Biomarkers of oxidative stress: methods and measures of oxidative DNA damage (COMET assay) and telomere shortening.

Oxidative stress is fast becoming the nutritional and medical buzzword for the twenty-first century. The theoretical importance of oxidative stress in diabetes is highlighted by its potential double impact on metabolic dysfunction on one hand and the vascular system on the other hand. The new concept of oxidative stress, being an important trigger in the onset and progression of diabetes and its complications, emphasizes the need for measurement of markers of oxidation to assess the degree of oxidative stress.

Gallic acid protects RINm5F beta-cells from glucolipotoxicity by its antiapoptotic and insulin-secretagogue actions.

Gallic acid is claimed to possess antioxidant, antiinflammatory and cytoprotective effects. Since pancreatic islets from Type 2 diabetic patients have functional defects, it was hypothesized that glucolipotoxicity might induce apoptosis in beta-cells and gallic acid could offer protection. To test this, RINm5F beta-cells were exposed to high glucose (25 microM) or palmitate (500 microM) or a combination of both for 24 h in the presence and absence of gallic acid.

Curcumin modulates SDF-1alpha/CXCR4-induced migration of human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs).

Purpose: The stromal-derived factor (SDF)-1alpha and the CXC receptor (CXCR)-4 jointly regulate the trafficking of various cell types and play a pivotal role in cell migration, proliferation, and survival. The purpose of this study was to assess whether curcumin inhibits human retinal endothelial cell (HREC) migration by interfering with SDF-1alpha/CXCR4 signaling.

Methods: Primary HREC culture was established and maintained in endothelial growth medium.