Improved Serum Lipid Profiles Research Articles

Different ratios of DHA/EPA reverses insulin resistance by improving adipocyte dysfunction and lipid disorders in HFD-induced IR mice.

Objective: Insulin resistance (IR) is linked to the development of diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cardiovascular disease (CVDs). Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from fish oils (FOs) were used to investigate their potential in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced IR mice under different ratios. Methods: A total of 84 male C57BL/6J (6 weeks old) mice were fed with HFD containing 45% kcal from fat for 16 weeks to establish the IR model. The IR mice were then fed with HFD or HFD + 4% DHA/EPA with different ratios (3 : 1, 1.5 : 1, 1 : 1, 1 : 1.5, 1 : 3, respectively) for another 12 weeks. During the experiment, the CON group (n = 12) was set to feed with a basic diet containing 10% kcal from fat. Results: HFD feeding for 16 weeks reduced insulin sensitivity and accelerated hypertrophy of white adipose tissue (WAT). Different ratios of DHA/EPA except for 1 : 1 decreased the HOMA-IR index, average area of adipocytes, and serum MDA, but increased the protein expression of PI3K. All ratios of DHA/EPA increased the protein expression of IRS-1, GLUT4, and adiponectin. Moreover, dietary DHA/EPA changed serum fatty acid (FA) composition by increasing the serum concentration of n-3 PUFAs. DHA/EPA supplements also improved serum lipid profiles (TG/TC/LDL-c/HDL-c, FFA) and reduced the hepatic steatosis area. Conclusions: The results indicate that an appropriate higher ratio of DHA (1.5 : 1) in DHA/EPA supplementation is recommended for IR prevention.

Moringa leaves for improving the health benefits of quinoa fermented by probiotics

AbstractThis study evaluates the effect of supplementation with Moringa leaves powder (MLP) at the concentrations of 0.25% and 0.50% (w/v) as additional sources of prebiotics to produce healthier fermented quinoa products. The biological experiment was used to study the influence of feeding with these fermented quinoa products on the blood biochemical parameters in experimental rats. The results indicated that selected probiotics, including Lactobacillus plantaram ATCC 14917 and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus EMCC 11102 showed good tolerances to high acidity (pH = 2 or pH = 3), bile salts (0.3% w/v) and NaCl (7.5% w/v) and exhibited notable sensitivity against many antibiotics. Moreover, quinoa products supplemented with MLP at a concentration of 0.50% and fermented by both probiotics exhibited the highest counts of probiotic bacteria (9.32 and 9.12 log cfu/g, respectively) and showed more survival of probiotics than quinoa fermented without MLP (p > 0.05) during storage period. Also, the adding of MLP at both levels increased antioxidant activity and total phenolic contents of fermented quinoa by both probiotics, and the highest level exhibited highest values. Interestingly, fermented quinoa containing higher concentration of MLP showed the higher activity in improving serum lipid profile of experimental rats.

Shatianyu (Citrus grandis L. Osbeck) Flavonoids and Dietary Fiber in Combination Are More Effective Than Individually in Alleviating High-Fat-Diet-Induced Hyperlipidemia in Mice by Altering Gut Microbiota

This study was aimed at exploring the separate and combined anti-hyperlipidemic effect of Shatianyu (Citrus grandis L. Osbeck) flavonoids (SPFEs) and DF (SPDF) on HFD-fed mice after 14-week administration in diet, together with the possible microbiota-mediated mechanisms. SPFEs and SPDF were more effective together than separately in improving serum lipid profiles, decreasing hepatic lipid accumulation, and upregulating the expression of hepatic CPT1a, CYP7A1, ABCG5, and ABCG8. Butyrate has been previously proved to have an anti-hyperlipidemic effect. The fecal butyrate contents were negatively correlative with serum/liver lipid but positively correlated with fecal total bile acids levels, and SPDF + SPFEs had the most fecal butyrate in this study. SPDF or SPFEs enriched microbiota related to acetic and propionic acids production, while SPDF + SPFEs also bloomed norank_f_Muribaculaceae, Dubosiella, Lachnoclostridium, and norank_f_Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group, which were positively correlated to fecal butyrate contents. Thus, SPFEs and SPDF might alleviate hyperlipidemia synergistically by regulating microbiota to produce butyrate, thereby regulating lipid metabolism.

