Diet-induced Hypercholesterolemic Rats Research Articles

Effect of arginine on IL-6, IL-17 and TGF-β levels in high-fat diet-induced hypercholesterolemia rat

Objective: The aim with the present study was to determine that arginine affect to the level of IL-6, IL-17 and TGF-β in high-fat diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in rats. Materal and Methods: Male Wistar rats in eight weeks old (n=35) were divided into five groups, one group as a control (C) were given standard r fed and four groups were given high-fat diet (Hfd) with fats from beef tallow. One group of high-fat diet rats recieved no arginine, three groups were recieved arginine in doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day each for three weeks. After two weeks of treatment, blood cholesterol were measured, while serum level of IL-6, IL-17 and TGF-β were measured at the final five weeks of this protocol by ELISA methods. Results: There were no significantly different between groups, which received different doses of arginine (p>0,05). IL-17 of high-fat diet received arginine of doses 100 and 200 mg/kg/day were significantly higher compared to high-fat diet received no arginine and control group. Interestingly, IL-17 in high-fat diet group received arginine of doses 400 mg/kg/day were lower compared to groups received lower doses of arginine. TGF-β levels in the high-fat diet group’s recieved arginine were lower compared to control group. Conclusions: The effect of arginine on cytokines plays the role on vascular inflammation due to high-fat diet. Key Words: Arginine, High-fat diet, IL-6, IL-17, and TGF–β.

New insights into the effects of onion consumption on lipid mediators using a diet-induced model of hypercholesterolemia

The levels and roles of lipid mediators can be modified in response to nutritional stimuli. The aim of this study was to investigate shifts in oxylipin and sphingolipid profiles stimulated by a hypercholesterolemic (HC) diet along with the modulating effects of onion introduced as an antioxidant functional ingredient characterized in the diet (HCO). Oxylipin and sphingolipid profiles were determined in plasma and tissues from Wistar rats using LC-MS/MS. Plasma ω-3 and ω-6 PUFA-derived oxylipins decreased in rats after 7 weeks of HC feeding, but did not evidence a further shift with HCO diet. Onion ingredient supplementation modulated the hepatic concentrations of prostaglandins and enhanced ω-3 oxylipins in the liver of HCO-fed rats relative to the HC group. The HC diet induced shifts in plasma sphingolipids, increasing sphingoid bases, dihydroceramides and ceramides, whilst the sphingomyelin, hexosylceramide and lactosylceramide families decreased. The HCO diet modified some HC diet-induced changes in sphingolipids in liver and spleen tissue. Onion supplementation effected changes in lipid mediator levels in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic Wistar rats. The potential of onion as regulator of pro-inflammatory mediators, and possible enhancer of pro-resolution pathways, warrants further study of the interaction of functional ingredients with bioactive lipid mediators and their potential impact on inflammation, oxidative stress and organ dysfunction.

In Vivo Antihypercholesterolemic Potential of Swietenia mahagoni Leaf Extract.

The present investigation aims to evaluate antihypercholesterolemic potential of Swietenia mahagoni leaf aqueous extract (MAE) in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rat model. In the study, Wistar albino rats (170–220 g) were segregated into 5 groups; all the groups except normal control group were given high fat diet to induce hypercholesterolemia. After induction of cholesterolemia, normal control and positive control groups were treated with saline, statin group was treated with atorvastatin, and remaining two groups received MAE in two doses (250 and 500 mg kg−1 BW) for a treatment period of one month. After the treatment period, weight of rats was recorded and they were anesthetized and decapitated. Blood samples were taken and triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, malondialdehyde (MDA), and urea were determined. Liver and kidney were taken for the estimation of lipid peroxides. The positive control group showed higher values of triglycerides (109 ± 5.1 mg/dL), total cholesterol (134 ± 4.6 mg/dL), LDL-C (44 ± 1.2 mg/dL), MDA, and bile acid content when compared to a normal control group (triglycerides (89 ± 3.2 mg/dL), total cholesterol (72 ± 3.4 mg/dL), and LDL-C (28 ± 1.2 mg/dL)). Treatment with MAE decreased the cholesterol levels, HDL-C, ALT, AST, and bilirubin levels and the effect was dependent on the dose. The results of this study indicated that MAE possesses hypolipidemic potential and thus could be useful in the treatment of hypercholesterolemic condition.

