Punica granatum L. (Pomegranate) Extracts and Their Effects on Healthy and Diseased Skin.

The aim of this review is to provide a summary of the botany, phytochemistry and dermatological effects of Punica granatum (PG), with special emphasis on therapeutic mechanisms in various skin conditions. PG peel contains the highest levels of chemical compounds. Due to the high abundance of polyphenolic compounds, including phenolic acids, anthocyanins and flavonoids, exhibiting strong antioxidant properties, PG peel possesses significant health-promoting effects. Up until now, different parts of PG in the form of various extracts, fixed seed oil or individual active compounds have been investigated for various effects on skin conditions in in vitro and in vivo studies, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, chemoprotective and antiaging effects, as well as positive effects on striae distensae, skin repair mechanisms, erythema, pigmentation and psoriasis. Therefore, formulations containing PG active compounds have been used for skincare of diseased and healthy skin. Only a few effects have been confirmed on human subjects. Based on encouraging results obtained in in vitro and animal studies about the numerous substantial dermatological effects of PG active compounds, future perspectives should incorporate more in vivo investigations in human volunteers. This approach can aid in identifying the optimal concentrations and formulations that would be most efficacious in addressing specific skin conditions.

Phytochemical composition, biological activity and anti-inflammatory potential of acetone extract from the lichen Platismatia glauca (L.) W.L. Culb. & C.F. Culb.

This investigation examined the antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory activities of the acetone extract of the lichen Platismatia glauca (L.) W.L. Culb. & C.F. Culb. (PGAE). The phytochemical study of PGAE showed presence of seven compounds: salazinic acid, ß-orcinol carboxylic acid, 3-hydroxyphysodalic acid, physodalic acid, physodic acid, atranorin, and chloroatranorin. The antimicrobial potential was determined by microdilution which showed that S. aureus was most sensitive to the effect of PGAE with MIC value 0.312 mg/ml. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by using DPPH method. The obtained IC50 value for PGAE was 194.30 ± 3.32 µg/ml. The cytotoxic effect of the extract was evaluated by MTT test and the strongest activity was towards human epithelial carcinoma cells with IC50 value of 59.10 ± 0.46 µg/ml. The findings revealed that the application of lichen extracts decreased the paw edoema in a dose-dependent manner at 1, 2, 3, and 4 h following carrageenan administration.

Dynamic and Assembly Characteristics of Deep-Cavity Basket Acting as a Host for Inclusion Complexation of Mitoxantrone in Biotic and Abiotic Systems.

We describe the preparation, dynamic, assembly characteristics of vase-shaped basket 13- along with its ability to form an inclusion complex with anticancer drug mitoxantrone in abiotic and biotic systems. This novel cavitand has a deep nonpolar pocket consisting of three naphthalimide sides fused to a bicyclic platform at the bottom while carrying polar glycines at the top. The results of 1 H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), 1 H NMR Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST), Calorimetry, Hybrid Replica Exchange Molecular Dynamics (REMD), and Microcrystal Electron Diffraction (MicroED) measurements are in line with 1 forming dimer [12 ]6- , to be in equilibrium with monomers 1(R) 3- (relaxed) and 1(S) 3- (squeezed). Through simultaneous line-shape analysis of 1 H NMR data, kinetic and thermodynamic parameters characterizing these equilibria were quantified. Basket 1(R) 3- includes anticancer drug mitoxantrone (MTO2+ ) in its pocket to give stable binary complex [MTO⊂1]- (Kd =2.1 µM) that can be precipitated in vitro with UV light or pH as stimuli. Both in vitro and in vivo studies showed that the basket is nontoxic, while at a higher proportion with respect to MTO it reduced its cytotoxicity in vitro. With well-characterized internal dynamics and dimerization, the ability to include mitoxantrone, and biocompatibility, the stage is set to develop sequestering agents from deep-cavity baskets.

Topical Application of Siberian Pine Essential Oil Formulations Enhance Diabetic Wound Healing.

