Jabuticaba (Myrciaria trunciflora) extract improves metabolic and behavioral markers of obese rats fed on a hypercaloric diet.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a metabolic disease that affects many individuals around the world, related to imbalance between energy consumption and expenditure, which can lead to comorbidities. A healthy diet can significantly contribute to the prevention or treatment of this condition. Jabuticaba is an emerging fruit presenting a wide range of bioactive compounds and is being extensively studied due to its effects on lipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the jabuticaba extract in the anxious-like behavior and in the lipid and oxidative metabolism in the context of obesity. METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats divided into five groups were used. The animals received a standard diet and/or a hypercaloric diet and after 60 days of induction, interventions were carried out with jabuticaba extract (5% and 10%) via gavage for 30 days. RESULTS: It can be observed that the jabuticaba extract was able to reverse the anxious behavior observed in obese animals and modulate parameters of lipid and oxidative metabolism. We observed a reduction in cholesterol and triglyceride levels compared to obese animals. Furthermore, we observed an improvement in oxidative parameters, with a reduction in protein carbonylation in the liver and modulation of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase. Contrary to expectations, we did not observe changes in leptin, adiponectin and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels. CONCLUSION: Our work demonstrates that jabuticaba extract can improve metabolic, oxidative and behavioral changes in animals with obesity. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Involvement of the DAF-16/FOXO Pathway in the Antioxidant Activity of the Jaboticaba (Myrciaria trunciflora) Extract against Various Stressors Using Caenorhabditis elegans.

BACKGROUND: Jaboticaba (Myrciaria trunciflora) belongs to the family Myrtaceae and is a fruit native to the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. The aim of this study was evaluate the activity of the extract of jaboticaba against different stresses in Caenorhabditis elegans. METHODS: Initially, the toxicological profile of the extract was analyzed, evaluating survival, reproduction, and longevity. After the tests of resistance to oxidative stress, thermal and against ultraviolet radiation were carried out. In order to discover a signaling pathway involved in this process the DAF-16 pathway was analyzed. RESULTS: It was found that the extract has no toxicity and is still able to prolong longevity in concentrations of 50 and 100 µg of GAE/mL. It was able to protect against damage from the juglone, temperature and UV radiation. This effect is mediated by the activation of the translocation of the DAF-16 factor to the cell nucleus and subsequent activation of defense pathways. CONCLUSIONS: Together, it is possible to verify that the extract of jaboticaba is important for the protection of the damages to which were daily exposed, in order to decrease the free radicals and consequently the damages that lead to aging and/or the appearance of diseases.

Goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.) juice reduces lifespan and premature aging of Caenorhabditis elegans: Is it safe to consume it?

Goji berry fruit is considered a healthy food. However, studies on its effects on aging and safety are rare. This study is the first to evaluate the effects of goji berry juice (GBJ) on oxidative stress, metabolic markers, and lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans. GBJ caused toxicity, reduced the lifespan of C. elegans by 50%, and increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by 45-50% at all tested concentrations (1-20 mg/µL) of GBJ. Moreover, the highest concentration of GBJ increased lipid peroxidation by 80% and altered the antioxidant enzymes. These effects could be attributed to a pro-oxidant effect induced by GBJ polyphenols and carotenoids. Moreover, GBJ increased lipofuscin, glucose levels, number of apoptotic bodies, and lipase activity. The use of mutant strains demonstrated that these effects observed in the worms treated with GBJ were not associated with the Daf-16/FOXO or SKN-1 pathways. Our findings revealed that GBJ (mainly the highest concentration) exerted toxic effects and promoted premature aging in C. elegans. Therefore, its consumption should be carefully considered until further studies in mammals are conducted.

Purple pitanga fruit (Eugenia uniflora L.) protects against oxidative stress and increase the lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans via the DAF-16/FOXO pathway.

Pitanga, a fruit of the pitangueira tree (Eugenia uniflora L.), is native to Brazil and has a high antioxidant capacity due to the elevated amount of anthocyanins. The present study aimed to investigate the chemical composition of the purple pitanga fruit and to evaluate its antioxidant effect in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We observed that the ethanolic extract of purple pitanga did not cause any toxic effects but notably increased worm lifespan. The extract improved the survival, reproduction and lifespan of the worms in pre- and post-exposure to stressors H2O2 and juglone, as well as improved the lifespan of the oxidative stress hypersensitive strain mev-1. Notably, PPE extract decreased reactive oxygen species by DCF-DA probe and protein carbonyl content from worms stressed with H2O2. The extract also affected the expression of superoxide dismutase SOD-3 and heat shock protein HSP-16.2 levels, daf 16 target genes that modulate lifespan and antioxidant metabolism. In addition, we demonstrate that these effects are dependent on DAF-16, as PPE extract did not provide protection in daf-16 mutants. Therefore, these results suggest that PPE significantly protected against oxidative stress modulating daf-16 target genes.