Evaluation of the Biological Effects of a Natural Extract of Chayotte (Sechium edule): A Radiolabeling Analysis

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of an extract of Sechium edule on the labeling of blood elements with 99mTc. A freshly extract of Sechium edule was administered to Wistar rats during 7 days. After that, samples (0.5 mL) of blood were incubated with stannous chloride (SnCl2) and 99mTc. The blood was centrifuged and plasma (P) and RBC were isolated. P and RBC were also precipitated with trichloroacetic acid and soluble (S) and insoluble (I) fraction (F) were determined. The radioactivity (ATI%) was rated in RBC, IF-P and IF-C in a well counter. Due to the analysis of the results it was observed a decrease in the uptake of %ATI by the blood cells in the diabetic group treated with chayotte (89.96 5.16) in comparison to the diabetic group (97.16 1.26). Related to the %ATI binding in the IF-P it was noticed a decrease in the efficiency of radiolabeling in the diabetic group (from 80.22 5.50 to 71.16 1.97) and in the diabetic group treated with the extract (from 80.22 5.50 to 70.87 4.10). Due to the %ATI binding to the IF-C it was observed a decrease in the group treated with chayotte extract (from 91.08 4.10 to 67.26 2.20), in the diabetic group (from 91.08 4.10 to 71.26 2.46) and in the diabetic group treated with chayotte (from 91.08 4.10 to 71.51 3.38). In the light of the results the referred extract has an oxidant action. We suggest that the referred extract may induce the generation of activity metabolites with direct action on the labeling process probably acting in the cell membrane and in the binding sites protein together with an oxidative stress present in diabetes.