Effects of subcutaneous vs. oral nanoparticle-mediated insulin delivery on hemostasis disorders in type 1 diabetes: A rat model study.

Complications associated with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) have complex origins that revolve around chronic hyperglycemia; these complications involve hemostasis disorders, coagulopathies, and vascular damage. Our study aims to develop innovative approaches to minimize these complications and to compare the outcomes of the new approach with those of traditional methods. To achieve our objective, we designed novel nanoparticles comprising covalent organic frameworks (nCOF) loaded with insulin, termed nCOF/Insulin, and compared it to subcutaneous insulin to elucidate the influence of insulin delivery methods on various parameters, including bleeding time, coagulation factors, platelet counts, cortisol plasma levels, lipid profiles, and oxidative stress parameters. Traditional subcutaneous insulin injections exacerbated hemostasis disorder and vascular injuries in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats through increasing plasma triglycerides and lipid peroxidation. Conversely, oral delivery of nCOF/Insulin ameliorated hemostatic disorders and restored the endothelial oxidant/antioxidant balance by reducing lipid peroxidation and enhancing the lipid profile. Our study pioneers the understanding of how STZ-induced diabetes disrupts bleeding time, induces a hypercoagulable state, and causes vascular damage through lipid peroxidation. Additionally, it provides the first evidence for the involvement of subcutaneous insulin treatment in exacerbating vascular and hemostasis disorders in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Introducing an innovative oral insulin delivery via the nCOF approach represents a potential paradigm shift in diabetes management and patient care and promises to improve treatment strategies for type 1 Diabetes.

Opuntia Ficus-Indica Peel By-Product as a Natural Antioxidant Food Additive and Natural Anticoccidial Drug.

The present study was carried out to valorize the Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) by-products by extracting and identifying their biochemical compounds and evaluating their antioxidant potential by in vitro activities (DPPH radical and FRAP), as well as their capacity to stabilize margarine oxidation (rancimat test). In addition, their in vitro anticoccidial effect on the destruction of Eimeria oocysts isolated from naturally infected chickens was also targeted. Microwaves and response surface methodology tools were used to extract the maximum amount of phenolic compounds (42.05 ± 0.46 GAE mg/g DW of total phenolic compounds in 90 s at 400 watts). Moreover, the effect of extraction factors was also studied. Eight phenolic compounds, including isorhamnetin, dihydrokaempferol, and kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, were identified. The findings confirmed that OFI peel extract has strong antioxidant activities (DPPH radical, ferric reducing power). The rancimat test shows that OFI peel extract improves margarine stability by 3.2 h. Moreover, it has a notable destruction rate of Eimeria oocysts (30.06 ± 0.51%, LC50: 60.53 ± 0.38 mg/mL). The present investigation offers promise for the reuse of food waste as natural margarine additives, protection of the environment, and substitution of anticoccidial synthetic treatments.

Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Engagement in Algeria: A Population-Based Study With Systematic Review of Studies From Arab Countries of the MENA Region.

Background: The Algerian COVID-19 vaccination campaign, which started at the end of January 2021, is marked by a slowly ascending curve despite the deployed resources. To tackle the issue, we assessed the levels and explored determinants of engagement toward the COVID-19 vaccine among the Algerian population. Methods: A nationwide, online-based cross-sectional study was conducted between March 27 and April 30, 2021. A two-stage stratified snowball sampling method was used to include an equivalent number of participants from the four cardinal regions of the country. A vaccine engagement scale was developed, defining vaccine engagement as a multidimensional parameter (5 items) that combined self-stated acceptance and willingness with perceived safety and efficacy of the vaccine. An Engagement score was calculated and the median was used to define engagement vs. non-engagement. Sociodemographic and clinical data, perceptions about COVID-19, and levels of adherence to preventive measures were analyzed as predictors for non-engagement. Results: We included 1,019 participants, 54% were female and 64% were aged 18-29 years. Overall, there were low rates of self-declared acceptance (26%) and willingness (21%) to take the vaccine, as well as low levels of agreement regarding vaccine safety (21%) and efficacy (30%). Thus, the vaccine engagement rate was estimated at 33.5%, and ranged between 29.6-38.5% depending on the region (p > 0.05). Non-engagement was independently associated with female gender (OR = 2.31, p < 0.001), low adherence level to preventive measures (OR = 6.93, p < 0.001), private-sector jobs (OR = 0.53, p = 0.038), perceived COVID-19 severity (OR = 0.66, p = 0.014), and fear from contracting the disease (OR = 0.56, p = 0.018). Concern about vaccine side effects (72.0%) and exigence for more efficacy and safety studies (48.3%) were the most commonly reported barrier and enabler for vaccine acceptance respectively; whereas beliefs in the conspiracy theory were reported by 23.4%. Conclusions: The very low rates of vaccine engagement among the Algerian population probably explain the slow ascension of the vaccination curve in the country. Vaccine awareness campaigns should be implemented to address the multiple misconceptions and enhance the levels of knowledge and perception both about the disease and the vaccine, by prioritizing target populations and engaging both healthcare workers and the general population.

