Effect of dietary fat-soluble vitamins A and E and proanthocyanidin-rich extract from grape seeds on oxidative DNA damage in rats

Vitis vinifera (Vine Grape) as a Valuable Cosmetic Raw Material

This review refers to botanical, ecological and phytochemical characteristics of Vitis vinifera L. (vine grape)-a species, the valuable properties of which are widely exploited in the food industry and in recent times in medicine as well as in phytocosmetology. The general characteristic of V. vinifera, followed by the chemical composition and biological activities of different extracts obtained from the plant (fruit, skin, pomace, seed, leaf and stem extracts), are provided. A concise review of the extraction conditions of grape metabolites and the methods of their analysis are also presented. The biological activity of V. vinifera is determined by the presence of high contents of polyphenols, mainly flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, kaempferol), catechin derivatives, anthocyanins and stilbenoids (e.g., trans-resveratrol, trans-ε-viniferin). The review pays particular attention to the application of V. vinifera in cosmetology. It has been proven that V. vinifera possesses strong cosmetological-related properties, such as anti-ageing properties, anti-inflammatory properties and skin-whitening properties. Moreover, a review of studies on V. vinifera biological activities, which are of particular interest for dermatologic problems, are disclosed. Furthermore, the work also emphasises the importance of biotechnological studies on V. vinifera. The last part of the review is addressed to the safety of the use of V. vinifera.

Radical Scavenging Actions and Immunomodulatory Activity of Aronia melanocarpa Propylene Glycol Extracts

Researchers are attracted to the wide-ranging, useful components in Aronia melanocarpa berries. They are searching for the most effective ways to extract the active substances that can enhance the body's protective properties. The current study presents detailed information about the extracts from A. melanocarpa fruits frozen and dried under mild conditions and their chemical composition. In Wistar rats with induced immunosuppression, the effect of chokeberry fruit extracts on the leukocyte formula, phagocytic activity, and cytokine system was studied. It was shown that the A. melanocarpa frozen fruit extract contains more anthocyanins, sugars, and ascorbic acid, and has a more pronounced antioxidant activity determined by the ability to bind APPH-radicals. Moreover, the extract showed membrane-protective and cytoprotective properties against RPMI-1788 cell line. The extract from dried raw material shows a higher antioxidant activity due to the ability to bind DPPH-radicals. It was revealed that extracts from A. melanocarpa fruits promote rapid immune system recovery in rats, normalize the leukocyte count, and improve monocyte and neutrophil phagocytic indicators. Research on the cytokine profile revealed that the anti-inflammatory properties in A. melanocarpa extracts were more pronounced in dried extracts. For several cytokines, a normalization of quantity was noted.

Metabolomics Reveals Altered Hepatic Bile Acids, Gut Microbiome Metabolites, and Cell Membrane Lipids Associated with Marginal Vitamin A Deficiency in a Mongolian Gerbil Model

SCOPE

This study is designed to provide a broad evaluation of the impacts of vitamin A (VA) deficiency on hepatic metabolism in a gerbil model.

METHODS AND RESULTS

After 28 days of VA depletion, male Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) are randomly assigned to experimental diets for 28 days. Groups are fed a white-maize-based diet with ≈50 µL cottonseed oil vehicle either alone (VA-, n = 10) or containing 40 µg retinyl acetate (VA+, n = 10) for 28 days. Liver retinol is measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Primary metabolomics, aminomics, lipidomics, bile acids, oxylipins, ceramides, and endocannabinoids are analyzed in post-mortem liver samples by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

Liver retinol is lower (p < 0.001) in the VA- versus VA+ group, with concentrations indicating marginal VA deficiency. A total of 300 metabolites are identified. Marginal VA deficiency is associated with lower bile acids, trimethylamine N-oxide, and a variety of acylcarnitines, phospholipids and sphingomyelins (p < 0.05). Components of DNA, including deoxyguanosine, cytidine, and N-carbomoyl-beta-alanine (p < 0.05), are differentially altered.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatic metabolomics in a marginally VA-deficient gerbil model revealed alterations in markers of the gut microbiome, fatty acid and nucleotide metabolism, and cellular structure and signaling.

