Correcta nutrición y cuidado primario en salud visual

El creciente aumento de daños visuales como, ha llevado a científicos y especialistas a realizar ensayos clínicos con pacientes vulnerables, usando alimentos con nutrientes específicos que aportan al cuidado de las estructuras del globo ocular, pues la nutrición de este órgano se obtiene directamente de la sangre. Objetivo. Analizar los ensayos clínicos con vigencia de 9 años sobre antioxidantes, betacarotenos y otras vitaminas para la prevención de enfermedades oculares. Metodología. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica bajo con un análisis de 40 artículos, tesis y libros sobres la relación entre la nutrición y el cuidado primario de las estructuras oculares, esto se realizó en tres momentos, búsqueda, clasificación y sistematización de las fuentes. Conclusión. Se confirmó que del 50% de los pacientes que ingirieron placebo no mejoraban su condición anatomo fisiológica en relación aquellos pacientes que sí ingirieron nutrientes y vitaminas específicas, los mismos, mejoraron en un 30% el nivel de agudeza visual. La promoción y prevención como cuidado primario en salud visual es importante y se demuestran los altos porcentajes de buena salud visual en aquellos pacientes que durante su vida tuvieron hábitos alimenticios correctos y nutrición equilibrada, además de ser menormente propensos a adquirir problemas degenerativos visuales, aun teniendo antecedentes hereditarios.

The increasing increase in visual damage has led scientists and specialists to conduct clinical trials with vulnerable patients, using foods with specific nutrients that contribute to the care of the structures of the eyeball, since the nutrition of this organ is obtained directly from the blood. Objective. To analyze 9 years of clinical trials on antioxidants, beta-carotene and other vitamins for the prevention of ocular diseases. Methodology. A bibliographic review was carried out with an analysis of 40 articles, theses and books on the relationship between nutrition and primary care of the ocular structures, this was done in three moments, search, classification and systematization of the sources. Conclusion. It was confirmed that 50% of the patients who ingested placebo did not improve their anatomo-physiological condition in relation to those patients who ingested specific nutrients and vitamins, they improved their visual acuity level by 30%. The promotion and prevention as primary care in visual health is important and the high percentages of good visual health are demonstrated in those patients who during their life had correct eating habits and balanced nutrition, besides being less prone to acquire visual degenerative problems, even if they have hereditary antecedents.

O crescente aumento dos danos visuais tem levado cientistas e especialistas a realizarem ensaios clínicos com pacientes vulneráveis, utilizando alimentos com nutrientes específicos que contribuem para o cuidado das estruturas do globo ocular, uma vez que a nutrição desse órgão é obtida diretamente do sangue. Objetivo. Analisar 9 anos de ensaios clínicos sobre antioxidantes, betacaroteno e outras vitaminas para a prevenção de doenças oculares. Metodologia. Foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica com análise de 40 artigos, teses e livros sobre a relação entre nutrição e cuidados primários das estruturas oculares, em três etapas: busca, classificação e sistematização das fontes. Conclusões. Confirmou-se que 50% dos pacientes que ingeriram placebo não melhoraram sua condição anátomo-fisiológica em relação aos pacientes que ingeriram nutrientes e vitaminas específicas, os mesmos pacientes melhoraram seu nível de acuidade visual em 30%. A promoção e a prevenção como cuidados primários na saúde visual são importantes e as altas porcentagens de boa saúde visual são demonstradas naqueles pacientes que, durante sua vida, tiveram hábitos alimentares corretos e nutrição balanceada, além de serem menos propensos a adquirir problemas degenerativos visuais, mesmo que tenham antecedentes hereditários.

