Pyridine pigments from functional Monascus rice / 药学学报

The trace chemical components in functional Monascus rice were studied to explore the potential bioactive substances. MCI column, Sephadex LH-20 gel, and preparative liquid chromatography were used to purified the ethyl acetate extract from functional Monascus rice. Two novel pyridine Monascus pigments were isolated and identified, named monascopyridine G (1) and monascopyridine H (2), respectively based on extensive mass spectrometry (MS), infrared radiation (IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. The molecular docking experiments between compounds 1 and 2 and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) showed that they exhibited obvious binding force with the receptor protein. Besides, the biosynthetic pathways of the two compounds were proposed, which provide a valuable reference for the selective production of these potential bioactive substances.

Effects of Zhibitai capsule combined with pitavastatin calcium tablets on coronary heart disease complicated with diabetes mellitus / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the effects of Zhibitai capsule combined with pitavastatin calcium tablets on blood lipids, blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin in patients with coronary heart disease complicated by diabetes mellitus. Methods:A total of 100 patients with coronary heart disease and diabetes mellitus who received treatment in The Third Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University from January 2017 to June 2020 were included in this study. They were divided into a control group ( n = 50) and an observation group ( n = 50) according to different treatment methods. Both groups were given conventional treatment such as pitavastatin calcium tablets. The control group was given pitavastatin calcium tablets based on conventional treatment. The observation group was given Zhibitai capsule combined with pitavastatin calcium tablets based on conventional treatment. After 6 months of treatment, serum levels of triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, and glycated hemoglobin were compared between the two groups. Results:After treatment, serum levels of triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin in the observation group were (4.26 ± 0.67) mmol/L, (1.85 ± 0.38) mmol/L, (3.16 ± 0.27) mmol/L, (8.29 ± 1.07) mmol/L, and (8.20 ± 0.77)%, respectively, and they were (4.50 ± 0.39) mmol/L, (1.99 ± 0.19) mmol/L, (3.28 ± 0.27) mmol/L, (8.80 ± 0.66) mmol/L, (8.54 ± 0.74)%, respectively in the control group. After treatment, these indices in each group were decreased compared with those before treatment (control group: t = 19.56, 14.60, 10.66, 8.60, 10.18; observation group: t = 15.04, 14.68, 11.36, 12.36, 12.89, all P < 0.05). After treatment, these indices in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t = -2.12, -2.23, 2.26, -2.84, -2.44, all P < 0.05). After treatment, the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the observation and control groups was (1.16 ± 0.18) mmol/L and (1.09 ± 0.13) mmol/L, respectively. After treatment, the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in each group was increased compared with that before treatment (control group: t = -11.10, observation group: t = -11.07, P < 0.05). After treatment, the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group ( t = 2.11, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Zhibitai capsule combined with pitavastatin calcium tablets can greatly improve the level of blood lipids and blood glucose in patients with coronary heart disease complicated by diabetes mellitus.

Research progress of clinical application of Zhibitai capsule / 中国基层医药

Dyslipidemia is the pathological basis of the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis. It is a major independent risk factor for hypertension, coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. Regulating blood lipid level plays an important role in decreasing the incidence of cardio-cerebrovascular disease. Zhibitai capsule, a lipid-regulating Chinese medicine, has the similar effect to statins. We searched animal experiment studies, clinical trials and reviews in China National Knowledge Infrastructure to analyze the application value and advantages of Zhibitai capsule.

