Biochemical Indices (biochemical + index)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Changes in the quality of abalone (Haliotis asinina Linnaeus) packaged under atmospheric air, vacuum and modified atmosphere

PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE, Issue 3 2008
Romanee Sanguandeekul
Abstract Changes in the quality of abalone (Haliotis asinina Linnaeus) meat packaged under modified atmosphere (MA) of 40% CO2/30% O2/30% N2, vacuum and atmospheric air in polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC)/nylon/oriented polypropylene (OPP) pouches, and stored at 2 ± 1°C were investigated. Biochemical indices, such as pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), and trimethylamine (TMA) and sensory evaluation, as well as total plate counts of packaged abalone meat were determined periodically. TMA was not affected by the packaging conditions, and remained low during storage periods. A decrease in pH of the MA packaged abalones during the storage reflected the apparent absorption of CO2. The content of TVB-N slowly increased in the MA packaged abalone, whereas those stored in atmospheric air markedly increased during the storage. The sensory quality of MA packaged abalones was shown to be acceptable up to 15 days, while atmospheric and vacuum-packaged abalones were not acceptable after 3 days of storage. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Microcystin extracts induce ultrastructural damage and biochemical disturbance in male rabbit testis

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY, Issue 1 2010
Ying Liu
Abstract In the present research, the changes of ultrastructures and biochemical index in rabbit testis were examined after i.p. injection with 12.5 ,g/kg microcystin (MC) extracts. Ultrastructural observation showed widened intercellular junction, distention of mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus. All these changes appeared at 1, 3, and 12 h, but recovered finally. In biochemical analyses, the levels of lipid peroxidation (MDA) and H2O2 increased significantly at 1 h, indicating MC-caused oxidative stress. Finally, H2O2 decreased to the normal levels, while MDA remained at high levels. The antioxidative enzymes (CAT, SOD, GPx, GST) and antioxidants (GSH) also increased rapidly at 1 h, demonstrating a quick response of the defense systems to the oxidative stress. Finally, the activity of CAT, SOD, and GPX recovered to the normal level, while the activity of GST and the concentration of GSH remained at a high level. This suggests that the importance of MCs detoxification by GST via GSH, and the testis of rabbit contained abundant GSH. The final recovery of ultrastructure and some biochemical indexes indicates that the defense systems finally succeeded in protecting the testis against oxidative damage. In conclusion, these results indicate that the MCs are toxic to the male rabbit reproductive system and the mechanism underlying this toxicity might to be the oxidative stress caused by MCs. Although the negative effects of MCs can be overcome by the antioxidant system of testis in this study, the potential reproductive risks of MCs should not be neglected because of their wide occurrence. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 2010. [source]


Coeliac disease and Type 1 diabetes mellitus , the case for screening

DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 3 2001
G. K. T. Holmes
SUMMARY Aim To review the relationship between coeliac disease and Type 1 diabetes mellitus with emphasis on prevalence of coeliac disease, presentation and implications for screening. Methods Papers collected over many years by the author have been included in the review and a literature search employing Medline was undertaken to August 2000. Search words used were coeliac disease and diabetes mellitus. Results Twenty papers exploring the prevalence of coeliac disease by serological screening of Type 1 diabetes in children, eight in adults and two including both groups were found. An additional 48 papers are included and relate to serological screening tests for coeliac disease, expressions and complications of coeliac disease, the value of GFD and the genetics of the two conditions. Unless formal screening studies are undertaken coeliac disease will not be diagnosed because patients are asymptomatic, have atypical symptoms or even in those with symptoms the diagnosis is overlooked. Based on small bowel biopsy, diagnosis the prevalence of coeliac disease in Type 1 diabetes in children is 1:6 to 1:103 and in adults 1:16 to 1:76. Patients may improve following the start of a gluten-free diet (GFD) in terms of symptoms, growth in children, serum antibody levels, haematological and biochemical indices, morphology of the small intestinal mucosa and control of diabetes. Conclusion Coeliac disease commonly occurs in Type 1 diabetes. It is recommended that screening for coeliac disease should be part of the routine investigation and offered to all patients because of the high prevalence and the potential benefits of treatment with a GFD. This includes control of symptoms, stabilization of diabetes and prevention of complications associated with coeliac disease. The cost per patient diagnosed with coeliac disease from the existing population with Type 1 diabetes would be £860 and for those newly arising £950. [source]


