This study was designed to evaluate the pharmacological effects of Vaccinium bracteatum Thunb. methanol extract (VBME) on microglial activation and to identify the underlying mechanisms of action of these effects. The anti-inflammatory properties of VBME were studied using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV-2 microglial cells. We measured the production of nitric oxide (NO), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as inflammatory parameters. We also examined the effect of VBME on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the activity of nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65). VBME significantly inhibited LPS-induced production of NO and PGE₂ and LPS-mediated upregulation of iNOS and COX-2 expression in a dose-dependent manner; importantly, VBME was not cytotoxic. VBME also significantly reduced the generation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. In addition, VBME significantly dampened intracellular ROS production and suppressed NF-κB p65 translocation by blocking IκB-α phosphorylation and degradation in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. Our findings indicate that VBME inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators in BV-2 microglial cells by suppressing NF-κB signaling. Thus, VBME may be useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases due to its ability to inhibit inflammatory mediator production in activated BV-2 microglial cells.
Cytokines ; Interleukin-1beta ; Interleukin-6 ; Methanol ; Neurodegenerative Diseases ; Nitric Oxide ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; Phosphorylation ; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; Up-Regulation ; Vaccinium*

Cranberry extract (CBE) rich in polyphenols are potent to delay paralysis induced by alleviating β-amyloid (Aβ) toxicity in C. elegans model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In order to better apply CBE as an anti-AD agent efficiently, we sought to deterrmine whether preventive or therapeutic effect contributes more prominently toward CBE's anti-AD activity. As the level of Aβ toxicity and memory health are two major pathological parameters in AD, in the present study, we compared the effects of CBE on Aβ toxicity and memory health in the C. elegans AD model treated with preventive and therapeutic protocols. Our results revealed that CBE prominently showed the preventive efficacy, providing a basis for further investigation of these effects in mammals.
Alzheimer Disease ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; psychology ; Amyloid beta-Peptides ; metabolism ; toxicity ; Animals ; Caenorhabditis elegans ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Dietary Supplements ; analysis ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Fruit ; chemistry ; Humans ; Male ; Memory ; drug effects ; Plant Extracts ; administration & dosage ; Vaccinium macrocarpon ; chemistry

To revise the clinical guideline for childhood urinary tract infections (UTIs) of the Korean Society of Pediatric Nephrology (2007), the recently updated guidelines and new data were reviewed. The major revisions are as follows. In diagnosis, the criterion for a positive culture of the catheterized or suprapubic aspirated urine is reduced to 50,000 colony forming uits (CFUs)/mL from 100,000 CFU/mL. Diagnosis is more confirmatory if the urinalysis is abnormal. In treating febrile UTI and pyelonephritis, oral antibiotics is considered to be as effective as parenteral antibiotics. In urologic imaging studies, the traditional aggressive approach to find primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and renal scar is shifted to the targeted restrictive approach. A voiding cystourethrography is not routinely recommended and is indicated only in atypical or complex clinical conditions, abnormal ultrasonography and recurrent UTIs. 99mTc-DMSA renal scan is valuable in diagnosing pyelonephritis in children with negative culture or normal RBUS. Although it is not routinely recommended, normal scan can safely avoid VCUG. In prevention, a more natural approach is preferred. Antimicrobial prophylaxis is not supported any more even in children with VUR. Topical steroid (2-4 weeks) to non-retractile physiologic phimosis or labial adhesion is a reasonable first-line treatment. Urogenital hygiene is important and must be adequately performed. Breast milk, probiotics and cranberries are dietary factors to prevent UTIs. Voiding dysfunction and constipation should be properly treated and prevented by initiating toilet training at an appropriate age (18-24 months). The follow-up urine test on subsequent unexplained febrile illness is strongly recommended. Changes of this revision is not exclusive and appropriate variation still may be accepted.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Catheters ; Child ; Cicatrix ; Constipation ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hygiene ; Milk, Human ; Nephrology ; Phimosis ; Probiotics ; Pyelonephritis ; Technetium Tc 99m Dimercaptosuccinic Acid ; Toilet Training ; Ultrasonography ; Urinalysis ; Urinary Tract Infections* ; Urinary Tract* ; Vaccinium macrocarpon ; Vesico-Ureteral Reflux

The chemical constituents of Vaccinium bracteatum were studied by means of macroporous resin, ODS column chromatography and preparative HPLC. Eleven compounds were isolated from this plant. By using ESI-MS and NMR, the structures of the eleven compounds were determined as 10-O-trans-p-coumaroyl-6alpha-hydroxyl-dihydromonotropein (1), 10-O-cis-p-coumaroyl -6alpha-hydroxyl-dihydromonotropein (2), vaccinoside (3), 10-O-cis-p-coumaroyl monotropein (4), isolariciresinol-9-O-beta-D-xyloside (5), tectoridin (6), vicenin-3 (7), quercetin-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnoside (8), quercetin-3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (9), quercetin-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside (10), and quercetin-3-O-beta-D-glucuronide (11), respectively. Compounds 1 and 2 are new, and compounds 4, 6 and 7 are isolated from the genus Vaccinium for the first time.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Molecular Structure ; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization ; Vaccinium ; chemistry

