Anti-atherogenic Index Research Articles

Microencapsulated curcumin from Curcuma longa modulates diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in Sprague Dawley rats.

Hypercholesterolemia is one of the major causes of cardiovascular ailments. The study has been conducted on the hypothesis that hypercholesterolemia can be modulated by microencapsulated curcumin due to its enhanced bioavailability. In this context, curcumin obtained from fresh rhizomes of Curcuma longa by conventional (CSE) and supercritical fluid (SFE) extractions, has been successfully microencapsulated using a mixture of gelatin and maltodextrin. The microencapsulated curcumin CSE &SFE, has been added as supplemented diet and has been resulted in maximum plasma concentration of curcumin at 100 min as 529.31 ± 8.73 and 405.23 ± 7.12 μg/mL, respectively compared to non-encapsulated turmeric powder used as control. During the bio evaluation trial, turmeric powder (3%), microencapsulated curcuminCSE (1%) and microencapsulated curcuminSFE (0.5%) were provided to designate rat groups categorized by normal; N1, N2, and N3 and hypercholesterolemic; H1, H2, and H3 conditions, respectively. The incorporation of microencapsulated curcuminSFE in the supplemented diet caused a reduction in serum cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides, athrogenic index (AI) and cardiac risk ration (CRR) as 5.42 and 12.81%, 7.25 and 15.42%, 3.17 and 9.38%, 15.38 and 29.28%, and 10.98 19.38% in normo- and hypercholesterolemic rat groups. Additionally, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and anti-atherogenic index (AAI) indicated a significant increase in all treated rat groups. Conclusively, the inclusion of turmeric and curcumin microencapsulates in the dietary module has been proven effective to alleviate hyperlipidemia. Therefore, the present study is proven that curcumin absorption via the gastrointestinal tract and its stability toward metabolization in the body increased via microencapsulation using maltodextrin and gelatin. Microencapsulated curcumin reaches the target site via oral administration because of sufficient gastrointestinal residence period and stability in the digestive tract.

Cinnamaldehyde Mitigates Atherosclerosis Induced by High-Fat Diet via Modulation of Hyperlipidemia, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation.

Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up inside arteries. Cinnamaldehyde (Ci) has many biological properties that include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Thus, this study was designed to explore the protective effect of Ci against atherosclerosis induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in Wistar rats. Atherosclerosis was induced by an oral administration of an HFD for 10 weeks. Atherosclerosis-induced rats were supplemented with Ci at a dose of 20 mg/kg bw dissolved in 0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), daily by oral gavage for the same period. Rats were divided into three groups of 10 rats each fed with (a) ND, (b) HFD, and (c) HFD+Ci, daily for 10 weeks. Treatment of rats with Ci significantly reduced the elevated levels of serum total cholesterol (T.Ch), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-Ch), very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-Ch), and free fatty acids (FFAs) and significantly increased the lowered levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-Ch) level. Ci ameliorated the increased cardiovascular risk indices 1 and 2 and the decreased antiatherogenic index. Moreover, Ci reduced the elevated serum creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities. Ci also improved the heart antioxidant activities by decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) activities. Furthermore, the supplementation with Ci downregulated the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-17 (IL-17), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Thus, Ci successfully elicited a therapeutic impact against atherosclerosis induced by HFD via its hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory actions.

A review on the phytochemistry and pharmacology of the herb Scoparia dulcis L. for the potential treatment of metabolic syndrome.

This review discusses the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Scoparia dulcis L. (S. dulcis) plants. So far, approximately 160 compounds have been identified from S. dulcis, among which 115 compounds may be related to the treatment of metabolic syndrome. Extracts of S. dulcis have effects of reducing fasting blood glucose level, increasing the plasma insulin level, and stimulating insulin secretion to treat diabetes. They also produce antihyperlipidemic effects by increasing serum high-density lipoprotein levels, the anti-atherogenic index of plasma, and HMG-CoA reductase activity. The chemical composition of glutinol and glutinone, isolated from S. dulcis, provide potential anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds can also reduce total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol to provide the anti-atherosclerotic effect. S. dulcis exerts anti-arthritic properties through its effect on cytokine levels, significantly reducing IFN-γ and IL-6 levels and elevating IL-10 levels. The extracts carry out hepatoprotective effect by preventing the descent of the antioxidative enzymes of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRd), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). Therefore, S. dulcis provides new potential for medicine given its numerous therapeutic properties and can be promoted as a complementary or alternative therapy for patients with chronic conditions.

