Blueberry stem extract and stem active components prevent blue light-emitting diode light-induced retinal photoreceptor cell damage in vitro.

Blue light causes retinal damage that can lead to ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. In this study, we determined the protective effect of blueberry stem extract (BStEx) and active components on blue light-emitting diode (LED) light-induced retinal photoreceptor cell damage in vitro. Photoreceptor cells cultured in the presence of BStEx or components were exposed to blue light to induce cell damage. BStEx, fractions of BStEx containing proanthocyanidins, chlorogenic acid, catechin, and epicatechin prevented the cell damage and/or inhibited the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, BStEx reduced apoptosis and cell death, and inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase leading to cellular apoptosis induced by blue light exposure. These findings suggest that BStEx and components exert a protective effect against blue light-induced photoreceptor cell damage through the inhibition of MAPK phosphorylation and ROS production.

Blueberry Leaf Extract Prevents Lacrimal Hyposecretion in Sjögren's Syndrome-like Model of Non-obese Diabetic Mice.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study evaluated the effect of blueberry leaf hot water extract (BLEx) on Sjögren's syndrome (SS)-like lacrimal hyposecretion in male non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: NOD or BALB/c mice were fed 1% BLEx or control (AIN-93G) for 2 weeks from the age of 4 to 6 weeks. Pilocarpine-induced tear volume was measured using a phenol red-impregnated thread. The lacrimal glands were evaluated histologically by H&E staining. The IL-1ß and TNF-α levels in the lacrimal gland tissue were measured by ELISA. The mRNA expression levels of secretion-related proteins were measured by real-time PCR. LC3 I/II and arginase 1 expression levels were measured by western blot. RESULTS: After feeding with BLEx, pilocarpine-induced tear secretion in NOD mice was increased. In contrast, the mRNA expression levels of the cholinergic muscarinic M3 receptor, aquaporin 5, and ion channels related to lacrimal secretion were not changed by BLEx administration. In addition, the protein expression of arginase 1, which was recently reported to be involved in tear hyposecretion in NOD mice, was also not improved by BLEx administration. Although infiltration in the lacrimal gland of NOD mice was not decreased, the levels of TNF-α and the autophagy-related protein LC3 were significantly suppressed by BLEx treatment. CONCLUSION: BLEx treatment may ameliorate lacrimal hyposecretion in NOD mice by delaying the progression of autoimmune disease by suppressing autophagy in lacrimal glands.

Immunomodulatory and Metabolic Changes after Gnetin-C Supplementation in Humans.

Gnetin-C is a naturally occurring stilbene derived from the seeds of Gnetum gnemon L., an edible plant native to Southeast Asia that is called melinjo. Although the biological properties and safety of G. gnemon extract, which contains nearly 3% Gnetin-C, have been confirmed in various human studies, whether or not pure Gnetin-C is safe for humans is unclear at present. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Healthy subjects were randomly divided into two groups. The interventional group (n = 6) was given Gnetin-C, and the control group (n = 6) was provided a placebo, for 14 days. Lipid profiles, biomarkers of oxidative stress and circulating blood cells were assessed before and after the intervention. All subjects completed the study, with no side effects reported across the study duration. Gnetin-C supplementation demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the absolute number of circulating natural killer (NK) cells expressing the activating receptors NKG2D and NKp46. NK cells derived from subjects who received Gnetin-C for two weeks showed higher cytotoxicity against K562 target cells than those before receiving Gnetin-C. In addition, Gnetin-C also resulted in a significant decrease in the absolute neutrophil count in the blood compared with the placebo. Furthermore, Gnetin-C significantly reduced the levels of uric acid, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total adiponectin, and high-molecular-weight adiponectin. These data indicate that Gnetin-C has biological effects of enhancing the NK activity on circulating human immune cells. The immunomodulatory effects are consistent with a putative improvement in cancer immunosurveillance via the upregulation of the NKG2D receptor. The study was registered with UMIN-CTR, number 000030364, on 12 December 2017.

Predictive risk factors of postoperative urinary incontinence following holmium laser enucleation of the prostate during the initial learning period.

PURPOSE: To determine the predictive factors for postoperative urinary incontinence (UI) following holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) during the initial learning period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated 127 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia who underwent HoLEP between January 2011 and December 2013. We recorded clinical variables, including blood loss, serum prostate-specific antigen levels, and the presence or absence of UI. Blood loss was estimated as a decline in postoperative hemoglobina levels. The predictive factors for postoperative UI were determined using a multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Postoperative UI occurred in 31 patients (24.4%), but it cured in 29 patients (93.5%) after a mean duration of 12 weeks. Enucleation time >100 min (p=0.043) and blood loss >2.5g/dL (p=0.032) were identified as significant and independent risk factors for postoperative UI. CONCLUSIONS: Longer enucleation time and increased blood loss were independent predictors of postoperative UI in patients who underwent HoLEP during the initial learning period. Surgeons in training should take care to perform speedy enucleation maneuver with hemostasis.

Predictive risk factors of postoperative urinary incontinence following holmium laser enucleation of the prostate during the initial learning period

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine the predictive factors for postoperative urinary incontinence (UI) following holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) during the initial learning period. Patients and Methods: We evaluated 127 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia who underwent HoLEP between January 2011 and December 2013. We recorded clinical variables, including blood loss, serum prostate-specific antigen levels, and the presence or absence of UI. Blood loss was estimated as a decline in postoperative hemoglobin levels. The predictive factors for postoperative UI were determined using a multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: Postoperative UI occurred in 31 patients (24.4%), but it cured in 29 patients (93.5%) after a mean duration of 12 weeks. Enucleation time >100 min (p=0.043) and blood loss >2.5g/dL (p=0.032) were identified as significant and independent risk factors for postoperative UI. Conclusions: Longer enucleation time and increased blood loss were independent predictors of postoperative UI in patients who underwent HoLEP during the initial learning period. Surgeons in training should take care to perform speedy enucleation maneuver with hemostasis.