Patients with primary biliary cirrhosis have increased serum total antioxidant capacity measured with the crocin bleaching assay

AIM： The balance between oxidants and antioxidants can play an important role in the initiation and development of liver diseases. Recently, we have described a new automated method for the determination of total antioxidant capacity （TAC） in human serum and plasma.METHODS： We measured TAC and corrected TAC （CTACabstraction of interactions due to endogenous uric acid,bilirubin and albumin） in 52 patients with chronic liver diseases （41 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis （PBC）,10 patients with chronic hepatitis C and 13 patients with viral HCV cirrhosis） as well as in 10 healthy controls. In 23 PBC patients measurement were also done 6 mo after treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid （UDCA）. The TAC assay was based on a modification of the crocin bleaching assay. The results were correlated with routine laboratory measurements and the histological stage of PBC.RESULTS： There were no significant differences in TAC between the various groups. However, CTAC was considerably increased in the PBC group compared to controls and cirrhotics. Analysis of these patients according to disease stages showed that this increase was an early phenomenon observed only in stages I and II compared to controls, cirrhotics and patients with chronic hepatitis C）.After 6 mo of treatment with UDCA, levels of CTAC decreased to those similar to that of controls.CONCLUSION： Patients in the early stages of PBC present with high levels of corrected total antioxidant capacity and this maybe related to the pathophysiology of the disease. UDCA treatment restores the levels of CTAC to control levels.

Changes of total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status of aqueous humor in diabetes patients and correlations with diabetic retinopathy

AIM:To measure changes of total oxidant status(TOS)and total antioxidant capacity(TAC) of aqueous humor(AH) in diabetic retinopathy(DR) patients,and to determine if there were any differences in TOS and TAC of AH in diabetic patients without retinopathy compared with non-diabetic patients.·METHODS:One hundred and three eyes of 103patients who were enrolled for cataract surgery were included in this study.Patients were grouped according to presence of diabetes and stage of DR.Prior to cataract surgery,0.1mL to 0.2mL of AH was aspirated and analyzed for TAC and TOS level using a colorimetric method.·RESULTS:TOS levels were highest among proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR) patients and lowest in patients with only cataracts.Results were statistically significant between all groups(P 【0.05).Whereas result between diabetic without retinopathy patients and non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy(NPDR) patients was not statistically significant(P =0.757).TAC levels were highest in patients with only cataract and lowest among PDR patients and results were statistically significant between all groups(P 【0.05).·CONCLUSION:Aqueous humor TAC levels are low in diabetic patients and reduced further in DR patients,TOS levels are increased in diabetic patients and this is exacerbated in DR patients.

Dynamic Analysis of Nitric Oxide and Total Oxidant Capacity in Cow Uterine Secretion with Subclinical Endometritis

Subclinical endometritis is a physiological inflammation that serves to clear persistent contaminants from the uterus. To investigate the alteration of antioxidant, such as vitamin E（VE） and vitamin C（VC）, total oxidant capacity（TOC） and nitric oxide（NO） in cows with normal and subclinical endometritis（SCE）, we examined the concentrations of NO, VC and VE, TOC and polymorphonuclear neutrophils（PMN） percentage in uterine secretion. The cows were divided into two groups, normal（n=20） and subclinical endometritis（SCE, n=60）, based on endometrial cytology（presence of PMN≥5%）. Uterine secretion and blood were collected as described previously. Griess reaction was used to determine the concentration of NO. The concentrations of TOC, VC and VE were detected by a commercially available assay kit. The results showed that the concentrations of NO, TOC and PMN percentage were significantly higher（P〈0.01, P〈0.05, and P〈0.01, respectively） in uterine secretion with SCE compared to those from normal; however, the levels of VC and VE were significantly lesser（P〈0.01）. In conclusion, the concentrations of NO, TOC, VC, VE and PMN percentage differed between normal and SCE cows. Meanwhile, the relationship between the concentration of NO and PMN percentage from uterine secretion in cows with subclinical endometritis were positively correlated. Consequently, these alterations in NO, TOC, VC, VE levels and PMN percentage contributed to as a diagnostic index of the uterine inflammation, with the aim to increase the reproduction of the cows and the decrease economic losses.

