Purpose The impact of cataract maturity on the aqueous humor (AH) oxidant/antioxidant balance is largely controversial. This study was aimed at assessing the relationships between cataract maturity and AH lipid peroxidation markers and enzymatic antioxidants. Patients and methods The concentrations of conjugated dienes (CD), lipofuscin-like fluorescent end-products (LLF), soluble proteins, as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were measured in AH samples from nondiabetic patients with either immature (n ¼ 15) or mature (n ¼ 15) cataract. Results In the overall AH sample, the mean values of CD, LLF, SOD, and CAT were 0.160±0.024 (OD 234 ), 166±27 RFU, 24.5±7.1 U/ml, and 31.9±3.9 pmol/ml, respectively. CD was positively correlated with SOD (r ¼ 0.647; Po0.001), CAT (r ¼ À 0.394; P ¼ 0.031), and LLF (r ¼ À 0.399; P ¼ 0.029). The LLF was negatively correlated with SOD (r ¼ À 0.461; P ¼ 0.010). In samples adjusted for confounding factors, differences between immature and mature cataract groups regarding SOD, CD, LLF, and total proteins were significant (Po0.05; for all variables). The multiple logistic regression analysis identified LLF (OR ¼ 4.08; P ¼ 0.038) and SOD (OR ¼ 4.99; P ¼ 0.031) as independent predictors of cataract maturity. Conclusions These results suggest that AH lipid peroxidation markers and antioxidants may significantly depend on the cataract maturity stage.
AIM: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4) is an organic chemical that produces different tissue-damaging effects when ingested or inhaled. Present study aims to determine whether the application of exogenous melatonin, a neurohormone with numerous biological properties, can prevent disturbances in lung tissue antioxidative capacities and arginine metabolism, tissue infl ammation and oxidative damage induced by exposure to CCl 4 in rats. METHODS: The effects of melatonin on the changes occurring in rat lung tissue after an acute exposure to CCl 4 were studied by monitoring alterations in antioxidant capacities, infl ammatory parameters, parameters of arginine metabolism, and lipid and protein oxidative damage. RESULTS: The results indicated that melatonin prevents CCl 4-induced lung damage by mitigating tissue antioxidant capacity and preventing nitric oxide production through a shift from nitric oxide synthase to arginase. Also, melatonin partially prevented tissue infl ammation and molecules' oxidative modifi cation seen after exposure to CCl 4. CONCLUSIONS: The protective activity of melatonin can be attributed to its ability to scavenge both free radicals, as well as to its potential to increase tissue antioxidant capacity. The modulation of infl ammatory response through both decrease in tissue infl ammatory parameters and infl uence on arginine-nitric oxide metabolism might be an additional mechanism of action (Tab. 1, Fig. 2, Ref. 33).
Carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) represents an organic chemical that causes reactive oxygen species derived organ disturbances including male infertility. Melatonin (MLT) is a neurohormone with strong antioxidant capacity, involved in numerous physiological processes. In this study we evaluated the capability of MLT, administered in a single dose of 50 mg/kg, to preserve the testicular tissue function after an acute administration of CCl 4 to rats. The disturbance in testicular tissue and the effects of MLT after CCl 4 exposure were estimated using biochemical parameters that enabled us to determine the tissue (anti)oxidant status and the intensity of arginine/nitric oxide metabolism. Also, the serum levels of testosterone and the histopathological analysis of tissue gave us a better insight into the occurring changes. A significant diminution in tissue antioxidant defences, arginase activity and serum testosterone levels, followed by the increased production of nitric oxide and extensive lipid and protein oxidative damage, was observed in the CCl 4 -treated group. The application of MLT after the CCl 4 caused changes, clearly visible at both biochemical and histological level, which could be interpreted mainly as a consequence of general antioxidant system stimulation and a radical scavenger. On the other hand, the application of MLT exerted a limited action on the nitric oxide signalling pathway.
Introduction: Measles is among the most contagious and vaccine-preventable respiratory diseases. The aim of this research was to describe the socio-demographic profile, clinical manifestations and laboratory parameters of measles patients hospitalized at Kosovska Mitrovica Clinical Centre during the 2017−2019 outbreak. Methodology: The prospective study included all patients that had contracted measles (107) who were hospitalized at Kosovska Mitrovica Clinical Centre during the outbreak. All complications that led to hospitalization were analyzed and the frequencies of complications with respect to patient age and vaccination status were recorded. Results: More than half (51%) of the patients were unvaccinated. Patients’ age varied statistically significantly with respect to vaccination status. Pneumonia was noted in 65% of the patients from the younger age group, compared to 32% of adults, and this difference was statistically significant. Hepatitis was a significantly more frequent complication in adults, affecting 36% of measles patients in this age group, compared to only 7% of those aged below 18 years. In the unvaccinated group, 71% pneumonia frequency was noted, compared to 11% and 35% in the vaccinated and unknown vaccination status groups, respectively. The differences in frequencies based on vaccination status were statistically significant. Conclusions: Most hospitalized patients were unvaccinated. Complications showed a significant difference with respect to the age and vaccination status of patients. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out continuous health promotion activities to raise awareness among the entire population of the importance and need for vaccination of children against measles, but also adults who have not been previously vaccinated.
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