Effect of Repaglinide on Blood Glucose, Endothelial Function, Lipid Metabolism, and Inflammatory Reaction in a Rat Model of Atherosclerosis.

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of repaglinide on rat with atherosclerosis.Methods:Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into control, model, repaglinide, and metformin groups. In addition to the normal group, rats were given intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin and high-fat diet (HFD). Meanwhile, repaglinide or metformin was administrated to the treatment rats, respectively, for 4 weeks. Serum, plasma, liver, epididymal fat, and aorta thoracica were obtained to observe the protective effect of repaglinide on rat with atherosclerosis.Results:Compared to the control group, blood glucose was increased in the model group (P < .05), while it was decreased in the drug-administered groups. In addition, the levels of endothelin 1, TG, TC, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, atherogenic index, liver index, and epididymal fat index were significantly increased, but the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, and antiatherogenic index were decreased significantly in the model group compared to the control group (P < .05, respectively). And these effects were reversed by treatment with repaglinide (P < .05, respectively).Conclusion:Our results suggested that repaglinide may regulate the formation of early atherosclerosis through the abovementioned mechanisms.

Hypolgycaemic and Hypolipidemic Effects of Nigella Sativa Seed Extract in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Introduction: The study investigated the hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic activities of ethanolic leaf extract of Nigella sativa (N. sativa ) in high fat diet (HFD)– Alloxan- induced diabetic rats. Methods: The optimal hypoglycemic dose (125 mg kg−1) was determined by performing the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in both normal and Alloxan -diabetic rats kept in the department of Biochemistry at Olabisi Onabanjo University. To investigate the effect of repeated administration of an ethanolic extract of N. sativa seeds, diabetic rats were treated with distilled water, N. sativa (125 mg kg−1) or metformin (500 mg kg−1) twice a day for 14 days weeks. Results: Like metformin, N. sativa significantly lowered blood glucose by 50% and blood triglyceride by 115% when compared with the distilled water. N. sativa also significantly increased the HDL-cholesterol concentrations by 60% compared with the distilled water. The concentration of ethanolic extract needed for the inhibition of hydoxyl radical scavenging were 125, 63, 118.5 and 121 μg/ml, and that for superoxide scavenging activity were found to be 20.5, 40.5, 6.5 and 12.5 μg/ml, respectively. N. sativa thus significantly increased the anti-atherogenic index and HDL-cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio. However, like metformin, N. sativa did not affect total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations, but significantly reduced the kidney lipid peroxidation level. Conclusions: These data show that N. sativa has hypoglycemic, hypotriglyceridemic, anti-lipid peroxidative and anti-atherogenic properties in Alloxan -diabetic rats.

Protective effects of apocynin against cadmium toxicity and serum parameters; evidence of a cardio-protective influence

ObjectiveApocynin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxyacetophenone) an NADPH oxidase inhibitor isolated from the medicinal plant Picrorhiza kurroa (Scrophulariaceae) has been reported to possess antihypertensive properties. Cadmium exposures are reported to induce tissue damage leading to hypertension. The study was designed to evaluate the effect of apocynin on anti-atherogenic index (AAI), coronary risk index (CRI), cardio-protective index as well as biochemical and electrolyte parameters in the blood following cadmium exposure. MethodThirty-six (36) adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups. Group 1 as control, 2 and 3 receiving 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight apocynin respectively, group 4 received 100 mg/L cadmium chloride (CdCl2) in their drinking water, while group 5 and 6 received 100 mg/L CdCl2 in their drinking and 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight apocynin respectively for eight weeks. Cadmium concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Biochemical and electrolyte parameters in serum were determined using an automated biochemical multi-analyzer at the end of eight weeks. ResultsApocynin did not significantly (p < 0.05) alter cadmium accumulation in the aorta but caused a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the kidney. Exposures to cadmium resulted in a statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in concentrations of serum potassium, bicarbonate, total bilirubin, and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activity; which were ameliorated with apocynin. No significant change was observed in the concentrations of albumin, glucose, urea, creatinine nor GGTP, AST, AAI, CRI, cardioprotective index and other lipid parameters. ConclusionApocynin showed some protective effects on cadmium-induced tissue damage, and these effects could be tissue specific.

