A Euterpe oleracea (açaí) modifica o metabolismo de esteróis e atenua a aterosclerose induzida experimentalmente

• Ano de defesa: 2011
• Autor(a) principal: Feio, Claudine Maria Alves [UNIFESP]
• Tipo de documento: Tese
• Tipo de acesso: Acesso aberto
• Idioma: por
• Instituição de defesa: Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)
• Palavras-chave em Português: Aterosclerose/prevenção & controle; Desmosterol; Fitosteróis; Lípides; Euterpe olerácea; Frutas; Coelhos; Animais; Atherosclerosis/prevention & control; Lipids; Phytosterols; Euterpe oleracea; Fruits; Rabbits; Animals
• Link de acesso: http://repositorio.unifesp.br/handle/11600/8819

Background: Euterpe oleracea (acai) is a fruit from the Amazon region, whose chemical composition may be beneficial for individuals with atherosclerosis. We hypothesized that consumption of Euterpe oleracea would reduce therosclerosis development by a decrease in cholesterol absorption and synthesis. Methods: Male New Zealand rabbits were fed a cholesterol-enriched diet (0.5%) for 12 weeks, when they were randomized to receive Euterpe oleracea extract or water plus a 0.05% cholesterol-enriched diet for additional 12 weeks. Plasma phytosterols and desmosterol were determined by ultra performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Atherosclerotic lesions were estimated by computerized planimetry. Results: At sacrifice, animals treated with Euterpe oleracea had lower levels of total cholesterol (p=0.03) and non-HDL-cholesterol (p=0.03) as compared to controls. These animals had smaller atherosclerotic plaque area in their aortas (p=0.001) and a smaller intima/media ratio (p=0.002) in comparison with controls. At the end of the study, campesterol, ƒÀ-sitosterol, and desmosterol plasma levels did not differ between groups. However, animals treated with Euterpe oleracea showed lower values for the desmosterol/campesterol (p=0.026) and desmosterol/ƒÀ-sitosterol (p=0.006) ratios as compared to controls. Conclusion: Consumption of Euterpe oleracea extract markedly improved the lipid profile and attenuated atherosclerosis. These effects were related in part to a better balance in the synthesis and absorption of sterols.