The effect on serum myeloperoxidase activity and oxidative status of eradication treatment in patients Helicobacter pylori infected

ObjectivesMyeloperoxidase activity has been investigated after eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in infected patients in previous studies but the results are controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate effect on serum myeloperoxidase activity and oxidative status of eradication treatment in H. pylori-infected patients.Design and methodsGastric biopsy specimens were obtained from 30 H. pylori infected patients. Serum myeloperoxidase activity was measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Oxidative status was determined using total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) measurement and calculation of oxidative stress index (OSI).ResultsAfter 2 weeks of the eradication treatment, serum myeloperoxidase activity, TOS and OSI values were significantly lower (all; p < 0.001), while TAC was significantly higher (p < 0.001).ConclusionsOur results indicate that eradication treatment in H. pylori-infected patients may affect both oxidative stress and myeloperoxidase activity which is an important biomarker in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.     

Age-related oxidative stress modulation by smoking habit and obesity

ObjectiveTo evaluate whether obesity and smoking habit may accelerate the age-related increase of oxidative stress.MethodsThe Oxidative-INDEX, a score reflecting both oxidative and antioxidant counterparts, was estimated in 179 subjects (50 males, aged 16–79 years).ResultsOxidative stress results were elevated in obese and smoker subjects. Adjusted logistic regression analysis indicated obesity and smoking as independent variables for elevated Oxidative-INDEX (odds ratio = 4.8 and 3.1, respectively). Oxidative-INDEX steadily rises at a mean rate of 5.3% (0.017 AU) per year in the overall population, showing twice and three times higher annual rate increase in smokers and obese subjects.ConclusionOur results suggest the pro-ageing effects of cigarette smoking and obesity by a more rapid and sharp elevation of the oxidative stress status.     

Increased levels of total oxidant status and decreased activity of arylesterase in migraineurs

ObjectivesThere is strong evidence associating migraine with a variety of comorbid disorders, including cardiovascular disease and stroke, in which oxidative stress seems to be an important underlying mechanism. The aim of the study was to investigate in migraineurs the body oxidant/antioxidant balance and paraoxonase enzyme activities as a measure of HDL functionality.Design and methodsOxidative stress index, total oxidant status and antioxidant status were examined in addition to the paraoxonase and arylesterase enzyme activities in sixty-two migraineurs and fifty healthy control subjects.ResultsSerum arylesterase activities were significantly lower in migraineurs (p = 0.0065), whereas total oxidant status was higher in patients compared to the controls (p = 0.0035).ConclusionsThis preliminary study showed that oxidative/antioxidative balance shifted towards the oxidative status in migraine. Moreover, the results also suggested that decreased arylesterase activities might be associated with HDL-related disfunction.     

Synergistic effects of the polymorphisms in the PAI-1 and IL-6 genes with smoking in determining their associated risk with coronary artery disease

ObjectivesTo assess the relationship between IL-6 and PAI-1 polymorphisms and coronary artery disease (CAD) and to observe the interactions between these polymorphic variants and smoking in the CAD risk.Design and methodThe study population consisted of 178 patients with angiographically documented CAD and 202 blood donors. The analyses of genetic polymorphisms were performed using the PCR-RFLP method.ResultsThe frequency of PAI-1 5G allele was higher in the entire CAD group than in control group (p = 0.04, OR = 1.35). Also the 5G allele carriers (4G5G + 5G5G) were more frequent in patients than in controls (p = 0.03, OR = 1.93). The number of women carrying 5G allele was again significantly higher among patients (OR = 10.95 p = 0.0075). The IL-6 C allele frequency was higher only in the CAD male subgroup (p = 0.035, OR = 1.44). We found synergistic and cumulative effects between specific genotype patterns and smoking in determining the risk of CAD, especially between PAI-1(4G5G + 5G5G)+IL-6(CC) and smoking (SIM = 4.18 and p = 0.0005, OR = 9.20, respectively).ConclusionsThere are synergistic and cumulative effects of 5G allele of PAI-1 polymorphism and C allele of IL-6 polymorphism with smoking in determining their associated risk with CAD.     

