High Cholesterol Diet Group Research Articles

Efek ekstrak daun sirsak (Annona muricata Linn) terhadap profil lipid tikus putih jantan (Rattus Norvegicus)

Background: Lipid profile effects is a risk factor for Coronary Heart Disease. Soursop leaves (Annona muricata L) isa traditional medicine plant containing metabolic compounds that contribute to the improvement of the lipid profile.Objective: To determine the effects of soursop leaves extract on lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDLcholesterol and triglyceride).Methods: An experimental study using randomized pre-posttest with control group design. Sample consisted of 28 maleWistar rats, were divided into four groups. The control group (K) was only given High Fat High Cholesterol (HFHC)diet and treatment groups (P1, P2, P3) were given a HFHC diet plus Annona muricata L extract with doses of 100, 200and 300 mg/kgBB per day for 28 days respectively. Data were analyzed by Wilcoxon test, Kruskal-Wallis and MannWhitney.Results: The mean total cholesterol level significantly decreased in the treatment group P1 (p = 0.028) from 60.7 mg/dl(47.6-75.3) to 45.5 mg/dl (38.4-62.4). Mean HDL cholesterol level significantly increased in the treatment group P2(p=0.043) from 26.0 mg/dl (19.7-35.3) to 27.9 mg/dl (18.8-38.0). The mean levels of LDL cholesterol and triglyceridedecreased but not significantly.Conclusion: The administration of Annona muricata L extract can decrease total cholesterol and increase HDLcholesterol significantly.

Effect of atorvastatin on the expression of gamma-glutamyl transferase in aortic atherosclerotic plaques of apolipoprotein E-knockout mice.

BackgroundGamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is now considered to be one of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, whether statins can alter GGT levels in arterial atheromatous plaque has not yet been studied. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine whether statins can effectively decrease the expression of GGT in arterial atheromatous plaques.MethodsWe randomly divided 45 apolipoprotein E–knockout (ApoE KO) male mice into three groups: normal diet (ND) group,high-cholesterol diet (HCD) group and high-cholesterol diet and atorvastatin (HCD + Ato) group. We fed high-cholesterol food to the HCD and HCD + Ato group. After eight weeks, atorvastatin 5 mg•kg−1•d−1 was given to HCD + Ato group mice. The serum GGT-1, intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell-adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) levels were measured at end of 16 weeks by using ELISA methods. The expressions of GGT-1, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in aorta were measured by RT-PCR and Western Blot.ResultsThe ApoE KO mice with HCD were associated with a marked increase in plasma lipid, inflammatory factors, GGT-1, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. The expressions of GGT-1, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in HCD aortic tissue were increased. At the HCD + Ato group were treated with atorvastatin, the levels of lipid, GGT-1, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1were suppressed. Meanwhile, the expressions of GGT-1, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were significantly decreased in the whole aorta plaques.ConclusionsThe effect of statins on the expression of GGT in aorta plaque was firstly observed in animal model. The research shows that statins can significantly decrease the expression of GGT in aortic atherosclerotic plaques.

Antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects of pine needle powder ingestion and endurance training in high cholesterol-fed rats

