Total Phenolics, Total Anthocyanins, Antioxidant and Pro-oxidant Activity of Some Red Fruits Teas.

Fruits represent one of the main dietary sources of bioactive compounds. Due to their remarkable health benefits, many functional foods of fruit origin, including fruit teas, are present on the market and there is an increased interest regarding the investigation of their nutritional parameters and quality. The aims of our study were: 1) to determine the total phenolic content (TPC), total anthocyanins content (TAC), antioxidant activity (AA), the scavenging capacity (IC50), the pro-oxidant activity (Pro-ox) and Pro-Antidex of 12 commercially available red fruit teas, 2) to classify the analysed teas and 3) to evaluate the similarities between samples. The TPC was between 12.5 and 29.3 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g tea, the TAC varied between 2.6 and 5.6 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside (Cy-3-glu)/g tea and AA was in the range of 10.9-19.1 mg ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/g tea. The Pro-ox activity varied between 3.9 and 10.0 mg/mL tea extract and Pro-Antidex was between 3.3 and 7.3.

Influence of temperature and preserving agents on the stability of cornelian cherries anthocyanins.

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits are known for their significant amounts of anthocyanins which can be used as natural food colorants. The storage stability of anthocyanins from these fruit extracts, at different temperatures (2 °C, 25 °C and 75 °C), pH 3.02, in the presence of two of the most widely employed food preserving agents (sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate) was investigated. The highest stability was exhibited by the anthocyanin extract stored at 2 °C without any added preservative, with half-life and constant rate values of 1443.8 h and 0.48 × 10(-3) h(-1), respectively. The highest value of the degradation rate constant (82.76 × 10(-3)/h) was obtained in the case of anthocyanin extract stored at 75 °C without any added preservative. Experimental results indicate that the storage degradation of anthocyanins followed first-order reaction kinetics under each of the investigated conditions. In aqueous solution, the food preservatives used were found to have a slight influence on the anthocyanins' stability.

Effects of gold nanoparticles phytoreduced with Cornus mas L. extract on the aorta wall function in rats with hyperlipid diet - a study on isolated aortic rings.

Background: Vascular reactivity may be influenced by the dysfunction of the perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) that occurs after a prolonged high fat diet (HFD). Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the vascular responses in rats with prolonged HFD after the administration of Cornus mas L. extract as a simple solution or as a reducing agent for gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Methods: Sprague-Dawley adult female rats (21 animals) were randomly allocated into three groups (n=7) and received for 9 months hyperlipid diet, the last month with treatment administered through oral gavage, 0.5 mL/day of solution as follows: HFD group - 0.9% saline solution, HFD+CM group - Cornus mas L. extract (0.158 mg/mL polyphenols), HFD+AuNPsCM group - gold nanoparticles phytoreduced with Cornus mas L. extract (AuNPsCM, 260 µg Au/kg/day). The Control group of rats (n=7) was fed with standard diet and in the last month received 0.9% saline solution as treatment. At the end of the experiment, the rats' descending aortas were collected and were used to investigate the aorta wall responses to vasoconstrictor (phenylephrine) and vasodilator (acetylcholine) substances added in tissue bath. Results: AuNPsCM administration, compared to Control and HFD groups, increased the contraction and reduced the relaxation in aorta rings of rats with prolonged high-fat diet. The simple solution of Cornus mas L. extract produced contractile responses similar to those recorded in the Control group, at lower levels than in HFD group, and relaxation responses significantly decreased in comparison with Control group and significant increased when compared to HFD group. Conclusions: Cornus mas L. extract administered as simple solution improved the aorta functions, while AuNPsCM solution enhanced the existed aorta wall modifications occurred after prolonged HFD, altering the vessel wall responses.

Goji-Berry-Mediated Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles and Their Promising Effect on Reducing Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Experimental Hyperglycemia.

