Efficient semisynthetic approach for large preparation of procyanidin C1 through degradation of grape seed polymeric procyanidins

An efficient method for producing trimeric procyanidin C1(PCC1)was developed through degradation of grape seed polymeric procyanidins(PPCs),using epicatechin(EC)as nucleophile and hydrochloric acid as catalyst.With the yield of PCC1 as the evaluation index,the degradation conditions were optimized by Box-Behnken Design(BBD)based on the results of single-factor experiments.The results showed that the optimal conditions were reaction temperature of 40℃,the ratio of EC and PPCs 2:1,acidity of 0.10 mol/L,and reaction time of 20 min.The yield of PCC1 reached up to 17.7 mg by only one-step degradation of 3 g PPCs.This work proposed a new method for large preparation of PCC1 from waste grape seed polymeric procyanidins.

Effect of enzymatic extraction conditions on the yield and the polymerization degree of procyanidins

Grape seeds are rich sources of procyanidin(PCs)known for potential health benefi ts.In this study,PCs were extracted from defatted grape seeds by enzymatic method in which pectinase and cellulase were used.The enzyme extraction process was further optimized by single factor experiment and response surface methodology.The optimal conditions were as follows:ethanol concentration of 70%,extraction time of 70 min,extraction temperature of 35℃,liquid/solid ratio of 103:1(mL/g),pectinase/cellulase ratio of 1:1,enzyme/solid ratio of 1:314 w/w.Under the above conditions,the extraction yields and mean degree of polymerisation(mDP)of PCs reached 47.18 mg/g dry material weight and 11.2,respectively.Compared with other extraction methods,enzyme extraction can obtain PCs with higher yield and lower mDP.According to the antioxidant activity test,PCs extracts with lower mDP showed better ability to clear 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical(DPPH).Enzymatic extraction was an effi cient method to obtain oligomeric procyanidin which has stronger antioxidant activity.

Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract Alleviates Arsenic-induced Oxidative Reproductive Toxicity in Male Mice

Objective To determine the ability of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract （GSPE） in alleviating arsenic-induced reproductive toxicity. Methods Sixty male Kunming mice received the following treatments by gavage： normal saline solution （control）; arsenic trioxide （ATO; 4 mg/kg）; GSPE （400 mg/kg）; ATO＋GSPE （100 mg/kg）; ATO＋GSPE （200 mg/kg） and ATO＋GSPE （400 mg/kg）. Thereafter, the mice were sacrificed and weighed, and the testis was examined for pathological changes. Nuclear factor （erythroid-derived 2）-like 2 （Nrf2）, heme oxygenase 1 （HO1）, glutathione S-transferase （GST）, NAD（P）H dehydrogenase, and quinone 1 [NQO1） expression in the testis was detected by real-time PCR. Superoxide dismutase （SOD）, glutathione （GSH）, total antioxidative capability （T-AOC）, malondialdehyde （MDA）, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine （8-OHdG）, and reproductive indexes were analyzed. Results ATO-treated mice showed a significantly decreased sperm count and testis somatic index and activity levels of SOD, GSH, and T-AOC than control group. Compared to the ATO-treated group, ATO ＋GSPE group showed recovery of the measured parameters. Mice treated with ATO＋high-dose GSPE showed the highest level of mRNA expression of Nrf2, HO, NO.O1, and GST. Conclusion GSPE alleviates oxidative stress damage in mouse testis by activating Nrf2 signaling, thus counteracting arsenic-induced reproductive toxicity.