Effect of pathological conditions on peritoneal macrophage glycosaminoglycans: Impact on cytoadherence

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) have a plethora of functions to play. They are widely present in extracellular matrix, cell surface and inside the cell. During pathological conditions remodeling of GAGs leads to modifications in their structure and functions. In the present work, peritoneal macrophages were isolated from normal, diabetic, and diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats and evaluated in terms of GAGs and cytoadherence to various extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Peritoneal macrophages are known to play important roles in the control of infection and inflammation. Isolated GAGs were characterized as belonging to heparan sulfate/heparin class. There were quantitative changes in sulfated GAGs in diabetic and hypercholesterolemic groups when compared to normal rats. Dose-dependent changes in cytoadherence were observed only with respect to fibronectin in LPS-activated macrophages from diabetic animals but not with laminin and type IV collagen when compared to macrophages from normal rats. Cytoadherence was significantly decreased on treatment with heparinase indicating that cytoadherence was at least partly mediated by heparan sulfate/heparin class of GAGs. Global disaccharide composition analysis showed that GAGs from macrophages of diabetic animals had higher sulfation ratio when compared to that of control and hypercholesterolemic animals.

Hypolipidemic Effect of Hyphaene thebaica (Doum-palm) in Induced Hypercholestrolemic Wistar Albino Rats

This study is designed to investigate the effect of feeding the whole bulb (mesocarp) of Hyphaene thebaica fruit, as 3% of the diet, on lipid profile in Diet-induced hypercholesterolemic Wistar albino rats. Various dietary rations were prepared by addition of H. thepaica, to assess their impact on the serum triglycerides, total cholesterol and its fractions the LDL-C, HDL-C and VLDL-C in normal and induced hypercholestrolemic rats. The rats were divided into four groups and fed for three-weeks as follows: Group 1 fed basal rat diet, group 2 fed the basal rat diet mixed with H. thebaica, group 3 fed high fat diet (the basal rat diet mixed with, calculated amount of, egg yolk to formulate a diet of 1% cholesterol) and group 4 fed the high fat diet mixed with H. thebaica. By the end of the experiment a significant (P=0.03) increase in serum triglycerides and the VLDL-C was observed in groups (3 and 4) compared to the control group. Also the level of LDL-C increased significantly (P=0.04) in group 3 but decreased numerically in group 4. Moreover, the lowest level of the total cholesterol was recorded in group 2 compared to the other groups. However, feeding H. thebaica when mixed with high fat in the diet, resulted in significantly (P=0.02) decreased HDL-C levels. In conclusion this study suggested that H. thebaica contains active ingredients that can manipulate blood lipids and can protect from an increase of the bad cholesterol in the blood, even if a high fat diet is consumed. The present experiment also showed that, the increase of serum triglycerides and VLDL-C levels due to feeding high fat diet in group 3, was augmented by adding H. thebaica to the diet in group 4, so the study of the fatty acid composition of these lipid fractions is recommended.

Effects of Leonurus Sibiricus L. Extract on Diet-induced Hypercholesterolemia in Rats

Effects of Leonurus Sibiricus L. Extract on Diet-induced Hypercholesterolemia in Rats

Effects of Leonurus Sibiricus L. Extract on Diet-induced Hypercholesterolemia in Rats

Effects of Leonurus Sibiricus L. Extract on Diet-induced Hypercholesterolemia in Rats

Honey improves lipid profile of diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats

Background<br />Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world, including Indonesia. One of the risk factors for CHD is hypercholesterolemia. One of the natural products that has been developed for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia is honey. Honey contains fructooligosaccharides, various vitamins, minerals, and enzymes which are supposedly able to lower blood cholesterol levels. This research aimed to study the influence of honey on the levels of blood total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in Wistar rats. <br /><br />Methods<br />This study was of experimental post test control group design. Twenty-four male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were randomly divided into 4 groups. K1 was the negative control group (with normal diet), K2 was the positive control group (with high-fat diet), P1 was fed a high-fat diet for 7 days, followed by high-fat diet plus honey for the next 7 days. P2 was fed a high-fat diet for 7 days, followed by regular diet plus honey for the next 7 days. After completion of this treatment, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL levels were measured by the cholesterol oxidase phenol+aminophenazone (CHOD-PAP) method using enzymatic spectrophotometry principles. <br /><br />Results<br />There were significant differences in total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL levels between all groups after day 15 (p<0.05). <br /><br />Conclusion<br />Honey supplementation was able to reduce the blood levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL. Honey supplementation accompanied by non-cholesterol feeds could more effectively lower total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL serum levels in Wistar rats.

