hepatic steatosis. METHODS: Twenty-two of 31 white New Zealand rabbits were given cholesterol (0.5 g/kg/day) for 4 months. Seven of them were then killed (cholesterol group). The remaining 15 animals were divided into two groups. Seven were fed on a normal laboratory diet (normal diet group) and the others (extract group) on a normal diet plus garlic extract (1.5 ml/kg/day) for an additional 3 months. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT) enzyme activities, antioxidant potential (AOP) value, malondialdehyde (MDA), cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the liver tissues and total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in serum samples were measured. An histological evaluation was also done. RESULTS: An impaired antioxidant system, reduced antioxidant defence potential and increased peroxidation were found in hepatic steatotic tissues from cholesterol-fed animals. Treatment with garlic extract caused a significant increase in antioxidant potential and partly eliminated peroxidation damage in the hepatic tissue. Additionally, the extract caused significant reductions in the cholesterol levels of blood and hepatic tissues. The histological evaluations were in accordance with these results. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that cholesterol-induced steatosis leads to a weakened antioxidant defence system and causes peroxidation in the hepatic tissue. Treatment with garlic extract may contribute to significant amelioration in the hepatic steatosis and peroxidation processes.