Inhibitory Effects of Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract on Selenite-induced Cataract Formation and Possible Mechanism

This study investigated the inhibitory effect of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract(GSPE) on selenite-induced cataract formation in rats and the possible mechanism.Eighty 8-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into 5 groups:control group,model group,three GSPE groups(low dose,medium dose and high dose).Control group received subcutaneous injection of physiological saline.Model group was given subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite(20 μmol/kg body weight) on the postpartum day 10,and once every other day for consecutive three times thereafter.GSPE treated groups were respectively administered GSPE at doses of 50,100,and 200 mg/kg body weight intragastrically 2 days prior to the selenite injection(that was,on the postpartum day 8),and once daily for fourteen consecutive days thereafter.The opacity of lenses was observed,graded and photographed under the slit lamp microscopy and the maximal diameter of the nuclear cataract plaques was measured.The lenses were analyzed for superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-PX),malondialdehyde(MDA),calcium(Ca 2+),nitric oxide(NO) and anti-hydroxyl radical ability(anti-OH).The histomorphology of lenses was observed with HE staining under a light microscope.The levels of calpainⅡ,and iNOS protein and mRNA expression in lenses were detected by using immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative RT-PCR.The results showed subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite led to severe nuclear cataract in model group,and the achievement ratio of model group was 100%.As compared with model group,the degree of lenses opacity and the maximal diameter of nuclear cataract plaques were significantly reduced in GSPE-treated groups.Moreover,we observed selenite treatment caused a significant decrease in the activities of antioxidative enzymes(SOD,CAT,GSH-PX) and anti-OH ability,accompanied by a significant increase in the levels of MDA,NO,Ca 2+ as well as iNOS,and calpainⅡ protein and mRNA expression.Administration of GSPE could dose-dependently preserve the activities of these antioxidative enzymes and anti-OH ability,accompanied by a significant reduction in the levels of MDA,NO,Ca 2+ as well as iNOS,and calpainⅡ protein and mRNA expression.These results suggested that GSPE markedly prevented selenite-induced cataract formation probably by suppressing the generation of lipid peroxidation and free radicals as well as the activation of iNOS,and calpainⅡ in the lenses.

Neuroprotective Effects of Grape Seed Procyanidin Extracton Ischemia-Reperfusion Brain Injury

Objective Oxidative stress （OS） plays a crucial role in ischemic stroke. Grape seed procyanidin extract （GSPE） was reported to be a critical regulator of OS. We hypothesized that GSPE might also be protective in ischemia-reperfusion brain injury. This study aimed to explore whether GSPE administration can protect mice from ischemia-reperfusion brain injury. Methods Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion （MCAO） was conducted followed by reperfusion for 24 hours to make ischemia-reperfusion brain injury in mice that received GSPE （MCAOG, n=60） or normal saline （MCAONS, n=60）. Sham-operated mice （GSPE group and normal saline group） were set as controls. The neurological severity score （NSS） was used to evaluate neural function impairment 1 hour, 24 hour, 3 days and 7 days after MCAO. Mice underwent brain T2WI imaging with a 3T animal MRI scanner 24 hours after reperfusion, and the stroke volume of brains were calculated according to abnormal signal intensity. Immunohistopathological analysis of brain tissues at 24 h after reperfusion was performed for neuronal nuclear antigen （NeuN）, CD34, Bcl-2, and Bax. Glutathione peroxidation （GSH-Px） activity and the level of malonaldehyde （MDA） of brain tissue were also examined. The above indexes were compared among the groups statistically.Results Significant functional improvement was observed 24 hours after MCAO in MCAOG group compared to MCAONS group （P〈0.05）. MCAOG group had smaller cerebral stroke volume （22.46 ± 11.45 mm3 vs. 47.84±9.06 mm3, P〈0.05） than MCAONS group 24 hours after MCAO. More mature NeuN-immunoreactive neurons and more CD34-positive cells in peri-infarct zones were observed in brain tissue of MCAOG mice 24 h after MCAO than that of MCAONS mice （both P〈0.05）. MCAONS mice had significantly higher number of Bax-positive cells in brain tissue than MCAOG （P〈0.05）. The mean MDA level was significantly lower （P〈0.05） and the GSH-Px activity was significantly higher （P〈0.05） in brains of MCAOG mice compared to those of MCAONS mice. Conclusion GSPE administration protects mice from ischemia-reperfusion brain injury through attenuating oxidative stress and apoptosis, promoting angiogenesis, and activating antioxidant enzyme GSH-Px. GSPE may represent a new therapeutical direction for the treatment of ischemia-reperfusion brain injury.

