Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Activities of Oil from Baru Almonds (Dipteryx alata Vog.) in a Preclinical Model of Lipotoxicity and Dyslipidemia.

Mayara Áthina Reis,Fernanda Borges De Araújo Paula,Rômulo Dias Novaes,Stella Maris Da Silveira Duarte,André Luiz Machado Viana,Sueli Regina Baggio,Bruno Cesar Correa Salles,Maria Rita Rodrigues

doi:10.1155/2018/8376081

Abstract

The oil obtained from baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.) almonds exhibits high energy value and is reported in popular medicine for the treatment of rheumatic diseases and reproductive disturbances. Although baru oil is used in domestic cuisine, the chemical characterization of this oil and its effects on lipid metabolism are still poorly understood. Therefore, this study evaluated the fatty acid (FA) profile and the effects of baru oil on liver and aorta in a murine model of dyslipidemia. The chromatographic profile of baru oil showed high levels of unsaturated FAs, especially oleic acid. Saturated FAs, such as palmitic and lignoceric acids, were found in lower amounts. Hypercholesterolemia was induced in male Wistar rats by daily administration of a lipid emulsion by gavage for 15 weeks. Biochemical and histopathological analysis were performed on serum, aorta, and liver. The results demonstrated that animals developed marked hypercholesterolemia, liver steatosis, and increased lipid peroxidation in the aorta. Treatment with baru oil attenuated lipid peroxidation and drastically reduced liver damage, especially ballooning degeneration and steatosis. By restricting vascular and hepatic injury, this oil showed potential applicability as a functional food, reinforcing its use in popular medicine and domestic cuisine.

Highlights

It is known that lipotoxocity from high levels of free fatty acids, free cholesterol, and other lipid metabolites can result in cell death, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, ceramide accumulation, increased exposure to reactive oxygen species (ROS), and increased lipid peroxidation in various organs and tissues [1,2,3]
Both direct toxic effects and those secondary to lipotoxicity may contribute to the development of chronic diseases related to dyslipidemia, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) [2, 4]
270 mL oil was obtained per 1000 g baru roasted almonds, with an estimated average yield of 30% (w/v)

Summary

Introduction

It is known that lipotoxocity from high levels of free fatty acids, free cholesterol, and other lipid metabolites can result in cell death, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, ceramide accumulation, increased exposure to reactive oxygen species (ROS), and increased lipid peroxidation in various organs and tissues [1,2,3] Both direct toxic effects and those secondary to lipotoxicity may contribute to the development of chronic diseases related to dyslipidemia, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) [2, 4]. The application of functional foods in the prevention or treatment of chronic diseases has been a new trend in several countries, including Brazil [9] Because of their efficacy and low cost, many edible vegetables are used as alternative or complementary treatment for several diseases, especially in popular medicine [8, 9]. Not all have had their biological activity evaluated in scientific studies [9]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion