RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Blood meal host selection by mosquito vectors is an important component in understanding disease dynamics of pathogens that threaten endemic fauna in isolated islands such as Galápagos. Research on the feeding behavior of mosquitoes can provide clues to the hosts and vectors involved in disease transmission. This information is particularly critical for endemic wildlife fauna in island systems that have evolved without resistance to novel diseases such as avian malaria. The aims of this study were to determine the blood-feeding patterns of two species of mosquitoes found in Galápagos and discuss how their feeding behavior may influence the transmission of pathogens such as avian malaria. METHODS: In the summer of 2015, we sampled two mosquito species (Aedes taeniorhynchus and Culex quinquefasciatus) across 18 different sites on Isla Santa Cruz, which is the second largest island in Galápagos and has the largest human population. We trapped mosquitoes using CDC light traps and CDC gravid traps and identified sources of blood meals for engorged mosquitoes by sequencing a portion of the vertebrate mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. RESULTS: Out of 947 female mosquitoes captured, 320 were blood-fed, and PCR amplifications were successful for 301 of the blood meals. Results revealed that both Aedes taeniorhynchus and Culex quinquefasciatus feed from a variety of vertebrate taxa, numerically dominated by humans on Isla Santa Cruz. CONCLUSIONS: The high proportion of mammalian blood meals could represent locally available and abundant hosts on Santa Cruz. However, host surveys and estimates of relative abundances of vertebrate species will need to accompany mosquito trapping studies on non-inhabited and inhabited islands in Galápagos to further validate this.
Assuntos
Aedes/fisiologia , Culex/fisiologia , Comportamento Alimentar , Mosquitos Vetores/fisiologia , Animais , Citocromos b/genética , Equador , Entomologia/métodos , Enzimas/sangue , Enzimas/genética , Técnicas de Genotipagem/métodos , Humanos , MamíferosRESUMO
The effects of circadian misalignment and work shift on oxidative stress profile of shift workers have not been explored in the literature. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of shift work (day and night) and social jetlag - a measure of circadian misalignment - with oxidative stress markers. A cross-sectional study was performed with 79 men (21-65 years old, 27.56 ± 4.0 kg/m2) who worked the night shift (n = 37) or daytime (n = 42). The analyzed variables included anthropometric measures and determination of systemic levels of markers of oxidative damage and antioxidant defense. Social jetlag was calculated by the absolute difference between the mean sleep point on working and rest days. The night group presented higher systemic values of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and hydrogen peroxide, and lower levels of nitrite, total antioxidant capacity, and catalase and superoxide dismutase activities in relation to the day group. However, social jetlag was not associated with oxidative stress-related biomarkers analyzed in the night group. These results suggest that the night worker has higher levels of oxidative stress damage and lower levels of antioxidant defenses, while social jetlag was not a possible responsible factor for this condition.
Assuntos
Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Jornada de Trabalho em Turnos , Sono , Tolerância ao Trabalho Programado/fisiologia , Adulto , Idoso , Biomarcadores/sangue , Proteínas Sanguíneas/metabolismo , Índice de Massa Corporal , Estudos Transversais , Enzimas/sangue , Humanos , Síndrome do Jet Lag , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Nitritos/sangue , Oxirredução , Estresse Oxidativo , Substâncias Reativas com Ácido Tiobarbitúrico/metabolismo , Adulto JovemRESUMO
The aim of this study was to investigate the daily rhythms of hematological, biochemical and enzymatic parameters of the blood of a nocturnal model of fish (Lophiosilurus alexandri) bred in the laboratory (F1). Thirty-six juveniles were stocked in six tanks of a recirculation aquaculture system for 20 days. The fish were exposed to a light:dark cycle of 12:12 h and were fed 1% of biomass twice a day with commercial diet. The daily rhythms of hematological, biochemical and enzymatic parameters were then measured at six sampling times "zeitgeber time = ZT" at four-hour intervals under light:dark 12:12 h (lights on = ZT0, at 8.00 a.m). No differences were observed to alkaline phosphatase, glucose, cortisol, aspartate aminotransferase, superoxide dismutase, total protein and hematocrit (p > 0.05). However, white blood cell count, Lymphocytes (LYN), Neutrophils (NEU), Eosinophil and Neutrophils to Lymphocytes ratio were significant different between sample times (p < 0.05). Also, a significant difference in alanine transaminase was observed, with a peak of production at nighttime. In contrast, glutathione peroxidase peaked at 8:00. Uric acid, magnesium and Calcium (Ca++) showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). A significant difference was observed (p < 0.05), with a peak of albumin at 08:00 and triglycerides at 12:00, while cholesterol was low (p < 0.05) at 08:00 and higher from 12:00 to 04:00. Cosinor analysis revealed also rhythmicity to SOD, UA, Mg and Ca++, ALB and CHO (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the time of day must be considered a key factor when using blood parameters as biomarkers for disease, health and welfare in the L. alexandri aquaculture.
