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Abstract Background A growing interest in using Nigella sativa oil (NSO) in the prevention or treatment of several cardiovascular diseases has prompted this study. The research aims to investigate the effect of NSO on cardiac damage prevention after long-term administration in induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. Methods NSO was analyzed for its fatty acids composition using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and administered in rats before and after isoproterenol (45 mg/kg body weight) induced myocardial infarction. The following parameters were assessed: electrocardiograms, histopathological examination, serum biochemical aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), serum and heart inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1b), and interleukin 6 (IL-6)), and tissue oxidative stress (total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidative stress (TOS), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and the total thiols (THIOL)). Results Linoleic acid (C18:2n-6) and oleic acid (C18:1n-9) were approximately 89% of total fatty acids while palmitic acid (C16:0) was 6.10%. Administration of NSO for 28 days helped in preventing QT and QTc interval prolongation and reduced heart rate (HR), after MI induction. The histological assessment showed improvement in myofibrillary degeneration and necrosis and also better reduced inflammatory process in the groups treated with NSO. In serum, pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1b and IL-6 were downregulated in chronic conditions (for IL-1b, NSO vs. control was 86.09vs 150.39 pg/mL, and for IL-6 NSO vs. control was 78.00 vs. 184.98 pg/ml). In the heart tissue, the downregulation was observed only for TNF in both acute and chronic conditions (acute NSO vs. control was 132.37 vs. 207.63 pg/mL, and chronic NSO vs. control was 135.83 vs. 183.29 pg/ml). The pro-oxidant parameters TOS, NO, MDA, and OSI, were reduced in the groups treated with NSO only after 14 days of treatment, suggesting that the NSO antioxidant effect is time-dependent. Conclusions NSO administration might have a favourable impact on the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation processes after MI induction in rats, and it is worth considering its administration as an adjuvant treatment.

The use of biomarkers in cardiovascular surgery is an evolving field with promising potential; however, current research remains largely limited, requiring further validation for routine clinical application. This review explores the application of biomarkers in cardiovascular surgery, focusing on heart failure, cardiac ischemia, and organ dysfunction, including renal, cerebral, pulmonary, and splanchnic impairments. Additionally, it examines the significance of biomarkers in assessing the inflammatory state and oxidative stress during the perioperative period, particularly in the context of major surgical trauma and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). From January 2018 to June 2024, we reviewed 133 studies and four systematic reviews and meta-analyses using the Medline, Embase, and Central databases, screening for pre- or postoperative biomarker levels in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Outcomes of interest were postoperative mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Studies reporting multivariable-adjusted risk estimates were included. The findings revealed that cardiac troponins (cTns) and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) remain the most widely utilized biomarkers for assessing myocardial injury post-surgery. These elevated biomarker levels were consistently associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications, including low cardiac output syndrome, prolonged ventilation, and mortality. Emerging biomarkers, such as heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (h-FABP) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), demonstrated promising early detection and risk stratification results. In particular, h-FABP increased rapidly within one hour of myocardial injury, peaking at 4–6 hours and returning to baseline within 24 hours. This rapid clearance makes h-FABP a valuable tool for early myocardial injury detection, potentially allowing for timely interventions. Inflammatory biomarkers, including hs-CRP and pentraxin 3 (PTX3), were found to be associated with poor outcomes, such as increased morbidity and mortality. Elevated preoperative levels of these markers were indicative of a heightened inflammatory response, correlating with worse postoperative recovery and higher rates of complications. Furthermore, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) emerged as a cost-effective and easily accessible predictor of postoperative outcomes. Elevated NLR values were linked to an increased risk of adverse events, including prolonged ventilation, low cardiac output syndrome, and overall mortality. Further, the practicality of measuring NLR through routine blood tests makes it viable for widespread clinical use. In conclusion, integrating biomarkers in cardiovascular surgery significantly advances predicting postoperative outcomes for cardiac surgery patients. Therefore, it is essential to categorize these biomarkers into two distinct groups in the future, inflammatory and non-inflammatory (related to organ damage), to improve understanding and enhance their clinical applicability. Future research should focus on standardizing the use of these biomarkers and exploring their combined predictive power to enhance risk stratification and improve patient prognosis.