Quantitative Mitochondrial Proteomics Study on Protective Mechanism of Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extracts Against Ischemia/Reperfusion Heart Injury in Rat

Cardiac ischemia/reperfusion（I/R） injury is a critical condition,often associated with high morbidity and mortality.The cardioprotective effect of grape seed proanthocyanidin extracts（GSPE） against oxidant injury during I/R has been described in previous studies.However,the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated.This study investigated the effect of GSPE on reperfusion arrhythmias especially ventricular tachycardia（VT） and ventricular fibrillation（VF）,the lactic acid accumulation and the ultrastructure of ischemic cardiomyocytes as well as the global changes of mitochondria proteins in in vivo rat heart model against I/R injury.GSPE significantly reduced the incidence of VF and VT,lessened the lactic acid accumulation and attenuated the ultrastructure damage.Twenty differential proteins related to cardiac protection were revealed by isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation（iTRAQ） profiling.These proteins were mainly involved in energy metabolism.Besides,monoamine oxidase A（MAOA） was also identified.The differential expression of several proteins was validated by Western blot.Our study offered important information on the mechanism of GSPE treatment in ischemic heart disease.

Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract Ameliorates Streptozotocin-induced Cognitive and Synaptic Plasticity Deficits by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Preserving AKT and ERK Activities

Progressive memory loss and cognitive impairment are the main clinical manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease(AD).Currently,there is no effective drug available for the treatment of AD.Previous studies have demonstrated that the cognitive impairment of AD is associated with oxidative stress and the inhibition of AKT and ERK phosphorylation.Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract(GSPE)has been shown to have strong antioxidant effect and can protect the nervous system from oxidative stress damage.This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of GSPE on the cognitive and synaptic impairments of AD using a sporadic AD rat model induced by intracerebroventricular(ICV)injection of streptozotocin(STZ)(ICV-STZ).Rats were treated with GSPE(50,100,or 200 mg/kg every day)by intragastrical(ig.)administration for continuous 7 weeks,and ICV-STZ(3 mg/kg)was performed on the first day and third day of week 5.Learning and memory abilities were assessed by the Morris water maze(MWM)test at week 8.After behavioral test,hippocampal long-term potentiation(LTP)was recorded,and the levels of malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutases(SOD),glutathione(GSH)and the protein expression of AKT and ERK were measured in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of rats.Our study revealed that ICV-STZ significantly impaired the working learning ability and hippocampal LTP of rats,significantly increased the levels of MDA,and decreased the activity of SOD and GSH in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex.In contrast,GSPE treatment prevented the impairment of cognitive function and hippocampal LTP induced by ICV-STZ,decreased the level of MDA,and increased the level of SOD and GSH.Furthermore,Western blot results showed that GSPE treatment could prevent the loss of AKT and ERK activities in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex induced by ICV-STZ.Our findings demonstrate that GSPE treatment could ameliorate the impairment of cognitive ability and hippocampal synaptic plasticity in a rat model of sporadic AD by inhibiting oxidative stress and preserving AKT and ERK activities.Therefore,GSPE may be an effective agent for the treatment of cognitive deficits associated with sporadic AD.

Beneficial clinical effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract on the progression of carotid atherosclerotic plaques

