Sepsis is a condition caused by infection followed by unregulated inflammatory response which may lead to the organ dysfunction. During such condition, over-production of oxidants is one of the factors which contribute cellular toxicity and ultimately organ failure and mortality. Antioxidants having free radicals scavenging activity exert protective role in various diseases. This study has been designed to evaluate the levels of oxidative and antioxidative activity in sepsis patients and their correlation with the severity of the sepsis. A total of 100 sepsis patients and 50 healthy controls subjects were enrolled in this study from the period October 2016 to June 2017. The investigation included measurements of oxidative enzyme, myeloperoxidase (MPO), antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) and catalase activity (CAT) and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-8 and IFN-γ). Furthermore, the level of these activities was correlated with severity of sepsis. Augmented levels of oxidants were found in sepsis as demonstrated by DMPO nitrone adduct formation and plasma MPO level activity (1.37 ± 0.51 in sepsis vs 0.405 ± 0.16 in control subjects). Cytokines were also found to be increased in sepsis patients. However, plasma SOD and CAT activities were significantly attenuated (P < .001) in the sepsis patients compared with controls subjects. Moreover, inverse relation between antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) and organ failure assessment (SOFA), physiological score (APACHE II), organ toxicity specific markers have been observed as demonstrated by Pearson's correlation coefficient. This study suggests that imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant plays key role in the severity of sepsis.

Objective:This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity, apoptosis induction, and mechanism of action of steviol on human breast cancer cells (Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 [MCF-7]).Materials and Methods:Sulforhodamine-B assay was performed to analyze cytotoxic potential of Steviol whereas flow cytometer was used to analyze cell cycle, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species generation.Results:Studying the viability of cells confirms the IC50 of Steviol in MCF-7 cells which was 185 μM. The data obtained from fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis reveal Steviol-mediated G2/M-phase arrest (P < 0.05) in addition to the presence of evident sub-G0/G1 peak (P < 0.05) in the MCF-7 cells, signifying the ongoing apoptosis.Conclusion:Thus, results suggest that induction of apoptosis in MCF-7 cells was due to dose-dependent effect of Steviol. Our first in vitro findings indicate Steviol as a promising candidate for the treatment of breast cancer.SUMMARY Steviol remarkably inhibited the growth MCF-7 HBCCs in a dose dependent mannerIt abolishes cell cycle progression by arresting cells at G2/M phaseSteviol induces the cells to undergo apoptosisSteviol induces the cells to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Abbreviations used: MCF-7: Michigan Cancer Foundation-7; SRB: Sulforhodamine-B assay; FACS: Fluorescence-activated cell sorter; ROS: Reactive oxygen species; DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid.

No abstract

Gupta E., Purwar S., Sundaram S., Tripathi P., Rai G. (2016): Stevioside and rebaudioside A -predominant ent-kaurene diterpene glycosides of therapeutic potential -a review. Czech J. Food Sci., 34: 281-299.Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) is a Paraguayan perennial herb of the family Asteraceae. The leaves contain a great amount of secondary metabolites with a wide range of important biological activities commonly known as steviol glycosides which differ in their molecular configuration, power of sweetness and their taste profile. Out of various steviol glycosides, the main compounds of interest are diterpenoid glycosides of ent-kaurene type extracted from the leaves of this plant as non-toxic, thermally stable, low-calorie natural sweeteners stevioside and rebaudioside A. These glycosides are a high-quality sugar substitute or dietary supplement with diverse applications in the medicinal world along with the food and beverage industry. This review article is aimed at the chemistry of stevioside and rebaudioside A, possible biosynthetic pathways, their metabolism and acceptable daily intake along with a broad spectrum of pharmacological and therapeutic applications.

No abstract