In vivo Effects of Black and Green Tea on Serum Lipid Profile and Cardiac Function in Hyperlipidemic Rats

Olu Oyewole,Juliana Adetunji,Omowumi Adewale

doi:10.51152/jbarbiomed.v5i1.26

Abstract

Objective: The study was designed to investigate the in vivo effects of black and green tea consumption on serum lipid profile and cardiac function in hyperlipidemic rats. Methods: 24 male Wistar rats, average weight 125 g were sorted into four groups: A, B, C and D. Normal control group (A) were fed standard rat chow; the remaining three groups (B, C and D) received rat chow supplemented with 2% (w/w) cholesterol to induce hypercholesterolemia. Group C and D were administered 40 mg/ml of black and green tea respectively while group B (hyperlipidemic control) were not treated. The feeding and tea administration lasted 6 weeks. Results: Significant reduction in body weight and heart weight index was recorded in rats administered black and green tea compared with the untreated group. Black and green tea consumption also caused significant decrease in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk ratio accompanied with elevated HDL-cholesterol compared to untreated group. Significant alterations in cardiac marker enzymes: creatine kinase (CK), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were also observed in serum and heart homogenates of untreated hyperlipidemic rats which were normalized in rats administered the teas. These results are synonymous with decreased risk of atherosclerosis and protective potential on cardiac function by green and black tea. Conclusion: We conclude in this study that regular intake of black and green tea might be useful in treatment of obesity and prevention of cardiovascular complications arising from hyperlipidemia.

Highlights

Coronary heart disease remains the main cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide with 17.3 million deaths each year which might rise to 23.6 million by 2030 (American Heart Association, 2016) Elevated level of all lipids with exception to HDL is a risk factor in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases including arteriosclerosis
There was significant increase in body weight gain and heart weight index in hyperlipidemic untreated rats compared with the normal control
The observed decrease in total cholesterol, LDLcholesterol, triglycerides and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk ratio accompanied with elevated HDL-cholesterol in the serum of rats to normal value following black and green tea consumption is indicative of their hypolipidemic property which is synonymous with decreased risk of atherosclerosis (Rifai, and Warnick, 2006)

Summary

Introduction

Coronary heart disease remains the main cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide with 17.3 million deaths each year which might rise to 23.6 million by 2030 (American Heart Association, 2016) Elevated level of all lipids with exception to HDL is a risk factor in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases including arteriosclerosis. HDL particles are able to remove cholesterol from within the artery and transport them back to the liver for excretion or re-utilization. Those with higher levels of HDL cholesterol seem to have fewer problems with cardiovascular diseases, while those with low HDL cholesterol levels have increased rates of heart disease. Clinical studies have shown that elevated HDL-cholesterol as well as reduction in total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol using diet or drugs decreases the incidence of coronary heart disease (Superko et al, 2002; Homady et al, 2002)

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Conclusion