Decreased Serum Cholesterol Research Articles

Effect of probiotics mix supplementation on haemato-biochemical parameters and bacterial faecal shedding in Corriedale lambs fed paddy straw based complete feed

Growth trial of 90 days was conducted on 12 male Corriedale lambs, divided in two groups of six lambs each, to study the effect of feeding of paddy straw based complete feed supplemented of probiotic mix (Saccharomyces cerevisiae 2×1010cfu/g + Lactobacillus acidophilus 6×109cfu/g) in equal ratio @ 3 % of DM, as per the in vitro studies, while complete feed without probiotics served as control. There was significantly (P less than 0.01) higher haemoglobin concentration, RBC, WBC and monocyte count in animals fed probiotic mix than control, with no significant effect on PCV, lymphocyte, eosinophill and neutrophill count. Blood glucose, total serum protein, albumin, globulin, BUN and serum creatinine values were statistically higher in probiotic mix supplemented animals. Lambs fed with probiotics show significant (P less than 0.01) decrease in serum cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides with increment of HDL-cholesterol than animals fed unsupplemented diet, with no effect on enzyme activities of liver enzymes. The lambs fed on probiotic mix shows significant reduction in faecal shedding of E. coli and total coliform with firm pellets faecal consistency. Probiotic mix has great potential to beneficially affect the haemato-biochemical parameters and gut micro-flora and hence improve physiological health status of animals.

Anti-obesity and fatty liver-preventing activities of Loniceracaerulea in high-fat diet-fed mice.

Blue honeysuckle (BH, Lonicera caerulea) is used as a traditional medicine in Russia, Japan and China, but is not commonly considered as an edible berry in Europe, USA or Korea. BH has been revealed to decrease serum cholesterol and triacylglycerol (triglyceride or TG) levels through the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), thus it is expected to be a health functional food and pharmaceutical agent for the prevention of non-alcoholic liver damage, in addition to effects as a suppressor of hyperlipidemia and as an anti-obesity agent. In the present study, the pharmacological activity of BH extract (BHe) was observed in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Significant increases in fat pad weight, body weight, fat accumulation (body and abdominal fat density, and thickness of the periovarian and abdominal wall) and serum biochemical levels (aspartate transaminase, alanine amino-transferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, γ-glutamyltransferase, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and TG, with the exception of high-density lipoprotein) were observed in HFD-fed mice. In addition, increases in adipocyte hypertrophy, the area of steatohepatitis and hepatocyte hypertrophy were observed, whereas decreased zymogen content was identified upon histopathological observation. Increased deterioration of the endogenous antioxidant defense system (liver catalase, glutathione and superoxide dismutase) and hepatic lipid peroxidation was observed. In addition, there were decreases in hepatic glucokinase activity, AMPKα1 and AMPKα2 mRNA expression, adipose tissue uncoupling protein 2 expression, and adiponectin mRNA expression, increases in phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase activity, hepatic acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 mRNA expression, and the expression of leptin, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) α, C/EBPβ and sterol-regulatory-element-binding protein 1c mRNA in the periovarian tissue. Furthermore, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and obesity were significantly inhibited by the continuous administration of BHe for 84 days. These results revealed that BHe may be a promising novel drug or functional food candidate for the treatment of obesity and NAFLD.

Toxic effects of subacute inhalation exposure to trichloroethylene on serum lipid profile, glucose and biochemical parameters in Sprague–Dawley rats

The current study evaluated the inhalation toxicity of trichloroethylene (TCE) at 0, 10, 100, 250 and 400 ppm in Sprague–Dawley rats for 10 day period, because the subacute inhalation toxicity of TCE on serum lipid profile, glucose and some biochemical parameters has not been previously reported. TCE vapors were generated using the dynamic generation system based on evaporation method in the exposure chamber. On the basis of the results, mean serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and albumin (ALB) decreased significantly in all the groups exposed to TCE compared with the control group (p < .005), but there was a significant increase for parameters: fasting blood glucose (FBG) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p < .005). Rats exposed to 400 ppm TCE showed a significant decrease in serum cholesterol (CHOL) and protein (Pr) compared with the control group (p < .005). A negative relationship was found between triglycerides (TG), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), CHOL, LDL, Pr, ALB and urea levels and the subacute exposure to concentrations of TCE (R2 = –0.26, p < .05), but there was a direct correlation for parameters FBG, ALP and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (R2 = 0.42, p < .05). In conclusion, studies with Sprague–Dawley rats demonstrated that subacute inhalation exposure to TCE (≥ 100 PPM) is associated with biochemical and lipotoxicity in the form of decreased serum ALB and LDL and raised ALP and glucose levels. The present study also provides additional evidence relating to decreased serum CHOL and Pr after subacute inhalation exposure to 400 ppm TCE.