Nesfatin-1, deriving from a precursor protein, NUCB2, is a newly discovered molecule with anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anorexigenic effects. It was initially identified in the central nervous system (CNS) and received increasing interest due to its energy-regulating properties. However, research showed that nesfatin-1 is also expressed in peripheral tissues, including the digestive system. The aim of this review is to give a résumé of the present state of knowledge regarding its structure, immunolocalization, and potential implications in diseases with inflammatory components. The main objective was to focus on its clinical importance as a diagnostic biomarker and potential therapeutic molecule in a variety of disorders, among which digestive disorders were of particular interest. Previous studies have shown that nesfatin-1 regulates the balance between pro- and antioxidant agents, which makes nesfatin-1 a promising therapeutic agent. Further in-depth research regarding the underlying mechanisms of action is needed for a better understanding of its effects.

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

Apart from their classical roles, both platelets and vitamin D play important roles in inflammation and infectious diseases. This study evaluated the platelet response to viral respiratory tract infection in children aged 4–16 years, 32 with influenza, 27 with non-influenza viral infection tested by nasopharyngeal swab and 21 healthy children of the same age. Blood count, including platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV) and other platelet indices, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and vitamin D (vit D) levels were compared. The influenza group showed lower PLT and platelet mass (PLT*MPV), and the non-influenza group showed significantly lower MPV, which was correlated with the vit D levels, but not CRP or ESR, and the value vit D*MPV was significantly lower in this group. These results revealed that platelet activation in viral respiratory tract infections in children, as measured by MPV, is related to the vit D level, with differences between influenza and non-influenza infection.ConclusionsViral respiratory tract infection in children can diminish the platelet size most likely by suppressing the platelet activation. This response is associated with low levels of vit D. Whether the vit D status is associated with the virus-platelet immune/inflammatory process needs further investigation.

A few months after the onset of the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19), it has been suggested that the use of certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may increase the severity and mortality of the disease, therefore it should be avoided in those who become ill. The hypothesis was based on previous preclinical and clinical studies that analyzed the role of cyclooxygenase in inflammatory processes in viral infections. Based on the existing data analyzed, there is no evidence of a worsening of the disease in patients previously treated with ibuprofen.

Objective(s): Over the past 20 years, increasing interest in the use of medicinal plants as alternative or adjuvant treatments of several chronic diseases was observed. Accordingly, Nigella sativa or black cumin, a medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds, has been used worldwide for food purposes or in traditional medicines. This paper aims to reveal N. sativa potential as adjunct treatment in cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hematological malignancies, due to their increasing prevalence and difficult management in everyday life.Materials and Methods: Databases like PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar were used to search the literature data. Keywords like anti-inflammatory effect, anti-oxidant effect, antihypertensive effects, hypolipidemic effects and hematological malignancies were used in combination with N. sativa.Results: Because of its numerous pharmacological actions, but especially for its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrated N. sativa positive effect against diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia, all of them associated to cardiovascular diseases progression. Also, it was proved to have marked anti-proliferative, cytotoxic, pro-apoptotic, and anti-metastatic effects, in both solid cancers and hematological malignancies.Conclusion: N. sativa used as complementary treatment to classical medications can improve the management of several chronic diseases

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

Vaccines represent an important preventive strategy in paediatric populations, but the rate of vaccination has been constantly declining in the last decade. Concerns about vaccines’ safety represent one of the main causes of vaccine hesitancy among parents. The aim of this study was the analysis of the immediate adverse reactions induced by vaccines included in the national program of immunization for the first year of life. Method: Eighty-one children born between 1st of January 2018 and 31st of March 2019 were included. The vaccination refusal rate, and incidence and severity of adverse effects induced by three mandatory vaccines (Hexavalent, Prevenar 13 and MMR) were analyzed. The level of parents’ education and the sources of information that were consulted in order to understand the adverse effects were also analyzed. Results and conclusions: The rate of adverse events was lower than 30% of the total number of doses, and most of them were mild. The incidence and severity of vaccine-induced adverse effects were correlated with prematurity. The vaccine hesitancy rate was lower than the national one, possibly due to a high level of education and good information provided by doctors that might have led to parents’ concerns regarding vaccination being answered.

