The antidiarrheal effects of the aqueous extract of Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae) peels were evaluated in rats. Studies were carried out on the isolated rat ileum, gastrointestinal motility in vivo, and on castor oil-induced diarrhea in rats. The results revealed that the extract exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibition of the spontaneous movement of the isolated rat ileum and attenuated acetylcholine-induced contractions. The extract (100, 200, 300, and 400 mg=kg) also caused a dose-dependent decrease of gastrointestinal transit and markedly protected rats against castor oil-induced diarrhea enteropooling. The intraperitoneal injection LD 50 of the extract was found to be 1321AE15 mg=kg in mice. A preliminary phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract of Punica granatum peels gave positive tests for tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids. The results obtained showed that the aqueous extract of Punica granatum peels may contain some biologically active principles that may be active against diarrhea, and this may be the basis for its traditional use for gastrointestinal disorders.

The aim of this experiment is to understand how Parkinson's disease (PD) medication affects the autonomic responses of individuals during an acute exercise stress test. Fourteen people with PD and fifteen healthy individuals age-matched between 50 and 80 years performed a modified Bruce protocol. Subjects with PD performed the test once off medication (PD-off) and then 1 week later on medication (PD-on). Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), VO(2), and norepinephrine (NE) levels were taken at rest and at peak exercise. At peak exercise HR, BP, and NE values for the PD-on and PD-off group were all significantly lower than healthy controls, regardless of whether subjects were on their medication. Autonomic abnormalities during exercise in this population appear to be disease manifested and not impacted by medications used to treat PD. We can assume, both on and off medication, this population will show markedly lower BP, HR, and NE responses.

This study represents the first longitudinal investigation involving the effects of multiple modes of exercise training on the GSH antioxidant system with evidence, suggesting the GHS:GSSG ratio as the most sensitive change marker. The significant findings of this study have potential clinical implications to individuals involved in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation.

No abstract

The current results indicated that in sedentary individuals, a maximal treadmill GXT is an effective technique for inducing acute oxidative stress as evidenced by GSH system responses, with full return to resting baseline levels within 60 minutes of recovery. The potential for using this model in assessing oxidative stress responses to cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation is of clinical interest, with a need for further investigation.

Background: Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have decreased glutathione levels and elevated homocysteine levels. These substances are considered markers of health, and an inverse relationship has been suggested through the transsulfuration pathway. This experiment tested the effects of exercise and B vitamin supplementation on homocysteine and glutathione levels, and if a relationship was present between these two markers in those with PD. Secondary aims included examining the impact of the interventions on aerobic efficiency and strength. Methods: Thirty-six subjects were randomly assigned to 4 groups. The Vit group received vitamins B₆, B₁₂ and folic acid daily for 6 weeks. The Ex group received aerobic and strength training twice weekly for 6 weeks. The Vit + Ex group received both interventions. A control group received no intervention. Subjects were tested prior to and after intervention on the following measures: glutathione and homocysteine levels, strength measures and oxygen consumption. Results: Subjects who received 6 weeks of B vitamin supplementation had lowered homocysteine levels. Subjects who received 6 weeks of exercise training had increased glutathione levels, strength and aerobic capacity. The combination of vitamin and exercise did not yield greater changes than the separate intervention. The control subjects did not change on any measures. Conclusion: Positive results were realized with each intervention; however, the expected relationship between glutathione and homocysteine was not found in this sample of subjects with PD. Homocysteine and glutathione levels can be improved independently in individuals with PD with exercise or vitamins B₆, B₁₂ and folic acid supplementation.

Resting plasma glutathione (GSH) levels are lower in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) than any other neurological condition. Medications used to treat PD have also been shown to further decrease this depletion. Acute exercise has been shown to be an effective tool to produce oxidative stress in other populations as reflected in lowering levels of GSH. The purpose of this study was to determine how PD responds to acute exercise stress and how medication affects these responses. Fourteen men with PD and 14 men without PD underwent an exercise stress test. Subjects with PD performed the test once off PD medication (PD-Off-med) for 12 h then again 1 week later on PD medication (PD-On-med). GSH and glutathione disulfide (GSSG), were collected via blood draws at rest and after peak exercise along with peak VO(2). At rest and at peak exercise GSH levels and the GSH:GSSG ratio were significantly lower in the PD-On-med and PD-Off-med as compared to controls. GSSG levels were significantly higher in both medication conditions at rest and peak exercise compared to controls. When comparing PD-On-med vs. PD-Off-med at rest and peak exercise, the PD-On-med had lower GSH levels, a lower GSH:GSSG ratio and higher GSSG levels. VO(2) correlated positively with GSH levels. Subjects with PD have lower plasma GSH levels than healthy controls at rest and at peak exercise.

The purpose of this study was to compare the antioxidant capacity of physically active middle-aged martial artists to age-matched sedentary controls. Nine sedentary subjects (mean age 52.9 yr) and 9 martial artists (mean age 51.8 yr) who practice Soo Bahk Do, a Korean martial art and were age- and sex-matched performed a graded exercise test (GXT) using a modified Bruce protocol. Ages ranged from 41 to 58 years. A GXT has been shown to be an effective technique for inducing oxidative stress. Glutathione (GSH) is the body's most highly concentrated antioxidant, is the central component of the antioxidant system, and plays an essential role in protecting tissues against oxidative stress. Free radical oxidation leads to the transformation of GSH to glutathione disulfide (GSSG). Venous blood samples for GSH and GSSG were collected before and immediately after the GXT. Repeated measures analysis of variance were performed on the resting baseline values and immediate post-GXT values of GSH, GSSG, and GSH:GSSG to compare groups. The blood GSH, GSSG, and GSH:GSSG levels were significantly different (p < 0.001) between the 2 groups at rest and after the GXT. The Soo Bahk Do practitioners had higher resting levels of GSH and lower levels of GSSG and responded more effectively to acute oxidative stress than the age-matched sedentary controls. Soo Bahk Do appears to enhance the antioxidant defense system and may be an effective intervention for improving overall health by protecting against the adverse effects of oxidative stress that is associated with the free radical theory of aging. Health professionals should be aware of alternative methods of training, conditioning, and exercise that can improve the general adaptation response to oxidative stress.