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Open Access Publications from the University of California

Scholarly Works (2 results)

  • Article
  • Peer Reviewed
Nutrition Noteworthy, Volume 6, Issue 1 (2003)

Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) is a popular dietary supplement that has been shown to have a wide variety of beneficial actions. First brought into public consciousness as one of the key active components of red wine, proanthocyanidins are bioavailable in plasma and have potent antioxidant activity. Their free radical scavenging properties are greater than popular antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, and GSPE shows a superior ability to protect cells against lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation. GSPE also exhibits cardioprotective effects by preserving myocardial function after ischemia and reperfusion, and reduces total cholesterol levels in combination with the anti-aging supplement chromium polynicotinate through a synergistic effect. GSPE has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, while encouraging growth in normal human cells and protecting normal human cells against the toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents. Proposed mechanisms for GSPE's activity towards cancer cells include GSPE-modulated upregulation of bcl-Xs and JNK genes leading to apoptosis, as well as downregulation of bcl-Xl expression and mitogenic signaling to promote cell growth. Toxicity and mutation studies have demonstrated the safety of GSPE, supporting the use of GSPE as a health supplement.

    Cover page: Health Benefits of Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract (GSPE)
    • Article
    • Peer Reviewed
    UC Davis Previously Published Works (2013)
    Minocycline normalizes synaptic connections and behavior in the knockout mouse model of fragile X syndrome (FXS). Human-targeted treatment trials with minocycline have shown benefits in behavioral measures and parent reports. Event-related potentials (ERPs) may provide a sensitive method of monitoring treatment response and changes in coordinated brain activity. Measurement of electrocortical changes due to minocycline was done in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover treatment trial in children with FXS. Children with FXS (Meanage 10.5 years) were randomized to minocycline or placebo treatment for 3 months then changed to the other treatment for 3 months. The minocycline dosage ranged from 25-100 mg daily, based on weight. Twelve individuals with FXS (eight male, four female) completed ERP studies using a passive auditory oddball paradigm. Current source density (CSD) and ERP analysis at baseline showed high-amplitude, long-latency components over temporal regions. After 3 months of treatment with minocycline, the temporal N1 and P2 amplitudes were significantly reduced compared with placebo. There was a significant amplitude increase of the central P2 component on minocycline. Electrocortical habituation to auditory stimuli improved with minocycline treatment. Our study demonstrated improvements of the ERP in children with FXS treated with minocycline, and the potential feasibility and sensitivity of ERPs as a cognitive biomarker in FXS treatment trials.
      Cover page: Electrocortical changes associated with minocycline treatment in fragile X syndrome
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