Age related changes in lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in elderly people

Advanced age is associated with an accumulation of free radical damage, which leads to physiological and clinical modifications. Age related changes resulting from free radical reactions include increasing levels of lipid peroxides, alterations in enzyme activities and greater osmotic fragility. The present study was conducted to estimate the level of lipid peroxidation product-Malondialdehyde and antioxidants Catalase and Glutathione in elderly people. An increase in lipid peroxidation and decrease in antioxidants was observed in normal elderly people. Highly significant increase in MDA and decrease in antioxidants was observed in elderly people when complicated with diabetes and hypertension. Supplementation of antioxidants may prevent further oxidative injury in elderly people.     

Correlation between lipid peroxidation and non-enzymatic antioxidants in pregnancy induced hypertension

The present study was designed to evaluate the lipid peroxidation and non-enzymatic antioxidants in pregnancyinduced hypertension (PIH) compared with healthy normal pregnant and non-pregnant as controls. 75 cases were studied of which 25 were normal healthy controls (Group A), 25 healthy pregnant women (Group B) of third trimester and 25 were PIH (Group C) of the same trimester. In PIH, malondialdehyde a lipid peroxidation product was significantly increased as compared to normal pregnant and non-pregnant controls. The nonenzymatic antioxidants like reduced glutathione, Vitamin-E, Vitamin-C and Vitamin-A were significantly decreased in normal pregnants as compared to controls. A further significant decrease was noticed in PIH compared to normal pregnants. A significant negative correlation was detected between lipid peroxidation and non-enzymatic antioxidant levels. Our study clearly indicates a relationship between elevated lipid peroxidation, decreased non-enzymatic antioxidant in PIH. The measurement of non-enzymatic antioxidants in plasma may be useful predictor of the likely development of PIH.     

Plasma antioxidant vitamins and lipid peroxidation products in pregnancy induced hypertension

It has been suggested that antioxidant systems are impaired in pregnancy induced hypertension and hence patients are exposed to oxidative stress. In order to investigate the relationship between lipid peroxidation and certain antioxidant parameters in blood of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) cases, 25 normotensive and 23 PIH samples were studied. In the present study, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances showed a tendency to increase, however the increase remained statistically insignificant. Plasma ascorbic acid level remained unaltered and Vitamin E showed a tendency to increase in the study group. The findings implicate oxidative stress in the disease and cite the biochemical rationale for clinical trials of antioxidants to prevent and treat pregnancy induced hypertension.     

Effect of immobilisation stress on lipid peroxidation and lipid profile in rabbits

Stress is one of the basic factors in the aetiology of a number of diseases such as atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, aging, liver disease etc. Hence this work was designed to study the effect of stress in the form of forced immobilisation stress on lipid peroxidation and lipid profile in rabbits. The study was conducted in 25 healthy rabbits of either sex. Rabbits were subjected to forced immobilisation for two hours everyday for consecutive seven days. Blood samples were collected on day 1, 3 and 7 after immobilisation period. Malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation was estimated by TBA assay method. Lipid profile was analysed by multichannel autoanalyser. There was statistically significant increase in MDA, total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL and triglycerides with immobilisation. These findings indicate that stress in the form of forced immobilisation increases lipid peroxidation and alter lipid profile, which may be responsible for pathophysiology of various diseases.     

Total antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation in liver transplantation

Liver transplantation is an accepted therapy for chronic liver disease patients. These patients generally have low levels of fat soluble vitamins, which have important antioxidant roles. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate whether such patients had evidence of antioxidant depletion and increased lipid peroxidation before transplant and whether the subsequent ischemia and reperfusion encountered during liver transplantation have any effect on antioxidant levels and lipid peroxidation. We assessed plasma total antioxidant capacity and serum lipid peroxide in 12 patients undergoing liver transplantation and equal numbers of healthy subjects. We found that before reperfusion, antioxidant levels were significantly decreased along with significantly elevated lipid peroxidation levels as compared with healthy controls (P<0.001). On reperfusion of the liver graft, further declined values of total antioxidant accompanied with highly elevated lipid peroxidation were seen than those of pre-reperfusion samples (P<0.001). This data shows that patients undergoing liver transplant have lowered antioxidant defenses and evidence of free radical damage, which compound the additional insult of reperfusion injury. Therefore antioxidant therapy in these patients before transplantation may ameliorate the effects of reperfusion.     

