scholarly journals Potential Therapeutic Role of Dietary Supplementation with Spirulina platensis on the Erectile Function of Obese Rats Fed a Hypercaloric Diet

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Anderson Fellyp Avelino Diniz ◽  
Iara Leão Luna de Souza ◽  
Elba dos Santos Ferreira ◽  
Maria Thaynan de Lima Carvalho ◽  
Bárbara Cavalcanti Barros ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spirulina Platensis ◽  
Erectile Function ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Diet Group ◽  
Food Supplementation ◽  
Standard Diet ◽  
Obese Rats ◽  
No Bioavailability ◽  
Hypercaloric Diet

Spirulina platensis, an important source of bioactive compounds, is a multicellular, filamentous cyanobacterium rich in high-quality proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Due to its nutrient composition, the alga is considered a complete food and is recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiobesity, and reproprotective effects. All of which are important for prevention and treatment of organic and metabolic disorders such as obesity and erectile dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate the modulatory role of Spirulina platensis food supplementation and the mechanisms of action involved in reversing the damage caused by a hypercaloric diet on the erectile function of rats. The animals were divided into a standard diet group (SD, n=5); a hypercaloric diet group (HCD, n=5); a hypercaloric diet group supplemented with S. platensis at doses of 25 (HCD+SP25, n=5), 50 (HCD+SP50, n=5), and 100 mg/kg (HCD+SP100, n=5); and a hypercaloric diet group subsequently fed a standard diet (HCD+SD, n=5). In the rats fed a hypercaloric diet, dietary supplementation with S. platensis effectively increased the number of erections while decreasing latency to initiate penile erection. Additionally, S. platensis increases NO bioavailability, reduces inflammation by reducing the release of contractile prostanoids, enhances the relaxation effect promoted by acetylcholine (ACh), restores contractile reactivity damage and cavernous relaxation, reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS), and increases cavernous total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Food supplementation with S. platensis thus restores erectile function in obese rats, reduces production of contractile prostanoids, reduces oxidative stress, and increases NO bioavailability. Food supplementation with S. platensis thus emerges as a promising new therapeutic alternative for the treatment of erectile dysfunction as induced by obesity.

scholarly journals Spirulina platensis Consumption Prevents Obesity and Improves the Deleterious Effects on Intestinal Reactivity in Rats Fed a Hypercaloric Diet

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Anderson Fellyp Avelino Diniz ◽  
Brena Freire de Oliveira Claudino ◽  
Manoel Vieira Duvirgens ◽  
Petruska Pessoa da Silva Souza ◽  
Paula Benvindo Ferreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spirulina Platensis ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Gastrointestinal Diseases ◽  
Food Supplementation ◽  
Gastrointestinal Disorders ◽  
Standard Diet ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Blue Green Algae ◽  
Voltage Gated Calcium Channels ◽  
Hypercaloric Diet

The consumption of hypercaloric diets is related to the development of obesity, favoring the etiology of gastrointestinal disorders. In this context, Spirulina platensis (SP), some blue-green algae with antioxidant action, appears as a potential therapeutic alternative to prevent obesity and associated intestinal disorders. Thus, the present study is aimed at evaluating the deleterious effects of the hypercaloric diet on the contractile and relaxing reactivity of the ileum of rats, as well as the possible preventive mechanisms of dietary supplementation with SP. Wistar rats were divided into three groups: fed a standard diet (SD), a hypercaloric diet (HCD), and/or supplemented with 25 mg/kg SP ( HCD + SP 25 ) for 8 weeks. The hypercaloric diet was effective in promoting obesity in rats, as well as decreasing potency and ileal relaxing and contractile efficacy. In contrast, dietary supplementation with SP was able to prevent some of the parameters of experimental obesity. In addition, SP prevented the reduction of intestinal reactivity, possibly due to a positive modulation of voltage-gated calcium channels (CaV) and negative regulation of muscarinic receptors (M3). Thus, food supplementation with Spirulina platensis becomes a promising alternative in the prevention of gastrointestinal diseases induced and/or aggravated by obesity.

