Can lychee reducing the adipose tissue mass in rats?

ABSTRACT Lychee fruit has been studied owing to the presence of several bioactive compounds that can contribute to weight loss in obese individuals. However, the anti-obese potential of the fruit has not been explored yet. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different parts of lychee in reducing the adipose tissue mass of cafeteria diet-fed rats. Phenolic compounds and scavenging capacities were quantified. The food intake, apparent digestibility, weight of the body and liver, body mass, Lee Index, and the mass of epididymal and visceral adipose tissues were evaluated. The results were estimated by Tukey's Test at 5% probability. A higher amount of phenolic compounds and scavenging capacity were observed in the peel of lychee as compared to the other parts of the fruit. The hypercaloric diet with lychee flour resulted in a higher apparent digestibility. There was no difference between groups control (C), hypercaloric (H), hypercaloric with lychee flour - 50.00% peel and 50.00% seeds (H2F), and hypercaloric with lychee flour - 33.33% peel, 33.33% pulp and 33.34% seeds (H3F) with respect to body and liver weight, corporal mass, and Lee Index. The hypercaloric diet-fed group exhibited an increase in visceral and epididymal adipose tissue mass, whereas the group fed with hypercaloric diets and flour made from the peel and seed of lychee presented a lower visceral adipose tissue mass. In conclusion, the use of lychee flour was considered viable because it decreased visceral adipose tissue mass in rats.

Effect of Total Flavonoids from Litchi chinensis Sonn on Expression of TGF-β1 Receptor and Collagen in Rats with Liver Fibrosis / 医药导报

Objective To observe the prevention and treatment of the total flavonoids from Litchi chinensis Sonn( TFL) on hepatic fibrosis induced by dimethylnitrosamine(DMN)in rats, and to explore its mechanism. Methods Ninety SD rats were randomly divided into six groups, normal control group, model control group, colchicine group, high-, medium- and low-dose TFL group(n=15).Expect for normal control group, the other groups were given intraperitoneal injection of 2 mL.kg-1 of 5% dimethylnitrosamine for 4 weeks as the model group. The rats in the normal control group and model control group were given 5 mL.kg-1of 0.9% sodium chloride solution, colchicine group was treated with 0.1 mg.kg-1 colchicine.High-, medium-and low-dose TFL groups were given 200, 100 and 50 mg.kg-1 of TFL.The rats were sacrificed and the livers were harvested and stained with HE and Masson staining to observe pathological changes and liver fibrosis in the same part 6 weeks after all the medicine was given to the rats each day. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of the transforming growth factor β-Ⅰ/type Ⅱ receptor ( TβRⅠ/Ⅱ) , collagen Ⅰ( Col Ⅰ) and Ⅲ collagen ( Col Ⅲ) . Results Compared with the normal control group, the semiquantitative score of liver fiber and the protein expression of TβRⅠ, TβRⅡ, ColⅠ and Col Ⅲ in the model control group were significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model control group, the protein expression levels of TβR, TβRⅡ, ColⅠand ColⅢwere significantly decreased( P<0.01) in the high-,medium-and low-dose TFL group.The semiquantitative score of liver fiber was significantly decreased( P<0.01) with a dose-effect relationship. Conclusion TFL can inhibit formation of DMN-induced liver fibrosis in rats, which may be related with reduction of expression of TβRⅠ/Ⅱ of hepatic fibrosis promoting factor TGF-β1 , inhibition of the activation and increase of hepatic stellate cells, reduction of the collagen content.

