WITHDRAWN: Cold-water extract of Korean Red Ginseng exhibits potent inhibitory effects against cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity and fructose-mediated glycation along with lipid-lowering activity in hyperlipidemic zebrafish

Abstract

Abstract Background Red ginseng (RG) is widely used to treat complications of diabetes and atherosclerosis because of its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. Methods In order to investigate the antiatherosclerotic and antisenescence activities of water extracts of RG powder, the lyophilized extract was treated to human macrophage, dermal cells, and brain glioma cells, and supplemented to hyperlipidemic zebrafish. Results Aqueous extracts of RG showed potent inhibitory activity against fructose-mediated glycation and protective effect against low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. RG extracts also showed potent antiatherogenic activities, demonstrated inhibitory activity against cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), and inhibited cellular uptake of oxidized LDL into macrophages. As in vivo test, zebrafish consumed a high cholesterol diet (HCD) [final, 4% in diet (wt/wt)] with or without RG [final, 10% or 20% (wt/wt)]. The 10% and 20% RG groups showed reductions of 5% and 3%, respectively, in weight and height compared to the HCD group. Plasma total cholesterol level was significantly reduced in both the 10% and 20% RG groups, and glutamic–pyruvic transaminase activity was reduced in the 20% RG group compared to the HCD group. Finally, plasma from zebrafish that consumed 20% RG showed the lowest plasma CETP activity with the least hepatic inflammation and fatty liver change. Conclusion Aqueous extracts of RG suppressed the incidence of atherosclerosis via strong antioxidant potential, prevention of apolipoprotein A-I glycation, uptake of oxLDL, and inhibition of CETP activity. Consumption of RG in hyperlipidemic zebrafish model exhibited potent lipid-lowering and atheroprotective activities with the least fatty liver change.