Katarzyna Pawłowska-Góral

N-acetylcysteine protects against fluoride-induced oxidative damage in primary rat hepatocytes.

Fluoride induces the overproduction of free radicals, which might in turn affect various biochemical parameters. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate the role of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in decreasing fluoride-induced oxidative stress. The fluoride intoxicated (0.002; 0.082; 0.164mmol/l) rat hepatocytes was pre-treated (60min) and simultaneously treated with NAC (1mmol/l). The resulting levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and intracellular reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured along with the total antioxidant status (TAS) to determine whether NAC treatment reduced cell damage and/or the antioxidant state. These results suggest that NAC pre-treatment provides protection against fluoride-induced oxidative stress in hepatocytes.

Detection of free radicals formed by in vitro metabolism of fluoride using EPR spectroscopy.

In many parts of the globe, where water contains large amount of fluoride, fluorosis is a serious public health problem. It is accompanied by many changes, not only in the bones, but practically in all organs of the body. Since it was discovered that oxidation stress, together with the peroxidation of lipids which accompanies it, results in many diseases, research has been carried out on this aspect of fluorosis. The findings, however, are incomplete and divergent. The aim of our study was to determine the presence of free radicals in hepatocytes exposed to fluoride in concentrations which do not lead to changes in the concentrations of calcium and magnesium ions. Free radical properties of hepatocytes incubated with fluoride were studied by an X-band electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Hepatocytes are paramagnetic and broad unsymmetrical EPR spectra were obtained for them. Oxygen free radicals with g-factor of 2.0032 exist in hepatocytes. The effect of fluoride concentration and the time of incubation on free radicals amount in cells were examined. The amount of free radicals in hepatocytes increases with the increase of fluoride concentration for all the incubation times (10, 30, and 60 min). The amount of free radicals in hepatocytes decreases with the increase of time of incubation for all the used fluoride concentrations (0.002, 0.082, and 0.164 mmol/l). EPR spectra of the studied cells are homogeneously broadened. Continuous microwave saturation of EPR lines indicates that slow spin-lattice relaxation processes exist in the studied cells. Strong dipolar interactions responsible for the broadening (ΔB(pp): 1.45-1.87 mT) of the EPR spectra exist in the hepatocytes.

Antioxidant activity of ethanolic fractions of Polish propolis.

There is a great variation in the chemical composition of propolis of different origins. Likewise, the method of its extraction has signifi cant impact on the content of biologically active compounds. Here we compared methods of propolis extraction for optimal antioxidant activities which were measured by means of β-carotene discolouration, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, and 2,2’-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS•+) radical cation decolouration assays. In the extracts, the contents of polyphenols and fl avonoids were measured, and phenolic acids were identifi ed and quantifi ed by HPLC. A three-step extraction allowed obtaining large amounts of phenolic acids from propolis. The propolis fractions obtained had antioxidant properties comparable to those of α-tocopherol and butylated hydroxytoluene. Therefore, they may be used as effective natural antioxidants.

Application of EPR spectroscopy to the examination of pro-oxidant activity of coffee.

Free radicals present in coffee may be responsible for exerting toxic effects on an organism. The objectives of this work were to compare free radicals properties and concentrations in different commercially available coffees, in solid and liquid states, and to determine the effect of roasting on the formation of free radicals in coffee beans of various origins. The free radicals content of 15 commercially available coffees (solid and liquid) was compared and the impact of processing examined using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy at X-band (9.3 GHz). First derivative EPR spectra were measured at microwave power in the range of 0.7-70 mW. The following parameters were calculated for EPR spectra: amplitude (A), integral intensity (I), and line-width (ΔBpp); g-Factor was obtained from resonance condition. Our study showed that free radicals exist in green coffee beans (10(16) spin/g), roasted coffee beans (10(18) spin/g), and in commercially available coffee (10(17)-10(18) spin/g). Free radical concentrations were higher in solid ground coffee than in instant or lyophilised coffee. Continuous microwave saturation indicated homogeneous broadening of EPR lines from solid and liquid commercial coffee samples as well as green and roasted coffee beans. Slow spin-lattice relaxation processes were found to be present in all coffee samples tested, solid and liquid commercial coffees as well as green and roasted coffee beans. Higher free radicals concentrations were obtained for both the green and roasted at 240 °C coffee beans from Peru compared with those originating from Ethiopia, Brazil, India, or Colombia. Moreover, more free radicals occurred in Arabica coffee beans roasted at 240 °C than Robusta. EPR spectroscopy is a useful method of examining free radicals in different types of coffee.