Composição química e fitoquímica das farinhas da casca e da semente de lichias (Litchi chinensis Sonn) cultivar 'Bengal' / Chemical and phytochemical composition of flours from skin and seeds of 'Bengal' lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn)

Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a composição química e fitoquímica das farinhas da casca e da semente de lichias (Litchi chinensis Sonn), família Sapindaceae, da cultivar 'Bengal'. A composição centesimal, o valor energético total, sólidos solúveis, pH, acidez e os teores de compostos fenólicos, antocianinas, flavonoides, minerais, açúcares, vitamina C e a triagem fitoquímica foram determinados. A farinha da casca de lichia apresentou os maiores teores de flavonoides, vitamina C, compostos fenólicos, antocianinas, lipídios, proteínas, cinzas e fibras, enquanto a farinha da semente se destacou pelos teores de potássio, enxofre, cobre e zinco. Ambas as farinhas apresentaram resultado positivo para açúcares redutores, proteína e aminoácidos, taninos, catequinas, flavonoides, depsídeo e depsidonas. Somente a farinha da casca apresentou resultado positivo para alcaloides. As farinhas dos subprodutos da lichia apresentaram-se como fontes promissoras de nutriente e substâncias bioativas, no entanto suas propriedades biológicas devem ser estudadas.

This study had the objective to determine the chemical and phytochemical composition of flours from skin and seeds of 'Bengal' lychees (Litchi chinensis Sonn), Sapindaceae family. Proximate composition, total energy value, soluble solids, pH, acidity and levels of phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, flavonoids, minerals, sugars, vitamin C and the phytochemical screening were determined. Lychee skin flour presented the highest levels of flavonoids, vitamin C, phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, lipids, proteins, ash and fiber, while the seed flour stood out for the contents of potassium, sulfur, copper, and zinc. Both flours were positive for reducing sugars, protein and amino acids, tannins, catechins, flavonoids, depsides and depsidones. Only the skin flour showed a positive result for alkaloids. The flours made from lychee by-products were promising sources of nutrients and bioactive substances; however, their biological properties need to be further studied.

Effects of the total flavone of litchi chinensis sonn on expressions of NF-κB andα-SMA in TGF-β1 activated rat hepatic stellate cells / 天津医药

Objective To investigate the effects of total flavonoids of litchi chinensis sonn (TFL) on cell proliferation and the molecular mechanism in rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC-T6) activated by growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Methods HSC-T6 cells were treated by 0.25%Trypsin-EDTA and then were digested into single cell suspension by DMEM (10%FBS included), which were mixed with TGF-β1 (5μg/L). (1) MTT method was used to detect the proliferation of HSC-T6 cells. Cells were cultured in 96-well plate and were treated by different concentrations of TFL including TGF-β1 group, the control group (5‰DMSO included), and different concentrations of TFL groups (80, 160, 320, 640 and 800 mg/L TFL). Each group has three wells. The absorbance (A) value was measured by enzyme standard meter at the 490 nm wavelength after 24 h, 48 h and 72 h treatment. The cell inhibitory rate was calculated. The subsequent experimental drug concentration and drug treatment time were determined according to half inhibitory concentration (IC50). (2) The expression levels of NF-κB andα-SMA mRNA were detected by PCR (for mRNA) and Western blot assay (for protein). Cells were cultured in the 10 cm culture dish and were divided into different TGF-β1 groups, including TGF-β1 group, the control group (5‰DMSO included), and different concentrations of TFL groups (125, 250 and 500 mg/L TFL). After 48 h, related indicators were measured. Results At the same treatment time point, with the increased concentrations of TFL, A values were gradually decreased, and the cell inhibitory rates were gradually increased. There were no significant differences in the expressions of NF-κB andα-SMA mRNA between TGF-β1 group and control group. And there were no significant differences in the expressions of NF-κB andα-SMA mRNA between TFL125 group, TGF-β1 group and control group. There was a gradually decrease in the expressions of NF-κB andα-SMA mRNA and protein with the increased concentrations of TFL. Conclusion TFL can inhibit TGF-β1-induced HSC-T6 cell proliferation, which is involved in the inhibited expressions of NF-κB andα-SMA to anti-fibrotic effects in liver fibrosis.

