Lipid Levels In Rats Research Articles

Utilizing Cinnamomum verum (a culinary spice), as a functional food ingredient ameliorating hypercholesterolemia: In-vivo, in-vitro, and in-silico multi-model analysis

Hypercholesterolemia involves elevated levels of total cholesterol (T.C.), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL), linked to sedentary lifestyles, irregular eating habits, high-fat diets, type 2 diabetes, and various hereditary and environmental factors. It poses significant health risks, including high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, fatty liver, and cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to evaluate the lipid-lowering effects of ethanolic extract of Cinnamon in hypercholesterolemia-induced rats using in-vivo, in-vitro, and in-silico approaches. In the present work, thirty female Albino rats were divided into six groups: Group I (basal diet), Group II (high-fat diet), Group III (statin treatment), and Groups IV-VI (high-fat diet with different doses of cinnamon extract). Serum lipid profiles were measured after four weeks of treatment. In-vitro HMG-CoA reductase inhibition was assessed. In-silico studies, including molecular docking, ADME analysis, toxicity prediction, and molecular dynamics (M.D.) simulations, were conducted. DFT studies with MESP/HOMO/LUMO analysis provided electronic property insights. High-fat diet increased body weight and serum lipid levels in rats. Cinnamon extract significantly reduces body weight and serum LDL, VLDL, and triglycerides while increasing HDL levels. Histopathology showed reduced fat accumulation and normal liver morphology in cinnamon-treated groups. In-vitro analysis revealed significant HMG-CoA reductase inhibition by cinnamon extract. In-silico docking confirmed strong binding affinities of cinnamon compounds to HMG-CoA reductase. ADME analysis and toxicity prediction indicated favorable pharmacokinetics. MD simulations showed stable ligand-protein complexes, and DFT studies highlighted the electronic properties of active compounds. To conclude, the cinnamon ethanolic extract demonstrated effective lipid-lowering properties in hypercholesterolemic rats, supported by in-vitro and in-silico analyses, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for hypercholesterolemia. Further research is needed to explore underlying mechanisms and clinical outcomes.

Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Inhibitor Improves the Vascular Function of Arteriovenous Fistula in Rats with Hyperglycemia.

Few evidence-based medications to improve the primary patency of arteriovenous fistulas in patients with diabetes who require hemodialysis are available. We investigated whether proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) could improve arteriovenous fistula function through pleiotropic effects in a rat model of hyperglycemia. Ex vivo effects of PCSK9i on the aorta of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were investigated using an organ bath system. For in vivo experiments, an abdominal aortocaval (AC) fistula was generated in SD rats (200-250 g) after inducing hyperglycemia through streptozotocin administration (80 mg/kg, intraperitoneal). Alirocumab (50 mg/kg/week, subcutaneous) was administered on the day of fistula surgery and day 7. Echocardiography, blood flow through the aorta-limb, vasomotor reactivity, and serum biochemistry were examined on D14. Furthermore, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblotting were performed. PCSK9i induced aorta relaxation ex vivo through a potassium channel-associated mechanism. PCSK9i significantly improved blood flow and preserved endothelial function without changes in cardiac function and serum lipid levels in rats with hyperglycemia. The levels of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1, superoxide dismutase, cyclooxygenase-2, caspase-1, and interleukin-1β were significantly reduced in the treatment group. PCSK9i decreased the ratio of phosphorylated to total p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase in the aorta of rats with hyperglycemia. Short-term treatment with PCSK9i preserved endothelial function, induced vascular dilatation, and increased blood flow in the AC fistula of rats with hyperglycemia. The pleiotropic mechanisms were associated with the suppression of oxidative stress and tissue inflammation during hyperglycemia.

