Oxidative profile, inflammatory responses and δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase enzyme activity in influenza B virus infection.

The aim of the current study was to determine the activity of the delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) enzyme, oxidative stress biomarkers and the expression of cytokines in those infected with influenza B virus (IBV). To evaluate the activity of the δ-ALA-D enzyme, lipid peroxidation was estimated as levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, protein and non-protein thiol groups, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), vitamin C concentration and cytokine levels in IBV-infected individuals (n = 50) and a control group (n = 30). δ-ALA-D activity was significantly lower in IBV-infected individuals compared with controls, as well as levels of thiols, vitamin C and FRAP. Lipid peroxidation and cytokine levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A and IFN-y were statistically higher in the IBV group. In conclusion, we found evidence of the generation of oxidants, the depletion of the antioxidant system, decrease in the activity of the δ-ALA-D enzyme and an increase in the synthesis of cytokines, thus contributing to a better understanding of oxidative and inflammatory pathways during IBV infection.

Clinical, demographic and oxidative profile of patients with COVID-19 and disease severity.

This study aimed to profile the clinical progression, demographics, and oxidative status of COVID-19 patients, correlating with disease severity. The study included 143 participants: 93 patients with COVID-19 (28 outpatients, 65 inpatients), and 50 control participants. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) was used as an oxidative damage marker. Antioxidant activity was assessed via quantification of Vitamin C, sulfhydryl groups, ferric reduction ability of plasma (FRAP), Uric acid (UA), and evaluation of delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) enzymatic activity. Geriatric patients, especially men, with comorbidities such as obesity and/or chronic diseases were more likely to develop the most severe form of COVID-19. The activity of the δ-ALA-D was lower in inpatients, and there was no significant difference with the outpatient. Antioxidants decreased in COVID-19 groups, while lipid peroxidation increased. FRAP and Vitamin C decreased with evolution of the disease. Oxidative stress could be used as a predictor of worsening clinical condition.

Vaginal delivery is associated with lower levels of thiol groups, vitamin C and ferric reducing ability in colostrum compared with caesarean section.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of delivery type (normal or caesarean) on the antioxidant and oxidative capacity of colostrum collected shortly after delivery. A total of 61 parturients were included in the study and divided into two groups: those who underwent vaginal delivery (n = 36) and those who underwent elective caesarean section (n = 25). Colostrum samples were collected by manual milking up to 48 h post parturition and analysed for thiol groups (-SH), vitamin C, ferric reducing ability (FRAP), nitrate/nitrite oxides (NOx), and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP). Colostrum levels of -SH (p = 0.0042), vitamin C (p = 0.0455), and FRAP (p = 0.0374) were significantly lower in the vaginal delivery group. The results suggest that vaginal delivery, compared to caesarean section, is associated with lower levels of antioxidants in colostrum and the mode of delivery plays an important role in the composition of antioxidants in maternal colostrum that help protect newborns from oxidative damage.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Colostrum is the first biological fluid produced by the mother after delivery and is responsible for a child's growth, cognitive development and health. It is known that childbirth can cause oxidative imbalance, and its effects have already been evaluated in maternal and foetal blood, however, there are few studies evaluating the effects of childbirth on colostrum composition.What do the results of this study add? Previously, a study showed that caesarean section caused greater oxidation of colostrum compared to vaginal delivery. Thus, we sought to evaluate other markers (thiol groups, vitamin C, ferric reducing ability, nitrate/nitrite oxides, and advanced oxidation protein products), in a short period of time after delivery, in order to elucidate this still little discussed issue. Unlike the previous one, our study suggests that vaginal delivery, compared to caesarean section, is associated with lower levels of antioxidants in colostrum, which may make it difficult to protect newborns from oxidative damage.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Our study suggests that normal delivery can influence the antioxidant composition of maternal colostrum, and it is debateable for future clinical practice to improve eating habits during pregnancy and lactation, in order to strengthen the antioxidant capacity of colostrum and reduce oxidative damage to newborns.

