Consumption of Cashew Nuts on Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation Markers in Methionine-Induced Hyperhomocysteinemia in Rats

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), a metabolic disorder that causes a higher risk of neurovascular disease, is brought on by elevated blood levels of Hcy. Increased production of ROS and neuroinflammation, which result in neuronal damage and ultimately neuronal death, are known consequences of HHcy. The oxidative effect could be neutralized through the consumption of products rich in polyphenols, such as cashew nuts. Therefore, the objective of the study was to investigate the beneficial effect of cashews in an experimental condition of HHcy. HHcy was induced in rats by oral methionine (Meth) administration for 30 days, and cashew nuts at the dose of 100 mg/kg were administered by oral gavage for 30 consecutive days. Our results showed that Meth administration induced oxidative stress, astrocytes, and microglia activation, and neuronal cell death. Daily consumption of cashew nuts was able to counteract oxidative stress by the modulation of the antioxidant NRF-2 pathway and consequent reduction of lipid peroxidation and upregulation of antioxidant enzyme levels, such as GSH and HO-1. At the same way, Cashew nuts reduced neuroinflammatory markers and apoptotic process, as demonstrated by TUNEL assay and Bax and Bcl-2 levels. Thus, the results suggested that the balanced consumption of cashew nuts could have a positive action in the prevention of HHcy-induced disorders.