Our articles

Direct effects of Vaccinium myrtillus L. fruit extracts on rat heart mitochondrial functions

Journal: 

Phytotherapy Research

Publication Year: 
2013
Authors: 

Trumbeckaite S, Burdulis D, Raudone L, Liobikas J, Toleikis A, Janulis V.

Abstract: 

In this study, the direct influence of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) fruit extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) rich in anthocyanins on the oxidative phosphorylation of isolated rat heart mitochondria was investigated in vitro. Higher concentrations of bilberry extracts concentration-dependently inhibited mitochondrial state 3 respiration (by 23%-61%) with pyruvate plus malate, mildly (by 1.2- to 1.3-fold) uncoupled the oxidative phosphorylation, and increased (by 30%-87%) the state 4 respiration rate in the presence of exogenous cytochrome c.

Anthocyanins block ischemia-induced apoptosis in the perfused heart and support mitochondrial respiration potentially by reducing cytosolic cytochrome c.

Journal: 

International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Publication Year: 
2013
Authors: 

Skemiene K, Rakauskaite G, Trumbeckaite S, Liobikas J, Brown GC, Borutaite V.

Abstract: 

Anthocynanins, found in fruits and vegetables, have a variety of protective properties, which have generally been attributed to their antioxidant capacity. However, antioxidants are generally strong reductants, and some reductants have been found to block apoptosis by reducing cytosolic cytochrome c, which prevents caspase activation. We tested the ability of various anthocyanins: to reduce cytochrome c, to support cytochrome c-induced mitochondrial respiration and to inhibit apoptosis induced by heart ischemia.

Protecting the heart against ischemia/reperfusion-induced necrosis and apoptosis: the effect of anthocyanins

Journal: 

Medicina

Publication Year: 
2013
Authors: 

Skemiene K, Jablonskiene G, Liobikas J, Borutaite V.

Abstract: 
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: It is well known that cardiomyocyte apoptosis contributes to ischemic heart damage. There is also increasing evidence that the polyphenolic compounds of natural origin, such as anthocyanins, may attenuate ischemia/reperfusion injury though the mechanisms of such protection are not clear.

Influence of ethanol extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves on the isolated rat heart work and mitochondria functions

Journal: 

J. Cardiovasc. Pharmacol.

Publication Year: 
2012
Authors: 

Baliutyte G, Baniene R, Gendviliene V, Martisiene I, Trumbeckaite S, Borutaite V, Toleikis A.

Abstract: 

In this study, we attempted to elucidate whether the effects of ethanol extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves (GBE) observed previously on isolated rat heart mitochondria may be realized in situ (in case of isolated heart perfused under normal conditions and under ischemia-reperfusion). We found that GBE at low concentrations (0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 μL/mL) does not affect the heart rate and parameters of electrocardiogram (ECG) but produces a small increase in the coronary flow.

Uncoupling and antioxidant effects of ursolic acid in isolated rat heart mitochondria

Journal: 

Journal of Natural Products

Publication Year: 
2011
Authors: 

Liobikas J, Majiene D, Trumbeckaite S, Kursvietiene L, Masteikova R, Kopustinskiene DM, Savickas A, Bernatoniene J.

Abstract: 

Ursolic acid (1), a pentacyclic triterpene acid, is one of the major components of certain traditional medicinal plants and possesses a wide range of biological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and cytotoxic activities. Furthermore, 1, when present at 1.6-5 ng/mL concentrations in commercial herbal preparations used for patients with cardiac disorders, may also exert pro-cardiac activities.

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