Lipid Profile In Hypercholesterolemic Rats Research Articles

Effect of Prebiotic, Probiotic Bacteria and Symbiotic Diets Containing Bacillus Coagulans and Gum Arabic on Lipid Profile in Hypercholesterolemic Rats

Purpose: Hypercholesterolemia poses a significant challenge for numerous communities and healthcare professionals because of the association between cardiovascular conditions and dyslipidemia. The objective of this research was to assess the impact of prebiotics, probiotics, as well as a diet incorporating Bacillus coagulants and gum Arabic on blood lipid levels in hypercholesterolemic rats.
 Methodology: In order to create an antiseptic solution, acquire the organic substance known as gum Arabic. Thirty-five male Albino rats (170 ± 5 g) were feeding a prepared diet includes supplemented cholesterol to raise the levels of cholesterol. Mice were divided to 5 groups (n = 7). Group 1: simple diet (negative control), the other 4 groups were assigned for a hypercholesterolemia diet comprising 25% lard and 2% cholesterol for 6 weeks in order to increase fat cholesterol in rats. Group 2: (positive control), Group 3: fed with a supplement including 5% gum Arabic (prebiotic), Group 4: fed with a dietary supplement comprising coagulase spores, Group 5: assigned for a simple meal. It was supplemented with 5% daily gum Arabic and Bacillus coagulants spores (symbiotic).
 Results: Triglyceride levels and total cholesterol (mg/dL) were improved (P<0.05). In (advantageous manipulate) fed a simple diet (B.D.), compared with (poor manipulate).
 Unique Contribution to theory, Practice and Policy: The Anti-Inflammatory Theory and the concept of prebiotics usage to decrease cholesterol and minimize its absorption. This shows that the concept used has been validated. The satisfactory results which confirmed the extreme spread variations with the poor manipulate organization had been done within side the hypercholesterolemia organizations include with Gum Arabic (GA5%), where the best indicated a fee recorded (28.54 ± 3. seventy one mg/dL), which transferred into the poor manipulate (36.33 ± 5.00 mg/dL). As for the organizations that took B. coagulants and GA 5% + B. coagulants, a lower in LDL-c, (VLDL-c), levels of AST and AST, and the satisfactory outcome documented and directed within side of the organization GA 5% + B.Coagulants. Histological checkups furthermore confirmed that the liver sections inside the 5th organization established a regular structure, also the liver cells mild degeneration. CONCLUSION: The satisfactory final outcome indicated within side the organization of GA 5%+ B. coagulants remedy organization compared with the opposite organizations.

Effect of Prebiotic, Probiotic Bacteria and Symbiotic Diets Containing Bacillus Coagulans and Gum Arabic on Lipid Profile in Hypercholesterolemic Rats

Purpose: Hypercholesterolemia is a major problem for many societies as well as for health professionals due to the close association between cardiovascular disease and lipid abnormalities. The current study was conducted to determine the effect of prebiotic, probiotic bacteria and symbiotic diets containing Bacillus Coagulans and Gum Arabic on lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic rats.
 Methodology: The spore suspension was prepared and Gum Arabic was purchased as the natural product. 35 male albino rats (170 ± 5 g) were fed a cholesterol-supplemented diet to induce hypercholesterolemia. The rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 7). The group 1: basal diet (negative control), and the other four groups were given hypercholesterolemia diet supplemented with 25% lard and 2% cholesterol for six weeks to induce hypercholesterolemia in rats. They were divided as follows: Group 2: (positive control), Group 3: fed a supplemented basal diet with 5% Gum Arabic (prebiotic), Group 4: fed a supplemented basal diet with coagulase spores, and group 5: fed a basal diet supplemented with 5% Gum Arabic and spores per day of B. coagulans (synbiotic).
 Results: The findings showed a significant increase in the levels of total cholesterol and triacylglycerol (mg/dL) (P<0.05) in (positive control) fed the basic diet (B.D.), compared to (negative control).
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Anti-Inflammatory Theory and The theory of using prebiotics to lower cholesterol and reduce its absorption. This study indicates that the theory used in the study has been validated. The best results that showed significant differences with the negative control group were achieved in the hypercholesterolemia groups treated with Gum Arabic (GA5%), where the highest mean value was recorded (28.54 ± 3.71 mg/dL), which was close to the negative control (36.33 ± 5.00 mg/dL). As for the groups that took B. coagulans and GA 5% + B. coagulans, a decrease in LDL-c, (VLDL-c), AST and AST levels, and the best result recorded was in the group GA 5% + B.coagulans. Histological examinations also showed that the liver sections in the fifth group showed a normal structure, except for slight degeneration of the liver cells. The best result was in the group of GA 5%+ B. coagulans treatment group compared to the other groups.

