The Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesic, and Antioxidant Effects of Polyphenols from Brassica oleracea var. capitata Extract on Induced Inflammation in Rodents.

This study investigates the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties of polyphenols extracted from Brassica oleracea var. capitata (cabbage) ethanolic extract (BOE). Given the historical use of cabbage in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, this research aims to validate these effects scientifically. The study involved the characterization of BOE's bioactive compounds using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Liquid Chromatography-Diode Array Detection-Electro-Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI MS) analysis. We assessed the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of topical and oral BOE administration on rodent models with acute and subacute inflammation. Additionally, the antioxidant capacity of orally administered BOE was evaluated. The results showed that BOE possesses significant levels of phenolic compounds with a potent antioxidant activity. The topical administration of BOE demonstrated notable anti-inflammatory effects in the tested rodent models, which were comparable with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These findings suggest that BOE could be a valuable natural remedy for inflammation-related conditions, supporting its traditional uses and highlighting its potential for further pharmacological development.

Post-COVID-19 Changes in Appetite-An Exploratory Study.

In this analysis, we aimed to investigate the effect of COVID-19 disease on eating behavior. A total of 55 right-handed adults, <50 years of age, without overweight or obesity, from two cross-sectional studies were included. The first one enrolled subjects between September 2018 and December 2019 (non-COVID-19 group). The second one included subjects enrolled between March 2022 and May 2023; for this analysis, 28 with a history of COVID-19 (COVID-19 group) were retained. Hunger, TFEQ-18, plasma ghrelin, neuropeptide Y (NPY) and resting-state fMRI were assessed during fasting. Intraregional neuronal synchronicity and connectivity were assessed by voxel-based regional homogeneity (ReHo) and degree of centrality (DC). Significantly higher ghrelin and NPY levels were observed in the COVID-19 group than in the non-COVID-19 group (ghrelin 197.5 pg/mL vs. 67.1 pg/mL, p < 0.001; NPY 128.0 pg/mL vs. 84.5 pg/mL, p = 0.005). The NPY levels positively correlated with the DC and ReHo in the left lingual (r = 0.67785 and r = 0.73604, respectively). Similar scores were noted for cognitive restraint, uncontrolled eating and emotional eating in both groups according to the TFEQ-18 questionnaire results (p > 0.05 for all). Our data showed increased levels of appetite-related hormones, correlated with activity in brain regions involved in appetite regulation, persisting long after COVID-19 infection.

Investigating Potential Correlations between Calcium Metabolism Biomarkers and Periprocedural Clinical Events in Major Cardiovascular Surgeries: An Exploratory Study.

Background: There is emerging but conflicting evidence regarding the association between calcium biomarkers, more specifically ionized calcium and the prognosis of intensive care unit (ICU) postoperative cardiac patients. Methods: Our study investigated the relationship between ionized calcium, vitamin D, and periprocedural clinical events such as cardiac, neurologic and renal complications, major bleeding, vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS), and length of ICU and hospitalization. Results: Our study included 83 consecutive subjects undergoing elective major cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. The mean age of the participants was 64.9 ± 8.5 years. The majority of procedures comprised isolated CABG (N = 26, 31.3%), aortic valve procedures (N = 26, 31.3%), and mitral valve procedures (N = 12, 14.5%). A difference in calcium levels across all time points (p < 0.001) was observed, with preoperative calcium being directly associated with intraoperative VIS (r = 0.26, p = 0.016). On day 1, calcium levels were inversely associated with the duration of mechanical ventilation (r = -0.30, p = 0.007) and the length of hospital stay (r = -0.22, p = 0.049). At discharge, calcium was inversely associated with length of hospital stay (r = -0.22, p = 0.044). All calcium levels tended to be lower in those who died during the 1-year follow-up (p = 0.054). Preoperative vitamin D levels were significantly higher in those who experienced AKI during hospitalization (median 17.5, IQR 14.5-17.7, versus median 15.3, IQR 15.6-20.5, p = 0.048) Conclusion: Fluctuations in calcium levels and vitamin D may be associated with the clinical course of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. In our study, hypocalcemic patients exhibited a greater severity of illness, as evidenced by elevated VIS scores, and experienced prolonged mechanical ventilation time and hospital stays. Additional larger-scale studies are required to gain a deeper understanding of their impact on cardiac performance and the process of weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass, as well as to distinguish between causal and associative relationships.