Dos interesantes contaminantes fúngicos filamentosos en muestras clínicas positivas a Trychophyton rubrum: una situación de curiosidad morfológica / Two interesting filamentous fungal contaminants in clinical samples positive to Trychophyton rubrum: a situation of morphological curiosity

Las dermatofitosis corresponden a un grupo de enfermedades micóticas comunes en piel y fanéreas, donde Trichophyton rubrum es el agente causante más frecuente a nivel mundial y presente en nuestros 2 casos de pacientes masculinos con estas micosis, una en uñas y la otra en piel. Sin embargo, el enfoque de esta publicación se basa principalmente en la presencia de 2 interesantes contaminantes (uno en cada caso clínico) presentes solo en los cultivos de las primeras siembras como saprófitos y por ende como propágulos de dispersión, asociados al ambiente y sin intervención clínica demostrada en ambas micosis. La descripción morfofisiológica de estos 2 contaminantes Metarhizium purpureo-genum(similis) y Monascus ruber fue más bien una curiosidad esencial que el micólogo clínico adquiere en su contínua formación y ante la posibilidad de infecciones mixtas, pudiendo conjugar sus hallazgos junto al análisis taxonómico y los factores geográficos y edáficos asociados a su distribución. (AU)

Dermatophytoses belongs to a group of common mycotic diseases in skin and pharynals, where Trichophyton rubrum is the most frequent causative agent worldwide and present in our 2 cases of male patients with these mycoses, one in nails and the other in skin. However, the focus of this publication is mainly about the presence of 2 interesting contaminants (one in each clinical case) present only in the crops of the first sowings as saprophytes and therefore as dispersal propagules, associated with the environment and without clinical intervention demonstrated in both mycoses. The morphophysiological description of these 2 contaminants, Metarhizium purpureogenum (similis) and Monascus ruber was rather an essential curiosity that the clinical mycologist acquires in his continuous training and in the face of the possibility of mixed infections, being able to combine his findings together with the taxonomic analysis and the geographic and edaphic factors associated with its distribution. (AU)

Recovery of Red Pigments from Monascus purpureus FTC 5357 by Extraction of Fermented Solids: Operational Conditions and Kinetics

Abstract Solvent extraction of red pigments from fermented solids is reported. The pigments were produced by solid-state fermentation of oil palm frond (OPF) biomass with the food-safe fungus Monascus purpureus FTC 5357. The effects of extraction solvent and other operational conditions (pH, temperature, agitation rate, contact time) on the recovery of pigments are discussed. The recovery was maximized using aqueous ethanol (60% ethanol by vol) as solvent at pH 6, 30 °C, with an extraction time of 16 h and an agitation rate of 180 rpm. A fermented solids dry mass of 1 g was used for each 160 mL of solvent during extraction. The kinetics of extraction were assessed by fitting the experimental data to different models. Peleg's model proved to be the best for describing solid-liquid extraction of the pigments under the above specified conditions. The highest extraction yield of red pigments under the above specified optimal conditions was 207(6.08 AU g(1 dry fermented solids.

Six new monacolin analogs from red yeast rice / 中国天然药物

Six novel monacolin analogs, monacolins V-V (1-6), together with seven known ones (7-13), were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of red yeast rice. Their structures and absolute configurations were determined by spectroscopic methods, especially 2D NMR (H-HCOSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY/ROESY) and CD spectroscopic analyses as well as chemical derivation. Monacolins V (2) and V (3) represent the first examples of monacolins with 3-hydroxybutyrate substitute. The anti-inflammatory inhibitory activities against the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced NO production in BV-2 cells as well as antioxidant activities against rat liver microsomal lipid peroxidation were evaluated.

Effects of hurdle technology on Monascus ruber growth in green table olives: a response surface methodology approach

ABSTRACT An ascomycetes fungus was isolated from brine storage of green olives of the Arauco cultivar imported from Argentina and identified as Monascus ruber. The combined effects of different concentrations of sodium chloride (3.5-5.5%), sodium benzoate (0-0.1%), potassium sorbate (0-0.05%) and temperature (30-40 °C) were investigated on the growth of M. ruber in the brine of stored table olives using a response surface methodology. A full 24 factorial design with three central points was first used in order to screen for the important factors (significant and marginally significant factors) and then a Face-Centered Central Composite Design was applied. Both preservatives prevented fungal spoilage, but potassium sorbate was the most efficient to control the fungi growth. The combined use of these preservatives did not show a synergistic effect. The results showed that the use of these salts may not be sufficient to prevent fungal spoilage and the greatest fungal growth was recorded at 30 °C.

