Extract from Aronia melanocarpa, Lonicera caerulea, and Vaccinium myrtillus Improves near Visual Acuity in People with Presbyopia.

Presbyopia is a global problem with an estimated 1.3 billion patients worldwide. In the area of functional food applications, dietary supplements or herbs, there are very few reports describing the positive effects of their use. In the available literature, there is a lack of studies in humans as well as on an animal model of extracts containing, simultaneously, compounds from the polyphenol group (in particular, anthocyanins) and iridoids, so we undertook a study of the effects of a preparation composed of these compounds on a condition of the organ of vision. Our previous experience on a rabbit model proved the positive effect of taking an oral extract of Cornus mas in stabilizing the intraocular pressure of the eye. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an orally administered ternary compound preparation on the status of physiological parameters of the ocular organ. The preparation contained an extract of the chokeberry Aronia melanocarpa, the honeysuckle berry Lonicera caerulea L., and the bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus (hereafter AKB) standardized for anthocyanins and iridoids, as bioactive compounds known from the literature. A randomized, double-blind, cross-over study lasting with a "wash-out" period of 17 weeks evaluated a group of 23 people over the age of 50, who were subjects with presbyopia and burdened by prolonged work in front of screen monitors. The group of volunteers was recruited from people who perform white-collar jobs on a daily basis. The effects of the test substances contained in the preparation on visual acuity for distance and near, sense of contrast for distance and near, intraocular pressure, and conjunctival lubrication, tested by Schirmer test, LIPCOF index and TBUT test, and visual field test were evaluated. Anthocyanins (including cyanidin 3-O-galactoside, delphinidin 3-O-arabinoside, cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, cyanidin 3-O-rutinoside, cyanidin 3-O-arabinoside) and iridoids (including loganin, sweroside, loganic acid) were identified as substances present in the extract obtained by HPLC-MS. The preliminary results showed that the composition of AKB applied orally does not change visual acuity in the first 6 weeks of administration. Only in the next cycle of the study was an improvement in near visual acuity observed in 92.3% of the patients. This may indicate potential to correct near vision in presbyopic patients. On the other hand, an improvement in conjunctival wetting was observed in the Schirmer test at the beginning of week 6 of administration in 80% of patients. This effect was weakened in subsequent weeks of conducting the experiment to 61.5%. The improvement in conjunctival hydration in the Schirmer test shows the potential beneficial effect of the AKB formulation in a group of patients with dry eye syndrome. This is the first study of a preparation based on natural, standardized extracts of chokeberry, honeysuckle berry, and bilberry. Preliminary studies show an improvement in near visual acuity and conjunctival hydration on the Schirmer test, but this needs to be confirmed in further studies.

Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) Fruit Extract Lowers SREBP-1c and C/EBPα in Liver and Alters Various PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, LXR-α Target Genes in Cholesterol-Rich Diet Rabbit Model.

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits, abundant in iridoids and anthocyanins, are natural products with proven beneficial impacts on the functions of the cardiovascular system and the liver. This study aims to assess and compare whether and to what extent two different doses of resin-purified cornelian cherry extract (10 mg/kg b.w. or 50 mg/kg b.w.) applied in a cholesterol-rich diet rabbit model affect the levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα), and various liver X receptor-α (LXR-α), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) target genes. Moreover, the aim is to evaluate the resistive index (RI) of common carotid arteries (CCAs) and aortas, and histopathological changes in CCAs. For this purpose, the levels of SREBP-1c, C/EBPα, ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), ATP-binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1), fatty acid synthase (FAS), endothelial lipase (LIPG), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A), and adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2) in liver tissue were measured. Also, the levels of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor (Vaspin), and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) in visceral adipose tissue were measured. The RI of CCAs and aortas, and histopathological changes in CCAs, were indicated. The oral administration of the cornelian cherry extract decreased the SREBP-1c and C/EBPα in both doses. The dose of 10 mg/kg b.w. increased ABCA1 and decreased FAS, CPT1A, and RBP4, and the dose of 50 mg/kg b.w. enhanced ABCG1 and AdipoR2. Mitigations in atheromatous changes in rabbits' CCAs were also observed. The obtained outcomes were compared to the results of our previous works. The beneficial results confirm that cornelian cherry fruit extract may constitute a potentially effective product in the prevention and treatment of obesity-related disorders.

Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) Iridoid and Anthocyanin-Rich Extract Reduces Various Oxidation, Inflammation, and Adhesion Markers in a Cholesterol-Rich Diet Rabbit Model.

Atherogenesis leads to the development of atherosclerosis, a progressive chronic disease characterized by subendothelial lipoprotein retention and endothelial impairment in the arterial wall. It develops mainly as a result of inflammation and also many other complex processes, which arise from, among others, oxidation and adhesion. Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits are abundant in iridoids and anthocyanins-compounds with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. This study aimed to determine the effect of two different doses (10 mg and 50 mg per kg of body weight, respectively) of iridoid and anthocyanin-rich resin-purified Cornelian cherry extract on the markers that are important in the progress of inflammation, cell proliferation and adhesion, immune system cell infiltration, and atherosclerotic lesion development in a cholesterol-rich diet rabbit model. We used biobank blood and liver samples that were collected during the previous original experiment. We assessed the mRNA expression of MMP-1, MMP-9, IL-6, NOX, and VCAM-1 in the aorta, and the serum levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, CRP, PON-1, MCP-1, and PCT. The application of the Cornelian cherry extract at a dose of 50 mg/kg bw resulted in a significant reduction in MMP-1, IL-6, and NOX mRNA expression in the aorta and a decrease in VCAM-1, ICAM-1, PON-1, and PCT serum levels. The administration of a 10 mg/kg bw dose caused a significant decrease in serum ICAM-1, PON-1, and MCP-1. The results indicate the potential usefulness of the Cornelian cherry extract in the prevention or treatment of atherogenesis-related cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis or metabolic syndrome.

A Comparison of the Antiosteoporotic Effects of Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) Extracts from Red and Yellow Fruits Containing Different Constituents of Polyphenols and Iridoids in Osteoblasts and Osteoclasts.

Methods: Polyphenolic and iridoid constituents of extracts were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively using the ultraperformance liquid chromatography system coupled with a quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry. Primary cultured osteoblasts isolated from mouse calvarias and osteoclast-lineage primary cultured monocytes isolated from mouse bone marrow were used for the assessment of osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation. In the osteoblast culture, cellular viability, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, ALP staining, and mRNA expression of Alpl and Runx2 were examined. In the osteoclast culture, the examined parameters were cellular viability, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity and staining, and mRNA expression of Nfatc1, Ctsk, and Acp. Results: A total of 41 main compounds of iridoids, anthocyanins, hydrolysable tannins, phenolic acids, and flavonols were identified in the three extracts. RED EXT1 contained most of the tested polyphenols and iridoids and was the only extract containing anthocyanins. YL EXT2 contained only one iridoid, loganic acid and gallic acid. YL EXT3 comprised a mixture of iridoids and polyphenols. RED EXT1, YL EXT 2, and to a lesser extent YL EXT3 promoted osteoblast differentiation increasing significantly ALP activity and the amount of ALP-positive stained cells. All extracts upregulated mRNA expression of Alpl and Runx2. RED EXT1 caused the most significant decrease in TRAP activity and the numbers of TRAP-positive multinucleated cells. RED EXT1 caused also the most significant downregulation of mRNA expression of osteoclast related genes Nfatc1, Ctsk, and Acp5. Extracts from yellow fruits, mostly YL EXT2 caused lower, but still significant inhibitory effect on TRAP and osteoclast related genes. Conclusions: The main conclusion of our study is that all three extracts, especially RED EXT1 from red cornelian cherry fruits, possess the antiosteoporotic potential and may be a promising phytomedicine candidate for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) Extracts Exert Cytotoxicity in Two Selected Melanoma Cell Lines-A Factorial Analysis of Time-Dependent Alterations in Values Obtained with SRB and MTT Assays.

Despite the fact that phytochemicals of Cornaceae species have long been discussed as possible auxiliary agents in contemporary treatment, the insights on their properties remain relatively scarce. This study focuses on Cornus mas L. (Cornelian cherry), the extracts of which are reported to exert a pleiotropic effect shown in both in vivo and in vitro studies. This study aimed to explore the cytotoxic effect of extracts from fruits of red (Cornus mas L. 'Podolski') and yellow (Cornus mas L. 'Yantarnyi' and 'Flava') Cornelian cherries on two melanoma cell lines (A375 and MeWo). The extracts were characterized in the context of the concentration of bioactive compounds of antioxidative properties. Cytotoxicity was investigated with the use of the following two assays: SRB and MTT. An additional, alternative protocol for the SRB assay was used in this study so as to account for possible bias. Cytotoxicity was assessed as a difference in the whole time series of cell viability, instead of analyzing differences in raw values (often found in the literature). Both extracts from Cornus mas L. induced cytotoxicity in both A375 and MeWo cell lines, although the response of these cells was different. Moreover, based on this study, there is no evidence for claiming a different magnitude of cytotoxicity between these two extracts.