Vitamin D Level and Immune Modulation in Children with Recurrent Wheezing.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: A direct causal relationship between vitamin D (vit D) deficiency and recurrent wheezing has not been proven. The present study investigated the role of vit D in enhancing the risk of asthma or recurrent wheezing by modifying the intensity of the inflammatory process. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Forty children with wheezing presenting at the emergency service and sixteen healthy control subjects were included in the study. Children with wheezing were either in the first episode (20) or with recurrent wheezing (20). Children with chronic diseases, and other conditions that present with acute wheezing or that might influence the vit D level, were excluded. Blood samples were taken at presentation and 3-6 months later, to evaluate the serum levels of total IgE, vit D, IL-10 and IL-31. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 25 program, with a significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The vit D level was lower in patients with recurrent wheezing compared with those with a single episode and with the control group, and this increased with time. IL-10 was significantly higher in children with wheezing than in the control group, with the highest values in those with an acute episode of wheezing. IL-31 was higher in children with recurrent wheezing than in those with a first episode only at the initial point, while at the final time point it was lower. Low levels of vit D appear to be detected more frequently in recurrent wheezing than in simple wheezing. Immune modulation, as measured by Th2 status reflected by IL-10 and IL-31 levels, appears to depend on the wheezing phenotype and on the general health status.

The Effect of Rubus idaeus Polyphenols Extract in Induced Endometriosis in Rats.

Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition with a complex physio-pathological background. This study aimed to assess the role of Rubus idaeus leaf extract (RiDE) as a potential therapeutic agent in reducing the size of the endometriotic lesions and modulate the plasma expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and TGF-ß1. The endometriotic lesions were induced in a rat model by the autologous transplant of endometrium. Thirty-six female rats, Wistar breed, with induced endometriosis, were divided into four groups and underwent treatment for 28 days. The CTRL group received 0.5 mL/day of the vehicle; the DG group received 1 mg/kg b.w./day dienogest; the RiDG group received 0.25 mL/kg b.w./day RiDE and the D+RiDG group received 1 mg/kg b.w./day dienogest and 0.25 mL/kg b.w./day RiDE, respectively. Rats' weight, endometriotic lesion diameter and grade, and plasma levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, and TGF-ß1 were assessed before and after treatment. The administration of RiDE in association with dienogest vs. dienogest determined a lower weight gain and a reduction in diameter of the endometriotic lesions. RiDE administration restored MMP2 and MMP9 plasma levels to initial conditions. Rubus idaeus extract may help in reducing dienogest-associated weight gain, lower the size of endometriotic lesions, and have anti-inflammatory effects through MMP2 and MMP9 reduction.

Zingiber officinale Root Capsule Extract Synergistically Enhance the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Diclofenac Sodium in Experimental Acute Inflammation.

The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale) root capsule extract (GRCE) in doses of 100 mg/kg b.w. (body weight) and 200 mg/kg b.w. alone and in combination with a low dose (5 mg/kg b.w.) of diclofenac sodium (D) on carrageenan-induced acute inflammation (AI). The association of GRCE in a dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. with D offered the highest inhibition percentage for edema, reaching the maximum level of inhibition (95%) after 24 h. The association of GRCE in a dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. with D showed the ability to reduce tissue inflammatory changes when compared to D alone, while GRCE alone did not exhibit such properties. The association of both doses of GRCE with D showed significantly lower plasma and tissue levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) by up to 55% (p ≤ 0.0317), with the best results obtained by the group who received GRCE in the higher dose. These associations reduced the serum and tissue levels of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (COX-2) by up to 71% (p ≤ 0.0371). In conclusion, the association of GRCE with a low dose of D could be an appropriate combination to decrease the dose used to reduce serum and tissue levels of inflammatory molecules, edema, and histological changes in acute inflammation. Further research will be necessary to achieve clinical evaluation.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on nutritional and dietary interventions for the treatment of acute respiratory infection in pediatric patients: An EAACI taskforce.

