Ritiéle Pinto Coelho

14 Days of supplementation with blueberry extract shows anti-atherogenic properties and improves oxidative parameters in hypercholesterolemic rats model

Abstract The effects of supplementation with blueberry (BE) extract (Vaccinium ashei Reade) for 14 consecutive days on biochemical, hematological, histopathological and oxidative parameters in hypercholesterolemic rats were investigated. After supplementation with lyophilized extract of BE, the levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were decreased. Histopathological analysis showed significant decrease (p < 0.05) of aortic lesions in hypercholesterolemic rats. Oxidative parameters showed significant reductions (p < 0.05) in oxidative damage to lipids and proteins and an increase in activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. The BE extract showed an important cardioprotective effect by the improvements in the serum lipid profile, antioxidant system, particularly in reducing oxidative stress associated with hypercholesterolemia and anti-atherogenic effect in rats.

Protective effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Tripodanthus acutifolius in hypercholesterolemic Wistar rats

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) are a major public health problem, as they are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Tripodanthus acutifolius (TA) is a hemiparasite plant used for medicinal purposes with great antioxidant capacity. However, little is known about its hypolipemic effect. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Tripodanthus acutifolius leaves in hypercholesterolemic Wistar rats. The animals were divided into: (1) NC (Normocaloric Control); (2) HC (Hypercaloric Control); (3) Oral Simvastatin Suspension 10mg/kg (SIM); (4) TA extract 50mg/kg (TA 50mg/kg) and (5) TA 100mg/kg. The in vitro antioxidant activity assay demonstrated that TA shows high antioxidant capacity. The in vivo findings demonstrated that TA supplementation resulted in significant decreases (p<0.05) in Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG) and Low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, whereas High density lipoprotein (HDL) levels increased significantly in all TA-supplemented groups in relation to the HC group. Hepatic, renal and cardiac function markers improved during supplementation. Serum adiponectin levels increased significantly, whereas C-reactive protein (PCRus) levels decreased in the TA-supplemented in relation to the HC group. Catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and gluthatione peroxidase (GPx) activities, as well as polyphenols, vitamin C (VitC) and total gluthatione (GSH), increased significantly in the TA-supplemented groups treated when compared to the HC group. Concerning oxidative damage to biomolecules, TA showed a protective effect on lipids, proteins and DNA. Regarding the histological analysis of the aortic artery, TA treatment was able to decrease aortic vasculature. Therefore, TA is rich in antioxidant compounds and may be an alternative for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

Metabolites of nitric oxide as a marker cardiometabolic in blacks.

Background The black population has a high cardiometabolic risk, however low incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). In this context, there seems to be a paradox related to the diagnostic criteria of MetS, which makes the presence of the same is underestimated in blacks. This condition brings the need to look for a more reliable markers of actual pathological conditions and cardiometabolic risk of these individuals. A possible marker is nitric oxide (NO). The dosage metabolites nitrite/nitrate (NOx) have been shown to be associated with some criteria of the metabolic syndrome, such as obesity and diabetes, however the literature lacks more specific studies to assess whether altered levels of nitric oxide are associated with metabolic and cardiovascular disease among blacks.

Evaluation of hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects in vivo of extracts hydroalcoholic of Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius)

Background Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, and dyslipidemia a major risk factor. Feeding is recognized as the most important intervention in the prevention of diseases and plants are considered the best source of natural antioxidants. Yacon, a tuberous root, originates in the Andean region with fructooligosaccharides as the main reserve carbohydrate. In addition to these compounds, Yacon presents significant amount of polyphenols in both roots and leaves.