Serum levels of vaspin and visfatin in patients with coronary artery disease—Kozani study

BackgroundThe association of novel adipokines, vaspin and visfatin, with atherosclerosis is still obscure. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship of those adipokines with the existence as well as the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD), suggesting a link between adiposity and atherosclerosis.MethodsWe enrolled a total of 108 patients with angiographically proven stable, asymptomatic CAD and 65 healthy controls (HC) without cardiovascular diseases. The severity of CAD was assessed using coronary angiography by the Gensini score. Clinical parameters, glycemic and lipid profile, high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP), vaspin and visfatin levels were assayed.ResultsSerum levels of vaspin were significantly lower in subjects with CAD [0.91 (0.44–1.29) ng/ml] than healthy controls [1.42 (0.96–2.42) ng/ml] (p = 0.009). Inversely, visfatin (p = 0.016) and hsCRP (p < 0.001) levels were considerably up-regulated in CAD vs HC group. Multivariate analysis demonstrated decreased vaspin and increased visfatin levels to correlate with CAD presence, independent of other cardiovascular risk factors (p < 0.05). Standard multiple regression revealed HDL, LDL-C and vaspin to be independent determinants of Gensini score (R² = 0.189, p = 0.019). Notably, statin-free patients had even lower vaspin levels compared to statin users (p = 0.018).ConclusionsDecreased vaspin and increased visfatin serum levels were observed in asymptomatic patients with CAD. Low vaspin concentrations seemed to correlate with CAD severity.     

Lipid, protein, DNA oxidation and antioxidant status in rheumatoid arthritis

ObjectivesTo investigate lipid, protein, DNA oxidation and antioxidant status in blood and synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and to determine the importance of oxidative stress parameters in reflecting disease activity.Design and methods20 RA patients and 15 healthy controls were included. Lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), lipid hydroperoxide, and conjugated diene), protein oxidation (carbonyl and thiol), DNA oxidation (8-OHdG) and antioxidant status markers (glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH Px), superoxide dismutase (CuZn SOD), and catalase) were determined in blood and synovial fluid.ResultsTBARS (p < 0.001), lipid hydroperoxide (p < 0.001), conjugated diene (p < 0.001), carbonyl (p < 0.001) and 8-OHdG (p < 0.01) levels were significantly higher; thiol (p < 0.01) and GSH levels (p < 0.01) and GSH Px (p < 0.001) and CuZn SOD (p < 0.01) activities were significantly lower in blood of RA patients. TBARS (p < 0.001), lipid hydroperoxide (p < 0.001), conjugated diene (p < 0.01), carbonyl (p < 0.001) and 8-OHdG (p < 0.05) levels were significantly higher, catalase activity (p < 0.001) significantly lower in synovial fluid of RA patients.ConclusionsIncreased lipid, protein and DNA oxidation markers and impaired antioxidant status confirm the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of RA. Lipid peroxidation markers can serve as surrogate markers for disease activity.     

HDL 2 Particles are associated with hyperglycaemia,lower PON1 activity and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

ObjectivesIn this study we examined the relationship of oxidative stress and hyperglycaemia to antioxidative capacity of high-density cholesterol (HDL-C) particles in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).Design and methodsOxidative stress status parameters (superoxide anion (O₂^?), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and paraoxonase (PON1) status were assessed in 114 patients with type 2 DM and 91 healthy subjects. HDL particle diameters were determined by non-denaturing polyacrylamide gradient (3–31%) gel electrophoresis.ResultsPatients had significantly higher concentrations of oxidative stress parameter O₂^?(p < 0.001) and antioxidative defence, SOD activity (p < 0.001). Paraoxonase activity was significantly lower in diabetics (p < 0.001). The PON1₁₉₂ phenotype distribution among study groups was not significantly different. HDL 3 phenotype was significantly prevalent among patients (p < 0.001). Paraoxonase activity was significantly lower in patients with predominantly HDL 2 particles than in controls.ConclusionsThe results of our current study indicate that the diabetic HDL 2 phenotype is associated with hyperglycaemia, lower PON1 activity and elevated oxidative stress.     

