Decreased oxidative stress in male patients with active phase ankylosing spondylitis who underwent whole-body cryotherapy in closed cryochamber

The aim of the study was to estimate the impact of whole body cryotherapy (WBC) on oxidative stress when performed in a closed cryochamber on patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Material and methods. The effect of ten WBC procedures lasting 3 minutes a day with a subsequent 60-minute session kinesiotherapy on oxidative stress in male AS patients (WBC group n = 16) was investigated. To assess the disease activity, the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Diseases Activity Index (BASDAI) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) were calculated. The WBC group was compared to the kinesiotherapy only (KT; n = 16) group. The routine parameters of oxidative stress (antioxidant enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation products, total oxidative status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI)) were estimated one day before the beginning and one day after the completion of the research program. Results. After the completion of the treatment in the WBC group, a significant decrease of oxidative stress markers (TOS and OSI) and a significant increase of total antioxidant status were observed. The erythrocyte activity of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase decreased significantly in both groups, but the differences of activity of that enzymes prior to post treatment values (Δ) in the KT group were significantly higher as compared to the WBC group. The activity of erythrocyte catalase and plasma ZnCu isoenzyme of superoxide dismutase showed a decreased tendency; erythrocyte total superoxide dismutase activity showed an increased tendency in the WBC group after the completion of the treatment. The BASDAI and BASFI decreased significantly in both groups, but the differences of value indexes prior to post treatment (Δ) were significantly higher in the WBC than KT group. Conclusion. WBC performed in a closed cryochamber decreases oxidative stress and improves BASDAI and BASFI indexes in male patients during the active phase of ankylosing spondylitis

Whole-Body Cryotherapy Decreases the Levels of Inflammatory, Oxidative Stress, and Atherosclerosis Plaque Markers in Male Patients with Active-Phase Ankylosing Spondylitis in the Absence of Classical Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Objective. The aim of the study was to estimate the impact of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Material and Methods. We investigated the effect of WBC with subsequent kinesiotherapy on markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid profile, and atherosclerosis plaque in male AS patients (WBC group). To assess the disease activity, the BASDAI and BASFI were also calculated. The results from the WBC group were compared with results from the kinesiotherapy (KT) group. Results. The results showed that in the WBC group, the plasma hsCRP level decreased without change to the IL-6 level. The ICAM-1 level showed a decreasing tendency. The CER concentration, as well as the BASDAI and BASFI, decreased in both groups, but the index changes of disease activity were higher in the WBC than KT patients. Additionally, in the WBC group, we observed a decrease in oxidative stress markers, changes in the activity of some antioxidant enzymes and nonenzymatic antioxidant parameters. In both groups, the total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, sCD40L, PAPP-A, and PLGF levels decreased, but the parameter changes were higher in the WBC group. Conclusion. WBC appears to be a useful method of atherosclerosis prevention in AS patients

Increased levels of oxidative stress markers, soluble CD40 ligand, and carotid intima-media thickness reflect acceleration of atherosclerosis in male patients with ankylosing spondylitis in active phase and without the classical cardiovascular R

Objective. The primary aim of the study was to assess levels of oxidative stress markers, soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), and placental growth factor (PlGF) as well as carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with active phase without concomitant classical cardiovascular risk factors. Material and methods. The observational study involved 96 male subjects: 48 AS patients and 48 healthy ones, who did not differ significantly regarding age, BMI, comorbid disorders, and distribution of classical cardiovascular risk factors. In both groups, we estimated levels of oxidative stress markers, lipid profile, and inflammation parameters as well as sCD40L, serum PAPP-A, and PlGF. In addition, we estimated carotid IMT in each subject. Results. The study showed that markers of oxidative stress, lipid profile, and inflammation, as well as sCD40L, PlGF, and IMT, were significantly higher in the AS group compared to the healthy group. Conclusion. Our results demonstrate that ankylosing spondylitis may be associated with increased risk for atherosclerosis

Decreased lipid profile and oxidative stress in healthy subjects who underwent whole-body cryotherapy in closed cryochamber with subsequent kinesiotherapy

Objective. The aim of the study was to estimate the impact of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) and subsequent kinesiotherapy on oxidative stress and lipid profile when performed in a closed cryochamber on healthy subjects. Material and Methods. The effect of ten WBC procedures lasting 3 minutes a day followed by a 60-minute session kinesiotherapy on oxidative stress and lipid profile in healthy subjects (WBC group, n = 16) was investigated. The WBC group was compared to the kinesiotherapy only (KT; n = 16) group. The routine parameters of oxidative stress (antioxidant enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation products, total oxidative status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI)) and lipid profile were estimated one day before the beginning and one day after the completion of the research program. Results. After treatment, in the WBC group, a significant decrease of oxidative stress markers (TOS and OSI) and a significant increase of total antioxidant capacity were observed. The activity of plasma SOD-Mn and erythrocyte total SOD increased significantly in the WBC group. In the KT group, the erythrocyte activity of total SOD, CAT, and GR decreased significantly after the treatment. The levels of T-Chol and LDL-Chol decreased significantly after treatment in both groups, but the observed decrease of these lipid parameters in the WBC group was higher in comparison to the KT group. The level of TG decreased significantly after treatment in the WBC group only. Conclusion. WBC performed in a closed cryochamber followed by kinesiotherapy improves lipid profile and decreases oxidative stress in healthy subjects

