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 muffin": Manifestación atípica de una infección congénita frecuente

El síndrome "blueberry muffin" es una dermatosis maculopapular eritematoviolácea como resultado de una hematopoyesis extramedular. Se ha asociado con infecciones del espectro TORCH y causas no infecciosas. Presentamos el caso de un recién nacido pretérmino, quien desde el control prenatal presentó una ecografía con signos sugerentes de infección congénita por citomegalovirus (microcefalia, ventriculomegalia y calcificaciones intracerebrales). Al examen físico presentaba una dermatosis macular violácea compatible con síndrome "blueberry muffin". Se detectó carga viral de citomegalovirus en orina (81,200 copias/ml) e inició tratamiento con ganciclovir, con desenlace fatal. La infección congénita por CMV debe considerarse ante el síndrome "blueberry muffin"; el adecuado abordaje diagnóstico debe ser oportuno y debe incluir antecedentes maternos y perinatales, así como estudios serológicos para infecciones por TORCH con el fin del inicio precoz de tratamiento para evitar complicaciones y secuelas.

Blueberry muffin syndrome is characterized by an erythematousviolaceous maculopapular dermatosis due to extramedullary hematopoiesis. This entity has been associated with TORCH spectrum infections and noninfectious causes. We present the case of a preterm newborn, who since the prenatal control gave an ultrasound with data suggestive of congenital infection by cytomegalovirus (microcephaly, ventriculomegaly, intracerebral calcifications). On physical examination, he presented a violaceous macular dermatosis compatible with blueberry muffin syndrome. Cytomegalovirus viral load was detected in urine (81,200 copies/ml), with fatal outcome. Congenital cytomegalovirus infection should be considered in the presence of a blueberry muffin syndrome; an adequate diagnostic approach that includes maternal and perinatal history is essential, as well as serology studies for diseases of the TORCH spectrum in order to start early with treatment and avoid major comorbidities.

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.

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)

Metástasis cutáneas como primera manifestación de neuroblastoma primario de glándula suprarrenal en un paciente pediátrico / Cutaneous metastasis as the first manifestation of primary adrenal gland neuroblastoma in a pediatric patient

Resumen Introducción: El neuroblastoma es el tumor maligno más frecuente en el primer año de vida y el tumor sólido extracraneal más frecuente en la infancia. Solo el 1% de los casos debuta con metástasis cutáneas, caracterizadas por nódulos azulados subcutáneos. Se presenta el caso de un lactante con un neuroblastoma suprarrenal izquierdo en el que las metástasis cutáneas constituían el síntoma principal. Caso clínico: Lactante de sexo femenino, de 2 meses de edad, sin antecedentes de importancia para el padecimiento actual. Acudió por presentar dermatosis diseminada en la región cervical y occipital, el abdomen, el muslo derecho y el pie izquierdo. La dermatosis se caracteriza por nódulos subcutáneos, sólidos, bien delimitados, < 1 cm, de color azulado, que iniciaron su aparición a los 7 días de vida en el hipocondrio derecho, con crecimiento progresivo, asintomáticos. Se realizó biopsia de un nódulo y se reportó la presencia de células pequeñas con núcleo denso hipercromático, escaso citoplasma y dispuestas en nidos. La inmunohistoquímica fue positiva para cromogranina y enolasa neuronal específica. Los hallazgos fueron compatibles con metástasis cutánea de neuroblastoma. Se solicitó valoración y abordaje por oncología pediátrica, que reportó un estadio 4 de la enfermedad y se inició el tratamiento correspondiente. Conclusiones: Los pediatras y los dermatólogos pediatras son los primeros en atender a niños con alguna lesión cutánea. Se deben tener en cuenta las metástasis cutáneas, que pueden aparecer antes o simultáneamente al diagnóstico de un tumor primario. Por lo tanto, se debe realizar un correcto abordaje con el fin de mejorar el pronóstico y la calidad de vida del paciente.

