Mitigating Age-Related Cognitive Decline and Oxidative Status in Rats Treated with Catechin and Polyphenon-60.

Aging is a normal physiological process influenced by the combination of multiple mechanisms, primarily oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, which impact general physiology and brain function. Phenolic compounds have demonstrated the ability to slow down the aging process of the brain due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study assessed the protective properties of catechin and polyphenon-60 in non-pathologically aged rats regarding visuo-spatial learning and the oxidative status of the frontal cortex. Old animals were treated with catechin or green tea extract (polyphenon-60) for 36 days, daily. Healthy old and young rats were used as controls. During the first training phase, treated rats executed the test better, locating the target in less time compared with the controls. Biomarkers of oxidative stress (catalase activities, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione S-transferase) were reduced in the brain of old animals, although their activities were partially improved after both antioxidant treatments. Furthermore, the rise in the production of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels-a marker of lipid peroxidation-in the frontal cortex of aged animals was significantly ameliorated after the interventions. In conclusion, old rats exhibited enhanced cognitive function and reduced stress levels following the administration of catechin and polyphenon-60.

Anti-cancer properties of boswellic acids: mechanism of action as anti-cancerous agent.

With the advent of highly effective plant-based medications with few or no side effects, the use of phytomedicines against complex diseases such as cancer is becoming more widespread. The broadly recognized pentacyclic triterpenes known as boswellic acids (BAs) are derived from the oleogum resin, or frankincense, extracted from the plant species of the genus Boswellia. The frankincense mixture contains various BA types, each having a different potential and helping treat certain cancers. This review focuses on details regarding the traits of the BAs, their roles as anti-cancer agents, the mechanism underlying their activities, and the function of their semi-synthetic derivatives in managing and treating certain cancers. The review also explores the biological sources of BAs, how they are conserved, and how biotechnology might help preserve and improve in vitro BA production. The review concludes that the BAs and their semi-synthetic derivatives are effective against a broad spectrum of cancer cell lines. The detailed information in the review can be helpful for researchers to gain more information about BAs and BA-based medications for efficient and cost-effective cancer treatments.

Microplastic Presence in the Digestive Tract of Pearly Razorfish Xyrichtys novacula Causes Oxidative Stress in Liver Tissue.

Plastic pollution in the oceans is a growing problem, with negative effects on exposed species and ecosystems. Xyrichtys novacula L. is a very important fish species both culturally and economically in the Balearic Islands. The aim of the present study was to detect and categorise the presence of microplastics (MPs) in the digestive tract of X. novacula, as well as the existence of oxidative stress in the liver. For this purpose, the fish were categorised into two groups based on the number of MPs observed in the digestive tracts: a group with no or low presence of MPs (0-3 items) and a group with a higher presence of MPs (4-28 items). MPs were found in 89% of the specimens analysed, with a dominance of fibre type and blue colour. Regarding the type of polymer, polycarbonate was the most abundant, followed by polypropylene and polyethylene. For the group with a greater presence of MPs, the activities of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase, as well as the phase II detoxification enzyme glutathione s-transferase, were higher than the activities observed in fish with little to no presence of MPs. The activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase and the levels of malondialdehyde did not show significant differences between both groups. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the presence of MPs in the digestive tract of X. novacula and the existence of an antioxidant and detoxification response, mainly based on the glutathione-based enzymes.

Impact of Gut Microbiota in Brain Ageing: Polyphenols as Beneficial Modulators.

