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One of the most promising electrolytes for all-solid-state lithium batteries is Li7 La3 Zr2 O12 . Previously, their thermodynamic stability, Li-ion conductivity, and structural features induced by Ga-doping have not been empirically determined or correlated. Here, their interplay was examined for Li7-3x Gax La3 Zr2 O12 with target xGa=0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 atoms per formula unit (apfu). Formation enthalpies, obtained with calorimetry and found to be exothermic at all compositions, linearly decreased in stability with increased xGa. At dilute xGa substitution, the formation enthalpy curve shifted stepwise endothermically, and the conductivity increased to a maximum, coinciding with 0.529 Ga apfu. This correlated with percolation threshold analysis (0.558 Ga apfu). Further substitution (0.787 Ga apfu) produced a large decrease in the stability and conductivity due to a large increase in point defects and blocked Li-migration pathways. At xGa=1.140 apfu, a small exothermic shift was related to defect cluster organization extending the Li hopping distance and decreased Li-ion conductivity.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of electromagnetic fields with divergent physical properties on the prooxidative and antioxidative balances in homogenates of the tongue, salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines of rats.Material and Methods: Forty rats were randomly divided into four equal groups, namely, a control group, a group exposed to low-frequency electromagnetic fields (LF-EMFs; frequency: 50 Hz; intensity: 10 kV/m; magnetic induction: 4.3 pT), a group exposed to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) emitted by mobile phones (frequency: 900 MHz), and a group exposed simultaneously to LF-EMFs and RF-EMFs emitted by mobile phones. After 28 consecutive days of the experiment, the following pro- and antioxidative markers were assessed in the gastrointestinal tract homogenates: superoxide dismutase (SOD) and its two isoenzymes (Mn-SOD, Cu,Zn-SOD) catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), total antioxidative capacity (TAC), total oxidative status (TOS), and malondialdehyde (MDA).Results: In rats exposed to LF-EMFs, higher concentrations of the markers of prooxidant processes, MDA or TOS, were observed in the salivary glands, esophagus, and small intestine homogenates in comparison with the control group. Additionally, in the group of rats opposite to the control, antioxidant activity was observed. The main differences included a higher activity of Cu,Zn-SOD in homogenates of the tongue, salivary glands, and esophagus as well as decreased activity of CAT in homogenates of the tongue, esophagus, and small intestine. In animals exposed to RF-EMFs, the concentration of TOS was higher in the large intestine than in control rats. The main difference of antioxidant activity was presented by decreased Cu,Zn-SOD in homogenates of the salivary glands, stomach, small and large intestine as well as CAT in homogenates of the tongue, esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestine. Moreover, in rats exposed simultaneously to LF-EMFs and RF-EMFs, a lower concentration of TOS was observed. Antioxidant activity was presented by a decreased activity of CAT in homogenates of the tongue, esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestine in comparison to the control group.Conclusion: Among those applied in the study, electromagnetic fields of a low-frequency caused the most significant disturbances of oxidative stress in the rat gastrointestinal tract.

Propofol is a commonly used intravenous anesthetic agent with antioxidant properties. However, the effect of propofol on oxidative stress index (OSI) and lipid peroxidation in Parkinson’s disease is still unknown. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of propofol on OSI and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the selected brain regions of the rats with Parkinson’s disease (PD). 32 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: I- control group, II- group with PD, III-control group with propofol, IV-PD group with propofol. 60mg/kg of propofol was given to the 8-weeks-old rats intraperitoneally, and the selected parts of the rats’ brains (frontal cortex, striatum, thalamus and hippocampus) were isolated after decapitation. The concentration of MDA, which is a marker of lipid peroxidation, and OSI were measured. In group IV compared to group II, was observed a significant MDA level decrease in the cortex (39%, p

The complex reaction cascade of 2-(3-amino-n-propyl)-2-methyl-4H-1,3,2-benzodioxasiline (APSI) with the tetra-functional epoxide reactant 4,4′-methylenebis(N,N-diglycidylaniline) (MDGA) has been applied to coat polyethylene terephthalate substrates with a nanostructured inorganic-organic hybrid layer. APSI is suitable to undergo twin polymerization and step growth polymerization processes to both poly(3-aminopropyl methyl)siloxane and phenolic resin as well as epoxy resin moieties, simultaneously. The molecular structure formation of the hybrid material formed is proven by solid state 13C and 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of reference samples prepared as bulk materials. The formation of three polymer structures during one procedure allows the accurate adjustment of the surface morphology that is strongly determined by the ratio of reactant quantities used. In the coatings, at higher MDGA contents, increasingly larger areas of segregated polymer phases up to the micro scale occur. With increasing APSI amount, the surface becomes smoother and more homogeneous. This has a positive effect on the optical properties of the coatings. With a pure APSI layer, a transmission increase of 2% could be achieved.

The radical induced cationic frontal polymerization (RICFP) of the twin monomer 2,2′-spirobi[4H-1,3,2-benzodioxasiline] (SPIRO) in combination with bisphenol-A-diglycidylether (BADGE) has been developed to fabricate nanostructured hybrid material with domain sizes of 2–5 nm. In one reaction step, an interpenetrating network of phenolic resin, SiO2 and the epoxy resin is formed in a very short time period, initiated by UV light. That indicates that both polymerization reactions take place simultaneously. The influence of monomer composition on molecular structure was investigated by means of solid state NMR spectroscopies. The envisaged nanostructure of the resulting organic-inorganic hybrid materials is proven by high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM). The thermal properties of the hybrid materials are comparable to “state of the art” materials with the advantage that the silica quantity can be adjusted on demand.

Lead (Pb) is a toxic heavy metal ubiquitously distributed around the world, especially in industrial areas. Occupational and environmental exposures to Pb have detrimental effects on human health. Pb affects functioning of many systems of the human body, including the cardiovascular system. Angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel formation, which makes critical contribution throughout life is deranged in various diseases. Excessive angiogenesis may result in different diseases including cancer. On the other spectrum, insufficient angiogenesis is observed in many diseases, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. These disorders are also associated with occupational Pb exposure. In this paper, epidemiological and experimental studies are reviewed selectively for evidence in support of this hypothesis, that is, interactions between Pb and angiogenesis. We discuss the evidence for the possible mechanism of Pb impact on concentrations of angiogenic factors. Studies suggested that Pb exposure affects the level of angiogenic factors associated with angiogenesis regulation and promotion. Further research is needed, especially in the mechanisms in which Pb-induced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) disregulation is present. We believe that characterizing the connection between Pb and angiogenesis will provide helpful information for the development of intervention strategies to reduce the adverse effects of Pb exposure.

Three tunnel structured hollandite samples (Cs1.33Ga1.33Ti6.67O16, Cs1.33Fe1.33Ti6.67O16, and Cs1.33Zn0.67Ti7.33O16) with demonstrated thermodynamic stability and chemical durability were synthesized and irradiated by a 1.1 GeV Au ion beam in order to study effects of B-site dopants on radiation stability. A crystalline-to-amorphous transformation induced by the high-energy ion irradiation was confirmed by complementary characterization techniques sensitive to different length-scales, such as powder X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and neutron total scattering. High-temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry was performed to determine the energy landscape before and after ion irradiation. Together, structural and thermodynamic analyses demonstrated distinctly different radiation responses of the hollandite with different B-site dopants; the Ga-substituted hollandite exhibited the smallest enthalpy of damage indicating the best radiation stability among the three samples. The hypothesized origin of the different radiation responses is the structural feature in the binary oxide form of the respective B-site dopants (e.g., Ga2O3 versus Fe2O3/ZnO for Ga and Fe/Zn dopants, respectively). Moreover, thermal analysis (i.e., differential scanning calorimetry) was conducted to investigate structural changes from the irradiation induced damaged states after thermal annealing. Results of thermal analysis revealed that the annealing-induced structural evolution of the radiation damaged hollandite structure is complex and decoupled at different length-scales. The long-range periodic structure (nanometers) was not recovered after thermal annealing and structural changes over a shorter range (≤ ∼3 A) occurred in multiple steps during the annealing process.

