Effect of procyanidins on lipid metabolism and inflammation in rats exposed to alcohol and iron

Abstract

Background Lifestyle involving uncontrolled alcohol consumption coupled regularly with red meat and other iron sources has detrimental effects on the liver, which in the long term, results in Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD). Procyanidin has lately garnered increasing attention and has become the focus of research owing to its antioxidant properties. This study explores the anti-inflammatory effects of procyanidins, in preventing ALD, by analyzing the biological activities of the compound on liver injury caused by excessive alcohol and iron. Method Male SPF Wistar rats were placed in 4 groups; the control Group A (basic diet); the model Group B (excess alcohol 8–12 mL/kg/d and iron 1000 mg/kg diet); the low dose procyanidin Group C (model group diet plus 60 mg/kg/d of procyanidin); and the high dose procyanidin Group D (model group diet plus 120 mg/kg/d of procyanidin). Serum biochemical markers for liver damage were measured spectrophotometrically. The NFκB and IκB mRNA expression levels were determined using RT-PCR; the NFκB p65 and IκB protein expression levels were assessed via western blotting, while ELISA was used to detect serum inflammatory factors. Results The pathological score of the model Group B, low and high dose procyanidin Groups C and D were 6.58 ± 0.90,4.69 ± 0.70 and 2.00 ± 0.73, respectively (P < 0.05). The results showed that high alcohol and iron contents in the model group led to significant damage of liver structure, increased low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), steatosis, and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines. High amounts of procyanidins led to the preservation of the liver structure, production of high-density lipoproteins, and reduction in serum inflammatory cytokines while also significantly decreasing the expression levels of NFκB p65. Conclusion The results prove that procyanidins have hepatoprotective potential and could be effective in reversing histopathology, possibly by alleviating inflammation and improving lipid metabolism.

Procyanidins from hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida) alleviate lipid metabolism disorder via inhibiting insulin resistance and oxidative stress, normalizing the gut microbiota structure and intestinal barrier, and further suppressing hepatic inflammation and lipid accumulation

“…Rats in the CON group were fed normal feed, while rats in the other four groups were fed a high-fat diet for 8 continuous weeks. The design of HPC dosage was referred to the previous research studies of Gao et al 30 and Lobo et al 31 Meanwhile, rats in the L-HPC, M-HPC and H-HPC groups were orally given 50, 100 and 200 mg per kg bw of HPC for 8 weeks, respectively, while the CON and HFD groups with an equivalent volume of distilled water instead.…”

The underlying mechanism of A‐type procyanidins from peanut skin on DSS ‐induced ulcerative colitis mice by regulating gut microbiota and metabolism

“…After administration of procyanidin extract from grape seeds, large amounts of monomer, and dimer procyanidins were accumulated in the cecum and colon (Goodrich & Neilson, 2014). In addition, procyanidins are well‐known for their anti‐inflammatory effects (Lobo et al, 2020). These facts suggest that procyanidins can directly improve colonic intestinal inflammation.…”

Role of the Phytochemicals from the Cocoa Shell on the Prevention of Metabolic Syndrome by an Integrated Network Pharmacology Analysis

“…PCA was significantly more likely to inhibit the fatty acid synthase (FASN) (92.3%, p < 0.05) and, in general, modulate lipid metabolism (71.0%, p < 0.05) than the other phytochemicals found in the cocoa shell (Figure 3A,B). Studies in animal models have shown an improvement in lipid profile after PCA consumption [20]. Methylxanthines, especially caffeine, showed a significant probability to regulate lipid metabolism (44.6-62.7%, p < 0.05) but with a lower probability of inhibiting FASN (24.9-33.5%, p < 0.05).…”