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de Sousa Silveira Z, Silva Macêdo N, de Menezes Dantas D, Vieira Brito S, Silva Dos Santos H, Regis de Sousa Gomes RV, Douglas Melo Coutinho H, Bezerra da Cunha FA, Vanusa da Silva M. Chemical Profile and Biological Potential of Scaptotrigona Bee Products (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Meliponini): An Review. Chem Biodivers 2024; 21:e202301962. [PMID: 38415915 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202301962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Stingless bees belong to the Meliponini tribe and are widely distributed in the tropics and subtropics, where they perform important ecological services. Among the best distributed groups of stingless bees is the genus Scaptotrigona, which includes 22 species distributed throughout the neotropical region, including the area from Mexico to Argentina. Bees of this genus are responsible for the production of products such as honey, propolis, geopropolis and fermented pollen ("saburá"). This review aimed to provide an overview of the chemical composition and biological activities associated with derived products from stingless bees of the genus Scaptotrigona. The bibliographic review was carried out through searches in the Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect and PubMed databases, including publications from 2003 to January 2023. The study of the chemodiversity of products derived from Scaptotrigona demonstrated the mainly presence of flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids and alkaloids. It was also demonstrated that products derived from bees of the genus Scaptotrigona exhibit a wide range of biological effects, such as antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antifungal activities, among other bioactivities. This review provides an overview of phytochemical and pharmacological investigations of the genus Scaptotrigona. However, it is essential to clarify the toxicity and food safety of these products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zildene de Sousa Silveira
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences (PPGCB), Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, 50670-901, PE, Brazil
| | - Nair Silva Macêdo
- Graduate Program in Biological Chemistry (PPQB), Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato, 63105-000, CE, Brazil
| | - Débora de Menezes Dantas
- Graduate Program in Biological Chemistry (PPQB), Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato, 63105-000, CE, Brazil
| | - Samuel Vieira Brito
- Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences, Center for Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA), Chapadinha, 65500-000, Maranhão, Brazil
| | - Helcio Silva Dos Santos
- Graduate Program in Natural Sciences, State University of Ceara (UECE), Fortaleza, CE, 60.714.903, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Márcia Vanusa da Silva
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences (PPGCB), Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, 50670-901, PE, Brazil
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Yang F, Chen C, Ni D, Yang Y, Tian J, Li Y, Chen S, Ye X, Wang L. Effects of Fermentation on Bioactivity and the Composition of Polyphenols Contained in Polyphenol-Rich Foods: A Review. Foods 2023; 12:3315. [PMID: 37685247 PMCID: PMC10486714 DOI: 10.3390/foods12173315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyphenols, as common components with various functional activities in plants, have become a research hotspot. However, researchers have found that the bioavailability and bioactivity of plant polyphenols is generally low because they are usually in the form of tannins, anthocyanins and glycosides. Polyphenol-rich fermented foods (PFFs) are reported to have better bioavailability and bioactivity than polyphenol-rich foods, because polyphenols are used as substrates during food fermentation and are hydrolyzed into smaller phenolic compounds (such as quercetin, kaempferol, gallic acid, ellagic acid, etc.) with higher bioactivity and bioavailability by polyphenol-associated enzymes (PAEs, e.g., tannases, esterases, phenolic acid decarboxylases and glycosidases). Biotransformation pathways of different polyphenols by PAEs secreted by different microorganisms are different. Meanwhile, polyphenols could also promote the growth of beneficial bacteria during the fermentation process while inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, during the fermentation of PFFs, there must be an interactive relationship between polyphenols and microorganisms. The present study is an integration and analysis of the interaction mechanism between PFFs and microorganisms and is systematically elaborated. The present study will provide some new insights to explore the bioavailability and bioactivity of polyphenol-rich foods and greater exploitation of the availability of functional components (such as polyphenols) in plant-derived foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- Moutai Group, Institute of Science and Technology, Zunyi 564501, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbial Resources Development, Kweichow Moutai Co., Ltd., Renhuai 564501, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Moutai Group, Institute of Science and Technology, Zunyi 564501, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbial Resources Development, Kweichow Moutai Co., Ltd., Renhuai 564501, China
| | - Derang Ni
- Moutai Group, Institute of Science and Technology, Zunyi 564501, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbial Resources Development, Kweichow Moutai Co., Ltd., Renhuai 564501, China
| | - Yubo Yang
- Moutai Group, Institute of Science and Technology, Zunyi 564501, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbial Resources Development, Kweichow Moutai Co., Ltd., Renhuai 564501, China
| | - Jinhu Tian
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Zhejiang University Zhongyuan Institute, Zhengzhou 450000, China
- The Rural Development Academy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yuanyi Li
- Moutai Group, Institute of Science and Technology, Zunyi 564501, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbial Resources Development, Kweichow Moutai Co., Ltd., Renhuai 564501, China
