Consumption dietary sources of lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin among young adults living in megapolis

Carotenoids are natural antioxidants, affecting apoptosis, absorbing active forms of oxygen, and improving visual performance through their blue light filtering capabilities. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids of the macular pigment that play a significant role in protecting against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. We analyzed the dietary sources of lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin of young adults living in a megapolis. We analyzed 431 food frequency questionnaires and used two different criteria for comparison: age (groups A1 and A2) and season (groups S1, spring, and S2, autumn). Raw red tomatoes and eggs are the main sources of carotenoids for the majority of respondents regardless of age and season. Significant differences between age groups were found for parsley, carrot, cheeseburger, and spring onion. Foods with high levels of carotenoids (tomato juice, pumpkin, spinach, and sprouts) were absent in the diets of most of the study participants. Watermelons and persimmons are seasonal sources of lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Dietary sources of carotenoids are present in insufficient quantities in the diets. Foods with high levels of lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin are absent or only occasionally included in the diet.

Obesity as a risk factor for diseases of the digestive system

Currently, the global prevalence of obesity among the worlds adult population is about 650 million people, which makes it possible to consider this chronic metabolic disease as a non-infectious pandemic of the 21st century. It has been proven that obesity is associated with several gastroenterological diseases, while the mechanisms of these associations are extremely heterogeneous and multifactorial. Hypertrophy and hyperplasia of adipocytes in obesity lead to a change in the profile of adipokine production (a decrease in adiponectin, an increase in leptin), an increase in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1, 6, 8, tumor necrosis factor ), C-reactive protein, free fatty acids, as well as active forms of oxygen (superoxide radicals, H2O2). All the above induces the development of chronic slowly progressive inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance. In addition, peptides secreted by adipocytes (adiponectin, leptin, nesfatin-1 and apelin) can modulate gastrointestinal motility, acting both centrally and peripherally. The qualitative and quantitative changes in the intestinal microbiota observed in obese patients (increased Firmicutes and decreased Bacteroidetes) lead to a decrease in the production of short-chain fatty acids and an increase in the intestinal permeability due to disruption of intercellular tight junctions, which leads to increased translocation of bacteria and endotoxins into the systemic circulation. Numerous studies have demonstrated the association of obesity with diseases of the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barretts esophagus, esophageal adenocarcinoma, esophageal motility disorders), stomach (functional dyspepsia, stomach cancer), gallbladder (cholelithiasis, gallbladder cancer), pancreas (acute pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer), liver (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma), intestine (diverticular disease, irritable bowel syndrome, colorectal cancer).

The role of Arabidopsis thaliana photoreceptors in regulating the process of state transitions

The initial formation of the photosynthetic apparatus in plants occurs during photomorphogenesis. The red/far-red (phytochromes) and blue (cryptochrome) light protein-photoreceptors play the most important role in photomorphogenesis initiation and regulation. The exited phytochrome and cryptochrome molecules can interact with transcription factors, changing the expression of nuclear genes, which encode the proteins of the plant photosynthetic apparatus. Since light is a variable factor, plants have developed appropriate adaptation mechanisms, including their photosynthetic apparatus protection. The mechanism of state transitions ensures a rapid adaptation of the photosynthetic apparatus. This adaptation mechanism increases the adsorption efficiency under current light conditions and prevents intensive generation of active forms of oxygen in chloroplasts, which leads to photo-oxidation and even cell death. This work aims to determine the role of photoreceptors - phytochromes A and B, as well as cryptochrome 1 and 2 - in regulating the process of state transitions in the Arabidopsis thaliana model plant. Arabidopsis mutants with the defects on A and B phytochromes and cryptochrome 1 and 2 genes were used as the research objects. The blue native electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel was used to visualise state transitions. It was found that these photoreceptors had no direct effect on the redox-regulation of the state transitions mechanism in Arabidopsis. Presumably, these photoreceptors protect the photosynthetic apparatus from excessive light not by regulating the state transitions but indirectly, through regulating the chlorophyll, carotenoid and antioxidant components content.