Trace phenolic compounds from Red Yeast Rice / 中国中药杂志

Trace chemical constituents from the ethyl acetate extract of Red Yeast Rice were investigated. Four phenolic compounds were isolated by various column chromatographies, and their structures were identified on the basis of spectroscopic analysis including UV, MS, IR and NMR. The four compounds were identified as 2-methyl-5-(2'R-methyl-4'-hydroxy-butyl)-cinnamic acid(1), 5-(2'-hydroxy-6'-methyl phenyl)-3-methylfuran-2-carboxylic acid(2), daidzein(3), and genistein(4). Compound 1 was new and 2 was firstly discovered from the genus Monascus, while 3-4 were obtained from Red Yeast Rice for the first time.

Study on transformation of ginsenoside Rg3 fermented by Monascus purpureus / 中草药

Objective: To explore the solid fermentation process of Panax ginseng by Monascus purpureus, which can transfer some major ginsenoside into rare ginsenoside Rg3 with stronger biological activity. Methods: The static dark culture method was used to perform microbial fermentation; Vanilline-glacial acetic acid method was used to detect the total saponins before and after fermentation, and the ginsenoside Rg3 was detected by HPLC. Results: The optimum process parameters of Monascus purpureus fermentation was fermentation 6 d, fermentation temperature 32 ℃, pH 7.0, and water content of substrate 50%. After 6 d of fermentation, the content of total saponins in fermentation products increased by 40%, and the content of ginsenoside Rg3 was 6.047 mg/g, which was 2.3 times as much as that of non-fermented P. ginseng. According to the change of monomer saponin content along with the fermentation time, it was deduced that the transformation path was Rb1 (Rb2)→Rd→Rh2→Rg3. Conclusion: The solid fermentation process of Monascus purpureus established in this study is reasonable, which not only lays a foundation for the directional production of rare saponins Rg3 but provides a theoretical support for preparing rare ginsenoside in vitro.

Lipid regulating effect of mixture fermentation products of Crataegi Fructus, Alismatis Rhizoma, and Cassiae Semen with Monascus purpureus on hyperlipidemic rats / 中草药

Objective: To explore the lipid regulating effect of fermentation product of Crataegi Fructus, Alismatis Rhizoma, and Cassiae Semen on hyperlipidemic rats. Methods: SD rats were fed with high fat diet and established as hyperlipidemia animal model, the subjects were divided into six groups: control group, model group, positive control group, fermentation product prevention group, red yeast rice group, and fermentation product treatment group. After four weeks continuous oral administration, the effect of different medicine samples on serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) of hyperlipidemic rats were observed to assess the regulation effect. Results: Four weeks' continuous oral administration could regulate the TC, TG, LDL-C levels significantly lower (P < 0.001) and HDL-C level significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the prevention group compared with the model group. After modeling, continuous administration for four weeks, compared with the levels before giving medicines, TC, TG, LDL-C levels of positive control group and fermentation product treatment group were significantly regulated lower (P < 0.05, 0.01) and HDL-C level significantly increased (P < 0.05, 0.01). while the only TC and LDL-C levels in red yeast rice group showed significant effect. Conclusion: Product of lipid-lowering traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) treated by solid-state fermentation with Monascus purpureus could effectively inhibit the formation of foodborne hyperlipidemia, as well as control and regulate hyperlipidemia, and synergistic effect also appeared between ingredients from TCMs and lovastatin.