Impact of Mucuna pruriens seed on lipid profiles in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes

Background: Mucuna pruriens (MP) is a tropical legume, widely used in the treatment of parkinsonism, erectile dysfunction, anti-venomous, and anti-diabetic properties. It contains multiple phytonutrients and is rich in soluble fibers and proteins and is used as a drug of choice in traditional medicine for different ailments. Aims and Objectives: The study aimed to study the hypolipidemic activity of alcoholic extract MP seeds in Type 2 diabetic rats with hyperlipidemia, by assessing lipid profile of rats in comparison with rats treated with a standard anti-diabetic drug. Materials and Methods: Fifty-four Wistar rat pups were made diabetic by injecting intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg). After 12 weeks, animals with diabetic and dyslipidemia were selected and divided into three groups diabetic control, test drug group (fed with MP alcoholic extract 200 mg/kg), and standard drug group (fed with glibenclamide 0.1 mg/kg), and 18 rats of same age were kept for normal control group. Results: MP seeds exhibited a gradual and progressive change in the low-density lipoprotein levels in diabetic rats (4th week [−34.3%], 8th week [−42.24%], and 12th week [−45.30%]), serum triglycerides levels (4th week [−39.3%], 8th week [−44.49%], and 12th week [−46.65%]). Whereas serum high-density lipoprotein levels were significantly increased (39.3% increase by 4 weeks, 54.95% increase by 8 weeks, and 61.03% increase by 12 weeks). This suggests that active phytochemical compounds in the MP seeds exert hypolipidemic properties by its antioxidant and high fiber content. Conclusion: MP seeds contain phytonutrients and soluble fiber compounds, which helps in reduction of lipid levels in rats with diabetes induced hyperlipidemia.

Taurine supplementation decreases fat accumulation by suppressing FAS and enhancing ATGL through the ATGL pathway.

Obesity leads to severe health issues like cardiovascular disease. Natural substances with anti-obesity properties are gaining attention. This study investigates the impact of taurine on lipid levels in rats fed a high-fat diet. The SD rats were fed a high-fat diet and treated with or without taurine for 21 weeks. Taurine was added to their drinking water, and an adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) inhibitor was injected for one week. The study evaluated the impact of taurine supplementation on the rats' body weight, Lee index, body fat content, serum levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), fatty acid synthase (FAS), ATGL, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) in the liver. Fat accumulation in the liver and aortic arch was assessed through histopathological observations. The study found that taurine reduced body weight, body fat, serum TG, TC, LDL-C levels, and lipid deposition in the liver and aortic arch while increasing serum HDL-C levels. Taurine intake also increased FAS and ATGL expression in the liver. Interestingly, the ATGL inhibitor atglistatin did not affect FAS and ATGL expression in the presence of taurine. Taurine can reduce fat deposition caused by a high-fat diet in SD rats by decreasing FAS content and increasing ATGL content. However, taurine does not fully regulate FAS and ATGL expression through the ATGL pathway.

Lipid-lowering effect of drug pair Scutellariae Radix-Coptidis Rhizoma based on lipomics

This study investigated the mechanism of action of Scutellariae Radix-Coptidis Rhizoma(SR-CR) in intervening in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) in rats based on lipidomics. Thirty-six SD rats were divided into a control group, a model group, SR-CR groups of different doses, and a simvastatin group, with six rats in each group. Rats in the control group were fed on a normal diet, while those in the remaining groups were fed on a high-lipid diet. After four weeks of feeding, drug treatment was carried out and rats were sacrificed after 12 weeks. Serum liver function and lipid indexes were detected using kits, and the pathomorphology of liver tissues was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and oil red O staining. Changes in lipid levels in rats were detected using the LC-MS technique. Differential lipid metabolites were screened by multivariate statistical analysis, and lipid metabolic pathways were plotted. The changes in lipid-related protein levels were further verified by Western blot. The results showed that compared with the control group, the model group showed increased levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-c)(P<0.01), and decreased levels of γ-glutamyl transferase(γ-GT) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-c)(P<0.01), which were significantly recovered by the intervention of SR-CR. HE staining and oil red O staining showed that different doses of SR-CR could reverse the steatosis in the rat liver in a dose-dependent manner. After lipidomics analysis, there were significant differences in lipid metabolism between the model group and the control group, with 54 lipids significantly altered, mainly including glycerolipids, phosphatidylcholine, and sphingolipids. After administration, 44 differential lipids tended to normal levels, which indicated that SR-CR groups of different doses significantly improved the lipid metabolism level in NAFLD rats. Western blot showed that SR-CR significantly decreased TG-synthesis enzyme 1(DGAT1), recombinant lipin 1(LPIN1), fatty acid synthase(FASN), acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1(ACC1), and increased the phosphorylation level of ACC1. These changes significantly decreased the synthesis of TG and increased the rate of its decomposition, which enhanced the level of lipid metabolism in the body and finally achieved the lipid-lowering effect. SR-CR can improve NAFLD by inhibiting the synthesis of fatty acids and TG.

