Protein carbonylation (PC) is a marker of reactive oxygen species-mediated alterations induced by external stimuli such as UV and blue light irradiation. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of Vitachelox^®, a mixture of three standardized natural extracts rich in polyphenols, against PC induced by blue light irradiation in human keratinocytes. We tested eight experimental conditions, including Vitachelox^® 0.01% and 0.005% w/v, used for 6 or 24 h before irradiation, and a solution of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as positive control of protection. PC was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy in situ and by absolute quantification (Carbonyl Score) upon protein extraction and separation. Both the in situ visualization study and the carbonyl score showed a considerable increase in protein oxidative damage upon blue light irradiation, and a decrease in PC in the presence of Vitachelox^®. In particular, Vitachelox^® 0.005% showed superior results compared to NAC in terms of carbonyl score and protein quality, and it was estimated to exert a protective action against blue-light irradiation ranging from 72% (24 h) to 82% (6 h). The protective antioxidant effect of Vitachelox^®, together with the anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties previously reported, make this natural active ingredient a valuable tool in the maintenance of healthy skin.

Background/Objectives: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) significantly impairs quality of life (QoL) in patients with cirrhosis. While rifaximin is established in HE treatment and prevention, its specific impact on QoL remains less clearly defined. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effects of rifaximin on QoL in patients with HE. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL through November 2025. Clinical studies evaluating rifaximin’s impact on QoL in patients with cirrhosis and minimal/covert or recurrent overt HE were included. Study selection followed PRISMA guidelines. Data extraction focused on study design, population, treatment, and QoL outcomes. Results: Out of 4343 records screened, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. Several studies evaluated rifaximin in comparison with placebo and focused on patients with minimal or covert HE. Rifaximin was generally associated with improvements in overall and domain-specific QoL scores compared with placebo. These benefits were observed across different dosages and treatment durations. In comparative studies, rifaximin showed QoL outcomes comparable to those of lactulose, L-ornithine L-aspartate, and combination regimens. Conclusions: Rifaximin may be associated with improvements in QoL in patients with cirrhosis and HE, with benefits observed across multiple domains and outcomes broadly comparable to alternative therapies. However, given the limitations of available evidence and the heterogeneity in study designs, HE phenotypes, QoL instruments, and outcome reporting, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Further high-quality comparative trials, particularly in patients with recurrent overt HE and in prophylactic settings, are needed to confirm these findings.

Background & Aims: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) significantly impairs quality of life (QoL) in patients with cirrhosis. While rifaximin is established in HE treatment and prevention, its specific impact on QoL remains less clearly defined. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effects of rifaximin on QoL in patients with HE. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL through November 2025. Clinical studies evaluating rifaximin's impact on QoL in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and HE were included. Study selection followed PRISMA guidelines. Data extraction focused on study design, population, treatment, and QoL outcomes. Results: Out of 4,343 records screened, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most studies evaluated rifaximin in comparison with placebo and focused on patients with minimal or covert HE. Rifaximin was almost consistently associated with statistically significant improvements in overall and domain-specific QoL scores compared with placebo, particularly in fatigue, activity and emotional function. These benefits were observed across different dosages and treatment durations. In comparative studies, rifaximin showed QoL outcomes comparable to those of lactulose, L-ornithine L-aspartate, and combination regimens. One study reported greater improvement in QoL with nitazoxanide, although rifaximin showed significant improvements in specific QoL domains. Conclusion: Rifaximin is associated with improvements in QoL in patients with cirrhosis and HE, with benefits observed across multiple domains and outcomes comparable to alternative therapies. Further high-quality comparative trials, particularly in patients with overt HE and in prophylactic settings, are needed to confirm these findings and to better inform patient-centered management strategies.