Objectives The aim of the study was to examine blood levels of selected pro-inflammatory cytokines, C reactive protein (CRP), and selected factors that influence angiogenesis in workers exposed to lead for a short period of time. Methods The study population consisted of 36 male workers (mean age 41 ± 14 years) exposed to lead for 40 days. Results The mean blood lead level (BLL) was 10.7 ± 7.67 μg/dl at the beginning of the study, and increased to 49.1 ± 14.1 μg/dl at the end of the study period. The levels of macrophage inflammatory protein 1-α (MIP-1α) were significantly higher after the studied exposure to lead compared to the baseline by 71%. Similarly, the values of CRP increased by 35%. Conversely, the values of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (sVEGFR-1) and fibroblast growth factor-basic (FGF-basic) decreased by 14% and 21%, respectively. After the examined period of lead exposure, analysis of correlations showed positive correlations between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and the levels of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) (R = 0.39), interleukin 6 (IL-6) (R = 0.42), and MIP-1α (R = 0.54). Positive correlations were identified between MIP-1α and FGF-basic (R = 0.38), soluble angiopoietin receptor (sTie-2) (R = 0.41), and sVEGFR-1 (R = 0.47). Discussion Short-term exposure to lead induces the inflammatory response; however, these mechanisms seem to be different from those observed in chronic lead exposure. Subacute exposure to lead may dysregulate angiogenesis via modifications in the levels of angiogenic factors.

The present study was designed to evaluate soluble receptors as potential targets for lead (Pb). Analyses included the serum levels of soluble Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptors 2 (sVEGFR-2), soluble Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (sEGFR), soluble Human Epidermal Growth Factor 2 (sHER-2/neu), and soluble Interleukin 6 Receptors (sIL-6R) in the groups of chronically and subchronically occupationally exposed workers. The first group consisted of 56 male workers chronically exposed to Pb. The second group (control) comprised 24 male administrative workers. The third group included 36 male workers exposed to Pb for 40 ± 3 days. Examined subjects were employed in the Pb–zinc works to perform periodic maintenance of blast furnaces and production lines. The serum levels of sHER-2/neu and sIL-6R were significantly lower in the group of workers chronically exposed to Pb compared to control values by 45% ( p < 0.05) and 44% ( p < 0.05), respectively. The values of sVEGFR-2 and sEGFR decreased after a subchronic exposure to Pb compared to baseline by 14% ( p < 0.05) and 21% ( p < 0.05), respectively. At the same time, the levels of sIL-6R also decreased by 14% ( p < 0.05). Results of the present study indicated that both chronic and subchronic occupational Pb exposures resulted in decreased levels of several soluble receptors (sVEGFR-2, sEGFR, sHER-2/neu, and sIL-6R), probably due to Pb-induced modulations of the transcription factors and metalloprotease activities, that are necessary for soluble receptor synthesis.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a recognized risk factor for acute coronary syndromes. There is currently no consensus concerning the intensification of antihyperglycemic treatment. According to the available guidelines, it seems that the goal is to achieve glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels below 7% and avoid hypoglycemia. The choice of a revascularization method is influenced by many factors, such as the anatomy of the coronary arteries, severity of atherosclerosis, anatomical location of lesions, and presence of comorbidities. However, in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, determining the culprit lesion is often difficult based on ECG or angiography. Experts recommend coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with type 2 diabetes and multivessel or complex (SYNTAX score exceeding 22 points) coronary artery disease in order to improve survival. Percutaneous coronary intervention should be considered as an alternative to CABG to control symptoms in patients with type 2 diabetes and less complex forms of the disease (i.e., SYNTAX score of 22 or lower).

WstępChoroba zwyrodnieniowa stawów kolanowych (gonartroza – GA) należy do najczęstszych schorzeń narządu ruchu, a ból i ograniczenie ruchomości kolana są najdotkliwiej odbieranymi przez pacjentów objawami zmian zwyrodnieniowych. Celem pracy było sprawdzenie, czy podanie dostawowe preparatu kwasu hialuronowego wpływa na funkcje stawu kolanowego, wybrane parametry układu antyoksydacyjnego i natężenie stresu oksydacyjnego we krwi u pacjentów z gonartrozą.Materiał i metodyGrupa badana 1K obejmowała 96 pacjentów z chorobą zwyrodnieniową stawu kolanowego, którym podano kwas hialuronowy do jednego stawu kolanowego, natomiast do grupy badanej 2K włączono 33 pacjentów, którym podano kwas hialuronowy do obu stawów kolanowych. Badanie prowadzono przez 40 tygodni według ustalonego protokołu. Oznaczono całkowity status oksydacyjny (TOS) osocza, zawartość grup sulfhydrylowych (SH) w surowicy, aktywność katalazy (CAT) w erytrocytach, aktywność dysmutazy ponadtlenkowej (SOD) w osoczu i erytrocytach, aktywność peroksydazy glutationowej (GPx) w erytrocytach.WynikiPo leczeniu wiskosuplementacyjnym odnotowano zmniejszenie nasilenia bólu oraz poprawę w badanych ska-lach VAS i HHS, przy czym nieco większą poprawę stwierdzono w przypadku zajęcia jednego kolana. Po leczeniu dostawowym kwasem hialuronowym stwierdzono znamienny spadek aktywności SOD oraz CAT a wzrost aktywności GPx, wzrost stężenia grup SH w obu grupach oraz spadek stężenia TOS.WnioskiWiskosuplementacja w chorobie zwyrodnieniowej stawu kolanowego istotnie redukuje ból kolana i poprawia jego funkcje oraz wywołuje korzystne zmiany w układzie antyoksydacyjnym krwi. Efekt leczenia jest porównywalny zarówno w przypadku podawania preparatu kwasu hialuronowego do jednego, jaki i do obu stawów kolanowych.

In vivo two-photon Ca2+ imaging has become an effective approach for the functional analysis of neuronal populations, individual neurons and subcellular neuronal compartments in the intact brain. When imaging individually labelled neurons, depth penetration can often reach up to 1 mm below the cortical surface. However, for densely labelled neuronal populations, imaging with single-cell resolution is largely restricted to the upper cortical layers in the mouse brain. Here, we review recent advances of deep two-photon Ca2+ imaging and the use of red-shifted fluorescent Ca2+ indicators as a promising strategy to increase the imaging depth, which takes advantage of reduced photon scattering at their long excitation and emission wavelengths. We describe results showing that the newly introduced fluorescent Ca2+-sensitive dye Cal-590 can be used to record in vivo neuronal activity in isolated cortical neurons and in neurons within populations in depths of up to 900 μm below the pial surface. Thus, the new approach allows the comprehensive functional mapping of all six cortical layers of the mouse brain. Specific features of Cal-590-based in vivo Ca2+ two-photon imaging include a good signal-to-noise ratio, fast kinetics and a linear dependence of the Ca2+ transients on the number of action potentials. Another area of application is dual-colour imaging by combining Cal-590 with other, shorter wavelength Ca2+ indicators such as OGB-1. Overall, Cal-590-based two-photon microscopy emerges as a promising tool for the recording of neuronal activity at depths that were previously inaccessible to functional imaging of neuronal circuits.

The current study evaluated levels of macro-/trace elements, select cytokines, and sperm quality, in the semen of men with abnormal spermograms. The study population of men with abnormal spermograms was divided into three groups, i.e., oligospermic, asthenozoospermic, and oligoasthenozoospermic. The control group was fertile men with normal semen parameters. Analyses showed that in comparison with that in the semen of the fertile men, levels of calcium, magnesium, and selenium were significantly lower in men with all three groups. Semen levels of zinc were significantly lower in men with asthenospermia as compared with that in control. GGT (gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase) activity in semen was significantly higher in men in any of the three states as compared with that seen in control semen. In contrast, semen ALT (alanine aminotransferase) activity was reduced in men with any of these abnormalities compared with that in the controls. Semen cholesterol levels were significantly lower in men with asthenospermia as compared with control semen. Of all the measured cytokines, only IL-5 levels were reduced in the semen of the men with any of the conditions as compared with control semen. The semen of infertile males is characterized by reduced levels of calcium, magnesium, and trace metals such as zinc and selenium. The study also indicated that measures of cholesterol and of GGT/ALT activities could serve as supplementary parameters indicative of semen quality. Further investigations are needed to clarify the role of the measured parameters in sperm physiology.