Variability in total antioxidant capacity, antioxidant leaf pigments and foliage yield of vegetable amaranth

Twenty vegetable amaranth genotypes were evaluated for total antioxidant capacity, antioxidant leaf pigments, vitamins, and selection of suitable genotypes for extraction of juice in a randomized complete block design（RCBD） with three replications. Vegetable amaranth was rich in chlorophyll, β-cyanins, β-xanthins, betalains, carotene, ascorbic acid and total antioxidant. The genotypes VA14, VA16, VA18, VA15, and VA20 could be selected as amaranth vegtable varieties with high yields and abundance antioxidant leaf pigments and vitamins to produce juice. The genotypes VA13 and VA19 had above-average foliage yield and high antioxidant profiles while the genotypes VA2, VA3, VA9, VA11, VA12, and VA17 had a high antioxidant profiles and below-average foliage yield. These genotypes could be used as a donor parent for integration of potential high antioxidant profiles genes into other genotypes. The correlation study revealed a strong positive association among all the antioxidant leaf pigments, total antioxidant capacity and foliage yield. Selection based on total antioxidant capacity, antioxidant leaf pigments could economically viable to improve the yield potential of vegetable amaranth genotypes. Total carotene and ascorbic acid exhibited insignificant genotypic correlation with all the traits except total antioxidant capacity. This indicates that selection for antioxidant vitamins might be possible without compromising yield loss.

The Role of C-Reactive Protein, Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor and Total Antioxidant Capacity in Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis

Background and Aim: Despite the fact that acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency all around the world, its diagnosis is still based on clinical evaluation and accuracy of the diagnosis depending on experience. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of inflammatory markers in diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Material and Method: The study includes 77 cases with histopathologically proven acute appendicitis and 17 control cases. Blood samples were obtained from all cases and C-reactive protein (CRP), Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) were measured. Findings: In cases with acute appendicitis, CRP and G-CSF levels were found to be related to acute appendicitis;however, TAC was not affected by the disease process. Moreover, CRP and G-CSF levels were correlated with the disease severity. Conclusion: Both CRP and G-CSF can be used in diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Furthermore, increased CRP level can be a marker to show advanced cases. However, G-CSF is not an effective marker to show disease severity.

Effect of Colchicine on Total Antioxidant Capacity,Antioxidant Enzymes and Oxidative Stress Markers in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Background/Aim: We aimed to investigate the effects of colchicine on clinical recovery, as well as oxidative stress markers and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in whole blood of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Materials and methods: Sixty patients with grade 2 - 3 knee OA according to ACR knee OA criteria whom examination of the knee joint synovial fluid by polarized light microscopy demonstrated CPDD crystals existence were included in the study. Fifty healthy subjects were included as a control group. Patients were divided randomly into two groups. The first group (paracetamol group) was given only paracetamol 3 gr daily p.o and the second group (colchicine and paracetamol group) was given colchicine 1,5 gr and paracetamol 3 gr daily p.o for six months. For outcome measures WOMAC and VAS were used. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) ezyme activities and Glutathione (GSH) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and TAC all were measured. Results: WOMAC scores were improved in both patient groups compared with pre-treatment evaluation (p 0.05). TAC was signifcantly increased only in colchicine/paracetamol group. Oxidant parameter MDA levels were significantly decreased in both paracetamol group and colchicine/paracetamol group. CAT, SOD enzyme activities and GSH levels did not change before and after treatment protocols in both patient groups. Conclusion: Both paracetamol 3000 mg/day and 3000 mg paracetamol plus 1,5 gr/day colchicine is effective in the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis. But the addition of colchicine to paracetamol produced significantly greater symptomatic benefit than paracetamol alone. Our study also showed that colchicine lowers whole blood MDA which is a lipid peroxidation compound and elevates TAC levels in patients with knee OA. This may show probable disease modifying effect of colchicine in knee OA which require further long period laboratory and radiologic investigations.