An Experimental Study of Total Flavone from Litchi Chinensis Sonn Improving Symptoms of Cholestatasis in BDL Rats / 天津医药

Objective To observe the effects of total flavone from litchi chinensis sonn (TFL) on the liver function in-cluding p16 protein, pro collagen type 3 (PC3) and pro collagen typeⅠ(PCⅠ) in model rats with liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation. Methods Forty rats were randomly divided into four groups:sham operation (SO) group, bile duct liga-tion (BDL) group, TFL group and silibinin (SIL) group. Rats were gavaged with saline (5 mL·kg-1·d-1) in SO and BDL group, rats were gavaged with TFL (200 mL·kg-1·d-1) in TFL group and rats were gavaged with SIL (5 mL·kg-1·d-1) in SIL group for four weeks. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin direct (BILD) and bilirubin total (BILT) were detected in four groups. The liver tissues were stained by HE and Masson methods. The ex-pression levels of p16, PC3 and PCⅠin liver tissues were determined by Western blot assay. Results The serum levels of ALT (44.6 IU/L±8.0 IU/L), AST (103.8 IU/L±18.1 IU/L), BILD (0.76 μmol/L±0.28μmol/L) and BILT (1.48μmol/L±0.35μmol/L) were lower in SO group. There was a higher level of ALT in BDL group (147.4 IU/L±86.3 IU/L) than that of TFL group (92.9 IU/L±47.3 IU/L). The serum level of ALT was higher in AST group (362.7 IU/L±106.6 IU/L) than that of TFL group (290.1 IU/L ± 171.7 IU/L) and SIL group (250.2 IU/L ± 54.9 IU/L). The serum level of BILD was lower in BDL group (99.71μmol/L±40.87μmol/L) than that of SIL group (137.01μmol/L±38.86μmol/L). The serum levels of BILD and BILT were significantly lower in TFL group (81.48μmol/L±47.50μmol/L, 106.64μmol/L±61.04μmol/L) than those of SIL group (P<0.05). There were small amount of new bile duct and no obvious cells degeneration, small amount of infiltration of in-flammatory cells and collagen deposition in TFL group. The liver fibrosis improved significantly in TFL group than that of BDL group. There were more new bile duct in hepatic portal area in SIL group than those of TFL group. The expression levels of p16, PC3 and PCⅠwere significantly higher in BDL group than those of TFL group. The expression level of PC3 was significantly lower in BDL group than that of SIL group. The expression level of PCⅠwas significantly higher in BDL group than that of SIL group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression level of p16 between BDL group and SIL group. The expression levels of PC16 and PC3 were significantly lower in TFL group than those of SIL group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the ex-pression level of PCⅠbetween TFL group and SIL group. Conclusion TFL can improve the liver function in model rats with choles-tatic liver fibrosis and reduce liver fibrosis, which may be related with inhibitory effects on the expressions of p 16, PC3 and PCⅠ.

Pós-colheita de lichia 'Bengal' tratada com etileno e 1-metilciclopropeno / Postharvest of lychee 'Bengal' treated with ethylene and 1-methylcyclopropene

Objetivou-se determinar as respostas fisiológicas e bioquímicas associadas ao uso de etileno e 1-metilciclopropeno (1-MCP) na conservação pós-colheita de lichias, assim como a influência desses tratamentos isolados ou combinados no escurecimento desses frutos. Após a colheita, foram aplicados os seguintes tratamentos: sem aplicação de 1-MCP ou etileno; etileno (20µL L-1, por 6 horas); 1-MCP (300nL L-1, por 12 horas) e etileno (20µL L-1, por 6 horas) + 1-MCP (300nL L-1, por 6 horas). Após os tratamentos, os frutos foram armazenados a 5°C e 90 por cento UR durante 30 dias, sendo avaliados a cada 10 dias (+3 dias de comercialização simulada a 25°C e 65 por cento UR). Avaliou-se a produção de etileno, taxa respiratória, sólidos solúveis (SS), perda de massa fresca, coloração (luminosidade - L* e a*) e atividade da polifenoloxidase (PPO). A produção de etileno e taxa respiratória não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos e os SS decresceram ao longo do armazenamento, mas também sem diferenças entre os tratamentos. A atividade da enzima PPO foi aumentada, sendo correlacionada com os índices decrescentes de L* e a* presentes nos frutos, ocorrendo, paralelamente, aumento da perda de massa dos frutos. Conclui-se que o escurecimento do pericarpo da lichia está relacionado à perda de massa fresca e aumento da atividade da PPO e que nenhum dos tratamentos utilizados evitou o escurecimento dos frutos.

