Açaí berry ameliorates cognitive impairment by inhibiting NLRP3/ASC/CASP axis in STZ-induced diabetic neuropathy in mice

Diabetes complications such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) are linked to morbidity and mortality. Peripheral nerve damages in DPN are accompanied by discomfort, weakness, and sensory loss. Some drugs may demonstrate their therapeutic promise by reducing neuroinflammation, but they have side effects. Based on these considerations, the objective of this study was to examine the beneficial properties of açaí berry in a mouse model of DPN generated by injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Açaí berry was given orally to diabetic and control mice every day beginning 2 wk after STZ injection. The animals were euthanized after 16 wk, and tissues from the spinal cord and sciatic nerve and urine were taken. Our findings showed that daily treatment of açaí berry at a dose of 500 mg/kg was able to prevent behavioral changes as well as mast cell activation and nerve deterioration via NOD-like receptor family pyrin-domain-containing-3 (NLRP3)/apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a card (ASC)/caspase (CASP) regulation after diabetes induction.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our research shows that açaí berry reduces mast cells degranulation and histological damage in diabetic neuropathy, improves physiological defense against reactive oxygen species, modulates the NLRP3/ASC/CASP axis, and ameliorates inflammation and oxidative stress. Diet could help treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Selected Textural and Electrochemical Properties of Nanocomposite Fillers Based on the Mixture of Rose Clay/Hydroxyapatite/Nanosilica for Cosmetic Applications

In order to improve the properties and characteristics of rose clay composites with acai, hydroxyapatite (HA), and nanosilica, the systems were mechanically treated. This treatment provides the preparation of better nanostructured composites with natural and synthetic nanomaterials with improved properties. The materials were characterized using XRD, nitrogen adsorption and desorption, particle sizing, zeta potential, and surface charge density measurements. For the systems tested in the aqueous media, the pH value of the point of zero charge (pH_PZC) ranges from 8 to 9.9. However, the isoelectric point (pH_IEP) values for all composites are below pH 2. This large difference between pH_PZC and pH_IEP is due to the complexity of the electrical double layer (EDL) and the relation of these points to different layers of the EDL. The tested samples as composite/electrolyte solutions are colloidally unstable. The toxicity level of the ingredients and release of anthocyanins as bioactive substances from acai in the composites were determined. The composites demonstrate an enhanced release of anthocyanins. There are some regularities in the characteristics depending on the type of components, morphology, and textural features of solids. The morphological, electrochemical, and structural characteristics of the components have changed in composites. The release of anthocyanins is greater for the composites characterized by minimal confined space effects in comparison with rose clay alone. The morphological, electrochemical, and structural characteristics allow us to expect high efficiency of composites as bioactive systems that are interesting for practical applications in cosmetics.

Acai Berry (Euterpe sp.) Extracts Are Neuroprotective against L-Glutamate-Induced Toxicity by Limiting Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Cellular Redox Stress

Aberrant accumulation of the neurotransmitter L-glutamate (L-Glu) has been implicated as a mechanism of neurodegeneration, and the release of L-Glu after stroke onset leads to a toxicity cascade that results in neuronal death. The acai berry (Euterpe oleracea) is a potential dietary nutraceutical. The aim of this research was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of acai berry aqueous and ethanolic extracts to reduce the neurotoxicity to neuronal cells triggered by L-Glu application. L-Glu and acai berry effects on cell viability were quantified using 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays, and effects on cellular bioenergetics were assessed via quantitation of the levels of cellular ATP, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in neuroblastoma cells. Cell viability was also evaluated in human cortical neuronal progenitor cell culture after L-Glu or/and acai berry application. In isolated cells, activated currents using patch-clamping were employed to determine whether L-Glu neurotoxicity was mediated by ionotropic L-Glu-receptors (iGluRs). L-Glu caused a significant reduction in cell viability, ATP, and MMP levels and increased ROS production. The co-application of both acai berry extracts with L-Glu provided neuroprotection against L-Glu with sustained cell viability, decreased LDH production, restored ATP and MMP levels, and reduced ROS levels. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings showed that L-Glu toxicity is not mediated by the activation of iGluRs in neuroblastoma cells. Fractionation and analysis of acai berry extracts with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry identified several phytochemical antioxidants that may have provided neuroprotective effects. In summary, the acai berry contains nutraceuticals with antioxidant activity that may be a beneficial dietary component to limit pathological deficits triggered by excessive L-Glu accumulations.

