Açaí seed extract attenuates metabolic dysfunction and adipocyte hypertrophy by improving oxidative and inflammatory...

Menopause is a physiological transition characterized by the cessation of ovarian function and a decline in estrogen production, contributing to metabolic dysfunction, adipose tissue remodeling, oxidative stress, and chronic low-grade inflammation. Due to contraindications of hormone therapy for some women, natural compounds have been investigated. We hypothesized that açaí seed extract (ASE) would improve metabolic parameters and reduce white and brown adipose tissue (BAT) remodeling through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Sprague-Dawley rats (90 days old) underwent bilateral ovariectomy (OVX), with Sham rats as controls. ASE supplementation (200 mg/kg/day) started 4 weeks after surgery and lasted 8 weeks. Food intake and body weight were assessed. Body composition was evaluated by nuclear magnetic resonance. After treatment, animals were euthanized by decapitation. Plasma lipid profile, 17 β-estradiol, leptin, and thyroid hormones were assessed. Retroperitoneal white adipose tissue (rWAT) and BAT were isolated for morphometric analysis and assessment of oxidative damage, antioxidant activity, and proinflammatory cytokines. UCP-1 immunostaining was evaluated in BAT. 17 β-estradiol concentrations and uterine weight were reduced by OVX and were not modified by ASE. ASE attenuated OVX-induced alterations in body fat mass, dyslipidemia, leptin, and total T3; prevented adipocyte hypertrophy in rWAT; reduced interleukin 6 and oxidative damage; and improved antioxidant activity in rWAT and BAT. The extract reduced body weight gain, body fluid, and tumor necrosis factor alpha concentrations and increased UCP-1 immunostaining, independent of ovarian status. The results suggest that ASE has potential to mitigate metabolic alterations associated with OVX, with some effects occurring independently of ovarian status.