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Epilobium hirsutum L., commonly known as hairy willowherb, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia. In Romania, the Epilobium genus includes 17 species that are used in folk medicine for various purposes. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antitumor potential of the optimized extract of Epilobium hirsutum (EH) in animal models. The first study investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of EH optimized extract and the model used was carrageenan-induced paw inflammation. Wistar rats were divided into three groups: negative control, positive control treated with indomethacin, and a group treated with the extract. Oxidative stress markers, cytokine levels, and protein expressions were assessed. The extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties comparable to those of the control group. In the second study, the antitumor effects of the extract were assessed using the tumor model of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma. Swiss albino mice with Ehrlich ascites were divided into four groups: negative, positive treated with cyclophosphamide (Cph), Group 3 treated with Cph and EH optimized extract, and Group 4 treated with extract alone. Samples from the ascites fluid, liver, and heart were analyzed to evaluate oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer markers. The extract showed a reduction in tumor-associated inflammation and oxidative stress. Overall, the EH optimized extract exhibited promising anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects in the animal models studied. These findings suggest its potential as a natural adjuvant therapeutic agent for addressing inflammation and oxidative stress induced by different pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperglycemia and oxidative stress have a major role in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular complications. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of combining quercetin treatment with moderate exercise training in reversing diabetes-induced oxidative stress and ultrasound modifications in rat carotid arteries. The diabetic Wistar rats were divided into sedentary groups and trained groups. The trained animals went through a regular moderate exercise by swimming (5 weeks). Some non-diabetic and diabetic rats were daily treated with quercetin (30 mg/kg, for 5 weeks). At the end of the study, the imaging evaluation required to assess the effects of diabetes on carotid arteries was performed by micro-ultrasound (MU). The diabetic rats presented atherosclerotic plaques, with an increase in the echogenicity of the carotid artery wall, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and carotid wall thickness, while the diabetic trained rats treated with quercetin presented normal values of these parameters. Malondialde-hyde (MDA) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) antioxidant enzyme activity, reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and the reduced (GSH) to oxidized (GSSG) glutathione ratio were determined in the carotid artery tissue. Diabetes caused elevated MDA levels and a decrease in SOD activity, GSH levels and GSH/GSSG ratio in the carotid artery tissue. Treating diabetic rats with quercetin combined with moderate exercise training reversed all these oxidative stress parameters. Our results show that this combination, quercetin and moderate exercise training, can be a good treatment strategy for the vascular complications of diabetes by attenuating hyperglycemia-mediated oxidative stress.

Copyright of Farmacia is the property of Societatea de Stiinte Farmaceutice Romania and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The current study investigates the potential of the supramolecular complex between the antifungal agent Ketoconazole (KTZ) and PAMAM dendrimer G5 generation to be used as a topically applied antimycotic drug. The new drug-dendrimer formulation was confirmed by combining XRPD, FT-IR and DSC analytical techniques, and presents improved aqueous solubility and delayed in vitro release profile compare to pure KTZ. The biological assays data showed the biocompatibility of the supramolecular complex and improved delivery of the encapsulated KTZ into the superficial layers of skin and mucosa at the mycotic infections site, leading to a better outcome of the infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to identify possible influences of extraction methods as well as extraction parameters on the phytochemical and biological profiles of Xanthium spinosum L. extracts. Extraction methods were chosen as follows: classical methods, maceration and Soxhlet extraction; innovative extraction methods, turboextraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and a combination of the latter two. Extracts were subjected to total polyphenolic and flavonoid content spectrophotometric analysis. The phytochemical profile was determined for the best-yielding extracts using HPLC-MS analysis. Following the newly acquired data, another sorting of the extracts was performed. Biological activities such as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions were evaluated, as well as oxidative stress reduction potential, on a Wistar rats inflammation model. Comparable results were achieved with Soxhlet extraction and ultrasound-assisted extraction, both surpassing all other tested methods in terms of yields. Bioactive compound concentrations tended to increase with the increase in extraction time and temperature. These maximal values lowered once the degradation points of the bioactive compounds were reached. Extracts demonstrated good protection against Gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, they provided good cellular protection and increased the antioxidant defense in the analyzed rat plantar tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "Evaluating Hepatic Toxicity of Chitosan and Chitosan-Functionalized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in a Rat Model of Peripheral Nerve Injury -- Relevance for Rehabilitation Medicine" by Nadina Liana Pop et al. was published in the Balneo & PRM Research Journal in June 2024. The study examines the potential liver toxicity of chitosan and chitosan-functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles in a rat model of peripheral nerve injury. The authors aim to determine the relevance of these findings for rehabilitation medicine. The article provides the necessary references and contact information for further exploration. [Extracted from the article]

