Systemic epigallocatechin gallate protects against retinal degeneration and hepatic oxidative stress in the P23H-1 rat

Retinitis pigmentosa(RP) is a group of inherited retinal disorders that lead to photoreceptor loss.RP has been reported to be related to oxidative stress,autophagy,and inflammation.(-)-Epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG),the most abundant catechin-based flavonoid in green tea leaves,has significant antioxidant,anti-carcinogenic,antimicrobial,and neuroprotective properties.EGCG,given its low molecular weight and hydrophilic properties,can cross the blood-retinal barrier and is able to reach different ocular tissues such as the lens,cornea,and retina.EGCG has been shown to provide retinal protection against ischemia;sodium nitroprusside-,N-methyl-D-aspartate-,lipopolysaccharide-,light-,sodium iodate-,or H2 O2-induced damage and diabetic retinopathy.This suggests that systemic EGCG administration has the potential to protect against retinal degenerative or neurodegenerative diseases such as RP.The aim of this work was to investigate whether EGCG can protect against RP progression in the animal P23 H line 1,the model of RP.Albino P23 H rats were crossed with pigmented Long Evans rats to produce offspring exhibiting the clinical features of RP.Pigmented P23 H rats were treated via intraperitoneal injection with saline or EGCG at a dose of 25 mg/kg every week from P100 to P160 and then compared to wild-type Long Evans rats.Rats treated with EGCG showed better visual and retinal electrical function with increased contrast sensitivity and b-wave values compared with those observed in P23 H rats treated with vehicle.EGCG reduced lipid peroxidation and increased total antioxidant capacity and catalase and superoxide dismutase activities.No differences were observed in visual acuity,nitrate levels,nitrite levels or glutathione S-transferase activity.In conclusion,EGCG not only reduced the loss of visual function in P23 H rats but also improved the levels of antioxidant enzymes and reduced oxidative damage.This study was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee(CEICA) from the University of Zaragoza under project license PI12/14 on July 11,2014.

Netflix： A New Business Model in the Distribution of Audiovisual Content

In the past two decades, the development of certain technologies, in particular Internet and mobile devices （tablet PCs, laptops, mobile telephones, etc.）, has brought about new habits of consuming audiovisual products, predominantly among the youngest consumers. A new demand has arisen that has changed the channels of cinematographic exploitation and has allowed the growth of new business initiatives, such as new business models for distributing audiovisual content. The central aim of this paper is to analyse this new business model and to identify the main characteristics of the pioneering company in this sector, Netflix.