Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant Effects of Prunella vulgaris in Experimental Acute Inflammation.

Prunella vulgaris (PV) is one of the most commonly used nutraceuticals as it has been proven to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition of PV and its in vivo antioxidant properties. A phytochemical analysis measuring the total phenolic content (TPC), the identification of phenolic compounds by HPLC-DAD-ESI, and the evaluation of the in vitro antioxidant activity by the DPPH assay of the extract were performed. The antioxidant effects on inflammation induced by turpentine oil were experimentally tested in rats. Seven groups with six animals each were used: a control group, the experimental inflammation treatment group, the experimental inflammation and diclofenac sodium (DS) treatment group, and four groups with their inflammation treated using different dilutions of the extract. Serum redox balance was assessed based on total oxidative status (TOS), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiols, and an oxidative stress index (OSI) contents. The TPC was 0.28 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/mL extract, while specific representatives were represented by caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, dihydroxybenzoic acid, gentisic acid, protocatechuic acid, rosmarinic acid, vanillic acid, apigenin-glucuronide, hesperidin, kaempferol-glucuronide. The highest amount (370.45 µg/mL) was reported for hesperidin, which is a phenolic compound belonging to the flavanone subclass. The antioxidant activity of the extracts, determined using the DPPH assay, was 27.52 mmol Trolox/mL extract. The PV treatment reduced the oxidative stress by lowering the TOS, OSI, NO, and MDA and by increasing the TAC and thiols. In acute inflammation, treatment with the PV extract reduced oxidative stress, with lower concentrations being more efficient and having a better effect than DS.

Polyphenols from Dichrostachys cinerea Fruits Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesic, and Antioxidant Capacity in Freund's Adjuvant-Induced Arthritic Rat Model.

Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wigth & Arn. (DC) is widely used in traditional medicine against several inflammatory diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis, because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to characterize the polyphenol-rich DC fruit extracts and investigate the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects in a rat inflammation model induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Water and ethanolic extracts were characterized using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The polyphenol-rich extracts were administered in three different concentrations for 30 days. Pain threshold, thermal hyperalgesia, edema, and serum biomarkers specific to inflammatory processes or oxidative stress were evaluated. Both extracts were rich in polyphenolic compounds, mainly flavan-3-ols, proanthocyanidins, and flavone glycosides, which had important in vitro antioxidant capacity. DC fruit extracts administration had the maximum antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects after one day since the CFA injection and showed promising results for long-term use as well. The measurement of pro-inflammatory cytokines, cortisol, and oxidative stress parameters showed that DC extracts significantly reduced these parameters, being dose and extract-type dependent. These results showed potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidative properties and revealed the necessity of using a standardized polyphenolic DC extract to avoid result variability.

Potential therapeutic applications of infusions and hydroalcoholic extracts of Romanian glutinous sage (Salvia glutinosa L.).

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Salvia glutinosa, also known as the glutinous sage, has been used in Romanian folk medicine in the treatment of inflammation, injuries, and mild infections. However, there is no direct scientific evidence to demonstrate these activities. Aim of the Study: The present research was based on evaluating antioxidant, antiproliferative, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of S. glutinosa extracts, as well as the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. Materials and Methods: Infusions and 70% (v:v) ethanol solution extracts of S. glutinosa stems and leaves, collected from two different locations in Romania, were prepared. Ten phenolic compounds were identified and quantified using the LC-DAD-ESI/MSn method, and total phenolic and flavonoid content, as well as in vitro antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays), antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activities were determined. A rat model of induced inflammation with turpentine oil was used for the examination of in vivo effects of the extracts, using diclofenac as an anti-inflammatory control. Results: The highest inhibitory α-glucosidase activity was determined to be IC50 = 0.546 mg/ml for the hydroalcoholic extract made with plant material collected on the road to Sighișoara. The highest cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cell line was determined to be GI50 = 131.68 ± 5.03 µg/ml, for the hydroalcoholic extract made with plant material from Sighișoara. In vivo administration of extract (200 mg lyophilized powder/ml) showed a significant reduction of NO production. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that S. glutinosa extracts exhibit antioxidant, α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, as well as a modest cytotoxic effect on HepG2 cell line. By in vivo administration, the extracts show anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, which correlates with the traditional use of the species. The environmental conditions seemed to induce important changes in the chemical composition and the bioactivity of the herbal preparations derived from S. glutinosa.