Effect of Hesperidin Supplementation on Liver Metabolomics and Gut Microbiota in a High-Fat Diet-Induced NAFLD Mice Model.

The present study investigated the mechanism underlying the impact of hesperidin (HES) on nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD). C57BL/6J male mice were administered a low-fat diet, high-fat diet (HFD), or HFD plus 0.2% (wt/wt) HES (HFD + HES) diet. After 16 weeks of intervention, the mice in the HFD+HES group showed a lower final body weight and liver weight and improved serum lipid profiles when compared with the HFD group. Alleviation of liver dysfunction induced by HFD was observed in HES-fed mice, and the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism was also altered. Moreover, HES changed the composition of the intestinal microbiota and enriched specific genera such as Bacteroidota. Liver metabolomics analysis indicated that HES enhanced the abundance of metabolites in arginine-related as well as mitochondrial oxidation-related pathways, and these metabolites were predicted to be positively correlated with the gut genera enriched by HES. Together, these results indicate that HFD-fed mice supplemented with HES showed a markedly regulated hepatic metabolism concurrent with shifts in specific gut bacteria.

Curcumin and vitamin E improve hot flashes, lipid profile, and fasting blood glucose without any detrimental effect on the liver and renal function in postmenopausal women: A triple-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial

We conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy of Curcumin and vitamin E on hot flashes, lipid profile, blood glucose, and hepatic & renal biomarkers. Eighty-four postmenopausal women were randomly assigned into three groups to receive one Curcumin 500 milligram, vitamin E 200 IU, or placebo capsules twice/daily/eight weeks. In comparison with placebo, vitamin E significantly decreased the number of hot flashes (P = 0.002), serum triglyceride (P < 0.001), and aspartate aminotransferase (P = 0.007), while it increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.005). Curcumin decreased significantly fasting blood glucose (P = 0.007), total cholesterol (P = 0.015), and triglyceride (P = 0.007) compared to placebo. We conclude that vitamin E reduced the incidence of hot flashes by nearly one-third of the base amount. It improved serum lipid profile and aspartate aminotransferase. Curcumin ameliorated fasting blood glucose and serum lipid profile.

Potential of dried bread enriched with red palm oil to improve lipid profile, and control oxidative stress: An experimental study in adult men with dyslipidaemia

Dyslipidaemia is an abnormality of lipid metabolism, characterised by the increased levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, and decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), which cause antioxidant enzymes to decrease, and trigger oxidative stress, characterised by an increase in lipid peroxidation. The present work examined the effect of consumption of dried breads enriched with red palm oil (RPO) to improve serum lipid profiles, and control oxidative stress in adult men with dyslipidaemia. This randomised double-blind controlled trial involved adult men with an abnormal lipid profile, and had a body mass index between 18.5 and 26.9 kg/m2. Each subject consumed two pieces of dried bread per packet as a snack for eight weeks. Subjects were randomly assigned into two groups: those who consumed dried breads with RPO (experiment), and those who consumed dried breads without RPO (control). Serum levels of lipid profile parameters (total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-C, HDL-C) and control oxidative stress markers [superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme, malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidised LDL (oxLDL), and β-carotene serum] were measured before and after the intervention. In subjects who consumed dried breads with RPO, there was a significant decrease in total cholesterol and LDL-C levels (p = 0.020 and 0.041, respectively); whereas serum triglyceride and HDL-C levels were not significantly affected (p = 0.083 and 0.233, respectively). Further, the consumption of dried breads with RPO significantly (p = 0.018) increased SOD activity which led to a significant decrease in MDA and oxLDL levels (p = 0.036 and 0.047, respectively), but non-significant on the increase in β-carotene serum levels (p = 0.166). Therefore, daily consumption of 60 g dried breads with RPO has the potential to be a functional food that can be used as a snack that efficiently lowers total and LDL cholesterol levels in adult men with dyslipidaemia, but without deleterious effects on biomarkers of oxidative stress.

