Antioxidant effects of D002 on the in vitro susceptibility of whole plasma in healthy volunteers

Beeswax Alcohol Prevents Low-Density Lipoprotein Oxidation and Demonstrates Antioxidant Activities in Zebrafish Embryos and Human Subjects: A Clinical Study

Oxidative stress is one of the primary instigators of the onset of various human ailments, including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and dementia. Particularly, oxidative stress severely affects low-density lipid & protein (LDL) oxidation, leading to several detrimental health effects. Therefore, in this study, the effect of beeswax alcohol (BWA) was evaluated in the prevention of LDL oxidation, enhancement of paraoxonase 1 (PON-1) activity of high-density lipid & protein (HDL), and zebrafish embryo survivability. Furthermore, the implication of BWA consumption on the oxidative plasma variables was assessed by a preliminary clinical study on middle-aged and older human subjects (n = 50). Results support BWA augmentation of PON-1 activity in a dose-dependent manner (10-30 μM), which was significantly better than the effect exerted by coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Moreover, BWA significantly curtails LDL/apo-B oxidation evoked by CuSO4 (final 0.5 μM) and a causes a marked reduction in lipid peroxidation in LDL. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed a healing effect of BWA towards the restoration of LDL morphology and size impaired by the exposure of Cu2+ ions (final 0.5 μM). Additionally, BWA counters the toxicity induced by carboxymethyllysine (CML, 500 ng) and rescues zebrafish embryos from development deformities and apoptotic cell death. A completely randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled preliminary clinical study on middle- and older-aged human subjects (n = 50) showed that 12 weeks of BWA (100 mg/day) supplementation efficiently diminished serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and total hydroperoxides and enhanced total antioxidant status by 25%, 27%, and 22%, respectively, compared to the placebo-control and baseline values. Furthermore, the consumption of BWA did not exhibit any noteworthy changes in physical variables, lipid profile, glucose levels, and biomarkers pertinent to kidney and liver function, thus confirming the safety of BWA for consumption. Conclusively, in vitro, BWA prevents LDL oxidation, enhances PON-1 activity in HDL, and positively influences oxidative variables in human subjects.

Comparative study of the efficacy and safety of Abexol (suspension versus tablets) in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Abexol is a mixture of primary aliphatic alcohols purified from beeswax (Apis mellifera), that produces anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and gastroprotective effects, as well as it is safe and well tolerated. To investigate and compare the efficacy and safety of Abexol (suspension versus tablets) in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms.

METHODS

Monocentric study, open-label, randomized design, with two parallel groups receiving Abexol tablets (150 mg/d) or Abexol suspension (75 mg/d) for 8 weeks. Primary efficacy variable (significant improvement in the total score of Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale [GSRS]). Significant reduction in the intensity of the gastrointestinal-symptoms and the reduction in the consumption of antacids are considered secondary efficacy variable. Short form-36 (SF-36) quality of life questiongenonaire was evaluated as collateral variable. Data were analyzed as per intention to treat.

RESULTS

A significantly decrease in the overall score of the survey was observed with respect to the baseline level (p < 0.001) of 81.4% in the Abexol suspension group and 77.9% in the Abexol tablets group. At the end of the trial, most gastrointestinal- symptoms disappeared or reduced significantly. The frequency of consumption of neutralizing antacids was low. The significantly improvement in the perception of the state of health obtained in the Abexol is in correspondence with the improvement achieved in some of the components evaluate in the SF-36 questionnaire. Both treatments were safe and well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

Abexol suspension showed efficacy and safety similar to Abexol tablets in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms, but using half the dose.

Beeswax Alcohol and Fermented Black Rice Bran Synergistically Ameliorated Hepatic Injury and Dyslipidemia to Exert Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Ethanol-Supplemented Zebrafish

Alcohol abuse, a global health problem, is closely associated with many pathological processes, such as dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease. In particular, excessive alcohol consumption promotes dyslipidemia and liver damage, such as hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Beeswax alcohol (BWA) is a natural product used for its antioxidant properties that has not been evaluated for its efficacy in alcohol-induced liver injury. In the present study, zebrafish were exposed to 1% ethanol with supplementation of 10% fermented black rice bran (BRB-F), 10% BWA, or 10% mixtures of BWA+BRB-F (MIX). The BRB-F, BWA, and MIX supplementation increased the survival rate dramatically without affecting the body weight changes. In histology of hepatic tissue, alcoholic foamy degeneration was ameliorated by the BWA or MIX supplements. Moreover, dihydroethidium (DHE) and immunohistochemistry staining suggested that the MIX supplement decreased the hepatic ROS production and interleukin-6 expression significantly owing to the enhanced antioxidant properties, such as paraoxonase. Furthermore, the MIX supplement improved alcohol-induced dyslipidemia and oxidative stress. The BWA and MIX groups showed lower blood total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels with higher high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) than the alcohol-alone group. The MIX group showed the highest HDL-C/TC ratio and HDL-C/TG ratio with the lowest low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-C/HDL-C ratio. In conclusion, BWA and BRB-F showed efficacy to treat alcohol-related metabolic disorders, but the MIX supplement was more effective in ameliorating the liver damage and dyslipidemia, which agrees with an enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity exhibited by BWA/BRB-F in a synergistic manner.