Acute respiratory infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide. Dietary and nutritional interventions, including minerals and vitamin supplementation, have been explored as potential treatments for these infections. However, the evidence on their efficacy is limited and inconclusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to provide a comprehensive summary of the available evidence on the effectiveness of dietary and nutritional interventions for treating acute respiratory tract infections in children. A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines in April 2022 and updated in April 2023. Clinical trials focusing on dietary or nutritional interventions, including supplementations, in children with acute respiratory tract infections were included. The selection of interventions and outcomes was based on biological plausibility. Data were extracted using a standardized form, and the risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effect models. A total of 50 studies were included in the review. Four trials were conducted in low, 32 in lower-middle, 12 in upper-middle, and only two in high-income countries. The studies evaluated various dietary interventions, including zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, and probiotics. The results of individual studies on the efficacy of these interventions were mixed, with some showing positive effects on clinical outcomes such as duration of symptoms, while others showed no significant impact. Meta-analysis was conducted for zinc supplementation in children with pneumonia, and the pooled results suggested a potential limited benefit in terms of reduced hospital length of stay but not time to recovery. Meta-analyses on vitamin D did not show any effect in children with pneumonia. This systematic review fills a critical gap in the literature by synthesizing the available evidence on the efficacy and safety of nutritional or dietary interventions for acute respiratory tract infections in children. The findings indicate no dietary or nutritional intervention can currently be recommended for the routine treatment of respiratory tract infections in children based on single supplement studies. The metanalysis suggests that zinc supplementation might have a beneficial effect on length of hospitalization in children with pneumonia. New studies are needed to establish more conclusive evidence for pediatric acute respiratory diseases especially for children living in a context of high-income countries.

5-fluorouracil therapeutic drug monitoring and adverse events in a Romanian population.

Fluoropyrimidines represent the backbone of many chemotherapy protocols and the standard treatment for many types of tumors. Toxicity associated with fluoropyrimidines can occur in up to 40% of cases. Background and purpose: The objective of this study was to analyze the correlation between the plasma concentration of 5-fluorouracil and the adverse events that patients might experience during this therapy. Methods: A total of 58 patients received 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy. A blood sample was collected from each patient during the drug infusion, in order to assess the area under the curve for 5-fluorouracil. The occurring adverse events were evaluated through medical recordings of the patients' reported symptoms, clinical and paraclinical examinations. Results: In our study, the majority of patients experienced some type of toxicity. Moreover, we found a correlation between 5-FU plasma concentration (expressed as AUC) and adverse events, a stronger one with hematological adverse reactions and a weaker one with gastrointestinal and cardiovascular toxicity. Conclusion: Determining the plasma concentration of 5-FU in patients with severe toxicities could represent a method of individualizing the treatment and improving the safety profile.

The Effects of Probiotic Bacillus Spores on Dexamethasone-Treated Rats.

Glucocorticoids are effective anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents. Long-term exposure is associated with multiple metabolic side effects. Spore-forming probiotic bacteria have shown modulatory properties regarding glycolipid metabolism and inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate, for the first time, the effects of Bacillus species spores (B. licheniformis, B. indicus, B. subtilis, B. clausii, and B. coagulans) alone and in combination with metformin against dexamethasone-induced systemic disturbances. A total of 30 rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: group 1 served as control (CONTROL), group 2 received dexamethasone (DEXA), group 3 received DEXA and MegaSporeBiotic (MSB), group 4 received DEXA and metformin (MET), and group 5 received DEXA, MSB, and MET. On the last day of the experiment, blood samples and liver tissue samples for histopathological examination were collected. We determined serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), catalase, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and metformin concentration. DEXA administration caused hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, increased inflammation cytokines, and decreased antioxidant markers. Treatment with MSB reduced total cholesterol, suggesting that the administration of Bacillus spores-based probiotics to DEXA-treated rats could ameliorate metabolic parameters.

Association among VKORC1 rs9923231, CYP4F2 rs2108622, GGCX rs11676382 polymorphisms and acute ischemic stroke.