ype 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is caused by the insulin deficiency resulting from the progressive destruction of pancreatic β cells. Thiazolidine-2,4-diones (TZDs) activate the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) and enhance the actions of insulin. 5-((6-methyl-4-oxo-4Hchromen- 3-yl)methylene)-3-(2-(4-nitrophenyl)-2-oxoethyl)-thiazolidine-2,4-dione (TZDd) is a heterocyclic derivative synthesized in our laboratory. The purpose of this study was to examine whether TZDd has hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects in diabetic rats. Its effects were compared with those of quercetin (Que), a potent antioxidant, and with pioglitazone (Pio), a well-known antidiabetic drug. Type 1 DM was induced in Wistar rats by the intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (STZ) (60 mg/kg). The non-diabetic and diabetic rats were treated with Que (30 mg/kg/day), pioglitazone (30 mg/kg/day), or TZDd (30 mg/kg/day), for 5 weeks. The serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) groups, and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in the blood were then assessed. The results indicated that the TZDd decreased the blood oxidative stress parameters in the treated diabetic rats, compared to Que and pioglitazone. In conclusion, the hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of TZDd in diabetic rats, suggest its therapeutic properties for the clinical treatment of T1DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resveratrol is a polyphenol with important antioxidant and antiinflammatory roles. Loratadine, as a selective inverse-agonist of peripheral receptor H1, is described as an anti-allergic substance with potential antiinflammatory effects. We aimed to assess the protective capacity of loratadine against oxidative stress produced by inflammation with carrageenan in comparison with a well-known antioxidant compound, resveratrol. Our results showed that resveratrol and loratadine had no protective anti-inflammatory effects in inflamed skin. As expected, resveratrol had antioxidant effects in serum and in liver. Loratadine developed oxidative stress in tegument and serum. In this experimental model, our results do not sustain the initial hypothesis that loratadine could have a protective effect in inflammation, and, in the contrary, is capable of increasing it, by producing an oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Lighting conditions influence daily professional and physical activities of humans. Melatonin secretion is dependent on environmental photoperiodicity and its rhythm changes may contribute to systemic dysfunctions. Aims. The study evaluates the effect of natural and artificial lighting on exercise capacity and in the same conditions of natural and artificial lighting, the effect of melatonin supplementation on exercise capacity and cardiovascular changes. Methods. The research was conducted on 4 groups of animals (n = 10 animals/group) exposed to natural or artificial lighting, supplemented or not with melatonin and subjected to physical exercise. Results. Significant increases in aerobic exercise capacity (AEC) after training were observed in animals exposed to natural lighting, compared to those exposed to artificial lighting; there were significant decreases of AEC in animals supplemented with melatonin, exercise trained and subjected to natural and artificial lighting, compared to those obtained in animals without melatonin administration. The cardiovascular indicators, determined two weeks after exercise, showed impaired cardiovascular adaptation. Conclusions. Both natural and artificial lighting increased aerobic exercise capacity, though the latter in a more reduced manner. Melatonin supplementation decreased aerobic exercise capacity under natural and artificial lighting conditions. Artificial lighting, with and without melatonin supplementation, affected cardiovascular adaptation to exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of our study was to assess the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of chitosan as compared with vitamin E in experimental toxic liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride. Blood and liver samples were collected in order to assess hepatocytolisis (AST, ALT), oxidative stress (MDA, carbonyl proteins, GSH, SH groups, SOD and CAT), and histopathology examination was performed in order to asses inflammation and fibrosis. Liver enzymes level showed a significant, progressive increase after repeated exposure to CCl4, first in liver tissue, then in the blood. Malondialdehyde and carbonyl proteins significantly increased, and GSH progressively decreased. Chitosan increased the GSH in the liver tissue to a value superior to that of the control group and decreased the AST and MDA level both in the liver and in the blood to values comparable to that of control group. Chitosan decreased carbonyl proteins level in the liver but slightly increased them in the blood. Vitamin E had similar effects concerning liver function and lipid peroxidation, but paradoxically, it induced protein peroxidation both in blood and in liver tissue. Histological modifications support the observed biochemical changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Studia Universitatis Babes-Bolyai, Educatio Artis Gymnasticae is the property of Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

