Abstract
Despite being a plant by-product, chokeberry pomace is believed to exert some therapeutic effects because it is one of the richest sources of highly bioavailable non-enzymatic antioxidants. The aim of this study was to determine the functionality of bioactive compounds present in the Aronia melanocarpa pomace (chokeberry) based on enzymatic and non-enzymatic parameters related to the active defence of liver and blood against the effects of oxidative stress. The experiment was conducted with 48 lambs of two breeds—Polish Merino and Wrzosówka. Experimental groups were administered the basic feed with the addition of 150 g or 300 g of black chokeberry pomace per each kg of the complete feed. The activities of antioxidative enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase), peptides (glutathione, glutathione disulfide), and a lipid peroxidation indicator (malondialdehyde), as well as the capacity of non-enzymatic antioxidants were investigated. The results proved a strong effect of bioactive compounds contained in the black chokeberry pomace on the estimated parameters. The inclusion of chokeberry pomace in feed mixtures brought many benefits linked with the antioxidative protection. Parameters responsible for the oxidative status were significantly modified despite the commonly-held view about a limited possibility of transferring phenolic compounds to the organs.
Highlights
Biological mechanisms that protect aerobic organisms against reactive oxygen species include the activities of specialized enzymatic proteins and peptides [1,2,3,4,5]
The application of chokeberry pomace in the diets of Polish Merino and Wrzosówka lambs resulted in interesting changes in the activity of superoxide dismutase
The most important biochemical markers were examined in this study, which are directly related to the cascade of oxidative stress processes
Summary
Biological mechanisms that protect aerobic organisms against reactive oxygen species include the activities of specialized enzymatic proteins and peptides [1,2,3,4,5]. Glutathione peroxidase is present mostly in the cytosol, followed by mitochondria and cell nucleus, and its highest activity is reported in the liver, which is associated with detoxification processes proceeding in this organ [10]. Antioxidants prevent lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde is often assayed as an indicator of this process) and actively control its course [11]. Determination of the total antioxidative potential of bioactive compounds and the potential of scavenging free radicals is very useful in neutralizing the reactivity of free radicals [12], and the malondialdehyde concentration [13]. Aronia melanocarpa (chokeberry) is known as a rich source of compounds with strong antioxidative properties [17].
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