Whole-Body Cryotherapy Decreases the Levels of Inflammatory, Oxidative Stress, and Atherosclerosis Plaque Markers in Male Patients with Active-Phase Ankylosing Spondylitis in the Absence of Classical Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Objective. The aim of the study was to estimate the impact of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Material and Methods. We investigated the effect of WBC with subsequent kinesiotherapy on markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid profile, and atherosclerosis plaque in male AS patients (WBC group). To assess the disease activity, the BASDAI and BASFI were also calculated. The results from the WBC group were compared with results from the kinesiotherapy (KT) group. Results. The results showed that in the WBC group, the plasma hsCRP level decreased without change to the IL-6 level. The ICAM-1 level showed a decreasing tendency. The CER concentration, as well as the BASDAI and BASFI, decreased in both groups, but the index changes of disease activity were higher in the WBC than KT patients. Additionally, in the WBC group, we observed a decrease in oxidative stress markers, changes in the activity of some antioxidant enzymes and nonenzymatic antioxidant parameters. In both groups, the total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, sCD40L, PAPP-A, and PLGF levels decreased, but the parameter changes were higher in the WBC group. Conclusion. WBC appears to be a useful method of atherosclerosis prevention in AS patients

5α,6α-Epoxyphytosterols and 5α,6α-Epoxycholesterol Increase Oxidative Stress in Rats on Low-Cholesterol Diet

Objective. Cholesterol oxidation products have an established proatherogenic and cytotoxic effect. An increased exposure to these substances may be associated with the development of atherosclerosis and cancers. Relatively little, though, is known about the effect of phytosterol oxidation products, although phytosterols are present in commonly available and industrial food products. Thus, the aim of the research was to assess the effect of 5α,6α-epoxyphytosterols, which are important phytosterol oxidation products, on redox state in rats. Material and Methods. The animals were divided into 3 groups and exposed to nutritional sterols by receiving feed containing 5α,6α-epoxyphytosterols (ES group) and 5α,6α-epoxycholesterol (Ech group) or sterol-free feed (C group). The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), conjugated dienes (CD), and ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) were assayed in the plasma; anti-7-ketocholesterol antibodies and activity of paraoxonase-1 (PON1) were determined in serum, whereas the activity of catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), S-glutathione transferase (GST), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were assayed in RBCs. Results. During the experiment, the levels of lipid peroxidation products increased, such as CD and anti-7-ketocholesterol antibodies. At the same time, the plasma levels of FRAP and serum activity of PON1 decreased alongside the reduced activity of GPx, GR, and SOD in RBCs. There was no effect of the studied compounds on the plasma MDA levels or on the activity of CAT and GST in RBCs. Conclusions. Both 5α,6α- epoxyphytosterols and 5α,6α-epoxycholesterols similarly dysregulate the redox state in experimental animal model and may significantly impact atherogenesis

5α,6α-Epoxyphytosterols and 5α,6α-Epoxycholesterol Increase Nitrosative Stress and Inflammatory Cytokine Production in Rats on Low-Cholesterol Diet

Objective. Oxidized cholesterol derivatives are compounds with proven atherogenic and mutagenic effects. However, little is known about the effect of oxidized plant sterol derivatives (oxyphytosterols), whose structure is similar to the one of oxycholesterols. Our previous studies indicate that they have a similar profile of action, e.g., both exacerbate disorder of lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in experimental animals. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of epoxycholesterol and epoxyphytosterols (mainly sitosterol) on the severity of nitrosative stress and the concentration of selected proinflammatory cytokines in blood and liver tissue of rats on a low-cholesterol diet. Material and Methods. Forty-five male Wistar rats were fed with feed containing 5α,6α-epoxyphytosterols (ES group, n: 15), 5α,6α-epoxycholesterol (ECh group, n: 15), and oxysterol-free feed (C group, n: 15) for 90 days (daily dose of oxysterols: 10 mg/kg). At the end of the experiment, nitrotyrosine, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and lipid metabolism parameters were determined in blood serum. Furthermore, nitrotyrosine, TNF-α, cholesterol, and triglyceride content were determined in liver homogenates. Results. Serum nitrotyrosine, IL-1β, and TNF-α concentrations as well as TNF-α content in the liver were significantly higher in both groups exposed to oxysterols (ECh and ES groups) as compared to the C group. The serum IL-6 level and nitrotyrosine content in the liver were significantly higher in the ECh group, as compared to the C and ES groups. There was evidence to support the dyslipidemic effect of studied compounds. Conclusions. The results indicate that oxidized plant sterols have a similar toxicity profile to that of oxycholesterols, including nitrosative stress induction, proinflammatory effect, and impaired lipid metabolism