Assuntos
Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Peixes-Gato/fisiologia , Ritmo Circadiano , Enzimas/sangue , Leucócitos/fisiologia , Fosfatase Alcalina , Animais , Basófilos , Glicemia , Cálcio/sangue , Eosinófilos , Comportamento Alimentar/fisiologia , Hidrocortisona/sangue , Contagem de Leucócitos , Contagem de Linfócitos , Magnésio/sangue , Neutrófilos , Ácido Úrico/sangueRESUMO
Because of their vulnerable population status, assessing exposure levels and impacts of toxicants on the health status of Gulf of Mexico marine turtle populations is essential, and this study was aimed to obtain baseline information on oxidative stress indicators in hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). In order to evaluate the health status of sea turtles and the effect of organochlorine compounds (OC) in the southern part of the Gulf of Mexico, we searched for relationships between carapace size and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the blood of the hawksbill sea turtle. The level of oxidative stress biomarkers such as the enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and acetylcholinesterase (Ache) in the hawksbill sea turtle was analysed during nesting season in the years 2014-2015 at Punta Xen (Campeche, Mexico). The results of this study provide insight into data of antioxidant enzyme activities in relation to contaminant OCPs in hawksbill sea turtles and the possible health impacts of contaminant in sea turtles.
Assuntos
Enzimas/sangue , Hidrocarbonetos Clorados/sangue , Estresse Oxidativo , Praguicidas/sangue , Tartarugas/sangue , Acetilcolinesterase/sangue , Animais , Antioxidantes/análise , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Catalase/sangue , Ecotoxicologia/métodos , Biomarcadores Ambientais , Feminino , Glutationa Transferase/sangue , Golfo do México , Tartarugas/metabolismo , Poluentes Químicos da Água/sangueRESUMO
INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Aegle marmelos is an important traditional herbal medicine used in India. The dietary inclusion of the plant has never exposed earlier for its hepatoprotective activity. This study aimed to investigate the modulator efficacy of dietary inclusion of Aegle marmelos against Cisplatin - induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Animals were divided into five different groups; Group I was given basal diets only, Group II was fed basal diets with Aegle marmelos in 4% concentration, while Group III was fed basal diets co-administered with Cisplatin. Group IV and V were administered diets containing 2 and 4% Aegle marmelos respectively, for 27 days prior to Cisplatin administration. Cisplatin was administered to the rats for 3 days leads to a reduction in the activities of the antioxidant enzymes like lipid peroxidation (LPO) and endogenous antioxidant systems such as reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and catalase in liver homogenate caused to produce the impairment of hepatic functions. RESULTS: The administration of fruit part of Aegle marmelos to Wistar rats showed a significant fall in the elevated Lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, glutathione and catalase concentration, moreover, it diminished the increased serum level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP) and bilirubin. CONCLUSIONS: We can conclude that the hepatoprotective activity of Aegle marmelos was due to its antioxidant effect as evidenced by increasing activity of antioxidant enzymes with enhanced hepatic function and significantly changed the physiological parameters.
