Dietary antioxidant capacity is associated with improved serum antioxidant status and decreased serum C-reactive protein and plasma homocysteine concentrations

Purpose

To investigate the associations of dietary TAC from diet and supplements with serum antioxidant concentrations and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) in US adults.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study. Food consumption data, serum antioxidant levels, and serum CRP and Plasma tHcy concentrations of 4,391 US adults aged ≥19 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001–2002 were analyzed. The USDA flavonoid and proanthocyanidin databases and dietary supplement data as well as antioxidant capacities of 43 antioxidants were also utilized.

Result

Serum CRP and plasma tHcy concentrations were higher in older adults, smokers, and those with lower non-leisure time physical activity levels (P < 0.05). Energy-adjusted daily total antioxidant capacity (TAC) from diet and supplements was positively associated with serum vitamin E and carotenoid concentrations (P < 0.05). Adjusted odds ratio (OR) for plasma tHcy >13 μmol/L significantly decreased across quartiles of TAC from diet and supplements (Q1 = 2.18 (1.56–2.77); Q2 = 1.30 (1.00–2.07); Q3 = 1.34 (0.84–2.28); Q4 = 1.00; P for linear trend <0.001). A negative trend across quartiles of TAC from diet and supplements was also observed in OR for serum CRP ≥3 mg/L (Q1 = 1.26 (0.97–1.70); Q2 = 1.21 (0.91–1.66); Q3 = 0.97 (0.80–1.24); Q4 = 1.00; P for linear trend <0.05).

Conclusions

These findings indicated that dietary TAC provided an integrated conceptual tool in assessing serum antioxidants and investigating the associations between antioxidant intake and CVD risk. The implicated applicability of dietary TAC needs further validation in prospective cohort studies.     

Fluoxetine prevents MPTP-induced loss of dopaminergic neurons by inhibiting microglial activation

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Mice treated with MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) exhibit microglial activation-induced oxidative stress and inflammation, and nigrostriatal DA neuronal damage, and thus serve as an experimental model of PD. Here, we report that fluoxetine, one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants, prevents MPTP-induced degeneration of nigrostriatal DA neurons and increases striatal dopamine levels with the partial motor recovery. This was accompanied by inhibiting transient expression of proinflammatory cytokines and inducible nitric oxide synthase; and attenuating microglial NADPH oxidase activation, reactive oxygen species/reactive nitrogen species production, and consequent oxidative damage. Interestingly, fluoxetine was found to protect DA neuronal damage from 1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridinium (MPP⁺) neurotoxicity in co-cultures of mesencephalic neurons and microglia but not in neuron-enriched mesencephalic cultures devoid of microglia. The present in vivo and in vitro findings show that fluoxetine may possess anti-inflammatory properties and inhibit glial activation-mediated oxidative stress. Therefore, we carefully propose that neuroprotection of fluoxetine might be associated with its anti-inflammatory properties and could be employed as novel therapeutic agents for PD and other disorders associated with neuroinflammation and microglia-derived oxidative damage.     

Quartz measurement in coal dust with high-flow rate samplers: laboratory study

A laboratory study was performed to measure quartz in coal dust using high-flow rate samplers (CIP10-R, GK2.69 cyclone, and FSP10 cyclone) and low-flow rate samplers [10-mm nylon and Higgins-Dewell type (BGI4L) cyclones] and to determine whether an increased mass collection from high-flow rate samplers would affect the subsequent quartz measurement by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analytical procedures. Two different sizes of coal dusts, mass median aerodynamic diameter 4.48 μm (Coal Dust A) and 2.33 μm (Coal Dust B), were aerosolized in a calm air chamber. The mass of coal dust collected by the samplers was measured gravimetrically, while the mass of quartz collected by the samplers was determined by FTIR (NIOSH Manual of Analytical Method 7603) and XRD (NIOSH Manual of Analytical Method 7500) after one of two different indirect preparations. Comparisons between high-flow rate samplers and low-flow rate samplers were made by calculating mass concentration ratios of coal dusts, net mass ratios of coal dusts, and quartz net mass. Mass concentrations of coal dust from the FSP10 cyclone were significantly higher than those from other samplers and mass concentrations of coal dust from 10-mm nylon cyclone were significantly lower than those from other samplers, while the CIP10-R, GK2.69, and BGI4L samplers did not show significant difference in the comparison of mass concentration of coal dusts. The BGI4L cyclone showed larger mass concentration of ～9% compared to the 10-mm nylon cyclone. All cyclones provided dust mass concentrations that can be used in complying with the International Standard Organization standard for the determination of respirable dust concentration. The amount of coal dust collected from the high-flow rate samplers was found to be higher with a factor of 2-8 compared to the low-flow rate samplers but not in direct proportion of increased flow rates. The high-flow rate samplers collected more quartz compared to low-flow rate samplers in the range of 2-10. There was no significant difference between the per cent (%) quartz in coal dust between the FTIR and XRD analyses. The findings of this study indicated that the increased mass of quartz collected with high-flow rate samplers would provide precise analytical results (i.e. significantly above the limit of detection and/or limit of quantification) compared to the mass collected with low-flow rate samplers, especially in environments with low concentrations of quartz or where short sampling times are desired.     

