Oxidative stress and galectin-3 levels during skin grafting after hand injury: gender differences.

The study included 40 patients of both genders who underwent skin transplantation after a hand injury. The study aims to evaluate the oxidative stress parameters in patients' blood and serum levels of galectin-3 in order to investigate gender differences pre- and post- skin transplantation. The results of the study suggest a significant increase in superoxide anion radical levels, catalase activity, and reduced glutathione levels in females before skin transplantation. The surgical treatment caused significant increase in superoxide anion radical and hydrogen peroxide levels as prooxidants in males, while superoxide dismutase and catalase activity were also increased 7 days after the procedure. In females, superoxide anion radical and TBARS levels increased after surgical procedure as well as the activity of catalase. Regarding galectin-3 levels, a significant interaction between gender and time was observed (gender×time; p=0.000). Correlation analysis of different oxidative stress markers with gal-3 revealed the existence of a significant negative correlation of superoxide anion radical, catalase, and reduced glutathione with gal-3, but only in female patients. It can be concluded that OS as well as galectin-3 play important roles at least in the first 7 days of the postoperative period.

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

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

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

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

Cardioplegia in Open Heart Surgery: Age Matters.

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

Guanidinoacetic acid provides superior cardioprotection to its combined use with betaine and (or) creatine in HIIT-trained rats.

This study aimed to determine how guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) or its combined administration with betaine (B) or creatine (C) influences the cardiac function, morphometric parameters, and redox status of rats subjected to high-intensity interval training (HIIT). This research was conducted on male Wistar albino rats exposed to HIIT for 4 weeks. The animals were randomly divided into five groups: HIIT, HIIT + GAA, HIIT + GAA + C, HIIT + GAA + B, and HIIT + GAA + C + B. After completing the training protocol, GAA (300 mg/kg), C (280 mg/kg), and B (300 mg/kg) were applied daily per os for 4 weeks. GAA supplementation in combination with HIIT significantly decreased the level of both systemic and cardiac prooxidants ( O 2 - , H2O2, NO 2 - , and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) compared with nontreated HIIT (p < 0.05). Also, GAA treatment led to an increase in glutathione and superoxide dismutase levels. None of the treatment regimens altered cardiac function. A larger degree of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was observed in the HIIT + GAA group, which was reflected through an increase of the cross-sectional area of 27% (p < 0.05) and that of the left ventricle wall thickness of 27% (p < 0.05). Since we showed that GAA in combination with HIIT may ameliorate oxidative stress and does not alter cardiac function, the present study is a basis for future research exploring the mechanisms of cardioprotection induced by this supplement in an HIIT scenario.

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

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

Cardiovascular Properties of the Androgen-Induced PCOS Model in Rats: The Role of Oxidative Stress.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaced reproductive endocrinopathy affecting 6-20% of women of childbearing age. It was previously shown that women with PCOS have an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cardiodynamic parameters of isolated rats' hearts, blood pressure levels, and histomorphological changes in the heart tissue following the androgen-induced PCOS model in rats and the role of oxidative stress in the development of these CV properties of PCOS. 21-day-old female rats (n = 12) were divided into control and PCOS groups. PCOS was induced by administration of testosterone enanthate (1 mg/kg BW, daily) during 35 days. During the autoregulation protocol (40-120 mmHg) on the Langendorff apparatus, ex vivo cardiodynamic parameters of retrogradely perfused hearts showed enhanced contractile function and increased lusitropic effects in the left ventricle (LV) in PCOS rats. Systolic and diastolic pressures in LV were elevated at all perfusion pressure values. Systemic arterial systolic blood pressure showed borderline elevation, while mean arterial blood pressure was significantly higher in PCOS rats. Histological evaluation of heart tissue depicted hypertrophic (8.3%) alterations in LV cardiomyocytes and increase (7.3%) in LV wall thickness. Oxidative stress parameters were altered in systemic circulation, coronary venous effluent (CVE), and heart tissue. Levels of superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione were decreased in blood and heart tissue, while catalase activity was not altered. Degree of lipid peroxidation was increased in circulation as well as heart tissue. Increased levels of O2 - in CVE indicated the cardiotoxic effects in the rat PCOS model. The mentioned alterations of oxidative stress parameters in the blood, CVE, and heart could be recommended as potential contributors underlying the development of CV risk in PCOS women.