scholarly journals Involvement of lipogenesis in the lower VLDL secretion induced by oligofructose in rats

1996 ◽  
Vol 76 (6) ◽  
pp. 881-890 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Kok ◽  
M. Roberfroid ◽  
A. Robert ◽  
N. Delzenne
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Fatty Acid Synthase ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Insulin Level ◽  
Hepatic Metabolism ◽  
Acid Synthesis ◽  
Metabolic Effect ◽  
Standard Diet ◽  
Male Wistar Rats

Dietary supplementation with oligofructose (OFS; 100 g/kg), a non-digestibleoligomer of β-D-fructose, decreases serum triacylglycerols in serum and VLDL of rats. In order to investigate the role of hepatic metabolism in the hypolipidaemic effect of OFS, male Wistar rats were fed on a standard diet with or without 1OOg Raftilose® P95/kg as OFS source for 30 d. OFS feeding (1) significantly decreased triacylglycerol and phospholipid concentrations in both blood and liver, (2) increased the glycerol-3-phosphate liver content but decreased the hepatic activity of glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.15), suggesting a decrease in acylglycerol synthesis, (3) did not affect the blood non-caterified fatty acid concentrations, but (4) reduced by 54% the capacity of isolated hepatocytesto synthesize and secrete triacylglycerols from labelled acetate; the activity of fatty acid synthase, a key lipogenic enzyme was also significantly decreased. These findings suggest that OFS decreases serum triacylglycerols by reducing de nova fatty acid synthesis in the liver; the lower insulin level in the serum of OFS-fed rats could explain, at least partly, the metabolic effect induced by such nondigestible carbohydrates.

scholarly journals The vitamin E reduces liver lipoperoxidation and fibrosis in a model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

2010 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 86-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Idilio Zamin Jr ◽  
Angelo Alves de Mattos ◽  
Ângelo Zambam de Mattos ◽  
Gabriela Coral ◽  
Diogo Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin E ◽  
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis ◽  
Wistar Rats ◽  
Biochemical Analysis ◽  
Diet Group ◽  
Standard Diet ◽  
Deficient Diet ◽  
Simvastatin Group ◽  
Standard Diet Group

CONTEXT: No effective treatment is available for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in nowadays. OBJECTIVES: To develop a model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis induced by a methionine and choline deficient diet, as well as to evaluate the role of metformin, vitamin E and simvastatin in the nonalcoholic steatohepatitis progression. METHODS: The study analyzed prospectively 50 Wistar rats for a 90-day period and divided them into five groups of 10 rats. One group was given standard rat diet and the others received the methionine and choline deficient diet. Among the four groups that received this diet, one received saline 0,9% and the others received metformin, vitamin E or simvastatin. After the study period, the animals were sacrificed and their blood was collected for biochemical analysis. The livers were removed for lipoperoxidation analysis and for the histological examinations. RESULTS: The methionine and choline deficient diet was able to induce steatosis in 100% of the animals and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in 27 (69.2%). The alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly higher in the simvastatin group. The aspartate aminotransferase levels were also higher in the simvastatin group, but were statistically significant only in relation to the standard diet group. When lipoperoxidation values were compared, the groups that received standard rat diet and methionine and choline deficient with vitamin E presented significantly lower rates than the others. The presence of fibrosis was significantly smaller in the group receiving vitamin E. CONCLUSIONS: The diet used was able to induce steatosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Besides vitamin E showed to reduce the liver oxidative stress, as well as the fibrosis development

Role of Flavonoids in Neurodegenerative Disorders with Special Emphasis on Tangeritin

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 581-597 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ambreen Fatima ◽  
Yasir Hasan Siddique
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Mechanism Of Action ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorders ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Plant Polyphenols ◽  
Promising Candidate ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
The Brain