The present report focuses on a rapid and convenient method applicable in the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using goji berry (Lycium barbarum-LB) extracts rich in antioxidant compounds, as well as on the structural analysis and evaluation of the induced antioxidant protection and anti-inflammatory effects of the synthesized gold nanoparticles upon endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to hyperglycemia. The synthesized AuNPs were characterized using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), whereas the presence of bioactive compounds from the L. barbarum fruit extract on the surface of the nanoparticles was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The antioxidant activity of the biosynthesized gold nanoparticles was evaluated on the HUVEC cell line. The results reveal that AuNPs with a predominantly spherical shape and an average size of 30 nm were obtained. The UV-Vis spectrum showed a characteristic absorption band at λmax = 536 nm of AuNPs. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of phenolic acids, flavonoids and carotenoids acting as capping and stabilizing agents of AuNPs. Both the L. barbarum extract and AuNPs were well tolerated by HUVECs, increased the antioxidant defense and decreased the production of inflammatory cytokines induced via hyperglycemia-mediated oxidative damage.

Hybrid Material Based on Vaccinium myrtillus L. Extract and Gold Nanoparticles Reduces Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Hepatic Stellate Cells Exposed to TGF-ß.

(1) Background: The study aimed to investigate the impact of gold nanoparticles capped with Cornus sanguinea (NPCS) and mixed with a fruit extract (Vaccinum myrtillus L.-VL) on human hepatic stellate cells (LX-2) exposed to TGF-ß. (2) Methods: NPCS were characterized by UV-Vis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta potential measurement, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX). The cytotoxic effects of VL, NPCS and of the hybrid compounds obtained by mixing the two components in variable proportions (NPCS-VL) were assessed. LDH activity, MDA levels, secretion of inflammation markers, the expression of fibrogenesis markers and collagen I synthesis were estimated after treating the cells with a mixture of 25:25 µg/mL NPCS and VL. (3) Results: TEM analysis showed that NPCS had spherical morphology and homogenous distribution, while their formation and elemental composition were confirmed by XRD and EDX analysis. TGF-ß increased cell membrane damage as well as secretion of IL-1ß, IL-1α and TLR4. It also amplified the expression of α-SMA and type III collagen and induced collagen I deposition. NPCS administration reduced the inflammation caused by TGF-ß and downregulated α-SMA expression. VL diminished LDH activity and the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. The NPCS-VL mixture maintained IL-1ß, IL-1α, TLR4 and LDH at low levels after TGF-ß exposure, but it enhanced collagen III expression. (4) Conclusions: The mixture of NPCS and VL improved cell membrane damage and inflammation triggered by TGF-ß and mitigated collagen I deposition, but it increased the expression of collagen III, suggestive of a fibrogenetic effect of the hybrid material.

Effects of Gold Nanoparticles Functionalized with Cornus mas L. Fruit Extract on the Aorta Wall in Rats with a High-Fat Diet and Experimental-Induced Diabetes Mellitus-An Imaging Study.

Diabetes mellitus and high-fat diets trigger the mechanisms that alter the walls of blood vessels. Gold nanoparticles, as new pharmaceutical drug delivery systems, may be used in the treatment of different diseases. In our study, the aorta was investigated via imaging after the oral administration of gold nanoparticles functionalized with bioactive compounds derived from Cornus mas fruit extract (AuNPsCM) in rats with a high-fat diet and diabetes mellitus. Sprague Dawley female rats that received a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 months were injected with streptozotocin to develop diabetes mellitus (DM). The rats were randomly allocated into five groups and were treated, for one additional month with HFD, with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), insulin, pioglitazone, AuNPsCM solution or with Cornus mas L. extract solution. The aorta imaging investigation consisted of echography, magnetic resonance imaging and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Compared to the rats that received only CMC, the oral administration of AuNPsCM produced significant increases in aorta volume and significant decreases in blood flow velocity, with ultrastructural disorganization of the aorta wall. The oral administration of AuNPsCM altered the aorta wall with effects on the blood flow.

Degradation kinetics of anthocyanins from European cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus L.) fruit extracts. Effects of temperature, pH and storage solvent.

European cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus L.) fruits are well known for their biological properties, of which some are due to the presence of anthocyanins in the berries. Current literature provides little information concerning these fruits. The stability of anthocyanins from Viburnum opulus fruits, in aqueous and ethanolic extracts, stored under darkness for 7 days at different temperatures (2 °C, 37 °C and 75 °C) and pH values (pH = 3 and 7), was studied here. The lowest stability was showed by the anthocyanins from the water extract stored at 75 °C and pH = 7, with half-life and constant rate values of 1.98 h and 0.3488 h⁻¹, respectively. The results showed a good correlation between the total anthocyanin content (determined using the pH differential method) and the time of storage, with determination coefficients varying from R² = 0.9298 to R² = 0.9971. Results indicate that the storage degradation of anthocyanins followed first-order reaction kinetics under all investigated conditions.

