Introduction: Epidemiological and in vitro animal experiments reveal that the polyphenols present in certain extracts of vegetables possess antioxidant properties and they may exert antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects (Halliwell, 1996). Artichoke (Cynara Scolymus L.) bracts (AB), very rich in mono and dicaffeoylquinic compounds, are used as an herbal medicine and have been recognized since ancient times for their beneficial and therapeutic effects (Lattanzio et al., 2009). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the inclusion of AB in rabbit diets on liver function indicators and oxidative status. Material and methods: 120 weaned rabbits (38-day-old) were divided into three groups and fed ad libitum three diets (AB0, AB5 and AB10) containing 0, 5, or 10 % of AB inclusion. Liver samples were collected from 7 rabbits per group during slaughtering, washed with ice-cold physiological saline solution (0.9%), blotted dry and weighed. The tissues were homogenized (10% w/v) in potassium phosphate buffer solution (pH= 7.4) then centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 15 min at 4°C. The supernatant was analyzed for biochemical indicator of liver functions. The antioxidant enzyme activities such as Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione Peroxidase (GSH-Px), Catalase (CAT) as well as Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured by spectrophotometric methods. Data were analyzed by One-way ANOVA and differences of means by Duncan's test. Significance was set at p<= 0.05. Results and discussion: A significant difference in ASAT was observed with the lowest value recorded in samples of the AB5 group. AB dietary supplementation produced significant effects on the rabbit liver status, which is evidenced by a significant increase in SOD, GSH-Px and CAT levels. An induction of antioxidant enzymes has been suggested to reflect an enhancement in cellular protection, ensuring that potential oxidants are metabolized and eliminated more rapidly. A significant decrease in MDA levels (p < 0.05) was also observed. The results implies that AB may provide phytochemical compounds that inhibit lipid peroxidation in rabbit liver. Conclusion: The results suggest that AB supplementation in rabbit diet's significantly improved liver antioxidant defense.
Effect of supplementation of artichoke bracts to growing rabbit diets on biochemical liver function and oxidative status
F Gai;
2015
Abstract
Introduction: Epidemiological and in vitro animal experiments reveal that the polyphenols present in certain extracts of vegetables possess antioxidant properties and they may exert antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects (Halliwell, 1996). Artichoke (Cynara Scolymus L.) bracts (AB), very rich in mono and dicaffeoylquinic compounds, are used as an herbal medicine and have been recognized since ancient times for their beneficial and therapeutic effects (Lattanzio et al., 2009). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the inclusion of AB in rabbit diets on liver function indicators and oxidative status. Material and methods: 120 weaned rabbits (38-day-old) were divided into three groups and fed ad libitum three diets (AB0, AB5 and AB10) containing 0, 5, or 10 % of AB inclusion. Liver samples were collected from 7 rabbits per group during slaughtering, washed with ice-cold physiological saline solution (0.9%), blotted dry and weighed. The tissues were homogenized (10% w/v) in potassium phosphate buffer solution (pH= 7.4) then centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 15 min at 4°C. The supernatant was analyzed for biochemical indicator of liver functions. The antioxidant enzyme activities such as Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione Peroxidase (GSH-Px), Catalase (CAT) as well as Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured by spectrophotometric methods. Data were analyzed by One-way ANOVA and differences of means by Duncan's test. Significance was set at p<= 0.05. Results and discussion: A significant difference in ASAT was observed with the lowest value recorded in samples of the AB5 group. AB dietary supplementation produced significant effects on the rabbit liver status, which is evidenced by a significant increase in SOD, GSH-Px and CAT levels. An induction of antioxidant enzymes has been suggested to reflect an enhancement in cellular protection, ensuring that potential oxidants are metabolized and eliminated more rapidly. A significant decrease in MDA levels (p < 0.05) was also observed. The results implies that AB may provide phytochemical compounds that inhibit lipid peroxidation in rabbit liver. Conclusion: The results suggest that AB supplementation in rabbit diet's significantly improved liver antioxidant defense.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.