Nutraceutical Potential of Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) Seed Oil in Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Obesity and Metabolic Alterations.

Vitis vinifera L. (grapevine) is a perennial plant of the Vitaceae family that is widely used to produce grapes and wines. Grape seed oil is rich in fatty acids such as linoleic acid (65-75%), vitamin E (50 mg), and phytosterols in addition to phenolic compounds, such as catechins (414 mg), epicatechins (130.4 mg), and gallic acid (77 µg), shows promise as a nutritional compound and is outstanding as a therapeutic substance with active properties for health, detected mainly by in vitro studies, as well as some in vivo studies. The benefits of consuming this oil include modulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes, anti-atherosclerotic and anti-inflammatory effects, and protection against oxidative cell damage and some types of cancer. However, experimental findings confirm that therapeutic functions remain scarce; thus, more studies are needed to determine the mechanisms of action involved in the indicated therapeutic qualities.

Maternal Intake of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Autism Spectrum Etiology and Its Relation to the Gut Microbiota: What Do We Know?

Maternal food habits and gut microbiota composition have potential effects on fetal neurodevelopment, impacting Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our research aims to outline the relationship that ingestion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and the composition of maternal gut microbiota have with the possible development of ASD in offspring. We suggest that genetic factors could be related to the different conversions between unsaturated fatty acids according to sex and, mainly, the impact of the pregnancy diet on the higher or lower risk of neurological impairments. The proportion of the phyla Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes is high with an increased consumption of linoleic acid (LA, n-6 PUFA), which is associated with maternal intestinal dysbiosis and consequently starts the inflammatory process, harming myelinization. In contrast, the consumption of α-linolenic acid (ALA, n-3 PUFA) tends to re-establish the balance of the maternal microbiota with anti-inflammatory action. Moreover, human observational studies showed a strong correlation between the consumption of n-3 PUFA, mainly above 340 g of fish per week, with beneficial effects on infant neurodevelopment. Therefore, we suggest that the proper intake of foods rich in n-3 PUFAs and their supplementation during pregnancy until lactation has an impact on reducing the development of ASD. Controlled studies with n-3 PUFA supplementation are still necessary to verify the ideal dose and the best form of administration.

Indirect Methods to Determine the Risk of Damage to the Health of Firefighters and Children Due to Exposure to Smoke Emission from Burning Wood/Coal in a Controlled Environment.

People are constantly exposed to particulate matter and chemicals released during fires. However, there are still few studies on gas and particulate emissions related to exposure to burning firewood and charcoal during forest fires, making it difficult to understand the effects on the health of the population. The objective of this study was to quantify the metal(loid)s present in the smoke from wood and charcoal fires through the deposition of metals in beef topside and pork loin, considering the routes of skin exposure, inhalation, and ingestion, contributing to the understanding of metals in the increase of the risks of cancer and mortality associated with firefighting and children. The concentrations of metals [aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), vanadium (V), zinc (Zn)] and metalloids arsenic (As) were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP OES) after microwave digestion. Moreover, we assessed the associated risk regarding the elemental intake of these elements through the smoke, using the hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), Total Hazard Index (HIt), and carcinogenic risk (CR). All samples had results for HQ and HIt < 1, indicating a non-potential health risk. However, the carcinogenic risks posed by As and Cr via the three exposure pathways (except for inhalation exposure to children and adults, and by Cr via ingestion and inhalation for children and adults) exceeded the standard threshold. In conclusion, continuous exposure of firefighters or children to smoke from fires containing high concentrations of heavy metals such as As and Cr can be harmful to health. The study used animal tissues; thus, new methods must be developed to quantify the concentration of heavy metals deposited in human tissue when humans are exposed to smoke from fires.

Effects of Ethanolic and Aqueous Extracts of Garcinia gardneriana Leaves in an In Vivo Experimental Model Induced by a Hyperlipidic Diet.

