L. Extract Induces Antibacterial Activity and Modulates Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis in Endothelial Vascular Cells Exposed to Hyperosmotic Stress.

BACKGROUND

The antimicrobial activity of the L. extract and the mechanisms involved in the effects on endothelial vascular cells exposed to hyperosmotic stress were evaluated.

METHODS

Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by disk diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination, and oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, in pretreatment with L., caffeic acid, and cathechin, were quantified.

RESULTS

The results have shown that L. exhibited antibacterial effects only on pathogenic gram-positive cocci. The modulatory activity of L. on endothelial cells exposed to hypertonic medium was different and depended on the concentration used. Low concentrations of tested compounds exerted antioxidant effect and diminished the activity of caspase-8 and also increased IB expression while in high doses, L. was prooxidant, induced apoptosis, and decreased IL-6 secretion.

CONCLUSIONS

These experimental findings suggest that L. has antibacterial effects on gram-positive cocci and, administered in low dose, may be a new therapeutic approach for diseases associated with hypertonic conditions or oxidative stress and apoptosis.