Oral Administration Of Bilberry Extract Protects Visual Function In Mouse Model Of Retinal Inflammation

Abstract

Purpose: : Bilberry extract attracts public attention as a health food worldwide and is approved as a medical drug in some countries. It involves anthocyanin, a flavonoid, and is anticipated as an antioxidant for human health and disease prevention. However, its biological effects on visual function remain to be elucidated. In this study, we investigate a protective effect of bilberry extract against retinal damage in the mouse model of endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU).

Methods: : Male C57/B6 mice at the age of 6 week were prepared. Bilberry extract was administrated once per day for 4 days. A single intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce EIU was followed by the final administration of bilberry extract. Effects of bilberry extract were evaluated at 24 hours after LPS injection. Level of rhodopsin protein was measured by immunoblot analysis and length of the outer segment (OS) in photoreceptor cells was, histologically. Dark-adapted full-field electroretiongram was recorded to analyze visual function.

Results: : Treatment with bilberry extracts prevented reduction of rhodopsin protein and shortening of the OS in the retina with inflammation. Impairment in a- and b-wave responses in ERG during EIU was also avoided by administration of bilberry extracts.

Conclusions: : These results suggest that supplementation of bilberry extract has a protective effect on visual function during retinal inflammation.

Keywords: antioxidants • neuroprotection