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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.

We have shown that both iridoids and anthocyanins help prevent fed-induced atherosclerosis, and the consumption of fruits rich in these substances may elicit beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system.

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BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the influence of propranolol, nebivolol, and carvedilol on intraocular pressure and blood flow in vessels of rabbit’s (New Zealand White) eyeball.MethodsThe study was carried out on New Zealand white rabbits. Intraocular pressure was measured with the applanation tonometer Möller–Wedel and Icare; blood flow was measured with Doppler Laser Blood Flow Monitor MBD3.ResultsFollowing a single administration into a conjunctival sac, all drugs decreased intraocular pressure. Iris blood flow was decreased following administration of propranol, but increased by nebivolol and carvedilol. After single and repeated oral administration of nebivolol and carvedilol an IOP decrease was demonstrated, but with no effect of all applied doses on iris or retina/choroid blood flow.ConclusionStudies performed on an animal model indicate that it is possible to reduce the intraocular pressure and increase ocular blood flow in humans, following topical administration of carvedilol and nebivolol. Confirmation of those results in clinical trials may lead to development of a new anti-glaucoma treatment. Further clinical studies of long-term nebivolol and carvedilol are recommended. They are necessary for evaluation of usefulness of those drugs for selected groups of patients, for example those with glaucoma and arterial hypertension.

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Heavy metal influence on the environment and humans is well known, although not all aspects are fully understood. Increased manufacturing and industrial growth without any proper approach for usage, distribution, and storage of heavy metals might lead to a very dangerous influence not only on an entire ecosphere, but also might affect human health. Because of different forms of exposure to heavy metals, different forms of after-exposure diseases might appear. Exposure by air, water, direct contact, and even by consumption -along with other less common ways of exposure -have been mentioned globally [1].Soil and water exposed to heavy metals results in both animal and plant metal poisoning. Humans at the end of the food chain are exposed on any long-or short-term influence of heavy metal poisoning [2]. Many variables are related to poison activity on humans and the environment. Factors such as age, coexisting other diseases, and time and type of exposure are very important. Different topics are related to the environment. Type of soil, insolation, and closure to any human habitats and other factors should always be considered when discussing heavy metal exposure. Accumulation of heavy metals is dangerous for the environment. A special focus should be particularly used in order to avoid improper heavy metal disposal and increase a safe and long-term method for waste storage [3]. In order to fully understand the impact of heavy metals on humans and the environment is unlikely to improve factory production and safety standards [4].Evaluate and describe briefly how lead and cadmium heavy metal exposure influences the sight organ and discuss whether it is a common or rare occurrence.Pol. J. Environ. Stud. Vol. 24, No. 4 (2015) AbstractNowadays heavy metals in the environment and everyday life are very common. Their usage and influence in industry is essential. Quite often not only the environment but also general human health might be impacted by their use and presence. Metal poisoning and its effect on living structures and tissues impacts their condition. The environment and every living species in it are heavily vulnerable to any heavy metal exposure and might lead to catastrophic natural disasters. In humans skin irritations and general diseases are not so common, but they do appear, and everyone should be aware of this. In this paper we focus on a very special topic related to heavy metal exposure to eyesight and their influence on this important organ. Lead and cadmium are the most common heavy metals used almost everywhere.