Toxoplasma gondii outbreak in southern Brazil: heterogeneity of the serological humoral response in pregnant women and outcomes in newborns.

The aim of the study was to describe the heterogeneity of the humoral immune response and pregnancy outcomes in infected women during an outbreak of toxoplasmosis. Forty-two pregnant women referred to the University Hospital of Santa Maria (HUSM), RS, Brazil in 2018 and 2019, were evaluated. Clinical symptoms were reported in 33.3% of the patients. The majority (64.3%) of symptomatic pregnant women had anti T. gondii IgM antibodies index >7.0. Considering asymptomatic pregnant women, 46.4% presented antibodies IgM index below 3.0. Anti T. gondii IgG low avidity antibodies are present in 23.5% of pregnant women with a IgM index <3.0. Three newborns had the congenital form of the infection, and of these, only 1 had a positive IgM result. The serological response detected at the time of diagnosis of the infection is heterogeneous, which can make it difficult to interpret the tests, due to the presence of non-classical serological profiles.

Activity of the enzyme delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase and parameters of oxidative stress in different modes of delivery.

AIMS: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the type of delivery (vaginal and cesarean) on the activity of the enzyme delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D), which as yet has not been studied, and the markers of oxidative stress. METHODS: Seventy-six mothers and their newborns were divided into two groups: normal birth (VD) and elective cesarean section (ECS). Samples of maternal and umbilical cord blood were collected up to 5 min after birth. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), protein thiol (P-SH), nonprotein (NP-SH), the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase, and δ-ALA-D enzyme activity were tested. RESULTS: TBARS and AOPP were significantly higher in mothers of the VD group, while P-SH, NP-SH, FRAP and TAC were reduced. In newborns, TBARS and AOPP did not differ between the groups; however, in the VD group, there was a decrease in P-SH, NP-SH, FRAP, TAC, and catalase. The activity of the δ-ALA-D enzyme was decreased in mothers and neonates born by VD. CONCLUSIONS: Mothers undergoing VD had higher levels of free radicals and lower antioxidant defenses, while their newborns decreased antioxidant defenses likely to contain the oxidative imbalance. The inhibition of the δ-ALA-D enzyme in this scenario allows its use as a useful marker of oxidative stress in different obstetric settings.

Evaluation of oxidative stress and δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase activity in twin pregnancies.

Purpose: To assess and understand the maternal oxidative stress in twin pregnancies, currently not studied, through ascertain indicators of oxidative damage in maternal blood in response of two fetuses, as well as the relation of placenta with or without the increase of oxidative stress in these gestations.Materials and methods: The activity of delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) was analyzed as an indirect marker of oxidative stress, as well as the quantification of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein thiol groups (P-SH) and nonprotein thiol groups (NP-SH), vitamin C (VIT C) and catalase activity (CAT) in maternal blood samples from twin (n = 30) and single (n = 30) pregnancies. This study was approved by the Human Ethics Committee UFSM (register by the number 49823015.4.0000.5346).Results: TBARS was significantly higher in twin pregnancies, while thiol groups, VIT C and CAT were decreased, asides from the reduced activity of δ-ALA-D in comparison to single fetus gestations.Conclusions: The study established an oxidative stress increased and an antioxidant ability decreased in twin pregnancies, suggesting a possible relation between the levels of oxidants and antioxidants with the complications in those gestations.

Influence of maternal labor time on delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase enzyme activity and markers of oxidative stress in newborns.

The purpose is to determine markers of oxidative stress related to the longer and shorter duration of labor (DOL) of pregnant women in the umbilical cord blood of neonates, not yet studied. Blood samples from the umbilical cord were collected from pregnant women with normal delivery and classified according to DOL in two groups: a group with DOL less than 310 min (n = 33) and a group with DOL greater than or equal to 310 min (n = 35). The oxidative stress parameters were analyzed by the quantification of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), nitrate/nitrite (NOx), protein thiol groups (P-SH) and non-protein (NP-SH), vitamin C and plasma iron reduction capacity (FRAP), in addition to the activity of the enzyme delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D). The activity of the δ-ALA-D enzyme was shown to be decreased in longer DOL, however, the oxidant parameters and antioxidants were higher in the longer DOL, with the exception of NP-SH that was lower. The longer maternal DOL time is related to the alteration of δ-ALA-D enzyme activity and other parameters in neonates, suggesting an increase in the passage of maternal oxidative markers by umbilical cord blood.