Biochemical and Molecular Investigation of the Effect of Saponins and Terpenoids Derived from Leaves of Ilex aquifolium on Lipid Metabolism of Obese Zucker Rats.

Ilex paraguariensis, the holly tree, is a plant with recognized biological properties, whose aqueous infusions are known as "Yerba mate", that regulate lipid metabolism, reduce obesity, and improve brain stimulation. In the present study, the effect of standardized saponin and terpenoid fractions of a European taxon, Ilex aquifolium, on blood biochemical parameters in a rat model of metabolic disorder, (fa/fa) Zucker, are presented. The profiles of the volatile fractions of two species and six European varieties of Ilex were investigated. After selecting the best variety, the saponin and terpenoid fractions were isolated and standardized, and animals were fed 10 mg kg−1 b.w. for 8 weeks. A statistically significant decrease in liver adiposity was observed, confirmed by histology and quantitative identification (gas chromatography−mass spectrometry analyses of hepatic lipids. RT-qPCR analysis of gene expression in the aorta revealed that the administration of the terpenoid fraction downregulated LOX-1, suggesting a reduction in atherosclerotic stimuli. In addition, a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.05) in PPARγ for the saponin fraction was observed in the liver. The expression of the ACAT-1 gene in the liver, responsible for the formation of cholesterol esters, increased significantly in the group receiving the terpenoid fraction compared to the control, which was also confirmed by the analysis of individual blood biochemical parameters. The opposite effect was observed for saponins. Taking the above into account, it is shown for the first time that Ilex aquifolium can be a source of compounds that positively influence lipid metabolism.

Cornus mas L. Increases Glucose Uptake and the Expression of PPARG in Insulin-Resistant Adipocytes.

Cornus mas L., also known as cornelian cherry (CM), is a species that has long been cultivated in many different countries. In numerous scientific reports, cornelian cherry is used to treat numerous diseases and conditions. The presented study evaluated the effect of red and yellow Cornus mas L. extract on insulin sensitivity in adipocytes. 3T3-L1 fibroblasts as well as human SAT-derived and VAT-derived adipocytes were differentiated in vitro, and insulin resistance was induced using palmitic acid (16:0). The effect of CM fruit extract was analyzed in terms of glucose uptake and insulin signaling gene expression. In the glucose uptake test after insulin stimulation, a significant increase in glucose uptake was demonstrated in cells treated with CM fruit extracts. Furthermore, CM fruit extracts increased the expression of insulin signaling genes in adipocytes stimulated with insulin in control cells and adipocytes treated with CM extract. Additionally, a significant increase in peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARG) expression was observed in cells supplemented with CM extract. In conclusion, studies have shown that CM fruits can overcome insulin resistance and thus they have a positive effect on cell metabolism.

Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) Iridoid and Anthocyanin Extract Enhances PPAR-α, PPAR-γ Expression and Reduces I/M Ratio in Aorta, Increases LXR-α Expression and Alters Adipokines and Triglycerides Levels in Cholesterol-Rich Diet Rabbit Model.

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits possess potential cardiovascular, lipid-lowering and hypoglycemic bioactivities. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of resin-purified cornelian cherry extract rich in iridoids and anthocyanins on several transcription factors, intima/media ratio in aorta and serum parameters, which determine or are valuable indicators of the adverse changes observed in the course of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. For this purpose, male New Zealand rabbits were fed a diet enriched in 1% cholesterol for 60 days. Additionally, one group received 10 mg/kg b.w. of cornelian cherry extract and the second group 50 mg/kg b.w. of cornelian cherry extract. PPAR-α and PPAR-γ expression in the aorta, LXR-α expression in the liver; cholesterol, triglycerides, adipokines, apolipoproteins, glucose and insulin levels in serum; the intima and media diameter in the thoracic and abdominal aorta were determined. Administration of cornelian cherry extract resulted in an enhancement in the expression of all tested transcription factors, a decrease in triglycerides, leptin and resistin, and an increase in adiponectin levels. In addition, a significant reduction in the I/M ratio was observed for both the thoracic and abdominal aorta. The results we have obtained confirm the potential contribution of cornelian cherry extract to mitigation of the risk of developing and the intensity of symptoms of obesity-related cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders such as atherosclerosis or metabolic syndrome.