Assuntos
Aegle , Doença Hepática Induzida por Substâncias e Drogas/prevenção & controle , Cisplatino , Dieta , Frutas , Fígado , Ração Animal , Fenômenos Fisiológicos da Nutrição Animal , Animais , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Bilirrubina/sangue , Biomarcadores/sangue , Doença Hepática Induzida por Substâncias e Drogas/sangue , Doença Hepática Induzida por Substâncias e Drogas/etiologia , Doença Hepática Induzida por Substâncias e Drogas/patologia , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Enzimas/sangue , Peroxidação de Lipídeos , Fígado/enzimologia , Fígado/patologia , Estresse Oxidativo , Ratos WistarRESUMO
Background: The growth of fish farming in Brazil has been noticeable over the past few years, and the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is the most bred species in the country. Studies on the physiology of these animals are necessary so that the production continues to grow and to improve its rates. However, very discrepant data are still found in the area of blood biochemistry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological variations in serum concentrations of proteins, metabolites, electrolytes and serum enzymes in Nile tilapias bred in net cages in Cachoeira Dourada, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, during summer and winter. Materials, Methods & Results: During the year of 2016, samples from 100 Nile tilapias were collected during summer (January and February) and samples from 100 Nile tilapias were also collected during winter (July and August). Only one blood sample was collected by caudal venipuncture of each fish, just before the slaughter, always in the morning. The serum samples obtained were then analyzed for serum concentrations of proteins, metabolites, electrolytes, lipids and serum enzymes. Serum concentrations of total proteins, globulins, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL), alkaline phosphatase, sodium and chloride were significantly higher during winter in comparison to summer, while the serum concentration of uric acid was significantly lower during winter in comparison to summer. Discussion: Due to the lower temperature of water during winter, tilapias reduced food intake and became more susceptible to diseases, which led to an increase in circulating globulins. In that same season, there was an increase in serum concentrations of sodium and chloride as a result of adding sodium chloride to the water in order to stimulate mucus secretion on the fishes skin and gills to prevent pathologies. Triglycerides, HDL, and uric acid are considered indicators of nutritional status of animals.[...](AU)
Assuntos
Animais , Ciclídeos/sangue , Estações do Ano , Ciclídeos/fisiologia , Proteínas Sanguíneas/análise , Eletrólitos/análise , Enzimas/sangue , TemperaturaRESUMO
Background: The growth of fish farming in Brazil has been noticeable over the past few years, and the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is the most bred species in the country. Studies on the physiology of these animals are necessary so that the production continues to grow and to improve its rates. However, very discrepant data are still found in the area of blood biochemistry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological variations in serum concentrations of proteins, metabolites, electrolytes and serum enzymes in Nile tilapias bred in net cages in Cachoeira Dourada, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, during summer and winter. Materials, Methods & Results: During the year of 2016, samples from 100 Nile tilapias were collected during summer (January and February) and samples from 100 Nile tilapias were also collected during winter (July and August). Only one blood sample was collected by caudal venipuncture of each fish, just before the slaughter, always in the morning. The serum samples obtained were then analyzed for serum concentrations of proteins, metabolites, electrolytes, lipids and serum enzymes. Serum concentrations of total proteins, globulins, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL), alkaline phosphatase, sodium and chloride were significantly higher during winter in comparison to summer, while the serum concentration of uric acid was significantly lower during winter in comparison to summer. Discussion: Due to the lower temperature of water during winter, tilapias reduced food intake and became more susceptible to diseases, which led to an increase in circulating globulins. In that same season, there was an increase in serum concentrations of sodium and chloride as a result of adding sodium chloride to the water in order to stimulate mucus secretion on the fishes skin and gills to prevent pathologies. Triglycerides, HDL, and uric acid are considered indicators of nutritional status of animals.[...]
Assuntos
Animais , Ciclídeos/fisiologia , Ciclídeos/sangue , Eletrólitos/análise , Enzimas/sangue , Estações do Ano , Proteínas Sanguíneas/análise , TemperaturaRESUMO
Dorsal cranial myopathy (DCM), which affects the anterior latissimus dorsi (ALD) muscles of commercial broilers, is of unknown etiology, and it represents up to 6% of the partial condemnations in Brazilian slaughterhouses. This study was performed to achieve histomorphometric characterizations of the ALD muscles from male Cobb 500 broilers slaughtered at either 35 d or 42 d and to evaluate the effects of DCM on the enzymatic markers aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and on uric acid and creatinine metabolites. Blood samples (1.5 to 3 mL) and ALD muscle fragments were collected from each carcass, all of which were processed in a commercial inline processing system. For each age, twelve macroscopically normal animals and twelve animals found to exhibit DCM were randomly selected for histomorphometric evaluation and analysis of serologic profiles. Microscopic evaluations demonstrated that the muscle fibers of those with DCM exhibited a strong presence of multifocal regenerative myodegeneration as well as a substitution of muscle tissue with connective tissue (P < 0.001) through fibrosis, thus characterizing the chronicity and hardness of the affected muscle. It is suggested that DCM is a localized muscle lesion because the detected serum levels of CK (P < 0.001), AST (P < 0.001), ALT (P = 0.01), and LDH (P < 0.001) enzymes were strongly associated with the group affected by DCM. Additional studies are needed to gain an understanding of this myopathy because it is an emerging problem in the poultry industry. In addition, it is related to DCM lesions in fast-growing broilers with the greatest slaughter weights.