Grape pomace and grape seeds, by-products of the wine industry, and grapevine cane resulting from grapevine pruning are cheap matrices containing important amounts of polyphenols. While there is a continuous need of introducing new ways of these by-products valorization, we propose their use as a source of bioactive polyphenols for complementary therapy in ischemic heart diseases. As oxidative stress plays an important role in these diseases, by their antioxidant/pro-oxidant properties, these compounds, mainly flavan-3-ols, procyanidins, and resveratrol may counteract the damage of the oxidative stress. For instance, to some extent, the grape seed extract, considered as an antioxidant nutritive supplement, may have pro-oxidant activity as well, depending on dose, duration of administration, and other dietary components. In vitro studies confirm that the antioxidant activity of this extract might be mediated by pro-oxidant o-quinones and oxidation products of the polyphenols from grape and winery byproducts, indicating that quinones, as oxidation products, are involved in the modulation of the antioxidant/pro-oxidant balance at the cellular level in the case of catechin-type compounds, in the absence or presence of oxidative stress inducers. In vivo, studies indicate that a grape pomace-rich diet results in a significant increase of the total antioxidant status in the plasma, liver, spleen, and kidneys. Also, the administration of grape pomace shows antioxidant activity with positive effects on health. In this context, the present review aims to present the most recent research focused on the antioxidant/pro-oxidant actions of the bioactive polyphenols from grapevine and wine byproducts, in conditions of ischemic heart diseases as assessed in vitro or in vivo.

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

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

Dexamethasone is one of the most often used corticosteroid drugs for sensorineural hearing loss treatment, and is used either by intratympanic injection or through systemic delivery. In this study, a biopolymer lipid hybrid microcarrier was investigated for enhanced local drug delivery and sustained release at the round window membrane level of the middle ear for the treatment of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Dexamethasone-loaded and dexamethasone-free microparticles were prepared using biopolymers (polysaccharide and protein, pectin and bovine serum albumin, respectively) combined with lipid components (phosphatidylcholine and Dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide) in order to obtain a biopolymer–liposome hybrid system, with a complex structure combining to enhance performance in terms of physical and chemical stability. The structure of the microparticles was evaluated by FTIR, XRD, thermal analysis, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The encapsulation efficiency determination and the in vitro Dexamethasone release study were performed using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The high value of encapsulation efficiency and the results of the release study indicated six days of sustained release, encouraging us to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of Dexamethasone-loaded microparticles and their influence on the cytotoxicity induced by Cisplatin on auditory HEI-OC1 cells. The results show that the new particles are able to protect the inner ear sensory cells.

Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wigth & Arn. (DC) is widely used in traditional medicine against several inflammatory diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis, because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to characterize the polyphenol-rich DC fruit extracts and investigate the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects in a rat inflammation model induced by complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA). Water and ethanolic extracts were characterized using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The polyphenol-rich extracts were administered in three different concentrations for 30 days. Pain threshold, thermal hyperalgesia, edema, and serum biomarkers specific to inflammatory processes or oxidative stress were evaluated. Both extracts were rich in polyphenolic compounds, mainly flavan-3-ols, proanthocyanidins, and flavone glycosides, which had important in vitro antioxidant capacity. DC fruit extracts administration had the maximum antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects after one day since the CFA injection and showed promising results for long-term use as well. The measurement of pro-inflammatory cytokines, cortisol, and oxidative stress parameters showed that DC extracts significantly reduced these parameters, being dose and extract-type dependent. These results showed potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidative properties and revealed the necessity of using a standardized polyphenolic DC extract to avoid result variability.

Recurrent wheezing (RW) in infancy is one of the most frequent reasons for parents to consult health care providers and creates a significant global burden. Clinical course of RW is difficult to predict, also which infants will progress to asthma, since no valid biomarkers have been established. Identification of those infants with RW who are at risk of further recurrences and/or severe acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) could help pediatricians to improve their therapeutic decisions. Increasing research interest is focused on the extra-skeletal actions of vitamin D (VD) and the clinical impact of VD insufficiency/deficiency. As VD deficiency could be a risk factor for causing RW in children, measurement of their serum level of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol [25(OH)D] is recommended. In the case of deficiency, VD administration is recommended in age-appropriate doses for at least 6 weeks, until achievement of normal blood 25(OH)D level, followed by supplementation as long as exposure to sun is inadequate. Higher doses of VD given in an attempt to prevent asthma development appear to be of no additional benefit. In children with severe ARTI, VD level is recommended to be assess.

We investigated the in vivo effect of curcumin nanoparticles (nC) in addition to diclofenac sodium on local edema and oxidative stress parameters in carrageenan-induced paw edema on rats. Seven groups were investigated: control group (C), the acute inflammation (AI) group, an AI group treated with Diclofenac (AID, 5 mg/kg b.w. Diclofenac sodium), two AI groups treated with cC (conventional Curcumin)—AIC200 and AIcC200D (D = Diclofenac, 200 represent the concentration of active substance expressed in mg/kg b.w.), and two AI groups with nC (Curcumin nanoparticles)—AIC200 and AIcC200D. Serum and tissue oxidative stress was assessed by measuring five parameters. Curcumin nanoparticles alone and in combination with D better reduced the paw edema than D alone (p < 0.027). The rats treated with D and nC (AIcC200D) had the highest inhibition percentage on edema, reaching the maximum level of inhibition (81%) after 24 h. Conventional curcumin and nC presented antioxidant effects in acute inflammation, with significantly better results obtained for nC. The pro-oxidant markers were reduced up to 0.3 by the cC and up to 0.4 times by the nC and both solutions increased the antioxidant markers up to 0.3 times. The nC enhanced the antioxidative efficacy of D, as this combination reduced the pro-oxidant markers up to 1.3 times. Curcumin nanoparticles could represent a therapeutic option in association with classical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication in acute inflammation, as they might offer a reduction of drug dose and possible limitation of their associated side effects.

