Safety and bioactive potential of nanoparticles containing Cantaloupe melon (Cucumis melo L.) carotenoids in an experimental model of chronic inflammation

• Published in: Biotechnology reports (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Vol. 28; p. e00567
• Main Authors: Medeiros, Isaiane, de Oliveira, Grazielle Louise Ribeiro, de Queiroz, Jaluza Luana Carvalho, de Carvalho Gomes, Camila, de Carvalho, Fabiana Maria Coimbra, de Souza Lima, Maíra Conceição Jerônimo, Serquiz, Alexandre Coelho, de Andrade Santos, Pedro Paulo, da Silva Camillo, Christina, Maciel, Bruna Leal Lima, de Araújo Morais, Ana Heloneida, Passos, Thaís Souza
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.12.2020; Elsevier
• Subjects: Curcubitaceae; Nanotechnology; Obesity; Toxicity; β-carotene; PVI; ALP; Toxicity; ALT; PVN; THC; BSD; OECD; Curcubitaceae; FTIR; HGLI; PHT; Obesity; AST; CE; EI; IIF; β-carotene; PUV; CEUA; GGT; PVA; SEM; EPG; PIGI; Nanotechnology
• ISSN: 2215-017X; 2215-017X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2020.e00567

•Carotenoids present anti-inflammatory effects in healthy and overweight adults.•Nanotechnology can enhance carotenoid's bioactive potential.•Nanoparticles loaded with carotenoids from Cantaloupe melon were used in obese rats.•Animals receiving the nanoparticles showed no signs of toxicity.•Animals treated with nanoparticles had organs better aspect compared to untreated. The safety and bioactive potential of crude carotenoid extract from Cantaloupe melon nanoencapsulated in porcine gelatin (EPG) were evaluated in a chronic inflammatory experimental model. Animals were fed a high glycemic index and high glycemic load (HGLI) diet for 17 weeks and treated for ten days with 1) HGLI diet, 2) standard diet, 3) HGLI diet + crude carotenoid extract (CE) (12.5 mg/kg), and 4) HGLI diet + EPG (50 mg/kg). General toxicity signals were investigated, considering body weight, food intake, hematological, biochemical parameters, relative weight, morphology, and histopathology of organs. The biochemical parameters indicated the low toxicity of EPG. Acute hepatitis was observed in animals' livers, but CE and EPG groups presented improved tissue appearance. Chronic enteritis was observed in animals, with villi and intestinal glands preservation in the EPG group. The results suggest the safety and the bioactive effect of EPG, possibly related to its anti-inflammatory potential.