(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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar ultraviolet radiation (UV) is a major cause of ocular injury contributing to photokeratitis, cataract and pterygium development. The aim of the study was to investigate the oxidant/antioxidant status of Wistar rat eyes after exposure to various doses of UVB in correlation with morphological and structural changes. Five groups of 8 animals each, randomly divided, were treated as follows: group 1: control, no UVB irradiation; group 2: a single UVB exposure to a dose of 45 mJ/cm²; group 3: a single UVB exposure to 90 mJ/cm²; group 4: a single UVB exposure to 180 mJ/cm²; group 5: a single UVB exposure to 360 mJ/cm². At 24 hrs after UVB irradiation the animals were anaesthetized and sacrificed by cervical dislocation. The rat eyes from 5 animals were extracted and used for biochemical determinations and from 3 animals were harvested and used for histopathological investigation. Our results demonstrated that a single UVB exposure at different doses disturbs the oxidant-antioxidant balance in the eye tissues by lipid peroxides generation, activation of CAT and SOD and adaptative increasing of GSH levels, particularly at high doses. Twenty hours following UVB irradiation the cornea showed significant lesions: inflammation, hemorrhage, superficial/deep ulcerous keratitis and epithelial exfoliation. Severity of injuries was dose-dependent. These data suggest that oxidative stress may be responsible for the corneal lesions induced by UVB irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic syndrome incidence is increasing, especially in industrialized countries. Lack of exercise and obesity are a major cause of morbidity and mortality at ages becoming younger. Exercise is proven to be a cardiovascular protective factor. Oxidant-antioxidant balance is modified with the advent of any pathological process. The aim of the study was to observe the effect antioxidant administration (coenzyme Q10) has in different types of diet and at different activity status. Research was conducted on male Wistar rats, divided into 12 groups of 10 animals, in two 6 lots stages. Animals received in the first stage the normal diet (I, II), high-sugar diet (III, IV), high-fat diet(V, VI), were carried out daily exercise (II, IV, VI) or were sedentary (I, III, V ). During the second stage, study model conducted in the first stage was added oral coenzyme Q10 gavage(100mg/kgc). After 28 days, the animals were euthanized and the liver was collected. Histopathological examination of liver biopsies not revealed significant changes in terms of steatosis, inflammation or macular degeneration regardless of diet, supplementation with coenzyme Q10 or performing exercise [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Protection from oxinitrosative stress can be provided by dietary antioxidants and the supplementation with various antioxidant preparations that under exercise conditions can contribute to the maintenance of exercise capacity and post-exercise recovery. We chose a preparation with a complex antioxidant formula: vitamins, fruit and plant extracts, patented lycopene, grape and olive extracts. Aims. The effect of antioxidant complex supplementation on the aerobic exercise capacity of rats was monitored. Methods. The groups were divided as follows: group I - exercise trained; group II - exercise trained and supplemented with an antioxidant complex; group III - loaded with 15% of weight and exercise trained; group IV - loaded with 15% of weight, exercise trained and supplemented with an antioxidant complex. Aerobic exercise capacity was measured using the running test. Results. Antioxidant supplementation and moderate intensity physical exercise cause a significant increase in aerobic exercise capacity compared to physical exercise of the same intensity without supplementation. Antioxidant supplementation and high intensity physical exercise induce a significant increase in aerobic exercise capacity compared to physical exercise of the same intensity without supplementation. Conclusions. Antioxidant supplementation and high intensity physical exercise determine a significant decrease in aerobic exercise capacity compared to moderate intensity physical exercise with and without antioxidant supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: many studies in experimental models have evidenced the presence of inflammation in venous vascular dysfunction and the implication of TNF-α in vascular pathology, through its prooxidant and proinflammatory effect. Starting from these studies, we experimentally investigated the effect of treatment with a TNF-α inhibitor, etanercept, on the oxidant/antioxidant balance in rats, with the partial obstruction of the common femoral vein. Methods: the researches were carried out in 7 groups of animals (n=10 rats/group), 6 groups undergoing surgery and a control group. In 3 groups, the ligation of the common femoral vein was performed (groups 1, 2, 3), 3 groups underwent the ligation of the common femoral vein and received etanercept (groups 4, 5, 6), in a dose of 1 mg/kg, one dose per week, according to data found in literature. The serum indicators of the O/AO balance were determined: indicators for oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls (PC)), indicators for non-enzymatic AO defense (thiol groups (SH), hydrogen donors (HD ), glutathione (GSH)) at weeks 1, 2 and three. Results and Conclusions: chronic venous