Caiman yacare Oil Enhances Endocytic Activity Without Triggering Oxidative or Nitrosative Stress in Murine Macrophages

In recent years, the search for immunomodulatory compounds derived from natural sources has increased. Caiman yacare visceral fat oil has shown promise because of its complex lipid profile and potential anti-inflammatory properties. This study evaluated the cytotoxicity, redox behavior, nitric oxide release, and endocytic capacity of murine macrophages treated with C. yacare visceral fat oil. J774A.1 macrophages were exposed to different concentrations of oil. Cell viability was assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay; reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide production were evaluated by flow cytometry and the Griess reaction, respectively. Phagocytosis and pinocytosis assays were performed using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)–labeled E. coli and neutral red uptake. Caiman yacare visceral fat oil was non-cytotoxic at concentrations up to 250 μg/ml. No increases in intracellular reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide production were observed. Caiman yacare visceral fat oil significantly inhibited nitric oxide release from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages and enhanced phagocytosis at all tested concentrations. Pinocytosis was significantly increased at 50 μg/ml. Caiman yacare visceral fat oil exhibited immunomodulatory potential by attenuating lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide release while enhancing phagocytic capacity, supporting its potential as a natural immunopharmacological agent.