Atherogenic Diet Group Research Articles

Improvement of a diet-induced model of hyperlipidemia in Wistar rats: Assessment of biochemical parameters, the thickness of the abdominal aorta and liver histology

ObjectivesThis study aimed to develop an improved and more reliable atherogenic diet-induced model of hyperlipidemia in Wistar rats for a better insight into pathophysiological changes and their effects on relevant biochemical and histological markers as well as on the thickness of the abdominal aorta. MethodsThe study was conducted on a total number of 24 Wistar rats, three-month-old, weighing 180–230g that were divided into two groups: the standard rodent diet (SD) group (n = 12; 6 males and 6 females) in which rats were fed with commercially available standard rodent diet (SRD), and the atherogenic rodent diet (AD) group (n = 12; 6 males and 6 females) in which rats were fed with our mixture of atherogenic rodent diet (ARD) throughout the study period of 28 days. The body weight of rats was recorded weekly. The blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture and values of total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were determined at baseline, after the 14 days, and on the last day of the study, while other parameters high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, total protein (TP), glucose (GC), alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) were determined only on the last day of the study. The liver and abdominal aorta were collected after sacrifice and stored for further analysis. ResultsFeeding rats with an ARD for 14 days resulted in the successful development of hyperlipidemia, as the TC and TG values were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Further feeding with an ARD for a total of 28 days resulted in significantly increased levels of TC, TG, LDL, non-HDL, and decreased levels of HDL compared to rats fed with SRD (p < 0.05). Greater risk predispositions for CVDs were documented for rats in the AD group, due to the significant increase in AI and LDL/HDL ratio compared to the SD group (p < 0.05). ConclusionObtained lipid profile and predictors confirm the establishment of a diet-induced model of hyperlipidemia in Wistar rats and prove the suitability of our model for future testing and proving the effectiveness of lipid-lowering agents.

High-field magnetic resonance microscopy of aortic plaques in a mouse model of atherosclerosis

ObjectivesPre-clinical models of human atherosclerosis are extensively used; however, traditional histological methods do not allow for a holistic view of vascular lesions. We describe an ex-vivo, high-resolution MRI method that allows the 3 dimensional imaging of the vessel for aortic plaque visualization and quantification.Materials and methodsAortas from apolipoprotein-E-deficient (apoE−/−) mice fed an atherogenic diet (group 1) or a control diet (group 2) were subjected to 14 T MR imaging using a 3D gradient echo sequence. The obtained data sets were reconstructed (Matlab), segmented, and analyzed (Avizo). The aortas were further sectioned and subjected to traditional histological analysis (Oil-Red O and hematoxylin staining) for comparison.ResultsA resolution up to 15 × 10x10 μm3 revealed that plaque burden (mm3) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in group 1 (0.41 ± 0.25, n = 4) than in group 2 (0.01 ± 0.01, n = 3). The achieved resolution provided similar detail on the plaque and the vessel wall morphology compared with histology. Digital image segmentation of the aorta's lumen, plaque, and wall offered three-dimensional visualizations of the entire, intact aortas.Discussion14 T MR microscopy provided histology-like details of pathologically relevant vascular lesions. This work may provide the path research needs to take to enable plaque characterization in clinical applications.

Anti-Atherosclerosis Effect of Soy Milk in Rats Fed an Atherogenic Diet

Abstract: Atherosclerosis is a problem of cardiovascular disease. Consuming food containing excessive fat is a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Soy milk has been studied for its isoflavones which has antihyperlipidemic effect on the development of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to find out the effect of soy milk (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) administration on aortic’s histopathology profile (the length of wall thickness and number of foam cells) in male white rats (Rattus norvegicus) which were given the atherogenic diet that consists of goat’s fat and quail egg yolk. Material and Methods: A total of 30 rats were used in the true laboratory experiment which were distributed into 5 groups (n=6) using post-test only design, there were a normal diet group, an atherogenic diet group, an atherogenic and simvastatin 10 mg group, and another 2 groups that were given an atherogenic diet with soy milk doses variation of 12.5 g and 25 g respectively. Aortic’s histopathology was prepared with the paraffin method and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin. Results: ANOVA test showed that soy milk variation dose were significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduce the aortic wall thickness and foam cell. Conclusion: Providing soy milk with a certain dose is able to decrease the aortic’s wall thickness and foam cells in rats fed an atherogenic diet.