Partial Purification and Characterization of β-glucosidase from Monascus sanguineus

The aim of the present work was to study the production and characterization of β-glucosidase from Monascus sanguineus. Agro-waste residues were screened to obtain the maximum yield of enzyme. Jack fruit seed was the best substrate for enzyme production. Studies on the optimization of pH and temperature showed acidic pH favorable for enzymatic activity, whereas the optimum temperature was 60°C. Enzyme kinetics studies with different concentration of pNPG showed the calculated value of Km approximately 0.89 mM with the non-linear regression and 0.98 mM with the linear regression techniques. The enzyme was predominantly inhibited by KCl (69.8%) and moderately inhibited by CaCl2 (14.8%). Studies on the sensitivity for glucose showed that after 100 mM concentration of glucose, inhibition in pNPG hydrolysis took place. The molecular weight of the protein was estimated as 116 and 66 kDa with SDS- PAGE and zymography was carried out to verify the specific activity.

Monascus pilosus-fermented black soybean inhibits lipid accumulation in adipocytes and in high-fat diet-induced obese mice

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the anti-obesity effects and the mechanism of action of Monascus pilosus(M. pilosus)-fermented black soybean (MFBS) extracts (MFBSE) and MFBS powders (MFBSP) in adipocytes and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice, respectively.@*METHODS@#Black soybean was fermented with M. pilosus, and the main constituents in MFBS were analyzed by HPLC analysis. In vitro, MFBSE were examined for anti-adipogenic effects using Oil-Red O staining. In vivo, mice were fed a normal-fat diet (NFD) control, HFD control or HFD containing 1 g/kg MFBSP for 12 weeks, and then body weight gain and tissues weight measured. Real-time PCR and western blot assay were used to determine the mechanism of anti-adipogenic effects.@*RESULTS@#MFBSE inhibited lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes without exerting cell cytotoxicity. MFBSP treatment in HFD-fed mice significantly decreased the body weight gain compared with the HFD control mice. MFBSE and MFBSP treatment resulted in significantly lower mRNA levels of adipogenesis-related genes, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ(PPAR γ), fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4), and fatty acid synthase (FAS), in adipocytes and in white adipose tissue (WAT) of HFD-induced obese mice.@*CONCLUSIONS@#These results suggest that the anti-obesity effects of MFBS are elicited by regulating the expression of adipogenesis-related genes in adipocytes and WAT of HFD-induced obese mice.

Quality Standard for Highland Barley Monascus / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

This article is aimed to establish the method of quality standards for highland barley Monascus.Microscopic and TLC were adopted to identify Araliataibaiensis. Referring the relevant method in Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2010 edition) for the determination of its moisture, total ash, acid insoluble ash and extracts,lovastatin in acid and lactone form was determined using high performance liquid chromatography. The characteristics of highland barley Monascus in microscopic and TLC were obvious and specific. The contents in barley red yeast are: water 6.04%-8.78%, total ash 2.15%-2.92%, acid insoluble ash 0.23%-0.29%, water extracts 27.99%-30.17%; alcohol extracts 14.12%-18.51%. The ranges of lovastatin in acid and lactone form are 0.11%-0.29% and 0.02%-0.08%, respectively. The established method is simple, accurate, reliable and duplicable, and can be used to control the quality of highland barley Monascus.

Monascus pilosus-fermented black soybean inhibits lipid accumulation in adipocytes and in high-fat diet-induced obese mice

Objective: To explore the anti-obesity effects and the mechanism of action of Monascus pilosus(M. pilosus)-fermented black soybean (MFBS) extracts (MFBSE) and MFBS powders (MFBSP) in adipocytes and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice, respectively. Methods: Black soybean was fermented with M. pilosus, and the main constituents in MFBS were analyzed by HPLC analysis. In vitro, MFBSE were examined for anti-adipogenic effects using Oil-Red O staining. In vivo, mice were fed a normal-fat diet (NFD) control, HFD control or HFD containing 1 g/kg MFBSP for 12 weeks, and then body weight gain and tissues weight measured. Real-time PCR and western blot assay were used to determine the mechanism of anti-adipogenic effects. Results: MFBSE inhibited lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes without exerting cell cytotoxicity. MFBSP treatment in HFD-fed mice significantly decreased the body weight gain compared with the HFD control mice. MFBSE and MFBSP treatment resulted in significantly lower mRNA levels of adipogenesis-related genes, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ(PPAR γ), fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4), and fatty acid synthase (FAS), in adipocytes and in white adipose tissue (WAT) of HFD-induced obese mice. Conclusions: These results suggest that the anti-obesity effects of MFBS are elicited by regulating the expression of adipogenesis-related genes in adipocytes and WAT of HFD-induced obese mice.