[Purpose]Pine needle is a kind of medicinal plant ingested traditionally for a variety of purposes. Therefore, we examined the antioxidant and antiapoptotic capacities of pine needle ingestion in high cholesterol-fed and endurance exercise-trained rats.[Methods]Animals were divided into six groups as; CON: normal diet control group; EX: normal diet and exercise training group; HC: high cholesterol diet group; HCE: high cholesterol diet and exercise training group; HCP: high cholesterol and pine needle group; HCPE: high-cholesterol and pine needle diet with exercise training group, respectively. Each group consisted of seven Sprague-Dawley male rats. The swim-training groups, EX, HCE, and HCPE swam in the swim pool 60 min/d and 5 d/week for 5 weeks. During the rearing periods, freeze-dried pine needle powder mix with 5% of the high cholesterol diet was supplied to the HCP and HCPE groups. Gastrocnemius muscle was used as the skeletal muscle. Malondialdehyde (MDA), Mn-containing superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), Cu, Zn containing superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were analyzed for their antioxidant capacities. Finally, p53, Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2), caspase-3 protein expression was analyzed to determine antiapoptotic ability.[Results]MDA showed low content in HCPE compared to the HC. Mn-SOD, Cu,Zn-SOD, and GPx protein expression was significantly increased by pine needle ingestion and/or exercise training. In addition, suppression of p53 protein expression resulted in Bcl-2 increase followed by caspase-3 decrease with/without pine needle ingestion and exercise training.[Conclusion]When exercise training in addition to pine needle powder ingestion may be a helpful nutritional regimen to athletes and exercisers.

삼황사심탕(三黃瀉心湯)이 수컷 생쥐의 비만(肥滿) 관련 대사질환(代謝疾患)에 미치는 영향

Objectives : Samhwangsasim-tang (SHSST) is a traditional Korean medication, which has been used in Korea for treatment of hypertension and chest pain. Hyperlipidemia and inflammation could influence hypertension and chest pain. This study investigated whether and how SHSST reduces the hyperlipidemia and inflammation related to high-cholesterol diet-induced obesity in rats. Methods : Mice were divided randomly into four groups: the normal diet group, high-cholesterol diet group, low dose treatment group supplemented with 30% ethanol extract of SHSST (L) and high dose treatment group supplemented with 80% ethanol extract of SHSST (H). L and H groups were orally administered with SHSST at the dose of 50mg/kg a day respectively and others were administered with the same volume of physiological saline. Results : Administration of SHSST resulted in a decrease in serum levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein. Expression of hepatic genes(SREBP2, LXR, LDLR, and HMG-CoA) related with cholesterol metabolism was also suppressed. In addition, SHSST decreased the expression of inflammation-related gene (TNF-<TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX>, IL-6, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, TGF-<TEX>${\beta}1$</TEX> and fibronectin). Histological examinations also showed that the size of the adipocytes was smaller in the SHSST treated group than in the high-colesterol diet group. In an in vitro study, SHSST inhibited the production of nitric oxide in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusions : This study indicates that SHSST has anti-hyperlipidemia and anti-inflammatory effects. It may also suggest that SHSST may be alternative therapy for treatment of hyperlipidemia and its complications.

알긴산 올리고당이 고콜레스테롤식이를 급여한 마우스의 지질대사에 미치는 영향

This study investigated the effects of alginate oligosaccharide on lipid metabolism in mice fed a high-cho- lesterol diet for 6 weeks. Male apoE mice were assigned to four groups: normal diet group (N), high-cholesterol diet group (HC), HC with 5% alginate oligosaccharide group (HC-AOL), and 10% alginate oligosaccharide group (HC-AOH). Epididymal adipose tissue and kidney adipose tissue weights were significantly reduced in the HC-AOH group by 131.4% and 148.4%, respectively, as compared to the HC group. Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and LDL-cholesterol levels were also significantly reduced in the HC-AOH group by 57.5%, 51.4%, and 82.9%, respectively, as compared to the HC group. Hepatic TC and TG levels in the HC-AOH group were significantly reduced by 72.3% and 33.5%, respectively, as compared to the HC group. These results indicate that alginate oligo- saccharide might improve lipid metabolism and reduce fat accumulation.

