Assessment of biochemical and antioxidant parameters in rats exposed to Lentinula edodes (shiitake) and its possible use in metabolic disturbances

Abstract

The incidence of overweight and obesity have been increasing worldwide, decreasing the quality of life and increasing the public spending with patients since overweight and obesity are closely linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes, dyslipidemias, and cardiac diseases. One of the main mechanisms involved in obesity pathogenesis is the oxidative stress. The excess of nutrients (glucose, fatty acids) triggers, among others cellular effects, the overproduction of reactive species, which are unstable and can damage cellular structure to react with lipids, proteins and DNA. The organism has antioxidants defenses, as reduced glutathione, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, metallothionein. However exogenous antioxidants gotten from food are frequently required, such as vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Edible mushrooms are food with excellent nutritional properties since they are low in calories, are source of proteins, vitamins and selenium. Researches have showed that phytochemicals from edible mushrooms have many pharmacological effects, among them cholesterol reducing, hypoglycemic, and antioxidant. Nevertheless in vivo studies evaluating these effects are important. Thus this study intends evaluate biochemical and antioxidant effects from the daily intake of Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) in normal rats and in rat with metabolic disturbance by the high caloric diet ingestion. (AU)