OBJECTIVE Data suggest that matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) has a role in atherosclerosis. The phagocytic NADPH oxidase has been also associated with atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the association between phagocytic NADPH oxidase and MMP-9 in human atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS In vitro experiments performed in human monocytes showed that NADPH oxidase activation e...

Endothelial microparticles are effectors of endothelial damage; however mechanisms involved are unclear. We examined the effects of eMPs on cultured endothelial cells (ECs) and isolated vessels and investigated the role of eMP-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) and redox signaling in these processes. eMPs were isolated from EC media and their ability to directly produce ROS was assessed by l...

OBJECTIVE To test the effects of peginterferon in an unrecoverable model of bile-duct ligation (BDL) induced liver fibrosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty-seven Wistar rats were divided into five groups: group 1, BDL + peginterferon (n = 8); group 2, BDL (n = 8); group 3, sham + peginterferon (n = 7); group 4, sham (n = 7); and group 5, control group (n = 7). Peginterferon-alpha 2b (50 microgr/...

This study investigates the effects of one of the most frequently used brominated flame-retardants (BFR), tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA), on formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium levels in human neutrophil granulocytes. TBBPA enhanced ROS production in a concentration-depended manner (1-12 microM), measured as 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate amplified (DCF) fluorescence. The r...

OBJECTIVE NADPH oxidase (NADPHox) is the major source of reactive oxygen species in vascular diseases; the mechanisms of enzyme activation are not completely elucidated. AP-1 controls the expression of many genes linked to vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) dysfunction. In this study we searched for the role of AP-1 in the regulation of NADPHox expression and function in human aortic SMCs expo...

PURPOSE Excessive and continuously produced free radicals in the outer retina are implicated in retinal aging and the pathogenesis of sight-threatening retinopathies, yet measuring outer retinal oxidative stress in vivo remains a challenge. Here, we test the hypothesis that continuously produced paramagnetic free radicals from the outer retina can be measured in vivo using high-resolution (22-μ...

Agelanthus dodoneifolius DC Danser (Loranthaceae) is used for the treatment of various diseases including asthma. The aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts have been reported to have anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic and bronchorelaxant activities. The present study investigates the effects of the aqueous decoction and the diethyl ether, ethyl acetate and butanolic fractions of Agelanthus dodoneifol...

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is produced endogenously in vascular tissue and has both vasoregulation and antioxidant effects. This study examines the effect of diabetes-induced oxidative stress on H2S production and function in rat middle cerebral arteries. Diabetes was induced in rats with streptozotocin (50 mg/kg, i.v.). Middle cerebral artery function was examined using a small vessel myograph and...

Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in the control of numerous vascular functions including basal Na+-K+-ATPase activity in arterial tissue. Hyperglycemia inhibits Na+-K+-ATPase activity in rabbit aorta, in part, through diminished bioactivity of NO. The precise mechanism(s) for such observations, however, are not yet clear. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of superoxide ...

Antioxidant therapy protects against aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity in animal models. A clinically suitable antioxidant must not affect the therapeutic efficacy of aminoglycosides or exhibit any side effects of its own. In addition, the treatment should be inexpensive and convenient in order to be implemented in developing countries where the use of aminoglycosides is most common. Standardi...