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Antidiabetic effect of flax and pumpkin seed mixture powder: effect on hyperlipidemia and antioxidant status in alloxan diabetic rats
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications. This study aims to examine the effects of flax and pumpkin powder seed mixture on alloxan induced diabetes in Wistar rats. Animals were allocated into three groups of six rats each: a control group (CD), diabetic group (DD) and diabetic rats fed with flax and pumpkin seed mixture (DMS) group. The diabetic rats (DD) presented a significant increase in glycemia, plasma and liver lipid parameters such as total lipid, total cholesterol and triglycerides compared to the control group (CD). In addition, plasma and liver malonaldialdehyde levels (MDA, an index of lipid peroxidation) significantly increased compared to (CD). Antioxidant enzymes activities such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels significantly decreased in the plasma and liver of diabetic rats compared to controls. Diet supplemented with flax and pumpkin seed mixture in the DMS group ameliorated antioxidant enzymes activities and level of GSH in diabetic rats and significantly decreased MDA levels. The present study revealed a significant increase in the activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase on diabetic status, indicating considerable hepatocellular injury. The administration of flax and pumpkin seed mixture attenuated the increased levels of the plasma enzymes produced by the induction of diabetes and caused a subsequent recovery towards normalization comparable to the control group animals. Our results thus suggest that flax and pumpkin seed mixture supplemented to diet may be helpful in preventing diabetic complications in adult rats.
... (80,81) Also, flaxseed is islet regenerative (80) and helps prevent diabetic complications by normalizing antioxidant status. (82) In these studies, the importance of the antidiabetic properties of flaxseed was revealed, however, its regulatory effect on PPP and glutathione-dependent enzymatic activities remains unknown. Therefore, the effects of flaxseed supplementation on G6PD, 6PGD, GR, and GST activity in the brain, lung, pancreas, and lens of STZ-diabetic rats were investigated. ...
... (93) Flaxseed treatment has been shown to provide a beneficial effect of flaxseed as a regenerative islet or liver regenerative by improving PPP and glutathione-dependent enzyme activities in diabetic animals, especially with the regulation of GR activity. (80,82) However, substantially unchanged GR activity was determined in the brain and eye lens of diabetic untreated rats. (83) It was determined that while STZ injection caused a significant decrease in brain and pancreatic GST activity, flaxseed application preserved the GST activity. ...
... (93) Flaxseed treatment partially but significantly improved the observed abnormalities in GR activity in diabetic animals, which is consistent with previous studies showing a beneficial effect of flaxseed as an islet or liver regenerative by improving PPP and glutathionedependent enzyme activities. (80,82) However, it was shown that significantly unchanged GR activity in the brain and eye lens of diabetic untreated rats probably had a sufficient capacity to protect the brain and lens of the eye against oxidative toxicity caused by STZ diabetes. (83) It was thought that, while G6PD increased dramatically, diabetes leads to a significant reduction in eye lens 6PGD activity, a defensive response to NADPH depletion. ...
... Many dietary sources have now received significant attention throughout the world because of the potential ben-efits they possess in regard to various disorders like diabetes. Among these sources, pumpkin seeds have been utilized as new components of traditional health foods in Tunisia and some other countries of North Africa [26]. Activehypoglycemic agents that can be obtained from pumpkin are seed oils, pectin, hypoglycemic proteins, and nonpectin polysaccharides . ...
... Antidiabetic effect of pumpkin seeds was also proved by Makni et al. [26] by studying the effect of pumpkin seed and falx seed mixture powder on alloxan-induced diabetic rats and blood glucose level in diabetic group of rats fed with pumpkin seed and flax seed mixture was significantly decreased in comparison to the diabetic rat groups fed with normal diet. They also noticed the significant increase in plasma insulin level in diabetic rat groups fed with pumpkin seed and flax seed mixture. ...
... 6 International Journal of Food Science data was found for TG but a significant increase in HDL-C was observed as in atherogenic rats, HDL-C was 0.43 mmol/ l, and it was increased to 0.89 mmol/l. Hypolipidemic effect of pumpkin seeds was also proved by Makni et al. [26] by studying the effect of pumpkin seed and falx seed mixture powder on alloxan-induced diabetic rats and found an increase in plasma and liver lipids in diabetic group of rats fed with normal diet, by 108% and 30%, respectively, but in rat groups fed with pumpkin and flax seed mixture, both plasma and liver lipids were decreased by 21% and 19% as compared to diabetic group of rats fed with normal diet. Mohamed et al. [60] studied the effect of substituting pumpkin seed protein isolate at 25, 50, 75, and 100% level with casein on serum lipid levels in CCl 4 -intoxicated rats and found supporting results. ...
Pumpkin is a well-known vegetable, among the members of Cucurbitaceae family, due to its importance as pharma food. Keeping in view the antidiabetic and plasma lipids lowering potential of pumpkin, the present study was conducted to investigate that, which part of pumpkin (peel, flesh, and seeds), possess more bioactive compounds, exhibiting antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic potential. Albino rats with 190-210 g body weight were divided into 11 groups. Five rats were included in each group; group A was negative control, group B was positive control, and groups C to K were diabetic rats fed with pumpkin peel, flesh, and seed powders. Diabetes was induced in rats with the help of alloxan monohydrate. During 28 days of experimental period, blood glucose level of different rat’s groups was checked with the help of glucometer, at every 7 days interval and at the end of 28 days study, plasma lipids were checked with the help of commercial kits. A significant decrease in blood glucose level ( 128.33 ± 1.67 mg / dl ), TC ( 88.43 ± 0.66 mg / dl ), TG ( 69.79 ± 0.49 mg / dl ), and LDL-C ( 21.45 ± 0.08 mg / dl ) was recorded in rat groups fed with 15 g pumpkin seed powder, at the end of study. After pumpkin seeds, second significant antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effect was recorded in rat’s groups fed with 15 g pumpkin peel powder. Pumpkin flesh powder effect in lowering blood glucose level and plasma lipids was less significant as compared to seeds and peel powder. As the dose of the pumpkin powders was increased from 5 to 10 and then 15 g, the blood glucose-lowering and plasma lipid-lowering effect became more significant. Similarly, as the experimental duration was expanded from first week to 28 days, this antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effect became more significant. These results were sufficient to conclude that pumpkin has high potential to be used in human diet to cope with noncommunicable diseases like diabetes and hypercholesterolemia.
... •− ), hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), and hydroxyl radical (OH•) or reduction in the antioxidant defense system (Kamalakkannan and Prince, 2004;Makni et al., 2011;Bouhrim et al., 2019). About 80% of diabetic patients are from developing and underdeveloped countries, of which China and India shared larger contributions (Ramachandran et al., 2010;JV et al., 2019). ...
... Many investigations indicated that intake of unsaturated fatty acids from fish oils has improved glycemic controls, enhancement of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, and enhanced membrane lipid peroxidation induced by free radicals in T2DM patients (Sirtori and Galli, 2002;Makni et al., 2010). Makni et al. (2011) have reported that the mixture of flax and pumpkin seeds showed antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects in alloxan-induced diabetes in rats. Combined treatment of ω− 3 and metformin showed a significant elevation in estradiol, which was strongly associated with indices of bone mineralization in STZ-induced diabetic rats (Adeyemi et al., 2020). ...
... Based on the literature survey, and also as per recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), also based on preliminary findings of our previous study, the study was designed to obtain the recommended standard ω− 3:ω− 6 FAs ratio from the flaxseed per oil (FSO) and sesame seed oil (SSO) by blending in the proportion of 1:5 ratio (Makni et al., 2011;Khadke et al., 2020;Gurumallu et al., 2022). ...
Background
Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids (FAs) of flaxseed oil (FSO) and sesame seed oil (SSO) that are being used in traditional foods and medicine have been investigated for their various synergistic biological potencies. However, their synergistic antidiabetic property at the world health organization (WHO) recommended ratio has not been studied.
Purpose
To evaluate the synergistic antidiabetic potential of bioactive-fatty acids from flaxseed (FS) and sesame seeds (SS) against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus Wistar albino rats.
Study design
The study was to determine the in vitro and in vivo synergistic antidiabetic potential of ω-3 and ω-6 FAs at 1:5 ratio from FSO and SSO in STZ-induced diabetes mellitus rats.
Methods
Fifty-four Wistar albino rats were divided into 9 groups: normal control; diabetic control received streptozotocin 45 mg/kg b.w IP; diabetic groups received standard drug tolbutamide orally received 5mg/kg b.w; FSO and SSO orally administered with 250 and 350; 516 and 700 mg/kg b.w PO respectively, and FSO+SSO at 43+292 and 86+584 mg/kg b.w PO respectively. Blood glucose levels were observed on weekly basis. At the end of the experiment, biochemical factors such as the level of antioxidant enzymes, serum liver enzymes, malondialdehyde level, lipid profiles, blood parameters, and pancreas morphology were studied.
Results
Twenty-eight days of the treatment significantly increased the in vivo antioxidant enzyme activities such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH), whereas, malondialdehyde (MDA) level was markedly decreased in a dose-dependent manner in the pancreas and liver. A noteworthy reduction was observed in the lipid profiles of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and also significant reduction was observed in the hematological parameters such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, urea, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and decreased blood glucose levels, while, total protein (TP), hemoglobin (Hb) and insulin levels were markedly increased in the treated rats in a dose-dependent manner compared to the diabetic control. Additionally, the results were also confirmed by histopathological examinations.
Conclusion
The study suggested that the ω-3 and ω-6 FAs from FSO and SSO, respectively, showed potential synergistic antidiabetic effects that were mainly mediated by ω-3 and ω-6 FAs present in the respective seed oils.
... Pumpkin seed oil is also an herbal product that is produced extensively and has a commercial importance due to its medicinal properties. Besides, pumpkin seed oil is known to exhibit antiinflammatory, antioxidant, phytoestrogenic, phenolic and hypolipidemic activities (Andjelkovic et al., 2010;Makni et al., 2011;Zuhair et al., 2000). Similarly, poppy oil, which is mostly used as a raw material for food due to its high polyunsaturated fatty acid level, is an important vegetable oil. ...
... Many analyses (Alqannam, 2020;Eid et al., 2017;Makni et al., 2011;Mujtaba et al., 2020) were performed on the antioxidant properties of cold press oils based on oxidative stress and their effects on human health. However, the literature is not very rich in terms of the effects of these plants' by-products. ...
In this study, the effects of pulps obtained after cold press oil production was tested as edible fish coating material. It was determined by PV and TBARS values that waste pulp prevented undesirable quality changes due to lipid oxidation. While coating process with black cumin, pumpkin seed and poppy pulp stopped YM development, the lowest TVC values were observed in poppy and black seed groups. Sensory results showed that the use of plant pulps extended the shelf life of rainbow trout fillets, with poppy and black cumin pulps being the most effective groups in terms of odor, taste, texture and general acceptability.
... Makni et al. 2010 investigated that in alloxan-induced diabetic rats, mixture of flax and pumpkin seeds showed hypoglycaemic and antioxidant effects [26]. Makni et al. 2011 stated that risk of diabetes was due to the increased levels of the plasma enzymes aspartate, alanine aminotransferase and aminotransferase which might be reduced by rich diet of pumpkin seed oil. Prevention of diabetes and its complications could be reduced by intake of pumpkin seed oil regularly [27]. ...
... Makni et al. 2011 stated that risk of diabetes was due to the increased levels of the plasma enzymes aspartate, alanine aminotransferase and aminotransferase which might be reduced by rich diet of pumpkin seed oil. Prevention of diabetes and its complications could be reduced by intake of pumpkin seed oil regularly [27]. Teugwa et al. 2013 reported that the most abundant storage protein is globulin (295.11 ...
For the cure of diseases, herbal remedies are used on an individual basis or together with standard medicines in
numerous medical studies. Due to many medicinal properties and the presence of natural edible substances. Pumpkin is
considered as an edible plant and has various medicinal properties. It has several phyto-constituents such as alkaloids,
flavanoids, palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids. Several studies describes the medicinal properties such as anti-diabetic,
cardioprotective, anti- depressive, antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory of Pumkin seeds and seed oil. Here,
this article is presented with the purpose to discuss about the pumpkin seeds properties that can impart further research
developments with this plant for human health benefits.
Keywodrs: Pumpkin, Herbal medicine, Male Reproductive Health, Anti-carcinogens, Nephroprotective
... It is a high source of antioxidants. This intervention also proved that pumpkin seed extract and oil were not only able to reduce glucose, glycated hemoglobin, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL (low-density lipoprotein), VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein), and lipid peroxidation significantly but also able to increase HDL (high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and insulin) in diabetic rats compared to the control group Flax and pumpkin seed mixture powder Makni et al., (2011) [11], Tunis Male Wistar Rat (11-12 weeks old, weighing 190-210 g) ...