Acute ischemic stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and genetic factors play a role in the risk of stroke. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the VKORC1, CYP4F2, and GGCX genes have been linked to clinical outcomes, such as bleeding and cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the association between specific polymorphisms in these genes and the risk of developing the first episode of acute ischemic stroke in patients without a known embolic source. This retrospective, cross-sectional, observational, analytical, case-control study included adult patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke. The SNPs in VKORC1 rs9923231, CYP4F2 rs2108622, GGCX rs11676382 genes were genotyped and analyzed together with the demographic and clinical factors of the 2 groups of patients. The presence of SNPs in VKORC1 or CYP4F2 genes significantly increased the risk of ischemic stroke in the context of smoking, arterial hypertension, and carotid plaque burden. The multivariate logistic model revealed that smoking (odds ratio [OR] = 3.920; P < .001), the presence of carotid plaques (OR = 2.661; P < .001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol values >77 mg/dL (OR = 2.574; P < .001) were independently associated with stroke. Polymorphisms in the VKORC1 and CYP4F2 genes may increase the risk of ischemic stroke in patients without a determined embolic source. Smoking, the presence of carotid plaques, and high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were reconfirmed as important factors associated with ischemic stroke.

Recurrent cardiotoxicity in a fluoropyrimidine treated cancer patient - case report and practical recommendations.

Fluoropyrimidines remain some of the most used chemotherapeutics, despite the appearance in the therapeutic arsenal of targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Fluropyrimidines related cardiotoxicity is an undesirable adverse event and affects almost 20% of patients. The mechanisms of fluoropyrimidine toxicity are closely related to deficient allelic variants of DPYD, but considering the low penetrance and interindividual variability, not all adverse reactions are explained by their presence. In this case, we report a patient with recurrent fluoropyrimidine toxicity without a deficient allelic variant and how this case was managed by the oncologist and cardiologist, considering the need to use fluoropyrimidine in the treatment.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Root Capsules Enhance Analgesic and Antioxidant Efficacy of Diclofenac Sodium in Experimental Acute Inflammation.

Our study aimed to evaluate the analgesic and antioxidant effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale) root capsule extract (GRCE) in addition to diclofenac (D) sodium treatment in carrageenan-induced acute inflammation (AI). Seven groups of eight Wistar-Bratislava white rats were included in the study. One group was the control (C), and AI was induced in the other six groups. The following treatments were applied: saline solution for C and AI groups, D for the AID group, GRCE for two groups and GRCE and D for another two groups. The GRCE was administered by gavage in two doses (100 mg/Kg b.w. or 200 mg/kg b.w.), while D was administered intraperitoneally in a dose of 5 mg/kg b.w. The association of GRCE with this low dose of diclofenac reduced pain threshold and improved mobility with the best results for the dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. Moreover, this combination reduced, better than D alone, the serum levels of the evaluated pro-oxidant parameters (malondialdehyde, the indirect assessment of NO synthesis, total oxidative status and oxidative stress index) up to 78%, especially oxidative stress index (p < 0.0001). GRCE alone slightly improved the antioxidant parameters (total antioxidant capacity and total thiols), but when associated with, D the results were better, especially for total thiols as their plasma levels increased up to 50% (p < 0.0010), with the best results obtained for the 200 mg/kg b.w. dose of GRCE. In conclusion, ginger root capsules associated with diclofenac might offer additional antioxidant and analgesic effects in a dose-dependent manner in acute inflammation.

Nurturing Infants to Prevent Atopic Dermatitis and Food Allergies: A Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) at a young age often precedes the development of food allergies. Although AD affects millions of infants worldwide, prenatal and postnatal risk factors, and their association with the development of food allergies later on, are not fully elucidated. This study seeks to investigate AD epidemiology in infancy and its risk factors, examining early-life factors (both prenatal and postnatal) that could contribute to the later development of food allergies. METHODS: Between January 2019 and December 2019, 501 infants were included in this prospective cohort study. Longitudinal data collection was performed through maternal interviews, the first one conducted within three days after the delivery and the second within 24 to 36 months after the delivery, encompassing variables such as demographics, family history of atopy, maternal smoking, antibiotic use during pregnancy, the mode of delivery, breastfeeding history, food practices, and greenness exposure within 3 days from delivery, while they were still in the hospital. RESULTS: Maternal smoking during pregnancy (p = 0.001) and an older sibling atopy history (p = 0.03) was significantly linked to AD incidence. Cesarean section delivery (p = 0.04) was associated with a higher risk of food allergies in infants with AD. Having a garden at home correlated with a higher likelihood of AD (p = 0.01), and food elimination without medical guidance (p = 0.02) due to AD correlated with an elevated risk of food allergies. CONCLUSIONS: Encouraging timely allergenic food introduction while promoting dietary diversity, rich in plant-based foods, maternal smoking cessation, and professional dietary guidance may help minimize AD and food allergy risk. Future studies should address the role of greenness in the development of AD and food allergies.