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) continue to be the major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, despite socioeconomic status [1]. Plant bioactive compounds are studied as complementary therapies in CVD. Among natural products, Nigella sativa and its bioactive compounds or derived products proved their efficacy against multiple cardiovascular risk factors through its antioxidant capacity, antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, or anti-atherosclerotic effects [2–6]. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the Nigella sativa oil (N. sativa oil) effect using an in vivo model of induced myocardial infarction with isoproterenol in rats. Materials and Methods: N. sativa oil was characterized for its bioactive compounds using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS) analysis. Thirty rats were divided into three groups as follows: the control group (saline solution), the isoproterenol group (45 mg/kg), and N. sativa oil group (isoproterenol—45 mg/kg and N. sativa oil 0.4 mL/100 g). Myocardial infarction was induced on the 14th day of the experiment. Electrocardiography was performed at the beginning and after one day from infarct induction. Serum analysis was evaluated using biochemical evaluation like alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and the myocardial fraction of creatine kinase (CK-Mb). The inflammatory status was evaluated by measuring tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- ), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1 (IL-1 ) inflammatory cytokines. Results: N. sativa oil was rich in flavonoids, thymol derivatives -thujene, p-cymene, -pinene, and thymoquinone. Administration of N. sativa oil had a significant effect in reducing ventricular conduction while preventing isoproterenol cardiotoxic effects in the ventricular myocardium. Also, N. sativa oil administration significantly decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines when compared to the isoproterenol group. The levels of CK-Mb were as well significantly reduced. Conclusions: The anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects of N. sativa oil in the isoproterenol-induced experimental myocardial infarction indicate its potential use in human diets with promising applicability in the control of several associated CVD risk factors.

Cardiotoxicity is a well-recognised side effect of cancer-related therapies with a great impact on outcomes and quality of life in the cancer survivor population. The pathogenesis of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity in patients with gastrointestinal cancers involves various molecular mechanisms, and the combined use of various chemotherapies augments the risk of each drug used alone. In terms of cardiotoxicity diagnosis, novel biomarkers, such as troponins, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), myeloperoxidases and miRNAs have been recently assessed. Echocardiography is a noninvasive imaging method of choice for the primary assessment of chemotherapy-treated patients to generally evaluate the cardiovascular impact of these drugs. Novel echocardiography techniques, like three-dimensional and stress echocardiography, will improve diagnosis efficacy. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) can evaluate cardiac morphology, function and wall structure. Corroborated data have shown the importance of CMR in the early evaluation of patients with gastrointestinal cancers, treated with anticancer drugs, but further studies are required to improve risk stratification in these patients. In this article, we review some important aspects concerning the cardiotoxicity of antineoplastic drugs used in gastrointestinal cancers. We also discuss the mechanism of cardiotoxicity, the role of biomarkers and the imaging methods used in its detection.

Abstract Background Pathogenic bacteria contribute to various globally important diseases, killing millions of people each year. Various fields of medicine currently benefit from or may potentially benefit from the use of nanotechnology applications, in which there is growing interest. Disease-related biomarkers can be rapidly and directly detected by nanostructures, such as nanowires, nanotubes, nanoparticles, cantilevers, microarrays, and nanoarrays, as part of an accurate process characterized by lower sample consumption and considerably higher sensitivity. There is a need for accurate techniques for pathogenic bacteria identification and detection to allow the prevention and management of pathogenic diseases and to assure food safety. Conclusion The focus of this review is on the current nanoparticle-based techniques for pathogenic bacterial identification and detection using these applications.

