Effect of Pycnogenol® on an experimental rat model of allergic conjunctivitis

The effects of Pycnogenol, a pine bark extract on pulmonary inflammation by Asian sand dust in mice

Asian sand dust (ASD), also called China dust or yellow dust, mainly occurs in East Asia during spring and autumn. Because ASD enters the body mainly through the respiratory system, it can cause respiratory disorders or worsen underlying diseases. Because of this, it has become an important health concern that threatens the well-being of humans and animals. In this study, we investigated the effects of 15 and 30 mg/kg of Pycnogenol (PYC15 and 30 groups), a pine bark extract, on ASD-induced pulmonary inflammation in mice. We evaluated the inflammatory cell counts, inflammatory cytokines, and matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression in animal models. PYC administration significantly decreased inflammatory cell infiltration into lung tissue; this was accompanied by a reduction in the levels of proinflammatory mediators including interleukin (IL)-1β (P < 0.01), IL-6 (P < 0.01) and tumour necrosis factor-α (P < 0.01) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids of ASD-exposed mice (ASD group). Histological analysis revealed that PYC suppressed ASD-induced pulmonary inflammation. Moreover, PYC suppressed the levels of matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 in the lung tissue of ASD-exposed mice, indicating that PYC reduced ASD-induced pulmonary inflammation by suppressing MMP-9. Together, these results indicate that PYC as the potential to treat ASD-driven pulmonary inflammation.

Oxidative Stress in the Anterior Ocular Diseases: Diagnostic and Treatment

The eye is a metabolically active structure, constantly exposed to solar radiations making its structure vulnerable to the high burden of reactive oxygen species (ROS), presenting many molecular interactions. The biomolecular cascade modification is caused especially in diseases of the ocular surface, cornea, conjunctiva, uvea, and lens. In fact, the injury in the anterior segment of the eye takes its origin from the perturbation of the pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance and leads to increased oxidative damage, especially when the first line of antioxidant defence weakens with age. Furthermore, oxidative stress is related to mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, protein modification, apoptosis, and inflammation, which are involved in anterior ocular disease progression such as dry eye, keratoconus, uveitis, and cataract. The different pathologies are interconnected through various mechanisms such as inflammation, oxidative stress making the diagnostics more relevant in early stages. The end point of the molecular pathway is the release of different antioxidant biomarkers offering the potential of predictive diagnostics of the pathology. In this review, we have analysed the oxidative stress and inflammatory processes in the front of the eye to provide a better understanding of the pathomechanism, the importance of biomarkers for the diagnosis of eye diseases, and the recent treatment of anterior ocular diseases.

Anti-fibrotic effect of pycnogenol® in a polyhexamethylene guanidine-treated mouse model

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a respiratory disease that causes serious respiratory problems. The effects of French marine pine bark extract (Pycnogenol®), with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, were investigated on lung fibrosis in polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG)-treated mice. Mice were separated into four groups (n = 6): vehicle control (VC, saline 50 μl); PHMG (1.1 mg/kg); PHMG + Pycnogenol® (0.3 mg/kg/day); and PHMG + Pycnogenol® (1 mg/kg/day). PF was induced via intratracheal instillation of PHMG. Treatment with PHMG decreased body weight and increased lung weight, both of which were improved by treatment with PHMG + Pycnogenol® (1 mg/kg). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting, and PCR revealed that Pycnogenol® attenuated PHMG-induced increase in inflammatory cytokines and fibrosis-related factors in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, histopathological analysis revealed reduced inflammation/fibrosis in the PHMG + Pycnogenol® (1 mg/kg) group. Collectively, the results indicate that Pycnogenol® can be used to treat PF as it hinders fibrosis progression by inhibiting inflammatory responses in the lungs of PHMG-treated mice.

Flavonoid and cannabinoid impact on the ocular surface

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To evaluate the impact of flavonoids and cannabinoids as anti-inflammatory and antiallergic treatments on the anterior surface of the eye.

RECENT FINDINGS

Allergic conjunctivitis and dry eye syndrome are common ocular surface diseases that have been treated with traditional pharmacological measures, e.g. corticosteroids, antihistamines. Given the side-effect profiles of these medications and the growing interest in complementary treatment modalities as part of integrative medical interventions, well known flavonoids, such as quercetin and catechin, are under investigation for topical and systemic application methods for relief. As flavonoid derivatives, pycnogenol and epigallocatechin gallate have alleviated dry eye symptoms, including lacrimal gland inflammation, tear secretion, and the stability of the tear film. Research on ocular cannabinoid receptors and response to synthetic cannabinoids are also being considered for therapy of anterior ocular disorders. The expansion of herbal formulations provides a framework for future treatment regimens for ocular surface disorders.

SUMMARY

Flavonoids and cannabinoids show promise as potential complementary treatment for allergic diseases because of their anti-inflammatory and antiallergic properties. Several studies implementing ocular and systemic application of these compounds show potential in becoming adjuvant treatment strategies for improving quality of life while also managing ocular surface disease processes.

Evaluation of the Neuroprotective Effect of Pycnogenol in a Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury Model in Newborn Rats

OBJECTIVE

 This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Pycnogenol (PYC) and its antioxidant and antiapoptotic effect in an experimental hypoxic-ischemic (HI) rat model.

STUDY DESIGN

 A total of 24 Wistar albino rats who were on the seventh postnatal day were divided into three groups with developed HI brain injury model under the sevoflurane anesthesia: 40 mg/kg PYC was given to Group A, saline was given to Group B, and the sham group was Group C. Neuronal apoptosis was investigated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling and immunohistochemically stained manually with primer antibodies of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β.

RESULTS

 The neuronal cell injury was statistically lower in the PYC treatment group.

CONCLUSION

 This is the first study that investigates the role of PYC in the HI brain injury model. PYC reduces apoptosis and neuronal injury in the cerebral tissue of the rats. PYC may be a protective agent against hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

KEY POINTS

· This is the first study that investigates the role of PYC in the HI brain injury model.. · PYC may be a protective agent against hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.. · Sevoflurane should not be preferred in rat studies where neuronal apoptosis will be investigated..