In vivo and network pharmacological analysis of the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic metabolites of Litsea cubeba fruits

Diabetes mellitus is a major endocrine dysfunction that severely threatens the global population. Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers. (Lauraceae), commonly known as "mountain pepper", has been utilized in many chronic disorders in different countries. However, the antidiabetic activity of this plant has not been explored to date. The present study aimed to explore the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities of the methanolic extract of fruits of L. cubeba (LCMF) from the Darjeeling Himalaya, India, through in vivo experimentations and network pharmacological analysis. The HFD-STZ induced diabetic model rats were treated with LCMF for 28 days and were examined for blood glucose, lipid profile, liver and kidney function parameters, hepatic antioxidant status and histopathology of liver, kidney and pancreas. The LCMF treatment effectively lowered (about 25%) high blood glucose levels and improved serum lipid profiles, liver glycogen content, and normalized antioxidant status. A significant increment in endogenous insulin (6.83 mU/L) and C-peptide levels (0.86 ng/mL), along with the regeneration of beta islets, were observed. LC-MS/MS and in silico network-pharmacological analysis showed the presence of some important metabolites, viz. thymol, scopoline, isosafrole, safrole, arecoline, etc. that interact with the target proteins (viz. IL6, ADRB1 etc.), transcription factors (viz. NFKB1, CYP1A1 etc.) and enzymes (viz. α-glucosidase, α-amylase etc.) associated with diabetes and hyperlipidemia. The study for the first time proved that the traditional edible fruits of L. cubeba have potent antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic properties. The subsequent detailed characterization and mode of action studies would lead to discovering new antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic drugs for human use.

Norbixin, a natural dye that improves serum lipid profile in rabbits and prevents LDL oxidation

We hypothesized that norbixin, which is a carotenoid used as an orange/red natural food coloring additive, has anti-atherogenic properties. An in vitro oxidation assay with human LDL and a rabbit model of atherosclerosis were used to test this hypothesis. Norbixin inhibited the oxidation of isolated human LDL in a concentration-dependent manner. In the in vivo assay, rabbits were fed with a regular chow (control) or an atherogenic diet (0.5% cholesterol) alone or supplemented with norbixin (10, 30 or 100 mg/kg b.w.) for 60 days. Norbixin supplementation (30 and 100 mg/kg b.w.) increased HDL levels and reduced triglyceride levels and the atherogenic index of rabbits. This effect was associated with the decrease of serum levels of oxidized LDL, oxidized LDL antibodies and aortic tissue levels of lipid and protein oxidation in the atherogenic rabbits supplemented with norbixin. Atherogenic diet increased enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and thioredoxin reductase-1) and non-enzymatic (non-protein thiol groups content) antioxidant defense systems in the aortic tissue but reduced the activity of paraoxonase-1 in the serum. All these changes were prevented by norbixin supplementation (10, 30 and 100 mg/kg b.w.). These results suggest that norbixin has atheroprotective potential by improving serum lipid profile and preventing oxidative modifications of circulating LDL and aortic tissue. Norbixin may, therefore, be beneficial in the control of atherosclerosis risk factors and can be further investigated as a candidate to be used not only as a functional food ingredient but also for therapeutic applications and in the nutraceutical industry.

Antidiabetic and Hypolipidemic Efficiency of Lactobacillus plantarum Fermented Oat (Avena sativa) Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Rats