Resveratrol appears to protect against oxidative stress and steroidogenesis collapse in mice fed high-calorie and high-cholesterol diet

The detrimental effects on Leydig cells steroidogenesis in mice on high-calorie and high-cholesterol diet (HCD) were determined, and the possible protection conferred by resveratrol supplementation was investigated. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed high-calorie and alone (HCD group) or with resveratrol supplementation (HCD + Res group) for 18 weeks. Male C57BL/6J mice fed standard diet without or with the same dose of resveratrol served as controls. At the end of the experiment, there were significant declines of serum testosterone and luteinising hormone (LH) in HCD group as compared to controls. In line with the hormone alterations, the expressions of StAR and steroidogenic enzymes in testicular tissues were significantly down-regulated in HCD group. Resveratrol supplementation could significantly improve expressions of StAR and steroidogenic enzymes, and increase serum testosterone and LH concentrations in HCD + Res group. Mice in HCD group also showed a statistically significant down-regulation in the mRNA expressions of MnSOD and GPx4. Resveratrol supplementation improved testicular MnSOD and GPx4 expression in comparison with HCD group. We propose that resveratrol may attenuate detrimental effects on Leydig cells steroidogenesis in HCD-fed mice, and its upregulations of antioxidant defence mechanisms and LH level may play a role in its protection. Our data suggest resveratrol appears to have the potential for therapeutic approaches targeting male obesity-associated secondary hypogonadism.

TAURINE ATTENUATES HEPATIC AND CARDIAC DAMAGE AND APOPTOSIS IN RABBITS FED A HIGH-FAT DIET

A hypercholesterolemia diet has been associated with the hepatic and cardiac abnormalities and the pathological changes. The present work was designed to investigate the histological and immunohistochemical changes in the liver and heart of rabbits when fed high fat diet and the possible protective role of an antioxidant "taurine". Twenty-four male white New Zealand rabbits were divided into four groups, 6 rabbits each. Group 1, served as a control, rabbits fed with a normal diet. Group 2, (taurine group), rabbits were given orally taurine (10 mg Kg-1 b.w/day) for 8 weeks. Group 3 (hypercholesterolemic group), rabbits fed (2% cholesterol-enriched diet for 8 weeks. Group 4, rabbits fed 2% cholesterol-enriched diet plus taurine (10 mg Kg-1 b.w/day) orally for the same period. Histopathological examinations revealed that high cholesterol diet caused hepatic and myocardial tissue changes compared with rabbits fed with a normal diet. Including fatty degeneration, inflammations and necrosis of Hepatocytes and vacuolar degeneration, disorganization of myofibrils and necrosis of myocardial cells. Immunohistochemistry for caspase-3 for apoptosis were performed. Caspase-3 positive cells in the liver tissue and Caspase-3 positive area in myocardial tissue increased in high cholesterol diet group. Taurine markedly attenuate hypercholesterolemia-induced cardiac and hepatic histopathological changes in the cholesterol plus taurine group compared to the cholesterol group. Thus, the results suggest that taurine could play a beneficial role against hypercholesterolemia-induced complications in the liver and heart of the rabbits.

The effect of vitamin E on neuronal apoptosis in hippocampal dentate gyrus in rabbits fed with high-cholesterol diets

Background:Hypercholesterolemia that can increase stress oxidative has destructive effects on brain functions. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and its effects on decrement of oxidative stress in the diseases such as Alzheimer's and hypercholesterolemia are demonstrated. The aim of this study was evaluation of the effects of vitamin E on the level of neuronal apoptosis in granular layer of dentate gyrus in the rabbits that fed with high-cholesterol diet.Materials and Methods:Male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into the control, the Vitamin E (50 mg/kg; gavage), the high-cholesterol diet (containing 2% cholesterol), and the high-cholesterol diet-vitamin E groups. Serum levels of cholesterol, LDL, and HDL, before and after the regimen for 6 weeks, were measured. Then, the rabbits for immunohistochemical staining (TUNEL Test) and evaluation of neuronal apoptosis in dentate gyrus of hippocampal formation were anesthetized and brains were dissected.Results:Results showed that after the regimens, serum levels of cholesterol, LDL, and HDL in the cholesterol receiving groups were increased significantly (P < 0.05). Histological results demonstrated that neuronal apoptosis in the dentate gyrus of the high-cholesterol diet group was increased significantly (P < 0.05) comparing to the control group; however, vitamin E decreased apoptosis as there wasn’t any significant differences between the high-cholesterol diet-vitamin E and control groups.Conclusions:Present results showed that consumption of high-cholesterol diets through hypercholesterolemia and its complication can induce neuronal death in hippocampus and probable resulting cognition disorders; however, vitamin E has neuroprotective effects and prevents neuronal apoptosis significantly.