A randomized controlled trial on the effect of Lutein Supplementation on Macular Pigment Optical Density and Macular Function in Pseudophakic Patients

Objective@#To evaluate the efficacy of oral lutein supplementation on macular pigment optical density (MPOD) levels and macular function in pseudophakic eyes that underwent phacoemulsification. @*Methods@#This was a prospective, randomized, parallel-arm, single-masked study comparing oral lutein supplement 20 mg/tablet (Lutax 20) with non-supplementation in pseudophakic eyes. We assessed MPOD, low-luminance deficit (LLD), visual recovery time (VRT) using photostress test, and adverse events. One hundred twenty-eight (128) eyes were enrolled and randomized 1:1 to active treatment (lutein supplementation) or no treatment (no supplementation). The supplementation period was 12 weeks and patients were assessed every 4 weeks over a period of 16 weeks.@*Results@#Sixty-four (64) eyes in each group completed the study. A significant increase in MPOD (p<0.001) was observed in the lutein supplemented group, from 0.36 DU at baseline to 0.55 DU at week 12, with a mean increase of 6.32 ± 1.72% per 4 weeks of supplementation compared with a mean MPOD decrease rate of 0.63 ± 0.48% in the non-supplementation group. A significant reduction in LLD was observed in the lutein-treated group, from LogMAR 0.063 at baseline to LogMAR 0.023 at Week 12 (p=0.003). VRT was also significantly shorter in the treatment from a baseline of 83.06 to 68.80 seconds at Week 12 (p<0.001).@*Conclusion@#Lutein supplementation (20 mg/tablet; Lutax 20) demonstrated a significant degree of MPOD augmentation, and reductions in LLD and VRT among patients who underwent phacoemulsification with lens implantation.

Effects of lutein on transforming growth factor-β2 induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in ARPE-19 cells / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective • To establish the transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2) induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) model of retinal pigment epithelium cells, and investigate the effect and mechanism of lutein on EMT. Methods • ARPE-19 cells were cultured and divided into 4 groups including control group, TGF-β2 group, TGF-β2+lutein group and lutein group. The mRNA levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin (FN) and E-cadherin were analyzed by real-time PCR. The protein expression of α-SMA, FN and occludin were assayed by Western blotting. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the change of α-SMA. Meanwhile, Western blotting was performed to detect the expression levels of pSmad3 in the TGF/Smad signaling pathway. Results • TGF-β2 induced EMT was inhibited by lutein. Lutein decreased the mRNA and protein levels of the mesenchymal markers α-SMA and FN, and increased the expression of the epithelial markers E-cadherin and occludin (all P<0.05). Immunofluorescence showed that lutein can inhibit the conversion of epithelial cells into myofibroblasts. Lutein significantly downregulated the high expression of pSmad3 in TGF-β2 treated ARPE-19 cells (P=0.001). Conclusion • Lutein inhibits TGF-β2 induced EMT by downregulating the expression of pSmad3 in TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, indicating it may attenuate subretinal fibrosis.

Chemical constituents from Rabdosia phyllopoda / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the chemical constituents of Rabdosia phyllopoda. Methods: The chemical constituents were isolated and purified by chromatography with silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 and by semi-preparative HPLC, and their structures were identified by analysis of spectroscopic evidences and physicochemical properties. Results: A total of 14 constituents were isolated from R. phyllopoda and elucidated as (Z)-1,1’-biindenyliden (1), β,β-carotene (2), germacrene B (3), 2α,3α,24-trihydrxyolean-12- en-28 oic acid (4), ferulic acid hexacosanyl ester (5), ergosterol peroxide (6), ursolic acid (7), α-amyrin acetate (8), obtusalin (9), betulinic acid (10), 2α,3α,19α-trihydroxy-12-en-28-urs acid (11), 2α,3α-dihydroxyl-12-ene-28 oic acid (12), 2α-hydroxyursolic acid (13), and lutein (14). Conclusion: The 14 compounds are isolated from this plant for first time, and compound 1, 3, 6, 9, 14 are isolated from the plants of R. phyllopoda for the first time.