Background: This study investigated the possible protective effects of bilberry extract after exposing rat eyes to ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation. Methods: Four groups of rats were included in this study, each consisting of 10 Wistar rats. The first group acted as the control, and the second group was exposed to UV-B, 5 KJ/m2 (λm = 300 nm), for 15 minutes. The third group was orally administered bilberry extract (160 mg twice per day) for two weeks before exposure to the UV-B, while the fourth group was administered the same dose of bilberry extract for two weeks before euthanisation. A comet assay was used to examine DNA damage, while the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT), activities were measured in the lens. Results: After exposing the rats to UV-B radiation, the mean percentage tail DNA and tail moment were significantly increased (P < 0.001) when compared to the control group. In the same context, the lens tissue MDA levels and CAT activity were also significantly increased (P < 0.001). The supplementation of the bilberry extract was found to improve the comet assay parameters and enzymatic activity of the rat lens tissue. Conclusion: The administration of bilberry led to a decrease in the oxidative stress in the lens tissues and DNA damage induced by UV-B radiation in the lenses of Wistar rats.
Vaccinium myrtillus ; DNA ; Comet Assay ; Malondialdehyde

Increased oxidative stress in obese diabetes may have causal effects on diabetic complications, including dyslipidemia. Lipopolysccharides (LPS) along with an atherogenic diet have been found to increase oxidative stress and insulin resistance. Cranberry has been recognized as having beneficial effects on diseases related to oxidative stress. Therefore, we employed obese diabetic animals treated with an atherogenic diet and LPS, with the aim of examining the effects of cranberry powder (CP) on diabetic related metabolic conditions, including lipid profiles, serum insulin and glucose, and biomarkers of oxidative stress. Forty C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice were divided into the following five groups: normal diet + saline, atherogenic diet + saline, atherogenic diet + LPS, atherogenic diet + 5% CP + LPS, and atherogenic diet + 10% CP + LPS. Consumption of an atherogenic diet resulted in elevation of serum total cholesterol and atherogenic index (AI) and reduction of high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol. However, with 10% CP, the increase in mean HDL-cholesterol level was close to that of the group with a normal diet, whereas AI was maintained at a higher level than that of the group with a normal diet. LPS induced elevated serum insulin level was lowered by greater than 60% with CP (P < 0.05), and mean serum glucose level was reduced by approximately 19% with 5% CP (P > 0.05). Mean activity of liver cytosolic glutathione peroxidase was significantly increased by LPS injection, however it was reduced back to the value without LPS when the diet was fortified with 10% CP (P < 0.05). In groups with CP, a reduction in mean levels of serum protein carbonyl tended to occur in a dose dependent manner. Particularly with 10% CP, a reduction of approximately 89% was observed (P > 0.05). Overall results suggest that fortification of the atherogenic diet with CP may have potential health benefits for obese diabetes with high oxidative stress, by modulation of physical conditions, including some biomarkers of oxidative stress.
Animals ; Biomarkers* ; Blood Glucose ; Cholesterol ; Cytosol ; Diabetes Complications ; Diet ; Diet, Atherogenic ; Dyslipidemias ; Glucose* ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; Insulin ; Insulin Resistance ; Insurance Benefits ; Lipoproteins ; Liver ; Mice* ; Oxidative Stress* ; Vaccinium macrocarpon*

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of Bog Bilberry (Vaccinium uliginosum) extract in eyes with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Forty-four eyes of forty four patients with early AMD were included in this randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled study. All participants were randomly assigned to either the placebo group (n = 24), or the bog bilberry extract group (n = 20). Before drug administration, an ophthalmic examination which included slit lamp microscopy, best corrected visual acuity, and intraocular pressure was performed, and repeated 1and 3 months after treatment. Objective scatter index, glare and tear film break-up time were checked by Optical Quality Analysis System (OQAS, Visiometrics, Spain) and drusen volume, central macular thickness, and RPE and IS/OS junction thickness were investigated with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (Spectralis, Heidelberg, Germany). RESULTS: In the bog bilberry extract group, RPE and IS/OS junction thickness was significantly increased compared to the placebo group after 3 months of drug administration. CONCLUSIONS: Bog Bilberry extract may play a favorable role in preventing the atrophic change of RPE and IS/OS junction layer and the progression of early macular degeneration.
Eye ; Glare ; Humans ; Intraocular Pressure ; Macular Degeneration ; Microscopy ; Tears ; Tomography, Optical Coherence ; Vaccinium ; Vaccinium myrtillus ; Visual Acuity ; Wetlands

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of Vaccinium uliginosum L., (VU) on the electroretinogram (ERG) and retinal pathological changes in rabbits after light-induced damage.

