Preventive effects of crocin, a natural compound from saffron, against nicotine­induced oxidative stress and neurobehavioral disturbances.

Nicotine is a psychostimulant that induces neurochemical and behavioral changes upon chronic administration, leading to neurodegenerative conditions associated with smoking. As of now, no preventive or therapeutic strategies are known to counteract nicotine­induced neurodegeneration. In this study, we explore the neuroprotective effects of crocin, a bioactive agent commonly found in saffron - a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus - using a rat model. The dose­dependent effects of crocin were evaluated in nicotine­induced neurodegeneration and compared with a control group. Neurobehavioral changes, assessed through the elevated plus maze, the open field test, the forced swim test, and the Morris water maze, as well as oxidative stress in the hippocampus, were evaluated. Interestingly, nicotine administration resulted in depression, anxiety, and abnormal motor and cognitive functions, while crocin treatment protected the rat brain from these abnormalities. The beneficial effects of crocin were associated with reduced oxidative stress biomarkers such as malondialdehyde, along with increases in superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activities. These results demonstrate that crocin can mitigate nicotine­induced neurodegeneration by reducing oxidative stress, potentially offering a protective measure against neurodegenerative effects in smokers.

Nitrite Attenuates the In Vitro Inflammatory Response of Immune Cells to the SARS-CoV-2 S Protein without Interfering in the Antioxidant Enzyme Activation.

SARS-CoV-2 induces a hyperinflammatory reaction due to the excessive release of cytokines during the immune response. The bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) contributes to the low-grade inflammation associated with the metabolic syndrome, enhancing the hyperinflammatory reaction induced by the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The intake of sodium nitrate, a precursor of nitrite and nitric oxide, influences the antioxidant and pro-inflammatory gene expression profile after immune stimulation with LPS in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from metabolic syndrome patients. We aimed to assess the inflammatory and antioxidant responses of immune cells from metabolic syndrome patients to exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S protein) together with LPS and the effect of nitrite in these responses. Whole blood samples obtained from six metabolic syndrome patients were cultured for 16 h at 37 °C with four different media: control medium, control medium plus LPS (100 ng/mL), control medium plus LPS (100 ng/mL) plus S protein (10 ng/mL), and control medium plus LPS (100 ng/mL) plus S protein (10 ng/mL) plus nitrite (5 µM). Immune stimulation with the LPS/S protein enhanced nitrate biosynthesis from nitrite oxidation and probably from additional organic precursors. In vitro incubations with the LPS/S protein enhanced the expression and/or release of pro-inflammatory TNFα, IL-6, IL-1ß, and TLR4, as well as the expression of the anti-inflammatory IL-1ra and IL-10 and antioxidant enzymes. Nitrite attenuated the pro- and anti-inflammatory response induced by the S protein without interfering with the activation of TLR4 and antioxidant enzyme expression, raising the possibility that nitrite could have potential as a coadjutant in the treatment of COVID-19.

Under pressure: Assessing the ecological boundaries of the epipelagic goose barnacle Lepas anatifera using ocean gliders and laboratory experiments.

Epipelagic barnacles have been considered good bioindicators since they are abundant and broadly distributed but with apparent tolerance restrictions to temperature and salinity, and also bioaccumulate pollutants. However, Lepas anatifera was found attached to the oceanic gliders, thriving through drastic and unreported environmental fluctuations. This study aimed to assess the resistance and oxidative stress responses of L. anatifera collected from gliders and attached to floating litter to temperature, salinity, and pressure. Barnacles withstood all tested pressure, temperature, and salinity ranges, except the extreme salt concentration. The activities of antioxidant enzymes - catalase and superoxide dismutase - were significantly increased under high temperature, high pressure, and low salinity. Malondialdehyde levels significantly increased only under high pressure. In conclusion, L. anatifera can be considered resistant organisms to extreme environmental changes. However, the instauration of oxidative stress under certain circumstances makes them vulnerable to predicted future trends in marine environments.

