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Rodrigues Albuquerque E, Ratti da Silva G, de Abreu Braga F, Pelegrini Silva E, Sposito Negrini K, Rodrigues Fracasso JA, Pires Guarnier L, Jacomassi E, Ribeiro-Paes JT, da Silva Gomes R, Gasparotto Junior A, Lívero FADR. Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Preclinical Potential of Pereskia grandifolia in Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2023; 2023:8840427. [PMID: 38026733 PMCID: PMC10653969 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8840427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a complex condition characterized by steatosis and metabolic disturbances. Risk factors such as diabetes, cigarette smoking, and dyslipidaemia contribute to its development and progression. Effective and safe therapies for MAFLD are urgently needed. Pereskia grandifolia has shown potential as an alternative treatment, but its effectiveness against liver disease remains unexplored. This research aims to determine the hepatoprotective properties of P. grandifolia using a model of MAFLD. The study was carried out through various phases to assess the safety and efficacy of the ethanol-soluble fraction of P. grandifolia. Initially, an in vitro assay was performed to assess cell viability. This was followed by an acute toxicity test conducted in rats to determine the safety profile of the extract. Subsequently, the anti-inflammatory properties of P. grandifolia were examined in macrophages. For the MAFLD study, diabetic Wistar rats were made diabetic and exposed to a high fat diet and cigarette smoke, for 4 weeks. During the last 2 weeks, the rats were orally given either the vehicle (negative control group; C-), P. grandifolia (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg), or insulin in addition to simvastatin. A basal group of rats not exposed to these risk factors was also assessed. Blood samples were collected to measure cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, ALT, and AST levels. Liver was assessed for lipid and oxidative markers, and liver histopathology was examined. P. grandifolia showed no signs of toxicity. It demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting phagocytosis and macrophage spreading. The MAFLD model induced liver abnormalities, including increased AST, ALT, disrupted lipid profile, oxidative stress, and significant hepatic damage. However, P. grandifolia effectively reversed these changes, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent. These findings emphasize the significance of P. grandifolia in mitigating hepatic consequences associated with various risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edilson Rodrigues Albuquerque
- Laboratory of Preclinical Research of Natural Products, Post Graduate Program in Animal Science with Emphasis on Bioactive Products, Universidade Paranaense, Umuarama, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Ratti da Silva
- Laboratory of Preclinical Research of Natural Products, Post Graduate Program in Animal Science with Emphasis on Bioactive Products, Universidade Paranaense, Umuarama, Brazil
| | - Fernanda de Abreu Braga
- Laboratory of Preclinical Research of Natural Products, Paranaense University, Umuarama, Brazil
| | - Ester Pelegrini Silva
- Laboratory of Preclinical Research of Natural Products, Paranaense University, Umuarama, Brazil
| | - Karina Sposito Negrini
- Laboratory of Preclinical Research of Natural Products, Paranaense University, Umuarama, Brazil
| | | | - Lucas Pires Guarnier
- Department of Genetic, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ezilda Jacomassi
- Laboratory of Preclinical Research of Natural Products, Post Graduate Program in Medicinal Plants and Phytotherapeutics in Basic Attention, Paranaense University, Umuarama, Brazil
| | | | - Roberto da Silva Gomes
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58102, USA
| | - Arquimedes Gasparotto Junior
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, Brazil
| | - Francislaine Aparecida dos Reis Lívero
- Laboratory of Preclinical Research of Natural Products, Paranaense University, Umuarama, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
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Moreno KGT, Marques AAM, da Silva GP, Lourençone BR, Fortini CS, Leite PRT, dos Santos AC, Souza RIC, da Siva LI, Gasparotto Junior A. A New Approach for the Development of Multiple Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Two Rat Models of Hypertension. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15070853. [PMID: 35890152 PMCID: PMC9318210 DOI: 10.3390/ph15070853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among non-communicable diseases. There is a lack of valid animal models that mimic associations among multiple cardiovascular risk factors in humans. The present study developed an animal model that uses multiple cardiovascular risk factors—namely, hypertension, hypothyroidism, and a high-fat diet (HFD). Two models of hypertension were used: renovascular hypertension (two-kidney, one clip [2K1C]) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The naive group was composed of normotensive rats. Twelve weeks after surgery to induce renovascular hypertension, rats in the 2K1C and SHR groups underwent thyroidectomy. The HFD was then implemented for 6 weeks. Renal function, serum redox status, biochemical CVD markers, electrocardiographic profile, blood pressure, mesenteric vascular bed reactivity, histopathology, and morphometry were investigated. Both experimental models induced dyslipidemia, renal function impairment, and hepatic steatosis, accompanied by higher levels of different inflammatory markers and serum oxidative stress. These alterations contributed to end-organ damage in all hypertensive rats. Our findings corroborate a viable alternative model that involves multiple cardiovascular risk factors and resembles conditions that are seen in humans. Both models mimicked CVD, but our data show that SHRs exhibit more significant pathophysiological changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karyne Garcia Tafarelo Moreno
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Pharmacology (LaFAC), Faculty of Health Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados 79825-070, Brazil; (K.G.T.M.); (A.A.M.M.); (G.P.d.S.); (B.R.L.); (C.S.F.); (P.R.T.L.)
| | - Aline Aparecida Macedo Marques
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Pharmacology (LaFAC), Faculty of Health Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados 79825-070, Brazil; (K.G.T.M.); (A.A.M.M.); (G.P.d.S.); (B.R.L.); (C.S.F.); (P.R.T.L.)
