title: Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché (Cucurbitaceae) and D-chiro-inositol modulate the redox state and inflammation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Cucurbita ficifolia (characterised by its D chiro inositol (DCI) content) and of synthetic DCI on the redox state, mRNA expression and secretions of proinflammatory cytokines. Additionally, we evaluated the insulin-mimetic action of both treatments by assessing protein kinase B (PKB) activation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Adipocytes were treated with C. ficifolia and synthetic DCI. The redox state was determined by spectrophotometry as changes in the reduced glutathione/oxidised glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities; H2 O2 levels were measured by flow cytometry. The mRNA expression and the protein level of cytokines were determinate by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The activation of PKB activation was detected by Western blot.
  
  
  RESULTS
  C. ficifolia extract and synthetic DCI reduced oxidative stress by decreased H2 O2 levels, increased glutathione peroxidase activity and changes in the GSH/GSSG ratio. Furthermore, DCI decreased the mRNA expression and secretion of tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and resistin, while C. ficifolia reduced protein levels of resistin and increased IL-6 levels. Only DCI demonstrated insulin-mimetic action.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of C. ficifolia extract can be explained in part by its DCI content, which modulates the GSH/GSSG ratio and contributes to a reduced proinflammatory state. C. ficifolia and DCI treatments may reduce the disturbances caused by oxidative stress. Additionally, DCI may improve insulin sensitivity through its insulin-mimetic effects.
authors.affiliation: Posgrade in Experimental Biology, Division of Health and Biological Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University of Iztapalapa, Doctores, Mexico DF, Mexico; Department of Health Sciences, Division of Health and Biological Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University of Iztapalapa, Doctores, Mexico DF, Mexico; Unit of Medical Investigation in Biochemistry, Hospital of Specialties, CMNSXXI, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Doctores, Mexico DF, Mexico.
authors.forename: Ángeles
authors.initials: Á
authors.lastname: Fortis-Barrera
authors.forename: Francisco Javier
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Alarcón-Aguilar
authors.forename: Tania
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Banderas-Dorantes
authors.forename: Margarita
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Díaz-Flores
authors.forename: Rubén
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Román-Ramos
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cruz
authors.forename: Rebeca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: García-Macedo
mesh_terms: D041721:3T3-L1 Cells; D017667:Adipocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D054392:Adipokines / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D028464:Cucurbita / Q000737:chemistry*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology*; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000378:metabolism; D007294:Inositol / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051379:Mice; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051057:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D054392:Adipokines; D000975:Antioxidants; D016207:Cytokines; D010936:Plant Extracts; D007294:Inositol; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D051057:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt
keywords: Cucurbita ficifolia; D-chiro-inositol; inflammation; obesity; oxidative stress