Abstract
Oxidative stress is involved in the metabolic dysregulation of type 2 diabetes (DM2). Acrocomia aculeata (Aa) fruit pulp has been described for the treatment of several diseases, and recently we have proved that its leaves have phenolic compounds with a marked antioxidant effect. We aimed to assess whether they can improve metabolic, redox and vascular functions in DM2. Control Wistar (W-Ctrl) and non-obese type 2 diabetic Goto–Kakizaki (GK-Ctrl) rats were treated for 30 days with 200 mg.kg−1 aqueous extract of Aa (EA-Aa) (Wistar, W-EA-Aa/GK, GK-EA-Aa). EA-Aa was able to reduce fasting glycaemia and triglycerides of GK-EA-Aa by improving proteins related to glucose and lipid metabolism, such as GLUT-4, PPARγ, AMPK, and IR, when compared to GK-Ctrl. It also improved viability of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes exposed by H2O2. EA-Aa also increased the levels of catalase in the aorta and kidney, reduced oxidative stress and increased relaxation of the aorta in GK-treated rats in relation to GK-Ctrl, in addition to the protective effect against oxidative stress in HMVec-D cells. We proved the direct antioxidant potential of the chemical compounds of EA-Aa, the increase in antioxidant defences in a tissue-specific manner and hypoglycaemic properties, improving vascular function in type 2 diabetes. EA-Aa and its constituents may have a therapeutic potential for the treatment of DM2 complications.
Highlights
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease characterized by hyperglycaemia, resulting from a deficiency in insulin production, desensitization of its action, or both [1]
Similar data were observed for fasting glycaemia, where the initial difference between GK-Ctrl and W-Ctrl groups becomes non-significant after the treatment in GK-extract of Aa (EA-Aa) (Figure 1F), and for the AUC of glycaemia along the 4-week treatment period, which was significantly reduced in GK-EA-Aa when compared to GK-Ctrl (Figure 1G)
Our results provide evidence for the potential of EA-Aa in improving metabolic pathways in Epididymal adipose tissue (EAT) and liver and reducing fasting glycaemia and triglyceride levels
Summary
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease characterized by hyperglycaemia, resulting from a deficiency in insulin production, desensitization of its action, or both [1]. As a consequence of hyperglycaemia, both DM1 and DM2 commonly have associated complications, which have significant morbidity and mortality and a considerable economic impact. These complications can be either micro (neuro, nephro, cardio and retinopathy) or macro vascular (stroke and cardiovascular diseases) [3,4]. A considerable number of patients do not adhere to the treatment with allopathic medicine due to side effects [4], which affect mainly liver and kidney [7] In this perspective, a considerable amount of research is focused on developing therapeutic alternatives, which could be both inexpensive and effective with fewer side effects [4]
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