Effect of lutein on lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic rats

Background: Hyperlipidemia or Dyslipidemia is the major cause of atherosclerosis1 and associated conditions. Low levels of high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are the major causes of increased atherogenic risk 1. Aggressive cholesterol reduction in patients with atherosclerotic disease is now the standard of care2. In addition to life style modification, patients with risk factors need lipid lowering drug therapy. The drugs available now do not reduce LDL oxidation, and oxidative stress associated with hyperlipidemia. In recent years, antioxidants have been subjected to epidemiological studies4 that have related their consumption to a reduction in the incidence of oxidative damage related diseases.Methods: Hypercholesterolemia was induced in rats by administration of high cholesterol diet for 30 days in standard rat chow diet. Rats were divided into four groups of six each. Group-I and II with intake of normal diet and High cholesterol diet respectively. Group III and IV are given high cholesterol diet along with Lutein 50mg/kg and Atorvastatin 5mg/kg orally once daily respectively. At the end of 30 days animals were subjected to overnight fasting. Blood samples were drawn by retro-orbital puncture for biochemical analysis. The animals were sacrificed after thiopentone injection and liver and aorta were dissected out and processed for histopathological study and biochemical analysis.Results: Lutein treated group showed even more significant reduction in TBARS levels than the normal control group and Atorvastatin treated group. The efficacy of Lutein in slowing down the atherosclerosis and fatty infiltration of liver is proved in this study.Conclusions: Hence the present study had shown significant hypolipidemic, antiatherogenic and antioxidant effect of Luetin in Hyperlipidemic rats.

Effect of Lutein in the expression of PPAR? and LDLR in hypercholesterolemic male Wistar Rats

Background: Hyperlipidemia is a well known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, especially atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor ? (PPAR?), a member of this nuclear receptor family, has emerged as an important player in this scenario, with evidence supporting a central co-ordinated role in the regulation of fatty acid oxidation, lipid and lipoprotein metabolism and inflammatory and vascular responses, all of which would be predicted to reduce atherosclerotic risk. The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR) is the primary pathway for removal of cholesterol from the circulation, and its activity is meticulously governed by intracellular cholesterol levels. Hence in this study we investigated the effect of Lutein on PPAR? and LDLR expression in liver of wistar rats.Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups of 6 each. Group I served as control. Group II III, IV, V and VI rats were received high cholesterol diet. Group III was treated with Atorvastatin 5mg/kg. Group IV, V and VI rats were treated with 25mg/kg, 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg of Lutein. After 16 weeks, liver tissue samples were collected from all the groups of animals to evaluate the expression of PPAR? and LDLR.Results: The expression of Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor ? and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR) was significantly increased in Lutein treated hypercholesterolemic male wistar rats.Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that Lutein activates LDL receptor and PPAR? in hypercholesterolemic male wistar rats.

Effects of lutein on viability of breast cancer cells / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To investigate the effect of lutein on the viability of breast cancer cells and its possible mech -anism.METHODS:The human breast cancer T47D cells were divided into control group and lutein(6.25,12.5,25,50 mg/L)treatment groups.The effect of lutein on the viability of T47D cells was measured by MTT assay.The mRNA ex-pression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2),glutathione peroxidase 1(GPx1)and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2)was detected by RT-qPCR.Fluorescent probes DCFH-DA was used to determine the production of reactive oxygen species(ROS).The protein expression of Nrf2 and p65 was determined by Western blot.RESULTS: The MTT results showed that lutein inhibited T47D breast cancer cell viability in a dose-and time-dependent manner.The RT-qPCR results showed that the mRNA levels of Nrf2, GPx1 and SOD2 were higher in lutein treatment groups than those in the control group(P<0.05),and with the increased concentrations and extension of intervention time of lutein, the relative mRNA levels were all increased.The ROS levels were significantly decreased in the lutein-treated groups(P<0.05).The results of Western blot demonstrated that the protein expression of Nrf 2 was significantly increased(P<0.05), and p65 protein was decreased(P<0.05)in a dose-dependent manner with lutein treatment for 48 h.CONCLUSION: Lutein signifi-cantly inhibits the viability of breast cancer cells,and the inhibition roles may be related to up-regulation of the expression of Nrf2,antioxidant enzymes GPx1 and SOD2 mRNA expression and down-regulation of oxidative stress,thus blocking the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Optimization of preparation, characterization, and dissolution characteristics of lutein ester nanoparticles by anti-solvent method / 中草药