OBJECTIVES:This study aimed to assess the relationship between bone mineral density and genotypes of four polymorphisms in previously detected osteoporosis-candidate genes (FDPS rs2297480, LRP5 rs3736228, SOST rs1234612, VKORC1 rs9934438) in postmenopausal Romanian women with primary osteoporosis. METHODS:An analytical, prospective, transversal, observational, case-control study on 364 postmenopausal Romanian women was carried out between June 2016 and August 2017 in Cluj Napoca, Romania. Clinical data and blood samples were collected from all study participants. Four polymorphisms were genotyped using TaqMan SNP Genotyping assays, run on a QuantStudio 3 real-time PCR machine. RESULTS:Women with TT genotype in FDPS rs2297480 had significantly lower bone mineral density values in the lumbar spine and total hip, and the presence of the T allele was significantly associated with the osteoporosis. Women carrying the CC genotype in LRP5 rs3736228 tend to have lower bone mineral density values in the femoral neck and total hip. No significant association was found for the genotypes of SOST rs1234612 or VKORC1 rs9934438. CONCLUSIONS:Our study showed a strong association between bone mineral density and polymorphisms in the FDPS gene, and a borderline association with LRP5 and SOST polymorphisms in postmenopausal Romanian women with osteoporosis. No association was found for VKORC1.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the cardio-protective, hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of curcumin nanoparticle (NC) pretreatment compared to conventional curcumin (CC) on acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in rats with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Fifty-six Wister Bratislava rats were divided into eight groups. The first four groups—C (control group), AMI (group with AMI), T1DM (group with T1DM), and T1DM-AMI (group with T1DM and AMI)—received only saline (S) during the whole experiment. Two groups—S-T1DM-CC-AMI and S-T1DM-NC-AMI—were pretreated with S before T1DM induction. The S-T1DM-CC-AMI group received CC (200 mg/Kg bw (bw—body weight)) after T1DM induction, while the S-T1DM-NC-AMI group received NC (200 mg/Kg bw) after T1DM induction. the CC-T1DM-CC-AMI group received CC (200 mg/Kg bw) during the whole experiment. Similarly, the NC-T1DM-NC-AMI group received NC (200 mg/Kg bw) over the entire experiment. T1DM was induced on day 7 using a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ). AMI was induced with isoproterenol (ISO) on day 22. Both curcumin formulations, CC and NC, prevented the following electrocardiographic changes: prolongation of the QRS complex, enlargement of QT and QTc intervals, and ST-segment elevation. Glucose levels and lipid profile parameters were reduced up to 1.9 times, while C-peptide serum levels were increased up to 1.6 times in groups that received CC or NC. Liver function parameters (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase) and kidney function parameters (creatinine, urea) were reduced 4.8 times, and histological changes of liver and kidney tissue were improved by CC or NC administration. Pretreatment with NC proved significantly higher cardioprotective, hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects in the case of AMI in T1DM.

Background: Health policies in transitioning health systems are rarely informed by the economic burden of disease due to scanty access to data. This study aimed to estimate direct and indirect costs for first-ever acute ischemic stroke (AIS) during the first year for patients residing in Cluj, Romania, and hospitalized in 2019 at the County Emergency Hospital (CEH). Methods: The study was conducted using a mixed, retrospective costing methodology from a societal perspective to measure the cost of first-ever AIS in the first year after onset. Patient pathways for AIS were reconstructed to aid in mapping inpatient and outpatient cost items. We used anonymized administrative and clinical data at the hospital level and publicly available databases. Results: The average cost per patient in the first year after stroke onset was RON 25,297.83 (EUR 5226.82), out of which 80.87% were direct costs. The total cost in Cluj, Romania in 2019 was RON 17,455,502.7 (EUR 3,606,505.8). Conclusions: Our costing exercise uncovered shortcomings of stroke management in Romania, particularly related to acute care and neurorehabilitation service provision. Romania spends significantly less on healthcare than other countries (5.5% of GDP vs. 9.8% European Union average), exposing stroke survivors to a disproportionately high risk for preventable and treatable post-stroke disability.

The study’s aim was to characterize the composition of Nigella sativa seed (NSO) and grape seed (GSO) oils, and to evaluate their cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory effect on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced ischemia in rats. Materials and Methods: NSO and GSO supplements were physicochemically characterized. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses were used to determine the phytochemical composition in the oils. Total polyphenol content (TPC) and in vitro antioxidant activity were also determined. Pretreatment with 4 mL/kg/day NSO or GSO was administered to rats for 14 days. The experimental ischemia was induced by a single administration of ISO 45 mg/kg after 14 days. An electrocardiogram (ECG) was performed initially and 24 h after ISO. Biological evaluation was done at the end of experiment. Results: The HPLC-MS, GC-MS, and FTIR analyses showed that both NSO and GSO are important sources of bioactive compounds, especially catechin and phenolic acids in GSO, while NSO was enriched in flavonoids and thymol derivatives. Pretreatment with GSO and NSO significantly reduced ventricular conduction, prevented the cardiotoxic effect of ISO in ventricular myocardium, and reduced the level of proinflammatory cytokines and CK-Mb. Conclusion: Both NSO and GSO were shown to have an anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effect in ISO-induced ischemia.

