Oxidative Stress in Rats is Modulated by Seasonal Consumption of Sweet Cherries from Different Geographical Origins: Local vs. Non-Local

Abstract

Sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) are a source of bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds, which are antioxidants that contribute to protection against oxidative stress. It is known that the composition of cherries is influenced by external conditions, such as the geographic origin of cultivation, and that biological rhythms have a significant effect on oxidative stress. Therefore, in this study, Fischer 344 rats were exposed to various photoperiods and were supplemented with Brooks sweet cherries from two different geographical origins, local (LC) and non-local (NLC), to evaluate the interaction of supplementation and biological rhythms with regard to the oxidative stress status. The results indicate that the two fruits generated specific effects and that these effects were modulated by the photoperiod. Consumption of sweet cherries in-season, independently of their origin, may promote health by preventing oxidative stress, tending to: enhance antioxidant status, decrease alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, reduce liver malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and maintain constant serum MDA values and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.

Seasonal Consumption of Cherries from Different Origins Affects Metabolic Markers and Gene Expression of Lipogenic Enzymes in Rat Liver: A Preliminary Study

“…Such compounds were expressed in mg equivalents of gallic acid (GAE), cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside (Cy3R), catechin (Cat), Quercetin (Quer), respectively. The LC extracts presented 8.17 ± 0.20 (mg GAE/g dw), 1.31 ± 0.02 (mg Cy3R eq/g dw), 0.44 ± 0.002 (mg Cat eq/g dw), 0.55 ± 0.00 (mg Quer eq/g dw) and the nLC 7.64 ± 0.41 (mg GAE/g dw), 1.23 ± 0.03 (mgCy3R eq/g dw), 0.38 ± 0.03 (mg Cat eq/g dw) and 0.63 ± 0.05 (mg Quer eq/g dw) [21].…”

“…On the one hand, LC contained 64.1 mg/g of protein, 10.1 mg/g of total lipids, 795 mg/g of carbohydrates, of which 433 mg/g was sugars and 109.5 mg/g was dietary fiber. On the other hand, nLC had 55.1 mg/g of protein, 7 mg/g of total lipids and 807.8 mg/g of carbohydrates, of which 500 mg/g was sugars and 107.4 mg/g was dietary fiber [21]. The total content of polyphenols (TPC), anthocyanins (TAC), flavanol (TFaC) and flavonols (TFoC) in the LC and nLC extracts were quantified according to the procedures described by Iglesias-Carres [23,24].…”

“…The VH-treated group was supplemented with a sugar solution (glucose: fructose 1:1, 21.2 mg per kg of body weight), to equal the amount of carbohydrates that were administered to the animals treated with the fruits. It should be noted that, considering the weight of the rats and the amount of food consumed, the contribution of the vehicle only represented a contribution of 0.063 kcal/day, which would be equivalent to 0.11% of their daily energy intake [21]. Therefore, the metabolic impact of this sugar load was not relevant in the context of the whole diet.…”

“…For example, an increase in the gene expression of enzymes related to the transport and b-oxidation of fatty acids was observed in the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles of normal weight rats that ingested cherry during the off-season, while in obese rats their consumption produced an increase in the glycemia and insulinemia, accompanied by a better use of lipids [20]. Furthermore, it has been observed that the antioxidant effect of cherries from different origins depend on the photoperiod of consumption, mainly preventing oxidative stress when they are ingested in the season of consumption [21]. This differential effect could be attributed to differences in the post-harvest treatments, transport and storage conditions, including time, temperature and exposure to light, which significantly affect the polyphenol content [22].…”

Ipomea batatas Leaf Powder from Cameroon: Antioxidant Activity and Antihyperlipidemic Effect in Rats Fed with a High-Fat Diet

“…Evaluation of Hepatic and Cardiac Function. Hepatic function was assessed by the determination of Alanine Aminotransferase (ALAT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (ASAT) activities using the spectrophotometer based on the protocols of commercial kits [25]. The results were expressed as IU/L.…”