Objective To prepare lutein ester (LE) nanoparticles (LE-NPs) by anti-solvent method using tetrahydrofuran as solvent, deionized water as antisolvent and Poloxamer 188 as surfactant, and to optimize the process of getting LE-NPs. Methods The concentration of LE, ratio of solvent to solvent, type and dosage of surfactant, precipitation time and stirring speed were investigated factors affecting the particle size of LE-NPs. The raw LE and LE-NPs were observed and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, laser particle size analyzer, X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry; Solvent residue was tested by GC method. What’s more, the solubility and dissolving capability of raw LE and LE-NPs also were detected in vitro in this study. Results The optimized preparation conditions of LE-NPs were as follows: 10 min of stirring time, 50 mg/mL of LE concentration, 1∶7 of the volume ratio of solvent to antisolvent, 0.5% at mass fraction of poloxamer 188, 950 r/min of stirring speed, 25 ℃ of precipitation temperature. The mean particle size of spherical LE-NPs was 164 nm. XRD and DSC results showed that LE-NPs had lower crystallinity compared to raw drug, and mainly in amorphous state. The solvent residue result showed that tetrahydrofuran residue content in LE-NPs was 344.3 μg/g. Furthermore, the solubility and dissolution rate of LE-NPs were about 2.91 times and 9.65 times of raw LE. Conclusion LE-NPs prepared by antisolvent method could become a new formulation, which has higher solubility and bioavailability than raw LE.

Effect of lutein intervention on visual function in patients with early age-related macular degeneration / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To study the effect of lutein intervention on visual function of patients with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD).METHODS:Totally 200 early AMD patients were divided into lutein intervention group (20mg/d) and placebo group by a randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled trail.Questionnaire investigation,serum lutein concentration and visual function were conducted at baseline,12,24,36 and 48wk respectively.RESULTS:The serum lutein concentration in lutein intervention group was higher than the baseline (P＜0.05) and those of placebo group at 12,24,36 and 48wk after intervention (P＜ 0.05).The spatial frequencies of contrast sensitivity (CS) at low (3 cycles/degree) and medium (6 cycles/degree) in lutein intervention group,macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and best-spectacle corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were higher than those of placebo group (P＜ 0.05).Contrasted to baseline,the low and medium spatial frequencies of CS in lutein intervention group were higher (P＜ 0.05),while,there were no statistical significance in MPOD and BCVA between before and after treatment (P＞0.05).CONCLUSION:Lutein intervention can improve the visual function of patients with early AMD.

Modulación de la respuesta alérgica por los carotenoides de la dieta / Modulation of the allergic response by dietary carotenoids

Los carotenoides son pigmentos isoprenoides que están presentes de manera natural y en altas concentraciones en la mayoría de alimentos vegetales -entre ellos, aguacate, papaya, tomate y zanahoria-, pero también encontrados como aditivos y colorantes en diversos productos cárnicos, aceites vegetales, salsas, aderezos, harinas, entre otros. En los últimos años, algunos estudios han descrito que los carotenoides de la dieta participan en varios procesos fisiopatológicos, incluyendo la respuesta inmune de tipo alérgico. Las tasas de prevalencia para este tipo de enfermedades han incrementado de manera alarmante durante las últimas cinco décadas en todo el mundo, a la vez que varios factores e hipótesis se han planteado tratando de explicar este fenómeno: uno de ellos es la hipótesis de la dieta, la cual plantea que la composición de varios micro y macronutrientes de la alimentación, así como los cambios en los patrones dietarios, influirían en tal problemática. Evidencia epidemiológica y básica experimental emergente señala que los carotenoides de la dieta participan en la regulación de la inflamación alérgica, y por ello se postulan como coadyuvantes en la terapia de tales padecimientos. En el presente artículo se revisará el estado del arte en relación a los efectos de los carotenoides de la dieta sobre la patología alérgica.

