IL-1α, IL-6 and IL-8 serum values in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media.

Inflammatory mediators play an important role in the pathogenesis of otitis media by initiating and maintaining an inflammatory response to infection. The presence of inflammatory mediators may be one of the reasons, in some patients, for acute otitis media transforming into chronic otitis media. The present study included 60 patients admitted to the Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, Iasi, Romania, for surgery. The control group comprised 30 healthy individuals. Serum levels of interleukin 1α (IL-1α), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) were measured prior to surgery and were compared among patients with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), cholesteatoma and cholesteatoma recidivism and the control group. High serum levels of interleukins were recorded in all the groups compared to the healthy control group. IL-6 and IL-8 had the highest value in patients with CSOM and IL-1α had the highest value in patients with cholesteatoma recidivism. Thus, we can consider that inflammatory mediators play a central role in the pathogenesis of CSOM and cholesteatoma by maintaining a systemic and local inflammatory response.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme gene D-allele and the severity of coronary artery disease.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the first cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. An important goal is to diagnose patients in early stages, in order to reduce acute cardiovascular events. The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is an important element for the cardiovascular system, through its actions on hydro-salin balance and vascular tone. ACE polymorphism consists of insertions (I)/deletions (D) and there are 3 genotypes: II, ID, DD. It is speculated that the DD genotype may be a genetic basis for severe CAD, while the II genotype may have a protective effect on the coronary arteries. The present study included 154 patients with acute coronary syndroms admitted to the Institute for Cardiovascular Disease 'George I.M. Georgescu', Iasi. The patients underwent coronary angiography in order to assess the severity of the lesions and the ACE genotypes were determined for each patient. The genotypes were correlated with the severity of the vessel-disease and the exposure to classic risk factors. It was concluded that the D-allele is associated with a greater risk for acute coronary events and severe coronary stenosis, especially when risk genotype and risk phenotype interact.

Modulation of the activity of certain genes involved in tumor cell metabolism in the presence of the cytotoxic peptides defensin and cathelicidin LL37.

It is common knowledge that some natural antimicrobial peptides also have a tumoricidal effect. We have shown that the peptides defensin and cathelicidin LL37 have cytostatic effects on human tumor cell lines HT29 (colorectal carcinoma) and A549 (alveolar carcinoma). In order to determine the modulating mechanism of these peptides we assessed the gene expression of the AKT, HIF-1α, XBP, NRF2, PERK, CHOP, BCL2, IRE1α and PI3K molecular targets involved in the survival, growth, proliferation and apoptosis pathways of tumor cells in the presence or absence of the studied peptides. Thus, this research enabled us to determine molecular markers and methods of assessment and monitoring of tumor cell cytotoxicity by high-performance molecular biology techniques. Defensin and cathelicidin LL37 activated tumor cell apoptosis, especially for the HT29, but also for A549 line, by increasing gene expression of CHOP and by lowering BCL2 gene expression. Oxidative stress determined the increase in gene expression of XBP, which directly influenced CHOP. The decrease in NRF2 gene expression highlighted the inhibition of cell proliferation, while the decrease in HIF1α gene expression evidenced the decrease in cell survival.

The beneficial effects on blood pressure, dyslipidemia and oxidative stress of Sambucus nigra extract associated with renin inhibitors.

CONTEXT: The health effects of Sambucus nigra L. (Caprifoliaceae) could be due to polyphenols whose modes of action differ from the traditional one proposed for exogenous antioxidants. OBJECTIVE: The study emphasizes the effects of the association between the renin inhibitor and the polyphenolic extract on biochemical parameters and systolic (TAS) and diastolic (TAD) blood pressure within an L NAME-induced experimental model of arterial hypertension (AHT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The polyphenols are extracted with ethanol from isolated and purified vegetable material represented by the mature fruit of the S. nigra with a dosage of 0.046 g/kg body weight (PS), every 2 days, for 8 weeks. The dose represents 1/20 of LD50. The Wistar white rat blood pressure values were recorded using a CODA™ system, which uses a non-invasive blood pressure measuring method. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The total antioxidant capacity levels were significantly decreased (p < 0.001) in AHT group as compared to the rats in the AHT + PS group. A combination of a renin inhibitor (Aliskiren) and polyphenolic extract generated a superior antioxidant effect compared to administering the two separately. Both TAS and TAD in rats with drug-induced hypertension were reduced by polyphenolic extract. The homogeneous values of TAS record a significant decrease (p < 0.001) of the average values in AHT + PS group or AHT + Aliskiren group. CONCLUSION: The combination of two different classes of substances, namely, renin inhibitors and natural polyphenol extracts, reduces arterial pressure and also might reduce the side effects of the major classes of antihypertensive agents and improve the quality of live.

