Maria Rosana Ramirez

The intake of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has been associated with a lower incidence of degenerative diseases, due at least in part to its polyphenol content. The objective of this study was to examine the functional properties of the total polyphenolic fraction (TPF) of four EVOOs from Argentina. To our knowledge, there are no studies available that examine the antioxidant properties of EVOO TPF in biological membranes. The TPF was evaluated by the following assays: total polyphenol content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA) against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and the protective effect of TPF on oxidative damage induced by both hypotonic solution and the radical initiator 2,2’-azo-bis(2-amidinopropane) dichlorohydrate (AAPH) in rat erythrocytes. The TPC ranged from 125.7 ± 1.8 mg·kg-1 to 213.2 ± 2.9 mg·kg-1. AA values were 340.0 ± 8.7 mmol·kg-1 to 533.2 ± 8.7 mmol·kg-1. TPF moderately inhibited haemolysis induced by AAPH and hypotonic solution. These findings suggest that EVOO TPF is an important source of natural antioxidants; it has effective AA against diverse reactive species and protects rat erythrocytes against oxidative damage. The data obtained provide new experimental evidence of the protective role of TPC in EVOO derived from a blend of olive varieties against oxidative stress in biological systems.

The ever-increasing global demand for agricultural commodities and progressive climate change factors are displacing extensive beef cattle and goat ranching from temperate humid regions to peripheral regions with semi-arid characteristics. Extensive investigation is required on native desert plants to be safely incorporated into feed programs and to maintain the biodiversity and sustainability of these fragile ecosystems. Larrea divaricata is a native plant adapted to arid and semi-arid biomes of South and Western-South America. This research evaluates the nutritional composition of the browsing available canopy parts of Larrea divaricata during the winter season in a semi-arid region of Argentina. Its crude protein content resulted in 11.20% of dried matter and its soluble protein content resulted in nearly 80% of the crude protein. Acid detergent fiber fraction, ash-corrected neutral detergent fiber fraction, lignin, ash content, fat-like compounds, and non-fibrous carbohydrates resulted in 17.42, 35.51, 12.09, 9.96, 5.92 and 3.82% of dried matter, respectively. Essential bioelements Ca, Mg and K resulted within standard forage requirements. Total polyphenols and flavonoids resulted in 430 mg/g and 140 mg/g, respectively. These results demonstrate that Larrea divaricata can be an effective complement for winter-feeding beef cattle and goats in arid and semi-arid regions. Highlights: Larrea divaricatacan be an effective complement for winter-feeding beef cattle and goats in arid and semi-arid regions. Crude protein and carbohydrates resulted in 11.20% and 9.74% of dried matter, respectively. Essential bioelements resulted within standard forage requirements.

In this work, a methodology was developed to obtain dietary fiber from agro-industrial fruit and vegetable waste. The resulting raw material was named DF. The physicochemical analysis revealed a high total dietary fiber content, along with an appropriate soluble to insoluble fiber ratio and excellent water and fat retention capacity. Subsequently, its potential protective effect against hepatotoxicity induced by valproic acid (VPA) was investigated in Wistar rats, both as preventive and curative treatments. For this purpose, two different trials were conducted. In the preventive trial, VPA (250 mg/kg/day; oral) was administered concomitantly with DF (0.3 and 0.15 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. In the curative trial, VPA was administered for 14 days, followed by DF for an additional 14 days. The results demonstrated that DF supplementation normalized body weight, liver biomarkers and attenuated VPA-induced tissue damage, while normal liver architecture was preserved. These findings suggest that DF obtained from agro-industrial fruit and vegetable waste materials may serve as a functional feedstock to counteract the harmful effects associated with prolonged VPA treatment.

The agro-industrial sector is one of the biggest organic waste producers. Instead of being discarded into the environment, fruit and vegetable waste could be processed to obtain added value. This article introduces pomace fiber powder made from agroindustrial waste of fruits and vegetables. Its protective potential against hepatotoxicity induced by valproic acid was studied in Wistar rats, both as preventive and curative treatments. In the preventive test, valproic acid (250 mg/kg/day) was administered orally together with the pomace fiber powder (0.3 and 0.15 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. In the curative test, the rats received valproic acid for 14 days, followed by pomace fiber powder another 14 days, at the same amounts. Physicochemical analysis revealed that the experimental pomace fiber powder contained 15.2 ± 0.5% and 22.0 ± 1.2% of insoluble and soluble dietary fiber, respectively. This ratio made it possible to classify the new supplement as functional. The rats administered with valproic acid gained body weight and demonstrated a significant increase in serum enzyme activities, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase (p < 0.05). These results were confirmed by histopathological examination. In both preventive and curative treatments, the supplementation normalized body weight, improved liver biomarkers, and attenuated the hepatic injury induced in rats by valproic acid. The new pomace fiber powder made of agro-industrial waste proved to be an effective raw material that attenuates the side effects associated with prolonged valproic acid administration.

It is good work, important for the region where the authors live, and for others where this plant grows. There are only a few points in the article that should be improved and/or explained. I recommend the authors to read this article: Fruits of...

THE REVIEW WORK IS INTERESTING; HOWEVER, SOME MODIFICATIONS ARE SUGGESTED. ABSTRACT It is suggested that this section be reworded and the content synthesized to avoid repeating phrases with the same meaning. INTRODUCTION It is suggested to ref...

Valproic acid (VPA) is an effective and inexpensive anticonvulsant commonly prescribed as an antiepileptic. However, there is a percentage of susceptible patients who experience unwanted effects, such as weight gain and fatty liver. Ivermectin (IVM), a versatile antiparasitic, has shown potential in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In this study, the potential hepatoprotective effect of ivermectin on valproic acid-induced hepatotoxicity was investigated in rats. VPA (250 mg/kg/day) was orally administered for 14 consecutive days to induce hepatocellular damage in adult Wistar rats, after which the animals were treated with a subcutaneous injection of IVM (0.4 and 1.3 mg/kg/day) for another five days. Animals receiving VPA developed obesity and microvesicular and macrovesicular steatosis. They also had increased levels of plasma triglycerides and aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase enzymes. IVM treatment significantly decreased serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels and attenuated valproic acid-induced hepatic lipid accumulation in rats. These results were confirmed by histopathological examination.

Dear Thank you for inviting me to review this article, and I apologise for the delay. From my perspective, this is an interesting paper, which is related to the socio-productive sector, in particular to the bioeconomy. Although I do not yet underst...