insufficiency with and without anti-TNF-α treatment induced changes in the oxidant/antioxidant balance compared to the control group; after the administration of the anti-TNF-α preparation, oxidative stress was maintained on account of MDA that increased significantly, and decreased significantly on account of PC compared to the untreated groups; after the administration of the anti-TNF-α preparation, at two and three weeks there was an insignificant increase in antioxidant defense on account of HD and GSH compared to the untreated groups; the administered anti-TNF-α preparation had late and insignificant effects in chronic venous insufficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic stress is a major factor that contributes to several disorders. A common animal model, performed in order to evaluate the environmental experimentally-induced-stress is hypothermia. L-Carnitine is a natural substance required in the energetic metabolism of the mammals, which also has an antioxidant function. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of chronic hypothermic stress on oxidant/antioxidant balance in the serum and tissues, (liver and muscle), on rats with and without carnitine supplementation. Rats were divided randomly into four groups often rats each: control group (I); hypothermic stress (II) - exposed to cold stress; supplemented with carnitine (HI) supplemented with carnitine and exposed to hypothermic stress (TV). Our experimental results showed that chronic hypothermic stress increases the oxidative stress (OS) indicators in serum and tissues and decreased those of antioxidant (AO) defense. Carnitine supplementation in chronic hypothermic stress conditions had benefic effects on OS and AO defense indicators, this compound being likely to have favorable effects in an experimental hypothermic stress model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Studia Universitatis Babes-Bolyai, Educatio Artis Gymnasticae is the property of Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Many studies have demonstrated that oxidative stress plays an important role in ischemic acute renal failure. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of N Acetyl-cystein (ACC) on renal function and the oxidative stress in a rat model of renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Histological analysis of kidney tissue was performed. Renal IR was performed by clamping the unilateral renal artery for 20 min followed by 24 h of reperfusion. ACC was administered 72, 24 and 3h prior to IR and the same dose was given 3 h, 24 and 72 h after IR. Treatment groups were: control group, IR group and IR-ACC group. Renal function was assessed by measuring plasma creatinine on days 1, 3 and 7 after IR. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured on days 1, 3, 7 after IR. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and gluthatione were measured as antioxidative markers. IR produced elevated levels of MDA and increased creatinine compared with control group (p<0.05). SOD and catalase levels were lower in IR compared with control group. ACC reduced elevated levels of MDA, increased SOD, catalase and gluthatione levels (P<0.05) and attenuated renal dysfunction. These results demonstrate the antioxidant effect of ACC in attenuating renal IR injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted on two groups of newborn rats: a control group and an experimental group. The control group and was composed of seven newborn rats, which were placed at 4 hours after birth, in a pediatric incubator, together with their mother, in conditions of normoxia for 21 days. The experimental group consisted of seven newborn rats, which were placed at 4 hours after birth, in a pediatric incubator with their mother, in conditions of normoxia for 7 days, then five days in a daily alternating periods of hyperoxia (80%) and hypoxia (10%), and then nine days in conditions of normoxia. Slaughtering of the rats was performed on day 21 and the eyeglobes were harvested in order to perform histopathological examinations. Microscopic examination revealed a normal development of the retina in the control group. In the experimental group, on the surface of the retina, an exaggerated neovascularization both respects the number of vessels, as well as their size was observed. Excessive proliferation of blood vessels caused severe histo-architectural changes, irreversible and bilateral, with serious damage of the retinal function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myringosclerosis is a common sequel of the ventilation tube treatment of otitis media. Recent studies have established the relationship between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and myringosclerosis.The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the temporal change of oxidants/antioxidants balance at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after the myringotomy. Fifty healthy adult male Wistar albino rats, weighing approximate 250-300 g, were randomly separated into five groups (n = 10 rats/group): first group ,of control, nonmyringotimized and four groups myringotimized unilaterally on the left ear. The tympanic membranes were collected from sacrificed rats for biochemical evaluation of parameters of oxidants/antioxidants balance from 1st group and in 6 hours from 2nd group, in 12 hours from 3rd group, in 24 hours from 4th group and in 48 hours from 5th group. The index oxidants were malondialdehyde and carbonyl proteins and the index antioxidants were hydrogen donor ability and sulfhydril groups. Results and conclusions: The changes of oxidants/antioxidants balance and oxidative stress appear after myringotomy in 6 hours and increase in 12, 24, and 48 hours. Myringosclerosis develops promptly after myringotomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]