Comparative study of the effects of Abexol and atorvastatin in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the efficacy and safety of Abexol and atorvastatin in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Material and methods: The present study had a monocentric, randomized, double-blinded, comparative design with 4 parallel groups - group 1 (Abexol), group 2 (atorvastatin), group 3 (combined therapy) and group 4 (placebo) - to which dietary recommendations and physical activity practice were provided twice a day, for 24 weeks. Significant changes in the ultrasound analysis of the liver were considered a primary efficacy variable. Insulin resistance improvement (HOMA2-IR) was considered as a co-primary efficacy criterion. Significant changes in the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lipid profile variables and the anthropometric variables were evaluated as secondary variables of effectiveness. Statistical analysis of all data was according to the intention to treat method.

RESULTS

The groups were statistically homogeneous at baseline conditions. At the end of the 6 months of treatment about 50% of the patients in all groups showed a decrease of at least one degree in echogenicity, while the rest remained the same. There were no significant changes in the values of liver enzymes or anthropometric variables evaluated. Treatment with atorvastatin and combined therapy significantly reduced levels of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol. The treatments were safe and well tolerated, although in the atorvastatin group the number of adverse events reported was greater than in the rest of the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Abexol and atorvastatin showed comparable efficacy and safety in patients with NAFLD, with advantages for treatment with atorvastatin with respect to its effects on the lipid profile of these patients.

Benefits of the Therapy With Abexol in Patients With Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a spectrum of diseases ranging from steatosis to steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. Given the increasing incidence of NAFLD and the long-term consequences of this disease, it is important to identify the risk factors and therapeutic measures. Abexol is a mixture of beeswax alcohols with antioxidant, gastro-protective and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim was to conduct a pooled analysis of clinical trials data of the effects of Abexol treatment in patients with NAFLD.

Methods

The present analysis includes the data of all patients with NAFLD obtained from medium-term randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled clinical studies with Abexol. One hundred patients with NAFLD received Abexol (100 mg/day) or placebo for 6 months. Significant changes in the ultrasound analysis of the liver were considered a primary efficacy variable. Secondary endpoints were decreased homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index and insulin levels, and improved clinical symptoms. Statistical analysis of all data was according to the intention-to-treat method.

Results

Both groups were statistically homogeneous at baseline conditions. At 6 months of treatment, the number of Abexol-treated patients exhibiting a normal liver echo pattern on ultrasonography was greater than that of the placebo patients (P < 0.05). Abexol significantly reduced (P < 0.05) insulin levels and HOMA index. The proportion of Abexol patients showing symptom improvement was higher (P < 0.01) than that of the placebo group. Treatments were safe and well tolerated.

Conclusions

Treatment of Abexol during 6 months significantly ameliorates liver fat accumulation and insulin resistances, meanwhile improving clinical evolution in patients with NAFLD. The treatment was safe and well tolerated in these patients.

Protective effect of D-002, a mixture of beeswax alcohols, against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers and mechanism of action

D-002, a mixture of higher aliphatic beeswax alcohols, produces gastroprotective and antioxidant effects. To investigate the gastroprotective effect of D-002 against indomethacin-induced ulcers, oxidative variables and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in the rat gastric mucosa were examined. Rats were randomized into six groups: a negative vehicle control and five indomethacin (50 mg/kg) treated groups, comprising a positive control, three groups treated orally with D-002 (5, 25 and 100 mg/kg) and one group with omeprazole 20 mg/kg intraperitoneally (ip). The contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl groups (PCG), hydroxyl radical generation and catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and MPO enzyme activities in the rat gastric mucosa were assessed. Indomethacin increased the content of MDA and PCG, the generation of *OH radical and MPO enzyme activity, while it decreased the CAT, GSH-PX and SOD activities as compared to the negative controls. D-002 (5-100 mg/kg) significantly and dose-dependently reduced indomethacin-induced ulceration to 75 %. Also, D-002 decreased the content of MDA and PCG, the generation of hydroxyl radicals and MPO activity as compared to the positive controls. The highest dose of D-002 (100 mg/kg) increased significantly GSH-PX and SOD activities, while all doses used increased CAT activities. Omeprazole 20 mg/kg, the reference drug, reduced significantly the ulcers (93 %), MDA and PCG, the generation of hydroxyl radicals and MPO activity, and increased the CAT, GSH-PX and SOD activities. D-002 treatment produced gastroprotective effects against indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration, which can be related to the reduction of hydroxyl radical generation, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and MPO activity, and to the increase of the antioxidant enzymes activities in the rat gastric mucosa.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of D-002 (beeswax alcohols)