This study aimed to develop novel topical formulations based on a natural component (0.5% of Siberian pine essential oil) and to assess its wound-healing capacity through macroscopic, histopathological, and biochemical examination. The phytochemical profile of Pinus sibirica essential oil (PSEO) and rheological analysis and safety potential of formulations were determined. The wound-healing effect was evaluated on an excision wound model in diabetic Wistar albino rats randomly divided into the following groups topically treated with (1) untreated, (2) 1% silver sulfadiazine, (3) ointment base, (4) gel base, (5) PSEO ointment, and (6) PSEO gel. Formulations containing PSEO were stable and safe for skin application. Three weeks of treatment with both PSEO formulations (ointment and gel) led to a significant reduction in wound size (98.14% and 96.28%, respectively) and a remarkably higher level of total hydroxyproline content (9.69 µg/mg and 7.26 µg/mg dry tissue, respectively) relative to the control group (65.97%; 1.81 µg/mg dry tissue). These findings were in correlation with histopathological results. Topically applied PSEO formulations were associated with a significant reduction in most of the measured pro-oxidants and enhanced activity of the antioxidant defense system enzymes (p < 0.05). Our findings showed that gel and ointment with PSEO demonstrated significant wound-repairing capabilities in the excision wound model.

Lady's Bedstraw as a Powerful Antioxidant for Attenuation of Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity.

This study aimed to examine the effects of a 14-day treatment with lady's bedstraw methanol extract on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity through functional, biochemical and histological examinations. We used 24 male Wistar albino rats divided into the following groups: control (CTRL), doxorubicin (DOX), and DOX + GVE (Galium verum extract). GVE was administered orally at a dose of 50 mg/kg per day for 14 days, while a single dose of doxorubicin was injected into the DOX groups. After accomplishing treatment with GVE, cardiac function was assessed, which determined the redox state. During the autoregulation protocol on the Langendorff apparatus, ex vivo cardiodynamic parameters were measured. Our results demonstrated that the consumption of GVE effectively suppressed the disturbed response of the heart to changes in perfusion pressures caused by administration of DOX. Intake of GVE was associated with a reduction in most of the measured prooxidants in comparison to the DOX group. Moreover, this extract was capable of increasing the activity of the antioxidant defense system. Morphometric analyses showed that rat hearts treated with DOX showed more pronounced degenerative changes and necrosis compared to the CTRL group. However, GVE pretreatment seems to be able to prevent the pathological injuries caused by DOX injection via decrease in oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Characterization, In Vitro Biological Activity and In Vivo Cardioprotective Properties of Trametes versicolor (L.:Fr.) Quél. Heteropolysaccharides in a Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome.

The present study aimed to examine the biological activity and cardioprotective potential of Trametes versicolor heteropolysaccharides (TVH) in a rat model of metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study included 40 Wistar rats divided into 5 groups: CTRL-healthy non-treated rats; MetS-non-treated rats; and H-TV, M-TV and L-TV-rats with MetS treated with either 300, 200 or 100 mg/kg TVH per os for 4 weeks. After finishing the treatment, we conducted an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), hemodynamic measurements and the animals were sacrificed, hearts isolated and subjected to the Langendorff technique. Blood samples were used for the determination of oxidative stress parameters, lipid status and insulin levels. We showed that α-amylase inhibition was not the mode of TVH antidiabetic action, while TVH showed a moderate inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms' growth (MIC 8.00 mg·mL-1; MBC/MFC 16.00 mg·mL-1). H-TV and M-TV significantly reduced the level of prooxidants (O2-, H2O2, TBARS; p < 0.05), increased antioxidants activity (SOD, CAT, GSH; p < 0.05), reduced blood pressure (p < 0.05), improved glucose homeostasis in the OGTT test (p < 0.05), and ejection fraction (p < 0.05) and cardiac contractility (p < 0.05) compared to MetS (p < 0.05). Moreover, TVH treatment normalized the lipid status and decreased insulin levels compared to MetS rats (p < 0.05). The obtained results demonstrated that the TVH may be considered a useful agent for cardioprotection in MetS conditions.

Synthesis and Investigation of Anti-Inflammatory Activity of New Thiourea Derivatives of Naproxen.