Carotenoids are isoprenoid pigments naturally present in high concentrations in most vegetables - for example, avocados, papayas, tomatoes and carrots-, but they also can be found as additives and dyes found in various meat products, vegetable oils, sauces, dressings, meals, among others. In recent years, some studies have reported that dietary carotenoids participate in many pathophysiological processes, including the allergic immune response. Prevalence rates for these diseases have had an alarming increase over the past five decades in a world scale, at the same time, a number of factors and assumptions in attempt to explain this phenomenon have been proposed, one of them being the diet hypothesis, which states that the composition of several micro and macronutrients of food, as well as changes in dietary patterns, would had some influence in such problematic. Arising epidemiological and basic experimental evidence indicates that dietary carotenoids are involved in the regulation of allergic inflammation and thus are postulated as adjuvants in these diseases treatment. In this paper the authors will review the state of art in relation to the effects of dietary carotenoids on the allergic condition.

MODULACIÓN DE LA RESPUESTA ALÉRGICA POR LOS CAROTENOIDES DE LA DIETA / Modulation of the allergic response by dietary carotenoids

Los carotenoides son pigmentos isoprenoides, que están presentes de manera natural y en altas concentraciones en la mayoría de alimentos vegetales, por ejemplo, aguacate (palta), papaya, tomate y zanahoria, pero también se encuentran como aditivos y colorantes en diversos productos cárnicos, aceites vegetales, salsas, aderezos, harinas, entre otros. En los últimos años, varios grupos de investigación han descrito que los carotenoides de la dieta participan en varios procesos fisiopatológicos, incluyendo, la respuesta inmune de tipo alérgico. Las tasas de prevalencia para este tipo de enfermedades se han incrementado de manera alarmante durante las últimas cinco décadas en todo el mundo, y varios factores e hipótesis se han planteado tratando de explicar este fenómeno. Uno de ellos es la hipótesis de la dieta, la cual plantea que la composición de varios micro- y macronutrientes de la alimentación, así como los cambios en los patrones dietarios, serían los responsables de dicho fenómeno. En adición, evidencia epidemiológica y experimental señala que los carotenoides de la dieta participan en la regulación de la inflamación alérgica y, por ello, se postulan como coadyuvantes en la terapia de estos padecimientos. En el presente manuscrito se revisará el estado del arte en relación con los efectos de los carotenoides de la dieta sobre el estado inflamatorio alérgico.(AU)

The carotenoids are isoprenoids pigments, which are naturally present in high concentrations and in most vegetables foods e.g., avocado, papaya, tomato and carrot, but also as additives and dyes found in various meat products, vegetable oils, sauces, dressings, flour, among others. In recent years, several research groups have reported that dietary carotenoids participate in many pathophysiological processes, including the allergic immune response. The prevalence rates for these diseases have increased alarmingly over the past five decades in the world and a number of factors and assumptions have been proposed trying to explain this phenomenon, one of them is the hypothesis of the diet, which has arisen that the composition of several micro and macronutrients of foods, as well as changes in the dietary patterns would be responsible for thisphenomenon.In addition, epidemiological and experimental evidence indicates that dietary carotenoids are involved in the regulation of allergic inflammation and thus postulated as adjuvants in the therapy of these diseases. In this manuscript, we will review the state of art in relation to the effects of dietary carotenoids on the allergic inflammatory state.(AU)

Nutritional supplement for age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in the elderly in developed countries but therapeutic options are limited. Many observational studies have shown that a high dietary intake of antioxidants, fish oil, and carotenoids is associated with a lower risk of prevalent and incident AMD. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 1 demonstrated that routine supplementation with a certain formulation of vitamins C, E, β-carotene, and zinc with copper reduces the risk of worsening AMD and severe vision loss by 25% over a 6-year period in patients with intermediate or advanced AMD in 1 eye or intermediate AMD in both eyes. The recent Age- Related Eye Disease Study 2 demonstrated that a certain combination of lutein and zeaxanthin is a safe and effective alternative to β-carotene, which is known to be associated with lung cancer in smokers. The aim of this review focuses on the role of supplements in the treatment and prevention of AMD and sums up the recent findings about the micronutrients most frequently used for AMD.