Effect of feeding grape seed Proanthocyanidin extract on production performance, metabolic and anti-oxidative status of dairy cattle

ABSTRACT Aims to investigate the effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) on production performance, metabolism, and anti-oxidative status of Holstein dairy cattle in early lactation. Forty-eight multiparous Holstein dairy cattle were assigned to four groups (CON, G20, G40 and G80) and supplied with 0, 20, 40, and 80mg GSPE/kg of body weight/day. G20 significantly increased milk yield compared with other groups. Milk protein and non-fat-solids were increased in G20, G40 and G80 groups compared with the control group only at the 7th day during the experiment. No significant difference was observed in milk fat and somatic cell count, nor on parameters of energy metabolism in blood, liver function and kidney function between the four groups. There was no significant difference in glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, and hydrogen peroxide between the groups; but the malondialdehyde content of G20 significantly increased at day 14 in comparison with CON, and tended to increase at the 28th day. In conclusion, feeding 20mg GSPE/kg of body weight/day was associated with a significant increase in milk yield without detrimental effects on liver or kidney function and with substantial energy metabolism and antioxidant parameters improvement in early lactation dairy cattle.

Preventing oxygen free radical damage by proanthocyanidin in obstructive jaundice

OBJECTIVE

Tissue damage and endotoxemia in obstructive jaundice are attributed to the increase in oxygen free-radicals. We aimed at evaluating the possible protective effect of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE), which is a potent exogenous free-radical scavenger and antioxidant.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was performed at the Necmettin Erbakan University Meram School of Medicine Research and Application Center for Experimental Medicine Laboratory with ethical approval. 30 Wistar-Albino rats were used and were divided into 3 groups. The common bile duct was identified and only dissected in the first group (sham). Following dissection of the common bile duct it was ligated with 4/0 silk just above the pancreas in the second group (control). After ligation of the common bile duct, 100mg/kg/day GSPE was administered via orogastric lavage for 10 days in the third group.

RESULTS

Biochemical values revealed a statistically significant difference between Group I and the others. There was no difference between Group II and III regarding biochemical values. There was a statistically significant difference, however, between Group II and III with regards to nitric oxide levels. There was a statistically significant difference between Group I and the other groups concerning hepatic and pulmonary tissue damage on histopathologic evaluation. There was no difference among the groups with regards to renal tubular damage.

CONCLUSION

Proanthocyanidin is an effective natural antioxidant in decreasing the level of tissue damage caused by oxygen free-radicals.

Immunohistochemical and biochemical alterations following administration of proanthocyanidin extract in rats hepatocellular carcinoma

Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) is known to be effective on broad spectrum of biological pathways in living organisms including oxidative stress. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of proanthocyanidin on preneoplastic lesions and liver cancer induced in rats by Diethylnitrosamine (DEN). 7-8 Week old male Sprague Dawley (S.D.) rats were divided into six groups: The 1st group received no treatment and were -ve controls, the 2nd were treated with a single dose of DEN 200mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.) and served as +ve control group. The 3rd and 4th groups were injected with the same dose of DEN as in group 2 and then post treated with 300 or 150mg/kg/b.wt./day GSPE by intrgastroluminal gavage (i.g.) respectively until the end after the 22 weeks. Groups 5 and 6 were treated with the same doses of GSPE as in groups 3 and 4 respectively without DEN administration. The results showed that the immunohistochemical Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) labeling indexes (PCNA LI%) were significantly inhibited in liver tissues and tumors by both treatments of GSPE. Furthermore, treatment with GSPE has modified the liver tissue oxidative stress markers levels of SOD, CAT, GSH, GST, GPx, GR and MDA changed by DEN. In conclusion, GSPE has a sufficient therapeutic effect against liver carcinogenesis through their free radical scavenging, inhibition of cellular proliferation.