Inflammatory and Genetic Markers (APO B100 and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Gene) in the Coronary Artery Disease.

Aim: To analyze the correlations between inflammation markers and ApoB100 and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). Material and Methods: We conducted a study in 58 patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) who underwent coronarography at the Iasi "Prof. Dr. George I.M. Georgescu' Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases. the patients included in the studies were selected from those who needed a coronarography for unstable angina or acute myocardial infarction. The data were uploaded and processed using the statistical functions in SPPS 18.0 at a 95% materiality threshold. Results: Elevated inflammation markers were found in all study patients, with small differences in distribution. None of the study patients presented ApoB100 gene mutations. As to ACE polymorphism, a predominance of genotype II in unicoronary patients and ID and DD genotypes in bicoronary and tricoronary patients was found. Conclusions: The results of our study confirm the role of genetic and epigenetic factors in the severity and progression of the coronary disease, leaving room for larger and more comprehensive studies and new research perspectives.

THE EFFECT OF COBALT CHLORIDE PRECONDITIONING ON PACLITAXEL-INDUCED PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY.

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies indicate that Cobalt Chloride (CoC12) modulates mitochondrial activity. There is emerging data suggesting that Paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) is a consequence of the drug's mitochondrial toxicity. AIM: to assess the effect of CoC12 preconditioning on PIPN in an animal model. MATERIAL AND METHOD: PIPN was induced by 7 daily consecutive i.p. Paclitaxel (PXT) administrations. Male BALB/c mice were divided into three groups as follows: group A--CoC12 (12.5 mg/kg b.w.) for three weeks (preconditioning) followed by I week of PXT, group B--saline for three weeks, followed by 1 week of PXT and group C--saline for four weeks. Thermal and mechanical allodynia were assessed by means of paw withdrawal latency (PWL). RESULTS: In group A, CoC12 preconditioning lead to a decrease in both thermal and mechanical PWLs. 7 days after the last dose of PXT, however, values returned to normal in group A and allodynia for both thermal and mechanical stimuli was noted in group B (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CoC12 preconditioning seems to protect against PIPN. Although CoC12 administration decreased thermal and mechanical PWLs, subsequent P administration did not lead to the persistent mechanical and thermal allodynia that was noted in the P-alone group. Further studies are required for determining the exact relationship between CoC12 and PIPN.

THE EFFECTS OF RIBOFLAVIN AND METHYLENE BLUE ON NOCICEPTION AND VISCERAL PAIN.

BACKGROUND: Methylene Blue (MB) can prevent electron leaking, increase mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, and reduce ROS overproduction under pathological conditions, currently being trace evidence that it can alter pain perception in humans by local administration during certain surgical procedures. Riboflavin or vitamin B2 (B2) constitutes a part of the vitamin B group, which in recent studies shows a growing implication in the treatment of some pathology that imply pain management. AIM: To investigate the effect of one dose of Riboflavin and Methylene Blue on nociception and visceral pain in mice. METHODS: A total of 48 BALB/c male mice were divided into 3 groups: MB Group, B2 Group and C Group. MB (5 mg/kg b.w.), B2 (100 mg/kg b.w.) or an equivalent volume of saline was administered intraperitoneally. Mice were tested before (baseline) and after drugs administration over a 4h period. Nociception was evaluated by means of Hot Plate Test (HPT) and TFT (Tail Flick Test). Visceral pain was evaluated 2h after administration. RESULTS: Four hours after MB administration we recorded an analgesic effect on the hot plate test (p < 0.05 at 30, 60 and 240 min). No significant effect on the TFT was noticed. B2 vitamin had an antinociceptive effect as compared to control group only for HPT that persisted for 2h but had no effect on TFT. Both MB and B2 vitamin have shown an analgesic effect (p < 0.01) on visceral pain when compared to the control group but the pain inhibition was more important after riboflavin administration. CONCLUSIONS: Even if the exact mechanisms are not clarified by our study, we demonstrated that both ATP modulators (MB & B2 vitamin) have analgesic effect on visceral pain and nociception.