Modification of atherogenic diet causes atherosclerosis, increase total cholesterol, and showing hepar damage in mice as alternative animal model in atherosclerosis research

This study aims to determine the composition of the ideal atherogenic diet to increase the risk of atherosclerosis in the animal model. The research was used 15 male mice, acclimatized for 1-2 weeks to get the susceptible amount of diet to be given. The animal objects are divided into 3 groups; normal diet group (control), 4 weeks atherogenic diet groups, and 8 weeks atherogenic diet groups. The modified atherogenic diet consists of common broiler food, wheat flour, pork oil, quail egg yolks, and water, given 2 times a day of 30 g of food. Water for animal objects is given ad libitum. After 4 weeks and 8 weeks total cholesterol, the formation of foam cells, and hepatocyte degeneration. The results show that the total blood cholesterol of animal models in the group of 8 weeks has the highest level (153, 66 ± 6, 51), compared to other groups (normal diet and 4 weeks). Animal models show that aortic cross-section formed foam cells in tunica intima and tunica media of endotel, also show the indication of hepar damage by hepatocyte degeneration.

Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Effect of Garcinia Gummi-Gutta Barkson Atherogenic Diet-Induced Hyperlipidemic Rats

Objective: To evaluate the Hypolipidemic&amp; Antioxidant effect of Garcinia gummi-gutta barks on Atherogenic Diet-Induced Hyperlipidemic Rats. Materials and methods: Bark extract was prepared using a Soxhlet apparatus. 30 Wistar albino rats of either sex was divided into 5 groups (n=6). Atherogenic diet (AD) was administered to all the rats except group 1 for 4 weeks. Following induction, Group 3 &amp; 4 were treated with bark extracts at 100 &amp; 200mg/kg respectively and group 5 with atorvastatin at 10mg/kg for the next 4 weeks along with AD. Weekly estimation of lipid profile was done and, in the end, all the animals were sacrificed and the liver and heart were sent for histopathological examination. MDA levels were estimated by measuring the TBARS activity. Results were expressed in the Mean ± standard error of the mean. Statistical analysis was done using one-way ANOVA followed by post hocTukey test. p&lt;0.05 is considered statistically significant. Result: There was a significant decrease in the mean cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoproteins&amp;very-low-density lipoproteins and an increase in High-density lipoproteins when compared to the AD group. Barks extracts at both doses (100mg/kg &amp; 200mg/kg) showed a significant reduction in lipid profile wherein the extract at higher dose was found to be better and there was no significant difference when compared to atorvastatin. Conclusion: The study showed that bark extract of Garcinia gummi-guttapossess significant hypolipidemic &amp; antioxidant activity. Further studies are warranted for its clinical use in humans.

Upregulation of Myocardial and Vascular Phosphodiesterase 9A in A Model of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease.

Atherosclerosis is strongly associated with cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. Besides microvascular dysfunction and diminishment of the cardiac nitric oxide-Protein Kinase G (NO-PKG) pathway, recent evidence suggests that phosphodiesterase 9A (PDE9A) enzyme has an unfavorable role in pathological changes. Here, we characterized a rabbit model that shows cardiac dysfunction as a result of an atherogenic diet, and examined the myocardial PDE9A signaling. Rabbits were divided into Control (normal diet) and HC (atherogenic diet) groups. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography. Vascular function was assessed, along with serum biomarkers. Histological stains were conducted, expression of selected proteins and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels were determined. Signs of diastolic dysfunction were shown in HC animals, along with concentric hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis. Endothelial function was diminished in HC rabbits, along with marked reduction in the aortic lumen, and increased left ventricle outflow tract (LVOT) pressures. A significant increase was shown in myocardial PDE9A levels in HC animals with unchanged vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) phosphorylation and cGMP levels. Upregulation of PDE9A may be associated with early stage of cardiac dysfunction in atherosclerotic conditions. Since PDE9A is involved in cGMP degradation and in deactivation of the cardioprotective PKG signaling pathway, it may become an encouraging target for future investigations in atherosclerotic diseases.