Royal jelly alleviates the detrimental effects of aging on immune functions by enhancing the in vitro cellular proliferation, cytokines, and nitric oxide release in aged human PBMCS.

Aging strongly delays the immunity. Our research aims to assess the in vitro effects of royal jelly (RJ) on the immune function of aged PBMCs. PBMCs were obtained from 10 healthy aged and young donors by the gradient density centrifugation method and further cultured in RPMI-1640 medium supplemented with or without RJ in the presence of Con A. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay along with the measurement of interleukins, Nitric oxide (NO), Glutathione (GSH), and Malondialdehydes (MDA). Our results showed that RJ improved PBMCs proliferation significantly in the elderly subjects, accompanied by the increase in NO (p = .001) and the release of IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6 cytokines. RJ also increased the intracellular GSH (p = .001) and MDA (p = .001) levels in aged PBMCs. In young subjects, RJ enhanced PBMCs proliferation potency, IL-4, IL-6, GSH, and intracellular MDA levels but with a concomitant decrease in NO and IL-2 cytokine secretion as compared with non RJ-treated cells. In conclusion, RJ restored functions of the aged PBMCs as well as the young control subjects, indicating a beneficial effect on immune status during the aging process. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Royal jelly is a well-known edible dietary compound, used traditionally to treat many diseases throughout the world. Since antiquity, it was shown to have medicinal importance. The immuno-enhancing potential of this food was largely and scientifically established by the lipid and protein fractions. The present study illustrates the anti-aging and stimulatory effects of the fresh RJ whole extract, from local Algerian honey bee: Apis mellifera intermissa, on the immunity of aged men. This study provides the experimental evidence supporting anti-immunosenesence effects of royal jelly. RJ supplementation can be used in the old age management and human age-related complications, especially, associated with the weaknesses of the immune response.

Insulin injection technique in the western region of Algeria, Tlemcen.

INTRODUCTION: Algeria has more than 1.7 million diabetic patients on to whom a descriptive assessment particularly on the insulin usage behaviors has not yet been initiated, although is needed. This study aims to provide a descriptive analysis of how Algerian diabetic patients perceive and apply insulin injection techniques. METHODS: using the "patient" questionnaire within the Injection Technique Questionnaire (ITQ) 2016 survey, this study assessed the insulin injection practices of 100 patients recruited over a seven-month period in western Algeria at the Tlemcen University Hospital Center. The results of this study are compared to those of the ITQ 2016 survey. RESULTS: pens are the instruments of injection for 98% of Algerians who continue to use mostly long needles of 6- and 8-mm, although 4mm needles are the recommended safer option. Insulin analogues (fast and basal) are plebiscite. Arms and thighs are the preferred injection sites; the abdomen (the preferred site elsewhere) is neglected for reasons to be investigated. The correct re-suspension technique for cloudy insulin is unknown. Extensive pen needle re-use (10+ times) for over half of the patients exposes them to both higher intramuscular (IM) injection risk and lipohypertrophy (LH). Injection training is performed in Algeria by the diabetologist. CONCLUSION: this study describes for the first time Algerian patients´ insulin injection technique. It highlights their skills and identifies many deficiencies which patients and professionals must correct given the issues in this area.

Biochemical characterization of a glycosyltransferase Gtf3 from Mycobacterium smegmatis: a case study of improved protein solubilization.