Long-term effects of intravenous high dose methylprednisolone pulses on bone mineral density in patients with multiple sclerosis

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 7 2005
M. Zorzon
To determine the effects of high dose methylprednisolone (HDMP) pulses on bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), we studied 25 MS patients who received regular pulses of HDMP as well as pulses of HDMP for relapses, 18 MS patients who received HDMP at the same dose schedule only for relapses, and 61 healthy controls. We measured BMDs at lumbar spine and femoral neck and we assessed biochemical markers of bone metabolism and turnover. The average lifetime dosage of MP was 75.4 (SD 11.9) g in the pulsed HDMP group and 28.6 (SD 18.3) g in the HDMP for relapses group (P < 0.0001). Two MS patients (4.7%) and four controls (6.6%) had osteoporosis (P = NS), whereas 25 patients with MS (58.1%) and 21 controls (34.4%) had osteopenia (P = 0.016). BMDs measured at lumbar spine and femoral neck and biochemical indices of bone metabolism did not differ in MS patients and controls. BMD measures were not associated with lifetime methylprednisolone dosage. In partial correlation analysis, controlling for age, gender and menopausal status there was a significant inverse correlation between BMD at femoral neck and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score (r = ,0.31, P =0.05). In conclusion, treatment with repeated HDMP pulses was not associated with osteoporosis in patients with MS who participated in a trial of methylprednisolone. However, osteopenia was observed more frequently in MS patients than healthy controls. Our data are reassuring, as them suggest that repeated pulses of methylprednisolone do not result in substantially increased risk of osteoporosis in MS patients. Moreover, osteopenia was found only in patients treated for relapses, who had a significantly higher EDSS score than patients in the HDMP group, suggesting that decreased mobility may contribute to bone loss more than corticosteroid use. BMD should be monitored in patients with MS, regardless of the use of methylprednisolone. [source]


The ameliorative effect of cysteine prodrug l -2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

FUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 5 2007
B.H. Ali
Abstract Pathogenesis of nephrotoxicity of the synthetic anticancer drug cisplatin (CP) involves generation of reactive oxygen species and free radicals in the kidney cortex, and cysteine prodrug l -2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (OTC) has been confirmed to have a strong antioxidant action. Therefore, in the present work, we aimed at testing the possible protective or palliative effect of OTC on CP nephrotoxicity in rats. OTC was given at an oral dose of 150 mg/kg/day for 7 days. On day 7, some of these rats were given a single intraperitoneal injection of CP (or vehicle) at a dose of 6 mg/kg. Rats were killed, blood and urine samples were collected, and the kidneys were removed 6 days after CP treatment. Nephrotoxicity was evaluated histopathologically by light microscopy, and biochemically by measuring the concentrations of creatinine and urea in serum, reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in renal cortex, and by urinalyses. CP significantly increased the concentrations of urea and creatinine (P < 0.05) by about 128% and 170% respectively. CP treatment reduced cortical GSH concentration by about 34% (P < 0.05), and the activity of SOD by about 28% (P < 0.05). CP treatment significantly increased urine volume and N -acetyl- , - d -glucosaminidase (NAG) activity, and significantly decreased osmolality and protein concentrations. OTC significantly mitigated all these effects. Sections from saline- and OTC-treated rats showed apparently normal proximal tubules. However, kidneys of CP-treated rats had a moderate degree of necrosis. This appeared to be lessened when CP was given simultaneously with OTC. The concentration of CP in the cortical tissues was not significantly altered by OTC treatment. The results suggested that OTC had ameliorated the histopathological and biochemical indices of nephrotoxicity in rats. Pending further pharmacological and toxicological studies, OTC may potentially be useful as a nephroprotective agent. [source]


A multifaceted imbalance of T cells with regulatory function characterizes type 1 autoimmune hepatitis,,