Acute intranasal intoxication with mercuric chloride taken accidently instead of cocaine - A case report.

CONTEXT: Mercuric chloride (mercury (II) chloride) belongs to inorganic mercury compounds characterized by good water solubility and associated high toxicity. The paper describes an unusual case of intranasal intoxication with corrosive sublimate confused with cocaine by a young male. CASE REPORT: Intranasal administration of corrosive sublimate caused severe local symptoms of chemical burn within the nasal cavity. From the 2nd day the patient developed symptoms of renal dysfunction with transient polyuria and serum retention of nitrogen metabolites. The patient was undergoing chelation therapy with DMPS, N-acetylcysteine and d-penicyllamine. Four procedures of haemodialysis were performed with simultaneous DMPS and N-acetylcysteine treatment. The urine mercury level on the first day of hospitalization was 1989 µg/L, and after 26 days of treatment returned to the physiological level. During treatment renal function was normalized, the patient was discharged in general good condition. DISCUSSION: Mercuric chloride is readily absorbed from the nasal cavity. Its administration may cause intoxication manifested by both chemical burn at the exposure site and systemic symptoms, particularly renal impairment. Even in case of renal dysfunction the use of DMPS seems safe, if haemodialysis is performed at the same time. Simultaneous haemodialysis and chelation therapy may accelerate elimination of mercury from the organism.

Cornelian cherry extract ameliorates osteoporosis associated with hypercholesterolemia in New Zealand rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Results of animal studies show that a high-cholesterol diet increases bone resorption and decreases bone formation, thus leading to osteoporosis. Previously, we reported on the beneficial influence of Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruit on lipid profile in an animal model of diet-induced hipercholesterolemia. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influence of Cornus mas L. extract and loganic acid (LA) on cholesterol-induced bone changes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 50 New Zealand rabbits. The animals were given either standard chow (group P) or the same standard chow enriched with 1% cholesterol (other groups). Additionally, the group CHOL+EX received Cornus mas L. extract, group CHOL+LA - loganic acid, and group CHOL+SIM - simvastatin. Serum concentration of bone turnover markers, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone micro-computed tomography (microCT) were assessed. RESULTS: In the CHOL group, a decrease in osteocalcin (OC) and an increase in C-terminated telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) levels were detected (CHOL vs P 0.674 ±0.159 ng/mL vs 1.003 ±0.297 ng/mL and 10.049 ±1.276 ng/mL vs 7.721 ±1.187 ng/mL, respectively). The EX and LA ameliorated cholesterol-induced changes in serum OC (0.857 ±0.160 ng/mL and 1.103 ±0.356 ng/mL, respectively) and CTX (7.735 ±1.045 ng/mL and 8.128 ±1.106 ng/mL, respectively). There was a significant decrease in femoral BMD in CHOL group (0.429 ±0.11 g/cm² vs 0.449 ±0.020 g/cm²). The EX and LA ameliorated those changes (0.458 ±0.016 g/cm² and 0.449 ±0.021 g/cm², respectively). The microCT revealed increased bone volume ratio (BV/TV) and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th.) in the CHOL+EX group. CONCLUSIONS: Cornus mas L. inhibited bone resorption and stimulated bone formation, thereby preventing the development of cholesterol-induced osteoporosis.

The iridoid loganic acid and anthocyanins from the cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruit increase the plasma l-arginine/ADMA ratio and decrease levels of ADMA in rabbits fed a high-cholesterol diet.