Two-photon calcium imaging became in recent years a very popular method for the functional analysis of neural cell populations on a single-cell level in anesthetized or awake behaving animals. Scientific insights about single-cell processing of sensory information but also analyses of higher cognitive functions in healthy or diseased states became thereby feasible. However, two-photon imaging is generally limited to depths of a few hundred micrometers when recording from densely labeled cell populations. Therefore, such recordings are often restricted to the superficial layers 1-3 of the mouse cortex, whereas the deep cell layers 4-6 are hardly accessible with standard two-photon imaging. Here, we provide a protocol for deep two-photon calcium imaging, which allows imaging of neuronal circuits with single-cell resolution in all cortical layers of the mouse primary cortex. This technique can be readily applied to other species. The method includes a reduction of excitation light scattering by the use of a red-shifted calcium indicator and the minimization of background fluorescence by visually guided local application of the fluorescent dye. The technique is similar to previously published protocols for in vivo two-photon calcium imaging with synthetic calcium dyes (Stosiek et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 100:7319-7324, 2003). Hence, only minor changes of a generic two-photon setup and some adaptations of the experimental procedures are required.

Objective. The main aim of the study was an assessment of the influence of rapid weight loss on oxidative stress parameters in judokas differing in weight reduction value. Materials and Methods. The study included 30 judokas with an age range of 18-30 years (mean age: 22.4±3.40 years). Enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidative markers, lipid peroxidation markers, and total oxidative stress were assessed three times: one week before a competition (the first stage), after gaining the desired weight (the second stage), and one week after the competition (the third stage). Results. Between the first and the second stage, the concentration of lipid hydroperoxides (LPH) decreased significantly. The superoxide dismutase (SOD), copper- and zinc-containing superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD), ceruloplasmin (CER), malondialdehyde (MDA), LPH, and total oxidative stress (TOS) concentrations were the lowest one week after the competition. Linear regression indicated that the emphases on increased weight reduction increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and protein sulfhydryl (PSH) between the first and the second stage of the study. Moderate weight reduction (2-5%) resulted in elevated levels of SOD, Mn-SOD, LPH, MDA, and TOS in comparison to low and high reductions. An opposite relation was observed in PSH. In judokas, the precompetitional weight reduction range was 0.44-6.10% (mean: 2.93%±1.76%) of the initial body weight. Concentrations of superoxide dismutase (SOD; p<.01), manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD; p<.001), and ceruloplasmin (CER; p<.05) decreased between the first and the third stage of the study as well between the second and third one. Before competitions, a decrease in lipid hydroperoxide (LPH; p<.01) concentration was observed. A reduction of malondialdehyde (MDA; p<.05), LPH (p<.01), and total oxidative stress (TOS; p<.05) levels between the first and the final stage occurred. The increase in weight reduction was linearly correlated with the rise of glutathione peroxidase (GPx; p<.05), glutathione reductase (GR; p<.05), glutathione S-transferase (GST; p<.05), and protein sulfhydryl (PSH; p<.05) concentrations between the first and the second stage of the study. Moderate weight reduction (2-5%) resulted in elevated levels of SOD (p<.05), Mn-SOD (p<.05), LPH (p<.05), MDA (p<.05), and TOS (p<.05) in comparison to low and high reductions. An opposite relation was observed in PSH (p<.005). Conclusions. The effect of weight reduction in judo athletes on prooxidative-antioxidative system diversity depends on the weight reduction value.

Background. We examined the effectiveness of the systemic cryotherapy in terms of the temperature and duration of the therapeutic series measured by oxidative stress markers in the rat animal model.Methods. Antioxidants in serum, plasma, liver, and erythrocytes were evaluated in two study groups following 1 min exposure to − 60°C and − 90°C, for 5 and 10 days.Results. Superoxide dismutase activity in the tissues was lower than in the serum. The glutathione peroxidase was significantly higher in − 60°C than in − 90°C, in both 5 and 10 days of exposition. The liver catalase CAT were significantly lower in − 60°C when compared to − 90°C for 5 and 10 sessions of exposure. In all analysed tissues, the sessions of cryotherapy, – 60/5 and – 60/10, were more effective in reduction malondialdehyde than sessions of − 90/5 and − 90/10. The highest total antioxidant capacity was observed in the − 60/5 group.Conclusions. Whole body cryotherapy based on temperature − 60°C may be considered as more beneficial than − 90°C for most of the oxidative stress (OS) markers measured in the selected tissues. The temp. − 60°C is more beneficial than − 90°C when measured by activity of Total SOD, CAT, and GPx. The therapeutic sessions − 60/10 and − 60/5 were the optimal schemes of WBC model in terms of TAC and MDA amount.

Introduction Propofol is an intravenous sedative-hypnotic agent that is commonly used to induce and maintain general anaesthesia. This drug has antioxidant properties, which are partly caused by a phenolic structure similar to α-tocopherol. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of propofol on the level of oxidative stress biomarkers in the frontal cortex, striatum, thalamus, hippocampus and cerebellum in rats with experimental Parkinson's disease (PD). Material/methods The experiment was performed on 24 male Wistar rats assigned to the following groups: 1 - control; 2 - PD; 3 - PD with propofol. The dopaminergic systems were damaged with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) administered to each lateral ventricle (2x15 μg/5 μl). 60 mg/kg of propofol was later given to the 8-week-old rats intraperitoneally. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and its enzymes Cu/ZnSOD and MnSOD, together with the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, total oxidative status (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), were measured. Results In the 2nd group, a significant increase in MDA concentration in the striatum, hippocampus and thalamus, and an increase of TOS in the striatum, thalamus and cerebellum were noted, along with a TAC decrease in the cortex, striatum and thalamus. Propofol caused a significant decrease in MDA levels in the cortex, striatum, hippocampus and thalamus, and a decrease in TOS levels in the cortex, striatum and cerebellum, with increased TAC in all evaluated structures. Conclusions A shortage of natural antioxidants is observed in PD, along with an increase in pro-oxidants in many brain areas. Propofol inhibits oxidative stress in the brain, which shows its neuroprotective properties against oxidative damage.

WstępW patogenezie reumatoidalnego zapalenia stawów jednym z mechanizmów uszkadzających struktury stawu są reakcje z udziałem reaktywnych form tlenu (RFT).Materiał i metodyU 178 pacjentów z RZS oraz 27 zdrowych ochotników oznaczono we krwi i płynie stawowym aktywność enzymów antyoksydacyjnych: izoenzymów dysmutazy ponadtlenkowej manganowej (MnSOD) i cynkowo--miedziowej (CuZnSOD), katalazy (CAT), peroksydazy glutationowej (GPX), reduktazy glutationowej (GR) i transferazy-S-glutationowej (GST) oraz stężenie dialdehydu malonowego (MDA).WynikiWe krwi i płynie stawowym pacjentów z RZS dochodzi do pobudzenia układu antyoksydacyjnego ze wzrostem aktywności enzymów antyoksydacyjnych, zwiększonym stężeniem MDA oraz spadkiem lepkości płynu stawowego.WnioskiZależność między nasileniem zmian w układzie antyoksydacyjnym a aktywnością zapalenia stawów po-twierdza udział RFT w patogenezie i przebiegu RZS.

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) could be included in protocols designed for the treatment of lead toxicity. Therefore, in this study, we decided to investigate the influence of NAC administration on homocysteine (Hcy) levels, oxidative damage to proteins, and the levels of iron (Fe), transferrin (TRF), and haptoglobin (HPG) in lead (Pb)-exposed workers. The examined population ( n = 171) was composed of male employees who worked with Pb. They were randomized into four groups. Workers who were not administered any antioxidants, drugs, vitamins, or dietary supplements were classified as the reference group ( n = 49). The remaining three groups consisted of workers who were treated orally with NAC at three different doses (1 × 200, 2 × 200, or 2 × 400 mg) for 12 weeks. After the treatment, blood Pb levels significantly decreased in the groups receiving NAC compared with the reference group. The protein concentration was not affected by NAC administration. In contrast, Hcy levels significantly decreased or showed a strong tendency toward lower values depending on the NAC dose. Levels of the protein carbonyl groups were significantly decreased in all of the groups receiving NAC. Conversely, glutamate dehydrogenase activity was significantly elevated in all of the groups receiving NAC, while the level of protein thiol groups was significantly elevated only in the group receiving 200 mg of NAC. Treatment with NAC did not significantly affect Fe and TRF levels, whereas HPG levels showed a tendency toward lower values. Treatment with NAC normalized the level of Hcy and decreased oxidative stress as measured by the protein carbonyl content; this effect occurred in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, small doses of NAC elevated the levels of protein thiol groups. Therefore, NAC could be introduced as an alternative therapy for chronic Pb toxicity in humans.

