Evaluation of the efficacy of various remineralization agents and grape seed extract on microhardness and lesion depth of primary tooth enamel: An in vitro study.

Background: This study evaluated the efficacy of grape seed extract (GSE) on the remineralization of primary tooth enamel alone or in combination with remineralizing agents. Methods: The initial microhardness value of 90 primary tooth enamel samples was calculated; then, the samples were demineralized. The post-demineralization hardness of the samples was measured and the samples were randomly divided into 6 groups as follows: G1: negative control, G2: GSE, G3: NaF, G4:Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), G5: GSE+NaF, and G6: GSE+CPP-ACP (n=15). Oral environment pH cycle was applied and hardness measurements were repeated after treatments. The samples were stained with 1% rhodamine B dye and sectioned, and the lesion depth was measured. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. Results: The hardness decrease of the GSE and GSE+NaF groups was less than the other groups (P<0.05). The decrease was also less in the other groups than in the control group (P>0.05). GSE showed a positive effect when combined with NaF in maintaining microhardness but did not show the same effect when combined with CPP-ACP (P<0.05). Concerning penetration depth, all the groups had statistically lower values than the control group (P<0.05). The lowest penetration rates were observed in the GSE+NaF and GSE+CPP-ACP groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: The lowest hardness decrease was observed in the GSE and GSE+NaF groups, and the lowest penetration rates were observed in the GSE+NaF and GSE+CPP-ACP groups. It has been determined that a 15% GSE solution might be used as an alternative to fluoride in primary tooth remineralization and can increase the effectiveness of fluoride when used together.

Comparison of the Effects of Dill Seed, Grape Seed and Date Extracts on Postpartum Hemorrhage Rates in the Fourth Stage of Labor: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is one of the three leading causes of maternal mortality. Herbal medicine is one of the well-known methods of treatment in the world. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine and compare the effect of dates, grape seed and dill seed extracts on the PPH rate in women in the fourth stage of labor. METHODS: Two hundred eligible multiparous women visiting the maternity ward in Hamadan for normal delivery participated in this double-blind parallel-group clinical trial. They were randomly divided into four 50-member groups of experiment (3 groups) and control (1 group). The data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire. In the experimental groups, in addition to routine care and oxytocin administration, the mothers received a capsule containing 15 mg of dill seeds extract or 20 mg of grape seed extract or 5 g of dates extract immediately after the delivery, and then their hemorrhage rates were measured one and two hours after delivery. The control group received routine care, oxytocin, and placebo. Data were analyzed in SPSS 21. RESULTS: The hemorrhage changes in the placebo group were much less than the intervention groups at 1 and 2 hours after delivery, and the four groups had a significant difference in terms of hemorrhage in both hours (p <0.001). The overall difference between the dates extract group and the placebo and grape seed groups was also statistically significant (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: All three extracts of dates, grape seed and dill seeds, especially dates, can be effective in PPH reduction. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT20120215009014N300.

Effects of grape seed extract supplementation on the growth performance, nutrients digestion and immunity of weaned lambs.

Grape seed extract (GSE) has a variety of biological functions. At present, there has been limited information on the utilization of GSE as a feed additive in weaned lambs. The aim of this experiment was to study the potential influence of dietary supplementation with GSE on the growth performance, rumen fermentation characteristics, apparent digestibility, blood parameters and immunity in weaned lambs. In total, 30 male Hu sheep lambs with similar body weight (15.43 ± 0.49 kg) and age (48 ± 2 days) were randomly divided into two treatments: control (CON, fed basal ration) and GSE [fed basal ration and 0.6 g/d GSE (main compositions: proanthocyanidin 50%, catechin 24%, gallic acid 16% and epicatechin 6%) per lamb]. The feeding experiment lasted for 60 d. Results showed that GSE supplementation significantly increased (p = 0.008) the average daily gain of lambs. Compared with CON group, the ruminal propionate and butyrate concentrations were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in GSE group, whereas the ammonia nitrogen was decreased (p = 0.007). Also, the crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and ether extract digestibility of GSE group were higher (p < 0.05) than those of CON group. The serum contents of glucose, triglyceride, immunoglobulin G, glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant capacity were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in GSE group when compared to those in CON group. However, an opposite trend of urea nitrogen, non-esterified fatty acid, interleukin-1ß, itumor necrosis factor-α and malondialdehyde was observed between the two groups. Additionally, supplementation of GSE increased (p < 0.05) the Lactobacillus and decreased (p < 0.05) the Escherichia coli and Salmonella counts in the feces of lambs. In summary, GSE supplementation can improve growth performance, nutrient digestion and immunity of weaned lambs.