Natural products black cumin—Nigella sativa (N. sativa) and wild garlic—Allium ursinum (AU) are known for their potential role in reducing cardiovascular risk factors, including antracycline chemotherapy. Therefore, this study investigates the effect of N. sativa and AU water and methanolic extracts in a cellular model of doxorubicin (doxo)-induced cardiotoxicity. The extracts were characterized using Ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) and Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques. Antioxidant activity was evaluated on H9c2 cells. Cytosolic and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) release was evaluated using 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin-diacetate (DHCF-DA) and mitochondria-targeted superoxide indicator (MitoSOX red), respectively. Mitochondrial membrane depolarization was evaluated by flow cytometry. LC-MS analysis identified 12 and 10 phenolic compounds in NSS and AU extracts, respectively, with flavonols as predominant compounds. FT-IR analysis identified the presence of carbohydrates, amino acids and lipids in both plants. GC-MS identified the sulfur compounds in the AU water extract. N. sativa seeds (NSS) methanolic extract had the highest antioxidant activity reducing both intracellular and mitochondrial ROS release. All extracts (excepting AU methanolic extract) preserved H9c2 cells viability. None of the investigated plants affected the mitochondrial membrane depolarization. N. sativa and AU are important sources of bioactive compounds with increased antioxidant activities, requiring different extraction solvents to obtain the pharmacological effects.

Nigella sativa (NS) has been used for centuries in various inflammatory conditions because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antioxidant activity of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) in two models of acute (carrageenan-induced) and sub-acute inflammation (complete Freund’s adjuvant induced) in rats. Materials and Methods: NSO was administered orally 1, 2 and 4 mL/kg in the acute phase. For subacute phase, NSO was administered 4 mL/kg, 7 days before or after inflammation induction, or in association with diclofenac 5 mg/kg. Results: The gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis showed that NSO is an important source of bioactive compounds, especially p-cymene and thymoquinone. In the acute phase, 1.5 h after administration, NSO (2 and 4 mL/kg) determined an anti-inflammatory effect comparable with that of diclofenac. In the sub-acute administration, NSO had no anti-inflammatory effect. The analgesic effect of NSO was observed only in the sub-acute inflammation in the analgesy-meter test. NSO as treatment proved its antioxidant effect through the reduction of malondialdehyde (MDA) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and increases in hydrogen donor capacity (DH) compared to the control group, but the effect was not as intense as that of diclofenac. Conclusion: The present study has proven inconstant anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidative properties of NSO.

Background and Objectives: The evolution of allergic rhinitis to asthma is a part of “atopic march”. The aim of this study was to analyze possible predictive markers for asthma occurrence in patients with allergic rhinitis to house dust mites (HDM). Materials and Methods: Fifty-eight patients with persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR) were included. The clinical, biological evaluation and fractionated exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measurement were performed at enrolment. The patients were clinically evaluated after one year to determine asthma occurrence. Results: The severity of rhinitis symptoms, levels of total immunoglobulin E (IgE), ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin and IL-6, but not IL-8 and TNF-α were higher in patients with allergic rhinitis who developed asthma compared to non-asthmatics, but the differences were not significant to considered them as predictive factors for asthma occurrence. The risk of asthma was independently influenced by patients aged over 30 years ((OR-3.74; CI95% 0.86–16.31; p = 0.07), a duration of allergic rhinitis over 12 months ((OR-4.20; CI95% 0.88–20; p = 0.07) and a basal FeNO over 28 parts per billion (pbb) ((OR-18.68; CI95% 3.79–92.05; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Clinical and biological parameters may predict asthma occurrence in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis to HDM. Adult patients with a longer duration of rhinitis symptoms and a high level of FeNO have a greater risk to develop asthma.