The objective was to determine the physiological and biochemical changes associated with the use of ethylene and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on postharvest conservation of lychees as well as the influence of these treatments alone or in combination on skin browning of fruit. After harvest, it was applied the following treatments: without application of 1-MCP or ethylene, ethylene (20mL L-1 for 6 hours), 1-MCP (300nL L-1 for 12h) and ethylene (20mL L-1 for 6 hours) + 1-MCP (300nL L-1 for 6 hours). After treatments, fruits were stored at 5°C and 90 percent RH for 30 days and were evaluated every 10 days (+3 days of simulated marketing at 25°C and 65 percent RH). The ethylene production, respiration rate, soluble solids (SS), weight loss, color (lightness - L * and a*) and polyphenoloxidase activity (PPO) were evaluated. Ethylene production and respiration rate showed no significant differences between treatments, and SS decreased over the storage, but there was also no difference between treatments. The enzyme activity showed an increase in PPO, which was correlated to the decreasing rates of L * and a*, occurring in parallel, increased fruit weight loss. It is concluded that the skin browning of lychee is related to weight loss and increased activity of PPO, and that none of the treatments prevented the sking browning of fruit.

Pré-resfriamento em água de lichia 'B3' mantida em armazenamento refrigerado / Hydrocooling of 'B3' lychee fruit maintained in cold storage

Este experimento visou a estudar o efeito de diferentes temperaturas e tempos de pré-resfriamento em água sobre a qualidade de lichias 'B3', após a frigoconservação. Os tratamentos foram: T1 = controle (sem pré-resfriamento); T2 = imersão por cinco minutos em água a 2,5°C; T3 = imersão por 10 minutos em água a 2,5°C; T4 = imersão por 20 minutos em água a 2,5°C; T5 = imersão por sete minutos em água a 6°C; T6 = imersão por 20 minutos em água a 8°C e T7 = imersão por 10 minutos em água a 10°C. Após a aplicação dos respectivos tratamentos, os frutos foram acondicionados em filmes de polietileno de 24µm, selados e posteriormente armazenados a 5°C e 90 por cento UR, por um período de sete dias, seguido por três dias de comercialização simulada a 20°C e 70 por cento UR. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, com tratamentos fatoriais de 7x3 (tratamentosxtempo). Foram utilizadas quatro repetições por tratamento, sendo cada uma composta por 150g de frutos. Determinaram-se: perda de massa fresca, coloração (L*, a e b), escurecimento ( por cento) e podridões ( por cento). De acordo com os resultados, o pré-resfriamento com água reduz a percentagem de escurecimento, o decréscimo da luminosidade (L*) e os valores de a. Por outro lado, esse tratamento favorece o surgimento de altos índices de podridão.

This project studied the effects of different precooling temperatures and times with water on lychee 'B3' fruit quality cold storage. The treatments were: T1 = control (without precooling); T2 = immersed in water at 2.5°C for five minutes; T3 = immersed in water at 2.5°C for ten minutes; T4 = immersed in water at 2.5°C for 20 minutes; T5 = immersed in water at 6°C for seven minutes; T6 = immersed in water at 8°C for 20 minutes and T7 = immersed in water at 10°C for ten minutes. After treatments application, the fruits were then placed into polyethylene bags of 24µm, sealed, and stored for seven days at 5°C and 90 percent RH, plus 3 days at 20°C and 70 percent RH to simulate commercial conditions. Completely randomized experimental design, with factorial 7x3 (treatments x time). The research used four replicates for treatment, approximately 150g. It was determined: weight loss, color (L*, a and b), browning ( percent) and rots ( percent). According to the results, the lychee hydrocooling reduced the browning percentage, the brightness decrease (L *) and a values. In the other hand, this treatment also resulted in higher percentage of rots.