Date of Award

11-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Environmental Science

First Advisor

Carine Platat

Second Advisor

Juma Musabah Mohammed AI- Kaabi

Third Advisor

Rabih M. Kamleh

Abstract

Chronic diseases are among the main leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Oxidative stress (defined as an imbalance in the reactive oxygen species production/degradation ratio) in interaction with inflammation, has been highlighted as one major underlying mechanism in the development of these diseases. Due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, polyphenols could prevent the development of chronic diseases. Interestingly, date seeds are particularly rich in such compounds. Nonetheless, an in vivo study aiming at studying and understanding antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of date seeds in serum and various organs is missing. Therefore, the present preclinical study is a step further to investigate these effects of date seeds in animal. Forty rats were fed for 13 weeks with either a control diet or a diet containing date seed powder (DSP) (0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.8%). Biomarkers of the antioxidant status, protein and lipid oxidative damages, low-grade inflammation markers were measured in the serum and organs and histopathology was done. DSP was shown as not altering organs’ function, as significantly increasing the antioxidant defense system in serum and organs and as decreasing protein and lipid oxidative damages in organs. Besides, DSP did not alter the immune inflammation markers. This highlights a preventive role of DSP against oxidative stress-related chronic diseases as well as suggesting its possible anti-inflammatory effects.

Download
COinS