Assuntos
Galinhas , Enzimas/sangue , Doenças Musculares/veterinária , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/patologia , Músculos Superficiais do Dorso/patologia , Animais , Brasil , Masculino , Doenças Musculares/patologia , Doenças Musculares/fisiopatologia , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/fisiopatologiaRESUMO
Bothropic venom contains a range of biologically active substances capable of causing severe local and systemic envenoming symptomatology within its victims. The snake anti-venom is effective against systemic effects but has no neutralizing effect against the fast developing local effects. Herein, mice gastrocnemius injected with Bothrops moojeni venom (40 µg/kg) or saline solution were irradiated with HeNe (632.8 nm) and GaAs (904 nm) lasers (daily energy density of 4 J/cm2; 0.03/0.21 power density; 0.07/0.16 spot size; 1.2/0.04 total energy, 1 cm off contact, for HeNe and GaAs lasers, respectively) and euthanized in periods ranging from 3 h to 21 days. Blood biochemistry for creatine kinase (CK), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (AP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate transaminase (AST), and myoglobin and histopathological analysis, for assessing the degree of myonecrosis and regeneration of gastrocnemius, were done at every time interval. GaAs laser promoted faster photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) effects, and the GaAs group exhibited a better clinical outcome than the HeNe group. Within the GaAs group, the serum levels of CK, LDH, AP, AST, and myoglobin, which were increased by the physiological effects of the venom, were reduced to initial baseline before snake envenomation in less time than those irradiated by the HeNe laser. However, the group receiving irradiation from the HeNe laser returned the levels of ALP activity to baseline faster than those of the GaAs group. Histopathological analysis revealed enhanced muscle regeneration in mice groups treated with both lasers. PBM promoted by GaAs and HeNe showed well-developed centrally nucleate regenerating cells and an increased number of newly formed blood vessels when compared to unirradiated muscle. We therefore suggest that GaAs had the best outcomes likely derived from a deeper penetrating longer wavelength. We conclude that PMBT is a promising, non-invasive approach to be further tested in pre-clinical studies with a goal to further its clinical use in skeletal muscle recovery in snakebite victims.
Assuntos
Biomarcadores/análise , Bothrops/metabolismo , Venenos de Crotalídeos/intoxicação , Lasers de Gás/uso terapêutico , Lasers Semicondutores/uso terapêutico , Terapia com Luz de Baixa Intensidade/métodos , Músculo Esquelético/efeitos da radiação , Mordeduras de Serpentes/radioterapia , Animais , Enzimas/sangue , Masculino , Camundongos , Músculo Esquelético/patologia , Mioglobina/sangue , Regeneração , Mordeduras de Serpentes/sangue , Mordeduras de Serpentes/patologiaRESUMO
Hepatic diseases are a major concern worldwide. Increased specific plasma enzyme activities are considered diagnostic features for liver diseases, since enzymes are released into the blood compartment following the deterioration of the organ. Release of liver mitochondrial enzymes is considered strong evidence for hepatic necrosis, which is associated with an increased production of ROS, often leading to greater hepatic lipid peroxidation. Lipotoxic mediators and intracellular signals activated Kupffer cells, which provides evidence strongly suggesting the participation of oxidant stress in acute liver damage, inducing the progression of liver injury to chronic liver damage. Elevated transaminase activities are considered as an index marker of hepatotoxicity, linked to oxidant stress. However, a drastic increase of serum activities of liver enzyme markers ought not necessarily to reflect liver cell death. In fact, increased serum levels of cytoplasmic enzymes have readily been observed after partial hepatectomy (PH) in the regenerating liver of rats. In this regard, we are now showing that in vitro modifications of the oxidant status affect differentially the release of liver enzymes, indicating that this release is a strictly controlled event and not directly related to the onset of oxidant stress of the liver.