Brain ageing is a complex physiological process that includes several mechanisms. It is characterized by neuronal/glial dysfunction, alterations in brain vasculature and barriers, and the decline in brain repair systems. These disorders are triggered by an increase in oxidative stress and a proinflammatory state, without adequate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory systems, as it occurs in young life stages. This state is known as inflammaging. Gut microbiota and the gut-brain axis (GBA) have been associated with brain function, in a bidirectional communication that can cause loss or gain of the brain's functionality. There are also intrinsic and extrinsic factors with the ability to modulate this connection. Among the extrinsic factors, the components of diet, principally natural components such as polyphenols, are the most reported. The beneficial effects of polyphenols in brain ageing have been described, mainly due to their antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, including the modulation of gut microbiota and the GBA. The aim of this review was, by following the canonical methodology for a state-of-the-art review, to compose the existing evidenced picture of the impact of the gut microbiota on ageing and their modulation by polyphenols as beneficial molecules against brain ageing.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Reduces Oxidative Stress and Inflammation, and Increases Growth Factors Favouring the Healing Process of Diabetic Wounds.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the clinical application of oxygen at pressures higher than atmospheric pressure. HBOT has been effectively used to manage diverse clinical pathologies, such as non-healing diabetic ulcers. The aim of the present study was to analyse the effects of HBOT on the plasma oxidative and inflammation biomarkers and growth factors in patients with chronic diabetic wounds. The participants received 20 HBOT sessions (five sessions/week), and blood samples were obtained at sessions 1, 5 and 20, before and 2 h after the HBOT. An additional (control) blood sample was collected 28 days after wound recovery. No significant differences were evident in haematological parameters, whereas the biochemical parameters progressively decreased, which was significant for creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The pro-inflammatory mediators, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), progressively decreased throughout the treatments. Biomarkers of oxidative stress--plasma protein levels of catalase, extracellular superoxide dismutase, myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and protein carbonyls--were reduced in accordance with wound healing. Plasma levels of growth factors--platelet-derived growth factor (PDFG), transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α)-- were increased as a consequence of HBOT and reduced 28 days after complete wound healing, whereas matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) progressively decreased with the HBOT. In conclusion, HBOT reduced oxidative and pro-inflammatory mediators, and may participate in activating healing, angiogenesis and vascular tone regulation by increasing the release of growth factors.

Oxidative stress and behavioral responses of moorish geckos (Tarentola mauritanica) submitted to the presence of an introduced potential predator (Hemorrhois hippocrepis).

Stressful situations induce an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which can lead to molecular damage and alteration of cell function. The introduction of new potential predators induces physiological stress in native fauna. However, behavioral responses have been reported in preys, demonstrating an induction of the defenses against alien species. Behavioral and antioxidant enzyme responses in the moorish gecko, Tarentola mauritanica, against the invasive predator horseshoe whip snake (Hemorrhois hippocrepis) were assessed. Behavior was recorded and a tissue sample from the tail was collected after placing the gecko in a terrarium with previous absence or presence of the snake in 'Control' and 'H. hippocrepis' groups, respectively. Fifteen behavioral variables were examined, including tongue flick (TF) and locomotion patterns. Antioxidant enzyme activities -catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR)-, and the levels of reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), glutathione/glutathione disulfide ratio (GSH/GSSG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were measured in the tissue sampled. Geckos exposed to the snake's odor showed a higher number of TF, longer amounts of time remaining motionless or moving in slow motion and they spent less time on the ground in comparison to the 'Control' group. The presence of the snake produced a significant increase in the activities of CAT, SOD and GR and a decrease in the GSH/GSSG ratio in T. mauritanica individuals exposed to the snake's scent. Thus, both behavioral responses and oxidative stress biomarkers clearly showed that T. mauritanica is able to recognize H. hippocrepis as a potential predator, despite being a recently introduced snake at the Balearic Islands.

Effects of Human Activity on Markers of Oxidative Stress in the Intestine of Holothuria tubulosa, with Special Reference to the Presence of Microplastics.