| | - Gabriela Pereira da Silva
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Pharmacology (LaFAC), Faculty of Health Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados 79825-070, Brazil; (K.G.T.M.); (A.A.M.M.); (G.P.d.S.); (B.R.L.); (C.S.F.); (P.R.T.L.)
| | - Bethânia Rosa Lourençone
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Pharmacology (LaFAC), Faculty of Health Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados 79825-070, Brazil; (K.G.T.M.); (A.A.M.M.); (G.P.d.S.); (B.R.L.); (C.S.F.); (P.R.T.L.)
| | - Clara Soligo Fortini
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Pharmacology (LaFAC), Faculty of Health Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados 79825-070, Brazil; (K.G.T.M.); (A.A.M.M.); (G.P.d.S.); (B.R.L.); (C.S.F.); (P.R.T.L.)
| | - Patrícia Regina Terço Leite
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Pharmacology (LaFAC), Faculty of Health Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados 79825-070, Brazil; (K.G.T.M.); (A.A.M.M.); (G.P.d.S.); (B.R.L.); (C.S.F.); (P.R.T.L.)
| | - Ariany Carvalho dos Santos
- Laboratory of Histopathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados 79825-070, Brazil; (A.C.d.S.); (R.I.C.S.)
| | - Roosevelt Isaías Carvalho Souza
- Laboratory of Histopathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados 79825-070, Brazil; (A.C.d.S.); (R.I.C.S.)
| | - Leila Isabel da Siva
- Post-Graduate Program in Biotechnology Applied to Agriculture, Paranaense University, Umuarama 87502-210, Brazil;
| | - Arquimedes Gasparotto Junior
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Pharmacology (LaFAC), Faculty of Health Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados 79825-070, Brazil; (K.G.T.M.); (A.A.M.M.); (G.P.d.S.); (B.R.L.); (C.S.F.); (P.R.T.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-(67)-3410-2333; Fax: +55-(67)-3410-2321
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Auth PA, da Silva GR, Amaral EC, Bortoli VF, Manzano MI, de Souza LM, Lovato ECW, Ribeiro-Paes JT, Gasparotto Junior A, Lívero FADR. Croton urucurana Baill. Ameliorates Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease in Rats. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:886122. [PMID: 35668935 PMCID: PMC9164250 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.886122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) affects a quarter of the worldwide population, but no drug therapies have yet been developed. Croton urucurana Baill. (Euphorbiaceae) is a medicinal species, that is, widely distributed in Brazil. It is used in popular medicine to treat gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and endocrine system diseases. However, its hepatoprotective and lipid-lowering effects have not yet been scientifically investigated. Aim of the study: The present study investigated the effects of an extract of C. urucurana in a rat model of MAFLD that was associated with multiple risk factors, including hypertension, smoking, and dyslipidemia. Material and Methods: The phytochemical composition of C. urucurana was evaluated by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Spontaneously hypertensive rats received a 0.5% cholesterol-enriched diet and were exposed to cigarette smoke (9 cigarettes/day for 10 weeks). During the last 5 weeks, the animals were orally treated with vehicle (negative control [C-] group), C. urucurana extract (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg), or simvastatin + enalapril (two standard reference drugs that are commonly used to treat dyslipidemia and hypertension, respectively). One group of rats that were not exposed to these risk factors was also evaluated (basal group). Blood was collected for the analysis of cholesterol, triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. The liver and feces were collected for lipid quantification. The liver was also processed for antioxidant and histopathological analysis. Results: The main constituents of the C. urucurana extract were flavonoids, glycosides, and alkaloids. The model successfully induced MAFLD, reflected by increases in AST and ALT levels, and induced oxidative stress in the C- group. Treatment with the C. urucurana extract (300 mg/kg) and simvastatin + enalapril decreased plasma and hepatic lipid levels. In contrast to simvastatin + enalapril treatment, C. urucurana reduced AST and ALT levels. Massive lesions were observed in the liver in the C- group, which were reversed by treatment with the C. urucurana extract (300 mg/kg). Conclusion:C. urucurana extract exerted promising hepatoprotective and lipid-lowering effects in a preclinical rat model of MAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Alvarez Auth
- Laboratory of Preclinical Research of Natural Products, Post-Graduate Program in Animal Science with Emphasis on Bioactive Products, Paranaense University, Umuarama, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Ratti da Silva
- Laboratory of Preclinical Research of Natural Products, Post-Graduate Program in Animal Science with Emphasis on Bioactive Products, Paranaense University, Umuarama, Brazil
| | - Eduarda Carolina Amaral
- Laboratory of Preclinical Research of Natural Products, Post-Graduate Program in Medicinal Plants and Phytotherapeutics in Basic Attention, Paranaense University, Umuarama, Brazil
| | - Victor Fajardo Bortoli
- Laboratory of Preclinical Research of Natural Products, Post-Graduate Program in Medicinal Plants and Phytotherapeutics in Basic Attention, Paranaense University, Umuarama, Brazil
| | | | - Lauro Mera de Souza
- Institute of Research Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Pequeno Príncipe Faculty, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Evellyn Claudia Wietzikoski Lovato
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, Post-Graduate Program in Medicinal Plants and Phytotherapeutics in Basic Attention, Paranaense University, Umuarama, Brazil
| | | | - Arquimedes Gasparotto Junior
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, Brazil
| | - Francislaine Aparecida Dos Reis Lívero
- Laboratory of Preclinical Research of Natural Products, Post-Graduate Program in Medicinal Plants and Phytotherapeutics in Basic Attention, Post-Graduate in Animal Science with Emphasis on Bioactive Products, Paranaense University, Umuarama, Brazil
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