Association between lipoprotein(a) levels, apo(a) isoforms and family history of premature CAD in young Asian Indians

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to explore the association between lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels, apo(a) isoforms and family history of premature coronary artery disease (CAD) in young Asian Indians.Design and methods220 patients (age < 40 years) with angiographic evidence of CAD and 160 age matched healthy controls were enrolled for the study. Thirty one percent of the patients and 17% of the controls had positive family history (PFH) of premature CAD. Plasma Lp(a) levels were determined by ELISA and apo(a) isoform size was determined using high-resolution immunoblotting method.ResultsMedian plasma Lp(a) levels were 2.5 times higher in patients as compared to controls (30 mg/dL vs 12.7 mg/dL; p < 0.05). The patient group having a heterozygous apo(a) isoform pattern showed higher Lp(a) levels as compared to the homozygous group (44.0 ± 38.7 vs 28.0 ± 26.4 mg/dL; p < 0.001). Further low molecular weight apo(a) isoforms (LMW; < 22 KIV repeats) were prevalent among CAD patients with PFH as compared to negative family history (62% vs 14%, p < 0.05) and this group had the highest Lp(a) levels. Stepwise regression analysis showed that Lp(a) levels and not the apo(a) isoform size, entered the model as significant independent predictors of CAD in young Asian Indians.ConclusionsThis study suggests that elevated Lp(a) levels confer genetic predisposition to CAD in young Asian Indians. Thus determination of Lp(a) levels along with other risk factors should be used to assess overall risk for CAD in this ethnic group.     

Increased urinary level of oxidized nucleosides in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease

Objective:Oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD).Design and methods:To investigate the possible role of oxidative DNA damage in the pathogenesis of AD, we measured the metabolite concentrations of oxidized nucleosides (pseudouridine, 1-methyladenosine, 5-methylcytidine, 5-methyl-2′-deoxycytidine, 3-methyluridine, N², N²-dimethylguanosine, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, 5-deoxyadenosine and 2-deoxyguanosine) in urine between AD (n = 36) and control subjects (n = 34) using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) without urine preparation.Results:In AD, the 3-methyluridine, 1-methyladenosine, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (p < 0.05, respectively), 2-deoxyguanosine (p < 0.01) and pseudouridine, N², N²-dimethylguanosine (p < 0.001, respectively) were significantly increased when compared with the control subjects.Conclusion:The results indicate that oxidized urinary nucleosides may be useful as biomarkers for AD in early stages.     

Butyrylcholinesterase activity is reduced in haemodialysis patients: Is there association with hyperhomocysteinemia and/or oxidative stress?

Objectives:To quantify serum butyrylcholinesterase activity in haemodialysis patients and to evaluate if the homocysteine levels and/or oxidative stress biomarkers have an effect on butyrylcholinesterase.Materials and methods:Blood samples were collected from patients and healthy subjects (control). The plasma homocysteine and TBARS levels; serum butyrylcholinesterase activity; blood δ aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D) activity and methahaemoglobin were analyzed. The mortality of the patients was also evaluated after 3 years.Results:The homocysteine was increased and butyrylcholinesterase decreased compared to control (p < 0.05). TBARS and methahaemoglobin were increased and ALA-D decreased (p < 0.05). The following correlations were found: homocysteine with butyrylcholinesterase (? 0.44); methahaemoglobin (0.41); ALA-D (? 0.68); and TBARS (0.66). The partial correlation between homocysteine with butyrylcholinesterase, withdrawn the effect of TBARS, was ? 0.30; all p < 0.05. Moreover, it was observed that 22% of the patients died due to cardiovascular problems.Conclusion:Thus, our findings support a direct association between the reduction of butyrylcholinesterase by the increase of homocysteine and an indirect effect by increase in oxidative stress.     