The aim of the study was a synthesis and investigation of the dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effect of new thiourea derivatives of naproxen with selected aromatic amines and esters of aromatic amino acids. The results of the in vivo study indicate that derivatives of m-anisidine (4) and N-methyl tryptophan methyl ester (7) showed the most potent anti-inflammatory activity four hours after injection of carrageenan, with the percentage of inhibition of 54.01% and 54.12%, respectively. In vitro assays of COX-2 inhibition demonstrated that none of the tested compounds achieved 50% inhibition at concentrations lower than 100 µM. On the other hand, the aromatic amine derivatives (1-5) accomplished significant inhibition of 5-LOX, and the lowest IC50 value was observed for compound 4 (0.30 µM). High anti-edematous activity of compound 4 in the rat paw edema model, together with potent inhibition of 5-LOX, highlight this compound as a promising anti-inflammatory agent.

Sacubitril/valsartan reverses cardiac structure and function in experimental model of hypertension-induced hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

This study evaluated the effect of sacubtril/valsartan on cardiac remodeling, molecular and cellular adaptations in experimental (rat) model of hypertension-induced hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Thirty Wistar Kyoto rats, 10 healthy (control) and 20 rats with confirmed hypertension-induced hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HpCM), were used for this study. The HpCM group was further subdivided into untreated and sacubitril/valsartan-treated groups. Myocardial structure and function were assessed using echocardiography, Langendorff's isolated heart experiment, blood sampling and qualitative polymerase chain reaction. Echocardiographic examinations revealed protective effects of sacubitril/valsartan by improving left ventricular internal diameter in systole and diastole and fractional shortening. Additionally, sacubitril/valsartan treatment decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressures in comparison with untreated hypertensive rats. Moreover, sacubitril/valsartan treatment reduced oxidative stress and apoptosis (reduced expression of Bax and Cas9 genes) compared to untreated rats. There was a regular histomorphology of cardiomyocytes, interstitium, and blood vessels in treated rats compared to untreated HpCM rats which expressed hypertrophic cardiomyocytes, with polymorphic nuclei, prominent nucleoli and moderately dilated interstitium. In experimental model of hypertension-induced hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, sacubitril/valsartan treatment led to improved cardiac structure, haemodynamic performance, and reduced oxidative stress and apoptosis. Sacubitril/valsartan thus presents as a potential therapeutic strategy resulted in hypertension-induced hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Cardioplegia in Open Heart Surgery: Age Matters.

INTRODUCTION: Cardioplegia is a pharmacological approach essential for the protection of the heart from ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury. Over the years, numerous cardioplegic solutions have been developed, with each cardioplegic approach having its advantages and disadvantages. Cardioplegic solutions can be divided into crystalloid and blood cardioplegic solutions, and an experienced surgeon chooses the type of solution based on the individual needs of patients in order to provide optimal heart protection. Importantly, the pediatric immature myocardium is structurally, physiologically, and metabolically different from the adult heart, and consequently its needs to achieve cardioplegic arrest strongly differ. Therefore, the present review aimed to provide a summary of the cardioplegic solutions available to pediatric patients with a special focus on emphasizing differences in heart injury after various cardioplegic solutions, the dosing strategies, and regimens. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The PubMed database was searched using the terms cardioplegia, I-R, and pediatric population, and studies that investigated the influence of cardioplegic strategies on markers of cardiac muscle damage were further analyzed in this review. CONCLUSIONS: A large body of evidence suggested more prominent benefits achieved with blood compared to those with crystalloid cardioplegia in pediatric myocardium preservation. However, standardized and uniform protocols have not been established so far, and an experienced surgeon chooses the type of cardioplegia solution based on the individual needs of patients, while the severity of myocardial damage strongly depends on the type and duration of the surgical procedure, overall patient condition, and presence of comorbidities, etc.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Investigation of Anti-Inflammatory and Cytotoxic Activities of Novel Thiourea Derivatives of Naproxen.

The objective of this study was to synthesize seven novel thiourea derivatives of naproxen (8-14), examine the anti-inflammatory activity of the newly synthesized compounds, investigate the cytotoxic potential of both sets of synthesized compounds (1-7 and 8-14), and select the most promising anti-inflammatory and antitumor drug candidates. The results of the in vivo anti-inflammatory study clearly showed that compounds 8 and 9 were capable of decreasing paw edema, as evident from a high percentage of inhibition (44.83% and 49.29%, respectively). In addition, the results of in vitro enzyme inhibition assays demonstrated that neither of the newly synthesized compounds reached 50% inhibition of 5-LOX at concentrations lower than 100 µM. In terms of antitumor potential, derivatives 3 and 8 exhibited strong cytotoxic effects on the HeLa cell line, suggesting the involvement of the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis. According to the overall results obtained for both sets of synthesized molecules, derivatives 4 and 8 can be underlined as molecules with the strongest anti-inflammatory activity, while derivatives 3 and 8 are the most promising cytotoxic agents.