Antidiabetic properties of fermented foods have been previously demonstrated. This study aimed to examine the antidiabetic and hypolipidemic potential activities of L. plantarum fermented oat extract in Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Firstly, inoculating 1% of L. plantarum starter culture in 10% whole oat flour in aqueous media resulted in 8.36 log CFU mL−1 and pH 4.60 after 72 h of fermentation at 37 °C. With time progression of oat fermentation, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AOA), and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) contents were significantly increased up to 72 h. On the contrary, a significant reduction in β-glucan content was observed only after 72 h of fermentation. Secondly, separated aqueous extracts, i.e., unfermented oat extract (UFOE) and L. plantarum fermented oat extract (LFOE) were examined in vivo in a rat model, which consisted of five groups. Group 1 (negative group, NR); GROUP 2 (positive group, STZ), intraperitoneally injected with a single dose of 45 mg kg−1 BW of Streptozotocin and administered 7 mL of distilled water orally per day; Group 3 (STZ+MET), diabetic rats orally administered 50 mg of metformin kg−1 BW daily; Group 4 (STZ+UFOE), diabetic rats orally administered 7 mL of UFOE daily; and Group 5 (STZ+UFOE), diabetic rats orally administered 7 mL of LFOE daily for 6 weeks. Monitoring random blood glucose (RBG) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) showed that both the UFOE and the LFOE alleviated hyperglycemia in the STZ-induced diabetic rats. The extracts were significantly efficient in improving serum lipid profiles as compared with the positive group. Moreover, liver and kidneys’ functions were improved, and both extracts promoted hepatoprotective and nephroprotective characteristics. Furthermore, the administration of the UFOE and the LFOE efficiently attenuated GSH, CAT, and SOD enzymes and decreased MDA levels as compared with the positive group. In conclusion, data indicate the potential of UFOE and LFOE in future strategies as functional supplements against diabetes and diabetes-related complications.

Anti-Obesity Activities of Standardized Ecklonia stolonifera Extract in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes and High-Fat-Diet-Fed ICR Mice

The purpose of this study was to prepare a clinical trial test material (ESETM, test material of Ecklonia stolonifera extract) to develop a health functional food based on its anti-obesity effect. The anti-obesity effect of ESETM was evaluated in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and obese mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) to confirm its nonclinical trial effect before application in clinical trial. Adipogenesis is a process of preadipocyte differentiation that causes an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid accumulation. In vitro study results indicated that ESETM outstandingly inhibits the production of ROS and lipid accumulation during adipogenesis and lipogenesis. In vivo, ESETM-treated ICR mice had reduced HFD-induced weight change, food efficiency ratio, adipose tissue weight, liver weight and showed improved serum lipid profiles. Our results show that ESETM inhibits weight change by regulating the adipogenesis, lipogenesis, lipolysis, and thermogenesis pathways.

Dietary l-carnitine regulates liver lipid metabolism via simultaneously activating fatty acid β-oxidation and suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress in large yellow croaker fed with high-fat diets.

Dietary l-carnitine (LC) is a nutritional factor that reduces liver lipid content. However, whether dietary LC can improve lipid metabolism via simultaneous activation of mitochondrial fatty acid (FA) β-oxidation and suppression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is still unknown. Large yellow croaker were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) supplemented with dietary LC at 0, 1·2 or 2·4 ‰ for 10 weeks. The results indicated that a HFD supplemented with LC reduced the liver total lipid and TAG content and improved serum lipid profiles. LC supplementation administered to this fish increased the liver antioxidant capacity by decreasing serum and liver malondialdehyde levels and enhancing the liver antioxidant capacity, which then relieved the liver damage. Dietary LC increased the ATP dynamic process and mitochondrial number, decreased mitochondrial DNA damage and enhanced the protein expression of mitochondrial β-oxidation, biogenesis and mitophagy. Furthermore, dietary LC supplementation increased the expression of genes and proteins related to peroxisomal β-oxidation and biogenesis. Interestingly, feeding fish with LC-enriched diets decreased the protein levels indicative of ER stress, such as glucose-regulated protein 78, p-eukaryotic translational initiation factor 2a and activating transcription factor 6. Dietary LC supplementation downregulated mRNA expression relative to FA synthesis, reduced liver lipid and relieved liver damage through regulating β-oxidation and biogenesis of mitochondria and peroxisomes, as well as the ER stress pathway in fish fed with HFD. The present study provides the first evidence that dietary LC can improve lipid metabolism via simultaneously promoting FA β-oxidation capability and suppressing the ER stress pathway in fish.

