Effect of Brazilian propolis on experimental hepatotoxicity in rats

Propolis (bee glue) is one of the major hive products of bees and is rich in flavonoids, which are known for their antioxidant activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of the ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) against experimental carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4)-induced liver toxicity in rats by means of biochemical indices. The animals were divided into 4 groups: GI= received mineral oil; GII= CCl 4(4mL/kg; Lp., single dose) treated; GIII= CCl4 (4mL/kg; i.p., single dose) treatment followed by ethanolic extract of propolis (100mg/kg) for gavage from the species Tetragonisca angustula, daily for 3 days and GIV= CCl4 (4mL/kg; i.p., single dose) treatment followed by ethanolic extract of propolis (100mg/kg) for gavage from the species Nannotrigonea testaceicornes, daily, for 3 days. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cholesterol and triacylglycerols were estimated after 3 days. CCl 4 caused a maximum increase (p<0,01) above biochemical parameters. As compared to CCl4 group (GII), the EEP (GIII and GIV) showed reduction in cholesterol, triacylglycerol, ALT, AST and alkaline phosphatase activity in the serum. In conclusion, these data indicate that EEP improved the dyslipidaemia, moreover, significantly attenuated increases in serum ALT and AST activities in rats with liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride.

Baccharis dracunculifolia, the main source of green propolis, exhibits potent antioxidant activity and prevents oxidative mitochondrial damage

Baccharis dracunculifolia DC (Asteraceae) is the main botanical source used by honeybees to produce Brazilian green propolis whose hepatoprotective properties have been already described. In this work we investigated the protective effects of the glycolic extract of B. dracunculifolia (GEBd) against oxidative stress in isolated rat liver mitochondria (RLM). The GEBd was prepared by fractionated percolation using propylene glycol as solvent. The total phenols and flavonoids, which are substances with recognized antioxidant action, were quantified in GEBd and the phytochemical analysis was carried out by HPLC. GEBd exhibited significant scavenger activity towards DPPH radicals and superoxide anions in a concentration-dependent manner, and also a Fe 2+ chelating activity. GEBd decreased the basal H 2O 2 generation and the Fe 2+- or t-BuOOH-induced ROS production in isolated mitochondria. Lipid oxidation of mitochondrial membranes, protein thiol groups and GSH oxidation were also prevented by GEBd. This shows that B. dracunculifolia exhibit potent antioxidant activity protecting liver mitochondria against oxidative damage and such action probably contribute to the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of green propolis. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.

Improvement of biochemical parameters in type 1 diabetic rats after the roots aqueous extract of yacon [Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp.& Endl.)] treatment

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) (Poepp.& Endl.) on clinical parameters under diabetic conditions. The aqueous extract of yacon tuberous roots (YRAE; 0.76gfructankg-1 body weight) was prepared at the moment of each administration. Thirty-two male rats were divided into four groups (n=8): control group (C); group that received YRAE (Y); untreated diabetic group (DM1); and diabetic group treated with YRAE (Y-DM1). The diabetes mellitus was induced by streptozotocin (60mgkg-1 body weight). The animals from Y2 and Y-DM1 received YRAE by gavage, at 7-day intervals, for 30days. The aqueous extract of yacon roots decreased (p<0.05) the water and food intake in diabetic rats (Y-DM1). YRAE treatment reduced (p<0.05) glycaemia, total cholesterol, VLDL-c, LDL-c and triacylglycerol levels in diabetic rats (YRAE). HDL, urea and creatinine levels did not differ (p>0.05) between the Y and Y-DM1 groups. YRAE normalised alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, when comparing DM1 and Y-DM1 rats, but had no effect on lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH). In conclusion, YRAE was sufficient for controlling water and food consumption, hyperglycaemia and dyslipidaemia, and promote the reduction of the ALT, suggesting a hepatoprotective effect in rats with STZ-induced DM1. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Ação da própolis sobre parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos séricos e seu efeito no bem-estar de papagaios-verdadeiros (Amazona aestiva) em cativeiro