The Evaluation of Healing Properties of Galium verum-Based Oral Gel in Aphthous Stomatitis in Rats.

Although oral ulcers represent one of the most frequent oral mucosal diseases, the available treatment is not sufficient to provide complete ulcer recovery without side-effects. Therefore, the aim of our study was to prepare a mucoadhesive oral gel based on Galium verum ethanol extract (GVL gel) and reveal its healing effects in the model of aphthous stomatitis in rats. Rats with oral ulcers were divided into the following groups: control (untreated), gel base (ulcer was treated with the gel base, three times per day for 10 days), and GVL gel group (the ulcer was treated with GVL gel in the same way as the gel base). Animals from each group were sacrificed on days 0, 3, 6, and 10 for collecting blood and ulcer tissue samples. Healing properties of oral gel were determined by clinical evaluation, as well as biochemical and histopathological examinations. Our findings suggest a significant decrease in the ulcer size in GVL gel group, with healing effects achieved through the alleviation of oxidative stress, reduction in COX-2 immunopositivity, and increase in collagen content in buccal tissue. Significant ulcer repairing potential of GVL gel highlights this oral mucoadhesive gel as a promising tool for prevention and treatment of RAS.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Cytotoxic Activity of Different Extracts of Xanthoparmelia stenophylla Lichen from Stara Planina, Serbia.

The aim of this study was to identify some of the secondary metabolites present in acetonic, methanolic, and hexanic extracts of lichen Xanthoparmelia stenophylla and to examine their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activity. Compounds of the depsid structure of lecanoric acid, obtusic acid, and atranorin as well as usnic acid with a dibenzofuran structure were identified in the extracts by HPLC. The acetone extract was shown to have the highest total phenolic (167.03 ± 1.12 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content (178.84 ± 0.93 mg QE/g) as well as the best antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50 = 81.22 ± 0.54). However, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm tests showed the best activity of hexanic extract, especially against strains of B. cereus, B. subtilis, and S. aureus (MIC < 0.08, and 0.3125 mg/mL, respectively). Additionally, by using the MTT method, the acetonic extract was reported to exhibit a strong cytotoxic effect on the HeLa and HCT-116 cell lines, especially after 72 h (IC50 = 21.17 ± 1.85 and IC50 = 21.48 ± 3.55, respectively). The promising antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic effects of Xanthoparmelia stenophylla extracts shown in the current study should be further investigated in vivo and under clinical conditions.

Creatine phosphate administration in cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats: focus on differences between preconditioning, perconditioning, and postconditioning protocols.

The aim of this study was to examine and compare the influence of preconditioning, perconditioning, and postconditioning with creatine phosphate (PCr) on functional recovery and production of prooxidants in isolated rat hearts subjected to ex vivo ischemic-reperfusion (I-R) injury on a Langendorff apparatus. Wistar albino rats (male, n = 40) were divided into four groups: control and groups in which PCr (0.5 mmol/L, 5 min) was perfused before (Pre group), after (Post group), or during (Per group) ex vivo induced ischemia. PCr application was associated with the great benefits of preserving cardiac contractility (in Pre group 100.96% for +(dP/dt max) and 97.61% for -(dP/dt max), in Per group 96.72% for +(dP/dt max) and 95.60% for -(dP/dt max), and in Post group 143.84% for +(dP/dt max) and 104.36% for -(dP/dt max) in relation to the stabilization). In addition, PCr application prevented the increase in prooxidative markers during I-R injury in all therapeutic modalities. The most intensive benefits in the current investigation were observed when PCr was applied during the period of ischemia because the lowest fluctuations in the parameters of cardiac function and oxidative stress were observed. Overall, the results of this study highlight PCr-induced cardioprotection with promising prospects for future clinical use.

Immortelle essential oil-based ointment improves wound healing in a diabetic rat model.

