The Protective Effects of Argania Spinosa Seeds Against Hyperhomocystenemia Induced by High Methionine Diet in Mice

Abstract

Objective: Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCY), oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant capacities lead to several clinical manifestations and particularly, cardiovascular and liver diseases. Our aim in this study was to investigate the protective effects of Argania spinosa powdered seeds against high methionine diet-induced HHCY, oxidative stress and damages in the aorta, and heart of mice.Methods: Adult male Mus Musculus was systematically divided into four groups of similar mean body weights and fed for 21 d with control and experimental diets. The control group (F) was fed with white bread (0.50 mg/mice), group (M) was fed with L-methionine (500 mg/kg/day), group (MP) was fed with L-methionine (500 mg/kg/day) plus A. spinosa powdered seeds 150 mg/kg), and the group (P) was treated with A. spinosa powdered seeds (150 mg/kg/day). The experimental diets were given in white bread (0.50 mg/mice). After 3 weeks of treatments, homocysteine (HCY) concentrations, hepatic antioxidant status and histological sections of aorta and heart were determined.Results: Consumption of high methionine diet led to an increase in plasma HCY, reduced the concentrations of GSH, and the enzyme catalase. These were associated with the loss and degeneration of endothelium, fenestration and formation of foam cells of the aorta, also the alteration of the cardiac muscle. However, administration of A. spinosa powdered seeds in combination with methionine decreased the concentration of HCY from (10.04±0.83 μmol/l) to (7.26±0.46 μmol/l), increased catalase activity from (45.82±5.83 m mol/mg protein) to (62.26±3.32 m mol/mg protein), and ameliorated histological changes. Conclusion:A. spinosa powdered seeds were effectives in decreasing plasma HCY level as induced by methionine-enriched diet in mice, and improved the antioxidants defence.

Homocysteine Status of Elderly Slum Women in Delhi

“…The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia is higher in elderly and is responsible for an increased risk of age-related diseases, namely vascular diseases, cognitive decline, dementia, depression, osteoporotic fracture, and functional decline [1][2][3]. Meta-analysis of 83 studies involving 35,758 individuals indicated elevated level of homocysteine and folate deficiency which is associated with increased risk of cancer [4].…”