... It is a high source of antioxidants. This intervention also proved that pumpkin seed extract and oil were not only able to reduce glucose, glycated hemoglobin, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL (low-density lipoprotein), VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein), and lipid peroxidation significantly but also able to increase HDL (high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and insulin) in diabetic rats compared to the control group Flax and pumpkin seed mixture powder Makni et al., (2011) [11], Tunis Male Wistar Rat (11-12 weeks old, weighing 190-210 g) ...
Background: In overcoming the problem of diabetes, developed countries have used herbal plants as an alternative treatment, considering that various types of synthetic drugs and available insulin therapy have physiological consequences in their use, such as insulin resistance, anorexia nervosa, brain atrophy, and fatty liver. Objective: This article aims to identify pumpkin seed interventions in controlling diabetes mellitus Methods: The article review was conducted using three bibliographic databases. Articles were selected based on 2011-2021 publications using the PRISMA flowchart of 2015 Results: A total of 1405 were obtained from three databases. About 17 articles according to the inclusion criteria and 7 articles were selected in this literature review. Based on the literature review results, it was found that previous researchers combined pumpkin seed with other plants to assess its efficacy in controlling blood glucose. Pumpkin seed had been tested on many experimental animals such as mice, rats, and rabbits. It showed hypoglycemic activity. Conclusion: Pumpkin seed is an herbal plant that has advantages in preventing and maintaining health as well as being used as a complementary therapy for people with diabetes mellitus
... Several pharmacological activities of Cucurbita maxima have been documented including antidiabetic, antiinflammatory, antihypertensive, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities [8]. C. maxima has been traditionally claimed to possess anticonvulsant and nervine tonic properties but hasn't yet been explored scientifically till now to best of our knowledge [7,9]. In light of this, the investigation of protective effect of C. maxima against maximal electroshock (MES) induced convulsions was carried out. ...
... ether, chloroform, ethanol and methanol by continuous Soxhlet extraction method. The solvents were removed by rotary vacuum evaporator; the remaining mass of extract was concentrated and dried [8,9]. The extracts were stored in desiccator for further phytochemical screening. ...
In the present investigation, an indigenous plant, Cucurbita maxima was studied for its protective effect against maximal electroshock (MES) induced convulsions in Wistar albino rats. The rats were pretreated with different doses (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) of hydroalcoholic extract of seeds of Cucurbita maxima for 14 days and then, they were subjected to maximal electroshock seizures (40 mA for 0.2 sec) treatment. Hydroalcoholic extract of Cucurbita maxima seeds at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses significantly reduced the duration of hind limb extension along with the protection of rats against maximal electroshock induced seizures. The reference standard i.e., phenytoin (20 mg/kg) provided complete protection. Thus, present study revealed anticonvulsant effect of Cucurbita maxima against maximal electroshock-induced convulsions in rats.
... However, the increased generation of NO could lead to tissue damage, which can have a direct effects mediated by NO itself or an indirect effect mediated by reactive nitrogen species 1 . Yet, the co-administration of PSO to treated rats resulted in significant improvement in serum level of the previous parameters, which are in good agreement with the earlier studies 39,40 . ...
... Moreover, hepatoprotection was observed through the decrease of MDA level after supplementation of flax and pumpkin seed mixture 53 . Makni et al. (2011) 39 also showed a rise in anti-oxidant enzymes activities and GSH level in diabetic rats supplemented with flax and pumpkin seed. Likewise, polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid and α -linoleic acid) have been shown to display protective roles against lipid peroxidation, by increasing the levels of several cellular antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol and GSH 11 . ...
Background:
Nitrate (NO3) is the most common chemical contaminant in the world's ground water aquifer. Oxidative stress has been proposed as a possible mechanism involved in NO3 toxicity on non-target organism.
Objectives:
The current study aimed to elucidate the potential protective effect of Telfairia occidentalis (pumpkin seed oil, PSO) against hepatotoxicity induced by sodium nitrate.
Methods:
Wistar rats were exposed either to NaNO3 (200 mg/kg bw) in drinking water in drinking water, or to 4ml PSO/kg bw by gavage or to their combination. Oxidative stress parameters, biochemical biomarkers and liver histopathological examination were determined.
Results:
Our data showed that the exposure of rats to NaNO3 caused significant changes of some haematological parameters compared to the control. In addition, there was a significant elevation of the levels of biochemical markers as that of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase when compared with the control. Furthermore, exposure of rats to NaNO3 induced liver oxidative stress as indicated by the increase of malondialdehyde, progressive oxidation of protein products and protein carbonyl levels. In addition, a reduction in anti-oxidant status (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and vitamin C) was observed.
Conclusion:
Co-administration of PSO to the NaNO3 restored most parameters cited above to near-normal values. Therefore, the present investigation revealed the ability of PSO to attenuate NaNO3-induced oxidative damage.
... Nowadays, diabetes is faced by 4% of the population throughout the globe and expected to reach up to 5.4% by 2025. This chronic metabolic ailment is characterized by high blood glucose level in response to poor insulin release or sensitivity [5]. On the other hand, hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor of coronary heart diseases i.e. associated with elevated cholesterol, triacylglycerols and LDL-c levels along with suppression of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) [6]. ...
... Earlier, Elshal et al. [27] found flaxseed helpful in controlling glucose, cholesterol, triacylglycerol and LDL-c up to 68, 51, 52 and 66% along with increase in HDL-c by 58% as compared to positive control (diabetic rats). Moreover, Makni et al. [5] administered flaxseed and pumpkin seed mixture to diabetic rats that resulted in significant drop of plasma cholesterol and triacylglycerols up to 47%, each in contrast to diabetic rats. The combination of flaxseed and pumpkin ensures the provision of phytosterols, polyunsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols and β-carotene. ...
Background
Flaxseed has emerged as a potential source of bioactive components that can be utilized in routine diet to address lifestyle disorders.
Methods
In this context, three studies were carried out on the basis of induction therapies i.e. Study I (Normal diet), Study II (Hyperglycemic diet; 40% sucrose) and Study III (Hypercholesterolemic diet; 1.5% cholesterol) using Sprague Dawley rats. Each study was further split into three groups based on diets; Control (free from flaxseed powder or extract), Functional diet (incorporation of flaxseed powder; 10%) and Nutraceutical diet (inclusion of ethanolic extract of flaxseed; 5%). During experimental period, hyperglycemic and hyperlipidemic parameters were evaluated alongside, alterations in hematological aspects were also assessed.
Results
Feed intake and body weight demonstrated significant response (p < 0.05) of diets and study intervals however, water intake was substantially influenced by study intervals. In study II (hyperglycemic rats), maximum decline in glucose level was recorded (9.02%) in rats administered with extract based diet. In the same group, maximum increase in insulin (5.90%) was noted. Regarding lipid profile, the bioevaluation trials revealed maximum reduction in serum cholesterol (13.10%) in study III (hypercholesterolemic rats) on the provision of flaxseed extract (nutraceutical diet) followed by flaxseed powder (functional diet) i.e. 7.85%. Further, maximum decrease in low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) was reported i.e. 14.28% on supplementation of flaxseed extract to hypercholesterolemic rats.
Conclusions
Thus, flaxseed extract based intervention has shown higher bioefficacy to address hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia in comparison to flaxseed powder.
... The most beneficial effects of flaxseed are due to the high content of omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to the anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects of flaxseed, several studies have reported its antioxidant activity against various diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, and hypertension [44,45]. Flaxseed is a rich source of linolenic acid and lignans. ...
... Although cholesterol is essential for overall health, high amounts can be harmful since they can cause arteries to constrict or become blocked [56]. A significant rise in the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is unfortunately seen in those with diabetes who are more likely to have unhealthily high cholesterol levels [57]. By effectively managing cholesterol levels, individuals can lower their chances of developing CVD and premature death [58]. ...
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by persistent high glucose level. Linum usitatissimum (flaxseed) which is rich in fibre and essential fatty acid is one of the functional foods used in management of diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of L. usititatissimum seed leaf and stem on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats to see which part is more potent in the management of diabetes. Thirty (30) albino rats weighing 170-200g were used for this study and diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 55mg/kg body weight of streptozotocin. The albino rats were randomly divided into six (6) groups which are as follows: Group A; normal control, B; diabetic control group, C; standard drug (Glibenclamide), D-F were adminstered different parts of crude plants extract. The phytochemistry analysis showed that the seed possessed more bioactive component followed by the leaf and lastly the stem. The 43 phytochemical present in Linum usitatissimum include: alkaloid, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpene, steroid, balsam, carbohydrate and phenol. Across the groups that received crude aqueous extract of L. usititatissimum was a significant reduction of blood glucose level, however, the seed (6.60 ± 2.450 bc) showed more significant difference when compared to the leaf (7.65 ± 1.100 bc) and stem (7.95 ± 2.650 bc) respectively. On the other hand, the protein and albumin biomarkers were significantly (P ≤0.005) increased across groups. Crude aqueous extract of L. usititatissimum also showed antihyperlidemic properties, improved serum enzymes and electrolytes levels. There was also significant positive impact on hematological parameters. In accordance with the results of this investigation, L. Usititatissimum seed part is a more potent antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic agent on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats although, the leaf and stem also demonstrated significant positive impact on biochemical and haematological parameters. This positive result might be as result of various phytochemical component present in the plant.
... The fibers in the pumpkin are useful in the buffering of stomach pH by binding the excess acids produced by the digestive system Vergara-Valencia 83 Pumpkin seed oil Diastolic blood pressure in postmenopausal women Reduced the risks of heart attacks because of high magnesium content Matsuzaki 84 Pumpkin seed Pumpkin Diabetes and oxidative stress Therapeutic strategies have recently focused on preventing such diabetes-related abnormalities using different natural and chemical compounds Shayesteh; 91 Makni et al. 92 antagonistic, or insignificant effects, known as drug interaction effects, for treating diseased conditions. Pumpkin and its byproducts have also proven useful in treating several diseases alongside drugs. ...
Nowadays, agricultural waste byproducts are exploited in the food industry rather than discarded. Pumpkin is one of the most significant vegetable crops that is widely consumed in farmland and certain urban regions. The current study was designed to measure the phytochemical constituents, food application, health benefits, and toxicity of pumpkin and pumpkin byproducts. Pumpkins and pumpkin byproducts (seeds, leaf, and skin/peel) can be utilized as functional ingredients. Different parts of the pumpkin contain bioactive compounds including carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin E, ascorbic acid, phytosterols, selenium, and linoleic acid. Pumpkin is used in various food sectors as a functional food, including baking, beverages, meat, and dairy industries. Furthermore, the leaves and pulp of the pumpkin are used to produce soups, purees, jams, and pies. Different parts of pumpkins have several health benefits such as antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, this review paper elaborates on the pumpkins and pumpkin byproducts that can be used to develop food products and may be valuable against various diseases.
... There are many reasons why traditional medicine has become more and more popular recently, numerous civilizations have historically used traditional medicine (20), and this practice is still prevalent today since it is seen to be more effective and less expensive than modern treatment (21). Additionally, traditional medicine frequently combines cultural customs and beliefs, which increases its appeal among people in particular geographic areas (22). ...
Bambaranut (Vigna subterranea) is a well-known staple food in Nigeria and belongs to the Fabaceae family, and it is known for its potential antidiabetic properties. This present study was conducted to determine which fraction of the nut (hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and aqueous) contains the most bioactive compounds with antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects. The choice of solvent for fractionation was based on increasing polarity. Albino rats weighing between 170-200g were divided into seven groups, each consisting of five rats. Group A served as the negative control, Group B as the positive control, Group C was given the standard drug metformin 200mg, and Groups D to G were diabetic rats fed with four different fractions of the nut at a dosage of 200mg per body weight. Diabetes was induced in the albino rats through intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin. Over a period of 28 days, blood glucose levels of the rat groups were measured using a glucometer at 7-day intervals. At the end of the 28-day study, biochemical and hematological assessments were conducted. A significant decrease in blood glucose levels was observed in the albino rat groups fed with the hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanolic fractions. However, the aqueous fraction did not show a significant reduction in blood glucose levels compared to the diabetic and normal control groups (P≤0.005).Furthermore, the groups that received the different fractions of the nut exhibited significantly lower fasting blood sugar levels and improved biochemical markers. At the end of this study, Serum enzyme markers, lipid profiles, and hematological parameters also showed statistically significant positive effects compared to the diabetic control group. Overall, the hexane fraction demonstrated the most pronounced antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic properties, followed by the methanolic fraction, the presence of phytochemical compounds in the Bambaranut fractions are responsible for these effects.
... Consumption of pumpkin seed oil can reverse the risk of developing diabetes by reducing the elevated levels of the enzymes plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase. Regular consumption of pumpkin seeds in meals could be useful in preventing diabetes and its related complications [87]. ...