Effects of Gold Nanoparticles Functionalized with Bioactive Compounds from Cornus mas Fruit on Aorta Ultrastructural and Biochemical Changes in Rats on a Hyperlipid Diet-A Preliminary Study.

Cornus mas L. extract (CM) presents hypolipidemic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are considered potent delivery systems and may be used to release pharmaceutical compounds at the level of injury. In our study, we used gold nanoparticles functionalized with bioactive compounds from Cornus mas L. (AuNPsCM) in an experimental model of a high-fat diet (HFD), and we assessed their effects on aorta wall but also in the serum, as compared to Cornus mas (CM) administration. Sprague Dawley female rats were fed for 9 months with an HFD. During the last month of the experiment, we randomly allocated the animals into three groups that received, by oral gavage: saline solution, CM solution (0.158 mg/mL polyphenols) or AuNPsCM solution (260 µg Au/kg/day), while a Control group received a standard diet and saline solution. At the end of the experiment, we performed an ultrasonography of the aorta and left ventricle and a histology and transmission electron microscopy of the aorta walls; we investigated the oxidative stress and inflammation in aorta homogenates and in serum and, in addition, the lipid profile. AuNPsCM presented better effects in comparison with the natural extract (CM) on lipid peroxidation (p < 0.01) and TNF-alpha (p < 0.001) in aorta homogenates. In serum, both CM and AuNPsCM decreased the triglycerides (p < 0.001) and C-reactive protein (CM, p < 0.01; AuNPsCM, p < 0.001) and increased the antioxidant protection (p < 0.001), in comparison with the HFD group. In intima, AuNPsCM produced ultrastructural lesions, with the disorganization of intima and subendothelial connective layer, whereas CM administration preserved the intima normal aspect, but with a thinned subendothelial connective layer. AuNPsCM oral administration presented certain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic effects in an experimental model of HFD, but with a negative impact on the ultrastructure of aorta walls, highlighted by the intima disorganization.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Sambucus nigra L. fruit extract for targeting cell death in oral dysplastic cells.

The study aims to evaluate the impact of silver nanoparticles, phytosynthesized with polyphenols from Sambucus nigra L. (SN) fruit extract (AgSN), on dysplastic oral keratinocytes (DOK) and human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) in terms of cell viability and apoptosis. The morphology and ultrastructure of treated cells as well as the mechanisms involved in cell death induction were investigated in DOK cultures. The structure of AgSN was studied by using the appropriate analysis tools such as UV-Vis, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential assessment. DOK and HGF were treated either with silver nanoparticles capped with Sambucus nigra L. extract or with SN extract. Untreated cells were used as controls. Viability was determined by MTS assay. Transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) was used to evaluate the intracellular localization of the nanoparticles at 4 and 24 h. Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining and the expressions of p53, BAX, BCL2, NFkB, phosphorylated NFkB (pNFkB), pan AKT, pan phosphoAKT, LC3B and É£H2AX were evaluated to quantify the cell death. ELISA measurements of TNF-α and TRAIL was used for the study of the inflammatory response. Oxidative stress damage induced by nanoparticles was assessed by the malondialdehyde (MDA) level. Silver nanoparticles stimulated HGF proliferation and significantly diminished DOK viability at doses higher than 20 µg/ml. TEM analysis demonstrated the internalization of silver nanoparticles and showed ultrastructural changes of cells such as the appearance of vacuoles, autophagosomes, endosomes. AgSN inhibited the pro-survival molecules and regulators of apoptosis, diminished oxidative stress and inflammation and induced cell death through various mechanisms: necrosis, autophagy and DNA lesions. SN extract had antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect and increased the DNA lesions and autophagy in DOK cells. Silver nanoparticles protected the normal cells and induced cell death in dysplastic cells by different mechanisms thus offering beneficial effects in the treatment of oral dysplasia.

Neurobehavioral and Ultrastructural Changes Induced by Phytosynthesized Silver-Nanoparticle Toxicity in an In Vivo Rat Model.