Effectiveness of Soft Cheese Fortified by Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Artemisia Herba Alba Extract on Blood Lipid Profile of Hypercholesterolemic Rats

The study aims to investigate the effect of artemisia herba alba extract and ZnONPs on the level of lipid profile that included total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins, and at the level of liver enzymes that included (AST, ALT, ALP) in adult rats Sprague-Dawley and lipoproteinosis. Rats were distributed to six aggregates in six repeaters each. (T1) Control Group, (T2) Nutritious Group on high cholesterol leeches, (T3) Nutritions high cholesterol food aggregates and soft cheese dosage (2 g/kg) (T4), ZnONPs 10mg/ml (T5) Artemisia herba alba (150/ml), (T6) Artemisia herba alba with ZnONPs. After the end of the feeding period for the vital experiment of 28 days. The Results showed a moral decrease (p≤0.05) in the rate of cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins in the T3, T4 group, T5, T6 compared with T1, while T2 treatment continued to rise in blood fat because it was left untreated. A moral decrease in the level of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) was also observed for animals treated with T3, T4, T5, T6 compared to T2, which was left untreated, with an increase in the concentration of liver enzymes.

Beneficial Effects of Fermented Camel and Cow’s Milk in Lipid Profile, Liver, and Renal Function in Hypercholesterolemic Rats

As hyperlipidemia has been associated with cardiovascular diseases, this study investigated the influence of probiotic-fermented camel and cow’s milk on blood lipid profiles in hypercholesterolemic rats. When tested, probiotic-fermented camel and cow’s milk exhibited the highest overall acceptance score in flavor and texture. Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups (n = 6). The first group served as normal control, while groups 2–8 were fed on a high-fat (HFD), high-cholesterol diet throughout the experimental period and treated with different types of fermented milks. Feeding rats on probiotic-fermented milk resulted in a significant decrease in the level of triglycerides (TG), cholesterol, and LDL compared with the positive control group. Albumin and total protein concentrations increased significantly, while ALT, AST, and creatinine were significantly reduced in rats fed on probiotic-fermented milk. The results indicated that probiotic-fermented milk might improve liver and kidney functions in hypercholesterolemic rats. These findings highlighted the ameliorative potentials of camel milk against hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress in rats.

Efficacy of Chocolate on Hypercholestrolemic Rats

Chocolate comprises number of raw and processed foods produced from the seed of the tropical cocoa tree. Chocolate is produced from cocoa mass added with sugar and cocoa butter. Chocolate has been promoted for its health benefits, as it seems to possess substantial amount of antioxidant that reduces the formation of free radicals. Researchers concluded that chocolate containing higher amount of cocoa have higher procyanidins content, so higher antioxidant capacities. Evidence suggests that regular consumption of cocoa products containing flavanol may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Thus, the present study was carried out to assess the effect of chocolate on lipid profile of hypercholesterolemic rats. The rats were grouped under three categories; Triton 400mg was injected to experimental rats to make it hypercholesterolemia. Based on the objectives a cocoa rich chocolate sample was developed using cocoa seed, cocoa butter, sugar and lecithin and the experimental hypercholesterolemia rates were feed with chocolate sample for duration of 20 days, and the lipid profile was analysed at initial and at final days of supplementation. During the period of supplementation, the Cholesterol and LDL level were decreased gradually which may be due to the supplementation of chocolate. Significant reduction was observed at 5% level. Thus, it was concluded that in the present study there was a significant effect on lipid profile of chocolate supplemented with hypercholesterolemic rats.

