Diet enriched with the Amazon fruit açaí (Euterpe oleracea) prevents electrophysiological deficits and oxidative stress induced by methyl-mercury in the rat retina

Brasil A, De Farias Rocha FA, Gomes BD, Oliveira KRM, De Carvalho TS, Batista EDJO, Borges RDS, Kremers J, Herculano AM (2016)


Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2016

Journal

Book Volume: 20

Pages Range: 265-272

Journal Issue: 5

DOI: 10.1080/1028415X.2015.1119378

Abstract

Background The protective effect of a diet supplemented by the Amazonian fruit Euterpe oleracea (EO) against methylmercury (MeHg) toxicity in rat retina was studied using electroretinography (ERG) and biochemical evaluation of oxidative stress. Method Wistar rats were submitted to conventional diet or EO-enriched diet for 28 days. After that, each group received saline solution or 5 mg/kg/day of MeHg for 7 days. Full-field single flash, flash and flicker ERGs were evaluated in the following groups: control, EO, MeHg, and EO+MeHg. The amplitudes of the a-wave, b-wave, photopic negative response from rod and/or cone were measured by ERGs as well as the amplitudes and phases of the fundamental component of the sine-wave flicker ERG. Lipid peroxidation was determined by thiobarbituric acid reactive species. Results All ERG components had decreased amplitudes in the MeHg group when compared with controls. EO-enriched food had no effect on the non-intoxicated animals. The intoxicated animals and those that received the supplemented diet presented significant amplitude reductions of the cone b-wave and of the fundamental flicker component when compared with non-intoxicated control. The protective effect of the diet on scotopic conditions was only observed for bright flashes eliciting a mixed rod and cone response. There was a significant increase of lipid peroxidation in the retina from animals exposed to MeHg and EO-supplemented diet was able to prevent MeHg-induced oxidative stress in retinal tissue. Conclusion These findings open up perspectives for the use of diets supplemented with EO as a protective strategy against visual damage induced by MeHg.

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APA:

Brasil, A., De Farias Rocha, F.A., Gomes, B.D., Oliveira, K.R.M., De Carvalho, T.S., Batista, E.D.J.O.,... Herculano, A.M. (2016). Diet enriched with the Amazon fruit açaí (Euterpe oleracea) prevents electrophysiological deficits and oxidative stress induced by methyl-mercury in the rat retina. Nutritional Neuroscience, 20(5), 265-272. https://doi.org/10.1080/1028415X.2015.1119378

MLA:

Brasil, Aldia, et al. "Diet enriched with the Amazon fruit açaí (Euterpe oleracea) prevents electrophysiological deficits and oxidative stress induced by methyl-mercury in the rat retina." Nutritional Neuroscience 20.5 (2016): 265-272.

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