Plasma membrane redox system in the erythrocytes of rowers: Pilot study

The oxidative stress results from a change in the physiological balance between oxidant and antioxidant species. This type of stress is a chemical change in the redox state of cells. The increased production of reactive species is related to an excessive metabolic activation, for example, from an intense physical exercise or an excessive caloric intake (1). In physiological conditions, muscle fibers are provided with an antioxidant system able to keep under control the excessive production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)

Impact of “Golden” tomato juice on cognitive alterations in metabolic syndrome: Insights into behavioural and biochemical changes in a high-fat diet rat model

“Golden” tomato (GT) plays a protective role in metabolic dysfunction induced by High-Fat Diet (HFD). Our aim is to characterize the phytonutrient composition of the juice and explore the influence of GT, orally administered for one month, on cognitive impairment associated with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in male rats. We investigated reactivity, stress response and memory, together with brain neurotrophic/inflammatory signaling. Our data showed that HFD-induced functional modifications were ameliorated by GT nutritional supplementation. In particular, the behavioural reactivity improved in HFD/GT rats, that also showed a better performance in tests measuring anxiety and anhedonia. Furthermore, GT consumption rescued the declarative memory impairment. Lastly, GT supplementation counteracted HFD-induced brain alterations in PI3K\Akt and MAPK/ERK signalling pathways. In conclusion, this study provides evidence of the importance of food supplementation with GT in the protection from neuroinflammation and cognitive alterations associated with MetS

Development of an Integrated Set of Indicators to Measure the Quality of the Whole Traveller Experience

AbstractThe EU project METPEX is developing a measurement tool for the perceived quality of the whole journey experience. Special emphasis is given on the contribution to the overall quality perception from different phases of such experience, from pre-trip information acquisition to the eventual joint use of different services, especially for multimodal trips. Differences among travel means and user groups are investigated as well. Rather than exclusively focusing on public transport, the project also investigates quality issues dealing with other modes, especially walk and bike. Within such framework, the paper presents some sets of indicators distilled through Principal Component Analysis that could be used in different assessment exercises, shortly discusses how such indicators are showing us the different facets of the “quality of transport” concept and identifies future research directions for the project

Perforin, granzyme B, and FasL expression by peripheral blood T lymphocytes in emphysema

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>It is generally accepted that emphysematous lungs are characterized by an increase in the numbers of neutrophils, macrophages, and CD8⁺T lymphocytes, the lasts having increased cytotoxic activity. Because systemic inflammation is also a component of emphysema, we hypothesize that peripheral CD8⁺T lymphocytes of emphysematous smokers who show evidence of systemic inflammation will have higher expression of cytotoxic molecules.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We assessed parameters of systemic inflammation in normal individuals (smokers or non-smokers) and in emphysematous subjects with an active smoking history by measuring serum interleukine-6, C-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor. Expression of perforin, granzyme B, and FasL protein by CD8⁺T lymphocytes, CD4⁺T lymphocytes, and natural killer cells were assessed by flow cytometry while perforin, granzyme B, and FasL mRNA expression were measured on purified systemic CD8⁺T lymphocytes by real-time PCR.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Emphysematous smokers had higher levels of serum interleukine-6 than normal subjects. Even with the presence of systemic inflammation in emphysematous smokers, the percentage of peripheral CD8⁺T lymphocytes, CD4⁺T lymphocytes, and NK cells expressing perforin and granzyme B protein was not different between the three groups.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Despite evidence of systemic inflammation, peripheral T lymphocytes of emphysematous smokers did not show higher levels of cytotoxic markers, suggesting that increase of activated T lymphocytes in the emphysematous lung may be due to either activation in the lung or specific peripheral recruitment.</p

Meta-analysis of non-tumour doses for radiation-induced cancer on the basis of dose-rate

Purpose: Quantitative analysis of cancer risk of ionising radiation as a function of dose-rate

Mouse models to unravel the role of inhaled pollutants on allergic sensitization and airway inflammation

Air pollutant exposure has been linked to a rise in wheezing illnesses. Clinical data highlight that exposure to mainstream tobacco smoke (MS) and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) as well as exposure to diesel exhaust particles (DEP) could promote allergic sensitization or aggravate symptoms of asthma, suggesting a role for these inhaled pollutants in the pathogenesis of asthma. Mouse models are a valuable tool to study the potential effects of these pollutants in the pathogenesis of asthma, with the opportunity to investigate their impact during processes leading to sensitization, acute inflammation and chronic disease. Mice allow us to perform mechanistic studies and to evaluate the importance of specific cell types in asthma pathogenesis. In this review, the major clinical effects of tobacco smoke and diesel exhaust exposure regarding to asthma development and progression are described. Clinical data are compared with findings from murine models of asthma and inhalable pollutant exposure. Moreover, the potential mechanisms by which both pollutants could aggravate asthma are discussed