Açai Berry Attenuates Cyclophosphamide-Induced Damage in Genitourinary Axis-Modulating Nrf-2/HO-1 Pathways

Cyclophosphamide (CYP) is used to treat different malignancies and autoimmune disorders in men. This chemotherapy frequently reduces tumors, which is beneficial, but also causes infertility because of severe oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the bladder and testes brought on by its metabolite, acrolein. The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy of a novel food, açai berry, in preventing CYP-induced damage in the bladder and testes.

METHODS

CYP was administered intraperitoneally once during the experiment at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight diluted in 10 mL/kg b.w. of water. Açai berry was administered orally at a dose of 500 mg/kg.

RESULTS

The administration of açai berry was able to reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, apoptosis, and histological changes in the bladder and testes after CYP injection.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show for the first time that açai berry modulates physiological antioxidant defenses to protect the bladder and testes against CYP-induced changes.

Açai Berry Mitigates Vascular Dementia-Induced Neuropathological Alterations Modulating Nrf-2/Beclin1 Pathways

The second-most common cause of dementia is vascular dementia (VaD). The majority of VaD patients experience cognitive impairment, which is brought on by oxidative stress and changes in autophagic function, which ultimately result in neuronal impairment and death. In this study, we examine a novel method for reversing VaD-induced changes brought on by açai berry supplementation in a VaD mouse model. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of açai berries on the molecular mechanisms underlying VaD in a mouse model of the disease that was created by repeated ischemia-reperfusion (IR) of the whole bilateral carotid artery. Here, we found that açai berry was able to reduce VaD-induced behavioral alteration, as well as hippocampal death, in CA1 and CA3 regions. These effects are probably due to the modulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and Beclin-1, suggesting a possible crosstalk between these molecular pathways. In conclusion, the protective effects of açai berry could be a good supplementation in the future for the management of vascular dementia.

A Preliminary Assessment of the Nutraceutical Potential of Acai Berry (Euterpe sp.) as a Potential Natural Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterised by progressive neuronal atrophy and the loss of neuronal function as a consequence of multiple pathomechanisms. Current AD treatments primarily operate at a symptomatic level to treat a cholinergic deficiency and can cause side effects. Hence, there is an unmet need for healthier lifestyles to reduce the likelihood of AD as well as improved treatments with fewer adverse reactions. Diets rich in phytochemicals may reduce neurodegenerative risk and limit disease progression. The native South American palm acai berry (Euterpe oleraceae) is a potential source of dietary phytochemicals beneficial to health. This study aimed to screen the nutraceutical potential of the acai berry, in the form of aqueous and ethanolic extracts, for the ability to inhibit acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterase (ChE) enzymes and scavenge free radicals via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) or 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) assays. In addition, this study aimed to quantify the acai berry's antioxidant potential via hydrogen peroxide or hydroxyl scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging, lipid peroxidation inhibition, and the ability to reduce ferric ions. Total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were also determined. Acai aqueous extract displayed a concentration-dependent inhibition of acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterase enzymes. Both acai extracts displayed useful concentration-dependent free radical scavenging and antioxidant abilities, with the acai ethanolic extract being the most potent antioxidant and displaying the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents. In summary, extracts of the acai berry contain nutraceutical components with anti-cholinesterase and antioxidant capabilities and may therefore provide a beneficial dietary component that limits the pathological deficits evidenced in AD.

Açai Berry Mitigates Parkinson's Disease Progression Showing Dopaminergic Neuroprotection via Nrf2-HO1 Pathways

The current pharmacological treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD) is focused on symptom alleviation rather than disease prevention. In this study, we look at a new strategy to neuroprotection that focuses on nutrition, by a supplementation with Açai berry in an experimental models of PD. Daily orally supplementation with Açai berry dissolved in saline at the dose of 500 mg/kg considerably reduced motor and non-motor symptom and neuronal cell death of the dopaminergic tract induced by 4 injections of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Furthermore, Açai berry administration reduced α-synuclein aggregation in neurons, enhanced tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine transporter activities, and avoided dopamine depletion. Moreover, Açai berry administration was able to reduce astrogliosis and microgliosis as well as neuronal death. Its beneficial effects could be due to its bioactive phytochemical components that are able to stimulate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) by counteracting the oxidative stress and neuroinflammation that are the basis of this neurodegenerative disease.