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.

Hypolipidemic, antioxidant and anti-atherosclerogenic effects of aqueous extract of Zanthoxylum heitzii stem bark in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats.

To evaluate anti-dyslipidemic, antioxidant and anti-atherosclerogenic properties of this extract in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rat, a model of metabolic syndrome-induced atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular diseases. Normocholesterolemic (NC) male rats were divided into six groups (n=10) and fed a high-cholesterol (HC) diet for 30 days (5 groups), or normal rat chow (normal control group). Rats given a HC diet also received distilled water (disease control), the potent hypocholesterolemic agent with anti-atherosclerotic activity atorvastatin (2 mg/kg, positive control), or one of the three doses of Zanthoxylum heitzii stem bark aqueous extract tested (225, 300 and 375 mg/kg) concomitantly for four months. Signs of general toxicity, body temperature and weight, and water and food intake were monitored in live animals. After sacrifice, lipid profiles and oxidative stress markers were assessed in the blood and liver, aorta, and feces, and histopathological analysis of aorta was performed. Plant extract prevented the elevation of aortic total cholesterol and triglycerides, and hepatic low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol. Lipid peroxidation (TBARS) was decreased and aortic atherosclerotic plaque formation prevented. These observations strongly suggest that stem bark aqueous extract of Zanthoxylum heitzii has anti-atherosclerogenic properties, at least partly mediated by antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects.

Monascus purpureus-fermented Thai glutinous rice reduces blood and hepatic cholesterol and hepatic steatosis concentrations in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats.

BackgroundRed yeast rice (RYR) is a fermented product used as a food supplement to promote blood circulation and lower blood cholesterol levels in eastern Asia. Interestingly, monacolin K is the most active compound in RYR that proved to inhibit HMG-CoA reductase in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway.MethodsThe hypocholesterolemic effects of oral administration of Thai RYR, produced by fermentation of Thai glutinous rice (Oryza sativa L. var. Niaw San-pah-tawng) with Monascus purpureus CMU 002U, were determined in normal and hypercholesterolemic rats. The rats were divided into six groups, and fed two different kinds of diet. Groups I-II, normal rats fed with a normal diet (SP-diet), were treated with distilled water (SP-control) and 2.0 g/kg/day of RYR extract (SP-2 g). In Groups III-VI, the rats were rendered hypercholesterolemic by feeding them a high fat and cholesterol diet (HFC-diet), and were treated with distilled water (HFC-control), 1.0 g/kg/day (HFC-1 g), 2.0 g/kg/day (HFC-2 g) of RYR extract, and 5.0 mg/kg/day of rosuvastatin (HFC-rosuvastatin) for 30 days, respectively.ResultsThe RYR extract significantly decreased the concentrations of serum total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), atherosclerotic index, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and hepatic cholesterol levels in both HFC-1 g and HFC-2 g groups (p < 0.05) as compared with the HFC-control group, and with no significant change in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations among all six groups. The reduction of serum TC and LDL-C also paralleled the observed changes in mRNA expressions of the genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis and homeostasis in the liver. The hypercholesterolemic rats treated with RYR extract were significantly higher in LDLR and HMGR expression, but lower in CYP7A1 expression when compared to the untreated hypercholesterolemic rats (HFC-control) (p < 0.05). The hepatic injuries in hypercholesterolemic rats were also obviously alleviated by RYR extract.ConclusionsThe extract of Thai RYR possessed potent hypocholesterolemic and anti-atherogenic activities in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats. The possible mechanism involving cholesterol-lowering potential of the extract might contribute to its ability to increase LDL-C endocytosis in hepatocyte and to competitively inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, a key enzyme for cholesterol biosynthesis in liver.