Protective effect of Sam-Hwang-Sa-Sim-Tang against hepatic steatosis in mice fed a high-cholesterol diet

BackgroundSam-Hwang-Sa-Sim-Tang (SHSST) is a traditional Oriental medication that has been commonly used in Korea for the treatment of hypertension, insomnia, and chest pain. In addition, some studies reported that administration of SHSST results suppression of hyperlipidemia in rats or lowering lipid plasma level such as total cholesterol (TC). Those results made us find and demonstrate positive effect of SHSST much more. The aim of the current study was to examine whether SHSST exerts an effect against hepatic steatosis and two type of SHSST has different efficacy on liver steatosis.MethodsTotal 40 mice were divided randomly and equally into 4 groups: a normal diet (CON) group, high-cholesterol diet (HC) group, and treatment groups fed a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) with a 30% or 80% ethanol extract of SHSST (SHSST-L and SHSST-H, respectively). The HCD was given for 9 weeks. The SHSST-treated groups were orally administered SHSST at a dose of 150 mg/kg, whereas the other groups received physiological saline.ResultsSHSST administration to mice resulted in a decline in serum levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein. Histological examination showed that lipid droplets were smaller in the SHSST-treated group than in the HC group. At the protein level, expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP-2) was suppressed by SHSST. In addition, the mRNA expression of cholesterol metabolism-related molecules such as SREBP-2, liver X receptor (LXR), low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), and 3-hydroxy-3methylglutary-CoA (HMG-CoA) was also suppressed in SHSST-treated groups in the liver. In the aorta tissue, SHSST decreased the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and fibronectin.ConclusionsThe present study indicates that SHSST protects against liver steatosis and protects vessels against inflammation arising from excessive ingestion of cholesterol. These findings may also suggest that SHSST could be used as an adjuvant remedy for protection against liver steatosis.

Bioactive Constituents from “Triguero” Asparagus Improve the Plasma Lipid Profile and Liver Antioxidant Status in Hypercholesterolemic Rats

We have previously shown that the Andalusian-cultivated Asparagus officinalis L. “triguero” variety produces hypocholesterolemic and hepatoprotective effects on rats. This asparagus is a rich source of phytochemicals although we hypothesized there would be some of them more involved in these functional properties. Thus, we aimed to study the effects of asparagus (500 mg/kg body weight (bw)/day) and their partially purified fractions in flavonoids (50 mg/kg bw/day), saponins (5 mg/kg bw/day) and dietary fiber (500 mg/kg bw/day) on oxidative status and on lipid profile in rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet. After 5 weeks treatment, plasma lipid values, hepatic enzyme activities and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were measured. With the exception of the saponin fraction (SF), the administration of lyophilized asparagus (LA), fiber fraction (FF), and flavonoid fraction (FVF) to hypercholesterolemic rats produced a significant hypolipidemic effect compare to a high-cholesterol diet (HCD). In addition, the LA and FVF groups exhibited a significant increase in enzyme activity from multiple hepatic antioxidant systems including: superoxide dismutase, catalase, and gluthatione reductase/peroxidase as well as a decrease in MDA concentrations compared to HCD group. These results demonstrate that “triguero” asparagus possesses bioactive constituents, especially dietary fiber and flavonoids, that improve the plasma lipid profile and prevent hepatic oxidative damage under conditions of hypercholesterolemia.