... Hussain et al. (2021) made a comparison of phytochemicals present in peel, flesh and seeds of pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima), and concluded that pumpkin seeds are excellent sources of total phenolic, flavonoid, carotenoid and mineral contents and due to present of these biologically active components antioxidant status of pumpkin seeds is high as compared to peel and flesh portion. Makni et al. (2011) studied the effect of pumpkin and flax seeds mixtures on alloxan induced diabetic rats and found that diet supplemented with pumpkin seeds exhibited antioxidant activity in rats to control lipid oxidation related diseases. Similar to our results, data was present in the study of Akgul et al. (2022), where ethanolic extracts of plants exhibited strong antioxidant and low oxidant potential, encouraging the use of plants as natural antioxidant agents. ...
Fruits and vegetables are basic crops of mass consumption for human population to meet their food requirements. Recent advances in medicinal studies have revealed that different parts of fruits and vegetables are loaded with phytochemicals responsible for eliminating the risks of different diseases. Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima Duchesne) is one of the abundantly grown and consumed vegetable all around the world. Seeds of this vegetables are named as nutritional power houses due to their excellent nutrient profiles. In present study total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) and DPPH free radical scavenging activity, of pumpkin seeds extracts were determined. Extraction of pumpkin seeds was carried out in a Soxhlet apparatus using ethanol as extraction solvent. TAS and TOS were determined through Rel Assay Kits and free radical scavenging activity was measured through DPPH assay. TAS was found 4.18±0.36 and TOS 14.68±0.42, whereas value of OSI was measured 0.35±0.10. DPPH free radical scavenging activity was observed increasing with increasing the concentration and maximum value 56.10±0.90% was observed at 2 mg/mL concentration. From these results it was concluded that pumpkin seeds could be utilized as natural antioxidant source with potential to reduce oxidative stress and minimizing the risks of certain diseases.
... On termination of experiment, blood samples were collected from retro-orbital plexuses under light anesthesia with the help of capillary tube. Serum biochemical parameters like serum creatinine blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT)were estimated by using auto serum chemistry analyser (MindrayBS-120,Mumbai, India) [10]. ...
The aim of the present study was to evaluate antidiabetic activity of ethanol extract of leaves of Flax plant (Linum usitatissimum) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Ethanol extract of leaves of Linum usitatissimum (EELL) or glibenclamide was administered to the rats orally daily for 28 days. Blood glucose levels at weekly interval and on 29th day, serum biochemical parameters were carried out to evaluate its antidiabetic effect in diabetic rats. Blood glucose, creatinine, BUN, AST and ALT levels were significantly increased in STZ induced diabetic rats as compared to vehicle control rats. After 28 days administration of EELL showed the significant decrease in above levels as compared to diabetic control rats. The study results suggest that the ethanol extract of leaves of Linum usitatissimum clearly demonstrated the antidiabetic activity in an experimental model of rats.
... Diabetic conditions in rats were made by inducing alloxan monohydrate intraperitoneally which was dissolved using the normal saline solution at a single dose of 120 mg/kg BW. 9 The rats were fasted 12 hours before induced with alloxan. After 4 days, the blood glucose was measured to ensure the hyperglycemic rat. ...
Effect of Mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni Jacq.) Extract on the Islet Cells’ Number and Blood Glucose Levels of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rat. This study was to know the effect of ethanol extract of mahogany (S. mahagoni Jacq.) seeds on the number of islet cells in the pancreatic Langerhans and blood glucose levels of alloxan-induced diabetic white rat (Rattus norvegicus). Twenty-five male rats were divided into five groups consists of: (C-) 1-mL/day aquadest without alloxan induction, (C+) 120 mg/kgBW alloxan and 1-mL/day aquadest, (T1, T2, T3) 120 mg/kgBW alloxan and 250, 500, 1000 mg/kgBW of ethanol extract of mahogany seeds respectively. Alloxan were injected intraperitoneal with single dose and ethanol extract of mahogany seeds administered via intragastric gavage for 14 days. At the end of the treatment period, the number of islet cells in the pancreatic Langerhans was counted and blood glucose levels were measured. This research showed that the ethanol extract of mahogany seeds have antidiabetic effect that can repair damaged islet cells in the pancreatic Langerhans at effective dose of 500 mg/kgBW with a mean number of 151.83 ± 11.07 that significantly higher (p less than 0.05) than treatment group 1 (T1), treatment group 3 (T3) and positive control group (C+) and also decreased the blood glucose levels from > 200 mg/dL to normal range (50–135 mg/dL). This is due to the antioxidant property of mahogany seeds extract which is beneficial in repairing pancreas damage due to oxidative stress.
... Other important components present in the pumpkin oils are tocopherols, sterols, phospholipids, and hydrocarbons. Animal studies have shown that pumpkin, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seed powder, and pumpkin juice can reduce blood sugar [20,21]. The pumpkin seed oil exhibits anti-inflammatory effects [22], reduces elevated blood pressure, and blood cholesterol levels [23,24]. ...
Exposures to hazardous chemicals including formaldehyde are harmful to human health. In this study, the authors investigate the protective effects of pumpkin seed oil (PSO) extract against formaldehyde-induced major organ damages in mice. Administration of formaldehyde (FA) caused significant elevation of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), serum creatinine, etc. Histopathological examinations of liver, kidney, and brain tissues showed the degenerations of those organs. Mice pretreated with PSO extract significantly attenuated the FA-induced elevation of SGOT (39.0 AE 1.30 vs 20.5 AE 0.65 IU/L; FA-group vs PSO treatment group), SGPT (91.8 AE 1.65 vs 51.0 AE 1.29 IU/L), serum creatinine (1.05 AE 0.07 vs 0.65 AE 0.07 IU/L), and preserved the normal histology of organ tissues. The FA-induced elevation of malon-dialdehyde (MDA) in the brain, liver, and kidneys was suppressed by pretreatment with PSO extract. The extract also attenuated the FA-induced reduction of endogenous antioxidant pools. In vitro phytochemical analyses showed that PSO extract possesses free radical scavenging and total antioxidant activities due to the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Thus, PSO extract has significant protective effects against FA-induced organ toxicities by scavenging oxidative stress and inhibiting lipid peroxidation.
... Pazos et al. (2011), investigated the effect of noni seed oil in both normolipidemic and hyperlipidemiainduced mice and the results showed a lowering in serum lipid levels (downregulation of total cholesterol and triglycerides formation) in both models. The pumpkin seed oil contains sterols and phytoestrogens like lariciresinol and secoisolariciresinol in huge amounts which can lead to substantial hepatoprotective and anti-atherogenic impacts in hyper-cholesterolemic rats (Makni et al., 2011). According to another study (Phillips, 2012) ...
Traditionally, vegetables are consumed as ingredients of daily household meals. Before cooking, vegetables are washed thoroughly, unpeeled, and deseeded, followed by chopping into desired shapes and sizes. Vegetable peels and seeds are also byproducts of various food industries. If they are not used, they will contribute significantly to global garbage. On the other hand, developing novel functional foods and food ingredients out of unorthodox sources has become a trending issue among researchers. The focus of this review was to access the utility of seed flour from sixteen commonly eaten seed‐bearing vegetables such as ash gourd (Benincasa hispida), bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria), buffalo gourd (Cucurbita foetidissima), capsicum (Capsicum annuum), drumstick (Moringa oleifera), Gnetum (Gnetum gnemon), hemp (Cannabis sativa), lady’s finger (Abelmoschus esculentus), noni (Morinda citrifolia), pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica), pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima), ridge gourd (Luffa acutangular), snake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina), spine gourd (Momordica dioica), and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) have been presented. A complete picture of the nutritional qualities, phytochemical constituents, health benefits of these vegetable seeds, and their impact on the fortification of ready‐to‐eat foods have been illustrated. The development of functional food goods (bakery products, milk products, cereal‐based products, and meat products) from food waste (vegetable seeds) is extensively discussed in this study. It also highlights possible research gaps related to this field.
... A rotary vacuum evaporator removed the solvents; the remaining mass of extract was concentrated and dried. [10,11] The extracts were stored in a desiccator for further phytochemical screening. Alcoholic extract of leaves of H. tuberosus was used for further study. ...
Epilepsy is an episodic brain dysfunction featured by recurring erratic spontaneous seizures followed by cognitive, social, neurobiological, and psychological consequences. Conventional anti-epileptic drugs are associated with several untoward effects, and hence long-term treatment compliance is a major problem in the management of epilepsy. Herbal drugs have shown promising efficacy as potent anticonvulsants in the past few years. In light of this, the anticonvulsant effect of alcoholic extract of leaves of Helianthus tuberosus (AHT) against maximal electroshock (MES) induced convulsions was investigated. In the present investigation, an indigenous plant, H. tuberosus was studied for its protective effect against maximal electroshock (MES) induced convulsions in Wistar albino rats. The rats were pre-treated with different doses (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) of alcoholic extract of leaves of H. tuberosus for 14 days, and then, they were subjected to maximal electroshock seizures (40 mA for 0.2 seconds) treatment. Alcoholic extract of leaves of H. tuberosus at the dose of 400 mg/kg significantly reduced the duration of hind limb extension and the protection of rats against maximal electroshock-induced seizures. The reference standards phenytoin (20 mg/kg) provided complete protection. Thus, the present study revealed an anticonvulsant effect of H. tuberosus against maximal electroshock-induced convulsions in rats.
... Ju and Chang [8] found that pumpkin flour as feed successfully increased plasma insulin and reduced glucose levels significantly. Various pumpkins contain pharmacological characteristics, including antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and lipid-lowering abilities [9], antidiabetic abilities [10], antimicrobial and anti-carcinogenic [11]. The mechanism of blood sugar depletion is through the accelerated release of glucose from circulation, which is closely related to the work of the heart, and by accelerating the filtration and excretion of the kidneys. ...
Diabetes is a congenital disease resulting from inefficiencies in insulin production and activities. Instant porridge mixed with pumpkin and brown rice (instant porridge mix) can be a functional food to lower blood sugar. This study aimed to determine the hypoglycemic activity and the ability of instant porridge mix to regenerate pancreatic beta cells in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by Streptozotocin (STZ). Instant porridge mix was used to substitute the standard feed AIN-93 at 0, 10, 20, and 30% levels. The hypoglycemic activity test used 30 Sprague Dawley rats assigned to five groups with six each. The groups were (1) normal rats fed with standard feed AIN-93, (2) DM/diabetes mellitus rats fed with AIN 93 feed, (3) DM rats fed with 10% instant porridge mix, (4) DM rats fed with 20% instant porridge mix, and (5) DM rats fed with 30% instant porridge mix. The treatment was carried out for twenty-eight days, and blood sampling was carried out at seven-day intervals for blood analysis to determine glucose levels. At the end of the study, the levels of MDA (malondialdehyde) and blood glucose in the liver of the rats were also analyzed. A histopathology test was also done on the pancreas. The results showed that feed substitution (20%) with instant porridge mix significantly (p <0.05) reduced the level of blood glucose from 271.81 to 99.66 mg.dL-1 in DM rats. In conclusion, DM rats fed with 20% instant porridge mix were the best treatment for hypoglycemic and regenerative effects of the pancreas.
... This mixture ameliorated antioxidant enzyme activities and level of GSH as well as considerably decreased MDA level. Also, it resulted in a subsequent recovery towards the normalization of liver enzymes (Makni et al., 2011). Another mixture of pumpkin seeds with flex seeds or purslane seeds was proved to have an anti-atherogenic effect by reducing total cholesterol, triglycerides, and total lipids in both liver and serum of rats fed 2% cholesterol diet (Barakat & Mahmoud, 2011). ...
