Abstract
BackgroundSerum sialic acid levels are positively correlated with coronary artery disease and inflammation. Although sialic acid is a non-specific marker, it is considered sensitive likely due to its influence in sialylation of glycoprotein structures all over the body.ObjectivesWe hypothesized that dietary supplementation with N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac), a type of sialic acid, will have profound effects on high fat diet- (HFD-) induced inflammation and oxidative stress in view of the widespread incorporation of sialic acid into glycoprotein structures in the body.MethodsHFD-fed rats with or without simvastatin or Neu5Ac (50 and 400 mg/kg/day) were followed up for 12 weeks. Lipid profiles, and markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha), insulin resistance (serum insulin and adiponectin, oral glucose tolerance test and homeostatic model of insulin resistance) and oxidative stress (total antioxidant status and thiobarbituric acid reactive species) in the serum and liver were determined, while mRNA levels of hepatic antioxidant and inflammation genes were also quantified. Serum levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, urea, creatinine and uric acid were also assessed.ResultsHFD feeding caused hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance, and worsened liver and kidney functions. HFD feeding also potentiated inflammation and oxidative stress, partly through modulation of hepatic gene expression, while Neu5Ac especially at higher doses and simvastatin attenuated HFD-induced changes, although Neu5Ac showed better outcomes.ConclusionsBased on the present results, we surmised that Neu5Ac can prevent HFD-induced inflammation and oxidative stress, and may in fact be useful in the prevention of hyperlipidemia-associated inflammation and oxidative stress. However, the translational implications of these findings can only be determined after long-term effects are established. Hence, the use of Neu5Ac on obesity-related diseases requires additional attention.
Highlights
Serum sialic acid levels are positively correlated with coronary artery disease and inflammation
Based on the present results, we surmised that N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) can prevent high fat diet (HFD)-induced inflammation and oxidative stress, and may be useful in the prevention of hyperlipidemia-associated inflammation and oxidative stress
Based on the widespread presence of Neu5Ac in body fluids and the hypothesis that its elevation as an acute phase marker may be an attempt to enhance the resialylation of vascular endothelium and reduce inflammation, we decided to evaluate its effects on inflammation and oxidative stress in rats
Summary
Serum sialic acid levels are positively correlated with coronary artery disease and inflammation. Sialic acid is a non-specific marker, it is considered sensitive likely due to its influence in sialylation of glycoprotein structures all over the body. Studies have indicated that dietary supplementation with N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) may promote inflammation, hepatocellular cancer and hemolyticuremic syndrome [12, 13], while supplementation with Neu5Ac has been shown to promote brain development and improve salivation [14, 15]. Based on the widespread presence of Neu5Ac in body fluids and the hypothesis that its elevation as an acute phase marker may be an attempt to enhance the resialylation of vascular endothelium and reduce inflammation, we decided to evaluate its effects on inflammation and oxidative stress in rats. The need for safer and more cost-effective therapies has been the driving force behind this new trend [16]
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