Modeling Mediated Crossover Acute and Subacute Damage to the Pulmonary System During Systemic (Subcutaneous) Administration of Bleomycin in Mice to Test the Potential Therapeutic Effect of Polyphenols / Modelado del Daño Agudo y Subagudo Cruzado Mediado al Sistema Pulmonar Durante la Infección Sistémica (Subcutánea) de Administración de Bleomicina a Ratones para Probar el Posible Efecto Terapéutico de los Polifenoles

SUMMARY: The potential anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic activity of polyphenolic extracts of blueberry and grape was evaluated in a mouse model of lung damage induced by subcutaneous administration of bleomycin. The results of testing the polyphenolic extracts on two different systemic administration variants of bleomycin (intraperitoneal and subcutaneous) were compared. It was found that regardless of the method of bleomycin administration, indirect cross-acute and subacute damage to the pulmonary system was observed. Both patterns exhibited the same prevalence and severity. The administration of polyphenolic extracts of blueberry and grape to mice resulted in a significant decrease in theseverity of acute and subacute patterns of lung damage, suggesting their protective properties for the microcirculatory bed and a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.

La potencial actividad antiinflamatoria y antifibrótica de los extractos polifenólicos de arándano y uva se evaluó en un modelo de daño pulmonar en ratón inducido por la administración subcutánea de bleomicina. Se compararon los resultados de las pruebas de los extractos polifenólicos en dos variantes diferentes de administración sistémica de bleomicina (intraperitoneal y subcutánea). Se encontró que, independientemente del método de administración de bleomicina, se observaba daño indirecto cruzado, agudo y subagudo al sistema pulmonar. Ambos patrones exhibieron la misma prevalencia y gravedad. La administración de extractos polifenólicos de arándano y uva a ratones dio como resultado una disminución significativa en la gravedad de los patrones agudos y subagudos de daño pulmonar, lo que sugiere sus propiedades protectoras del lecho micro- circulatorio y un efecto antiinflamatorio pronunciado.

Potential antifibrotic effect of blueberry and grape polyphenol extracts in acute and subacute bleomycin-induced lung tissue injury models in mice / Potencial efecto antifibrótico de los extractos de polifenoles de arándano y uva en modelos de lesión tisular pulmonar aguda y subaguda inducida por bleomicina en ratones

SUMMARY: An experimental morphological and morphometric study of the antifibrotic function of blueberry and grape extracts was carried out on a model of lung injury in mice induced by intraperitoneal administration of bleomycin. During intraperitoneal administration of bleomycin to mice, acute and subacute damage to the pulmonary system was noted. Both patterns had the same prevalence and severity. The administration of polyphenolic extracts of blueberry and grape to mice showed a significant reduction in the severity of the acute and subacute pattern of lung injury. Blueberry and grape extracts reduce the acute phase of damage to the microvasculature, enhance phagocytic function, have an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing the degree of lymphohistiocytic infiltration and locoregional foci of residual inflammatory effects.

Se realizó un estudio experimental morfológico y morfométrico de la función antifibrótica de extractos de arándano y uva en un modelo de lesión pulmonar en ratones inducida por la administración intraperitoneal de bleomicina. Durante la administración intraperitoneal de bleomicina a ratones, se observaron daños agudos y subagudos en el sistema pulmonar. Ambos patrones tuvieron la misma prevalencia y severidad. La administración de extractos polifenólicos de arándano y uva a ratones mostró una reducción significativa en la severidad del patrón agudo y subagudo de lesión pulmonar. Los extractos de arándano y uva reducen la fase aguda del daño a la microvasculatura, mejoran la función fagocítica, tienen un efecto antiinflamatorio, reducen el grado de infiltración linfohistiocítica y los focos locorregionales de efectos inflamatorios residuales.

Blueberry attenuates liver injury in metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease by promoting the expression of mitofilin/Mic60 in human hepatocytes and inhibiting the production of superoxide / 细胞与分子免疫学杂志

Objective To study the effect and mechanism of blueberry on regulating the mitochondrial inner membrane protein mitofilin/Mic60 in an in vitro model of metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MAFLD). Methods L02 human hepatocytes were induced by free fatty acids (FFA) to establish MAFLD cell model. A normal group, a model group, an 80 μg/mL blueberry treatment group, a Mic60 short hairpin RNA (Mic60 shRNA) transfection group, and Mic60 knockdown combined with an 80 μg/mL blueberry treatment group were established. The intracellular lipid deposition was observed by oil red O staining, and the effect of different concentrations of blueberry pulp on the survival rate of L02 cells treated with FFA was measured by MTT assay. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were measured by visible spectrophotometry. The expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in hepatocytes was observed by fluorescence microscopy, and the mRNA and protein expression of Mic60 were detected by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. Results After 24 hours of FFA stimulation, a large number of red lipid droplets in the cytoplasm of L02 cells was observed, and the survival rate of L02 cells treated with 80 μg/mL blueberry was higher. The results of ALT, AST, TG, TC, MDA and the fluorescence intensity of ROS in blueberry treated group were lower than those in model group, while the levels of SOD, GSH, Mic60 mRNA and protein in blueberry treated group were higher than those in model group. Conclusion Blueberry promotes the expression of Mic60, increases the levels of SOD and GSH in hepatocytes, and reduces the production of ROS, thus alleviating the injury of MAFLD hepatocytes and regulating the disorder of lipid metabolism.

