Hypercholesterolemic Control Group Research Articles

Improved Efficacy of Lovastatin from Soluplus-PEG Hybrid Polymer- Based Binary Dispersions

Background: Lovastatin is a statin drug used for lowering cholesterol in those with hypercholesterolemia to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is a BCS class II drug i.e. it has low aqueous solubility and high permeability. Objective: Improvement of solubility and in vivo efficacy was investigated by formulating binary solid dispersions. Methods: Binary solid dispersions of lovastatin were formulated in the current study using two polymers i.e. Soluplus and PEG 4000. Seven batches of solid dispersions were prepared (S1, P1, SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4, and SP5) via the solvent evaporation method. The prepared dispersions were evaluated for equilibrium solubility, FTIR, XRD, DSC, SEM studies, and further in vitro drug release were evaluated. The results revealed significant enhancement in the solubility of drug-using polymer hybrids as compared to that of individual polymer dispersion batches. Results: A significant solubility enhancement was observed with SP5 (approx 40 times) having a higher concentration of Soluplus. FTIR studies indicated no drug to polymer interaction. DSC studies revealed complete amorphization of polymer and also X-RD data is also in compliance with DSC results. In vitro drug release studies showed almost 100% release in 2h in polymer hybrid batches in comparison to individual polymer batch (S1 and P1). The best dissolution characteristics were observed in SP3 and SP5 which is also in compliance with solubility data. Further in vivo efficacy studies revealed a significant reduction in LDL, HDL, TG, AST, and ALT levels in comparison to pure drug lovastatin group and hypercholesterolemia control group. Conclusion: Hybrid polymer may be a prospective carrier system for the enhancement of solubility of BCS class II drugs.

Mikania micrantha Extract Inhibits HMG-CoA Reductase and ACAT2 and Ameliorates Hypercholesterolemia and Lipid Peroxidation in High Cholesterol-Fed Rats.

The present study aimed to determine the effect of an ethyl acetate extract of Mikania micrantha stems (EAMMS) in hypercholesterolemia-induced rats. Rats were divided into a normal group (NC) and hypercholesterolemia induced groups: hypercholesterolemia control group (PC), simvastatin group (SV) (10 mg/kg) and EAMMS extract groups at different dosages of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. Blood serum and tissues were collected for haematological, biochemical, histopathological, and enzyme analysis. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea, creatinine, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, as well as enzymes of HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR) and acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase 2 (ACAT2), were measured. Feeding rats with high cholesterol diet for eight weeks resulted in a significantly (p < 0.05) increased of TC, TG, LDL-C, AST, ALT and MDA levels. Meanwhile, the administration of EAMMS extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) and simvastatin (10 mg/kg) significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C and MDA compared to rats in the PC group. Furthermore, all EAMMS and SV-treated groups showed a higher HDL-C level compared to both NC and PC groups. No significant difference was found in the level of ALT, AST, urea and creatinine between the different dosages in EAMMS extracts. Treatment with EAMMS also exhibited the highest inhibition activity of enzyme HMGCR and ACAT2 as compared to the control group. From the histopathological examination, liver tissues in the PC group showed severe steatosis than those fed with EAMMS and normal diet. Treatment with EAMMS extract ameliorated and reduced the pathological changes in the liver. No morphological changes showed in the kidney structure of both control and treated groups. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that EAMMS extract has anti-hypercholesterolemia properties and could be used as an alternative treatment for this disorder.

Comparison of the effect of three therapies on liver enzymes and lipid profiles in hypercholesterolemic rats

Background and Aims: The present study aimed to compare the effects of three therapeutic methods (including herbal, atorvastatin, and exercise) on liver enzymes and lipid profiles in hypercholesterolemic rats. Materials and Methods: A number of 32 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=8), including hypercholesterolemia (Hc) control group, anvil extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg, (Ext), exercise (E), and atorvastatin (AT) at a dose 10 mg/kg. Endurance training, anvil extract, and atorvastatin were performed three sessions per week for 8 weeks. Thereafter, liver biochemical tests, including alkaline phosphatase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lipid profiles were performed using a biochemical autoanalyzer (Ra-2000 made in USA) and the kits provided by Pars Azmun company. The data were analyzed in SPSS software using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukeychr('39')s test were used for data analysis. Results: The results of statistical analysis indicated that all variables (e.g., Alanine transaminase, Triglyceride, High-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), except for ALT, AST, and cholesterol, were significant in all groups. The results of the statistical analysis demonstrated that triglycerides and VLDL significantly reduced in the atorvastatin and exercise groups, compared to the hypercholesterolemic control group. Furthermore, HDL had a significant increase in the exercise group, compared to the atorvastatin, extract, and control groups. In addition, LDL significantly decreased in the exercise group, compared to the atorvastatin group. Conclusion: The results of the current study pointed to the similar effects of medication and exercise on the improvement of some lipid profiles. Nonetheless, exercise is advantageous over the use of medicine and herbal extracts due to the positive effects of exercise on the reduction of blood lipids and the absence of any side effects.