EFFECT OF SUBSTITUTING DIFFERENT LEVELS OF SUN DRIED MORINGA OLIEFERA LEAVES As A SOURCE OF PROTEIN IN EARLY WEANING RABBITS RATION ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND DIGESTION COEFFICIENTS AND SOME BLOOD CONSTITUENTS

A total number of one hundred early weaning New Zealand white rabbits (EWNZWR) were used at 25 days of age with an average of 580.5 g. Rabbits were divided into 4 groups (25 rabbits each). Four substitution levels of sun dried Moringa oeliefera leaves (SDMOL) were used (zero%, 25%, 50% and 75%) instead of sunflower meal. Chemical analysis of Sun dried Moringa oliefera Leaves was higher in CP, NFE, EE, and ash than sunflower meal. Most nutrients digestibility were improved (P<0.05) with replacing sunflower meal by Sun dried Moringa oliefera leaves at level 25, 50 or 75%. Also, using Sun-dried Moringa oliefera leaves in early weaning New Zealand white rabbits significantly (P<0.05) increased final body weight and daily body weight gain values. The tested diets have decreased significantly (P<0.05) meat content of DM (25.96, 25.80 and 24.86 vs 26.20), CP (20.74,20.89 and 21.02 vs 20.59) and EE (9.65,9.00,and8.73 vs10.15). Adding SDMOL to rabbit diets (P<0.05) decreased serum cholesterol and total lipids concentrate. Substitution of SDMOL improved the economic efficiency. It could be concluded that replacement up to 75% of sunflower meal in the early weaning New Zealand white rabbit’s diet by Sun dried Moringa oliefera leaves could be recommended to improve rabbit growth performance parameters, feed efficiency and carcass characteristics, meat content of DM, CP ,EE and decreased serum cholesterol, total lipids concentrates.

Effect of extracorporeal low-energy shock wave on diabetic gastroparesis in a rat model.

Delayed gastric emptying occurs in more than 50% of chronic diabetic patients, and this is associated with significant impairments in quality of life. Traditional therapy for delayed gastric emptying has focused on supportive treatment, and there is no significant effective therapy. The effect of low-energy shock wave on gastric motility is never studied. We investigated low-energy shock wave on gastric motility in a diabetic rat model. Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were studied and separated in three groups in randomized order as control, diabetic rats received shock wave, and diabetic rats received the sham procedure. Antral area and motility were recorded using the transabdominal ultrasound. Blood was taken for measurement of gastric motility peptides. Subjects were killed for immunohistochemical stain analysis of enteric plexus of the stomach. We successfully induced 20 diabetic rats and set ultrasound for measuring rat gastric contract and emptying model and demonstrated that 6weeks of low-energy shock wave could promote gastric contraction and emptying in diabetic rats. Moreover, we demonstrated that shock wave could increase defecation and feces and decrease serum cholesterol and triglycerol. However, no effect on glycohemoglobin and gastric motility peptides was recorded. In the immunohistochemical staining, shock wave increased expression of gastric myenteric neuron plexus. Low-energy shock wave can increase gastric contraction and emptying by activating axonal regeneration and increasing myenteric plexus, but not related with motility peptides.