Flaxseed Ethanol Extracts' Antitumor, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Potential.

The antitumoral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of flaxseed ethanol extract was screened. Phytochemical analysis was performed by measuring the total phenolic content and by HPLC-DAD-ESI MS. In vitro antiproliferative activity was appreciated by MMT test of four adenocarcinomas and two normal cell lines. In vitro, antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH, FRAP, H2O2, and NO scavenging tests. The in vivo growth inhibitory activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in female BALB/c mice was determined using the trypan blue test. In EAC mice serum and ascites total oxidative status, total antioxidant reactivity, oxidative stress index, malondialdehyde, total thiols, total nitrites, 3-nitrotyrosine, and NFkB were measured. The phytochemical analysis found an significant content of phenols, with lignans having the highest concentration. The extract had an significant in vitro antioxidant effect and different inhibitory effects on different cell lines. After treatment of EAC mice with flaxseeds extract, body weight, ascites volume and viable tumour cell count, serum and ascites oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers decreased significantly. The ethanol flaxseeds extract has potential antiproliferative activity against some ovary and endometrial malignant cells and EAC. This effect can be attributed to the phenols content, and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Flaxseed Ethanol Extract Effect in Acute Experimental Inflammation.

Background and Objectives: Previous studies demonstrated antioxidant activities for flaxseed and flaxseed oil. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prophylactic and therapeutic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of flaxseed ethanol extract in acute experimental inflammation. Materials and Methods: The in vivo anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity was evaluated on a turpentine-induced acute inflammation (6 mL/kg BW, i.m.) by measuring serum total oxidative status, total antioxidant reactivity, oxidative stress index, malondialdehyde, total thiols, total nitrites, 3-nitrotyrosine, and NFkB. The experiment was performed on nine groups (n = 5) of male rats: negative control; inflammation; three groups with seven days of flaxseed extract (100%, 50%, 25%) pretreatment followed by inflammation on day eight; three groups of inflammation followed by seven days of treatment with flaxseed extract (100%, 50%, 25%); inflammation followed by seven days of treatment with diclofenac (20 mg/kg BW). Results: Flaxseed extract anti-inflammatory activity was better in the therapeutic plan than in the prophylactic one, and consisted of NO, 3NT, and NF-κB reduction in a dose dependent way. ROS was reduced better in the therapeutic flaxseed extracts administration, and antioxidants were increased by the prophylactic flaxseed extracts administration. Both, ROS and antioxidants were influenced more by the total flaxseed extract, which was also more efficient than diclofenac. Conclusions: flaxseed extract prophylaxis has a useful antioxidant activity by increasing the antioxidants, and flaxseed extract therapy has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities by reducing NF-κB, RNS, and ROS.

Curcumin and Vitamin C Attenuate Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity by Modulating Distinctive Reactive Species.

Gentamicin remains widely used in all age groups despite its well-documented nephrotoxicity; however, no adjuvant therapies have been established to counteract this side effect. Our study aimed to experimentally determine whether curcumin and vitamin C have nephroprotective effects and whether certain reactive species could be used as markers of early gentamicin nephrotoxicity. Wistar adult male rats were evenly distributed into four groups: control, gentamicin, curcumin and gentamicin, vitamin C and gentamicin (gentamicin: 60 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally, 7 days). We determined renal function (urea, creatinine), oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, 3-nitrotyrosine, total oxidative stress), and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory status (thiols, total antioxidant capacity, interleukin-10). Nephrotoxicity was successfully induced, as shown by the elevated creatinine levels in the gentamicin group. In contrast, supplementation with curcumin and vitamin C prevented an increase in urea levels while decreasing total oxidative stress levels compared to the gentamicin group. Moreover, vitamin C and curcumin distinctively modulate the levels of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde. Histological analysis showed more discrete lesions in rats that received vitamin C compared to the curcumin group.