Effect of Metformin, Pioglitazone and Rosuvastatin on Induced Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver in Rats

Background: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common liver diseases affecting up to 30% of the general population worldwide. Objective: the aim of this work was to study the effects of metformin, pioglitazone and rosuvastatin on serum lipids cholesterol and triglycerides (TG), liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), random blood sugar (RBS), oxidative stress malondialdehyde (MDA), and histopathological changes in induced non-alcoholic fatty liver in rats. Patients and Methods: fifty male albino rats weighing 100-120 grams of local strain were used. Animals were purchased from Nile Pharmaceutical Company. They were kept in suitable cages at room temperature with the natural light-dark cycle. They were maintained on a standard diet of commercial rat chow and free tap water. They were kept for 10 days for adaptation to the new environment before the start of the experiment. Results: triglycerides decreased significantly in all treated groups as compared to hypercholesterolemic control group. ALT decreased significantly in all treated groups as compared to hypercholesterolemic control group. AST decreased significantly in all treated groups as compared to hypercholesterolemic control group. Blood glucose decreased significantly in Metformin and Rosuvastatin treated groups as compared to hypercholesterolemic control group. Conclusion: the three drugs could be utilized as a treatment option to guard against fat deposition in the liver or progression of steatosis to fibrosis and cirrhosis. However, further studies are required to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effect of the insulin sensitizers in NAFLD patients.

Anti-atherogenic properties of Deglet Noor Date seeds (Phoenix dactylifera) Methanol extract on Diet-Induced Hypercholesterolemic Rats

This is the first study to investigate the completely anti-atherogenic effect of Deglet Noor Date seeds methanol extract administration on diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats. About 24 male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups. The normal control (NC) group, Hypercholesterolemic Control (HC) group was given high cholesterol diet, and Simvastatin Control (SC) group was given 0.18 mg/200g simvastatin after high cholesterol diet induction. The treatment groups of T0.25, T0.5 and T1 were given supplementation of 0.25, 0.5 and 1 g/kg of dates seed extract after high cholesterol diet induction, respectively for 21 days. Blood was collected from orbitals plexus vein for plasma lipid profile analysis. The levels of Total Cholesterol (TC), Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and Atherogenic Index (AI) values were significantly decreased (p<0.05) on diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats after supplemented with date seeds extract (T0.25, T0.5 and T1) but not in Triglycerides (TG). Along with that, High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) level was significantly increased (p<0.05). However, the T1 group was the best anti-atherogenic activity in compared to other groups. Results showed that plasma lipid profile was significant to get better after supplemented with date seeds extract.

Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil mitigates high-cholesterol diet-induced hypercholesterolemia and vascular damage.

The current study was designed to investigate the potential beneficial therapeutic outcome of Rho kinase inhibitor (fasudil) against hypercholesterolemia-induced myocardial and vascular injury in rabbits together with diet modification. Sixteen male rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: normal control group which received standard rabbit chow, hypercholesterolemic control group, and treated groups which received cholesterol-rich rabbit chow (1.5% cholesterol) for 8weeks. Treated groups received either fasudil (100mg/kg/day) or rosuvastatin (2.5mg/kg/day) starting from the ninth week for further 4weeks with interruption of the cholesterol-rich chow. Biochemical assessment of serum cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and myocardial oxidative/antioxidant biomarkers malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH), besides biochemical assessment of serum nitric oxide (NO), creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities and serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), was conducted. Serum vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and serum Rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK-1) were also evaluated along with histopathological examination of aorta specimens. Fasudil administration significantly decreased serum cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and LDL and significantly increased serum HDL, with concomitant decrease in serum CK and LDH activities, NO, and restoration of serum TAC. Myocardial MDA significantly declined; SOD activity and GSH contents were restored. Serum ROCK-1 and VCAM-1 levels significantly declined as well. Vascular improvement was confirmed with histopathological examination, which revealed normal aortic intema with the absence of atheromas. Fasudil has promising anti-atherogenic activity mediated primarily via alleviation of hypercholesterolemia-induced oxidative stress and modulation of inflammatory response.