Neuroprotection of Grape Seed Extract and Pyridoxine against Triton-Induced Neurotoxicity

Triton WR-1339 administration causes neurotoxicity. Natural products and herbal extracts can attenuate cerebral injury. In the present study, we investigated the neuroprotective role of grape seed extract and/or vitamin B6 against triton-induced neurotoxicity. Thirty-five adult male albino rats of the Sprague-Dawley strain, weighing 140-145 g, were divided into five groups: control, triton, grape seed extract + triton, grape seed extract + triton + vitamin B6, and vitamin B6 + triton. The hematological and biochemical analyses were carried out. Alteration in iNOS mRNA gene expression was determined using reverse-transcriptase PCR analysis. In addition, qualitative DNA fragmentation was examined using agarose gel electrophoresis. Triton-treatment caused significant disturbances in the hematological parameters, the neurological functions, and the antioxidant profile. Also, triton significantly increased the iNOS mRNA expression and DNA damage. Our results showed that grape seed extract and/or vitamin B6 could attenuate all the examined parameters. These natural substances could exhibit protective effects against triton-induced neurological damage because of their antioxidative and antiapoptotic capacities.

Hepatoprotective effect of grape seed oil against carbon tetrachloride induced oxidative stress in liver of γ-irradiated rat

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and ionizing radiation are well known environmental pollutants that generate free radicals and induce oxidative stress. The liver is the primary and major target organ responsible for the metabolism of drugs, toxic chemicals and affected by irradiation. This study investigated the effect of grape seed oil (GSO) on acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in γ-irradiated rats (7Gy). CCl4-intoxicated rats exhibited an elevation of ALT, AST activities, IL-6 and TNF-α level in the serum. Further, the levels of MDA, NO, NF-κB and the gene expression of CYP2E1, iNOS and Caspase-3 were increased, and SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, GST activities and GSH content were decreased. Furthermore, silent information regulator protein 1 (SIRT1) gene expression was markedly down-regulated. Additionally, alterations of the trace elements; copper, manganese, zinc and DNA fragmentation was observed in the hepatic tissues of the intoxicated group. These effects were augmented in CCl4-intoxicated-γ-irradiated rats. However, the administration of GSO ameliorated these parameters. GSO exhibit protective effects on CCl4 induced acute liver injury in γ-irradiated rats that could be attributed to its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities. The induction of the antioxidant enzymes activities, down-regulation of the CYP2E1, iNOS, Caspase-3 and NF-κB expression, up-regulation of the trace elements concentration levels and activation of SIRT1 gene expression are responsible for the improvement of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory status in the hepatic tissues and could be claimed to be the hepatoprotective mechanism of GSO.

Genomic instability in human cancer: Molecular insights and opportunities for therapeutic attack and prevention through diet and nutrition

Genomic instability can initiate cancer, augment progression, and influence the overall prognosis of the affected patient. Genomic instability arises from many different pathways, such as telomere damage, centrosome amplification, epigenetic modifications, and DNA damage from endogenous and exogenous sources, and can be perpetuating, or limiting, through the induction of mutations or aneuploidy, both enabling and catastrophic. Many cancer treatments induce DNA damage to impair cell division on a global scale but it is accepted that personalized treatments, those that are tailored to the particular patient and type of cancer, must also be developed. In this review, we detail the mechanisms from which genomic instability arises and can lead to cancer, as well as treatments and measures that prevent genomic instability or take advantage of the cellular defects caused by genomic instability. In particular, we identify and discuss five priority targets against genomic instability: (1) prevention of DNA damage; (2) enhancement of DNA repair; (3) targeting deficient DNA repair; (4) impairing centrosome clustering; and, (5) inhibition of telomerase activity. Moreover, we highlight vitamin D and B, selenium, carotenoids, PARP inhibitors, resveratrol, and isothiocyanates as priority approaches against genomic instability. The prioritized target sites and approaches were cross validated to identify potential synergistic effects on a number of important areas of cancer biology.

Carotenoids and DNA damage

Carotenoids are among the best known antioxidant phytochemicals, and are widely believed to contribute to the health-promoting properties of fruits and vegetables. Investigations of the effects of carotenoids have been carried out at different levels: in cultured cells, in experimental animals, and in humans. Studying reports from the last 5 years, we find a clear distinction between effects of vitamin A and pro-vitamin A carotenoids (the carotenes and β-cryptoxanthin), and effects of non-vitamin A carotenoids (lycopene, lutein, astaxanthin and zeaxanthin). Whereas the latter group are almost invariably reported to protect against DNA damage, whether endogenous or induced by exogenous agents, the provitamin A carotenoids show a more varied spectrum of effects, sometimes protecting and sometimes enhancing DNA damage. The tendency to exacerbate damage is seen mainly at high concentrations, and might be accounted for by pro-oxidant actions of these carotenoids.

