Hypoglycaemic and Antioxidant Properties of <i>Acrocomia aculeata</i> (Jacq.) Lodd Ex Mart. Extract Are Associated with Better Vascular Function of Type 2 Diabetic Rats

• Main Authors: Tamaeh Monteiro-Alfredo, Sara Oliveira, Andreia Amaro, Daniela Rosendo-Silva, Katia Antunes, Ana Salomé Pires, Ricardo Teixo, Ana Margarida Abrantes, Maria Filomena Botelho, Miguel Castelo-Branco, Raquel Seiça, Sónia Silva, Kely de Picoli Souza, Paulo Matafome
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-08-01
• Series: Nutrients
• Subjects: diabetes; <i>macaúba</i>; <i>bocaiúva</i>; vascular function; polyphenols
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/8/2856

Oxidative stress is involved in the metabolic dysregulation of type 2 diabetes (DM2). <i>Acrocomia aculeata</i> (Aa) fruit pulp has been described for the treatment of several diseases, and recently we have proved that its leaves have phenolic compounds with a marked antioxidant effect. We aimed to assess whether they can improve metabolic, redox and vascular functions in DM2. Control Wistar (W-Ctrl) and non-obese type 2 diabetic Goto–Kakizaki (GK-Ctrl) rats were treated for 30 days with 200 mg.kg⁻¹ aqueous extract of Aa (EA-Aa) (Wistar, W-EA-Aa/GK, GK-EA-Aa). EA-Aa was able to reduce fasting glycaemia and triglycerides of GK-EA-Aa by improving proteins related to glucose and lipid metabolism, such as GLUT-4, PPARγ, AMPK, and IR, when compared to GK-Ctrl. It also improved viability of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes exposed by H₂O_2. EA-Aa also increased the levels of catalase in the aorta and kidney, reduced oxidative stress and increased relaxation of the aorta in GK-treated rats in relation to GK-Ctrl, in addition to the protective effect against oxidative stress in HMVec-D cells. We proved the direct antioxidant potential of the chemical compounds of EA-Aa, the increase in antioxidant defences in a tissue-specific manner and hypoglycaemic properties, improving vascular function in type 2 diabetes. EA-Aa and its constituents may have a therapeutic potential for the treatment of DM2 complications.