Annato extract and β-carotene modulate the production of reactive oxygen species/nitric oxide in neutrophils from diabetic rats

Abstract

Annatto has been identified as carotenoids that have antioxidative effects. It is well known that one of the key elements in the development of diabetic complications is oxidative stress. The immune system is especially vulnerable to oxidative damage because many immune cells, such as neutrophils, produce reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species as part of the body’s defense mechanisms to destroy invading pathogens. Reactive oxygen species/reactive nitrogen species are excessively produced by active peripheral neutrophils, and may damage essential cellular components, which in turn can cause vascular complications in diabetes. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the possible protective effects of annatto on the reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide (NO) inhibition in neutrophils from alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Adult female rats were divided into six groups based on receiving either a standard diet with or without supplementation of annatto extract or beta carotene. All animals were sacrificed 30 days after treatment and the neutrophils were isolated using two gradients of different densities. The reactive oxygen species and NO were quantified by a chemiluminescence and spectrophotometric assays, respectively. Our results show that neutrophils from diabetic animals produce significantly more reactive oxygen species and NO than their respective controls and that supplementation with beta carotene and annatto is able to modulate the production of these species. Annatto extract may have therapeutic potential for modulation of the balance reactive oxygen species/NO induced by diabetes.

Effect of Lamium Album on Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Rats

“…In contrast to the present study, Rossoni-Júnior et al (16) showed that ROS production in peripheral neutrophil was significantly lower in diabetic rats treated with Annatto extract compared with nondiabetic and diabetic rats. It was concluded that Annatto extract might be beneficial at controlling ROS production possibly by modulation of NADPH oxidase activity or gene expression.…”

“…It has been demonstrated that polyphenols are able to directly deactivate pre-oxidant reactive species and indirectly activate the gene transcription of antioxidant enzymes (31). In Rossoni-Júnior et al (16) and Guerra et al (30) studies, ROS production was quantified by chemiluminescence method; it is demonstrated that this assay mainly determines O2• - (32). In the present study, the intervention of L. album in diabetic rats was assessed and it didn't cause decrease in ROS compared with diabetic control rats.…”

“…It is well documented that the main source of ROS in most cells are mitochondria (14). Neutrophils as a part of immune system produce considerably more ROS than other cells, neutrophils function might be altered in diabetes (15,16). Since some studies have shown the beneficial antioxidant activity of some plant extracts like Curcumin (17) and Genistein (18) in diabetes, finding other plant extracts with more powerful activity is appreciated.…”

Optimised extraction ofβ‐carotene fromSpirulina platensisand hypoglycaemic effect in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice

“…For instance, aside from its hypoglycaemic effects, chlorella can strengthen the functions of external insulin . It was reported that the level of β ‐carotene was inversely associated with the blood glucose concentration, and its hypoglycaemic function might be achieved via its antioxidant activity in vivo . Although our work demonstrated that the β ‐carotene extract from Spirulina platensis possessed obvious antioxidant activity in vitro and proved its anti‐diabetic effects in STZ‐induced diabetic mice, the hypoglycaemic mechanism of the extract is unknown, and future studies should be directed towards the elucidation of this mechanism.…”

Somatic Embryogenesis in Annatto (Bixa orellana L.)

“…There are scientific evidences linking the antioxidant properties of such carotenoids (Bartley and Scolnik 1995;Kiokias and Gordon 2003) with reduction of the reactive oxygen species/nitric oxide induced by diabetes (Rossoni-Júnior et al 2012) and the risk of cancer and other chronic conditions such as coronary heart disease (Cunningham and Gantt 1998). In addition, carotenoids have important functions in relation to human health and nutrition, since all species that contain a β-ring can be converted into retinol and, therefore, are precursors of vitamin A.…”