Efek Ekstrak Etanol Daging Putih Semangka dan Simvastatin Terhadap Aktivasi Nuclear Factor Kappa Beta (NF- kβ) Aorta Tikus Rattus Norvegicus yang Diberi Diet Aterogenik

Atherogenic diet can lead to dyslipidemia condition that trigger increase Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and oxidative stress. The increasing of ROS can activate transcription factor Nuclear Factor Kappa Beta (NF-kβ). Activated NF-kβ induce proinflammatory cytokines that will increase the atherosclerosis progressivity. Watermelon rind had proven to have antioxidant compounds that can inhibit ROS. This study was aimed to prove the effect of watermelon rind extract and simvastatin to decrease the NF-kβ aktivation of Rattus norvegicus with atherogenic diet. This research was using Post Test Only Control Group Design. The samples were divided into five groups: (i) standard diet (K(-)), (ii) atherogenic diet (K(+)), (iii) atherogenic diet + watermelon rind extract 250 mg/kgBW/day, (iv) atherogenic diet + watermelon rind 500 mg/kgBW/day, and (v) the atherogenic diet + simvastatin 0.9 mg/kgBW/day. Atherogenic diet was given for 8 weeks. NF-kβ were measured by immunohistochemistry. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and post hoc test. The results showed a significant decrease mean NF-kβ activation after treatment of watermelon rind extract of 250 mg/kg/day (p =0,000), dose of 500 mg/kg/day (p = 0.000), and simvastatin dose of 0.9 mg/kg/day could reduced NF-kβ significantly (p = 0,000) compared with atherogenic diet group. It concluded that the watermelon rind extract dose 500 mg/kgBW/day was equivalent to simvastatin 0,9 mg/kgBW/day in lowering the NF-kβ activation rats with atherogenic diet.

Myocardial metabolic alterations in mice with diet-induced atherosclerosis: linking sulfur amino acid and lipid metabolism

Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the effect of diet on the atherosclerotic heart’s metabolism is unclear. We used an integrated metabolomics and lipidomics approach to evaluate metabolic perturbations in heart and serum from mice fed an atherogenic diet (AD) for 8, 16, and 25 weeks. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics revealed significant changes in sulfur amino acid (SAA) and lipid metabolism in heart from AD mice compared with heart from normal diet mice. Higher SAA levels in AD mice were quantitatively verified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Lipidomic profiling revealed that fatty acid and triglyceride (TG) levels in the AD group were altered depending on the degree of unsaturation. Additionally, levels of SCD1, SREBP-1, and PPARγ were reduced in AD mice after 25 weeks, while levels of reactive oxygen species were elevated. The results suggest that a long-term AD leads to SAA metabolism dysregulation and increased oxidative stress in the heart, causing SCD1 activity suppression and accumulation of toxic TGs with a low degree of unsaturation. These findings demonstrate that the SAA metabolic pathway is a promising therapeutic target for CVD treatment and that metabolomics can be used to investigate the metabolic signature of atherosclerosis.

PENGARUH VAKSINASI HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN (HSP)-65 MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS TERHADAP KETEBALAN AORTA MENCIT MODEL ATHEROSKLEROSIS

Background. Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory process of the blood vessels accompanied by immune activity which is signed by the enhancement of histopathologic. One of the protective proteins in the human artery wall expressed when there is endothelial stress is HSP60. HSP65 is an HSP60 homologous protein found in bacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Objective . To determine the effect of HSP65 through aorta thickness of mice. Methods. This research applied experimental study using post-test control group design in which subjects were divided into 5 groups. Each group consisted of 5 mice. Group I mice fed a diet normokolesterolemia (negative control), group II mice given atherogenic diet without vaccine (positive control), group III mice given atherogenic diet and 0,5μg accination, group IV mice were given atherogenic diet and 0,75μg vaccination, group V mice were given atherogenic diet and 1μg vaccination. Results. There was a difference between the atherogenic diet and vaccination group (p <0.05). There was a significant decrease in aortic thickness of atherosclerosis mice with HSP65 vaccination dose 0,75µg (r= -0,449, p= 0,024). Conclusion. HSP65 Mycobacterium tuberculosis vaccination can reduce the thickness of the aorta in mice induced atherosclerosis and the effective dose is 0.75 mg dose.