Anti-hypercholesterolemic effect of milk produced from quaffing dairy goats with linseed oil on lipid profile of albino rats

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of modified milk production from goats administrated different amounts of flaxseed oil on serum lipid profile of rats. Twenty-five mature Albino rats were randomly and equally divided into five groups, five rats each. The rats were acclimatized on basal diet for 7 days before starting the experiment. The first group was fed on basal diet and served as control I, the second group was offered basal diet plus normal goat milk (control II), while the rest three groups were fed on basal diet plus milk from goats received 10, 20 and 30 mL flaxseed oil/head/day. Results of serum analysis revealed that serum triglycerides concentrations reduced by 1.42, 6.57 and 14.10% in tested groups G1, G2 and G3 respectively, compared to control II. Moreover, total cholesterol levels were linearly decreased after 28 days of feeding, with reduction values varied from 1.39 to 9.10% with a mean value of 5.48% for treated group, compared to control II. Continuously, LDL-cholesterol levels were decreased by 13.81 and 16.49 in G2 and G3 group respectively, as compared with control II. While no significant was detected for G1 group. However, the same trend of result was also true for VLDL-cholesterol levels. In contrary, at the end of experiment, the levels of HDL–cholesterol as anti-atherogenic index were increased in all treatments compared to their corresponding initial values. In conclusion, flaxseed oil can be used as nutritional supplement to lactating goats to reduce saturated fatty acids and increase polyunsaturated fatty acids in the resultant milk.

Effect of Aqueous Seed Extract of Carica Papaya on Lipid Profile and Anti‐Atherogenic Index of Wistar Rat Following Cholesterol Administration

BackgroundHypercholesterolemia is a major component in the formation of atherogenic plaques which is the predominant risk factor implicated in the development of cardiovascular diseases (Rerkasem et al., 2008). The focus of our research lab is to investigate natural‐herbal preparations with anti‐atherogenic potential. Available scientific investigation(s) had reported the use different parts of Carica Papaya plant in the treatment of different ailments including cardiovascular diseases (Sudhakar and Vidhya, 2014). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aqueous seed extract of Carica Papaya on lipid profile and anti‐atherogenic index of Wistar rats exposed to high cholesterol.MethodCarica papaya fruit were harvested from the University of Benin farm project. The seeds were extracted from the fruit and dried for eight (8) weeks at room temperature. The seeds were milled to powdered form and extracted using Soxlet extractor. Thirty five (35) Adult Wistar rats weighing between 150–200g were used for this study. The animals were kept in the animal holdings of the Department of Anatomy, University of Benin and were allowed to acclimatize for two weeks. All experiments were conducted in accordance with the National Institute of Health Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The animals were assigned into seven groups with five (5) animals in each group. Animals in group A served as control; group B1 animals were administered with 100 mg/kg body weight of cholesterol dust for two weeks; group B2 animals were administered with 100 mg/kg body weight of cholesterol dust for four weeks; group C1 animals were administered with 400mg/kg body weight of aqueous seed extract of Carica papaya for two weeks; group C2 were administered with 400mg/kg body weight of aqueous seed extract of Carica papaya for four weeks; group D1 and D2 animals were co‐administered with 100 mg/kg body weight of cholesterol dust and 400mg/kg body weight of aqueous seed extract of Carica papaya for two weeks and four weeks respectively. Cholesterol dust was purchased from Sigma Aldrich Chemical Co. (St. Louis, MO, USA).ResultsAdministration of Carica Papaya seed extract to rats exposed to high cholesterol significantly (P&lt;0.001) reduced serum concentration of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL) while there was a significant increase (P&lt; 0.01) in high density lipoproteins (HDL). Anti‐atherogenic index (AAI) of both normal and cholesterol administered rats treated with the extract was significantly (P&lt;0.001) higher compared with the untreated cholesterol administered rats.ConclusionThe present study has shown that Carica Papaya seed extract possesses anti‐hyperlipidemic as well as anti‐atherogenic activities.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Modulation of hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in experimental type 2 diabetes by gallic acid and p-coumaric acid: The role of adipocytokines and PPARγ.