Quantification of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of an underutilized Indian fruit:Rayan[Manilkara hexandra(Roxb.)Dubard]

The fruit of Manilkara hexandra(Roxb.)Dubard is one of the most underutilized fruits of India and in Gujarat state.It is popularly known as‘Rayan’.The fruit and seed of Rayan were analysed for their total phenolic and flavonoid content,phenolic compounds and total antioxidant capacity with six different assay methods.The results indicated that the methanolic extract of Rayan fruit being a good source of phenolic(811.3 mg GAE/100 g fw)and flavonoid(485.56 mg RE/100 g fw)content.Also,eleven known phenolic compounds were tentatively identified for the first time from the fruit and seed of Rayan.The LC–MS/MS analysis of fruit revealed the presence of major phenolic compounds such as gallic acid,quercetin and kaempferol,while quercetin,gallic acid and vanillic acid in seed.The presence of quercetin suggests health benefits.The fruit of Rayan was also proved to be a better source of antioxidants as measured by FRAP,RPA,DPPHRSA,ABTSRSA and HRSA except NORSA in comparison with that of seed.The current study explains that M.hexandra is a relatively good source of antioxidants such as phenols and flavonoids for diet.

Gold nanoparticle-decorated MoSe_(2) nanosheets as highly effective peroxidase-like nanozymes for total antioxidant capacity assay

A visual colorimetric detection strategy is reported for total antioxidant capacity(TAC)assay by using 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine(TMB)oxidation as chromogenic substrate based on gold nanoparticle-decorated MoSe_(2) nanosheets(Au@MoSe_(2)).Au@MoSe_(2) nanostructures exhibit high peroxidase-like activity and can catalyze H_(2)O_(2)to oxidize TMB.Based on inhibition effect of ascorbic acid(AA)on TMB oxidation,a facile and sensitive colorimetric method was developed for AA detection.Under optimal conditions,the proposed method showed a sensitivity for AA in a concentration range from 2 to 120μM and limit of detection was 0.41μM.Furthermore,the method was employed for TAC assay in actual samples,including commercial beverages and vitamin C tablets.This work represents a model in nanostructure design and will lead to further development of TAC assay in evaluation of antioxidant food quality.

Selective Separation of Au（lll） by the Column of Alginate Xerogel Microcapsules Enclosing TOA Extractant

The extractant tri-n-octylamine （TOA） was encapsulated in calcium alginate （CaALG） xerogel polymer matrices and the selective separation of Au（III） ions in HCI solution was investigated. The features of the TOA microcapsules （TOA-MCs） were examined using DM, SEM/EDS and EPMA. The adsorption and elution properties of Au（III） were studied by the column method using spherical and highly porous TOA-MCs. The uptake properties of precious metals （Au（IIl）, Pt（IV）, and Pd（II）） were examined by the batch method using TOA-MCs in different concentrations of hydrochloric acid （HCI） solution. The order of uptake （%） of the precious metals was Au（III） 〉 Pt（IV） 〉 Pd（II）. TOA-MCs have strong affinity towards Au（III） in HCI solution. The uptake （%） of Au（III） by TOA-MCs was estimated to be -100% and equilibrium was attained within 1 hour. The breakthrough and elution behaviors of Au（III） were examined by varying the Au（III） concentration in the feed, flow rate, reaction temperature, and eluent concentration. The Au（IlI） in 1 M HCI solution was effectively extracted with TOA-MCs in the column operation. The breakthrough curve showed the S-shaped profile and no dislodgement of TOA from the matrices of CaALG. The breakthrough curve rose steeply and the uptake of Au（IIl） was fairly fast, which indicated a relatively high uptake rate of Au（III） in TOA-MCs. The break point （5% breakthrough） and breakthrough capacity （B. T. Capacity） were estimated to be 82 cm3 and 0.60 mmol/g, respectively. The total capacity （T. capacity） was estimated to be 1.30 mmol/g, which was considerably larger than those of conventional resins. The elution properties of Au（Ill） were studied by varying the concentration of thiourea （0.025 M-1 M） in 1 M HC1 solution. The retention volume （VR, cm3） tended to decrease with the increase in thiourea （TU） concentration. The loaded Au（III） ions were successfully eluted （- 100%, total elution percentage） by the eluent of TU （0.5 M） in HC1 （1 M） solution. The alginate gel microcapsules enclosing TOA extractant were thus effective for the selective separation and recovery of Au（IIl） ions in HCI solution.