Clinicopathological Studies on the Effect of Origanum majorana in Broilers

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of E. coli on serum biochemistry and to determine the preventive effect of adding marjoram as growth promoters in 2 concentrations (0.5% &1%/kg ration) on serum biochemistry. This study was carried out on 150 one day- old chicks to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of 0.5 and 1% origanum majorana for 6 weeks on broilers and the possibility of facing the experimental infection with E. coli O78. In treated groups with marjoram 1%, biochemical results revealed increase in the total protein and total globulin and decrease in AST, ALT and uric acid in 4th and 6th weeks of the experiment. In addition to significant decrease in serum cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and increase in HDL, while, serum albumin showed non-significant changes compared to control group. Regarding to the infected group and group infected and treated with 0.5% marjoram, increased total protein, total globulin, AST, ALT, glucose, cholesterol and uric acid were observed

Functional role of selenium-fortified yogurt against aflatoxin-contaminated nuts in rats

BackgroundAflaxions are a group of chemically toxic fungal metabolites produced by species of the genus Aspergillus. Nuts can be contaminated by fungi, resulting in the production of mycotoxins. The present study was performed to investigate the ability of selenium-fortified yogurt to counteract the adverse effects of consuming 3% experimental nuts (pistachios, cashews, walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts) contaminated with aflatoxins in experimental rats. First, the total aflatoxins concentrations were estimated in fresh nuts, and in nuts after 6 months of storage, and selenium-fortified yogurt was prepared. Rats were classified into a negative control group (fed a standard diet with a 3% mixture of fresh safe nuts), a positive control group (fed a standard diet with a 3% mixture of nuts contaminated with aflatoxins after storage at 25 °C for 6 months) and treated groups that fed on pistachios with selenium-fortified yogurt, cashews with selenium-fortified yogurt, walnuts with yogurt fortified with selenium, almonds with selenium-fortified yogurt and hazelnuts with selenium-fortified yogurt (fed a standard diet with 3% individual nuts contaminated with aflatoxins and 160 ml/kg body weight of selenium-fortified yogurt daily through a stomach tube).ResultsThe negative effects of aflatoxins on weight gain and food intake were reversed by selenium-fortified yogurt. This yogurt also led to a significant decrease in serum cholesterol, TG, LDLc, VLDLc, total lipids, phospholipids, glucose and atherogenic indexes (CHO/HDLc and LDLc/HDLc) and an increase in serum HDLc, haemoglobin, PCV, liver TG and glycogen at p < 0.05. In addition, the study showed a significant decrease in liver cholesterol and total lipids compared to the positive control rat group, which consumed 3% mixed nuts contaminated with aflatoxins and simultaneously restored these parameters to be close to those in the control group. The results were corroborated by histopathological examination of the liver and kidneys.ConclusionsThe most prominent conclusion is that selenium-fortified yogurt reduces side effects from consumption of nuts contaminated with aflatoxins. It is recommended to consume functional selenium-fortified yoghurt for its nutritional values and for alleviating the harmful effect of aflatoxins in nuts.

Medium-chain fatty acids decrease serum cholesterol via reduction of intestinal bile acid reabsorption in C57BL/6J mice

BackgroundBile acids play a pivotal role in cholesterol metabolism via the enterohepatic circulation. This study investigated the effects of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs)/medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) on the reduction of bile acid absorption in the small intestine and the mechanisms of action in vivo and partially verified in vitro.MethodsThirty-six C57BL/6 J mice with hypercholesterolaemia were randomly divided into 3 groups: fed a cholesterol-rich diet (CR group), fed a cholesterol-rich and medium-chain triglyceride diet (CR-MCT group) and fed a cholesterol-rich and long-chain triglyceride diet (CR-LCT group). Body weights and blood lipid profiles were measured in all groups after 16 weeks of treatment. The concentrations of bile acids in bile and faeces were analysed using HPLC-MS (high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry). Gene transcription and the expression levels associated with bile acid absorption in the small intestines were determined using real-time PCR and Western blot. Ileal bile acid binding protein (I-BABP) was analysed using immunofluorescence. The effects of MCFAs on the permeability of bile acid (cholic acid, CA) in Caco-2 cell monolayers and I-BABP expression levels in Caco-2 cells treated with caprylic acid (C8:0), capric acid (C10:0), stearic acid (C18:0) and oleic acid (C18:1) were determined.ResultsMice in the CR-MCT group exhibited lower body weights and serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and a higher HDL-C/LDL-C ratio than the CR-LCT group (P < 0.05). The concentrations of primary bile acids (primarily CA) and secondary bile acids in faeces and secondary bile acids in bile in the CR-MCT group were significantly higher than in the CR-LCT group (P < 0.05). C8:0 and C10:0 decreased the permeability of CA in Caco-2 cell monolayers. MCT/MCFAs (C8:0 and C10:0) inhibited I-BABP gene expression in the small intestines and Caco-2 cells (P < 0.05).ConclusionsMCT slowed the body weight increase and promoted the excretion of bile acids. MCT lowered serum cholesterol levels at least partially via reduction of bile acid absorption in the small intestine by inhibition of I-BABP expression. Our results provide the basis for clinical trials of MCT as a dietary supplement for lowering plasma cholesterol and reducing risk of CHD.