Abstract Background: Neuroblastoma is the most common malignant tumor in the first year of life and the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood. Only 1% of cases present with cutaneous metastases characterized by subcutaneous bluish nodules. We report the case of an infant with a left adrenal neuroblastoma in whom skin metastases were the main symptom. Case report: Two-month-old female infant with no relevant history for the current condition. The infant presented disseminated dermatosis affecting the head in the cervical and occipital region, abdomen, right thigh and left foot. Dermatosis was characterized by subcutaneous nodules, solid, well limited, < 1 cm, bluish color that appeared at 7 days of life in the right upper quadrant, with progressive growth, asymptomatic. A biopsy of a nodule was performed, which reported the presence of small cells with a dense hyperchromatic nucleus, scarce cytoplasm, arranged in nests. Immunohistochemistry was positive for chromogranin and specific neuronal enolase. Findings were consistent with cutaneous neuroblastoma metastasis. An assessment and approach by pediatric oncology were requested, reporting disease stage 4 and initiating the corresponding treatment. Conclusions: Pediatricians and pediatric dermatologists are the first to attend to children with a skin lesion. We must consider that skin metastases may appear prior to or simultaneously with the diagnosis of a primary tumor. Therefore, we should carry out a correct approach in order to improve the prognosis and the quality of life of the patient.

Dormancy of Floral Buds of Rabbiteye Blueberry in a Mild Winter Climate

Abstract Blueberry is an important fruit crop, with many health benefits. Despite its importance, much remains to be studied concerning the dormancy dynamics in rabbiteye cultivars growing in a mild winter climate. In this research, the dormancy in blueberry, rabbiteye cultivars 'Bluegem', 'Climax', 'Delite', and 'Powderblue', was studied in a mild winter region. The single-node cuttings biological test and the evaluation of the hydric status were performed in dormant winter reproductive buds. These experiments were performed during fall and winter in one year (2016). Moreover, chilling hours under or equal to 7.2 ºC were measured, and chill units were calculated according to Utah Model [1], Modified Utah Model [2], and Blueberry Model [3]. In conclusion, the four cultivars showed a similar pattern, revealing a dormant state in the initial sampling dates and a released dormancy in the final treatments, showing the decrease of dormancy in June and July. However, Delite was earlier than the other cultivars. Bluegem and Delite required 134.0 chilling hours, 127.0 chill units (Utah Model), 198.5 chill units (Modified Utah Model), and 971.5 chill units (Blueberry Model) for 50% of their green tip buds reach the opened bud stage. Climax required 44.0, -11.0, 56.5, and 440.5, respectively. And Powderblue required 44.0, 5.5, 77.0, and 725.0 respectively. This study can bring some insights into crop management and production of this important fruit crop, especially in a global climate-changing scenario, related to flowering and dormancy control, as well as helping to select suitable cultivars to a region, concerning chilling requirements.

Respuesta en poscosecha de frutos de agraz (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz) a almacenamiento en dos tipos de plástico / Postharvest response of berry fruits (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz) to storage in two types of plastic

RESUMEN La planta de agraz (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz) es una especie nativa de arándano de Colombia y su fruto es una baya globosa con propiedades nutraceúticas, debido a su excelente fuente de antioxidantes, utilizado como ingrediente para la preparación de alimentos. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar las propiedades físico químicas del fruto, almacenado durante 12 días, a 2°C y 90% de HR. Se evaluaron frutos en dos estados de madurez: rompimiento de color, estado inmaduro (asociado al color rojo) y completamente pigmentado (100% pigmentación morado), los frutos fueron puestos en bolsas hechas de polietileno biorientado y polipropileno monoorientado. Los resultados muestran que los frutos inmaduros preservaron los sólidos solubles totales, cuando se mantuvieron en polipropileno monoorientado, mientras los sólidos solubles totales, se incrementaron significativamente en los frutos maduros almacenados en polipropileno monorientado, afectando el metabolismo del fruto y las reservas de carbohidratos. El pH disminuyó en todos los tratamientos; entre los 6 y 12DDT, coincidiendo, a su vez, con el aumento de la acidez total titulable durante el mismo periodo.