Antimicrobial Polymer Films with Grape Seed and Skin Extracts for Food Packaging.

The development of antimicrobial food packaging is a very important and current goal, but it still difficult to implement in practice. Reducing microbial contamination and preserving food quality are very important tasks for food manufacturers as the use of antimicrobial packaging can preserve the health of consumers. On the other hand, the difficulty of degrading packaging materials, leading to environmental pollution, is also an important problem. These problems can be solved by using biodegradable biopolymers and antimicrobial agents in the production of food packaging. Very suitable antimicrobial agents are grape seed and skin extracts as they have high antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity and are obtained from grape pomace, a waste product of winemaking. The present review presents the valuable bioactive compounds contained in grape seeds and skins, the methods used to obtain the extracts, and their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Then, the application of grape seed and skin extracts for the production of antimicrobial packaging is reviewed. Emphasis is placed on antimicrobial packaging based on various biopolymers. Special attention is also paid to the application of the extract of grape skins to obtain intelligent indicator packages for the continuous monitoring of the freshness and quality of foods. The focus is mainly placed on the antimicrobial properties of the packaging against different types of microorganisms and their applications for food packaging. The presented data prove the good potential of grape seed and skin extracts to be used as active agents in the preparation of antimicrobial food packaging.

Evaluation of the Genotoxic Effects of Grape Seed Extract and Marine Collagen Peptide on the Fibroblast Cell Line: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction Collagen plays a vital role in maintaining the structural integrity of dentin, and its modification with bioactive compounds can enhance its mechanical properties and bonding capabilities. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the genotoxic effects of grape seed extract (GSE) and marine collagen peptide (MCP) on dental pulp-derived primary cells. Methodology Human dental pulp stem cells were isolated, cultivated, and then treated with GSE and marine collagen peptides. DNA fragmentation was assessed using DAPI (4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) staining. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results The results showed that GSE exhibited a minimum level of cell death compared to marine collagen peptides. The viable cell count increased steadily over three days in all groups, with the control group showing the highest number of viable cells. The differences in viable cell count among the groups were statistically significant. Conclusion This study suggests that GSE and marine collagen peptides are highly biocompatible with dental pulp cells and could be considered for further clinical studies.

Dietary supplementation with grape seed extract from Vitus vinifera prevents suppression of GABAergic protein expression in female Sprague Dawley trigeminal ganglion in a model of chronic temporomandibular joint disorder.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate cellular changes in protein expression in the trigeminal ganglion in an established preclinical chronic model of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) in response to grape seed extract (GSE) supplementation based on its beneficial use in preclinical chronic orofacial pain models. DESIGN: Three experimental conditions included female Sprague-Dawley rats as naïve controls, and animals subjected to neck muscle inflammation and prolonged jaw opening with and without daily supplementation of GSE in the drinking water prior to inflammation. Changes were evaluated in mechanical sensitivity to von Frey filaments and protein expression in the trigeminal ganglion of animals 14 days post jaw opening. RESULTS: Calcitonin-gene related peptide and protein kinase A, proteins positively associated with peripheral sensitization and enhanced nociception, did not show elevated expression at day 14 in the model compared to naïve or GSE supplemented animals. However, neuronal levels of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) 65/67, which are enzymes responsible for the synthesis of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA that functions to suppress neuronal excitability, were significantly decreased on day 14 post jaw opening. Similarly, a significant decrease in neuronal expression of the GABA receptor subunits GABAB1 and GABAB2, but not GABAA, was observed in the TMD model. Importantly, GSE prevented suppression of GAD 65/67 and GABAB subunits, maintaining levels similar to naïve animals. CONCLUSION: Results from our study provide evidence of the downregulation of inhibitory GABAergic proteins in trigeminal ganglion neurons in a preclinical chronic TMD model and the benefits of GSE supplementation in preventing their suppression and maintaining normal levels.