Reproductive and developmental toxicity of potassium perfluorohexanesulfonate in CD-1 mice

Potassium perfluorohexanesulfonate (K+PFHxS) was evaluated for reproductive/developmental toxicity in CD-1 mice. Up to 3 mg/kg-d K+PFHxS was administered (n = 30/sex/group) before mating, for at least 42 days in F0 males, and for F0 females, through gestation and lactation. F1 pups were directly dosed with K+PFHxS for 14 days after weaning. There was an equivocal decrease in live litter size at 1 and 3 mg/kg-d, but the pup-born-to-implant ratio was unaffected. Adaptive hepatocellular hypertrophy was observed, and in 3 mg/kg-d F0 males, it was accompanied by concomitant decreased serum cholesterol and increased alkaline phosphatase. There were no other toxicologically significant findings on reproductive parameters, hematology/clinical pathology/TSH, neurobehavioral effects, or histopathology. There were no treatment-related effects on postnatal survival, development, or onset of preputial separation or vaginal opening in F1 mice. Consistent with previous studies, our data suggest that the potency of PFHxS is much lower than PFOS in rodents.

A novel small‐molecule inhibitor of the WNT/β‐catenin pathway show efficacy in treating diet induced alteration of glucose and lipid metabolism

WNT/β‐catenin pathway is well studied for its role in cell differentiation and proliferation. The major effector of this pathway, β‐catenin, interacts with nuclear pool of co‐transcription factors T‐cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF/LEF) to initiate transcription of WNT downstream genes that regulate different processes including glucose and lipid metabolism. Here, we screened a library of 90 compounds using a TCF/LEF responsive reporter assay. We identified a potent quinolinium compound, YW1128, which is able to stabilize Axin levels and decrease WNT signaling (IC50 = 8 nM). In vitro validation assays and in vivo efficacy characterization for this compound using a high fat diet C57BL/6J mouse model in contrast to a normal chow mouse model of the same background were carried out. Our western blot and immunocytochemistry results confirm the WNT inhibitory effects of YW1128 in HEK293 cells. Treatment of huh7 cells led to significant decrease in lipid accumulation shown by nile red staining. In mice fed high fat diet, YW1128 alleviated fatty liver disease and slightly improved glucose tolerance as assessed by haemotoxylin and eosin staining and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests, respectively. With no effect on toxicity markers, YW1128 significantly decreased serum cholesterol level in high fat diet mice group with no effect in the normal chow group. Treatment mice also had significant decrease in genes involved in glucose metabolism and fatty acid metabolism pathways along with YW1128 inhibitory effect in WNT signaling pathways. To conclude, we identified an novel WNT pathway inhibitor that show promising benefit for treating diseases associated with glucose and lipid metabolism through its effect on WNT signaling pathway.Support or Funding InformationFunded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under Award R01GM099742This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

LC–MS-based serum fingerprinting reveals significant dysregulation of phospholipids in chronic heart failure

Cardiac and extracardiac lipid metabolism is known to be significantly altered in the course of the heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HF-REF), however the precise mechanisms are not fully elucidated. The aim of the study was to use of untargeted metabolomics to identify and validate changes in the blood metabolites profile, occurring as a result of HF-REF development. The analyses were performed first in the derivation set (36 chronic HF-REF patients and 19 controls without the disease) and repeated in validation cohort (31 chronic HF-REF patients and 20 controls). Independent analyses of both sets revealed statistically significant decline in intensities of phosphatidylcholine (PC): 34:4 and 36:5, lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC): 14:0, 15:0, 18:0, 18:2, 20:3, lysophosphatidylethanolamine (lyso-PE): 18:1 and 18:2 in chronic HF-REF patients. More symptomatic patients and those with ischaemic etiology of HF-REF presented greater deficit in phospholipids (PLs) intensities. The decrease of identified PLs intensities (as compared to controls) correlated with decreased serum cholesterol level, impaired renal function, reduced exercise capacity, enhanced ventilatory response and metabolic parameters associated with altered fatty acids oxidation. In multiple regression analysis PLs deficit was significantly associated with age, carnitines serum intensity, renal function, uric acid, cholesterol level. In conclusion, HF-REF is associated with significant disturbances in phospholipids metabolism. Greater reduction in serum intensities of particular identified PLs is associated with older age, worse clinical condition, impaired oxidative muscle metabolism and enhanced catabolic status.