The study of medicinal plants, such as the genus Garcinia (Clusiaceae), in the treatment of non-communicable chronic diseases has aroused the interest of researchers. However, there are no studies in the literature that have investigated the effects of Garcinia gardneriana in experimental models of obesity for possible metabolic alterations. Swiss mice receiving a high-fat diet were supplemented with aqueous or ethanolic extract of G. gardneriana at doses of 200 or 400 mg/kg/day. It was found that there was a reduction in food consumption in experimental groups compared with the control groups, and the group supplemented with aqueous extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg/daydisplayed a reduction in weight. The results showed an increase in the values of high density lipoprotein (HDL-c), total cholesterol, triglycerides and fasting blood glucose. G. gardneriana did not protect against insulin resistance, and caused in an increase in monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) concentrations and a reduction in interleukin 10 (IL-10). In addition, hepatic steatosis and microvesicular steatosis were indicated. It was revealed that, under the experimental conditions in the study, G. gardneriana did not prevent weight gain or comorbidities; that is, a different behavior was obtained from that described in the literature with regard to the medicinal potential of the Garcinia species, which is probably related to the phytochemical properties.

Oxidative stability and elemental analysis of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) edible oil produced in Brazil using a domestic extraction machine.

The consumption of regular vegetable oils has been linked to energy acquisition, nutritional benefits, health improvement, and the regulation of metabolic diseases. This study evaluated fatty acids composition, physicochemical, thermal, oxidative, and optical properties, and quantified trace elements in the sunflower oil extracted by a domestic cold-press machine. The oil presented linoleic (54.00%) and oleic (37.29%) primary unsaturated fatty acids (91.67%), in which atherogenic (0.05), thrombogenic (0.16), hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic (21.97), peroxide (16.16), saponification (141.80), and relative density indices (0.92) demonstrated to be suitable for human consumption and possible health promotion. In addition, the concentrations of trace elements by ICP OES were ordered Zn > Fe > Al > Cu > Mn > Cr. Concentrations of Zn, Fe, Al, Cu, and Mn were lower than FAO/WHO and DRI/AI limits, while Cr concentrations exceeded the FAO/WHO limits, which can be used as an indicator of the polluted ambiance. Sunflower oil quantities daily consumption were calculated by taking into account non-carcinogenic risk (CR < 10-4), and total non-carcinogenic hazard index (HI < 1). Based on trace elements determined in this study, the suitable quantity of sunflower oil consumption varies according to individuals aged 8, 18, and 30 years and will be deemed 0.61, 1.46, and 1.65 g/kg, respectively, attending HI = 0.99 and CR < 10-4.

Effects of the Seed Oil of Carica papaya Linn on Food Consumption, Adiposity, Metabolic and Inflammatory Profile of Mice Using Hyperlipidic Diet.

BACKGROUND: Studies indicate that different parts of Carica papaya Linn have nutritional properties that mean it can be used as an adjuvant for the treatment of various pathologies. METHODS: The fatty acid composition of the oil extracted from the seeds of Carica papaya Linn was evaluated by gas chromatography, and an acute toxicity test was performed. For the experiment, Swiss mice were fed a balanced or high-fat diet and supplemented with saline, soybean oil, olive oil, or papaya seed oil. Oral glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity tests were performed. After euthanasia, adiposity, glycemia, total cholesterol and fractions, insulin, resistin, leptin, MCP-1, TNF-α, and IL-6 and the histology of the liver, pancreas, and adipose tissue were evaluated. RESULTS: Papaya seed oil showed predominance of monounsaturated fatty acids in its composition. No changes were observed in the acute toxicity test. Had lower food intake in grams, and caloric intake and in the area of adipocytes without minimizing weight gain or adiposity and impacting the liver or pancreas. Reductions in total and non-HDL-c, LDL-c, and VLDL-c were also observed. The treatment had a hypoglycemic and protective effect on insulin resistance. Supplementation also resulted in higher leptin and lower insulin and cytokine resistance. CONCLUSIONS: Under these experimental conditions, papaya seed oil led to higher amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids and had hypocholesterolemic, hypotriglyceridemic, and hypoglycemic effects.

Natural Antioxidant Evaluation: A Review of Detection Methods.

Antioxidants have drawn the attention of the scientific community due to being related to the prevention of various degenerative diseases. The antioxidant capacity has been extensively studied in vitro, and different methods have been used to assess its activity. However, the main issues related to studying natural antioxidants are evaluating whether these antioxidants demonstrate a key role in the biological system and assessing their bioavailability in the organism. The majority of outcomes in the literature are controversial due to a lack of method standardization and their proper application. Therefore, this study aims to compile the main issues concerning the natural antioxidant field of study, comparing the most common in vitro methods to evaluate the antioxidant activity of natural compounds, demonstrating the antioxidant activity in biological systems and the role of the main antioxidant enzymes of redox cellular signaling and explaining how the bioavailability of bioactive compounds is evaluated in animal models and human clinical trials.