Accelerated lipid peroxidation in a rat model of gentamicin nephrotoxicity.

Kidney disease represents a burden for the health care system worldwide. As the prevalence continues to rise, discovering new biomarkers of early kidney damage has become crucial. Oxidative stress (OS) represents one of the main factors involved in the early stages of many syndromes leading to kidney damage. Therefore, it must be studied in detail. To date, many studies have focused on OS in advanced stages of acute kidney injury (AKI), with great success. The aim of the present study was to ascertain whether even mild renal function impairment can be linked to specific systemic markers of OS and systemic antioxidants in order to pinpoint certain biomarkers for early kidney damage. We used male rats (Rattus norvegicus) in which we induced kidney damage by injecting gentamicin for 7 days. Blood was collected 24 h after the last dose of gentamicin. Urea, creatinine, 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), thiols (TS), total oxidative stress (TOS), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were determined. In addition, for the antioxidant status we measured total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). Our results demonstrated that the rats had mild renal impairment consistent with a pre-AKI stage due to the nephrotoxic effect of gentamicin. However, TOS, MDA and NO were significantly higher in the gentamicin group compared to the control group. In addition, TAC was higher in the control group. Hence, OS markers reach higher levels and may potentially be used as markers of kidney damage even in cases of mild renal function impairment.

Relationship between 25 Hydroxyvitamin D, Overweight/Obesity Status, Pro-Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Markers in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Simplified Empirical Path Model.

Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in patients with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Herein, we investigated the relationship between vitamin D status and overweight/obesity status, insulin resistance (IR), systemic inflammation as well as oxidative stress (OS). Anthropometric and laboratory assessments of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and glycemic, pro-inflammatory and OS biomarkers were performed in a sample of 47 patients with T2DM who were divided into categories based on overweight and degree of obesity. The main findings were: the overweight/obesity status correlated negatively with the degree of serum 25(OH)D deficiency (ρ = -0.27) with a trend towards statistical significance (p = 0.069); the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was significantly different (p = 0.024) in patients with 25(OH)D deficiency, as was total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) in patients with severe serum 25(OH)D deficiency as compared to those with 25(OH)D over 20 ng/mL (TOS: p = 0.007, OSI: p = 0.008); and 25(OH)D had a negative indirect effect on TOS by body mass index (BMI), but BMI was not a significant mediator of the studied relationship. In a setting of overweight and increasing degree of obesity, patients with T2DM did not display decreasing values of 25(OH)D. Subjects with the lowest values of 25(OH)D presented the highest values of BMI. Patients with 25(OH)D deficiency were more insulin resistant and showed increased OS but no elevated systemic inflammation. The negative effect of 25(OH)D on TOS did not seem to involve BMI as a mediator.

Vitamin D Supplementation: Oxidative Stress Modulation in a Mouse Model of Ovalbumin-Induced Acute Asthmatic Airway Inflammation.

Asthma oxidative stress disturbances seem to enable supplementary proinflammatory pathways, thus contributing to disease development and severity. The current study analyzed the impact of two types of oral vitamin D (VD) supplementation regimens on the redox balance using a murine model of acute ovalbumin-induced (OVA-induced) asthmatic inflammation. The experimental prevention group received a long-term daily dose of 50 µg/kg (total dose of 1300 µg/kg), whereas the rescue group underwent a short-term daily dose of 100 µg/kg (total dose of 400 µg/kg). The following oxidative stress parameters were analyzed in serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue homogenate (LTH): total oxidative status, total antioxidant response, oxidative stress index, malondialdehyde and total thiols. Results showed that VD significantly reduced oxidative forces and increased the antioxidant capacity in the serum and LTH of treated mice. There was no statistically significant difference between the two types of VD supplementation. VD also exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect in all treated mice, reducing nitric oxide formation in serum and the expression of nuclear factor kappa B p65 in the lung. In conclusion, VD supplementation seems to exhibit a protective role in oxidative stress processes related to OVA-induced acute airway inflammation.