Longitudinal Study of Delta-Aminolevulinate Dehydratase Activity and Oxidative Profile in Healthy Pregnant Women.

Pregnancy is characterized by changes in various organs, triggering changes in the use of energy substrates and increased oxygen consumption. In addition, gestation is an oxidative event that can be assessed by the relationship between free radicals and antioxidants produced by the body. Excessive production of free radicals has detrimental effects such as damage to enzymes, carbohydrates, and DNA. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the oxidative status and antioxidant responses throughout pregnancy through a longitudinal study. Reactive oxygen species were analyzed by means of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and nitric oxide, the antioxidant system through vitamin C, sulfhydryl groups, total antioxidant capacity, and ferric reducing ability of plasma as well as enzymes such as catalase and delta-aminolevulinate-dehydratase in pregnant women in the three gestational trimesters (n = 30). According to the results, the markers of oxidative damage showed significant differences in the different gestational trimesters where they were increased in the second trimester when compared to the first trimester. The antioxidant defenses responded differently in each gestational trimester, suggesting a response pattern to try to combat the damage caused by free radicals, in order to stabilize the increase of oxidative stress caused in the second gestational trimester.

Avaliação do status oxidativo, consumo alimentar de zinco e zinco plasmático em indivíduos infectados pelo HIV / Evaluation of oxidative status, food consumption of zinc and plasma zinc in HIV-infected individuals

Objetivo: Objetivou-se analisar o consumo alimentar e os níveis plasmáticos de zinco além de biomarcadores do status oxidativo de pacientes com infecção pelo HIV. Métodos: Foram selecionados indivíduos adultos com HIV e contagem de linfócitos T CD4<500 células/mm3, assistidos por um centro especializado, localizado na região oeste do Paraná. Realizou-se a aplicação de questionários, avaliação antropométrica e coleta sanguínea para análise de zinco e biomarcadores do status oxidativo. Resultados: Avaliou-se um total de quarenta indivíduos adultos, nos quais se observaram consumo adequado de zinco e grande frequência de eutrofia e sobrepeso. Obteve-se correlação positiva entre tióis proteicos (SH-P) e os níveis plasmáticos de zinco e correlação negativa entre SH-P e a peroxidação lipídica (PL) no plasma e nos eritrócitos. Além disso, verificou-se um aumento nos níveis de SH-P em pacientes com presença de doença oportunista em alguma fase da infecção viral. Conclusão: Apesar de não ter sido observada relação entre níveis de zinco sanguíneo e a contagem de linfócitos T CD4 e carga viral, as propriedades do mineral ainda são defendidas como essenciais.

Influence of gestational diabetes on the activity of δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase and oxidative stress biomarkers.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the activity of delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) and oxidative stress biomarkers in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), in order to demonstrate the involvement of oxidative stress in this condition, which presents pathophysiology still undetermined. METHODS: δ-ALA-D activity, lipid peroxidation estimated as the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein (P-SH) and non-protein thiol (NP-SH) content, catalase (CAT) activity and concentration of vitamin C (VIT C) in samples of pregnant women with GDM (n = 48) and in healthy pregnant women (n = 30), who constituted the control group. RESULTS: The δ-ALA-D activity was significantly lower in pregnant women with GDM compared to controls, as well as levels of thiols, VIT C and CAT activity. Lipid peroxidation was higher in GDM group. DISCUSSION: The results suggest that the main factor for the increase in oxidative stress and reduced δ-ALA-D activity in diabetic pregnant women is gestational hyperglycemic environment, which changed the redox balance and interfered on mechanism of the δ-ALA-D activity in relation to normoglycemic pregnant women.

