RESUMO
The consumption of functional foods, such as mushrooms, apparently influences Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), and brings benefits to maternal-fetal health. Ganoderma lucidum contains a variety of bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides, proteins and polyphenols that are able to control blood glucose and be used in anti-cancer therapy. We aimed to evaluate the effects of the consumption of Ganoderma lucidum (Gl) on maternal-fetal outcomes in streptozotocin-induced GDM (GDM-STZ). Pregnant rats were exposed to Gl (100 mg/kg/day) before and after the induction of GDM-STZ (single dose 40 mg/kg) on the eighth pregnancy day. Biochemical and oxidative stress parameters, reproductive performance and morphometry of fetuses were assessed. Gl reduced the glycemic response in the oral glucose tolerance test. Moreover, Gl decreased AST and ALT activities. GDM increased lipid peroxidation, which was reverted by Gl. Catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities were decreased in GDM and the administered Gl after the fetus implantation increased catalase activity. Measurements of the fetal head, thorax, craniocaudal and tail showed greater values in fetuses from rats exposed to Gl compared to GDM. Ganoderma lucidum has an encouraging nutritional and medicinal potential against GDM, since it modifies glucose metabolism, reduces lipid peroxidation, and has protective effects in fetuses born from GDM dams.
RESUMO
Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) is a culinary-medicinal mushroom that has low lipid content and is rich in protein, fiber, minerals, vitamins, antioxidant compounds, and ß-glucans. We assessed the effects of L. edodes bars on cholesterolemia and oxidative stress levels in individuals with borderline high cholesterol through a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Individuals with borderline high cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, or triglycerides were recruited. Sixty-eight individuals were randomly allocated to group I (placebo; n = 32) or group II (intervention; n = 36). Blood samples were collected at 0, 33, and 66 days, and all individuals received an unidentified opaque envelope containing the bars. Biochemical (triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, and glucose) and oxidative stress biomarkers (reduced glutathione, catalase, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) in the blood were assessed. Participants in the intervention group showed a 10% reduction in triglycerides after 66 days of consuming the shiitake bars (P = 0.0352). In oxidative stress biomarkers, L. edodes increased the main endogenous antioxidant reduced glutathione and reduced lipid peroxidation. Exposure to L. edodes triggered dermatitis in 10% of individuals sensitive to the mushroom. In conclusion, L. edodes bars are a nutritious food and a functional health food alternative. This food improves redox status and can be considered as an adjuvant in the prevention of dyslipidemia.
Assuntos
Hipercolesterolemia , Cogumelos Shiitake , Antioxidantes , Colesterol , Humanos , TriglicerídeosRESUMO
Lentinus edodes is an edible mushroom studied for use, or as an adjunct, in the prevention of illnesses such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and cancer. Despite the functional properties of L. edodes, the doses commonly reported in experimental studies are much higher than those actually consumed. Thus, we aimed to establish the optimum intake levels of L. edodes in vivo. Four groups of male Wistar rats received dry and powdered L. edodes reconstituted in water for 30 days: control (water only), L. edodes 100 mg/kg, L. edodes 400 mg/kg, and L. edodes 800 mg/kg. Biochemical and hematological parameters were assessed using commercial kits. Antioxidant parameters were quantified spectrophotometrically. Neither cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, nor transaminase activity was different among any of the L. edodes concentrations. However, fructosamine concentrations were significantly decreased in groups consuming L. edodes at 100 or 400 mg/kg. A significant decrease in hemoglobin concentration was found in the 400 and 800 mg/kg/day L. edodes groups, and leukopenia occurred in rats that consumed L. edodes 800 mg/kg/day compared with the control group. L. edodes at 100 and 400 mg/kg increased amounts of reduced glutathione compared with the control group. L. edodes was effective as an antioxidant at 100 and 400 mg/kg, but at 400 and 800 mg/kg some disturbances were observed, such as reductions in hemoglobin and leukocytes. In summary, this study has potential benefits for scientific development because the safe daily intake of L. edodes (at 100 mg/kg) is, to our knowledge, reported for the first time in a preclinical study.