In vivo antioxidant activity of rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei cv. 'Brightwell') anthocyanin extracts / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Blueberries are rich in phenolic compounds including anthocyanins which are closely related to biological health functions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity of blueberry anthocyanins extracted from 'Brightwell' rabbiteye blueberries in mice. After one week of adaptation, C57BL/6J healthy male mice were divided into different groups that were administered with 100, 400, or 800 mg/kg blueberry anthocyanin extract (BAE), and sacrificed at different time points (0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, or 12 h). The plasma, eyeball, intestine, liver, and adipose tissues were collected to compare their antioxidant activity, including total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-PX/GPX) content, and the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) level. The results showed that blueberry anthocyanins had positive concentration-dependent antioxidant activity in vivo. The greater the concentration of BAE, the higher the T-AOC value, but the lower the MDA level. The enzyme activity of SOD, the content of GSH-PX, and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of Cu,Zn-SOD, Mn-SOD, and GPX all confirmed that BAE played an antioxidant role after digestion in mice by improving their antioxidant defense. The in vivo antioxidant activity of BAE indicated that blueberry anthocyanins could be developed into functional foods or nutraceuticals with the aim of preventing or treating oxidative stress-related diseases.

Evaluation of antioxidant activity, phenolic content, anthocyanins, and flavonoids of fresh and dried 'Biloxi' blueberries / Evaluación de la actividad antioxidante, contenido fenólico, antocianinas y flavonoides de arándanos 'Biloxi' frescos y secos

BACKGROUND: The phytochemical content present in blueberries has generated great interest, especially in the nutra-pharmaceutical industry, where it is known as the "super fruit" due to its prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer, among others). OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the functional potential of fresh blueberries and dried blueberries using forced convection by measuring phytochemical content to conclude if this drying technology is convenient for prolonging the product's shelf life. METHODS: For this purpose, antioxidant activity, phenolic content, total anthocyanins, and total flavonoids of 'Biloxi' blueberry cultivars were determined. Fresh and dried blueberries' results were studied. Fruit extracts were analyzed to determine antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) as a free radical, total phenolic content with Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, total anthocyanins by pH differential method, and total flavonoids by Aluminum Chloride method. RESULTS: Results for fresh blueberries yielded ranges of antioxidant activity (90.8-93.9% Free radical scavenging rate), total phenolic content (275 to 645mgGAE/100gFW), total anthocyanins content (28.55 to 43.75mgCy3G/100gFW) and total flavonoids content (159.92 to 335.75mgQE/100gFW). For the forced convection oven process, ranges of antioxidant activity (85.5-92.6% Free radical scavenging rate), total phenolic content (261 to 308mgGAE/100gFW), total anthocyanins content (4.74 to 5.12mgCy3G/100gFW) and total flavonoids content (30.66±0.38mgQE/100gFW) were obtained. CONCLUSIONS: In general, blueberries studied proved to have similar concentrations of functional properties compared to a wide variety of cultivars grown around the globe. Furthermore, higher concentrations of phytochemical content than those reported previously for strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries were evidenced. Although dried blueberries studied proved to have diminished phytochemical content, this functional component content stands out among the fruits market and give nutritional value to end consumers. Drying processes could potentially increase the commerce of blueberries by significantly reducing their perishable nature

CONTEXTO: El contenido fitoquímico presente en los arándanos ha generado gran interés, especialmente en la industria nutra-farmacéutica donde es conocido como una "super fruta" debido a su ayuda en la prevención y tratamiento de enfermedades neurodegenerativas, enfermedades cardiovasculares, diabetes, cáncer, entre otras. OBJETIVOS: Este estudio evaluó el potencial funcional de arándanos frescos y deshidratados por convección forzada mediante la determinación de su contenido fitoquímico con el objetivo de concluir si esta tecnología de secado es conveniente para aumentar la vida útil del producto. MÉTODOS: Para este propósito, se determinó la actividad antioxidante, el contenido fenólico, las antocianinas totales y los flavonoides totales de cultivos de arándanos 'Biloxi' La información recopilada de la literatura fue analizada. Se estudió el contenido en compuestos funcionales en arándanos frescos y deshidratados. Los extractos de fruta fueron analizados para determinar actividad antioxidante por medio de 2,2-Difenil-1-Picrilhidrazilo (DPPH) como radical libre, fenólicos totales con el reactivo Folin-Ciocalteu, antocianinas totales usando el método diferencial de pH y flavonoides totales con el método de Cloruro de Aluminio. RESULTADOS: Para los arándanos frescos se obtuvieron rangos de actividad antioxidante de 90.8-93.9% Tasa de captación de radicales libres, contenido fenólico total de 275-645mgEAG/100gPF, contenido de antocianinas totales de 28.55-43.75mgCy3G/100gPF y contenido total de flavonoides de 159.92-335.75mgEQ/100gPF. Para los arándanos deshidratados por convección forzada, se obtuvieron rangos de actividad antioxidante de 85.5-92.6% Tasa de captación de radicales libres, contenido fenólico total de 261-308mgEAG/100gPF, contenido de antocianinas totales de 4.74-5.12mgCy3G/100gPF y contenido total de flavonoides de 30.24-30.96mgEQ/100gPF. CONCLUSIONES: En general, los arándanos estudiados probaron tener concentraciones similares de propiedades funcionales comparados con una amplia variedad de cultivos alrededor del mundo. Además, fueron evidenciadas concentraciones más altas de contenido fitoquímico comparadas con las reportadas previamente para fresas, moras y frambuesas. Aunque los arándanos secos estudiados demostraron tener menor contenido fitoquímico, la cantidad de estos componentes funcionales destaca dentro del mercado de las frutas y dan valor nutricional a los consumidores. Los procesos de secado pueden potencialmente incrementar el comercio de arándanos derivado de una disminución significativa en su naturaleza perecedera