Butyrylcholinesterase activity in young men and women: association with cardiovascular risk factors

ObjectiveWe investigated the relationship between butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) and cardiovascular risk factors in young male and female.Design and methodsThe study comprised 1512 healthy subjects, 18–25 years of age. In fasting sera the concentrations of BuChE and cardiovascular risk factors were estimated.ResultsAnalysis of variance indicated significant increase in body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoproteins (LDL) (p < 0.05) and albumin (p < 0.001) with BuChE activity increment in males. In females glucose and albumin (p < 0.05) increased with BuChE activity. Negative but not significant correlation between BuChE and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was detected for both genders.ConclusionThe tendency towards overweight in young male could explain our results on BMI as an independent risk factor for higher BuChE in young male. Glucose as an independent risk factor for higher BuChE activity in females indicates that BuChE may be a predictor of diabetes.     

Assessment of paraoxonase activity and lipid peroxidation levels in diabetic and senile subjects suffering from cataract

Objectives:The purpose of this study was to evaluate antioxidant effect of paraoxonase 1 activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as a marker of oxidative stress in patients suffering from cataract due to diabetes and aging.Design and methods:One hundred cataract patients (senile and diabetic) and age- and sex-matched controls were studied. Paraoxonase 1 and arylesterase activities in plasma samples were measured using paraoxon and phenylacetate as substrates, respectively. The magnitude of lipid peroxidation was established by measuring plasma MDA and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox LDL) levels. One-way ANOVA was employed for analysis of results.Results:We observed significantly lower plasma paraoxonase and arylesterase activities in senile and diabetic cataractous patients as compared to respective controls (p < 0.001). Plasma MDA and ox LDL levels were found to be higher in patients suffering from cataract (p < 0.001).Conclusions:The results of present study suggest that the observed decrease in PON1 activity may be due to increase in oxidative stress. It can be concluded that lower paraoxonase activity could contribute to the higher risk of cataract formation.     

The severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease correlates with high sensitivity C-reactive protein value and is independently associated with increased cardiovascular risk in healthy population

ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate the correlation between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).Design and methodsWe analyzed 724 subjects without CVD according to presence or absence of NAFLD. Logistic regression model was used to determine if NAFLD was an independent risk factor of CVD.ResultsSubjects with NAFLD had increased percentage of 10-year cardiovascular risk ≧ 10% compared to those without NAFLD (p < 0.001). The severity of NAFLD significantly correlated with increasing Framingham risk score and C-relative protein (CRP) value. After adjusting for conventional CVD risk factors, the presence of NAFLD was an independent predictor for future CVD risk ≧ 10% [odds ratio: 1.89, p = 0.004]. Subgroup analysis showed the predictive value of NAFLD was significant among aged subjects and those with increased baseline hsCRP level.ConclusionsNAFLD is independently associated with increased CVD risk, especially among elderly subjects and those with increased CRP level.     

Increased inflammatory response and imbalance in blood and urinary oxidant-antioxidant status in South Indian women with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to assess the association of blood and urinary oxidative stress parameters and inflammatory markers in women with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.Design and methodsMalondialdehyde, protein bound sialic acid and C-reactive protein were estimated in serum and urine of pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia (n = 30) and gestational hypertension (n = 30) and the results were compared with 30 normal pregnant women.ResultsWhole blood glutathione level was reduced, and malondialdehyde and C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher and correlated with each other in preeclampsia (p < 0.05). Urinary malondialdehyde significantly correlated with urinary protein bound sialic acid in preeclampsia (r = 0.412; p = 0.02). Receiver operating curve analysis of serum protein bound sialic acid and serum malondialdehyde showed reasonable cutoff values for the differential diagnosis of preeclampsia.ConclusionsOxidative stress and inflammatory response are greater in women with preeclampsia in comparison to pregnant women with gestational hypertension and there is an association between oxidative stress and inflammatory response.     