Protective Effects of Taraxacum officinale L. (Dandelion) Root Extract in Experimental Acute on Chronic Liver Failure.

BACKGROUND: Taraxacum officinale (TO) or dandelion has been frequently used to prevent or treat different liver diseases because of its rich composition in phytochemicals with demonstrated effect against hepatic injuries. This study aimed to investigate the possible preventing effect of ethanolic TO root extract (TOERE) on a rat experimental acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) model. METHODS: Chronic liver failure (CLF) was induced by human serum albumin, and ACLF was induced in CLF by D-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide (D-Gal-LPS). Five groups (n = 5) of male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were used: ACLF, ACLF-silymarin (200 mg/kg b.w./day), three ACLF-TO administered in three doses (200 mg, 100 mg, 50 mg/kg b.w./day). RESULTS: The in vivo results showed that treatment with TOERE administered in three chosen doses before ACLF induction reduced serum liver injury markers (AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, total bilirubin), renal tests (creatinine, urea), and oxidative stress tests (TOS, OSI, MDA, NO, 3NT). Histopathologically, TOERE diminished the level of liver tissue injury and 3NT immunoexpression. CONCLUSIONS: This paper indicated oxidative stress reduction as possible mechanisms for the hepatoprotective effect of TOERE in ACLF and provided evidence for the preventive treatment.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Antiproliferative Effects of the Vitis vinifera L. var. Feteasca Neagra and Pinot Noir Pomace Extracts.

The pathophysiology of inflammation and oxidative stress generated during different types of cancers and anticancer treatments is well documented. Traditionally, grape pomace is used for animal feed, organic fertilizers, ethanol production or is disposed as waste. Because grape pomace is a rich source of antioxidant compounds, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative effects of fresh and fermented grape pomace extracts of two Vitis vinifera L. varieties Feteasca neagra and Pinot noir cultivated in Romania. Firstly, grape pomace phytochemical analysis and in vitro antioxidant tests were performed. Secondly, the effect of a seven-day pretreatment with grape pomace extracts on the turpentine oil-induced inflammation in rats was assessed by measuring total oxidative status, total antioxidant response, oxidative stress index, malondialdehyde, total thiols, nitric oxide and 3-nitrotyrosine. Thirdly, the antiproliferative properties were evaluated on human lung carcinoma (A549), human breast adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231), murine melanoma (B164A5), and keratinocyte (HaCat) cell lines. Feteasca neagra and Pinot noir grape pomace extracts have a rich content of polyphenols and in vitro antioxidant effect. Fermented samples had higher polyphenol content, but fresh samples had better antioxidant activity. Pretreatment with grape pomace extracts reduced inflammation-induced oxidative stress in a concentration-dependent way, fresh samples being more efficient. The malignant cells' proliferation was inhibited by all grape pomace extracts, fermented Feteasca neagra extracts having the strongest effect. Conclusion: fresh and fermented pomace extracts of Vitis vinifera L. varieties Feteasca neagra and Pinot noir cultivated in a Romanian wine region have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects.

Systemic and Local Biocompatibility Assessment of Graphene Composite Dental Materials in Experimental Mandibular Bone Defect.