Cápsulas de polvo de arándano como propuesta nutracéutica para mejorar la bioaccesibilidad de compuestos fenólicos / Blueberry Powder capsules as a nutraceutical proposal to improve bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds. Introduction

El arándano (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) posee un alto contenido de compuestos fenólicos los cuales han sido estudiados principalmente por su actividad antioxidante, antiobesogénica, antiinflamatoria, entre otras. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de la digestión gastrointestinal in vitro sobre la bioaccesibilidad de compuestos fenólicos y actividad antioxidante de una formulación nutracéutica de arándano (cápsula), comparado con arándano fresco y polvo. Materiales y métodos. Se obtuvieron extractos metanólicos de muestras de arándano fresco y liofilizado y se determinó su contenido de fenoles, flavonoides y antocianinas totales, así como también actividad antioxidante. Se llevó a cabo un ensayo de simulación de digestión gastrointestinal para evaluar la bioaccesibilidad de los compuestos fenólicos presentes en las muestras. Resultados. Los resultados mostraron que la digestión gástrica de arándano en polvo y en cápsula promovió una mayor bioaccesibilidad de fenoles (42% y 40%), flavonoides (52% y 33%) y antocianinas (45% y 40%) comparado con digestos de arándano fresco. Posterior a la digestión intestinal, la bioaccesibilidad de fenoles (63%) y flavonoides (67%) fue mayor en la cápsula de arándano comparada con su contraparte arándano en polvo. Las condiciones de digestión intestinal afectaron negativamente la bioaccesibilidad de las antocianinas independientemente del tipo de muestra evaluada. Conclusión. Las condiciones de digestión gástrica promueven una mayor estabilidad de los compuestos fenólicos en arándano en polvo y en cápsula lo que pudiera ser relevante para el mantenimiento de un ambiente antioxidante a este nivel. Las condiciones de digestión intestinal afectaron de manera particular a los compuestos fenólicos de arándano fresco y polvo, pero no a la cápsula, lo que puede sugerir que el encapsulamiento protegió de las condiciones alcalinas a los fenoles presentes. Se sugieren estudios posteriores sobre absorción in vitro de los componentes remanentes en intestino y sus posibles efectos sobre biomarcadores de estrés oxidativo en modelos in vivo(AU)

Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) has a high content of phenolic compounds which have been studied mainly for their antioxidant, antiobesogenic, anti-inflammatory activity, among others. Objetive. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of a nutraceutical formulation of blueberry (capsule), compared to fresh and powder blueberry. Materials and methods. Methanolic extracts of fresh and lyophilized blueberry were obtained and determined its total phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins content, as well as antioxidant activity. A gastrointestinal digestion simulation test also was carried out to assess the bioaccessibility of the phenolic compounds found in samples. Results. The results showed that gastric digestion of powder and capsule blueberry promoted greater bioaccessibility of phenols (42% and 40%), flavonoids (52% and 33%) and anthocyanins (45% and 40%), compared to fresh blueberry digests. After intestinal digestion, the bioaccessibility of phenols (63%) and flavonoids (67%) was higher in the blueberry capsule compared to its powdered blueberry counterpart. The intestinal digestion conditions negatively affected the bioaccessibility of anthocyanins regardless of the type of sample evaluated. Conclusion. Gastric digestion conditions promote greater stability of phenolic compounds in powdered and capsule blueberries, which could be relevant for the maintenance of an antioxidant environment at this level. The intestinal digestion conditions particularly affected the phenolic compounds of fresh and lyophilized blueberry, but not the capsule, which may suggest that encapsulation protected the phenols present from alkaline conditions. Further studies on in vitro absorption of the remaining components in the intestine and their possible effects on oxidative stress biomarkers in in vivo models are suggested(AU)