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

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

Melissa officinalis L. as a Nutritional Strategy for Cardioprotection.

This review aimed to provide a summary on the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities in the cardiovascular system and cardiotoxicity of Melissa officinalis (MO), with the special emphasis on the protective mechanisms in different cardiovascular pathologies. MO is a perennial aromatic herb commonly known as lemon balm, honey balm, or bee balm, which belongs to Lamiaceae family. Active components are mainly located in the leaves or essential oil and include volatile compounds, terpenoid (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, triterpenes), and polyphenolic compounds [rosmarinic acid (RA), caffeic acid, protocatechuic acid, quercitrin, rhamnocitrin, luteolin]. For centuries, MO has been traditionally used as a remedy for memory, cognition, anxiety, depression, and heart palpitations. Up until now, several beneficial cardiovascular effects of MO, in the form of extracts (aqueous, alcoholic, and hydroalcoholic), essential oil, and isolated compounds, have been confirmed in preclinical animal studies, such as antiarrhythmogenic, negative chronotropic and dromotropic, hypotensive, vasorelaxant, and infarct size-reducing effects. Nonetheless, MO effects on heart palpitations are the only ones confirmed in human subjects. The main mechanisms proposed for the cardiovascular effects of this plant are antioxidant free radical-scavenging properties of MO polyphenols, amelioration of oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory effects, activation of M2 and antagonism of ß1 receptors in the heart, blockage of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, stimulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthesis, prevention of fibrotic changes, etc. Additionally, the main active ingredient of MO-RA, per se, has shown substantial cardiovascular effects. Because of the vastness of encouraging data from animal studies, this plant, as well as the main ingredient RA, should be considered and investigated further as a tool for cardioprotection and adjuvant therapy in patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases.

Flaxseed and evening primrose oil slightly affect systolic and diastolic function of isolated heart in male but not in female rats.

Considering that sex related differences in cardiac response to flaxseed (FSO) and evening primrose oil (EPO) are insufficiently known present investigation assessed the effect of these two oils, on the cardiac function of isolated rat hearts and the possible role of sex in this. The present study was carried out on 60 adult male Wistar albino rats randomly divided into 6 groups: male rats treated with EPO, dose of 10 mg/kg/day; female rats treated with EPO, dose of 10 mg/kg/day; male rats treated with FSO, dose of 300 mg/kg/day; female rats treated with FSO, dose of 300 mg/kg/day; control group of female rats treated with regular laboratory diet for animals; control group of male rats treated with regular laboratory diet for animals. Using the Langendorff technique, markers of the heart function were evaluated: the maximum and minimum rates of pressure development in the left ventricle (LV; dP/dtmax, dP/dtmin), systolic and diastolic left ventricular pressure (SLVP, DLVP, respectively), heart rate (HR) and coronary flow (CF). Male rats treated with EPO had significantly higher (p = 0.016) mean values of dP/dtmax, dP/dtmin, SLVP and DLVP (average increase for all CPPs 20%, 25%, 30% and 110%, respectively), compared to the group of male rats treated with FSO (p = 0.914). Our study results indicate that both types of PUFA oils only slightly changed the function of the isolated rat heart in male but not in female rats. Nevertheless, the difference between oil treatments was found in male rats who had stronger cardiac response after supplementation with EPO.

Correlation of Redox Status with Procalcitonin and C-reactive Protein in Septic Patients.

Based on the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiological mechanisms of sepsis and the importance of PCT as a clinically applicable biomarker for early detection of inflammatory response initiation, we aimed this study at examining the correlation between PCT levels and oxidative stress parameters (prooxidants and antioxidants) in patients with sepsis. This study was designed as a case-series prospective clinical study which involved 103 critically ill patients and 17 healthy participants with diagnosis of sepsis/septic shock (over 18 years of age, both gender) admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Valjevo General Hospital in Serbia. All subjects were divided into patients who were operated on/underwent surgery before sampling and have sepsis (n = 24), patients who were operated on/underwent surgery before sampling and have septic shock (n = 25), patients who were not operated on/did not undergo surgery before sampling and have sepsis (n = 26), patients who were not operated on/did not undergo surgery before sampling and have septic shock (n = 28), and participants who are healthy (n = 17). PCT has confirmed a positive correlation with prooxidants and type of critical illness, and performing surgical intervention diminished oxidative stress in patients with septic shock. Prognosis in critically ill patients was strongly associated with PCT levels but not with nonspecifically C-reactive protein.

