Age-related macular degeneration: Effects of a short-term intervention with an oleaginous kale extract—a pilot study

ObjectiveAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial degenerative disease of the retina, which accounts for slowly progressive visual impairment in the elderly. An increased dietary intake of xanthophylls is suggested to be inversely related to the risk of macular disease.MethodsThe present study was designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel trial examining the influence of a short-term intervention with an oleaginous extract of Brassica oleracea var. sabellica L. (kale) on plasma xanthophyll concentrations and the optical density of the macular pigment xanthophylls (MPOD). Twenty patients with non-exudative AMD were recruited for a 10-wk study period (2-wk run-in, 4-wk intervention, 4-wk washout). All participants received 50 mL of a beverage containing either an oleaginous extract of kale (kale) or refined rapeseed oil (placebo). The verum product provides 10 mg lutein and 3 mg zeaxanthin per day.ResultsThe concentrations of the xanthophylls in plasma and the MPOD increased significantly in the kale group after 4 wk of intervention. The successive washout period resulted in a significant decline of the values in plasma and macula. The values at the end of the study were still significantly higher than the initial values. Nevertheless, the improvements did not persist over 4 wk of washout.ConclusionThe distribution of the xanthophylls in the macula seems to be more dynamic than originally assumed.     

The effects of lutein on optic nerve injury induced by ethambutol and isoniazid: an experimental study

Aim: Ethambutol and isoniazid are two major effective first line agents in tuberculosis treatment having some visual adverse effects. We aimed to determine the protective effects of lutein on oxidative optic neuropathy induced by ethambutol and isoniazid in an experimental model.

Material and method: Totally 24 albino Wistar male rats were assigned into 4 groups, with 6 rats in each group as follows: healthy controls (HC group), 50?mg/kg ethambutol +50?mg/kg isoniazid administered group (EI), 0.5?mg/kg lutein +50?mg/kg ethambutol +50?mg/kg isoniazid administered group (LEI-05) and only Lutein (0.5?mg/kg) (LUT group) administered group. From the blood samples and tissues obtained from the rats, Malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (GSH), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels were studied. Histopathological evaluations were performed at the end of the study.

Results: Serum and tissue IL-1β, TNF-α and MDA levels were the highest in EI group which were significantly lower in lutein administered group. On the other hand, serum and tissue total GSH levels were the lowest in EI group which were significantly higher in Lutein administered group. In histopathological evaluations, there were significant differences between EI group and all other three groups with edema and hemorrhage in connective tissue covering optic nerve, dilated and congested capillary, decrease in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.

Conclusion: Isoniazid and ethambutol induced toxic optic neuropathy although not common, may have some potential devastating effects on vision. Lutein is determined as an effective agent in prevention of isoniazid and ethambutol induced toxic optic neuropathy.     

Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation in preterm infants to prevent retinopathy of prematurity: a randomized controlled study

Objectives: Lutein and its isomer zeaxanthin (L/Z) function in the eye as antioxidant agents and blue-light filters. Our aim was to evaluate whether their administration could help decrease the occurrence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm infants. Methods: Infants with gestational age ≤32 weeks were randomly assigned to receive a daily dose of L/Z (0.14?+?0.006?mg) or placebo until discharge. Results: ROP occurrence was similar in the L/Z (11/58; 19%) and placebo (15/56; 27%) groups, as the occurrence of ROP at each stage and the need of eye surgery. Conclusion: L/Z supplementation was ineffective in preventing ROP in preterm infants and did not affect the outcome at discharge of our patients.     

白细胞介素-1β对离体大鼠黄体细胞孕酮分泌及钠-钾三磷酸腺苷酶活性的影响

为探讨白细胞介素 -1β(IL -1β)对黄体细胞甾体激素分泌的影响及其与黄体细胞膜钠 -钾三磷酸腺苷酶 (Na+ -K+ ATPase)活性变化的关系 ,本研究以经孕马血清促性腺激素 -人绒毛膜促性腺激素 (PMSG-h CG)处理的未成年雌性 Wistar大鼠为模型 ,制备了黄体细胞悬液。用放射免疫测定 (RIA)和定磷法分别测定了 IL -1β对离体大鼠孵育的黄体细胞孕酮 (P)分泌及黄体细胞膜 Na+ -K+ ATPase活性。结果表明 ,IL-1 β(1 ng/ ml)可显著抑制离体孵育的黄体细胞基础 P及 h CG诱导的 P分泌 ,并可使黄体细胞膜 Na+ -K+ATPase活性明显降低。 IL -1β引起的 P分泌减少和 Na+ -K+ ATPase活性降低之间呈显著正相关。提示 Na+ -K+ ATPase活性降低可能是 IL-1 β抑制 P分泌的因素之一     