Protective Effects of Anthocyanins Extracted from Vaccinium Uliginosum on 661W Cells Against Microwave-Induced Retinal Damage / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the protective effect of anthocyanins extracted from Vaccinium Uliginosum (VU) on retinal 661W cells against microwave radiation induced retinal injury.@*METHODS@#661W cells were divided into 6 groups, including control, model [661W cells radiated by microwave (30 mW/cm2, 1 h)] and VU groups [661W cells pretreated with anthocyanins extracted from VU (25, 50, 100 and 200 µg/mL, respectively) for 48 h, and radiated by microwave 30 mW/cm2, 1 h]. After treatment with different interventions, the cell apoptosis index (AI) was determined using Heochst staining; contents of malonaldehyde (MDA), glutataione (GSH), and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured. mRNA expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1(HO-1) were detected by real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the expression of HO-1 protein was examined by Western blot analysis. Nucleus and cytoplasm were separated and Nrf2 protein expression was further verified by Western blot analysis.@*RESULTS@#There was significant difference in AI among the groups (F=322.83, P<;0.05). Compared with the control group, AI was significantly higher in the model group and was lower in 4 VU-pretreated groups (P<;0.05). Linear regression analysis showed the decline of AI was in a dose-dependent manner with VU treatment (r=0.8419, P<;0.05). The MDA and GSH contents of 661W cells in VU-treated groups were significantly lower than the model group (P<;0.05). Compared with the model group, the SOD activity in the VU-treated groups (50, 100 and 200 µg/mL) was significantly higher (all P<;0.05). The Nrf2 and HO-1 mRNA expressions were slightly increased after irradiation, and obviously increased in 100 µg/mL VU-treated group. After irradiation, the relative expressions of HO-1 and Nrf2 proteins in nucleus were slightly increased (P<;0.05), and the changes in cytoplasm were not obvious, whereas it was significantly increased in both nucleus and cytoplasm in the VU treatment groups.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Anthocyanins extracted from VU could reduce apoptosis, stabilize cell membrane, and alleviate oxidant injury of mouse retinal photoreceptor 661W cells. The mechanism might be through activating Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway and inducing HO-1 transcription and translation.

Efecto antibacteriano y antioxidante de frutos rojos ecuatorianos sobre streptococcus mutans: estudio in vitro / Antibacterial and antioxidant effect of ecuadorian red fruits on streptococcus mutans: in vitro study

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar mediante cuantificación de halos de inhibición el efecto antibacteriano de la cáscara y pulpa del capulí (Prunus serotina capulí) y del mortiño (Vaccinium floribundum), sobre cepas de Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 35668) a las 24 y 48 horas, comparado con arándano deshidratado y gluconato de clorhexidina al 0,12%. Materiales y métodos: Estudio experimental transversal in vitro, 15 cajas petri fueron utilizadas para sembrar 20ml de cultivo de cepas de Streptococcus mutans. En cada caja fueron colocados discos de fieltro impregnados con 20 μl de las sustancias evaluadas; mortiño y capulí, en pulpa y en cáscara, arándano deshidratado y gluconato de clorhexidina al 0,12% como control, distribuidos a una distancia equidistante. El análisis del efecto antibacteriano se realizó midiendo la zona de inhibición en un tiempo de 24 y 48 horas de incubación, los datos obtenidos se analizaron estadísticamente en el programa SPSS 22 mediante las pruebas paramétricas y de Kruskal Wallis. Resultados: No existió diferencia estadística significativa entre las variables analizadas, capulí y mortiño tanto en cáscara como en pulpa y clorhexidina empleada como control, en los dos períodos evaluados (p= > 0,05). Conclusiones: Los frutos rojos analizados tienen un efecto antibacteriano a las 24 y 48 horas, lo cual guarda relación con su capacidad antioxidante.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate by quantification of halos of inhibition, the antibacterial effect of the shell and pulp of capulí, (Prunus serotina capuli) and mortiño (Vaccinium floribundum), on strains of Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 35668) at 24 and 48 hours, compared with dehydrated cranberry and chlorhexidine gluconate at 0,12%. Materials and methods: In vitro cross-sectional experimental study, 15 petri dishes were used to plant 20 ul of the evaluated substances were placed in each box, mortiño, and capuli, in pulp and in shell, dehydrated cranberry and 0,12% chlorhexidine gluconate as control, distributed at an equidistant distance. The analysis of the antibacterial effect was performed by measuring the zone of inhibition in a time of 24 and 48 hours of incubation, the dataobtained were statistically analyzed in the SPSS 22 program by parametric and Kruskal Wallis tests. Results: There was no significant statistical difference between the analyzed variables, capuli and mortiño, both in skin and pulp and chlorhexidine used as control, in the two evaluated periods of time (p=>0,05). Conclusions: The red fruits analyzed have an antibacterial effect 24 and 48 hours, which is related to its antioxidant capacity.

Comparison of antioxidant activity and prevention of lymphocyte DNA damage by fruit and vegetable juices marketed in Korea / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: Fruit and vegetable juices are known to be rich sources of antioxidants, which have beneficial effects on diseases caused by oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to directly compare the antioxidant activities of fruit and vegetable juices marketed in Korea. METHODS: We analyzed four fruit juices, two vegetable juices, two yellow-green juices, and six mixed vegetable juices. Antioxidant activities were analyzed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) test, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. Protective effects against DNA damage were determined using an ex vivo comet assay with human lymphocytes. RESULTS: DPPH radical scavenging activities were in the following order: blueberry juice > mixed vegetable C juice > kale juice > mixed vegetable P juice > grape juice. ABTS radical scavenging activities were in the following order: blueberry juice > mixed vegetable C juice > grape juice > mixed vegetable P juice > kale juice. Peroxyl radical scavenging activities as assessed by ORAC assay were in the following order: blueberry juice > kale juice > mixed vegetable C juice > grape juice. Grape or blueberry juice showed strong abilities to prevent DNA damage in lymphocytes, and the difference between them was not significant according to the GSTM1/GSTT1 genotype. CONCLUSION: Antioxidant activities of fruit and vegetable juices and ex vivo DNA protective activity increased in the order of blueberry juice, grape juice, and kale juice, although the rankings were slightly different. Therefore, these juices rich in polyphenols and flavonoids deserve more attention for their high antioxidant capacity.

