Flavonoid fraction from chayote (Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw) leaves reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in hyperuricemic rats

Abstract

\nPurpose\nThis paper aims to study the effect of the flavonoid fraction of chayote (Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw) leaves (FFCL) on uric acid (UA) levels, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in hyperuricemia rats.\n\n\nDesign/methodology/approach\nIn total, 30 Sprague–Dawley rats were divided randomly into 5 groups. A healthy control group was established. Hyperuricemia was induced by the administration of block broth and potassium oxonate for three\u2009weeks. FFCL at dosages of 50 and 100\u2009mg/200 g BW/d or allopurinol at a dosage of 1.8\u2009mg/200 g BW/d was given orally for 2\u2009weeks. Statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate differences among groups before and after the intervention.\n\n\nFindings\nTreatment with two different doses FFCL (50 and 100\u2009mg/200 g BW/d) and one dose of allopurinol (1.8\u2009mg/200 g BW/d) for 2\u2009weeks significantly reduced UA from 8.04\u2009±\u20090.23 to 3.88\u2009±\u20090.10; 8.03\u2009±\u20090.18 to 2.87\u2009±\u20090.10; 8.23\u2009±\u20090.21 to 2.53\u2009±\u20090.19 (p <\u20090.05), respectively. The oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde levels were reduced (p =\u20090.001) from 9.68\u2009±\u20090.28 to 4.06\u2009±\u20090.58; 10.01\u2009±\u20090.23 to 2.12\u2009±\u20090.09; 9.88\u2009±\u20090.21 to 2.02\u2009±\u20090.17 (p =\u20090.001). The inflammatory marker tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were also reduced from 26.43\u2009±\u20090.87 to 12.20\u2009±\u20090.32; 27.38\u2009±\u20090.53 to 9.60\u2009±\u20090.53; 27.55\u2009±\u20090.68 to 8.83\u2009±\u20090.21 with p =\u20090.001. The 100\u2009mg/200 g BW/d FFCL decreased UA levels, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers more extensively compared to 50\u2009mg/200 g BW/d FFCL.\n\n\nResearch limitations/implications\nThis study includes some limitations that may affect the generalizability of its findings. First, the flavonoid levels of FFCL were not measured. Second, other oxidative stress biomarkers (e.g. superoxide dismutase) and inflammatory biomarkers (e.g. IL-6) were not investigated. Finally, the experiments were conducted on the model animals over a relatively short period of time. Further research is needed to evaluate the effect in humans at chronic use.\n\n\nPractical implications\nChayote (Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw) leaves are rich in flavonoids, especially apigenin and luteolin, which can improve oxidative stress and inflammation conditions caused by hyperuricemia.\n\n\nSocial implications\nHyperuricemia is a risk factor for non-communicable diseases, mostly caused by oxidative stress and inflammation in the body due to high levels of UA, one of the treatment strategies is through diet modification.\n\n\nOriginality/value\nThe results of this investigation imply that the administration of the flavonoid fraction of chayote leaves has significant effects on UA and oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. Further research is necessary to confirm the results.\n