Effect of bergamot (Citrus bergamia) leaf extract on the redox-inflammatory state in obesity target organs

Abstract

High sugar and fat diets, when consumed in excess, can trigger obesity and complications, which mainly affect the liver, kidneys, heart and adipose tissue, considered obesity target organs. Studies report that these complications are mainly associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. Bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, present in bergamot (Citrus bergamia), have been the focus of research with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study will be to evaluate the effect of consumption Bergamot leaf extract (Citrus bergamia) on inflammatory and oxidative parameters in target organs of obesity (liver, kidneys, heart and adipose tissue) of animals submitted to consumption of high sugar fat diet. Male Wistar rats (n = 48) will first be randomly divided into two groups with Control diet (C, n = 24 animals) and high sugar fat diet (HSF, n=24 animals) for 20 weeks. After this period the animals will be randomized again into 4 groups receiving Control diet + Placebo Treatment (C + P, n= 12 animals), Control diet + Leaf Extract (C + Fo, n = 12 animals), High Sugar Fat diet + Placebo treatment (HSF + P, n = 12 animals), High Sugar Fat diet + Leaf Extract (HSF + Fo, n = 12 animals), for 10 weeks ad libitum. The extract of the bergamot leaves will be administered daily by gavage at a concentration of 50mg/kg of weight diluted in drinking water; placebo groups will receive drinking water by gavage daily just like the treated group. Groups with HSF diets will receive sucrose in water at a concentration of 25% with an already established dietary model. Animal consumption will be measured daily to assess caloric intake and weight will be measured weekly. The animals will be evaluated for adiposity index, cardiovascular, glycidic and lipidic plasma and hormonal profile, renal and hepatic functions in addition to Inflammatory and RedOx system markers in target organs of obesity (liver, kidneys, heart and adipose tissue). The data will be presented by descriptive measures of position and variability and analyzed by specific tests of comparison. (AU)