Sleep Patterns and Influencing Factors in Romanian Medical Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Two-Wave Ecological Study.

Introduction Sleep quality among students is variable with sleep disturbances being common worldwide. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to major changes, including in the educational system. In this study, we aimed to analyze sleep patterns and screen time of medical students, and the effect of COVID-19. Material and methods We conducted a two-wave questionnaire-based ecological study on Romanian medical students from Târgu Mureș. For data collection, a 43-item questionnaire, structured into six categories, was designed and distributed through social networks and official online teaching platforms. Results Out of 751 answers from both waves, it was seen that most of the responders were female (76.23%, n=571) and in their preclinic years of study (61.33%, n=460). There was a statistically significant association between the form of education and students' general sleep quality (p=0.0010, OR=1.670, 95%CI: 1.228-2.271), their study time (5.5 hours, IQR: 4-7.5 versus five hours, IQR: 2.5-5, p<0.001) and their sleep disturbances (p=0.0008, OR=0.5859, 95%CI: 0.4284-0.8011). Also, there was a statistically significant association between the year of study and their study time (five hours, IQR: 4-7 versus four hours, IQR: 3-6, p<0.001) and their sleep satisfaction (p=0.0027, OR=0.6360, 95%CI: 0.4729-0.8554). Conclusions Students reported better general sleep quality, less trouble sleeping, and less study while studying online full-time. Also, students in clinical years tended to study less and be more satisfied with their sleep compared to students in preclinical years.

Paraoxonase 1 and atrial fibrillation: Is there a relationship?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Paraoxonase-1 (PON1), circulates in blood bound to high-density lipoproteins and reduces systemic oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate PON1 serum concentration and PON1 arylesterase activity (AREase) in patients with AF. We studied a group of 67 patients with symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent AF admitted for cardioversion and a control group of 59 patients without AF. Clinical parameters, lipid profile, PON1 concentration and AREase were evaluated. A significant difference in serum PON1 concentration and in AREase was found among the two groups. In a multivariate linear regression model, the presence of AF was associated with low PON1 concentration (P = .022). The body mass index was also independently associated with PON1 values (P < .001). Only the high-density lipoproteins-cholesterol level was independently associated with AREase (P = .002). PON1 serum concentrations and AREase were diminished in patients with AF, and the presence of AF was independently associated with low PON1 values.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Actions of Polyphenols from Red and White Grape Pomace in Ischemic Heart Diseases.

Grape pomace (GP) represents a very reliable source of polyphenols because it could be found globally as a remnant of the wine industry. During the winemaking process, two types of GP are generated: red GP and white GP, according to the produced wine, red or white. Grape pomace represents a viable source of polyphenols, mainly flavanols, procyanidins anthocyanins, and resveratrol which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Multiple differences were observed between red and white GP in terms of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Although most studies are focused on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of red grape pomace, there are still many variables that need to be taken into consideration, as well as extensive study of the white GP. It was observed that in both in vitro and in vivo studies, the GP polyphenols have a direct antioxidant activity by acting as a free radical scavenger or donating a hydrogen atom. It also possesses an indirect antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity by reducing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1-beta (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF- κß), and inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit beta (Iκκß) levels or nitrate oxide-4 (NOX4) expression and by increasing the levels of antioxidants enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) glutathione reductase (GRx) and glutathione peroxidase(GPx). Besides these activities, many beneficial effects in ischemic heart diseases were also observed, such as the maintenance of the ventricular function as close as possible to normal, and the prevention of infarcted area extension. In this context, this review intends to present the actual knowledge of grape pomace's potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in ischemic heart disease, knowledge gathered from existing in vitro and in vivo studies focused on this.