| | - Shiguo Chen
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Intelligent Food Technology and Equipment, College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xingqian Ye
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Zhejiang University Zhongyuan Institute, Zhengzhou 450000, China
- The Rural Development Academy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Intelligent Food Technology and Equipment, College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Fuli Institute of Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Li Wang
- Moutai Group, Institute of Science and Technology, Zunyi 564501, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbial Resources Development, Kweichow Moutai Co., Ltd., Renhuai 564501, China
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Miraj SS, Kurian SJ, Rodrigues GS, Saravu K, Rao M, Raychaudhuri SP, Downs BW, Bagchi D. Phytotherapy in Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Promising Strategy for Effective Wound Healing. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN NUTRITION ASSOCIATION 2023; 42:295-310. [PMID: 35512780 DOI: 10.1080/07315724.2022.2034069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Despite the advancement in wound care, the effective therapy of chronic diabetic ulcers continues to be a challenge. Wound healing is a highly controlled process, which involves a sequence of complex overlapping steps. This healing pathway comprises of hemostasis, inflammation, proliferative, and remodeling phases. Recent evidence suggests that phytomedicines can prevent or repair different kinds of destructive cellular damage, including chronic wounds. Several phytochemicals such as polyphenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and glycosides have pleiotropic effects, including stimulation of fibroblast proliferation, the main step in wound healing. Besides, the mechanism involves induction of collagen synthesis, migration, and reepithelization and their antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory actions. Similarly, the use of phytochemicals alone or as an adjuvant with standard therapy has demonstrated promising results in managing complications in the diabetic foot. For instance, the extract of Carica papaya has been shown antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects, which, together with proteolytic enzymatic activity, contributes to its wound healing property. It is generally believed that phytotherapy has no or minimal toxicity than synthetic therapeutic agents, favoring its use in diabetic foot ulcer management. The current review highlights the selected phytochemicals and their sources; and potential application in diabetic foot ulcer management.Key teaching points and nutritional relevanceCurrently, phytochemicals have been shown wide potential in disease. management including alleviating clinical manifestations, preventing degenerative disease, and curing illness.Increased evidence of phytochemical as anti-infective and anti-inflammatory suggests its role in the management of diabetic foot ulcer(DFU).Potential benefit along with minimal adverse effect favors its application as adjuvant therapy.Further research is needed to standardize its dose and formulation to enhance its clinical application in DFU management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonal Sekhar Miraj
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of High Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
- Manipal Center for Infectious Diseases, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Shilia Jacob Kurian
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of High Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
- Manipal Center for Infectious Diseases, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Gabriel Sunil Rodrigues
- Department of Surgery, Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Kavitha Saravu
- Manipal Center for Infectious Diseases, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Mahadev Rao
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of High Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Siba Prasad Raychaudhuri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
- VA Medical Centre, Sacramento, California, USA
| | | | - Debasis Bagchi
- Department of R&D, VNI Inc, Bonita Springs, Florida, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Biology, Adelphi University, Garden City, New York, USA
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Honey's Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties: A Bibliometric Study. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020414. [PMID: 36829972 PMCID: PMC9952334 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Research attention has been drawn to honey's nutritional status and beneficial properties for human health. This study aimed to provide a bibliometric analysis of honey's antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The research advancements within this field from 2001 to 2022 were addressed using the Scopus database, R, and VOSviewer. Of the 383 results, articles (273) and reviews (81) were the most common document types, while the annual growth rate of published manuscripts reached 17.5%. The most relevant topics about honey's antimicrobial and antioxidant properties were related to the agricultural and biological sciences, biochemistry, and pharmacology. According to a keyword analysis, the most frequent terms in titles, abstracts, and keywords were honey, antimicrobial, antioxidant, bee, propolis, phenolic compounds, wound, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and polyphenols. A trend topic analysis showed that the research agenda mainly encompassed antioxidants, pathogens, and anti-infection and chemical agents. In a co-occurrence analysis, antioxidants, anti-infection agents, and chemistry were connected to honey research. The initial research focus of this domain was primarily on honey's anti-inflammatory and antineoplastic activity, wound healing, and antibacterial agents. The research agenda was enriched in the subsequent years by pathogens, propolis, oxidative stress, and flavonoids. It was possible to pinpoint past trends and ongoing developments and provide a valuable insight into the field of honey research.