Mechanism of action of buckwheat quercetin in regulating lipid metabolism and intestinal flora via Toll-like receptor 4 or nuclear factor κB pathway in rats on a high-fat diet

ObjectivesBuckwheat quercetin (QUE) was used as a dietary supplement to investigate the mechanism of QUE on the regulation of lipid metabolism and intestinal flora in hyperlipidemic rats. MethodsHere, using a high-fat diet–induced hyperlipidemia model, the intervention was carried out by gavage of QUE at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg. Serum lipid levels, liver biochemical parameters, and histopathologic changes in the liver and intestinal microorganisms were measured in rats by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, hematoxylin-eosin, and high-throughput sequencing, respectively. ResultsOur results found that QUE, at a dose of 200 mg/kg, significantly reduced body weight, liver index, and lipid levels in rats (P < 0.05); improved hepatic oxidative stress; and repaired liver injury. In addition, the upregulation of beneficial bacteria, such as christensenellaceae and Bifidobacterium, in the organism increased the content of short-chain fatty acids, thus interfering with intestinal pH and improving the intestinal environment, while downregulating the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group, and regulating the overproduction of butyrate. The real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction results found that QUE inhibited the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) mRNA content and blocked the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, thus affecting the downregulation of lipid levels and restoring intestinal homeostasis. ConclusionsA QUE dose of 200 mg/kg may improve lipid levels and the composition of intestinal flora through the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, suggesting that proteobacteria and christensenellaceae abundance changes may be biomarkers of potential diseases.

Induction mechanism of cigarette smoke components (CSCs) on dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis in rats

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to explore the effect of cigarette smoke component (CSC) exposure on serum lipid levels in rats and the underlying molecular mechanism.MethodsMale SPF-grade SD rats were randomly divided into a control group and a CSC exposure group, with the CSC group being exposed to CSC for 6 weeks. RT–PCR and Western blotting methods were used to detect lipid metabolism gene expression in rats, and 16S RNA gene sequencing was used to detect the gut microbiota in the rat cecum. Rat serum exosomes were prepared and identified, and the interaction of exosomal miR-291a-3p and miR-126a-5p with AMPK and CYP7A1 was detected by a dual luciferase reporter gene assay (DLRG).ResultsSerum indicators, including cholesterol levels and trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) content, were significantly affected in the CSC exposure group compared with the control group (P < 0.05), and the expression levels of adenylate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) and HMG-CoA reductase (HMG-CoAR) genes were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the liver, while the expression level of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) was markedly decreased (P < 0.01). 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the gut microbiota in the rat cecum showed that the abundance of Firmicutes in the CSC group increased significantly at the phylum level, while the abundances of Bacteroidota and Spirochaetota were reduced significantly (P < 0.01). The relative abundance of Romboutsia, Turicibacter, and Clostridium sensu stricto increased significantly (P < 0.01), and the relative abundance of Prevotella, Muribaculaceae_norank, Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group, Roseburia, Treponema, and Ruminococcus significantly decreased (P < 0.01) at the genus level. In addition, the exosome miR-291a-3p and miR-126a-5p levels were markedly regulated by CSC exposure (P < 0.01). The interactions of miR-291a-3p and miR-126a-5p with AMPK and CYP7A1 mRNA were also validated by the DLRG method.ConclusionsIn summary, the rat dyslipidemia induced by CSC exposure may be related to the interference of gut microbiota structure and interaction of miRNAs from serum exosomes with target mRNAs, which further regulated AMPK-ACC/CYP7A1 signaling in rats.

Apocynum Leaf Extract Suppresses the Progress of Atherosclerosis in Rats via the FKN/SYK/p38 Signal Pathway.

