Hypolipidaemic and renoprotective effects of Glycine max (Soy bean) against lipid profile and renal biochemical alterations in hypercholesterolemic rat

Abstract

Background : Hyperlipidemia can be defined as concentration of lipids in the blood of a fasted (>12hrs) patient that exceeds the upper range of normal for that species. Studies have showed that rats with hypercholesterolemia are prompt to the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Methods: Twenty-four (24) male albino Wister rats were used in this study. The rats weighed between 180-190g and were randomly divided into four (4) groups (A-D) with six (6) rats per group. For hypercholesterolemia induction, rats in group B, C and D were administered with HCD (2000mg/kg) once daily in the presence of carbimazole (1.35mg/kg) for 14days. Group B (test group) were treated with soymilk (2000mg/kg) and group C (positive control) with atorvastatin (20mg/kg) for 14 days. Group A (normal control) received water and vital feed only. At the end, fasting blood specimens were collected from all the animals in all the groups for estimation of lipid profile and renal biochemical parameters. The biochemical parameters of lipid profile: Total Cholesterol (TC), High density lipoprotein (HDL), Low density lipoprotein (LDL), Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and Triglycerides (TG) were assayed. Results : Results showed that the test group (soymilk) showed a non-significant decrease in TC, TG, LDL, VLDL and a non-significant increase in HDL concentrations but not as much as group C (Atorvastatin) which showed a significant decrease in TC and LDL (p<0.01), TG (p<0.05), VLDL and also a significant increase in HDL concentrations (p<0.05) when compared to the negative control group (HCD alone).Renal injury was assessed by measuring serum Na + , K + , Cl - , HCO 3 - , creatinine and urea levels. The HCD treatment resulted in marked elevation of: K + (8.670.77mmol/l); creatinine (2.070.23mg/dl); and urea (89.0014.42mg/dl) and caused deranged renal functions which were significantly improved by soymilk treatment: K + (6.510.34mmol/l); creatinine (1.030.24mg/dl); and urea (46.676.89mg/dl) with [P<0.05 or p<0.01]. Conclusion: Arguably, the phytochemicals in soy prevented dyslipidaemia and protected the kidney against the oxidative stress and the resultant renal dysfunction produced by hypercholesterolemia.