ABSTRACT 'Agraz' (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz) is a native blueberry from Colombia, being the fruit a globose berry, with nutraceutic quality due to an excellent source of antioxidants and is used as an ingredient for food preparation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physical-chemical properties of fruits stored during 12 days, at a temperature of 2°C and a relative humidity of 90%. Fruits with two stages of ripeness, color break, an immature state (associated with red color), and fully pigmented (100% purple pigmentation) were stored, packaged in two different plastics recipients, one bioriented polyethylene and the other mono-oriented polypropylene. The results indicate that immature fruits demonstrated a prolonged preservation of the total soluble solids, when combined with the mono-oriented polypropylene packaging, otherwise TSS were significantly increased in mature fruits, packaged in mono-oriented polypropylene, affecting fruit metabolism and carbohydrate reserve. The pH diceased in all treatments, between 6 to 12 days after treatment, coinciding in turn, with the increase in total titratable acidity during the same period.

Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) in dog nutrition: influence on diet digestibility and palatability and in the course of urinary tract infections / [Cranberrys (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) na nutrição de cães: influência na digestibilidade e palatabilidade da dieta e no curso de infecções do trato urinário

The objective was to evaluate the effects of cranberry on blood and urinary parameters of dogs (experiment I), digestibility of nutrients (experiment II), palatability of diet (experiment III) and the influence of cranberry on E. coli UPEC-MRHA fimbriae in vitro (experiment IV). For experiment I and II, ten dogs were fed with diets containing 0% or 0.4% cranberry for 30 days. Experiment III compared the diets containing 0% and 0.4% cranberry using 16 adult dogs. There were no statistical differences (P>0.05) in the blood parameters evaluated. Dogs consuming cranberry presented lighter color and appearance of urine, compared to the control group (P<0.05). The diet containing cranberry showed higher digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, ether extract, higher metabolizable energy (P<0.05) and reduced fecal sialic acid concentration (P<0.05) compared to the control diet. There was no influence of cranberry on the formation of fimbriae of E. coli UPEC-MRHA. There was a lower intake ratio of the diet containing cranberry (P<0.05). The inclusion of 0.4% cranberry increases the digestibility of nutrients and influences the color and appearance of urine of dogs. However, it reduces diet palatability and does not alter the adhesion of E. coli UPEC-MRHA in vitro.(AU)

O objetivo foi avaliar os efeitos do cranberry nos parâmetros sanguíneos e urinários de cães (experimento I), na digestibilidade dos nutrientes (experimento II), na palatabilidade da dieta (experimento III) e a influência do cranberry sobre E. coli UPEC-MRHA fimbriae in vitro (experimento IV). Para os experimentos I e II, 10 cães foram alimentados com dietas contendo 0% ou 0,4% de cranberry por 30 dias. O experimento III comparou as dietas contendo 0% e 0,4% de cranberry usando 16 cães adultos. Não houve diferenças estatísticas (P>0,05) nos parâmetros sanguíneos avaliados. Cães que consumiram cranberry apresentaram cor e aparência mais claras da urina, em comparação com o grupo controle (P<0,05). A dieta contendo cranberry apresentou maior digestibilidade da matéria seca, extrato etéreo, matéria orgânica, maior energia metabolizável (P<0,05) e menor concentração de ácido siálico fecal (P<0,05) comparada à dieta controle. Não houve influência do cranberry na formação de fímbrias de E. coli UPEC-MRHA. Houve uma menor taxa de ingestão da dieta contendo cranberry (P<0,05). A inclusão de 0,4% de cranberry aumenta a digestibilidade dos nutrientes, influencia a cor e a aparência da urina dos cães. No entanto, reduz a palatabilidade da dieta e não altera a adesão de E. coli UPEC-MRHA in vitro.(AU)