Effects of fermented blueberry liquid in high-fat diet-induced obese C57BL/6J mice / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: The objective of the present study was to determine whether fermentation can increase the protective effects of blueberry liquid in a high-fat diet-induced obese mice model. METHODS: Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HD, 60% fat, w/w,), HD supplemented with 10 ml/kg BW/day of blueberry liquid (BHD, blueberry high-fat diet), or HD supplemented with 10 ml/kg BW/day of fermented blueberry liquid (FBHD, fermented blueberry high-fat diet) for 10 weeks. RESULTS: There were significant decreases in the body, epididymal adipose tissue, and liver weights of blueberry-fed groups compared to HD, whereas there were no significant differences in food intake among the groups. Furthermore, blueberry liquid groups, especially fermented blueberry liquid, significantly attenuated the contents of hepatic triglycerides and total cholesterol induced by HD. Serum LDL-cholesterol was significantly lower in the BHD and FBHD-fed groups, whereas FBHD significantly increased the serum HDL-cholesterol level compared to the control. Concentrations of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and leptins in serum were also reduced by blueberry liquid supplementation. The mRNA expression of hepatic acetyl CoA carboxylase was significantly reduced in both the BHD and FBHD groups compared to HD. Furthermore, FBHD altered the mRNA expression level of hepatic lipolysis genes. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, these results suggest that blueberry, especially fermented blueberry liquid, may improve obesity-related abnormalities.

Simultaneous Molecular Detection of Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora from Raw Vegetables in Korea

Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora are well-known coccidian protozoa that can cause waterborne and foodborne diarrheal illnesses. There have been a few reports regarding contamination in different vegetables with Cryptosporidium, but no data are available regarding the sources of Cyclospora infections in Korea. In the present study, we collected 6 kinds of vegetables (perilla leaves, winter-grown cabbages, chives, sprouts, blueberries, and cherry tomatoes) from July 2014 to June 2015, and investigated contamination by these 2 protozoa using multiplex quantitative real-time PCR. Among 404 vegetables, Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora were detected in 31 (7.7%) and 5 (1.2%) samples, respectively. In addition, Cryptosporidium was isolated from all 6 kinds of vegetables, whereas Cyclospora was detected in 4 kinds of vegetables (except perilla leaves and chives). Cryptosporidium (17.8%) and Cyclospora (2.9%) had the highest detection rates in chives and winter-grown cabbages, respectively. Cryptosporidium was detected all year long; however, Cyclospora was detected only from October to January. In 2 samples (sprout and blueberry), both Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora were detected. Further investigations using TaqI restriction enzyme fragmentation and nested PCR confirmed Cryptosporidium parvum and Cyclospora cayetanensis, respectively. In conclusion, we detected C. cayetanensis in vegetables for the first time in Korea. This suggests that screening should be employed to prevent these protozoal infections in Korea.

Comparison of Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) and Vitamin C via Antioxidative and Epigenetic Effects in Human

BACKGROUND: Chemopreventive effects and the underlying mechanisms of blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) are not clearly understood in human. We hypothesized blueberry would work via antioxidative and epigenetic modulation, which is similar to vitamin C. METHODS: We performed a pilot and non-inferiority study in healthy young women (n = 12), who consumed vitamin C (1 g/d) or 240 mL of blueberry juice (total polyphenols 300 mg and proanthocyanidin 76 mg/d) for 2 weeks. We analyzed 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in their urine, and global and specific DNA methylation at the NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), or DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) genes in their blood. RESULTS: Urinary 8-OHdG levels were reduced by blueberry consumption rather than by vitamin C. The methylation (%) of the MTHFR was significantly decreased in blueberry-consumers and the antioxidant-susceptible subgroup, whose urinary MDA levels were decreased by the intervention. We also found a positive correlation between changes of urinary 8-OHdG and of DNA methylation at the MTHFR or the DNMT1 (P < 0.05). However, the genetic polymorphism of the MTHFR (C677T in exon 4) did not affect any above markers. CONCLUSIONS: Blueberry juice shows similar anti-oxidative or anti-premutagenic activity to vitamin C and the potential as a methylation inhibitor for the MTHFR and the DNMT1 in human.