Evaluation of Therapeutic Efficiency of Hilsha Fish Oil on Cardiovascular Disease and Hepatic Disease Marker in Hypercholesterolemic Mice

Hypercholesterolemia is a clinical situation characterized by the elevated serum cholesterol and associated with the higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension and stroke. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficiency of hilsha fish (Tenualosa ilisha) oil on diet-induced hypercholesterolemic (HC) albino mice. Mice were divided in three groups consisting each of six mice : control group, HC control group (fed the basal diet containing 1.5% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid) and the other group of mice fed the same previous hypercholesterolemic diet supplemented with hilsha fish oil (HFO) 5%. Serum lipid profile (total cholesterol-TC, low density lipoprotein-LDL, high density lipoproteinHDL, triglyceride-TG and very low density lipoprotein-VLDL) were determined using commercial kits. After treatment with HFO a potential antilipidemic effect was observed as TC, TG, LDL, VLDL showed significant (p<0.001) decrease whereas HDL showed significant increase (p<0.001) compared to the HC control group. The SGPT, SGOT and CRP were also significantly decrease (p<0.001). Therefore HFO might have hepatoprotective activity. Regarding liver tissue extract, the levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride were decreased significantly in treated mice. Gas chromatography (GC)-MS analysis of HFO showed that it contained a high amount of poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) especially EPA and DHA. These Omega-3 fatty acids have an indicative effect to reduce the risk of CVD and other chronic diseases. From the above findings, it can be concluded that HFO has a potential benefit in the treatment of CVD and play a role in its management as well as in reducing the risk of CVD associated hepatic complications.

Effects of Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) Juice on Serum Cholesterol of Experimentally Induced Hypercholesterolaemic Male Long Evans Rat

An experimental study was designed to observe the hypocholesterolaemic effect of wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) juice on experimentally induced hypercholesterolaemic rats, which was carried out in the Department of Pharmacology &amp; Therapeutics, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, from July, 2009 to June, 2010. A total number of 48 healthy adult male Long Evans rats (Norwegian strain), age ranging from 2-3 months, and weighing from 140-200 grams were used for the present study. 6 rats were taken in each group of total 8 groups treated differently with 1 control group. Rats of the first 5 groups were sacrificed at 29th day and their serum total cholesterol levels were measured. Rest of the rats were sacrificed at 57th day and their serum total cholesterol levels were measured. The mean serum concentration of total cholesterol of 10ml/kg grass juice fed normal rats was decreased by 11.64% than that of the laboratory diet fed control group (P&lt;0.01). The total cholesterol of the group of rats treated with 10ml/kg grass juice and1% cholesterol diet were decreased by 36.59% than that of the hypercholesterolaemic control group (P&lt;0.001). The mean total cholesterol of the hypercholesterolaemic rats treated with 10ml/kg grass juice for 28 days were decreased by 29.10%, and in hypercholesterolaemic rats treated with 20ml/kg grass juice for 28 days were decreased by 39.46% (P&lt;0.001). The mean total cholesterol of the hypercholesterolaemic rats treated with 0.14mg/kg atorvastatin for 28 days were found to be decreased by 38.86% than that of hypercholesterolemic control group, which was statistically significant (P&lt;0.001). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpp.v27i1-2.20070 Bangladesh J Physiol Pharmacol 2011; 27(1&amp;2):21-27

Effects of Walnut Polyphenol on Learning and Memory Functions in Hypercholesterolemia Mice

