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Background: Gentamicin (GM) administration is associated with decreased metabolism, increased oxidative stress, and induction of nephrotoxicity. Sambucus nigra L., containing flavonoids, anthocyanins, and phytosterols, possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the nephroprotective and anti-inflammatory potential of lyophilized Sambucus nigra fruit extract (S. nigra extract) to reduce acute oxidative stress and residual toxicity of GM in a 7-day experimental model in Balb/c rodents. Methods: The S. nigra extract was lyophilized (300 rpm; 10 min; −45 °C) to improve pharmacological properties. Balb/c mice were divided into four (n = 6) groups: controls; S. nigra extract per os (120 mg kg−1 day−1 bw); GM (200 mg kg−1 day−1 bw) (4); and GM + S. nigra therapy. The activities of antioxidant and renal enzymes, cytokines, and levels of oxidative stress biomarkers—Hydroxiproline, CysC, GST, KIM-1, PGC-1α, MDA, GSPx—were analyzed by ELISA tests. The ROS and RNS levels, as well as 5-MSL-protein oxidation, were measured by EPR spectroscopy. Results: The antioxidant-protective effect of S. nigra extract (120 mg kg−1) was demonstrated by reduced MDA, ROS, and RNS and increased activation of endogenous enzymes. Furthermore, S. nigra extract significantly reduced the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and KIM-1 and regulated collagen/protein (PGC-1α and albumin) deposition in renal tissues. Conclusions: Histological evaluation confirmed that S. nigra (120 mg kg−1) attenuated renal dysfunction and structural damage by modulating oxidative stress and acute inflammation and could be used as an anti-fibrotic alternative in GM nephrotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate and compare oxidative stress biomarkers and antioxidant enzyme activity in the serum of women at risk of developing preeclampsia (PE) to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes through early intervention. Changes in soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) levels were measured between 11 and 13 gestational weeks (gw.) before the onset of preeclampsia and its associated complications. This study evaluated the feasibility of the sFlt-1/PlGF biomarker ratio in predicting preeclampsia and adverse pregnancy outcomes, with the goal of preventive therapy with acetylsalicylic acid (150 mg daily), with acetylsalicylic acid (75 mg daily) and Clampsilin. For this purpose, the following were evaluated: (1) the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) as parameters of oxidative stress; (2) lipid oxidation; (3) antioxidant enzyme activity; and (4) cytokine production. Analysis of the results showed that pregnant women at risk of preeclampsia had significantly higher levels of ROS, lipid oxidation, and superoxide anion radical (•O2−) levels compared to normal pregnancies. In PE, depleted levels of nitric oxide (NO), impaired NO synthase system (NOS), and reduced antioxidant enzyme activity (p < 0.03) suggest that PE patients cannot compensate for oxidative stress (OS). In conclusion, oxidative stress in PE plays a key role, which arises from placental problems and affects both mother and baby. The groups with acetylsalicylic acid therapy (150 mg and 75 mg) were better affected compared to those on Clampsillin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress is a major source of ROS-mediated damage to macromolecules, tissues, and the whole body. It is an important marker in the severe picture of pathological conditions. The discovery of free radicals in biological systems gives a "start" to studying various pathological processes related to the development and progression of many diseases. From this moment on, the enrichment of knowledge about the participation of free radicals and free-radical processes in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and endocrine diseases, inflammatory conditions, and infections, including COVID-19, is increasing exponentially. Excessive inflammatory responses and abnormal reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels may disrupt mitochondrial dynamics, increasing the risk of cell damage. In addition, low serum albumin levels and changes in the normal physiological balance between reduced and oxidized albumin can be a serious prerequisite for impaired antioxidant capacity of the body, worsening the condition in patients. This review presents the interrelationship between oxidative stress, inflammation, and low albumin levels, which are hallmarks of COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Portulaca oleracea L. (P. oleracea) phytochemical composition (contains omega-3 fatty acids, quercetin, rutin, gallo tannins, proteins) is responsible for its biological effects, e.g. antioxidative, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiradiation activity. The plant has a C4 metabolism and it is known for its tolerance to different stressors, such as salinity, no water, high - temperature conditions, and 9 kGy radiation. The purpose of the present investigation was focused on the inhibitory effects of P. oleracea leaves extracts against 5 - 10 kGy radiation - induced abiotic stress, and assess to total phenol, flavonoid, and tannins content; antibacterial potential (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853) and antioxidant capacity. The free dried, powdered P. oleracea samples were 60Co irradiated, 50 % ethanol solvent (v/v) extracted and compared to 0 kGy extract. 10 kGy irradiated extract provide to be potentially effective against bacterial strains and possessed stable antioxidant activity, towards DPPH (p ˂ 0.002), ABTS•+ (p ˂ 0.05), FRAP (p ˂ 0.05) and NO (p ˂ 0.002). In addition, highly sensitive Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) was used to evaluate antiradical capacity. Single, symmetrical signal (g = 2.0023) was recorded in 10 kGy irradiated P. oleracea extract, comparable to the EPR signal in non-irradiated sample and depended directly on the antiradical potential. Moreover, in vitro P. oleracea inhibited the superoxide anion (•O2−), hydroxyl (•OH), alkyl radicals, and exhibited antioxidant properties against 10 kGy irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to evaluate the antioxidant efficacy and the lipid peroxidation degree of Sambucus nigra L. (S. nigra) blossom extract after induction of biotic stress. Dry stained extracts of S. nigra flowers were analyzed by direct and indirect in vitro EPR spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity of the extract was assessed by DPPH analysis, and the inhibition of lipid peroxidation - by PBN-spin adduction, after UV-B and thermal stress. The direct EPR stable radical structures presence was established either in non-irradiated and UV-B irradiated samples. Furthermore, as before and after UV-B and thermal biotic stress, S. nigra showed well-expressed scavenging abilities and protective properties against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species such as superoxide radicals (•O2?), hydroxyl radicals (•OH), and reduced lipid peroxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern cosmetic formulations represent a combination of synthetic and natural ingredients. Knowledge of the rheological behavior allows managing the structure and the quality of the products by means of supplement addition, regime change or mechanical and technological processing adjustment. The extraction from rosemary and grapefruit pulp and seeds with ethanol-in-water solutions is carried out in a thermostated shaker at 20ºC. The total polyphenol content (TPC) and the antioxidant capacity (AOC) of the extracts are determined. The cosmetic compositions prepared are based on stearic acid, with 3-ethanolamine as emulsifier. Extracts are used as a preservative, instead of controversial lately methyl-parabens. The rheological behavior of the cosmetic formulations is studied. It is found that all compositions exhibited thixotropic flow behavior. The cosmetic emulsion containing an alcoholic extract of grapefruit seeds has different rheological behavior which may be described by the Bingham rheological model. This effect can be explained by the composition of the extract and its influence on the pH. It is found that the extract from grapefruit seeds has acidic properties and affects the pH of the medium. The cosmetic formulation with rosemary extract exhibits power low and thixotropic behavior. The purity of the cosmetic formulations was tested against E. Coli bacteria. It is found that no bacterial colonies are observed neither after one day, nor after three months of storage. It can be concluded that the natural extracts from rosemary and grapefruit seeds and pulp exhibit good antibacterial properties, being quite satisfactory substitute of the parabens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]