There are many indications that confirm the vital role of adipocytokines and PPARγ in diabetics. Hence, the current investigation aimed to study the modulatory effects of gallic acid and p-coumaric acid on adipocytokines secretion and PPARγ mRNA expression in type 2 diabetic rats. After induction of type 2 diabetes, diabetic rats were orally treated with 20 mg/kg body mass gallic acid and 40 mg/kg body mass p-coumaric acid for six weeks. Among treatment diabetic rats, glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels significantly declined in diabetic rats, while insulin level and body weight significantly increased as compared to control group. Gallic acid and p-coumaric acid markedly decreased the level of TNF-α and increased the levels of PPARγ mRNA and adiponectin. In addition, the tested agents improved markedly lipid profile parameters, cardiovascular indices 1 and 2 and anti-atherogenic index. In conclusion, gallic acid and p-coumaric acid exhibited marked antidiabetic action that could be mediated via modulation of TNF-α and adipocytokines secretions as well as upregulation of PPARγ mRNA expression.

Monolluma quadrangula Protects against Oxidative Stress and Modulates LDL Receptor and Fatty Acid Synthase Gene Expression in Hypercholesterolemic Rats.

Hypercholesterolemia is a metabolic disorder associated with oxidative stress. The present study investigated the protective effect of Monolluma quadrangula extract on hypercholesterolemia-induced oxidative stress in the liver and heart of high-cholesterol-diet- (HCD-) fed rats. The experimental animals received HCD for 10 weeks and were concurrently treated with 300 or 600 mg/kg M. quadrangula extract. HCD-fed rats showed a significant increase in serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, vLDL-cholesterol, and cardiovascular risk indices along with decreased HDL-cholesterol and antiatherogenic index. The M. quadrangula extract significantly improved dyslipidemia and atherogenesis in HCD-fed rats. HCD induced a significant increase in serum transaminases, creatine kinase-MB, and proinflammatory cytokines. In addition, HDC induced a significant increase in hepatic and cardiac lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant enzymes. Treatment with the M. quadrangula extract significantly alleviated liver and heart function markers, decreased proinflammatory cytokines and lipid peroxidation, and enhanced the antioxidant defenses. Also, the M. quadrangula extract significantly reduced the expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and increased the expression of LDL receptor in the liver of HCD-fed rats. In conclusion, the M. quadrangula extract has a potent antihyperlipidemic and cholesterol-lowering effect on HCD-fed rats. The beneficial effects of the M. quadrangula extract were mediated through the increased antioxidant defenses, decreased inflammation and lipid peroxidation, and modulated hepatic FAS and LDL receptor gene expression.

Hypocholesterolemic effects of Kluyveromyces marxianus M3 isolated from Tibetan mushrooms on diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in rat.

To investigate the effects of Kluyveromyces marxianus M3 isolated from Tibetan mushrooms on diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in rats, female Wistar rats were fed a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) for 28 d to generate hyperlipidemic models. Hyperlipidemic rats were assigned to four groups, which were individually treated with three different dosages of K. marxianus M3+HCD or physiological saline+HCD via oral gavage for 28 d. The total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in the serum and liver of the rats were measured using commercially available enzyme kits. In addition, the liver morphology was also examined using hematoxylin and eosin staining and optical microscopy. According to our results, the serum and liver TC, TG, LDL-C levels and atherogenic index (AI) were significantly decreased in rats orally administered K. marxianus M3 (p <0.01), and the HDL-C levels and anti atherogenic index (AAI) were significantly increased (p <0.01) compared to the control group. Moreover, K. marxianus M3 treatment also reduced the build-up of lipid droplets in the liver and exhibited normal hepatocytes, suggesting a protective effect of K. marxianus M3 in hyperlipidemic rats.