The phytochemical analysis of the investigated Immortelle essential oil revealed the presence of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes as major components that might be efficient as a wound healing potential agent. The present study aimed to develop an ointment based on the Immortelle essential oil and investigate its wound healing effects on excision wounds in diabetic rats. The topical formulated Immortelle ointment was subjected to pharmaco-technical characterization. Thirty-two diabetic rats with the induced excision wound were used to evaluate in vivo wound healing effects of ointment. The animals were randomly divided into four groups untreated or topically treated with either a 1% silver sulfadiazine, the ointment base, or Immortelle ointment. The response to the treatment was assessed by macroscopic, biochemical and histopathological analysis. The ointment, compatible with the skin remained stable for 6 months. Topical application of the Immortelle ointment showed the highest wound contraction with the highest content of hydroxyproline in comparison to the all examined groups. The Immortelle ointment showed significant wound contraction from day 7 to day 21 as compared to other groups. On the day 21, there was an average of 99.32% wound contraction in the Immortelle group, whereas the mean wound contraction in the negative control and ointment base group was 71.36% and 81.26% respectively. The histopathological results validated the potential wound healing effect of Immortelle ointment with evident post-excision scar maturation and increased collagen fibers density. Our findings revealed that the Immortelle ointment approach might serve as a promising and innovative tool for wound healing.

In vitro, in vivo and in silico evaluation of the anti-inflammatory potential of Hyssopus officinalis L. subsp. aristatus (Godr.) Nyman (Lamiaceae).

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Medicinal properties of hyssop have been used in traditional medicine since ancient times, inter alia, in diseases/conditions with an inherent inflammatory process. AIM OF THE STUDY: Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of hyssop herb preparations (essential oil and methanol extracts) in vivo, in vitro and in silico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For in vitro testing of essential oils and extracts of hyssop herb, the cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme assays were used. In vivo anti-inflammatory potential of the extracts (at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) was assessed using the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema test. Molecular docking and dynamics were used for in silico testing of the inhibitory activity of chlorogenic (CA) and rosmarinic (RA) acids, as the dominant compounds in the tested methanol extracts against COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. RESULTS: Significant inhibitory activity was shown in the COX-2 test regarding extracts (essential oils did not exhibit any significant activity). Namely, all analyzed extracts, at a concentration of 20 µg/mL, showed a percentage of inhibition of COX-2 enzyme (54.04-63.04%), which did not indicate a statistically significant difference from the positive control of celecoxib (61.60%) at a concentration of 8.8 µM. In vivo testing showed that all methanol extracts of hyssop herb, at the highest test dose of 200 mg/kg in the third and fourth hours, after carrageenan administration, exhibited a statistically significant (p < 0.05) inhibitory effect on the increase in rat paw edema in relation to control. This activity is comparable or higher in relation to the reference substance, indomethacin, at a concentration of 8 mg/kg. The preliminary in silico results suggest that investigated compounds (RA and CA) showed better inhibitory activity against COX-1 and COX-2 than standard non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), ibuprofen, as evident from the free binding energy (ΔGbind in kJ mol-1). The binding energies of the docked compounds to COX-1 and -2 were found to be in the range between -47.4 and -49.2 kJ mol-1. Ibuprofen, as the one NSAID, for the same receptors targets, showed remarkably higher binding energy (ΔGbind = -31.3 kJ mol-1 to COX-1, and ΔGbind = -30.9 kJ mol-1 to COX-2). CONCLUSION: The results obtained not only support the traditional use of hyssop herb in inflammatory conditions in folk medicine, but also open the door to and the need for further in vivo testing of extracts in order to examine the molecular mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity in living systems and possibly develop a new anti-inflammatory drug or supplement.

The effects of methanol extract of Galium verum L on cardiac redox state in hypertensive rats

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the effects of methanol extract of G. verum on redox status of isolated heart of spontaneously hypertensive rats after ischemia. Twenty-four Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: untreated control rats and rats that received 125 and 250 mg/kg G. verum extract for 4 weeks per os. Index of lipid peroxidation (measured as TBARS) and parameters of antioxidative defence system such as level of reduced glutathione (GSH) and activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were spectrophotometrically determined in heart homogenate. The index of lipid peroxidation in heart tissue was lower in both treated groups compared to the control group. On the other hand, the activity of SOD was significantly higher after consumption of both doses, while the activity of CAT was significantly higher only after treatment with a higher dose of extract. Based on our results we might conclude that 4-week treatment with methanol extracts of G. verum has the potential to modulate myocardial redox signaling after ischemia, thus significantly alleviating cardiac oxidative stress and exerting dose-dependent antioxidant properties. Future studies are certainly necessary to fully clarify the role of this plant species in myocardial I-R injury.