Effect of Wheat Germ, Wheat Germ Oil on Lipid Profile of Hypercholesterolemic Rats

Hypercholesterolemia plays an important role in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) that represent one of the greatest worldwide medical problems nowadays. Recently, an increased attention/ interest for natural antioxidant/ hypercholesterolemia as WG/WGO is increasing. Wheat germ/ Wheat germ oil (WG/WGO) is an excellent source of essential and polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. It is one of the richest natural sources of tocopherol. This work aims to evaluate the effect of administration of wheat germ (WG) /wheat germ oil (WGO) for 6 weeks on serum lipid profile, lipid peroxidation (liver malondialdehyde) in hypercholesterolemic rats. One hundred and twenty maleSprague Dawelyrats weighing 180-192 gm were used in this study. They were randomly distributed into six groups (20 rats/ group) as follow: g1: normal control, G2: hypercholesterolemic rats; G3: Normal rats treated with WG; G4: hypercholesterolemic rats treated with WG; G5: Normal rats treated with WGO; G6: hypercholesterolemic rats treated with WGO for 6 weeks. Also WG was analysed for its nutritive value, while WGO was analysed for fatty acid profile, and studied for its physico-chemical properties. The results showed significant elevation of liver malondialdehyde (MDA) and serum lipid profile in untreated rats fed on hypercholesterolemic diet. Hypercholesterolemic rats treated with WG/WGO showed an improvement in the biochemical assay of their lipid profile compared with untreated hypercholesterolemic rats. WG/WGO may be able to protect against atherosclerosis and CVD. The administration of WG /WGO to diets of rats caused a marked reduction in TC, LDL-C, VLDL-C, TG and MDA. This improvement effect may be mediated via enhancement of the antioxidant defence system and other factors. However, further clinical studies on human beings are required to assess the efficacy and safety of the WG/WGO.

The Effect of Guava on the Improvement of Lipid Profile in Hypercholesterolemic Rats

Red guava is a fruit species with high vitamin C content and the highest fibers, in particular, soluble fiber (pectin) among tropical fruits and cereals. The soluble fiber is hypocholesterolemic in the body. Therefore, it has the potential to reduce cholesterol content. This study aimed to assess the potential of red guava in reducing cholesterol content in hypocholesterolemic rats. This study applied a pure experiment using a randomized pretestposttest group design on hypocholesterolemic Sprague Dawley rats. The rats were fed with 0.72 g of red guava and pectin supplement as a comparison. The total cholesterol content, LDL, HDL and triglyceride were measured by CHOD-PAP and GPO-PAP methods. Data analysis used t-test and ANOVA with significance rate of 0.05. Red guava intake to the hypocholesterolemic rats significantly reduced the contents of: total cholesterol to 57.8 mg/dL (32%), LDL to 25.5 mg/dL (43%), triglyceride to 19.7 mg/dL (18%). Conversely, it significantly increased HDL content to 10.6 mg/dL (18%). The red guava has proven to give hypocholesterolemic effect by reducing the total cholesterol LDL and triglyceride; Conversely, it significantly increased HDL.

The effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Teucrium polium L. on the inflammatory markers and lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic rats.

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases are among the most common causes of mortality worldwide. Therefore, it is necessary to control the risk factors of these patients. Since the level of inflammatory markers and lipid profiles has increased in cardiovascular diseases and due to the increasing role of plants in the treatment of diseases, the current study aimed to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Teucrium polium on inflammatory markers and lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic rats.Materials and methodsA total of 24 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of six each and treated with oral administration for 8 weeks. The control group received normal diet, the sham group received high-cholesterol diet and experimental groups 1 and 2 received high-cholesterol diet in the 8 weeks and doses of 85 and 170 mg/kg, respectively, of the T. polium hydroalcoholic extract (TPHAE) in the second 4 weeks. At the beginning and the end of the study, rats were examined for biochemical parameters. The mean level of variables for each group was presented as mean ± standard error of mean.ResultsThe results of this study showed that, after administration of TPHAE, there was a significant decrease in the mean of inflammatory markers in all groups compared to sham group (P<0.001). Also, administration of the extract significantly reduced the serum levels of triglyceride, cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol and significantly increased the serum HDL-cholesterol levels. In addition, the 170 mg/kg dose of TPHAE was the most effective in reducing serum levels of inflammatory and lipid markers.ConclusionTreatment with TPHAE caused dose-dependent decrease in serum levels of inflammatory markers and lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic rats. Therefore, it can be applied as a natural product for the management of cardiovascular diseases.