Functional Probiotic Characterization and In Vivo Cholesterol-Lowering Activity of Lactobacillus helveticus Isolated from Fermented Cow Milk.

We characterized the probiotic properties of Lactobacillus helveticus strains KII13 and KHI1 isolated from fermented cow milk by in vitro and in vivo studies. The strains exhibited tolerance to simulated orogastrointestinal condition, adherence to Caco-2 cells, and antimicrobial activity. Both L. helveticus strains produced bioactive tripeptides, isoleucylprolyl-proline and valyl-prolyl-proline, during fermentation of milk. KII13 showed higher in vitro cholesterol-lowering activity (47%) compared with KHI1 (28%) and L. helveticus ATCC 15009 (22%), and hence, it was selected for in vivo study of cholesterol-lowering activity in atherogenic diet-fed hypercholesterolemic mice. For the study, mice were divided into four groups (viz., normal diet control group, atherogenic diet control group (HCD), KII13- atherogenic diet group (HCD-KII13), and Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 43121-atherogenic diet group (HCD-L.ac) as positive control). The serum total cholesterol level was significantly decreased by 8.6% and 7.78% in the HCD-KII13 and HCD-L.ac groups (p < 0.05), respectively, compared with the HCD group. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in both HCD-KII13 and HCD-L.ac groups were decreased by 13% and 11%, respectively, compared with the HCD group (both, p < 0.05). Analysis of cholesterol metabolism-related gene expression in mice liver showed increased expression of LDLR and SREBF2 genes in mice fed with KII13. By comparing all the results, we conclude that L. helveticus KII13 could be used as a potential probiotic strain to produce antihypertensive peptides and reduce serum cholesterol.

Inhibition of Atherosclerosis Progression, Intimal Hyperplasia, and Oxidative Stress by Simvastatin and Ivabradine May Reduce Thoracic Aorta's Stiffness in Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits.

This study aims to evaluate atherosclerosis, oxidative stress, and arterial stiffness attenuation by simvastatin and ivabradine in hyperlipidemic rabbits. Forty rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups: atherogenic diet (group C), atherogenic diet plus simvastatin (group S), atherogenic diet plus ivabradine (group I), and atherogenic diet plus simvastatin and ivabradine (group S + I). After 9 weeks, rabbits were euthanized and descending aortas excised for mechanical testing. Atherogenic diet induced the development of significant atherosclerotic lesions in group C animals but in none of groups S, I, and S + I. RAM-11 and HHF-35-positive cells were significantly reduced in groups S, I, and S + I compared with group C (P < .001). A significant neointimal hyperplasia and intima-media ratio reduction was demonstrated in groups S (P = .015 and P < .001), I (P = .021 and P < .001), and S + I (P = .019 and P < .001) compared with group C. Protein nitrotyrosine levels were significantly decreased in group S compared with group C (P = .009), and reactive oxygen species levels were decreased in group I compared with group C (P = .011). Aortic stiffness was significantly reduced in groups S, I, and S + I compared with group C (P = .003, P = .011, and P = .029). Simvastatin and ivabradine significantly inhibited intimal hyperplasia and oxidative stress contributing to aortic stiffness reduction in hyperlipidemic rabbits.

Cod Liver Oil Supplementation Effects on 2,3‐ Diphosphoglyceric Acid Blood Levels in Atherogenic Rabbits