Relationship between macular pigment optical density and serum concentration of lutein and zeaxanthin in an adult population / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective To study the relationship between macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and serum concentration of lutein and zeaxanthin in an adult population.Methods Twenty patients with mild cataract and 39 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study,including 15 males and 44 females.The average age was 43.75 years.Fifty-three subjects were non-smokers and 6 male subjects were smokers.Two subjects preferred meat diet,22 preferred meat-less diet,and 35 have balanced diet.MPOD was measured using heterochromatic flicker photometry at 0.25,0.5,1.0 and 1.75 degrees,and serum concentration of lutein and zeaxanthin was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography.The relationship between MPOD and serum concentration of lutein and zeaxanthin was analyzed.The differences of serum lutein and zeaxanthin between different gender,smokers and non-smokers and subjects with different dietary pattern were also analyzed.Results MPOD at 0.25,0.5,1.0 and 1.75 degrees were 0.59,0.48,0.34 and 0.18,and the average concentration of lutein and zeaxanthin were (0.45± 0.16) μmol/L and (0.11 ± 0.04) μmol/L respectively.Serum concentration of lutein and zeaxanthin in males were slightly higher than that in females,but it was not statistically significant (t=1.13,0.86;P=0.27,0.40).The differences of serum lutien and zeaxanthin between smokers and non-smokers (t=0.15,-0.11;P=0.87,0.91),among subjects of 3 dietary patterns groups were not statistically significant (Flutein=3.87,4.05,0.18;P=0.83,0.81,0.99.Fxeaxanbin=0.99,1.51,0.52;P=0.85,0.68,0.72).There was no correlation between MPOD and serum concentration of lutein (r=-0.06,-0.02,-0.07,0.03;P＞0.05) and zeaxanthin(r=0.02,0.12,0.09,0.11;P＞0.05).Conclusion MPOD was not statistically significantly correlated with serum concentration of lutein and zeaxanthin in the studied population.

Inhibitory Effects and Mechanism of Lutein on Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma C666-1 Cells / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To study the inhibitory effects and mechanism of lutein on nasopharyngeal carcinoma C666-1 cells. METHODS:C666-1 cells were stimulated by lutein at different concentrations [0(blank control),20,40,80,160 mg/L] for dif-ferent time(0,12,24,48 h). The proliferation rate of cells was determined by CCK-8 assay,and apoptotic rate of cells was deter-mined by TUNEL method;Western blot was adopted to determine the phosphorylation of S6K and S6 proteins of AMPK and mTOR pathway. RESULTS:Compared with blank control group,proliferation rate of C666-1 cells was significantly reduced after treated with lutein(80,160 mg/L)for 48 h and lutein(160 mg/L)for 12,24,48 h(P<0.05). After treated with lutein(80,160 mg/L)for 48 h and lutein(160 mg/L)for 24,48 h,cell apoptosis was significantly increased(P<0.05). Lutein(80,160 mg/L) could promote intracellular AMPK phosphorylation,and inhibits mTOR pathway S6K,S6 protein phosphorylation after 48 h treat-ment (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Lutein can inhibit nasopharyngeal carcinoma C666-1 cell proliferation and induce nasopharyn-geal carcinoma cell apoptosis and inhibit S6K,S6 protein phosphorylation through promoting AMPK phosphorylation.

Chemical Constituents of Ixora philippinensis Merr.