Effect of lutein on lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic rats

Background: Hyperlipidemia or Dyslipidemia is the major cause of atherosclerosis1 and associated conditions. Low levels of high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are the major causes of increased atherogenic risk 1. Aggressive cholesterol reduction in patients with atherosclerotic disease is now the standard of care2. In addition to life style modification, patients with risk factors need lipid lowering drug therapy. The drugs available now do not reduce LDL oxidation, and oxidative stress associated with hyperlipidemia. In recent years, antioxidants have been subjected to epidemiological studies4 that have related their consumption to a reduction in the incidence of oxidative damage related diseases.Methods: Hypercholesterolemia was induced in rats by administration of high cholesterol diet for 30 days in standard rat chow diet. Rats were divided into four groups of six each. Group-I and II with intake of normal diet and High cholesterol diet respectively. Group III and IV are given high cholesterol diet along with Lutein 50mg/kg and Atorvastatin 5mg/kg orally once daily respectively. At the end of 30 days animals were subjected to overnight fasting. Blood samples were drawn by retro-orbital puncture for biochemical analysis. The animals were sacrificed after thiopentone injection and liver and aorta were dissected out and processed for histopathological study and biochemical analysis.Results: Lutein treated group showed even more significant reduction in TBARS levels than the normal control group and Atorvastatin treated group. The efficacy of Lutein in slowing down the atherosclerosis and fatty infiltration of liver is proved in this study.Conclusions: Hence the present study had shown significant hypolipidemic, antiatherogenic and antioxidant effect of Luetin in Hyperlipidemic rats.

Agaricus brasiliensis (sun mushroom) affects the expression of genes related to cholesterol homeostasis.

The sun mushroom (Agaricus brasiliensis) is considered a major source of bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. Mushrooms typically act as lipid-lowering agents; however, little is known about the mechanisms of action of A. brasiliensis in biological systems. This study aimed to determine the underlying mechanism involved in the cholesterol-lowering effect of A. brasiliensis through the assessment of fecal and serum lipid profiles in addition to gene expression analysis of specific transcription factors, enzymes, and transporters involved in cholesterol homeostasis. Twenty-four albino Fischer rats approximately 90days old, with an average weight of 205g, were divided into four groups of 6 each and fed a standard AIN-93M diet (C), hypercholesterolemic diet (H), hypercholesterolemic diet +1% A. brasiliensis (HAb), or hypercholesterolemic diet +0.008% simvastatin (HS) for 6weeks. Simvastatin was used as a positive control, as it is a typical drug prescribed for lipid disorders. Subsequently, blood, liver, and feces samples were collected for lipid profile and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction gene expression analyses. Diet supplementation with A. brasiliensis significantly improved serum lipid profiles, comparable to the effect observed for simvastatin. In addition, A. brasiliensis dietary supplementation markedly promoted fecal cholesterol excretion. Increased expression of 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), ATP-binding cassette subfamily G-transporters (ABCG5/G8), and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) was observed following A. brasiliensis administration. Our results suggest that consumption of A. brasiliensis improves the serum lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic rats by modulating the expression of key genes involved in hepatic cholesterol metabolism.

Effects of the Cynanchum wilfordii Ethanol Extract on the Serum Lipid Profile in Hypercholesterolemic Rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the ethanol extract of Cynanchum wilfordii (ECW) on the blood lipid profile of hypercholesterolemic rats. Thirty 7-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were allowed free access to either a normal diet (AIN-93 diet), or 1% high-cholesterol diet with or without 0.5% or 1% ECW for 5 weeks. After sacrifice, the rat serum lipid profile was analyzed. The diets containing ECW decreased body weight gains compared to the normal diet. Serum HDL-cholesterol levels of ECW-fed groups were significantly increased in the hypercholesterolemic groups and normal groups (P<0.05). When 1% ECW was fed to the normal group, total cholesterol level was increased. Moreover, treatment of ECW in hypercholesterolemic groups yielded a dose-dependent and highly significant decrease in the atherogenic index as compared to the control. These results suggest that intake of Cynanchum wilfordii may help reduce the risks of hypercholesterolemia by increasing blood HDL-cholesterol and lowering the atherogenic index.