Hypocholesterolemic Effects of the Cauliflower Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Sparassis crispa (Higher Basidiomycetes), in Diet-Induced Hypercholesterolemic Rats

The cauliflower culinary-medicinal mushroom, Sparassis crispa, possesses various biological activities that have been widely reported to have therapeutic applications. We examined the effects of S. crispa on serum cholesterol, hepatic enzymes related to cholesterol metabolism, and fecal sterol excretion in rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet for 4 weeks. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (8 weeks old) were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 6 mice per group): normal diet (normal control [NC]), cholesterol-rich diet (cholesterol control [CC]), cholesterol-rich diet plus S. crispa fruiting body (SC), cholesterol-rich diet plus S. crispa extract (SCE), and cholesterol-rich diet plus S. crispa residue (SCR). SCE supplementation significantly enhanced hepatic cholesterol catabolism through the upregulation of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression (2.55-fold compared with that in the NC group; P < 0.05) and the downregulation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase mRNA expression (0.57-fold compared with that in the NC group; P < 0.05). Additionally, the SCE diet resulted in the highest fecal excretion of cholesterol and bile acid in hypercholesterolemic rats. In conclusion, mRNA expression of CYP7A1 and HMG-CoA reductase were significantly modulated by the absorption of SCE samples. Also, SCE samples had a significant effect on fecal bile acid and cholesterol excretion. These results suggest that SCE samples can induce hypocholesterolic effects through cholesterol metabolism and the reduction of circulating cholesterol levels.

Effects of Simvastatin and Vitamin E on Diet-induced Hypercholesterolemia in Rats

Hypercholesterolemia is a dominant risk factor for the development and progression of atherosclerosis and its related cardiovascular diseases. The present study aimed to explore the effects of simvastatin combined with vitamin E on diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in rats. In the present study, hypercholesterolemia was induced by feeding rats with cholesterol-rich diet for six weeks. Rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 8): normal control, hypercholesterolemic control, simvastatin (20 mg/kg; p.o.), vitamin E (200 mg/kg; p.o.) and combination of both simvastatin and vitamin E. Drugs were given simultaneously with cholesterol-rich diet for six weeks. Diet-induced hypercholesterolemia resulted in alterations in the lipid profile markers and a state of oxidative stress coupled by compensatory increase in serum level of Nitric Oxide metabolites (NO_x) and decreased aortic endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity parallel to increased Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) activity, calcium content and aortic wall thickness. Treatment with simvastatin, vitamin E and their combination improved lipid profile and oxidative stress markers. In addition, they attenuated hypercholesterolemia-induced changes in serum NOx, aortic eNOS and iNOS activities as well as calcium content and aortic wall thickness. The results of combination therapy were better compared to simvastatin monotherapy. Pretreatment of hypercholesterolemic rats with simvastatin and vitamin E attenuated most of the changes induced in rats by cholesterol-rich die to wing to their observed anti-hyperlipidemic and antioxidant properties.

Influence of grape seed extract and zinc containing multivitamin-mineral nutritional food supplement on lipid profile in normal and diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats.

Zincovit tablet is combination of grape seed extract and zinc containing multivitamin-mineral nutritional food supplement. To investigate the influence of single combined formulation of grape seed extract and zinc containing multivitamin-mineral nutritional food supplement tablets (Zincovit) on lipid profile in normal and diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats. Anti-hyperlipidemic activity of combined formulation of grape seed extract and Zincovit tablets doses ranged from 40 to 160 mg/kg, p.o. was evaluated in normal and diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats. Hypercholesterolemic animals treated with combined formulation of grape seed extract and Zincovit tablets (nutritional food supplement) at 40, 80 and 160 mg/kg exhibited drastic decrease in serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-C, VLDL-C and rise of HDL-C in comparison to hypercholesterolemic control group animals. The anti-hyperlipidemic effect of single combined formulation of grape seed extract and Zincovit tablet was comparable with the standard drug atorvastatin treated animals and the variations were statistically non-significant. There was no significant impact of combined formulation of grape seed extract and Zincovit tablets on lipid profile among normal animals in comparison with normal control group. The present study demonstrated that the single combined formulation of grape seed extract and Zincovit tablet is the potential functional nutritional food supplements that could offer a novel therapeutic opportunity against diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in Wistar rats.

