Ewa Romuk

Assessment of semen function and lipid peroxidation among lead exposed men

The study population included healthy, fertile men, employees of Zinc and Lead Metalworks (n=63). Workers exposed to lead were divided into two groups: a group with moderate exposure to lead (ME) - blood lead level (PbB) 25-40 microg/dl and a group with high exposure to lead (HE) PbB=40-81 microg/dl. The control group consisted of office workers with no history of occupational exposure to lead. Evaluation of lead, cadmium and zinc level in blood and seminal plasma, zinc protoporphyrin in blood (ZPP), 5-aminolevulinic acid in urine (ALA), malondialdehyde (MDA) in seminal plasma and sperm analysis were performed. No differences were noted in the concentration of cadmium and zinc in blood and seminal plasma in the study population. Lipid peroxidation in seminal plasma, represented as MDA concentration, significantly increased by about 56% in the HE group and the percentage of motile sperm cells after 1 h decreased by about 34% in comparison to the control group. No statistically significant correlation between other parameters of sperm analysis and lead exposure parameters nor between lead, cadmium and zinc concentration in blood and seminal plasma were found. A positive association between lead intoxication parameters (PbB, ZPP, lead seminal plasma) and MDA concentration in sperm plasma and inverse correlation with sperm cells motility (PbB, ZPP) was found. An increased concentration of MDA was accompanied by a drop in sperm cells motility. In conclusion, we report that high exposure to lead causes a decrease of sperm motility in men most likely as a result of increased lipid peroxidation, especially if the level in the blood surpasses the concentration of 40 microg/dl.

Oxidative Stress Markers and C-Reactive Protein Are Related to Severity of Heart Failure in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Background. The aim of study was to determine relationships between functional capacity (NYHA class), left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF), hemodynamic parameters, and biomarkers of redox state and inflammation in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Methods. DCM patients (n = 109, aged 45.97 ± 10.82 years), NYHA class IIV, and LVEF 2.94 ± 7.1% were studied. Controls comprised age-matched healthy volunteers (n = 28). Echocardiography and right heart catheterization were performed. Serum activities of superoxide dismutase isoenzymes (MnSOD and CuZnSOD), concentrations of uric acid (UA), malondialdehyde (MDA), and C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured. Results. MnSOD, UA, hs-CRP, and MDA were significantly higher in DCM patients compared to controls. Except MDA concentration, above parameters were higher in patients in III-IV NYHA class or with lower LVEF. hsCRP correlated with of MnSOD (P < 0.05) and CuZnSOD activity (P < 0.01). Both isoenzymes positively correlated with mPAP and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (MnSOD, resp., P < 0.01 and P < 0.05 and CuZnSOD P < 0.05; P < 0.05). UA positively correlated with MnSOD (P < 0.05), mPAP (P < 0.05), and PVRI (P < 0.05). The negative correlation between LVEF and UA (P < 0.01) was detected. Conclusion. There are relationships among the severity of symptoms of heart failure, echocardiographic hemodynamic parameters, oxidative stress, and inflammatory activation. Increased MnSOD activity indicates the mitochondrial source of ROS in patients with advanced heart failure.

Decrease in antioxidant status of plasma and erythrocytes from patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant status in plasma and erythrocytes from patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS 16 patients with AS and 16 healthy volunteers were involved in this study. Activities of antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD) and its isoenzymes - (SOD-Mn) and (SOD-ZnCu), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione transferase (GST), as well as the total antioxidant status (TAS) and concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma and/or erythrocytes, respectively were determined. RESULTS In patients with AS, a statistically significant decrease in plasma activity of SOD, SOD-CuZn and TAS, significant drop in activity of SOD, GPx, GST and GR in erythrocytes, as well as increased concentration of MDA in comparison with control group of healthy volunteers was observed. CONCLUSION Decrease in antioxidant status leading to generation of oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis.

Effect of N-acetylcysteine administration on homocysteine level, oxidative damage to proteins, and levels of iron (Fe) and Fe-related proteins in lead-exposed workers

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) could be included in protocols designed for the treatment of lead toxicity. Therefore, in this study, we decided to investigate the influence of NAC administration on homocysteine (Hcy) levels, oxidative damage to proteins, and the levels of iron (Fe), transferrin (TRF), and haptoglobin (HPG) in lead (Pb)-exposed workers. The examined population (n = 171) was composed of male employees who worked with Pb. They were randomized into four groups. Workers who were not administered any antioxidants, drugs, vitamins, or dietary supplements were classified as the reference group (n = 49). The remaining three groups consisted of workers who were treated orally with NAC at three different doses (1 × 200, 2 × 200, or 2 × 400 mg) for 12 weeks. After the treatment, blood Pb levels significantly decreased in the groups receiving NAC compared with the reference group. The protein concentration was not affected by NAC administration. In contrast, Hcy levels significantly decreased or showed a strong tendency toward lower values depending on the NAC dose. Levels of the protein carbonyl groups were significantly decreased in all of the groups receiving NAC. Conversely, glutamate dehydrogenase activity was significantly elevated in all of the groups receiving NAC, while the level of protein thiol groups was significantly elevated only in the group receiving 200 mg of NAC. Treatment with NAC did not significantly affect Fe and TRF levels, whereas HPG levels showed a tendency toward lower values. Treatment with NAC normalized the level of Hcy and decreased oxidative stress as measured by the protein carbonyl content; this effect occurred in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, small doses of NAC elevated the levels of protein thiol groups. Therefore, NAC could be introduced as an alternative therapy for chronic Pb toxicity in humans.

Influence of propofol on oxidative-antioxidative system parameters in peripheral organs of rats with Parkinson disease.

Propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol) is a popular anaesthetic agent with antioxidant properties. The aim of the study was to assess the oxidant-antioxidant system parameters of particular organs (liver, kidney, heart, and lungs) in response to propofol administered to rats with Parkinsons disease and to healthy ones. The experiment was performed using 32 Wistar rats divided into four groups (8 rats each). The groups were as follows: 1 control, 2 Parkinsons disease, 3 control with propofol, 4 Parkinsons disease with propofol. Propofol was administered at a dose of 60 mg/kg body weight/IP, 60 minutes before decapitation. Animals were sacrificed and livers, kidneys, hearts and lungs were obtained for further biochemical analyses. The concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione reductase (GR) activity, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity and catalase (CAT) activity were determined. In group 4 compared to group 2 there was observed a significant decrease in the MDA level in liver (71%), kidneys (51%) and heart (12%), increased GR activity in lungs (48%) and heart (34%), and increased CAT activity in liver (104%). In group 3 compared to group 1 there was a significant decrease in MDA level in kidneys (67%) and lungs (14%) and increased GR activity in heart (31%), liver (29%) and lungs (21%). Propofol can prevent or reduce damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) by stimulating activity of antioxidative enzymes and inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Additionally, the response of tissues to administered propofol is different in Parkinsons disease and in healthy individuals.

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 Risk Factors

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.

Neopterin and Beta-2 Microglobulin Relations to Immunity and Inflammatory Status in Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy Patients

Background. The aim of the study was to assess the relationships among serum neopterin (NPT), β2-microglobulin (β2-M) levels, clinical status, and endomyocardial biopsy results of dilated cardiomyopathy patients (DCM). Methods. Serum NPT and β-2 M were determined in 172 nonischaemic DCM patients who underwent right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy and 30 healthy subjects (ELISA test). The cryostat biopsy specimens were assessed using histology, immunohistology, and immunochemistry methods (HLA ABC, HLA DR expression, CD3 + lymphocytes, and macrophages counts). Results. The strong increase of HLA ABC or HLA DR expression was detected in 27.2% patients—group A—being low in 72.8% patients—group B. Neopterin level was increased in patients in group A compared to healthy controls 8.11 (4.50–12.57) versus 4.99 (2.66–8.28) nmol/L (P < 0.05). β-2 microglobulin level was higher in DCM groups A (2.60 (1.71–3.58)) and B (2.52 (1.51–3.72)) than in the control group 1.75 (1.28–1.96) mg/L, P < 0.001. Neopterin correlated positively with the number of macrophages in biopsy specimens (P < 0.05) acute phase proteins: C-reactive proteins (P < 0.05); fibrinogen (P < 0.01); and NYHA functional class (P < 0.05) and negatively with left ventricular ejection fraction (P < 0.05). Conclusions. Neopterin but not β-2 microglobulin concentration reflected immune response in biopsy specimens. Neopterin correlated with acute phase proteins and stage of heart failure and may indicate a general immune and inflammatory activation in heart failure.

Serum Galectin-3 and ST2 as predictors of unfavorable outcome in stable dilated cardiomyopathy patients

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the third cause of heart failure and the most frequent cause of heart transplantation (HT). The value of biomarkers in prognostic stratification may be important to identification the patients for more advanced treatment. Assessment of serum Galectin-3 (Gal-3) and ST2 as biomarkers of unfavorable outcome (death and combined endpoint: HT or death or left ventricular assist device implantation) in stable DCM patients. 107 DCM patients age 39-56 years were included into the study and followed-up for mean 4.8 years. Gal-3 and ST2 concentrations were measured ELISA tests. Clinical data, treatment, laboratory parameters, NT-proBNP, Gal-3 and ST2 measured at time of inclusion were assessed as risk factors for reaching the study endpoints using log rank test and Cox proportional-hazards model. During follow-up 27 patients died, 40 achieved combined endpoint. ROC curves indicated cut-off value of ST2-17.53 ng/ml, AUC-0.65 (0.53-0.76) and of NT-proBNP-669 pg/ml, AUC 0.61 (0.50-0.73) for prediction of death. In multivariate analysis ST2 was predictor of death (HR per unit increase in log ST2 2.705, 95 % CI 1.324-5.528, P=0.006) and combined endpoint (HR per unit increase in log ST2 2.753, 95 % CI 1.542-4.914, P<0.001). NT-proBNP was predictive variable only for death in multivariate analysis. Gal-3 concentration was not associated with adverse outcome. ST2 but not Gal-3 may be useful for predicting adverse outcome in stable dilated cardiomyopathy patients.

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.

Effect of Whole-Body Cryotherapy on Antioxidant Systems in Experimental Rat Model

Background The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) in rats on their antioxidant systems, lipid peroxidation products, and their total oxidative status at different exposure times and temperatures. Methods Antioxidants in serum, plasma, liver, and erythrocytes were evaluated in two study groups following 1 min of exposure to −60°C and −90°C, for 5 and 10 consecutive days. Results WBC increased the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase in the group subjected to 5 and 10 days exposure, −60°C. The glutathione S-transferase activity increased in the groups subjected to 10 days WBC sessions. Total antioxidant capacity increased after 5 and 10 days of 1 min WBC, −60°C; a decrease was observed at −90°C. A decreased level of erythrocyte malondialdehyde concentration was observed at −60°C after 5 and 10 days of cryostimulation. An increased concentration was measured at −90°C after 10 days, and increase of erythrocyte malondialdehyde concentration after 5 days, −90°C. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first research showing the effect of WBC in rats at different exposure times and temperatures. The effect of cryotherapy on enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant systems was observed in the serum of animals exposed to a temperature of −60°C in comparison to control.