Effect of Powder of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Peels on Lipid Profile in Hypercholesterolemic Rats

A present study was carried out to investigate the effects of Pomegranate Peel Powder (PPP) on the lipid profile and body weight gain ratio on hypercholestrolemic male rats. PPP was added to hypercholesterolemic diet by (10%, 15% and 20%) as dietary fiber supplement. Forty adult male albino rats were randomly divided into five groups (8/group). First group (A) kept as control negative, second group (B) control positive given hypercholesterolemic diet, while group (C, D and E) Given hypercholestrolemic diet plus (10%, 15% and 20%) of PPP respectively. Food consumption was recorded daily. Blood samples collected at the end of the experiment (28 days) for measuring the following parameters: serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL and VLDL. At the end of the experiment animals were scarified to measuring the kidney to body weight ratio, liver to body weight ratio. Results indicated that all (B, C, D and E) groups showed significant (P&lt;0.05) changes in all tested lipids profile comparing with group A. On the other hand, the groups (C, D and E) revealed significant (P&lt;0.05) decrease in all tested lipids profile comparing with group B except HDL in group E. Furthermore, all (C, D and E) groups had significant (P&lt;0.05) decrease in body weight gain ratio and food consumption when compared with group B. Moreover, kidney and liver weights to body weight ratio had highly significant (P&lt;0.05) decrease for all (C, D and E) groups comparing with group B.

Garlic improves altered vascular reactivity and plasma lipids in high cholesterol-fed rats

Objective The aim of this work was to study the effect of garlic on the lipid profile of hypercholesterolemic rats and investigate the vascular reactivity to norepinephrine and acetylcholine in hypercholesterolemic rats treated with garlic in-vitro experiments. Background Hypercholesterolemia is considered an important risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis; currently, there is a major trend to use herbal remedies for the treatment and prevention of hypercholesterolemia and garlic is used for this purpose. Methods Forty male rats were divided into the following four groups of 10 animals each: (i) normal diet-fed animals (control), (ii) hypercholesterolemic animals, (iii) hypercholesterolemic garlic-treated animals, and (iv) hypercholesterolemic garlic-prophylactic animals. The animals were fed a standard food preparation enriched with 2% cholesterol for 2 months and soya bean oil. Thirty days after beginning the experiment, garlic was administered in the hypercholesterolemic garlic-treated group whereas in the hypercholesterolemic garlic-prophylactic group garlic was administered from the start till the end of the experiment. At the end of the experiment, a blood sample was drawn from each rat to determine total cholesterol and to separate the lipoproteins; also, a segment of the thoracic aorta was removed to study endothelial function (vascular reactivity). Results Garlic reduced the total serum cholesterol levels and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels significantly. Endothelium-dependent relaxation was significantly greater in the treated and prophylactic group compared with that in the hypercholesterolemic group. Conclusion Garlic played a significant role in prophylaxis and treatment of hypercholesterolemia and improvement of endothelial dysfunction.

Therapeutic Effect of Probiotic Dahi on Plasma, Aortic, and Hepatic Lipid Profile of Hypercholesterolemic Rats

This study examined the effects of probiotic dahi prepared by Lactobacillus plantarum Lp9 and dahi culture in buffalo milk on lowering cholesterol in rats fed a hypercholesterolemic basal diet. Male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups and fed with probiotic dahi, dahi, or buffalo milk for 120 days. Following the consumption of supplements (probiotic dahi, dahi or buffalo milk), the animals were fed a basal hypercholesterolemic diet. Plasma total cholesterol and triglycerides (TAGs) were decreased by 35% and 72% in rats fed with probiotic dahi group, while cholesterol levels increased by 70% and TAGs increased by 97% in buffalo milk and 59% in dahi fed groups. Supplementation of probiotic dahi further lowered plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) + very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)- cholesterol by 59%, while it elevated plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol by 116%. As a result, atherogenic index, the ratio of HDL to LDL + VLDL was markedly improved. Deposition of cholesterol and TAGs in liver and aorta were significantly reduced in rats fed with probiotic dahi. These observations suggest that probiotic dahi may have therapeutic potential to decrease plasma, hepatic and aortic lipid profile, and attenuate diet-induced hypercholesterolemia.