Insulin resistance is associated with the metabolic syndrome and is not directly linked to coronary artery disease

BackgroundInsulin resistance (IR) is the key feature of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Its association with directly visualized coronary atherosclerosis is unclear. We hypothesised that insulin resistance is associated with both angiographically determined coronary artery disease (CAD) and with the MetS.MethodsIn 986 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography for the evaluation CAD, IR was determined by the HOMA index; the MetS was defined according to NCEP-ATPIII criteria; and significant CAD was diagnosed when coronary stenoses ≥ 50% were present.ResultsHOMA IR scores were higher in MetS patients than in subjects without the MetS (4.9 ± 6.4 vs. 2.2 ± 2.0; p < 0.001). HOMA IR did not differ significantly between patients with significant CAD and those who did not have significant CAD. When both, the presence of MetS and of significant CAD were considered, HOMA IR was significantly higher in patients with the MetS both among those who had significant CAD (4.9 ± 6.8 vs. 2.2 ± 1.8; p < 0.001) and among those who did not have significant CAD (5.0 ± 5.8 vs. 2.1 ± 2.3; p < 0.001), it did not differ significantly between patients with significant CAD and subjects without significant CAD among patients with the MetS nor among those without MetS. Similar results were obtained with the IDF definition of the MetS.ConclusionIR is significantly associated with the MetS but not with angiographically determined CAD. IR may play a greater role in the eventual precipitation of thrombosis than in the gradual progression of atherosclerosis.     

Is serum transthyretin a reliable marker of nutritional status in patients with end-stage renal disease?

ObjectiveTo test the value of serum transthyretin (TTR) concentration as a nutritional marker in renal patients.MethodsThe study included 115 renal patients, out of which 35 are on conservative treatment, 50 on hemodialysis and 30 renal transplant recipients, and 31 healthy control subjects. Serum TTR, albumin, transferrin, C-reactive protein (CRP) and α1 anti trypsine (AAT) were assessed by immunoturbidimetry, and vitamin A by HPLC. Linear regression models were applied to test the association between serum TTR and body mass index (BMI).ResultsSerum TTR concentrations were normal, but serum vitamin A, CRP and AAT concentrations were significantly higher in patients. In renal patients, serum TTR was positively and independently related to BMI and was significantly lower in malnourished than well-nourished patients (367 ± 91 vs. 417 ± 130 mg/L; p = 0.05). The risk of serum TTR < 300 mg/L was higher in malnourished patients [OR, 4.82 (1.78–13.2); p = 0.001].ConclusionSerum TTR concentrations were at normal range in renal patients despite evidence of malnutrition and inflammation. However, they were related to BMI and were significantly lowered in malnourished patients. Thus, serum TTR would reflect nutritional status in renal patients. However, the cutoff of malnutrition should be raised to 300 mg/L.     

Oxidative modification of patient's plasma proteins and its role in pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis

BackgroundOxidative stress plays an important role in multiple sclerosis (MS).Objective and methodsThe present study was designed to evaluate the modifications of plasma proteins by estimation markers of oxidative/nitrosative stress: carbonyl groups and 3-nitrotyrosines (3-NT) levels in relapsing-remitting (RR) (n = 10) and secondary progressive (SP) (n = 10) clinical course of multiple sclerosis. Moreover, we estimated the level of uric acid (UA) in plasma of MS patients.ResultsCompared to controls (n = 10), the levels of carbonyl groups in plasma proteins were elevated (P < 0.0001) as well in RRMS as in SPMS. The highest concentration of 3-NT was observed in plasma proteins obtained from SPMS patients (P < 0.0005). The level of uric acid in plasma was significantly lower in RRMS (P < 0.0001) than SPMS.ConclusionThis is the first report which presented differences between SPMS and RRMS patients in 3-NT and protein carbonyl groups in plasma proteins.     