(1) Background: The study aimed to assess neurobehavioral, ultrastructural, and biochemical changes induced by silver nanoparticles synthesized with Cornus mas L. extract (AgNPs-CM) in rat brains. (2) Methods: The study included 36 male adult rats divided into three groups. Over a period of 45 days, AgNPs-CM (0.8 and 1.5 mg/kg b.w.) were administered daily by gavage to two of the groups, while the control group received the vehicle used for AgNP. After treatment, OFT and EPM tests were conducted in order to assess neurobehavioral changes. Six of the animals from each group were sacrificed immediately after completion of treatment, while the remaining six were allowed to recuperate for an additional 15 days. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), GFAP immunohistochemistry, and evaluation of TNFα, IL-6, MDA, and CAT activity were performed on the frontal cortex and hippocampus. (3) Results: Treated animals displayed a dose- and time-dependent increase in anxiety-like behavior and severe ultrastructural changes in neurons, astrocytes, and capillaries in both brain regions. Immunohistochemistry displayed astrogliosis with altered cell morphology. TNFα, IL-6, MDA, and CAT activity were significantly altered, depending on brain region and time post exposure. (4) Conclusions: AgNPs-CM induced neurobehavioral changes and severe cell lesions that continued to escalate after cessation of exposure.

The impact of silver nanoparticles phytosynthesized with Viburnum opulus L. extract on the ultrastrastructure and cell death in the testis of offspring rats.

AIM: To investigate the effects of prenatal exposure to AgNPs obtained by green synthesis with Viburnum opulus L. extract on the testis in male offspring rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two different doses of AgNPs (0.8 and 1.5 mg/kg b.w.) and vehicle (PBS) were administered to Wistar female rats on days 3-14 of gestation. At 6 weeks after birth, the ultrastructural changes in correlation with the amount of silver as well as the parameters of oxidative stress, inflammation and cell death mechanisms in the testis of male offspring were evaluated. RESULTS: AgNPs administered during pregnancy crossed the placental and testicular barriers and induced oxidative stress, DNA damage and autophagy as mechanism of cell toxicity. The markers of inflammation and apoptosis decreased after AgNPs exposure while the NFkB activation increased. TEM examination revealed important ultrastructural changes of Sertoli cells, numerous vacuoles and cytoplasmic changes suggestive of the cell's evolution towards necrosis. CONCLUSION: Phytoreduced silver nanoparticles with polyphenols from Viburnum opulus L. fruit extract, administered during the embryological development of the male gonad, have testicular toxic effects in offspring even at 6 weeks after birth.

Influence of Different Sweeteners on the Stability of Anthocyanins from Cornelian Cherry Juice.

Cornelian cherries are red fruits which can be considered as a valuable dietary source of antioxidant biologically active compounds, especially anthocyanins. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the anthocyanins degradation process in Cornelian cherry juice supplemented with different sweeteners. Four formulations of Cornelian cherry juice were prepared using different sugars (sucrose, fructose) or artificial sweeteners (aspartame and acesulfame potassium). The obtained juices were stored at three distinct temperatures (2 °C, 25 °C, and 75 °C) in order to evaluate the effects of the sweetener and storage conditions on the pigment stability. The rate constants (k) and the half time values (t1/2) of the degradation processes were determined. The highest stability was observed for the anthocyanins from the unsweetened juice stored at 2 °C (k = 0.5·10-3 h-1), while the most accelerated degradation was registered for the fructose sweetened juice stored at 75 °C (k = 91.65·10-3 h-1). The presence of the different sweeteners in the Cornelian cherry juice affects their pigment stability during storage. The highest change in the retention of anthocyanins was determined by the presence of fructose, while acesulfame potassium had the less deleterious effect.

Green Synthesis of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles for Efficient Catalytic Removal of Harmful Organic Dyes.

The present article reports an environmentally benign method for synthesizing silver nanoparticles using the fruit extract of Viburnum opulus L. as a source of bioactive compounds, which can act as reducing agents of the silver ions and also as stabilizing agents of the obtained nanoparticles. The catalytic ability of the synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to remove toxic organic dyes was also evaluated. The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles was firstly confirmed by UV-Vis spectral analysis, which revealed the presence of the characteristic absorption peak at 415 nm corresponding to the surface plasmon vibration of colloidal silver. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) studies were conducted to confirm the presence of bioactive phytocompounds, especially phenolics, as capping and stabilizing agents of the AgNPs. The size, morphology and crystalline nature of the synthesized AgNPs were investigated by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques revealing that the obtained nanoparticles were spherical shaped, with an average diameter of 16 nm, monodispersed, face centered cubic nanoparticles. Further, the catalytic ability in the degradation of tartrazine, carmoisine and brilliant blue FCF dyes by NaBH4 was evaluated. The results demonstrated an efficient activity against all the investigated dyes being an outstanding catalyst for the degradation of brilliant blue FCF. This eco-friendly synthetic approach can generate new tools useful in environmental pollution control.