Insulin resistance in H pylori infection and its association with oxidative stress

AIM: To determine the insulin resistance (IR) and oxidative status in H pylori infection and to find out if there is any relationship between these parameters and insulin resistance. METHODS: Fifty-five H pylori positive and 48 H pylori negative patients were enrolled. The homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) was used to assess insulin resistance. Serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) were determined in all subjects. RESULTS: The total antioxidant capacity was significantly lower in H pylori positive group than in H pylori negative group (1.36 ± 0.33 and 1.70 ± 0.50, respectively; P < 0.001), while the total oxidant status and oxidative stress index were significantly higher in H pylori positive group than in H pylori negative group (6.79 ± 3.40 and 5.08 ± 0.95, and 5.42 ± 3.40 and 3.10 ± 0.92, respectively; P < 0.001). Insulin resistance was significantly higher in H pylori positive group than in H pylori negative group (6.92 ± 3.86 and 3.61 ± 1.67, res- pectively; P < 0.001). Insulin resistance was found to be significantly correlated with total antioxidant capacity (r = -0.251, P < 0.05), total oxidant status (r = 0.365, P < 0.05), and oxidative stress index (r = 0.267, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Insulin resistance seems to be associated with increased oxidative stress in H pylori infection. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying this association and elucidate the effectof adding antioxidant vitamins to H pylori eradication therapy on insulin resistance during H pylori infection.

Correlation between the Amplitude of Glucose Excursion and the Oxidative/Antioxidative System in Subjects with Different Types of Glucose Regulation

Objective To investigate effects of glucose excursion on the oxidative/antioxidative system in subjects with different types of glucose regulation. Methods A total of 30 individuals with normal glucose regulation (NGR), 27 subjects with impaired glucose regulation (IGR) and 27 subjects with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were selected and recruited for 3 days’ continuous glucose monitor system (CGMS) assessment. The data from CGMS was used to calculate the mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE), mean blood glucose (MBG) and its standard deviation (SDBG), area under the ROC curve when the blood glucose 5.6 mmol/L within 24 h (AUC 5.6), mean of daily differences (MODD), and mean postprandial glucose excursion (MPPGE). In all groups, the content or activity of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidation capacity (TAOC) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) were detected. Results Glucose excursion parameters of subjects with T2DM or IGR were higher than those of NGR subjects (P0.05 or 0.01). Moreover, Glucose excursion parameters of T2DM subjects were higher than those of IGR subjects (P0.05 or 0.01). Subjects with T2DM or IGR had significant higher MDA levels and lower GSH‐Px/MDA and TAOC/MDA levels compared to NGR subjects (P0.01). T2DM subjects had even higher MDA levels and lower GSH‐Px/MDA levels than IGR (P0.05 or 0.01). According to the median of normal population for MAGE, T2DM and IGR subjects were divided into MAGE2.6mmol/L Group and MAGE≤2.6mmol/L Group. MAGE2.6mmol/L Group had higher levels of MDA and lower levels of GSH‐Px/MDA than MAGE≤2.6mmol/L Group (P0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups (P0.05) in terms of the levels of TAOC/MDA. Pearson correlation analysis showed that MDA was positively correlated with FPG, 2hPG, MAGE, and SBP. GSH‐Px/MDA was negatively correlated with MAGE and TC. TAOC/MDA was negatively correlated with FPG. Partial correlation analysis showed that the relationship between MDA and MAGE, GSH‐Px/MDA, and MAGE remained significant after adjustments for the other differences among groups. Conclusion Glucose excursion contributed significantly to promoting lipid peroxidation and decreasing antioxidation capacity than chronic sustained hyperglycemia did in the subjects with different types of glucose regulation.

