Peripheral oxidative stress in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

ObjectivesTo evaluate levels of oxidative stress in blood samples in patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RR-MS).Design and methodsPeripheral blood samples were collected from 24 RR-MS patients and 15 healthy controls. Levels of the following were measured: carbonylated proteins, 8-hydroxy-2′deoxyguanosine (8OHdG), total glutathione, reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), GSH/GSSG ratio, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRd), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), myeloperoxidase (MPO), antioxidant gap, total antioxidant capacity (PAO), global oxidative stress (GOS), serum vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and serum inter-cellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1).ResultsValues for carbonylated proteins, 8OHdG, total glutathione, GSH, GSH/GSSG ratio, SOD, GRd and GOS were significantly higher in RR-MS patients than in healthy controls. By contrast, PAO, GSSG, GPx and GST were lower in RR-MS patients.ConclusionOxidative stress plays a major role in MS, and is observed prior to relapse.     

Electrophoresis of Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins in Certain Neurological Diseases

Abstract

Objective. This study was undertaken to investigate thiol metabolism as a marker of oxidative stress and antioxidative defence capacity in a cohort of children with biochemically and/or genetically confirmed mitochondrial disease. Previous studies suggest that lower glutathione levels, which have been shown to further compromise mitochondrial function, may occur in these diseases. Better understanding of the pathogenesis of mitochondrial diseases is important in order to improve their treatment. Methods. We studied plasma and erythrocyte glutathione and cysteine levels, the activities of erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase G6PDH) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), as well as the levels of erythrocyte thiobarbituric acid-reactive species (TBA-RS) and protein carbonyls in 10 children with a biochemical and/or genetic diagnosis of mitochondrial disease and six controls. Results. Levels of reduced cysteine (CYSH) as well as reduced to oxidised cysteine ratio were lower in plasma of patients with mitochondrial diseases (p = 0.008 and p = 0.02, respectively). Plasma levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) were low in patients with mitochondrial diseases, mostly below the detection limit. We did not detect significant differences in erythrocyte thiols or glutathione-related enzyme activities. Conclusion. Plasma thiols and their redox state are altered in patients with mitochondrial diseases, suggesting an increase in oxidative stress and depletion of antioxidant supplies. If confirmed in further studies, this relative thiol deficiency could be an important factor in the pathophysiology of mitochondrial diseases.     

The modulatory effect of deltamethrin on antioxidants in mice

BACKGROUND: Deltamethrin is a alpha-cyano pyrethroid insecticide used extensively in pest control. Although initially thought to be least toxic, a number of recent reports showed its toxicity in mammalian and non-mammalian laboratory and wildlife animal species. In fish, it is a potent oxidative stress-inducing agent. We studied the oxidative stress-inducing effect of deltamethrin in mice. METHODS: Male Swiss albino mice were orally administered 2 doses of deltamethrin viz., 5.6 and 18mg/kg body weight (bw), for 15 days. RESULTS: Both the doses of deltamethrin significantly induced lipid peroxidation (LPO) in liver and kidney. Along with the induction of LPO, activities of vital antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT) were also suppressed in both the tissues. Glutathione (GSH) level was also decreased. GSH decrease was more pronounced in kidney than the liver. CONCLUSION: Toxicity of many chlorinated and organophosphate insecticides is mediated by the reactive oxygen species (ROS). Findings of the present investigation also suggest a role for ROS in deltamethrin toxicity. An increased LPO indicates that these ROS might have caused degradation of biomembrane in deltamethrin-exposed animals.     

Glutathione metabolism and antioxidant enzymes in patients affected by nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress and accumulation of excessive fat in the liver may underlie the pathophysiology of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Given that glutathione blood metabolism may represent an indicator of tissue oxidative status, we analysed the blood profile of various forms of glutathione in children with NASH, and we evaluated the presence of systemic oxidative stress by calculating the oxidised/reduced glutathione ratio (GSSG/GSH). Furthermore, we analysed the catalytic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GR) in blood of patients. METHODS: Blood samples were obtained from 21 children with NASH and 28 controls. Total, reduced, oxidised, and protein-bound glutathione concentrations were determined by reversed-phase liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Antioxidant enzymes were spectrophotometrically assayed by using specific substrates. RESULTS: Our findings showed a 1.5-fold increase of GSSG in patients, resulting in a significant rise of the GSSG/GSH ratio. SOD, GPx, and GR activities were not significantly different in NASH respect to controls, whereas GST, which provides the second defence line against oxidative stress, was 17.8% increased. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate an impairment of glutathione metabolism and antioxidant enzyme activities in blood of patients with NASH, supporting a consistent role of free radical cytotoxicity in the pathophysiology of the disease.     