Evidence suggests that dietary walnuts are able to induce improvements in memory and learning functions. In addition, polyphenols have been shown to modulate critical neuronal signalling pathways involved in processes of learning and memory. The aim of our present work was to study the effect of polyphenol extracts from walnut testa (42%) on learning and memory functions in hypercholesterolemia mice based on obesity, hypercholesterolemia and oxidative stress. At the beginning of the experiment, mice were divided into 3 groups, one of them served as normol control group (NCG), the second as hypercholesterolemia control group (HCG), the last as walnut polyphenol-treated group (WTG). After 8 weeks of treatment, we investigated the performance of C57BL/6J mice in Morris water maze test. The results showed that the escape latency was significant increase in HCG, when compared to NCG and WTG. In addition, the number of crossings was significant decrease in HCG, when compared to NCG and WTG (–47.35% and –43.35%, respectively, P < 0.01). The swimming distance was longer in HCG than NCG and WTG [F (2,96) = 44.45, P < 0.001]. However, there was no significant difference in swimming speed among NCG, HCG and WTG [F (2, 96) = 0.167, P > 0.05]. On the other hand, walnut polyphenol (WP) significantly decreased serum total triglycerides, cholesterol and malondialdehyde (MDA) level (–36.31%, –31.48% and –21.51%, respectively, P < 0.01) and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (+48.39%, P < 0.01). Administration of WP significantly decreased MDA level (–36.86%, P < 0.01) and increased SOD activity (+17.08%, P < 0.01) in brain tissues. In conclusion, walnut polyphenol was able to improve learning and memory functions.

Effect of Dry Garlic Powder on Plasma Lipid Profile and Enzyme Activities in Some Tissues of Hypercholesterolemic Rats

The effect of garlic powder at 5% and 10% level on plasma lipid profile was investigated in hypercholesterolemic rats. Male albino rats were fed a diet containing 20% fat and 1% cholesterol for two weeks to provoke hypercholesterolemia. The hypercholesterolemic rats were divided into three groups B, C and D. Group A rats were fed with normal diet, Group B were maintained on the hyper diet, Group C were fed hyper diet +5% garlic powder, Group D were fed hyper diet with +10% garlic powder. They were maintained on this diet for four weeks. Results showed that the plasma total cholesterol and LDL-C was significantly reduced in the treated groups (C and D) compared to the hypercholesterolemic control (Group B), while the HDL-C was significantly increased (P<0.05). Also plasma enzyme activities of Aspartate and Alanine Aminotransferases (AST. ALT) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) showed a slight decrease in the treated rats. It is concluded that consumption of dry garlic powder at the level used in this study could be beneficial on the plasma lipid profile in hypercholesterolemia.

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.

Protective Role of Phytosterol Esters in Combating Oxidative Hepatocellular Injury in Hypercholesterolemic Rats

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of eicosapentaenoic acid-docosahexaenoic acid (EPA-DHA) rich sterol ester and A-linolenic Acid (ALA) rich sterol ester on the atherogenic disturbances in hypercholesterolemic atherogenic animals. Six groups of male Wistar rats were employed in this study, wherein five groups were fed with a high cholesterol diet (stock diet supplemented with 1% cholesterol) for 30 days, among which, two groups of rats were also treated with EPA-DHA rich sterol ester in two doses (25 and 50 mg/rat/day, oral gavage) and two groups were treated with ALA rich sterol ester also in two doses (25 and 50 mg/rat/day, oral gavage). The remaining one group served as control. Abnormal increases in the levels of malondialdehyde, as well as depressed antioxidants status, were observed in hepatic tissue of hypercholesterolemic control group. Hypercholesterolemia induced abnormal elevation in the activities of marker enzymes in liver (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase) and was accompanied by increased hepatic cholesterol level and altered fatty changes in the histology of liver. These changes were restored partially in the groups administered with lower doses (25 mg/rat/day) of sterol esters. However, the higher doses (50 mg/rat/day) of sterol esters almost ameliorated the hypercholesterolemic-oxidative changes in the hypercholesterolemic rats. The results of this study present oxidative injury induced by hypercholesterolemic diet and administration of the treatment with higher doses of sterol esters afforded sound protection against lipemic-oxidative injury.

LONG-TERM ENHANCED EXTERNAL COUNTERPULSATION DOWNREGULATES THE MACROPHAGE MIF-1α EXPRESSION OF VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL CELLS IN ATHEROSCLEROTIC PIGS

ObjectivesMechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) in atherosclerotic diseases are not well defined. Since macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF), as a novel pro-inflammationary and immuno-regulatory factor,...

THE MACROPHAGE MIF EXPRESSION ON VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL CELLS OF ATHEROSCLEROTIC PIGS AND ITS DOWNREGULATION WITH LONG-TERM ENHANCED EXTERNAL COUNTERPULSATION

ObjectivesMechanisms underlying the beneficial effect of Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) in atherosclerotic diseases are not well defined. Since Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF), as a novel pro-inflammationary and immuno-regulatory factor, has...