Effects of acute cold exposure on oxidative balance and total antioxidant capacity in juvenile Chinese soft-shelled turtle,Pelodiscus sinensis

Acute cold exposure may disturb the physiological homeostasis of the body in ectotherms.To date,there has been no information on the effects of cold exposure on homeostasis of reactive oxygen species(ROS)or antioxidant defense response in the Chinese soft-shelled turtle,Pelodiscus sinensis.In this study,P.sinensis juveniles were acclimated at 28℃,transferred to 8℃ as cold exposure for 12 h,then moved back to 28℃ rewarming for 24 h.We measured the ROS level and total antioxidant capacity(TAC)in the brain,liver,kidney and spleen at 2 and 12 h cold exposure,and at the end of the rewarming period.Malonaldehyde(MDA)and carbonyl protein were used as markers of oxidative damage.Turtles being maintained simultaneously at 28℃ were used as the control group.Cold exposure did not disturb the ROS balance in all 4 tissues,while rewarming raised the ROS level in the brain and kidney of P.sinensis.Cold exposure and rewarming decreased the TAC in the brain,liver and spleen but did not change the TAC in the kidney.MDA and carbonyl protein levels did not increase during the treatment,indicating no oxidative damage in all 4 tissues of P.sinensis.Our results indicated that extreme cold exposure did not impact the inner oxidative balance of P.sinensis,but more ROS was produced during rewarming.P.sinensis showed good tolerance to the harsh temperature change through effective protection of its antioxidant defense system to oxidative damage.This study provides basic data on the stress biology of P.sinensis.

Numerical simulation on thermal accumulation of cemented tailings backfill

Based on the collaborative exploitation of deep mineral resources and geothermal resources, the thermal accumulation process of cemented tailings backfill(CTB) was studied by numerical simulation. The effects of thermal accumulation time, slurry proportions and temperature conditions on the thermal accumulation of backfill are analyzed, the influence of the heat conduction between backfill and surrounding rock, the heat convection between backfill and airflow on thermal accumulation were compared simultaneously. The results show that the total thermal accumulation capacity increases by approximately 85% within 10-90 d. The influence of surrounding rock temperature and initial temperature on total thermal accumulation capacity is more significant and it is approximately 2 times of the influence of slurry proportions under the conditions of this study. It is clear that the rise of surrounding rock temperature and the decrease of initial temperature can improve the thermal accumulation capacity more effectively. Moreover, the heat conduction accounts for a considerable proportion in the process of thermal accumulation, the average heat conduction capacity is approximately 25 times of the heat convection capacity. This study can provide the theoretical basis and application reference for the optimization of thermal accumulation process of CTB in the exploitation of geothermal resources.

Study on Volatile Oil Components and Total Anti-oxidation Capacity and Simulated SOD Activity of Leaves from Michelia chapensis and M. fovelata

The volatile oils from leaves of Michelia chapensis Dandy and M. foveolata Merr.ex Dandy were isolated by organic solvent extraction and their components were analyzed and quantified by GC/MS. Then, the total anti-oxidation capacity and simulated SOD activity were tested. Forty-four compounds in M. chapensis were identified and the main constituents are aromatic (11.057%), ester (5.041%) and terpenoid compounds (19.772%). Fifty-two compounds in M. foveolata were identified, and their main constituents are aromatic (21.293%), alcohol (17.403%), alkene (6.909%), ester (5.657%) and alkane compounds (5.134%). The results showed that the two oils have strong anti-oxidation capacity and simulated SOD activity. The total anti-oxidation capacities were the highest when the volatile oil from M. foveolata was diluted by 50 times and that from M.chapensis by 100 times. The simulated SOD activity of volatile oil from M. chapensis was higher than that from M. foveolata, and CuZn-SODs in the two oils held 73%-74% of the total SOD. These results will provide scientific foundation for the exploration of the bioactivity of M. chapensis and M. foveolata.