The main objective of this research is to demonstrate the biocompatibility of two experimental graphene dental materials by in vitro and in vivo tests for applications in dentistry. The novel graphene dental materials, including one restorative composite and one dental cement, were subjected to cytotoxicity and implantation tests by using a rat model of a non-critical mandibular defect. In vitro cytotoxicity induced by materials on human dental follicle stem cells (restorative composite) and dysplastic oral keratinocytes (dental cement) was investigated at 37 °C for 24 h. After in vivo implantation, at 7 weeks, bone samples were harvested and subjected to histological investigations. The plasma biochemistry, oxidative stress, and sub-chronic organ toxicity analysis were also performed. The resulting cytotoxicity tests confirm that the materials had no toxic effects against dental cells after 24 h. Following graphene dental materials implantation, the animals did not present any symptoms of acute toxicity or local inflammation. No alterations were detected in relative organ weights and in correlation with hepatic and renal histological findings. The materials' lack of systemic organ toxicity was confirmed. The outcomes of our study provided further evidence on the graphene dental materials' ability for bone regeneration and biocompatibility.

Ultra-Early and Early Changes in Bile Acids and Insulin After Sleeve Gastrectomy Among Obese Patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In obese patients, sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has shown mixed results on bile acid (BA) values. The aim of our study was to examine the potential ultra-early and early changes of the circulating total BA in relation with the changes of insulin resistance (IR) in obese patients submitted to laparoscopic SG. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four obese subjects were investigated for body mass index (BMI), total fasting BA, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and leptin before and at 7 and 30 d after SG. Results: After surgery, mean BMI decreased at the first (p < 0.001) and at the second time point (p < 0.001) relative to baseline. Total fasting BA values did not change significantly at 7 d (p = 0.938) and at 30 d (p = 0.289) after SG. No significant changes were found at 7 d (p = 0.194, p = 0.34) and 30 d (p = 0.329, p = 0.151) after surgery regarding fasting insulin and HOMA-IR, respectively. However, a trend of increased total fasting BA and decreased fasting insulin and HOMA- after laparoscopic SG has been found. Negative correlations between total fasting BA and insulin (r = -0.807, p = 0.009), HOMA-IR (r = -0.855, p = 0.014), and blood glucose (r = -0.761, p = 0.047), respectively, were observed at one month after SG. Conclusion: In conclusion, here, we found a lack of significant changes in total fasting BA, insulin, and HOMA-IR ultra-early and early after SG, which precluded us to consider a possible relation between the variations of BA and IR. However, the presence of the tendency for total fasting BA to increase and for insulin and HOMA-IR to decrease, as well as of the negative correlations one month after laparoscopic SG, suggest that this surgery brings about some changes that point towards the existence, and possibly towards the restoration, at least to some extent, of the link between BA and glucose metabolism.

Comparative Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Different Extracts of Traditionally Used Romanian Ajuga genevensis L. and A. reptans L. (Lamiaceae).

Several Ajuga species are used in Romanian folk medicine for their antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, to treat pain, fever or arthritis. Still, the active compounds responsible for these effects and their mechanism of action are scarcely known. This research was designed to investigate the phytochemical profile (e.g. iridoids, polyphenolic compounds, phytosterols), as well as the biological potential (antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory properties) of two selected Ajuga species collected from different regions of Romanian spontaneous flora. The main compounds identified in A. reptans aerial parts extracts were 8-O-acetylharpagide, isoquercitrin and ß-sitosterol, whilst in A. genevensis were 8-O-acetylharpagide, luteolin and campesterol. The extracts were screened for their antioxidant potential using different methods (DPPH, TEAC, EPR) and the results showed a good activity, in accordance with the polyphenol content (18-26 mg GAE/g dw). The antifungal activity on the tested strains was good. The determination of few parameters linked with the inflammatory mechanism allowed the assessment of in vivo anti-inflammatory potential. Ajuga reptans and A. genevensis ethanol extracts had anti-inflammatory activity through lowering the oxidative stress, phagocytosis, PMN and total leukocytes. The best anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activity was observed for the Ajuga reptans 100 mg dw/mL extract when compared with diclofenac, thus the dose could be correlated with the pharmacological effect. These findings provide substantial evidence that both selected Ajuga species have the potential to be valued as sources of phytochemicals in effective anti-inflammatory herbal preparations.

