Spirulina platensis Improves Mitochondrial Function Impaired by Elevated Oxidative Stress in Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (ASCs) and Intestinal Epithelial Cells (IECs), and Enhances Insulin Sensitivity in Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) Horses.
Abstract: Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is a steadily growing life-threatening endocrine disorder linked to insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and systemic inflammation. Inflammatory microenvironment of adipose tissue constitutes the direct tissue milieu for various cell populations, including adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ASCs), widely considered as a potential therapeutic cell source in the course of the treatment of metabolic disorders. Moreover, elevated oxidative stress induces inflammation in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs)-the first-line cells exposed to dietary compounds. In the conducted research, we showed that in vitro application of contributes to the restoration of ASCs' and IECs' morphology and function through the reduction of cellular oxidative stress and inflammation. Enhanced viability, suppressed senescence, and improved proliferation of ASCs and IECs isolated from metabolic syndrome-affected individuals were evident following exposition to Spirulina. A protective effect of the investigated extract against mitochondrial dysfunction and degeneration was also observed. Moreover, our data demonstrate that Spirulina extract effectively suppressed LPS-induced inflammatory responses in macrophages. In vivo studies showed that horses fed with a diet based on supplementation lost weight and their insulin sensitivity improved. Thus, our results indicate the engagement of nourishing as an interesting alternative approach for supporting the conventional treatment of equine metabolic syndrome.
Publication Date: 2017-08-03 PubMed ID: 28771165PubMed Central: PMC5577592DOI: 10.3390/md15080237Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research investigates the role of Spirulina platensis, a type of algae, in improving mitochondrial function and enhancing insulin sensitivity in horses suffering from Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), a serious endocrine disorder. The study finds that the algae reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in two types of cells — adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells and intestinal epithelial cells — and successfully improved the health and insulin sensitivity of EMS-affected horses.
Research Background
- Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is a critical endocrine disorder present in horses leading to insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and systemic inflammation.
- Adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ASCs) and intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) are significantly impacted by the disorder, leading to impaired function and morphology.
- Spirulina platensis, a cyanobacterium that has health-promoting properties, was investigated for its role in mitigating the effects of EMS.
Research Methods and Findings
- The research conducted both in vitro and in vivo studies to investigate the effects of Spirulina platensis supplementation.
- In the lab, it was found that the cyanobacterium reduces cellular oxidative stress and inflammation, thus improving the morphology and function of ASCs and IECs. This restoration was visible in enhanced viability, suppressed senescence, and improved proliferation of these cells.
- Spirulina extract also exhibited protective effects on mitochondrial dysfunction and degeneration — a cellular implication of EMS.
- Further, it was found that the extract could suppress LPS-induced inflammatory responses in macrophages, critical cells involved in innate immune response.
- The in vivo studies involved EMS-affected horses, whose diet was supplemented with Spirulina extract. Over time, weight loss was observed in these horses, and their insulin sensitivity improved, indicating effective mitigation of the syndrome’s effects.
Conclusion and Implications
- This research points out that Spirulina platensis can potentially be used as a supplemental treatment in managing equine metabolic syndrome. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it beneficial for restoring cellular health.
- However, the study also stresses the need for more extensive research and investigation into the long-term use and potential side effects of Spirulina platensis supplementation before it can become an established form of treatment.
Cite This Article
APA
Nawrocka D, Kornicka K, Śmieszek A, Marycz K.
(2017).
Spirulina platensis Improves Mitochondrial Function Impaired by Elevated Oxidative Stress in Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (ASCs) and Intestinal Epithelial Cells (IECs), and Enhances Insulin Sensitivity in Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) Horses.
Mar Drugs, 15(8), 237.
https://doi.org/10.3390/md15080237 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Experimental Biology, The Faculty of Biology and Animal Science, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 27b Norwida Str., 50-375 Wroclaw, Poland. daria.k.nawrocka@gmail.com.
- Department of Experimental Biology, The Faculty of Biology and Animal Science, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 27b Norwida Str., 50-375 Wroclaw, Poland. kornicka.katarzyna@gmail.com.
- Wroclaw Research Centre EIT+, Stablowicka Str. 147, 54-066 Wroclaw, Poland. kornicka.katarzyna@gmail.com.
- Department of Experimental Biology, The Faculty of Biology and Animal Science, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 27b Norwida Str., 50-375 Wroclaw, Poland. smieszek.agnieszka@gmail.com.
- Department of Experimental Biology, The Faculty of Biology and Animal Science, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 27b Norwida Str., 50-375 Wroclaw, Poland. krzysztofmarycz@interia.pl.
- Wroclaw Research Centre EIT+, Stablowicka Str. 147, 54-066 Wroclaw, Poland. krzysztofmarycz@interia.pl.
MeSH Terms
- Adipose Tissue / metabolism
- Animals
- Epithelial Cells / metabolism
- Horses
- Insulin Resistance
- Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism
- Intestines / cytology
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells / metabolism
- Metabolic Syndrome / metabolism
- Mitochondria / drug effects
- Mitochondria / metabolism
- Obesity / metabolism
- Oxidative Stress / drug effects
- Spirulina / metabolism
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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