Successful correction of hyperglycemia is critical for weight loss and a decrease in cardiovascular risk in obese patients

Weight loss is recommended for obese patients with cardiovascular risk; however, it remains questionable how hyperglycemia affects this process. To address this problem, we aimed to determine the association between weight loss, lipid profile, and body mass parameters in obese normoglycemic and hyperglycemic patients. Obese (body mass index30 kg/m2) normoglycemic and hyperglycemic volunteers were placed on a weight reduction program that included a balanced, low-calorie diet and moderate exercise for 6 months. Participants were assessed for serum glucose, β-cell functions, insulin resistance, lipid metabolism, lipoprotein profile, and body mass parameters. This weight reduction program fully normalized serum glucose levels only in a subpopulation of patients. These individuals also exhibited a significant reduction in body weight, and significant improvement in serum lipid profile and insulin resistance. In contrast, the patients that remained hyperglycemic were characterized by persistent insulin resistance, increased levels of atherogenic fractions of LDL and HDL lipoproteins, and elevated values of a modified Atherogenic Index of Plasma. Correlation analysis indicated a strong positive association between the modified Atherogenic Index of Plasma with atherogenic lipid profile, insulin resistance, and body mass parameters, indicating its usefulness in clinical studies in obese patients. Overall, our data indicate that successful treatment of hyperglycemia facilitates weight loss and improves the composition of blood lipids, while persisting hyperglycemia negatively affects the weight loss process and maintains an atherogenic lipid profile. Because hyperglycemia predisposes to cardiovascular disorders, its correction should be the primary goal during weight reduction therapy.

HtrA2/Omi mitigates NAFLD in high-fat-fed mice by ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction and restoring autophagic flux

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver metabolic syndrome which affects millions of people worldwide. Recently, improving mitochondrial function and autophagic ability have been proposed as a means to prevent NAFLD. It has been previously described that high-temperature requirement protein A2 (HtrA2/Omi) favors mitochondrial homeostasis and autophagy in hepatocytes. Thus, we explored the effects of HtrA2/Omi on regulating mitochondrial function and autophagy during NAFLD development. High-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD in mice and free fatty acids (FFAs)-induced hepatocytes steatosis in vitro were established. Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) in vivo and plasmid in vitro were used to restore HtrA2/Omi expression. In this study, we reported that HtrA2/Omi expression considerably decreased in liver tissues from the HFD-induced NAFLD model and in L02 cells with FFA-treated. However, restoring HtrA2/Omi ameliorated hepatic steatosis, confirming by improved serum lipid profiles, glucose homeostasis, insulin resistance, histopathological lipid accumulation, and the gene expression related to lipid metabolism. Moreover, HtrA2/Omi also attenuated HFD-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagic blockage. TEM analysis revealed that liver mitochondrial structure and autophagosome formation were improved in hepatic HtrA2/Omi administration mice compared to HFD mice. And hepatic HtrA2/Omi overexpression enhanced mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation gene expression, elevated LC3II protein levels, induced LC3 puncta, and decreased SQSTM1/p62 protein levels. Furthermore, hepatic HtrA2/Omi increased respiratory exchange ratio and heat production in mice. Finally, HtrA2/Omi overexpression by plasmid significantly diminished lipid accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and autophagic inhibition in FFA-treated L02 hepatocytes. Taken together, we demonstrated that HtrA2/Omi was a potential candidate for the treatment of NAFLD via improving mitochondrial functions, as well as restoring autophagic flux.

Slowly Digestible Carbohydrate Diet Ameliorates Hyperglycemia and Hyperlipidemia in High-Fat Diet/Streptozocin-Induced Diabetic Mice.

ObjectiveGiven that the prevalence rate of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) continues to increase, it is important to find an effective method to prevent or treat this disease. Previous studies have shown that dietary intervention with a slowly digestible carbohydrate (SDC) diet can improve T2DM with almost no side effects. However, the underlying mechanisms of SDC protect against T2DM remains to be elucidated.MethodsThe T2DM mice model was established with a high-fat diet and streptozocin injection. Then, SDC was administered for 6 weeks. Bodyweight, food intake, organ indices, fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and other biochemical parameters were measured. Histopathological and lipid accumulation analyses were performed, and the glucose metabolism-related gene expressions in the liver and skeletal muscle were determined. Lastly, colonic microbiota was also analyzed.ResultsSDC intervention alleviated the weight loss in the pancreas, lowered blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels, and improved glucose tolerance and HOMA-IR. SDC intervention improved serum lipid profile, adipocytokines levels, and lowered the lipid accumulation in the liver, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and epididymal visceral adipose tissue. In addition, SDC intervention increased the expression levels of IRS-2 and GLUT-2 in liver tissues and elevated GLUT-4 expression levels in skeletal muscle tissues. Notably, SDC intervention decreased the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio, increased Desulfovibrio and Lachnospiraceae genus levels, and inhibited the relative abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria.ConclusionsSDC intervention can improve hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia status in diabetic mice, suggesting that this intervention might be beneficial for T2DM.

