Vernonia cinerea Less. supplementation and strenuous exercise reduce smoking rate: relation to oxidative stress status and beta-endorphin release in active smokers

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Purpose</p> <p>The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of <it>Vernonia cinerea </it>Less. (VC) supplementation and exercise on oxidative stress biomarkers, beta-endorphin release, and the rate of cigarette smoking.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Volunteer smokers were randomly divided into four groups: group 1: VC supplement; group 2: exercise with VC supplement; group 3: exercise; and group 4: control. VC was prepared by wash and dry techniques and taken orally before smoking, matching the frequency of strenuous exercise (three times weekly). Before and after a two month period, exhaled carbon monoxide (CO), blood oxidative stress (malondialdehyde [MDA], nitric oxide [NOx], protein hydroperoxide [PrOOH] and total antioxidant capacity [TAC]), beta-endorphin and smoking rate were measured, and statistically analyzed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In Group 1, MDA, PrOOH, and NOx significantly decreased, whereas TAC increased (p < 0.05). In Group 2, MDA and PrOOH decreased (p < 0.05), with no other changes noted (p > 0.05). In Group 3, MDA, PrOOH, NOx, TAC, and beta-endorphin levels increased significantly (p < 0.05). Group 4 showed no change in oxidative stress variables or beta-endorphine levels (p > 0.05). All groups had lower levels of CO after the intervention. The smoking rate for light cigarette decreased in group 2(62.7%), 1(59.52%), 3 (53.57%) and 4(14.04%), whereas in self-rolled cigarettes it decreased in group 1 (54.47%), 3 (42.30%), 2 (40%) and 4 (9.2%).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Supplementation with <it>Vernonia cinerea </it>Less and exercise provided benefit related to reduced smoking rate, which may be related to oxidaive stress and beta-endorphine levels.</p

Effects of N-acetylcysteine on oxidative stress, interleukin-2, and running time in sedentary men

Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of short-term N-acetylcysteine (NAC) supplementation on oxidative stress, interleukin-2 (IL-2), and running time. Methods. Twenty nine men participated in this 7-day study. Six hundred mg of NAC was administered twice daily. Short exercise with heavy intensity (85% of MHR) was performed on a treadmill, before and after the 7 days and total running time until reaching 85% of MHR was recorded. Blood was tested for malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), IL-2 and glutathione (GSH) before and 20 min after stop exercise either before or after supplemented. Results. At baseline, there were no significant difference in the baseline values of the dependent variables measured; whereas, after short exercise, the levels of GSH and TAC reduced and MDA and NO increased significantly in both groups. After 7 days, the pre-exercise levels of all parameters were not different, except for TAC and NO in the supplement group, were significantly higher than in the control. After exercise, TAC, MDA, and NO did not change significantly in the supplement group, but changed significantly in the control. GSH decreased significantly in both groups. IL-2 increased significantly in the supplement group after exercise, but decreased in the control group. Running time in both groups did not increase. Conclusion. It can be concluded that supplementing the NAC at 1,200 mg daily helps to control the oxidative stress and also activates specific IL-2 release from short heavy exercise

A preliminary study on the effects of star fruit consumption on antioxidant and lipid status in elderly Thai individuals

Jirakrit Leelarungrayub,1 Araya Yankai,1 Decha Pinkaew,1 Rungthip Puntumetakul,2 James J Laskin,3 Richard J Bloomer4 1Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 2Research Center in Back, Neck, Other Joint Pain and Human Performance (BNOJPH), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand; 3School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 4Cardiorespiratory/Metabolic Laboratory, School of Health Studies, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA Objective: The aims of this preliminary study were to evaluate the antioxidant and lipid status before and after star fruit juice consumption in healthy elderly subjects, and the vitamins in star fruit extracts.Methods: A preliminary designated protocol was performed in 27 elderly individuals with a mean (&plusmn;SD) age of 69.5&plusmn;5.3 years, by planning a 2-week control period before 4 weeks of consumption of star fruit twice daily. Oxidative stress parameters such as total antioxidant capacity, glutathione, malondialdehyde, protein hydroperoxide, multivitamins such as L-ascorbic acid (Vit C), retinoic acid (Vit A), and tocopherol (Vit E), and the lipid profile parameters such as cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were analyzed. Moreover, Vit C, Vit A, and Vit E levels were evaluated in the star fruit extracts during the 4-week period.Results: In the 2-week control period, all parameters showed no statistically significant difference; after 4 weeks of consumption, significant improvement in the antioxidant status was observed with increased total antioxidant capacity and reduced malondialdehyde and protein hydroperoxide levels, as well as significantly increased levels of Vit C and Vit A, when compared to the two-time evaluation during the baseline periods. However, glutathione and Vit E showed no statistical difference. In addition, the HDL-C level was higher and the LDL-C level was significantly lower when compared to both baseline periods. But the levels of triglyceride and cholesterol showed no difference. Vit C and Vit A were identified in small quantities in the star fruit extract.Conclusion: This preliminary study suggested that consumption of star fruit juice twice daily for 1 month improved the elderly people&rsquo;s antioxidant status and vitamins, as well as improved the lipoproteins related to Vit C and Vit A in the star fruit extract. Keywords: star fruit, elderly, antioxidants, vitamins, lipid, oxidative stres