Evaluation of adenosine deaminase activity and lipid peroxidation levels in diabetes mellitus

There was increase in erythrocyte lipid peroxidation and adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity in red blood cells (RBC's), white blood cells (WBC's) and plasma, in 30 patients of confirmed diabetes mellitus, 10 each of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM or type I), non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM or type II) and diabetes with ketoacidosis when compared with 20 healthy individuals (controls). Glycosylated hemoglobin A1c%, plasma free fatty acid (FFA) and glycerol levels were also elevated in all the cases when compared with controls. The increase was more in diabetic ketoacidosis group. Significant positive correlations were seen between erythrocyte lipid peroxidation and ADA activities in RBC's, WBC's and plasma. It is suggested that decreased tissue adenosine levels due to increase in ADA activity, is related to the severity of hyperglycemia and lipid peroxidation in diabetes mellitus.     

Evaluation of serum zinc level and plasma SOD activity in senile cataract patients under oxidative stress

An imbalance in the systemic redox status leading to oxidative stress has been an important factor in development of senile cataracts, which is reflected by an increase in serum TBARS and a decrease in plasma SOD activity. Zinc has been an important cofactor required for structural stability of SOD. In the present study the role of serum zinc level and plasma SOD activity was analyzed in senile cataract patients showing significant oxidative stress. Serum TBARS, plasma SOD and serum zinc level was measured in thirty randomly selected senile cataract patients against properly matched controls. Although, the analysis of means showed a significant increase in serum TBARS and decrease in plasma SOD and serum zinc level in cases, but plasma SOD was found to be just significantly correlated (p=0.05) with the serum zinc only in the cases. The results of partial correlation studies and multiple regression analysis, also, showed only a significant correlation and predictable dependence between serum TBARS and plasma SOD, excluding any role of serum zinc level. The present study concludes that it is chiefly the plasma SOD activity, but not the serum zinc level, that determines the proneness of the patients for development of senile cataract.     

Role of ascorbic acid in lead acetate induced lipid peroxidation and hemolysis in human RBC

Lipid peroxidation and hemolysis in humand red blood cells (RBCs) increased on their exposure to increasing concentrations of lead acetate (0.01–1.0mM). However pretreatment of RBCs with ascorbic acid (2mM and 4mM) significantly reduced the effect of lead acetate on lipid peroxidation and hemolysis in human RBCs.     

Effect of oral antioxidant supplementation on lipid peroxidation during radiotherapy in head and neck malignancies

The objectives of the present study were to ascertain the variations in the serum levels of malondialdehyde and total antioxidant status, in head and neck malignancies with different stages, with and without oral antioxidant supplementation, before and after radiotherapy, and to validate the protective effects of an antioxidant supplementation during radiotherapy. The pretreatment values of serum malondialdehyde were significantly raised, while that of serum total antioxidant status were significantly declined in all the stages of head and neck malignancies, when compared with the healthy controls values (P<0.001). A significant correlation was observed related to the studied parameters and different stages of the disease. The study suggests that an oral antioxidant supplementation during radiotherapy is an effective mode in reducing oxidative stress. Antioxidant supplementation during radiotherapy may serve as an adjuvant therapy in malignancies offering a protection to normal cells that may further reduce the risk of developing secondary cancers.     

A study of spectrin and lipid peroxidation of red blood cell membrane in thalassaemia carrier

The aim of the present work is to understand the lipid peroxidation of RBC membrane and the spectrin protein content of RBC membrane cytoskeleton of thalassaemic carrier state (trait) of β and hemoglobin E variant (HbE). We have measured the hemoglobin (Hb), malondialdehyde (MDA) and spectrin content of RBC membrane of thalassaemic carrier. The spectrin content (α and β band) of both β and HbE carrier was not changed than normal individuals. However, lipid peroxidation of RBC membrane was significantly increased in both β and HbE trait, and Hb level was also decreased in thalassaemic carrier. It may be assumed that oxidative damage by excess lipid peroxidation may have no role on irreversible membrane damage in β thalassaemia and HbE thalassaemia carrier.     