LONG-TERM ENHANCED EXTERNAL COUNTERPULSATION DOWNREGULATES THE MIF EXPRESSION OF VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL CELLS IN ATHEROSCLEROTIC PIGS

ObjectivesMechanisms underlying the beneficial effect of Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) in atherosclerotic diseases are not well defined. Since Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF), as a novel pro-inflammationary and immuno-regulatory factor, has...

Hypercholesterolemia Abrogates Sevoflurane-Induced Delayed Preconditioning Against Myocardial Infarct in Rats by Alteration of Nitric Oxide Synthase Signaling

The aim of the current study was to determine whether hypercholesterolemia affects the delayed sevoflurane preconditioning against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury and, if so, the underlying mechanism. Male Sprague-Dawley rats fed 2% cholesterol-enriched chow for 8 weeks were subjected to sevoflurane preconditioning (2.4% vol/vol, 1 h) 24 h before myocardial ischemia was induced by occluding the left anterior descending coronary artery for 30 min followed by reperfusion for 120 min. The hemodynamic parameters left ventricular developed pressure, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, and maximal rise/fall rate of left ventricular pressure were continuously monitored, and myocardial infarct size was determined at the end of reperfusion. The protein expression of myocardial nitric oxide synthase (NOS), Bcl-2, and Bad was assessed before ischemia. We found that the left ventricular hemodynamic parameters during the whole IR procedure and the myocardial infarct size did not significantly differ between the normocholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic control groups. The hemodynamic parameters were all markedly improved during the reperfusion period, and the myocardial infarct size was significantly reduced by delayed sevoflurane preconditioning in normocholesterolemic rats, but all of these improvements were reversed by N-(3-(aminomethyl)benzyl) acetamidine (1400W, 1 mg/kg; i.v., 10 min before ischemia), a selective inducible NOS (iNOS) inhibitor, and 5-hydroxy decanoate sodium (5 mg/kg, i.v., 10 min before ischemia), a mitochondrial ATP-dependent K⁺ channel blocker. Such cardiac improvement induced by delayed sevoflurane preconditioning did not occur in hypercholesterolemic rats and was not exacerbated by 1400W or 5-hydroxy decanoate sodium. The expression of myocardial iNOS was markedly enhanced by delayed sevoflurane preconditioning in normocholesterolemic, but not in hypercholesterolemic rats. The expression of endothelial NOS and Bad did not differ among all groups. The expression of myocardial phosphorylated endothelial NOS, Bcl-2, and phosphorylated Bad in normocholesterolemic rats was not affected by delayed sevoflurane preconditioning but was decreased in the hypercholesterolemic control group, and this was not reversed by sevoflurane, compared with the normocholesterolemic control group. Taken together, these results indicate that sevoflurane preconditioning exerts delayed cardioprotection against IR injury in normocholesterolemic rats, which is blocked by hypercholesterolemia potentially via interference with the iNOS/mitochondrial ATP-dependent K⁺ channel pathway.

The effects of concurrent hydroalcoholic extract of Amaranthus caudatus L. and Hypericum perforatum L. of fatty streak formation in hypercholesterolemic animals

Hypercholesterolemia, a high cholesterol diet and oxidative stress increase serum low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels resulting in increased risk for development of atherosclerosis. Antioxidants play an important role in inhibiting and scavenging radicals, thus providing protection to humans against contagious and degenerative diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the anti-fatty streak effects of concurrent hydroalcoholic extracts of Amaranthus caudatus L. (A. caudatus) and Hypericum perforatum L. (H. perforatum) as this were investigated in hypercholesterolemic rabbits and was compared with lovastatin. Rabbits were randomly divided into four groups which were fed with normal diet (control), high-cholesterol diet (hypercholesterolemic control group), high-cholesterol + concurrent hydroalcoholic extracts of A. caudatus (75 mg/kg daily) and H. perforatum (75 mg/kg daily) (treatment group), and high-cholesterol + lovastatin (10 mg/kg daily) (treatment group) for 60th days and then blood samples were obtained to measure plasma cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), apolipoproteinA (apoA), apolipoproteinB (apoB), malondialdehyde (MDA), C-reactive protein (CRP), Ox-LDL and AI aorta was also obtained for histological evaluation. The observation showed decrease in plasma cholesterol, TG, HDL, LDL, apoB, CRP, MDA, OX-LDL, AI and increased apoA and HDL between treatment groups and hypercholesterolemic control groups (P>0.05). The mean size of produced fatty streak also showed significant reduction in the treatment groupIII compared to the hypercholesterolemic group (P<0.05). This results showed that combination of hydroalcoholic extracts of A. caudatus and H. perforatum has anti-fatty streak effects in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Key words: Atherosclerosis, Amaranthus, Hypericum.