Characterization of blueberry cultivar ‘climax’ / Caracterização da cultivar ‘climax’ de mirtileiro

The objective of this work was to characterize the blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) cultivar Climax, Rabbiteye group (Vaccinium ashei Reade). In order to achieve that, a survey with blueberry plants (cultivar Climax), in full production, was conducted during the 2012/13 and 2013/14 seasons in the mesoregion of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Data regarding the distribution of flower and vegetative buds on branches of two lengths (long and short) was collected. Another evaluation, considering three positions of flower buds in the branch (apical, medial and basal), the number of flower primordia, open flowers and fruits formed was performed. Data were subject to ANOVA and, when significant, the averages were compared using either the F or Tukey’s HSD test (p ≤ 0.05). The results demonstrate the presence of flower buds intercalated with vegetative ones. The total number of flower and vegetative buds, flower primordia, flowers and fruits was influenced by the length of the branch. Likewise, the position of the bud on the branch affected the results, with a greater number of flower primordia on the basal, a greater number of flowers on the medial and a greater number of fruits on the apical portions of the branches.

Objetivou-se realizar a caracterização do mirtileiro (Vaccinium spp.), cultivar Clímax, grupo Rabbiteye (Vaccinium ashei Reade). Para tanto, foi conduzida a pesquisa com plantas da cultivar Clímax, em plena produção, durante as safras de 2012/13 e 2013/14. Foram coletados dados referentes à distribuição das gemas floríferas e vegetativas nos ramos de dois comprimentos (longos e curtos). Bem como, sob estes, foi avaliado, considerando-se três posições de gemas floríferas no ramo (apical, mediana e basal), o número de primórdios florais, flores abertas e frutos formados. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e quando houve efeito significativo suas médias foram comparadas pelo teste de F e/ou Tukey (p ≤ 0,05). Os resultados demonstraram a presença de gemas floríferas intercaladas às vegetativas. O número total de gemas floríferas e vegetativas, de primórdios florais, flores e frutos foi influenciado pelo comprimento do ramo. Da mesma forma, a posição da gema no ramo, influenciou os resultados, sendo observado maior número de primórdios florais na gema basal, maior número de flores na porção mediana e maior número de frutos na apical.

Bioactivity and Chemical Constituents of Different Polar Parts from Blueberry Leaves / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To study the bioactivity and chemical constituents of different polar parts from blueberry leaves. METHODS: Blueberry leaves were extracted by ethanol and then the extract was sequentially partitioned into five fractions. Silicagel and Sephadex LH-20 chromatographic methods were applied to isolate and purify compounds. Their structures were elucidated by physiochemical properties and spectral analysis.The DPPH• radical scavenging activity, α-glycosidase and pancreatic lipase inhibition activity of different polar parts and partial compounds were determined. RESULTS: The n-butyl alcohol fraction(BF) showed the highest DPPH• radical scavenging activity and α-glycosidase inhibition activity. The ethyl acetate fraction(EAF) showed the strongest pancreatic lipase inhibition activity. A total of five compounds were isolated from the EAF, and their structures were identified as β-sitosterol(1), quercetin-3-O-α-L-arabinofuranoside(2), quercetin(3), quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(4) and 1-O-caffeoylquinic acid(5). A total of two compounds were isolated from the BF, and their structures were identified as quercetin-3-O-α-L-arabinoside(6) and quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucuronide(7). The results showed that compounds 3 and 5 had very good DPPH• radical scavenging and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity, and compounds 1 and 3 had good α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. CONCLUSION: The different polar parts and compounds of blueberry leaves show strong DPPH• radical scavenging activity, α-glycosidase and pancreatic lipase inhibition activity. Compounds 1, 2, 5 and 6 are isolated from blueberry leaves for the first time.