Purpose This study aimed to compare the influence of lead on the non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses and the levels of chemokines in workers subchronically and chronically exposed to lead. Methods The study population was divided into three groups. The first group consisted of male workers subchronically exposed to lead for 40 ± 3.2 days, while the second group included male workers chronically exposed to lead. The third group was a control group. Results The levels of uric acid and bilirubin were significantly higher after a subchronic exposure to lead compared to the baseline by 22 and 35 %, respectively. Similarly, the values of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) increased by 15, 50, and 33 %, respectively. At the same time, the levels of thiol groups and albumin decreased by 5 and 8 %, respectively. Additionally, the levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1β) were significantly higher after a subchronic exposure to lead compared to the baseline by 34 and 20 %, respectively. Moreover, IL-8 level was significantly higher by 40 % in the group of workers chronically exposed to lead than in the control group, while the level of interferon gamma-induced protein-10 (IP-10) was significantly lower by 28 %. Conclusions Similar to chronic lead exposure, subchronic exposure to lead is associated with elevated blood levels of uric acid and bilirubin in humans. This probably results in increased TAC value despite thiol depletion. However, the compensatory activation of non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses seems to be insufficient to protect against lead-induced oxidative stress, which may be additively enhanced by the pro-inflammatory action of chemokines, especially IL-8.

BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease is caused by the destruction of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain. One of the possible factors involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease is impaired oxidativeantioxidative balance. OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to evaluate selected parameters of the liver oxidative-antioxidative system in a Wistar rat model with Parkinson's disease treated with propofol. MATERIAL AND METHODS Experiments were performed on 32 rats divided into 4 groups: 1 - control, 2 - Parkinson's disease, 3 - control with propofol, 4 - Parkinson's disease with propofol. The rats were decapitated at 8 weeks of age and their livers were collected. In the liver, the activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR) and the concentrations of: Malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS) were assessed. RESULTS The study demonstrated a decrease in CAT activity and an increase in MDA, TOS concentrations in group 2 compared to that of group 1. Administration of propofol in rats of group 4 caused an increase in CAT activity and a decrease in MDA concentration compared to that of group 2 and an increase in TAC, CAT, GR levels, decrease in MDA levels compared to that of group 1. There was also an increase in GR and TAC in group 3 compared to that of group 1. CONCLUSIONS Propofol in Parkinson's disease stimulates the production of antioxidant enzymes in the liver, simultaneously decreasing oxidative stress, which has a beneficial effect on the oxidative-antioxidative balance.

Although weight loss is recommended for obese patients, it remains questionable how much weight loss is optimal. A novel index that accurately determines the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in terms of weight loss is needed. The modified Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), presented here is unique in the literature. It is calculated based on data for anti-atherogenic, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) fractions, instead of the total HDL-C. This study investigates whether weight loss correlates with CVD risk, and whether the modified AIP allows more accurate diagnostics in obese/overweight people. According to the increase or decrease of AIP during weight loss, 52 Polish patients were subdivided into two groups: group I (increased AIP, n = 16) and group II (decreased AIP, n = 36). The patients&rsquo, body mass composition and fasting serum lipid parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, and LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol)), and cholesterol in 21 lipoprotein sub-fractions were determined. Over six months, all patients reduced their body mass by about 10%. There were no significant differences in anthropometric measures between groups. Increases in large and intermediate HDL-C fractions 1 to 6 and decreases in smaller fractions 7 to 10 were observed in group II. In group I, HDL-C fractions 1 and 10 decreased, while cholesterol in other fractions increased. Increases were observed in the antiatherogenic HDL-C of 52% of group II and 4% of group I. As for atherogenic HDL-C, a decrease of 24% was observed in group II and an increase of 9% in group I. In group I, increases of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL), and large LDL fractions were noticed, and the reverse in group II. The results show that the modified AIP is a more accurate indicator of CVD risk than existing indices, and that uncontrolled weight reduction does not necessarily have a beneficial influence, and may adversely affect the cardiovascular system.

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide. Coffee contains bioactive compounds that affect the human body such as caffeine, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acids, trigonelline, diterpenes, and melanoidins. Some of them have demonstrated potential anticarcinogenic effects in animal models and in human cell cultures, and may play a protective role against colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the USA and other countries. Dietary patterns, as well as the consumption of beverages, may reduce the risk of CRC incidence. In this review, we focus on published epidemiological studies concerning the association of coffee consumption and the risk of development of colorectal cancer, and provide a description of selected biologically active compounds in coffee that have been investigated as potential cancer-combating compounds: Caffeine, caffeic acid (CA), chlorogenic acids (CGAs), and kahweol in relation to colorectal cancer progression in in vitro settings. We review the impact of these substances on proliferation, viability, invasiveness, and metastasis, as well as on susceptibility to chemo- and radiotherapy of colorectal cancer cell lines cultured in vitro.

Summary: The cerebral cortex is organized in vertical columns that contain neurons with similar functions. The cellular micro-architecture of such columns is an essential determinant of brain dynamics and cortical information processing. However, a detailed understanding of columns is incomplete, even in the best studied cortical regions, and mostly restricted to the upper cortical layers. Here, we developed a two-photon Ca2+-imaging-based method for the serial functional mapping of all pyramidal layers of the mouse primary auditory cortex at single-neuron resolution in individual animals. We demonstrate that the best frequency-responsive neurons are organized in all-layers-crossing narrow columns, with fuzzy boundaries and a bandwidth of about one octave. This micro-architecture is, in many ways, different from what has been reported before, indicating the region and stimulus specificity of functional cortical columns in vivo. : Tischbirek et al. report a two-photon Ca2+-imaging-based approach to map sensory-evoked neuronal activity from L2/3 to L6 of mouse cortex. In the primary auditory cortex, the authors identify functional microcolumns at cellular resolution that bring together large-scale tonotopy and locally heterogeneous frequency responses throughout all cortical layers. Keywords: two-photon microscopy, calcium imaging, cortical column, cortical layers, cellular micro-architecture, mouse auditory cortex, tonotopy