Glycosyltransferases (GTs) are widely present in several organisms. These enzymes specifically transfer sugar moieties to a range of substrates. The processes of bacterial glycosylation of the cell wall and their relations with host-pathogen interactions have been studied extensively, yet the majority of mycobacterial GTs involved in the cell wall synthesis remain poorly characterized. Glycopeptidolipids (GPLs) are major class of glycolipids present on the cell wall of various mycobacterial species. They play an important role in drug resistance and host-pathogen interaction virulence. Gtf3 enzyme performs a key step in the biosynthesis of triglycosylated GPLs. Here, we describe a general procedure to achieve expression, purification, and crystallization of recombinant protein Gtf3 from Mycobacterium smegmatis using an E. coli expression system. We reported also a combined bioinformatics and biochemical methods to predict aggregation propensity and improve protein solubilization of recombinant Gtf3. NVoy, a carbohydrate-based polymer reagent, was added to prevent protein aggregation by binding to hydrophobic protein surfaces of Gtf3. Using intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence quenching experiments, we also demonstrated that Gtf3-NVoy enzyme interacted with TDP and UDP nucleotide ligands. This case report proposes useful tools for the study of other glycosyltransferases which are rather difficult to characterize and crystallize.

Potential bioactive glycosylated flavonoids as SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors: A molecular docking and simulation studies.

A novel coronavirus responsible of acute respiratory infection closely related to SARS-CoV has recently emerged. So far there is no consensus for drug treatment to stop the spread of the virus. Discovery of a drug that would limit the virus expansion is one of the biggest challenges faced by the humanity in the last decades. In this perspective, to test existing drugs as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease is a good approach. Among natural phenolic compounds found in plants, fruit, and vegetables; flavonoids are the most abundant. Flavonoids, especially in their glycosylated forms, display a number of physiological activities, which makes them interesting to investigate as antiviral molecules. The flavonoids chemical structures were downloaded from PubChem and protease structure 6LU7 was from the Protein Data Bank site. Molecular docking study was performed using AutoDock Vina. Among the tested molecules Quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside showed the highest binding affinity (-9,7 kcal/mol). Docking studies showed that glycosylated flavonoids are good inhibitors for the SARS-CoV-2 protease and could be further investigated by in vitro and in vivo experiments for further validation. MD simulations were further performed to evaluate the dynamic behavior and stability of the protein in complex with the three best hits of docking experiments. Our results indicate that the rutin is a potential drug to inhibit the function of Chymotrypsin-like protease (3CL pro) of Coronavirus.

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of the microalgae Nannochloropsis gaditana in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of N. gaditana on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus in Wistar rats. METHODS: Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (45 mg/kg). Male rats were fed on control diet supplemented or not with N. gaditana (10%) for a period of 2 months. At the end of the experiment, biochemical parameters and oxidant/antioxidant markers in liver and pancreas tissues, as well as mitochondria isolated from liver of rats, were determined. RESULTS: It was notice that levels of glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, kidney functions and liver enzymes in addition to markers of the inflammatory reactions interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) increased significantly (P < 0.05) in diabetic rats. Moreover, undesirable alterations of oxidative stress markers of tissue and mitochondria isolated from the liver were noted in these rats. N. gaditana supplementation was shown effective in lowering the levels of glucose, HbA1c and improving the renal and hepatic function and also in attenuating the oxidative stress and inflammation in diabetic rats. CONCLUSION: N. gaditana possesses antioxidant properties that might have beneficial effect in treatment of diabetes.

Effects of Highly-pure-enriched-cellulose Diet on Digestibility, Lipid Metabolism and Redox Status in Obese Offspring of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

The long-term nutritional efficacy of a highly-pure-enriched-cellulose (HPEC) diet and its effects on lipid metabolism and oxidant/antioxidant status were investigated in obese offspring of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes in pregnant rats was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin on day 5 of gestation. Control pregnant rats were injected with citrate buffer. At weaning offspring of diabetic and control rats were fed HPEC or control diet, they were housed individually in metabolic cage for 2 months to investigate the nutritional efficacy of the diets. Consumption of HPEC diet decrease weight gain and energy intake, increase fecal weight and reduce lipid and protein digestibility; however, these diet had no effect on protein utilization, and nitrogen balance remained positive which confirms that HPEC diet had no significant long-term nutritional risks. Indeed for obese offspring from diabetic rats, these diet associated with high satiety promote weight loss, and provide reasonable glycemic control, these diet also lower blood lipids concentration and correct the imbalance of oxidant/antioxidant system. HPEC diet had a protective effect against long-term metabolic abnormalities associated with macrosomia.

