One of the most common diseases of old age in modern societies is glaucoma. It is strongly connected with increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and could permanently damage vision in the affected eye. As there are only a limited number of chemical compounds that can decrease IOP as well as blood flow in eye vessels, the up-to-date investigation of new molecules is important. The chemical composition of the dried Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) polar, iridoid-polyphenol-rich fraction was investigated. Loganic acid (50%) and pelargonidin-3-galactoside (7%) were found as the main components. Among the other constituents, iridoid compound cornuside and the anthocyans cyanidin 3-O-galactoside, cyanidin 3-O-robinobioside, and pelargonidin 3-O-robinobioside were quantified in the fraction. In an animal model (New Zealand rabbits), the influence of loganic acid and the polyphenolic fraction isolated from Cornelian cherry fruit was investigated. We found a strong IOP-hypotensive effect for a 0.7% solution of loganic acid, which could be compared with the widely ophthalmologically used timolol. About a 25% decrease in IOP was observed within the first 3 hours of use.

Background. Cyclophosphamide (CPX) has many adverse effects, partly due to oxidative stress induction in various tissues. Morin is one of the natural flavonoids with strong antioxidant properties. Objectives. The aim of the current research was to estimate the influence of morin on changes in antioxidant parameters in rat livers after cyclophosphamide administration. Material and Methods. The study was performed on Wistar rats. The rats in Group C received 0.9% saline; those in Group CX received cyclophosphamide (CPX); and those in Group M-CX received CPX with morin. Cyclophosphamide and morin were given by gastric gavage for 10 consecutive days at doses of 15 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, respectively. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) concentrations, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and catalase (CAT) activity were determined in liver tissue homogenates. Results. CPX caused a significant decrease in SOD activity and GSH levels, but only the latter was fully restored by morin. There were no significant differences in CAT activity in the various groups. CPX also insignificantly decreased MDA levels, which was aggravated by co-administration of morin. Conclusions. The results obtained indicate that morin may exert some protective action on CPX-induced changes in the antioxidant state in rat livers (Adv Clin Exp Med 2014, 23, 4, 505-509).

Obtained results of ADMA/DDAH pathway parameters require further research.

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Influence of ezetimibe on ADMA/DDAH/NO pathway demonstrated in this work may suggest protective properties of this drug on rat livers injured by IR and, to a lower extent, on livers non-subjected to IR.