Characterization of Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) Pulp Oil and the Effect of Its Supplementation in an In Vivo Experimental Model.

Mauritia flexuosa (Buriti) pulp oil contains bioactive substances and lipids that are protective against cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. We performed physical and chemical analyses to verify its quality and stability. Buriti oil was stable according to the Rancimat test, presenting an induction period of 6.6 h. We evaluated the effect of supplementation with crude buriti oil and olive oil on metabolic parameters in 108 Swiss mice for 90 days. We investigated six groups: extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) 1 and 2 (1000 and 2000 mg/kg), buriti oil (BO) 1 and 2 (1000 and 2000 mg/kg), synergic (S) (BO1 + EVOO1), and control (water dose 1000 mg/kg). The animals were euthanized to examine their blood, livers, and fats. The supplementation did not interfere with food consumption, weight gain, and histological alterations in the liver. Group S showed the strongest relationship with the fractions HDL-c and non-HDL-c, indicating a possible cardioprotective effect. Moreover, we observed significantly higher IL-6 levels in the control, EVOO2, and BO1 groups than in the EVOO1 group. Resistin was also significantly higher for the synergic treatment than for the control. We conclude that BO combined with EVOO could be an excellent food supplement for human consumption.

Nutraceutic Potential of Bioactive Compounds of Eugenia dysenterica DC in Metabolic Alterations.

The fruit and leaves of Eugenia dysenterica DC., locally known as cagaita, are rich in antioxidant glycosylated quercetin derivatives and phenolic compounds that have beneficial effects on diabetes mellitus, hypertension and general inflammation. We conducted a literature search to investigate the nutraceutical potentials of these phenolic compounds for treating obesity, diabetes mellitus and intestinal inflammatory disease. The phenolic compounds in E. dysenterica have demonstrated effects on carbohydrate metabolism, which can prevent the development of these chronic diseases and reduce LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol and hypertension. E. dysenterica also improves intestinal motility and microbiota and protects gastric mucosa, thereby preventing inflammation. However, studies are necessary to identify the mechanism by which E. dysenterica nutraceutical compounds act on such pathological processes to support future research.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Balanced Gut Microbiota on Chronic Inflammatory Diseases: A Close Look at Ulcerative Colitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Pathogenesis.

The aim of this article was to review experimental and clinical studies regarding the use of omega-3 fatty acids on the prevention and control of chronic inflammatory diseases with autoimmune background through the gut microbiota modulation. For this, natural omega-3 sources are presented emphasizing the importance of a healthy diet for the body's homeostasis and the enzymatic processes that these fatty acids go through once inside the body. The pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis are revisited under the light of the gut microbiota dysbiosis approach and how those fatty acids are able to prevent and control these two pathological conditions that are responsible for the global chronic burden and functional disability and life-threatening comorbidities if not treated properly. As a matter of reflection, as we are living a pandemic crisis owing to COVID-19 infection, we present the potential of omega-3 in preventing a poor prognosis once they contribute to balancing the immune system modulation the inflammatory process.

Linseed, Baru, and Coconut Oils: NMR-Based Metabolomics, Leukocyte Infiltration Potential In Vivo, and Their Oil Characterization. Are There Still Controversies?