Fluorine influences many processes occurring in the organism. Controversies over the evaluation of the biological effects of this substance are due to a small difference between tolerable and toxic fluorine doses. One of the main mechanisms of the fluorine toxic action is its ability to induce oxidative stress via reactive oxygen species generation and antioxidant defense system impairment. It is important to evaluate possible interactions between fluorine and other substances that may increase or decrease its toxicity.The study lasted for 35 days. Twenty-four rats were divided into 4 groups: the control, with sodium fluoride (NaF) in the diet, with sodium fluoride, methionine and vitamin E (NaF+M+E) in the diet, with sodium fluoride and vitamin E (NaF+E) in the diet. The biochemical analysis conducted in animal liver homogenates included determination of activities of: total superoxide dismutase (t-SOD), superoxide dismutase with copper and zinc (CuZnSOD), superoxide dismutase with manganese (MnSOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration.The activities of CuZn- SOD, GPX, CAT and MDA concentration were changed significantly. There were no differences in the activities of t-SOD, MnSOD, GR and GST among the experiment.In the conducted experiment, the run-out of enzymatic protection of liver by decreasing of the activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT and GPX) and increasing the MDA concentration in NaF group was observed. The addition of vitamin E and methionine does not significantly stimulate the enzymatic antioxidant system, however, it causes of MDA concentration decreases. Med Pr 2018;69(4):403–412Fluor wpływa na wiele procesów zachodzących w organizmie. Kontrowersje dotyczące oceny działania związków fluoru na ustrój wynikają głównie z wąskiego zakresu stężeń pomiędzy dawkami tolerowaną i toksyczną. W jednym z mechanizmów toksycznego działania fluoru znaczącą rolę odgrywa jego zdolność do wywoływania stresu oksydacyjnego poprzez generowanie wolnych rodników i zmniejszenie wydajności enzymatycznego układu antyoksydacyjnego. Istotnym kierunkiem badań jest poszukiwanie interakcji fluoru z innymi substancjami, które mogą zarówno zwiększać, jak i zmniejszać efekty jego działania.Eksperyment trwał 35 dni. Poddane badaniom 24 szczury podzielono na 4 grupy: kontrolną, z dietą z dodatkiem fluorku sodu (NaF), z dietą z dodatkiem fluorku sodu, metioniny i witaminy E (NaF+M+E) oraz z dietą z dodatkiem fluorku sodu i witaminy E (NaF+E). W homogenatach wątroby zwierząt oznaczono: aktywność całkowitej dysmutazy ponadtlenkowej (total superoxide dismutase – t-SOD), izoenzymu cytoplazmatycznego (superoxide dismutase with copper and zinc – CuZnSOD), izoenzymu mitochondrialnego (superoxide dismutase with manganese – MnSOD), peroksydazy glutationowej (glutathione peroxidase – GPX), katalazy (catalase – CAT), reduktazy glutationowej (glutathione reductase – GR), transferazy S-glutationowej (glutathione S-transferase – GST) oraz stężenie dialdehydu malonowego (malondialdehyde – MDA).Zaobserwowano statystycznie istotnie zmiany w aktywności CuZnSOD, GPX i CAT oraz stężenia MDA. Dla t-SOD, MnSOD, GR i GST nie stwierdzono zmian statystycznie istotnych.W warunkach eksperymentu doszło do wyczerpania enzymatycznej ochrony antyoksydacyjnej organizmu w obrębie komórek wątrobowych, obserwowanej poprzez obniżenie aktywności enzymów antyoksydacyjnych (CAT i GPX) i wzrost stężenia MDA w grupie NaF. Dodatek witaminy E i metioniny nie stymuluje istotnie enzymatycznego układu antyoksydacyjnego, wpływa jednak korzystnie na obniżenie stężenia MDA w komórkach wątrobowych. Med. Pr. 2018;69(4):403–412

Background More than 35 substances released from composite fillings have been identified. Among these, basic monomers and the so-called co-monomers are most often reported. The substances released from polymer-based materials demonstrate allergenic, cytotoxic, genotoxic, mutagenic, embryotoxic, teratogenic, and estrogenic properties. Objectives The aim of this study was to measure the amounts of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) monomers released from composite dental fillings to citrate-phosphate buffer with the pH of 4, 6, 8 after 24 h and 6 months from the polymerization. Material and methods Ten samples for each polymerization method had been made from the composite material (Filtek Supreme XT, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, USA), which underwent polymerization using the following lamps: halogen lamp (Translux CL, Heraeus Kulzer, Hanau, Germany) (sample H) and diode lamp (Elipar Freelight 2, 3M ESPE), with soft start function (group DS) and without that function (group DWS). Results It has been demonstrated that the type of light-curing units has a significant impact on the amount of TEGDMA and UDMA released. The amount of UDMA and TEGDMA monomers released from composite fillings differed significantly depending on the source of polymerization applied, as well as the pH of the solution and sample storage time. Conclusions Elution of the monomers from composite material polymerized using halogen lamp was significantly greater as compared to curing with diode lamps.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the parameters of oxidative stress and antioxidant defense in relation to the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in patients diagnosed with oligozoospermia and asthenozoospermia. Based on the basic parameters of the spermogram, the examined group (n=243) was divided into three groups: oligospermic group (sperm count less than 15 × 106/ml) consisting of 152 men, astenozoospermic group (less than 40% of progressively moving sperm cells) consisting of 142 men, and oligoastenozoospermic group (both criteria met) consisting of 90 men. The control group consisted of 103 males with normal semen profile according to the WHO criteria. Total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in seminal plasma and spermatozoa lysate was significantly lower by 12% and 22%, respectively, in males with oligospermia than in the control group. Analogically, Mn-SOD activity in spermatozoa lysate was significantly lower in males with oligospermia, asthenospermia, and oligoasthenospermia by 44%, 32%, and 45%, respectively. By contrast, CuZn-SOD activity in spermatozoa lysate was significantly higher in males with oligospermia by 60%. The activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in seminal plasma was also significantly higher in males with oligospermia and oligoasthenospermia by 56% and 78%, respectively. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in seminal plasma was significantly higher in males with asthenospermia than in the control group by 12%. By contrast, the level of MDA in spermatozoa lysate was significantly lower in males with oligospermia, asthenospermia, and oligoasthenospermia by 26%, 20%, and 26%, respectively. The level of interleukin- (IL-) 8 in seminal plasma was significantly higher in males with asthenospermia and oligoasthenospermia by 64% and 67%, respectively. Abnormalities in spermogram, such as oligospermia, asthenospermia, and oligoasthenospermia, may be related to a decreased activity of Mn-SOD in spermatozoa and increased levels of chemokines in seminal plasma.

The interpenetrating 3-dimensional channel system of silica MCM-48 has been selected for the deposition of ZnO nanoparticles. The post-synthetic organometallic route was employed to load the mesoporous silica with ZnO-precursor molecule. Calcination of the composite transformed the organometallic sorbate to the corresponding metal oxide. X-ray powder diffraction, N2-Adsorption and TEM measurement have supported the efficient loading and growth of ZnO particles in the channels of mesoporous silica matrix. EXAFS analysis (ZnK-edges) also complemented the metal uptake. Presence of nano- dispersed and nanosized ZnO particles confined by the mesoporous pore system was established by TEM and EXAFS analysis. Copyright © 2015 VBRI Press.

Myeloid and lymphoid neoplasms with fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) abnormalities, also known as 8p11 myeloproliferative syndrome (EMS), represent rare and aggressive disorders, associated with chromosomal aberrations that lead to the fusion of FGFR1 to different partner genes. We report on a third patient with a fusion of the translocated promoter region (TPR) gene, a component of the nuclear pore complex, to FGFR1 due to a novel ins(1;8)(q25;p11p23). The fact that this fusion is a rare but recurrent event in EMS prompted us to examine the localization and transforming potential of the chimeric protein. TPR-FGFR1 localizes in the cytoplasm, although the nuclear pore localization signal of TPR is retained in the fusion protein. Furthermore, TPR-FGFR1 enables cytokine-independent survival, proliferation, and granulocytic differentiation of the interleukin-3 dependent myeloid progenitor cell line 32Dcl3, reflecting the chronic phase of EMS characterized by myeloid hyperplasia. 32Dcl3 cells transformed with the TPR-FGFR1 fusion and treated with increasing concentrations of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors ponatinib (AP24534) and infigratinib (NVP-BGJ398) displayed reduced survival and proliferation with IC50 values of 49.8 and 7.7 nM, respectively. Ponatinib, a multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is already shown to be effective against several FGFR1-fusion kinases. Infigratinib, tested only against FGFR1OP2-FGFR1 to date, is also efficient against TPR-FGFR1. Taking its high specificity for FGFRs into account, infigratinib could be beneficial for EMS patients and should be further investigated for the treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms with FGFR1 abnormalities.

Propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol) is a popular anaesthetic agent with antioxidant properties. The aim of the study was to assess the oxidant-antioxidant system parameters of particular organs (liver, kidney, heart, and lungs) in response to propofol administered to rats with Parkinson's disease and to healthy ones. The experiment was performed using 32 Wistar rats divided into four groups (8 rats each). The groups were as follows: 1 control, 2 Parkinson's disease, 3 control with propofol, 4 Parkinson's disease with propofol. Propofol was administered at a dose of 60 mg/kg body weight/IP, 60 minutes before decapitation. Animals were sacrificed and livers, kidneys, hearts and lungs were obtained for further biochemical analyses. The concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione reductase (GR) activity, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity and catalase (CAT) activity were determined. In group 4 compared to group 2 there was observed a significant decrease in the MDA level in liver (71%), kidneys (51%) and heart (12%), increased GR activity in lungs (48%) and heart (34%), and increased CAT activity in liver (104%). In group 3 compared to group 1 there was a significant decrease in MDA level in kidneys (67%) and lungs (14%) and increased GR activity in heart (31%), liver (29%) and lungs (21%). Propofol can prevent or reduce damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) by stimulating activity of antioxidative enzymes and inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Additionally, the response of tissues to administered propofol is different in Parkinson's disease and in healthy individuals.

