Paradoxical effect of a pequi oil-rich diet on the development of atherosclerosis: balance between antioxidant and hyperlipidemic properties

Abstract

Pequi is the fruit of Caryocar brasiliense and its oil has a high concentration of monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids, which are anti- and pro-atherogenic agents, respectively, and of carotenoids, which give it antioxidant properties. Our objective was to study the effect of the intake of a cholesterol-rich diet supplemented with pequi oil, compared to the same diet containing soybean oil, on atherosclerosis development, and oxidative stress in atherosclerosis-susceptible LDL receptor-deficient mice (LDLr−/−, C57BL/6-background). Female mice were fed a cholesterol-rich diet containing 7% soybean oil (Soybean group, N = 12) or 7% pequi oil (Pequi group, N = 12) for 6 weeks. The Pequi group presented a more atherogenic lipid profile and more advanced atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic root compared to the Soybean group. However, the Pequi group presented a less advanced lesion in the aorta than the Soybean group and showed lower lipid peroxidation (Soybean group: 50.2 ± 7.1; Pequi group: 30.0 ± 4.8 µmol MDA/mg protein) and anti-oxidized LDL autoantibodies (Soybean group: 35.7 ± 9.4; Pequi group: 15.6 ± 3.7 arbitrary units). Peritoneal macrophages from the Pequi group stimulated with zymosan showed a reduction in the release of reactive oxygen species compared to the Soybean group. Our data suggest that a pequi oil-rich diet slows atherogenesis in the initial stages, possibly due to its antioxidant activity. However, the increase of serum cholesterol induces a more prominent LDL migration toward the intimae of arteries, increasing the advanced atherosclerotic plaque. In conclusion, pequi oil associated with an atherogenic diet worsens the lipid profile and accelerates the formation of advanced atherosclerotic lesions despite its antioxidant action.

Bioactive compounds and functional potential of pequi (<em>Caryocar</em> spp.), a native Brazilian fruit: a review

“…provides nutritional value, since oleic acid consumption is related to a decrease in low density lipoprotein (LDL) and the maintenance of HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) levels in humans and animals and, consequently, a reduction in coronary disease risk (Ramadan et al, 2012;Katan et al, 1994). However, palmitic acid, a SFA, is also found in large amounts in Caryocar spp., whose pro-atherogenic and cytotoxic effects are well known (Moreno et al, 2016;Aguilar et al, 2012). Because of this, the challenge of researchers is to evaluate whether the proportion of the cardiovascular protection compounds present in pequi is adequate to neutralize the effects of SFA on blood lipids.…”

“…Other in vivo studies carried out in human athletes (runners) detected a general tendency for total cholesterol (TC) and LDL to decrease over age, mainly for men, after C. brasiliense pulp oil intake (MirandaVilela et al, 2009a). Aguilar et al (2012) found that risk factors for atherosclerosis, such as oxidized LDL (oxLDL), oxidative stress, and macrophage liberation of free radicals, were reduced in mice receiving a cholesterol-rich diet supplemented with 7% C. brasiliense (undefined) oil, suggesting that pequi oil confers an important antioxidant effect, thereby reducing oxidative stress, including oxLDL antibodies. Moreover, pequi oil reduced atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta, which is a more relevant atherosclerotic site for humans than the aortic valve.…”

“…effects were related to improvements in the lipid profile and in cardiovascular risk factors in rats and humans, such as the reductions in hepatic and serum lipids and in oxidative stress, a key factor in the genesis of atherosclerosis. The researchers proposed that MUFA and/or carotenoids would increase fat oxidation rates by increasing fecal outputs and improving the intestinal structure, by inhibiting the 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl (HMG)-CoA reductase, a cholesterol biosynthesis limiting enzyme, or by activating the LPL (lipoprotein lipase), an enzyme related to very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) triglyceride hydrolysis (Figueiredo et al, 2016;Moreno et al, 2016;Aguilar et al, 2012;Aguilar et al, 2011). Taken together, these findings suggest that further studies should be conducted on the cardiovascular effects of Caryocar spp.…”

Ação do extrato etanólico da casca do pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) na cardiotoxicidade crônica induzida por doxorrubicina em ratos

“…Também foi descrita a ação neuroprotetora do extrato etanólico da casca de pequi em cérebro de ratos submetidos à isquemia e reperfusão (Miguel et al 2012). Aguilar et al (2012) avaliaram a ação do óleo do pequi na aterogêne-se e concluíram que o pequi retarda esse processo nas fases iniciais, possivelmente devido à sua atividade antioxidante. No entanto, o aumento do colesterol no soro induz a maior migração de LDL para a íntima de artérias, acelerando a formação de lesões ateroscleróticas avançadas.…”

Application of biofilms in the post-harvest conservation of pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.)

“…Caryocar Brasiliense Camb. (Caryocaraceae) is a tree distributed in the Cerrado region that produces pequi, appreciated for its sensory characteristics: color, flavor and aroma and for its nutritional characteristics: high contents of fiber, lipids and total energy (Aguilar et al, 2012;Cardoso et al, 2013). It is reported by Rodrigues et al (2011) that pequi fruits showed durability nine to twelve days during storage.…”