Different fatty acid proportions produce potential inflammatory and metabolic changes in organisms. However, the evidence for how each fatty acid mediates the metabolic pathway, and its lipid stability remains controversial. To resolve this controversy, the present study investigated the metabolic effects of cold-pressed linseed (LG), coconut (CG), and baru (BG) oils in comparison to those of soybean oil (SG) in mice, in terms of their oil characterization and stability. The quality analysis showed less oxidative behavior among PUFA-rich oils (SO, BO, and LO, with induction periods lower than 2 h compared to 39.8 h for CG), besides the high contents of tocopherols and carotenoids in SG and LG. In the experimental study, CG presented higher triglyceride (257.93 ± 72.30) and VLDL-cholesterol levels (51.59 ± 14.46, p < 0.05), while LG reduced LDL levels (59.29 ± 7.56, p < 0.05) when compared to SG (183.14 ± 22.06, 36.63 ± 4.41 and 131.63 ± 29.0, respectively). For visceral fats, the adiposity index was lower for BG (7.32 ± 3.13) and CG (9.58 ± 1.02, p < 0.05) in relation to SG (12.53 ± 2.80), and for leukocyte recruitment, CG presented lower polymorphonuclear (PMN) (p < 0.0001) and mononuclear (MN) (p < 0.05) cell infiltration, demonstrating anti-inflammatory potential. In NMR-based metabolomics, although CG presented higher values for the glucose, lactate, and LDL/VLDL ratio, this group also evidenced high levels of choline, a lipotropic metabolite. Our study emphasized the controversies of saturated fatty acids, which impair serum lipids, while alfa-linolenic acid presented cardioprotective effects. However, coconut oil also has a positive immunomodulatory pathway and was found to reduce visceral bodyfat in mice. Therefore, for future applications, we suggest a combination of lauric and al-fa-linolenic acid sources, which are present in coconut and linseed oil, respectively. This combination could be less obesogenic and inflammatory and exert cardioprotective action.

High-Fat Diet with Lyophilized Acrocomia aculeata Pulp Increases High-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol Levels and Inhibits Adipocyte Hypertrophy in Mice.

Obesity is a relevant health hazard characterized as a chronic noncommunicable disease, with severe comorbidities that cause mortality worldwide. Acrocomia aculeata is a Brazilian palm with edible fruits. Its pulp contains fibers, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), such as oleic acid and carotenoids. In this context, our study aimed to elucidate the protective effect of the lyophilized A. aculeata pulp added at the rates of 1%, 2%, and 4% to a high-fat (HF) diet (rich in saturated fats and cholesterol), for 90 days, in mice. The treatment with 4% pulp induced a significant increase in the biochemical parameters of serum cholesterol HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein) compared with the control. According to the evaluation of the epididymal tissue, the groups treated with A. aculeata pulp exhibited smaller fat deposits compared with the HF diet group. Therefore, we infer that the predominant components in A. aculeata, particularly fibers and MUFAs, promote beneficial effects on health parameters during simultaneous exposure to food rich in saturated fat and cholesterol, typical of the Western diet. This is the first study to correlate the presence of fatty acids from A. aculeata pulp in different proportions added in a HF diet with metabolic and histological parameters in Swiss mice.

Do Bioactive Food Compound with Avena sativa L., Linum usitatissimum L. and Glycine max L. Supplementation with Moringa oleifera Lam. Have a Role against Nutritional Disorders? An Overview of the In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence.

Functional clinical nutrition is an integrative science; it uses dietary strategies, functional foods and medicinal plants, as well as combinations thereof. Both functional foods and medicinal plants, whether associated or not, form nutraceuticals, which can bring benefits to health, in addition to being included in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Some functional food effects from Avena sativa L. (oats), Linum usitatissimum L. (brown flaxseed), Glycine max L. (soya) and Moringa oleifera have been proposed for nutritional disorders through in vitro and in vivo tests. A formulation called a bioactive food compound (BFC) showed efficiency in the association of oats, flaxseed and soy for dyslipidemia and obesity. In this review, we discuss the effects of BFC in other nutritional disorders, as well as the beneficial effects of M. oleifera in obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, metabolic syndrome, intestinal inflammatory diseases/colorectal carcinogenesis and malnutrition. In addition, we hypothesized that a BFC enriched with M. oleifera could present a synergistic effect and play a potential benefit in nutritional disorders. The traditional consumption of M. oleifera preparations can allow associations with other formulations, such as BFC. These nutraceutical formulations can be easily accepted and can be used in sweet preparations (fruit and/or vegetable juices, fruit and/or vegetable vitamins, porridges, yogurt, cream, mousses or fruit salads, cakes and cookies) or savory (vegetable purees, soups, broths and various sauces), cooked or not. These formulations can be low-cost and easy-to-use. The association of bioactive food substances in dietary formulations can facilitate adherence to consumption and, thus, contribute to the planning of future nutritional interventions for the prevention and adjuvant treatment of the clinical conditions presented in this study. This can be extended to the general population. However, an investigation through clinical studies is needed to prove applicability in humans.

