Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Naymel Alejandra Guzman Mendoza, Kohei Homma, Hideto Osada, Eriko Toda, Norimitsu Ban, Norihiro Nagai, Kazuno Negishi, Kazuo Tsubota, Yoko Ozawa
Summary: This study demonstrated that administration of an ER-stress inhibitor, 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA), effectively suppressed light-induced visual function impairment and reduced photoreceptor cell apoptosis. Induction of ER stress in the light-exposed retina was attenuated by 4-PBA treatment, leading to suppression of oxidative stress and mitochondrial apoptosis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria del Milagro Teran, Daiana Perez Visnuk, Graciela Savoy de Giori, Alejandra de Moreno de LeBlanc, Jean Guy LeBlanc
Summary: This study evaluated the neuroprotective effects of thiamine-producing LAB in a Parkinson's disease mouse model. The results showed that these strains prevented motor deficits and increased the number of neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Additionally, the strain with higher thiamine production exhibited strong anti-inflammatory effects.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Ling Yang, Tung-Hu Tsai
Summary: The combination treatment of Gastrodia elata extract and valproic acid (VPA) can increase the VPA levels in the brain, enhance its antiepileptic effects, and exert synergistic anticonvulsive effects by protecting neurons and altering dopamine metabolite levels. This synergistic effect is mediated by transporters at the blood-brain barrier.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jimin Hong, Minji Kim, Bohkyung Kim
Summary: The study found that bilberry extract can impact intestinal cholesterol metabolism by reducing the expression of genes involved in cholesterol absorption, promoting cholesterol transport, and altering the expression of genes related to lipogenesis and sirtuins.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yanglin Ji, Dong Liu, Yan Jin, Juan Zhao, Jiang Zhao, Heyu Li, Liwei Li, Hua Zhang, Hao Wang
Summary: The study found that bilberry extract had inhibitory activity against alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase, acting as a mixed-type inhibitor and changing the enzyme structure and stability. In vivo study also showed a hypoglycaemic effect of bilberry extract. Molecular docking assay indicated that bilberry extract could be a potential glycosidase inhibitor.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Parul Katiyar, Aaina Singh Rathore, Somesh Banerjee, Sandip Nathani, Walia Zahra, Surya Pratap Singh, Debabrata Sircar, Partha Roy
Summary: This study investigates the neuroprotective potential of wheatgrass against age-related memory impairment. Wheatgrass improves behavior and memory in memory deficit mice, and upregulates the expression of neuroprotective markers while downregulating inflammatory markers. Additionally, wheatgrass regulates the phosphorylation of ERK, Akt, and tau proteins, preventing tau aggregation in the brain's hippocampal region.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jimin Hong, Minkyung Bae, Bohkyung Kim
Summary: The study investigated the effects of bilberry extract (BE) with antioxidant properties on hepatic lipid metabolism. The results showed that BE had a lipid-lowering effect by regulating genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, transport, and efflux. Upregulation of low-density lipoprotein receptor and canalicular transporter genes, and downregulation of lipogenic genes were observed in BE-treated cells. These findings suggest that BE may have potential in the regulation of hepatic cholesterol metabolism.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Dragan Milenkovic, Irena Krga, Anne-Laure Dinel, Christine Morand, Sophie Laye, Nathalie Castanon
Summary: The study revealed that anthocyanin-rich bilberry extract can affect gene expression in the hippocampus, regulating various biological processes such as neurogenesis, inflammation, and metabolism. This multi-target mode of action suggests that anthocyanins may exert neuroprotective effects by binding to top transcription factors, leading to the regulation of gene expression.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Rocio Gallego, Alberto Valdes, Jose David Sanchez-Martinez, Zully J. Suarez-Montenegro, Elena Ibanez, Alejandro Cifuentes, Miguel Herrero