Discussion on quality standards of lipid-reducing Monascus product / 中草药

The status related to the quality standards of lipid-reducing Monascus product was introduced in this paper. The contents of several existing standards involved with lipid-reducing Monascus product in China were mainly discussed. Some of the standards lack inclusiveness and rationality, which makes too specific regulations on the fermentation strains and raw materials. Some of the standards lack scientificity in structure and test method of monacolin K. In some standards, the restricted concentration of citrinin is too harsh, which is out of the sensitivity of the existing instrument and also lacks operability. It is suggested that more scientific and reasonable standards should be established to promote the development of lipid-reducing Monascus product.

Monascus pilosus-fermented black soybean inhibits lipid accumulation in adipocytes and in high-fat diet-induced obese mice

Objective: To explore the anti-obesity effects and the mechanism of action of Monascus pilosus (M. pilosus)-fermented black soybean (MFBS) extracts (MFBSE) and MFBS powders (MFBSP) in adipocytes and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice, respectively. Methods:Black soybean was fermented with M. pilosus, and the main constituents in MFBS were analyzed by HPLC analysis. In vitro, MFBSE were examined for anti-adipogenic effects using Oil-Red O staining. In vivo, mice were fed a normal-fat diet (NFD) control, HFD control or HFD containing 1 g/kg MFBSP for 12 weeks, and then body weight gain and tissues weight measured. Real-time PCR and western blot assay were used to determine the mechanism of anti-adipogenic effects. Results: MFBSE inhibited lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes without exerting cell cytotoxicity. MFBSP treatment in HFD-fed mice significantly decreased the body weight gain compared with the HFD control mice. MFBSE and MFBSP treatment resulted in significantly lower mRNA levels of adipogenesis-related genes, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4), and fatty acid synthase (FAS), in adipocytes and in white adipose tissue (WAT) of HFD-induced obese mice. Conclusions: These results suggest that the anti-obesity effects of MFBS are elicited by regulating the expression of adipogenesis-related genes in adipocytes and WAT of HFD-induced obese mice.

Clinical study on cholesterol-lowering effect of RYR Cholestin among Americans with moderate hy-percholesterolemia / 上海预防医学

[Objective] To evaluate lipid -lowering efficacy and safety of RYR Cholestin , or Monascus purpureus (Red Yeast) Rice, in Americans with moderate hypercholesterolemia. [Methods] This study was an open-label, self-control, and multi-center clinical trial.A total of 187 subjects were entered into this trial (serum LDL-Cholesterol 3.50~4.92 mmol/L,total cholesterol 5.18~7.25 mmol/L, male:female=116∶71) , of whom 162 completed the study .Subjects were placed on the NCEP Step I Diet throughout the study and RYR Cholestin (2.4 g/day) was administered for 8 weeks following initial 4-week diet control . [ Results] Being on the diet alone for 4 weeks resulted in no significant changes in serum lipids .RYR Cholestin treatment for 8 weeks reduced serum total cholesterol , LDL-Cholesterol and triglycerides by 16 .6%, 24 .0%, and 25 .2%, respectively , and increased HDL-Cholesterol by 14 .3%( all P<0 .001 ) .There were 97 .5% of patients having ≥10% improvement in at least one of lipid risk factors, and 79.0%having ≥20% improvement.Discontinuation of RYR Cholestin intervention for 14 d led to a return of serum lipids to baseline of pre -study .And 29 possible product -related mild adverse re-actions were reported . [ Conclusion] RYR Cholestin is well tolerated and effective in reducing total and LDL-Cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as in increasing HDL-Cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic patients, but those indicators return to the beginning baseline when the treatment is discontinued .

