Abstract
We used Drosophila melanogaster as a model system to study the absorption, metabolism and potential health benefits of plant bioactives derived from radish sprouts (Raphanus sativus cv. Rambo), a Brassicaceae species rich in glucosinolates and other phytochemicals. Flies were subjected to a diet supplemented with lyophilized radish sprouts (10.6 g/L) for 10 days, containing high amounts of glucoraphenin and glucoraphasatin, which can be hydrolyzed by myrosinase to the isothiocyanates sulforaphene and raphasatin, respectively. We demonstrate that Drosophila melanogaster takes up and metabolizes isothiocyanates from radish sprouts through the detection of the metabolite sulforaphane-cysteine in fly homogenates. Moreover, we report a decrease in the glucose content of flies, an upregulation of spargel expression, the Drosophila homolog of the mammalian PPARγ-coactivator 1 α, as well as the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase in vitro. Overall, we show that the consumption of radish sprouts affects energy metabolism in Drosophila melanogaster which is reflected by lower glucose levels and an increased expression of spargel, a central player in mitochondrial biogenesis. These processes are often affected in chronic diseases associated with aging, including type II diabetes mellitus.
Highlights
Obesity and related diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, are a growing and serious health problem in both industrialized and developing countries [1]
Flies were subjected to a diet supplemented with lyophilized radish sprouts (10.6 g/L) for 10 days, containing high amounts of glucoraphenin and glucoraphasatin, which can be hydrolyzed by myrosinase to the isothiocyanates sulforaphene and raphasatin, respectively
We show that the consumption of radish sprouts affects energy metabolism in Drosophila melanogaster which is reflected by lower glucose levels and an increased expression of spargel, a central player in mitochondrial biogenesis
Summary
Obesity and related diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, are a growing and serious health problem in both industrialized and developing countries [1]. GGlluuccoossiinnoollaattee aanndd IIssootthhiiooccyyaannaattee CCoonntteenntt iinn RRaaddiisshh SSpprroouuttss TThhee GGLLSS pprroofifillee ooff BBrraassssiiccaacceeaaee ssppeecciieess vvaarriieess bbyy ggeennoottyyppee [[1122]]. The concentration of 10.6 mg/mL radish sprouts which we have used in our Drosophila melanogaster experiments resulted in a 23% inhibition of the α-amylase activity in vitro, while the in vitro α-glucosidase activity was not affected (data not shown). The enzyme α-glucosidase catalyzes the final step in the digestion and breakdown of carbohydrates; its inhibition can be effective for the regulation of Type II diabetes through the control of glucose absorption [18]. The inhibition of α-glucosidase may retard the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates It may suppress post-prandial hyperglycemia, decrease calorie uptake, and result in lower levels of glucose in Drosophila melanogaster. Additional evaluation of the in vivo potential of anti-diabetic activity of radish sprouts bioactives is necessary to verify these beneficial effects
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