Hydrolyzed Bound Phenolics from Rice Bran Alleviate Hyperlipidemia and Improve Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in High-Fat-Diet Fed Mice.

It has been confirmed the lipid-lowering effect of rice bran free phenolics, but it is unknown whether rice bran bound phenolics, the phenolic profile of which differs from the free ones, have a similar effect. Thus, the hypolipidemic effect and potential mechanism of hydrolyzed bound phenolics (HBP) from rice bran was investigated in this study. The results showed that HBP supplementation significantly improved serum lipid profiles of high-fat-diet fed mice. HBP inhibited the activation of nuclear receptors liver X receptor-α (LXRα), sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c), and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors-γ (PPARγ), and, therefore, changed the expressions of their downstream genes, including LDLR, CD36, ACC1, FAS, and DGAT2 in the liver. Moreover, HBP supplementation reversed the high-fat-diet induced gut microbiota dysbiosis. These findings suggest that HBP might alleviate the hyperlipidemia via inhibiting the hepatic de novolipogenesis, regulating the uptake of cholesterol and fatty acid in the liver and their absorption in the gut. The attenuation of microbiota dysbiosis might contribute to the above effects.

Fucoidans from Pearsonothuria graeffei prevent obesity by regulating intestinal lipid metabolism and inflammation related signalling pathways.

Background: Fucoidans extracted from sea cucumber Pearsonothuria graeffei (fuc-Pg) are rich in 4-O-sulfation, and have been shown to be potential functional polysaccharides for preventing metabolic syndromes. Objective: The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of fuc-Pg on the prevention of obesity and its underlying mechanism. Method: Mice were fed a normal diet, high-fat diet (HFD), HFD plus low and high dosage of fuc-Pg, and HFD plus simvastatin for 8 weeks. Results: fuc-Pg intervention could significantly decrease weight gain and fat accumulation in the HFD-fed mice. Moreover, fuc-Pg improved serum lipid profile by decreasing serum concentrations of TG, TC, LDL-C, sCD36, ApoB48, and ApoB100 compared with the HFD group. HFD-induced upregulation of intestinal CD36, FABP-1, P-ERK1, and the ratio of p-ERK/ERK was reversed by the fuc-Pg treatment. Moreover, fuc-Pg improved the normal function of white adipose tissue by increasing the expression of UCP1, PPAR-γ, and PGC-1α in the HFD-fed mice. Furthermore, fuc-Pg alleviated systemic inflammation by reducing serum pro-inflammatory factors and breaking the TLR4/NF-κB pathway in both the colon and liver. Conclusion: Fuc-Pg is a potential functional polysaccharide for preventing obesity and systemic inflammation caused by HFD.

Synthesis and antihyperlipidaemic activity of a new piperine derivative

Long pepper (Piper longum Linn.) is widely used as a medicinal substance in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Its major alkaloid piperine is the main active constituent with various therapeutic activities and has low solubility in water. In this study, a soluble new derivative of a piperine alkaloid, named N-leucinylpiperamide was synthesized. The animal experiment showed that N-leucinylpiperamide has more hypolipidemic effects than commercially available simvastatin and piperine in modulating serum lipids in Wistar male rats. At the amount of 10 mg/kg bw, it significantly reduced TC (-52.4%), TG (-61.7%), and LDL-C (-27.8%), respectively, and increased HDL-C (+147.4%) in the serum of the high-lipid model group. Furthermore, the synthesized N-leucinylpiperamide had no noticeable cytotoxicity against HepG2 cell line in vitro. Thus, our study shows that N-leucinylpiperamide has an ability to improve serum lipid profile in hyperlipidemic model rats and could be a valuable promising agent for the preventing hyperlipidemia.

