Effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum) juice intake on hepatic oxidative stress

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2007

Authors

Ana Faria (Author) FMUP; Rosario Monteiro (Author) FCNAUP; Nuno Mateus (Author) FCUP; Isabel Azevedo (Author) Other; Conceicao Calhau (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: European Journal of Nutrition

Vol. 46 No. 5

Pages: 271-278

ISSN: 1436-6207

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 102 Citations

Scopus - 124 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Medical and Health sciences > Health sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-004-8BG

DOI: 10.1007/s00394-007-0661-z

Abstract (EN): Pomegranate juice (PJ) possesses a high antioxidant activity, which has been related to beneficial health properties. However, in vivo confirmation and characterization of these effects on biological systems are lacking and needed. This study was performed in order to investigate the effect of prolonged PJ ingestion on general oxidation status. For this purpose, mice ingested PJ (or water in control group) during four weeks, after which damage to lipids, proteins and DNA were evaluated as oxidative cell biomarkers. Levels of hepatic glutathione and the activities and expression of enzymes involved in its metabolism were determined. Catalase and SOD activities were quantified as these enzymes have a crucial role in antioxidant defence. Protection against protein and DNA oxidation was found in PJ group. There was also a significant decrease in GSH and GSSG, without change in the GSH/GSSG ratio. All studied enzymatic activities (GPx, GST, GR, SOD and catalase) were found to be decreased by PJ treatment. Additionally, RT-PCR results showed that GST and GS transcription were also decreased in this group. These results are compatible with a protective effect of PJ against systemic oxidative stress in mice.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8