New Insight Into the Cardioprotective Effects of Allium ursinum L. Extract Against Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

This study aimed to estimate the effects of increasing doses of Allium ursinum methanol extract on cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R) with a special emphasis on the role of oxidative stress. Fifty rats were randomly divided into five groups (10 animals per group) depending on the applied treatment as follows: sham, rats who drank only tap water for 28 days and hearts were retrogradely perfused for 80 min without I/R injury, I/R, rats who drank only tap water for 28 days and hearts were exposed to ex vivo I/R injury and rats who consumed increasing doses of A. ursinum 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg for 28 days before I/R injury. Hearts from all rats were isolated and retrogradely perfused according to the Langendorff technique. Parameters of oxidative stress were spectrophotometrically measured in blood, coronary venous effluent, and heart tissue samples. Intake of wild garlic extract for 28 days significantly contributed to the recovery of cardiac function, which was reflected through preserved cardiac contractility, systolic function, and coronary vasodilatory response after ischemia. Also, wild garlic extract showed the potential to modulate the systemic redox balance and stood out as a powerful antioxidant. The highest dose led to the most efficient decrease in cardiac oxidative stress and improve recovery of myocardial function after I/R injury. We might conclude that wild garlic possesses a significant role in cardioprotection and strong antioxidant activity, which implicates the possibility of its use alone in the prevention or as adjuvant antioxidant therapy in cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

Formulation and Evaluation of Helichrysum italicum Essential Oil-Based Topical Formulations for Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats.

As proper wound management is crucial to reducing morbidity and improving quality of life, this study evaluated for the first time the wound healing potential of H. italicum essential oil (HIEO) prepared in the form of ointment and gel in streptozotocin-induced diabetic wound models in rats. After creating full-thickness cutaneous wounds, forty-eight diabetic rats were divided into six groups: (1) negative control; (2) positive control; (3) ointment base; (4) gel base; (5) 0.5% HIEO ointment (6) 0.5% HIEO gel. Wound healing potential was determined by the percentage of wound contraction, hydroxyproline content, redox status, and histological observation. A significant decrease in the wound size was observed in animals treated with HIEO formulations compared with other groups. The HIEO groups also showed a higher level of total hydroxyproline content, and more pronounced restitution of adnexal structures with only the underlying muscle defect indicating the incision site. Hence, our results legitimate the traditional data of the pro-healing effect of HIEO because HIEO in both formulations such as gel and ointment exhibited the significant wound repairing effect in the incision wound model.

The Influence of Menopause and Inflammation on Redox Status and Bone Mineral Density in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Although oxidative stress is considered to be one of the key pathogenic factors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), there is insufficient knowledge regarding the impact of menopause on redox status in this population. Thus, this study is aimed at assessing the influence of menopause within healthy women and within RA patients as well as the impact of RA in premenopausal and postmenopausal women on redox status, with special reference to bone mineral density (BMD). A total of 90 women were included in the study, 42 with RA and 48 age-matched healthy controls. They were divided into subgroups according to the presence of menopause. Following oxidative stress parameters were measured spectrophotometrically: index of lipid peroxidation (measured as TBARS), nitrites (NO2 -), superoxide anion radical (O2 -), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH). BMD was assessed by using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanner. Comorbidities and drug history were recorded. The levels of H2O2 and TBARS were elevated in patients with RA, while NO2 - and O2 - increased in healthy women, both in premenopausal and postmenopausal groups. SOD activity decreased in postmenopausal RA patients. BMD was reduced in postmenopausal RA women. There was a correlation between NO2 - and O2 - with Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) index in RA patients. Given that postmenopausal state was associated with elevated oxidative stress within healthy women and that menopausal state did not affect redox homeostasis within RA patients, but the redox homeostasis was altered in both RA groups compared to healthy women, it can be presumed that impaired redox status in RA occurred due to presence of the disease, irrespective of age. Moreover, menopause attenuates BMD reduction in women with RA. These results may indicate the need for therapeutic use of antioxidants in the form of supplements in women with RA, regardless of age.