Comparison of oxidative stress levels in healthy children and children with allergic rhinitis

Background/aim: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is characterized by chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Under the influence of exogenous factors - allergens, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are released during cellular metabolism. They induce a series of pathological changes in the mucosa. Oxidative stress is а result of an imbalance between the production of ROS and the ability to neutralize them. The aim of this study is to compare the levels of oxidative stress between healthy children and children with allergic rhinitis. Material and methods: A total number of 60 children were included (30 healthy children and 30 children with AR). The oxidative stress index was determined by using the FRAS 5 (Free Radical Analytical System) Bravo system. Demographic characteristics, medical history, children's living conditions and eating habits were obtained from the questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements and the absolute number of eosinophils in the peripheral smear were performed on each child. Results: This study showed high oxidative stress index and a significantly higher value of the absolute number of eosinophils in the peripheral smear in children with AR in comparison to healthy children (p<0.05). The group of children with AR had more atopic characteristics and was more exposed to passive smoking than healthy children. Conclusion: Compared to healthy children, children with AR have a high index of oxidative stress, despite of the very high mean value of the concentration of water-soluble antioxidants in serum (PAT test) in the group of children with AR

Comparative Studies of the Uptake and Internalization Pathways of Different Lipid Nano-Systems Intended for Brain Delivery

Lipid nano-systems were prepared and characterized in a series of well-established in vitro tests that could assess their interactions with the hCMEC/D3 and SH-SY5Y cell lines as a model for the blood–brain barrier and neuronal function, accordingly. The prepared formulations of nanoliposomes and nanostructured lipid carriers were characterized by z-average diameters of ~120 nm and ~105 nm, respectively, following a unimodal particle size distribution (PDI hCMEC/D3 and SH-SY5Y cell lines was successful, most likely following ATP-dependent internalization, as well as transport via passive diffusion

Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of rosuvastatin in patients with low-to-moderate cardiovascular risk

Statins have shown anti-inflammatory pleiotropic effects in subjects with/at risk of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inflammatory/immunomodulatory properties of rosuvastatin in subjects at low-to-moderate cardiovascular risk. Data was collected from patients’ records, physical examination and blood sampling. Subjects were assigned to rosuvastatin 20 mg per day. Rosuvastatin significantly decreased C-reactive protein (p = 0.045), and increased vascular endothelial growth factor (p = 0.004) and epidermal growth factor (p = 0.009). A multivariate analysis identified total cholesterol (p = 0.027) and vascular endothelial growth factor (p = 0.011) to be independently associated with rosuvastatin treatment. Given beneficial/harmful role of growth factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF), in cardiovascular disease, one would suggest the need for routine monitoring of growth factor levels, especially in patients on long-term statin therapy