Chemical investigations of the dichloromethane extracts of Ixora philippinensis Merr., a plant endemic to the Philippines, led to the isolation of syringaresinol (1), pinoresinol (2), isoscopoletin (3), squalene (4), β-sitosterol (5a), and stigmasterol (5b) from the stems; and 4, 5a, 5b, lupeol (6), and lutein (7) from the leaves. The structures of 1 and 3 were elucidated by extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, while those of 2 and 4-7 were identified by comparison of their NMR data with literature data.

Multimodality imaging in macular telangiectasia 2: A clue to its pathogenesis.

Macular telangiectasia type 2 also known as idiopathic perifoveal telangiectasia and juxtafoveolar retinal telangiectasis type 2A is an acquired bilateral neurodegenerative macular disease that manifests itself during the fifth or sixth decades of life. It is characterized by minimal dilatation of the parafoveal capillaries with graying of the retinal area involved, a lack of lipid exudation, right‑angled retinal venules, refractile deposits in the superficial retina, hyperplasia of the retinal pigment epithelium, foveal atrophy, and subretinal neovascularization (SRNV). Our understanding of the disease has paralleled advances in multimodality imaging of the fundus. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) images typically demonstrate the presence of intraretinal hyporeflective spaces that are usually not related to retinal thickening or fluorescein leakage. The typical fluorescein angiographic (FA) finding is a deep intraretinal hyperfluorescent staining in the temporal parafoveal area. With time, the staining may involve the whole parafoveal area but does not extend to the center of the fovea. Long‑term prognosis for central vision is poor, because of the development of SRNV or macular atrophy. Its pathogenesis remains unclear but multimodality imaging with FA, spectral domain OCT, adaptive optics, confocal blue reflectance and short wave fundus autofluorescence implicate Müller cells and macular pigment. Currently, there is no known treatment for this condition.

Triterpenes and Acylglycerols from Canarium ovatum.

Chemical investigations of the dichloromethane extracts of the leaves of Canarium ovatum Engl. afforded β- amyrin (1a), α-amyrin (1b), epi-β-amyrin (2a), epi-α-amyrin (2b), epi-lupeol (2c), β-carotene (3) and lutein (4); while the twigs yielded 1a-1b. The dichloromethane extracts of the fruits of C. ovatum yielded triacylglycerols (5); the mesocarp also afforded 1a, 1b, 1,2-dioleylglycerol (6), and monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids; the nutshell also provided 6; and the kernel also yielded monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids. The structures of 1-6 and the fatty acids were identified by comparison of their 1H and/or 13C NMR data with those reported in the literature.

Terpenoids and Sterols from Hoya multiflora Blume.

Chemical investigation of the dichloromethane extracts of Hoya multiflora Blume led to the isolation of lupeol (1a), α-amyrin (1b), β-amyrin (1c), lupeol acetate (2a), α-amyrin acetate (2b), and β-amyrin acetate (2c) from the stems; and 1b, bauerenol (3), squalene (4), lutein (5), β-sitosterol (6a), and stigmasterol (6b)from the leaves. The structures of 1-6 were identified by comparison of their 1H and/or13C NMR data with those reported in the literature.

Approach of Turkish ophthalmologists to micronutrition in age-related macular degeneration / Abordagem dos oftalmologistas turcos em relação a micronutrição na degeneração macular relacionada à idade