Adiponectin to leptin ratio as a potential antiatherogenic index in Egyptian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

It has been demonstrated in recent studies that abnormal levels of adipocytokines may contribute to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. We aimed to assess the potential role of the adiponectin to leptin ratio (A/ L ratio) as a biomarker for atherosclerosis and glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients. The serum levels of adiponectin, leptin were measured simultaneously by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Their levels and ratio were correlated to CRP, glycemic status and lipid profile in 60 type 2 diabetic patients compared to 30 healthy subjects. We found a significant higher leptin and C-reactive protein (CRP) with lower adiponectin and A/L ratio in non-controlled type 2 diabetes comparing to health and controlled diabetic patients. Moreover, obese subjects had higher Leptin with lower adiponectin and A/L ratio than non-obese subjects. Persons with complicated diabetes mellitus were higher among uncontrolled DM; they had higher leptin with lower A/L ratio compared to non complicated diabetic patients. Leptin was negatively correlated to adiponectin (r= - 0.63). Atherogenic index was positively correlated to leptin (r= 0.778) and negatively correlated to adiponectin (r= -0.756) and A/L ratio (r= -0.713). Moreover, A/L ratio correlated negatively to CRP, HbA1c, FBG and BMI. This study confirms the role of adiponectin and leptin levels in DM control and severity of dyslipidemia. We found A/L ratio is better than each marker alone to evaluate atherogenicity in DM and may serve as an anti-atherogenic index and may be act as a new marker of metabolic control for individuals with high risk of cardiovascular complications of atherosclerosis in type II diabetes. Keywords : Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; C-reactive protein; Adiponectin; Leptin.

Streptozotocin에 의해 유도된 당뇨 흰쥐의 고혈당과 고지혈에 미치는 오미자 추출물의 효과

To investigate the antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipemic effect of 80% ethanol extract of Schizandra Chinensis fruit, we induced diabetes in the rats with streptozotocin (STZ) and administered schizandra extract or Acarbose to diabetic rats for 21 days by oral administration. Consequently, the groups treated using schizandra extract decreased blood glucose levels more 39% than no treatment group and the case of Acarbose group was decreased it about 21%. The concentration of cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-C in blood was also decreased while treating schizandra extract, on the other hand, HDL-C concentration was significantly increased it about 26%. Those results induced that anti-atherogenic index (AAI) in blood was improved more than 82% level like normal condition, especially in treatment of schizandra extract 100 mg. The lipid profiled in feces was likewise showed apparent tendency to decrease and food efficiency ratio of diabetic rats was became higher for treatment with schizandra extract, but Acarbose group had low efficiency in compared with the result of glucose level and lipid profile in blood. As a result, schizandra extract is regard a good medicine for diabetes due to improve physical constitution, blood glucose and lipid level caused hyperglycemia and suggest that schizandra extract has real effects on the diabetes complication as atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure.

Anti‐Atherogenic Activity of Ethanolic Fraction of Terminalia arjuna Bark on Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits

Atherosclerosis which results from gradual deposition of lipids in medium and large arteries is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Terminalia arjuna is a herb of Combretaceae family which contains hypolipidemic compounds and flavonoids with high antioxidative properties. This study was conducted to determine the effect of ethanolic fraction of T. arjuna on blood lipids and atherosclerosis in rabbits fed with high fat diet (HFD). Twenty New Zealand rabbits of either sex were randomly divided into five groups: the first two were normal diet group and HFD (21% fat) group and the remaining three groups received high cholesterol diet supplemented with standard drug (Atorvastatin 10 mg kg−1 body weight), T. arjuna ethanolic fraction (100 and 200 mg kg−1 body weight), respectively. The concentration of total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides (TGs), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was determined in rabbits at the start of the experiment, at the 14th, 30th days and at the end of the study. Anti-atherogenic index was calculated from the lipid profile of the rabbits before sacrifice. At the end of the experimental period, the aorta was removed for assessment of atherosclerotic plaques. Results show that T. arjuna significantly decreases TC, LDL and TG levels and increases HDL and lessens atherosclerotic lesion in aorta (P < .05). Hence T. arjuna extract can effectively prevent the progress of atherosclerosis. This is likely due to the effect of T. arjuna on serum lipoproteins and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