Pathogenetic justification of the use of simvastatin in the complex therapy of vitiligo

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is a chronic acquired disease with a genetic predisposition to pigmentation disorder caused by the destruction of skin melanocytes, leading to hypopigmentation. The effectiveness of currently available methods of treatment of vitiligo, on average, is about 40%. Therefore, it is necessary to search for new effective and safe methods of vitiligo therapy, characterized by minimal risk of side effects, and financial costs of the patient. Simvastatin inhibits cholesterol biosynthesis by inhibiting HMC-CoA reductase. In addition to lowering cholesterol, statins have pleiotropic effects, namely, they inhibit various inflammatory mediators and cytokines, activate the antioxidant system, and reduce the level of active forms of oxygen in melanocytes. AIMS: To develop a pathogenetic therapeutic complex using simvastatin for patients with vitiligo. MATERIALS AND METODS: To participate in the study, 81 patients with vitiligo were examined. Each patient was determined by the form and stage of the disease. The effectiveness of therapy in the groups was evaluated by assessing the area of repigmentation. The first group received treatment ― simvastatin in combination with UVB therapy 311 nm, the second group-UVB therapy 311 nm. Studies of cytokines were carried out using enzyme immunoassay. Study of the oxidative status using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Statistical processing of the research materials was carried out using the SPSS Statistics software package. RESAULTS: The combined method of therapy with the inclusion of simvastatin showed the following clinical results: 6 (12%) had a pronounced positive effect; improvement ― in 34 (69%) patients. Dynamics of the immune profile: decrease in IL-6 from 101 to 8.10.6; TNF- from 18.82.1 to 12.91.1; increase in IL-10 from 3.20.4 to 7.30.3. Dynamics of the oxidative profile: malondialdehyde 1.70.12 to 1.480.11, 8-oxo-DG 0.300.03 to 0.230.02, SOD 1703 to 2077, glutathione 69736 to 94232. CONCLUSION: The combined method of vitiligo therapy with the inclusion of simvastatin is effective and safe, leading to stabilization of the process, clinical improvement and a pronounced effect of therapy in 82% of patients. It also has an immune-correcting effect and normalizes the indicators of the oxidative profile.

PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY WITH METHYLENE BLUE IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PARALYSIS

Children with cerebral palsy suffer from dental diseases almost three times more often than healthy children. Risk factors that cause the development of dental diseases in children with CP include low rates of unstimulated salivation rate, acidity, increased saliva osmolarity and total protein concentration, which indicates a violation of hydration. The above factors contribute to the formation of acquired pellicles and biofilms due to increased bacterial agglutination. Ultimately, this contributes to the accelerated formation of plaque. There is a tendency to increase the concentration of hemoglobin and reduce the degree of oxygenation of oxyhemoglobin and, as a result, to increase the active forms of oxygen and nitrogen, which, in turn, have a toxic effect and lead to cell death. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using photosensitizers (FS) improves blood filling and the degree of oxygenation in periodontal tissues, and also allows the elimination of bacterial biofilm. At the same time, opto-spectral diagnostics painlessly in the monitoring mode allows to identify and fix tissue areas with low hemoglobin oxygenation rates for precision photodynamic effects. PDT is a method used as a therapy for oral diseases of various origins, such as cancer, precancerous diseases, caries, periodontitis and gingivitis. Initially, methylene blue was the first dye used in medicine as an antiseptic, as well as the first tested and approved photosensitizer for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy. The use of photodynamic therapy with methylene blue as a photosensitizer can allow to deactivate inflammation and completely destroy bacteria in the biofilm, which will contribute to the functional normalization of gum tissue and restore oxygenation in the microcirculatory bed. The advantages of this method are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects. The article presents the literature data on photodynamic therapy with the use of methylene blue in children, on the methodology and results of the use of this treatment technique in practice.

Effects of white phosphorus on the cellular morphology and protein profile of Aspergillus niger

Microorganisms are known for their ability to adapt easily to any environment, forming specific ecosystems capable of surviving in harsh media. White phosphorus is one of the most dangerous and toxic pollutants, whose widespread use for various industrial and military purposes creates conditions for environmental pollution. It has previously been shown that some microbial cultures can adapt to the presence of white phosphorus in the environment, oxidizing it to a phosphate and then using it as a source of biogenic macronutrients. In prior studies, we have demonstrated the possibility of white phosphorus biodegradation by the fungal strains of Aspergillus niger. However, it is important to study the resistance of this species to such a toxic substance as white phosphorus. There may be several probable mechanisms, including the following: the cell wall of the fungus is a barrier to the penetration of white phosphorus into the cell, in which case an increase in the thickness of the cell wall should be observed in response to the impact of the toxicant; a mechanism associated with the expression of stress genes and the production of proteins involved in the disposal of toxins, including white phosphorus. In addition, white phosphorus causes an overall activation of metabolism, accompanied by an increase in the number and size of mitochondria in the cells. It is likely that the active forms of oxygen produced by mitochondria are involved in the detoxification of both white phosphorus and its transformation products. Microscopic and proteomic studies have confirmed the presence of the above-mentioned resistance mechanisms.