Long term biochemical changes in offspring of rats fed diet containing alpha-cypermethrin.

To investigate the possible developmental programming, we analyzed the effects of maternal and postnatal low dose alpha-cypermethrin exposure on metabolic and redox parameters in the offspring. Postnatal changes in plasma biochemical parameters and plasma and tissue oxidative stress markers were determined in offspring of dams fed standard chow or diet containing alpha cypermethrin at 1.50mg/kg/day during gestation and lactation, weaned on to standard chow or on treated diet until adulthood (5months). Our results showed that exposure to alpha cypermethrin induced a significant reduction in body weight, food intake and metabolic alterations such as an increase in plasma glucose, triglyceride, urea, creatinine and AST levels in both postnatal and prenatal/postnatal treated female and male rats. This increase was more pronounced in prenatal/postnatal exposed rats. Alpha-cypermethrin exposure resulted in an imbalance of oxidant/antioxidant status, marked by high levels of carbonyl proteins and MDA, and low levels of antioxidants in erythrocytes, liver and kidney of both male and female offspring. Offspring of exposed dams have pre-existing oxidative stress that was accentuated with postnatal pesticide exposure. In conclusion, maternal alpha-cypermethrin exposure affected metabolism leading to permanent changes in biochemical parameters, enzyme activities and redox markers in the offspring. These abnormalities in offspring were worsened under postnatal pesticide exposure from weaning to adulthood.

Effects of exogenous vitamins A, C, and E and NADH supplementation on proliferation, cytokines release, and cell redox status of lymphocytes from healthy aged subjects.

Aging is an inevitable biological event that is associated with immune alterations. These alterations are related to increased cellular oxidative stress and micronutrient deficiency. Antioxidant supplementation could improve these age-related abnormalities. The aim of this study was to determine in vitro effects of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) on T cell proliferation, cytokine release, and cell redox status in the elderly compared with young adults. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated using a density gradient of Histopaque. They were cultured in vitro and stimulated with concanavalin A in the presence or absence of vitamins. Cell proliferation was determined by conducting MTT assays, and based on interleukin-2 and interleukin-4 secretions. Cell oxidant/antioxidant balance was assessed by assaying reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde, carbonyl protein levels, and catalase activity. The present study demonstrated that T-lymphocyte proliferation was decreased with aging and was associated with cytokine secretion alterations, GSH depletion, and intracellular oxidative stress. In the elderly, vitamin C, vitamin E, and NADH significantly improved lymphocyte proliferation and mitigated cellular oxidative stress, whereas vitamin A did not affect cell proliferation or cell redox status. In conclusion, vitamin C, vitamin E, and NADH supplementation improved T-lymphocytes response in the elderly, and could contribute to the prevention of age-related immune alterations. Consumption of food items containing these vitamins is recommended, and further investigation is necessary to evaluate the effect of vitamin supplementation in vivo.

The effects of alpha-cypermethrin exposure on biochemical and redox parameters in pregnant rats and their newborns.

Pyrethroid insecticides are extensively used in agriculture and in household activities. During pregnancy, they might affect maternal metabolic status and there after fetal development. In this work, we studied metabolic and redox effects of low dose alpha-cypermethrin exposure in pregnant rats and their offspring. The diet containing alpha cypermethrin at 0.02mg/kg/day was consumed during the entire gestation. Plasma biochemical parameters as well as liver lipid and oxidative stress markers were determined. Our results showed that alpha-cypermethrin induced an increase in body weight and in plasma glucose and lipid levels, as well as in plasma aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities in pregnant rats and their newborns. Pregnant rats showed cellular oxidative stress and altered oxidant-antioxidant status when treated by the insecticide and these disturbances were also seen in their newborns. In conclusion, low dose alpha-cypermethrin exposure induced several metabolic and redox alterations leading to maternal physiological impairments and to fetal metabolic changes. Alpha-cypermethrin should be used with caution especially during pregnancy.

In Vitro Antioxidant versus Metal Ion Chelating Properties of Flavonoids: A Structure-Activity Investigation.