Multicomponent (bio)markers for obesity risk prediction: a scoping review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Despite international efforts, the number of individuals struggling with obesity is still increasing. An important aspect of obesity prevention relates to identifying individuals at risk at early stage, allowing for timely risk stratification and initiation of countermeasures. However, obesity is complex and multifactorial by nature, and one isolated (bio)marker is unlikely to enable an optimal risk stratification and prognosis for the individual; rather, a combined set is required. Such a multicomponent interpretation would integrate biomarkers from various domains, such as classical markers (eg, anthropometrics, blood lipids), multiomics (eg, genetics, proteomics, metabolomics), lifestyle and behavioural attributes (eg, diet, physical activity, sleep patterns), psychological traits (mental health status such as depression) and additional host factors (eg, gut microbiota diversity), also by means of advanced interpretation tools such as machine learning. In this paper, we will present a protocol that will be employed for a scoping review that attempts to summarise and map the state-of-the-art in the area of multicomponent (bio)markers related to obesity, focusing on the usability and effectiveness of such biomarkers. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL and Embase databases will be searched using predefined key terms to identify peer-reviewed articles published in English until January 2024. Once downloaded into EndNote for deduplication, CADIMA will be employed to review and select abstracts and full-text articles in a two-step procedure, by two independent reviewers. Data extraction will then be carried out by several independent reviewers. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews and Peer Review of Electronic Search Strategies guidelines will be followed. Combinations employing at least two biomarkers from different domains will be mapped and discussed. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not required; data will rely on published articles. Findings will be published open access in an international peer-reviewed journal. This review will allow guiding future directions for research and public health strategies on obesity prevention, paving the way towards multicomponent interventions.

A meta-analysis of potential biomarkers associated with microplastic ingestion in marine fish.

Over the past decade, global reports have shown a rise in the harmful effects of microplastics (MPs) on marine fish. This study analysed marine species' biochemical biomarker responses to microplastic exposure, finding that MPs can induce oxidative stress in marine fish through meta-regression results. Overall, exposure to MPs resulted in the activation of antioxidant defence mechanisms, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase, detoxification enzymes such as glutathione-S-transferase, the detection of malondialdehyde, and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. Moreover, results highlight oxidative stress biomarkers were activated in wild species that had ingested MPs, indicating potential harm to marine fish, as confirmed in experimental studies. Furthermore, even though MPs' exposure is better regulated in an experimental setting, it is challenging to replicate actual exposure and environmental factors. The study's findings show the need for more investigation into the hazardous consequences of exposure to environmental MPs on species surveyed in the maritime environment.

Mitigating Age-Related Cognitive Decline and Oxidative Status in Rats Treated with Catechin and Polyphenon-60.

Aging is a normal physiological process influenced by the combination of multiple mechanisms, primarily oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, which impact general physiology and brain function. Phenolic compounds have demonstrated the ability to slow down the aging process of the brain due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study assessed the protective properties of catechin and polyphenon-60 in non-pathologically aged rats regarding visuo-spatial learning and the oxidative status of the frontal cortex. Old animals were treated with catechin or green tea extract (polyphenon-60) for 36 days, daily. Healthy old and young rats were used as controls. During the first training phase, treated rats executed the test better, locating the target in less time compared with the controls. Biomarkers of oxidative stress (catalase activities, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione S-transferase) were reduced in the brain of old animals, although their activities were partially improved after both antioxidant treatments. Furthermore, the rise in the production of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels-a marker of lipid peroxidation-in the frontal cortex of aged animals was significantly ameliorated after the interventions. In conclusion, old rats exhibited enhanced cognitive function and reduced stress levels following the administration of catechin and polyphenon-60.

Antiviral and antibacterial properties of phloroglucinols: a review on naturally occurring and (semi)synthetic derivatives with potential therapeutic interest.

Phloroglucinol and derived compounds comprise a huge class of secondary metabolites widely distributed in plants and brown algae. A vast array of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer has been associated to this class of compounds. In this review, the available data on the antiviral and antibacterial capacity of phloroglucinols have been analyzed. Some of these compounds and derivatives show important antimicrobial properties in vitro. Phloroglucinols have been shown to be effective against viruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpes or enterovirus, and preliminary data through docking analysis suggest that they can be effective against SARS-CoV-19. Also, some phloroglucinols derivatives have shown antibacterial effects against diverse bacteria strains, including Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, and (semi)synthetic development of novel compounds have led to phloroglucinols with a significantly increased biological activity. However, therapeutic use of these compounds is hindered by the absence of in vivo studies and scarcity of information on their mechanisms of action, and hence further research efforts are required. On the basis of this consideration, our work aims to gather data regarding the efficacy of natural-occurring and synthetic phloroglucinol derivatives as antiviral and antibacterial agents against human pathogens, which have been published during the last three decades. The recollection of results reported in this review represents a valuable source of updated information that will potentially help researchers in the development of novel antimicrobial agents.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Dietary Emissions Are Related to Oxidative and Inflammatory Status in Adult Population.