Background Nowadays, growing attention was being given to the alternative ways to prevent or treat diseases. Nutraceuticals are used increasingly for this purpose. Many of these are being used as alternative therapy. Classic therapy with synthetic drugs, although very effective, has many side effects. The term “nutraceuticals” refers to the link between the nutritional and pharmaceutical domains. Also, lately, many studies have been done to investigate the role of microbiota in maintaining health. There is the hypothesis that some of the health benefits of nutraceuticals are due to their ability to change the microbiota. The aim of this review was to emphasize the link between the most commonly used nutraceuticals, the microbiota and the health benefits. Methods We selected the articles in PubMed, published up to July 2017, that provided information about most used nutraceuticals, microbiota and health benefits. In this review, we incorporate evidence from various types of studies, including observational, in vitro and in vivo, clinical studies or animal experiments. Results The results demonstrate that many nutraceuticals change the composition of microbiota and can interfere with health status of the patients. Discussion There is evidence which sustains the importance of nutraceuticals in people’s health through microbiota but further studies are needed to complete the assessment of nutraceuticals in health benefit as a consequence of microbiota’s changing.

Postpartum psychosis has long-lasting consequences for mother and child. Beside depression, sleep and eating disturbances, exhaustion, social withdrawal, and anxiety, postpartum depression can also interfere with normal maternal-infant bonding and adversely affect child development. Recent reports show that most affected pregnant women are hesitant about taking antidepressant drugs, with a high percentage discontinuing their use. Some authors suggest that the reluctance of pregnant women to take antidepressant drugs should encourage clinicians to discuss with their patients the use of psychological interventions or alternative forms of treatment. In this article, a case of severe postpartum depression, treated successfully with homeopathic therapy, is presented. Considering the high noncompliance of women suffering from postpartum depression with conventional antidepressant medication, research in safe complementary medical methods is justified. One of these methods should be homeopathy.

Untargeted metabolomics coupled with chemometric analysis was applied to evaluate and discriminate six Romanian sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) berries and leaves. Total carotenoids and total phenolics were determined quantitatively by UV-Vis spectrometry. The qualitative evaluation and discrimination was obtained using the FTIR fingerprints (by using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy) of raw carotenoid and phenolic extracts. The average concentration of total carotenoids was 54 and 3.9 mg carotenoids/ 100g DW in berries and leaves, respectively. The average concentration of total phenolics was 746 mg GAE/100g DW in berries, approximately 1.8 times lower than total phenolics found in leaves. By PCA (Principal Component Analysis) of fingerprints (900-1800 cm-1), the responsible bands for samples discrimination were identified. In case of total carotenoids extract the biomarker bands were: 1745, 1743, 1500 cm-1 for berries and 1458 cm-1 and 1735 cm-1 for leaves, while for total phenolic extract the key bands were 1731, 1033, 1622 cm-1 for berries and 1047 cm-1, 1616, 1512 and 1454 cm-1 for leaves. FTIR spectroscopy proved to be a simple and sensitive analytical technique that can be successfully used in sample discrimination and classification.

Prostate cancer has an increasing incidence and there is an urgent need for development of new serum biomarkers for early diagnostic as the ones known are ineffective. The aim of the study was to use untargeted metabolomics in order to identify and characterize small metabolite fingerprints in patients with normal vs pathologic values of PSA ( previously determined by electrochemiluminiscence). A cohort of one hundred patients with different Prostate Specific amtigen values were investigated by untargeted metabolomics. The serum small metabolite profile determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, LC-QTOF(ESI+)MS in order to identify specific biomarkers, for normal patient group (PSA = 0-4 ng.ml) and four pathologic groups, having PSA values from 4 to >1000 ng/ml. The major molecules identified in the samples were polar phospholipids, maily lysophosphatidyl choline derivatives, having m/z values from 496 to 524, like LPC(O-16:0/O-1:0), LPC(18:1/2:0) or PS(18:1(9Z)/0:0), LPC(18:2(9Z,12Z)/0:0 and their isomers and LPC(O-18:1(11Z)/2:0), respectively. Also, small molecules (free fatty acids and prostaglandin derivatives) were identified and are significantly different in pathologic vs normal serum samples. Generally the pathologic samples had increased concentrations of all above mentioned molecules. The Principal Component analysis showed , by plot and loadings scores, significant clustering of normal vs pathological groups.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, with an important impact on the patient’s quality of life. Its incidence and prevalence are continuously increasing. The complex ethiopathology of this disorder is only partially known; there is a clear genetic predisposition, which associates a number of environmental triggering factors such as an unbalanced diet and lifestyle. The conventional therapeutic options are not always satisfactory in terms of efficiency and safety, therefore, complementary and alternative medicine approaches are frequently chosen by patients, mostly as self-medication. This review, based on recent literature flow data, outlines the pharmacological benefits of herbal formulations with antipsoriatic activity. It also reveals the molecules esponsible for their effects, as well as their interference with the metabolic and immunopathogenic mechanisms of this disease. An important number of plants have been proved to act as antipsoriatic agents, many botanical-based preparations containing key-phytochemical molecules (belonging mainly to phenolics, triterpenoids and phytosterols or unsaturated fatty acids, as mentioned in specific phyto-pharmaceutical databases). Specific mechanisms of action, which can explain their activity (such as lipoxygenase inhibition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti prostaglandin), were recently described. Only some of these formulations have been actively tested in vitro or in vivo. Most publications in the field agree on the need for more in vitro and in vivo studies, especially clinical assessment on patients with Psoriasis vulgaris. These would provide more accurate data on the efficacy and safety of such herbal formulations for this disease.