황기홍국소스를 처리한 계육이 고지방 및 고콜레스테롤 식이 흰쥐의 체중과 혈청 및 간 조직의 지질 함량에 미치는 영향

Dietary effects of chicken treated with Hwangki-Beni Koji sauces (HBS) on serum and hepatic lipid profiles in rats fed high a fat and high cholesterol diet were investigated. Experimental plots (5 rats per each group) were divided into normal control diet group (NC), high fat and high cholesterol diet group (HFC), HFC plus 15% base sauce treated chicken supplemented diet group (HFC-BS), HFC plus 15% HBS-treated chicken supplemented diet group (HFC-HBS), and fed for 5 weeks. Feed intakes in HFC-HBS group were higher than those of HFC and HFC-BS groups, whereas body weight gain and feed efficiency ratio of the HFC-HBS group were lower than those of the HFC and HFC-BS groups. Serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities of HFC-HBS group were significantly lower than those of HFC and HFC-BS groups. Level of serum triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in HFC-HBS group were 34.06%, 6.28% and 31.00% lower than those of HFC-BS group, respectively, whereas HDL-cholesterol level and atherogenic index in HFC-HBS group were 1.72-fold higher and 2.52-fold lower, respectively, than those of HFC-BS group. Level of hepatic total lipid, triglyceride and total cholesterol in HFC-HBS group were 9.53%, 5.25% and 22.20% lower than those of HFC-BS group, respectively. In the morphological results of liver, the hepatocytes of central vein lesion and intact hepatic cell plate are preserved well from steatosis in HFC-HBS group, whereas the hepatocytes in HFC and HFC-BS groups are distended by accumulation of multiple fat droplets, and sinusoids are occluded. In the above results, we expected that chicken treated with Hwangki-Beni Koji sauce may have functionalities of anti-obesity, anti-cholesterol and also, lowering anti-atherogenic index in high fat and high cholesterol diets.

홍국발효홍삼 분말 급여에 의한 흰쥐의 혈청 지질 농도 및 항산화 활성에 미치는 영향

Monascus-fermented Korean red ginseng (MFRG), fermented by Monascus purpureus KCCM 12002, may be an ideal candidate for the hepatoprotectic, hypolipidemic and antioxidative activities. Effect of MFRG powder on these parameters in rats was investigated. Body weight gain, food intake, and water consumption were not significantly different among the groups. Total and relative weights of liver were significantly higher in MFRG group than that in other groups. The activities of AST and -GTP were highly lowered in MFRG group compared to control group. Contents of serum total lipid and triglyceride were significantly lowered in silymarin group and were significantly increased in MFRG group compared to control group, but tended to be lowered in RG group. Serum content of total cholesterol tended to be lowered in silymarin, RG, and MFRG groups compared to control group. HDL-cholesterol contents was only significantly increased in MFRG group compared to control group. At the same time, atherogenic index (AI) was also significantly lowered in silymarin, RG and MFRG groups compared to control group, and this effect was more pronounced in MFRG group. Content of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the liver was significantly lowered in MFRG group and tended to lowered in silymarin and RG groups compared to control group. The hepatic glutathione concentration was significantly higher in silymarin and MFRG groups. Hepatic morphology in all experimental groups revealed clear-cut hepatic lobules with the uniform pattern of the polyhedral hepatocytes radiating towards the periphery from the central vein. These results suggested that MFRG may have anti-atherogenic index (AI) and antioxidative activity in normal dietary feeding rats.

