A statistical method to calculate blood contamination in the measurement of salivary hormones in healthy women.

Objectives: Previous studies have reported that salivary concentrations of certain hormones correlate with their respective serum levels. However, most of these studies did not control for potential blood contamination in saliva. In the present study we developed a statistical method to test the amount of blood contamination that needs to be avoided in saliva samples for the following hormones: cortisol, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone and oxytocin.

Oral administration of curcumin relieves behavioral alterations and oxidative stress in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum of ovariectomized Wistar rats.

Menopause occurs gradually and is characterized by increased susceptibility to developing mood disorders. Several studies have suggested treatments based on the antioxidant properties of vitamins and herbal compounds as an alternative to hormone replacement therapies, with few or none reporting toxicity. The present study was performed to explore the effects of curcumin oral supplementation on anxiety-like behavior and oxidative stress parameters in different central nervous system (CNS) areas of ovariectomized (OVX) rats.

Curcumin Supplementation Decreases Intestinal Adiposity Accumulation, Serum Cholesterol Alterations, and Oxidative Stress in Ovariectomized Rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of curcumin oral supplementation (50 and 100 mg/Kg/day, for 30 days) in circumventing menopause-associated oxidative stress and lipid profile dysfunctions in a rat ovariectomy (OVX) model. Female Wistar rats were operated and randomly divided into either sham-operated or OVX groups. Sham-operated group (n = 8) and one OVX group (n = 11) were treated with vehicle (refined olive oil), and the other two OVX groups received curcumin at 50 or 100 mg/Kg/day doses (n = 8/group).

Imbalance in redox status is associated with tumor aggressiveness and poor outcome in lung adenocarcinoma patients.

Purpose: The expression levels of human antioxidant genes (HAGs) and oxidative markers were investigated in light of lung adenocarcinoma aggressiveness and patient outcome.

Methods: We assayed in vitro the tumoral invasiveness and multidrug resistance in human lung adenocarcinoma (AdC) cell lines (EKVX and A549). Data were associated with several redox parameters and differential expression levels of HAG network.

Alterations in circadian rhythms are associated with increased lipid peroxidation in females with bipolar disorder.

Disturbances in both circadian rhythms and oxidative stress systems have been implicated in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD), yet no studies have investigated the relationship between these systems in BD. We studied the impact of circadian rhythm disruption on lipid damage in 52 depressed or euthymic BD females, while controlling for age, severity of depressive symptoms and number of psychotropic medications, compared to 30 healthy controls. Circadian rhythm disruption was determined by a self-report measure (Biological Rhythm Interview of Assessment in Neuropsychiatry; BRIAN), which measures behaviours such as sleep, eating patterns, social rhythms and general activity.

Major components of energy drinks (caffeine, taurine, and guarana) exert cytotoxic effects on human neuronal SH-SY5Y cells by decreasing reactive oxygen species production.

Scope: To elucidate the morphological and biochemical in vitro effects exerted by caffeine, taurine, and guarana, alone or in combination, since they are major components in energy drinks (EDs).

Methods And Results: On human neuronal SH-SY5Y cells, caffeine (0.125-2 mg/mL), taurine (1-16 mg/mL), and guarana (3.

Increased cerebral oxidative damage and decreased antioxidant defenses in ovariectomized and sham-operated rats supplemented with vitamin A.

Previous studies have linked oxidative stress with aging and aging-related processes, including menopause. Abnormalities in the redox state similar to those observed in menopausal women can be modeled experimentally with rat ovariectomy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of vitamin A (retinol palmitate) supplementation (500 or 1,500 IU kg(-1) day(-1) for 30 days) on behavioral parameters and brain redox profile in ovariectomized (OVX) and sham-operated rats.

Preclinical and clinical evidence of antioxidant effects of antidepressant agents: implications for the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental disorder associated with a significant negative impact on quality of life, morbidity/mortality, and cognitive function. Individuals who suffer with MDD display lower serum/plasmatic total antioxidant potentials and reduced brain GSH levels. Also, F2-isoprostanes circulatory levels are increased in MDD subjects and are correlated with the severity of depressive symptoms.

Evaluation of the neurotoxic/neuroprotective role of organoselenides using differentiated human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line challenged with 6-hydroxydopamine.