The roles of melatonin and vitamin E plus selenium in prevention of oxidative stress induced by naloxone-precipitated withdrawal in heroin-addicted rats

The therapeutic effects of melatonin or vitamin E plus Se (vE + Se) on the restrain of the heroin withdrawal-induced oxidative stress were studied. For this, rats were divided into ten groups. The rats were injected by fixed or variable doses of heroin for 16 consecutive days, and naloxone was given 1 h after the last heroin injection. One hour after naloxone administration, some groups were treated with melatonin or vE + Se. After 1 h this, blood samples were taken, and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in whole blood, ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, retinol, β-carotene, nitrite, nitrate, and ceruloplasmin levels in the serum were measured. Our findings showed that, naloxone administration precipitated the heroin withdrawal. This also increased the level of MDA and decreased the levels of GSH in blood. Melatonin or vE + Se administration prevented the rise in MDA levels and increased the GSH levels. On the other hand, there were some significant differences between α-tocopherol, retinol, β-carotene, nitrite, nitrate, and ceruloplasmin levels of experimental groups. Results of present study showed that heroin withdrawal increased the lipid peroxidation and depressed endogenous antioxidative systems. Additionally, melatonin or vE + Se administrations prevented lipid peroxidation and augmented endogenous antioxidant defense systems.

Protective potential of Royal Jelly against carbon tetrachloride induced-toxicity and changes in the serum sialic acid levels

Royal Jelly (RJ) is used in the Turkish folk medicine for the treatment of number of disorders. The present study describes the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of the RJ against carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced acute liver damage. Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the experiment. CCl(4) (0.8 ml/kg; s.c.) and RJ (50, 100, 200mg/kg; orally) were given every other day, for 20 days. Malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione in whole blood and tissues; ceruloplasmin, sialic acid, ascorbic acid, retinol, β-carotene and liver enzymes levels in serum were measured. Additionally, histopathological alterations in the liver were examined. RJ exerted the significant protective effect on liver damage as well as on oxidative stress induced by CCl(4), resulting in reduced lipid peroxidation and improved endogenous antioxidant defence systems. It also reduced the elevated levels of liver enzymes. Histopathological study further confirmed the hepatoprotective effect of RJ, when compared with the CCl(4) treated control groups. In conclusion, present study reveals biological evidence that supports the use of RJ in the treatment of chemical-induced hepatotoxicity.

Grape seed extract to improve liver function in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver change

BACKGROUND/AIM

Therapeutic interventions in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are limited, while anti-oxidative materials have shown benefits in animal models. This study aimed to evaluate grape seed extract as an anti-oxidative material in this process. Therapeutic effects of grape seed extract were evaluated in comparison to vitamin C in a double-blind setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifteen patients were enrolled in each group. Liver function tests were done; also, grade of steatosis and pattern of echogenicity of the liver were determined. Patients were followed up by the same evaluation repeated in first, second and third months.

RESULTS

Mean age +/- standard deviation was 43.2 +/- 10.3 years. Grape seed extract (GSE) significantly improved the grade of fatty liver change; and resulted in significant decrease in alanine aminotransferase in patients receiving the concentrate compared to those receiving vitamin C independently, from the initial grade of steatosis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study describes the beneficial effect of using grape seed extract for three months in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. These results may improve with a longer period of follow-up.