BACKGROUND: Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a primary greenhouse gas (GHG) causing global temperature to rise. Unsustainable diets induce an increment in the risk of obesity and noncommunicable diseases but also contribute to the global GSG burden. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether CO2 dietary emissions influence the inflammatory and oxidative status of subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: As part of the PREDIMED-Plus study, 100 adults (55-75 years old) from the Balearic Islands, Spain, were recruited and classified according to their dietary CO2 emissions. Anthropometric parameters were determined, fasting blood samples were collected and plasma, neutrophils, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained. Dietary inflammatory index (DII), adherence to a Mediterranean diet (ADM), fatty liver index (FLI), and estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) were calculated. Clinical biochemical parameters, blood count, and oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarker levels were also determined. RESULTS: DII was higher in participants with high dietary CO2 emissions. Adherence to the MedDiet was inversely associated with CO2 emissions. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were higher in urine and plasma samples from subjects with high dietary CO2 emissions. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by PBMCs was greater in participants with high CO2 emissions. Interleukin-15, resistin, and leptin plasma levels were increased in participants with high dietary CO2 emissions. CONCLUSION: Dietary CO2 emissions influence oxidative status and inflammation in relation to the increased prooxidative and proinflammatory status in PBMCs and plasma. These biomarkers were useful for monitoring diet sustainability and health.

Ingestion of microplastics and microfibers by the invasive blue crab Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun 1896) in the Balearic Islands, Spain.

The blue crab Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896 is native to the western coasts of the Atlantic Ocean and is currently considered an invasive species in the Mediterranean Sea. In this study, we examined the stomach contents of C. sapidus to determine the frequency of occurrence of microplastics (MPs) and microfibers (MFs) in the Balearic Islands archipelago in the western Mediterranean Sea. A total of 120 individuals were collected from six locations between 2017 and 2020. Overall, 65.8% of the individuals had MPs and/or MFs particles with an average of 1.4 ± 1.6 particles ind.-1 of which an average of 1.0 ± 1.3 items ind.-1 were MFs and an average of 0.4 ± 0.8 items ind.-1 were MPs. In terms of type, fragments were the dominant type of MPs and the most common size of items ranged from between 0.5 and 1 mm (40%) followed by 1-5 mm (31%). The most prevalent polymers were low-density polyethylene (39%) and high-density polyethylene (26%). In terms of links to human activities, MP ingestion was positively correlated with an increase in drain pipes, whereas MF ingestion was positively correlated with an increase in sewage pipelines, providing evidence of potential sources and the bioavailability of these particles in various environments. This study confirms the widespread presence of MP and MF particles, even in areas that are currently managed under different protection statuses, in the stomach contents of invasive blue crab species throughout coastal communities.

Associations between ultra-processed food consumption and kidney function in an older adult population with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption has increased dramatically over the last decades worldwide. Although it has been linked to some cardiometabolic comorbidities, there is limited evidence regarding kidney function. This study aimed to cross-sectionally and longitudinally assess the association between UPF consumption and estimated-glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on Cystatin C (CysC). METHODS: Older adults (mean age 65 ± 5.0 years, 46% women) with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) who had available data of CysC at baseline (n = 1909), at one-year and at 3-years of follow-up (n = 1700) were analyzed. Food consumption was assessed using a validated 143-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and UPF consumption (% of g/d) at baseline and changes after one-year of follow-up were estimated according to NOVA classification system. Multivariable-adjusted linear and logistic regression models were performed to evaluate the cross-sectional associations between UPF consumption with eGFR levels and decreased kidney function (eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2) at baseline. Multivariable-adjusted mixed-effects linear regression models were fitted to investigate the associations between one-year changes in UPF and eGFR over 3-years of follow-up. RESULTS: Individuals with the highest baseline UPF consumption showed lower eGFR (ß: -3.39 ml/min/1.73 m2; 95% CI: -5.59 to -1.20) and higher odds of decreased kidney function (OR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.21 to 2.22) at baseline, compared to individuals in the lowest tertile. Participants in the highest tertile of one-year changes in UPF consumption presented a significant decrease in eGFR after one-year of follow-up (ß: -1.45 ml/min/1.73 m2; 95% CI: -2.90 to -0.01) as well as after 3-years of follow-up (ß: -2.18 ml/min/1.73 m2; 95% CI: -3.71 to -0.65) compared to those in the reference category. CONCLUSIONS: In a Mediterranean population of older adults with overweight/obesity and MetS, higher UPF consumption at baseline and one-year changes towards higher consumption of UPF were associated with worse kidney function at baseline and over 3-years of follow-up, respectively. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER: ISRCTN89898870.