METHODSTwenty-eight Chinchilla rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: administration beforehand (A), administration after injury (B), light injury without administration (C), and blank (D) groups. After a 4-week administration of VU homogenate at 4.8 g/(kg·d) once a day in group A, ERG in groups A, B and C were recorded according to the standards set by the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV). Except for group D, the groups were then exposed to strong light. Just after that, group A stopped receiving VU treatment and group B started to receive it. Then ERGs in all groups were recorded after 1 day, 1 week, and 2 weeks. Throughout the whole process groups which were not fed with VU were fed with normal saline. Finally, the tissues and structures of all the groups were observed and the thickness of the outer nuclear layers (ONL) was measured.

RESULTS(1) After 4-week feeding with VU, the latency time of ERG in group A became shorter than those in the other groups and the amplitude increased. After being exposed to strong light, the latency time lengthened and amplitude decreased in all the injury groups, but comparing at each time point, the measured values in group A were better than those in group C. With the accumulation of VU, the ERG in group B improved, and finally, all of the detected values became better than those in group C. (2) Retinae in group D were normal in histology and the layers were in order but those in group C became disarranged. The injuries in groups A and B were minor compared with those in group C. The thickness of the ONL in group C was significantly thinner than in the other groups (P=0.000), and that in groups A and B was thicker than that in group C, although thinner than in group D. That in group A was thicker than in group B.

CONCLUSIONSVU can relieve the injury to rabbit retinae exposed to normal day and night rhythm, alleviate the harm caused by light when used beforehand, and repair the light damage to the retina.

Animals ; Electroretinography ; Light ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; Rabbits ; Retina ; drug effects ; pathology ; physiopathology ; radiation effects ; Retinal Cone Photoreceptor Cells ; drug effects ; pathology ; radiation effects ; Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells ; drug effects ; pathology ; radiation effects ; Time Factors ; Vaccinium ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo detect the effect and mechanism of procyanidin foom vaccinium (PC) on myocardial fibrosis in rats.

METHODThe myocardial fibrosis model in rats was built by subcutaneous injection of 5 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) of isoprenaline (Iso) for 7 days in vivo while intragastrically administrating PC 100, 200 and 400 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) for 14 days. Following the model was established, myocardial indexes (heart weight/body weight, HW/BW and left ventricalar weight/body weight, LVW/BW) were measured. Besides, angiotensin II and I , III collagen quantification levels in blood serum were determined respectively by ELISA. The change in the content of nitric oxide (NO) in blood serum was determined with colorimetry. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in left ventricle was assayed with spectrophotometry. The contents of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) in blood serum were detected with automatic biochemistry analyzer.

RESULTCompared with the control group, the myocardial indexes, the contents of I , III collagen quantification, angiotensin II in blood serum and malondialdehyde in left ventricle were markedly increased and the content of nitric oxide in blood serum was decreased, the contents of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase in blood serum were markedly increased in Iso model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the myocardial indexes were decreased, the contents of I , III collagen quantification, angiotensin II in blood serum were reduced in PC 200 and 400 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The content of nitric oxide in blood serum was increased, the content of malondialdehyde in left ventricle was markedly decreased, the contents of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase in blood serum were markedly decreased in PC three groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONPC could inhibit collagen synthesis by decreasing angiotensin II level and increasing the content of nitric oxide and antioxidation, and thereby inhibiting myocardial fibrosis and protect myocardium in rats.

Angiotensins ; blood ; Animals ; Antioxidants ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Biflavonoids ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Catechin ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Endomyocardial Fibrosis ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Female ; Isoproterenol ; adverse effects ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide ; blood ; Proanthocyanidins ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Vaccinium ; chemistry ; Ventricular Remodeling ; drug effects

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections affecting women. One in four of these women will develop a recurrence. Recurrent UTIs are common among otherwise healthy women with anatomically and physiologically normal urinary tracts. These conditions have a significant effect on their quality of life and have a considerable economic impact due to health care costs. This article will review risk factors predisposing pre- and postmenopausal women to recurrent UTIs, and discuss antimicrobial prophylaxis and other non-antimicrobial preventive measures, including modification of behavioral factors, estrogen, and cranberry products.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Antibiotic Prophylaxis ; Bacterial Infections ; Cystitis ; Estrogens ; Female ; Health Care Costs ; Humans ; Pyelonephritis ; Quality of Life ; Recurrence ; Risk Factors ; Urinary Tract ; Urinary Tract Infections ; Vaccinium macrocarpon