The Role of Probiotic Bacillus Spores and Amino Acids with Immunoglobulins on a Rat Enteropathy Model.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are some of the most widely used drugs due to their anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic pharmacological effects. Gastrointestinal side effects are some of the most severe and frequent side effects of NSAIDs. These depend on the balance of the gut microbiome, the abundance of Gram-negative bacteria, and the amount of lipopolysaccharide released. Therefore, restoring or improving gut bacteria balance with probiotic supplements could prove to be an adjuvant therapy against mild NSAID-induced enteropathy. Twenty-five Wistar albino male rats were divided into five groups. The negative control group was administered carboxymethylcellulose and the positive control group diclofenac (DIC), 8 mg/kg for 7 days, which represented the enteropathy model. Treatment groups consisted of a combination of pro-biotic spores (MSB), amino acids and immunoglobulins supplement (MM), which were also administered for 7 days. We analyzed hepatic injury markers (AST, ALT) and creatinine, and inflammatory markers, IL-6, TNF-α, PGE2, iNOS, as well as total antioxidant capacity. The results obtained in the present study suggest that the modulation of the intestinal microbiota by administration of probiotics (Bacillus spores), alone or in combination with immunoglobulins and amino acids, represents an attractive therapy for the prevention of NSAID-induced enteropathy.

Grape Pomace Polyphenols as a Source of Compounds for Management of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation-A Possible Alternative for Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs?

Flavonoids, stilbenes, lignans, and phenolic acids, classes of polyphenols found in grape pomace (GP), were investigated as an important alternative source for active substances that could be used in the management of oxidative stress and inflammation. The benefic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of GP are presented in the literature, but they are derived from a large variety of experimental in vitro and in vivo settings. In these in vitro works, the decrease in reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels and the increase in glutathione levels show the antioxidant effects. The inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B and prostaglandin E2 inflammatory pathways and the decrease of some inflammatory markers such as interleukin-8 (IL-8) demonstrate the anti-inflammatory actions of GP polyphenols. The in vivo studies further confirmed the antioxidant (increase in catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels and a stimulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase -eNOS gene expression) and anti-inflammatory (inhibition of IL-1𝛼, IL-1ß, IL-6, interferon-𝛾, TNF-α and C-reactive protein release) activities. Grape pomace as a whole extract, but also different individual polyphenols that are contained in GP can modulate the endogenous pathway responsible in reducing oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. The present review analyzed the effects of GP in oxidative stress and inflammation, suggesting that it could become a valuable therapeutic candidate capable to reduce the aforementioned pathological processes. Grape pomace extract could become an adjuvant treatment in the attempt to reduce the side effects of the classical anti-inflammatory medication like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Effects of Curcumin Nanoparticles Associated with Diclofenac Sodium in Experimental Acute Inflammation.

The present study evaluated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of conventional curcumin (cC) and curcumin nanoparticles (nC) associated with diclofenac sodium (D) in experimental acute inflammation (AI) induced by carrageenan administration. Seven groups of eight randomly selected Wistar-Bratislava white rats were evaluated. One group was the control (C), and AI was induced in the other six groups. The AI group was treated with saline solution, the AID group was treated with D, the AIcC200 and AInC200 groups were treated with cC and nC, respectively, while AIcC200D and AInC200D were treated with cC and nC, respectively, both associated with D. Conventional curcumin, nC, and D were administered in a single dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. for cC and nC and 5 mg/kg b.w. for D. Association of cC or nC to D resulted in significant antinociceptive activity, and improved mechanical pressure stimulation and heat thresholds at 3, 5, 7 and 24 h (p < 0.03). The association of cC and nC with D (AIcC200D and AInC200D groups) showed significantly lower plasma and tissue levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) up to 2.5 times, with the best results in the group who received nC. Moreover, AInC200D presented the least severe histopathological changes with a reduced level of inflammation in the dermis and hypodermis. The combination of nC to D showed efficiency in reducing pain, inflammatory cytokines, and histological changes in acute inflammation.

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.