Assuntos
Enzimas/metabolismo , Fígado/enzimologia , Fígado/patologia , Oxidantes/toxicidade , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Animais , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Enzimas/sangue , Humanos , Fígado/efeitos dos fármacos , Fígado/cirurgia , Necrose , Vitaminas/farmacologiaRESUMO
In order to provide tools for future health-based monitoring programs, we developed reference intervals for hematology and plasma biochemistry and partitioned data for sex and season (winter and autumn). Ninety-one physically healthy kelp gulls (Larus dominicanus) were sampled in the city of Talcahuano, Chile, during winter (July-September) of 2007, autumn (April-June) and winter of 2008, and autumn of 2009. After blood sampling, the kelp gulls were euthanized by cervical dislocation. Packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin, total plasma protein (TPP), and complete blood count were performed. Alanine amino transferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, urea, calcium, phosphorus, and uric acid were analyzed. No significant differences were found between sexes (P>0.05). When a comparison was made between the two seasons, the values of PCV, TPP, white blood cell, heterophils, eosinophils, and monocytes were significantly higher in winter than in autumn (P<0.05) while and urea and uric acid concentrations were higher in autumn. Heterophils were the predominant circulating leukocyte for all birds. There was no significant difference in body condition between autumn and winter nor between sexes. Body condition showed a significant relationship with TPP and basophil concentration and ALP activity.
Assuntos
Contagem de Células Sanguíneas/veterinária , Charadriiformes/sangue , Eletrólitos/sangue , Hematócrito/veterinária , Hemoglobinas/metabolismo , Animais , Chile , Enzimas/sangue , Feminino , Masculino , Valores de Referência , Especificidade da EspécieRESUMO
Proteinase inhibitors extracted form medicinal plants are an interesting source of new drugs. Modifications in the structure of some of this kind of macromolecules could also lead to compounds of interesting biological properties. In this work, we synthesized and tested one fragment containing the reactive site of the Bauhinia bauhinioides kallikrein inhibitor (BbKI), denoted BbKI51-62 , and a related analog (P2 ) in which a proline residue was inserted in order to mimic the N-terminal region of the bradykinin molecule. The related retro-inverso counterparts Ri-BbKI51-62 and Ri-P2 were also included. The ability of these peptides to induce contraction of stomach fundus isolated from mouse was evaluated as well as their capability to induce calcium release from a cell culture of smooth muscle from guinea pig ileum. The conformational properties of the peptides were evaluated by circular dichroism and their resistance to enzymatic degradation by exposure to human blood plasma. Our results show that neither the parent BbKI51-62 nor its Ri-BbKI51-62 analog exhibit bradykinin-like activity, although the retro-inverso isomer was resistant to blood plasma degradation. On the other hand, the peptides P2 and Ri-P2 presented contractile activities on gastric smooth muscle from stomach fundus possibly by acting via B-2 receptor. Both compounds also induce calcium release from guinea pig ileum muscle cells in a manner similar to bradykinin. Moreover, both compounds also inhibited porcine pancreatic kallikrein. However, conformational analysis did not reveal any direct correlation between structure and biological effects.
Assuntos
Bradicinina/análogos & derivados , Contração Muscular/efeitos dos fármacos , Peptídeos/química , Peptídeos/farmacologia , Proteínas de Plantas/química , Proteínas de Plantas/farmacologia , Plantas Medicinais/química , Animais , Cálcio/metabolismo , Células Cultivadas , Enzimas/sangue , Cobaias , Humanos , Íleo/citologia , Íleo/efeitos dos fármacos , Camundongos , Estrutura Secundária de Proteína , Proteólise , Receptor B2 da Bradicinina/metabolismo , Estômago/efeitos dos fármacos , SuínosRESUMO
The aim of the present study was to identify the correlation between expression of heat shock protein 47 (Hsp47) and stress injury in heat-stressed myocardial cells and to compare variations in Hsp47 expression in rat myocardial cells exposed to different heat stress for varying periods in vitro and in vivo. Exposure to heat stress at 42°C resulted in similar induction patterns of the heart damage-related enzyme aspartate aminotransferase in the supernatants of H9c2 cells and in the serum of rats. Histological analysis revealed that both H9c2 cells and heart tissues displayed cellular degeneration in response to different periods of heat stress. Hsp47 was constitutively expressed in the cytoplasm of H9c2 cells at all time points during heat stress, which was consistent with observations in heart fibers in vivo. Immunoblotting analysis revealed no significant difference between the expression of Hsp47 in H9c2 cells and heart tissue. However, the expression of hsp47 mRNA in response to heat stress was significantly increased in H9c2 cells at 60 min (P < 0.01) and 100 min (P < 0.01), which was comparable to that at 100 min (P < 0.01) in the rat heart. Thus, Hsp47 was elevated significantly after hyperthermia at the mRNA level but not at the protein level both in vitro and in vivo. The results suggest that Hsp47 turnover may increase during heat stress or that Hsp47 consumption exceeds its production.