울금(Curcuma longa L.)이 고지방·고콜레스테롤 식이 흰쥐의 항산화계 및 산화적 손상에 미치는 영향

본 연구는 흰쥐에 고지방·고콜레스테롤 식이와 함께 울금 분말을 농도별로 2.5%(TPA group), 5%(TPB gorup)의 수준으로 공급하였을 시 항산화계 및 산화적 손상에 미치는 영향을 관찰하였다. SOD 활성을 간조직에서 관찰한 결과, 울금 분말을 공급한 군에서 HF군에 비해 SOD 활성이 증가하였으며, 특히 TPB군에서는 유의적으로 증가하였다. GPx 활성은 정상군에 비해 HF군에서 감소되었으나, 울금 분말을 공급한 군에서 HF군에 비해 GPx 활성이 유의적으로 증가되었다. Catalase를 관찰한 결과는 정상군에 비해 고지방·고콜레스테롤군에서 감소되었으며 울금 분말을 공급한 군에서는 증가되었다. Superoxide radical 함량을 간조직의 microsome에서는 정상군에 비해 HF군에서 증가되었으나 울금 분말을 공급한 모든 군에서 감소되었다. 간조직의 mitochondria에서는 정상군에 비해 HF군에서 유의적으로 증가하였고, 울금 분말을 공급한 모든 군에서는 감소하였다. 특히 TPB군에서는 유의적으로 감소하는 것을 볼 수 있었다. 간조직의 mitochondria에서 H2O2의 함량은 정상군에 비해 HF군에서 유의적으로 증가되었다. 울금 분말을 공급한 모든 군에서는 HF군에 비해 감소되었으며 정상군 수준으로 감소되었다. 간조직의 cytosol에서는 정상군에 비해 HF군에서 유의적으로 증가되었으나 울금 분말을 공급한 군에서는 감소되었으며 정상군 수준으로 감소되었다. 간조직의 산화 단백질의 생성지표인 carbonyl 가 함량을 mitochondria에서 측정한 결과 정상군에 비해 고지방·고콜레스테롤군에서 증가되었으며, HF군에 비해 울금 분말을 공급한 모든 군에서 유의적으로 감소하는 경향을 나타내었다. 간조직에서의 TBARS를 측정한 결과 HF군에 비해 울금 분말을 공급한 모든 군에서 유의적으로 감소하는 경향을 나타내었다. 이러한 결과로부터 국내산 울금은 고콜레스테롤 식이 흰쥐에서 항산화계를 강화시켜 조직의 산화적 손상을 감소시키는 항산화 효과가 있음이 규명되었다.

Antioxidant effect of nondigestible levan and its impact on cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis

Levan polysaccharide, a type of fructan, has been shown to favorably affect diabetes type 2 and hypercholesterolemia. Recent reports have indicated that excessive oxidative stress contributes to the development of atherosclerosis linked metabolic syndrome. The objective of this current study was to investigate the possible protection against oxidative stress linked atherosclerosis. A group of twenty four male rats was divided into four subgroups; a normal diet group (Control), normal rats received levan (L), a high-cholesterol diet group (Chol) and a high-cholesterol diet with 5% (w/w) levan group. After the treatment period, the plasma antioxidant enzymes and lipid profiles were determined. Our results show that treatment with levan positively changed plasma antioxidant enzyme activities by increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) by 40% and 28%, respectively, in heart. Similarly, the treatment of Chol fed groups with levan positively changed lipid profiles by decreasing total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol by 50%, 38.33% and 64%, respectively. Thus may have potential antioxidant effects and could protect against oxidative stress linked atherosclerosis.

