Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge) extract on the lipid profiles and antioxidant properties in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. After ovariectomy, the rats were randomly divided into four groups: the non-OVX control (Sham), the OVX-control (OVX), the OVX + 100 mg/kg b.w. of hawthorn extract (OL), and the OVX + 200 mg/kg b.w. of hawthorn extract (OH). The final body weights of the OVX group were significantly increased, but the increment was significantly decreased in hawthorn groups (p < 0.05). The serum total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were significantly elevated in the OVX group, whereas the hawthorn groups showed a significant decrease in these levels (p < 0.05). The hepatic triglyceride (TG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly reduced in the hawthorn groups compared with the OVX group (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significantly decreased in the OVX group, whereas the hawthorn groups exhibited a significant increase in expression (p < 0.05). The protein expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, and GPx were lower in the OVX group than the Sham group (p < 0.05). The oral administration of hawthorn extract reversed the suppression of protein levels. These results suggest that hawthorn extract could have protective effects in OVX rats by improving lipid profiles, decreasing oxidative stress, and improving the antioxidant defense system.
Highlights
Metabolic disorders occurring in menopausal women, including dyslipidemia, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, endothelial dysfunction, and vascular inflammation, constitute risk factors for cardiovascular disease [1,2]
A significant increase in body weights was observed in the OVX group compared with the Sham group
The final body weights were significantly lower in the OL group compared with the OVX group (Figure 1)
Summary
Metabolic disorders occurring in menopausal women, including dyslipidemia, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, endothelial dysfunction, and vascular inflammation, constitute risk factors for cardiovascular disease [1,2]. Clinical epidemiological studies have shown that postmenopausal women and ovariectomized patients have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, partially because of estrogen deficiency–induced oxidative stress. Oxidative stress may aggravate or accelerate established cardiovascular diseases [4]. Oxidative stress is a biochemical disequilibrium propitiated by the excessive production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), play an important role in protection of the body from oxidative damage by ROS [5].
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