The Anti-Atherogenic Activity of Luteolin and Luteolin-7-O-glucoside in High-Fat Diet-Administered Hyperhomocysteinemia-Induced C57BL/6J Mice

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The anti-atherogenic activity of luteolin and one of its glycoside form, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, was compared in high fat fed homocysteinemia-induced C57BL/6J mice. Methods Forty male C57BL/6J mice (12 wks) were divided into 4 groups; negative control group, homocystein (Hcy) control group, luteolin and luteolin-7-O-glucoside groups and fed by modified AIN-93 with 45% fat and 0.5% cholesterol. Flavones were administered by oral gavage (50 mg/Kg BW) and Hcy (0.9 g/L) were provided in drinking water for 6 weeks. Results The serum concnetrations of Hcy, TG, cholesterol, TNF-α and MCP-1 were significantly increased in Hcy control group, which were mitigated in luteolin and luteolin-7-O-glycoside groups (P < 0.05). Protein expression levels of adhesion molecules, inflammatory markers, such as VCAM, ICAM and COX-2 in liver and aorta were attenuated in luteolin and luteolin-7-O-glycoside groups compared to Hcy control group (P < 0.05). Histopathologic examination by H&E staining and immunohistochemistry in liver and aorta was compatible with protein expression data. Conclusions Luteolin and luteolin-7–O-glycoside exhibited anti-atherogenic activity through the regulation of inflammatory markers and adhesion molecules in high fat-fed hyperhomocysteinemia induced mice. Efficacy of luteolun and luteolin-7-O-glycoside was not different. Funding Sources This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant by the Korea government of MOE (No 201,704,340,001).