Immune-modulating efficacy of a polyphenol-rich beverage on symptoms associated with the common cold: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, multi-centric clinical study

In the present study, the immune-modulating efficacy of a polyphenol-rich beverage on symptoms associated with the common cold was evaluated. For this purpose, ninety-eight patients reporting common cold symptoms that began no longer than 24 h before the study intervention were randomly assigned to consume either the test beverage or placebo twice per d for 10 d. The severity of the disease was expressed as the total score of the five cold symptoms 'general feeling of sickness', 'headache and/or joint aches', 'sore throat and/or difficulty swallowing', 'hoarseness and/or cough' and 'stuffy nose/sniffle'. Consequently, the decrease from 10.2 (sd 3.1) points at the beginning to 2.1 (sd 2.7) points by the end of the study in the verum group demonstrated a clear improvement, whereas in the placebo group only a reduction from 10.5 (sd 3.0) to 6.3 (sd 3.8) points could be observed. The mean difference between the groups (primary efficacy criterion) of 3.9 points was highly significant (P < 0.01). At the end of the study there were highly significantly (P < 0.01) more patients in the verum group complaint free than in the placebo group (secondary efficacy criterion). In addition to these self-reported values, several local findings of the physical examination were also significantly improved in the verum group.

The effect of oxidative stress on nucleotide-excision repair in colon tissue of newborn piglets

Nucleotide-excision repair (NER) is important for the maintenance of genomic integrity and to prevent the onset of carcinogenesis. Oxidative stress was previously found to inhibit NER in vitro, and dietary antioxidants could thus protect DNA not only by reducing levels of oxidative DNA damage, but also by protecting NER against oxidative stress-induced inhibition. To obtain further insight in the relation between oxidative stress and NER activity in vivo, oxidative stress was induced in newborn piglets by means of intra-muscular injection of iron (200mg) at day 3 after birth. Indeed, injection of iron significantly increased several markers of oxidative stress, such as 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) levels in colon DNA and urinary excretion of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoGua). In parallel, the influence of maternal supplementation with an antioxidant-enriched diet was investigated in their offspring. Supplementation resulted in reduced iron concentrations in the colon (P=0.004) at day 7 and a 40% reduction of 8-oxodG in colon DNA (P=0.044) at day 14 after birth. NER capacity in animals that did not receive antioxidants was significantly reduced to 32% at day 7 compared with the initial NER capacity on day 1 after birth. This reduction in NER capacity was less pronounced in antioxidant-supplemented piglets (69%). Overall, these data indicate that NER can be reduced by oxidative stress in vivo, which can be compensated for by antioxidant supplementation.

Natural antioxidants protect against lead-induced damage during pregnancy and lactation in rat's pups

The aim of this study was to add further evidence to the biochemical changes produced in lead-exposed pups and to investigate the potential role of natural antioxidants against the lead-induced damage. Pregnant Wistar rats received treatments with drinking water, divided into four groups, as follows: (1) distilled water; (2) lead (300mg/L); (3) lead+Zn (20mg/L)+vitamins A (50,000U/L), C (2g/L), E (500mg/L) and B(6) (500mg/L); and (4) vitamins+Zn solution. We found a significant decrease in haemoglobin and haematocrit values as well and an increase in haemolysis among lead-exposed pups. Vitamins and zinc supplementation were effective in restoring delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase, inhibited by lead in erythrocytes, but did not reach control values. Lead exposure increased the production of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and catalase activity in kidneys and liver that were reduced by the co-administration of vitamins and zinc. Our findings suggest that administration of antioxidants during gestation and lactation could prevent some of the negative effects of lead.

Inhibitory effect of proanthocyanidin on ultraviolet B irradiation-induced melanogenesis

Repetitive exposure of the skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation induces various adverse effects, including skin thickening, wrinkle formation, inflammation, and pigmentation. Various natural and synthetic compounds were studied to determine whether they might prevent UV induction of these adverse effects. In particular, naturally occurring antioxidants were used for regulating skin damage induced by UV radiation since several antioxidants were found to inhibit photoaging through prevention of collagen synthesis via inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and/or decrease of melanin synthesis. The L values in pigmented skin were lower at 4 wk (52.97 +/- 2.09) than at the start of this study (0 wk, 62.89 +/- 0.56) in the control. In the proanthocyanidin mixture group, the L value was increased (56.83 +/- 1.71) similar to the control (52.97 +/- 2.09). Proanthocyanidin also suppressed the expression levels of tyrosinase by 20-40%, and blocked the expression of MITF, TRP-1, and TRP-2, which are factors implicated in the control of melanogenesis. Taken together, these data indicate that proanthocyanidin may be useful to attenuate UVB-induced melanogenesis.