Background Atherosclerotic plaques indicate the occurrence of ischemia events and it is a difficult task for clinical physicians. Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract （GSPE） has been reported to exert an antiatherogenic effect by inducing regression of atherosclerotic plaques in animal experimental studies. In this study, the antiatherogenic effect of GSPE has been investigated in clinical use. Methods Consecu- tive 287 patients diagnosed with asymptomatic carotid plaques or abnormal plaque free carotid intima-media thickness （CIMT） were ran- domly assigned to the GSPE group （n = 146） or control group （n = 141）. The patients in the GSPE group received GSPE 200 mg per day orally, while patients in the control group were only enrolled in a lifestyle intervention program. Carotid ultrasound examination was per- formed at baseline and 6, 12, 24 months during follow-up. Mean maximum CIMT （MMCIMT）, plaque score, echogenicity of plaques and ischemic vascular events were recorded. Results As anticipated, after treatment, GSPE resulted in significant reduction in MMCIMT pro- gression （4.2% decrease after six months, 4.9% decrease after 12 months and 5.8% decrease after 24 months） and plaque score （10.9% de- crease after six months, 24.1% decrease after 12 months and 33.1% decrease after 24 months） for the primary outcome, while MMCIMT and plaque score were stable and even increased with the time going on in control group. The number of plaques and unstable plaques also de- creased after treatment of GSPE. Furthermore, the carotid plaque can disappear after treatment with GSPE. The incidence rate for transitory ischemic attack （TIA）, arterial revascularization procedure, and hospital readmission for unstable angina in GSPE group were statistically significant lower （P = 0.02, 0.08, 0.002, respectively） compared with the control group. Conclusions GSPE inhibited the progression of MMCIMT and reduced carotid plaque size in GSPE treated patients, and with extended treatment, the superior efficacy on MMCIMT and carotid plaque occurred. Furthermore, the GSPE group showed lower rates of clinical vascular events.

Effects of grape seed extract on meat color and premature browning of meat patties in high-oxygen packaging

This study investigated the effects of grape seed extract(GSE)on fresh and cooked meat color and premature browning(PMB)in ground meat patties(85% beef and 15% pork back fat)packaged under high-oxygen modified atmospheres(HiOx-MAP).The GSE was added to patties at concentrations of 0,0.10,0.25,0.50 and 0.75 g kg^(-1).This study evaluated the surface color,pH,lipid oxidation,and total viable counts(TVC)of raw patties,and the internal color and pH of patties cooked to a temperature of 66 or 71℃ over 10-day storage at 4℃.Compared with the control(0 g kg^(-1) GSE),GSE improved the color stability(P<0.05)and significantly inhibited the lipid and myoglobin oxidation of raw patties from day 5 to 10,but GSE had no effect(P>0.05)on TVC.Patties containing 0.50 and 0.75 g kg^(-1) GSE cooked to 66℃ exhibited greater(P<0.05)interior redness than the control and reduced the PMB of cooked patties in the late storage stage.These results suggested that 0.50 and 0.75 g kg^(-1) GSE can improve fresh meat color and minimize PMB of HiOx-MAP patties.

Grape Seed Procyanidin Extract Reduces Arsenic- Induced Renal Inflammatory Injury in Male Mice

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the ability and mechanism by which grape seed procyanidin extract （GSPE） relieves arsenic trioxide （As2O3）-induced renal inflammatory injury. Therefore, male Kunming mice were treated with As2O3 and/or GSPE by gavage for 5 weeks. Mice were then sacrificed and inflammatory cytokines of kidneys were examined by ELISA, whereas the expression levels of molecules involved in the nuclear factor （NF）-KB signaling pathway were evaluated by both qRT-PCR and Western blot. Our results indicate that GSPE prevents As2O3-mediated renal inflammatory injury by inhibiting activation of the NF-KB signaling pathway and inflammatory cytokine production, while promoting expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines.

In vitro Evaluating the Influence of Grape Seed Polyphenol Extract on the Digestibility of Macronutrients

Interaction between dietary polyphenol and proteins including digestive enzymes may result in reduced digestibility of food macronutrients, thus lowering absorption of nutrients that contributing to high energy accumulation in human body. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of grape seed polyphenol extract （GSPE） on the digestibility of starch, food lipid and food protein by digestive enzymes such as u-amylase, lipase, pepsin and trypsin. The digestion of each substrate was conducted at the optimal pH and temperature of specific enzyme. Bread containing different amount of grape pomace was used as a real food model and its digestion was conducted under simulated digestion condition. Concentrations of reducing sugar, fatty acid and amino acids in enzyme digested mixtures were determined as indicators of starch, lipid and protein digestions, respectively. Results indicate that GSPE significantly inhibited the digestion of starch, cooking oil and casein, but did not inhibit digestion of whey protein and egg white protein. Instead, the digestion of egg white and whey protein by trypsin was moderately enhanced in the presence of GSPE. However, under simulated human digestion condition, the grape pomace in the bread significantly reduced the digestibility of bread starch and protein.

