An SOD rich melon extract Extramel prevents aortic lipids and liver steatosis in diet-induced model of atherosclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
Oxidative stress has been involved in the early steps of atherosclerosis and previous studies on hypercholesterolemic hamsters have shown that non-enzymatic antioxidant could prevent fatty streak formation. Therefore, we investigated whether a melon juice extract (Extramel((R))) rich in superoxide dismutase (SOD) would prevent the development of early atherosclerosis.


RESULTS
The effects of Extramel((R)) on plasma cholesterol, aortic fatty streak formation, hepatic steatosis, superoxide anion tissue production and NAD(P)H oxidase expression were studied in hamsters fed with an atherogenic diet (HF), receiving by gavage either water or Extramel((R)) at 0.7, 2.8 or 5.6mg/d. After 12 weeks of oral administration, Extramel((R)) lowered plasma cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol and induced blood and liver SOD activities. It also strongly reduced the area of aortic fatty streak by 49-85%, cardiac (45%) and liver (67%) production of superoxide anion and liver p22(phox) subunit of NAD(P)H oxidase expression by 66%, and attenuated the development of hepatic steatosis.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings support the view that chronic consumption of melon juice extract rich in SOD has potential beneficial effects with respect to the development of atherosclerosis and liver steatosis, emphasizing its use as potential dietary therapy.
Décordé
K
K
UMR 204 - Prévention des Malnutritions et des Pathologies Associées, Université Montpellier 1 & 2, Place E. Bataillon, CC 023, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 05, France.
Ventura
E
E
Lacan
D
D
Ramos
J
J
Cristol
J-P
JP
Rouanet
J-M
JM
D000818:Animals; D001011:Aorta / Q000378:metabolism; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006224:Cricetinae; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005234:Fatty Liver / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008647:Mesocricetus; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013481:Superoxides / Q000378:metabolism
D004041:Dietary Fats; D008055:Lipids; D010936:Plant Extracts; D013481:Superoxides; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase; C545282:Extramel