Effects of isolated vitamin B6 supplementation on oxidative stress and heart function parameters in experimental hyperhomocysteinemia

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of isolated vitamin B6 (VB6 ) supplementation on experimental hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhe) induced by homocysteine thiolactone (HcyT). Methods: Fifteen male Wistar rats were divided into three groups according to their treatment. Animals received water and food ad libitum and an intragastric probe was used to administer water for 60 days (groups: CB6, HcyT, and HB6 ). On the 30th day of treatment, two groups were supplemented with VB6 in the drinking water (groups: CB6 and HB6 ). After 60 days of treatment, homocysteine (Hcy), cysteine, and hydrogen peroxide concentration, nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) immunocontent, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and GST activities were measured. Results: The HcyT group showed an increase in Hcy concentration (62%) in relation to the CB6 group. Additionally, GST immunocontent was enhanced (51%) in the HB6 group compared to the HcyT group. Also, SOD activity was lower (17%) in the HB6 group compared to the CB6 group, and CAT activity was higher in the HcyT group (53%) compared to the CB6 group. Ejection fraction (EF) was improved in the HB6 group compared to the HcyT group. E/A ratio was enhanced in the HB6 group compared to the CB6 group. Correlations were found between CAT activity with myocardial performance index (MPI) (r = 0.71; P = 0.06) and E/A ratio (r = 0.6; P = 0.01), and between EF and GST activity (r = 0.62; P = 0.02). Conclusions: These findings indicate that isolated VB6 supplementation may lead to the reduction of Hcy concentration and promotes additional benefits to oxidative stress and heart function parameters (AU)

Antioxidant characterization of soy derived products in vitro and the effect of a soy diet on peripheral markers of oxidative stress in a heart disease model.

This study analyzed and compared the content of isoflavones in 2 soy products, the effectiveness of isoflavones as antioxidants, in vitro, and demonstrated the antioxidant effect of a soy diet in rats with myocardial infarction (MI). Isoflavone content was analyzed in soybean hypocotyl (SH) and isolated soy protein (ISP). The quality (TAR) and quantity (TRAP) of antioxidants present in the samples was quantified. The amount of daidzin was higher in SH (9 times) and genistein in ISP (5 times). SH presented a 3-fold increase in TAR, while both products exhibited same TRAP. The rats were fed an ISP diet for 9 weeks. Animals were distributed among 6 treatment groups: (i) Sham Casein; (ii) Infarct Casein < 25%; (iii) Infarct Casein > 25%; (iv) Sham Soy; (v) Infarct Soy < 25%; and (vi) Infarct Soy > 25%. MI was induced 5 weeks after the commencement of the diets. Lipid peroxidation (LPO), antioxidant enzyme activity, and levels of nitrites/nitrates were determined in blood. Rats receiving the ISP diet demonstrated increased activity of antioxidant enzyme activity and nitrite/nitrate content. In addition, the increase in LPO seen in rats subjected to MI was significantly mitigated when the ISP diet was given. These findings suggest a nutritional approach of using a soy-based diet for the prevention of oxidative-stress-related diseases such as heart failure.

Efeito do extrato aquoso de Ilex Paraguariensis sobre o metabolismo de ratos machos / Effect of aqueous extract of Ilex Paraguariensis on the metabolism of male rats

Introdução: Vários estudos têm apontado Ilex paraguariensis (erva-mate) como coadjuvante no manejo da obesidade. Objetivo: O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar ingestão alimentar, peso corporal, volume da diurese, quantidade de gordura abdominal, triglicérides e colesterol total plasmáticos de ratos Wistar machos tratados com extrato aquoso de Ilex paraguariensis. Métodos: Formaram-se dois grupos de seis animais cada, um controle e outro tratado. O tratado recebia extrato de Ilex paraguariensis e o controle, água para hidratação. Todos receberam ração padrão. Para o preparo do extrato da erva, misturava-se 1 l de água aquecida à 80ºC e 70 g de erva-mate. Em 15 minutos, essa mistura era coada. Após 8 semanas, os animais foram colocados em gaiolas metabólicas para avaliar a ingestão alimentar e hídrica e o volume de diurese e fezes. Nesse período, foi aferido o peso, foram coletadas amostras de sangue para quantificar triglicérides e colesterol e a gordura abdominal foi dissecada após a morte dos animais. Na análise estatística, foi utilizado o teste t de Student para o tratamento de todos os resultados, e P<0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados: Ingestão alimentar e hídrica, diurese, fezes e peso dos animais não apresentaram qualquer diferença significativa, assim como os níveis de triglicérides. A quantidade de gordura abdominal, assim como os níveis de colesterol, foram significativamente menor nos animais tratados. Conclusão: O extrato da erva-mate parece ter influência sobre o metabolismo dos lipídios sem interferir no peso corporal nem na ingestão alimentar e hídrica.

Introduction: Some studies have shown Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate) as an adjuvant in overweigh treatment. Aim: Our aim was to measure food intake, body weight, urine volume, feces, abdominal fat, triglycerides and cholesterol plasmatic in rats treated with aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis. Methods: We used two groups of six animals each, a control group and a treated group. Animals in the treated group received Ilex paraguariensis in aqueous extract and the controls were given only water for hydration. Both groups received standard food. To prepare the Ilex paraguariensis extract, we mixed 1 L of hot water (80ºC) and 70 g of yerba mate. After 15 minutes, we strained the mixture. After eight weeks, the animals were allocated in metabolic cages to measure food intake, hydration, urine volume and feces. During this time, we also measured body weight, collected blood samples for triglycerides and cholesterol analyses. Abdominal fat was dissected after the animals died. For statistical analyses, we used t student for all data. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: No significant difference was observed in food intake, hydration, urine volume, feces and body weight, as well as triglycerides. The amount of abdominal fat and plasmatic cholesterol was significantly lower in treated animals. Conclusions: The aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis seems to effect in the metabolism of the lipids without modifying body weight, food intake or hydration.