Role of survivin in apoptosis induced by grape seed procyanidin extract in human bladder cancer BIU87 cells

Objects： The aim of this study was to research the effect of grape seed procyanidin extract （GSPE） on cell apotosis in human bladder cancer BIU87 cells and investigate its molecular mechanism. Methods： BIU87 cells were treated with different concentrations of GSPE and cultured for 24 h in vitro while untreated group as control, MTT[3- （4,5-dimethylthiazole- 2-yl） -2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay, Hoechst 33258 stainning, flow cytometry, RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the apoptotic induction effect of GSPE on BIU87 cells. Results： We found that GSPE induced cell apoptosis in BIU87 cells by a dose-dependent manner. Semiquantitated RT-PCR and Western blot analyses indicated that GSPE increased the expression of caspase-3 and decreased the expression of survivin （P 〈 0.01）. Conclusion： GSPE induces apoptosis in BIU87 cells in vitro, and the effect maybe related with its down-regulation of survivin.

Vitamin C, Grape Seed Extract and Citrus Bioflavonoids Protect the Skin against Photoaging: A Review

The skin is a major protective organ of the body. It is constantly exposed to the environment and is very resilient. But exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun results in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequent inflammatory responses that can overwhelm the innate protective mechanisms of the skin. This results in damage and premature aging. Strategies to mitigate this premature photoaging might include avoidance of sunlight. However, some sunlight exposure is beneficial to health. One notable example of this is the production of vitamin D. A more practical approach to preventing adverse effects of UV light in the skin is antioxidant supplementation. Dietary antioxidants may help control ROS propagation following UV light exposure. To further evaluate the utility of antioxidants in protecting the skin, in vitro, in vivo and human studies of three well known dietary antioxidants are reviewed and discussed. The data clearly demonstrate that vitamin C, grape seed extract and citrus bioflavonoids have the potential to reduce the damaging effects of excess sun exposure via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating mechanisms. As such, regular ingestion of dietary antioxidants appears to be a useful strategy for protecting the skin against photoaging.

Grape Seed Extract and the Fetal Ductus Arteriosus: A Potential Danger of a Common Herbal Supplement

A female at 28 weeks gestation was referred to pediatric cardiology for a fetal arrhythmia. The echocardiogram revealed premature constriction of the fetal ductus arteriosus. Her work up was unremarkable except for her use of an herbal supplement, grape seed extract, which is advertised as a potent anti-inflammatory medication, and has biochemical properties similar to other medications that have been shown to cause premature ductal constriction. The use of herbal remedies increases each year. Although the public is inundated with radio, television, and internet advertisements for these products, little unbiased information regarding the possible dangers of toxicity or adverse reactions exists. As physicians, we need to be aware of these products, and counsel our patients accordingly.

In vitro antimicrobial effects of grape seed extract on peri-implantitis microflora in craniofacial implants

Objective:To determine the antimicrobial effects of grape seed on peri-implantitis microflora.Methods:The grape seed extract was tested against peri-implantitis microflora most commonly found in craniofacial implants including reference strains of Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus),Escherichia coli(E.coli),Candida albicans(C.albicans)and clinical strains of S.aureus,Klebsiella pneumonia(K.pneumonia)and Candida parapsilosis(C.parapsilosis)by disk diffusion test.Minimum inhibitory concentrations(MIC)and minimum cidal concentrations(MCC)were determined using modified agar dilution millpore method.The extract was further combined with polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol,and was tested for antimicrobial effects.Results:Grape seed extract showed positive inhibitory effects with S.aureus at MIC of 0.625 mg/mL and MCC of1.25 mg/mL respectively.However the extracts showed minimal or no reactivity against strains of E.coli,K.pneumonia,C.parapsilosis and C.albicans.The use of grape seed extract in combination with polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol also showed dose dependent inhibitory effect on S.aureus.Conclusions:The results of the study showed that grape seed has potential antimicrobial effects which can be further studied and developed to be used in the treatment of infected skinabutment interface of craniofacial implants.