Bile Acid Sequestration by Cholestyramine Mitigates FGFR4 Inhibition-Induced ALT Elevation.

The FGF19- fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR4)-βKlotho (KLB) pathway plays an important role in the regulation of bile acid (BA) homeostasis. Aberrant activation of this pathway has been described in the development and progression of a subset of liver cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma, establishing FGFR4 as an attractive therapeutic target for such solid tumors. FGF401 is a highly selective FGFR4 kinase inhibitor being developed for hepatocellular carcinoma, currently in phase I/II clinical studies. In preclinical studies in mice and dogs, oral administration of FGF401 led to induction of Cyp7a1, elevation of its peripheral marker 7alpha-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one, increased BA pool size, decreased serum cholesterol and diarrhea in dogs. FGF401 was also associated with increases of serum aminotransferases, primarily alanine aminotransferase (ALT), in the absence of any observable adverse histopathological findings in the liver, or in any other organs. We hypothesized that the increase in ALT could be secondary to increased BAs and conducted an investigative study in dogs with FGF401 and coadministration of the BA sequestrant cholestyramine (CHO). CHO prevented and reversed FGF401-related increases in ALT in dogs in parallel to its ability to reduce BAs in the circulation. Correlation analysis showed that FGF401-mediated increases in ALT strongly correlated with increases in taurolithocholic acid and taurodeoxycholic acid, the major secondary BAs in dog plasma, indicating a mechanistic link between ALT elevation and changes in BA pool hydrophobicity. Thus, CHO may offer the potential to mitigate elevations in serum aminotransferases in human subjects that are caused by targeted FGFR4 inhibition and elevated intracellular BA levels.

Therapy of Rituximab in Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy with Nephrotic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of rituximab (RTX) in the treatment of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) with nephrotic syndrome with a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Clinical Trials (December 2016) were searched to identify researches investigating the treatment of RTX in adult patients with biopsy-proven IMN. Complete remission (CR) or partial remission was regarded as effective therapy, and the cumulated remission rate was calculated. Result Seven studies involved 120 patients (73% were men) were included in our systematic review and meta-analysis. All were prospective observation cohort studies or matched-cohort studies, mainly came from two medical centers, and one study was multi-centric (four nephrology units in northern Italy). The creatinine clearance was more than 20 ml/(min·1.73 m2) and persistent proteinuria higher than 3.5 g/d for at least 6 months. All patients received treatment previously [44 (36.7%) had immunosuppressive treatment]. In 12- and 24-month, 56% (95%CI, 0.47-0.65) and 68% (95%CI, 0.41-0.87) patients could reach remission, while 15% (95%CI, 0.09-0.23) and 20% (95%CI, 0.12-0.32) patients could reach CR. The reduction in proteinuria was gradual and obvious, paralleled with upward trend of serum albumin level and decreasing serum cholesterol level. Renal functions were stable. Relapses happened in 24 months were around 8%. RTX related adverse events were mild and were mostly infusion-related reactions. Conclusions RTX treatment in IMN was efficient, well tolerated and safe. More than 60% patients can reach partial remission or CR in 24 months, and relapse is rare. Adverse events of RTX are mostly infusion-related reactions and generally mild.