A large amount of wastes and by-products are generated during the vegetables and fruits production and food industry. These wastes create increasing disposal and severe environmental problems or discarded with a loss of valuable biomass and nutrients. However, these wastes contain bioactive compounds of great potential and value-added compounds. These wastes or by-products can be incorporated as food additives and/or used as nutraceuticals. Therefore, the valorization of agro wastes or by-products from the food industry significantly contributing to a sustainable food chain from an environmental and economic point of view. Pumpkin is a gourd-like fruit of the genus Cucurbita (family Cucurbitaceae), indigenous to the tropical and sub-tropical countries. Worldwide, three common pumpkin species are grown, namely Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita maxima, and Cucurbita moschata, which economically represent the most important species. Globally, China, India, Ukraine, Egypt, and the United States are the major pumpkin-producing countries. Pumpkins are a rich source of important natural bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, tocopherols, phytosterols, phenolics, antidiabetic polysaccharides, minerals, vitamins, antifungal proteins, essential and nonessential amino acids, pectin, and fibers. Besides, the pumpkin seed oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-9). The bioactive compounds found in pumpkin exhibit a wide range of biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardio protective, antiaging, antimicrobial anticancer, and prebiotic activities. The wastes from pumpkin fruits and biomass from seed oil production retained great amounts of these bioactive compounds, representing a potential for their use as a nutraceutical or dietary supplement. The present chapter describes the economic values, chemical composition, bioactive compounds, health benefits, and pumpkin fruits’ biological activity. In addition, the current status of the use, recovery, food, and non-food applications of pumpkin processing by-products, including peels, pulp, and seeds. The technologies employed to obtain and isolate the highly value-added components from these by-products will also be discussed.Keywords
Cucurbita
SeedSeed cakePeelPulpNutritional valueBio-wastesValorization
... Also, during the production of biscuits, we use margarine (shortening) characterized with low trans, low inter-esterified fatty acids and high polyunsaturated fatty acids content. Makni et al. (2011), has shown that polyunsaturated fatty acids had a strong hypotriglyceridaemic and hypocholesterolemic impact on rats with a reduction in LDL and increase HDL. The results obtain in this study is in the same token with that of Erukainure et al. (2013a), who reported that feeding on fibre-enriched biscuit led to a significant reduction in triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, Atherosclerosis index and increase HDL. ...
This study investigated the effect of consumption of an optimum biscuit from composite flour of Musa sapientum L. (‘banana cochon’) and Vigna unguiculata L. (cowpea) on the pancreatic histology, biochemical and hematological parameters of streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. The optimum biscuit was evaluated for its chemical properties and glycaemic index. The weekly fasting blood glucose level, food intake and weight of the rats were recorded. The effect of 28 days' consumption of different percentages of optimum biscuit with/without Metformin was also evaluated on the pancreatic histology, biochemical and hematological parameters of rats. Results showed that, the optimum biscuit is rich in minerals (potassium, magnesium and calcium), dietary fibre (9.4%) and is a low glycaemic index product (50.91%). Also, the optimum biscuit significantly lowered/maintained the blood glucose level of diabetic rats even though the weekly weights of the rats were reduced while food intake increased. Nonetheless, the hematological parameters of the treated diabetic rats were significantly (P < 0.05) improved when compared to the untreated diabetic rats groups. With the exception of total serum protein, other biochemical parameters such as serum creatinine, urea, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and bilirubin in the treated diabetic groups were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced or closer to those of non-diabetic rats. The serum cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein levels were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced while the HDL level significantly increased in treated diabetic groups. Histological examination of the pancreas showed that treatment of diabetic groups with optimum biscuit was able to slow down the destruction (protection) of beta-cells. Thus, optimum biscuit could be used to improve the health status during the management and prevention of complications in diabetic patients.
... There are many ways to establish hypertriglyceridemia, which can be divided into chronic and acute hypertriglyceridemia according to the time. Methods for establishing chronic HTG include diet feeding [100,101], emulsion gavage [102], 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol (1,3-DCP) gavage [103], lead gavage [104], dexamethasone injection [105], etc. Methods for establishing acute HTG include poloxamer-407 (P-407) injection [106], Triton WR1339 injection [107], chlorpyrifos (CPF) injection [108], and alloxan injection [109]. ...
In recent years, the number of acute pancreatitis cases caused by hypertriglyceridemia has increased gradually, which has caught the attention of the medical community. However, because the exact mechanism of hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP) is not clear, treatment and prevention in clinical practice face enormous challenges. Animal models are useful for elucidating the pathogenesis of diseases and developing and testing novel interventions. Therefore, animal experiments have become the key research means for us to understand and treat this disease. We searched almost all HTG-AP animal models by collecting many studies and finally collated common animals such as rats, mice and included some rare animals that are not commonly used, summarizing the methods to model spontaneous pancreatitis and induce pancreatitis. We sorted them on the basis of three aspects, including the selection of different animals, analyzed the characteristics of different animals, different approaches to establish hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis and their relative advantages and disadvantages, and introduced the applications of these models in studies of pathogenesis and drug therapy. We hope this review can provide relevant comparisons and analyses for researchers who intend to carry out animal experiments and will help researchers to select and establish more suitable animal experimental models according to their own experimental design.
... Most beneficial effects of flaxseed are due to the high contents of omega-3 fatty acids. Several studies reported flaxseed antioxidant activity against various diseases, including diabetes, atherosclerosis, and hypertension, in addition to anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic effects [10][11][12][13]. ...
Flaxseed is one of the rich sources of α-linolenic acid and lignan. Flaxseed and its components have antioxidant, hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects. The study aimed to investigate the effect of flaxseed enriched yogurt on glycemic control, lipid profiles and blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes. A randomized, open-labeled, controlled clinical trial was conducted on 57 patients with type 2 diabetes. Participants were assigned to receive 200 g 2.5% fat yogurt containing 30-g flaxseed or plain yogurt daily for 8 weeks. Anthropometrics and biochemical parameters were evaluated at the beginning and end of the study. After 8 weeks of supplementation, Hemoglobin A1c was significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to control (p = 0.007). Also, at the end of the study, significant differences were seen between the flaxseed enriched yogurt and control groups in triglycerides and total cholesterol concentrations (p = 0.04 and p = 0.01), systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.02 and p = 0.002, respectively). However, we did not find any difference between 2 groups in low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, body weight and waist circumference (p > 0.05). Our results showed that the addition of flaxseed to yogurt can be effective in the management of type 2 diabetes.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02436369.
... The usage of traditional medicine and food derived from natural antioxidants is regarded as an alternative therapy for improving oxidative stress in diabetes [9][10][11]. The green husks, leaves, and seeds of the walnut (Juglans regia L.) are the main source of these functional ingredients which have been used as folk medicine for the prevention and treatment of some diseases including anorexia, diabetes mellitus, cancer, thyroid dysfunction and infectious diseases [12]. ...
Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus has a long-term effect on pregnant women. Walnut (Juglans regia L.) oil-derived polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) possesses multifarious pharmacological activities. This study investigated the beneficial effects of walnut oil-derived PUFA on glucose metabolism, pregnancy outcomes, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolism in gestational diabetes mellitus.
Methods: The GDM rat model was generated by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg) on gestational day (GD) 6, GD7 and GD8. The differences between groups were estimated using one-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey’s multiple comparison test for post-hoc analysis.
Results: The results indicated that PUFA could mitigate GDM in pregnant diabetic rats, as embodied by the decrease of fasting blood glucose and the increase of plasma insulin and hepatic glycogen levels. Also, PUFA could suppress oxidative stress in pregnant diabetic rats, as reflected by the decrease of malondialdehyde (MDA) content, an increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and gutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities. PUFA could also mitigate the abnormal changes of lipid profiles in plasma and hepatic tissue. Moreover, the relative mRNA expression of sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor-1 (SREBP-1), stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC), was suppressed by PUFA in pregnant diabetic rats.
Conclusions: These results suggested that PUFA supplementation during pregnancy is beneficial in preventing diabetic complications in pregnant rats.
... The usage of traditional medicine and food derived from natural antioxidants is regarded as an alternative therapy for improving oxidative stress in diabetes [9][10][11]. The green husks, leaves, and seeds of the walnut (Juglans regia L.) are the main source of these functional ingredients which have been used as folk medicine for the prevention and treatment of some diseases including anorexia, diabetes mellitus, cancer, thyroid dysfunction and infectious diseases [12]. ...
Background
Gestational diabetes mellitus has a long-term effect on pregnant women. Walnut ( Juglans regia L.) oil-derived polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) possesses multifarious pharmacological activities. This study investigated the beneficial effects of walnut oil-derived PUFA on glucose metabolism, pregnancy outcomes, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolism in gestational diabetes mellitus.
Methods
The GDM rat model was generated by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg) on gestational day (GD) 6, GD7 and GD8. The differences between groups were estimated using one-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey’s multiple comparison test for post-hoc analysis.
Results
The results indicated that PUFA could mitigate GDM in pregnant diabetic rats, as embodied by the decrease of fasting blood glucose and the increase of plasma insulin and hepatic glycogen levels. Also, PUFA could suppress oxidative stress in pregnant diabetic rats, as reflected by the decrease of malondialdehyde content, an increase of superoxide dismutase, catalase and gutathione peroxidase activities. PUFA could also mitigate the abnormal changes of lipid profiles in plasma and hepatic tissue. Moreover, the relative mRNA expression of sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor-1, stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1, fatty acid synthase, and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase, was suppressed by PUFA in pregnant diabetic rats.
Conclusions
These results suggested that PUFA supplementation during pregnancy is beneficial in preventing diabetic complications in pregnant rats.
... Pumpkin seeds function as a hypoglycaemic agent by increasing hepatic glycogen content, decreasing gluconeogenesis and by inhibiting the action of enzymes involved in starch breakdown. [29][30][31] The results of the study point outs that proteins present in pumpkin seed also contribute to antidiabetic activity. ...
Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of protein and fibre. Proteins present in pumpkin seeds have received less attention in spite of their significant biological activities. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of crude protein obtained from pumpkin seeds. Protein was extracted using pre-chilled phosphate buffer extraction (0.2M; pH-7), followed by acetone precipitation and dialysis. The protein content of pumpkin seeds was estimated using Bradford's method. The electrophoretic profile was determined using SDS PAGE. Antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH • radical, ABTS •+ radical cation, Fe 3+ reduction and phosphomolybdenum reduction assay. Antidiabetic activity was determined using alpha amylase inhibition assay. Mean values of different concentrations were tested for significance using one way Anova followed by Tukey's test. The protein content of pumpkin seed was 100.48 ± 0.72 mg/ mL and the molecular weight of the extracted proteins ranged from 25 to 45 kDa. The proteins present in pumpkin seeds showed significant antioxidant activities in a dose dependent manner (p<0.05). The IC 50 value of DPPH • radical and ABTS •+ radical scavenging assay was 670 µg/mL and 3.49µg/mL. Pumpkin seed proteins showed significant alpha-amylase inhibitory activity (p<0.05) and the IC 50 value was 127.94 µg/mL. The results of the present study indicate the biological health promoting effects of plant proteins and their use as a functional food component.
... The usage of traditional medicine and food derived from natural antioxidants is regarded as an alternative therapy for improving oxidative stress in diabetes [9][10][11]. The green husks, leaves, and seeds of the walnut (Juglans regia L.) are the main source of these functional ingredients which have been used as folk medicine for the prevention and treatment of some diseases including anorexia, diabetes mellitus, cancer, thyroid dysfunction and infectious diseases [12]. ...
Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus has a long-term effect on pregnant women. Walnut (Juglans regia L.) oil-derived polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) possesses multifarious pharmacological activities. This study investigated the beneficial effects of walnut oil-derived PUFA on glucose metabolism disorder, pregnancy outcomes, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolism disorder in gestational diabetes mellitus.
Methods: The GDM rat model was generated by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg) on gestational day (GD) 6, GD7 and GD8. The differences between groups were estimated using one-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey’s multiple comparison test for post-hoc analysis.
Results: The results indicated that PUFA could mitigate GDM in pregnant diabetic rats, as embodied by the decrease of fasting blood glucose and the increase of plasma insulin and hepatic glycogen levels. Also, PUFA could suppress oxidative stress in pregnant diabetic rats, as reflected by the decrease of malondialdehyde (MDA) content, an increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and gutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities. PUFA could also mitigate the abnormal changes of lipid profiles in plasma and hepatic tissue. Moreover, the relative mRNA expression of sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor-1 (SREBP-1), stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC), was suppressed by PUFA in pregnant diabetic rats.
Conclusions: These results suggested that PUFA supplementation during the pregnancy is beneficial in preventing diabetic complications in pregnant rats.
... Other important components present in the pumpkin oils are tocopherols, sterols, phospholipids, and hydrocarbons. Animal studies have shown that pumpkin, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seed powder, and pumpkin juice can reduce blood sugar [20,21]. The pumpkin seed oil exhibits anti-inflammatory effects [22], reduces elevated blood pressure, and blood cholesterol levels [23,24]. ...
Exposures to hazardous chemicals including formaldehyde are harmful to human health. In this study, the authors investigate the protective effects of pumpkin seed oil (PSO) extract against formaldehyde-induced major organ damages in mice. Administration of formaldehyde (FA) caused significant elevation of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), serum creatinine, etc. Histopathological examinations of liver, kidney, and brain tissues showed the degenerations of those organs. Mice pretreated with PSO extract significantly attenuated the FA-induced elevation of SGOT (39.0 ± 1.30 vs 20.5 ± 0.65 IU/L; FA-group vs PSO treatment group), SGPT (91.8 ± 1.65 vs 51.0 ± 1.29 IU/L), serum creatinine (1.05 ± 0.07 vs 0.65 ± 0.07 IU/L), and preserved the normal histology of organ tissues. The FA-induced elevation of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brain, liver, and kidneys was suppressed by pretreatment with PSO extract. The extract also attenuated the FA-induced reduction of endogenous antioxidant pools. In vitro phytochemical analyses showed that PSO extract possesses free radical scavenging and total antioxidant activities due to the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Thus, PSO extract has significant protective effects against FA-induced organ toxicities by scavenging oxidative stress and inhibiting lipid peroxidation.