Hypolipidemic and Antiatherogenesis Effect of Culinary-Medicinal Pink Oyster Mushroom, Pleurotus salmoneostramineus L. Vass. (Higher Basidiomycetes), in Hypercholesterolemic Rats

The present study was conducted to investigate dietary supplementation of Pleurotus salmoneostramineus fruiting bodies on biochemical and histological effects in hyper- and normocholesterolemic rats. Six-week-old female Sprague-Dawley albino rats were divided into three groups of 10 rats each. Feeding of diet containing a 5% powder of the fruiting bodies of P. salmoneostramineus in hypercholesterolemic rats reduced plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, total lipid, phospholipids, and LDL/HDL ratio by 22.55, 51.38, 69.23, 29.67, 16.61, and 65.31%, respectively. The mushroom also significantly reduced body weight in hypercholesterolemic rats. Moreover, it had no adverse effects on plasma albumin, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, glucose, total protein, calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, inorganic phosphate, magnesium, and enzyme profiles. Feeding mushroom increased total lipid and cholesterol excretion in feces. The plasma lipoprotein fraction, separated by agarose gel electrophoresis, indicated that P. salmoneostramineus significantly reduced plasma β and pre-β-lipoprotein, while it increased α-lipoprotein. A histological study of liver tissues by conventional hematoxylin-eosin and oil red O staining showed normal in mushroom feed hypercholesterolemic rat. This study suggests that the P. salmoneostramineus diet supplement provided health benefits by acting on the atherogenic lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic rats.

Study of the Effects of Walnut Leaf on Some Blood Biochemical Parameters in Hypercholesterolemic Rats

Hypercholesterolemia is characterized as a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The use of antioxidants is the most preferred way to overcome hypercholesterolemia complications. Several evidences demonstrated the potential antioxidant properties of walnut leaf, so current study was designed to examine this effect in hypercholesterolemic rats. Fifty albino rats divided into 5 groups of 8. Hypercholesterolemic rats (1% cholesterol in usual diet) received 1%, 2% and 5% weight concentration of walnut leaf powder in daily diets. There is two Hypercholesterolemic and normal controls too. The treatment period was 40 days. The blood samples were collected from eyes after treatment, and biochemical parameters including FBS, triglycerides, cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were assayed. The current results showed that consumption of walnut leaf decreased cholesterol (P<0.05), LDL-C and triglycerides but increased HDL-C. The consumption of 5% walnut leaf in hypercholesterolemic diet had most effects. It can be concluded that walnut leaf has useful effects probably due to its antioxidant properties, on cholesterol and lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic rats and it could be used for reduced CVD risks disease.

Appraisal of Antihyperlipidemic Activities of Lentinus lepideus in Hypercholesterolemic Rats

The wild edible mushroom, Lentinus lepideus has recently been cultivated for commercial use in Korea. While the mushroom has been widely used for nutritional and medicinal purposes, the possible anti-hyperlipidemic action is unclear. The effects of dietary L. lepideus on plasma and feces biochemical and on the liver histological status were investigated in hypercholesterolemic rats. Six-wk-old female Sprague-Dawley albino rats were divided into three groups of 10 rats each. Bio-chemical and histological examinations were performed. A diet containing 5% L. lepideus fruiting bodies reduced plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, total lipid, phospholipids, and the ratio of low-density to high-density lipoprotein. Body weight was reduced. The diet did not adversely affect plasma biochemical and enzyme profiles. L. lepideus reduced significantly plasma β- and pre-β-lipoprotein, while α-lipoprotein content was increased. A histological study of hepatic cells by conventional hematoxylin-eosin and oil red O staining revealed normal findings for mushroom-fed hyper-cholesterolemic rats. The present study suggests that a diet supplemented with L. lepideus can provide health benefits by acting on the atherogenic lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic rats.