Antioxidant Properties of Water Extracts of Sterilized and Unsterilized Morus alba L. Leaves

The electron paramagnetic resonance tests carried out indicated that both the technique and the conditions of sterilization of dried white mulberry leaves were chosen correctly, as no significant differences were found between the concentration and the properties of free radicals in the analyzed samples. The high temperature short time method steam sterilization process, the temperature, as well as the time of exposure to it during the preparation of water extracts resulted in no significant change in the content of polyphenol compounds in the samples analyzed. However, the total antioxidant activity increased, which suggested that despite technological processing mulberry leaves do not lose their antioxidative properties.

Application of EPR Spectroscopy to Examination of the Effect of Sterilization Process on Free Radicals in Different Herbs

Free radicals in the original and sterilized caraway, curry, curcuma and cardamom were studied. An X-band (9.3xa0GHz) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was the experimental technique. Effect of microwave power in the range of 2.2–70xa0mW on amplitudes, linewidths, and lineshape parameters of the EPR spectra was tested. Free radicals concentrations in the non- and sterilized herb samples were compared. The aim of this work was to determine properties and concentration of free radicals in steam sterilized caraway, curry, curcuma and cardamom. It was pointed out that free radicals (~1018u2009spin/g) exist in both the original and sterilized herbs. Complex free radical system with oxygen and carbon paramagnetic centers characterizes the examined herbs. Homogeneously dipolar broadened EPR spectra were measured for all the tested herbs. Slow spin-lattice relaxation processes exist in the examined samples. Practical usefulness of EPR method in food technology was discussed.

Impact of Static Magnetic Field on the Antioxidant Defence System of Mice Fibroblasts

Results of research assessing the biological impact of static magnetic fields are controversial. So far, they have not provided a clear answer to their influence on cell functioning. Since the use of permanent magnets both in everyday life and in industry becomes more and more widespread, the investigations are continued in order to explain these controversies and to evaluate positive applications. The goal of current work was to assess the impact of static magnetic field of different intensities on redox homeostasis in cultures of fibroblasts. The use of permanent magnets allowed avoiding the thermal effects which are present in electromagnets. During the research we used 6 chambers, designed exclusively by us, with different values of field flux density (varying from 0.1 to 0.7u2009T). We have noted the decrease in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). The static magnetic fields did not modify the energy state of fibroblasts— adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration was stable, as well as the generation of malondialdehyde (MDA)—which is a marker of oxidative stress. Results of research suggest that static magnetic fields generated by permanent magnets do not cause oxidative stress in investigated fibroblasts and that they may show slight antioxidizing activity.

Samoocena aktywności fizycznej słuchaczek Uniwersytetu Trzeciego Wieku

Introduction and objective. Physical activity comprises an important element that can enhance the functional capacity of the body. The aim of this study was to recognize the physical activity of female students of the Third-Age University. Materials and method. Research was conducted using a self-designed questionnaire containing 24 items, among 91 female students of Third-Age University at the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice; mean age 66.9 ± 6.7. The relationships between self-reported physical activity, physical fitness, and age were analyzed using the χ2 test. Results. 89% of female Third-Age University students declared that they are physically active. The majority (74.8%) assessed their physical fitness as very good and good. No correlation was found between age and self-reported physical activity or physical fitness. The most popular form of physical activity was walking (preferred by 69.2%), gymnastics (48.4%) and Nordic walking (42.9%). Regular physical activity, a well-balanced diet and regular health check-up were the factors indicated by the female Third-Age University students that determine the good health of elderly people. Conclusions. In self-assessment, the female Third-Age University students are physically active and are aware that exercise is a beneficial for maintaining good health and quality of life.