Oxysterols Increase Inflammation, Lipid Marker Levels and Reflect Accelerated Endothelial Dysfunction in Experimental Animals

Objective. Oxidized cholesterol derivatives are thought to exert atherogenic effect thus adversely affecting vascular endothelium. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of 5α,6α-epoxycholesterol on experimentally induced hypercholesterolemia in rabbits, and the levels of homocysteine (HCY), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), and inflammatory parameters (IL-6, TNF-α, CRP). Material and methods. The rabbits were divided into 3 groups, 8 animals each, and fed with basic fodder (C), basic fodder plus cholesterol (Ch) or basic fodder plus 5α,6α-epoxycholesterol, and unoxidized cholesterol (ECh). Serum concentrations of studied parameters were determined at 45-day intervals. The study was continued for six months. Results. We demonstrated that adding 5α,6α-epoxycholesterol to basic fodder significantly affected lipid status of the experimental animals, increasing total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, as well as HCY and ADMA levels, whilst leaving the PON-1 activity unaffected. Additionally, the ECh group presented with significantly higher concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP). In the Ch group, lower yet significant (as compared to the C group) changes of levels of studied parameters were observed. Conclusion. Exposure of animals with experimentally induced hypercholesterolemia to 5α,6α-epoxycholesterol increases dyslipidaemia, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammatory response

THE EFFECT OF OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO LEAD ON THE NON-ENZYMATIC ANTIOXIDANT SYSTEM

Background: The role of non-enzymatic antioxidants, such as uric acid, albumin, bilirubin, and α-tocopherol, in lead poisoning remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore the association between occupational exposure to lead and nonenzymatic antioxidant concentrations in serum and plasma. Material and Methods: The study population consisted of 278 healthy male employees of lead-zinc plants, with 129 workers classified as having low lead exposure (blood lead level – PbB = 20–39.9 μg/dl) and 149 workers classified as having high lead exposure (PbB = 40–59.8 μg/dl). The control group was composed of 73 healthy male administrative workers. No one from this group had blood lead level or zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) level greater than normal levels, being 10 μg/dl and 2.5 μg/g of hemoglobin, respectively. In addition to the levels of PbB and ZPP, serum levels of uric acid (UA), albumin, thiol groups of albumin, and bilirubin were determined. The ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and the plasma level of α-tocopherol were also evaluated. Results: Lead exposure indices were significantly elevated in the examined subgroups as compared with the controls. Serum uric acid levels were significantly elevated in both subgroups, particularly in the group with high exposure. Serum bilirubin concentration was significantly elevated in the group with high exposure compared with the control group, while in the group with low exposure, it showed only a non-significant trend towards an increase. In contrast, ferric-reducing ability of plasma was not significantly greater in the examined subgroups as compared with the control group. Nevertheless, levels of albumin, thiol groups of albumin, and α-tocopherol levels were significantly decreased in the exposed subgroups compared with the control group. Conclusions: Occupational exposure to lead interferes with the blood non-enzymatic antioxidant system. Med Pr 2014;65(4):443–45

The effect of thyroid hormone status on selected antioxidant parameters in patients with Graves’ disease and active thyroid-associated orbitopathy

Introduction: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO) in patients with Graves’ disease (GD). This study assessed the effect of thyroid hormone abnormalities on selected antioxidant parameters in patients with active TAO. Material and methods: The study group consisted of 56 patients with GD and active TAO treated with antithyroid medication. Depending on the thyroid hormone level, they were subdivided into two groups: Group 1 — hyperthyroid patients (n = 34) and Group 2 — euthyroid patients (n = 22). The total oxidant status expressed as the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) as well as selected enzymatic and nonenzymatic components of the antioxidant system, including the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and paraoxonase 1 (PON-1), as well as the levels of vitamin C, uric acid, and lipid peroxidation products: malondialdehyde (MDA) and conjugated dienes (CD) were assessed in all enrolled participants. Results: The FRAP values in Group 1 were significantly higher than in controls. The FRAP values in Group 2 were lower than in Group 1 and higher than in controls. However, the differences were not significant. In Group 1, the activity of SOD and GPx, as well as serum levels of uric acid, MDA, and CD, were significantly higher than in controls. At the same time, serum PON-1 activity and vitamin C levels were significantly lower in Group 1 than in controls. In Group 2, the SOD activity as well as MDA and CD levels were non-significantly lower than in Group 1 and non-significantly higher than in controls. The activity of GPx in euthyroid patients with TAO was significantly higher than in controls. Conclusions: Hyperthyroidism is a significant contributor to oxidative stress in patients with active TAO, which manifests as upregulated lipid peroxidation and antioxidant system activation. Euthyroid state restoration leads to a relative reduction in activity and levels of most studied antioxidant parameters, which still remain above the normal values. The autoimmune inflammation of the orbital tissue seems to be a thyroid hormone status-independent modifier of oxidative stress.