Effect of different storage solutions on oxidative stress in human saphenous vein grafts

Background Ischemia–reperfusion injury of saphenous vein grafts (SVG) during coronary artery bypass grafting surgery negatively impacts endothelial integrity and functionality and is associated with vein graft failure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of oxidative stress in human SVG segments following ischemic storage in three intraoperative graft storage solutions: saline (S), autologous heparinized blood (HB) and DuraGraft (DG). Methods 3 mm tissue rings derived from surplus SVG segments from 50 patients were stored at room temperature for 30 min in DG, S or HB. Total oxidative status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels were determined from which the oxidative stress index (OSI: TOS/TAS ratio) was calculated. A p-value < 0.017 was considered significant implementing a Bonferroni correction. Results TOS values were significantly lower for DG stored samples in comparison to both S and HB; there was no difference between S and HB (DG: 32.6 ± 1.8, S: 39.6 ± 2.8 and HB: 40.6 ± 2.4 µmol H2O2 eqv.; DG vs. S and DG vs. HB p < 0.0001, S vs. HB p = 0.047). TAS was higher for both DG and HB in comparison to S (DG: 8.9 ± 0.9, S: 6.9 ± 1.0 and HB: 8.6 ± 0.9 mmol Trolox eqv.; DG vs S p < 0.0001, DG vs. HB p = 0.263, S vs. HB p < 0.0001). OSI differed between all groups with the lowest value for DG (DG: 3.7 ± 0.2, S: 5.8 ± 0.4 and HB: 4.7 ± 0.2 µmol H2O2 eqv./mmol Trolox eqv.; all p < 0.0001). Conclusions Saphenous veins grafts stored in DuraGraft had a lower oxidative level, higher antioxidant level and a lower oxidative stress index in comparison to saphenous vein grafts stored in saline or heparinized blood. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02922088.

Thymoquinone Improves Motility, Plasma Membrane and DNA Integrity of Frozen‐Thawed Ram Semen

This study aimed to determine the protective effects of Thymoquinone (TQ), which is the most essential active compound of Nigella sativa, on the spermatological parameters of frozen‐thawed ram semen. Ejaculates were collected from five Sonmez rams. Ejaculates were extended with control (0 µg/mL TQ), 10, 25, 50 and 100 µg/mL TQ supplemented Tris-based extender. Then extended semen samples were equilibrated in a +4 °C cold cabinet for 2 h. After 2 h the samples loaded into 0.25 mL French straws. The straws were then frozen by liquid nitrogen vapour and stored in a liquid nitrogen container (-196 °C). For analyses, frozen samples were thawed in a water bath (37 oC for 30 s) and evaluated in terms of motility characteristics, plasma membrane acrosome integrity (PMAI), mitochondrial reactive oxygen spices level (MITOSOX+), lipid peroxidation level (BODIPY+), DNA damage and biochemical alterations (oxidative stress index, malondialdehide and glutathione). TQ 100 had higher total and progressive motility compared to control (P˂0.05). According to motility characteristics there were significant differences between the groups on curvilinear velocity (VCL), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) and linearity (LIN; P˂0.05). The highest DNA damage was detected in control groups (P˂0.05). TQ50 had higher PMAI compared to control and TQ25 (P˂0.05). The lowest MITOSOX+ level was detected in TQ50 and TQ100 groups (P˂0.05). There were no significant differences on BODIPY+, oxidative stress index, malondialdehide and glutathione (P>0.05). According to results, it could be concluded that, supplementing 50 and 100µg/mL TQ to Tris extender that was used for ram semen cryopreservation, showed a positive effect on motility, PMAI and also decreased DNA damage and MITOSOX+.

In-vitro antioxidant and oxidant properties of Centaurea rigida

Many different natural materials are used in complementary medicine. Among natural products, herbal materials are used quite a lot. Centaurea rigida Willd. was used as material in this study. The antioxidant and oxidant potential of the plant was determined. The aerial parts of the plant sample were extracted with ethanol in a soxhlet device. Antioxidant and oxidant potentials were measured with Rel Assay kits. As a result of the studies, the total antioxidant value of the plant was determined as 3.522±0.166, the total oxidant value as 15.424±0.281 and the oxidative stress index as 0.440±0.020. It was determined that the plant has antioxidant potential, but its oxidant values are high. As a result, it was determined that C. rigida could be used as a natural antioxidant source.