Background and Objectives: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common cause of intra-hospital morbidity and mortality, and its most severe complication is pulmonary thromboembolism. The risk factors that influence the apparition of DVT are generally derived from Virchow’s triad. Since the most severe complications of DVT occur in proximal rather than distal deep vein thrombosis, the aim of this study was to identify the factors influencing the apparition of proximal DVT. Materials and Methods: This was a transversal, cohort study. The study included 167 consecutive patients with lower limb DVT over a two-year period. The following data were recorded or determined: general data, conditions that are known to influence DVT, medical history and coagulation or thrombophilia-related genetic variations. Results: In the univariate analysis, male gender, neoplasia, previous DVT and mutated factor V Leiden were all associated with proximal DVT, while bed rest was associated with distal DVT. In the multivariate analysis, male gender, previous DVT and factor V Leiden mutation were independently correlated with proximal DVT, while bed rest was independently associated with distal deep vein thrombosis. Conclusion: Our observations point out that the factors indicating a systemic involvement of coagulation were correlated with proximal DVT, while local factors were associated with distal DVT.

Background and objectives: Ragweed pollen is a major source of allergen, which has rarely been observed in Romania until now. In this study, we evaluated the symptoms and associated factors in patients with allergic rhinitis to ragweed pollen in two distinct regions of Romania. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the records of patients newly diagnosed with allergic rhinitis induced by ragweed pollen in two allergological centers from North-West (NW) and Central parts of Romania between 2013 and 2015. The patients were clinically evaluated regarding disease length, presence, and severity of the allergic rhinitis symptoms and the association with other allergic manifestations (asthma and conjunctivitis). Results: The sensitization to ragweed was significantly higher in the NW part compared to the Central part (18.27% vs 4.1%, p < 0.001). More patients with monosensitization to ragweed pollen were observed in the NE center (27%) compared to the Central one (20.7%). Patients with monosensitization to ragweed pollen presented more severe forms of rhinitis (70% vs 31.5%, p = 0.02) in the NW part compared to polysensitized patients. The total symptoms score was significantly higher in patients from the Central part compared to the NW part (9.21 ± 2.01 vs 5.76 ±1.96, p < 0.001). Bronchial asthma was associated at a similar frequency to allergic rhinitis in both centers, but it was more frequently observed in monosensitized patients in the NW center. Allergic conjunctivitis was more frequently reported by patients from the Central part (75.86 vs 41.9, p = 0.02), while in the NW region it was noticed more commonly in monosensitized patients (65% vs 33.33, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Allergic rhinitis to ragweed pollen has been more frequently reported in the NW part of Romania. Patients with severe forms of rhinitis were observed in the central part, while in the NW the severe forms of disease were reported by patients with monosensitization. Ragweed pollen is intensely allergogenic and determines association of ocular and asthma symptoms. Co-sensitization increases the risk of asthma association.

In recent years, increased attention has been paid to the relationship between microbiota and various diseases, especially immune-mediated diseases. Because conventional therapy for many autoimmune diseases is limited both in efficacy and safety, there is an increased interest in identifying nutraceuticals, particularly probiotics, able to modulate the microbiota and ameliorate these diseases. In this review, we analyzed the research focused on the role of gut microbiota and skin in immunity, their role in immune-mediated skin diseases (IMSDs), and the beneficial effect of probiotics in patients with this pathology. We selected articles published between 2009 and 2019 in PubMed and ScienceDirect that provided information regarding microbiota, IMSDs and the role of probiotics in these diseases. We included results from different types of studies including observational and interventional clinical trials or in vivo and in vitro experimental studies. Our results showed that probiotics have a beneficial effect in changing the microbiota of patients with IMSDs; they also influence disease progression. Further studies are needed to better understand the impact of new therapies on intestinal microbiota. It is also important to determine whether the microbiota of patients with autoimmune diseases can be manipulated in order to restore homeostasis of the microbiota.