HEPATOLOGY, Issue 3 2010
Silvia Ferri
Immunotolerance is maintained by regulatory T cells (Tregs), including CD4+CD25hi, CD8+CD28,, ,,, and CD3+CD56+ [natural killer T (NKT)] cells. CD4+CD25hi cells are impaired in children with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Little is known about Tregs in adults with AIH. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and function of Treg subsets in adult patients with AIH during periods of active disease and remission. Forty-seven AIH patients (16 with active disease and 31 in remission) and 28 healthy controls were studied. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate surface markers and function-related intracellular molecules in ,,, CD8+CD28,, NKT, and CD4+CD25hi cells. CD4+CD25hi T cell function was determined by the ability to suppress proliferation and interferon gamma (IFN-,) production by CD4+CD25, target cells. Liver forkhead box P3,positive (FOXP3+) cells were sought by immunohistochemistry. In AIH patients, particularly during active disease, CD4+CD25hi T cells were fewer, expressed lower levels of FOXP3, and were less effective at inhibiting target cell proliferation versus healthy controls. Moreover, although the numbers of CD8+CD28, T cells were similar in AIH patients and healthy controls, NKT cells were numerically reduced, especially during active disease, and produced lower quantities of the immunoregulatory cytokine interleukin-4 versus controls. In contrast, ,, T cells in AIH patients were more numerous versus healthy controls and had an inverted V,1/V,2 ratio and higher IFN-, and granzyme B production; the latter was correlated to biochemical indices of liver damage. There were few FOXP3+ cells within the portal tract inflammatory infiltrate. Conclusion: Our data show that the defect in immunoregulation in adult AIH is complex, and ,, T cells are likely to be effectors of liver damage. (HEPATOLOGY 2010) [source]


Gliotoxin, an inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappa B, attenuates peptidoglycan-polysaccharide-induced colitis in rats

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES, Issue 3 2002
Dr. Leo R. Fitzpatrick
Abstract Gliotoxin is a fungal metabolite that has immunosuppressive properties. First, we determined if gliotoxin could inhibit bacterial peptidoglycan,polysaccharide-stimulated tumor necrosis factor-, production, as well as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-,B), in a rat macrophage (NR8383) cell line. Next, the apoptosis-inducing potential of gliotoxin was also evaluated in this cell line. Finally, we evaluated whether gliotoxin could reduce peptidoglycan,polysaccharide-induced colitis in rats. Gliotoxin (2 mg/kg/day) was dosed from day 14 after the initial intramural colonic injection of peptidoglycan,polysaccharide until day 21. A gross colonic injury score, myeloperoxidase activity, and cytokine levels were all evaluated on day 21. Gliotoxin dose dependently inhibited cytokine production, as well as NF-,B, and also induced apoptosis in the NR8383 cell line. On day 21, gliotoxin significantly reduced gross colonic injury (adhesions, nodules, mucosal lesions) in rats. Gliotoxin-treated rats also had partially normalized biochemical indices of colitis, such as colonic cytokine levels. The colonic level of NF-,B was also partially normalized in gliotoxin treated rats. Gliotoxin also exhibited an antiarthritis effect in peptidoglycan,polysaccharide-treated rats. In summary, gliotoxin effectively attenuated the chronic reactivation phase of peptidoglycan,polysaccharide-induced colitis. This anticolitis effect may be related to the inhibition of NF-,B in Lewis rats. [source]


The relationship of magnesium intake to serum and urinary calcium and magnesium levels in Trinidadian stone formers

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 3 2005
TREVOR I ANATOL
Abstract, Background:, The present study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between the dietary intake of magnesium and the serum and urinary levels of calcium and magnesium in a group of Trinidadian stone formers. Methods:, A group of 102 confirmed stone formers presenting to urological clinics were interviewed using a questionnaire designed to obtain a semi-quantitative estimate of their oral magnesium intake. Patients were invited to give blood samples for serum calcium and magnesium levels and to provide 24-h urine specimens for the measurement of urinary levels of these minerals, as well as total urinary volumes. A group of 102 controls was subjected to a similar interview and blood and urinary testing. Chi-square tests and Student's t -tests were used to examine group demographic differences. The Mann,Whitney test investigated differences in biochemical indices. Binary logistic regression was used to identify predictors of stone formation. Results:, Blood samples were obtained from 60 patients and 98 controls. Urine samples were returned by 34 patients and 97 controls. Only 10 stones were retrieved from patients. Patients had a significantly lower magnesium intake, but higher median serum and urinary calcium levels, and higher serum calcium to magnesium ratios than controls. Independent variables capable of predicting stone formation included total magnesium intake and serum and urinary calcium levels. Conclusions:, Increased serum and urinary calcium levels, calcium to magnesium ratios, and a low magnesium intake were predictive of stone formation in this Trinidadian population. [source]