To investigate the antiatherosclerotic effects of flavonoids extracted from Apocynum venetum (AVF) leaves in atherosclerotic rats and the underlying mechanisms, a total of 72 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: control group, model group, simvastatin group, low-dose AVF group, medium-dose AVF group, and high-dose AVF group. Atherosclerosis in rats was induced with a high-fat diet and an intraperitoneal injection of VD3 once daily for three contiguous days at a total injection dose of 70 U/kg. At the end of the 13th week, total serum cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) contents were measured. The hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was applied to evaluate the morphological changes. The ELISA method was used to detect related inflammatory factors and oxidative stress indicators. The corresponding protein expression and the mRNA level were detected by western blot analysis and reverse transcriptase PCR. HE staining showed that the thoracic aorta wall was thickened, and the aortic subendothelial foam cells and lipid vacuoles were reduced in the medium/high-AVF groups. Similarly, the TC, TG, LDL-C, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the model group were significantly higher, but the HDL-C level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were lower than those of the control group, and these effects were ameliorated by treatment with simvastatin or AVF. ELISA results showed that compared with the control group, the model group C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) results were significantly increased, and the medium AVF and high AVF could significantly reduce the expression of related inflammatory factors. The AVF inhibited intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin mRNA and related protein expression in the aorta in atherosclerotic rats. Western blot analysis also showed that AVF can significantly reduce the protein expression of fractalkine (FKN), spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38) in the rat aorta. We believe that the AVF can effectively reduce blood lipid levels in rats with atherosclerosis and delay atherosclerotic progression by inhibiting excessive inflammatory factors and inhibiting related adhesion factors. The underlying mechanism may be related to the FKN/SYK/p38 signaling pathway activity. Our results contribute to validating the traditional use of the Apocynum leaf extract in the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Effects of soy hull polysaccharide on dyslipidemia and pathoglycemia in rats induced by a high-fat-high-sucrose diet

The present work aimed at investigating the effects of soy hull polysaccharide (SHP) in alleviating adverse effects in rats fed a high-fat-high-sucrose diet. After SHP feeding for 4 weeks, the fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum triglyceride (TG), serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and 16S rDNA gene sequence were determined. Administration of SHP significantly decreased body fat content and TG levels, and increased water intake and HDL-C levels after 4 weeks of treatment. The antihyperglycemic effect of SHP at a dose of 400mg/kg mb had the most significant effects among the three dosage groups. SHP notably restored the FBG in rats fed a high-fat-high-sucrose diet (P<0.05). Furthermore, SHP at 400mg/kg mb increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and decreased that of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria at the phylum level. The polysaccharide treated groups had significantly higher content of total SCFAs, and the main fermentation products were acetic, propionic, n-valeric and i-valeric acids. Thus, SHP restores blood lipid levels in rats fed a high-fat-high sucrose diet through regulation of the gut microbiota.

Evaluation of hypolipidemic effect of flaxseeds in experimentally induced dyslipidemia in albino rats

Introduction: The most important risk factor of IHD is hyperlipidaemia. The dietary manipulation with flaxseed powder has reduced the incidence of CVD by decreasing the lipid profile in human beings. So flaxseed powder has been used in the present study to analyse its hypolipidemic action in experimentally induced hyperlipidaemia in male albino rats. Materials and Methods: This is an animal interventional study. It was conducted in 24 male albino rats divided into 4 groups with 6 animals in each. Gr I (control), GrII to see the per se effect of flaxseed powder, Gr III (standard) kept on High cholesterol diet and Gr IV (test) kept on high cholesterol diet with flaxseed powder. The study was conducted for two weeks. Blood samples for estimation of TC, TGc, LDLc, VLDLc and HDLc were collected at the beginning and at the end of the study period from orbital vein. Results: In the intervention group fed on flaxseed powder and HCD significantly reduced the blood lipids but not in the Gr II fed on flaxseed alone. The HCD fed Standard group developed a highly significant rise in lipid levels of the rats. This has revealed that incorporation of flaxseed in diet may protect against the development of IHD. The hypolipidemic effect of flaxseeds may be due to the presence of rich content of omega 3 fatty acids, ALA, Lignans and antioxidant properties and phytoestrogens. Conclusion: So, we conclude that flaxseed powder administration has highly significantly reduced the blood lipid levels in rats. The addition of flaxseed in diet has a beneficial effect on lipids and protects against cardiovascular disorders due to omega 3 fatty acids, ALA and Lignans. Keywords: Flaxseeds, High cholesterol diet, Lipoproteins, Hyperlipidaemia, Lignans.