Biomolecular evidence of anti-inflammatory effects by Clematis mandshurica Ruprecht root extract in rodent cells

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Clematis mandshurica Ruprecht root is widely used in Asia as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. This research investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of Clematis mandshurica Ruprecht root extract (CRE) using RAW 264.7 macrophage cells and carrageenan- (CA-) induced rat paw edema.

Materials and methods

Production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) in the culture supernatant, mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS and COX-2, protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in the extract were assayed. In addition, the effect of CRE on acute inflammation in vivo was observed using CA-induced rat hind paw edema assay. The changes on the histopathology and histomorphometry of hind paw skins—dorsum and ventrum pedis were observed using CA-treated rats.

Results

Treatment with CRE (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/mL) resulted in inhibited levels of protein expression of lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced iNOS, COX-2, NF-κB, and MAPKs (ERK, JNK, and p38) as well as production of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, NO, and PGE₂ induced by LPS. Consistent with these results, CRE reduced the LPS-induced expressions of these cytokines, iNOS and COX-2 at the mRNA levels in a dose-dependent manner. In particular, results of the CA-induced rat hind paw edema assay showed an anti-edema effect of CRE. In addition, treatment with CRE resulted in dose-dependent inhibition of CA-induced increases of skin thickness, mast cell degranulation, and infiltrated inflammatory, TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS, and COX-2-positive cells in both dorsum and ventrum pedis skin, respectively.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that CRE exhibits anti-inflammatory activities via decreasing production of pro-inflammatory mediators through suppression of the pathways of NF-κB and MAPKs in LPS-induced macrophage cells. In addition, results of the CA-induced rat hind paw edema assay show an anti-edema effect of CRE. Our findings also support the traditional use of CRE in the inflammatory symptoms of rheumatic arthritis and acute icteric hepatitis. Thus, CRE may have therapeutic potential for a variety of inflammation-mediated diseases and may be developed into potent anti-inflammatory drugs.     

Receptors involved in the antinociception of intrathecal melatonin in formalin test of rats

The authors examined the antinocicepotive effect of melatonin in a nociceptive state and investigated a possible interaction with adrenergic or cholinergic receptors underlying this effect at the spinal level. Nociception was induced by a subcutaneous injection of 50 μl of a 5% formalin solution to the hindpaw of male Sprague–Dawley rats. The reversal effects of alpha-1 adrenoceptor antagonist (prazosin), alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonist (yohimbine), muscarinic receptor antagonist (atropine) and nicotinic receptor antagonist (mecamylamine) on the activity of melatonin were assessed. Intrathecal melatonin reduced the flinching response during phase 1 and phase 2 in the formalin test. Intrathecal prazosin, yohimbine, atropine and mecamylamine increased the attenuating flinching response in both phases observed by intrathecal melatonin. Collectively, the present data suggest that intrathecal melatonin attenuates the facilitated state and acute pain evoked by formalin injection. Furthermore, the antinociception of melatonin is mediated through the alpha-1 adrenoceptor, alpha-2 adrenoceptor, muscarinic and nicotinic receptors in the spinal cord.     

Prognostic Significance of Volume-Based FDG PET/CT Parameters in Patients with Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Treated with Chemoradiation Therapy

Purpose

We investigated the prognostic role of volume-based parameters measured on ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) scans in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) treated with chemoradiation therapy (CRT).

Materials and Methods

We enrolled 60 patients with LAPC who underwent FDG PET/CT before CRT. Maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) of primary pancreatic cancers were measured on FDG PET/CT scans. Treatment response was evaluated according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine independent prognostic factors.

Results

The progression-free survival (PFS), locoregional progression-free survival (LRFPS), and overall survival (OS) for this population were 6.2, 10.9, and 13.2 months, respectively. The overall treatment response rate was 16.7% at 4 weeks after CRT, and the disease control rate (DCR) was 80.0%. DCR was significantly higher in patients with low SUVmax, MTV, or TLG, and showed strong correlation with longer survival times. On univariate analysis, MTV and TLG were significant prognostic factors for PFS, LRPFS, and OS, together with pre-CRT and post-CRT CA19-9 levels. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that MTV together with the pre-CRT CA19-9 level were independent prognostic factors for PFS, LRPFS, and OS, as was TLG for LRPFS and OS.

