• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.427-433
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• 1998

In brain hypoxic-ischemia, an excess release of glutamate and a marked production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) occur in neuronal and non-neuronal cells. The present study investigated the effect of the biological antioxidants dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) and lipoic acid (LA) on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)- and ROS-induced neurotoxicity in cultured rat cortical neurons. DHLA enhanced NMDA-evoked rises in intracellular calcium concentration ($[Ca^{2+}]_i$). In contrast, LA did not alter the NMDA-evoked calcium responses but decreased after a brief treatment of dithiothreitol (DTT), which possesses a strong reducing potential. Despite the modulation of NMDA receptor-mediated rises in $[Ca^{2+}]_i$, neither DHLA nor LA altered the NMDA receptor-mediated neurotoxicity, as assessed by measuring the amount of lactate dehydrogenase released from dead or injured cells. DHLA, but not LA, prevented the neurotoxicity induced by xanthine/xanthine oxidase-generated superoxide radicals. Both DHLA and LA decreased the glutathione depletion-induced neurotoxicity. The present data may indicate that biological antioxidants DHLA and LA protect neurons from ischemic injuries via scavenging oxygen free radicals rather than modulating the redox modulatory site(s) of NMDA receptor.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.95-103
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• 2008

The aim of this study was to compare nutrient intakes, dietary habits, and blood components of smokers with non-smokers in the Seoul area and its vicinity. The results showed that non-smokers had higher intakes of brown rice, grains, fruit, vegetable and kimchi than the smokers. Smokers consumed more protein (p<0.001), vitamin B1 (p<0.001), vitamin B2 (p<0.007), niacin (p<0.0001), zinc (p<0.031) and phosphorus (p<0.005) than did non-smokers, whereas non-smokers' intakes of vitamin A (p<0.037), and folic acid (p<0.043) was higher than that of smokers. Individuals who smoked tended to have significantly higher levels of hemoglobin and monocytes. There were no significant differences by smoking status for dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA), arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which were in normal ranges. No significant differences by smoking status were shown for plasma homocysteine, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, vitamin C, and vitamin A. In conclusion, because smokers maintain a less healthy diet and life-style, it is to be recommended that educational programs be developed for smokers, guiding them into adopting better dietary habits in order to maintain and improve their health.