Valsartan augments the beneficial effect of rosuvastatin with respect to lipid profile, oxidative stress, and the nitric oxide pathway in high-fat diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats

BackgroundThe renin-angiotensin system contributes considerably to a variety of cardiovascular diseases and is the target of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Recent studies have reported that in experimental models, as well as some human studies, ARBs had shown the ability to affect lipid metabolism in a modest but significant way. In addition to their primary mode of action, statins and ARBs have common additional properties such as restoration of endothelial activity and antioxidant properties. These properties may potentially aid the improvement treatment of cardiovascular disease.ObjectiveThe present study was designed to evaluate the possible beneficial effects of both therapies valsartan (ARB) and rosuvastatin (3-hydroxy-methylglutaryl coenzyme reductase inhibitor) beyond their blood pressure-lowering and cholesterol-lowering effects, and the possibility that valsartan may enhance the beneficial effects of rosuvastatin in high-fat diet-induced hypercholesterolemic (HC) rats with respect to lipid profile, oxidative stress, and the nitric oxide pathway.Materials and methodsHC was induced in male albino Wistar rats by a daily gavage of a cocktail containing 1 l peanut oil, 100 g cholesterol, and 100 g cholic acid over a period of 21 days. These animals were assigned randomly to the following groups: HC, HC/rosuvastatin, HC/valsartan, and HC/rosuvastatin+valsartan.ResultsDaily gavage of the cocktail for 3 weeks induced a significant increase in plasma total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein and a significant reduction in high-density lipoprotein (HDL), but did not induce any significant changes in arterial blood pressure and heart rate. Meanwhile, the plasma nitric oxide level was reduced to 17.49% of its normal level and the plasma malondialdehyde level was significantly increased by 32.53%. Coadministration of valsartan with rosuvastatin normalized plasma HDL, significantly decreased plasma TC and low-density lipoprotein to a greater extent than monotherapy with each drug as well as ameliorated the effect of HC diet on the plasma TG level in HC rats. Moreover, the combined treatment induced a significant increase in the plasma nitrate+nitrite level compared with the corresponding HC value and normalized the plasma malondialdehyde level with respect to the effect of rosuvastatin or valsartan alone. In addition, histopathological and morphometric studies of the aorta and liver showed marked improvement after combined treatment with rosuvastatin and valsartan when compared with the HC group.ConclusionConclusively, coadministration of rosuvastatin and valsartan in high-fat diet-induced HC rats conferred a greater degree of protection as it ameliorated the increase in the plasma TC and TG and restored HDL to its normal value, improved the endothelial function, and reduced oxidative stress, together with improvement in the histopathological features in rats that had previously received a high-fat diet.

Modulatory role of chelating agents in diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in rats

IntroductionHypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction. Chelating agents may play a modulatory role in atherosclerosis by removal of calcium from atherosclerotic plaques. AimThe present study aimed to explore the effects of calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (CaNa2EDTA) and meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) on diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in rats using simvastatin as a reference standard. MethodsHypercholesterolemia was induced by feeding rats with cholesterol-rich diet for six weeks. Rats were divided into five groups (n=8): normal control, hypercholesterolemic control, simvastatin (20mg/kg; p.o.), CaNa2EDTA (100mg/kg; i.p.) and DMSA (100mg/kg; i.p.). Treatments continued daily for the six weeks of diet feeding. ResultsDiet-induced hypercholesterolemia resulted in alterations in the lipid profile markers and a state of oxidative stress coupled by compensatory increase in serum nitric oxide (NO) level and decreased aortic endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity parallel to increased inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity, aortic calcium content and aortic wall thickness. Treatment with simvastatin, CaNa2EDTA and DMSA improved lipid profile and oxidative stress markers. In addition, they attenuated hypercholesterolemia-induced changes in serum NO level, aortic eNOS and iNOS activities, calcium content and aortic wall thickness. ConclusionPretreatment of hypercholesterolemic rats with simvastatin, CaNa2EDTA or DMSA attenuated most of the changes induced by feeding rats with cholesterol-rich diet owing to their observed anti-hyperlipidemic and antioxidant properties.

Phenolic compounds from Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) attenuate oxidative stress and reduce blood cholesterol concentrations in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats

