This study aimed to develop a HPLC/DAD method in order to determine and quantify the reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels in rat brain. Due to the presence of the thiol group (-SH), GSH can interact with the Ellman′s reagent (DTNB), with which it forms a reaction product through which the level of GSH can be quantified, using the DAD detection system. Chromatographic separation was achieved after a derivatization process by using a mobile phase acetonitrile (A) and phosphate buffer (20 mM, pH = 2.5) (B). The compounds of interest were detected at 330 nm using a chromatographic C8 column. The method of determination met the validation criteria, specified by the regulatory bodies. The applicability of the method was demonstrated in a chronic toxicology study of central nervous system (CNS), following different treatment regimens with haloperidol.

In the present study, a HPLC/DAD method was set up to allow for the determination and quantification of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brain of rodents (rats). Chromatographic separation was achieved on Supelcosil LC-18 (3 μm) SUPELCO Column 3.3 cm × 4.6 mm and Supelco Column Saver 0.5 μm filter by using a mobile phase acetonitrile (A) and phosphate buffer (20 mM, pH = 6) (B). Isocratic elution was 14% for (A) and 86% for (B). The injection volume (loop mode) was 100 μL with an analysis time of 1.5 min. Flow rate was set at 1 mL/min. The eluted compound was detected at 532 nm by a DAD detector by keeping the column oven at room temperature. The results indicated that the method has good linearity in the range of 0.2–20 μg/g. Both intra- and inter-day precision, expressed as RSD, were ≤15% and the accuracies ranged between ±15%. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ), stability, and robustness were evaluated and satisfied the validation criteria. The method was successfully applied in a study of chronic toxicology following different treatment regimens with haloperidol and metformin.

A particular attribute of the brain lies in the ability to learn, acquire information from the environment, and utilize the learned information. Previous research has noted that various factors (e.g., age, stress, anxiety, pathological issues), including antipsychotic medications, affect the brain and memory. The current study aimed to reveal the effects of chronic metformin treatment on the cognitive performance of rats and on commonly measured markers for oxidative stress. Wistar male rats (n = 40) were randomly divided into four groups: CTR (n = 10)–control group, METF (n = 10)–animals receiving metformin 500 mg/kg, HAL (n = 10)–animals receiving haloperidol 2 mg/kg, and HALMETF (n = 10)–animals receiving haloperidol 2 mg/kg and metformin 500 mg/kg. The medication was administered daily by oral gavage for 40 days. Memory and learning were assessed using the Morris Water Maze (MWM) test. At the end of the MWM, the rodents were decapitated under anesthesia, and the brain and blood samples were assayed by liquid chromatography for markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, MDA, reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio, GSH/GSSG). The quantification of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was performed using the conventional sandwich ELISA technique. In the HALMETF group, metformin attenuated the negative effects of haloperidol. Brain and plasma MDA levels increased in the HAL group. Brain and plasma GSH/GSSG ratios and BDNF levels did not reveal any differences between groups. In conclusion, metformin treatment limits the deleterious cognitive effects of haloperidol. The effect on oxidative stress markers may also point toward an antioxidant-like effect of metformin, but this needs further tests for confirmation.

Inflammation is involved in the pathomechanism of vascular diseases. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are important in perioperative monitoring. The aim of the study was the perioperative assessment of biochemical tests and inflammatory markers in patients with vasculopathy, focusing on the identification of subjects prone to complications. The study was performed between 2020 and 2023 at the Clinical County Hospital in Târgu Mureș on enrolled diabetic and non-diabetic patients with vasculopathy and lower limb surgery (amputation or necrectomy). Pre- and postoperative inflammatory markers, biochemical, and hematological tests (n = 62) were performed. Positive correlation was found between preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, and between preoperative triglyceridemia and glycemia/cholesterolemia. Positive correlation was present between pre- and postoperative values of IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-α), CRP, and fibrinogen. Preoperative TNF-α values positively correlated with malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, postoperative TNF-α values with transaminase enzymes. Diabetic patients presented higher IL-6 results compared to non-diabetic subjects. We can conclude that dynamic assessment of inflammatory markers is appropriate for monitoring perioperative course. Half of the subjects presented moderately increased preoperative IL-6 levels, and one quarter had critically high values, which might predict prolonged hospitalization. The assessment of oxidative stress, inflammatory markers and biochemical parameters enables the identification of patients prone to complications, so they can benefit from more complex management.

Numerous preclinical and clinical studies indicate that CBD possesses various therapeutic properties, including antipsychotic, analgesic, anticonvulsant, antineoplastic, and antioxidant effects. Recent research has also highlighted its potential anxiolytic effects. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of CBD treatment in a PTSD induction model. To determine CBD’s efficacy, behavioral tests assessing anxiety and memory were conducted. Additionally, two oxidative stress markers were measured to explore its antioxidant properties. Forty adult male rats were used for PTSD induction. The procedure involved exposure to predator odor on day 10, followed by a second exposure on day 20. A secondary stressor, consisting of daily cage partner changes, was also applied. The animals were randomized into four groups: two non-stressed and two stressed groups. CBD was administered at 10 mg/kg. Behavioral effects were evaluated using the open field (OF), elevated plus maze (EPM), novel object recognition (NOR), and Morris Water Maze (MWM) tests. Malondialdehyde and the GSH/GSSG ratio were assessed using liquid chromatography. CBD treatment did not significantly alter anxiety-like behavior in the EPM, though a trend toward increased vertical exploration was observed in the OF test. In memory-related assessments, no significant differences were found in the NOR test, while performance in the MWM indicated improved spatial memory, with CBD-treated rats spending more time in the target quadrant. In addition, malondialdehyde levels decreased in the CBD groups. Elevated cortisol levels in the stressed CBD group suggest a potential anxiolytic effect, warranting further research.

Proper sun protection plays a key role in protecting against the harmful effects of UV radiation from the sun. Using sunscreen products protects the skin from sunburn, prevents it from ageing and reduces the risk of skin cancer. The aim of this research is to measure the sun protection factor (SPF) of commercially available products and compare it with the SPF value on the packaging. We also looked at whether the ratio and combination of sunscreen ingredients affect the effectiveness of the product. The SPF values of eight sun-screen products were tested. The value was determined using an in vitro method based on absorbance measurements with a UV spectrophotometer. Based on the results obtained, the actual SPF values of the products were calculated using Mansur’s formula. The SPF values we determined differed by 46.82% on average from the values indicated on the packaging of the sunscreen products. For those products where the SPF value on the packaging was higher (SPF 50), a larger deviation from the measured values was observed, but some deviation was observed for all products tested. However, the combination and proportion of substances in the products did not influence the differences obtained.