Protective effects of blueberry drink on cognitive impairment induced by chronic mild stress in adult rats

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Stress-induced cognitive impairment is related to the suppression of hippocampal neurogenesis that results from an increase of oxidative stress. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of administration of a blueberry drink, having a high antioxidant power, on the cognitive performance of adult rats exposed to chronic mild stress. MATERIALS/METHODS: Twelve-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 48) were randomly divided into four groups: control (CO), stress (ST), control + 5% blueberry drink (CO + B), and stress + 5% blueberry drink (ST + B). After eight weeks, the cognitive performance was assessed using a multiple T-maze water test. Levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and ascorbic acid were measured in the brain, and catecholamine concentrations were measured in plasma. RESULTS: The brain weights of the rats from the ST and ST + B groups were significantly lower than those of the rats from the CO and CO + B groups. The cognitive performance of the ST group was impaired when compared to that of the CO group. This impairment was significantly improved by the blueberry drink supplementation (P < 0.05). The brain SOD and CAT concentrations were not influenced by the stress or by the blueberry drink. However, the brain levels of GPx and ascorbic acid were significantly lower in the ST group than those in the CO group and were increased by the blueberry drink supplementation. The plasma catecholamine concentrations were affected by chronic mild stress and by the blueberry drink. The plasma norepinephrine and dopamine concentrations were decreased by the chronic stress and improved by the blueberry drink supplementation. The plasma epinephrine level was only influenced by the stress. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the blueberry drink may protect against the cognitive impairment induced by chronic mild stress.

Evaluación de la actividad antioxidante de las pulpas de Rubus glaucus B, Vaccinium floribundum K y Beta vulgaris L / Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of pulps from Rubus glaucus B., Vaccinium floribundum K. and Beta vulgaris L

Introducción: actualmente se ha demostrado una relación entre el consumo de alimentos con altos niveles de compuestos antioxidantes, los cuales están directamente asociados con la prevención de enfermedades. Objetivos: evaluar la actividad antioxidante de las pulpas Rubus glaucus B, Vaccinium floribundum K y Beta vulgaris L. Métodos: Rubus glaucus Benth variedad Castilla, Vaccinium floribundum K y Beta vulgaris L fueron adquiridas en un mercado local de la ciudad de Cartagena, Bolívar (10°25'25″N 75°31'31″O). La pulpa se obtuvo a partir del fruto (mora y agraz) y raíz (remolacha); y le se determinó pH, Brix, acidez titulable, índice de madurez, humedad, ceniza, grasa, proteínas, fibra cruda, carbohidratos y la actividad antioxidante fue determinada mediante la técnica de actividad antiradicalaria por el método DPPH, asimismo el contenido de fenoles totales se realizó por el método colorimétrico Folin-Ciocalteu. Resultados: los sólidos solubles totales oscilaron entre 5,94 - 10,91 Brix, pH 2,9 - 5,96, ceniza 0,407 - 1,05 g/100 g, humedad 87,263 - 83,95 g/100 g, proteína 0,624 - 1,59 g/100 g, grasa 0,12 - 0,62 g/100 g, fibra cruda 2,107 - 3,637 g/100 g, carbohidratos 10,01 - 14,446 g/100 g para las pulpas de mora, agraz y remolacha. Los resultados de la prueba de actividad antioxidante presentaron valores de IC50 mediante la técnica de DPPH• en el rango de 53,33 - 141,88 µg/mL, lo cual está directamente relacionado con el contenido en fenoles. Conclusiones: por lo tanto, la pulpa de Rubus glaucus Benth variedad Castilla, Vaccinium floribundum K y Beta vulgaris L, son considerados como promisorios para diseñar productos nutracéuticos por su elevada actividad antioxidante(AU)

Introduction: A direct relationship has been proved to exist between consumption of foodstuffs with a high content of antioxidant compounds and disease prevention. Objectives: Evaluate the antioxidant activity of pulps from Rubus glaucus B., Vaccinium floribundum K. and Beta vulgaris L. Methods: Rubus glaucus Benth variety Castile, Vaccinium floribundum K. and Beta vulgaris L. were acquired at a local marketplace in the city of Cartagena, Bolívar (10°25?25?N 75°31?31?W). The pulp was obtained from fruits (Andean raspberry and Andean blueberry) and roots (beet). Determination was conducted of its pH, Brix, titratable acidity, maturation index, humidity, ash, fat, proteins, crude fiber, carbohydrates, and antioxidant activity using the technique of anti-radical activity by the DPPH method. Content of total phenols was determined by the Folin-Ciocaltey colorimetric method. Results: Total soluble solids ranged between 5.94 - 10.91 Brix, pH 2.9 - 5.96, ash 0.407 - 1.05 g / 100 g, humidity 87.263 - 83.95 g / 100 g, protein 0.624 - 1.59 g / 100 g, fat 0.12 - 0.62 g / 100 g, crude fiber 2.107 - 3.637 g / 100 g, carbohydrates 10.01 - 14.446 g / 100 g for pulps from Andean raspberry, Andean blueberry and beet. Antioxidant activity testing using the DPPHo technique obtained CI50 values of 53.33 - 141.88 ?g/ml, directly proportional to phenol content. Conclusions: It is therefore concluded that pulp from Rubus glaucus Benth variety Castile, Vaccinium floribundum K. and Beta vulgaris L., is considered to be promising for the design of nutraceutical products due to its antioxidant activity(AU)

Blueberry, blackberry, and blackcurrant differentially affect plasma lipids and pro-inflammatory markers in diet-induced obesity mice