Comparative study on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant vitamins E and C inFalciparum andVivax malaria

Reactive oxygen species are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of Malaria. To assess the extent of oxidative stress, a study was conducted in patients withPlasmodium falciparum malaria andPlasmodium Vivax malaria. Plasma Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were measured to assess the degree of lipid peroxidation. Antioxidant status was measured by estimating the levels of Vitamins E and C. Results were compared with age and sex matched control subjects. This study suggests that plasma TBARS levels were significantly increased in malaria patients. The patients withP. falciparum infection showed significantly increased levels of lipid peroxides when compared toP. vivax malaria. The antioxidant Vitamins E and C were decreased significantly in malaria patients in both the groups. Maximum decline in Vitamin C was observed inP. vivax malaria. Therefore it is been hypothesized that antioxidant Vitamins E and C could provide protection against the oxidative stress induced by malaria.     

Effect of short term vitamin E supplementation on lipid peroxidation in acute myocardial infarction

In view of sufficient body of evidence to substantiate the role of free radical mediated oxidative injury in myocardial infarction (M.I.), the utility of exogenous supplementation with antioxidant substance, vitamin E was studied. Forty patients of acute myocardial infarction were divided into two equal groups, one who received vitamin E and the other who did not. Plasma MDA levels showed a reduction in patients of M.I. who received vitamin E as well as in those who did not, however, the decrease was significantly more in the vitamin E treated subgroup.     

In vitro inhibition of lipid peroxidation in fish by turmeric (Curcuma longa)

The beneficial effects of ∈-3 fatty acids on human health have been well documented. Fish and fish oils are the richest sources of ∈-3 fatty acids. However, due to their high degree of unsaturation, they are highly susceptible to lipid peroxidation. Regular consumption of peroxidised oils may represent a risk factor for the induction and development of atherosclerosis. In view of the above reports, it was considered necessary to study the effects of tumeric on fish lipid peroxidation during standard cooking practices and on time-dependent changes in the peroxidation of fish homogenate. The antioxidant effect of α-tocopherol was also studied to confirm the relevance of the study. The results suggest that turmeric may be considered as a safe, cheap and readily usable antioxidant for food preparations.     

Effect of short term supplementation of tomatoes on antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in type-II diabetes

The objective of the present study is to evaluate the beneficial effect of tomatoes, which are rich source of Lycopene, relatively a new carotenoid known to play an important role in human health and disease. In this study lipid peroxidation rate was measured by estimating Malondialdehyde and the levels of serum enzymes involved in antioxidant activities like Super Oxide Dismutase, Glutathione Peroxidase, Glutathione Reductase, Reduced Glutathione, in type-II diabetic group (n=40) and age matched control group (n=50), and observed significantly lower levels of antioxidant enzymes and very high lipid peroxidation rate in type-II diabetes when compared to control group (p<0.001). Short term supplementation with tomatoes (cooked) to diabetic group for a period of 30 days, showed a significant improvement in antioxidant enzyme levels (p<0.001) and decreased lipid peroxidation rate (p<0.001) suggesting the supplementation with tomato lycopene may serve as the best method of preventing the oxidative stress in diabetic patients.     

Plasma Homocysteine,Folate and Vitamin B<Subscript>12</Subscript> levels in senile cataract

Elevated plasma Homocysteine level is an independent risk factor for age related (senile) cataract. Certain nutritional deficiencies, in particular Folate, Vitamin B₁₂, Vitamin B₆ relate inversely with Homocysteine level. This study was undertaken to evaluate the plasma level of Vitamin B₁₂, Folate, and Homocysteine of cataract patients and to study the interplay between them. Serum Homocysteine level is significantly increased in cataract patients when compared with control (p< 0.001). There was a significant decrease in the level of Folate as compared with control (p<0.001). There was a negative correlation between Homocysteine vs. Vitamin B₁₂ (p<0.01) and Folate (p<0.01) in the Cataract patients. Our findings suggest that increased plasma Homocysteine level is associated with decreased plasma levels of Folate and VitaminB₁₂ in Cataract patients, which might have a possible role in the root cause of cataract pathogenesis.     