Flavonoids are naturally occurring plant polyphenols found universally in all fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants. They have emerged as a promising candidate in the formulation of treatment strategies for various neurodegenerative disorders. The use of flavonoid rich plant extracts and food in dietary supplementation have shown favourable outcomes. The present review describes the types, properties and metabolism of flavonoids. Neuroprotective role of various flavonoids and the possible mechanism of action in the brain against the neurodegeneration have been described in detail with special emphasis on the tangeritin.

scholarly journals Neuroprotective Metabolites of Hericium erinaceus Promote Neuro-Healthy Aging

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. 6379
Author(s):  
Elisa Roda ◽  
Erica Cecilia Priori ◽  
Daniela Ratto ◽  
Fabrizio De Luca ◽  
Carmine Di Iorio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Molecular Layer ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Purkinje Neurons ◽  
Geriatric Syndrome ◽  
Oral Supplementation ◽  
Erinacine A ◽  
And Oxidative Stress

Frailty is a geriatric syndrome associated with both locomotor and cognitive decline, typically linked to chronic systemic inflammation, i.e., inflammaging. In the current study, we investigated the effect of a two-month oral supplementation with standardized extracts of H. erinaceus, containing a known amount of Erinacine A, Hericenone C, Hericenone D, and L-ergothioneine, on locomotor frailty and cerebellum of aged mice. Locomotor performances were monitored comparing healthy aging and frail mice. Cerebellar volume and cytoarchitecture, together with inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways, were assessed focusing on senescent frail animals. H. erinaceus partially recovered the aged-related decline of locomotor performances. Histopathological analyses paralleled by immunocytochemical evaluation of specific molecules strengthened the neuroprotective role of H. erinaceus able to ameliorate cerebellar alterations, i.e., milder volume reduction, slighter molecular layer thickness decrease and minor percentage of shrunken Purkinje neurons, also diminishing inflammation and oxidative stress in frail mice while increasing a key longevity regulator and a neuroprotective molecule. Thus, our present findings demonstrated the efficacy of a non-pharmacological approach, based on the dietary supplementation using H. erinaceus extract, which represent a promising adjuvant therapy to be associated with conventional geriatric treatments.

scholarly journals Microencapsulated Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus gasseri in Combination with Quercetin Inhibit Colorectal Cancer Development in ApcMin/+ Mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 4906
Author(s):  
Iván Benito ◽  
Ignacio J. Encío ◽  
Fermín I. Milagro ◽  
María Alfaro ◽  
Ana Martínez-Peñuela ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Body Weight Loss ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Bifidobacterium Bifidum ◽  
Aberrant Crypt Foci ◽  
Intestinal Bleeding ◽  
Standard Diet ◽  
Colon Tissue ◽  
Lactobacillus Gasseri ◽  
Reduced Body

Recent studies have suggested that flavonoids such as quercetin and probiotics such as Bifidobacterium bifidum (Bf) and Lactobacillus gasseri (Lg) could play a relevant role in inhibiting colon cancer cell growth. Our study investigated the role of dietary supplementation with microencapsulated probiotics (Bf and Lg) along with quercetin in the development of mouse colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: Adenomatous polyposis coli/multiple intestinal neoplasia (ApcMin/+) mice were fed a standard diet or the same diet supplemented with microencapsulated probiotics (Bf and Lg strains, 107 CFU/100 g food) or both probiotics strains plus microencapsulated quercetin (15 mg/100 g food) for 73 days. Changes in body and organ weights, energy metabolism, intestinal microbiota, and colon tissue were determined. The expression of genes related to the Wnt pathway was also analyzed in colon samples. Results: Dietary supplementation with microencapsulated probiotics or microencapsulated probiotics plus quercetin reduced body weight loss and intestinal bleeding in ApcMin/+ mice. An improvement in energy expenditure was observed after 8 weeks but not after 10 weeks of treatment. A supplemented diet with microencapsulated Bf and Lg reduced the number of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and adenomas by 45% and 60%, respectively, whereas the supplementation with Bf, Lg and quercetin decreased the number of ACF and adenomas by 57% and 80%, respectively. Microencapsulated Bf and Lg in combination with quercetin could exert inhibition of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the colon of ApcMin/+ mice Conclusions: The administration of microencapsulated Bf and Lg, individually or in combination with quercetin, inhibits the CRC development in ApcMin/+ mice.