Effect of flavonoids from grape seed and cranberry extracts on the microbiological activity of Streptococcus mutans: a systematic review of in vitro studies.

OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of the available scientific evidence from in vitro studies regarding the effect induced by the flavonoids contained in grape seed extracts (GSE) and cranberry on the microbiological activity of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). METHODS: This systematic review was performed following the parameters of the PRISMA statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis). Electronic and manual searches were conducted using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Cochrane databases. Reference lists of selected articles were reviewed to identify relevant studies. The search was not limited by year and was conducted solely in English. Eligible studies comprised publications describing in vitro studies that evaluated the effect of flavonoids derived from GSE and cranberry extracts on the microbiological activity of S. mutans. Common variables were identified to consolidate the data. Authors of this review independently screened search results, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. RESULTS: Of the 420 studies identified from the different databases, 22 publications were finally selected for review. The risk of bias was low in 13 articles and moderate in 9. The studies analyzed in this review revealed that cranberry extract has an inhibitory effect on the bacterial growth of S. mutans in ranges from 0.5 mg/mL to 25 mg/mL, and GSE exerts a similar effect from 0.5 mg/mL to 250 mg/mL. Additionally, the extracts or their fractions showed reduced biofilm formation capacity, decreased polymicrobial biofilm biomass, deregulation of glycosyltransferases (Gtf) B and C expression, and buffering of pH drop. In addition to adequate antioxidant activity related to polyphenol content. CONCLUSIONS: The overall results showed that the extracts of cranberry and grape seed were effective in reducing the virulence factors of the oral pathogen. According to the data, proanthocyanidins are the active components in cranberry and grape seed that effectively resist S. mutans. They can inhibit the formation of insoluble polysaccharides in the extracellular matrix and prevent glycan-mediated adhesion, cohesion, and aggregation of the proteins in S. mutans. This suggests that these natural extracts could play an important role in the prevention of cariogenic bacterial colonization, as well as induce a decrease in their microbiological activity.

Grape seed extract protects rat offspring hippocampus from the silicon dioxide nanoparticles' neurotoxicity.

Silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2-NPs) can be found in many products, such as composites, paints, ceramics, consumer products, and food additives. We recently demonstrated that via breastfeeding, SiO2-NPs transfer to the offspring's brain, interfering negatively with hippocampus development. In this work, we evaluated the protective effect of grape seed extract (GSE) against the adverse effects of SiO2-NPs. After delivery, animals were administered 25 mg/kg SiO2-NPs with/without GSE (300 mg/kg) for 20 days (from 2nd to 21st days post-delivery) by gavage. SiO2-NPs increased malondialdehyde concentration and decreased antioxidant activity in the offspring's hippocampi. The mean number of dark neurons (DNs) was significantly higher in the hippocampi of the SiO2-NPs group, whereas the mean number of DCX + cells was significantly lower than in the control group. The offspring in the SiO2-NPs groups had a weak cognitive performance in adulthood. Interestingly, these adverse effects of SiO2-NPs were alleviated in the GSE-treated groups. Therefore, GSE can attenuate the damaging effects of maternal exposure to SiO2-NPs during lactation.

