Estimation of the Cellular Antioxidant Response to Chromium Action Using ESR Method

In the present study, the antioxidant capacity of chromium-treated L-41 (human epithelial-like cells) was investigated by the ESR spin-trapping technique. The crude cell extracts of the cells grown in the presence of 2 µM (nontoxic) and 20 µM (toxic) chromium (VI) concentrations were tested in the model Fenton system with and without catalase-inhibitor sodium azide. The presented approach using the ESR technique along with inhibitors lets us discern cell extract defense capacity connected with the enzymatic activity in viable cells and the catabolic activity in dying cells

A Calorimetric Characterization of Cr(VI)-Reducing Arthrobacter oxydans

This is the first of a series of calorimetric studies designed to characterize and understand survival mechanisms of metal-reducing bacteria isolated from metal-polluted environments. In this paper we introduce a new concept of thermal spectrum of the endothermic melting of complex biological systems (e.g., proteins, nucleic acids, ribosomes, membrane structures) in intact cells. All thermal spectra measured are thermograms that describe the temperature dependence of heat capacity change of the complex systems of biologically active substances in bacterial cells. This new concept of thermal spectrum was applied to investigate spectral features from intact cells of Cr(VI)-reducer Arthrobacter oxydans at different points of their growth conditions and stages. Over the temperature range of 40–105°C, we observed that spectral changes are particularly significant in the 40–90°C interval. This may correspond to the orderly changes in subcellular structural elements: proteins, ribosomes and RNA, membranes, and various structural elements of the cell wall during different points of the growth cycle and growth conditions. Spectral changes in the 90–105°C region are less pronounced, implicating that the structural composition of DNA-Protein (DNP) complexes may change little

Antioxidant Capacity of Cultured Mammalian Cells Estimated by ESR Method

In the present study, the antioxidant capacity against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), one of the stress-inducing agents, was investigated in two distinct cell lines: L-41 (human epithelial-like cells) and HLF (human diploid lung fibroblasts), which differ in tissue origin, life span in culture, proliferate activity, and special enzyme system activity. The cell antioxidant capacity against H2O2 was estimated by the electron spin resonance (ESR) spin-trapping technique in the Fenton reaction system via Fe+2 ion action with H2O2 resulting in hydroxyl radical generation. The effects of catalase inhibitors, such as sodium azide and 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole, on the antioxidant capacity of cells were tested. Based on our observation, it can be concluded that the defensive capacity of cells against H2O2 depends on the ratio between catalase/GPx/SOD and H2O2, especially at high-stress situations, and the intracellular balance of these enzymes are more important than the influence of the single component

Clinical profile of patients with severe asthma

The article presents the results of the authors' trial involving 119 patients (aged 22 to 82 years) with severe bronchial asthma (BA) diagnosed according to the ERS/ATS guidelines (2014). Allergic asthma was diagnosed in 77% of patients. The study focused on house dust mites as the main allergens in the sensitization spectrum. A significant proportion of patients (82%) had uncontrolled course of the disease, and 76% suffered from airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. Markers of eosinophilic airway inflammation (nitric oxide in exhaled air and level of blood eosinophils above 150 cells per 1 µL) were found in 63% of patients. Good adherence to treatment (administration of more than 75% of the prescribed doses of drugs) was observed in 61% of patients. Among patients with severe asthma 27% were active smokers. Smokers demonstrated a decreased pulmonary function and a lower level of nitric oxide in exhaled air. Smokers were also less adherent to treatment with inhaled corticosteroids. Severe BA was combined with COPD in 37% of cases

May measurement month 2018: an analysis of blood pressure screening results in Georgia.

May Measurement Month (MMM) is aimed at raising public awareness about arterial hypertension-the main risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in the population. Screening was carried out at 200 sites on a national scale. More than 500 volunteers, including doctors (80%) and medical students (20%) participated in the screening. To familiarize them with the research tools and standard blood pressure (BP) measurement method, their training was conducted by the Georgian Society of Hypertension in Tbilisi and other large cities. Social and mass media, medical societies, and other stakeholders were actively involved in the recruitment process. A total of 10 756 people were screened. The mean age of participants was 53.1 years (SD 16.1). Males-67.9%, females-32.1%. One hundred percent were White. After multiple imputation, the number of hypertensive patients was 6.037 (56.1%) and out of them 4950 were aware and 4701 (77.9%) were on medication, 1336 (22.1%) were not taking a medication. Of those taking antihypertensive medication, 38.2% had controlled BP. In spite of non-randomized selection and certain restrictions with respect to extrapolation of the results, MMM comprehensively reflects an urgent problem and major gaps in the health system. Based on the above, its importance is extremely valuable for identifying public health policy priorities