Effects of blueberry on hepatic fibrosis and expression of nuclear transcription factor-кB in rats / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective@#To observe the effects of blueberry and nuclear expression of transcription factor-кb (NF-кb) p65 in an experimental rat model of liver fibrosis.@*Methods@#Forty-five Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into isotonic saline control group (A); model group (B); blueberry juice prevention group (C, 15 g/kg); dan-shao-hua-xian capsule prevention group (D, 1 g/kg); and blueberry juice + dan-shao-hua-xian capsule prevention group (E). Rat liver fibrosis model was established by covalent compound carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Each prevention group was given the corresponding dose of blueberry juice or (and) dan-shao-hua-xian capsule, and the rats were sacrificed after 8 weeks. The degree of liver fibrosis was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin stain. A liver tissue of NF-κBp65 was detected by immunohistochemical method. The NF-κBp65 protein expression of liver tissue and transforming growth factor (TGF) β1 was detected by Western blot. Data of multiple groups were compared by one-way analysis of variance, and rank sum test.@*Results@#Immunohistochemistry detected that TGFβ1 protein was mainly expressed in mesenchymal origin of hepatic stellate cells. The expression level of group A (3.75 ± 1.67) was low, while those of group B (9.00 ± 2.07), C (7.33 ± 1.00), D (6.00 ± 1.51), and E (3.5 ± 1.41) were high. However, the expression level of TGF-β1 protein in hepatic tissues of group B was significantly higher than that of group C, D and E [group E: 3.5 ± 1.41, F = 18.350, P < 0.05]. In addition, group D was higher than group E (P < 0.05). The expression of NF- kappa Bp65 protein was very complex, and the expression patterns in different groups were different (Statistical calculation of experimental data were based on expression of liver cells). Compared with group B (4.37 ± 2.13), the relative expression levels of NF-κBp65 protein in-group A (0.46 ± 0.25), group C (2.76 ± 1.01), group D (2.13 ± 1.51), group E (1.88 ± 0.99) were significantly decreased (F = 27.490, P < 0.05), and the expression trend was consistent with TGFβ1 protein. Western blot detected NF-κBp65 protein in liver tissues of rats. Compared with group A, levels in groups B, C, D and E were significantly increased (F = 96.983, P < 0.05), and groups C, D and E were significantly lower. The E group was significantly lower than the C group (F = 96.983, P < 0.05), and the degree of hepatic fibrosis was lower in each prevention group than in the B group (T = 24.1, P < 0.05).@*Conclusion@#Blueberries have preventive effect on CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats, and its preventive mechanism may inhibit the expression and activation of NF-κBp65 in hepatocytes, thereby reducing TGFβ1- mediated production or activation.

Sonication enhances quality and antioxidant activity of blueberry juice

Abstract Effect of sonication on the blueberry juice was studied by evaluating the pH, viscosity, electric conductivity, color, total sugars, soluble solids, polyphenol, anthocyanidin, and radical scavenging activities. There were not any remarkable (p > 0.05) change in pH and electric conductivity. However, viscosity and color of blueberry juice markedly (p < 0.05) enhanced with the extension of sonication time. Meanwhile, total sugars, soluble solids, polyphenol, and anthocyanidin were obviously enhanced (p < 0.05). Moreover, prominent increase (p < 0.05) was observed on DPPH, superoxide, and hydroxyl radicals scavenging activities of sonicated blueberry juice. The current results exhibited sonication effectively improved blueberry juice quality and enhanced its antioxidant activity.