It is well established that oxidative stress plays a major role in several neurodegenerative conditions, like Parkinson disease (PD). Hence, there is an enormous effort for the development of new antioxidants compounds with therapeutic potential for the management of PD, such as synthetic organoselenides molecules. In this study, we selected between nine different synthetic organoselenides the most eligible ones for further neuroprotection assays, using the differentiated human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line as in vitro model.

The curry spice curcumin selectively inhibits cancer cells growth in vitro and in preclinical model of glioblastoma.

Previous studies suggested that curcumin is a potential agent against glioblastomas (GBMs). However, the in vivo efficacy of curcumin in gliomas remains not established. In this work, we examined the mechanisms underlying apoptosis, selectivity, efficacy and safety of curcumin from in vitro (U138MG, U87, U373 and C6 cell lines) and in vivo (C6 implants) models of GBM.

The effects of vitamin A supplementation to rats during gestation and lactation upon redox parameters: increased oxidative stress and redox modulation in mothers and their offspring.

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient required in adequate amounts for reproduction and development. Subtle variations in the status of maternal nutrition may affect physiological and metabolic parameters in the fetus. Evidence suggests a key role for oxidative stress in these events.

Animal model of autism induced by prenatal exposure to valproate: behavioral changes and liver parameters.

Autism is characterized by behavioral impairments in three main domains: social interaction; language, communication and imaginative play; and range of interests and activities. This syndrome has attracted social attention by its high prevalence. The animal model induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) has been proposed to study autism.

In vitro optimization of retinoic acid-induced neuritogenesis and TH endogenous expression in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells by the antioxidant Trolox.

Though, it is quite well-known how retinoic acid (RA) is able to induce neuritogenesis in different in vitro models, the putative role exerted by reactive oxygen species (ROS) during this process still need to be further studied. For such purpose, we used a neuronal-like cell line (SH-SY5Y cells) in order to investigate whether the antioxidant Trolox (a hydrophilic analog of alpha-tocopherol) could have any effect on the number of RA-induced neurites, and how significant changes in cellular redox homeostasis may affect the cellular endogenous expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Our results show a significant enhancement of RA (10 μM)-induced neuritogenesis and TH endogenous expression, when cells were co-treated with Trolox (100 μM) for 7 days.

Treatment with N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist (MK-801) protects against oxidative stress in lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in the rat.

Acute lung injury (ALI) and the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are common syndromes that affect both clinical and surgical patients. This study describes the effects of a potent and specific N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist (MK-801) against oxidative stress in acute lung injury induced by intratracheal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. This study was performed using male Wistar rats weighing 200-250g.

Increased blood oxidative stress in experimental menopause rat model: the effects of vitamin A low-dose supplementation upon antioxidant status in bilateral ovariectomized rats.

Menopause has been reported to be associated with increased oxidative stress and metabolic disorders among women worldwide. Disarrangements in the redox state similar to those observed in women during the decline of ovarian hormonal activity can be obtained experimentally through rat bilateral ovariectomy. The search for alternative treatments to improve life quality in postmenopausal woman is really important.

Vitamin A supplementation in rats under pregnancy and nursing induces behavioral changes and oxidative stress upon striatum and hippocampus of dams and their offspring.

Vitamin A is important for both development and maintenance of adult brain homeostasis. However, excessive vitamin A exposure has been linked to cognitive impairments and may induce congenital defects, including neuronal malformations. Recently, we demonstrated that vitamin A supplementation is able to alter behavioral parameters and induce a pro-oxidant state in hippocampus and striatum of adult male rat.

Scavenging and antioxidant potential of physiological taurine concentrations against different reactive oxygen/nitrogen species.

While several studies have been conducted on the antioxidant properties of the beta-amino acid taurine, these studies all used concentrations lower than what is found physiologically. This study investigates the scavenging and antioxidant properties of physiological taurine concentrations against different reactive species. No reactivity between taurine and hydrogen peroxide was found; however, taurine exhibited significant scavenging potential against peroxyl radical, nitric oxide, and superoxide donors.

Vascular redox imbalance in rats submitted to chronic exercise.