叶黄素对异丙肾上腺素诱导的大鼠心肌纤维化的抑制作用

目的研究叶黄素对大鼠心肌纤维化的抑制作用及其机制。方法根据体重将Wistar大鼠随机分为5组,每组10只:正常组,模型组与低、中、高3个剂量实验组(叶黄素:20,40,80 mg·kg^-1·d^-1)。除正常组,其余各组均皮下注射异丙肾上腺素(Iso:5 mg·kg^-1·d^-1)7 d,构建大鼠心肌纤维化(MF)模型。造模后第2天,实验组开始灌胃不同剂量的叶黄素,正常组和模型组每日给予等剂量蒸馏水,每日1次,共28 d。用分析天平测量大鼠心重指数(HMI)和左心室质量指数(LVMI);以酶联免疫吸附法检测大鼠血清中Ⅰ型前胶原羧基末端肽(PICP)和Ⅲ型原胶原N端前肽(PⅢNP)含量,用酶标仪检测血清中乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)和肌酸磷酸激酶(CK)含量及一氧化氮(NO)的水平;以紫外分光法检测大鼠心肌组织中钙调神经磷酸酶(Ca N)活性和丙二醛(MDA)含量。结果模型组大鼠血清的HMI(mg·g^-1)和LVMI(mg·g^-1)分别为3.73±0.58,2.57±0.43;PICP(ng·m L^-1)和PⅢNP(ng·m L^-1)的含量分别是7.27±0.33,24.86±1.88;LDH(U·L^-1)和CK(U·L^-1)的含量分别为465.42±47.05,489.21±27.70;NO(μmol·L^-1)含量为2.06±0.34,MDA(nmol·mg^-1)含量为2.93±0.51,Ca N(U·mg^-1)活性为0.14±0.02,模型组与正常组比较,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.01)。低、中、高3个剂量实验组(以下所有单位与模型组相同)的HMI和LVMI分别是3.13±0.40,3.02±0.28,2.82±0.22;2.19±0.27,2.09±0.27,1.99±0.12;这3组的PICP和PⅢNP含量分别是6.44±0.69,6.23±0.29,6.14±0.75;22.17±2.10,21.88±1.93,21.76±1.09;这3组的LDH和CK的含量分别为442.13±33.72,390.19±41.31,344.89±50.25;442.89±37.40,369.30±28.46,346.57±28.56;这3组的NO水平分别是3.07±0.45,4.59±0.64,5.16±0.52;这3组的Ca N活性和MDA含量分别为0.07±0.01,0.06±0.00,0.04±0.01;2.48±0.27,2.44±0.17,2.25±0.11,3个剂量实验组(除了小剂量实验组的LDH与MDA以外)与模型组比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05,P<0.01)。结论叶黄素可通过提高NO水平、降低MDA含量和Ca N活性等抗氧化、阻止钙离子通道的作用,从而抑制胶原的合成,抑制大鼠MF,对心肌有一定的保护作用。     

HPLC法测定叶黄素的平衡溶解度及表观油水分配系数

目的 测定叶黄素在不同溶剂中的平衡溶解度及表观油水分配系数。方法 建立高效液相色谱法用于测定叶黄素含量,采用摇瓶法考察叶黄素在多种有机溶剂及不同pH值缓冲液中的平衡溶解度,并测定其表观油水分配系数。结果 叶黄素几乎不溶于水及缓冲液,在有机溶剂中溶解度有不同程度提高,其中在四氢呋喃中的溶解度最高（66 mg·mL^-1）;其表观油水分配系数为1.03。结论 叶黄素在多数溶剂中的溶解度均较低,可通过提高溶解度改善溶出和吸收。     

叶黄素对乳腺癌细胞活力的影响

目的:探究叶黄素对人乳腺癌T47D细胞活力的影响及其可能的作用机制。方法:将人乳腺癌T47D细胞随机分为对照组和叶黄素(浓度分别为6.25、12.5、25和50 mg/L)干预组,采用MTT法检测叶黄素对T47D细胞活力的影响;RT-qPCR检测核因子E2相关因子2(Nrf2),谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶1(GPx1)及超氧化物歧化酶2(SOD2)的mRNA水平;荧光探针DCFH-DA法检测细胞内活性氧簇(ROS)水平;Western blot检测Nrf2和p65的蛋白表达。结果:MTT结果显示叶黄素抑制人乳腺癌T47D细胞的活力,且呈时间和剂量依赖关系。RT-q PCR结果显示各浓度叶黄素干预组细胞中Nrf2,GPx1及SOD2的mRNA水平均较对照组升高(P0.05);且叶黄素干预组细胞内ROS水平显著下降(P0.01)。Western blot结果显示,叶黄素干预48 h后,Nrf2蛋白表达增加(P0.05),p65蛋白表达降低(P0.05),呈剂量依赖关系。结论 :叶黄素对乳腺癌细胞活力的抑制作用可能与上调Nrf2的表达、诱导抗氧化酶GPx1及SOD2 mRNA表达和降低氧化应激水平,进而阻断NF-κB信号通路有关。     