The aim of this study was to examine the association between combined concentrations of macro and trace elements and markers of oxidative stress and antioxidative defense system function together with selected cytokine levels. Based on the combined medians of the seminal plasma levels of calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, and selenium, the study subjects (88 fertile male volunteers) were divided into the following two subgroups: the Me-L group (low level of metals) and the Me-H group (high level of metals). There was a tendency toward reduced motility in the Me-H group compared to that in the Me-L group. The total protein, albumin, and total oxidation status (TOS) levels were significantly higher in the Me-H group than in the Me-L group. The total superoxide dismutase (SOD), Mn-SOD, and CuZn-SOD, activity in spermatozoa were significantly lower in the Me-H group than in the Me-L group. In seminal plasma, the Mn-SOD activity was significantly higher in the Me-H group, whereas the CuZn-SOD activity was significantly lower. Additionally, the activity levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were lower in the Me-H group. The medians of IL-1β, IL-10, and IL-12 were significantly higher in the Me-H group than in the Me-L group, whereas the medians of IL-2, IL-5, and IL-13 were significantly lower. Higher levels of macro and trace elements in the seminal plasma of fertile males may be associated with decreased motility. Higher levels of the examined metals are associated with elevated oxidative stress accompanied by decreased activities of some of the antioxidant enzymes and increased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels.

Introduction: The present study investigated associations between environmental exposure to magnesium (Mg) and the levels of oxidative stress parameters and selected cytokines, and the antioxidant defense system in the seminal plasma of fertile males. Materials and methods: The study population consisted of 57 healthy, non-smoking, fertile men from the southern region of Poland. Based on the median magnesium levels in seminal plasma, subjects were divided into two groups: those with low (Mg-L) and high (Mg-H) magnesium concentrations. Results: Differences were not observed between the Mg-L and Mg-H groups as regards semen volume, pH, count, motility, or morphology of sperm cells. In the Mg-H group, cholesterol levels were significantly higher (77%) compared with the Mg-L group: however, γ-glutamyltranspeptidase activity was significantly lower (21%). The values of total oxidant status were significantly different between the two groups, with 78% higher values observed in the Mg-H group compared with the Mg-L group, whereas malondialdehyde levels did not differ significantly. The values for total antioxidant capacity and uric acid levels were significantly lower in the Mg-H group compared with the Mg-L group (14% and 17%, respectively). However, levels of bilirubin, albumin, thiol groups and α-tocopherol were significantly higher in the Mg-H group (71%, 44%, 35% and 47%, respectively). Conclusion: No associations between Mg levels in the seminal plasma of fertile males and standard semen parameters were found. However, Mg levels may be associated with altered function of the non-enzymatic antioxidant system.

We hypothesized that addition of substances with antioxidant activity could decrease the concentrations of biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammatory process, thus inhibiting nonalcoholic steatohepatitis development. We investigated the influence ofα-lipoic acid (ALA) and garlic administration on the development of adverse changes in rabbit liver and serum under oxidative stress conditions induced with HFD from oxidized oils. We determined 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver homogenates, total oxidant status (TOS), lipid peroxides (LOO) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) in blood serum, and TNFαand IL-1αgenes expression in liver. The results indicate that the intake of dietary ALA and garlic was significantly associated with decreases of 8OHdG and MDA levels in rabbits’ liver tissue as well as TOS and LOO levels in rabbits’ serum. Similarly, TNFαand IL-1αgene expressions were suppressed due to ALA and garlic supplementation. The histopathological analysis confirmed that HFD results in liver disorder leading to steatosis. This adverse effect of HFD was ameliorated by the supplementation of ALA and garlic. The obtained results indicate a beneficial effect of ALA and garlic administration by reducing the oxidative stress intensity and the levels of some proinflammatory cytokines in rabbits fed HFD.

This study examines the effects of vitamin E and an extremey low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) and their combination in different time intervals of exposure of vitamin E (tocopherol) on the AT478 murine squamous cell carcinoma line. This study provides insight into the influence of correlations between ELF-EMF and vitamin E supplementation on antioxidant enzyme activity in malignant cells in vitro. Following vitamin E treatment, activity of the antioxidant enzymes is increased in an exposure-dependent manner compared with the untreated group. Application of ELF-EMF alone or with vitamin E increases both superoxide dismutase isoenzymes and glutathione peroxidase activities in comparison to the control group. The results suggest that ELF-EMF alters antioxidative activities of vitamin E in AT478 tumor cells. This study confirms the role of vitamin E in decreasing susceptibility to lipid peroxidation in AT478 tumor cells.

Introduction The aim of this study was to investigate whether the type and form of oil (raw/non-oxidised (N) or post-frying/oxidised (O)) consumed in high-fat diets affect the oxidative status of an organism, as observed by malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration as an oxidative factor and antioxidant enzyme activity. Material and Methods Fats in the diet came from rapeseed oil (R) and olive oil (O). Results The applied diet caused a decrease in MDA concentration (μmol/L) in serum in group RN from 2.94 ± 0.87 to 1.76 ± 0.13, in group ON from 2.45 ± 0.62 to 1.50 ± 0.10, and in group OO from 2.70 ± 1.16 to 1.84 ± 0.36. Meanwhile, MDA concentration (mmol/L) increased in blood haemolysate in group RO from 0.15 ± 0.07 to 0.22 ± 0.03 and in group OO from 0.17 ± 0.02 to 0.22 ± 0.02. The observed changes caused a response of the enzymatic antioxidant system in both models, especially followed by an increase in activities of total superoxide dismutase and its mitochondrial isoenzyme in all experimental groups, while its cytosolic isoenzyme activity increased only in ON and OO groups. Increased activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in groups RN and RO and of catalase (CAT) in groups ON and OO was observed. Significant differences in responses to the different types and forms of oils were probably caused by the different oxidative stability of the studied oils. Conclusion This diet disturbed the body’s oxidative status; however, during the six-month study the enzymatic antioxidant system remained effective.

BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The causes of Parkinson's disease are not fully understood; however, increasing evidence implicates oxidative stress. OBJECTIVES The study was aimed at assessing the nature of the changes in the oxidation-antioxidant balance in the cerebral cortex, striatum, hippocampus, thalamus, and cerebellum in a rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD). MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixteen male Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups: Icontrol, IIParkinson's disease. The 8-weeks-old animals were decapitated, their brains removed and the following structures dissected and then frozen for further biochemical assays: cerebral cortex, striatum, hippocampus, thalamus and cerebellum. The activities of: the catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the isoenzymes: Cu/ZnSOD and MnSOD; together with the malondialdehyde (MDA) and the total oxidative status (TOS) concentrations were measured in each structure. RESULTS A significantly increased activities of SOD, Cu/ZnSOD, GST and reduced GR activity and an increase of MDA concentration were observed in the striatum of PD rats, comparing to the control group, combined with a significantly reduced activities of GR,SOD, Cu/ZnSOD and an increased GPX activity and MDA concentration in the hippocampus, a significantly lower GR, SOD, MnSOD, Cu/ZnSOD, and GST activities in the cerebral cortex. A significantly lower GR activity, higher CAT activity and MDA concentration in the thalamus and a significantly increased GR activity in the cerebellum were observed in PD rats compared to the corresponding control group. CONCLUSIONS Oxidative stress in PD involves many brain structures and various antioxidant enzymes and oxidative status parameters become dysfunctional, depending on the area of the brain, which might reflect the complexity of the clinical symptoms of PD.