Oxidative Profile of Patients with ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Patients with ST-segment elevation (STEMI) have totally occluded vessels, while patients with non-ST-segment elevation (NSTEMI) present partial vessel occlusion, which may generate different levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the oxidative profile in AMI patients with ST segment elevation and non-STEMI as well as control subjects. METHODS: This study was carried with 46 AMI patients divided into STEMI and NSTEMI. The control group consisted of 40 healthy subjects. Oxidative stress profile was evaluated analyzing carbonyl protein (PCO), lipid peroxidation (TBARS), ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), vitamin C (VIT C), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). RESULTS: Serum PCO (p < 0.001), plasma TBARS (p < 0.01), serum IMA (p < 0.0001) levels, erythrocytes CAT (p < 0.001), and SOD activities (p < 0.05) were significantly higher in STEMI patients when compared with the control group (p < 0.001). No difference in the IMA levels and oxidative stress parameters was observed between conditions of AMI. Only plasma VIT C in STEMI patients was significantly lower when compared with NSTEMI patients and control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that the oxidative profile generated by STEMI and NSTEMI is similar regardless of the size of arterial occlusion generated by thrombus.

Safety assessment and behavioral effects of Solanum guaraniticum leaf extract in rats

ABSTRACT Solanum guaraniticum is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat gastric and liver diseases. However, there is no documented evidence corroborating its safety. The present study evaluated the potential toxicity of S. guaraniticum leaf extract after acute administration in rats. Single doses of the extract (1.250, 2.500, and 5.000 mg/kg) were administered by gavage, and the rats were then monitored for 48 h and/or 14 days. Mortality, acute signs of toxicity, and general activity in the open field test were assessed as well as hematological and biochemical parameters, enzymatic activity (δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase and acetylcholinesterase), and oxidative stress parameters (lipid peroxidation level, non-protein thiol content, tissue catalase activity, and serum ferrous reducing power). Phytochemical analysis was also performed by HPLC. The results showed that extract administration produced no deaths (LD50 > 5,000 mg/kg), and no significant adverse effects regarding food consumption, body weight gain, gross pathology, or other parameters. However, the open field tests showed a decrease in spontaneous activity (crossing and rearing) mainly at 48 h after treatment. The results suggest that S. guaraniticum extract is not acutely toxic, but causes alterations in central nervous system activity.

RESUMO Solanum guaraniticum é uma planta medicinal tradicionalmente usada para tratar doenças gástricas e hepáticas. Porém, não há evidências documentadas sobre sua segurança. O presente estudo avaliou a toxicidade do extrato das folhas de S. guaraniticum após administração aguda em ratos. Doses únicas do extrato (1.250, 2.500 and 5.000 mg/kg) foram administradas por gavagem e os animais foram monitorados por 48 h ou 14 dias. Mortalidade, sinais de toxicidade aguda e atividade geral, através do teste de campo aberto, foram analisados, assim como parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos, atividades enzimáticas (δ-aminolevulinato desidratase e acetilcolinesterase) e parâmetros de estresse oxidativo (nível de peroxidação lipídica, conteúdo de tióis não protéicos, atividade da catalase em tecidos e poder redutor em soro). A análise fitoquímica também foi realizada por HPLC. Os resultados mostraram que a administração do extrato não provoca mortes (LD50>5.000 mg/kg) ou efeitos adversos significativos com relação ao consumo de comida, ganho de peso corporal, análise patológica, entre outros. Entretanto, o teste de campo aberto mostrou uma diminuição na atividade espontânea geral (cruzamentos e levantadas), principalmente em 48 h após o tratamento. Portanto, nossos resultados sugerem que o extrato de S. guaraniticum não é agudamente tóxico, mas causa alterações na atividade do sistema nervoso central.

