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Citrus juice modulates antioxidant enzymes and lipid profiles in orchidectomized rats
Farzad Deyhim1, Erica Lopez, Julia Gonzalez
1Department of Human Sciences, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA. Farzad.Deyhim@tamuk.edu
Abstract:
Oxidative stress and hypogonadism are two factors linked to the increased incidence of cardiovascular disease in males. Eating fruits and vegetables is known to reduce the incidences of oxidative stress. The objective of this research was to delineate whether drinking daily squeezed orange juice (OJ) or grapefruit juice (GJ) modulates oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes while impacting cardiovascular risk factors in hypogonad male rats. In the present study, 36 1-year-old male rats were equally divided among the following four treatments: sham (control), orchidectomized (ORX), ORX + OJ, and ORX + GJ. After 60 days of drinking OJ or GJ, antioxidant capacity, cholesterol, and triglycerides in serum and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), cholesterol, and triglycerides in liver were evaluated. Serum antioxidant capacity and SOD and CAT activities decreased (P < .05), while serum cholesterol and liver triglycerides increased (P < .05) in the ORX group compared with the sham group. In contrast to the ORX group, drinking OJ was ineffective while drinking GJ decreased (P < .05) cholesterol concentration in liver and in serum. Nevertheless, OJ and GJ decreased (P < .05) triglyceride concentration in liver and increased (P < .05) serum antioxidant capacity and SOD and CAT activities compared with the ORX group. In conclusion, drinking OJ or GJ prevented oxidative stress by enhancing total antioxidant capacity and elevating liver antioxidant enzymes while modulating cardiovascular risk factors.
Insights
Daily consumption of orange juice (OJ) or grapefruit juice (GJ) in male rats mitigated oxidative stress and improved cardiovascular risk factors. Both juices enhanced antioxidant capacity and liver enzymes, with GJ also reducing cholesterol.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Oxidative stress and hypogonadism are associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in males.
- Dietary intake of fruits and vegetables can reduce oxidative stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of daily orange juice (OJ) or grapefruit juice (GJ) consumption on oxidative stress, antioxidant enzymes, and cardiovascular risk factors in hypogonadal male rats.
- To determine if OJ or GJ can modulate these factors in an orchidectomized (ORX) rat model.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-six 1-year-old male rats were divided into four groups: sham (control), orchidectomized (ORX), ORX + OJ, and ORX + GJ.
- Rats received daily OJ or GJ for 60 days.
- Evaluations included serum antioxidant capacity, cholesterol, triglycerides, and liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities.
Main Results:
- Orchidectomy (ORX) led to decreased serum antioxidant capacity and SOD/CAT activities, and increased serum cholesterol and liver triglycerides compared to sham controls.
- Grapefruit juice (GJ) significantly decreased both serum and liver cholesterol concentrations.
- Both OJ and GJ decreased liver triglyceride concentrations and increased serum antioxidant capacity, SOD, and CAT activities compared to the ORX group.
Conclusions:
- Daily consumption of OJ or GJ effectively combats oxidative stress in hypogonadal male rats.
- Both juices enhance total antioxidant capacity and elevate liver antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, CAT).
- OJ and GJ contribute to modulating cardiovascular risk factors, with GJ showing a specific benefit in reducing cholesterol levels.