Free radical generation and lipid peroxidation among the dry cell industry workers exposed to carbon

A total of 75 healthy male dry cell industry workers exposed to carbon for 5, 8 and 10 years were compared with 48 controls matched for age and economic status with respect to free radical generation, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant levels. Lymphocytes were seperated from the whole blood and used for estimation of free radicals and antioxidants. Plasma lipid peroxidation products were estimated in the form of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Significant increase in free radical generation and lipid peroxidation products were observed in carbon exposed population than controls, and the increase was found to be significant with increase in the period of exposure. The levels of antioxidants i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were found to decrease with the increase in exposure to carbon in industrial workers. These results suggest that exposure to carbon augments free radical generation, lipid peroxidation and promotes decline in antioxidant enzymes.     

Effect of vitamin E on the platelet xanthine oxidase and lipid peroxidation in the patients of myocardial infarction

Platelets play important role in precipitating ischaemic myocardial syndromes in many ways. One of the consequences of ischaemic diseases is excessive generation of oxygen derived free radicals that have numerous pathophysiological consequences. Platelet pro-oxidant enzyme, xanthine oxidase is one of the sources of generation of free radicals. In the present paper, we report the effect of administration of vitamin E along with aspirin on the levels of platelet xanthine oxidase and extent of free radical mediated damage in the patients reperfused after myocardial infarction. Our findings show that administration of 400 mg. vitamin E for six days along with 80 mg. aspirin has an excellent anti-oxidant effect as evidenced by reduced platelet xanthine oxidase activity and lowering of malondialdehdye (MDA) levels which is an index of the extent of free radical mediated damage.     

Oxidants and antioxidants in hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy

In the present study, the role of serum lipid peroxide and serum nitric oxide as oxidants and erythrocytic superoxide dismutase & serum vitamin E as antioxidants were determined in the 50 neonates with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy. (HIE) as against 25 healthy neonates as controls 50 patients of HIE were further divided into two groups i. e. mild and moderate HIE patients. All subjects were in the age group of 37–41 weeks of gestation. The levels of serum lipid peroxide, serum nitric oxide and erythrocytic superoxide dismutase were significantly elevated in both groups of neonates with HIE than those of controls (P<0.001), whereas serum vitamin E levels were significantly decreased in both groups of HIE patients than those of controls (P<0.001). A positive correlation was obtained between serum lipid peroxide and erythrocytic superoxide dismutase (r=+0.86). Alterations in the status of oxidants and antioxidants indicate role of free radicals in the development of HIE.     

Oxidative stress and antioxidants in tubercular meningitis

Oxidative stress is implicated in the etiopathogenesis of a variety of human diseases. Therefore, in the present study, erythrocyte lipid peroxidation, percentage hemolysis, antioxidant enzymes viz., glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and plasma antioxidants viz., ceruloplasmin, vitamins A,E and C have been determined in 19 patients with tubercular meningitis (TBM) and 50 normals. Six patients who were treated with antibiotics were considered for the follow up. The statistical analysis was carried out by Mann Whitney U test and Wilcoxon rank sum test. Lipid peroxidation (P<0.02), percentage hemolysis (P<0.001) and plasma ceruloplasmin (P<0.0001) of TBM patients were significantly higher, whereas erythrocyte glutathione reductase (P<0.05) and plasma antioxidant vitamins A, E and C (P<0.01, P<0.05 respectively) were significantly lower than those of the controls. In the follow up patients the glutathione reductase and catalase levels were significantly high (P<0.05) compared to their pre-treated condition. Vitamin C and E levels have attained normal range. This study indicated that the blood antioxidant status of TBM patients which was low compared to controls improved after treatment, suggesting the role of free radicals in TBM.     

Effect of yoga training on plasma lipid profile,R.B.C. membrane lipid peroxidation and Na+K+ ATPase activity in patients of essential hypertension

We conducted a controlled study on effect of selected yoga practive in the control and management of 50 cases of essential hypertension and equal number of healthy (nonhypertensive) controls. Free radical cellular damage is considered to be the underlying common biological factor in essential hypertension. We, therefore, investigated lipid profile lipid peroxidation and Na⁺K⁺ ATPase activities of plasma membrane of subjects with essential hypertension. It was found that hypertensive subjects had an elevated lipid peroxidation and decreased Na⁺K⁺ ATPase activity in plasma membrane as compared to normotensive healthy controls, the specific yoga training protocol which was administered not only helped to decrease blood pressure but also retard the progression of ceellular damage due to free radicals.