Blueberry Polyphenol Extracts Enhance the Intestinal Antioxidant Capacity in Weaned Rats by Modulating the Nrf2-Keap1 Signal Pathway.

Fangfang Zhao,Shen Yan,Mengliang Tian

doi:10.3389/fphys.2021.640737

Abstract

Weaning causes the generation of excessive reactive oxygen species in the body, which could lead to oxidative stress. Polyphenols, for which blueberries are an important dietary source, are known for various health benefits including antioxidant properties. Here, we sought to elucidate the effects of blueberry polyphenol extracts (BPE) on intestinal antioxidant capacity and possible underlying mechanisms in weaned rats. Ninety-six rats were assigned to two groups and fed either a standard diet or a standard diet supplemented with BPE (200 mg/kg). The results showed that BPE supplementation increased (P < 0.05) catalase and superoxide dismutase activities and decreased (P < 0.05) interleukin-1 and interferon-γ contents in the jejunum and ileum. The abundances of mammalian target of rapamycin, ribosomal p70 S6 kinase and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 mRNA were elevated in the jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05) after BPE supplementation. Additionally, BPE supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) gene transcription and enhanced (P < 0.05) NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) gene transcription in the jejunum and ileum. According to our results, BPE-induced protective effects against oxidative stress appear through the promotion of the jejunal and ileal antioxidant defense system in weaned rats, which was associated with the Nrf2–Keap1 signaling pathway.

Highlights

Weaning can have many negative effects, including enhanced disease susceptibility (Yin et al, 2013), impaired intestinal functions (Xiong et al, 2015), as well as reduced feed intake and suppressed growth (Campbell et al, 2013)
No study has yet indicated the effects of blueberry polyphenol extracts (BPE) on the antioxidant status of the small intestine in weaned rats
We evaluate the effects of dietary BPE supplementation on the antioxidant status in the small intestine of weaned rats, as well as the underlying mechanisms

Summary

Introduction

Weaning can have many negative effects, including enhanced disease susceptibility (Yin et al, 2013), impaired intestinal functions (Xiong et al, 2015), as well as reduced feed intake and suppressed growth (Campbell et al, 2013). The functional components of blueberry are anticipated to be beneficial in both preventing and treating oxidative stressrelated diseases (Huang et al, 2016; Wu et al, 2017). No study has yet indicated the effects of blueberry polyphenol extracts (BPE) on the antioxidant status of the small intestine in weaned rats. The changes in antioxidant status in the small intestine of weaned rats after BPE supplementation need to be elucidated

Methods

Results

Conclusion