Impact of Sumac on postprandialhigh-fat oxidative stress

Background and Objective: High-fat diet causes a sudden increase in blood lipids and oxidative stress after each meal, which can affect the trigger mechanisms of atherosclerosis and cause some acute changes in the function of vessels’ endothelial cells. With respect to the antioxidant properties of Sumac (Rhus coriaria), the present research was conducted to determine the effect of taking Sumac along with food on some atherosclerosis risk factors resulting from high-fat diet in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Methodology: In this experimental study, 24 New Zealand rabbits were randomly designated into three eight-member groups as follows: normal diet, high-cholesterol diet (1%), high-cholesterol diet and Sumac powder 2%. Oxidative stress factors and those influencing atherosclerosis or arterial function including glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), Apo lipoprotein B (Apo B), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), nitrate, nitrite, fibrinogen and factor VII, and also liver enzymes (ALT, AST) were measured and compared in each group. Results: High cholesterol diet significantly increased total cholesterol, fibrinogen, triglycerides, glucose, nitrate, LDL-C and the liver enzymes ALT and AST (p &lt; 0.05). Use of powdered Sumac revealed a significant decrease in the blood levels of glucose (30.15%), LDL-C (58.17%), total cholesterol (29.5%), ALT (17.46%), AST (20.55%) and fibrinogen (17.92%) compared to the high-cholesterol diet group (p &lt;0 .05), but did not induce any significant changes on triglyceride (TG), factor VII, nitrite, nitrate and ApoB (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrates the protective effect of consuming Sumac with food on some risk factors of atherosclerosis and oxidative stress (glucose, LDL-C, total cholesterol and fibrinogen) and also liver enzymes induced by high fat food. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.12669/pjms.291(Suppl).3529 How to cite this:Madihi Y, Merrikhi A, Baradaran A, Rafieian-kopaei M, Shahinfard N, Ansari R, et al. Impact of Sumac on postprandial high-fat oxidative stress. Pak J Med Sci 2013;29(1)Suppl:340-345. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.12669/pjms.291(Suppl).3529 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

The expression of ransient receptor potential canonical 1 in the smooth muscle of guinea pig gallbladder and its role in stone formation

Objective To assess the expression of ransient receptor potential canonical 1(TRPC1) in gallbladder smooth muscle during the process of stone formation and its effects on contractile function of gallbladder smooth muscle.Methods:20 male guinea pigs were randomly divided into normal diet group(control group),high-cholesterol diet group(experiment group),each group has 10 guinea pigs.Both groups were fed for 60 days.Killing them and get the gallbladder to calculate the fasting gallbladder volume (FV),and measure the fasting gallbladder bile (FB),and collect some bile to test the content of cholesterol (TC).The biliary sludge or gallstone formation was observed.Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was adopted to detect TRPC1 mRNA in gallbladder smooth muscle.Results 7 guinea pigs in experiment group have formed biliary sludge or gallstone,no sludge or gallstone was formed in controle group.The FV [(1.78 ±0.22) cm3],FB [(1.39 ±0.16) ml],TC [(0.05 ±0.01) mmol/L] levels in gallbladder bile of experiment group were higher than control group (.P ＜ 0.05).The expression of TRPC1 mRNA (0.7057 ±0.0627) in gallbladder tissues of experiment group was lower than control group(P ＜0.05).Conclusion TRPC1 mRNA in gallbladder decreases during the process of gallstone formation by high-cholesterol diet,which might reduce the contractile function of gallbladder smooth muscle and the ability of gallblader emptying.And it may facilitate the formation of gallstone. Key words: Transient receptor potential canonical 1 ; Smooth muscle; Gallstone

Ultraviolet-Visible and Fluorescence Spectroscopy Techniques Are Important Diagnostic Tools during the Progression of Atherosclerosis: Diet Zinc Supplementation Retarded or Delayed Atherosclerosis