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Evidence indicates that berry anthocyanins are anti-atherogenic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. However, berries differ vastly in their anthocyanin composition and thus potentially in their biological and metabolic effects. The present study compared hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of blueberry (BB), blackberry (BK), and blackcurrant (BC) in a diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model. MATERIALS/METHODS: Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high fat (HF; 35% fat, w/w) control diet or a HF diet supplemented with freeze-dried 5% BB, 6.3% BK or 5.7% BC for 12 weeks (10 mice/group) to achieve the same total anthocyanin content in each diet. Plasma lipids, antioxidant status and pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured. The expression of genes involved in antioxidant defense, inflammation, and lipid metabolism was determined in the liver, epididymal adipose tissue, proximal intestine, and skeletal muscle. Histological analysis was performed to identify crown-like structure (CLS) in epididymal fat pads to determine macrophage infiltration. RESULTS: No differences were noted between the control and any berry-fed groups in plasma levels of liver enzymes, insulin, glucose, ferric reducing antioxidant power, superoxide dismutase, and tumor necrosis factor α. However, BK significantly lowered plasma triglyceride compared with the HF control and other berries, whereas BC significantly reduced F4/80 mRNA and the number of CLS in the epididymal fat pad, indicative of less macrophage infiltration. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides evidence that BB, BK and BC with varying anthocyanin composition differentially affect plasma lipids and adipose macrophage infiltration in DIO mice, but with no differences in their antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory potential.

Diversidad de cepas de Agrobacterium rubi aisladas de arándanos / Agrobacterium rubi strains from blueberry plants are highly diverse

Se estudió la diversidad de una colección de cepas de Agrobacterium rubi aisladas de arándanos provenientes de distintas regiones de la República Argentina estableciendo su grado de heterogeneidad mediante pruebas microbiológicas clásicas y técnicas de biología molecular. Los resultados obtenidos en las pruebas bioquímicas y fisiológicas, así como mediante rep-PCR y RFLP del gen 23S ADNr, demostraron una alta variabilidad intraespecífica, tanto fenotípica como genotípica

The diversity of a collection of Agrobacterium rubi strains isolated from blueberries from different regions of Argentina was studied by conventional microbiological tests and molecular techniques. Results from biochemical and physiological reactions, as well as from rep-PCR and RFLP analysis of PCR-amplified 23S rDNA showed high phenotypic and genotypic intraspecific variation

Cyanidin-3-O-galactoside and blueberry extracts supplementation improves spatial memory and regulates hippocampal ERK expression in senescence-accelerated mice / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate whether the antioxidation and the regulation on the Extracellular Regulated Protein Kinases (ERK) signaling pathway are involved in the protective effects of blueberry on central nervous system.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>30 Senescence-accelerated mice prone 8 (SAMP8) mice were divided into three groups and treated with normal diet, blueberry extracts (200 mg/kg•bw/day) and cyaniding-3-O-galactoside (Cy-3-GAL) (50 mg/kg•bw/day) from blueberry for 8 weeks. 10 SAMR1 mice were set as control group. The capacity of spatial memory was assessed by Passive avoidance task and Morris water maze. Histological analyses on hippocampus were completed. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity and the expression of ERK were detected.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Both Cy-3-GAL and blueberry extracts were shown effective functions to relieve cellular injury, improve hippocampal neurons survival and inhibit the pyramidal cell layer damage. Cy-3-GAL and blueberry extracts also increased SOD activity and reduced MDA content in brain tissues and plasma, and increased hippocampal phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK) expression in SAMP8 mice. Further more, the passive avoidance task test showed that both the latency time and the number of errors were improved by Cy-3-GAL treatment, and the Morris Water Maze test showed significant decreases of latency were detected by Cy-3-GAL and blueberry extracts treatment on day 4.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Blueberry extracts may reverse the declines of cognitive and behavioral function in the ageing process through several pathways, including enhancing the capacity of antioxidation, altering stress signaling. Cy-3-GAL may be an important active ingredient for these biological effects.</p>

Effect of aluminum on antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds content in in vitro cultured blueberries / Efectos de aluminio en la capacidad antioxidante y en el contenido de compuestos fenólicos en plántulas de arándano cultivadas in vitro

Blueberry is a popular natural food product consumed worldwide. Acid soils are found throughout the world. A significant problem of acid soils is the active aluminum content, which may result toxic to plant. The present study was undertaken to assess the toxicities of Al for Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) cultivated in vitro and treated with 100 and 200 uM Al. The effects of Al concentration on malondialdehyde (MDA) content, antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds of blueberry after 7, 14 and 21 days of treatment were established. The analysis of the MDA accumulated in the tissues of the blueberry seedlings indicates that Al concentration increases the damage caused by lipid peroxidation, for both treatments, after 14 days. The highest antioxidant activity in the extracts was observed at 200 uM Al after 14 days of treatment, being chlorogenic and ellagic acids the most significant metabolites involved in the antioxidant properties. Then, the content of Al in soil could be modulate the content of bioactive compounds in blueberry plants.