Antitumoral and Immunomodulatory Effect of Mahonia aquifolium Extracts.

The prodrug potential of Mahonia aquifolium, a plant used for centuries in traditional medicine, recently gained visibility in the literature, and the activity of several active compounds isolated from its extracts was studied on biologic systems in vitro and in vivo. Whereas the antioxidative and antitumor activities of M. aquifolium-derived compounds were studied at some extent, there are very few data about their outcome on the immune system and tumor cells. To elucidate the M. aquifolium potential immunomodulatory and antiproliferative effects, the bark, leaf, flower, green fruit, and ripe fruit extracts from the plant were tested on peripheral blood mononuclear cells and tumor cells. The extracts exert fine-tuned control on the immune response, by modulating the CD25 lymphocyte activation pathway, the interleukin-10 signaling, and the tumor necrosis-alpha secretion in four distinct human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) subpopulations. M. aquifolium extracts exhibit a moderate cytotoxicity and changes in the signaling pathways linked to cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of the tumor cells. These results open perspectives to further investigation of the M. aquifolium extract prodrug potential.

Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in oral cavity granulomas based on new data concerning their origin and pathogenesis.

Giant cell granulomas in the oral cavity are reactive hyperplastic lesions that arise either peripherally in the mucoperiosteum or centrally in the bone. The peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG) is a benign lesion induced by local chronic irritation. It may develop at any age, and tends to be more frequent in females. Central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) is a reactive lesion of unknown etiology. It commonly occurs in children and young adults. It is also predominant in females and frequently located in the anterior part of the mandible. Histologically, PGCG and CGCG have similar features. The lesions are non-encapsulated proliferations of oval and spindle-shaped mononuclear cells (MCs) and multiple multinucleated giant cells (MGCs) in a vascular supporting stromal tissue, associated with foci of hemorrhage. Despite the similar microscopic features, PGCG and CGCG have different clinical behavior. PGCG is usually reduced in size and asymptomatic. It grows locally, as an exophytic lesion on the alveolar mucosa, but may become slightly infiltrative in the underlying periosteum and bone. After complete excision and curettage, it has a low recurrence rate. Contrarily, CGCG has an aggressive behavior, with rapid growth and intense osteolytic activity causing perforation of the cortical plate, teeth malposition and pain. Moreover, it is characterized by a high recurrence rate. This review focuses on the origin and activating pathways of MCs and MGCs, discusses the mechanisms underlying their biological activity, tries to explain the variable clinical behavior and proposes therapeutic approaches for the granulomas associated with the jaw bones.

Metabolically Healthy versus Unhealthy Morbidly Obese: Chronic Inflammation, Nitro-Oxidative Stress, and Insulin Resistance.

Metabolically heathy obesity is characterised by the presence of obesity in the absence of metabolic disturbances. The aim of our study was to analyse pro-inflammatory, nitro-oxidative stress, and insulin-resistance (IR) markers in metabolically healthy morbidly obese (MHMO) with respect to metabolically unhealthy morbidly obese (MUHMO) with metabolic syndrome (MS) and to identify the potential predictors of MS in the MHMO group. Two groups of MHMO and MUHMO with MS were analysed. We evaluated serum high sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), chemerin, nitrite and nitrate (NOx), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant response (TAR), fasting blood glucose, insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR.) MHMO have similar hsCRP and TNF-α values as the MUHMO with MS, while chemerin was significantly lower in MHMO. NOx was higher in MUHMO with MS patients, while no difference regarding TOS and TAR was found between the two groups. HOMA-IR and insulin values were lower in MHMO as compared to the MUHMO with MS group. Insulin, HOMA-IR, and chemerin were identified predictors of MS in MHMO. In conclusion, MHMO and MUHMO display similarities and differences in terms of chronic inflammation, nitro-oxidative stress, and IR. Markers of IR and chemerin are possible predictors of MS in MHMO.