Grape Seed Extract (<i>Vitisvinifera</i>) Alleviate Neurotoxicity and Hepatotoxicity Induced by Lead Acetate in Male Albino Rats

Grape seed extracts (GSE) are very potent antioxidant and exhibit numerous interesting pharmacologic activities, including an antioxidant property, and has been suggested to be of use in treatment of several diseases. The present study has been undertaken to investigate the protective and therapeutic effect of GSE against lead-induced neuro and hepatotoxicity in rat. Male albino rats were divided into six groups: the 1st group, rats were injected daily with saline vehicle and served as negative control, the 2nd group (positive control group), the rats were injected (i.p.) with subacute dose (100 mg/kg b·w/day) of lead acetate (LA). The 3rd group (protective group), the rats were injected (i.p.) with LA (100 mg/kg b·w/day) for 7 days after treatment with GSE (100 mg/kg b·w/day) for 3 weeks. The 4th, 5th and 6th groups (therapeutics groups), rats were injected (i.p.) with subacut dose (100 mg/kg b·w/day) of lead acetate for 7 days, then treated with GSE (100 mg/kg b·w/day) for one, two and three weeks, respectively. The level of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindol acetic acid (5-HIAA) were evaluated in brain regions (cerebellum, brainstem, striatum, cerebral cortex, hypothalamus and hippocampus). The result indicated that the administration of subacute dose of LA (100 mg/kg/day, i.p.) induce a significant decrease in NE, DA, 5-HT and 5-HIAA content in all tested brain regions. Also the obtained data showed significant increase in liver enzymes: serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level in group 2 (positive control). There is an improvement in neurotransmitters content. Also the obtained data showed significant in- crease in liver enzymes of protective (G3) and therapeutics groups (G4, G5 and G6) which received GSE compared with animal group that received lead acetate (G2). This is may be the presence of proanthocyanidins and procyanidins which have antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities. The result suggests that grape seed extract may prevent lead-induced neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity.

The Protective Effect of Grape Seed Extract on Cardiotoxicity Induced by Doxorubicin Drug in Male Rats

Objective: This work was designed to determine the productive effect of grape seed proanthocynadine extract (GSPE) and Vitamin E against Doxorubicin (DOX) induced myocardial toxicity in 50 male. Wister rates were divided in five groups. The 1st group was untreated and served as a control. The 2nd group was treated with DOX only, the 3rd group was pretreated with GSPE, the 4th group was pretreated with Vitamin E, and the 5th group was pretreated with GSPE and Vitamin E. DOX was administered by single i.p (Intraperitonial) injection of 15 mg/kg/body weight to induce cardio toxicity and Vitamin E was administered at a dose of 400 IU/kg/bodyweight/day, p.o (per oral) for 10 days prior to DOX administration [1]. GSPE was given at a dose of 150 mg/kg/bodyweight/ day, p.o (per oral) for 10 days before treatment with DOX. After 2 weeks experimental period, blood samples and heart tissues were taken from all groups. The general observations, mortality, histopathology, biomarker enzymes like Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Antioxidants such as Glutathione (GSH), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were monitored after 2 weeks of the last dose. Results: Administration of DOX caused cardiomyopathy associated with an antioxidant deficiency. Pretreatment with GSPE and Vitamin E significantly (P < 0.01) protected the myocardium from the toxic effects of DOX by reducing the elevated level of biomarkers and diagnostic enzymes like LDH, CPK, AST, and ALT to normal levels. GSPE and Vitamin E increased the GSH, SOD and CAT levels and decreased the MDA levels in cardiac tissue. Conclusion: These results suggest a cardioprotective effect of GSPE and Vitamin E due to its antioxidant properties.

