Downregulation of Angiogenin Transcript Levels and Inhibition of Colonic Carcinoma by Gum Arabic (Acacia senegal)

Effect of cevimeline and different concentration of gum arabic on parotid salivary gland function in methotrexate-induced xerostomia: a comparative study

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the effect of cevimeline and different concentrations of gum arabic on the parotid gland of rats being given xerostomia-inducing methotrexate.

METHODS

One hundred twenty-five rats were divided into five equal groups of twenty-five each. The rats in Group I received basic diets, while those in Groups II, III, IV, and V received 20 mg/kg MTX as a single intraperitoneal dose on day one. Group III received 10 mg/kg CVM dissolved in saline orally and daily, and the other two groups received a 10% W/V aqueous suspension of GA. Therefore, Group IV received 2 ml/kg suspension orally and daily, while Group V received 3 ml/kg suspension orally and daily. After 9 days, the parotid glands were dissected carefully and prepared for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining as a routine histological stain and caspase-3 and Ki67 immunohistochemical staining. Quantitative data from α-Caspase-3 staining and Ki67 staining were statistically analysed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's multiple comparisons post hoc test.

RESULTS

Regarding caspase-3 and Ki67 immunohistochemical staining, one-way ANOVA revealed a significant difference among the five groups. For Caspase-3, the highest mean value was for group II (54.21 ± 6.90), and the lowest mean value was for group I (15.75 ± 3.67). The other three groups had mean values of 31.09 ± 5.90, 30.76 ± 5.82, and 20.65 ± 3.47 for groups III, IV, and V, respectively. For Ki67, the highest mean value was for group I (61.70 ± 6.58), and the lowest value was for group II (18.14a ± 5.16). The other three groups had mean values of 34.4 ± 9.27, 48.03 ± 8.40, and 50.63 ± 8.27 for groups III, IV, and V, respectively.

CONCLUSION

GA, rather than the normally used drug CVM, had a desirable effect on the salivary glands of patients with xerostomia.

Gum acacia dietary fiber: Significance in immunomodulation, inflammatory diseases, and cancer

Gum arabic/acacia (GA), derived from Acacia trees, is a versatile natural product offering a broad spectrum of applications. Its rich content of soluble dietary fibers, coupled with a low caloric profile, renders GA a valuable dietary component associated with numerous health benefits. Furthermore, its fermentation by gut microbiota yields short-chain fatty acids, renowned for their positive impact on health. Immunomodulation, a crucially regulated mechanism in the body, serves to fend off pathogenic infections by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, prolonged synthesis of these cytokines can lead to chronic inflammation, tissue damage, and potentially contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases and cancer. Hence, there is an urgent need to identify plant-based biomolecules that can effectively reduce inflammation and inhibit inflammation-induced complications or disorders. In this context, edible biomolecules like GA are gaining prominence for their noteworthy immunomodulatory properties. Therefore, in the present review we have explored the role of GA in immunomodulation, inflammation, and inflammation-associated metabolic diseases, and cancer.

Effect of Prebiotic Dietary Supplement Acacia senegal on Hormonal and Metabolic Markers in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients: A Pilot Study

Background The most prevalent endocrine condition affecting women of reproductive age is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is linked to a variety of metabolic abnormalities. Although the pathogenesis of PCOS is not fully understood, it is known that oxidative stress, altered gut microbiome, and increased gonadotrophin-releasing hormone play a significant role. Gum arabic (GA) is an edible, dried, gummy exudate from the Acacia senegal tree, well-known for its prebiotic and antioxidant effects. The main objective of the study was to assess the changes in hormonal and metabolic profiles in PCOS patients after the ingestion of gum arabic. Method This was a clinical trial conducted on fifteen patients suffering from PCOS, with a mean age of 27.8 years (20-39 years). All patients experienced irregular cycles. Hormonal and metabolic markers (follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), total testosterone (TT), fasting insulin, total cholesterol (TC), and glycosylated hemoglobin (HBA1c) were measured before and after the ingestion of gum arabic (30 g/day of GA dissolved in 250 ml water for eight weeks) on the second day of the menstrual cycle after granting ethical approval from the National Medicine and Poisons Board and from the participants of the study. Results The study demonstrated a significant decrease in the luteinizing hormone level, FSH/LH ratio, and cholesterol pre- and post-gum arabic ingestion (p-values 0.001, 0.013, and 0.007, respectively). Follicular stimulating hormone slightly reduced post-ingestion with no significant difference (p-value 0.414). No significant changes were seen in the testosterone, insulin, or HBA1c levels. Conclusion The study concluded that gum arabic ingestion for eight weeks decreases the luteinizing hormone and LH/FSH ratio and improves the metabolic profile by reducing the cholesterol level in PCOS patients.

