title: The microalga Spirulina platensis presents anti-inflammatory action as well as hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties in diabetic rats.
abstract: Spirulina platensis (Spi) is a microalga presenting high contents of proteins, γ-linolenic acid, vitamins and minerals, and showing many biological activities. It is a promising drug for the treatment of diseases including diabetes. The objectives of this work were to study Spi effects on alloxan-induced diabetic rats, and associate this to its anti-inflammatory activity. The treatment with Spi (25, 50 or 100 mg/kg, p.o.) started 48 h after the alloxan injection, continuing for 5 or 10 days. Biochemical parameters were measured in sera of treated and untreated animals. The anti-inflammatory activity of Spi was assessed by the formalin test and carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice. Immunostainings for TNF-alpha were carried out in the carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats, before and after the Spi treatment, and its effect on the release of myeloperoxidase from human neutrophils was also determined. Spi decreased glycemia as well as triglyceride and total cholesterol levels of diabetic rats. Levels of urea and creatinine were also reduced, while liver transaminases were unaltered. Spi also decreased dose-dependently the 1st (neurogenic) and mainly the 2nd phase (inflammatory) of the formalin test, as well as the carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice. The anti-inflammatory effect of Spi was further confirmed by decreases in TNF-alpha immunostaining in the inflamed paw and in the myeloperoxidase release from human neutrophils. The results showed that the anti-diabetic effect of S. platensis is already manifested after a 5-day treatment. Additionally, considering the relationship between diabetes and inflammation, the microalga anti-inflammatory action may also be involved.
authors.affiliation: G&F Spirulina do Brasil M.E.
authors.forename: Ivan P
authors.initials: IP
authors.lastname: Joventino
authors.forename: Henrique G R
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Alves
authors.forename: Lia C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Neves
authors.forename: Francisca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pinheiro-Joventino
authors.forename: Luzia Kalyne A M
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Leal
authors.forename: Samya A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Neves
authors.forename: Francisco Valdeci
authors.initials: FV
authors.lastname: Ferreira
authors.forename: Gerly Anne C
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Brito
authors.forename: Glauce B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Viana
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000496:Alloxan; D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001688:Biological Products / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D002351:Carrageenan; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003921:Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004487:Edema / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D050356:Lipid Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology; D010179:Pancreas / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D009195:Peroxidase / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D053545:Spirulina; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001688:Biological Products; D015415:Biomarkers; D001786:Blood Glucose; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D000496:Alloxan; D002351:Carrageenan; D009195:Peroxidase