Treatment with Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate) aqueous solution prevents hepatic redox imbalance, elevated triglycerides, and microsteatosis in overweight adult rats that were precociously weaned

Abstract

Early weaning (EW) leads to overweight, visceral obesity, hyperleptinemia, and insulin resistance in adulthood. Treatment with Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate) improves obesity and insulin resistance in these animals. Here, we evaluated the effects of chronic treatment with yerba mate on the redox balance and liver morphology of overweight early-weaned rats. To induce EW, we wrapped the dams with bandages to interrupt milk access during the last 3 days of lactation. Control pups (C) had free access to maternal milk for the full 21 days of lactation. On postnatal day (PN) 150, EW offspring were subdivided into the EW+YM group, which received the aqueous extract of yerba mate (1 g/kg bw by gavage once a day for 30 days) and the EW group, which received water by gavage for the same period. All rats were euthanized on PN180. The EW group showed higher bound carbonyl (a marker of total protein oxidation), higher TBARS levels (a marker of lipid peroxidation), and lower superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in liver tissue than the C group, as well as higher triglyceride content and microsteatosis. In plasma, the EW offspring showed higher TBARS levels. One month of yerba mate treatment normalized these parameters. Thus, we have shown evidence that yerba mate improved antioxidant defenses and mitigated liver dysfunction in overweight adult rats that were weaned prematurely.

The Effect of Ilex × meserveae S. Y. Hu Extract and Its Fractions on Renal Morphology in Rats Fed with Normal and High-Cholesterol Diet

“…However, together they seem to have numerous positive activities. In vivo studies conducted by de Oliveira et al [ 20 ] indicate that Ilex paraguariensis plays an important, protective role in obesity and liver function. Peroral administration of water, ethanol, and refined n -butanol extracts from its leaves at levels 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg BW/day of (calc.…”

Does early weaning shape future endocrine and metabolic disorders? Lessons from animal models

“…They exhibited increased total bone mineral density and mineral content, including improved bone microarchitecture, and these changes improved the bone biomechanical properties. 97 In adult life, the liver of NPEW offspring showed increased levels of markers of protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) 92 and superoxide dismutase (SOD), 112 revealing an imbalance in the redox state. Indeed, the liver morphology revealed steatosis, which was reinforced by increased levels of hepatic triglycerides.…”

“…Interestingly, we have shown that these metabolic disorders could be attenuated by chronic nutritional interventions during the adult life of NPEW offspring. Hepatic injury was reversed by resveratrol supplementation in adulthood 92 and by treatment with Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate), 112 while adipose tissue dysfunction was prevented by calcium supplementation. 110 Currently, the major reason for a short breastfeeding duration is the early return to work, 114 which makes an important contribution to the increased prevalence of early weaning 50 due the increased number of women in the workforce and plays an important financial role in the family.…”

Health Benefits of Bioactive Compounds from the Genus Ilex, a Source of Traditional Caffeinated Beverages

“…I. latifolia (0.33% aqueous extract was added to the HFD) showed protective effects against HFD-induced body weight gain in mice, accompanied by decreased adipocyte lipid accumulation and suppressed expression of lipogenic genes in the liver [ 90 ]. Furthermore, adipocyte size, adipocyte differentiation, and fat accumulation were also suppressed in obese rats after treatment with I. paraguariensis aqueous solution [ 91 , 92 , 93 , 94 ]. In addition to direct impact on adipogenesis, the anti-obesity effects of Mate extract were correlated with decreased appetite [ 95 ].…”