Gum Arabic nanoformulation rescues neuronal lesions in bromobenzene-challenged rats by its antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and cytoprotective potentials

Bromobenzene (BB) is a hazardous environmental contaminant because of its multiple routes of exposure and the toxicity of its bio-derivates. It could elicit neuronal alterations by stimulating redox imbalance and apoptotic pathways. Gum Arabic (GA) protected the hippocampus of a type 2 diabetic rat model from cognitive decline. Whether gum Arabic nanoemulsion (GANE) can increase the neuroprotectant potency of GA in fighting BB-associated neurological lesions is the question to be answered. To accomplish this objective, 25 adult male Wistar rats were randomly and equally assigned into five groups. Control received olive oil (vehicle of BB). BB group received BB at a dose of 460 mg/kg BW. Blank nanoemulsion (BNE) group supplemented with BNE at 2 mL of 10% w/v aqueous suspension/kg BW. GANE group received GANE at a dose of 2 mL of 10% w/v aqueous suspension/kg BW. BB + GANE group exposed to BB in concomitant with GANE at the same previous doses. All interventions were carried out daily by oral gavage for ten consecutive days. BB caused a marked increase in malondialdehyde and succinate dehydrogenase together with a marked decrease in reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and lactate dehydrogenase in the brain. BB was accompanied by pathological deteriorations, amyloidosis, and reduced immuno-expression of integrase interactor 1 in the hippocampal region. Administration of GANE was beneficial in reversing the aforementioned abnormalities. These results pave the road for further discovery of nano-formulated natural products to counter the threats of BB.

The effect of gum Arabic supplementation on cathelicidin expression in monocyte derived macrophages in mice

Background

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are important effectors of the innate defense system. Cathelicidins, (CRAMP in mouse/rat, LL-37 in human) is one of the two major classes of AMPs in humans. The upregulation of LL-37 synthesis is a novel non-antibiotic approach to prevent or treat infectious diseases. Butyrate was found to induce Cathelicidin expression. Gum Arabic (GA), an exudate from Acacia senegaltree, is known for its prebiotic effects. Fermentation of GA by colonic bacteria increases serum butyrate concentrations. This study was conducted to investigate if GA supplementation can increase Cathelicidin expression in macrophages.

Methods

The study was an in-vivo experiment in mice. Thirty mice were randomly divided into three groups, ten mice per group. The two intervention groups received GA dissolved in drinking water in two different concentrations (15% w/v and 30% w/v) for 28 days. The third group served as a control. Blood was collected on Day 29 to isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) which were cultured to obtain monocyte derived macrophages (MDMs). The transcription level of CRAMP was determined in MDMsby qPCR.

Results

We detected a significant increase (p = 0.023) in CRAMP expression in MDMs following 28 days of 15% GA supplementation, compared to the control group, but there was no significant change in the group on 30% GA supplementation (p = 0.055).

Conclusion

GAsupplementation can induce Cathelicidin expression in MDMs and the effect is dose dependent.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-022-03627-9.

A Review on the Main Phytoconstituents, Traditional Uses, Inventions, and Patent Literature of Gum Arabic Emphasizing Acacia seyal

Acacia seyal is an important source of gum Arabic. The availability, traditional, medicinal, pharmaceutical, nutritional, and cosmetic applications of gum acacia have pronounced its high economic value and attracted global attention. In addition to summarizing the inventions/patents applications related to gum A. seyal, the present review highlights recent updates regarding its phytoconstituents. Traditional, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and medicinal uses with the possible mechanism of actions have been also reviewed. The patent search revealed the identification of 30 patents/patent applications of A. seyal. The first patent related to A. seyal was published in 1892, which was related to its use in the prophylaxis/treatment of kidney and bladder affections. The use of A. seyal to treat cancer and osteoporosis has also been patented. Some inventions provided compositions and formulations containing A. seyal or its ingredients for pharmaceutical and medical applications. The inventions related to agricultural applications, food industry, cosmetics, quality control of gum Arabic, and isolation of some chemical constituents (L-rhamnose and arabinose) from A. seyal have also been summarized. The identification of only 30 patents/patent applications from 1892 to 15 November 2021 indicates a steadily growing interest and encourages developing more inventions related to A. seyal. The authors recommend exploring these opportunities for the benefit of society.