... The pumpkin seed oil has been confirmed to comprise a great amount of sterols and phytoestrogens like lariciresinol and secoisolariciresinol [26]. Supplying of pumpkin seeds oil led to substantial hepatoprotective and anti-atherogenic impacts in hyper-cholesterolemic rats [27]. Another research stated that pumpkin seeds retain estrogenic-like effects comprising the bone remodeling, lipid metabolism regulation, and uterus and mammary gland epithelial cells amelioration, since phytoestrogen compounds have a vital role to suppress the cardiovascular problems and control blood lipid levels [13]. ...
... Penyakit diabetes mellitus ditandai dengan kondisi hiperglikemik dikarenakan adanya penurunan sekresi insulin yang dipicu oleh resistensi insulin dan peningkatan radikal bebas dalam tubuh. [3,4]. ...
Abstrak
Kebutuhan akan kesehatan diharapkan pada semua orang, namun kesehatan harus perlu dijaga agar tidak terpapar adanya radikal bebas yang berlebihan, karena akan memicu timbulnya penyakit diabetes mellitus disertai adanya peningkatan kadar malondehaldehid. Pencegahan radikal bebas yang berlebihan dapat memanfaatkan biji Cucurbita moschata. Antioksidan pada biji Cucurbita moschata berperan dalam mengatasi dan mencegah adanya stres oksidatif pada penderita diabetes mellitus. Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui potensi ekstrak etanol biji Cucurbita moschata terhadap kadar malondehaldehid mencit model diabetes. Metode penelitian eksperimental dengan desain post test control group design, mencit jantan sebanyak 24 ekor umur 1 bulan dengan berat badan 20-30 gram, dibagi menjadi 6 kelompok: kontrol negatif, kontrol positif, kontrol metformin, dan kelompok perlakuan ekstrak etanol biji Cucurbita moschata dosis 180, 360 dan 720 mg/kg BB diberikan secara sonde oral selama 14 hari. Pengamatan terhadap kadar malondehaldehid. Hasil penelitian pemberian ekstrak etanol biji Cucurbita moschata pada semua dosis kelompok perlakuan dapat menurunkan kadar malondehaldehid (Kruskal Wallis p 0,04 < 0,05), sedangkan dosis yang lebih efektif sebanyak 360 mg/kgBB. Kesimpulan semua dosis kelompok perlakuan dapat menurunkan kadar malondehaldehid, sedangkan dosis yang lebih efektif sebanyak 360 mg/kgBB.
Kata kunci: Cucurbita moschata, malondehaldehid, diabetes
Abstract
Everybody expects of being healthy, but health must be maintained to avoid excessive free radical exposure since it will trigger the onset of diabetes mellitus that is accompanied by an increase in the malondialdehyde level. Prevention of excessive free radicals can be done by utilizing Cucurbita moschata seeds. Antioxidants in Cucurbita moschata seeds play a role in overcoming and preventing oxidative stress in people with diabetes mellitus. The study aimed to determine the potential of ethanol extract of Cucurbita moschata seeds on the malondialdehyde level in diabetic mice. This study applied an experimental research method with a posttest control group design. The subjects were 24 male mice aged one month with a bodyweight of 20-30 grams and were divided into six groups: negative control, positive control, metformin control, and treatment groups of ethanol extract Cucurbita moschata seed doses of 180, 360, and 720 mg/kgBW given orally for 14 days. The results of the study showed that ethanol extract of Cucurbita moschata seeds on all treatment doses could reduce the malondialdehyde level (Kruskal Wallis p 0.04
... Han et al. (2017) suggested that, the potential effect of flaxseed oil in preventing oxidative stress could be due to the ability to reduce free radical production or through increased free radical scavenging activity. On the other hand Makni et al. (2011) rendered these improvements to the relieving effects of flaxseed oil on hepatic and renal architectures which are important for metabolism and excretion of toxic materials. ...
Objective:
This research investigated secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) flax extract effects on apoptosis, hedgehog (Hh), autophagy, and the anti-oxidation process in experimentally induced obesity.
Materials and methods:
Forty rats were separated into two sets regarding either receiving a normal balanced diet or a high-fat diet (HFD) and then distributed into four groups: GI: The control group had a regular diet for 12 weeks. GII: animals received a high-fat meal and saline by gastric gavage. GIII: HFD obese rats treated with SDG extract orally (10 mg/kg/b.w.) and 1.18 mg SDG/kg in the diet for 4 weeks GIV: Normal balanced diet rats received SDG extract orally (10 mg/kg/b.w.) and 1.18 mg SDG/kg of chow for 12 weeks in addition to their regular balanced diet.
Results:
The administration of SDG extract exhibited a significant drop in body weight, glucose, lipid profile, and leptin compared to the obese group. It also improved the antioxidant levels (lowering the levels of malondialdehyde while increasing the total antioxidant capacity) and anti-inflammatory status (decreasing interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha). SDG extract downregulates the expression of HH genes (protein patched homolog 1, Hh-interacting protein, glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1, and smoothened receptor) in conjunction with the modulation of autophagy genes and apoptotic proteins.
Conclusion:
SDG extract showed improved anti-inflammatory and antioxidant status and downregulated the expression of HH genes while modulating autophagy genes and apoptotic proteins among obese rats, suggesting that it may be used to avert and manage obesity and its correlated complications by modulating oxidation, inflammation, autophagy, and apoptosis. Advanced future research on the SDG autophagy pathway to address obesity and its complications is mandatory.
The
addition of antioxidants, whose effects on fertility in mammals have been
investigated, to culture media in in vitro embryo production systems as well as
parenteral and oral use has come to the fore and studies on this subject have
increased. We believe that this book will make important contributions to scientists
and students who are interested in the subject today, where antioxidants are
gaining importance.
The process of bone tissue regeneration involves an intricate network of a biological macromolecules that includes proteins and peptides to support stimulation and healing response. Here, we have fabricated a novel flaxseed/silk fibroin based (dual protein) composite nanofibers using β-TCP to improve the biological properties and promote cartilage tissue regeneration along with a controllable rate of biodegradation. The physiochemical properties of PVA/β-TCP/FP:SF were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, porosity, contact angle measurements and mechanical evaluation etc. This study demonstrates the biological performance of the developed nanofibers by using hemocompatibility, biodegradation ability, and apatite deposition in stimulated body fluid. Moreover, the cell viability assay was performed on MG-63 osteoblast cells and long-term antibacterial rate against E. coli and S. aureus was analysed. Docking results of flax protein and silk fibroin protein further confirmed the stable modes of intramolecular bonding and the most stable electrostatic values using theoretical calculations. Taken together, the experimental results proved that the dual protein-based fibrous scaffold was found to be up-regulated in terms of biological activity with enhanced cell adhesion and proliferation.
Pumpkin seeds have great therapeutic value but remain underutilized due to its hulled character. However, a hull-less mutation revolutionized the fate of pumpkin seeds in the oil industry by omitting the decortication process. Therefore, the present research was conducted to understand the histological and physiological changes caused by this mutation in the developing seeds of pumpkin that produces the desired hull-less phenotype. In scanning electronic microscopy, a distinct five cell layered structure was observed in the seed coat of hulled (PCK-1) genotype, which was collapsed in the partially hulled (WT-2046) and the hull-less (PMK-1) genotypes. Also the seed coat layers increased continuously in hulled genotype until maturity; however, these declined after 20 DPA in the other two genotypes. Physiological studies revealed that protein, amino acid, starch and lipid content followed the same trend, but the wall components (pectin, hemicelulose, cellulose and lignin) differed significantly amongst the genotypes. The wall components increased continuously until maturity in the hulled genotype, but decreased after 20 DPA in the partially hulled and hull-less genotypes. Further, the correlation, PCA and cluster analysis also reinforced that the wall components especially the lignin was responsible in maintaining the seed coat structure in the hulled genotype and its reduction poses as a reason for the collapsed seed coat in other two genotypes. Lignin reduction was noticed at 20 DPA in the hull-less genotype and therefore, this stage can be used to identify the gene responsible for lignin synthesis in the seed coats.
Food production and processing trades in developing countries generate a lot of waste and byproducts, which have a negative impact on the environment. Food waste seems to be the most difficult problem the world is experiencing. Food processing, households, and the hospitality industry are the principal waste generators, and this waste consists mainly of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and inorganic materials that are recyclable and biodegradable. Nevertheless, these biomaterials have such a high tendency to produce dietary supplements that will reduce undernutrition and malnourishment in the developing economies where they will be generated. Food waste management is critical, as it is typically incinerated or dumped in open areas, posing serious health and environmental risks. Food waste can be managed by converting it into numerous valuation products such as phytoconstituents (biologically active compounds), nutritional supplements, livestock feed, dietary fibers, biopigments (colorants), emulsifying agents, edible/essential oils, biopreservatives, biofertilizers, biofuels, and single cell proteins. The value-added products manufactured from food scraps will be quite environmentally friendly. The chapter will concentrate on various value-added products derived from food waste.
Background and Purpose: Irochel is a polyherbal formulation, comprises ethanolic extracts of Emblica officinalis, Cucurbita pepo L, Triticum aestivum, Fagonia cretica, Momordica charantia, and Tribulus terristris. It is prepared for the management of iron overload in transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients in which non-transfusion binds iron-produced reactive oxygen species ROS that causes severe damages to the organs leads to death. Research Study: In this study, phytochemical, antioxidant-DPPH assay, cytotoxicity, acute, and subacute toxicity in Wistar rats according to OECD guidelines 423 and 407, respectively, was carried out. The pharmaceutical analysis was conducted following standard protocols. Results: The results exhibited that each herb has a rich amount of phytochemical constituents. The DPPH assay showed IC 50 values for Irochel and Gallic Acid 106.6 ± 4.28 [uM] and 21.8 ± 1.03 [uM], respectively. The LC 50 124.327 μg/ml was obtained in cytotoxicity. In acute toxicity (14 days) and subacute toxicity (28 days) studies, the results revealed no treatment-related toxic manifestations, or mortality. Therefore, LD 50 was found > 5000 mg/kg. However, there was some hematological and biochemical variations observed at 3 different doses of 2000, 300, and 50 mg/kg bw. Conclusion: Thus, Irochel has significant antioxidant activity and it is a safe drug for human use.
Agri-food processing industries generate substantial amounts of wastes and/or by-products, which are now a well-established resource of nutraceutically valued compounds. Exploring these wastes/by-products to fabricate economically valued products will not only contribute toward minimizing the environmental pollution-related issues, but can also contribute to higher economic gains for the agri-food-based industries. Globally, it is witnessed that processing of fruits or vegetables belonging to the genera of Cucumis (melon), Cucurbita (pumpkin), and Citrullus (watermelon) leads to the accumulation of enormous volume wastes and/or by-products occurring mainly as pomace (skin, pulp, seeds, and stems). Available reports have indicated that the discarded seeds of the above-mentioned genera are a reliable source of bioactive phytochemicals including essential fatty acids (polyunsaturated fatty acids), antioxidant-rich polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, carotenoids, and other components exhibiting bioactivities like those of dietary fiber, proteins, amino acids, minerals, etc. Hence, being an inexpensive raw material, the discarded seeds hold high promise for effective valorization. These discarded seeds can be utilized as a valuable functional ingredient with potential applications in the food, feed, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceuticals industries. In addition, efficient valorization of these seeds through an environmental-friendly sustainable process can solve critical problems related to the management of wastes and/or by-products from this industry.
In this chapter, the authors discuss the nutraceutical values of seeds [from the genera Cucumis (melon), Cucurbita (pumpkin), and Citrullus (watermelon)], which hold high economic importance because of their worldwide production. In addition, prospective applications that can provide rich economic gains to the relative industry, sustainability challenges to efficient valorization, and future research gaps are also highlighted.
Diabetes is metabolic disorder which is characterized by an increase in glucose level due to a relative deficiency of insulin. Recent decades have experienced a very high prevalence of diabetes mellitus. One way of treating diabetes is to reduce gastrointestinal glucose production by inhibiting carbohydrate digesting enzymes called pancreatic alpha-amylase and intestinal alpha-glucosidase. The present study aims to compare the efficacy of wild and micropropagated Solanum trilobatum for its in vitro antidiabetic property. Solanum trilobatum grown in vitro under aseptic conditions was compared with wild-grown, and the results have revealed that both wild and micropropagated plants have effective dose-dependent inhibition of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzyme. For both alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase assay micropropagated plant has shown lesser efficacy at all concentrations when compared to that of wild grown. still micropropagated showed effective inhibition with nearly 90% similarity.