Modulatory effects of Cornus sanguinea L. mediated green synthesized silver nanoparticles on oxidative stress, COX-2/NOS2 and NFkB/pNFkB expressions in experimental inflammation in Wistar rats.

The present study presents a green, cost efficient and easy synthesis method of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an aqueous extract of Cornus sanguinea L. fruits (CS). The phytosynthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized using various analytical techniques such as UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, which confirmed the formation of AgNPs and FTIR spectroscopy, in order to certify the role of the biomolecules present in the fruit extract as reducing and capping agents of the AgNPs. The UV-Vis absorption spectrum showed a broad band at 407 nm characteristic for colloidal silver. Transmission electron microscopy was conducted to investigate the shape and size of the silver nanoparticles, revealing a spherical shape with an average particle size of 18 nm. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the fruit extract and green synthesized silver nanoparticles were assessed in vivo on experimental inflammation. The obtained results showed that CS and AgNPs reduced oxidative stress in parallel with increasing of antioxidant defense and diminished the COX-2 expressions. CS extract had a dual effect on NFkB activation depending on the time of testing while AgNPs increased NFkB phosphorylation at 48 h. These results suggested that both AgNPs and CS extract exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities but with a different dynamics of action.

Hepatoprotective effects of silymarin coated gold nanoparticles in experimental cholestasis.

The present study reports the green synthesis of hybrid organic-inorganic gold nanocomposites using silymarin as reducing and capping agent. The structure of the silymarin loaded gold nanoparticles was investigated by using the appropriate analysis tools such as UV-Vis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. TEM micrographs demonstrated that the gold nanoparticles were spherical in shape, well distributed and their mean size was about 10 nm. The in vivo hepatoprotective and antifibrogenic properties after bile duct ligation in rats of the silymarin coated gold nanoparticles were assessed. The changes regarding the blood tests and the liver histopathology were compared to the standard administration of silymarin. Silymarin loaded gold nanoparticles improved liver function, reduced cholestasis and oxidative stress parameters, with the increase of antioxidant support, and reduced inflammation and fibrosis in the liver of rats with extrahepatic cholestasis.

The in vivo modulatory effects of Cornus mas extract on photodynamic therapy in experimental tumors.

BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment of cancer due to its ability to induce cell death, oxidative stress and acute inflammatory reaction in targeted sites. To optimize the effect of PDT the addition of some compounds with supplementary cytotoxic effect on tumor cells was tried. METHODS: The study was performed on 35 Wistar male albino rats with Walker 256 carcinosarcoma. The animals were randomly assigned in seven groups (n = 5) and treated as follows: group 1 - control; group 2 - Cornus mas (CM) extract 15 mg/kg b.w., administered for 7 days; group 3 - CM extract administered for 7 days followed by irradiation (CM + IR); group 4 - one dose of tetra-p-sulfonato-phenyl-porphyrin (TSPP) 10 mg/kg b.w.; group 5 - TSPP + IR; group 6 - CM extract administered daily for 7 days before TSPP and IR (CM + TSPP + IR); group 7 - TSPP + IR followed by CM administered for 7 days (TSPP + IR + CM). RESULTS: The results showed that MDA and GSSG levels increased after PDT in parallel with the increasing of COX-2 expression and DNA damage. Apoptotic and necrotic index enhanced in TSPP + IR, effect improved by CM association before PDT. CM + TSPP + IR regimen also induced more intense inflammatory reactions, increased COX-2 expression, determined DNA damage, apoptosis and necrosis, compared to the TSPP + IR + CM group. Both combined therapeutic regimens reduced MDA levels in tumor tissue, especially CM + TSPP + IR and increased the antioxidant defense and iNOS expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that CM associated before PDT had beneficial effects in PDT and may represent a promising option in PDT strategies.

