A Comparative study on Efficacy of Lutein and Atorvastatin on Lipid Profile and Lipoprotein(A) in Hypercholesterolemic male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background Hypercholesterolemia is the predominantfactor in developing atherosclerosis and myocardial diseases.A major contributor for the progression of atherosclerosis is abnormalities in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism.Hence the objectives of the study was to estimatethe comparative efficacy of Lutein with atorvastatin on lipid profile and lipoprotein(a) and to estimate the histopahthological changes in hypercholesterolemic male wistar rats. Materials and Methods Experimental Wistar rats (male) were grouped into six. Each group contains 6 rats. Group I is control. Group II received cholesterol rich diet. Group III received cholesterol rich diet and the drug Atorvastatin 5mg/kg. Group IV received cholesterol rich diet and the drugLutein 25mg/kg. Group V received cholesterol rich diet and the drugLutein 50mg/kg. Group VI received cholesterol rich diet and the drug Lutein100mg/kg. At the end of 16 weeks, Blood samples from each rats was taken through retro-orbital puncture to evaluate serum lipoproteinsand lipoprotein(a) and thenwistar rats were sacrificed underinjection I.M Ketamine,Aortaand Liverwere dissected out and sent for histopathological studies. Results The plasma LDL, VLDL, Triglycerides, total cholesterol, lipoprotein(a) levels were reduced in all lutein treated groups and atorvastatin treated group compared to high cholesterol diet group. A significant rise in HDL levels was noted in all Lutein treated groups and atorvastatin treated group. No statistically significant difference was seen between Atorvastatin 5mg/kg body weight and Lutein 100mg/kg body weight on reduction of total cholesterol.The efficacy of the drug Lutein in progression of atherosclerosis and its cytoprotective action in liver was proved in this study. Conclusion This study indicates that Lutein has effect onreducing plasma lipoproteins&the study had shown significant antiatherogenic effect.