Antioxidant Potentials of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Morus mesozygia Linn Stapf Twigs in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the antioxidant effects of aqueous, ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Morus mesozygia Linn. Stapf. Twigs in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats. Study Design: The study is an experimental case-controlled study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the Biochemistry Research Laboratory, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, between June, 2018 and April, 2019. Methodology: A total of 65 male albino rats that weighed between 150g to 200g were used for this research study. Three different extracted solvents; aqueous, ethanolic and methanolic twig extracts were administered to different groups of the rats. The male albino rats for this study were induced with a single dose of 40mg/kg b.wt, intraperitoneally of streptozotocin in 0.1M of citrate buffer, pH 4.5. The diabetic male rats were those whose fasting blood glucose (FBG) were from 250mg/dl or 13mmol/L and above. They were then divided into different groups and treated with different concentrations of aqueous, ethanolic and methanolic extracts of the plant material. At the end of treatment period, the rats were kept on fasting for 6 hours prior to the process of euthanasia, they were sacrificed and blood samples were collected through cardiac puncture for analysis into lithium heparin bottle for the estimation of oxidative stress markers, malondaldehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAS). Statistical analysis was done using GraphPad prism (version 6.1) software. Data generated were represented as mean and standard deviations (Mean ±S. D). Level of significant at Tukey’s Multiple Comparative Test was tested at p<0.0001. Charts were made possible with the application of Minitab version 2019. Results: The results showed that there were significant increases in the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD, 414.2±1.30) ng/ml, total antioxidant status (TAS, 82.97±7.71) mU/ml, total oxidant status (TOS, 355.02± 14.02) mU/ml activity, a reduced oxidative stress index of 4.29±0.26 and concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA of 18.67± 0.26mmol/L) when rats were treated with 400mg/kg of aqueous leaves of Morus mesozygia Linn. S. When compared with those of rats treated with 200mg/kg of aqueous leaf extracts of MMLS. there was a significant increases and decreases respectively. Other methods of extractions (methanolic and ethanolic), also improved the antioxidant statuses of the diabetes induced and treated rats after treatment of the extracts. Conclusion: The three extracts of Morus mesozygia Linn. S showed tremendous antioxidant effects against Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, with the methanolic extract showing the most potent effect.

Impact of dorzolamide, benzalkonium-preserved dorzolamide and benzalkonium-preserved brinzolamide on selected biomarkers of oxidative stress in the tear film

Background Long-term use of topical, especially benzalkonium chloride (BAC)-preserved, antiglaucoma medications can cause a negative impact on the ocular surface. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) on selected oxidative stress biomarkers in the tear film. Methods The patients were divided into four sex-matched groups: group C (n = 25) – control group – subjects who did not use topical antiglaucoma medications, group DL (n = 14) – patients using preservative-free dorzolamide, group DL + BAC (n = 16) – patients using topical BAC-preserved dorzolamide, group BL + BAC (n = 17) – patients using BAC-preserved brinzolamide. Subjects in all the study groups have been using the eye drops two times daily for 6–12 months. The oxidative stress biomarkers in the tear film samples were measured: total protein (TP) concentration, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) content, total sulfhydryl (-SH) groups content, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), as well as Total Oxidant Status (TOS), Total Antioxidant Response (TAR), and Oxidative Stress Index (OSI). Results The advanced oxidation protein products content, Total Oxidant Status as well as superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the group DL + BAC and BL + BAC were higher in comparison with the group C. The total sulfhydryl groups content was lower in the group DL + BAC and BL + BAC when compared to group C. Oxidative Stress Index was higher in the groups DL + BAC and BL + BAC in comparison with the groups DL and C. Conclusions Use of topical benzalkonium chloride-preserved carbonic anhydrase inhibitors increases oxidative stress in the tear film.

Chitosan That Renewable Film and Coatings, Evaluation in Terms of Drosophila

The dried mulberry (Morus alba) is among the fruits that occurrence a high risk of storage pests due to its high sugar content. Coating materials slow down the chemical spoilage that will occur in foods. The effect of the coating material used in the study on mulberry and Drosophila melanogaster was determined. The insect’s weight, texture, and biochemical analysis (Total oxidant- TOS; total antioxidant levels-TAS; oxidative stress index-OSI; Glutathione-S-transferase-GST and Catalase-CAT enzymes) were determined as a result of the application. In terms of weight, it was observed that the weight of individuals fed with 1% chitosan-coated mulberry was higher in female and male individuals. In terms of texture, the highest hardness was measured in males fed 0.2% chitosan and females fed 1% chitosan. Because of the biochemical analysis, the insect does not create resistance. The GST, CAT and TAS enzymes are synthesized close to normal. The OSI is low without increasing TOS, indicating that 1 and 2% coated mulberries are usable in environments and insects.

Oxidative stress index can be a new marker related to disease severity in COVID-19

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between systemic oxidative balance, and the severity of the disease in patients with COVID 19. Methods Sixty-four patients were divided into three groups according to the severity of the disease: mild (n=28), moderate (n=11) and severe (n=25). Twenty-four healthy controls included to the study. Proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α), D-dimer, fibrinogen, total oxidative status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS) were measured and oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. Results The mean age of severe group was significantly higher than the other groups (p=0.001). TAS levels were significantly decreased in all patient groups compared to controls, while serum TOS and OSI levels were significantly different in all three stages of the disease. Serum IL-6 and TNF- α levels were significantly elevated in severe group compared to other groups. TOS and OSI levels were also significantly correlated with IL-6, CRP, ferritin, fibrinogen, LDH and D-dimer. Conclusions TOS and OSI levels are an indicator of systemic oxidative balance in COVID-19 and related to the disease severity. They can be an important marker for evaluating the disease severity and used in the management of patients with COVID-19.