The edible pumpkin has been known since antiquity, but it was introduced to Europe only at the end of the ninth century. Used as a vegetable, it helps to improve diversity, especially in the cold season. Pumpkin can be added to herbs due to its many health benefits. Pumpkin seeds are becoming increasingly important. The research took place in two different places located in NW of Romania. The objective of the research was the production obtained from several pumpkin crops, grown in a conventional and ecological system. There were cultivars with both big and small productions.
Pumpkin seeds are used globally for snacks, bakery, and oil due to their nutritional and medicinal properties. The seeds of pumpkin have 35–45% oil, rich in health-enhancing fatty acids especially linoleic (52.7%), oleic (28.3%), and palmitic (12.7%). However, the presence of thick leathery seed coat (hull) limits the use due to decortication process required for further use. A mutant carrying thin and papery layer overcame the barrier of cost, time, and labor for decortication of pumpkin seed. The recessive gene mutation prevents lignin deposition and leads to collapse of the middle testa layers of the pumpkin seed. Mutation also changed the color of seeds from white to olive-green and produced dark-colored oil. Seed testa remains the same as in wild variety with five distinct testa layers of epidermis (E), hypodermis (H), sclerenchyma (S), parenchyma (P), and innermost chlorenchyma (C) during the initial stages of development. The changes in the seed testa start with the lignification process, which coincides with the reduced polyamine content. Lignin deposition diminution also coincides with reduced expression of the genes or enzyme activities involved in secondary wall formation. This suggests that, the mutation led to a series of changes to bring about a single response, i.e., naked seed or hull-less seed. Thus, this mutation should be studied thoroughly to determine the effects causing reduced lignin deposition and production of hull-less seeds. This review is focused on the changes induced by mutation that causes hull-less seed trait and its implications for commercial use.
Purpose:
Astaxanthin (Ast) has been reported to reduce oxidative stress induced by diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of this research was to give a systematic overview of the biological basis for this process.
Methods:
Ast-targeted proteins were collected from the BATMAN database, Comparative Toxicogenomics Database, and STITCH database. Putative DM-related protein targets were collected from the GeneCards database. A DM-rat model was then built with streptozotocin (STZ) combined with a high-sugar, high-fat diet for 30 days. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), and insulin levels were examined using whole tail-vein blood from overnight-fasted rats. SOD, GSH, and MDA activy was detected in liver tissue (p<0.05). In addition, we used RNA-sequencing analysis to detect gene-transcription level in liver tissue of rats and GO biological process analysis to show all the log2FC≥2 genes in the Ast-fed DM rats compared with the DM group using the STRING database. Ast-intersecting targets were collected with Venn analysis. Docking analysis between Ast and targeted proteins was down with the SwissDock server. Ast targets-pathway networks were built using Cytoscape 3.7.2 software.
Results:
A total of 120 Ast-targeted proteins and 13,784 DM-related targets were collected. Ast functioned in reducing TC, TG, and MDA levels, promoting SOD activity and GSH expression, and alleviating islet-cell injury in Ast-fed DM rats compared with DM control rats. Furthermore, genes involved in MAPK, TNF, AMPK, and FOXO signaling pathways were differently expressed in Ast-treated DM rats compared with DM rats. The differentially expressed genes were enriched in euchromatin, thyroid cancer, and metaphase-plate congression. Three Ast-intersecting targets - Col5A1, Nqo1, and Notch2 - were then identified. We found possible binding patterns of Ast with Nqo1 and Notch2, respectively. Ast targets-pathway networks were finally built to show a systematic overview of how Ast works in multiple pathways to reduce oxidative stress. Taken together, Ast is predicted to target Col5A1, Nqo1, and Notch2 to form a network of systemic pharmacological effects to: 1) promote insulin-releasing balance and relieve insulin resistance, 2) reduce testicular cell apoptosis, and 3) maintain normal size in marginal-zone B cells and inhibit autoimmune DM, all of which contribute to the balance of lipid metabolism and reduction of oxidative stress in DM patients.
Conclusion:
Ast functions in reducing oxidative stress in DM rats by regulating a variety of targets to form a comprehensive antioxidative network.
A pumpkin seed, also known as a “pepita”, means “little seed of squash”. Cucurbita pepo is the pumpkin species of the genus: Cucurbita, family: Cucurbits, sub-family: Cucurbitaceae, genera: Cucurbita L. Cucurbita pepo L. is the species among Cucurbitaceae family having the greatest monetary value of the genus. The seeds are typically rather flat, asymmetrically oval, light green in color, and may have a white outer hull. The Cucurbita pepo seeds have potential application and can be used as an alternative oil and protein source in novel food formulations such as cooking oils, as an ingredient in margarine blends, flours for instant soups, cookies, etc.
A wide variety of plant species provide edible seeds. Seeds are the dominant source of human calories and protein. The most important and popular seed food sources are cereals, followed by legumes and nuts. Their nutritional content of fiber, protein, and monounsaturated/polyunsaturated fats make them extremely nutritious. They are important additions to our daily food consumption. When consumed as part of a healthy diet, seeds can help reduce blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of astaxanthin on metabolic cataract in rats with type 1 diabetes and its antioxidant capacity to lens.
Methods:
Rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8): control group, diabetes mellitus (DM) group, low-dose astaxanthin (DM + AL) and low-dose astaxanthin (DM + AH) group. A rat model of type I diabetes mellitus was established by intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). After successful modeling, rats in the administration group were given different doses of astaxanthin (AST) for 12 weeks. The lens opacity of rats was observed by slit-lamp camera system. The double antibody sandwich method was used to detect the levels of advanced glycation end product (AGE), lipid peroxide/malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) in the lens. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to examine the morphologic changes in the lens.
Results:
The severity of cataract in the lens was obviously increased after induced by STZ, whereas it was significantly decreased after treatment with AST (p < .05, respectively). In addition, in the AST groups, the levels of AGE and MDA in the lens tissue were notably decreased when compared with those in the DM group (p < .05, respectively). However, the levels of GSH, SOD, and CAT were increased in the AST group in comparison with those in the DM group (p < .05, respectively).
Conclusions:
Astaxanthin may play an antioxidant role in the lens. Additionally, it exerts a protective function in the lens by delaying the development and progression of metabolic cataract and inhibiting the oxidative stress of lens in diabetic rats.
Cited By (since 1996): 6, Export Date: 3 September 2012, Source: Scopus
Ethanolic extract of Cissampelos pareira (L.) Hirsuta (Menispermaceae) roots have been examined in various acute and chronic ulcers in validated experimental models
in rats. C. pareira extract of 25–100mg/kg administered orally, twice daily for 5days showed a dose-dependent, ulcer-protective effect. The
extract demonstrated significant protection against 100% ethanol- (P<0.05), aspirin- (P<0.001), cold-restraint stress- (P<0.01) and pylorus ligation- (P<0.001) induced acute gastric ulcers in rats. A flavonoid Quercetin, isolated from C. pareira, showed significant antiulcer property (P<0.05 to P<0.001) against gastric ulcers in different acute models. In chronic ulcers induced by 50% acetic acid, C. pareira significantly (P<0.001) reduced the ulcer index with decreased perforations after 5- and 10-day treatment. C. pareira significantly enhanced the defense factors as total hexose and sialic acid while significantly reducing the ulcer index in
the lipid peroxidase product malondialdehyde in ethanol-induced ulcers.
Omega-3 Fatty acids (omega-3FAs) are found in seafoods, some plants, and some livestock rations. Fish oils are the only concentrated source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5 omega-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6 omega-3). The major omega-3FA in plants is alpha-linolenic acid (LNA; 18:3 omega-3). LNA must be converted to EPA before it exerts biological effects similar to EPA, such as reduced platelet aggregation. Human beings convert LNA to EPA to a small extent only. LNA may be more readily oxidized than incorporated into tissues. The effects of consuming LNA-rich oils are more modest than the effects of EPA-rich oils. Evidence suggests that omega-3FAs are essential and highly desirable for brain and eye development and heart health. LNA is the only source of omega-3FAs for vegetarians. Because LNA and EPA are not biologically equivalent, food composition data or product claims mentioning total omega-3FA content must clarify the individual omega-3FAs present.
Several sources of information suggest that man evolved on a diet with a ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids of approximately 1 whereas today this ratio is approximately 10:1 to 20-25:1, indicating that Western diets are deficient in omega 3 fatty acids compared with the diet on which humans evolved and their genetic patterns were established. Omega-3 fatty acids increase bleeding time; decrease platelet aggregation, blood viscosity, and fibrinogen; and increase erythrocyte deformability, thus decreasing the tendency to thrombus formation. In no clinical trial, including coronary artery graft surgery, has there been any evidence of increased blood loss due to ingestion of omega 3 fatty acids. Many studies show that the effects of omega 3 fatty acids on serum lipids depend on the type of patient and whether the amount of saturated fatty acids in the diet is held constant. In patients with hyperlipidemia, omega 3 fatty acids decrease low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol if the saturated fatty acid content is decreased, otherwise there is a slight increase, but at high doses (32 g) they lower LDL cholesterol; furthermore, they consistently lower serum triglycerides in normal subjects and in patients with hypertriglyceridemia whereas the effect on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) varies from no effect to slight increases. The discrepancies between animal and human studies most likely are due to differences between animal and human metabolism. In clinical trials eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the form of fish oils along with antirheumatic drugs improve joint pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis; have a beneficial effect in patients with ulcerative colitis; and in combination with drugs, improve the skin lesions, lower the hyperlipidemia from etretinates, and decrease the toxicity of cyclosporin in patients with psoriasis. In various animal models omega 3 fatty acids decrease the number and size of tumors and increase the time elapsed before appearance of tumors. Studies with nonhuman primates and human newborns indicate that DHA is essential for the normal functional development of the retina and brain, particularly in premature infants. Because omega 3 fatty acids are essential in growth and development throughout the life cycle, they should be included in the diets of all humans. Omega-3 and omega 6 fatty acids are not interconvertible in the human body and are important components of practically all cell membranes. Whereas cellular proteins are genetically determined, the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition of cell membranes is to a great extent dependent on the dietary intake.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
To evaluate the effect of a moderate dose of fish oil on glycemic control and in vivo insulin action in type 2 diabetic men with elevated plasma triacylglycerols and to determine the effect of the same treatment on gene expression of GLUT4, lipoprotein lipase (LPL), and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) in the abdominal adipose tissue.
A total of 12 type 2 diabetic men were randomly allocated to 2 months of 6 g daily of either fish oil or sunflower oil, separated by a 2-month washout interval, in a double-blind crossover design.
For glucose metabolism, 2 months of fish oil supplementation compared with sunflower oil led to similar fasting plasma insulin, glucose, and HbA1c. Basal hepatic glucose production did not increase after fish oil. There was no difference in insulin suppression of hepatic glucose production nor in insulin stimulation of whole-body glucose disposal measured by the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp. Fish oil did not ameliorate the low mRNA level of GLUT4 in adipose tissue of these patients. For lipid profile, fish oil lowered plasma triacylglycerol more than sunflower oil (P < 0.05) and tended to increase the amount of mRNA of both LPL and HSL in adipose tissue.
A moderate dose of fish oil did not lead to deleterious effects on glycemic control or whole-body insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic men, with preserved triacylglycerol-lowering capacities.
Reactive oxygen species are involved in a diversity of biological phenomena such as inflammation, carcinogenesis, aging, and atherosclerosis. We and other investigators have shown that the level of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a marker for oxidative stress, is increased in either the urine or the mononuclear cells of the blood of type 2 diabetic patients. However, the association between type 2 diabetes and oxidative stress in the pancreatic beta-cells has not been previously described. We measured the levels of 8-OHdG and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE)-modified proteins in the pancreatic beta-cells of GK rats, a model of nonobese type 2 diabetes. Quantitative immunohistochemical analyses with specific antibodies revealed higher levels of 8-OHdG and HNE-modified proteins in the pancreatic beta-cells of GK rats than in the control Wistar rats, with the levels increasing proportionally with age and fibrosis of the pancreatic islets. We further investigated whether the levels of 8-OHdG and HNE-modified proteins would be modified in the pancreatic beta-cells of GK rats fed with 30% sucrose solution or 50 ppm of voglibose (alpha-glucosidase inhibitor). In the GK rats, the levels of 8-OHdG and HNE-modified proteins, as well as islet fibrosis, were increased by sucrose treatment but reduced by voglibose treatment. These results indicate that the pancreatic beta-cells of GK rats are oxidatively stressed, and that chronic hyperglycemia might be responsible for the oxidative stress observed in the pancreatic beta-cells.