Natural flavonoids such as quercetin, (+)catechin and rutin as well as four methoxylated derivatives of quercetin used as models were investigated to elucidate their impact on the oxidant and antioxidant status of human red blood cells (RBCs). The impact of these compounds against metal toxicity was studied as well as their antiradical activities with DPPH assay. Antihemolytic experiments were conducted on quercetin, (+)catechin and rutin with excess of Fe, Cu and Zn (400 µM), and the oxidant (malondialdehyde, carbonyl proteins) and antioxidant (reduced glutathione, catalase activity) markers were evaluated. The results showed that Fe and Zn have the highest prooxidant effect (37 and 33% of hemolysis, respectively). Quercetin, rutin and (+)catechin exhibited strong antioxidant properties toward Fe, but this effect was decreased with respect to Zn ions. However, the Cu showed a weak antioxidant effect at the highest flavonoid concentration (200 µM), while a prooxidant effect was observed at the lowest flavonoid concentration (100 µM). These results are in agreement with the physico-chemical and antiradical data which demonstrated that binding of the metal ions (for FeNTA: (+)Catechin, KLFeNTA = 1.6(1) × 106 M-1 > Rutin, KLFeNTA = 2.0(9) × 105 M-1 > Quercetin, KLFeNTA = 1.0(7) × 105 M-1 > Q35OH, KLFeNTA = 6.3(8.7) × 104 M-1 > Quercetin3'4'OH and Quercetin 3OH, KLFeNTA ~ 2 × 104 M-1) reflects the (anti)oxidant status of the RBCs. This study reveals that flavonoids have both prooxidant and antioxidant activity depending on the nature and concentration of the flavonoids and metal ions.

In vitro effects of vitamins C and E, n-3 and n-6 PUFA and n-9 MUFA on placental cell function and redox status in type 1 diabetic pregnant women.

The aim of this investigation was to determine the in vitro effects of vitamin C and E, n-3 and n-6 PUFA and n-9 MUFA on placental cell proliferation and function in type 1 diabetes. Placenta tissues were collected from 30 control healthy and 30 type 1 diabetic women at delivery. Placental cells were isolated and were cultured in RPMI medium supplemented with vitamin C (50 µM), vitamin E (50 µM), n-3 PUFA (100 µM), n-6 PUFA (100 µM) or n-9 MUFA (100 µM). Cell proliferation, cell glucose uptake and intracellular oxidative status were investigated. Our results showed that basal placental cell proliferation, glucose uptake, malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonyl proteins were higher while intracellular reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and catalase activities were lower in placentas from diabetic women as compared to controls. Vitamins C and E induced a modulation of placental cell proliferation and glucose consumption without affecting intracellular redox status in both diabetic and control groups. N-3 and n-6 PUFA diminished placental cell proliferation and enhanced intracellular oxidative stress while n-9 MUFA had no effects in the two groups. Co-administration of n-3 or n-6 PUFA and vitamin C or E were capable of reversing back the PUFA-decreased cell proliferation and normalizing placental cell function and redox status especially in diabetes. In conclusion, PUFA and antioxidant vitamin combinations may be beneficial in improving placenta function and in reducing placental oxidative stress in type 1 diabetic pregnancy.

Beneficial effects of quercetin-iron complexes on serum and tissue lipids and redox status in obese rats.

Obesity is characterized by iron deficiency, carbohydrate and fat alterations as well as oxidative stress. Iron status monitoring is recommended because of the conventional oral iron preparations that frequently exacerbate the already present oxidative stress. Iron complexation by natural antioxidants can be exploited. We herein investigated the metabolic effects of quercetin (25 mg/kg/day), iron (2.5 mg Fe/kg/day) or quercetin-iron complexes (molar ratio 5:1; 25 mg/2.5 mg/kg/day) in animal models of obesity. Our results emphasized that obese rats displayed metabolic alterations that were worsened by iron supplementation. In contrast, quercetin used alone or as iron complex clearly prevented adipose fat accumulation and alleviated the hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, liver steatosis and oxidative stress. In addition, it induced a modulation of lipase activities in obese rats. Interestingly, quercetin-iron complexes showed enhanced beneficial effects such as a corrected iron deficiency in obese rats when compared to quercetin alone. In conclusion, antianemic, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidative effects of the quercetin-iron complexes shed a light on their beneficial use against obesity-related metabolic alterations.