Antioxidative and antiatherogenic effects of flaxseed, α-tocopherol and their combination in diabetic hamsters fed with a high-fat diet.

Oxidative stress has previously been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications. In the present study, the effects of supplementation with dietary antioxidants, flaxseed and α-tocopherol were investigated in diabetic golden Syrian hamsters fed with a high-fat diet. Thirty-five golden Syrian hamsters were randomly divided into a control group (C) and four diabetic groups (DM, DM + flax, DM + E and DM + Flax + E). The hamsters received four different diets for a 20-week period, as follows: i) Groups C and DM received a high-fat diet (40% energy as fat), deficient in α-linolenic acid (ALA); ii) the DM + Flax group received a high-fat diet enriched with ground flaxseed 15 g/100 g of food, rich in ALA; iii) the DM + E group received a high-fat diet enriched with vitamin E, 40 mg α-tocopherol/100 g of food; and iv) the DM + Flax + E group received a high-fat diet enriched with flaxseed and vitamin E. The results of serum lipid and oxidative stress analysis suggested that the antiatherogenic effect of flaxseed, α-tocopherol and their combination added to a high-fat diet in diabetic hamsters was based primarily on their antioxidative role, demonstrated by decreased serum lipid peroxidation and increased liver glutathione content. Improvements of serum glucose and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were observed and may have contributed to the prevention of diabetic macroangiopathy evidenced in the histopathological examination. The antioxidant effect of flaxseed was similar to that of α-tocopherol in diabetic hamsters fed a high-fat diet and combined supplementation did not appear to bring more benefits than flaxseed alone. Moreover, the high dose of ground flaxseed alone may have a better cardioprotective effect than α-tocopherol in diabetic hamsters by reducing total cholesterol and non-HDL-C levels and increasing HDL-C levels.

Effects of Sambucus nigra and Aronia melanocarpa extracts on immune system disorders within diabetes mellitus.

CONTEXT: The fruits of Aronia melanocarpa Elliot (Rosaceae), (black chokeberry), and Sambucus nigra L. (Caprifoliaceae), elderberries are rich in anthocyanins. Many studies have reported that anthocyanins are beneficial in diabetes due to their capacity to stimulate insulin secretion and reduce oxidative stress. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to prove the biologically active properties of polyphenols extracted from S. nigra and A. melanocarpa fruit. The study also details the influence of plant polyphenols on immune system imbalances within diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Polyphenolic extract was administered to Wistar rats 0.040 g/kg body every 2 d for 16 weeks. The absorbencies of all the solutions were determined using a V-550 Able Jasco UV-VIS spectrophotometer. The immunomodulatory capacity of vegetal extracts was assessed by studying cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ through the ELISA method and fibrinogen values. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: At 48 h, the anti-inflammatory effects of S. nigra and A. melanocarpa substances have been revealed by an increase of the TNF-α and IFN-γ levels in the diabetic group protected by these extracts. Seventy-two hours post-administration of both substances in the diabetic groups, the TNF-α level returns to the values read 24 h after substance administration. The vegetal extracts limit the production of fibrinogen in the diabetic rats under polyphenolic protection, the values being highly significant compared with the diabetic group. CONCLUSIONS: Natural polyphenols extracted from S. nigra and A. melanocarpa modulate specific and non-specific immune defenses in insulin-deficiency diabetes and reduce the inflammatory status and self-sustained pancreatic insulitis.

Polycythemia vera syndrome--as a protrombothic state.

UNLABELLED: The aim of our study was to investigate whether the disorder of coagulation and fibrinolysis factors are mechanisms that contribute to the prothrombotic state in patients with polycythemia vera (PV) syndrome with or without cardiovascular disease (CVD), in order to identify the patients having high risk for thrombotic events. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprises 20 patients divided in 2 groups: 10 patients with PV syndrome (PV) and 10 patients with PV and cardiovascular diseases associated (PV+CVD). The patients were tested by determining three factors of coagulation profile: protein S, free fraction (PS), antithrombin III (AT III) and Protein C (PC). RESULTS: The level of the three parameters were found significantly modified in the both groups (p < 0.05); comparing the results between the two groups of patients, in the second group (PV+CVD) the level of the parameters were significantly lower than in the first group (PV). CONCLUSIONS: In PV syndrome the risk for thrombosis is also due to the changes in coagulation factors. Patients with associated cardiovascular disease, present a more severe risk for trombothic events, so regarding the disorder of coagulation factors, this represent a major mechanism implicated in the etiology of thrombosis in these categories of patients.

