Relationship between seizure type, metabolic profile, and inflammatory markers in blood samples of patients with epilepsy.

We investigated the metabolic profile, reactive species production, and inflammatory parameters in patients with epilepsy. Furthermore, we investigated whether there is any relationship between these parameters and seizure type. Patients with epilepsy (n=43) and healthy subjects (control group; n=41) were recruited to participate in the study. Initially, the participants were submitted to a clinical questionnaire and patients with epilepsy were classified according to seizure type. Metabolic markers and inflammatory and oxidative factors were also measured in specific blood samples. We compared these results with data from the control subjects. Statistical analyses showed that patients with epilepsy presented with higher levels of glycolipid, oxidative stress, and inflammatory parameters compared to the control subjects. Interestingly, patients with generalized seizures presented with higher MnSOD activity and metabolic parameters (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, glucose and triglyceride levels) compared to the partial seizure and control groups. Furthermore, patients with generalized epilepsy demonstrated a significant correlation between TNF-α and caspase 8 (p<0.05), caspase 3 (p<0.05), and Picogreen (p<0.001). This study supports evidence that the levels of inflammatory, glycolipid, and oxidative factors are higher in epilepsy patients, especially those with generalized epilepsy.

Effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Celtis iguanaea on markers of cardiovascular diseases and glucose metabolism in cholesterol-fed rats

ABSTRACT Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg., Cannabaceae, is popularly used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. However, chemical and pharmacological investigations are lacking. In this study, we investigated the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract from C. iguanaea on markers of cardiovascular diseases and the glucose metabolism in cholesterol-fed rats. Therefore, hypercholesterolemic rats (1% cholesterol) were orally treated with C. iguanaea extract (C-150, CI-300, or CI-600 mg/kg) or simvastatin (4 mg/kg) (n = 6) once a day (30 days) with a hypercholesterolemic diet. A control group (C) was given saline. C. iguanaea extract showed significant decreases in serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HMG-CoA-reductase, interleukin-1 and 6, TNF-α and IFN-γ when compared to group C (p < 0.001). Hypoglycemic effects were observed along with a decrease of the activity of sucrase (CI-600), maltase (CI-150, CI-300), and an increase in muscle glycogen levels (CI-300). Antioxidant effects were observed in plasma by the decrease of TBARS and increase of nonprotein thiols levels (CI-600). The histopathological analysis showed a significant decrease in the liver fat area for C. iguanaea extract compared to group C (p < 0.001). Our results suggest that the biological effects of C. iguanaea extract could be related to the flavonoids that possibly exert antioxidant, enzymatic inhibitory, and insulin-mimetic effects.

Hypolipidemic and antiatherogenic effects of Cynara scolymus in cholesterol-fed rats

ABSTRACT Cynara scolymus L., Asteraceae, are traditionally used to treat dyspepsia. This study evaluated the hypolipidemic and antiatherogenic effects of an aqueous extract prepared from the leaves of C. scolymus in rat's model. Hypercholesterolemic rats (1% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid for 15 days) were treated (0.5 ml/200 g) with extract of C. scolymus (150, 300, or 600 mg/kg p.o.; n = 6) or simvastatin (4 mg/kg p.o.; n = 6) once per day for 30 days along with hypercaloric diet. A control group (C) was given water (0.5 ml/200 g; n = 6). A high-cholesterol diet was maintained throughout the treatment period. Rats treated with extract of C. scolymus (150, 300, or 600 mg/kg) and simvastatin showed significant decreases in serum levels of total cholesterol (−46.9%, −51.9%, −44%, and −41.9%, respectively) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C; −52.1%, −54.8%, −51.9%, and −46.7%, respectively), compared with group C (p < 0.005). Biochemical analyses revealed significant decrease in the concentration of IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, C-reactive protein, oxidized-LDL, and antioxidized-LDL in rats treated with extract of C. scolymus (150, 300, or 600 mg/kg). There were no differences in serum ALT enzyme activity between the groups. Our results suggest that hypolipidemic and antiatherogenic effects could be related with the presence of polar substances present in aqueous extract of C. scolymus.