Low SOD activity is associated with overproduction of peroxynitrite and nitric oxide in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the variation of the oxidative/nitrosative stress status in a population of subjects; with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and examine its possible implication in plaque rupture which is the main mechanism in the pathophysiology of ACS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We made this study on 50 men with ACS and 50 age and sex matched healthy controls. Nitrosative/oxidative stress markers including; nitric oxide, superoxide anion levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and peroxynitrite levels were evaluated in blood samples of patients and controls. RESULTS: Compared with healthy subjects, coronary patients had significantly higher nitric oxide, peroxynitrite and superoxide anion concentrations in both plasma and erythrocytes associated to significant decrease of SOD activity. Erythrocytes peroxynitrite concentration was negatively correlated with the antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD). CONCLUSION: Our results show a significant accumulation of both intracellular and plasma pro-oxidants with a concomitant decrease in the SOD scavenging activity in ACS patients. Both seem to be associated with plaque rupture and ischemia observed in ACS.

Effects of Maternal Linseed Oil Supplementation on Metabolic Parameters in Cafeteria Diet-induced Obese Rats.

Because linseed oil may influence maternal and fetal metabolisms, we investigated its role in the modulation of lipid metabolism in cafeteria diet-induced obese rats and their offspring. Female Wistar rats were fed control or cafeteria food, which were either supplemented or not supplemented with linseed oil (5%) for 1 month before and during gestation. At parturition, serum and tissue lipids and enzyme activities were analyzed. Cafeteria diet induced adverse metabolic alterations in both mothers and offspring. Linseed oil improved metabolic status. In conclusion, linseed oil displayed health benefits by modulating tissue enzyme activities in both obese mothers and their newborns.

Thrombosis factors and oxidant/antioxidant markers in obese and hypertensive women during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the oxidative profile and thrombotic markers in obese and hypertensive mothers. METHODS: Thirty obese, 28 hypertensive and 34 healthy control mothers were recruited from Tlemcen Hospital, Algeria. Plasma vitamin C, nitric oxide, superoxide anion, erythrocyte glutathione, malondialdehyde, carbonyl proteins and erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities and coagulation markers [protein C, protein S, fibrinogen, prothrombin, antithrombin, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), lupus anticoagulants (LACs)] were measured. Changes in plasma urea, creatinine, uric acid, glucose and lipid levels were also determined. RESULTS: Plasma glucose concentrations were high in obese mothers, and plasma urea, uric acid and creatinine levels were increased in hypertensive compared with healthy mothers. Obese and hypertensive mothers had low vitamin C and glutathione values, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities, and high triglyceride, superoxide anion, malondialdehyde and carbonyl protein levels compared with control mothers. Plasma nitric oxide levels were enhanced in obese mothers but reduced in hypertensive mothers. Fibrinogen and prothrombin levels were significantly enhanced in obese and hypertensive mothers. Protein C, protein S, antithrombin and APTT values were significantly higher in hypertensive mothers. Only hypertensive mothers were positive for LACs. CONCLUSION: Obese and hypertensive mothers presented oxidative stress and a pro-thrombotic state. Their oxidative and hemostasis profile should be carefully considered and appropriate management organized.

In vitro effects of oil's fatty acids on T cell function in gestational diabetic pregnant women and their newborns.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this investigation was to determine the in vitro effects of linseed, olive and Nigel oils on T cell proliferation and function in gestational diabetes. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 40 control healthy and 32 gestational diabetic mothers and their newborns. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated using a density gradient of Ficoll. T cell proliferation, interleukin-2 and -4 (IL-2, IL-4) secretion, fatty acid composition and intracellular oxidative status were investigated. RESULTS: Mitogen (Concanavalin A) stimulated lymphocyte proliferation, IL-2 secretion, intracellular reduced glutathione levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities were lower while intracellular malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonyl proteins were higher in diabetic mothers and in their newborns as compared to their respective controls. Linseed oil induced a reduction in T-lymphocyte proliferation and IL-2 production, and alpha linolenic acid membrane enrichment in both diabetic and control groups. In the presence of Nigel oil, T-lymphocyte proliferation and IL-2 secretion, phospholipid linoleic and oleic acids were enhanced. Olive oil had no effect on lymphocyte proliferation in all groups. Linseed, olive and Nigel oils induced an increase in T cell levels of reduced glutathione levels and in activities of catalase and SOD with a concomitant decrease in MDA and carbonyl protein contents. CONCLUSION: Linseed, olive and Nigel oils had beneficial effects on T cell functions in gestational diabetes.