Polydatin, a natural precursor of resveratrol, induces β-Defensin production and reduces inflammatory response.

Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a proinflammatory cytokine produced, although not exclusively, by T helper 17 recently identified as a distinct T helper lineage mediating tissue inflammation. IL-17 is known to be involved in a number of chronic disorders although the mechanisms regulating its production in inflammatory disease are still unclear. The beneficial properties of the polyphenolic compound resveratrol including its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor effects, its role in the aging process and in the prevention of heart and neurodegenerative diseases are well-known. In addition, derivatives of resveratrol, including glucosylated molecules as polydatin have been linked to similar beneficial effects. We have investigated the effects of resveratrol and polydatin on the in vitro production of IL-17 in a model of inflammation in vitro. The results obtained by activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, stimulated with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 monoclonal antibodies and treated with these polyphenolic compounds at different concentrations show that both decrease IL-17 production in a concentration-dependent manner. This study confirms the anti-inflammatory activity of resveratrol and its derivatives and suggests a potential clinical relevance in the therapy of inflammatory diseases

Ascorbic acid for the healing of skin wounds in rats

BACKGROUND: Healing is a complex process that involves cellular and biochemical events. Several medicines have been used in order to shorten healing time and avoid aesthetic damage. OBJECTIVE: to verify the topical effect of ascorbic acid for the healing of rats' skin wounds through the number of macrophages, new vessels and fibroblast verifications in the experimental period; and analyse the thickness and the collagen fibre organization in the injured tissue. METHODS: Male Rattus norvegicus weighing 270 ± 30 g were used. After thionembutal anesthesia, 15 mm transversal incisions were made in the animals' cervical backs. They were divided into two groups: Control Group (CG, n = 12) - skin wound cleaned with water and soap daily; Treated Group (TG, n = 12) - skin wound cleaned daily and treated with ascorbic acid cream (10%). Samples of skin were collected on the 3rd, 7th and 14th days. The sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and picrosirius red for morphologic analysis. The images were obtained and analysed by a Digital Analyser System. RESULTS: The ascorbic acid acted on every stage of the healing process. It reduced the number of macrophages, increased the proliferation of fibroblasts and new vessels, and stimulated the synthesis of thicker and more organized collagen fibres in the wounds when compared to CG. CONCLUSION: Ascorbic acid was shown to have anti-inflammatory and healing effects, guaranteeing a suiTable environment and conditions for faster skin repair