Combination of cafeteria diet with intraperitoneally streptozotocin in rats. A type-2 diabetes model.

PURPOSE: To develop a model of induction of type-2 diabetes (DM2) by combining low doses of streptozotocin (STZ) and a cafeteria diet. METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats (200 g) were allocated into four groups: control (non-diabetic, n = 10); STZ 30 mg/kg (diabetic, n = 10); STZ 35 mg/kg (diabetic,n = 10); and STZ 40 mg/kg (diabetic, n = 10). DM2 was induced with a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ after four weeks of cafeteria diet in the three diabetic groups. All animals were evaluated as for anthropometric, and biochemical analyses, as well as liver, kidney and pancreas histological analyses. RESULTS: Lower weight gain, higher water intake, higher Lee index, hyperglycemia and modified total protein, urea, alpha-amylase, as well as insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, pancreas, and kidney injury were observed in animals treated with 35 and 40 mg/kg of STZ. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that the experimental model using cafeteria diet associated with 35 mg/kg of STZ is a low-cost model and efficient in order to develop DM2, confirmed by the presence of polydipsia, hyperglycemia, altered biochemical tests, insulin resistance and damages to the liver, pancreas and kidney, which is similar to the disease found in humans.

High Concentration of Heavy Metal and Metalloid Levels in Edible Campomanesia adamantium Pulp from Anthropic Areas.

This study aimed to quantify the extent of heavy metal, non-metal and metalloid levels in the Campomanesia adamantium pulp obtained from an area crossed by road experiencing high large vehicle traffic and intensive agriculture modern farming, to monitor the health risks associated with pulp consumption by humans. For this purpose, in three spots located within this area, ripe fruits were collected on the roadside, bush and farm-margin. Pulp samples were digested by microwave-assisted equipment, and chemical elements were quantified by ICP OES. The concentrations of K, Pb, Se, Fe, Mo, Zn, Co, Ni and Mn in the pulp collected in roadside/bush points showed statistical differences (p < 0.05). The heavy metals and metalloid concentrations that exceeded FAO/WHO standards were ordered Pb > As > Mo > Co > Ni > Mn > Cr. Therefore, among these metalloid and heavy metals, As, Pb and Cr were found to be higher in farm-margin > roadside > bush (1.5 × 10-3, 1.1 × 10-3 and 6.2 × 10-4), respectively. Therefore, As is the most important metalloid with higher levels in farm-margin, roadside and bush (1.5 × 10-3, 1.0 × 10-3 and 6.0 × 10-4 > 10-6-10-4 and 3.33, 2.30 and 1.34 > 1), respectively, to total cancer risk and hazard quotient, if 10 g daily of pulp are consumed.

Polyphenols and ω-3 PUFAs: Beneficial Outcomes to Obesity and Its Related Metabolic Diseases.

Obesity is associated with the leading causes of death in the worldwide. On the other hand, the intake of vegetables, fruits and fish is related to the reduction of obesity and other metabolic syndromes. This review aims to highlight the role of ingestion of polyphenols and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) in reducing obesity and related metabolic diseases (RMDs). The consumption of vegetables, fish and by-products rich in polyphenols and α-linolenic acid (ALA), as well as oils rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are associated with a decrease in obesity and its RMDs in consumers. Furthermore, we discussed the adequate amount of extracts, powder, polyphenols, ω-3 PUFAs administrated in animal models and human subjects, and the relevant outcomes obtained. Thus, we appeal to the research institutions and departments of the Ministries of Health in each country to develop a food education joint project to help schools, businesses and families with the aim of reducing obesity and other metabolic diseases.