2,3 Diphosphoglyceric Acid (2,3‐DPG) promotes release of oxygen from hemoglobin in the blood of higher animals, and may reduce atherogenic plaque development in hyercholesterolemic rabbits. Eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) converts arachidonic acid in cell membranes to Prostaglandin I‐3, which inhibits platelet aggregation and reduces blood clot formation. Atherogenesis and increased blood vascular fibrin clot formation can be induced in rabbits by feeding a diet containing 2% cholesterol for a month. Blood clot formation at the intimal surface in the aorta reduces oxygen availability which leads to lipid infiltration and plaque development. The effect of feeding atherogenic rabbits cod liver oil (CLO) containing 10% EPA, was studied here to determine its effect on blood levels of 2,3 Diphosphoglyceric Acid (2,3‐DPG).For a month, 12 white, New Zealand strain, male rabbits were fed atherogenic diet (AD) of 92% Purina Rabbit Chow(PRC), 6% Corn Oil and 2% Cholesterol. In the next 8 weeks, 6 rabbits were fed a control diet (CD) of PRC and 6 continued to be fed AD. Half of the CD and AD groups receied 0.8ml CLO daily. Blood 2,3‐DPG means after 2 weeks were: 1.51ug/ml in (CD ) vs 1.75 in the (CD + CLO) and 1.39 in ( AD) vs 1.81 in ( AD+ CLO) animals. After 8 weeks the means were 2.12 (CD) vs 2.35 (CD+CLO), and 1.51 (AD) vs 1.82 (AD+ CLO). The ( CD+CLO ) animals had the highest 2,3 DPG levels of all groups and the least aortal lipid infiltration. (AD+CLO) 2,3 DPG levels were significantly higher than in (AD) controls and they had lower lipid infiltration in their aortae. Blood plasma cholesterol levels in the AD groups were significantly lower in the ( AD+CLO ) vs the (AD) control rabbits.

The role of endocannabinoid system in the obesity induced atherogenesis : what are the possible mechanism/s involved ?

Objectives: The present work was designed to studythe role of endocannabinoid system in the obesity associated atherogenesis and trying to clarify its possible mechanism/s of action. Methods: Thirty adult male wistar albino rats were utilized in the present experiment. They were divided into three equal groups (10 rats each); Group 1: Lean control group, which were fed normal laboratory chow diet and gavaged once daily by dimethyl sulfoxide in a dose of 0.6ml/kg /day for 10 weeks. Group 2: Atherogenic diet group which were fed high fat diet and gavaged once daily by dimethyl sulfoxide as group 1. Group 3: Atherogenic diet treated group which were fed high fat diet and gavaged once daily by NIDA-41020 (a selective cannabinoid receptor 1 blocker) in a dose of 10mg/ kg /day for 10 weeks. Then body mass index (BMI), bleeding time, and total clotting time were assessed. After that, the animals were sacrificed and lipid profile, atherogenic index, bleeding time, platelet aggregation percentage, clot retractions, clotting time, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), total & differential leukocytic counts and serum adiponectin levels were assessed in all groups. The aorta was obtained from each animal dissected and stained by haematoxylin/eosin and oil Red O staining for histological examination and detection of aortic thickness and foam cells deposition. Results: The laboratory investigations and histological examination revealed, significant increases in BMI, lipid profile, atherogenic index, platelet aggregation%, peripheral monocytic count, and aortic thickness in the high fat diet received group versus lean controls which were otherwise associated with significant decreases in total clotting time, PT, aPTT, serum HDL & adiponectin levels. These changes were significantly and profoundly inhibited by the administration of the cannabinoid receptor antagonist. Conclusion: The endocannabinoid system is involved in the atherogenic changes associated with obesity. These effects were attributed to interference with serum adiponectin level, dyslipidemia, hypercoagulability, increased platelet activation & peripheral as well as endothelial recruitment of monocytes. These effects were found to be via activation of cannabinoid 1 receptor.

Antioxidants in Fig (Ficus carica L.) and their Effects in the Prevention of Atherosclerosis in Hamsters

Phenolics are an important constituent of fruit quality because of their contribution to the taste, color and nutritional properties of fruit. This study aimed to determine the level of phenolics in fig. In addition, it is also to study their impact on early atherosclerosis. The used methodology was by feeding 30 hamsters which were grouped into three groups. Each group has equally of 10 hamsters. These three groups were fed standard diet, atherogenic diet, atherogenic diet with dried fig (0.6 gm/ kg body weight). During 8 weeks of this study trial, hamster body weight and its liver weight were measured. Subsequently, blood samples were collected for the following tests which are; total cholesterol level, High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HLD), low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL), Triglycerides (TG) and liver enzymes Aspartate amino transferase (AST), Alanine amino transferase (ALT). The analysed phenolics present at the highest content were gallic acid (30.99 mg per 100 g DW), followed by epigallocatechine (25.44 mg per 100 g DW), caffeine (20.23 mg per 100 g DW), catechine (13.88 mg per 100 g DW), epicatechine (12.48 mg per 100 g DW), rutin (3.26 mg per 100 g DW), epigallocatechine gallate (2.52 mg per 100 g DW). Significant increases in body weight and liver weight of hamsters fed atherogenic diet (P<0.05). On contrary, hamsters fed with fig diet they had insignificant decrease of body weight with significant decrease of their liver weight. Additionally, study has revealed significant increase of total cholesterol level, LDL, and TG among atherogenic diet group (P < 0.05). While hamster group fed with fig in diet showed a significantly decreased in the total cholesterol level, LDL, and TG. The HDL level was improved in the former group. However, liver enzymes (AST), (ALT) were increased significantly among group which was fed by atherogenic diet. But they were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) among those hamsters fed by fig.