Assuntos
Proteínas de Choque Térmico HSP47/metabolismo , Resposta ao Choque Térmico/genética , Miócitos Cardíacos/metabolismo , Animais , Enzimas/sangue , Enzimas/metabolismo , Feminino , Proteínas de Choque Térmico HSP47/sangue , Proteínas de Choque Térmico HSP47/genética , Transtornos de Estresse por Calor/genética , Transtornos de Estresse por Calor/metabolismo , Transtornos de Estresse por Calor/patologia , Masculino , Miócitos Cardíacos/patologia , Ratos Sprague-DawleyRESUMO
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is intimately related to insulin resistance and ranges from a benign course to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. NAFLD management mainly involves dietary modification and weight loss. Although no fully successful pharmacological intervention is available, alternative therapies to treat NAFLD have shown promising results. Experimental studies have shown that D-002, a mixture of beeswax alcohols with antioxidant effects, is hepatoprotective. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of D-002 in patients with NALFD. METHODS: Fifty patients with NAFLD were randomized to receive a placebo or D-002 (100 mg/day) for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was a significant ultrasonography-detected reduction of liver fat infiltration versus a placebo. Secondary endpoints were decreases in the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index, insulin levels, serum liver enzymes, increases in plasma total antioxidant status (TAS) and improved clinical symptoms versus the placebo recipients. RESULTS: At randomization, all indicators were comparable in both groups. At study completion, seven (28.0%) D-002-patients, but none of the placebo recipients, exhibited a normal liver echo pattern on ultrasonography (p < 0.01). Also, D-002 significantly reduced (p < 0.01 vs. baseline and placebo) the HOMA index and insulin levels and increased the TAS, but did not affect other parameters. The proportion of D-002-patients (12/25, 48.0%) showing symptom improvement was higher (p < 0.001) than that of the placebo group (1/25, 4.0%). The treatment was safe and well tolerated. Three patients in each group withdrew from the study. CONCLUSIONS: D-002 (100 mg/day) improved ultrasonographic findings, indicators of insulin resistance, plasma TAS and clinical evolution on NAFLD patients. Further studies, however, are needed to confirm these results.
Assuntos
Antioxidantes/uso terapêutico , Álcoois Graxos/uso terapêutico , Fígado Gorduroso/tratamento farmacológico , Fígado/efeitos dos fármacos , Ceras/química , Adulto , Idoso , Antioxidantes/efeitos adversos , Antioxidantes/isolamento & purificação , Biomarcadores/sangue , Glicemia/metabolismo , Cuba , Método Duplo-Cego , Enzimas/sangue , Álcoois Graxos/efeitos adversos , Álcoois Graxos/isolamento & purificação , Fígado Gorduroso/sangue , Fígado Gorduroso/diagnóstico por imagem , Feminino , Humanos , Insulina/sangue , Lipídeos/sangue , Fígado/diagnóstico por imagem , Fígado/enzimologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Hepatopatia Gordurosa não Alcoólica , Estudos Prospectivos , Fatores de Tempo , Resultado do Tratamento , UltrassonografiaRESUMO
Non-mechanised sugarcane harvesting preceded by burning exposes workers and the people of neighbouring towns to high concentrations of pollutants. This study was aimed to evaluate the respiratory symptoms, lung function and oxidative stress markers in sugarcane workers and the residents of Mendonça, an agricultural town in Brazil, during the non-harvesting and harvesting periods and to assess the population and individual exposures to fine particulate matter (PM(2.5)). Sugarcane workers and healthy volunteers were evaluated with two respiratory symptom questionnaires, spirometry, urinary 1-hydroxypyrene levels, and the measurement of antioxidant enzymes and plasma malonaldehyde during the non-harvesting and harvesting periods. The environmental assessment was determined from PM(2.5) concentration. PM(2.5) level increased from 8 µg/m³ during the non-harvesting period to 23.5 µg/m³ in the town and 61 µg/m³ on the plantations during the harvesting period. Wheezing, coughing, sneezing, and breathlessness increased significantly in both groups during the harvesting period, but more markedly in workers. A decrease in lung function and antioxidant enzyme