Background. In this study, we examined whether UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques detect the progression of atherosclerosis in serum of rabbits fed on high-cholesterol diet (HCD) and HCD supplemented with zinc (HCD + Zn) compared with the control. Methods. The control rabbits group was fed on 100 g/day of normal diet. The HCD group was fed on Purina Certified Rabbit Chow supplemented with 1.0% cholesterol plus 1.0% olive oil (100 g/day) for the same period. The HCD + Zn group was fed on normal Purina Certified Rabbit Chow plus 1.0% cholesterol and 1.0% olive oil supplemented with 470 ppm Zn for the same feeding period. UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy and biochemistry in Rabbit's blood serum and blood hematology were measured in Rabbit's blood. Results. We found that the fluorescent peak of HCD shifted toward UV-visible wavelength compared with the control using fluorescent excitation of serum at 192 nm. In addition, they showed that supplementation of zinc (350 ppm) restored the fluorescent peak closely to the control. By using UV-visible spectroscopy approach, we found that the peak absorbance of HCD (about 280 nm) was higher than that of control and that zinc supplementation seemed to decrease the absorbance. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that ultraviolet-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques can be applied as noninvasive techniques on a sample blood serum for diagnosing or detecting the progression of atherosclerosis. The Zn supplementation to rabbits fed on HCD delays or retards the progression of atherosclerosis. Inducing anemia in rabbits fed on HCD delays the progression of atherosclerosis.

THE TIMELINESS RESEARCH OF OXIDATIVE/ANTI-OXIDATIVE SYSTEM DURING THE RABBIT ATHEROSCLEROTIC MODELLING

ObjectivesThe purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of different enzymes on the anti-oxidative defense system and oxidative stress in the rabbit model of atherosclerosis.MethodsTwenty four male...

Suppression of high lipid diet induced by atherosclerosis sarpogrelate

Sarpogrelate (SP), a serotonin (5-HT2A) receptor antagonist, is used as an anti-platelet agent for the treatment of some vascular diseases. SP has been reported to inhibit 5-HT induced coronary artery spasm, increase in intracellular calcium and smooth muscle cells proliferation. This study was undertaken to test that SP suppresses the development of atherosclerosis due to high cholesterol diet (HCD) by decreasing blood viscosity and oxidative stress. For this purpose, 29 rabbits were divided into four groups: control group (normal diet); normal diet group with SP at the dose of 5 mg/kg/day; HCD group fed 1% cholesterol; and HCD group with SP at the dose of 5 mg/kg/day. After 90 days of the experiment, blood samples were collected and the animals were killed; the thoracic aorta was stained by the Oil Red O staining method. The results indicate that plasma levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and malondialdehyde were increased in rabbits fed HCD. Plasma viscosity and whole blood viscosity were also higher in the HCD group than that in normal diet group. Treatment with SP prevented these alterations induced by HCD whereas this agent had no significant effect in rabbits fed normal diet. Morphological examination of the aorta revealed that SP treatment prevented the formation of foam cells and atherosclerotic plaque. It is suggested that the beneficial effects of SP in atherosclerosis may be due to actions on blood viscosity, lipid levels and oxidative stress.

Resveratrol Preserves Myocardial Function and Perfusion in Remote Nonischemic Myocardium in a Swine Model of Metabolic Syndrome

Resveratrol has been shown to reverse some of the detrimental effects of metabolic syndrome (MetS). We sought to define the impact of supplemental resveratrol on normal myocardium remote from an ischemic territory in a swine model of MetS and chronic myocardial ischemia. Yorkshire swine were fed a normal diet (control), a high cholesterol diet (HCD), or a high cholesterol diet with orally supplemented resveratrol (HCD-R; 100 mg/kg/day). Four weeks after diet modification, myocardial ischemia was induced by ameroid constrictor placement. Seven weeks later, myocardial tissue from a territory remote from the ischemia was harvested. Animals in the HCD and HCD-R groups underwent functional cardiac MRI before ischemia and before sacrifice. Tissue was harvested for protein expression analysis. After 7 weeks of ischemia, regional left ventricular systolic function was significantly increased in HCD-R as compared with HCD animals. During ventricular pacing the HCD group had significantly decreased flow (p = 0.03); perfusion in the HCD-R was preserved as compared with the control. There was no difference in microvascular relaxation. Expression of metabolic proteins Sirt-1 (p = 0.002), AMPkinase (p = 0.02), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I (p = 0.002) were upregulated in the HCD-R group. Levels of protein oxidative stress were significantly increased in the HCD and HCD-R groups, as compared with the controls (p = 0.003). Activated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was increased in the HCD-R group (p = 0.01). There was no difference in myocardial endothelial cell density between the groups; however, dividing endothelial cells were decreased in the HCD and HCD-R groups (p = 0.006). Resveratrol supplementation improves regional left ventricular function and preserves perfusion to myocardium remote from an area of ischemia in an animal model of metabolic syndrome and chronic myocardial ischemia.