Effect of Dandelion on serum lipids in Male Albino Rats intoxicated with Oxytetracycline

Dandelion is a common plant widely used in many countries for its nutritional and medicinal benefits. The main target of this study was to investigate its effect in two different concentrations (2.5% & 5%) on blood lipids in male albino rats. The experiment was carried out using twenty-eight male albino rats. These rats were put on basal diet for one week before being divided into four main groups (seven rats each). Group 1: Negative control group continued basal diet during the whole experiment. Group 2: Positive control group was fed on basal diet for 28 days, then injected with Oxytetracycline for three consecutive days (120 mg/kg body weight) and continued on the basal diet till the end of the experiment . Group 3: continued as group 2 and after being injected rats were given Dandelion powder 2.5 % on the basal diet . Group 4: as the same of group 3 except that rats were given 5 % Dandelion powder. The study continued for one week after the injection of Oxytetracycline . At the end of the experimental period rats were fasted overnight and sacrificed; blood samples were collected from the aorta to determine lipids profiles. Besides, the biological parameters were recorded. The study concluded that diet fortified at 2.5% and 5% dandelion powder helped to improve blood lipid levels in rats compared with positive control groups (injected with oxytetracycline).

Effects of blueberry leaf and stem extracts on hepatic lipid levels in rats consuming a high-sucrose diet

Background: Blueberry stems, a by-product of blueberry leaf tea production, are typically discarded. We evaluated the effects of hot-water extracts of rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum Aiton; RB species) leaves and stems on hepatic lipid levels in rats consuming a high-sucrose diet.Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into groups that received a control high-sucrose diet alone or supplementation with 2.0% blueberry leaf extract or 0.5% or 2.0% blueberry stem extract. Blood and hepatic lipid levels, hepatic lipogenic enzyme activity, and hepatic quercetin metabolites were evaluated after 28 days of ad libitum consumption.Results: Supplementation with the extracts did not affect body weight gain, food intake, liver and white adipose tissue weights, or serum lipid levels. Hepatic triglyceride and total cholesterol levels were reduced in the groups that received 2.0% supplementation of either extract. Hepatic malic enzyme activity was also reduced in those groups. Quercetin and its glycosides, the major polyphenols identified in the extracts, accumulated in the liver as quercetin aglycone and quercetin metabolites. Conclusion: We demonstrated how daily consumption of blueberry leaf and stem extracts can decrease hepatic lipid levels, potentially downregulating malic enzyme activity. These effects were intensive in leaf extracts. The active compounds existed in both extracts may be quercetin and its glycosides. Therefore, blueberry stems and leaves may be an attractive candidate novel functional food.Keywords: Blueberry leaf; blueberry stem; quercetin; hepatic lipid; rat; functional food

Effect of feeding heat-induced fish meat gel manufactured with sodium citrate on blood pressure and lipid levels in rats

Effect of feeding heat-induced fish meat gel manufactured with sodium citrate on blood pressure and lipid levels in rats

α-Lipoic acid ameliorated oxidative stress induced by perilla oil, but the combination of these dietary factors was ineffective to cause marked deceases in serum lipid levels in rats