α-Linolenic acid prevents hepatic steatosis and improves glucose tolerance in mice fed a high-fat diet

OBJECTIVES:Dietary omega-3 fatty acids have been efficacious in decreasing serum cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the metabolic and molecular changes induced by the omega-3 fatty acid α-linolenic acid (ALA), which is found in linseed oil, are not fully understood. In this study, we showed a correlation between ALA and insulin resistance, inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS).METHODS:We studied 40 male mice (C57/BL6) divided into 4 groups: a control (C) group, a control + omega-3/ALA (CA) group, a high-fat diet (HFD) (H) group and a high-fat diet + omega-3/ALA (HA) group. For 8 weeks, the animals in the H and HA groups were fed a high-fat (60%) diet, while the animals in the C and CA groups received regular chow. The diets of the CA and HA groups were supplemented with 10% lyophilized ALA.RESULTS:ALA supplementation improved glucose tolerance and reduced insulin resistance, as measured by intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests and the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, respectively. In addition, ALA reduced hepatic steatosis and modified the standard fat concentration in the liver of animals fed an HFD. Dietary ALA supplementation reduced the serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), increased the expression of important chaperones such as binding immunoglobulin protein (BIP) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and reduced the expression of C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP) and X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) in hepatic tissues, suggesting an ERS adaptation in response to ALA supplementation.CONCLUSIONS:Dietary ALA supplementation is effective in preventing hepatic steatosis; is associated with a reduction in insulin resistance, inflammation and ERS; and represents an alternative for improving liver function and obtaining metabolic benefits.

Evaluation of phenolic compounds and lipid-lowering effect of Morus nigra leaves extract.

Morus nigra L. (Moraceae) is a tree known as black mulberry and the leaves are used in folk medicine in the treatment of diabetes, high cholesterol and menopause symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the M. nigra leaves phytochemical profile in different extractions and the hypolipidemic effect of the infusion comparing to the fenofibrate. Morus nigra infusion (MN) showed higher amounts of phenolics and flavonoids (83.85 mg/g and 79.96 µg/g, respectively), as well as antioxidant activity (83.85%) than decoction or hydromethanolic extracts. Although, decoction showed the best result for ascorbic acid (4.35 mg/100 g) than hydromethanolic or infusion (2.51 or 2.13 mg/100 g, respectively). The phenolic acids gallic, chlorogenic and caffeic and the flavonoids quercetin, rutin and catechin were found in the M. nigra extracts. Hyperlipidemic rats treated with 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg of MN decreased serum cholesterol, triglycerides and normalized lipoproteins. Furthermore, MN inhibited lipid peroxidation in liver, kidney and brain of hyperlipidemic rats. This study provides evidence that M. nigra leaves extracts are rich in polyphenols, mainly chlorogenic acid, which normalized hyperlipidemic disturbance. The results suggest a potential therapeutic effect of the M. nigra leaves infusion on dislipidemic condition and related oxidative stress.

Protective effect of Omega-3 fatty acids on blood lipid profile of cigarette smoke exposed rats

The present study is undertaken to investigate the role of Omega-3 fatty acids on blood lipid profile viz serum cholesterol, serum triglyceride, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) in cigarette smoke exposed albino rats. Experimental rats (100-158g) were kept in standard laboratory conditions and grouped into three sets - control set A exposed to ambient air, experimental set (B) was exposed to cigarette smoke for one hour per day for 28 days and experimental set (C) was exposed to cigarette smoke with pre-exposure supplementation of Omega-3 fatty acids. A significant decrease in serum cholesterol (p<0.05), serum triglyceride (p<0.05), LDL (p<0.05) and VLDL (p<0.05) with a significant increase in HDL level (P<0.05) after supplementation of Omega-3 fatty acids in comparison to cigarette smoke exposed albino rats.

Polyphenolic characterisation of plant mixture (Lisosan® Reduction) and its hypocholesterolaemic effect in high fat diet-fed mice

Lisosan® Reduction is a plant mixture produced from powder of fermented Triticum aestivum (Lisosan® G), Desmodium adscendens, Malus domestica, Picrorhiza kurroa and Hordeum vulgare. The aim of this study was to characterise the phenolic profile of Lisosan® Reduction and to evaluate the effects of aqueous extract on mice fed a high fat diet (HFD). Syringic acid, trans sinapic acid and neochlorogenic acid were identified by HPLC-DAD to be the dominant polyphenols of Lisosan® Reduction, followed by vitexin, trans p-coumeric acid and trans ferulic acid. Mice treated with aqueous extract of Lisosan® Reduction (60 mg/kg b.w.) showed a significant decrease of serum cholesterol, glucose and triglycerides level and a significant increase of CYP7A1 gene expression, compared to HFD group.