Flavonoids from Whole-Grain Oat Alleviated High-Fat Diet-Induced Hyperlipidemia via Regulating Bile Acid Metabolism and Gut Microbiota in Mice.

A high-fat diet (HFD) causes hyperlipidemia, which worsens disturbances in bile acid (BA) metabolism and gut microbiota. This study aimed to investigate the regulation of flavonoids from whole-grain oat (FO) on BA metabolism and gut microbiota in HFD-induced hyperlipidemic mice. The experiment results showed that FO improved serum lipid profiles and decreased body weight and lipid deposition in HFD-fed mice. Through real-time qualitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot assays, by up-regulating the expression of PPARα, CPT-1, CYP7A1, FXR, TGR5, NTCP, and BSTP, and down-regulating those of SREBP-1c, FAS, and ASBT, FO suppressed lipogenesis, promoted lipolysis and BA synthesis, and efflux to faeces via the FXR pathway. 16s rRNA sequencing revealed that FO significantly increased Akkermansia and significantly decreased Lachnoclostridium, Blautia, Colidextribacter, and Desulfovibrio. Spearman's correlation analysis showed that these bacteria were strongly correlated with hyperlipidemia-related parameters. Therefore, our results indicated that FO possessed an antihyperlipidemic effect via regulating the gut-liver axis, i.e., BA metabolism and gut microbiota.

Structural analysis and anti‐obesity effect of Polygonatum cyrtonema polysaccharide against obesity induced by high‐fat diet in mice

AbstractThis study aimed to analyse the physicochemical properties of Polygonatum cyrtonema polysaccharide (PCP) and evaluated its effects in a high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obese mice. Experimentally, PCP was established as a homogeneous heteropolysaccharide with both α‐ and β‐configurations, and its estimated average molecular weight was ˜5.1 kDa. Besides, we discovered its major monosaccharides, including galactose, mannose, rhamnose, galacturonic acid and glucose. PCP markedly decreased obesity‐related parameters, improved serum lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, and leptin levels and reversed insulin resistance. It also reduced the hepatic infiltration of lipid droplets and the size of adipocytes in adipose tissues. Finally, PCP simulation significantly downregulated the mRNA expression of CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein‐α (C/EBPα), peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ), sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1c (SREBP‐1c) and fatty acid synthase (FAS). On the contrary, it increased carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT1) and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) levels closely related to thermogenesis and glucolipid metabolism. Taken together, these findings have provided evidence that PCP could be a potential anti‐obesity ingredient in preventing diet‐induced obesity.

Combined ginger and garlic extract improves serum lipid profile, oxidative stress markers and reduced IL-6 in diet induced obese rats

Dyslipidemia is a major modifiable contributor to cardiovascular disease and obesity. Zingiber officinalle (ginger) and Allium sativum (garlic) are popular culinary spice in traditional medicine with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Our study investigated the effects of combined ginger and garlic extracts against dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation in rats fed High Fat Diet (HFD). Sixty Male Wister rats were assigned into Group 1(Control), Group II and III (500 and 1000 mg/kg extract respectively), Group IV (HFD only), and Group V and VI (HFD + 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg extract) for 8 weeks. Biochemical analysis was done by spectrophotometric method. GC-MS identification of compounds was also conducted on the extracts. Statistical analysis of data was done by one-way analysis of variance and post hoc test by Duncan's Multiple test using statistical package for social sciences 21.0. The combined extract restored the hematological indices and improved the serum lipid profile. Treatment with the extracts also prevented obesity in rats. Antioxidant enzymes (SOD and Catalase) were increased significantly (p < 0.05) by the extracts while GSH only increased significantly (p < 0.05) when HFD fed rats were treated with 1000 mg/kg and normal rats were administered 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg extract. TNF-alpha and IL-6 increased significantly (p < 0.05) when rats were fed HFD but was normalized when treated with the extract. This study showed that the combined extract possess anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant anti-lipidemic and immune-modulatory effects, therefore can be useful in the management of inflammatory related diseases and useful as immune booster.