Effect of probiotic-fermented, genetically modified soy milk on hypercholesterolemia in hamsters

The rapid progress of biotechnology and molecular biology has led to genetically modified (GM) crops becoming a part of agricultural production. There are concerns that the issues of the functional ingredients in GM products have not been addressed, such as the bioactivities of soy proteins and isoflavones. This study aimed to investigate the effects of probiotic-fermented GM soy milk on hypercholesterolemia, and atherosclerotic risks in hamsters. One hundred and twelve male Golden Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) were randomly assigned into 14 groups of 8 animals each. Normal- and high-cholesterol experimental diets were supplemented with GM or non-GM soy milk with or without probiotic-fermentation for 8 weeks. Serum and fecal lipid levels were measured. Moreover, aortic plaque in artery were stained, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance content, super oxide dismutase activity and caralase activity were determined. GM or non-GM soy milk with or without probiotic-fermentation significantly decreased (p < 0.05) serum TC levels, compared with a high-cholesterol diet group. TC levels in hamsters fed GM soy milk were not significantly different from TC levels in the non-GM soy milk group (p>0.05). GM soy milk groups can reduce risk of developing atherosclerosis through lowered oxidative stress and reduced atherosclerotic plaque formation in the aorta, and are thus at least equivalent to non-GM soy milk. GM soy milk with or without probiotic-fermentation can improve hypercholesterolemia and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, and is considered substantially equivalent to non-GM soy milk in terms of these bioactive functions.

Grape skin and loquat leaf extracts and acai puree have potent anti-atherosclerotic and anti-diabetic activity in vitro and in vivo in hypercholesterolemic zebrafish

Three major sources of flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which are commonly used in food industry, namely loquat leaf (LL), grape skin (GS) and acai puree, were tested in regard to their potential anti-atherosclerotic and anti-diabetic activity. The compounds were evaluated by in vitro antioxidant assay using a macrophage model and for in vivo hypolipidemic activity using zebrafish. In assays in vitro, all extracts demonstrated potent ferric ion reductive capacity, radical-scavenging activity and inhibition of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation at a final concentration of 0.1 mg/ml. Extracts could also abrogate fructose-mediated protein glycation and mildly inhibit cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP). Cellular uptake of oxidized or acetylated LDL into macrophages was inhibited by acai treatment (final concentration, 0.1 mg/ml) and moderately diminished by GS and LL extracts. After 4 weeks of feeding on a high cholesterol diet (HCD), zebrafish exhibited serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels 2.5-fold higher than those fed a normal diet (ND). Within the experimental group, those fed acai demonstrated the lowest serum TC and CETP activity, while the LL-consuming group showed a reduction in serum TC and TG relative to HCD-fed fish. Serum glucose levels also increased in the HCD group, to threefold above the ND group; GS and LL feeding elicited the greatest reduction in hyperglycemia. The groups consuming acai and LL showed much less hepatic inflammation, as well as attenuation of fatty liver and a reduced content of oxidized species. In conclusion, extracts of LL, GS, and acai shared antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic activity in cellular assays and in a hypercholesterolemic zebrafish model.