El Arándano es un popular alimento natural consumido en todo el mundo. Los suelos ácidos se encuentran en todo el mundo. Un problema significativo de suelos ácidos es el contenido de aluminio activo, que puede resultar tóxico para la planta. Este estudio se realizó para evaluar la toxicidad del aluminio en plantas de arandano, cultivadas in vitro y tratadas con 100 y 200 mM de Al. Se establecieron los del aluminio en el contenido de malodialdehido (MDA), capacidad antioxidante y contenido de compuestos fenolicos en plantulas de arandano luego de 7, 14 y 21 dias de tratamiento. El análisis del MDA acumulado en los tejidos de las plantulas de arándanos indica que la concentración de Al aumenta el daño causado medido como peroxidación de lípidos, para ambos tratamientos, después de 14 días. La actividad antioxidante más alta de los extractos se obseva a 200 mM de Al después de 14 días de tratamiento, siendo los ácidos clorogénico y elágico los metabolitos más importantes que participan en las propiedades antioxidantes. Entonces, el contenido de Al en el suelo podría modular el contenido de compuestos bioactivos en plantas de arándanos, alterando sus propiedades medicinales.

Oxidation of fatty acid may be enhanced by a combination of pomegranate fruit phytochemicals and acetic acid in HepG2 cells

We investigated whether the combination of phytochemicals and acetic acid in the form of fruit vinegar provides an additive effect on changes of mRNA levels related to fatty acid oxidation in human hepatocyte (HepG2). Among the seven fruit vinegars (Rubuscoreanus, Opuntia, blueberry, cherry, red ginseng, mulberry, and pomegranate) studied, treatment of HepG2 with pomegranate vinegar (PV) at concentrations containing 1 mM acetic acid showed the highest in vitro potentiating effect on the mRNA expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha, carnitinepalmitoyl transferase-1, and acyl-CoA oxidase compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Reversed-phase liquid chromatography in combination with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis revealed four potential compounds (punicalagin B, ellagic acid, and two unidentified compounds) responsible for altered gene expression in HepG2 cells treated with PV as compared with the others. Further investigations are warranted to determine if drinking PV beverages may help to maintain a healthy body weight in overweight subjects.

Study of potential protective effects of blueberry on hepatic cytochrome P450 2E1 expression in rats with immune hepatic fibrosis / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the protective effects of blueberry against rat immune hepatic fibrosis, specifically through the expression of hepatic cytochrome P450 2E1.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Fifty Wistar rats were randomly divided into five study groups (n = 10 each): Group A: normal control group, Group B: hepatic fibrosis model group, Group C: preventive group administered blueberry juice, Group D: preventive group administered Fu-Fang-Bie-Jia-Ruan-Gan tablet, and Group E: preventive group administered a combination of blueberry juice and Fu-Fang-Bie-Jia-Ruan-Gan tablet. The hepatic fibrosis model was established by intraperitoneal injection of porcine serum once daily for 12 weeks. Simultaneously, rats in preventive groups (Groups C-E) were perfused with blueberry juice or Fu-Fang-Bie-Jia-Ruan-Gan tablet or combinations of blueberry juice and Fu-Fang-Bie-Jia-Ruan-Gan tablet, respectively, for 12 weeks. The normal control group was perfused with saline for 12 weeks. All animals were sacrificed at the end of the 12 weeks, and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydroxyproline (Hyp) in liver homogenates were determined. Pathology of hepatic fibrosis was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Expression of CYP2E1 was detected by real-time RT-PCR, immunohistochemical techniques, and Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Serum ALT levels were not significantly different in the control and treatment groups (F=4.056, P more than 0.05): A: 37.87+/-4.53 U/L, B: 49.23+/-9.81 U/L, C: 39.94+/-6.32 U/L, D: 40.50+/-5.70 U/L, and E: 38.24+/-8.43 U/L. Compared with Group B, the pathological stages of hepatic fibrosis were significantly reduced in the prevention groups (C-E) (F=95.097, P less than 0.05). Hyp and MDA in liver homogenates of groups C-E were significantly lower than those of Group B (Hyp: C: 472.68+/-44.14 mug/g, D: 416.12+/-39.38 mug/g, E: 429.51+/-55.14 mug/g vs. B: 603.16+/-68.92 mug/g, F=39.315, P less than 0.05; MDA: C: 0.83+/-0.06 nmol/mg, D: 0.96+/-0.08 nmol/mg, E: 0.85+/-0.06 nmol/mg vs. B: 1.24+/-0.15 nmol/mg, F=46.376, P less than 0.05). In contrast, SOD activities in Group C-E were significantly higher than those in Group B (C: 2.47+/-0.38 U/mg, D: 1.95+/-0.45 U/mg, E: 2.16+/-0.23 U/mg vs. B: 1.56+/-0.41 U/mg, F=25.557, P less than 0.05). Compared with Group A, the mRNA and protein expressions of CYP2E1 were increased in groups B-E, however the differences did not reach statistical significance (mRNA: F=0.897, protein: F=0.492, both P more than 0.05). The mRNA and protein expressions of CYP2E1 in groups C-E were lower than those of Group B, however the differences did not reach statistical significance (mRNA: F=0.897, protein: F=0.492, P more than 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Blueberry exhibits certain protective effects against porcine serum-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. The expression of hepatic cytochrome P450 2E1 in rats with immune hepatic fibrosis is not significantly different from the normal rats. Blueberry has no effect on the expression of hepatic cytochrome P4502E1.</p>