BACKGROUND: Although fruit and vegetable-rich diets have beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases, we have little knowledge of the impact of fruits and their constituents, iridoids and anthocyanins, on the l-arginine-ADMA-DDAH pathway. Our previous study demonstrated the modulation of those factors by the oral administration of the cornelian cherry fruit. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: We have assessed the effects of the oral administration of two main constituents isolated from the cornelian cherry fruit, iridoid loganic acid and anthocyanins, on l-arginine, its derivatives (ADMA, SDMA), metabolites (DMA, l-citrulline), and the hepatic DDAH activity and its isoform expression in rabbits fed a high-cholesterol diet. We have also analyzed eNOS expression in the thoracic aorta as well as the redox status in blood. STUDY DESIGN: In the present study, we used an animal model of diet induced atherosclerosis. For 60 days, white New Zealand rabbits were fed a standard diet, a 1% cholesterol enriched diet, or concomitantly with the investigated substances. l-arginine, ADMA, SDMA, DMA, and l-citrulline were assessed using the LC-MS/MS method. DDAH activity and redox parameters were analyzed spectrophotometrically. DDAH1 and DDAH2 isoform expressions were assessed by western blotting, mRNA expression of eNOS was quantified by real-time PCR. RESULTS: We demonstrated that the administration of loganic acid (20 mg/kg b.w.), and to a lesser extent of anthocyanins (10 mg/kg b.w.), caused an increase in the l-arginine level and the l-arginine/ADMA ratio. Also, both substances decreased ADMA, DMA, and l-citrulline, but not SDMA levels. Anthocyanins, but not loganic acid, enhanced the activity of DDAH in the liver. Anthocyanins also significantly enhanced both DDAH1 and DDAH2 expression, while loganic acid to a lesser extent enhanced DDAH1 but not DDAH2 expression. Both loganic acid and anthocyanins pronouncedly increased mRNA expression of eNOS in thoracic aortas. Both loganic acid and anthocyanins reversed the blood glutathione level depleted by dietary cholesterol. Cholesterol feeding decreased the blood GPx level, and the change was not reversed by anthocyanins or loganic acid. We did not observe any significant differences in the blood levels of MDA or SOD among the groups. CONCLUSION: Iridoids and anthocyanins may modulate the l-arginine-ADMA pathway in subjects fed a high-cholesterol diet.

Effect of long-term administration of ranitidine, a histamine H2 receptor antagonist, on bone metabolism in young growing rats.

BACKGROUND: Histamine regulates function of osteoclasts and osteoblasts, however data regarding the influence of histamine H2 receptors antagonists on bone tissue are ambiguous. Factors that influence growing skeleton may have an important impact on the peak bone mass and future risk of fractures. The aim of our study was the assessment of influence of ranitidine, on growing bones. METHODS: The experiment was carried out on young male Wistar rats divided into two groups receiving either ranitidine (10mg/kg ip) or vehicle. RESULTS: A significant decrease in femoral BMD in ranitidine-treated rats (R) compared to vehicle-treated ones (C) was detected (0.262±0.009g/cm2vs. 0.271 ±0.007g/cm2, p<0.05). In group R we observed elevated serum C-terminated telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) level with concomitantly lowered serum osteocalcin (OC) concentration comparing to control group (151.2±27.2pg/ml vs. 101.5±55.6, p<0.05 and 229.1±50.0pg/ml vs. 292.0±52.9, p<0.05, respectively). Serum concentration of inorganic phosphorus was lower in group R than in group C (134±13mmol/L vs. 157±28mmol/L, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term administration of ranitidine increases bone resorption and decreases bone formation in growing rats leading to decrease in BMD.

Loganic acid and anthocyanins from cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits modulate diet-induced atherosclerosis and redox status in rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) is a plant growing in southeast Europe, in the past used in folk medicine. There are many previous publications showing the preventive effects of (poly)phenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins, on cardiovascular diseases, but there is a lack of studies comparing the effects of (poly)phenolics and other constituents of fruits. OBJECTIVES: We have attempted to determine if iridoids and anthocyanins from cornelian cherry fruits may affect the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the aorta as well as lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in the livers of cholesterol-fed rabbits. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fractions of iridoids and anthocyanins were analyzed using the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods. Loganic acid (20 mg/kg b.w.) and a mixture of anthocyanins (10 mg/kg b.w.) were administered orally for 60 days to rabbits fed with 1% cholesterol. Histopathological samples of the aortas and the livers were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde - MDA) and redox status (glutathione - GSH, glutathione peroxidase - Gpx and superoxide dismutase - SOD) were analyzed using spectrophotometrical methods. RESULTS: Both loganic acid (an iridoid) and a mixture of anthocyanins diminished the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the aorta. Both substances also diminished lipid peroxidation, measured as a decrease of MDA, and attenuated oxidative stress, measured as an increase of GSH in the livers depleted by cholesterol feeding. Unexpectedly, cholesterol feeding decreased the Gpx activity in the liver, which was reversed by both investigated substances. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown that both iridoids and anthocyanins help prevent fed-induced atherosclerosis, and the consumption of fruits rich in these substances may elicit beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system.