Antioxidant and Antigenotoxic Actions of Gum Arabic on the Intestinal Mucosa, Liver and Bone Marrow of Swiss Mice Submitted to Colorectal Carcinogenesis

Colorectal carcinogenesis is characterized by oxidative stress and the formation of aberrant crypts in its initial stages. Gum arabic (GA) is a natural product with antioxidant properties, and, therefore, supposed antitumor action. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of GA on the formation of aberrant crypts, as well as the local, hepatic, and systemic genotoxicity and oxidative stress. We induced colorectal carcinogenesis in Swiss male mice, afterwards treated them with water, 2.5% GA or 5% GA via gavage for twelve weeks and then performed surgery in order to obtain samples to analysis (proximal and distal colon, liver, blood, and bone marrow). The number of aberrant crypts in the GA-treated animals was lower than in the control groups. Likewise, there was a decline of colonic, hepatic, and systemic genotoxicity and oxidative stress. These results reflect the antioxidant role of GA and may lead to the development of treatments that inhibit colorectal carcinogenesis.

Gum Arabic (Acacia Senegal) Augmented Total Antioxidant Capacity and Reduced C-Reactive Protein among Haemodialysis Patients in Phase II Trial

Background

Oxidative processes might increase in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) according to the current literature. Oxidative stress (OS) is a risk factor of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications, which are major causes of mortality among ESRD patients. Haemodialysis (HD) is life-saving procedure, nevertheless it is an active chronic inflammatory status that could augment cardiovascular disease and increase mortality. Gum Arabic (GA) has been claimed to act as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent in experimental studies and clinical trials. Therefore, we assumed GA supplementation among haemodialysis patients would reduce oxidative stress and consequently reduce the state of chronic inflammatory activation associated with haemodialysis.

Methods

Forty end-stage renal failure (ESRF) patients aged 18–80 years who were on regular haemodialysis in Arif Renal Center, Omdurman, Sudan, were recruited. All recruited patients met the inclusion criteria and signed informed consent prior to enrolment. The patients received 30 g/day of GA for 12 weeks. C-reactive protein (CRP) and complete blood count (CBC) were measured as baseline and monthly. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured before and after GA intake. Ethical approval from the National Medicines and Poisons Board was obtained.

Results

Gum Arabic significantly augmented total antioxidant capacity level (P < 0.001) (95% CI, 0.408–0.625) and also attenuated oxidative marker MDA and C-reactive protein (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

GA has revealed potent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties in haemodialysis patients. Oral digestion of GA (30 g/day) decreased oxidative stress and inflammatory markers among haemodialysis patients. Trial registration. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03214692, registered 11 July 2017 (prospective registration).

Necl 4 and RNase 5 Are Important Biomarkers for Gastric and Colon Adenocarcinomas

BACKGROUND There is a need to identify new prognostic factors that may be used in addition to the known risk factors in gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas. In this study, we aimed to determine the expression of Necl 4 and RNase 5 biomarkers in gastric and colon adenocarcinomas, as well as the prognostic efficacy of these biomarkers in gastric and colon adenocarcinomas. MATERIAL AND METHODS Ninety-two cases resected due to stomach and colon adenocarcinoma were included in the study. The expression of Necl 4 and RNase 5 biomarkers was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining of the stomach and colon normal mucosa and adenocarcinoma areas. RESULTS In colon adenocarcinomas, there was a significant association between Necl 4 and lymphovascular invasion, vascular invasion, and perineural invasion (p<0.05). There was a significant association between RNase 5 and histological differentiation in colon adenocarcinomas (p<0.05). There was no association between RNase 5 and Necl 4 in gastric or colon adenocarcinomas. CONCLUSIONS Necl 4 may have prognostic value in colon adenocarcinomas, but it is difficult to ascertain in gastric adenocarcinomas.

