Publications (37) View all
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Article: In vitro antioxidant and in vivo photoprotective effect of pistachio (Pistacia vera L., variety Bronte) seed and skin extracts.
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ABSTRACT: Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) nuts are a rich source of phenolic compounds, known for their high antioxidant activity, and contained not only in the seeds but also in the skin. A pistachio cultivar of high quality is typical of Bronte, Sicily, Italy. The purpose of our study was to investigate the chemical composition and antioxidant properties of two polyphenol-rich extracts from skins (TP) and decorticated seeds (SP) of Bronte pistachios, and to verify the potential use of these extracts for topical photoprotective products. Chemical analysis showed that the TP and SP extracts contain high levels of phenolic compounds, but the TP extract is about ten times richer in phenols than the SP extract, being anthocyanins the most abundant compounds found in the TP extract. Both these extracts, and especially the TP extract, possess good radical scavenger/antioxidant properties, as shown in a series of in vitro assays carried out using homogenous and non-homogenous chemical environment. Furthermore both the TP extract and, although at a lower degree, the SP extract reduce, when topically applied, UV-B-induced skin erythema in human volunteers. These findings suggest that extracts from Bronte TP and SP could be successfully employed as photoprotective ingredients in topical cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations.Fitoterapia 01/2013; · 1.85 Impact Factor -
Article: Changes in advanced oxidation protein products, advanced glycation end products, and s-nitrosylated proteins, in patients affected by polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia.
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ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVES: Oxidative stress has a clear pro tumoral effect in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPDs). In this study, we analyzed oxidative stress in patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) and polycythemia vera (PV). Design and methods We analyzed serum levels of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) degradation, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and protein nitrosylation in ET and PV patients. We also evaluated neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels, an acute phase protein isolated in human neutrophils, the activation status of platelets and leukocytes, and the JAK2 (V617F) mutation status. RESULTS: AOPPs and s-nitrosylated proteins were significantly higher in PV and ET subjects as compared to healthy volunteers, while AGEs were higher in ET subjects with respect to controls. Moreover, in PV patients we found a correlation between s-nitrosylated proteins and Hb value. In ET patients AGEs were significantly higher in patients with thrombosis compared with those without thrombotic events. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that oxidative stress could play a role in the physiopathology of MPDs and in the onset of myeloproliferative associated thrombotic risk.Clinical biochemistry 07/2012; · 2.02 Impact Factor -
Article: Increase of novel biomarkers for oxidative stress in patients with plasma cell disorders and in multiple myeloma patients with bone lesions.
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ABSTRACT: Protein oxidation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of oncological diseases. In this study, we analyzed the oxidative stress in untreated multiple myeloma (MM) patients and in patients affected by monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance (MGUS). We evaluated serum levels of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and protein nitrosylation in patients with monoclonal gammopathy and in control subjects. Serum levels of AOPPs and S-nitrosylated proteins were significantly increased in MM patients in comparison to controls and to MGUS subjects. Moreover, in MM patients the levels of AOPPs, AGEs and S-nitrosylated proteins were significantly higher in patients with bone lesions compared with those without lytic bone lesions. MM is closely associated with oxidative stress and further investigation might provide an insight to understand a putative causal link between oxidative stress and MM disease onset and progression or MM complications.Agents and Actions 06/2012; 61(10):1063-7. · 1.59 Impact Factor -
Article: Relationship between advanced oxidation protein products, advanced glycation end products, and S-nitrosylated proteins with biological risk and MDR-1 polymorphisms in patients affected by B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
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ABSTRACT: The aim of our study was to analyze the serum levels of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and protein nitrosylation in patients with B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). AOPPs, AGEs, and S-nitrosylated were increased in B-CLL patients. The mutation of IgVH gene, CD 38, and Zap 70 expression were not associated with increased oxidative stress. The mutant 2677GT genotype was found to be associated with higher AGEs levels with respect to wild-type genotype, while as far the C3435T MDR1 polymorphism is concerned, subjects presenting wild-type genotype showed higher values of AOPPs with respect to heterozygous genotype. Our results suggest that B-CLL is associated with oxidative stress.Cancer Investigation 01/2012; 30(1):20-6. · 1.85 Impact Factor -
Article: Increase in serum protein carbonyl groups is associated with more advanced stage of disease in multiple myeloma patients.
Biomarkers 12/2011; 16(8):718-9. · 2.21 Impact Factor