The effects of grape seed extract supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors, liver enzymes and hepatic steatosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the high antioxidant potential of grape seed extract (GSE), very limited studies have investigated its effect on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of GSE on metabolic factors, blood pressure and steatosis severity in patients with NAFLD. METHODS: In this double-blind randomized clinical trial study, 50 NAFLD patients were divided into two groups of 25 participants who were treated with 520 mg/day of GSE or the placebo group for 2 months. The parameters of glycemic, lipid profile, blood pressure and steatohepatitis were measured before and after the intervention. RESULTS: The GSE group had an average age of 43.52 ± 8.12 years with 15 women and 10 men, while the placebo group had an average age of 44.88 ± 10.14 years with 11 women and 14 men. After 2 months of intervention with GSE, it was observed that insulin, HOMA-IR, TC, TG, LDL-c, ALT, AST, AST/ALT, SBP, DBP and MAP decreased and QUICKi and HDL-c increased significantly (p-value for all < 0.05). Also, before and after adjustment based on baseline, the average changes indicated that the levels of insulin, HOMA-IR, TC, TG, LDL-c, SBP, DBP, MAP in the GSE group decreased more than in the control group (p for all < 0.05). Furthermore, the changes in HDL-c were significantly higher in the GSE group (p < 0.05). The between-groups analysis showed a significant decrease in the HOMA-ß and AST before and after adjustment based on baseline levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, the changes in QUICKi after adjustment based on baseline levels were higher in the GSE group than in the control group. Also, between-groups analysis showed that the severity of hepatic steatosis was reduced in the intervention group compared to the placebo group (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: It seems that GSE can be considered one of the appropriate strategies for controlling insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and hepatic steatosis in NAFLD patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The clinical trial was registered in the Iranian Clinical Trial Registration Center (IRCT20190731044392N1). https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/61413 . (The registration date: 30/03/2022).

Slightly viscous dispersions of mucoadhesive polymers as vehicles for nasal administration of dopamine and grape seed extract-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles.

With the aim to find an alternative vehicle to the most used thermosensitive hydrogels for efficient nanotechnology-based nose-to-brain delivery approach for Parkinson's disease (PD) treatment, in this work we evaluated the Dopamine (DA) and the antioxidant grape seed-derived pro-anthocyanidins (Grape Seed Extract, GSE) co-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) put in slight viscous dispersions (SVDs). These SVDs were prepared by dispersion in water at low concentrations of mucoadhesive polymers to which SLN pellets were added. For the purpose, we investigated two polymeric blends, namely Poloxamer/Carbopol (PF-127/Carb) and oxidized alginate/Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (AlgOX/HPMC). Rheological studies showed that the two fluids possess Newtonian behaviour with a viscosity slightly higher that water. The pH values of the SVDs were mainly within the normal range of nasal fluid as well as almost no osmotic effect was associated to both SVDs. All the SVDs were capable to provide DA permeation through nasal porcine mucosa. Moreover, it was found that PF-127/Carb blend possesses penetration enhancer capability better than the Alg OX/HPMC combination. Flow cytometry studies demonstrated the uptake of viscous liquids incorporating fluorescent SLNs by human nasal RPMI 2650 cell in time-dependent manner. In conclusion, the SVD formulations may be considered promising alternatives to thermosensitive hydrogels strategy. Moreover, in a broader perspective, such SVD formulations may be also hopeful for treating various neurological diseases beyond PD treatment.

The Effects of Grape Seed Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin and Nisin on Dental Pulp Stem Cells.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the biological effects of "proanthocyanidin" (PA), and "nisin" (Ni), on dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and LPS-induced DPSCs as well as their antimicrobial effects against S. aureus and E. coli. Materials and methods: After characterization of DPSCs, cytotoxicity of PA and Ni on DPSCs were evaluated using a water-soluble tetrazolium salt (WST-1). The cytokines and chemokines released by DPSCs and the expression levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF alpha were detected with human Cytokine Array C5 and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The antibacterial activities of PA and Ni were tested using the drop plate method. Results: PA at 75 µg/ml increased cell viability, decreased TNF-α expression of DPSCs, did not show any cytotoxic effects on LPS-induced DPSCs, and also showed a tendency to decrease TNF-α expression. PA at 75 µg/ml exhibited higher expressions of TIMP-2, OPG, IL-7, and IL-8 in LPS-induced DPSCs compared to DPSCs. Ni at 100 µg/ml decreased TNF-α expression in DPSCs with no cytotoxic effects. It provided increased cell viability and a downregulation trend of TNF-α expression in LPS-induced DPSCs. Both Ni and PA provided strong antibacterial effects against S. aureus. Ni at 200µg/ml had strong antibacterial effects against E. coli without affecting negatively the viability of both DPSCs and LPS-induced DPSCs and showed anti-inflammatory activity by decreasing TNF-α expression. PA provided strong antibacterial effects against E. coli at 200 µg/ml but affected DPSCs viability negatively. Conclusion: PA and Ni at specific concentrations exhibited immunomodulatory activity on DPSCs and LPS-induced DPSCs without any cytotoxic effects and strong antibacterial effects on S. aureus.

