Atherosclerotic Biomarkers (Interleukin-6 and CD40) and Tunica Intima Thickness in Obese Rats after the Administration of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng Ethanol Extract

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Obesity can increase oxidative stress, thereby increasing the inflammatory markers interleukin (IL)-6. These markers are characterized by various biomarkers, such as cluster of differentiation 40 (CD40) and IL-6, and thickness of the tunica intima. 
 AIM: This study aims to analyze the effect of the Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng ethanol extract on IL-6, CD40, and thickening of the tunica intima of obese rats. 
 METHODS: The pure experimental method with complete random design consisted of several research groups: C− (negative control), C+ (positive control/cholesterol feed), positive control (cholesterol feed + CMC), T1_Chol_300 (cholesterol feed and administration of 300 mg/kg body weight [BW] P. amboinicus for 45 days), T2_Chol_600 (cholesterol feed and administration of 600 mg/kg BW P. amboinicus for 45 days), and T3_chol_900 (cholesterol feed and administration of 900 mg/kg BW P. amboinicus for 45 days). 
 RESULTS: Results showed increased CD40 levels in the blood plasma of obese rats and decreased CD40 levels after the administration of the ethanol extract of P. amboinicus leaves. A significantly increased (p < 0.05) level of lL-6 in the obese mice group and a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in IL-6 after the administration of the ethanol extract of P. amboinicus leaves were observed. Tunica intima thickness significantly occurred (p < 0.05) in the group of obese rats, and normal tunica intima thickness occurred in the group administered with the ethanol extract of P. amboinicus leaves. 
 CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the ethanol extract of P. amboinicus leaves (900 mg/kg BW) had the potential to normalize obese rats.