Dietary effects of black bean fermented by Monascus pilosus on body weight, serum lipid profiles and activities of hepatic antioxidative enzymes in mice fed high fat diets

The anti-obesity effects of fermented black bean were tested with mice fed a high fat diet for seven weeks. Body weight gain and feed efficiency ratio (FER) in the high fat diet control (HC) group were markedly higher, compared with those of the normal control (NC) group, but were significantly lower in the 2% black bean powder supplemented high fat diet (BB) group and 2% black bean powder fermented by M. pilosus supplemented high fat diet (BBM) group, compared with those of the HC group. Food intake in the HC and BB groups was significantly lower than that of the NC and BBM groups. Water intake in the HC group was significantly lower than that of the NC group, but was higher in the BB and BBM groups, compared with that of the HC group. On the other hand, relative liver and kidney weight in the HC group was lower than that of the NC group, but was higher in the BB and BBM groups, compared with that of the HC group. In addition, whereas epididymal fat weight in the HC group was markedly higher than that of the NC group, it was significantly lower in the BB and BBM groups, compared with that of the HC group. Meanwhile, hepatic GSH in the HC group was significantly lower than that of the NC group, but was slightly higher in the BB and BBM groups, compared with that of the HC group. Although hepatic LPO in the HC group was dramatically higher than that of the NC group, it was significantly lower in the BB and BBM groups, compared with that of the HC group. In addition, serum TG, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol in the HC group was significantly higher than that of the NC group, but was significantly lower in the BB and BBM groups, compared with that of the HC group. On the contrary, HDL-cholesterol in the HC group was significantly lower than that of the NC group, but was higher in the BB and BBM groups, compared with that of the HC group. In addition, activity of XOR D type in the HC group was lower than that of the NC group, but was slightly higher in the BB and BBM groups, compared with that of the NC group. Activities of ROS scavenging enzymes, such as SOD, GPX, and GST in the HC group were significantly lower than those of the NC group, but were significantly higher in the BB and BBM groups, compared with those of the HC group. In addition, serum ALT activity in the HC and BB groups was higher than that of the NC group, but was significantly lower in the BB and BBM groups, compared with that of the HC group. In histopathological findings, hepatic fat accumulation in the HC group was higher than that of the NC group, but was lower in the BBM group, compared with that of the HC and BB groups. In particular, antiobese, hypolipidemic, and antifatty liver effect of black bean powder fermented by M. pilosus was specifically higher than that of non-fermented steamed black bean. In conclusion, the constituents of black bean fermented by Monascus pilosus have been proven to not only inhibit obesity and hyperlipidemia but also decrease hepatic fat accumulation in high fat diet-induced obese mice.

Nutrients interaction investigation to improve Monascus purpureus FTC5391 growth rate using Response Surface Methodology and Artificial Neural Network

Aims: Two vital factors, certain environmental conditions and nutrients as a source of energy are entailed for successful growth and reproduction of microorganisms. Manipulation of nutritional requirement is the simplest and most effectual strategy to stimulate and enhance the activity of microorganisms. Methodology and Results: In this study, response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) were employed to optimize the carbon and nitrogen sources in order to improve growth rate of Monascus purpureus FTC5391, a new local isolate. The best models for optimization of growth rate were a multilayer full feed-forward incremental back propagation network, and a modified response surface model using backward elimination. The optimum condition for cell mass production was: sucrose 2.5%, yeast extract 0.045%, casamino acid 0.275%, sodium nitrate 0.48%, potato starch 0.045%, dextrose 1%, potassium nitrate 0.57%. The experimental cell mass production using this optimal condition was 21 mg/plate/12days, which was 2.2-fold higher than the standard condition (sucrose 5%, yeast extract 0.15%, casamino acid 0.25%, sodium nitrate 0.3%, potato starch 0.2%, dextrose 1%, potassium nitrate 0.3%). Conclusion, significance and impact of study: The results of RSM and ANN showed that all carbon and nitrogen sources tested had significant effect on growth rate (P-value < 0.05). In addition the use of RSM and ANN alongside each other provided a proper growth prediction model.