Pain modulation by curcumin and ascorbic acid in mice.

AIM: The present study aims to evaluate whether ascorbic acid (AA) and curcumin, two substances with redox properties, have similar effects on different models of pain in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included a total of 28 mice that were divided into four groups. One group (AA) received intraperitoneally 500 mg/kg b.w. AA for 21 days and the 2-nd group (curcumin) received 120 mg/kg b.w. curcumin by gastric gavage for two weeks. Other two groups serve as control and received vehicle in a dose--time manner similar to that of the treated groups. The pain models (oro-facial formalin induced pain, paw formalin induced pain and visceral pain) were performed 24 h after the last dose. RESULTS: When compared with control groups, curcumin significantly decreases pain perception in oro-facial (p = 0.01 1-st phase, p = 0.002 2-nd phase) and paw formalin induced pain (p = 0.04 1-st and 2-nd phase) while AA stimulates pain perception in acid acetic induced visceral pain (p = 0.05) and increases oro-facial inflammatory pain induced by formalin ( p = 0.02) but demonstrates analgesic effects on paw formalin induced pain (p = 0.003 1-st phase, p = 0.01 2-nd phase). CONCLUSIONS: ROS production is important in pain modulation. Structures involved in the process of pain have different antioxidant defense capacities. Curcumin and AA are able to modulate pain perception, but beside their antioxidant capacities, there are other mechanisms involved.

Modulation of neuropathic pain in experimental diabetes mellitus

The main objective of the current article is to investigate the diabetic polyneuropathy which represents a major preoccupation within the context of high incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications. Moreover, neuropathy may develop despite intensive hyperglycaemic control. The effect of Zn and black grape seed polyphenols (BGSP) in streptozotocin diabetic rats was studied. Zn and BGSP were administered by gavage, daily, for 16 weeks to Wistar rats that have been rendered diabetic by a single i.v. injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg body weight). Dysalgesia was investigated under the conditions of nociceptive stimulation through the following tests: the thermoalgesic mechanism through the tail-flick test, the hot plate test and the plantar test, and the mechanoalgesic mechanism through the algesimetric test. Thermal hyperalgesia detected in the diabetic group is significantly reduced (p < 0.001) through the administration of polyphenols, or even better, of Zn. Diabetes-associated mechanical hyperalgesia decreased significantly (p < 0.001) probably through the inhibition of the NMDA receptors. Administration of Zn or BGSP to the diabetic group improves glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) values but does not bring them to normal. The present data suggest a favourable effect of Zn and BGSP in inhibiting diabetic complications by several mechanisms

Modulation of neuropathic pain in experimental diabetes mellitus.

The main objective of the current article is to investigate the diabetic polyneuropathy which represents a major preoccupation within the context of high incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications. Moreover, neuropathy may develop despite intensive hyperglycaemic control. The effect of Zn and black grape seed polyphenols (BGSP) in streptozotocin diabetic rats was studied. Zn and BGSP were administered by gavage, daily, for 16 weeks to Wistar rats that have been rendered diabetic by a single i.v. injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg body weight). Dysalgesia was investigated under the conditions of nociceptive stimulation through the following tests: the thermoalgesic mechanism through the tail-flick test, the hot plate test and the plantar test, and the mechanoalgesic mechanism through the algesimetric test. Thermal hyperalgesia detected in the diabetic group is significantly reduced (p < 0.001) through the administration of polyphenols, or even better, of Zn. Diabetes-associated mechanical hyperalgesia decreased significantly (p < 0.001) probably through the inhibition of the NMDA receptors. Administration of Zn or BGSP to the diabetic group improves glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) values but does not bring them to normal. The present data suggest a favourable effect of Zn and BGSP in inhibiting diabetic complications by several mechanisms.

The cytotoxic effect of magainin II on the MDA-MB-231 and M14K tumour cell lines.

