Avaliação do Impacto do Extrato Aquoso de Amora-Preta na Modulação Oxidativa e Hormonal em Ratos com Hipotireoidismo

Abstract

Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by a deficiency of thyroid hormones that mainly affects women and the elderly and is related to alterations in metabolism, liver and kidneys. It has also been associated with oxidative stress and biochemical alterations such as dyslipidemia. Oxidative stress plays a key role in worsening the disease and can compromise hormonal homeostasis. Although treatment with levothyroxine is effective, it has limitations, which makes it necessary to look for complementary therapies. In this context, diets rich in fruit and vegetables, such as blackberries, which contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties, may be beneficial in the treatment of diseases related to oxidative stress, such as hypothyroidism. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of Cainguá blackberry extract on oxidative, biochemical and hormonal parameters in Wistar rats with Methimazole-induced hypothyroidism. Twenty-four 60-day-old adult male Wistar rats were used, divided into three experimental groups (n=8 per group): Control (water), Hypothyroidism (Methimazole) and Hypothyroidism + Cainguá blackberry extract (150 mg/kg). Hypothyroidism was induced by administering Methimazole in the drinking water at a concentration of 20 mg/100 mL for 15 days. After this, the animals in the hypothyroidism groups continued to receive methimazole and were also given blackberry extract for a further 22 days, until the end of the experiment. The results indicated that the animals with hypothyroidism showed significant reductions in T3 and T4 levels, and treatment with the mulberry extract was effective in partially reversing the drop in T4 levels. In addition, the mulberry extract had beneficial effects, reversing changes in triglyceride and total cholesterol levels, which were decreased and increased, respectively, in the group with hypothyroidism. Finally, there were positive effects of blackberry extract on antioxidant parameters, especially the reversal of lipid peroxidation levels and catalase enzyme activity. These findings suggest that blackberry extract can help reduce the oxidative stress associated with thyroid dysfunction, as well as helping to regulate the hormonal and lipid profile, presenting itself as a complementary therapeutic alternative to conventional treatment.