activity was observed in both populations during harvesting; this decrease was greater among the sugarcane workers. The urinary 1-hydroxypyrene levels only increased in the sugarcane workers during the harvesting period. The malonaldehyde levels were elevated in both groups, with a higher increase observed in the workers. This research demonstrates the exposure of sugarcane workers and the inhabitants of a neighbouring town to high PM(2.5) concentrations during the sugarcane harvest period. This exposure was higher among the sugarcane workers, as illustrated by both higher PM(2.5) concentrations in the sugarcane fields and higher urinary 1-hydroxypyrene levels in the volunteers in this group. The higher incidence of respiratory symptoms, greater decrease in lung function and more marked elevation of oxidative stress markers among the sugarcane workers during the harvest confirms the greater effect magnitude in this population and a dose-dependent relationship between pollution and the observed effects.
Assuntos
Pulmão/fisiopatologia , Exposição Ocupacional/efeitos adversos , Estresse Oxidativo/fisiologia , Material Particulado/efeitos adversos , Pirenos/urina , Saccharum , Adulto , Agricultura/estatística & dados numéricos , Poluentes Atmosféricos/efeitos adversos , Poluentes Ocupacionais do Ar/efeitos adversos , Poluição do Ar/efeitos adversos , Poluição do Ar/estatística & dados numéricos , Monitoramento Ambiental/estatística & dados numéricos , Enzimas/sangue , Humanos , Incidência , Pulmão/efeitos dos fármacos , Masculino , Malondialdeído/sangue , Exposição Ocupacional/estatística & dados numéricos , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Prevalência , Sons Respiratórios/fisiopatologia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Tomando en cuenta que aún no existe una metodología estándar de rutina para la determinación del colesterol de lipoproteínas de baja densidad (LDL-c) se decidió evaluar su determinación analítica utilizando tres técnicas: determinación enzimática homogénea, precipitación con sulfato de polivinilo y fórmula de Friedewald. Fueron procesadas 98 muestras de suero a las cuales se les determinó triglicéridos (TG), colesterol total (CT), colesterol de lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDL-c) y colesterol de lipoproteínas de baja densidad (LDL-c). Los valores promedio de CT fueron 194,46 ± 43,54 mg/dL, HDL-c 51,12 ± 12,36 mg/dL y TG 132,88 ± 76,93 mg/dL. Aun cuando el análisis de regresión mostró una buena correlación entre los valores de LDL-c, los resultados indicaron una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en los mismos cuando los niveles de TG superaron los 200 mg/dL. La misma se observó principalmente entre el método de precipitación y la fórmula de Friedewald, siendo los valores significativamente más bajos en esta última (LDL-c por precipitación: 141,3 ± 26,2 mg/dL; LDL-c por fórmula de Friedewald: 110,1 ± 35,4 mg/dL). De la misma manera se vio afectada la proporción de individuos clasificados según su riesgo coronario. Es necesario comparar las técnicas aplicadas en este estudio con la cuantificación beta para evaluar cuál tiene un mayor nivel de exactitud.
Considering that there is still no standard methodology for routine determination of low density lipoprotein (LDL-c) it was decided to evaluate their analytical determination using three techniques: homogeneous enzymatic determination, polyvinyl sulphate precipitation and Friedewald formula. Ninety-eight serum samples were processed; triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c) and LDL-c were determined. Mean total cholesterol was 194.46 ± 43.54 mg/dL, HDL-C was 51.12 ± 12.36 mg/dL and TG was 132.88 ± 76.93 mg/dL. Although regression analysis showed a good correlation between LDL-c, the results showed a statistically significative difference in them when TG levels exceeded 200 mg/dL. It was mainly observed in the precipitation method and the Friedewald formula, the latter values being significantly lower (LDL-C by precipitation: 141.3 ± 26.2 mg/dL, LDL-C by the Friedewald formula: 110, 1 ± 35.4 mg/dL). Moreover, this difference affected the proportion of individuals classified according to their coronary risk. It is necessary to compare the techniques applied in this study with beta quantification to assess which has a higher level of accuracy.
