Evaluation of the Cardiac Effects of a Water-Soluble Lectin (Wsmol) from Moringa Oleifera Seeds

Abstract Background Moringa oleifera seeds, which are used for water clarification, contain a lectin named WSMoL which has shown in vitro antibacterial and immunomodulatory activity. Due to their nutritional value and therapeutic potential, the leaves and seeds of this tree are eaten in some communities. Some plant lectins are non-toxic to mammals, but others have been reported to be harmful when ingested or administered by other means. Objective As one of the steps needed to define the safety of WSMoL, we evaluated possible cardiotoxic effects of this purified protein. Methods: WSMoL was administered for 21 consecutive days to mice by gavage. Electrophysiological, mechanical, and metabolic cardiac functions were investigated by in vivo and ex vivo electrocardiographic recordings, nuclear magnetic resonance, and high-resolution respirometry. Results The treatment with WSMoL did not induce changes in blood glucose levels or body weight in comparison with control group. Moreover, the heart weight/body weight and heart weight/tibia length ratios were similar in both groups. Lectin ingestion also did not modify glucose tolerance or insulin resistance. No alterations were observed in electrocardiographic parameters or cardiac action potential duration. The heart of mice from the control and WSMoL groups showed preserved left ventricular function. Furthermore, WSMoL did not induce changes in mitochondrial function (in all cases, p > 0.05). Conclusions The administration of WSMoL demonstrated a cardiac safety profile. These results contribute to the safety evaluation of using M. oleifera seeds to treat water, since this lectin is present in the preparation employed by some populations to this end. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

摘要 背景 用于净水的辣木（Moringa oleifera）种子中含有一种名为WSMoL的凝集素（lectin），该凝集素已被证实具有体外抗菌与免疫调节活性。鉴于其营养价值与治疗潜力，部分社区会食用该树种的叶片与种子。部分植物凝集素对哺乳动物无毒，但另有部分凝集素经摄入或其他途径给药后，被报道具有危害性。目的 作为明确WSMoL安全性的必要步骤之一，本研究评估了该纯化蛋白潜在的心脏毒性作用。方法 本研究通过灌胃法连续21天向小鼠给予WSMoL。采用在体与离体心电图记录、核磁共振波谱法以及高分辨率呼吸测定法，探究心脏电生理、机械功能与代谢功能。结果 与对照组相比，WSMoL处理未引起小鼠血糖水平或体重的变化。此外，两组的心脏重量/体重比以及心脏重量/胫骨长度比均无显著差异。凝集素摄入也未改变葡萄糖耐量或胰岛素抵抗情况。心电图参数及心脏动作电位时程均未观察到异常改变。对照组与WSMoL组小鼠的心脏均保留了正常的左心室功能。进一步而言，WSMoL未引起线粒体功能的任何异常变化（所有组别p > 0.05）。结论 给予WSMoL展现出良好的心脏安全性。该结果有助于评估辣木（Moringa oleifera）种子用于净水的安全性，因为这类凝集素存在于部分人群用于净水的制剂当中。(Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)