Effects of lifestyle modification on oxidized LDL,reactive oxygen species production and endothelial cell viability in patients with coronary artery disease

ObjectivesWe evaluated the effects of lifestyle modification (LM) on lipid profile, oxidative stress and serum-stimulated human coronary artery endothelial cell (HCAEC) viability in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients after 6 months.Design and methodsThirty patients with CAD were randomly assigned to LM intervention (n = 15) and usual care control (n = 15) groups. LM-intervened patients were instructed to consume low-fat, high-antioxidants and fiber diets. Moderate exercise and stress management were also advised. Group support to maintain patients' compliance was applied.ResultsSerum cholesterol, triglyceride, oxidized LDL and protein carbonyl were decreased in LM group. Serum triglyceride was increased in control group. HCAEC viability was increased, while intracellular reactive oxygen species was decreased, by serum from the LM group.ConclusionLM is capable of improving lipid profile, reducing oxidative stress and increasing HCAEC survival in the patients with CAD, hence lowering a risk for the future cardiovascular event.     

Elevated levels of myeloperoxidase, white blood cell count and 3-chlorotyrosine in Taiwanese patients with acute myocardial infarction

ObjectivesInflammation, a major risk factor for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), is associated with leukocytic activation, secretion of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and generation of the oxidative damage marker, 3-chlorotyrosine (3-Cl-Tyr). To study their association with AMI and their value in diagnosis of AMI, white blood cell (WBC) count, plasma MPO, plasma 3-Cl-Tyr, and conventional risk factors such as cardiac troponin I and CK-MB were examined in AMI patients during the onset of chest pain.MethodsAfter obtaining informed consent, blood samples were collected from 77 AMI patients during the onset of chest pain and from 53 normal controls. The samples were analyzed for WBC count using SE-9000 automated analyzer. Plasma MPO was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Plasma levels of 3-Cl-Tyr, a product of MPO, were analyzed by HPLC coupled with Coularray electrochemical detection.ResultsThe WBC, plasma MPO and 3-Cl-Tyr levels were significantly elevated in AMI patients than in normal controls (p < 0.001). The levels of WBC, MPO and 3-Cl-Tyr alone were strongly associated with the prevalence of AMI. Plasma MPO was correlated with 3-Cl-Tyr (r = 0.389, p < 0.01) and WBC counts (r = 0.405, p < 0.01) respectively. The ROC curve analyses suggested that MPO had the best specificity and sensitivity among these oxidative stress-related markers.ConclusionPlasma MPO value should be considered as a better marker for early diagnosis of AMI, as compared with WBC count or 3-Cl-Tyr.     

Effect of obesity on the association between common variations in the HNF1A gene region and C-reactive protein level in Taiwanese

BackgroundThe level of C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory biomarker that predicts future cardiovascular events, is a heritable trait that has been associated with variants of CRP and hepatic nuclear factor-1α (HNF1A) genes. Our aim was to test the statistical association between HNF1A genotypes/haplotypes and serum CRP level in Taiwanese.MethodsA sample population of 617 Taiwanese subjects (all Han-Chinese origin) was enrolled. Five HNF1A single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs1920792, rs1169288, rs7310409, rs2464196, rs1169310 were genotyped and analyzed.ResultsAfter adjusting for clinical covariates, minor alleles of all the 5 study SNPs were associated with decreased CRP level (P = 0.0078, P = 0.0107, P = 0.0006, P = 0.0004 and P = 0.0003, respectively). A common haplotype (TGATA) tagged by the minor alleles of study SNPs was associated with significantly decreased CRP level (P = 0.0112). Subgroup analysis revealed that the association between HNF1A genotypes and CRP level occurred only in non-obese subjects.ConclusionsHNF1A polymorphisms are independently associated with CRP level in Taiwanese. Further, HNF1A genotypes interact with obesity to set CRP level, revealing that genetic determinants for CRP level may be different between obese and non-obese individuals.