Synthesis and evaluation of the effects of solid lipid nanoparticles of ivermectin and ivermectin on cuprizone-induced demyelination via targeting the TRPA1/NF-kB/GFAP signaling pathway.

Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system (CNS) and its cause is unknown. Several environmental and genetic factors may have roles in the pathogenesis of MS. The synthesis of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for ivermectin (IVM) loading was performed to increase its efficiency and bioavailability and evaluate its ability in improving the behavioral and histopathological changes induced by cuprizone (CPZ) in the male C57BL/6 mice. Materials and Methods: Four groups of 7 adult C57BL/6 mice including control (normal diet), CPZ, IVM, and nano-IVM groups were chosen. After synthesis of nano-ivermectin, demyelination was induced by adding 0.2% CPZ to animal feed for 6 weeks. IVM and nano-IVM (1 mg/kg/day, IP) were given for the final 14 days of the study. At last, behavioral tests, histochemical assays, and immunohistochemistry of TRPA1, NF-kB p65, and GFAP were done. Results: The time of immobility of mice in the IVM and nano-IVM groups was reduced compared to the CPZ group. Histopathological examination revealed demyelination in the CPZ group, which was ameliorated by IVM and nano-IVM administration. In IVM and nano-IVM groups corpus callosum levels of TRPA1, NF-kB p65, and GFAP were decreased compared to the CPZ group. In the IVM and nano-IVM groups, the levels of MBP were significantly higher than in the CPZ group. Conclusion: The results evidenced that IVM and nano-IVM administration is capable of reducing demyelination in mice.

Evaluating Silymarin Extract as a Potent Antioxidant Supplement in Diazinon-Exposed Rainbow Trout: Oxidative Stress and Biochemical Parameter Analysis.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of diazinon on fish, focusing on hepatotoxic biomarkers and the potential protective effects of silymarin supplementation. One hundred eighty rainbow trout were randomly assigned to four groups: control, diazinon exposed (0.1 mg L-1), silymarin supplemented (400 mg kg-1), and diazinon + silymarin. Blood samples and liver tissue were collected after 7, 14, and 21 days of exposure to analyze biochemical parameters and oxidative biomarkers. Diazinon exposure in fish resulted in liver damage, as indicated by increased antioxidant enzyme activities in the hepatocytes. Silymarin showed the potential to mitigate this damage by reducing oxidative stress and restoring enzyme activities. Nevertheless, diazinon increased creatine phosphokinase activity, which may not be normalized by silymarin. Exposure to diazinon increased glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels, whereas total protein, albumin, and globulin levels were significantly decreased in fish. However, silymarin controlled and maintained these levels within the normal range. Diazinon increased creatinine, urea, uric acid, and ammonia contents. Silymarin could regulate creatinine, urea, and uric acid levels while having limited effectiveness on ammonia excretion. Furthermore, diazinon increased malondialdehyde in hepatocytes, whereas administration of silymarin could restore normal malondialdehyde levels. Overall, silymarin showed potential as a therapeutic treatment for mitigating oxidative damage induced by diazinon in fish, but its effectiveness on creatine phosphokinase, glutathione reductase, and ammonia may be limited.

Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Biomarkers Are Related to High Intake of Ultra-Processed Food in Old Adults with Metabolic Syndrome.

In the last few decades the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) worldwide has substantially augmented. Increasing evidence suggests that high UPF consumption is associated with an increase in non-communicable diseases, being overweight, and obesity. The aim of this study was to assess how UPF consumption affects oxidative and inflammatory status in the plasma, neutrophils, and urine of old adults with metabolic syndrome. Participants (n = 92) were classified into two groups according to UPF consumption. Dietary intakes were measured by a validated semi-quantitative 143-item food frequency questionnaire and UPF consumption was determined according to the NOVA classification system. Low UPF consumers showed higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet than high UPF consumers. A high intake of fiber and a high concentration of polyphenols in urine were also observed in subjects with low UPF consumption. Despite the absence of differences in biochemical profile, oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers showed some significant changes. Catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were lower in high UPF consumers, whereas myeloperoxidase activity was higher. ROS production in neutrophils stimulated with zymosan was higher in high UPF consumers than in low UPF consumers. Biomarkers such as xanthine oxidase, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-15, and leptin levels were higher in participants with high intake of UPF. No differences were found in malondialdehyde and other inflammatory cytokines. The current study evidenced that MetS participants with high UPF consumption have a more pro-oxidant and inflammatory profile than those with low UPF consumption, despite showing similar blood biochemical profiles.

