Erythrocyte Deformability and Na,K-ATPase Activity in Various Pathophysiological Situations and Their Protection by Selected Nutritional Antioxidants in Humans

The physicochemical and functional properties of erythrocytes are worsened in a variety of diseases. Erythrocyte deformability refers to their ability to adjust their shape according to external forces exerted against them in the circulation. It is influenced by the functionality of the Na,K-ATPase enzyme, which is localized in their membranes. The proposed review is focused on knowledge regarding changes in erythrocyte Na,K-ATPase activity, and their impact on erythrocyte deformability in various pathophysiological situations observed exclusively in human studies, as well as on the potential erytroprotective effects of selected natural nutritional antioxidants. A clear link between the erythrocyte properties and the parameters of oxidative stress was observed. The undesirable consequences of oxidative stress on erythrocyte quality and hemorheology could be at least partially prevented by intake of diverse antioxidants occurring naturally in foodstuffs. Despite intensive research concerning the effect of antioxidants, only a small number of investigations on erythrocyte properties in humans is available in databases. It is worth shifting attention from animal and in vitro experiments and focusing more on antioxidant administration in human studies in order to establish what type of antioxidant, in what concentration, and in which individuals it may provide a beneficial effect on the human organism, by protecting erythrocyte properties.

Nutritional Antioxidants and Lipid Profile in Newly Diagnosed Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic progressive autoimmune disorder characterized by symmetric erosive synovitis. The pathogenesis of bone erosion and joint deformities are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to find out vitamin C and E levels along with the lipid profile in newly diagnosed cases of RA. Materials and Methods: The patients for the study were selected from individuals attending the routine checkup in an Outpatient Department. Based on the criteria led by the American Rheumatism Association (ARA), the newly diagnosed patients were taken as cases and other normal individuals were taken as control group in the study. A total of 50 subjects were included in the study with the age group of 48 ± six years for both genders. Serum Vitamin-E was determined by the colorimetric method and serum Vitamin-C was estimated by the dinitro phenyl hydrazine method. Serum total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and VLDL levels were estimated by the enzymatic method. LDL- cholesterol was calculated by the Friedewald's formula. Results: The levels of nutritional antioxidants vitamin E and C were different significantly in RA patients compared to control group. The lipid profile parameters were also different significantly in RA patients compared to the controls. Conclusion: Patients with RA presented with an imbalance in the oxidant-antioxidant system that markedly increased lipid peroxidation products and significantly decreased lipid soluble antioxidant vitamin E. These changes might play a role in the tissue damage and inflammation process in this disease.

DETECTION OF IMIDACLOPRID RESIDUES IN SPINACH BY HPLC AND ITS EFFECT ON ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY

Imidacloprid is an insecticide for the control of green peach aphids on selected fruits and vegetables. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is used as a functional food for its wholesome nutritional, antioxidants and anti-cancer composition. In the present study, HPLC technique is applied to detect Imidacloprid residues in fresh Spinach, when treated with legal and illegal doses by some farmers. Samples of fresh bio-vegetables were bought and divided into three groups (blank, group treated with legal dose and group treated with illegal dose of Imidacloprid). Freeze-dried samples were extracted with ethyl acetate, filtered and evaporated till dryness. Interestingly, comparison of antioxidant activity of organic spinach sample (not exposed to pesticide) with treated samples (propylgallate positive control having 100% antioxidant activity) showed reduction of antioxidant activity for the treated samples (spinach sample with illegal dose) but slightly higher in spinach sample with legal dose. These results indicate a lower nutritional quality of the treated Spinach with illegal doses.

Curcumin and Heme Oxygenase: Neuroprotection and Beyond

Curcumin is a natural polyphenol component of Curcuma longa Linn, which is currently considered one of the most effective nutritional antioxidants for counteracting free radical-related diseases. Several experimental data have highlighted the pleiotropic neuroprotective effects of curcumin, due to its activity in multiple antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways involved in neurodegeneration. Although its poor systemic bioavailability after oral administration and low plasma concentrations represent restrictive factors for curcumin therapeutic efficacy, innovative delivery formulations have been developed in order to overwhelm these limitations. This review provides a summary of the main findings involving the heme oxygenase/biliverdin reductase system as a valid target in mediating the potential neuroprotective properties of curcumin. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic properties and concerns about curcumin’s safety profile have been addressed.