Pollution in the seas and oceans is a global problem, which highlights emerging pollutants and plastics, specifically microplastics (MPs), which are tiny (1 µm to 5 mm) ubiquitous plastic particles present in marine environments that can be ingested by a wide range of organisms. Holothurians are benthic organisms that feed on sediment; therefore, they can be exposed to contaminants present in the particles they ingest. The objective was to evaluate the effects of human activity on Holothuria tubulosa through the study of biomarkers. Specimens were collected in three different areas throughout the island of Eivissa, Spain: (1) a highly urbanized area, with tourist uses and a marina; (2) an urbanized area close to the mouth of a torrent; (3) an area devoid of human activity and considered clean. The results showed a higher presence of microplastics (MPs) in the sediments from the highly urbanized area in relation to the other two areas studied. Similarly, a higher number of MPs were observed in the digestive tract of H. tubulosa from the most affected area, decreasing with the degree of anthropic influence. Both in the sediment and in the holothurians, fibers predominated with more than 75% of the items. In the three areas, mesoplastics were analyzed by means of FTIR, showing that the main polymer was polypropylene (27%) followed by low-density polyethylene (17%) and polystyrene (16%). Regarding the biomarkers of oxidative stress, the intestine of H. tubulosa from the most impacted areas showed higher catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GRd), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels compared to the control area. The intermediate area only presented significant differences in GRd and GST with respect to the clean area. The activities of acetylcholinesterase and the levels and malondialdehyde presented similar values in all areas. In conclusion, human activity evaluated with the presence of MPs induced an antioxidant response in H. tubulosa, although without evidence of oxidative damage or neurotoxicity. H. tubulosa, due to its benthic animal characteristics and easy handling, can be a useful species for monitoring purposes.

A Greater Improvement of Intrahepatic Fat Contents after 6 Months of Lifestyle Intervention Is Related to a Better Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Status in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a disorder characterized by the excessive accumulation of lipids in the liver parenchyma. To date, there is no effective pharmacological treatment against NAFLD. Objective: To assess the relationship between the improvement of the intrahepatic fat content (IFC) in patients with NAFLD and metabolic syndrome and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation after 6 months of lifestyle intervention. Patients diagnosed with NAFLD (n = 60 adults; 40-60 years old) residing in the Balearic Islands, Spain, were distributed in tertiles attending the improvement of IFC calculated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Anthropometrics, blood pressure, maximal oxygen uptake, and pro/antioxidant and inflammatory biomarkers were determined in plasma before and after the lifestyle intervention. The improvement in IFC levels was higher in tertile 3 with respect to tertiles 2 and 1. The greatest improvement in IFC is related to cardiorespiratory fitness and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (ADM). Higher reductions in weight, body mass index (BMI), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were observed in tertile 3 with respect to tertile 1 after 6 months of intervention. The improvement in catalase, irisin, and cytokeratin 18 plasma levels were higher in tertile 3, whereas no differences were observed in superoxide dismutase activity. Malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels, as biomarkers of oxidative damage, remained unchanged in all groups. The present data show that the reduction of IFC is associated with an improvement in pro/antioxidant and pro-inflammatory status and a better cardiorespiratory fitness in NAFLD patients.

First detection of microplastics in Xyrichtys novacula (Linnaeus 1758) digestive tract from Eivissa Island (Western Mediterranean).

Plastic waste and its ubiquity in the oceans represent a growing problem for marine life worldwide. Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in the sea and easily enter food webs. Xyrichtys novacula L. is one of the main target species of recreational fishing in the Balearic Islands, Spain. In the present study, the quantity of MPs in gastrointestinal tracts of X. novacula from two different areas (a marine protected area (MPA) and a non-protected area) of Eivissa Island (in the Balearic archipelago) has been assessed, as well as MPs evaluation within the sediment of both areas. The results showed that over 80% of sampled individuals had MPs in their gut with an average of 3.9 ± 4.3 plastic items/individual. Eighty percent of these plastics were fibres, while the rest were fragments. Although the sediment of the non-protected area had a significant higher presence of MPs, no significant differences in the number of MPs were observed in X. novacula from both areas. The µ-FT-IR analysis showed that the main polymers in the sediments were polycarbonate (PC) and polypropylene (PP), whereas in the digestive tract of fish PC, PP, polyethylene, polystyrene and polyester. In conclusion, practically all X. novacula specimens presented MPs in their digestive tract regardless if the capture zone was in a MPAs or not. These results highlight the ubiquity of MPs in coastal marine areas, and further studies might be necessary to evaluate further implications of MP presence in this species.

An Update of Anthraquinone Derivatives Emodin, Diacerein, and Catenarin in Diabetes.