Decreased glutathione-S-transferase activity: diagnostic and protective role in vivax malaria

OBJECTIVES: The study was undertaken to establish data on the comparative status of antioxidant enzyme GST activity, levels of lipid peroxidation and catalase activity during pathology of Plasmodium vivax malaria in Indian population. We investigated whether serum and plasma glutathione-S-transferase activity in vivax patients are unique to the disease or act as one of the important antioxidant marker for diagnostic potential and candidate for chemoprevention. METHODS: We measured activity of antioxidant enzyme GST, levels of lipid peroxidation and catalase activity during vivax infection. RESULTS: Mean activity of antioxidant enzyme GST in patients serum and plasma were less (6.43 and 5.65 IU/L respectively) than healthy subjects (11.65 and 10.09 IU/L respectively). Lipid peroxidation level and catalase activity of patients (1.77 micromol/L and 29.64 U/mL) with vivax malaria were higher than those of healthy subjects (1.03 micromol/L and 10.87 U/mL). GST activity in serum and plasma was inversely correlated with age in case of vivax patient and were found significant (R2=0.1907 and 0.1605 and p<0.0007 and p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In view of the present findings we suggest that GST, lipid peroxidation and catalase evaluation may be considered to be reliable biochemical markers and possess promising rational for diagnostic and therapeutic potential in vivax malaria. Decreasing GST activity and elevated activity of lipid peroxidation and catalase may play important roles in host defence mechanisms against vivax infection by up-regulating oxidative defence mechanisms.     

Antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation in the blood of breast cancer patients of different ages after chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil,doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide

ObjectivesBreast carcinoma is related to the increase of lipid peroxidation in plasma with concomitant decrease of antioxidant (AO) defense capacity in blood cells, which becomes more pronounced during aging of the patients. This work evaluated the potential age-related effect of chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (FAC) on the level of lipid hydroperoxides (LP), glutathione (GSH), AO enzyme activities of copper, zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) in breast cancer patients. The level of CuZnSOD protein was assessed after the FAC therapy and radiotherapy of breast cancer.Design and methodsAO parameters were measured in the blood of 58 breast cancer patients and 60 healthy age-matched healthy subjects by biochemical and Western blot analyses.ResultsIncreased oxidative stress (LP: p < 0.05) and decreased AO enzyme activities (CuZnSOD: p < 0.01, GPx: p < 0.05, GR: p < 0.01) and GSH level (p < 0.01) in the blood of breast cancer patients in response to FAC chemotherapy seem not to be age-dependent. CuZnSOD enzyme expression decreased after the FAC chemotherapy (p < 0.05), while it increased after the radiotherapy of breast cancer (p < 0.05).ConclusionFAC chemotherapy and radiotherapy promote further oxidative shift, which potentiate already existing chronic oxidative stress linked to breast cancer. In these effects, impaired capacity for H₂O₂ detoxification (CAT, GPX and GSH) seems to have major contribution.     

Evaluation of Acetamiprid Mediated Oxidative Stress and Pathological Changes in Male Rats: Ameliorative Effect of Curcumin

Present study was undertaken to evaluate the acetamiprid-mediated toxicity and possible protective effect of curcumin in rats. Rats were divided into seven different groups. They received curcumin (100 mg/kg, b.wt. p.o.) and acetamiprid (26.25 and 105 mg/kg b.wt., p.o.) alone and in their combinations for period of 28 days. Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities were determined in liver, kidney and brain and cellular changes histopathologically. Study shows that administration of acetamiprid caused a significant induction in oxidative damage in liver, kidney and brain as evidenced by increased level of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and altered activities of reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR). Co-administration of curcumin with acetamiprid significantly decreased LPO, caused marked restoration in the non-enzymatic (GSH) and enzymatic antioxidants system (CAT, SOD and, GR) and protected from acetamiprid-mediated structural alterations of liver, kidney and brain. The results of present study indicates that curcumin ameliorate the acetamiprid-induced toxic damage to vital organ mediated via oxidative stress.