Studies on Growth-promoting Function and Mechanism of Extract from Grape Seed and Sweet Wormwood on Monopterus albus

[Objectives]The effect and mechanism of grape seed and sweet wormwood extract on growth of Monopterus albus were studied.[Methods]1 500 healthy M.albus with average mass of 23.8 g/tail were randomly divided into 5 groups.The control group was fed with basal diet and the experimental groups were fed with 10,20,30 and 40 g/kg of grape seed and sweet wormwood extract,respectively.The growth performance of the fish was measured after 60 d of feeding at 23-28℃.[Results]The addition of grape seed and sweet wormwood extract in basal diet could increase the body weight gain rate,specific growth rate and protein efficiency,and decrease the feed coefficient.The activity of digestive enzymes,glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase,glutamic-pyruvic transaminase,blood alkaline phosphatase and serum total protein was increased,and the contents of blood glucose and triglyceride were decreased.Compared with the control group,the above indexes showed significant difference(P<0.05)when the dosage was 20 and 30 g/kg(P<0.05).The difference was not significant(P>0.05)when the dosage was 10 and 40 g/kg(P>0.05).[Conclusions]As a feed additive,the plant extract from grape seed and sweet wormwood could increase digestive enzyme activity and regulate blood biochemical parameters of fish body.It had the function of promoting the digestion and absorption,enhancing the metabolic activity of 3 main nutrients,and hastening the growth of fish.

Grape Seed Extract Attenuates Demyelination in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Mice by Inhibiting Inflammatory Response of Immune Cells

Objective: To examine the anti-inflammatory effect of grape seed extract(GSE) in animal and cellular models and explore its mechanism of action. Methods: This study determined the inhibitory effect of GSE on macrophage inflammation and Th1 and Th17 polarization in vitro. Based on the in vitro results, the effects and mechanisms of GSE on multiple sclerosis(MS)-experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE) mice model were further explored. The C57BL/6 mice were intragastrically administered with 50 mg/kg of GSE once a day from the 3rd day to the 27th day after immunization. The activation of microglia, the polarization of Th1 and Th17and the inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), IL-6, IL-12, IL-17and interferon-γ(IFN-γ) secreted by them were detected in vitro and in vivo by flow cytometry, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), immunofluorescence staining and Western blot, respectively. Results: GSE reduced the secretion of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in bone marrow-derived macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide(P<0.01), inhibited the secretion of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, IL-17 and IFN-γ in spleen cells of EAE mice immunized for 9 days(P<0.05 or P<0.01), and reduced the differentiation of Th1 and Th17 mediated by CD3 and CD28 factors(P<0.01). GSE significantly improved the clinical symptoms of EAE mice, and inhibited spinal cord demyelination and inflammatory cell infiltration. Peripherally, GSE downregulated the expression of toll-like-receptor 4(TLR4) and Rho-associated kinase(ROCKⅡ, P<0.05 or P<0.01), and inhibited the secretion of inflammatory factors(P<0.01 or P<0.05). In the central nervous system, GSE inhibited the infiltration of CD45+CD11b+and CD45+CD4+cells, and weakened the differentiation of Th1 and Th17(P<0.05). Moreover, it reduced the secretion of inflammatory factors(P<0.01), and prevented the activation of microglia(P<0.05). Conclusion: GSE had a beneficial effect on the pathogenesis and progression of EAE by inhibiting inflammatory response as a potential drug and strategy for the treatment of MS.

Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract induced mitochondria-associated apoptosis in human acute myeloid leukaemia 14.3D10 cells

The important aim in cancer treatment is the selective killing of cancer cells without damaging healthy cells and the most commonly used chemotherapy for eliminating cancer is achieved by activating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Therefore, identification of new agents that can selectively kill cancer cells becomes crucial in cancer clinical treatment.