Hypolipidemic Activities of Dietary Pleurotus ostreatus in Hypercholesterolemic Rats

This work was conducted to investigate dietary supplementation of oyster mushroom fruiting bodies on biochemical and histological changes in hyper and normocholesterolemic rats. Six-week old female Sprague-Dawley albino rats were divided into three groups of 10 rats each. Feeding a diet containing a 5% powder of Pleurotus ostreatus fruiting bodies to hypercholesterolemic rats reduced plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total lipid, phospholipids, and LDL/high-density lipoprotein ratio by 30.18, 52.75, 59.62, 34.15, 23.89, and 50%, respectively. Feeding oyster mushrooms also significantly reduced body weight in hypercholesterolemic rats. However, it had no adverse effects on plasma albumin, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, creatinin, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, glucose, total protein, calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, inorganic phosphate, magnesium, or enzyme profiles. Feeding mushroom increased total lipid and cholesterol excretion in feces. The plasma lipoprotein fraction, separated by agarose gel electrophoresis, indicated that P. ostreatus significantly reduced plasma β and pre-β-lipoprotein but increased α-lipoprotein. A histological study of hepatic cells by conventional hematoxylin-eosin and oil red O staining revealed normal findings for mushroom-fed hypercholesterolemic rats. These results suggest that a 5% P. ostreatus diet supplement provided health benefits by acting on the atherogenic lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic rats.

Inhibitory effect of novel diallyldisulfide analogs on HMG-CoA reductase expression in hypercholesterolemic rats: CREB as a potential upstream target

Aims Diallyldisulfide (DADS), an active principle of garlic ( Allium sativum) is known for its antihyperlipidemic properties. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of novel synthesized DADS analogs, on the lipid profile of hypercholesterolemic rats and to investigate the molecular correlates of their activity at the cellular level. Main methods Wistar rats, weighing 100–120 g each, were administered with 5% cholesterol for one week, and subsequently administered with lovastatin, allicin and DADS (20 mg/kg wt) analogs in the second week along with 5% cholesterol. All animals were sacrificed after overnight starvation. Key findings Our results show that DADS analogs are effective in reducing the total lipid levels which could be correlated with a significant decrease in 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) activity. DADS analogs strongly inhibit HMGR activity in vivo but not in vitro. These results can be attributed to the significant decrease in the mRNA levels and protein expression of HMGR. Further, we show that DADS analogs significantly inhibited the activation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2 (SREBP-2) and interfered with DNA binding activity of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) but not nuclear factor-Y (NF-Y), with upstream regulatory sequences of HMGR. Moreover, DADS analogs are also effective in reducing the levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), lipid peroxidation as well as NF-κB activity, showing good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Significance The unique anti-inflammatory effect and hypolipidemic action of DADS analogs may be beneficial in preventing the vascular complications that are induced by hyperlipidemia and provide a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of cardiovascular and related diseases.

Effects of Urtica dioica extract on lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic rats

To investigate the effects of extract of Urtica dioica, a perennial herb in Iran, on lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic rats. The effects of Urtica dioica extract were tested by using it as a supplement in a high-cholesterol diet. Male rats were fed a high cholesterol diet (10 mL/kg) for 4 weeks with Urtica dioica extract (100 or 300 mg/kg) or 10 mg/kg lovastatin supplementation to study the hypocholesterolemic effects of Urtica dioica on plasma lipid levels, hepatic enzymes activities, and liver histopathological changes. Urtica dioica extract at 100 and 300 mg/kg significantly reduced the levels of total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and also markedly decreased liver enzymes and weight in animals with a high cholesterol diet. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that in the 100 mg/kg extract of Urtica dioica group, the appearance of the liver cells was similar to the control group, and steatosis and inflammation were not found. In the 300 mg/kg extract of Urtica dioica group, mild steatosis was observed but mononuclear inflammatory infiltration was not found. The hepatic histopathological results reflect the correlation of Urtica dioica extract with both liver weight and the levels of plasma TC and LDL-C. These results indicate that Urtica dioica extract has hypocholesterolemic effects in the animal model.