     

Leucocyte glutathione peroxidase activity and selenium level in Batten's disease

The glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activity was found significantly reduced in whole lymphocytes from patients suffering from Batten's disease. By means of two different procedures for isolation of subcellular fractions of lymphocytes it was possible to demonstrate an increased GSHPx activity of the particulate fractions (20.000 g-av and 105.000 g-av precipitates). However, the GSHPx activity of the supernatants was decreased. The GSHPx activity of the 20.000g-av supernatant correlated significantly with the serum selenium content both in normal controls and in Batten's disease. A similar correlation was traced with GSHPx activity of erythrocyte haemolysate and serum selenium level in Batten's disease but not in normal controls. The GSHPx activity was also found decreased in the 20.000 g-av and 105.000 g-av supernatants of granulocytes. The abnormal subcellular distribution of GSHPx activities was related to the distribution of enzymes which were used as markers for different subcellular components. The data presented are discussed in relationship to the theory that Batten's disease is due to an increased peroxidation damaging the cellular membranes.     

Antioxidant potential of vitamins A, E and C in modulating oxidative stress in rat brain

Background: Stress is known to affect synaptic plasticity, dendritic morphology and induces neurotoxic damage in humans, probably through generation of free radicals. Both ex vivo antioxidant vitamins and in vivo free radical scavenging enzymes exist. In the present study, restraint stress induced pro-oxidant status of rat brain was evaluated in terms of measurement of glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) and free radical scavenging enzymes activities. The efficacy of antioxidant vitamins A, E and C alone and in combination was also evaluated in modulating inherent antioxidant system in stressed rats. Methods: Rats were treated with vit A, E and C alone (15 mg/kg of body weight) and in combination vitamins (E and C) prior to and after 6 h of restraint stress exposure. Both nonstressed and stressed rats were handled simultaneously. Pro-oxidant status of brain tissue was evaluated by determining the levels of GSH, TBARS and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT). Results: Restraint stress induced a decrease in the level of GSH and the activities of SOD, GST and catalase, while the levels of TBARS were found elevated. Both pre-stress and post-stress vitamin treatments (either alone or combined) resulted in alteration of these parameters towards their controls values with a relative dominance by latter. Vitamin E was found most effective in restoring inherent antioxidant system, no additive effect was observed in combined vitamin treatment as expected. Conclusion: Immobilization of rats generated oxidative stress in rat brain, by decreasing the activities of SOD, GST, catalase and glutathione levels, while increasing the lipid peroxidation. Post stress vitamin E treatment was found most effective than vitamins A and C in enhancing the levels of glutathione and activities of SOD, GST and catalase and decreasing lipid peroxidation. Thus vitamin E can be given as a nutritional supplement for scavenging free radical generated in the brain tissues in order to reduce oxidative stress.     

Comparative effects of catechin,epicatechin and N-Ω-nitroarginine on quinolinic acid-induced oxidative stress in rat striatum slices

The aim of this work was to compare the effects of catechin (CAT), epicatechin (EPI) and N-ω-l-nitroarginine (L-NARG) on different endpoints of oxidative stress induced by quinolinic acid (QUIN) in a simple tissue preparation, rat striatal slices – with particular emphasis in the glutathione system – in order to provide revealing information on the antioxidant efficacy of these agents in an excitotoxic model.MethodsRat striatal slices were incubated for 1 h in the presence of 100 μM QUIN and/or 85 μM CAT or EPI, or 100 μM L-NARG. Lipid peroxidation (LP) and the levels of reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG) were determined.ResultsThe three agents tested completely blocked the QUIN-induced lipid peroxidation and recovered the QUIN-induced altered GSH/GSSG balance. No statistical differences were detected among the protective effects exerted by these antioxidants, suggesting similar efficacy and common antioxidant mechanisms. The antioxidant properties exhibited by these molecules on the excitotoxic model tested herein support an active role of glutathione and prompt their use as therapeutic tools in models of neurodegenerative disorders.     