Purpose: To evaluate the knowledge and behaviors of ophthalmologists in Turkey concerning micronutrition support in patients with age related macular degeneration (ARMD). Methods: This study involved 1,845 ophthalmologists. A scientific poll was sent to all participants by email. The survey covered the following: demographic features, subspecialty knowledge about micronutrition preference for prescribing micronutrition to age related macular degeneration patients, and the reason for this preference. If a participant indicated that he or she prescribed micronutrition, the participant was also asked to indicate the source of the treatment and supplemental treatments. Results: Of 1,845 ophthalmologists, 249 responded to the survey. Of the respondents, 9% (22) never, 43% (107) sometimes, 37% (92) frequently, and 11% (27) always used micronutrition. The most frequent prescribing subgroup was general ophthalmology (22%), followed by the retina-uvea subspecialty (13.9%). The micronutrition prescribing ratio was 54.8% in retina-uvea specialists when the "frequent" and "always" responses were combined. There was no statistically significant difference between subgroups with respect to prescribing micronutrition. Among the ophthalmologists prescribing micronutrition, 57.1% of them did not use the Age-Related Eye Disease Study-1 (AREDS) criteria, and only 31.3% prescribe micronutrition according to AREDS criteria. The results for the general ophthalmologist and retina-uvea specialist subgroups were similar, 56.3% vs 20.2%, and 54.1% vs 36.1%, respectively. Micronutrition was not recommended for the following reasons: expensive (55.4%), low patient expectancy (40%), no effect (30%), and low patient drug compliance (25.4%). Moreover, 55.2% of the clinicians recommended physical activities, dietary changes, and smoking cessation; 7.3% did not recommend these behavioral changes. Conclusion: This survey demonstrated that micronutrition preference in ...

Objetivo: Avaliar o conhecimento e comportamento dos oftalmologistas na Turquia sobre o suporte micronutricional em pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade (DMRI). Métodos: Este estudo continha 1.845 oftalmologistas, e uma pesquisa científica foi enviado a todos os participantes por e-mail. O levantamento abrangeu as seguintes informações: características demográficas, conhecimento na subespecialidade sobre a preferência micronutricional para a prescrição micronutrientes a pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade, e a razão por trás dessa preferência. Se um participante respondeu que prescreveu micronutrientes, foi solicitado que indicasse a origem do tratamento, bem como tratamentos suplementares. Resultados: Duzentos e quarenta e nove de 1.845 oftalmologistas responderam à pesquisa. Destes oftalmologistas 9% (22) nunca haviam usado micronutrição, 43% (107), utilizava eventualmente, 37% (92) usavam com frequência, e 11% (27) sempre usou. O subgrupo de prescrição mais frequente era composto por oftalmologistas gerais (22%), seguido por subespecialistas em retina e/ou úvea (13,9%). A frequência de prescrição de micronutrientes foi de 54,8% dentre os subespecialistas em retina e/ou úvea quando resultados de resposta foram combinados em "frequente" e "sempre." Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os subgrupos com relação à prescrição de micronutrientes. Entre os oftalmologistas que prescreviam micronutrição, 57,1% deles não usavam os critérios The Age-Related Eye Disease Study-1 (AREDS) e 31,3% deles prescreviam de acordo com critérios AREDS. A utilização dos critérios teve distribuição semelhante entre os oftalmologistas gerais e os especialistas, 56,3% vs 20,2%, e 54,1% vs 36,1%, respectivamente. A micronutrição não era recomendada pelas seguintes razões: preço (55,4%), baixa expectativa de paciente (40%), nenhum efeito (30%), e baixa aderência do paciente à droga (25,4%). Além disso, 55,2% ...

Effects of lutein or lutein in combination with vitamin C on mRNA expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes and status of the antioxidant system in SD rats / 한국실험동물학회지

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of lutein alone or in combination with vitamin C on the antioxidant defense system in rats. A total of 18 eight-week-old male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to three groups for 4 weeks: control (CON), lutein (LUT, 50 mg lutein/kg BW) and lutein plus vitamin C (LVC, 50 mg lutein/kg BW+1,000 mg vitamin C/kg BW). No differences in body weight, relative live weight or plasma biochemical profiles were observed among treatment groups. In the hepatic antioxidant defense systems, the mRNA expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the LUT and LVC groups was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that in the CON group, whereas the mRNA level of glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) was not affected by the administration of antioxidants. SOD and GST activities in the LUT and LVC groups were significantly higher (P<0.05) than those in the CON group, whereas GPX, CAT and lipid peroxidation did not differ among groups. In addition, the LVC group showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in plasma and hepatic total antioxidant power (TAP) relative to the CON group. Overall, administration of lutein in combination with vitamin C improved the status of the total antioxidant defense system in SD rats.