Effects of silver and gold nanoparticles phytosynthesized with Cornus mas extract on oral dysplastic human cells.

Background: Oral cancer is highly aggressive due to difficult diagnosis, therapy resistance and increasing frequency; thus finding prevention therapies is very important. Aim: This study evaluates the use of gold and silver nanoparticles (NPs), phyto-synthesized with Cornus mas extract against oral dysplastic lesions. Methods: NPs were characterized by UV-Vis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and laser Doppler microelectrophoresis. Biological testing employed two human oral cell lines: gingival fibroblasts and dysplastic keratinocytes and evaluated viability, cell death mechanisms and cellular uptake. Results: NPs induced selective toxic effects against dysplastic cells. p53/BAX/BCL2 activation and PI3K/AKT inhibition led to cell death through necrosis and apoptosis. NPs also induced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Conclusion: NPs of gold and silver showed promising beneficial effects in the therapy of oral dysplasia.

Effects of In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion on the Antioxidant Capacity and Anthocyanin Content of Cornelian Cherry Fruit Extract.

Red fruits are considered a major source of antioxidant compounds in the human diet. They usually contain anthocyanins, phenolic pigments that confer them multiple health-promoting properties. The health benefits of these bioactive phytocompounds are strongly related to their bioavailability, which has been reported to be low. The aim of the present study is to investigate the changes in antioxidant capacity and anthocyanin content of Cornelian cherry fruit extract during gastrointestinal digestion. Thus, the work was designed using a simulated in vitro digestion model. The antioxidant capacity (AA) was tested by the 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazolyne-6-sulphonic acid) radical cation (ABTS) method, while quantification of anthocyanins (TAC) was accomplished by the means of the pH differential method and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that gastric digestion had no significant effect on the TAC of the extract, while the AA slightly increased. After duodenal digestion, only 28.33% of TAC and 56.74% of AA were maintained. Cornelian cherries' anthocyanins were stable in stomach, so they can be absorbed in order to manifest their antioxidant capacity at the cellular level. The duodenal digestion dramatically decreased the TAC and AA level in the fruit extract.

UV-light mediated green synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles using Cornelian cherry fruit extract and their comparative effects in experimental inflammation.

The purpose of our study is to investigate the comparative effects of materials based on silver and gold nanoparticles functionalized with polyphenols from Cornus Mas extract (AgNPs-CM and AuNPs-CM) in vivo on experimental inflammation. The nanoparticles were obtained at room temperature under UV irradiation and were characterized by different methods: ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering. The modulatory effects of AgNPs-CM and AuNPs-CM on inflammation were quantified by oxidative stress parameters, pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines levels and apoptosis assessment at 2 h, 24 and 48 h after induction of inflammation with carrageenan in the paw tissue of Wistar rats. Our results showed that silver and gold nanoparticles only partial and for a short period have mobilized the antioxidant defense mechanisms. In addition, they diminished inflammation and apoptosis in the early stage while later, at 48 h, exerted an immunomodulatory effect, activated ERK ½ and induced apoptosis. The photoreduced silver and gold nanoparticles, functionalized with natural compounds, modulated the inflammation in a similar manner in the soft tissue injected with carrageenan. In order to decipher the mechanisms involved in interactions of metallic nanoparticles with biological systems and for a complete assessment of the risks and benefits of these products in clinical practice long term studies are necessary.

Effects of silver nanoparticles functionalized with Cornus mas L. extract on architecture and apoptosis in rat testicle.

AIM: To assess ultrastructural changes, alterations in matrix metalloproteinase activity and apoptosis induced by silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the rat testicle. MATERIALS & METHODS: For 45 days, two groups of animals received different doses of AgNPs (0.8 and 1.5 mg/kg b.w.), and a control group was given the buffer used as vehicle for AgNPs. At 7 and 15 days post-treatment, transmission electron microscopy, TUNEL assay, evaluation of NFkB, pNFkB, p53, Bcl-2 and Nrf2 expressions were performed on the removed testes. RESULTS: Transmission electron microscopy revealed severe ultrastructural changes of interstitial tissue and seminiferous epithelium sustained by positive signal for apoptosis. The promatrix metalloproteinase-2 activity and NFkB, Bcl-2 expressions were increased, mainly at 7 days. CONCLUSION: AgNPs induced severe cell lesions identified even a long time after the exposure.