Dietary cladode powder from wild type and domesticated Opuntia species reduces atherogenesis in apoE knock-out mice

Abstract

Dietary intake of Opuntia species may prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases. The present study was designed to characterize the biological antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Opuntia species and to investigate whether Opuntia cladodes prevent the development of atherosclerosis in vivo, in apoE(-)KO mice. The effects of the two Opuntia species, the wild Opuntia streptacantha and the domesticated Opuntia ficus-indica, were tested on the generation of intra- and extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and kinetics of the LDL oxidation by murine CRL2181 endothelial cells and on the subsequent inflammatory signaling leading to the adhesion of monocytes on the activated endothelium and the formation of foam cells. Opuntia species blocked the extracellular ROS (superoxide anion) generation and LDL oxidation by CRL2181, as well as the intracellular ROS rise and signaling evoked by the oxidized LDL, including the nuclear translocation of the transcription factor NFκB, the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 adhesion molecules, and the adhesion of monocytes to CRL2181. In vivo, Opuntia significantly reduced the formation of atherosclerotic lesions and the accumulation of 4-hydroxynonenal adducts in the vascular wall of apoE-KO mice, indicating that Opuntia cladodes prevent lipid oxidation in the vascular wall. In conclusion, wild and domesticated Opuntia species exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiatherogenic properties which emphasize their nutritional benefit for preventing cardiovascular diseases.

Opuntia spp.: Characterization and Benefits in Chronic Diseases

“…This inhibitory effect of Opuntia spp. involves an inhibition of NADPH oxidase (NOX2) resulting in a decreased generation of intracellular and extracellular superoxide anion (O 2 °-), a main ROS involved in the LDL oxidation process [75, 76]. No major difference of protection was observed between wild and domesticated Opuntia spp.…”

“…Likewise, Opuntia spp. inhibit the nuclear translocation of the redox-sensitive transcription factor NF κ B and the subsequent expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 adhesion molecules [76, 77] and thus exhibit anti-inflammatory properties resulting from their inhibitory effect on cellular ROS production. Additionally, wild O. streptacantha and domesticated O. ficus-indica inhibit the toxicity of cell-oxidized LDL [75, 76] and oxidized lipids such as 7-ketocholesterol [78] through mechanisms implicating an inhibition of intracellular oxidative stress and subsequent cytosolic calcium deregulation [78].…”

“…In vivo studies on apoE-KO mice, which spontaneously develop atherosclerotic lesions in basal diet conditions, indicated that the supplementation of the diet in O. streptacantha or O. ficus-indica powdered cladodes (10 mg/kg during 15 weeks) significantly reduced the development of atherosclerotic lesions [76]. In addition, the lowering effect of Opuntia spp.…”

“…In addition, the lowering effect of Opuntia spp. on LDL oxidation was supported by a decrease in HNE-adduct accumulation in the intima [76]. In contrast to the data reported by Osorio-Esquivel et al [61], the intake of O. streptacantha or O. ficus-indica cladodes did not reduce the plasma cholesterol level [56].…”

Can Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Compounds Combat Lipid Peroxidation Product 4-HNE-Induced Deleterious Effects?

“…Medicinal plant Opuntia cladodes powder containing phenolic acid and flavonoids also reduces ox-LDL and 4-HNE toxicity in normal (Apc +/+) and preneoplastic (Apc min/+) immortalized epithelial colon cells [77]. Moreover, O. cladodes significantly reduces the formation of atherosclerotic lesions and the accumulation of 4-HNE adducts in the vascular wall of apoE-KO mice [78]. These observations demonstrate that O. cladodes may have therapeutic potential in 4-HNE-related cardiovascular diseases.…”