Effect of Callus Cell Immobilization on the Textural and Rheological Properties, Loading, and Releasing of Grape Seed Extract from Pectin Hydrogels.

The purpose of the present study was to prepare pectin hydrogels with immobilized Lemna minor callus cells and to identify the effect of cell immobilization on the textural, rheological, and swelling properties; loading; and releasing of grape seed extract (GSE) from the hydrogels. Hardness, adhesiveness, elasticity, the strength of linkage, and complex viscosity decreased with increasing cell content in the hydrogels based on pectin with a degree of methyl esterification (DM) of 5.7% (TVC) and during incubation in gastrointestinal fluids. An increase in the rheological properties and fragility of pectin/callus hydrogels based on pectin with a DM of 33.0% (CP) was observed at a cell content of 0.4 g/mL. TVC-based pectin/callus beads increased their swelling in gastrointestinal fluids as cell content increased. TVC-based beads released GSE very slowly into simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, indicating controlled release. The GSE release rate in colonic fluid decreased with increasing cell content, which was associated with the accumulation of GSE in cells. CP-based beads released GSE completely in the intestinal fluid due to weak textural characteristics and rapid degradation within 10 min. Pectin/callus hydrogels have the ability to preserve GSE for a long time and may have great potential for the development of proanthocyanidin delivery systems due to their novel beneficial physicochemical and textural properties.

Dopamine- and Grape-Seed-Extract-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Interaction Studies between Particles and Differentiated SH-SY5Y Neuronal Cell Model of Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, primarily associated with dopaminergic neuron depletion in the Substantia Nigra. Current treatment focuses on compensating for dopamine (DA) deficiency, but the blood-brain barrier (BBB) poses challenges for effective drug delivery. Using differentiated SH-SY5Y cells, we investigated the co-administration of DA and the antioxidant Grape Seed Extract (GSE) to study the cytobiocompability, the cytoprotection against the neurotoxin Rotenone, and their antioxidant effects. For this purpose, two solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) formulations, DA-co-GSE-SLNs and GSE-ads-DA-SLNs, were synthesized. Such SLNs showed mean particle sizes in the range of 187-297 nm, zeta potential values in the range of -4.1--9.7 mV, and DA association efficiencies ranging from 35 to 82%, according to the formulation examined. The results showed that DA/GSE-SLNs did not alter cell viability and had a cytoprotective effect against Rotenone-induced toxicity and oxidative stress. In addition, this study also focused on the evaluation of Alpha-synuclein (aS) levels; SLNs showed the potential to modulate the Rotenone-mediated increase in aS levels. In conclusion, our study investigated the potential of SLNs as a delivery system for addressing PD, also representing a promising approach for enhanced delivery of pharmaceutical and antioxidant molecules across the BBB.

Improved analysis of grape seed extract by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) reveals that proanthocyanidin-protein interaction mechanisms in cream depend on degree of polymerization.

This study aimed to comprehensively characterize chemical profiles of proanthocyanidins (PACs) from grape seed extract (GSE), examine their interactions with proteins in a cream system, and define the mechanisms mediating PAC-protein interactions. GSE PACs were fractionated and characterized by thiolysis followed by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) analysis. New PACs with a degree of polymerization (DP) up to 16 were identified by improved HRMS data processing methods. In the model cream system, high-DP PACs exhibited greater precipitation capacity and protein binding than low-DP PACs. Low-DP PACs primarily engaged in hydrogen bonding, while high-DP PACs predominantly utilized multiple hydrophobic interaction sites to form cream protein aggregates. Furthermore, particle size and viscosity measurement of cream revealed a progressively DP-dependent increase in aggregated fat globules and cream viscosity. These findings enhanced our understanding of PACs' structural intricacies and highlighted their functional role as PAC-rich natural ingredients in creating structured cream systems.

Effects of dietary supplementation of grape seed extract in comparison with excessive level of vitamin E on growth performance and antioxidant function of broilers.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of dietary vitamin E (VE) or grape seed extract (GSE) on the growth performance and antioxidant function of broilers. Two hundred sixteen broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 3 diets: diet supplemented with oxidized rice bran oil (CN group), CN group with 25 mg/kg VE or 100 mg/kg GSE. Dietary VE or GSE improved the growth performance, reverted the disturbed levels of liver antioxidant enzymes, and reduced liver damage of broilers fed oxidized rice bran oil. The mRNA data showed that supplementation of VE or GSE enhanced the antioxidant capacity of the broiler liver through activation of the Keap1-Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. The results suggested that VE and GSE can increase weight gain, improve the oxidative status, and alleviate liver injury in broiler chicken fed oxidized rice bran oil.

Grape seed extract prevents chlorpyrifos-induced toxicity in rat liver through the modulation of phase I detoxification pathway.

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) poisoning is a public health problem for which there is not currently any effective prophylaxis. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of grape seed extract (GSE) against CPF-induced hepatotoxicity. Rats were daily treated either with CPF (2 mg/kg) or CPF and GSE (20 mg/kg) for 1 week, sacrificed, and their livers dissected for biochemical, molecular, and histopathological analyses. CPF generated liver dysfunction by altering carbohydrate, lipid, amino acid, ammonia and urea metabolism, and provoked mitochondrial impairment through disturbing tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), and mitochondrial viability. CPF also induced cholinergic excitotoxicity along with oxidative stress and histopathological alterations. Interestingly, treatment with GSE prevented all the detrimental effects of CPF through the regulation of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) gene expression. Molecular docking analysis indicated that GSE-containing polyphenols acted as epigenetic modulators through inhibiting DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), thus favoring the CYP2C6 detoxification pathway. Thereby, GSE might be a promising strategy in the protection of the liver against CPF toxicity.

Grape seed extract supplementation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Background: Despite rising non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) prevalence and its impact on liver health, there's a lack of studies on grape seed extract's (GSE) effect on oxidative stress and quality of life (QoL) in NAFLD patients. This study aims to fill this gap by the potential benefits of GSE in reducing oxidative stress and improving QoL. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study, fifty patients with NAFLD were randomly assigned to receive either 2 tablets of GSE containing 250 mg of proanthocyanidins or placebo (25 participants in each group) for two months. QoL was evaluated using the SF-36 questionnaire, and oxidative stress variables (TAC, MDA, SOD, GPx, CAT, and IL-6) were measured at the beginning and end of the study. Results: Compared with the control group, the group supplemented with GSE experienced greater reductions in IL-6 and MDA (3.14±1.43 pg/ml vs. 2.80±0.31 pg/ml; 4.16±2.09 µM vs. 4.59±1.19 µM, p for all <0.05), as well as greater increases in TAC, SOD, and GPx levels (0.18±0.08 mM vs. -0.03±0.09 mM; 10.5±6.69 U/ml vs. 8.93±1.63 U/ml; 14.7±13.4 U/ml vs. 8.24±3.03 U/ml, p for all <0.05). Furthermore, the QoL questionnaire showed that physical limitations, general health, and total physical health were significantly improved in the GSE group compared with the placebo (17.0±42.0 vs. -12.0±37.5; 3.80±14.8 vs. -3.92±9.55; 5.08 5.26 vs. -7.01±13.7, p for all <0.05). Conclusions: GSE can be effective in improving oxidative stress and QoL in patients with NAFLD. More studies are needed to confirm the results of this study.