알코올 급여 흰쥐의 혈청 지질 및 조직 과산화지질 농도에 미치는 홍국발효홍삼분말의 영향

홍국균을 홍삼 분말에 접종하여 발효시킨 홍국발효홍삼을 이용하여 알코올 투여 흰쥐의 혈중 지질 농도 및 조직 내 산화 스트레스에 미치는 영향에 대하여 검토하였다. 혈중 총 지질 및 유리지방산 농도는 알코올 대조군(AC)에서 증가가 홍국발효홍삼 투여군(AMFRG)에서 감소경향을 보였으며, 중성지질 농도는 양성 대조군(AS) 및 홍삼 투여군(ARG)에서 유의적으로 감소하였다. 혈청 총 콜레스테롤 농도는 정상 대조군(N C)에 비해 알코올 대조군(AC)에서 유의적으로 증가하였고, 홍국발효홍삼 투여군(AMFRG)에서 알코올 대조군(AC)보다는 낮았지만 통계상의 유의적인 차이는 없었다. 혈중 HDL-cholesterol 농도는 정상 대조군(NC)에 비해 알코올 투여군 모두에서 증가하는 경향을 보였는데, 특히 홍국발효홍삼 투여군 (AMFRG)에서 유의적으로 증가하였다. 동맥경화지수(AI)는 정상 대조군(NC)에 비해 알코올 대조군(AC)에서 증가한 반면 양성 대조군(AS) 및 홍삼 투여군(ARG)에서 감소경향을 보였고, 홍국발효홍삼 투여군(AMFRG)에서 유의적으로 감소하였다. 간장, 심장, 비장, 고환에서 생체막 과산화지질 생성 정도는 정상 대조군(NC)에 비해 알코올 대조군(AC)에서 유의적으로 증가하였고, 이러한 증가는 홍국발효홍삼 투여군(AMFRG)에서 유의적으로 감소하였다. 과산화지질 생성 촉진작용이 있는 비헴철 함량도 알코올 대조군(AC)의 간 조직에서 증가한 반면 홍국발효홍삼 투여군(AMFRG)에서 유의적으로 감소하였고, 간 조직 내 내인성 항산화 물질인 glutathione 농도는 알코올 대조군(AC)에서 유의적으로 감소하였고, 홍국발효홍삼 투여군(AMFRG)에서 유의적으로 증가하여 상호간의 높은 상관관계를 나타내었다. 이상의 실험결과 홍국발효홍삼은 홍삼과 홍국의 상호작용에 의한 시너지 효과로 알코올 투여 동물실험에서 혈중 지질 개선효과는 물론 조직 내 항산화 활성 증가로 산화스트레스를 경감시키는 효능이 있는 것으로 사료되었다. The effects of Monascus-fermented Korean red ginseng (MFRG) on the contents of serum lipids and tissues lipid peroxidation was investigated in alcohol feeding rats (AC group). Serum contents of total lipid and free fatty acid in alcohol feeding rats were significantly increased, but these increases tended to decrease in the AMFRG group. Serum triglyceride content was also significantly decreased in the AMFRG group compared to other groups. Serum content of total-cholesterol was significantly increased in AC group compared to normal control (NC) group, whereas there was no significant difference between the AC and AMFRG groups. Content of HDL-cholesterol in serum was slightly increased in the AC group compared to the NC group, but this increase in the AC group was more significantly increased in the AMFRG group. At the same time, atherogenic index (AI) was also significantly decreased in the AMFRG group compared to the AC group. Contents of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the liver, heart, spleen and testes were significantly increased in the AC group compared to the NC group, but these increases were significantly less in the AMFRG group. Contents of liver nonheme ion was increased in the AC group and was significantly decreased in the AMFRG group, which suggested that lipid peroxidation contents are inversely correlated with liver nonheme ion content. Hepatic glutathione concentration was significantly decreased in the AC group, but this content was significantly increased in the AMFRG group and it showed the antioxidant abilities of glutathione. These results suggested that Monascus-fermented Korea red ginseng has anti-atherogenic index (AI) effects as well as antioxidative activities through reduced tissue oxidative stress in alcohol feeding rats.

Nattokinase fibrinol의 섭취가 혈전 용해능 및 동맥경화에 미치는 영향

Effects of Nattokinase fibrinol (NKF), defined as a fibrinolytic product, on fibrinolytic and atherogenetic markers were studied for healthy adults (20-31 years old), who is smoking more than 20 cigarettes per day. Subjects were divided into 29 for NKF group and 10 for placebo group in a short term study. They were given 2 tablets of NKF (4,000 unit) or placebo tablet and thereafter blood samples were collected at 0, 2, 4 hr prerid. For a 4-week long term study, 15 subjects for NFK group and 10 subjects for placebo group were supplemented one tablet of each NKF (2,000 unit) and placebo per day, respectively. Blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 4 weeks later. The short-term experimental trial showed that NKF remarkably increased fibrinolytic activity at 2hr after consumption, which was maintained up to 4 hr, relative to that of placebo, while NKF reduced the euglobulin clot lysis time (ECLT) and retarded the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), as compared to placebo group. NKF supplementation for 4 weeks elevated fibrinolytic activity, shortened ECLT and retarded aPTT. Furthermore, NKF supplementation increased anti-atherogenic index by decreasing triglyceride (TG) and elevating high-density lipiprotein (HDL)-cholesterol. These results indicate that NKF supplementation for short term or long term might have beneficial effects on preventing and treating cardiovascular disease by increasing fibrinolytic activity and improving atherogenic markers such as hyperlipidemia.

