Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) extract inhibits hand-rolled cornhusk cigarette smoke-induced oxidative pulmonary damage.

Fernanda D.M Camara,Eduardo B.B Cunha,Rogério M Dallago,Bruna B Fernandes,Renata T Nesi,Ricardo A Pinho,Giulia S Pedroso,Alice T Valduga,Silvane S Roman,Paulo Cesar L Silveira

doi:10.1590/0001-3765202020191141

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) extract (YME) on oxidative stress parameters and pathological changes in the lungs of mice chronically exposed to hand-rolled cornhusk cigarette (HRC) smoke. Twenty-four male Swiss mice were divided into four groups exposed to the following treatments: control (ambient air), HRC, YME, and HRC plus YME. The animals were exposed to four HRCs per session, with 3 sessions/day, every day for 30 days. Twenty-four hours after the last inhalation, the mice were killed, and the left lungs were removed. The results showed that HRC contains elevated levels of tin and carbon oxide, but less arsenic, cobalt, manganese, and selenium than commercial cigarettes. YME administration reversed fibrosis, alveolar enlargement, and hemorrhage induced by HRC smoke. In addition, the YME and HRC significantly reduced the production of oxidants, oxidative damage and promoted a significant increase in total thiol. In conclusion, exposure to HRC smoke compromised pulmonary histoarchitecture by promoting structural changes and increasing oxidative stress in tissues. However, concomitant treatment with YME regulated the redox state and reduced the harmful effects of HRC smoke exposure in the lungs.

Highlights

Smoking is considered the single most important risk factor for the development of approximately 50 tobacco-related diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and lung emphysema (Thun et al 2013)
Among the different types of cigarettes available, hand-rolled cornhusk cigarettes (HRC) are produced by hand and consist of a small amount of macerated tobacco wrapped in cornhusk
All procedures were performed in accordance with law no. 11794/08 (DOU 196, section 1, October/2008) and approved by the Ethics Committee on the Use of Animals of the Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense

Summary

Introduction

Smoking is considered the single most important risk factor for the development of approximately 50 tobacco-related diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and lung emphysema (Thun et al 2013). According to the World Health Organization (WHO 2013) the estimated number of deaths related to the consumption of tobacco is 6 million/year worldwide but may reach 8 million/year in 2030. The effects induced by tobacco are closely related to several disorders, affecting the health of the user and those passively exposed to smoke. The severity of disease has been suggested to be directly related to the amount and duration of exposure, and possibly the type and form of tobacco (Viegas 2008). Among the different types of cigarettes available, hand-rolled cornhusk cigarettes (HRC) are produced by hand and consist of a small amount of macerated tobacco wrapped in cornhusk. Commercially manufactured cigarettes have been investigated in several studies aiming to characterize the

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