Iridoid-loganic acid versus anthocyanins from the Cornus mas fruits (cornelian cherry): Common and different effects on diet-induced atherosclerosis, PPARs expression and inflammation.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cardiovascular benefits of fruits are attributed mainly to their (poly)phenolic constituents, especially anthocyanins. The main aim of our study is to compare effects of iridoids and anthocyanins from one fruit on diet-induced atherosclerosis. The cornelian cherry is a native or cultivated plant that grows in many European countries, used in cuisine and folk medicine. In our previous study, we showed its constituents and proved that oral administration of lyophilized fruits to hypercholesterolemic rabbits had preventive effects on atherosclerosis through the activation of PPARα expression. In this study, we have compared the effects of the main constituents of the cornelian cherry:iridoid loganic acid and anthocyanins. METHODS: Our experiment followed the model used in our previous study, in which rabbits were fed 1% cholesterol. RESULTS: We showed that both loganic acid (20 mg/kg b.w.) and a mixture of anthocyanins (10 mg/kg b.w.) administered orally for 60 days had a positive impact on dyslipidemia caused by cholesterol-rich diet, although the effects of anthocyanins were more pronounced. Anthocyanins decreased total and LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides and increased HDL-cholesterol. Loganic acid showed similar effects, but only the triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol changes achieved statistical significance. Anthocyanins, and to a lesser extent loganic acid, significantly decreased intima thickness and intima/media ratio in the thoracic aorta. Both substances decrease ox-LDL in the plasma. Anthocyanins significantly increased expression of PPARγ and α in the liver. Loganic acid also increased their expression, but to a lesser extent. Conversely, loganic acid showed pronounced anti-inflammatory effects, decreasing TNF-α and IL-6 activity. CONCLUSIONS: Our results imply that both substances have a positive effect on factors contributing to the development of diet-induced atherosclerosis. Our results also indicate the potential health benefits of fruits containing anthocyanins and iridoids, and support the idea of creating composed phytopharmaceuticals containing both groups of substances.

Application of Cornelian Cherry Iridoid-Polyphenolic Fraction and Loganic Acid to Reduce Intraocular Pressure.

One of the most common diseases of old age in modern societies is glaucoma. It is strongly connected with increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and could permanently damage vision in the affected eye. As there are only a limited number of chemical compounds that can decrease IOP as well as blood flow in eye vessels, the up-to-date investigation of new molecules is important. The chemical composition of the dried Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) polar, iridoid-polyphenol-rich fraction was investigated. Loganic acid (50%) and pelargonidin-3-galactoside (7%) were found as the main components. Among the other constituents, iridoid compound cornuside and the anthocyans cyanidin 3-O-galactoside, cyanidin 3-O-robinobioside, and pelargonidin 3-O-robinobioside were quantified in the fraction. In an animal model (New Zealand rabbits), the influence of loganic acid and the polyphenolic fraction isolated from Cornelian cherry fruit was investigated. We found a strong IOP-hypotensive effect for a 0.7% solution of loganic acid, which could be compared with the widely ophthalmologically used timolol. About a 25% decrease in IOP was observed within the first 3 hours of use.

Fulminant hepatic failure in woman with iron and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug intoxication.

A 17-year-old, previously healthy female ingested 16,000 mg iron sulphate (96.15 mg of iron ions per kg of b.wt.) with a suicidal intent. The patient was admitted to a toxicology unit 10 hours after the drug ingestion. Serum iron concentration at admission was 2351 µg% (421.0 µmol/L). In the course of the intoxication, hemorrhagic gastritis, renal insufficiency and increasing signs of fulminant hepatic failure complicated with coagulopathy and encephalopathy were observed. Treatment with deferoxamine was started immediately after admission to the hospital and continued for 15 hours until the serum concentration of iron decreased to 145 µg% (25.9 µmol/L). Patient was qualified for liver transplant, therefore albumin dialysis as a bridge to liver transplantation was performed. In spite of two procedures of albumin dialysis using the Prometheus system, deep coma, shock and respiratory insufficiency developed. The patient died 80 hours after iron ingestion. In the presented case, the ingestion of a very high dose of iron and late introduction of deferoxamine treatment contributed to fulminant liver failure and fatal outcome of the intoxication.