Dietary perilla oil rich in α-linolenic acid and α-lipoic acid lowers the serum lipid level through changes in hepatic fatty acid metabolism. We therefore hypothesized that the combination of these dietary factors may ameliorate lipid metabolism more than the factors individually. Moreover, α-lipoic acid exerts strong anti-oxidative activity. Hence, we also hypothesized that α-lipoic acid may attenuate perilla oil-mediated oxidative stress. We therefore studied the combined effects of perilla oil and α-lipoic acid on lipid metabolism and parameters of oxidative stress. Male rats were fed diets supplemented with 0 or 2.0 g/kg R-α-lipoic acid and containing 120 g/kg of palm (saturated fat), corn (linoleic acid), or perilla oil (α-linolenic acid) for 23 days. Perilla oil compared with other fats decreased serum lipid concentrations in rats fed α-lipoic acid–free diets; however, the combination of perilla oil with α-lipoic acid was ineffective for observing more marked decreases in serum lipid levels. Alterations in hepatic fatty acid synthesis and oxidation may account for the observed changes. Perilla oil, compared with palm and corn oils, strongly increased the malondialdehyde level in the serum and liver. α-Lipoic acid counteracted the increases in these parameters even though the effects were attenuated in the liver. α-Lipoic acid increased the parameters of the anti-oxidant system. The results suggested that α-lipoic acid can ameliorate oxidative stress induced by perilla oil, but the combination of these dietary factors was ineffective for additionally reducing serum lipid levels.

Dietary fat content modulates the hypolipidemic effect of dietary inulin in rats.

Dietary fat content (low versus high fat) may modulate the serum lipid-lowering effect of high-performance (HP)-inulin. This study investigated the effect of dietary HP-inulin on metabolism in rats fed a low- or high-fat diet. Rats were fed a diet of 5% fat with 5% cellulose or 5% HP-inulin (average degree of polymerization = 24) (low-fat diet) or of 20% fat with 5% cellulose or 5% HP-inulin (high-fat diet) for 28 days. Total, HDL, and non-HDL cholesterols, and triglyceride concentrations in the serum were measured along with total lipid content of liver and feces. Hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol, and fecal neutral and acidic sterol concentrations in total lipid were assessed. In addition, cecum SCFA levels and bacterial profiles were determined. The hypolipidemic effect of HP-inulin differed depending on dietary fat content (5% versus 20%). Specifically, 5% inulin instead of cellulose in a semi-purified diet significantly reduced serum lipid levels in rats fed a high-fat diet, which was strongly associated with increased total lipid and neutral sterol excretion. Dietary fat content modulates the hypolipidemic effect of dietary inulin.

고지방식이를 섭취한 흡연 흰쥐모델에서 양파껍질 추출물의 혈액지질 대사 개선 효과

This study was designed to investigate whether or not onion peel extract can lower blood lipid levels in rats exposed to cigarette smoke (CS) extract with a high-fat diet. Initially, male Sprague-Dawley rats were housed individually in a stainless steel, wire-bottomed cage with free access to AIN-93G diet. Rats were weight-matched and assigned to the following five groups: 1) control rats (CT) fed standard AIN-93G diet alone, 2) control rats exposed to CS extract (CT+CS), 3) high-fat group (HF) fed standard AIN-93 diet supplemented with 3% lard and 0.2% cholesterol, 4) high-fat group exposed to CS extract (HF+CS) fed standard AIN-93 diet supplemented with 3% lard and 0.2% cholesterol plus CS extract, and 5) high-fat plus onion peel (OP) extract group exposed to CS extract (HF+CS+OP) fed standard AIN-93 diet supplemented with 3% lard, 0.2% cholesterol, and onion peel extract (20 mg/17 g diet) plus CS extract. Using this feeding protocol, all animals completely consumed their respective diets throughout the 6 week duration. Blood was collected via the orbital sinus at weeks 0, 3, and 6, following overnight food deprivation. OP extract feeding resulted in significant reductions in blood triglyceride, total cholesterol, and non-HDL-cholesterol. Further, serum activities of aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase were significantly reduced by OP extract at 6 weeks. These results provide clear evidence that onion peel extract has a profound inhibitory effect on blood lipids in rats exposed to CS extract. These findings suggest that OP extract can be used as an effective means in alleviating the serum lipid concentration after CS exposure.

Activity and mRNA Levels of Enzymes Involved in Hepatic Fatty Acid Synthesis in Rats Fed Naringenin.