Overexpression of Galectin 3 in Pancreatic ß Cells Amplifies ß-Cell Apoptosis and Islet Inflammation in Type-2 Diabetes in Mice.

Aims/Hypothesis: Galectin 3 appears to play a proinflammatory role in several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Also, there is evidence that galectin 3 plays a role in both type-1 and type-2 diabetes. During obesity, hematopoietic cell-derived galectin 3 induces insulin resistance. While the role of galectin 3 expressed in islet-invading immune cells in both type-1 and type-2 diabetes has been studied, the importance of the expression of this molecule on the target pancreatic ß cells has not been defined. Methods: To clarify the role of galectin 3 expression in ß cells during obesity-induced diabetogenesis, we developed transgenic mice selectively overexpressing galectin 3 in ß cells and tested their susceptibility to obesity-induced type-2 diabetes. Obesity was induced with a 16-week high-fat diet regime. Pancreatic ß cells were tested for susceptibility to apoptosis induced by non-esterified fatty acids and cytokines as well as parameters of oxidative stress. Results: Our results demonstrated that overexpression of galectin 3 increases ß-cell apoptosis in HFD conditions and increases the percentage of proinflammatory F4/80+ macrophages in islets that express galectin 3 and TLR4. In isolated islets, we have shown that galectin 3 overexpression increases cytokine and palmitate-triggered ß-cell apoptosis and also increases NO2--induced oxidative stress of ß cells. Also, in pancreatic lymph nodes, macrophages were shifted toward a proinflammatory TNF-α-producing phenotype. Conclusions/Interpretation: By complementary in vivo and in vitro approaches, we have shown that galectin 3-overexpression facilitates ß-cell damage, enhances cytokine and palmitate-triggered ß-cell apoptosis, and increases NO2--induced oxidative stress in ß cells. Further, the results suggest that increased expression of galectin 3 in the pancreatic ß cells affects the metabolism of glucose and glycoregulation in mice on a high-fat diet, affecting both fasting glycemic values and glycemia after glucose loading.

Preconditioning with PDE1 Inhibitors and Moderate-Intensity Training Positively Affect Systemic Redox State of Rats.

Taken into consideration that oxidative stress response after preconditioning with phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDEIs) and moderate physical activity has still not been clarified, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of PDEIs alone or in combination with physical activity, on systemic redox status. The study was carried out on 96 male Wistar albino rats classified into two groups. The first group included animals exposed only to pharmacological preconditioning (PreC) maneuver (sedentary control (CTRL, 1 ml/day saline, n = 12), nicardipine (6 mg/kg/day of NIC, n = 12), vinpocetine (10 mg/kg/day of VIN, n = 12), and nimodipine (NIM 10 mg/kg/day of, n = 12). The second included animals exposed to preconditioning with moderate-intensity training (MIT) on treadmill for 8 weeks. After 5 weeks from the start of training, the animals were divided into four subgroups depending on the medication to be used for pharmacological PreC: moderate-intensity training (MIT+ 1 ml/day saline, n = 12), nicardipine (MIT+ 6 mg/kg/day of NIC, n = 12), vinpocetine (MIT+ 10 mg/kg/day of VIN, n = 12), and nimodipine (MIT+ 10 mg/kg/day of NIM, n = 12). After three weeks of pharmacological preconditioning, the animals were sacrificed. The following oxidative stress parameters were measured spectrophotometrically: nitrites (NO2 -), superoxide anion radical (O2 -), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), index of lipid peroxidation (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH). Our results showed that PDE1 and MIT preconditioning decreased the release of prooxidants and improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes thus preventing systemic oxidative stress.