Determination of fruit characteristics,fatty acid profile and total antioxidant capacity of Mespilus germanica L.fruit

Objective:To determine fruit characteristics,fatty acid profile and total antioxidant capacitiy of first cultured Mespilus germanica L.Methods:A total of 15 fruits were taken randomly from four directions of adult trees.Then the physical and chemical properties of first cultured medlar fruit(Istanbul/Turkey)were measured by using refractometer,colorimeter,spectrophotometer and gas chromatograph mass spectrometer,respectivly.Results:In the fruit studied,the results showed that palmitic acid,stearic acid,oleic acid,linoleic acid,linolenic acid,arachidic acid and behenic acid were the most abundant fatty acids(FAs),and the main FA was palmitic acid[(35.35±1.20)%].The percentage of linoleic acid and stearic acid in this fruit oil were(29.10±1.70)%and(8.53±0.25)%,respectively.As a result of the analysis,the total antioxidant capacity of medlar fruit was(1.1±0.2)mmol trolox equivalents/L.Conclusions:The present study has demonstrated the concentrations of FAs and the antioxidantive capacity of first cultured Istanbul medlar fruits by using many tested methods.It is proved that in our daily life,medlar fruit plays a significant role with its nutrition and health effect.

Effect of pH on Antioxidant and Phytochemical Activities of Mulhatti Roots (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.)

Glycyrrhiza glabra L.is the most widely used herb in the ancient history of Ayurvedic medicine,as a medicinal value as well as an aromatic herb,and it is commonly known as Mulhatti.Mulhatti roots are useful for medically and are also a good source of phytoproducts and secondary metabolites present in Mulhatti roots are triterpenoid saponin,glycosides,glycyrrhizin,prenylated biaurone,licoaagrone,7-acetoxy-2-methylisoflavone,4-methylcoumarin,liqcoumarin,glycyrrhetinic acid,quercetin,liquiritigenin,isoliquiritigenin,etc.This study was carried out to study the evaluation of phenolic compounds,2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH)free radical activity and general antioxidant capacity of water extracts of Mulhatti roots prepared at different pH values,namely 2,4,7 and 9.Data have shown great differences in terms of results.Most of the phenolic compounds are at pH 7(19.25),followed by pH 9(17.25),pH 2(14.62)and pH 4(8.89 mg GAE/g),respectively.Similarly,the flavonoid data also showed variations,the maximum has been present in pH 2(5.39),then pH 7(3.02),pH 9(1.79)and pH 4(1.40 mg CE/g),respectively.The value for DPPH IC50 free radical scavenging activity was the lowest at pH 7(82.22),followed by pH 2(110.40),pH 4(111.99)and pH 9(146.24μg/mL)and IC50 reference standard(ascorbic acid)was 59.52μg/mL in distilled water.The total capacity of the antioxidant was the highest at pH 2(9.93)followed by pH 4(5.54),pH 7(5.34)and pH 9(4.23 mg AAE/g).According to current research,pH 7 is the best for phytochemicals as well as antioxidants that catch harmful radicals.

Assessment of Iron Profile among Transfused Dependent Chronic Renal Failure Sudanese Patients

Background: Anemia is one of the complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD) which necessitates multiple blood transfusions. These multiple transfusions are usually accompanied by Iron over load. The current study aimed to assess the Iron profile in Sudanese patients with chronic renal failure received regular blood transfused. Materials and Methods: A descriptive analytical case control study was performed in Alturki Teaching Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan. A total of 90 Sudanese were enrolled in this study (30 CKD patients under hemodialysis and undergo multiple blood transfusion, 30 CKD patients under hemodialysis but not blood transfusion and 30 healthy controls, 51 (57%) were male and 39 (43%) were females, their age ranged between 28 to 75 years. Iron profile (serum iron, serum ferritin and total iron binding capacity (TIBC)) were measured using full automated Chemical analyzer Mindray BS 200 (China). Data were analyzed by using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) verssion16. Results: The present study showed that serum iron and serum ferritin of those under hemodialysis and received regular blood transfusion patient were significantly higher compared to those under hemodialysis and did not received regular blood transfusion patients (P value 0.000 and 0.01) respectively. Conclusion: Patients with chronic renal failure and under hemodialysis and receive regular and multiple transfusions are prone to iron overload.