Gum acacia mitigates genetic damage in adenine-induced chronic renal failure in rats

BACKGROUND

Subjects with chronic renal failure (CRF) exhibit oxidative genome damage, which may predispose to carcinogenesis, and Gum acacia (GumA) ameliorates this condition in humans and animals. We evaluated here renal DNA damage and urinary excretion of four nucleic acid oxidation adducts namely 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoGua), 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG), 8-oxoguanosine (8-oxoGuo) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanisone (8-OHdg) in rats with adenine (ADE)-induced CRF with and without GumA treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-four rats were divided into four equal groups and treated for 4 weeks. The first group was given normal food and water (control). The second group was given normal food and GumA (15% w/v) in drinking water. The third group was fed powder diet containing adenine (ADE) (0·75% w/w in feed). The fourth group was fed like in the third group, plus GumA in drinking water (15%, w/v).

RESULTS

ADE feeding induced CRF (as measured by several physiological, biochemical and histological indices) and also caused a significant genetic damage and significant decreases in urinary 8-oxo Gua and 8-oxoGuo, but not in the other nucleic acids. However, concomitant GumA treatment reduced the level of genetic damage in kidney cells as detected by Comet assay and significantly reversed the effect of adenine on urinary 8-oxoGuo.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with GumA is able to mitigate genetic damage in renal tissues of rats with ADE-induced CRF.

The lowering effect of Gum Arabic on hyperlipidemia in Sudanese patients

Hyperlipidemia especially low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a major risk factor for developing ischemic heart disease. Soluble dietary fiber has lipid lowering characteristics. Gum Arabic (GA) is 95% soluble fiber calculated on dry bases. The beneficial effect of GA on lipid profile needs further verification. A case-control study was conducted at Omdurman Hospital, Sudan to assess the effect of G A on serum lipids in patients with hyperlipidemia. Cases received a 20 mg tablet of atorvastatin /day plus 30 mg of GA for 4 weeks while the controls received atorvastatin only. Levels of lipids in serum were assessed according to conventional methods before and 1 month after the trial. There is no significant difference in the basic characteristics between the study and the control groups (55 patients in each arm of the study). While there was no significant difference in the levels of HDL, there was a significant reduction of the total cholesterol (25.9 vs. 7.8%, P < 0.001), triglyceride (38.2 vs. 2.9%, P < 0.001), and LDL (30.8 vs. 8.1%, P < 0.001) before and after the intervention in the study compared to the controls groups.

Effects of Gum Arabic ingestion on body mass index and body fat percentage in healthy adult females: two-arm randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind trial

Background

Gum Arabic (acacia Senegal) is a complex polysaccharide indigestible to both humans and animals. It has been considered as a safe dietary fiber by the United States, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since the 1970s. Although its effects were extensively studied in animals, there is paucity of data regarding its quantified use in humans. This study was conducted to determine effects of regular Gum Arabic (GA) ingestion on body mass index and body fat percentage among healthy adult females.

Methods

A two-arm randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind trial was conducted in the Department of Physiology at the Khartoum University. A total of 120 healthy females completed the study. They were divided to two groups: A test group of 60 volunteers receiving GA (30 gm /day) for 6 weeks and a placebo group of 60 volunteers receiving pectin (1 gm/day) for the same period of time. Weight and height were measured before and after intervention using standardized height and weight scales. Skin fold thickness was measured using Harpenden Skin fold caliper. Fat percentage was calculated using Jackson and Pollock 7 caliper method and Siri equation.

Results

Pre and post analysis among the study group showed significant reduction in BMI by 0.32 (95% CI: 0.17 to 0.47; P<0.0001) and body fat percentage by 2.18% (95% CI: 1.54 to 2.83; P<0.0001) following regular intake of 30 gm /day Gum Arabic for six weeks. Side effects caused by GA ingestion were experienced only in the first week. They included unfavorable viscous sensation in the mouth, early morning nausea, mild diarrhea and bloating abdomen.

Conclusions

GA ingestion causes significant reduction in BMI and body fat percentage among healthy adult females. The effect could be exploited in the treatment of obesity.