Many studies have highlighted the tumoricidal properties of some natural peptides known to have antimicrobial virtues. Also, the increasingly higher resistance to conventional antibiotics has become a global public health issue, and the need for new antibiotics has stimulated interest in finding and synthesizing new antimicrobial peptides, which may also be used as chemotherapeutic agents. Relying on the literature, the purpose of our in vitro research was to assess the tumoricidal potential of magainin II on a series of tumour cell lines, namely, MDA-MB-231 (breast adenocarcinoma) and M14K (human mesothelioma). The experimental results of our study revealed that the cytotoxic effects of magainin II depend on its concentration. Its efficiency is significant at 120 µM concentrations, and, although it is much lower, it persists even at 60 µM concentrations. The effects were insignificant at 30 µM concentrations. In our experimental research, the tumoricidal effect of magainin II was not significantly dependent on the type of tumour cell line used.

The involvement of a polyphenol-rich extract of black chokeberry in oxidative stress on experimental arterial hypertension.

The aim of this study is to characterize the content of Aronia melanocarpa Elliott (black chokeberry) extract and also to estimate the influence of polyphenolic compounds contained in chokeberries on oxidative stress, on an L-NAME-induced experimental model of arterial hypertension. The rat blood pressure values were recorded using a CODA Noninvasive Blood Pressure System. HPLC/DAD coupled with ElectroSpray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry allowed identification of five phenolic compounds in berries ethanolic extract as follows: chlorogenic acid, kuromanin, rutin, hyperoside, and quercetin. The serous activity of glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-Px) has significantly lower values in the hypertensive (AHT) group as compared to the group protected by polyphenols (AHT + P). The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) values are lower in the AHT group and they are significantly higher in the AHT + P group. All the measured blood pressure components revealed a biostatistically significant blood pressure drop between the AHT group and the AHT + P group. The results reveal the normalization of the reduced glutathion (GSH) concentration as well as a considerable reduction in the malondialdehyde (MDA) serum concentration in the AHT + P group. Ethanolic extract of black chokeberry fruits not only has a potential value as a prophylactic agent but also may function as a nutritional supplement in the management of arterial hypertension.

Interleukin-1-beta and dyslipidemic syndrome as major risk factors for thrombotic complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, a known risk factor for accelerated atherosclerosis and vascular disease. The aim of this study was to show that the connection between DM and other risk factors, such as dyslipidemia, inflammatory phenomena, or the development of certain vascular injuries, leads to a high frequency of thrombotic events in diabetic patients compared to the nondiabetic population. The study included one hundred eighty patients divided in the following groups: diabetic without ischemic cardiopathy-related disorders (DM), diabetic with clinical or off-clinical (electrocardiogram, cardiac ultrasound) ischemic cardiopathy-related disorders (DM + IC), and nondiabetic with ischemic cardiopathy-related disorders (IC). We investigated the following parameters: von Willebrand Factor, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, interleukin-1-beta, protein C, and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1. The results achieved in our study have revealed the highest thrombotic risk among the groups of diabetic patients, which is in direct correlation with the high values of interleukin-1-beta and the modifications of lipid parameters, acknowledging the data in the literature, according to which hyperglycemia alters endothelial functions directly and indirectly by synthesis of growth factors and cytokines and generates metabolic disorders which would explain the high risk for thrombotic events.

Mechanism by Sambucus nigra Extract Improves Bone Mineral Density in Experimental Diabetes.

The effects of polyphenols extracted from Sambucus nigra fruit were studied in streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced hyperglycemic rats to evaluate its possible antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiglycosylation activity, and antiosteoporosis effects in diabetes. DEXA bone mineral density tests were performed in order to determine bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and fat (%Fat) in control and diabetic animals, before and after polyphenol delivery. As compared to the normoglycemic group, the rats treated with STZ (60 mg/kg body weight) revealed a significant malondialdehyde (MDA) increase, as an index of the lipid peroxidation level, by 69%, while the total antioxidant activity (TAS) dropped by 36%, with a consistently significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). Also, the treatment of rats with STZ revealed a significant increase of IL-6, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA(1c)), and osteopenia detected by DEXA bone mineral density tests. The recorded results highlight a significant improvement (P < 0.001) in the antioxidative capacity of the serum in diabetic rats treated with natural polyphenols, bringing back to normal the concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH), as well as an important decrease in the serum concentration of MDA, with improved osteoporosis status. Knowing the effects of polyphenols could lead to the use of the polyphenolic extract of Sambucus nigra as a dietary supplement in diabetic osteoporosis.

[Correlation between cognitive impairment and cardiovascular risk factors in dialysis vs. non-dialysis elderly patients]. / Corelatia între deficitul cognitiv si factorii de risc cardiovascular la pacientul vârstnic dializat vs. nedializat.