Levando em consideragao que ainda nao existe uma metodologia padrao de rotina para a determinagao do colesterol de lipoproteínas de baixa densidade (LDL-c) se decidiu avaliar sua determinagao analítica utilizando tres técnicas: determinagao enzimática homogénea, precipitagao com sulfato de polivinil e fórmula de Friedewald. Foram processadas 98 amostras de soro as quais lhes foi determinado triglicerídeos (TG), colesterol total (CT), colesterol de lipoproteínas de alta densidade (HDL-c) e colesterol de lipoproteínas de baixa densidade (LDL-c). Os valores médios de CT foram 194,46 ± 43,54 mg/dL, HDL-c 51,12 ± 12,36 mg/dL e TG 132,88 ± 76,93 mg/dL. Inclusive quando a análise de regressao mostrou uma boa correlagao entre os valores de LDL-c, os resultados indicaram uma diferenga estatisticamente significativa nos mesmos quando os niveis de TG superaram os 200 mg/dL. A mesma se observou principalmente entre o método de precipitagao e a fórmula de Friedewald, sendo os valores significativamente mais baixos nesta última (LDL-c por precipitagao: 141,3 ± 26,2 mg/dL; LDL-c por fórmula de Friedewald: 110,1 ± 35,4 mg/dL). Da mesma maneira se viu afetada a proporgao de indivíduos classificados conforme seu risco coronariano. É necessário comparar as técnicas aplicadas neste estudo com a quantificagao beta para avaliar qual é que tem maior nível de exatidao.
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Métodos de Análise Laboratorial e de Campo/métodos , LDL-Colesterol/análise , LDL-Colesterol/sangue , HDL-Colesterol/análise , Enzimas/sangue , Equipamentos de Medição de Riscos , Triglicerídeos/sangueRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate HDL-associated proteins and enzymes and their relation with lipoprotein profile and inflammatory markers in chronic renal patients on hemodialysis. DESIGN AND METHODS: We studied 53 patients under hemodialysis and 32 healthy subjects as controls. We compared plasma lipids, Apoprotein-AI and hs-CRP, as a marker of chronic inflammation. We evaluated proteins and enzymes associated to HDL, involved in several points of lipoprotein metabolism: CETP, paraoxonase and LpPLA2 activities. Hepatic lipase was measured in postheparin plasma. RESULTS: Patients showed higher triglycerides and lower LDL-, HDL- and total-cholesterol than controls (p<0.05). Also, in comparison with controls, Apoprotein-AI, paraoxonase and hepatic lipase were lower, while CETP was higher (p<0.03). LpPLA2 did not show changes between groups. CONCLUSION: Beyond plasma lipid-lipoprotein profile, other factors could contribute to induce a pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory status. The protective role of HDL does not only depend on its concentration, but also on its functionality.
Assuntos
Enzimas/sangue , Lipoproteínas HDL/sangue , Diálise Renal , Adulto , Idoso , Proteína C-Reativa/metabolismo , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Proteínas de Transferência de Ésteres de Colesterol/sangue , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estatísticas não ParamétricasRESUMO
Oxidative stress has been implicated in the uteroplacental ischemia characteristic of preeclampsia and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) birth, both of which are more common at high (>2500 m) vs low altitude. Since Andeans are protected relative to Europeans from the altitude-associated rise in SGA, we asked whether alterations in maternal antioxidant status or oxidative stress contributed to their protection. Enzymatic antioxidant (erythrocyte catalase and superoxide dismutase [SOD]) activity and a plasma marker of lipid peroxidation (8-iso-PGF2α) were measured during pregnancy and in the non-pregnant state in Andean or European residents of low (400 m) or high altitude (3600-4100 m). Pregnancy and altitude increased catalase and/or SOD activity to a greater extent in Andeans than Europeans. 8-iso-PGF2α levels were independent of altitude and pregnancy. SOD was lower in mothers of SGA infants at weeks 20 and 36. Our findings are consistent with the possibility that elevated enzymatic antioxidant activity contributes to Andean protection against altitude-associated SGA.