Glutathione S-transferases and glutathione play an important role in the detoxification of most toxic agents. In the present study, the protective effects of some antioxidants (L-ascorbic acid (AA), vitamin E (VE) or garlic) on carbon tetrachloride-induced changes in the activity of alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and the level of glutathione (GSH) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were studied. The activities of ALT, and AST were assayed in plasma, whereas the activity of GST and the levels of GSH and TBARS were determined in the livers of rats. The current study included two experiments. In the first experiment, animals received single oral dose of CCl4 (400 mg/kg body weight) after administration of AA (100 mg/kg b.w.), VE (100 mg/kg b.w.) or garlic (800 mg/kg b.w.) as single oral doses. In the second experiment, rats received repeated oral doses of antioxidants for 12 consecutive days followed by a single oral dose of CCl4 on the 13th day and killed after that by 24 h. Treatment of male rats with CCl4 significantly increased the activity of ALT and AST in plasma, and the levels of both GSH and TBARS in the liver. On the other hand, CCl4 inhibited the activity of GST after single dose treatment. Single-dose treatments of rats with AA, VE or garlic prior to the administration of CCl4 could not restore the alterations in the activity of ALT and AST caused by CCl4 to the normal control level. However, repeated dose treatments with these agents restored such alterations to the normal level. We observed that VE is more effective than AA and garlic in restoring the inhibition of GST activity caused by CCl4 to the normal level after single dose treatments. On the other hand, AA and VE are more effective than garlic in restoring the induced TBARS level caused by CCl4 to the normal control level after repeated dose treatments. It has been observed that the tested antioxidants were able to antagonize the toxic effects of CCl4, and such counteracting effects were more pronounced when they were administered as repeated doses prior to administration of CCl4.
The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of Lupinus albus, L. (Lupinus termis), family L. leguminosae, Cymbopogon proximus, (Halfa barr), family Gramineae, and Zygophyllum coccineum L. (Kammun quaramany), family L. Zygophyllacae on biochemical parameters in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. A dose of 1.5 ml of aqueous suspension of each herb/100 g body weight (equivalent to 75 mg/100 g b.wt.) was orally administered daily to alloxan-diabetic rats for 4 weeks. The levels of glucose, urea, creatinine and bilirubin were significantly (P<0.05) increased in plasma of alloxan-diabetic rats compared with the control group. In contrast, total protein and albumin were significantly decreased by 25 and 46%, respectively, versus control. Treatment of the diabetic rats with repeated doses of any one of the three herb suspensions could restore the changes of the above parameters to their normal levels after 4 weeks of treatment. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (AlP) activities were significantly (P<0.05) increased in the plasma of alloxan-diabetic rats. However, acetylcholinesterase activity was significantly (P<0.05) decreased in the plasma compared with the control group, whereas, such activity did not change in brain. The activities of AST, ALT and LDH were significantly (P<0.05) decreased in the liver of alloxan-diabetic rats by 58, 21 and 40%, respectively, and such activities increased in testes by 39, 26 and 26%, respectively, compared with the control group. Also, brain LDH was significantly (P<0.05) increased. Treatment of the diabetic rats with the aqueous suspension of the tested herbs restored the activities of the above enzymes to their normal level in plasma, liver and testes. The present results showed that the herb suspensions exerted antihyperglycemic effects and consequently may alleviate liver and renal damage caused by alloxan-induced diabetes.
Several sources of information suggest that man evolved on a diet with a ratio of ω6 to ω3 fatty acids of ∼ 1 whereas today this ratio is ∼10:1 to 20–25:1, indicating that Western diets are deficient in ω3 fatty acids compared with the diet on which humans evolved and their genetic patterns were established. Omega-3 fatty acids increase bleeding time; decrease platelet aggregation, blood viscosity, and fibrinogen; and increase erythrocyte deformability, thus decreasing the tendency to thrombus formation. In no clinical trial, including coronary artery graft surgery, has there been any evidence of increased blood loss due to ingestion of ω3 fatty acids. Many studies show that the effects of ω3 fatty acids on serum lipids depend on the type of patient and whether the amount of saturated fatty acids in the diet is held constant. In patients with hyperlipidemia, ω3 fatty acids decrease low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol if the saturated fatty acid content is decreased, otherwise there is a slight increase, but at high doses (32 g) they lower LDL cholesterol; furthermore, they consistently lower serum triglycerides in normal subjects and in patients with hypertriglyceridemia whereas the effect on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) varies from no effect to slight increases. The discrepancies between animal and human studies most likely are due to differences between animal and human metabolism. In clinical trials eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the form of fish oils along with antirheumatic drugs improve joint pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis; have a beneficial effect in patients with ulcerative colitis; and in combination with drugs, improve the skin lesions, lower the hyperlipidemia from etretinates, and decrease the toxicity of cyclosporin in patients with psoriasis. In various animal models ω3 fatty acids decrease the number and size of tumors and increase the time elapsed before appearance of tumors. Studies with nonhuman primates and human newborns indicate that DHA is essential for the normal functional development of the retina and brain, particularly in premature infants. Because ω3 fatty acids are essential in growth and development throughout the life cycle, they should be included in the diets of all humans. Omega-3 and ω6 fatty acids are not interconvertible in the human body and are important components of practically all cell membranes. Whereas cellular proteins are genetically determined, the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition of cell membranes is to a great extent dependent on the dietary intake. Therefore appropriate amounts of dietary ω6 and ω3 fatty acids need to be considered in making dietary recommendations, and these two classes of PUFAs should be distinguished because they are metabolically and functionally distinct and have opposing physiological functions. Their balance is important for homeostasis and normal development. Canada is the first country to provide separate dietary recommendations for ω6 and ω3 fatty acids.
Nitro blue tetrazolium has been used to intercept O2⁻ generated enzymically or photochemically. The reduction of NBT by O2⁻ has been utilized as the basis of assays for superoxide dismutase, which exposes its presence by inhibiting the reduction of NBT. Superoxide dismutase could thus be assayed either in crude extracts or in purified protein fractions. The assays described are sensitive to ng/ml levels of super-oxide dismutase and were applicable in free solution or on polyacrylamide gels. The staining procedure for localizing superoxide dismutase on polyacrylamide electrophoretograms has been applied to extracts obtained from a variety of sources. E. coli has been found to contain two superoxide dismutases whereas bovine heart, brain, lung, and erthrocytes contain only one.
Our previous study revealed the presence of some potent antioxidative components other than γ-tocopherol and sesamol in sesame seed and oil. In the present study, the effective components were extracted from mashed sesame seed with acetone, followed by removal of triglycerides by freezing. The acetone extract showed strong antioxidative activity with the thiocyanate method and gave 4 active antioxidative substances after a series of chromatographic separations. The molecular formulae were determined to be C20H20O6 (PI), C20H20O7 (P2), C20H18O7 (P3) and C10H10O4 (P4). Compounds PI and P4 were respectively identified as a bisepoxylignan analogue and trans-ferulic acid. Though preliminary structural data for P2 and P3 indicate them to be a sesamolin analogue and a sesamin analogue, respectively, work is currently underway to confirm this. The antioxidative activities were in the order of P3 > P2 > P1 > P4. The same components were also obtained from the 80% ethanol extractable polar fraction of the sesame oil cake treated with β-glucosidase, which suggested the presence of the active substances also as their glycosides in sesame seed.
Linoleic acid, precursor of omega-6, and alpha-linolenic acid, precursor of omega-3, undergo several transformations to form, respectively, arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic and docohexaenoic acids. A ratio of 5/1 between linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids intake is recommended. However, the dietary intake of the French population is far from matching this ratio, which is imbalanced in favor of linoleic acid. This omega-3 deficiency, that may play a role in the onset of cancers, cardiovascular and neurovascular diseases, is worsened in physiological situations such as pregnancy and breastfeeding. Omega-3 deficiency may enhance the risk of premature delivery and post-partum depression; omega-3 fortification of mother's milk may stimulate visual and cognitive functions in the baby. Pharmacological supplementation might be proposed in pregnant/breastfeeding women.
This study evaluated the antioxidant activity of Cissampelos pareira (L.) Hirsuta (family: Menispermaceae). The roots of the C pareira (50% ethanol extract) were found to contain a large amount of polyphenols and exhibit significant and dose-dependent reducing ability, indicative of potent antioxidant ability both in vitro and in vivo. The C pareira extract (CPE) showed significant antioxidant activity in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay. The ability of CPE to scavenge reactive oxygen and nitrogen species was tested; and it was found to significantly scavenge superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals, and nitric oxide at a dose regimen of 50 to 400 μg/kg in vitro. The CPE also inhibited hydroxyl radical–induced oxidation of proteins in vitro. The efficacy of CPE was further tested in vivo. It was found to exhibit a potent protective activity in an acute oxidative tissue injury animal model: benzo(a)pyrene-induced gastric toxicity in mice. Treatment with CPE at a dose regimen of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight in mice, significantly and dose dependently protected the gastric mucosa against benzo(a)pyrene-induced oxidative stress. The CPE, significantly and dose-dependently, also afforded protection against gastric lipid peroxidation, glutathione levels, and activities of other antioxidant enzymes, namely, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione S-transferase. These results indicate the compelling antioxidant activity of C pareira in vitro and against the stress induced by the gastric carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene in vivo. This is the first report on the antioxidant properties of C pareira against benzo(a)pyrene.
Supplementation of thiol compounds has been suggested to protect against the toxic effects of reduced oxygen species by contributing to the thiol pool of the cell. The present study was designed to determine whether supplementation of methionine in the diet of diabetic animals protected against the oxidative stress in diabetic pathology. Oral methionine was administered at a dosage of 330 mg/100 g feed to diabetic rats. The effect was compared with the effect of insulin administration. Levels of lipid peroxides and antioxidants were measured in liver, kidney, and pancreas. A diabetic condition was associated with increased lipid peroxidation and depletion in antioxidants levels. Methionine did not lower the lipid peroxide content or the release of lipid peroxides from tissues in presence of promoters or restore the levels of alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid in tissues. Administration of insulin lowered the tissue lipid peroxide levels and restored the antioxidants levels.
Physicochemical characteristics and fatty acid composition of crude oil and lipoxygenase activity of six varieties of pumpkin and melon seeds were investigated. Data obtained for the iodine value, saponification number, and acid value compare well with those of other edible oils. The major fatty acid in total lipid was 18:2 (n = 6), representing 68.7% for Citrullus lanatus (Chinese), 65% for C. colocynthis, 63.7% for C. lanatus (Iranian), 62% for C. lanatus (Egyptian), 53% for Cucurbita moschata, and 43% for Cucurbita pepo. Lipoxygenase activities varied among seeds. The residual enzyme activities after roasting were different among the six varieties and were in the range of 0−60% of the original activity. Keywords: Pumpkin; melon; lipoxygenase; physicochemical characteristics
Objective: To investigate the hypolipidemic effect of fenugreek in hypercholesterolaemic patients. Methods: Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seeds (FG) were powdered and extracted with hexane to remove its lipid content and alcohol to remove the saponins. This powder was used for the study. The patients were divided into 3 groups of 6 each as follows: Group I received placebo 50 gm (rice powder and Bengal gram powder in equal measures); Group II -placebo 25 gm + FG 25 gm and Group III -FG 50 gm. Patients were directed to take each 50 gm pack orally before lunch and dinner every day for 20 days. Blood samples were collected after overnight fasting on 0, 10 th and 20 th days during test period and estimated for lipid profile. Results: There were no significant changes in lipid profile of group I patients. In groups II and III serum cholesterol, triglycerides and VLDL levels were significantly decreased when compared to group I. Conclusion: FG powder given orally before food at 25 and 50 gm twice a day may have hypolipidemic effect in hypercholesterolaemic patients.
This review summarises and evaluates current knowledge of α-linolenic acid (αLNA) metabolism in adult humans. The principal biological role of αLNA appears to be as a precursor for the synthesis of longer-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Stable isotope tracer studies indicate that conversion of αLNA to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) occurs but is limited in men and that further transformation to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is very low. A lower proportion of αLNA is used for β-oxidation in women compared with men, while the fractional conversion to the longer-chain n-3 PUFA is greater, possibly due to the regulatory effects of oestrogen. Increasing αLNA intake for a period of weeks results in an increase in the proportion of EPA in plasma lipids, circulating cells and breast milk, but there is no increase in DHA, which may even decline in some pools at high αLNA intakes. Overall, αLNA appears to be a limited source of longer-chain n-3 PUFA in man, and so adequate intakes of preformed long-chain n-3 PUFA, in particular DHA, may be important for maintaining optimal tissue function. The capacity to up-regulate αLNA transformation in women may be important for meeting the demands of the foetus and neonate for DHA.
