Phycobiliprotein C-phycocyanin from Spirulina platensis is powerfully responsible for reducing oxidative stress and NADPH oxidase expression induced by an atherogenic diet in hamsters.
The effects of spirulina and its chromophore phycocyanin, both without bound Se or selenium-enriched, were studied on plasma cholesterol, early atherosclerosis, cardiac production of superoxide anions, and NAD(P)H oxidase expression in hamsters. Forty hamsters were divided into 5 groups of 8 and fed an atherogenic diet for 12 weeks. They received by gavage either 7.14 mL/(kg day) phycocyanin (PC), Se-rich phycocyanin (SePC), spirulina (SP) or Se-rich spirulina (SeSP) in water, or water as control. SeSP and SePC supplied 0.4 microg of Se per 100 g body weight. Plasma cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol concentrations were lower in group consuming SePC. HDL-cholesterol was never affected. SePC significantly increased plasma antioxidant capacity by 42% compared with controls. A sparing effect in liver glutathione peroxidase (87% on average) and superoxide dismutase (56% on average) activity was observed for all the groups compared to controls. Aortic fatty streak area was significantly reduced in the experimental groups, especially by PC (82%) and SePC (85%). Cardiac production of superoxide anion significantly decreased by approximately 46-76% in the four experimental groups and especially in SePC group (76%). The expression of p22phox subunit of NAD(P)H oxidase decreased by 34% after consumption of SePC. The results indicate that chronic consumption of Se-rich spirulina phycocyanin powerfully prevents the development of atherosclerosis. The underlying mechanism is related mainly to inhibiting pro-oxidant factors and at a lesser extent improving the serum lipid profile.
Riss
Jérome
J
EA 4188, Nutrition Humaine, Biodisponibilité et Athérogénèse, Place E. Bataillon, Université Montpellier 1 & 2, 34095 Montpellier, France.
Décordé
Kelly
K
Sutra
Thibault
T
Delage
Martine
M
Baccou
Jean-Claude
JC
Jouy
Nicolas
N
Brune
Jean-Pierre
JP
Oréal
Henri
H
Cristol
Jean-Paul
JP
Rouanet
Jean-Max
JM
D000818:Animals; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006224:Cricetinae; D004036:Diet, Atherogenic; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D008099:Liver / Q000201:enzymology; D008297:Male; D008647:Mesocricetus; D019255:NADPH Oxidases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects*; D010798:Phycocyanin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D053545:Spirulina / Q000737:chemistry*
D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D010798:Phycocyanin; D019255:NADPH Oxidases