Summary: This study investigated the potential neuroprotective effect of a carotenoid-enriched extract from Dunaliella salina microalgae on AD, as well as its impact on cellular metabolism using metabolomics. The findings suggest that the extract may exert neuroprotective effects by modulating lipid metabolism in cells. Further in vivo experiments are needed to confirm these results.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sueun Lee, Young Hye Seo, Jun Ho Song, Wook Jin Kim, Ji Hye Lee, Byeong Cheol Moon, Mary Jasmin Ang, Sung Ho Kim, Changjong Moon, Jun Lee, Joong Sun Kim
Summary: The study showed that the water extract of Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis (PBWE) has a significant therapeutic effect against trimethyltin-induced seizures and hippocampal neurodegeneration, likely through its antioxidative properties. Furthermore, six major compounds isolated from PBWE, including inosine and benzoic acid, were confirmed to have essential antioxidative activity, suggesting the potential pharmacotherapeutic use of PBWE in neurodegenerative diseases such as seizures or epilepsy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Caterina Porcino, Marilena Briglia, Marialuisa Aragona, Kamel Mhalhel, Rosaria Laura, Maria Levanti, Francesco Abbate, Giuseppe Montalbano, Germana Germana, Eugenia Rita Lauriano, Alessandro Meduri, Jose Antonio Vega, Antonino Germana, Maria Cristina Guerrera
Summary: The increasing incidence rates of light-induced retinopathies can be attributed to continuous exposure to light from various electronic devices. Studies have shown a relation between blue light exposure and the pathogenesis of these retinopathies, but the specific pathophysiological mechanisms are still unknown. This study focuses on the effects of light exposure at different wavelengths in the blue light range on the distribution of calcium-binding proteins CaB-D28K and CaR-N18 in the adult zebrafish retina, providing insights into their potential role in maintaining retinal homeostasis under different light conditions and darkness.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Ricardo Usategui-Martin, Kevin Puertas-Neyra, Nadia Galindo-Cabello, Leticia A. Hernandez-Rodriguez, Fernando Gonzalez-Perez, Jose Carlos Rodriguez-Cabello, Rogelio Gonzalez-Sarmiento, Jose Carlos Pastor, Ivan Fernandez-Bueno
Summary: This study evaluated the neuroprotective capability of the secretome of human bone marrow MSCs and found that it can slow retinal neurodegeneration by activating antioxidant machinery, modulating autophagy, and inhibiting apoptosis and necroptosis. The secretome of bmMSCs may be a potential therapeutic option for treating retinal neurodegenerative diseases.
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Sugao Miyagi, Anri Nishinaka, Takumi Yamamoto, Wataru Otsu, Shinsuke Nakamura, Masamitsu Shimazawa, Takashi Kitaoka, Hideaki Hara
Summary: A pigmented murine RVO model was established in this study, reproducing characteristic fundus appearances similar to human RVO findings and exhibiting retinal edema. Real-time PCR analysis showed an increase in VEGF mRNA level in the induced retinal RVO, and intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF antibody reduced retinal edema. These results were consistent with human clinical knowledge and suggested the model as a useful tool for research on new therapeutic approaches.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Xiao-Lin Bai, Ying-Jie Luo, Wen-Qin Fan, Yong-Mei Zhang, Xun Liao
Summary: This study demonstrated for the first time the potential anti-Parkinson's disease effects of Lycium barbarum fruit extract in PINK1 mutant fruit flies. It was found that the extract increased ATP and dopamine levels, extended lifespan, improved motor behavior, rescued olfactory deficits, and repaired muscle atrophy.
PLANT FOODS FOR HUMAN NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Joong Sun Kim, Hye-Sun Lim, Byeong Cheol Moon, Mary Jasmin Ang, Sung-Ho Kim, Changjong Moon, Boseok Seong, Yunji Jang, Hyung-Yong Kim, Chul Kim
Summary: This study demonstrates the neuroprotective effect of scorpion extract in MPTP-treated mice models of Parkinson's disease. The extract attenuated motor impairment and reduced the decrease of tyrosine hydroxylase positive neural cells in the substantia nigra and striatum. RNA sequencing analysis revealed a total of 13,479 differentially expressed genes associated with the therapeutic effects of the scorpion extract, particularly in the promoter and coding regions.
JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
Shunsuke Hayashi, Motoaki Yoshida, Ken Hayashi, Kazuo Tsubota
Summary: In non-highly myopic patients, eyes that underwent cataract surgery demonstrated significantly faster progression of PVD compared to eyes that did not undergo surgery, with approximately seven-fold higher risk of progression to complete PVD within 1 year postoperatively, indicating a higher risk for PVD-related diseases after cataract surgery.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Miki Uchino, Norihiko Yokoi, Jun Shimazaki, Yuichi Hori, Kazuo Tsubota
Summary: This study investigated the actual use of eye drops for dry eye disease (DED), the reasons for instillation behavior, and the relationship between instillation behavior and subjective symptoms. The findings revealed that most participants did not use eye drops at the specified frequency to alleviate symptoms. Regular instillation at the specified frequency resulted in better improvement of subjective symptoms, while younger patients who used contact lenses and over-the-counter eye drops were more likely to deviate from the specified frequency.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Miki Hata-Mizuno, Yuichi Uchino, Miki Uchino, Shigeto Shimmura, Yoko Ogawa, Kazuo Tsubota, Kazuno Negishi
Summary: This study found a positive correlation between gal-3 concentration in tears and the severity of dry eye disease, as well as a negative correlation with tear film break-up time and Schirmer's test. The detection rate of gal-3C in tears was closely associated with the severity of dry eye disease.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Yoko Ozawa, Eriko Toda, Kohei Homma, Hideto Osada, Norihiro Nagai, Kazuo Tsubota, Hideyuki Okano
Summary: In this study, the researchers demonstrated that 4-phenylbutyric acid (PBA) can protect photoreceptor function and prevent death in a hereditary blinding disease called retinitis pigmentosa (RP). They found that constant PBA treatment preserved a greater number of photoreceptors and upregulated key mitochondrial regulators, leading to improved mitochondrial function. This protection was also achieved through epigenetic changes. These findings provide evidence for the potential use of PBA as a treatment for RP and highlight its neuroprotective effects.
Article
Biology
Yoshiko Ofuji, Yusaku Katada, Yohei Tomita, Norihiro Nagai, Hideki Sonobe, Kazuhiro Watanabe, Hajime Shinoda, Yoko Ozawa, Kazuno Negishi, Kazuo Tsubota, Toshihide Kurihara
Summary: Fundus fluorescent angiography can directly visualize the circulatory failure in diabetic retinopathy. The non-perfusion area in the angiography is associated with the progression of the disease.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Tomoki Maruyama, Erisa Yotsukura, Hidemasa Torii, Kiwako Mori, Mikako Inokuchi, Mitsuaki Tokumura, Debabrata Hazra, Mamoru Ogawa, Akiko Hanyuda, Kazuo Tsubota, Toshihide Kurihara, Kazuno Negishi
Summary: The prevalence of myopia is high among Japanese schoolchildren, with almost half of preschoolers being myopic. The time spent using digital devices is positively associated with lens thickness, while reading time is negatively associated with lens thickness, spherical equivalent, axial length, and vitreous chamber depth.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Takashi Kojima, Murat Dogru, Hiroyuki Yazu, Haruka Kudo, Kazuo Tsubota
Summary: This study investigated the aerosol generation during intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements using a commercial noncontact tonometer (NCT) and assessed the related conditions. The results confirmed significant aerosolization during NCT measurements, with the amount of aerosols generated depending on the IOP, air puff pressure, and the use of eye drops before measurements.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Hidemasa Torii, Kiwako Mori, Takashi Okano, Shinichiro Kondo, Hao-Yung Yang, Erisa Yotsukura, Akiko Hanyuda, Mamoru Ogawa, Kazuno Negishi, Toshihide Kurihara, Kazuo Tsubota
Summary: This study investigated the safety and efficacy of eyeglasses emitting violet light for myopia suppression. The results showed that VL-emitting eyeglass frames had short-term safety and effectiveness against myopia progression, with significant changes observed in axial elongation, choroidal thickness, and cycloplegic refractions in a subgroup of 8- to 10-year-old children.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Ayano Katagiri, Kazuo Tsubota, Lou Mikuzuki, Shigeru Nakamura, Akira Toyofuku, Takafumi Kato, David A. Bereiter, Koichi Iwata
Summary: Repeated application of diquafosol sodium reduces ocular pain in dry eye disease by suppressing peripheral P2Y2 expression. Diquafosol increases tear volume and decreases eyeblink frequency, suggesting its efficacy in relieving dry eye symptoms.
NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Minako Kaido, Reiko Arita, Yasue Mitsukura, Reiko Ishida, Kazuo Tsubota
Summary: The study examined the role of autonomic nerve activity in dry eye caused by tear film dysfunction and found that fluctuations in autonomic balance were associated with symptom intensity.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Murat Dogru, Takashi Kojima, Kazunari Higa, Ayako Igarashi, Haruka Kudo, Wolfgang G. K. Mueller-Lierheim, Kazuo Tsubota, Kazuno Negishi
Summary: The study found that a novel high molecular weight hyaluronic acid and Latanoprost eye drop had similar intraocular pressure-lowering effects compared to commercially available Latanoprost eye drops, while also reducing ocular surface inflammation. This suggests that the new eye drop formulation provides comparable IOP lowering effects to the market product, while also reducing ocular surface alterations and inflammatory reactions.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yifan Liang, Shin-ichi Ikeda, Junhan Chen, Yan Zhang, Kazuno Negishi, Kazuo Tsubota, Toshihide Kurihara
Summary: Myopia is a leading cause of vision impairment, and an effective intervention is needed. This study examined the effects of different forms of lactoferrin (LF) on myopia in mice and found that digested LF and holo-LF were more effective in suppressing myopia compared to native LF. The results also revealed that mice given digested LF or holo-LF had a less elongated axial length and thinner choroid, as well as lower levels of certain cytokines and growth factors associated with myopia.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Satoshi Imanishi, Yohei Tomita, Kazuno Negishi, Kazuo Tsubota, Toshihide Kurihara
Summary: Disorders in the development and regulation of blood vessels are involved in various ocular disorders. Understanding the developing choroidal circulation system expands our knowledge of ocular development and supports our understanding of ocular disorders. This review examines studies on regulating the developing choroidal circulation system and discusses its relevance to human diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Ziyan Ma, Heonuk Jeong, Yajing Yang, Xiaoyan Jiang, Shin-ichi Ikeda, Kazuno Negishi, Toshihide Kurihara, Kazuo Tsubota
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the contralateral effects of monocular experimental myopia and recovery, which could not be explained by local mechanisms. The results showed that complete recovery of the eyes that wore -30 D lenses was observed after 1 week of lens removal. Both eyes in the PLC and NLC groups exhibited a myopic shift and choroidal thinning after lens removal. The eye wearing the -30 D lens had a significant increase in axial length after 3 weeks of lens wear, while the fellow eyes in the PLC and NLC groups continued to increase in axial length and the binocular axial lengths gradually converged.
OPHTHALMIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL OPTICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sayoko Kuroha, Yusaku Katada, Yosuke Isobe, Haruki Uchino, Kyosuke Shishikura, Takashi Nirasawa, Kazuo Tsubota, Kazuno Negishi, Toshihide Kurihara, Makoto Arita
Summary: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and ultra-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (ULC-PUFAs) are enriched in retinal photoreceptor membrane phospholipids. The enzyme ACSL6 plays a crucial role in the synthesis and enrichment of these lipids. Genetic deletion of ACSL6 leads to depletion of di-DHA and ULC-PUFA-containing phospholipids, resulting in visual impairment and progressive decrease of retinal thickness.