Microbiological and Histopathological studies on cholesterol reducing effect of lactobacillus acidophilus

A total of 50 albino rats were used to carry out an in vivo study on the cholesterol lowering impact of isolated L. acidophilus isolated from diatery supplements. Blood serum of the experimental rats as well as their liver, heart and aorta tissues were analyzed and examined .The attained results revealed a great decrease in serum cholesterol due to the use of live or dead bacterial cells. The histopathological results collected from examination of liver revealed that in live lactobacillus treated group display significant amelioration compare to non treated group, while no significant improvement detected in dead lactobacillus treated group. The corresponding results of the heart in showed that some pathological lesions seen in cardiac tissue in high cholesterol feeding group, still observed. This is besides atrophy of many cardiomyocytes and apoptosis. Signe of improvement was noticed in dead lactobacillus treated hypercholesterolemic group, where the severity and incidence of the pathological lesions observed in hypercholesterolemia animals was significantly reduced. Concerning the aorta, the attained results demonstrated that in live lactobacillus treated group, early plague formation was observed in few areas, however fibrin covered wide area of the endothelial layer. Significant amelioration in aorta tissues of dead lactobacillus treated hypercholesterolemia group was detected.

A protective role of Gαq-RGS2 loop activator on streptozotocin induced diabetic complications in rats: An independent on elevated serum glucose level modulation

An overactivation of Gαq dependent signaling pathway is crucial for development of metabolic and vascular abnormalities in diabetes. Therefore, our objective was to study effects of Gαq-RGS2 loop activator (1-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5(4H)-one) on STZ induced diabetic complications in rats. Animals were divided into four groups; normal rats, diabetic rats (Streptozotocin, STZ, 60mg/kg, i.p.), Gαq-RGS2 loop activator (1mg/kg/d, i.p., 15 d, at 6 wk after citrate buffer or STZ administration, respectively) treated normal rats and diabetic rats. At the end of 8 wk, the metabolic parameters, hemodynamic parameters, in-vivo vascular reactivity and aortic anti-oxidant status were evaluated. A treatment of Gαq-RGS2 loop activator significantly decreased serum cholesterol (P < 0.001), triglyceride (P < 0.01), systolic/diastolic/mean arterial blood pressure (P < 0.001), lactate dehydrogenase (P < 0.001), cardiac selective creatinine kinase (P < 0.001), urea (P < 0.05), creatinine (P < 0.001), aortic superoxide dismutase (P < 0.05) and catalase(P < 0.05) in diabetic rats whereas increased basal (P < 0.05) and stimulated (acetylcholine (P < 0.01) and nitroglycerine (P < 0.05)) serum nitric oxide level without affecting elevated serum glucose level. The nitroglycerin stimulated NO production was significantly (P < 0.01) increased by Gαq-RGS2 loop activator administration in normal rats, too. Collectively, Gαq-RGS2 loop activator protects rats against streptozotocin induce hemodynamic and metabolic modulation without affecting elevated serum glucose level.

Thymoquinone ameliorates diabetic phenotype in Diet-Induced Obesity mice via activation of SIRT-1-dependent pathways.

Thymoquinone, a natural occurring quinone and the main bioactive component of plant Nigella sativa, undergoes intracellular redox cycling and re-oxidizes NADH to NAD+. TQ administration (20 mg/kg/bw/day) to the Diet-Induced Obesity (DIO) mice reduced their diabetic phenotype by decreasing fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin levels, and improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity as evaluated by oral glucose and insulin tolerance tests (OGTT and ITT). Furthermore, TQ decreased serum cholesterol levels and liver triglycerides, increased protein expression of phosphorylated Akt, decreased serum levels of inflammatory markers resistin and MCP-1, and decreased NADH/NAD+ ratio. These changes were paralleled by an increase in phosphorylated SIRT-1 and AMPKα in liver and phosphorylated SIRT-1 in skeletal muscle. TQ also increased insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells via a SIRT-1-dependent mechanism. These findings are consistent with the TQ-dependent re-oxidation of NADH to NAD+, which stimulates glucose and fatty acid oxidation and activation of SIRT-1-dependent pathways. Taken together, these results demonstrate that TQ ameliorates the diabetic phenotype in the DIO mouse model of type 2 diabetes.