No abstract

No abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the associations between standard semen parameters and the parameters reflecting oxidative stress intensity, antioxidant defense functions, levels of selected macro and trace elements, and parameters characterizing immune system function. The study group consisted of 103 fertile males. Based on semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, and percentage of motile sperm at 1 hour postcollection, the individuals were divided into two equal groups—those with excellent (EX) semen quality and those with mediocre (ME) semen quality. The remaining measured parameters characterizing motility and the percentage of normal morphology were higher in the EX group than in the ME group; however, the seminal plasma pH did not differ between the examined groups. The phosphate level was 31% lower in the EX group than in the ME group, whereas there was a tendency toward a 25% lower level of Fe in the EX group than in the ME group (p = 0.064). The activities of enzymes involved in antioxidant defense, CuZn-SOD, CAT, and G6PD, were 14%, 63%, and 39%, respectively, higher in the EX group than in the ME group. However, the level of alpha-tocopherol was 32% lower in the EX group than in the ME group. The other measured parameters characterizing antioxidant defense and the parameters of oxidative stress intensity and immune system function were not significantly different. The value of seminal plasma pH is not related to the semen quality of fertile males. Higher fertility potential estimated based on standard semen parameters in fertile males is associated with lower levels of Fe and higher activities of some antioxidant enzymes.

(1) lead increases erythrocyte MDA concentration and the activity of GPx as well as SOD in normotensive subjects. (2) Among individuals exposed to lead, with arterial hypertension diagnosed, higher body mass index, age, values of blood lead level, and prolonged exposure to lead have been noticed, accompanied by intensified oxidative stress and the decrease in the activity of glutathione peroxidase in erythrocytes. The reasons for increase of blood pressure in lead exposure remain unrecognized.

An oxidative disorder primarily represented by catalase upregulation was observed during the course of glaucoma.

Effect of garlic supplementation on blood antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation, and coronary plaque formation process was investigated in oxidized oil-fed rabbits. Eighteen adult male mixed European rabbits were given a balanced diet (21 g% protein, 34 g% fat, 45 g% carbohydrate), which contained isocaloristic addition of nonoxidized or oxidized rapeseed oil in the presence and absence of garlic. The experiment lasted 24 weeks. At the beginning and every 6 weeks, rabbits were weighed, and blood was taken. To evaluate the antioxidant status of the rabbits, erythrocytes malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, total superoxide dismutase (t-SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activations were determined. After the experiment was completed, aortas were dissected for histological examinations. Changes in the contents of the above parameters and histological examinations showed that oxidized rapeseed, oil administered to rabbits, caused the development of atherosclerotic changes and disturbed antioxidant status. The addition of garlic in such diets inhibited atherosclerotic changes in the aorta wall, and it is related to the homeostatic activity of antioxidative enzymes and lipid peroxidation.

Background: The role of non-enzymatic antioxidants, such as uric acid, albumin, bilirubin, and α-tocopherol, in lead poisoning remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore the association between occupational exposure to lead and nonenzymatic antioxidant concentrations in serum and plasma. Material and Methods: The study population consisted of 278 healthy male employees of lead-zinc plants, with 129 workers classified as having low lead exposure (blood lead level -PbB = 20-39.9 μg/dl) and 149 workers classified as having high lead exposure (PbB = 40-59.8 μg/dl). The control group was composed of 73 healthy male administrative workers. No one from this group had blood lead level or zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) level greater than normal levels, being 10 μg/dl and 2.5 μg/g of hemoglobin, respectively. In addition to the levels of PbB and ZPP, serum levels of uric acid (UA), albumin, thiol groups of albumin, and bilirubin were determined. The ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and the plasma level of α-tocopherol were also evaluated. Results: Lead exposure indices were significantly elevated in the examined subgroups as compared with the controls. Serum uric acid levels were significantly elevated in both subgroups, particularly in the group with high exposure. Serum bilirubin concentration was significantly elevated in the group with high exposure compared with the control group, while in the group with low exposure, it showed only a non-significant trend towards an increase. In contrast, ferric-reducing ability of plasma was not significantly greater in the examined subgroups as compared with the control group. Nevertheless, levels of albumin, thiol groups of albumin, and α-tocopherol levels were significantly decreased in the exposed subgroups compared with the control group. Conclusions: Occupational exposure to lead interferes with the blood non-enzymatic antioxidant system. Med Pr 2014;65(4): [443][444][445][446][447][448][449][450][451]

No abstract