We investigated the physiological activity of naringenin in affecting hepatic lipogenesis and serum and liver lipid levels in rats. Rats were fed diets containing 0, 1, or 2.5 g/kg naringenin for 15 d. Naringenin at a dietary level of 2.5 g/kg significantly decreased the activities and the mRNA levels of various lipogenic enzymes and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) mRNA level. The activities and the mRNA levels were also 9-22% and 12-38% lower, respectively, in rats fed a 1 g/kg naringenin diet than in the animals fed a naringenin-free diet, although the differences were not significant in many cases. Naringenin at 2.5 g/kg significantly lowered serum triacylglycerol, cholesterol, and phospholipid and hepatic triacylglycerol and cholesterol. This flavonoid at 1.0 g/kg also significantly lowered these parameters except for serum triacylglycerol. Naringenin levels in serum and liver dose-dependently increased, and hepatic concentrations reached levels that can affect various signaling pathways.

발효 지충이가 고지방식이를 급여한 흰쥐의 혈청 내 지질 함량 및 혈소판 응집에 미치는 영향

We investigated the effects of fermented Sargassum thunbergii (FST) on platelet aggregation and serum lipid levels in rats made obese by a high fat diet. Six-week-old male SD-rats were randomly assigned to four groups as CON, HF-CON induced by high fat diet (HF), ST supplemented with HF (HFST100), and the fermented ST supplemented with HF group (HF-FST100). After 6 weeks, the results showed that the final weight and weight gain had decreased in the HF- FST100 group compared to the HF-CON group. Also, the food efficiency ratio was significantly reduced in the HF-FST100 group compared to HF-CON. The organ weights other than heart and spleen were significantly lower in the HF-FST100 group than in the HF-CON group. The levels of serum GOT and GPT significantly decreased in the HF-FST100 group over the HF-CON group. In addition, the total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol levels were lower in the HF-FST100 group than in HF-CON, while the HDL-cholesterol level was higher in the HF-FST100. The ability of platelet aggregation of groups supplemented with FST was lower than the HF-CON group. These results suggest that FST may be beneficial in improving lipid profile and platelet aggregation in obesity.

Effect of a combination of calorie-restriction therapy and Lingguizhugan decoction on levels of fasting blood lipid and inflammatory cytokines in a high-fat diet induced hyperlipidemia rat model

ObjectiveTo combine calorie-restriction therapy (CRT) with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) using Lingguizhugan Decoction and note the effects on expression of inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin (IL)-6] in high-fat-diet induced hyperlipidemia in rats. MethodsForty rats were divided randomly and equally into four groups: control group A (regular feeding for 5 weeks); model group B (high-fat diet for 5 weeks), calorie-limited group C (high-fat diet for 5 weeks) and TCM calorie-limit group D (high-fat diet for 5 weeks). After modeling, groups C and D were fasted for 3 days: group C with simple fasting, and group D with TCM fasting. The motion as well as changes in color, body weight, food intake, plasma lipids [low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) along with TNF-α, hs-CRP and IL-6] were measured before and after intervention. ResultsModeled rats were established after five weeks. After 3 days of fasting, compared with group B, blood lipid levels (TG, TC, LDL-C) of groups C and D decreased dramatically. Those of group D decreased more obviously than those of group C. However, the values of TNF-α, hs-CRP and IL-6 showed no obvious difference between each of the three treatment groups. ConclusionCRT can reduce fasting blood lipid levels in rats, but not by reducing the levels of inflammatory cytokines.

The adverse effects of long-terml-carnitine supplementation on liver and kidney function in rats

Levo-Carnitine (l-carnitine) is widely used in health and food. This study was to focus on the adverse effects of 8-week oral supplementation of l-carnitine (0.3 and 0.6 g/kg) in female and male Sprague Dawley rats. l-carnitine reduced body and fat weights, as well as serum, liver, and kidney lipid levels in rats. Simultaneously, hepatic fatty acid β-oxidation and lipid synthesis were disturbed in l-carnitine-fed rats. Moreover, l-carnitine accelerated reactive oxygen species production in serum and liver, thereby triggering hepatic NOD-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation to elevate serum interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 levels in rats. Alteration of serum alkaline phosphatase levels further confirmed liver dysfunction in l-carnitine-fed rats. Additionally, l-carnitine may potentially disturb kidney function by altering renal protein levels of rat organic ion transporters. These observations may provide the caution information for the safety of long-term l-carnitine supplementation.