Anti‐inflammatory effect of omega unsaturated fatty acids and dialysable leucocyte extracts on collagen‐induced arthritis in DBA/1 mice

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids with 18, 20 or 22 carbon atoms, which have been found able to counteract cardiovascular diseases. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in particular, have been found to produce both vaso- and cardio-protective response via modulation of membrane phospholipids thereby improving cardiac mitochondrial functions and energy production. However, antioxidant properties of n-3 PUFAs, along with their anti-inflammatory effect in both blood vessels and cardiac cells, seem to exert beneficial effects in cardiovascular impairment. In fact, dietary supplementation with n-3 PUFAs has been demonstrated to reduce oxidative stress-related mitochondrial dysfunction and endothelial cell apoptosis, an effect occurring via an increased activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. On the other hand, n-3 PUFAs have been shown to counteract the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in both vascular tissues and in the myocardium, thereby restoring vascular reactivity and myocardial performance. Here we summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of n-3 PUFAs in vascular and cardiac tissues and their implication in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Download Full-text

Acai Extract Transiently Upregulates Erythropoietin by Inducing a Renal Hypoxic Condition in Mice

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12020533 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 533 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Shuichi Shibuya ◽

Toshihiko Toda ◽

Yusuke Ozawa ◽

Mario Jose Villegas Yata ◽

Takahiko Shimizu

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Fatty Acids ◽

Vitamin E ◽

Unsaturated Fatty Acids ◽

Single Injection ◽

Hypoxic Condition ◽

Brazilian Amazon ◽

Euterpe Oleracea ◽

Anti Inflammatory ◽

Euterpe Oleracea Mart

Acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart. Palmae, Arecaceae) is a palm plant native to the Brazilian Amazon. It contains many nutrients, such as polyphenols, iron, vitamin E, and unsaturated fatty acids, so in recent years, many of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of acai have been reported. However, the effects of acai on hematopoiesis have not been investigated yet. In the present study, we administered acai extract to mice and evaluated its hematopoietic effects. Acai treatment significantly increased the erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit contents compared to controls for four days. Then, we examined the hematopoietic-related markers following a single injection. Acai administration significantly increased the levels of the hematopoietic-related hormone erythropoietin in blood compared to controls and also transiently upregulated the gene expression of Epo in the kidney. Furthermore, in the mice treated with acai extract, the kidneys were positively stained with the hypoxic probe pimonidazole in comparison to the controls. These results demonstrated that acai increases the erythropoietin expression via hypoxic action in the kidney. Acai can be expected to improve motility through hematopoiesis.

Download Full-text