Diabetes is part of metabolic diseases and is characterized by high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period as result of an insulin-deficient production or an inappropriate response to insulin by our cells. This chronic disease was the direct cause of 1.6 million deaths in 2016 as reported by the World Health Organization. Emodin is a natural product and active ingredient of various Chinese herbs with the chemical formula 1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone. Diacerein is another naturally occurring anthraquinone (1,8-diacetoxy-3-carboxyanthraquinone) commonly used as commercial drug to treat osteoarthritis. These two anthraquinone derivatives have been shown to exert antidiabetic activities. Emodin seems to enhance the glucose tolerance and insulin sensibility via activation of PPARγ and modulation of metabolic-related genes. Diacerein seems to decrease inflammatory cytokines and increase insulin secretion enhancing insulin sensibility and therefore improving glucose control. Other naturally occurring anthraquinone derivatives, such as catenarin (1,4,6,8-tetrahydroxy-3-methylanthraquinone), have been shown to have antidiabetic activities although few studies have been performed. The synthesis of new emodin derivatives is increasing, but these new molecules have not been tested for diabetes treatment. In the current work, available literature on anthraquinone derivatives' effects in diabetes disease is reviewed. Moreover, we discuss the chemistry, food sources, bioavailability, and toxicity of the naturally occurring anthraquinone with antidiabetic effects.

Ex Vivo Study on the Antioxidant Activity of a Winemaking By-Product Polyphenolic Extract (Taurisolo®) on Human Neutrophils.

Oxidative stress (OxS) has been linked to several chronic diseases and is recognized to have both major causes and consequences. The use of antioxidant-based nutraceuticals has been licensed as an optimal tool for management of OxS-related diseases. Currently, great interest is focused on the valorization of agri-food by-products as a source of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols. In this sense, we evaluated the efficacy of a novel nutraceutical formulation based on polyphenolic extract from Aglianico cultivar grape pomace (registered as Taurisolo®). In particular, we tested both native and in vitro gastrointestinal digested forms. The two extracts have been used to treat ex vivo neutrophils from subjects with metabolic syndrome, reporting a marked antioxidant activity of Taurisolo®, as shown by its ability to significantly reduce both the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the activities of catalase and myeloperoxidase in the cell medium after stimulation of neutrophils with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Interestingly, we observed an increase in intracellular enzymatic activities in PMA-treated cells, suggesting that Taurisolo® polyphenols might be able to activate nuclear factors, up-regulating the expression of this target antioxidant gene. In addition, Taurisolo® reversed the increase in malondialdehyde induced by PMA; reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory genes such as cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and myeloperoxidase (MPO); and induced the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Overall, these results suggest the efficacy of Taurisolo® in contrasting the OxS at blood level, providing evidence for its therapeutic potential in the management of OxS-related pathological conditions in humans.

Albuminuria Is Associated with Hepatic Iron Load in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Metabolic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Increased albuminuria is associated with increased serum ferritin, insulin resistance, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Liver iron accumulation is also related to hyperferritinemia, insulin resistance, and NAFLD; however, there is no evidence on its relationship with albuminuria. AIMS: To assess the relationship between hepatic iron load and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and NAFLD. METHODS: In total, 75 MetS and NAFLD patients (aged 40-60 years, BMI 27-40 kg/m2) were selected from a cohort according to available data on hepatic iron load (HepFe) by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Subjects underwent anthropometric measurements, biochemistry testing, and liver MRI. Increased albuminuria was defined by UACR. RESULTS: UACR correlated with NAFLD, HepFe, triglycerides, serum ferritin, fasting insulin, insulin resistance (calculated using the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance-HOMA-IR- formula), and platelets (p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis adjusted for gender, age, eGFR, HbA1c, T2DM, and stages of NAFLD, found that HepFe (p = 0.02), serum ferritin (p = 0.04), fasting insulin (p = 0.049), and platelets (p = 0.009) were associated with UACR (R2 = 0.370; p = 0.007). UACR, liver fat accumulation, serum ferritin, and HOMA-IR increased across stages of HepFe (p < 0.05). Patients with severe NAFLD presented higher HepFe, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and systolic blood pressure as compared to patients in NAFLD stage 1 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Hepatic iron load, serum ferritin, fasting insulin, and platelets were independently associated with albuminuria. In the context of MetS, increased stages of NAFLD presented higher levels of HepFe. Higher levels of HepFe were accompanied by increased serum ferritin, insulin resistance, and UACR. The association between iron accumulation, MetS, and NAFLD may represent a risk factor for the development of increased albuminuria.

