Cissus verticillata Leaf Extract Decreases the Production of AGEs and ROS In Vitro

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cissus verticillata, known as plant-insulin, is traditionally used in Brazil for diabetes management.
• The potential of Cissus verticillata to counteract glycoxidative stress, a key factor in diabetic complications, remains understudied.
• Understanding the mechanisms of Cissus verticillata could provide insights into novel therapeutic strategies for diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the antioxidant and antiglycation properties of Cissus verticillata leaf hydroethanolic extract (CvExt).
• To evaluate CvExt's ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs).
• To identify the key metabolites within CvExt responsible for its observed bioactivity.

Main Methods:

• Antioxidant activity was assessed using ROS scavenging assays.
• Antiglycation activity was evaluated by incubating bovine serum albumin with glucose or methylglyoxal in the presence of CvExt, monitoring AGEs, amino acid oxidation, and protein carbonyl groups (PCO).
• Liquid-liquid extractions, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were employed for metabolite profiling.

Main Results:

• CvExt demonstrated significant ROS scavenging capabilities.
• The extract effectively inhibited the formation of AGEs and markers of amino acid oxidation.
• CvExt treatment led to a decrease in protein carbonyl groups (PCO) levels.
• Major compounds identified in CvExt include flavonoids, cinnamic acid derivatives, coumarins, free amino acids, and lipophilic substances.

Conclusions:

• Cissus verticillata extract exhibits significant in vitro inhibitory effects against glycoxidative stress.
• The observed antioxidant and antiglycation activities are likely attributed to the complex mixture of phytochemicals present in the extract.
• These findings support the traditional use of Cissus verticillata and suggest its potential for managing diabetic complications.