The effect of sunblock against oxidative stress in farmers：a pilot study

Farmers are frequently exposed to ultraviolet（UV） radiation which causes various diseases by inducing oxidative stress.This study aimed to assess the effects of sunblock on oxidative stress in the body.Eighty-seven farmers were divided into two groups：those who wore sunblock for five days and those who did not.The total antioxidant capacity（TAC） in urine,which is an antioxidant indicator,and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine（8-OHdG） levels in urine,an oxidative stress indicator,were measured.The urinary TAC of sunblock users was significantly higher than that of non-users,but urinary 8-OHdG levels were not significantly different.Even after adjustment for potential confounders,urinary TAC was found to be markedly increased with sunblock usage.These results suggest that sunblock is effective in preventing oxidative stress among farmers.In addition,they show that urinary TAC can be used as a good effect marker of oxidative stress caused by UV exposure.

Therapeutic Benefit of Yangxue Qingnao Granule(养血清脑颗粒)on Cognitive Impairment Induced by Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion in Rats

Objective：To observe the therapeutic effect of Yangxue Qingnao Granule（养血清脑颗粒, YXQNG） on cognitive impairment induced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion and to investigate its impact on oxidative stress,apoptosis,and the cholinergic system.Methods：Adult male Wistar rats were subjected to chronic cerebral hypoperfusion by permanent occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries（2-VO）.Thirty rats were randomly assigned to one of the five treatment groups in a 1：1：1：1：1 ratio：sham operation plus normal saline treatment,2-VO plus normal saline treatment,2-VO plus YXQNG at a dose of 2 g·kg（-1）·d^（-1） or 4 g·kg（-1）·d^（-1）, or 2-VO plus rivastigmine 2 mgkg^（-1）·d^（-1）.The Morris water maze test was used to assess the spatial memory retrieval.Apoptosis,total antioxide capacity（T-AOC）,acetylcholine esterase（AchE） and choline acetyl transferase（ChAT） activities in the hippocampus and the cortex were investigated.Results：In the chronic cerebral hypoperfusion model,the 2-VO plus saline treatment resulted in impaired special learning as shown by the significantly prolonged escape latency and shorter swim time in the first quadrant as compared to the sham operation.The impairment was associated with apoptosis and significant decreases in T-AOC,AchE and ChAT activities in the hippocampus and the cortex.Treatment with YXQNG at either 2 g·kg（-1）·d^（-1） or 4 g·kg（-1）·d^（-1） dose,or rivastigmine resulted in significantly shorter escape latencies and longer swim time in the first quadrant.YXQNG at both doses,but not rivastigmine,had significant reduction in apoptosis,and significant increases in T-AOC and ChAT activity in both the hippocampus and the cortex.Unlike rivastigmine,neither dose of YXQNG showed significant reduction in AchE activity.Conclusions：YXQNG ameliorated cognitive impairment induced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion.The protective effect may be mediated through its regulation of apoptosis and activities of T-AOC and ChAT in the hippocampus and cortex of the rats in the chronic cerebral hypoperfusion model,a mechanism that is different from rivastigmine.

Effect of Erzhi Pill (二至丸) on Improving Cerebral Nerve Cell Apoptosis in Aging Rats

Objective： To investigate the effects of Erzhi Pill （二至丸,,EZP） on nerve cell apoptosis iinn senescence model rats.Methods： The rats model of senescence was established by peritoneal D-galactose injection combined with thymusectomy.Forty SD rats were randomized into four groups,the normal control group,the senescence model group,the EZP treated group,and the vitamins treated group,10 in each group.The rats were made into senescence model except those in the normal group.In the same time of D-galactose injection,the rats were treated respectively with distilled water,EZP 4.32 g/kg,and vitamins E and C 0.06 g/kg daily for 6 weeks via intragastric infusion.The index of main viscera （as brain,testis,etc.）,serum levels of superoxide dismutase （SOD） activity,and total anti-oxidation capacity （T-AOC） were measured after a 6-week treatment.Meanwhile,the cerebral cortex neuronal apoptosis proportion and mitochondrial membrane potential （MMP） were detected by flow cytometry.Results： Both EZP and vitamins E and C treatments showed effects on increasing testis index and serum level of T-AOC,reducing the percentage of neuronal apoptosis in the cerebral cortex,and elevating MMP in the aging rats model.Conclusions： EZP could inhibit the cerebral cortex neuron apoptosis and maintain the mitochondrial function in the senescent process of rats induced by peritoneal D-galactose injection combined with thymusectomy.It also shows antioxidation effect to some extents.