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.

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).

Uterine leiomyomas are common benign uterine tumors but by contrast, their acute complications are very rare. We present an unusual case of 38-year-old woman that came to the emergency department with acute abdominal pain. The ultrasound revealed hemoperitoneum, a uterus with two intramural fibroids and a tender inhomogeneous pelvic mass that seems to connect with the uterus. Computer tomographic (CT) examination raised the suspicion of a degenerated fibroid and hemoperitoneum. Emergency laparotomy was performed: the hemoperitoneum was determined by a degenerated fundal subserosalfibroid. Myomectomy was subsequently carried out. Even though this condition is extremely rare, every clinician has to bear in mind that acute fibroid complications can be a potential cause of acute abdominal pain that requires immediate surgery. The imagistic tools, ultrasound and CT are extremely helpful for the diagnosis.Due to its relative rarity in the second part of the article we have performed a review of the existing literature regarding the acute complications of fibroid torsion.

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) is widely spread around the world and it is used in the food and cosmetic industry and traditional medicine due to its high content in bioactive compounds. Thus, this article investigated the phenolic compounds of Romanian Aloe vera gel and its antioxidant capacity.  The gel was extracted using 4 different solvents: methanol, ethanol, water, and acetone. Total phenolics were measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, total flavonoids by aluminium chloride reaction, and the antioxidant capacity by DPPH radical-scavenging activity. The profile of the phenolic compound was determined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Liquid Chromatography-Diode Array Detection–Electro-Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometry. The methanolic extract had a significantly higher antioxidant activity, followed by ethanolic, water, and acetone extracts. The methanolic extract had also the highest total polyphenol content, while ethanolic extract had the highest total flavonoid content. The extracts contained 14 compounds identified as 7 chromones (Aloesin, Neoaloesin, Aloinoside A, Aloinoside E, Aloe-emodin-glucoside, Isoaloeresin D, Methoxycoumaroyl-aloresin) 2 flavones (Luteolin-glucoside, Apigenin-glucoside), one hydroxycinnamic acid (Caffeic acid) and 4 to anthrones (Aloin A, Aloin B, Emodin, Aloe-emodin). The LC-MS results showed important quantities of Aloesin, Neoaloesin, Aloeresin E, and Aloe-emodin-glucoside while FTIR analysis showed the presence of polysaccharides, pectins, anthraquinones, and saponins.

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