scholarly journals A Calorie-Restricted Ketogenic Diet Reduces Cerebral Cortex Vascularization in Prepubertal Rats

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 2681
Author(s):  
Viggiano ◽  
Meccariello ◽  
Santoro ◽  
Secondulfo ◽  
Operto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Cortex ◽  
Substantia Nigra ◽  
Ketogenic Diet ◽  
Capillary Density ◽  
Diet Group ◽  
Cerebral White Matter ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Standard Diet ◽  
Ketogenic Diets ◽  
Prepubertal Rats

The antiepileptic effect of ketogenic diets is acknowledged but its mechanism of action is poorly understood. The present work aimed to evaluate possible effects of a calorie-restricted ketogenic diet (CRKD) on brain growth and angiogenesis in normal prepubertal rats. Two groups of prepubertal rats were fed with a standard diet (group 1) or a CRKD (group 2) for ten weeks. Then, rats were sacrificed and the thickness for the following structures was evaluated by histology: (1) cerebral cortex, (2) deep cerebral white matter, and (3) substantia nigra. The capillary density was also evaluated within: (1) cerebral cortex, (2) dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, (3) periaqueductal grey matter, and (4) substantia nigra. The results showed a smaller thickness of all the areas examined and a reduced capillary density within the cerebral cortex in the CRKD-treated group compared to the control group. These findings suggest an association between reduced angiogenesis within the cerebral cortex and the antiepileptic effects of CRKD.

Analysis of the anti-fatigue activity of polysaccharides from Spirulina platensis: role of central 5-hydroxytryptamine mechanisms

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 1826-1834
Author(s):  
Meiju Zhu ◽  
Hongzhu Zhu ◽  
Xiaomin Ding ◽  
Shaosheng Liu ◽  
Yuanhua Zou
Keyword(s):  
Spirulina Platensis ◽  
Treadmill Exercise ◽  
Caudate Putamen ◽  
Biochemical Indicators

This study evaluated the effects of polysaccharides from Spirulina platensis (PSP) on endurance during treadmill exercise; levels of some biochemical indicators and expressions of serotonin related genes in the caudate putamen of exercising rats.

Expression and Significance of Lipin1 and AMPKα in Hepatic Insulin Resistance in Diet-Induced Insulin Resistance Rats

2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (02) ◽  
pp. 84-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Chen ◽  
X. Zhuang ◽  
Y. Liu ◽  
A. Sun ◽  
C. Chen
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
High Fat Diet ◽  
Diet Group ◽  
Hepatic Insulin Resistance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Ampk Signaling ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Obese Rats ◽  
Male Wistar Rats

AbstractLipin1, a lately indentified adipokine, may link obesity with insulin resistance and diabetes. The present study aimed to investigate the changes and significance of lipin1 expression and lipin1-AMPK signaling in diet-induced hepatic insulin resistance.24 4-week-old Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: (1) control group (CO), (2) high-fat diet group (HF). Insulin sensitivity was evaluated by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp technique. The mRNA levels of α1 and α2 subunit of AMPKα as well as Lipin1 were measured using Real-time RT-PCR. The activities of AMPKα and Akt were evaluated by detection of p-AMPKα (Thr-172) and p-Akt (ser473) by Western blot.After treatment of 4 months, HF group showed significantly increased levels of body weight, fasting plasma glucose and insulin levels; Plasma and liver total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) levels were also markedly elevated; Lipin1 expression at both mRNA and protein levels were significantly deceased. Compared with CO group, the mRNA and protein levels of AMPKα1 and AMPKα2 were not changed, whereas the p-AMPK (Thr-172) and p-AKT (ser473) levels in liver were significantly decreased in HF group.These findings indicated that the decrease in lipin1 expression and AMPKα activation may contribute to hepatic insulin resistance in diet-induced obese rats.

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