Related Experiment Videos
Effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum) juice intake on hepatic oxidative stress
Ana Faria1, Rosário Monteiro, Nuno Mateus
1Dept. of Biochemistry (U38-FCT), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal. anafaria@med.up.pt
Abstract:
Pomegranate juice (PJ) possesses a high antioxidant activity, which has been related to beneficial health properties. However, in vivo confirmation and characterization of these effects on biological systems are lacking and needed. This study was performed in order to investigate the effect of prolonged PJ ingestion on general oxidation status. For this purpose, mice ingested PJ (or water in control group) during four weeks, after which damage to lipids, proteins and DNA were evaluated as oxidative cell biomarkers. Levels of hepatic glutathione and the activities and expression of enzymes involved in its metabolism were determined. Catalase and SOD activities were quantified as these enzymes have a crucial role in antioxidant defence. Protection against protein and DNA oxidation was found in PJ group. There was also a significant decrease in GSH and GSSG, without change in the GSH/GSSG ratio. All studied enzymatic activities (GPx, GST, GR, SOD and catalase) were found to be decreased by PJ treatment. Additionally, RT-PCR results showed that GST and GS transcription were also decreased in this group. These results are compatible with a protective effect of PJ against systemic oxidative stress in mice.
Related Concept Videos
Peroxisomes
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test
Hepatic Drug Excretion: Influencing Factors
Drug Metabolism: Phase I Reactions
Jaundice
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Active Drug, Metabolite and Fraction of Metabolized Drug