Multiple response optimization of blueberry juice depectinization / Otimização de múltiplas respostas durante a despectinização do suco de mirtilo

ABSTRACT: To obtain blueberry juice with a high content of antioxidants it is necessary to introduce an enzymatic depectinization step into the process. Due to the importance of this step in the final properties of blueberry juice it is critical that the operation conditions be optimized. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of temperature, duration of treatment and enzymatic complex concentration on anthocyanin content and juice yield during enzymatic depectinization. Results indicated that the best factor combination was 50ºC during 1.3h and 4mg 100g-1 of LAFASE(r) CLARIFICATION and 8mg 100g-1 of LAFASE(r) HE GRAND CRU enzymatic complex concentration. Under these conditions, blueberry juice with 798.41±8.03mg of cyanidin-3-glucoside L-1 and a juice yield of 87% was obtained. The combination of the response surface and desirability function methodologies enabled the optimization of the blueberry juice during the depectinization step, in terms of anthocyanin content and juice yield.

RESUMO: Para obter o suco de mirtilo com um alto teor de antioxidantes, é necessário realizar uma etapa de despectinização enzimática durante o processo. Esta etapa influenciará nas propriedades finais do suco de mirtilo, então, é necessário que as condições de operação sejam otimizadas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da temperatura, duração do tratamento e concentração do complexo enzimático na concentração de antocianinas e no rendimento do suco durante a despectinização enzimática. Os resultados indicaram que a melhor combinação de parâmetros foi de 50ºC, durante 1 à 3h e uma concentração de complexo enzimático de 4mg 100g-1 de LAFASE(r) CLARIFICATION e 8mg 100g-1 de LAFASE(r) HE GRAND CRU. Sob estas condições, foi obtido o suco de mirtilo com 798.41±8.03mg de-cianidina-3-glicosídeo L-1 e um rendimento de suco de 87%. A combinação das metodologias de superfície de resposta em função da preferência possibilitaram a otimização da despectinização do suco de mirtilo, em termos de teor de antocianinas e rendimento de suco.

Protective Effect of Blueberry Anthocyanins on Oxidative Stress Injury by H2O2 of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / 医学研究杂志

Objective To study the protective effect of blueberry anthocyanins on H2O2 induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells,HUVECs.Methods The cultured cells were divided into 3 groups:normal control group,H2O2 model group,blueberry anthocyanins group.MTT method was used to observe cell viability.Annexin V-FITC/PI straining was used to observe cell apoptosis.Flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle.Results H2O2could induce HUVECs oxidative stress injury.Cell survival rate was positive correlated with drug concentration and action time.In the certain concentration range blueberry anthocyanin had a protective effect.Conclusion Blueberry anthocyanin can protect H2O2induced oxidative stress injury in HUVECs.

Purification of anthocyanins from blueberry using macroporous resin / 中草药

Objective The separation and purification of anthocyanin from blueberry was studied to determine the optimum purification conditions. Methods Static adsorption and desorption analytical test was conducted to screen the best macroporous resin from HPD-600, HPD-100A, DM130, D4020, and D3520 for purification of anthocyanins from blueberry. Effects of the sample liquid concentration, pH, adsorption flow rate, eluent ethanol concentration, eluent ethanol amount, and elution flow rate were investigated through dynamic adsorption-desorption test by single factor and orthogonal experiments. Results D3520 resin was the most effective resin for adsorption and desorption of anthocyanins from blueberry, when the amount of macroporous resin (g) and the amount of anthocyanin from blueberry (mL) was 1:5. The optimal conditions were as follows: The concentration of sample was 1.0 mg/mL, adsorption flow rate was 2.0 mL/min, and sample solution pH value was 3. Under the optimal conditions, eluent ethanol concentration 70%, elution flow rate 2.0 mL/min, eluent ethanol amount 60 mL, and the adsorption rate and desorption rate can reach 92.82% and 91.58% respectively. Conclusion The color value of purified products under the optimized conditions was increased by 11 times; The purity fraction of anthocyanin was 96.17% and the purity was increased by 5 times; And the yield of anthocyanin was 14.271%. This process effectively improves the efficiency of anthocyanin from blueberry purification, which is suitable for the future production of anthocyanin from blueberry.

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.

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.

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.