Antibacterial effect of red laser-activated silver nanoparticles synthesized with grape seed extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Living organisms, particularly humans, frequently encounter microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses in their surroundings. Silver nanoparticles are widely used in biomedical devices because of their antibacterial and antiviral properties. The study evaluates the efficacy of red laser and silver nanoparticles from grape seed extract (AgNPs-GSE) in reducing Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which cause infections. The sample comprised three groups: a control group without laser irradiation (T0), Escherichia coli samples (A1 and A2) irradiated with a 405-nm diode laser at different times and concentrations of silver nanoparticles, and Staphylococcus aureus samples (A3 and A4) illuminated with a 405-nm diode laser at different times and concentrations. Bacteria in groups A2 and A4 were treated with a photosensitizer (PS) made from grape seed extracts, incubated for 10 min, and then irradiated for 90, 120, 150, and 180 s. The samples were cultured on TSA media, set at 37 °C, counted using a Quebec colony counter, and analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey tests with a significance level of p < 0.05. The study illustrated that the combination of 10 µl of AgNPs-GSE, exposure to a red laser at 405 nm, and an energy density of 3.44 J/cm2 effectively photoinactivated both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. For Escherichia coli bacteria irradiated for 180 s with concentrations of 1 mM, 1.5 mM, and 2 mM AgNPs-GSE, bacterial viability decreased by 64.50%, 70.74%, and 79.53%, respectively. Similarly, Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, subjected to irradiation for 180 s with concentrations of 1 mM, 1.5 mM, and 2 mM AgNPs-GSE, demonstrated reductions in bacterial viability by 70.23%, 73.47%, and 85.04%, respectively. The findings from the present study indicate that at an energy density of 3.44 J/cm2, it was possible to inactivate Escherichia coli by 79.53% and Staphylococcus aureus by 85.04%.

Exploring the mechanism of probiotics in enhancing the utilization of chemical components (or polyphenols) of grape seed extract.

Fecal samples from 20 healthy adults were collected for in vitro fermentation experiments to investigate the effects of combined probiotics on the utilization of grape seed extract in humans. After fermenting for 24 h, short-chain fatty acids, metabolites, and gut microbiota composition were analyzed. Short-chain fatty acids in the grape seed extract probiotics group were significantly higher than those in the grape seed extract group. Probiotics significantly enhanced the conversion and utilization of catechins and epicatechins in grape seed extract group and increased the production of 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid. The 16S rRNA sequencing results revealed that compound probiotics significantly increased the relative abundance of Lacticaseibacillus, HT002, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus and reduced that of Escherichia-Shigella. Our findings showed considerable individual variability in the metabolic utilization of grape seed extract in humans. The consumption of probiotics appears to significantly enhance the utilization.

Investigation on the mechanisms by which the herbal remedies induce anti-prostate cancer activity: uncovering the most practical natural compound.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most reported cancers among men worldwide. Targeting the essential proteins associated with PCa could be a promising method for cancer treatment. Traditional and herbal remedies (HRs) are the most practical approaches for PCa treatment. Here, the proteins and enzymes associated with PCa were determined based on the information obtained from the DisGeNET database. The proteins with a gene-disease association (GDA) score greater than 0.7 and the genes that have a disease specificity index (DSI) = 1 were selected as the target proteins. 28 HRs with anti-PCa activity as a traditional treatment for PCa were chosen as potential bioactive compounds. More than 500 compound-protein complexes were screened to find the top-ranked bioactives. The results were further evaluated using the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and binding free energy calculations. The outcomes revealed that procyanidin B2 3,3'-di-O-gallate (B2G2), the most active ingredient of grape seed extract (GSE), can act as an agonist for PTEN. PTEN has a key role in suppressing PCa cells by applying phosphatase activity and inhibiting cell proliferation. B2G2 exhibited a considerable binding affinity to PTEN (11.643 kcal/mol). The MD results indicated that B2G2 could stabilize the key residues of the phosphatase domain of PTEN and increase its activity. Based on the obtained results, the active ingredient of GSE, B2G2, could play an agonist role and effectively increase the phosphatase activity of PTEN. The grape seed extract is a useful nutrition that can be used in men's diets to inhibit PCa in their bodies.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.