Pumpkin seed oil is a common salad oil in Austria. It is not only of interest because of its typical taste but also because of its potential in curing prostate disease. Besides the fatty acids, the micronutrients, which comprise vitamin E, phytosterols and lignans, are of special interest. Since the seeds are roasted before pressing of the oil, changes occur in the composition of the fatty acids and micronutrients. The oxidation-sensitive linoleic acid decreases from 54.6 to 54.2% whereas the concentrations of the vitamin E isomers show a decrease during the first 40 min of about 30% followed by an increase during the last 20 min to about the same level as at the beginning of the roasting process. The concentrations of α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol in the fresh dried seeds are 37.5 and 383 μg/g, respectively. The concentration of the tocotrienols is about one third of the corresponding tocopherols. The initial concentration of the total sterols (1710 μg/g) increases to 1930 μg/g. The increases of the sterols and vitamin E during the roasting process could be attributed to the changes of the seed meal, since at the end of the roasting the oil emerges from the seeds resulting in altered chemical behaviour of the extraction process. Secoisolariciresinol, which is only detectable at the beginning with a concentration of 3.8 μg/g, is destroyed after 20 min.
The nutritional quality and functional properties of paprika seed flour and seed kernel flours of pumpkin and watermelon, and also the characteristics and structure of their seed oils, were studied. Paprika seed and seed kernels of pumpkin and watermelon were rich in oil and protein. All flour samples contained considerable amounts of P, K, Mg, Mn and Ca. Paprika seed flour was superior to watermelon and pumpkin seed kernel flours in contents of lysine and total essential amino acids. Antinutritional compounds, such as stachyose, raffinose, verbascose, trypsin inhibitor, phytic acid and tannins, were detected in all flours. Pumpkin seed kernel flour had higher values of chemical score, essential amino acid index and in-vitro protein digestibility than the other flours examined. The first limiting amino acid was lysine, for both watermelon and pumpkin seed kernel flours, but it was leucine in paprika seed flour. Functional properties were excellent in watermelon and pumpkin seed kernel flours and fairly good in paprika seed flour. Flour samples could be potentially added to food systems such as bakery products and ground meat formulations, not only as a nutrient supplement, but also as a functional agent in these formulations. Oil samples had high amounts of unsaturated fatty acids, with linoleic and oleic acids as the major acids. All oil samples could be fractionated into seven classes including triglycerides as a major lipid class. Data obtained for the oils characteristics compare well with those of other edible oils.
Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) seed oil is a special product of the southern Austrian region. For the production of the oil, prior to the pressing procedure, the seeds are roasted at temperatures up to 130 °C, which leads to the formation of the typical roasty and nutty aroma. In this study, changes of composition of the volatile fraction of the pumpkin seeds in course of the roasting process are investigated. The analyses were performed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry after headspace solid phase microextraction. The results show very clearly that the roasting process at these high temperatures is necessary to obtain the typical aroma of the pumpkin seed oil. Compounds that are responsible for roasty/nutty aroma notes (alkylated pyrazines, as well as 2-acetylpyrrole) require a roasting temperature of at least 90 °C. Other compounds that show significant changes in concentration are mainly Strecker degradation products, as well as compounds derived from lipid oxidation.
Cardiovascular disease has a high prevalence in diabetic patients. Diabetes mellitus is an important risk factor for atherosclerosis and coronary disease mainly through obesity, hyperlipidemia, insulin-resistance, hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia and altered homeostasis. The correlation between diabetes and chronic heart failure is not widely documented in the literature. According to the Framingham study, the incidence of cardiovascular morbidity per year is 39.1% in diabetic males and 17.2% in diabetic females; chronic heart failure afflicts 7.6% of diabetic males and 11.4% of diabetic females. Actual knowledge about pathophysiology suggests that cardiac involvement in diabetes is not only related to macrovascular injury but also to other factors, such as alterations of autonomic nervous system, that can contribute to diabetic cardiopathy. The present study evaluated the prevalence of chronic heart failure in an Italian diabetic population in order to discuss the rationale of the therapeutic strategies.
Metabolic and vascular abnormalities are implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy. Two principal metabolic defects are altered lipid metabolism resulting from the impairment of delta-6-desaturase, which converts linoleic acid (LA) into gamma linolenic acid (GLA), and reduced nerve Na+, K+ ATPase activity. This reduction may be caused by a lack of incorporation of (n-6) fatty acids in membrane phospholipids. Because this ubiquitous enzyme maintains the membrane electrical potential and allows repolarization, disturbances in its activity can alter the process of nerve conduction velocity (NCV). We studied the effects of supplementation with GLA (260 mg per day) on NCV, fatty acid phospholipid composition, and Na+, K+ ATPase activity in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Six groups of 10 rats were studied. Two groups served as controls supplemented with GLA or sunflower oil (GLA free). Two groups with different durations of diabetes were studied: 6 weeks with no supplementation and 12 weeks supplemented with sunflower oil. To test the ability of GLA to prevent or reverse the effects of diabetes, two groups of diabetic rats were supplemented with GLA, one group for 12 weeks and one group for 6 weeks, starting 6 weeks after diabetes induction. Diabetes resulted in a 25% decrease in NCV (P < 0.0001), a 45% decrease in Na+, K+ ATPase activity (P < 0.0001), and an abnormal phospholipid fatty acid composition. GLA restored NCV both in the prevention and reversal studies and partially restored Na+, K+ ATPase activity in the preventive treatment group (P < 0.0001). These effects were accompanied by a modification of phospholipid fatty acid composition in nerve membranes. Overall, the results suggest that membrane fatty acid composition plays a direct role in NCV and confirm the beneficial effect of GLA supplementation in diabetic neuropathy.
Supplementation of thiol compounds has been suggested to protect against the toxic effects of reduced oxygen species by contributing to the thiol pool of the cell. The present study was designed to determine whether supplementation of methionine in the diet of diabetic animals protected against the oxidative stress in diabetic pathology. Oral methionine was administered at a dosage of 330 mg/100 g feed to diabetic rats. The effect was compared with the effect of insulin administration. Levels of lipid peroxides were measured in plasma, erythrocytes, and erythrocyte membrane. Anti-oxidants were measured in plasma. Diabetic condition was associated with increased lipid peroxidation and depletion in antioxidant levels. Although methionine did not affect the level of blood glucose and some of the antioxidants, it lowered the lipid peroxide content in blood. Erythrocyte lipid peroxidation activity was unaffected by methionine treatment. Administration of insulin lowered both plasma and erythrocyte lipid peroxide levels.
In vitro physicochemical and antioxidant properties of mixture of Flax/Sesame (LS) and Flax/Peanut (LA) and in vivo hypolipidemic, antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities were carried out to ascertain the claim of its utilisation against diseases. The seeds mixture rich in unsaturated fatty acids were prepared with 5/1 ratio of omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids and were orally administered ad libitum to rats by standard diet for 30 days. High cholesterol fed diet rats (CD-chol) exhibited a significant increase in total plasma and liver lipid parameters and atherogenicity and a significant decrease in high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and HDL/TC ratio (HTR). Administration of (LS) or (LA) seeds mixture to hypercholesterolemic rats (MS-LSchol and MS-LAchol groups respectively) significantly ameliorated lipid parameters and showed an increase of PUFAs (ALA and LA) and MUFAs and a decrease of SFAs in plasma and liver of MS-LSchol and MS-LAchol groups. Furthermore, malondialdehyde levels decreased and the efficiency of antioxidant defense system was improved compared to CD-chol group. Liver histological sections showed lipid storage in hepatocytes of CD-chol group and an improvement was noted in both supplemented groups. Our results suggested that seeds mixtures of Flax/Sesame and Flax/Peanut have anti-atherogenic and hepatoprotective effects.
Flax and pumpkin seeds are a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants and fibers, known to have anti-atherogenic and hepatoprotective activities. These effects were evaluated in Wistar rats fed with 1% cholesterol diet. The study was performed on 30 male rats divided into three groups: a control group (CD), CD-chol group fed diet with 1% cholesterol and MS-chol group fed diet enriched with flax and pumpkin seed mixture. In CD-chol group, total cholesterol TC, triacylglycerol TG in plasma and liver, plasma LDL-C, atherogenic index AI and LDL/HDL ratio significantly increased. In MS-chol group lipid parameters decreased significantly, plasma and liver fatty acid composition showed an increase of PUFAs (ALA and LA), and MUFAs (oleic and eicosaenoic acid) and a decrease of SFA (palmitic and stearic acid). In plasma and liver of MS-chol group, malondialdehyde levels decreased and the efficiency of antioxidant defense system was improved compared to CD-chol group. Liver histological sections showed lipid storage in hepatocytes of CD-chol group and an improvement was noted in MS-chol group. Our results suggested that flax and pumpkin seed mixture had anti-atherogenic and hepatoprotective effects which were probably mediated by unsaturated fatty acids present in seed mixture.
This chapter describes the malondialdehyde (MDA) as index of lipid peroxidation. The determination of malondialdehyde (MDA) has attracted widespread interest, because it appears to offer a facile means of assessing lipid peroxidation in biological materials. Malondialdehyde occurs in biological materials in free state and in various covalently bound forms. Urine also contains small amounts of MDA adducts with guanine, the phospholipid bases serine and ethanolamine, and other unidentified reactants. Free MDA is a minor and variable excretory product. It is apparent from the occurrence of these derivatives in urine that MDA forms adducts with proteins, nucleic acids, and other substances in vivo, and this compromises the assessment of lipid peroxidation in the tissues based on the determination of free MDA. The pH required for maximum yield of MDA varies among biological materials depending on the nature of the derivatives present. MDA may be generated during hydrolysis by the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the sample and by the degradation of preexisting oxidation products. Pigments present in the sample, or generated during hydrolysis, also can interfere in the colorimetric assessment of MDA. These problems, and possibilities for their resolution, are discussed in the chapter.
A comparison of the beneficial roles of Pavetta indica and Osbeckia octandra against CCl4-induced liver damage has been studied in albino rats by assessing their ability to protect the liver against CCl4-mediated alterations in the liver histopathology and the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (GOT), alanine aminotransferase (GPT) and alkaline phosphatase. Treatment with either Pavetta or Osbeckia leaf extract (before or after CCl4 administration) markedly decreased the CCl4-mediated alterations in the liver histopathology as well as the serum enzyme levels. However, on comparison of the two plant extracts, Osbeckia appears to be a better hepatotonic than Pavetta. Thus, in livers of rats pre-treated with Osbeckia for 7 days, CCl4 had hardly any effect on the serum enzymes or the liver cell architecture, while even after pre-treatment with Pavetta for the same length of time, CCl4 was still able to produce a 32%, 16%, and 26% increase in the activities of GPT, GOT, and alkaline phosphatase, respectively. Post-treatment with Osbeckia also resulted in a faster recovery of the livers in comparison with those from animals post-treated with Pavetta.
The accidental finding of raised levels of serum aminotransferase levels may lead to extensive investigations of the liver in apparently healthy people. To identify diagnostic groups and their need for investigations, we have evaluated the results of all investigative procedures carried out in 149 asymptomatic patients with persistently raised serum levels of aminotransferases. Fatty liver was found in 64%. These patients often had a high body weight. A high alcohol intake and diabetes mellitus were also noted. Chronic active or persistent hepatitis was found in 20% of the patients. Six per cent had cirrhosis, 4% had alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, and 3.5% had hemochromatosis. Apart from ferritin, alpha 1-antitrypsin, and markers for hepatitis B, blood tests were of little value for distinguishing among different diagnostic groups. This was the case also for the imaging procedures, and neither liver scintigraphy nor ultrasonography was a reliable source of diagnostic information. The results of our study indicate that diagnosis in this group of patients cannot be made without liver biopsy.
Nine patients with choledocholithiasis or cholelithiasis developed transient elevations of serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (SGOT) levels of greater than 600 units. Awareness of such transient biliary disease will prevent an unnecessary evaluation of a primary hepatocellular disorder. In our study, we concluded that 1) The SGOT level rose and fell rapidly within a 24- to 72-hour period. 2) Higher SGOT levels were seen in patients with choledocholithiasis in whom the gallbladder had been removed. 3) In patients with choledocholithiasis a fall in SGOT level did not necessarily mean the stone had passed.
A method for estimating the cholesterol content of the serum low-density lipoprotein fraction (Sf- 0.20)is presented. The method involves measure- ments of fasting plasma total cholesterol, tri- glyceride, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations, none of which requires the use of the preparative ultracentrifuge. Cornparison of this suggested procedure with the more direct procedure, in which the ultracentrifuge is used, yielded correlation coefficients of .94 to .99, de- pending on the patient population compared. Additional Keyph rases hyperlipoproteinemia classifi- cation #{149} determination of plasma total cholesterol, tri- glyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol #{149} beta lipo proteins