Combination of cafeteria diet with intraperitoneally streptozotocin in rats. A type-2 diabetes model

ABSTRACT Purpose To develop a model of induction of type-2 diabetes (DM2) by combining low doses of streptozotocin (STZ) and a cafeteria diet. Methods Forty male Wistar rats (200 g) were allocated into four groups: control (non-diabetic, n = 10); STZ 30 mg/kg (diabetic, n = 10); STZ 35 mg/kg (diabetic,n = 10); and STZ 40 mg/kg (diabetic, n = 10). DM2 was induced with a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ after four weeks of cafeteria diet in the three diabetic groups. All animals were evaluated as for anthropometric, and biochemical analyses, as well as liver, kidney and pancreas histological analyses. Results Lower weight gain, higher water intake, higher Lee index, hyperglycemia and modified total protein, urea, alpha-amylase, as well as insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, pancreas, and kidney injury were observed in animals treated with 35 and 40 mg/kg of STZ. Conclusions The results show that the experimental model using cafeteria diet associated with 35 mg/kg of STZ is a low-cost model and efficient in order to develop DM2, confirmed by the presence of polydipsia, hyperglycemia, altered biochemical tests, insulin resistance and damages to the liver, pancreas and kidney, which is similar to the disease found in humans.

ß-Carotene: Preventive Role for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity: A Review.

Carotenoids are vital antioxidants for plants and animals. They protect cells from oxidative events and act against the inflammatory process and carcinogenesis. Among the most abundant carotenoids in human and foods is ß-carotene. This carotenoid has the highest level of provitamin A activity, as it splits into two molecules of retinol through the actions of the cytosolic enzymes: ß-carotene-15,15'-monooxygenase (ß-carotene-15,15'-oxygenase 1) and ß-carotene-9',10'-dioxygenase (ß-carotene-9',10'-oxygenase 2). The literature supports the idea that ß-carotene acts against type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Due to the many processes involved in ß-carotene biosynthesis and metabolic function, little is known about such components, since many mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, our study concisely described the relationships between the consumption of carotenoids, with emphasis on ß-carotene, and obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus and its associated parameters in order to understand the preventive role of carotenoids better and encourage their consumption.

Minerals in Pregnancy and Their Impact on Child Growth and Development.

During pregnancy, women undergo metabolic and physiological changes, and their needs are higher, to maintain growth and development of the fetus. If the nutritional status of the expectant mother is not satisfactory, some maternal and neonatal complications can occur. In the second and third trimester of pregnancy, there is a reserve of nutrients in the fetus that can be utilized after birth; thereby, children present an accelerated growth in the first years of life, which is a proven response to the available nutrition pattern. However, if such a pattern is insufficient, there will be deficits during development, including brain function. Therefore, despite many recent published works about gestational nutrition, uncertainties still remain on the mechanisms of absorption, distribution, and excretion of micronutrients. Further elucidation is needed to better understand the impacts caused either by deficiency or excess of some micronutrients. Thus, to illustrate the contributions of minerals during prenatal development and in children, iodine, selenium, iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium were selected. Our study sought to review the consequences related to gestational deficiency of the referred minerals and their impact on growth and development in children born from mothers with such deficiencies.

Therapeutic Effects of Morinda citrifolia Linn. (Noni) Aqueous Fruit Extract on the Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in High-Fat/High-Fructose-Fed Swiss Mice.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of two different doses (250 and 500 mg/kg) of Morinda citrifolia fruit aqueous extract (AE) in high-fat/high-fructose-fed Swiss mice. The food intake, body weight, serum biochemical, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), as well as histological analyses of the liver, pancreatic, and epididymal adipose tissue, were used to determine the biochemical and histological parameters. The chemical profile of the extract was determined by ultra-fast liquid chromatography-diode array detector-tandem mass spectrometry (UFLC-DAD-MS), and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to evaluate the gene expressions involved in the lipid and glucose metabolism, such as peroxisome proliferative-activated receptors-γ (PPAR-γ), -α (PPAR-α), fatty acid synthase (FAS), glucose-6-phosphatase (G6P), sterol regulatory binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein (ChREBP), and fetuin-A. Seventeen compounds were tentatively identified, including iridoids, noniosides, and the flavonoid rutin. The higher dose of AE (AE 500 mg/kg) was demonstrated to improve the glucose tolerance; however, both doses did not have effects on the other metabolic and histological parameters. AE at 500 mg/kg downregulated the PPAR-γ, SREBP-1c, and fetuin-A mRNA in the liver and upregulated the PPAR-α mRNA in white adipose tissue, suggesting that the hypoglycemic effects could be associated with the expression of genes involved in de novo lipogenesis.