Phytochemical Analysis of Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Mahonia aquifolium Flower and Fruit Extracts.

Oxidative stress and inflammation are interlinked processes. The aim of the study was to perform a phytochemical analysis and to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanolic Mahonia aquifolium flower (MF), green fruit (MGF), and ripe fruit (MRF) extracts. Plant extract chemical composition was evaluated by HLPC. A DPPH test was used for the in vitro antioxidant activity. The in vivo antioxidant effects and the anti-inflammatory potential were tested on a rat turpentine oil-induced inflammation, by measuring serum nitric oxide (NOx) and TNF-alpha, total oxidative status (TOS), total antioxidant reactivity (TAR), oxidative stress index (OSI), 3-nitrothyrosine (3NT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total thiols (SH). Extracts were administrated orally in three dilutions (100%, 50%, and 25%) for seven days prior to inflammation. The effects were compared to diclofenac. The HPLC polyphenol and alkaloid analysis revealed chlorogenic acid as the most abundant compound. All extracts had a good in vitro antioxidant activity, decreased NOx, TOS, and 3NT, and increased SH. TNF-alpha was reduced, and TAR increased only by MF and MGF. MDA was not influenced. Our findings suggest that M. aquifolium has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that support the use in primary prevention of the inflammatory processes.

Chemerin, Inflammatory, and Nitrooxidative Stress Marker Changes Six Months after Sleeve Gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Chemerin is a chemokine known to be increased in morbidly obese (MO) patients and correlated with markers of inflammation and nitrooxidative stress. We aimed to evaluate the changes of serum chemerin six months after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and to asses if these changes are accompanied by variations of inflammatory and nitrooxidative stress markers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We investigated the levels of chemerin, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), nitrite and nitrate (NOx), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant response (TAR), and oxidative stress index (OSI) in a group of 24 MO patients submitted to SG before and six months after surgery. The MO group was compared with 20 controls. RESULTS: hsCRP (p < 0.001), NOx (p < 0.001), TOS (p < 0.001), TAR (p = 0.007), and OSI (p = 0.001) were significantly different between the two groups. Six months after surgery, we noticed significant changes (42.28% decrease) of hsCRP (p = 0.044) and OSI (p = 0.041) (31.81% decrease), while no significant changes were observed for chemerin (p = 0.605), TNF-α (p = 0.287), NOx (p = 0.137), TOS (p = 0.158), and TAR (p = 0.563). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed no significant changes of chemerin, and except for hsCRP and OSI, no other inflammatory and nitrooxidative stress markers changed six months after surgery.

Polyphenolic Compounds, Antioxidant, and Cardioprotective Effects of Pomace Extracts from Feteasca Neagra Cultivar.

Grape pomace is a potential source of natural antioxidant agents. Phenolic compounds and antioxidant and cardioprotective properties of fresh and fermented pomace extracts obtained from Vitis vinifera L. red variety Feteasca neagra grown in Romania in 2015 were investigated. Grape pomace extracts total phenolic index, total tannins, total anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavan-3-ol monomers, stilbenes, and DPPH free radical scavenger were measured. The effect of a seven-day pretreatment with grape pomace extracts on the isoprenaline-induced infarct-like lesion in rats was assessed by ECG monitoring, serum levels of creatine kinase, aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase. Total serum oxidative status, total antioxidant response, oxidative stress index, malondialdehyde, total thiols, and nitric oxide have been also assessed. Higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity were found in fermented pomace extracts when compared to fresh pomace extracts. Pretreatment with grape pomace extracts significantly improved cardiac and oxidative stress parameters. In conclusion, Feteasca neagra pomace extracts had a good in vitro antioxidant activity due to an important phenolic content. In vivo, the extracts had cardioprotective effects against isoprenaline-induced infarct-like lesion by reducing oxidative stress, fresh pomace extracts having a better effect.