Melatonin reduces experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced oxidative brain damage and neurological symptoms

JOURNAL OF PINEAL RESEARCH, Issue 3 2009
Mehmet Ersahin
Abstract:, Oxidative stress has detrimental effects in several models of neurodegenerative diseases, including subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). This study investigated the putative neuroprotective effect of melatonin, a powerful antioxidant, in a rat model of SAH. Male Wistar albino rats were divided as control, vehicle-treated SAH, and melatonin-treated (10 mg/kg, i.p.) SAH groups. To induce SAH, 0.3 mL blood was injected into cisterna magna of rats. Forty-eight hours after SAH induction, neurological examination scores were measured and the rats were decapitated. Brain tissue samples were taken for blood,brain barrier (BBB) permeability, brain water content, histological examination, or determination of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and Na+ -K+ -ATPase activities. Formation of reactive oxygen species in brain tissue samples was monitored by using a chemiluminescence (CL) technique. The neurological examination scores were increased in SAH groups on the second day of SAH induction and SAH caused a significant decrease in brain GSH content and Na+ -K+ -ATPase activity, which was accompanied with significant increases in CL, MDA levels, and MPO activity. On the other hand, melatonin treatment reversed all these biochemical indices as well as SAH-induced histopathological alterations, while increased brain water content and impaired BBB were also reversed by melatonin treatment. This study suggests that melatonin, which can easily cross BBB, alleviates SAH-induced oxidative stress and exerts neuroprotection by preserving BBB permeability and by reducing brain edema. [source]


Betulinic acid protects against ischemia/reperfusion-induced renal damage and inhibits leukocyte apoptosis

PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 3 2010
Emel Ek, lu-Demiralp
Abstract The possible protective effect of betulinic acid on renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury was studied. Wistar Albino rats were unilaterally nephrectomized and subjected to 45 min of renal pedicle occlusion followed by 6 h of reperfusion. Betulinic acid (250 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline was administered at 30 min prior to ischemia and immediately before the reperfusion. Creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and TNF-, as well as the oxidative burst of neutrophil and leukocyte apoptosis were assayed in blood samples. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) levels, Na+, K+ -ATPase and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities were determined in kidney tissue which was also analysed microscopically. I/R caused significant increases in blood creatinine, BUN, LDH and TNF-,. In the kidney samples of the I/R group, MDA levels and MPO activity were increased significantly, however, GSH levels and Na+, K+ -ATPase activity were decreased. Betulinic acid ameliorated the oxidative burst response to both formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) stimuli, normalized the apoptotic response and most of the biochemical indices as well as histopathological alterations induced by I/R. In conclusion, these data suggest that betulinic acid attenuates I/R-induced oxidant responses, improved microscopic damage and renal function by regulating the apoptotic function of leukocytes and inhibiting neutrophil infiltration. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Toxic effect of triphenyltin chloride on the alga Spirulina subsalsa

APPLIED ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 3 2002
Guolan Huang
Abstract A previous study on the deleterious effect of triphenyltin chloride (TPTCl) on the alga Spirulina subsalsa reported on four physiological and biochemical indices (or parameters): growth rate, chlorophyll content, phycocyanin content and nitrate reductase activity. In the present study, further research was performed to confirm the findings reported in the previous paper, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The SEM images show significant changes in the screw-pitch of S. subsalsa, suggesting that TPTCl may damage the inheritance characteristics of S. subsalsa. The TEM images illustrate that the external pectin theca, limiting membrane and inter photosynthetically active lamella in the S. subsalsa cell are those targets that can be easily damaged. Reversible and irreversible cell damage (cell necrosis) are also observed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]