Exercise training has been used for treatment/prevention of many cardiovascular diseases, but the mechanisms need to be clarified. Thus, our aim was to compare oxidative stress parameters between rats submitted to a swimming training and sedentary rats (control). Twelve male rats were divided into two groups: control and exercise training.

Vitamin A supplementation for different periods alters oxidative parameters in lungs of rats.

Lungs require an adequate supply of vitamin A (retinol) for normal embryonic development, postnatal maturation, and maintenance and repair during adult life. However, recent intervention studies revealed that supplementation with retinoids resulted in higher incidence of lung cancer, although the mechanisms underlying this effect are still unknown. Here, we studied the effect of vitamin A supplementation on oxidative stress parameters in lungs of Wistar rats.

Acute treatment with diphenyl diselenide inhibits glutamate uptake into rat hippocampal slices and modifies glutamate transporters, SNAP-25, and GFAP immunocontent.

Diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)(2) is a selenium organic compound that has been described to inhibit glutamate binding at synaptic membranes and uptake into cortical slices, but there are no studies about its effects on glutamate transporters and related synaptic proteins. Hippocampal slices from rats treated acutely with (PhSe)(2) (1, 10, and 100 mg/kg, oral route) were evaluated on glutamate uptake, redox state, the immunocontent of glial (glutamate/aspartate transporter [GLAST] and glutamate transporter type I [GLT1]), neuronal (excitatory amino acid carrier 1 [EAAC1]), and vesicular (vesicular glutamate transporter 1 [VGLUT1]) glutamate transporters. Besides, cell viability was evaluated by glial fibrillar acid protein (GFAP) and synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25) immunocontent and 4', 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and Fluoro Jade C staining.

Vitamin A supplementation induces oxidative stress and decreases the immunocontent of catalase and superoxide dismutase in rat lungs.

Lungs require an adequate supply of vitamin A for normal embryonic development, postnatal maturation, and maintenance and repair during adult life. However, recent intervention studies revealed that supplementation with retinoids resulted in a higher incidence of lung cancer, although the mechanisms underlying this effect are still unknown. Here, the authors studied the effect of vitamin A supplementation on oxidative stress parameters in lungs of Wistar rats.

Evaluation of redox and bioenergetics states in the liver of vitamin A-treated rats.

Vitamin A is normally stored in the mammalian liver and is physiologically released depending on the need of the organism for the vitamin. However, there is a compelling evidence showing that even the liver is affected by conditions of high vitamin A intake. Based on these previously reported findings showing negative effects of vitamin A on mammalian tissues, we have investigated the effects of a supplementation with vitamin A at clinical doses (1000-9000 IU/kg day(-1)) on some rat liver parameters.

Increased receptor for advanced glycation endproducts immunocontent in the cerebral cortex of vitamin A-treated rats.

Vitamin A, beyond its biological role, is an alternative choice in treating some life threatening pathologies, for instance leukemia and immunodeficiency. On the other hand, vitamin A therapy at moderate to high doses has caused concern among public health researchers due to the toxicological aspect resulting from such habit. It has been described hepatotoxicity, cognitive disturbances and increased mortality rates among subjects ingesting increased levels of vitamin A daily.

Modulation in reproductive tissue redox profile in sexually receptive female rats after short-term exposure to male chemical cues.

It is well known that antioxidants play an important role in sperm fertility, but there is no data on the literature regarding the effect of male chemical cues in the antioxidant defenses of the female reproductive tract. Here, we evaluated oxidative parameters in ovaries and uterus of virgin female rats isolated from contact to males and exposed only to male-soiled bedding (MSB). Four-month-old Wistar (regular 4-day cyclic) virgin female rats were utilized from proestrus to estrus phase of the reproductive cycle for experimental exposure.

Evaluation of the effects of vitamin A supplementation on adult rat substantia nigra and striatum redox and bioenergetic states: mitochondrial impairment, increased 3-nitrotyrosine and alpha-synuclein, but decreased D2 receptor contents.

Vitamin A at moderate to high doses is applied in the treatment of some life threatening pathological conditions, for instance cancers. Additionally, vitamin A at low concentrations is a known antioxidant molecule. However, by increasing vitamin A (or its derivatives) concentrations, there is an increase in the levels of oxidative stress markers in several experimental models.