The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of binge drinking on prooxidant/antioxidant system in rat liver in acute cadmium (Cd) intoxication. In experiment male Wistar rats were used and divided into following groups: 1. control, 2. ethanol-treated group, in five subsequent doses of 2 g/kg administered by orogastric tube, 3. Cd-treated group in a single dose of 2.5 mg/kg intraperitoneally, 4. group that received Cd 12 hours after the last dose of ethanol. Blood and liver samples were collected for determination of oxidative stress parameters, 24 hours after treatment. When administered in combination, ethanol and Cd induced a more pronounced increase in serum and liver malondialdehyde level than either of these substances alone (p<0.01). Liver manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity was increased both in ethanol and Cd-treated group (p<0.01), while liver copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/ZnSOD) activity was elevated in Cd group only. However, when administered in combination, ethanol and Cd induced a more pronounced decrease in liver MnSOD and Cu/ZnSOD activity 24 hours after treatment (p<0.01). Based on our study, it can be concluded that ethanol may act sinergistically with Cd in inducing lipid peroxidation and reduction in liver SOD activity

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Recent epidemiological studies showed significantly higher incidence of perinatal complications in newborns and women after the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Multiple pregnancies are more frequent after the use of ART. Singleton pregnancies following ART are more prone to preterm birth, low and very low birth weight (LBW and VLBW), small for gestational age (SGA) and perinatal mortality. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to summarize the results of relevant articles and to evaluate whether the mode of conception is the determining factor for different pregnancy outcomes after assisted and natural conceptions. Methods Eleven studies were included in this review. The following outcomes were observed: preterm and very preterm birth, SGA, LBW, VLBW, perinatal mortality, admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and Apgar score (As) ≤7 at fifth minute. Qualitative analysis nd quantitative assessment were performed. Results For singletons, odds ratios were 1.794 (95% confidence interval 1.660-1.939) for preterm birth, 1.649 (1.301-2.089) for LBW, 1.265 (1.048-1.527) for SGA. Admission to NICU, As≤7 at fifth minute and perinatal mortality showed significantly different frequency after assisted conception. Summary of results for twin gestations showed no significant difference between ART and spontaneous conception for preterm birth (32-36 weeks), very preterm birth (<32 weeks), LBW and VLBW. Conclusion Analyzed studies showed that infants from ART have significantly worse perinatal outcome compared with natural conception. More observational studies should be conducted in order to establish

It is known that cadmium induces a variety of functional disorders, especially liver and kidney dysfunction. The main mechanism involved in cadmium hepatotoxicity is its binding to sulfhydryl groups and initiation of inflammation. Additionally, oxidative stress, due to a decrease in antioxidative capacity, plays a role in chronic cadmium hepatotoxicity. The role of oxidative stress in acute cadmium intoxication is still not clear. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of reactive oxygen species and efficiency of antioxidant protection in rat liver in acute cadmium intoxication. Male Wistar rats (n=16) were divided into the following groups: 1. control group (n=7), treated with saline, 2. cadmium-treated (n=9) with a single dose of 2.5 mg/kg intraperitoneally. After administration (24 hours), blood samples from the right side of the heart and liver samples were collected for the determination of oxidative stress parameters. In our study malondialdehyde concentration was elevated both in plasma and liver after cadmium administration (p<0.01). Moreover, superoxide dismutase activity was increased in the cadmium-treated group, mainly due to increasean in copper/zinc superoxide dismutase activity (p<0.01). Reduced glutathione level in liver and plasma and concentration of sulfhydryl groups were not significantly changed by cadmium. The present study suggests that lipid peroxidation plays an important role in acute cadmium-induced liver injury. Antioxidant capacity of hepatocytes is partly increased due to an adaptive increase of superoxide dismutase activity