Correction of the state of antioxidant protection system of the fowl’s organism under the circumstances of being poisoned by Derosal

In fact, Free radical oxidation is one of the required factors of homeostasis as far as the active forms of oxygen, which have unpaired electron, perform useful functions, they are necessary intermediaries of numerous processes of normal cells’ functioning such as biosynthesis of prostaglandins and leukotriene as well as other biologically active substances. Also, they take part in pathological processes such as: inflammation, fever and others. Free radical oxidation is the process of direct oxygen transferring to the substrate forming peroxide, ketones, aldehydes, etc. Some amino acids, proteins, water and carbohydrates prone to the processes of peroxidation, but crucial place is granted to lipids at the expanse of fatty acids which are included to their composition. The article highlights the information concerning the analysis of the state of antioxidant system of hens in the process of feeding them with subtoxic doses of fungicide of Derosal (BAYER, Germany) (0.1 LD50 for a fowl, 900 mg/kg of the body mass) which active ingredient is benzimidazole carbamate (carbendazim, BMC). It presents the changes of these indicators in the process of using pharmacological and natural antioxidants. The analysis has figured out that giving Derosal to the hens without corrections (II group) has been followed with the activation of the process of lipids’ peroxidation (POL) in the blood plasma, that is followed with the increase of concentration of primary and secondary lipoperoxidation products – diene conjugates (DC) and TBA-active products on the average up to 21.0–25.0 %, catalase activity – up to 38.5 % and decrease of superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) up to 21.8 % and АОА – up to 17.8 %, that shows the adverse effects of pesticides on the system of antioxidant protection of the organism. In the fowls’ groups III, IV and V the adding of antioxidant E-selenium, ascorbic acid and thermally untreated buckwheat seeds as the source of quercetins and anthocyanins has led to the induction of antioxidant resources that is shown by the decrease in comparison with the control of content of diene conjugates, malonic dialdehyde and catalase (in average up to 13.6–33.6–18.0 % accordingly) and compensatory strengthening of superoxide dismutase activity and general activity of antioxidant (АОА) on the average up to 44.9–72.1–76.5 % and 15.3–13.4–21.7 % accordingly. In comparison with group II the activity of catalase has been lower as well as the activity of superoxide dismutase has been higher in all the groups almost in 1.5–2 times (Р ≤ 0.001).

AB0135 THE MITOCHONDRIAL-RETICULAR NETWORK (MRN) OF NEUTROPHILIC LEUKOCYTES OF SYNOVIAL FLUID (SF) OF PATIENTS WITH SLE AND RA

Background:Objectives:It has been established that in cells, in particular in neutrophilic leukocytes of SF, mitochondria form a mitochondrial-reticular dynamic spatial network (MRN). MRN is the epicenter of apoptosis, reflecting structural and functional changes in the immuno-complex pathology in SLE and RA.Methods:SF was analyzed in patients: 10 SLE (43 ± 2.3 years), 13 RA (45 ± 1.6 years) and 8 donors (42 ± 3.7 years, postmortem). Neutrophilic leukocytes from the SF were isolated by standard methods and resuspended in a composition medium: 70 mM NaCl; 140 mM sucrose; 5.6 mM KCl; 10 mM pyruvate; 8 mM MOPS; pH = 7.4. The cell suspension was centrifuged for 5 min at 800 g. MRN was isolated by centrifuging the resulting supernatant for 15 min at 12 000 g. The resulting MRN fragments were resuspended in citrate-phosphate buffer (pH = 7.4) and used in experiments. The activity of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was evaluated by Western blotting. Quantitative determination of cytochrome C (Cyt C) was carried out by enzyme immunoassay method using the Human Cytochrome c Platinum ELISA kit (eBioscience, USA). Active forms of oxygen free radicals (AFRF) were registered by EPR. The swelling rate of MRN fragments was determined spectrophotometrically at 540 nm. The electrophoretic mobility (EM) of MRN fragments was determined by the automatic microscope “Parmoquant-2”.Results:MRN of neutrophilic leukocytes of the SF undergoes significant adaptive rearrangements during the development of SLE and RA (tab.1). On average, the expression of biochemical indicators of autophagy (AMPK), apoptosis (Сyt. C), necrosis (level of oxygen free radicals, low-amplitude swelling rate) increases by 2-3 times compared with the conventional norm. Particular attention should be paid to pathological changes in the electrokinetic potential of MRN, which determines the functional state of the SF as a whole as a colloidal system. Obviously, in SLE and RA, depletion of the energy of MRN (a sharp increase in the activity of AMRK), activation of free radical processes, disruption of intracellular ion homeostasis due to an increase in the rate of swelling of MRN as a manifestation of a compensatory-adaptive reaction. It ultimately leads to a decrease in electrokinetic properties of MRN. Thus EM is an integral indicator of physico-chemical properties and architectonics of MRN pointihg to the development of autoimmune pathology.Table 1.EXPRESSION OF INDUCTORS OF AUTOPHAGY, APOPTOSIS, NECROSIS AND ELECTROPHORETIC MOBILITY OF MRN FRAGMENTS OF NEUTROPHILIC LEUKOCYTES OF SF IN SLE AND RAExperience TermsAMPK,cond.unit/mg proteinCyt C,ng/mlAFRF, unit/mg proteinSwelling rate of MRN,/min ·mg proteinEM,m/v · secDonor (8)0,51±0,0523,7±5,47,3±2,40,177± 0,0041,58± 0,07SLE (10)1,73±0,04**49,3±6,5*21,3±5,1**0,435±0,005***0,35±0,05***RA (13)1,25±0,07**47,8±4.8*15,7±4,3*0,410±0,007***0,41±0,07***Notes: differences with the control norm: * - p <0.05; ** - p <0.01; *** - p <0.001.Conclusion:Endoplasmic stress occurs in SF cells during the development of SLE and RA, blocking of autophagy and apoptosis leads to a breakdown of neutrophilic leukocyte MRN, accumulation of high molecular products of tissue decay - phlogogens in the intercellular space, among which the expression in the context is characterized by proteins - chaperones Hsp 60-100. These processes are accompanied by a shift in the bioelectric homeostasis of MRN neutrophilic leukocytes, an increase in their swelling rate and a significant decrease in their electrokinetic potential. The described MRN reactions of neutrophilic leukocytes of the SF should be taken into account when developing pharmacologically induced apoptosis as a new approach in the treatment of autoimmune diseasesReferences:[1]Shishkin V. I. et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2017; 76: No 6, p.1077-1078; DOI:10.1136/annrheumdis-2017-eular5364Disclosure of Interests:None declared