Plasma Fatty Acid Composition, Oxidative and Inflammatory Status, and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet of Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a complex and increasingly prevalent cardiometabolic disorder worldwide. As of today, NAFLD is a pathology without specific pharmacological treatment, with the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) being the most widely used approach for its management. The objective of this study is to assess the effects of adherence to the Mediterranean diet on fatty acid plasma levels, as well as on the oxidative and inflammatory status of NAFLD patients. A total of 100 adult patients (40-60 years old) diagnosed with NAFLD and from the Balearic Islands, Spain, were classified into three groups according to their adherence to the MedDiet. Consumption was assessed using a validated 143-item semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. Food items (g/day) were categorised according to their processing using the NOVA system. Anthropometrics, blood pressure, aminotransferases, Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), inflammatory biomarkers, and fatty acid levels were measured in the plasma of NAFLD patients. High adherence to the MedDiet is associated to a highly plant-based diet, low ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, low intake of dietary lipids, low intake of animal fats, high intake of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA; mainly palmitoleic acid), low intake of saturated fatty acids (SFAs; practically all dietary SFAs), low intake of trans-fatty acids, high intake of omega-3 fatty acids (mainly eicosapentaenoic acid), a higher n-6:n-3 in ratio, low intake of omega-6 fatty acids, and a low level of interleukin-6 (IL-6). High adherence to the MedDiet is related to a better fatty acid profile in the plasma, fewer SFAs and more MUFA and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), a plasma biochemical profile, better proinflammatory status, and decreased ultra-processed food consumption of NAFLD patients.

Anti-cancer properties of boswellic acids: mechanism of action as anti-cancerous agent.

With the advent of highly effective plant-based medications with few or no side effects, the use of phytomedicines against complex diseases such as cancer is becoming more widespread. The broadly recognized pentacyclic triterpenes known as boswellic acids (BAs) are derived from the oleogum resin, or frankincense, extracted from the plant species of the genus Boswellia. The frankincense mixture contains various BA types, each having a different potential and helping treat certain cancers. This review focuses on details regarding the traits of the BAs, their roles as anti-cancer agents, the mechanism underlying their activities, and the function of their semi-synthetic derivatives in managing and treating certain cancers. The review also explores the biological sources of BAs, how they are conserved, and how biotechnology might help preserve and improve in vitro BA production. The review concludes that the BAs and their semi-synthetic derivatives are effective against a broad spectrum of cancer cell lines. The detailed information in the review can be helpful for researchers to gain more information about BAs and BA-based medications for efficient and cost-effective cancer treatments.

Role of apoptosis and autophagy in mediating tramadol-induced neurodegeneration in the rat hippocampus.

BACKGROUND: Tramadol (TRA) is an analgesic prescribed for treating mild to moderate pains, the abuse of which has increased in recent years. Chronic tramadol consumption produces neurotoxicity, although the mechanisms are unclear. The present study investigated the involvement of apoptosis and autophagy signaling pathways and the mitochondrial system in TRA-induced neurotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty adult male Wistar rats were divided into five groups that received standard saline or TRA in doses of 25, 50, 75, 100, or 150 mg/kg intraperitoneally for 21 days. On the 22nd day, the Open Field Test (OFT) was conducted. Jun N-Terminal Kinase (JNK), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Beclin1, and Bcl-2-like protein 4 (Bax) proteins and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß) were measured in rat hippocampal tissue. RESULTS: TRA at doses 75, 100, and 150 mg/kg caused locomotor dysfunction in rats and increased total and phosphorylated forms of JNK and Beclin-1, Bax, and Caspase-3. TRA at the three higher doses also increased the phosphorylated (inactive) form of Bcl-2 level while decreasing the unphosphorylated (active) form of Bcl-2. Similarly, the protein levels of TNF-α and IL-1ß were increased dose-dependently. The mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes were reduced at the three higher doses of TRA. CONCLUSION: TRA activated apoptosis and autophagy via modulation of TNF-α or IL-1ß/JNK/Bcl-2/Beclin1 and Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathways and dysfunction of mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes.

Phenolic compounds as Nrf2 inhibitors: potential applications in cancer therapy.

