Abstract
Overproduction of oxidants in the human body is responsible for oxidative stress, which is associated with several diseases. High intake of vegetables and fruits can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, as they are sources of bioactive compounds capable of contrasting the free radical effects involved in cancer, obesity, diabetes, and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Capsicum annuum L. cv Senise is a sweet pepper that is grown in the Basilicata region (Italy). It is an important source of polyphenols, carotenoids, and capsinoids and can play a key role in human health. In this study, an ethanol extract was obtained from C. annuum dried peppers and the analysis of the phytochemical composition was performed by LC-ESI/LTQ Orbitrap/MS. The extract was incorporated into liposomes, which showed small size (~80 nm), good homogeneity, negative surface charge, and good stability in storage. The biological activity of the extract was evaluated in the human hepatoma (HepG2) cell line, used as model cells. The extract showed no cytotoxic activity and reduced the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in stressed cells. The antioxidant activity was further improved when the extract was loaded into liposomes. Moreover, the extract promoted the expression of endogenous antioxidants, such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase through the Nrf-2 pathway evaluated by RT-PCR.
Highlights
Every day, several factors, such as pollution, cigarette smoking, drugs, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption, can increase the production of free radicals and alter the homeostasis of the body [1]
Individual components were identified by comparison of their m/z values in the total ion current (TIC) profile with those of the selected compounds described in the literature
The effects of ethanolic extract of Capsicum annuum L. cv Senise were studied with particular regard to gene expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in cell models
Summary
Several factors, such as pollution, cigarette smoking, drugs, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption, can increase the production of free radicals and alter the homeostasis of the body [1]. They promote the expression of antioxidant enzymes involved in organism defenses such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) [4,5]. Despite their health-promoting properties, polyphenols have a weak oral bioavailability due to their low water solubility, poor absorption, and rapid metabolism [5]. These problems can be tackled by using different drug delivery approaches, which can enhance polyphenols bioavailability and their therapeutic efficacy. Liposomes represent an optimal delivery system due to the morphological similarity with cell membranes and the ability to entrap both lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds that should be delivered to a specific target site [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