Elevated lipid peroxidation and disturbed antioxidant enzyme activities in plasma and erythrocytes of patients with uterine cervicitis and myoma.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether oxidative stress is associated with human uterine cervicitis and uterine myoma. DESIGN AND METHODS: We measured lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in plasma and erythrocytes of cervicitis patients and myoma patients in comparison with matched controls. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), a measure of lipid peroxidation, were determined in plasma; glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) and catalase in erythrocytes; and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in both plasma and erythrocytes. RESULTS: We showed that plasma TBARS were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in both cervicitis patients and myoma patients than in controls. Plasma TBARS were significantly (and negatively) correlated with plasma and erythrocyte T-SOD activities in cervicitis patients only. Plasma T-SOD activity was significantly lower in both groups of patients than in controls whereas erythrocyte T-SOD activity was only significantly lower in myoma patients. The lowered plasma T-SOD activity in the cervicitis patients was attributed to decreased Mn-SOD activity whereas the lowered plasma T-SOD activity in myoma patients was attributed to decreased activities of both Cu,Zn-SOD and Mn-SOD. Erythrocyte GSHPx activity was 14% higher (p < 0.05) in cervicitis patients and 11% lower (p > 0.05) in myoma patients than in controls; catalase activity was 10% higher (p > 0.05) in cervicitis patients and 13% lower (p > 0.05) in myoma patients than in controls. Neither erythrocyte GSHPx nor catalase activity was significantly correlated with plasma TBARS. CONCLUSIONS: The elevated lipid peroxidation and disturbed antioxidant enzyme activities demonstrate the potential of oxidative injury in patients with uterine cervicitis and myoma.     

高压氧治疗脑卒中的剂量研究

观察２２例脑卒中患者在高压氧治疗不同时期体内自由基代谢物质含量的变化。每天用０．２ＭＰａ高压氧稳压治疗４０ｍｉｎ，连续治疗２０天。结果发现，经高压氧连续治疗１０天，患者血浆ＬＰＯ含量的增加和红细胞ＳＯＤ、ＧＳＨＰｘ活性的下降都不明显（Ｐ＞０．０５），仅红细胞明显降低（Ｐ＜０．０５）；连续治疗２０天后，患者血浆ＬＰＯ含量明显增高，红细胞ＳＯＤ和ＧＳＨＰｘ活性及ＧＳＨ含量显著下降（Ｐ＜０．０５）。建议     

Metabolic biomarkers related to oxidative stress and antioxidant status in Saudi autistic children

ObjectiveMeasurement of oxidative stress and antioxidant-related parameters (enzymatic and non-enzymatic) in Saudi autistic children.Design and methods30 autistic children (22 males and 8 females) aged 3–15 years (25/30 of these were below 8 years old), and 30 healthy children as control group were included in this study. Levels of lipid peroxides, vitamin E, vitamin C, glutathione together with enzymatic activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase were determined in plasma while superoxide dismutase (SOD was measured in red blood cells of both groups.ResultsLipid peroxidation was found to be significantly higher in autistic compared to control Saudi children. On the other hand, vitamin E and glutathione were remarkably lower in autistic patients while vitamin C shows non-significant lower values. Regarding the enzymatic antioxidants, both glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly higher in autistic compared to control while catalase recorded more or less similar activities in both groups.ConclusionSaudi autistic children are under H₂O₂ stress due to GSH depletion, over expression of SOD together with the unchanged catalase enzyme. This could be helpful in the early diagnosis of young autistic patients and suggesting the possibility of antioxidant supplementation for the early intervention with autistic children.     