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Protection induced in BALB/c mice by the high-molecular-mass (hMM) fraction of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

AT1-receptor mediated vascular damage in myocardium, kidneys and liver in rats

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Liver Anatomy, Histochemistry, and Ultrastructure of Eupemphix nattereri (Anura: Leiuperidae) During the Breeding Season

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Protective Effect of HLA-DRB1*11 and Predisposition of HLA-C*04 in the Development of Severe Liver Damage in Brazilian Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection

The objective of this study was to investigate human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genes in patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and to analyse the possible role of these genes in the progression of chronic hepatitis C. One hundred and forty-five (145) Brazilian patients infected only with HCV genotype 1 were evaluated. HLA class I (A*, B*, C*) and class II (DRB1*, DQA1*, DQB1*) typing were carried out by PCR-SSO, through Luminex technology. Associations were found with protection against development of liver damage by both DRB1*11 (5.0% versus 18.2%, P = 0.0016, OR = 0.23, CI 95% = 0.090.58; Pc=0.0208) and DRB1*11-DQA1*05-DQB1*03 haplotype (4.2% versus 15.3%, P = 0.0032; OR = 0.24, CI 95% = 0.08-0.64). Liver damage was associated with HLA-C*04 in patients with <20 years of infection (38.4% versus 9.1%, P = 0.002, OR = 6.25, CI 95% = 1.9719.7; Pc=0.0238). It is concluded that HLA alleles can influence the development of liver damage in HCV type-1 chronically infected Brazilian patients.

Evaluation of Clinical and Inflammatory Markers of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Postmenopausal Women with Metabolic Syndrome

Background: The aim of this study was to assess clinical and inflammatory markers in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 180 Brazilian women (age >= 45 years and amenorrhea >= 12 months). Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed by the presence of at least three of the following indicators: Waist circumference (WC) > 88 cm, triglycerides (TGs) >= 150 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) < 50 mg/dL; blood pressure >= 130/85 mmHg; and glucose >= 100 mg/dL. NAFLD was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound. Participants were divided into three groups: Metabolic syndrome alone (n = 53); metabolic syndrome + NAFLD (n = 67); or absence of metabolic syndrome or NAFLD (control, n = 60). Clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical variables were quantified. The inflammatory profile included adiponectin, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Data were submitted to statistical analysis using a Tukey test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-squared, Pearson correlation, and logistic regression (odds ratio, OR).Results: Women with metabolic syndrome + NAFLD, abdominal obesity, high glucose, and insulin resistance by HOMA-IR were compared to women with metabolic syndrome alone and controls (P < 0.05). High values of IL-6 and TNF-alpha and low values of adiponectin were observed among women with metabolic syndrome alone or metabolic syndrome + NAFLD when compared to controls (P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, the variables considered as risk of NAFLD development were: High systolic blood pressure (SBP) [(OR 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0-1.04]; large WC (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01-1.13); insulin resistance (OR 3.81, 95% CI 2.01-7.13); and metabolic syndrome (OR 8.68, 95% CI 3.3-24.1). Adiponectin levels reduced NAFLD risk (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.80-0.96).Conclusion: In postmenopausal women, metabolic syndrome, abdominal obesity, and insulin resistance were risk markers for the development of NAFLD, whereas higher adiponectin values indicated a protection marker.

Lipid peroxidation: the role or Ca2+ and protection by calcinine

When calcinine (A-23187) (2 mu M), a known Ca2+ ionophore, is present, a significant protection is observed to a mitochondrial suspension undergoing lipid peroxidation by Fe2+-citrate complex. A-23187 can remove Ca2+, which seems to have an important role in the lipid peroxidation process, from its 'lesive sites' and consequently preventing the damage. This information has importance in terms of knowing the mechanisms and avoiding the damages of lipid peroxidation that occur in some pathological cases such as tumor promotion and hemochromatosis.