Modulation of cholesterol induced hypercholesterolemia through dietary factors in Indian desert gerbils ( Meriones hurrianae)

Abstract

Modulation of cholesterol-induced hypercholesterolemia through dietary factors in Indian desert gerbils fed a formulated diet based on cereals and pulses incorporated with spices and either coconut oil (CNO) or crude palm oil (CPO) or soybean oil (SBO) with or without cholesterol showed no significant difference either in growth rate or feed consumption. Analysis of serum lipids and lipoproteins showed no significant increase in total cholesterol levels in various experimental groups. The LDL-c + VLDL-c/HDL-c ratio was highest in the cholesterol supplemented CNO group followed by CPO and SBO groups. While significantly high levels of cholesterol were observed in liver in the experimental groups, no increase was observed in heart. Excess excretion of cholesterol in bile was observed. The 16:0/20:4 ratio, an indicator of atherogenic potential while significantly high in all the experimental groups in both serum and liver was almost comparable in heart. Moderate to heavy generalized fatty infiltration was observed in liver tissue in all the experimental dietary groups. In conclusion, the study indicated that SBO was effective in lowering cholesterol levels followed by CPO.