UNLABELLED: The emergence or worsening of cognitive impairment is a consequence of the aging process. Geriatric depression occurs due to cognitive impairment associated with aging, and as it develops, it also affects the cognitive function. AIM: To analyze retrospectively over a period of 6 months the clinical parameters and biological differences of the depression and cognitive impairment in dialyzed and non-dialyzed elderly patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 63 patients over 65 years included in the study (29 patients admitted to the Geriatric Department of the "C. I. Parhon" Hospital, Iasi, and 34 patients that were in the renal dialysis program into the Transplant Centre Iasi) that were evaluated in terms of cognitive status and level of depression through the following tests: MMSE (the cognitive impairment severity assessment), the Geriatric Depression Score, the modified Hachinski Ischemic Score (for vascular dementia). The resulting data were interpreted statistically by SPSS 12.0 software and the results were evaluated by t- Student test (p <0.05). RESULTS: The average age was 73.2 + / -6.1 for non-dialyzed patients group and 69.8 +/- 4.6 for dialyzed group. Body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin, glucose and lipids were similar for both categories of patients. In the dialyzed group, depression is correlated with an elevated blood triglycerides, and the vascular dementia is correlated with glucose levels (p=0.04). Cognitive impairment is more accentuated in the dialyzed group compared to the non dialyzed one. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly dialyzed people are likely to develop more frequently and more severely vascular dementia than non-dialyzed old people, probably in the context of the factors that are related with dialysis itself.

Beneficial dexa-related effects of natural polyphenols on experimentally-induced diabetes mellitus complications.

UNLABELLED: The benefits of the proanthocyanidins, polyphenols extracted from black grapes seeds, have been shown by using as experimental model, namely streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus on Wistar white rats. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Streptozotocin was administered in a single intraperitoneal dose of 60 mg/Kg body mass. Vegetal polyphenols were administered as water solution, in a dose of 0.028 mg/Kg body mass, p.o. (through tube feeding), every two days, for a period of 16 weeks. We performed DEXA bone mineral density tests, in order to determine BDM (bone mineral density in g/cm2), BMC (body mass index expressed in g) and fat (%Fat) in control and diabetic animals, before and after polyphenol delivery. RESULTS: The evolution of bone mineral density depending on the area, in diabetic males, measured from the beginning to the end of the experiment, has shown a significant decrease, especially in the femur area. In diabetic males that received polyphenol treatment, these differences are statistically minimum. Bone mineral density depending on the area showed the highest differences in the spine, followed by the cervical spine. In diabetic males that received polyphenol treatment, we noticed a 4-7% decrease of their body fat as compared to the beginning of the experiment, for all the analyzed samples. As for the spine, the highest BMC difference depending on the area was found in diabetic males with polyphenol intake, and the overall highest difference was noticed in diabetic males. The body fat index we studied in the male groups was the lowest in the diabetic males. CONCLUSION: Osteoporosis regression due to polyphenols proves the benefits of proanthoyianidins used treating the chronic complications of diabetes mellitus.

[New polyphenolic extracts for oxidative stress treatment in experimental diabetes]. / Noi extracte polifenolice de combatere a stresului oxidativ in diabetul experimental.

UNLABELLED: The paper focuses on the extraction and purification by chromatographic and spectral methods of certain natural polyphenolic extracts from Aronia melanocarpa and common elder (Sambuccus nigra) fruit, and also on their effects in hypoinsulinemic diabetes mellitus. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The research was made upon Wistar rats, which were divided into 4 groups: group I--control group; group II--with polyphenols in a dose of 0.034 g/body-kg; group III--with diabetes mellitus, induced by 55 mg/body-kg of streptozotocyne; group IV--to whom was administered a solution of polyphenols, 12 weeks, after the onset of diabetes mellitus. RESULTS: Glycosylated hemoglobin values are much higher in the diabetic group and they are significantly lower in the group protected by polyphenols. The serous activity of glutathione-peroxidase and superoxide-dismutase has significantly lower values in the diabetic group as compared to the group protected by polyphenols. The serous concentration of malondialdehyde in the diabetic group undergoing polyphenols treatment is lower as compared to the diabetic group, which means a significant decrease of lipid peroxides in the serum. The results demonstrate the hypoglycemic, hypolipemic and antioxidant effects of Aronia melanocarpa and Sambucus nigra extracts in streptozocin-induced diabetes.