Small Cu particles supported on and most likely activated by a ZnO substrate are the active component in the industrial catalyst used to convert syngas (H2, CO, CO2) into methanol, the third most important chemical product worldwide. Although a topic of intense research, the nature of the active site is still under debate. Recently, it has been pointed out that Zn atoms present at the surfaces of the Cu particles exhibit pronounced chemical activity and could explain some of the experimental findings. Another interesting suggestion is the presence of a thin layer of ZnOx species which forms on the surface of the Cu particles under reaction conditions. The importance of such thin oxide layers on the surface of metals under reaction conditions has already been pointed out in other contexts, where it was found that their chemical properties may differ substantially from those of the corresponding bulk oxides. In the case of ZnO this question is particularly interesting, since strong interactions between ZnO and the supporting metal have been reported for ZnO/ Cu and in recent work thin layers of ZnO have been shown to adopt a depolarized, graphitic structure, ZnO(gr), different from the wurtzite-type bulk. The properties of oxide thin films supported on metal substrates have been successfully studied in a number of cases, for example, for thin aluminum oxide films grown by oxidation of Ni/Al alloys. In contrast, the chemical activity of ZnO thin films supported on Cu single crystals has been investigated in a few cases only. Maroie et al. have investigated the adsorption and oxidation processes for single-crystal brass(110), brass(100), and brass(111) surfaces by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Brass(110) and brass(111) show the same behavior with regard to the interaction with oxygen: the dissociative adsorption of oxygen on the surface is followed by the growth of thin ZnO layers. Wiame et al. reported that after oxidation of (111)-oriented Cu0.7Zn0.3 samples at room temperature the surface is covered by ZnO islands; it was suggested that these islands have (0001) and (0001) surface terminations. A more detailed characterization of the chemical properties of the thin ZnO layers was not carried out in this early work. In the present paper we report a detailed multitechnique investigation of a brass(111) single-crystal substrate (Cu/Zn ratio 9:1) subjected to different oxidation procedures using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions. The experimental findings are then interpreted by comparison with the results of a rather extensive set of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Our results reveal the growth of thin ZnO adlayers with chemical properties that are markedly different from those of normal, wurtzite-type ZnO substrates. XPS data recorded for the brass(111) surface before and after different oxidation procedures for two different exit angles of the photoelectrons are shown in Figure 1. Since it is difficult to discriminate between Cu and Cu on the basis of XPS data, also the corresponding results from Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) are shown. For the clean brass(111) substrate the data indicate a Zn atom concentration of 5%, clearly lower than the 10% expected based on the bulk Cu/Zn ratio. Upon oxidation, the XPS data reveal an increase of the surface Zn concentration. Since it is a crucial question whether, in addition to Zn, also Cu or Cu is present, we have carefully analyzed the XPS and AES data. Neither in the Cu2p XPS data nor in the Cu L3M45M45 Auger data were the characteristic signatures of Cu or Cu species resulting from an oxidation of copper atoms detected. Cu exhibits a L3M45M45 peak at electron kinetic energies of 915 eV– 917 eV, which is clearly absent in the present data (see Figure 1). This observation, which agrees with the conclusions presented in a previous study by Rameshan et al., is expected, since in the presence of the less noble Zn one would expect the formation of ZnO to precede that of CuxO. Oxidation at elevated temperatures results in a substantial increase of the Zn signal, revealing the formation of thicker ZnO adlayers. The thickness of these thin ZnO layers was determined from the intensity of the Zn2p3/2 and Cu2p3/2 XPS signals. Exposure of the samples to 500 L of O2 at room temperature yields a ZnO adlayer with an average thickness of about 1.7 , consistent with the presence of a monolayer. More extended exposures to oxygen at room temperature did not result in a significant further increase of the thickness of the ZnO layer. Even the oxidation of the brass substrate at [*] Dr. V. Schott, Dr. A. Birkner, Dr. M. Xu, Dr. Y. Wang Chair of Physical Chemistry Ruhr-University Bochum (Germany)

Silica nanoparticles with iron on their surface cause the production of oxidants and stimulate an inflammatory response in macrophages. Nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2 –like factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling and its regulated antioxidant genes play critical roles in maintaining redox homeostasis. In this study we investigated the regulation of four representative Nrf2-regulated antioxidant genes; i.e., glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL) catalytic subunit (GCLC), GCL modifier subunit (GCLM), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1), by iron-coated silica nanoparticles (SiO2-Fe) in human THP-1 macrophages. We found that the expression of these four antioxidant genes was modified by SiO2-Fe in a time-dependent manner. At 6 h, their expression was unchanged except for GCLC, which was reduced compared with controls. At 18 h, the expression of these antioxidant genes was significantly increased compared with controls. In contrast, the Nrf2 activator sulforaphane induced all antioxidant genes at as early as 3 h. The nuclear translocation of Nrf2 occurred later than that for NF-κB p65 protein and the induction of proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα and IL-1β). NF-κB inhibitor SN50 prevented the reduction of GCLC at 6 h and abolished the induction of antioxidant genes at 18 h by SiO2-Fe, but did not affect the basal and sulforaphane-induced expression of antioxidant genes, suggesting that NF-κB signaling plays a key role in the induction of Nrf2-mediated genes in response to SiO2-Fe. Consistently, SN50 inhibited the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 caused by SiO2-Fe. In addition, Nrf2 silencing decreased the basal and SiO2-induced expression of the four reprehensive antioxidant genes. Taken together, these data indicated that SiO2-Fe induced a delayed response of Nrf2-regulated antioxidant genes, likely through NF-κB-Nrf2 interactions.

Manganese oxides with layer and tunnel structures occur widely in nature and inspire technological applications. Having variable compositions, these structures often are found as small particles (nanophases). This study explores, using experimental thermochemistry, the role of composition, oxidation state, structure, and surface energy in the their thermodynamic stability. The measured surface energies of cryptomelane, sodium birnessite, potassium birnessite and calcium birnessite are all significantly lower than those of binary manganese oxides (Mn3O4, Mn2O3, and MnO2), consistent with added stabilization of the layer and tunnel structures at the nanoscale. Surface energies generally decrease with decreasing average manganese oxidation state. A stabilizing enthalpy contribution arises from increasing counter-cation content. The formation of cryptomelane from birnessite in contact with aqueous solution is favored by the removal of ions from the layered phase. At large surface area, surface-energy differences make cryptomelane formation thermodynamically less favorable than birnessite formation. In contrast, at small to moderate surface areas, bulk thermodynamics and the energetics of the aqueous phase drive cryptomelane formation from birnessite, perhaps aided by oxidation-state differences. Transformation among birnessite phases of increasing surface area favors compositions with lower surface energy. These quantitative thermodynamic findings explain and support qualitative observations of phase-transformation patterns gathered from natural and synthetic manganese oxides.

Background. The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) in rats on their antioxidant systems, lipid peroxidation products, and their total oxidative status at different exposure times and temperatures.Methods. Antioxidants in serum, plasma, liver, and erythrocytes were evaluated in two study groups following 1 min of exposure to −60°C and −90°C, for 5 and 10 consecutive days.Results. WBC increased the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase in the group subjected to 5 and 10 days exposure, −60°C. The glutathione S-transferase activity increased in the groups subjected to 10 days WBC sessions. Total antioxidant capacity increased after 5 and 10 days of 1 min WBC, −60°C; a decrease was observed at −90°C. A decreased level of erythrocyte malondialdehyde concentration was observed at −60°C after 5 and 10 days of cryostimulation. An increased concentration was measured at −90°C after 10 days, and increase of erythrocyte malondialdehyde concentration after 5 days, −90°C.Conclusions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first research showing the effect of WBC in rats at different exposure times and temperatures. The effect of cryotherapy on enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant systems was observed in the serum of animals exposed to a temperature of −60°C in comparison to control.

The present study was designed to explore the possible influence of subacute exposure to lead on the levels of selected essential metals, selected proteins related to them, and oxidative stress parameters in occupationally exposed workers. The study population included 36 males occupationally exposed to lead for 36 to 44 days. Their blood lead level at the beginning of the study was 10.7 ± 7.67 μg/dl and increased to the level of 49.1 ± 14.1 μg/dl at the end of the study. The levels of calcium, magnesium, and zinc increased significantly after lead exposure compared to baseline by 3%, 3%, and 8%, respectively, while the level of copper decreased significantly by 7%. The malondialdehyde (MDA) level and the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) did not change due to lead exposure. However, the level of lipid hydroperoxides (LPH) in serum increased significantly by 46%, while the level of erythrocyte lipofuscin (LPS) decreased by 13%. The serum levels of essential metals are modified by a short-term exposure to lead in occupationally exposed workers. A short-term exposure to lead induces oxidative stress associated with elevated levels of LPH but not MDA.