Application of Lutein and Zeaxanthin in nonproliferative diabetic retin

AIM: To compare serum Lutein and Zeaxanthin (L/Z) concentrations between patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NDR) and normal subjects, and to explore the effect of L/Z supplementation on serum L/Z level and visual function in NDR patients METHODS: Subjects were divided into three groups: 30 NDR patients supplied with Lutein 6mg/d and Zeaxanthin 0.5mg/d for three months (DR Group), 30 NDR patients without L/Z supplementation (DR Control Group) and 30 normal subjects (Control Group). Serum L/Z concentrations were measured by liquid high-resolution chromatography (HPLC). Visual acuity was recorded at baseline, 1 month, 2 months and 3 months post initial supplementation. Serum L/Z concentration were measured at baseline, 1 month and 2 months post initial supplementation. Contrast sensitivity (CS) and fovea thickness were recorded at baseline and 3 months post initial supplementation. RESULTS: Mean serum lutein concentrations in DR group were 0.0686±0.0296μg/mL and zeaxanthin concentration was 0.0137±0.0059μg/mL. The L/Z level of DR group was significantly lower compared to the control group( lutein: 0.2302±0.1308μg/mL,zeaxanthin: 0.0456±0.0266μg/m,P = 0.000). The concentration of lutein and zeaxanthin in the DR control group at base line was 0.0714±0.0357μg/mL and 0.0119±0.0072μg/mL, respectively. There was no significant change of L/Z concentration in the DR control group during the study. Serum L/Z concentrations of DR group increased significantly after supplementation（F=109.124,P=0.000;F=219.207,P=0.000）.Visual acuity improved significantly after medication. Compared with pre-medication, the average CS values of 1.5cpd, 3cpd and 6cpd after three months increased significantly (P=0.030,0.013,0.008) and the foveal thickness decreased. (P=0.05) CONCLUSION: Serum L/Z concentrations in DR patients are significantly lower than those in normal subjects, and L/Z intake can improve the visual acuity, CS and macular edema in DR patients, suggesting that L/Z supplementation might be targeted as potential potential therapeutic agents in treating NDR.     

Ames实验对叶黄素的致突变性与抗突变性研究

背景与目的研究不同剂量的叶黄素致突变性、抗突变性及抗突变机理的初步分析。材料与方法采用Ames试验常规方法进行检测。结果1335μg/皿、668μg/皿、334μg/皿和167μg/皿剂量的叶黄素对TA97、TA98、TA100和TA102菌株在加与不加S9条件下均无致突变性;对TA98和TA100菌株具有显著的抗突变作用。结论在本实验条件下,叶黄素对Ames试验无致突变性,且有显著的抗突变作用,抗突变的机理为叶黄素具有综合的抗突变作用。     

Serum levels of macular carotenoids in relation to age-related maculopathy

Background It has been hypothesized that the macular carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, may protect against age-related maculopathy. We evaluated the association between blood concentrations of lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) and age-related maculopathy (ARM) in a case-control analysis of the baseline examination of the Muenster Ageing and Retina Study (MARS). Methods Of the 1060 participants aged 59–82 years at baseline, 910 (85.9%) with bilateral gradable fundus photographs and complete data for the carotenoids and potential confounders were included. The Rotterdam classification system was used for definition of ARM stages. Multivariate linear regression methods were applied to model the relationship between macular carotenoids and the presence of ARM. Results The participants’ mean age was 70.9+5.5 years, 59.9% were female, 20.8% had a normal bilateral fundus, and 48.5% showed signs of early ARM (uni- or bilateral) and 30.7% of late ARM (in at least one eye). In study participants with L and/or Z supplementation (15.6%), the median serum levels for L (Z) were approximately 2 times (1.5 times) higher than in subjects with no supplementation. After exclusion of subjects with L and/or Z supplementation, no statistically significant bivariate relationship was observed between the serum levels of L or Z and the presence of ARM. Multivariate regression models, adjusting for age, gender, smoking, body-mass index, and HDL-cholesterol blood levels, produced adjusted mean serum levels of 0.124, 0.112, and 0.131 μg/ml for L and 0.019, 0.020, and 0.022 μg/ml for Z in subjects with normal fundus, early ARM, and late ARM, respectively. Conclusion In this large study, the serum concentrations of L and Z were not related to the prevalence of ARM. However, the large proportion of study participants taking L and/or Z supplementation may have affected these results.