Conclusion

MTV and the pre-CRT CA19-9 level provided independent prognostic information in patients with LAPC treated with CRT. Volume-based PET/CT parameters may be useful in identifying which subgroup of patients would benefit from radiation therapy as a part of CRT.     

Effects of vagus nerve preservation and vagotomy on peptide YY and body weight after subtotal gastrectomy

AIM: To investigate the relationship between the function of vagus nerve and peptide YY_3-36 and ghrelin levels after subtotal gastrectomy.METHODS: We enrolled a total of 16 patients who underwent subtotal gastrectomy due to gastric cancer. All surgeries were performed by a single skilled surgeon. We measured peptide YY_3-36, ghrelin, leptin, insulin, growth hormone levels, and body weight immediately before and one month after surgery.RESULTS: Vagus nerve preservation group showed less body weight loss and less increase of peptide YY_3-36 compared with vagotomy group (-5.56 ± 2.24 kg vs -7.85 ± 1.57 kg, P = 0.037 and 0.06 ± 0.08 ng/mL vs 0.19 ± 0.12 ng/mL, P = 0.021, respectively). Moreover, patients with body weight loss of less than 10% exhibited reduced elevation of peptide YY_3-36 level, typically less than 20% [6 (66.7%) vs 0 (0.0%), P = 0.011, odd ratio = 3.333, 95% confidence interval (1.293, 8.591)].CONCLUSION: Vagus nerve preservation contributes to the maintenance of body weight after gastrectomy, and this phenomenon may be related to the suppressed activity of peptide YY_3-36.     

Inhibitory effects of Doenjang,Korean traditional fermented soybean paste,on oxidative stress and inflammation in adipose tissue of mice fed a high-fat diet

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Doenjang, Korean traditional fermented soybean paste has been reported to have an anti-obesity effect. Because adipose tissue is considered a major source of inflammatory signals, we investigated the protective effects of Doenjang and steamed soybean on oxidative stress and inflammation in adipose tissue of diet-induced obese mice.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a low fat diet (LF), a high-fat diet (HF), or a high-fat containing Doenjang diet (DJ) or a high-fat containing steamed soybean diet (SS) for 11 weeks.

RESULTS

Mice fed a DJ diet showed significantly lower body and adipose tissue weights than those in the HF group. Although no significant differences in adipocyte size and number were observed among the HF diet-fed groups, consumption of Doenjang alleviated the incidence of crown-like structures in adipose tissue. Consistently, we observed significantly reduced mRNA levels of oxidative stress markers (heme oxygenase-1 and p40^phox), pro-inflammatory adipokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha and macrophage chemoattractant protein-1), macrophage markers (CD68 and CD11c), and a fibrosis marker (transforming growth factor beta 1) by Doenjang consumption. Gene expression of anti-inflammatory adipokine, adiponectin was significantly induced in the DJ group and the SS group compared to the HF group. The anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory effects observed in mice fed an SS diet were not as effective as those in mice fed a DJ diet, suggesting that the bioactive compounds produced during fermentation and aging may be involved in the observed health-beneficial effects of Doenjang.

CONCLUSIONS

Doenjang alleviated oxidative stress and restored the dysregulated expression of adipokine genes caused by excess adiposity. Therefore, Doenjang may ameliorate systemic inflammation and oxidative stress in obesity via inhibition of inflammatory signals of adipose tissue.     

Femoral head stress fracture: an unknown complication following Sugioka's transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy

Sugioka's transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy, as a treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head, has variable success rates. Its known complications include: progressive varus deformity, femoral neck fracture, and femoral head collapse. However, femoral head stress fracture has not been described as a complication of Sugioka's transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy. This article presents cases of 2 of 64 patients who underwent Sugioka's transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy between 1994 and 2006 and experienced femoral head stress fractures. Both patients were young and active. They presented with acute inability to bear weight and pain on the operated hip after mountain climbing 1 and a half to 3 years following the index surgery. Diagnosis of femoral head stress fracture was established by the presence of an inferolaterally-directed vertical fracture line from the superolateral aspect of the femoral head on computed tomography scans for both patients. One patient was successfully managed with conservative measures, whereas the other underwent total hip replacement after failed conservative treatment. We hypothesize that the direction alteration of the trabecular system due to proximal femoral segment rotation, varus positioning of the proximal femur, and inadequate placement of the screw into the necrotic femoral head may have caused the femoral head stress fractures after transtrochanteric rotational osteotomies. Stress fracture of the femoral head is a potential complication following Sugioka's transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy for osteonecrosis of the femoral head, which may be prevented by avoiding heavy exercises such as mountain climbing, until adequate remodeling of the trabecular system is gained and screws can be inserted into the femoral head subchondral bone as deeply as possible with avoidance of the necrotic area.