Animal Fat Intake Is Associated with Albuminuria in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Metabolic Syndrome.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Diet could play a predisposing role in the development of increased albuminuria in patients with NAFLD and MetS; however, published evidence is still limited. The aim of this cross-sectional analysis was to assess whether dietary fats are associated with changes in urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) in 146 patients aged 40-60-years with NAFLD and MetS. Dietary data were collected by food frequency questionnaire; UACR was measured in a single first morning void. Sources and types of dietary fats used in the analysis were total fat, fats from animal and vegetable sources, saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and trans fats. One-way analysis of variance was performed to assess differences in dietary fats intakes across stages of UACR. The association between dietary fats and UACR was assessed by Pearson's correlation coefficient and multivariable linear regression. Patients with increased UACR showed a worse cardiometabolic profile and higher intakes of animal fat, as compared to patients with normal levels of albuminuria. Animal fat intake was associated with mean UACR, independent of potential covariates.

Neurochemical and Cognitive Beneficial Effects of Moderate Physical Activity and Catechin in Aged Rats.

A healthy aging process is a requirement for good life quality. A relationship between physical activity, the consumption of antioxidants and brain health has been stablished via the activation of pathways that reduce the harmful effects of oxidative stress, by inducing enzymes such as SIRT1, which is a protector of brain function. We analyzed the cognitive and neurochemical effects of applying physical exercise in elderly rats, alone or in combination with the antioxidant catechin. Several tests of spatial and episodic memory and motor coordination were evaluated. In addition, brain monoaminergic neurotransmitters and SIRT1 protein levels were assessed in the brains of the same rats. The results show that physical activity by itself improved age-related memory and learning deficits, correlating with the restoration of brain monoaminergic neurotransmitters and SIRT1 protein levels in the hippocampus. The administration of the antioxidant catechin along with the exercise program enhanced further the monoaminergic pathways, but not the other parameters studied. These results agree with previous reports revealing a neuroprotective effect of physical activity, probably based on its ability to improve the redox status of the brain, demonstrating that exercise at an advanced age, combined with the consumption of antioxidants, could produce favorable effects in terms of brain health.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Is Associated with Kidney Glomerular Hyperfiltration in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a risk factor for the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is early marked by kidney glomerular hyperfiltration. However, the association of NAFLD with kidney glomerular hyperfiltration has not been tested so far in adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). AIMS: To assess the relationship between NAFLD and kidney glomerular hyperfiltration in adults with MetS. METHODS: The study included 154 participants aged 40-60 years with MetS and NAFLD diagnosed by ultrasound. NAFLD was confirmed by MRI in 109 subjects. Participants underwent anthropometric measurements, and biochemistry testing. Estimated GFR (eGFR) was calculated using the CKD-Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) formula; hyperfiltration was defined as eGFR ≥ 120 mL/min. RESULTS: Participants with MRI-proven NAFLD showed a worse metabolic profile and higher levels of eGFR than those with no NAFLD. Presence of NAFLD and increased weight were independently associated with an increased probability of presenting hyperfiltration. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows an association between kidney glomerular hyperfiltration and NAFLD in adults with MetS. Establishing an association between NAFLD and kidney glomerular hyperfiltration would help to earlier identify those patients at increased risk of CKD, who would benefit from an early intervention.

Energy Expenditure Improved Risk Factors Associated with Renal Function Loss in NAFLD and MetS Patients.

To assess the efficacy of three lifestyle interventions on the reduction of liver fat content and metabolic syndrome (MetS), and whether such reductions would influence renal outcomes, we conducted a randomized controlled trial on 128 participants with MetS and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), as well as available data on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin-to-creatine ratio (UACR). Patients were randomized in 1:1:1 ratio to either Conventional Diet, Mediterranean diet (MD)-high meal frequency, and MD-physical activity groups. Each intervention aimed at reducing caloric intake by 25%-30% of baseline intake and increase energy expenditure by 400 kcal/70 kg. Patients attended regular visits and were followed-up for 6 months. Increased albuminuria was present in 13.3% of patients, while 32.8% showed hyperfiltration. UACR reduction was associated with higher levels of UACR at baseline but not with changes in liver fat. eGFR decreased in patients presenting hyperfiltration at baseline and was associated with reduction in liver fat and insulin resistance, as well as with increase in energy expenditure (R2 = 0.248, p = 0.006). No significant differences were observed between the three treatment groups. In patients with NAFLD and MetS, energy expenditure significantly reduced hepatic fat accumulation and insulin resistance, which reduced glomerular hyperfiltration. Increased albuminuria was reduced, but it was not associated with reduced liver fat.