Delta-ALA-D inhibitory potential and protective action of Syzygium jambos and Solanum guaraniticum leaf extracts on oxidatively stressed erythrocytes.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the leaf extracts of Syzygium jambos and Solanum guaraniticum on the δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) activity, their antioxidant activity and potential protective action on oxidatively stressed erythrocytes, in order to demonstrate the safety or toxicity of the plant. METHODS: In erythrocyte samples, the effect of both extracts on δ-ALA-D activity, H2O2-induced oxidative stress, and 2,2'azobis (2-amidinopropane) (AAPH)-induced hemolysis was evaluated, as well as some antioxidant mechanisms. RESULTS: Both extracts inhibited δ-ALA-D activity (S. guaraniticum > S. jambos), and an involvement of the zinc ion of the δ-ALA-D structure on the inhibition of enzyme activity was verified. S. jambos leaf extract showed marked efficiency in countering H2O2-induced lipid peroxidation and in maintaining cellular integrity against AAPH-induced hemolysis. Furthermore, S. jambos exhibited greater H2O2 scavenging activity and stronger reduction power than S. guaraniticum. DISCUSSION: Both extracts bear potent antioxidant property as an important beneficial effect. However, the inhibition of δ-ALA-D activity suggests a possible harmful effect of these vegetal preparations and indicates the need for further investigation regarding their toxicological properties. All together, these data represent a significant contribution to the knowledge of these plants, both to the scientific community and to the folk medicine.

Hypertension strengthens δ-ALA-D activity inhibition and increases it reactivation index in type 2 diabetic patients.

AIMS: To assess the effect of hypertension on δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) activity of type 2 diabetic patients (T2DM). METHODS: δ-ALA-D activity and reactivation index, as well as markers of oxidative stress, biochemical and anthropometrics parameters were determined in T2DM (n=23), type 2 diabetic patients with hypertension (T2DM/HT) (n=30) and controls (n=30). RESULTS: T2DM/HT presented a greater inhibition of δ-ALA-D activity, a higher reactivation index (p<0.05) and a greater depletion of plasma protein thiol groups (P-SH) when compared to T2DM. Moreover, δ-ALA-D activity was positively associated with SH groups and negatively associated with serum protein carbonyl (PC) while its reactivation index was negatively associated with SH groups and positively associated with PC. CONCLUSIONS: These results point out that there is a possible interference of hypertension on the mechanism of the δ-ALA-D activity suggesting that this condition aggravated the oxidative stress of diabetes mellitus.

HPV na gênese de lesöes cérvico-uterinas: métodos diagnósticos (citopatologia - tipagem viral) / HPV in the genesis os cervico uterine lesions - methods diagnosis (cytopathological - viral type)

Demonstrou-se a importância que o Papillomavirus humano (HPV) desempenha na gênese das lesöes genitais, considerando sua participaçäo na etiologia do câncer cervical. Métodos diagnósticos da infecçäo por HIV incluem métodos citológicos, histológicos, também a colposcopia e métodos moleculares. Neste trabalho foram avaliados 3000 exames citopatológicos (Papanicolaou) de pacientes do Laboratório Vital, no período de 01/1999 04/2000. Em relaçäo aos resultados dos exames citopatológicos, 1,66 porcento das pacientes foram classificadas como LSIL (Lesäo escamosa intra-epitelial de baixo grau), 0,53 porcento como HSIL (Lesäo escamosa intra-epitelial de alto grau), 0,06 porcento como car5cinoma e 0,46 porcento como ASCUS e AGUS (atipias escamosas e glandulares de significado indeterminado), sendo que a idade média para LSIL, foi de 20,3 anos e HSIL de 40,1 anos. Considerando a associaçäo com HPV, obteve-se 1,63 porcento de casos de LSIL e HSIL com HPV, com idade média de 26,8 anos para LSIL com HPV e 33,1 anos para HSIL com HPV. Das pacientes com diagnóstico compatível com HPV realizou-se o exame de PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) de 14 pacientes que colaboraram no presente trabalho, destas 6 apresentaram PCR positiva para HPV, sendo 3 pacientes HPV tipo 11, 1 HPV 16, 1 HPV 18 e 1 HPV 6B. Destas pacientes foram considerados os fatores de risco associados ao HPV para o desenvolvimento de câncer cervical, os resultados dos exames citopatológicos e de PCR com respectiva tipagem viral e interpretaçäo quanto ao potencial oncogênico do HPV