Apple phlorizin supplementation attenuates oxidative stress in hamsters fed a high-fat diet

Abstract

Phlorizin from apple peel has been used as a nutrient for more than 100 years. The present study investigated the effects of phlorizin on the antioxidant capacity and the antioxidative mechanisms in hamsters fed high-fat diet supplemented with phlorizin (0.3, 0.6, and 0.9%). Results showed that phlorizin increased the antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced the malondialdehyde content in plasma, liver, heart, and kidney that might arise from the higher mRNA levels of CuZn-superoxide dismutase, Mn-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-like (Nrf2), and the protein expression of Mn-SOD (p < .05). Diet supplemented with phlorizin also significantly decreased the total cholesterol and triglycerides levels in plasma. The present study demonstrated that phlorizin might reduce lipid peroxidation and protect against cardiovascular issues in vivo. Practical applications Phlorizin, from apple peel, has been used as a nutrient for over 100 years. To date, despite extensive research on phlorizin, a report on its effect on lipid peroxidation, the antioxidant system in plasma, heart, liver, and kidney of hamsters fed high-fat diet is yet lacking. This report demonstrates that phlorizin can reduce lipid peroxidation and exert a protective effect on cardiovascular issues in vivo, which is valuable in the rational utilization of phlorizin in functional foods.