The administration of N-acetylcysteine reduces oxidative stress and regulates glutathione metabolism in the blood cells of workers exposed to lead

Abstract

Context and objective. The aim of the study was to investigate whether treatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is able to restore erythrocyte glutathione (GSH) content in workers exposed to lead. Additionally, we measured the leukocyte and erythrocyte activities of GSH-related enzymes, such as glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), and estimated the influence of NAC administration on oxidative stress intensity, which was measured as the lipofuscin (LPS) level in erythrocytes. Methods. The exposed population consisted of 171 healthy males randomly divided into four groups. Workers in the first group (n = 49) were not administered any antioxidants, drugs, vitamins, or dietary supplements, while workers in the remaining groups were treated with NAC at three doses for 12 weeks (1 × 200 mg per day, 2 × 200 mg per day, and 2 × 400 mg per day). All workers continued to work during the study. The blood of all examined workers was drawn two times: at the beginning of the study and after 12 weeks of treatment. Results and conclusion. Blood lead levels decreased significantly in all groups receiving NAC compared to those in baseline. Erythrocyte GSH concentrations were significantly elevated in workers receiving 400 and 800 mg of NAC compared to those in baseline by 5% and 6%, respectively. Erythrocyte G6PD activity was significantly elevated in workers receiving 200, 400, and 800 mg of NAC compared to those in baseline by 24%, 14%, and 14%, respectively. By contrast, there were no significant differences in leukocyte G6PD or leukocyte and erythrocyte glutathione reductase (GR) activities before and after treatment. Leukocyte GST activities decreased significantly after treatment in workers receiving 200 mg of NAC by 34%, while LPS levels decreased significantly in workers receiving 200, 400, and 800 mg of NAC compared to those in baseline by 5%, 15%, and 13%, respectively. In conclusion, NAC decreases oxidative stress in workers exposed to lead via stimulating GSH synthesis.     

Modulation of lipid peroxidation,hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities in brain tissues of diabetic rats by fibre – Enriched biscuits

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of feeding fibre – enriched biscuit on the antioxidant and hypolipidemic activities in brain tissues of diabetic rats.MethodDiabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan. Treatment lasted for 14 d, after which the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Brain tissues were used for the assessment of GSH, catalase, SOD and lipid peroxidation as well as lipid profiles.ResultInduction of diabetes led to a significant decrease in GSH level, elevated SOD and catalase activities. These were significantly modified by the biscuits. There was an elevated level of malondialdehyde in the brain tissues of the untreated diabetic rats; this was significantly reduced by the biscuits. There was a significant decrease in HDL and a significant increase in LDL levels, total cholesterol and triglycerides in the untreated (diabetic) rats. Feeding with fibre – enriched biscuits led to decrease in the levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL – cholesterol and caused a significant increase in the levels of HDL.ConclusionsThese results suggest a therapeutic and protective effect of the fibre – enriched biscuits against diabetic – induced brain toxicity in rats.     

Spectrophotometric assay for serum glutathione transferase: a re-examination

ObjectivesThe aim of the present paper is a careful re-examination of an automated spectrophotometric procedure for glutathione transferase (GST) activity in human serum described previously and used in many laboratories.Design and methodsGST activity in human serum has been assayed spectrophotometrically under various experimental conditions. Recombinant human GSTs and specific inhibitors were also used to check the possible occurrence of artifacts.ResultsBasal level of the enzyme calculated using this method turns out to be much higher than that found using RIA and ELISA procedures. Relevant pH-dependent artifacts deeply affect this spectrophotometric assay. Notably, spectral changes previously interpreted as a measure of basal activity, are mainly due to an increase of the spontaneous reaction between the two substrates.ConclusionGST activity in normal serum cannot be correctly determined with the spectrophotometric assay described previously because of the very low enzyme concentration and the pH-dependent artifacts.     

Effect of pentylenetetrazol-induced epileptic seizure on the antioxidant enzyme activities, glutathione and lipid peroxidation levels in rat erythrocytes and liver tissues