BackgroundPhenolic compounds combine antioxidant and hypocholesterolemic activities and, consequently, are expected to prevent or minimize cardiometabolic risk.MethodsTo evaluate the effect of an aqueous extract (AQ) and non-esterified phenolic fraction (NEPF) from rosemary on oxidative stress in diet-induced hypercholesterolemia, 48 male 4-week old Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups: 1 chow diet group (C) and 5 hypercholesterolemic diet groups, with 1 receiving water (HC), 2 receiving AQ at concentrations of 7 and 140 mg/kg body weight (AQ70 and AQ140, respectively), and 2 receiving NEPF at concentrations of 7 and 14 mg/kg body weight (NEPF7 and NEPF14, respectively) by gavage for 4 weeks.ResultsIn vitro, both AQ and NEPF had remarkable antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH●) assay, which was similar to BHT. In vivo, the group that received AQ at 70 mg/kg body weight had lower serum total cholesterol (−39.8%), non-HDL-c (−44.4%) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels (−37.7%) compared with the HC group. NEPF (7 and 14 mg/kg) reduced the tissue TBARS levels and increased the activity of tissular antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase). Neither AQ nor NEPF was able to ameliorate the alterations in the hypercholesterolemic diet-induced fatty acid composition in the liver.ConclusionsThese data suggest that phenolic compounds from rosemary ameliorate the antioxidant defense in different tissues and attenuate oxidative stress in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats, whereas the serum lipid profile was improved only in rats that received the aqueous extract.

The effects of different doses of melatonin on lipid peroxidation in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats

This study aims to see in an animal experiment how differently the low and high doses of melatonin affect the antioxidant status and peroxidation of lipids. Forty-two male Wistar-Albino rats weighing about 200 gr (180-220) aged 6-7 months were used. Of these rats, 12 were fed with normal rat chow for 12 weeks. The latter ones were divided into two groups, each containing 6 rats. Group 1 (control group) received daily intraperitoneal injections of NaCl (0.9%; w/v). Group 2 was injected ethanol daily (4%; v/v; i.p.) to see the effects of ethanol in which we dissolved melatonin. Thirty rats were fed with a diet enriched with cholesterol (2%; w/w), cholic acid (0.5%; w/w) and propilthyouracil (0.5%; w/w) for 12 weeks. These rats were divided into three groups each containing 10 rats. The low-dose group received melatonin 1 mg/kg/d; i.p. (group 3), the high-dose group received melatonin in a dose of 10 mg/kg/d; i.p. (group 4), and only the cholesterol group did not get any vehicle (group 5). Total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidized LDL (oLDL) and TBARS lelvels were measured in all groups. The produced high-cholesterol diet increased LDL cholesterol. Melatonin decreased the extent of this plasma lipoprotein increase and also prevented the oxidation of it. This effect was clearer when the dose was higher. Antioxidant status seems to be also dose-dependent (Tab. 2, Ref. 33).

Modulation of antioxidant enzymes activities and lipid peroxidation products in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats fed ortanique peel polymethoxylated flavones extract

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ortanique peel polymethoxylated flavones extract (PMFort) on antioxidant enzymes activities and lipid peroxide levels in organs of hypercholesterolemic and normal rats. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were fed high cholesterol diets supplemented with 1.5% PMFort and niacin respectively for 49 days. Hypercholesterolemic rats fed PMFort had significant reductions in malondialdehyde levels in the liver and brain compared to untreated hypercholesterolemic control rats. This reduction also occurred in the brain of the rats fed niacin. The activities of catalase, glutathione reductase, transferase and peroxidase were significantly reduced in the spleen, brain and liver of hypercholesterolemic rats fed PMFort compared to control. The activities of these enzymes were only reduced in the brain and liver of rats fed niacin. The results would suggest that PMFort modulates hypercholesterolemia-associated organ injury and oxidative stress in rat organs. PMFort could therefore be a suitable candidate of natural origin for prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of hypercholesterolemia-associated oxidative stress and organ injury.

Goldenberry (Physalis peruviana) Juice Rich in Health-Beneficial Compounds Suppresses High-Cholesterol Diet-Induced Hypercholesterolemia in Rats

Goldenberries (Physalis peruviana) are a promising exotic fruit that could be a subject of many novel foods. No reports are available on the effect of administration of goldenberries on different aspects of blood profile in experimental animals. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of feeding goldenberry juice on hypercholesterolemia by analyzing the changes in the blood profile of high-cholesterol diet (HCD)-fed rats. The chemical composition and antiradical properties of juice were determined. Generally, rats fed with goldenberry juice showed lower levels of total cholesterol, total triacylglycerol and total low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, as well as higher levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in comparison with animals fed with HCD and cholesterol-free diet. Juice administration induced a decrease in the activity of glutamic pyruvic transaminase compared with the positive control group after 2 months of administration. There was a remarkable decrease in total serum protein, albumin and globulin for groups treated with goldenberry juice. Histological examination of the liver and kidney were also conducted. The results demonstrated that consumption of goldenberry juice may provide beneficial effects on reversing HCD-associated detrimental changes.