Long-term enhanced external counterpulsation downregulates the Hif-1α expression of vascular endothelial cells in atherosclerotic pigs

ObjectivesMechanisms underlying the beneficial effect of Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) in atherosclerotic diseases are not well defined. Since hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), as a novel transcription factor, has recently been believed...

AN AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF TINOSPORA CRISPA POSSESSES ANTIOXIDATIVE PROPERTIES AND REDUCES ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIC-INDUCED RABBITS

ABSTRACT The effect of Tinospora crispa stem aqueous extract in hypercholesterolemic-induced rabbit was investigated. Results from this study showed that the plasma lipid profiles improved with T. crispa supplementation as indicated by reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein levels and increased high density lipoprotein level significantly in T. crispa-treated groups relative to the hypercholesterolemic control group. T. crispa extract was also found to have strong antioxidative properties as evident from low plasma malondialdehyde level in all T. crispa-treated groups when compared with the control. The value of atherosclerotic index was decreased in T. crispa-treated groups in comparison with the hypercholesterolemic control group . At the same time, T. crispa markedly reduced the atherosclerotic lesion formation after 10 weeks of treatment in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Hence, T. crispa can be incorporated as part of the therapeutic regiment together with other hypocholesterolemic drugs in the prevention of atherosclerosis. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The analytical findings of this study provide an additional database for Tinospora crispa, which has not been explored so far. This study suggests that T. crispa extract could be used as part of a therapeutic regimen or combined with other lipid-lowering drugs to positively influence atherosclerosis via its lipid-lowering properties and as a natural source of antioxidant. Hence, the data obtained from this experiment can be useful to both producers and consumers as functional ingredients for processing into health foods in food and nutraceutical industries.

Reduction in hypercholesterolemia and risk of cardiovascular diseases by mixtures of plant food extract: a study on plasma lipid profile, oxidative stress and testosterone in rats

The present study was postulated to prepare and evaluate the influence of two plant food extract mixtures on plasma lipid profile, oxidative stress and testosterone levels in rats fed a hypercholesterolemic diet. The safety of the studied extract mixtures was evaluated through the determination of liver and kidney functions. The total phenolic contents, tocopherols, fatty acids and unsaponifiable matter (UNSAP) in the extract mixtures were determined. Rats fed a hypercholesterolemic diet were given a daily oral dose (300 mg/kg rat body weight) of either mixture I or II for a month and compared with a control hypercholesterolemic group and a normal control group. Results showed that α-tocopherol was 0.750 and 4.017 mg, γ-tocopherol was 0.564 mg and 0 and δ-tocopherol was 15.23mg and 0.634mg/100g for mixtures I and II, respectively. The phenolic contents in mixtures I and II were 36.74 and 23.72 g gallic acid equivalent/100g mixture, respectively. The GLC investigation of UNSAP revealed that stigmasterol and b-sitosterol were the major phytosterols in mixtures I and II, respectively followed by campesterol in both. The GLC analysis of the fatty acids showed that oleic acid was the major fatty acid in both extract mixtures. Results from the animal experiment showed that feeding a hypercholesterolemic diet produced a significant increase in total lipids, total cholesterol (T-Ch), triglycerides (TGs), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLCh), T-Ch/HDL-Ch, TGs/HDL-Ch and malondialdehyde (MDA) and a significant reduction in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-Ch), vitamin E, b-carotene and testosterone. Rats fed a hypercholesterolemic diet and given mixture I or II showed significant improvements in plasma lipid profile compared to the hypercholesterolemic control group. This improvement was associated with a significant reduction in oxidative stress reflected by an elevation in plasma levels of antioxidants (vitamin E and b-carotene) and a reduction in plasma MDA levels. The plasma level of testosterone increased significantly in the rats fed the hypercholesterolemic diet and given mixture I or II compared to the hypercholesterolemic control. Plasma testosterone showed a significant negative correlation with plasma TGs and TGs/HDL-Ch in the hypercholesterolemic control rats. The studied extract mixtures showed complete safety towards liver and kidney functions. In conclusion the tested extract mixtures showed an improvement in the plasma lipid profile, a significant increase in testosterone and a decrease in oxidative stress with promising prevention of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. The antiatherogenic effect of the extract mixtures may be due to the presence of phenolic compounds, phytosterols, tocopherols and unsaturated fatty acids.