The lipid-lowering and antioxidative effects of marine collagen peptides

To determine the relative molecular mass of marine collagen peptides (MCPs) and investigate the effects of MCPs on serum lipids, anti-oxidative enzymes and malondialdehyde (MDA) in hyperlipidemic rats. Sephadex G-25, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) methods were used to determine the relative molecular mass of MCPs. Then 50 healthy male SD rats were divided into 5 groups, which were normal control (NC) group, hyperlipidemic model control (HC) group and 1.0, 3.0, 9.0 g/kgbw MCPs groups, MCPs were orally administered by gavage to rats in MCPs group for 45 consecutive days (2 ml/100 kgbw per day), and the control rats were given vehicle only, all animals (except NC rats) were fed with a high fat diet composed of 79% basic diet, 10% lard, 10% yolk powder and 1% cholesterol. The levels of serum lipids, the content of MDA and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in serum were measured. The levels of serum total cholesterol (TC) in 1.0, 3.0, 9.0 g/kgbw MCPs groups were 1.89 +/- 0.29, 2.07 +/- 0.39 and 1.99 +/- 0.29 mmol/L respectively, each of which was significantly lower than that in HC group (3.37 +/- 0.24 mmol/L); low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in 1.0, 3.0, 9.0 g/kgbw MCPs groups were 0.83 +/- 0.16, 1.01 +/- 0.35 and 0.91 +/- 0.26 mmol/L respectively, each of which was significantly lower than that in HC group(2.20 +/- 0.34 mmol/L); triglyceride (TG) levels in 3.0 and 9.0 g/kgbw MCPs groups (0.90 +/- 0.15 and 0.86 +/- 0.12 mmol/L) were reduced significantly compared with that in HC group (1.18 +/- 0.18 mmol/L); MDA level in 9.0 g/kgbw MCPs group was 7.1 +/- 4.1 nmol/ml, which was significantly lower than that in HC group ( 15.9 +/- 9.9 nmol/ml); and atherogenic index (AI) in hyperlipidemic rats fed with 1.0, 3.0, 9.0 g/kgbw MCPs were 1.14 +/- 0.22, 1.16 +/- 0.27 and 0.99 +/- 0.31 respectively, each of which was significantly lower than that in HC group (2.27 +/- 0.55). The activities of SOD in 1.0, 3.0, 9.0 g/kgbw MCPs groups (218.6 +/- 33.2, 242.7 +/- 21.4 and 242.1 +/- 44.8 U/ml) were obviously increased compared with that in HC group (119.7 +/- 47.8 U/ml), and anti-atherogenic index (AAI) were also increased significantly (0.47 +/- 0.04, 0.47 +/- 0.06, 0.51 +/- 0.09 vs 0.31 +/- 0.05). MCPs should have antioxidative and lipid-lowering effects, and might play a preventive role in hyperlipidemia and atherogenesis.

Effect of a novel insulinotropic agent, succinic acid monoethyl ester, on lipids and lipoproteins levels in rats with streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced type 2 diabetes

In the present study, the effect of succinic acid monoethyl ester (EMS) on the pattern of lipids and lipoproteins in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetes was investigated. Type 2 diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by single intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of 45 mg/kg streptozotocin, 15 min after the i.p administration of 110 mg/kg body weight of nicotinamide. The carboxylic nutrient EMS was administered intraperitonially at a dose of 8 micromol/g body weight for 30 days. At the end of experimental period, the effect of EMS on plasma glucose, insulin, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and hydroperoxide (HP) and serum triglycerides (TG), phospholipids (PL), free fatty acids (FFA), total cholesterol (TC), very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C) and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and the percentage of antiatherogenic index (AAI) (ratio of HDL-C to total cholesterol) were studied. Administration of EMS to diabetic rats resulted in a significant reduction in the elevated levels of plasma glucose, TBARS and hydroperoxides as well as TG, PL, FFA, TC,VLDL-C and LDC-C levels. The decreased plasma insulin and serum HDL-C and percentage of AAI in diabetic rats were also reversed towards near normal. The effect produced by EMS was compared with metformin, a reference drug. The results indicates that the administration of EMS and metformin to nicotinamide-streptozotocin diabetic rats normalized plasma glucose, insulin concentrations and caused marked improvement in altered lipids, lipoprotein and lipid peroxidation markers during diabetes. Our results show the antihyperlipidemic properties of EMS and metformin in addition to its antidiabetic action. Moreover, the antihyperlipidemic effect could represent a protective mechanism against the development of atherosclerosis.