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Bergamot Leaf Extract Is Associated With Reduced Hepatic DNA Strand Breaks in Diet-Induced Obese Rats
Luan H S Moreira1,2, Jordanna Cruzeiro1,3, Taynara A Vieira1,3
1São Paulo State University (UNESP), Medical School, Experimental Research Unity (UNIPEX), Botucatu, Brazil.
Abstract:
Obesity is a major global public health challenge associated with chronic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress. Although natural antioxidant compounds have been investigated to mitigate obesity-related molecular damage, the effects of bergamot (Citrus bergamia) leaf extract (BLE) on DNA integrity remains unclear. This study evaluated the effects of BLE on hepatic DNA damage in diet-induced obese rats. Forty Wistar rats were fed either a control or a high-sugar-fat (HSF) diet and treated with BLE by oral gavage. The adiposity index was recorded for all groups, and hepatic DNA damage was assessed using the comet assay. The HSF diet significantly increased both the adiposity index and DNA strand breaks in the liver compared with the control group. Notably, BLE treatment was associated with a lower adiposity index and reduced hepatic DNA strand breaks measured by the comet assay in obese rats (p < 0.05). These findings indicate an association between BLE treatment and reduced hepatic DNA damage in this model of diet-induced obesity.
Insights
Bergamot leaf extract (BLE) may protect against obesity-induced DNA damage. This study found BLE reduced liver DNA strand breaks and adiposity in obese rats, suggesting a potential therapeutic role for BLE in managing metabolic disease.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Molecular Toxicology
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Obesity is a global health issue linked to inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Natural antioxidants are explored for mitigating obesity-related molecular damage.
- The impact of Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) leaf extract (BLE) on DNA integrity in obesity is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of BLE on hepatic DNA damage in diet-induced obese rats.
- To assess BLE's influence on the adiposity index in obese rats.
Main Methods:
- Forty Wistar rats were assigned to control or high-sugar-fat (HSF) diets.
- BLE was administered via oral gavage to assess its effects.
- Adiposity index was measured, and hepatic DNA damage was evaluated using the comet assay.
Main Results:
- The HSF diet significantly increased the adiposity index and liver DNA strand breaks compared to controls.
- BLE treatment in obese rats resulted in a lower adiposity index.
- BLE administration significantly reduced hepatic DNA strand breaks in obese rats (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Diet-induced obesity exacerbates hepatic DNA damage.
- BLE treatment demonstrates a protective effect against DNA damage in the liver of obese rats.
- BLE shows potential as a therapeutic agent for reducing obesity-related DNA damage.