Two experiments have been carried out, each on 18 (male) rabbits of the New Zealand breed. In each of them, animals were divided into three groups of six: control group, cholesterol group (CH), and cholesterol + fluoride group (CH+F). Experimental hypercholesterolemia has been induced in the animals with the diet enriched with 0.5 and 2 g% of cholesterol/100 g of fodder/24 h. The rabbits from CH+F groups have also been administered fluoride ions contained in drinking water (3 mg F(-)/kg of body mass/24 h). The influence of fluoride ions upon the concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and activity of antioxidative enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), mitochondrial enzyme (MnSOD), cytoplasmatic enzyme (ZnCuSOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), has been examined in liver of rabbits. An increase (in comparison with cholesterol groups) in the concentration of MDA in both (CH+F) groups in rabbit liver has been noted. Moreover, a decrease (statistically significant) of SOD and MnSOD has been found in cholesterol groups, as well as in groups (CH+F) in comparison with control group. Furthermore, a decrease in the activity of SOD under the influence of F(-) together with increased activity of MnSOD (statistically significant in comparison with cholesterol groups) have been observed. The activity of ZnCuSOD increased in statistically significant manner in (CH) groups vs control group and decreased (statistically significantly in relation to cholesterol groups) under the influence of F(-).

There are no published studies examining the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) administration on the non-enzymatic defence systems in humans exposed to lead. In view of this, it was decided to measure the levels of uric acid (UA), albumin, bilirubin and alpha-tocopherol before and after treatment with NAC. An estimation was also made of the degree of oxidative stress by measuring the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), the levels of conjugated dienes (CD) and lipid hydroperoxides (LHP). Male employees who worked with lead were randomized into two groups. The first group included workers who were not administered any drugs (n=49), while the second group (n=122) consisted of workers who were treated with NAC at three different doses (200 mg, 400 mg and 800 mg) for 12 weeks. The administration of NAC (400 mg, 800 mg) resulted in significant decreases in the LHP levels. Similarly, a strong tendency toward lower levels of CD was observed in the same groups. The UA levels were significantly lower only in the group receiving the 200 mg dose of NAC. However, the alpha-tocopherol levels were significantly elevated after treatment with NAC (400 mg, 800 mg). NAC administration did not significantly affect the levels of bilirubin and albumin, but a tendency toward higher values was observed for FRAP. NAC reduced the extent of lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner. Elevated concentrations of alpha-tocopherol may have enhanced the beneficial effects of NAC. Treatment with NAC may contribute to the restoration of non-enzymatic antioxidant reserves when administered to lead-exposed workers.

Background: Oxidative stress is involved in lead toxicity. This suggests that some antioxidants may play a role in the treatment of lead poisoning. In the light of this, the aim of the study was to determine whether β-carotene administration reduces oxidative stress and homocysteine level in workers chronically exposed to lead. Material and Methods: The exposed population included healthy male work ers exposed to lead who were randomly divided into 2 groups (mean blood lead level ca. 44 µg/dl). Workers in the 1st group (N = 49, reference group) had no antioxidants, drugs, vitamins or dietary supplements administered, while workers in the 2nd group (N = 33) had β-carotene administered in a dose of 10 mg per day for 12 weeks. Biochemical analysis included markers of lead-exposure and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), an oxidative stress biomarker. We also measured the level of homocysteine (Hcy) and thiol groups as well as the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and its isoenzyme EC-SOD in serum. Results: After supplementation, the level of MDA significantly decreased, compared to baseline, by 16%, and to the reference group. When compared to the reference group, Hcy level was also significantly decreased. However, the level of thiol groups was significantly higher after supplementation with β-carotene compared to the reference group. Analogically, the activity of SOD and EC-SOD was significantly higher compared to the baseline and to the reference group. Conclusions: Despite some controversies over antioxidant properties of β-carotene, our results indicate that its antioxidant action could provide some beneficial effects in lead poisoning independent of chelation. Med Pr 2014;65(3):309–316

A critical event during spore germination is the release of Ca-DPA (calcium in complex with dipicolinic acid). The mechanism of release of Ca-DPA through the inner membrane of the spore is not clear, but proteins encoded by the Bacillus subtilis spoVA operon are involved in the process. We cloned and expressed the spoVAC gene in Escherichia coli and characterized the SpoVAC protein. We show that SpoVAC protects E.?coli against osmotic downshift, suggesting that it might act as a mechanosensitive channel. Purified SpoVAC was reconstituted in unilamellar lipid vesicles to determine the gating mechanism and pore properties of the protein. By means of a fluorescence-dequenching assay, we show that SpoVAC is activated upon insertion into the membrane of the amphiphiles lysoPC and dodecylamine. Patch clamp experiments on E.?coli giant spheroplast as well as giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) containing SpoVAC show that the protein forms transient pores with main conductance values of about 0.15 and 0.1 nS respectively. Overall, our data indicate that SpoVAC acts as a mechanosensitive channel and has properties that would allow the release of Ca-DPA and amino acids during germination of the spore.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of combined therapy of vitamin E and selenomethionine to pro/antioxidant status in experimental hypercholesterolemia. Thirty male rabbits were included in the study and randomized into five groups consisting of the control group (standard diet) and four experimental groups staying on a diet rich in cholesterol (0.5 g/100 g diet): cholesterol group and groups supplemented cholesterol with selenomethionine (12.5 microg/kg body mass/24 h) or vitamin E (10 mg of DL-alpha-tocopherol/kg body mass/24 h) or combination of the above antioxidants for 3 mo. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and catalase (CAT) as well as the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) was estimated in the blood during every month of experiment. Increased activity of SOD and GPX with a decreased concentration of MDA in comparison to the cholesterol diet was found mainly in the combination of study antioxidants. The supplementation of the cholesterol diet with combined doses of vitamin E and selenomethionine appears to prevent the lesions induced by experimental hypercholesterolemia much more efficiently than single doses of the above.

The present study was undertaken to estimate the effect of occupational exposure to lead on the blood concentration of glucose and several enzymes involved in glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the pentose phosphate pathway. To estimate the degree of lipid peroxidation, the concentrations of conjugated dienes were determined. The examined group included 145 healthy male employees of lead–zinc works. Taking into account the mean blood lead levels, the examined group was divided into two subgroups. The control group was composed of 36 healthy male administrative workers. The markers of lead exposure were significantly elevated in both subgroups when compared with the controls. There were no significant changes in fasting glucose concentration and fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase activity in the study population. The concentration of conjugated dienes was significantly higher in both subgroups, whereas the activity of malate dehydrogenase was significantly higher only in the group with higher exposure. The activities of lactate dehydrogenase and sorbitol dehydrogenase were significantly decreased in the examined subgroups. The activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase decreased significantly in the group with higher exposure and could be the cause of the elevated concentrations of conjugated dienes. It is possible to conclude that lead interferes with carbohydrate metabolism, but compensatory mechanisms seem to be efficient, as glucose homeostasis in lead-exposed workers was not disturbed.

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of occupational lead (Pb) exposure on lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and plasma viscosity in workers. The examined group included 283 healthy male employees of manufacturing facilities using zinc and Pb. The mean blood concentrations of Pb and zinc protoporphyrin as well as the mean urine δ-aminolevulinic acid levels were used as markers of exposure for the examined group. Taking into account the obtained mean values of blood lead level, the examined group was divided into three subgroups. When comparing the control group with the subgroups, Pb exposure markers were significantly elevated in all the three subgroups. Concentrations of conjugated dienes (CD), lipid hydroperoxides, malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl groups were also significantly increased. Conversely, the levels of total protein and protein sulfhydryls were significantly decreased in the subgroups compared with the controls. The plasma viscosity was significantly elevated in the subgroups. A dose–response between Pb levels and plasma viscosity was not observed. Pb supposedly elevates MDA and CD in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, occupational Pb exposure induces oxidative stress that results in lipid and protein damage. Moreover, Pb-induced oxidative stress is likely the primary factor that elevates plasma viscosity, despite decreased protein levels.