INFLUENCE OF INTENSIVE PHYSICAL LOADS ON OXIDATIVE STRESS AND ANTIOXIDANT CHANGES IN THE ATHLETES ORGANISM

The article substantiates the formulation of experimental work on the study of adaptive features of antioxidant factors in the body's defensive reactions to physical activity. The influence of physical activity on the oxidative situation in muscles is discussed; the results of studies of LPO intensity, (dynamics of the level of malondialdehyde), the activity of enzymes involved in antioxidant protection (glutathione – S – transferases, catalases, and super oxidants) in blood plasma and erythrocytes of wrestlers during annual training macrocycle are described. It was determined that the level of malondialdialdehyde significantly exceeds the control throughout the year. MDA concentration reaches a maximum at the end of the competition period and is not restored during the rest period. The activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase is significantly reduced and does not return to control values during the year. The mentioned changes confirm chronic decompensation in the antioxidant defense system. A leading enzyme that protects against active forms of oxygen in the blood plasma and red blood cells of athletes is glutathione - S - transferase, compensatory increase in activity that reaches 630% relative to the level of the control group

ANTIOXIDANT AND CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITY OF A SERIES OF O- AND S-CONTAINING MACROCYCLES

The significant interest in the search and study of antioxidants, both natural and synthetic, is explained by the possibility of preventing these harmful effects of free radicals in the human body. The similarity of macroheterocyclic derivatives to endogenous biomolecules makes them promising for research as antioxidant agents. By the interaction of 1,3-oxoheterocycloalkanes with ethyl 2-diazo-3-oxobutanoate, previously unexplored polyfunctional oxygen and sulfur-containing macroheterocycles are obtained. The relative antioxidant activity of new macroheterocycles in two model systems: generating active forms of oxygen and modulating lipid peroxidation reaction, was revealed active forms of oxygen and described by the method of recording luminol-dependent chemiluminescence lipid peroxidation reaction. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of the studied compounds was studied on Jurkat (human T-lymphoblastic leukemia cells), HepG2 (human liver carcinoma cells), HEK293 (human embryonic kidney cells) cell lines. The data obtained indicate practical significance. So, reagents 1-7 in the active forms of oxygen generating system have anti- and prooxidative properties, and in the system modeling lipid peroxidation reaction, they show only prooxidant activity. The influence of heterocycles 1–7 on the processes of free radical oxidation was determined by the intensity of the maximum flash (Imax, у.е.) and the luminosity of light (S, у.е.). Compounds with maximum anti- (4) and prooxidative (6) properties in the active forms of oxygen generating system and reagent 3 with the highest prooxidant activity in the lipid peroxidation reaction modeling system do not possess cytotoxic activity in vitro on cell lines HEK293 and HepG2 cultured in DMEM medium (Biolot, Russia), Jurkat in RPMI medium (Biolot, Russia) in the presence of 10% fetal calf serum (Invitrogen, USA), 2 mM L-glutamine and 50 μg / ml gentamicin sulfate.