Vitis vinifera l. and sambucus nigra l. extracts attenuate oxidative stress and inflammation in femoral ischemia

Abstract

Ischemia is a major cause of cardiovascular diseases, with an increased rate of morbidity and mortality, pathogenetically characterized by redox imbalance, inflammation and tissue damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of grape seeds (Vitis vinifera L.) and elderberry fruit (Sambucus nigra L.) extracts on the gastrocnemius muscle lesions induced by the experimental femoral ischemia. The total polyphenolic content and the antioxidant activity of the two extracts were also evaluated. The effects of ischemia-reperfusion damage were investigated by quantification of oxidative stress, inflammation, matrix metalloproteinases-2 activity and histopathological analysis of the gastrocnemius muscle. Both extracts showed beneficial antioxidant effects, decreasing the lipid peroxidation in muscle homogenates. The administration of Vitis vinifera L. extract diminished the metalloproteinase-2 activity while the treatment with Sambucus nigra L. extract exerted potent anti-inflammatory effects.