OBJECTIVES: In order to clarify whether oxidative stress accompanies epilepsy, we examined the effects of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced epilepsy on the lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities in erythrocytes and liver tissues of adult Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The activities of antioxidative enzymes (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD)), copper, zinc-superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD), catalase (CAT), selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (Se-GSH-Px) and the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were measured in erythrocytes and liver tissues of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced epileptic adult Wistar rats. RESULTS: Single PTZ treatment in a convulsive dose of 50 mg/kg significantly reduced the erythrocyte Cu,Zn-SOD, CAT enzyme activities and GSH levels compared to controls (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.05, respectively). Erythrocyte and liver tissue TBARS levels in the epileptic group were significantly higher than controls (P < 0.0001). There was a significant decrease in liver tissue Cu,Zn-SOD activity and GSH levels in the epileptic group (P < 0.0001), whereas significantly higher activities of G-6-PD and Se-GSH-Px were found in the epileptic group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate a generalized diminished antioxidant activity and increased TBARS level indicating enhanced oxidative stress in the liver and erythrocytes of epileptic rats. Increased oxidative stress in the liver of epileptic rats might be due to the activation of the recently found glutamate receptors in the liver. These findings suggest that the use of antioxidants with antiepileptic drugs and new drugs such as type-5 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGlu5) antagonist (MPEP) might protect erythrocytes and liver tissue against anoxic damage and oxidative stress.     

白癜风患者皮损与正常皮肤疱液中抗氧化酶和脂质过氧化物水平比较

目的　收集白癜风患者皮损部位及自身正常皮肤部位的疱液进行抗氧化酶和脂质过氧化物水平测定 ,探讨氧化性损伤和白癜风发生的关系。方法　分别对 2 6例白癜风表皮移植的患者抽取皮损部位及正常皮肤部位的疱液进行超氧化物歧化酶 (SOD)、过氧化氢酶 (CAT)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶 (GSH -Px)、谷胱甘肽还原酶 (GR)、丙二醛 (MDA)测定 ,并对比分析上述 2部位各项指标的变化。结果　皮损主要分布于暴光部位的患者 ,其皮损部位的SOD及CAT活性显著低于正常皮肤部位 (P <0 .0 1、0 .0 5 ) ,MDA水平显著高于正常皮肤部位(P <0 .0 1 ) ,而皮损主要分布于非暴光部位的患者 ,皮损部位仅SOD活性显著低于正常皮肤部位 (P <0 .0 5 )。结论　自由基导致的氧化性损伤与白癜风的发病有关     

Improvement in oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters in β-thalassemia/Hb E patients treated with curcuminoids

ObjectivesTo evaluate the hematological profile, oxidative stress, and antioxidant parameters in β-thalassemia/Hb E patients treated with curcuminoids for 12 months.Design and methodsTwenty-one β-thalassemia/Hb E patients were given 2 capsules of 250 mg each of curcuminoids (a total of 500 mg) daily for 12 months. Blood was collected every 2 months during treatment and 3 months after withdrawal and was determined for complete blood count, malonyldialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), reduced glutathione (GSH) in red blood cells (RBC), and non-transferrin bound iron (NTBI) in serum.ResultsThe increased oxidative stress in β-thalassemia/Hb E patients was shown by higher levels of MDA, SOD, GSH-Px in RBC, serum NTBI, and lower level of RBC GSH. Curcuminoids administration resulted in improvement of all the measured parameters as long as they were administered. After 3 months withdrawal of treatment, all parameters returned close to baseline levels.ConclusionCurcuminoids may be used to ameliorate oxidative damage in patients with β-thalassemia/Hb E disease.     

Leucocyte glutathione peroxidase activity and selenium level in Batten's disease

The glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activity was found significantly reduced in whole lymphocytes from patients suffering from Batten's disease. By means of two different procedures for isolation of subcellular fractions of lymphocytes it was possible to demonstrate an increased GSHPx activity of the particulate fractions (20.000 g-av and 105.000 g-av precipitates). However, the GSHPx activity of the supernatants was decreased. The GSHPx activity of the 20.000 g-av supernatant correlated significantly with the serum selenium content both in normal controls and in Batten's disease. A similar correlation was traced with GSHPx activity of erythrocyte haemolysate and serum selenium level in Batten's disease but not in normal controls. The GSHPx activity was also found decreased in the 20.000 g-av and 105.000 g-av supernatants of granulocytes. The abnormal subcellular distribution of GSHPx activities was related to the distribution of enzymes which were used as markers for different subcellular components. The data presented are discussed in relationship to the theory that Batten's disease is due to an increased peroxidation damaging the cellular membranes.