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and involves an oxidative stress mechanism. The transcription factor Nrf2 has a crucial role in cytoprotective response against oxidative stress, including cancer growth and progression and therapy resistance. For this reason, inhibitors of Nrf2 are new targets to be studied. Traditional plant-based remedies rich in phytochemicals have been used against human cancers and phenolic compounds are known for their chemopreventive properties. This comprehensive review offers an updated review of the role of phenolic compounds as anticancer agents due to their action on Nrf2 inhibition. In addition, the role of naturally-occurring bioactive anticancer agents are covered in the clinical applications of polyphenols as Nrf2 inhibitors. Video Abstract.

Mediterranean Diet Improves Plasma Biomarkers Related to Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Process in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) shows liver fat depots without alcohol consumption. NAFLD does not have specific drug therapies, with a healthy lifestyle and weight loss being the main approaches to prevent and treat NAFLD. The aim was to assess the antioxidant and pro-inflammatory state in patients with NAFLD after 12-month-lifestyle intervention depending on the change in adherence to a Mediterranean diet (AMD). Antioxidant and inflammatory biomarkers were measured in 67 adults (aged 40-60 years old) diagnosed with NAFLD. Anthropometric parameters and dietary intake were measured by a validated semi-quantitative 143-item food frequency questionnaire. The nutritional intervention improved anthropometric and biochemical parameters after a 12-month follow-up. However, decreases in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and C reactive protein (CRP) were higher in participants with high AMD, which also showed higher improvement in physical fitness (Chester step test) and intrahepatic fat contents. The intervention reduced plasma levels of malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, zonulin, and omentin, and increased resolvin D1 (RvD1), whereas the decrease in leptin, ectodysplasin-A (EDA), cytokeratin-18 (CK-18), interleukin-1ra (IL-1ra) and endotoxin was only significant in participants with higher AMD. The current study showed that a one-year nutritional intervention improved main NAFLD features such as body mass index, IFC, liver enzymes, and prooxidant and proinflammatory status. There was also a decrease in the concentration of plasmatic endotoxin, suggesting an improvement in intestinal permeability. These health benefits were more evident in participants that improved AMD to a greater extent. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with registry number NCT04442620.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Reduces Oxidative Stress and Inflammation, and Increases Growth Factors Favouring the Healing Process of Diabetic Wounds.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the clinical application of oxygen at pressures higher than atmospheric pressure. HBOT has been effectively used to manage diverse clinical pathologies, such as non-healing diabetic ulcers. The aim of the present study was to analyse the effects of HBOT on the plasma oxidative and inflammation biomarkers and growth factors in patients with chronic diabetic wounds. The participants received 20 HBOT sessions (five sessions/week), and blood samples were obtained at sessions 1, 5 and 20, before and 2 h after the HBOT. An additional (control) blood sample was collected 28 days after wound recovery. No significant differences were evident in haematological parameters, whereas the biochemical parameters progressively decreased, which was significant for creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The pro-inflammatory mediators, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), progressively decreased throughout the treatments. Biomarkers of oxidative stress--plasma protein levels of catalase, extracellular superoxide dismutase, myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and protein carbonyls--were reduced in accordance with wound healing. Plasma levels of growth factors--platelet-derived growth factor (PDFG), transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α)-- were increased as a consequence of HBOT and reduced 28 days after complete wound healing, whereas matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) progressively decreased with the HBOT. In conclusion, HBOT reduced oxidative and pro-inflammatory mediators, and may participate in activating healing, angiogenesis and vascular tone regulation by increasing the release of growth factors.

Microplastic Presence in the Digestive Tract of Pearly Razorfish Xyrichtys novacula Causes Oxidative Stress in Liver Tissue.

Plastic pollution in the oceans is a growing problem, with negative effects on exposed species and ecosystems. Xyrichtys novacula L. is a very important fish species both culturally and economically in the Balearic Islands. The aim of the present study was to detect and categorise the presence of microplastics (MPs) in the digestive tract of X. novacula, as well as the existence of oxidative stress in the liver. For this purpose, the fish were categorised into two groups based on the number of MPs observed in the digestive tracts: a group with no or low presence of MPs (0-3 items) and a group with a higher presence of MPs (4-28 items). MPs were found in 89% of the specimens analysed, with a dominance of fibre type and blue colour. Regarding the type of polymer, polycarbonate was the most abundant, followed by polypropylene and polyethylene. For the group with a greater presence of MPs, the activities of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase, as well as the phase II detoxification enzyme glutathione s-transferase, were higher than the activities observed in fish with little to no presence of MPs. The activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase and the levels of malondialdehyde did not show significant differences between both groups. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the presence of MPs in the digestive tract of X. novacula and the existence of an antioxidant and detoxification response, mainly based on the glutathione-based enzymes.