D-002, a mixture of six higher aliphatic alcohols purified from beeswax, displayed anti-inflammatory effects in carrageenan-induced pleurisy and cotton pellet granuloma in rats. The aim of the present study was to confirm the anti-inflammatory properties of D-002 and to explore its potential analgesic effects. Xylene-induced mouse ear oedema was used to assess the anti-inflammatory effect, acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate responses for the analgesic activity, and the open field and horizontal rotarod tests for motor performance. For anti-inflammatory tests, mice were randomised into a negative vehicle control and five xylene-treated groups: the vehicle, D-002 (25, 50 and 200 mg/kg) and indomethacin 1 mg/kg (reference drug). Treatments were given for 15 days. Effects on oedema formation and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were tested. For analgesia and motor performance tests, mice were randomised into a vehicle control and D-002-treated groups (25, 50 and 200 mg/kg). Two sets of experiments were done, which included acute and repeat (15 days) dosing. D-002 (25, 50 and 200 mg/kg) significantly decreased xylene-induced ear oedema (44.7, 60.8 and 76.4%, respectively) and the increase of MPO activity induced by xylene (38.0, 47.0 and 57.0%, respectively), while indomethacin significantly inhibited xylene-induced oedema (59.9%) and MPO activity (57.5%). Single and repeat doses of D-002 (25, 50 and 200 mg/kg) decreased the acetic acid-induced writhing responses by 21.2, 28.2 and 40.1%, for the single doses; 25.2, 35.1 and 43.2%, respectively, for the repeat doses, but did not affect the hot plate, open field and rotarod behaviours. Aspirin 100 mg/kg significantly decreased acetic acid-induced abdominal constrictions and morphine (5 mg/kg) significantly increased the latency of the hot plate response. This study confirmed the anti-inflammatory effects of D-002 and demonstrated its analgesic effects on the acetic acid-induced writhing, but not on the hot plate response, which suggests that the antinociceptive effects of D-002 could be related to its anti-inflammatory activity.

Preventive effect of D-002, a mixture of long-chain alcohols from beeswax, on the liver damage induced with CCl4 in rats

D-002 is a mixture of higher aliphatic primary alcohols purified from beeswax with antioxidant effects. Acute hepatotoxicity induced with CCl4 in rats has been related to increased hepatic lipid peroxidation and prevented with some antioxidants. This study investigated whether D-002 could prevent the acute CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Animals were randomly distributed into four groups: a negative control treated orally with the vehicle and three groups injected with CCl4 (1 mL/kg) and treated orally either with the vehicle (positive control) or with D-002 (25 and 100 mg/kg). Eighteen hours after CCl4 dosing, rats were anesthetized, and livers were removed for histopathological studies. Some portions were taken and homogenized for assessing malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. Positive, but not negative, controls showed ballooned cells, swollen hepatocytes, and lipid-included hepatocytes, as well as necrotic areas and inflammatory infiltrates. D-002 (25 and 100 mg/kg) dose-dependently and significantly (P < .01) decreased the frequency of all abnormal liver cell types and increased that of normal hepatocytes compared with the positive controls, not showing necrotic areas or inflammatory infiltrates. D-002 dose-dependently decreased hepatic MDA levels, but only in the highest dose group were these levels significantly lower than in the positive control. In conclusion, D-002 effectively prevented the histological liver disturbances and lowered MDA levels, a marker of cellular lipid peroxidation, in rats treated with CCl4. Since increased liver lipid peroxidation has been postulated as a cause of CCl4-induced liver damage in rats, the preventive effects of D-002 could be due to its antioxidant action, but such a proposal still requires further research.

Therapeutic effect of D-002 (abexol) on gastric ulcer induced experimentally in rats

D-002 is a mixture of higher aliphatic primary alcohols isolated from beeswax, wherein triacontanol is the most abundant alcohol, with antioxidant and anti-ulcer properties. Since compounds with cytoprotective and antioxidant effects can improve healing of gastroduodenal ulcer induced by noxious agents, this work investigated the healing effect of D- 002 on acute and chronic gastric ulcers induced with indomethacin and acetic acid, respectively, in rats. Acute gastric ulcer was induced with single oral doses of indomethacin (20 mg/kg). Treatments with D-002 at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg or vehicle were administered 3 hours after ulcer induction. Three hours later, rats were sacrificed, and the stomach was removed for quantifying the lesions. Chronic gastric ulcer was induced by 50 microL of 80% acetic acid application on the anterior serosal surface of the glandular stomach during 20 seconds. Twenty-four hours later D-002 at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg or vehicle was administered for 5 days. At the end of the treatment, animals were fasted for 24 hours and sacrificed, the stomachs were removed, and the lesions were quantified. D-002 orally administered at 100 and 200 mg/kg acutely significantly healed gastric ulcers induced with indomethacin by 39% and 56% compared with positive controls, respectively. Also, D-002 at 200 mg/kg, but not at 50 or 100 mg/kg, administered orally for 5 days after ulcer induction exerted a significant healing effect (65.8% inhibition) in gastric ulcers induced with acetic acid. In conclusion, this work demonstrated that D-002 administered after ulcer induction induced effective healing of acute and chronic gastric ulcers provoked by, respectively, indomethacin and acetic acid.