Efeito dos resíduos de café seco e fermentado por Monascus ruber no metabolismo de camundongos Apo E / Effect of dry coffee residues fermented with Monascus ruber on the metabolism of Apo E mice

FUNDAMENTO: A aterosclerose é uma doença inflamatória crônica de origem multifatorial que ocorre em resposta à agressão endotelial. O fungo Monascus ruber apresenta atividade hipocolesterolêmica e polifenóis presentes no resíduo de café apresentam atividade antioxidante, podendo auxiliar na prevenção de doenças cardiovasculares. O resíduo de café possui quantidade significativa de açúcares fermentescíveis, constituindo-se em substrato apropriado para o cultivo de fungos. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito dos resíduos de café seco e fermentado por Monascus ruber no metabolismo lipídico de camundongos knockout Apo E. MÉTODOS: O ensaio biológico foi realizado com 30 camundongos knockout para o gene Apo E, divididos em cinco grupos e submetidos a diferentes tratamentos. Foi realizada a prospecção fitoquímica e quantificação de compostos fenólicos dos resíduos fermentado e sem fermentar. O soro dos animais foi analisado utilizando kits enzimáticos e o tecido aórtico incluso em parafina e corado com H/E para realização da análise histopatológica. RESULTADOS: O resíduo de café sem fermentar 2%, em relação ao grupo controle, diminuiu em 42% o nível sérico de triacilgliceróis e em aproximadamente 41% a fração VLDL-c. Os grupos dos animais alimentados com 10% de resíduo não fermentado e 2% de resíduo fermentado diminuíram a área de lesão 10,5% e 15,4%, respectivamente, quando comparados ao controle. O resíduo fermentado apresentou um teor de compostos fenólicos superior ao resíduo não fermentado. CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo mostra que a fermentação do resíduo de café apresenta potencial efeito benéfico sobre as doenças cardiovasculares, especialmente a aterosclerose.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of multifactorial origin, which occurs in response to endothelial injury. The fungus Monascus ruber has hypocholesterolemic activity, and the polyphenols present in coffee residue have an antioxidant activity and can help prevent cardiovascular diseases. Coffee residue has a significant amount of fermentable sugars, being an adequate substrate for growing fungi. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the effect of dry coffee residue fermented with Monascus ruber on the lipid metabolism of ApoE knockout mice. METHODS: The biological assay was performed with 30 ApoE knockout mice, divided into five groups and undergoing different treatments. The phytochemical prospection and quantification of phenolic compounds of the fermented and non-fermented coffee residues were performed. The sera of the animals were analyzed by using enzyme kits, and the aortic tissue was embedded in paraffin and stained with hematoxylin and eosin to undergo histopathological analysis. RESULTS: Comparing with the control group, the group receiving 2% non-fermented coffee residue showed a reduction of 42% in the serum levels of triacylglycerols and of approximately 41% in VLDL-c. The groups receiving 10% non-fermented coffee residue and 2% fermented coffee residue showed reductions in the lesion areas of 10.5% and 15.4%, respectively, as compared with the control group. The fermented coffee residue showed a higher content of phenolic compounds as compared with the non-fermented coffee residue. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that coffee residue fermentation has a potentially beneficial effect on cardiovascular diseases, especially atherosclerosis.