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Malicia honey (Mimosa quadrivalvis L.) produced by the jandaíra bee (Melipona subnitida D.) improves depressive-like behaviour, somatic, biochemical and inflammatory parameters of obese rats. Food Res Int 2023; 164:112391. [PMID: 36737975 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.112391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Malícia honey produced by the jandaíra bee has hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic effects and antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo, which makes it potential adjuvant treatment for obesity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of malícia honey on somatic and biochemical parameters, depressive-like behaviour and anti-inflammatory activity in obese rats. A total of 40 adult male Wistar rats were initially randomized into a healthy group (HG, n = 20) that consumed a control diet, and an obese group (OG, n = 20) which consumed a cafeteria diet for eight weeks. Then, they were subdivided into four groups: healthy (HG, n = 10); healthy treated with malícia honey (HGH, n = 10); obese (OG, n = 10); and obese treated with malícia honey (OGH, n = 10), maintaining their diets for another eight weeks. The HGH and OGH groups received malícia honey (1000 mg/kg body weight) via gavage. Food intake was monitored daily and body weight was monitored weekly. Biochemical tests related to obesity and glucose and insulin tolerance test, somatic parameters, histological parameters and quantification of NF-κB in the brain were performed. Treatment with malícia honey improved depressive-like behaviour, reduced weight (14 %), body mass index (6 %), and improved lipid profile, leptin, insulin, HOMA-β, and glucose and insulin tolerance in obese rats. It also decreased NF-κB (58.08 %) in the brain. Malícia honey demonstrated anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects, and reversed changes in obesity-induced depressive-like behaviour.
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Dallagnol AM, Dallagnol VC, Vignolo GM, Lopes NP, Brunetti AE. Flavonoids and Phenylethylamides Are Pivotal Factors Affecting the Antimicrobial Properties of Stingless Bee Honey. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:12596-12603. [PMID: 36154047 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c04120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Despite the recent approval of stingless bee honey to the Argentine Food Code, there are still many gaps in information. Likely, the main reason for this is that multiple ecological and chemical factors influence their production and antimicrobial properties. This work combined metabolomic, microbiological, and physicochemical analyses to characterize the honey ofTetragonisca fiebrigifrom Northeastern Argentina. The antimicrobial activity tests showed that honey samples (n = 24) inhibited some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at different sensitivity levels. Furthermore, samples selected for their high bioactivity revealed crystallizations, a positive correlation with fungal growth, and the presence of flavonoids. The major polyphenols annotated by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis and supported by metabolomic tools were quercetin 3,4'-dimethyl ether, pachypodol, jaceoside, irigenin trimethyl ether, corymboside, chrysoeriol 7-neohesperidoside, and corymboside. In contrast, samples missing antimicrobial activity did not crystallize, lacked flavonoids, and were enriched in phenylethylamides. Based on these findings, we discuss the significance of flavonoids and phenylethylamides on honey's antimicrobial activity and food quality and how they may indeed reflect essential parameters of the hive, such as microbial balance and eubiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Micaela Dallagnol
- Laboratorio de Microbiología de Alimentos y Biotecnología Dr. Fernando O. Benassi, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Químicas y Naturales (FCEQyN, UNaM), Ruta 12, Km 7,5, Posadas CP 3300, Misiones, Argentina
- Instituto de Materiales de Misiones (IMAM, UNaM-CONICET), Felix de Azara 1552, Posadas CP 3300, Misiones, Argentina
| | - Verónica Cristina Dallagnol
- Instituto de Materiales de Misiones (IMAM, UNaM-CONICET), Felix de Azara 1552, Posadas CP 3300, Misiones, Argentina
| | - Graciela Margarita Vignolo
- Centro de Referencia para Lactobacilos (CERELA, CONICET). Chacabuco 145, San Miguel de Tucumán CP 4000, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Norberto Peporine Lopes
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos (NPPNS), Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Andrés Eduardo Brunetti
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos (NPPNS), Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil
- Laboratorio de Genética Evolutiva, Instituto de Biología Subtropical (IBS, UNaM-CONICET), Félix de Azara 1552, Posadas CP 3300, Misiones, Argentina
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Hu X, Zeng J, Ma L, Wang X, Du J, Yao L, Wu Z. End-to-end dataflow engineering framework of honey manufacturing from intermediates to process by TAS1R2@AuNPs/SPCE biosensor coupled with quality transfer principle. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2022.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Fenner ED, Scapini T, da Costa Diniz M, Giehl A, Treichel H, Álvarez-Pérez S, Alves SL. Nature's Most Fruitful Threesome: The Relationship between Yeasts, Insects, and Angiosperms. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:984. [PMID: 36294549 PMCID: PMC9605484 DOI: 10.3390/jof8100984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of insects for angiosperm pollination is widely recognized. In fact, approximately 90% of all plant species benefit from animal-mediated pollination. However, only recently, a third part player in this story has been properly acknowledged. Microorganisms inhabiting floral nectar, among which yeasts have a prominent role, can ferment glucose, fructose, sucrose, and/or other carbon sources in this habitat. As a result of their metabolism, nectar yeasts produce diverse volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other valuable metabolites. Notably, some VOCs of yeast origin can influence insects' foraging behavior, e.g., by attracting them to flowers (although repelling effects have also been reported). Moreover, when insects feed on nectar, they also ingest yeast cells, which provide them with nutrients and protect them from pathogenic microorganisms. In return, insects serve yeasts as transportation and a safer habitat during winter when floral nectar is absent. From the plant's point of view, the result is flowers being pollinated. From humanity's perspective, this ecological relationship may also be highly profitable. Therefore, prospecting nectar-inhabiting yeasts for VOC production is of major biotechnological interest. Substances such as acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, and isobutanol have been reported in yeast volatomes, and they account for a global market of approximately USD 15 billion. In this scenario, the present review addresses the ecological, environmental, and biotechnological outlooks of this three-party mutualism, aiming to encourage researchers worldwide to dig into this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo D. Fenner
- Graduate Program in Environment and Sustainable Technologies, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Campus Cerro Largo, Cerro Largo 97900-000, RS, Brazil
- Laboratory of Yeast Biochemistry, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Campus Chapecó, Chapecó 89815-899, SC, Brazil
| | - Thamarys Scapini
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Bioprocesses, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Campus Erechim, Erechim 99700-970, RS, Brazil
| | - Mariana da Costa Diniz
- Laboratory of Yeast Biochemistry, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Campus Chapecó, Chapecó 89815-899, SC, Brazil
| | - Anderson Giehl
- Laboratory of Yeast Biochemistry, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Campus Chapecó, Chapecó 89815-899, SC, Brazil
| | - Helen Treichel
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Bioprocesses, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Campus Erechim, Erechim 99700-970, RS, Brazil
| | - Sergio Álvarez-Pérez
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sérgio L. Alves
- Graduate Program in Environment and Sustainable Technologies, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Campus Cerro Largo, Cerro Largo 97900-000, RS, Brazil
- Laboratory of Yeast Biochemistry, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Campus Chapecó, Chapecó 89815-899, SC, Brazil
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Wu J, Han B, Zhao S, Zhong Y, Han W, Gao J, Wang S. Bioactive characterization of multifloral honeys from Apis cerana cerana, Apis dorsata, and Lepidotrigona flavibasis. Food Res Int 2022; 161:111808. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Alfawaz HA, El-Ansary A, Al-Ayadhi L, Bhat RS, Hassan WM. Protective Effects of Bee Pollen on Multiple Propionic Acid-Induced Biochemical Autistic Features in a Rat Model. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12070571. [PMID: 35888695 PMCID: PMC9323335 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12070571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neurodevelopmental disorders that clinically presented as impaired social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and weakened communication. The use of bee pollen as a supplement rich in amino acids amino acids, vitamins, lipids, and countless bioactive substances may lead to the relief of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, glutamate excitotoxicity, and impaired neurochemistry as etiological mechanisms autism. Thirty young male Western albino rats were randomly divided as: Group I-control; Group II, in which autism was induced by the oral administration of 250 mg propionic acid/kg body weight/day for three days followed by orally administered saline until the end of experiment and Group III, the bee pollen-treated group, in which the rats were treated with 250 mg/kg body weight of bee pollen for four weeks before autism was induced as described for Group II. Markers related to oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, glutamate excitotoxicity, and neurochemistry were measured in the brain tissue. Our results indicated that while glutathione serotonin, dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), GABA/Glutamate ratio, and vitamin C were significantly reduced in propionic acid-treated group (p < 0.05), glutamate, IFN-γ, IL-1A, IL-6, caspase-3, and lipid peroxide levels were significantly elevated (p < 0.05). Bee pollen supplementation demonstrates protective potency presented as amelioration of most of the measured variables with significance range between (p < 0.05)−(p < 0.001).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan A. Alfawaz
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Afaf El-Ansary
- Central Research Laboratory, Female Center for Medical Studies and Scientific Section, King Saud University, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +966-508462529; Fax: +966-11-4682184
| | - Laila Al-Ayadhi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ramesa Shafi Bhat
- Biochemistry Department, College of Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Wail M. Hassan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Missouri Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA;
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