Epigenetic targeting of cancer stem cells by polyphenols (cancer stem cells targeting).

Epigenetic alterations are one of the main factors that disrupt the expression of genes and consequently, they have an important role in the carcinogenicity and the progression of different cancers. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are accountable for the recurrence, metastasis, and therapeutic failure of cancer. The noticeable and specific pathways in CSCs can be organized by epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, regulatory RNAs, among others. Since epigenetics modifications can be changed and reversed, it is a possible tool for cancer control and treatment. Epigenetic therapies against CSCs are emerging as a very new strategy with a good future expectation to treat cancer patients. Phenolic compounds are a vast group of substances with anticarcinogenic functions, antiinflammatory, and antioxidative activities. It seems these characteristics are related to neutralizing CSCs development, their microenvironment, and metabolism through epigenetic mechanisms. In the current work, the types of epigenetic changes known in these cells are introduced. In addition, some studies about the use of polyphenols acting through a variety of epigenetic mechanisms to counteract these cells will be reviewed. The reported results seem to indicate that the use of these phenolic compounds may be useful for CSCs defeat.

Hypotensive Effects of the Triterpene Oleanolic Acid for Cardiovascular Prevention.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a highly prevalent chronic disease worldwide and a major cardiovascular risk factor. Oleanolic acid (3ß-hydroxy-olea-12-en-28-oic acid) is a widely distributed bioactive pentacyclic triterpenoid with diverse biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, hepaprotective, anti-diabetic or anti-hypertensive. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to review and highlight the available data regarding the antihypertensive activity of oleanolic acid and the described mechanisms of action. METHODS: Extensive searches were made in the available literature on oleanolic acid and the data investigating its antihypertensive effects were analysed. RESULTS: Most of the research has been performed on animal models of hypertension, ex vivo studies with aortic ring and some in vitro tests with cell cultures, whereas clinical trials are still lacking. Treatment of hypertensive animals with oleanolic acid significantly ameliorated the rise in the systolic blood pressure. In addition, the hypotensive effects of oleanolic acid are also related to a potent diuretic-natriuretic activity and nephroprotection. In vitro studies have characterized the participation of various signalling pathways that modulate the release of vasodilation mediators. CONCLUSION: In vitro and in vivo studies suggest that oleanolic acid effectively reduces blood pressure and could be an interesting co-adjuvant to conventional treatment of hypertension.

Physiological biomarkers in loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) as a tool for monitoring sanitary evolution in marine recovery centres.

The loggerhead turtle, Caretta caretta, is a very vulnerable species to human action which means that numerous specimens arrive at the recovery centres to be treated until they can be returned to the natural environment. The aim of the present study was to investigate the physiological evolution of C. caretta specimens that have entered a recovery centre by using oxidative stress biomarkers. Plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells of specimens were obtained at different periods: the day of arrival at the recovery centre (day 1), at 3, 9, and 30 days later, and a final sample collected before the animal was returned to the sea. The average residence time in the centre until the return to the sea was 58.5 ± 6.1 days. The activities of antioxidant enzymes - catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase activities in immune cells and CAT and SOD in plasma - progressively decreased throughout the recovery time. Similarly, H2O2 production by immune cells after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and zymosan activation progressively decreased with the recovery process. Also, malondialdehyde (MDA), as a marker of lipid peroxidation, and the activity of the pro-oxidant myeloperoxidase were significantly decreased throughout the recovery process. In conclusion, the results evidenced that the turtles presented a high level of oxidative stress upon arrival at the recovery centre, which was normalized along with their rehabilitation. Oxidative stress biomarkers are a good tool to monitor the recovery process in C. caretta complementary to the veterinary control.