Niacin Modulates Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Secretion. A Potential Mechanism Involved in its Anti-atherosclerotic Effect.

The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis includes the assignment of a critical role to cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage and to pro-inflammatory cytokines. Niacin is known to improve lipid metabolism and to produce beneficial modification of cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of this work was to investigate if Niacin is able to modulate pro-inflammatory cytokine production in macrophages in a murine model of atherosclerosis. For this purpose C57Bl/6J mice fed with atherogenic diet (AGD) or with conventional chow diet were used. The AGD group showed an increase in body weight and in total plasma cholesterol, with no differences in triglyceride or HDL levels. Lesions in arterial walls were observed. The characterization of Niacin receptor showed an increase in the receptor number of macrophages from the AGD group. Macrophages from control and AGD animals treated in vitro with an inflammatory stimulus showed elevated levels of IL-6, IL-1 and TNF-α, that were even higher in macrophages from AGD mice. Niacin was able to decrease the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in stimulated macrophages. Similar effect of Niacin was observed in an in vivo model of inflammation. These results show an attenuating inflammatory mechanism for this therapeutic agent and would point out its potential action in plaque stabilization and in the prevention of atherosclerosis progression. Furthermore, the present results provide the basis for future studies on the potential contribution of Niacin to anti-inflammatory therapies.

GW24-e3519 The study of atherosclerosis model in the rabbits fed with atherogenic diet

ObjectivesTo establish an atherosclerosis animal mode in the rabbit fed by atherogenic diet, and to observe the effects of atherogenic diet on rabbits’ body weight, mortality rate, blood lipids and...

Effects of freeze‐dried cranberry powder on inflammatory biomarkers in db/db mice fed an atherogenic diet

Obese diabetics have a greater risk for infectious diseases and exposure to endotoxin with a high fat diet. Cranberry products have been recognized to have anti‐oxidative and anti‐inflammatory properties. We employed obese diabetic animals and examined if fortification of atherogenic diet with freeze‐dried cranberry powder has beneficial effects on inflammatory biomarkers. Forty C57BL/KSJ‐db/db mice were equally divided into following 4 groups: normal diet (ND), atherogenic diet (AD), AD with 5% cranberry powder (AD‐C5), AD with 10% cranberry powder (AD‐C10) groups. After 6 weeks, mean serum tumor necrosis factor‐α was significantly higher in the AD group than the ND group, but it tended to be lower in the groups with cranberry powder compared to the AD group. Mean serum interleukin (IL)‐6 was twofold higher in the AD group than the ND group. However, in the AD‐C5 and AD‐C10 groups, respective mean values of IL‐6 were 26% (P&gt;;0.05) and 67% (P&lt;0.05) lower than the AD group. In the AD‐C10 group, levels of NF‐κB p65 protein in liver and kidney were lower than the group without cranberry powder. Histopathologically, hyperplasia and chronic granulomatous inflammation were not observed on H &amp; E staining of kidney tissues of all groups. Our results demonstrated that cranberry powder consumption may beneficially modulate factors influencing inflammatory response of obese diabetes on high fat diet.

Antiatherosclerotic potential of aliskiren: its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in rabbits: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Aliskiren is a direct renin inhibitor. It counteracts renin-angiotensin system and is used to treat hypertension. This study aims to evaluate the effect of aliskiren on the progression of atherosclerosis in domestic rabbits. Methods: Twenty-one local domestic rabbits were divided into three groups each group had special dietary regimen for 8 weeks: Group I (normal control), Group II (atherogenic control) and Group III (2% Cholesterol + aliskiren 40mg/kg/day orally). Blood samples were collected at the end of experiment (8 weeks) for measurement of serum lipid profile, plasma high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and plasma reduced glutathione (GSH). Immunohistochemical analysis including vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1); monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1); tumor necrotic factor - α (TNF-α); and interleukin – 17 (IL-17). Histopathologic assessment of aortic atherosclerotic changes were also performed. Results: Compared to normal control group, there is a significant increase in the level of lipid profile, hs-CRP (134.1±1.2ug/L), and malondialdehyde (0.561±0.136umol/L) in the atherogenic diet group, while GSH was significantly reduced (0.58±0.024mmol/L) at (p ≤ 0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that expression of aortic VCAM-1; MCP-1; TNF-α; and interleukin–17 were significantly increased in atherogenic control group compared to normal control group (p<0.001). In addition, animals on atherogenic diet have significant atherosclerotic lesion compared to normal control group. Aliskiren group appears to have no significant effect on lipid profile compared to atherogenic control group, but it has statistically significant reduction in hs-CRP (73.1±3.88ug/L) and MDA (0.261±0.15umol/L) at (p ≤ 0.05). Aliskiren treatment failed to significantly increase the level of plasma reduced glutathione. In addition, aliskiren treatment significantly reduced the expression of VCAM-1; MCP-1; TNF-α; and IL–17 (p≤0.05). Histopathological examination of aortic arch showed that aliskiren significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesion (p≤0.005). Conclusion: We can conclude that aliskiren is helpful in reducing lipid peroxidation, systemic inflammation and aortic expression of inflammatory markers used in this study and hence reduces the progression of atherosclerotic plague.

Effect of Different Obesogenic Diets on Pancreatic Histology in Ossabaw Miniature Swine

Obesity is a factor in the outcome and severity of pancreatic conditions. We examined the effect of hypercaloric diets on the pancreata of Ossabaw swine, a large animal model of metabolic syndrome and obesity. Swine were fed with 1 of 4 diets: high-fructose (n = 9), atherogenic (n = 10), modified atherogenic (n = 6), or eucaloric standard diet (n = 12) for 24 weeks. Serum chemistries were measured, and pancreata were examined for histological abnormalities including steatosis, inflammation or fibrosis, insulin content, and oxidative stress. The fructose, atherogenic, and modified atherogenic diet groups exhibited obesity, metabolic syndrome, islet enlargement, and significantly increased pancreatic steatosis (22.9% ± 7.5%, 19.7% ± 7.7%, and 38.7% ± 15.3% fat in total tissue area, respectively) compared with controls (9.3% ± 1.9%; P < 0.05). The modified atherogenic diet group showed significantly increased oxidative stress levels as evidenced by elevated serum malondialdehyde (3.0 ± 3.3 vs 1.5 ± 0.3 μmol/L in controls; P = 0.006) and pancreatic malondialdehyde (0.1 ± 0.12 vs 0.04 ± 0.01 nmol/mg protein in controls; P = 0.01). None of the swine exhibited pancreatitis or cellular injury. Ossabaw swine fed with a modified atherogenic diet developed significant pancreatic steatosis and increased oxidative stress, but no other histological abnormalities were observed.

Stent-induced coronary artery stenosis characterized by multimodal nonlinear optical microscopy

We demonstrate for the first time the applicability of multimodal nonlinear optical (NLO) microscopy to the interrogation of stented coronary arteries under different diet and stent deployment conditions. Bare metal stents and Taxus drug-eluting stents (DES) were placed in coronary arteries of Ossabaw pigs of control and atherogenic diet groups. Multimodal NLO imaging was performed to inspect changes in arterial structures and compositions after stenting. Sum frequency generation, one of the multimodalities, was used for the quantitative analysis of collagen content in the peristent and in-stent artery segments of both pig groups. Atherogenic diet increased lipid and collagen in peristent segments. In-stent segments showed decreased collagen expression in neointima compared to media. Deployment of DES in atheromatous arteries inhibited collagen expression in the arterial media.