Lipoproteins In Rats Research Articles

Synthesis, Characterization, Acute Toxicity and Investigation of the new Pyrimidine Derivative as antihyperlipidemic activity on Male Mice.

A new pyrimidine derivative was prepared by reaction of Pyridimine-4,5-diaminewith 3-Phenyl propanal in good yield. This new Schiff base was characterized by elemental analysis, Infra-red and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H- NMR) spectroscopy. The toxicity of the compound was also assayed via the determination of their LD50 value by using Dixon method. LD50 of the novel compound was 618.75 mg/Kg BW when administered Intraperitonially. In Atorvastatin has been used as a controlled drug for the treatment of HFD-induced hyperlipidemia as improvement drug, both atorvastatin and pyrimidine derivative prevented the increase in serum and hepatic levels of total cholesterol (TC), total glycerides (TGs), low density lipoprotein (LDL-C), and increased serum and hepatic levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) in HLD-fed rats. The results of the histopathological study of sections of the liver of the study groups confirmed their conformity with the physiological study.

Salvia miltiorrhiza extract may exert an anti-obesity effect in rats with high-fat diet-induced obesity by modulating gut microbiome and lipid metabolism

Studies have shown that a high-fat diet (HFD) can alter gut microbiota (GM) homeostasis and participate in lipid metabolism disorders associated with obesity. Therefore, regulating the construction of GM with the balance of lipid metabolism has become essential for treating obesity. Salvia miltiorrhiza extract (Sal), a common traditional Chinese medicine, has been proven effective against atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and other dyslipidemia-related diseases. To investigate the anti-obesity effects of Sal in rats with HFD-induced obesity, and explore the underlying mechanism by focusing on GM and lipid metabolism. Obesity was induced in rats with an HFD for 7 wk, and Sal (0.675 g/1.35 g/2.70 g/kg/d) was administered to treat obese rats for 8 wk. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by body weight, body fat index, waistline, and serum lipid level. Lipid factors (cAMP, PKA, and HSL) in liver and fat homogenates were analyzed by ELISA. The effect of Sal on GM and lipid metabolism was assessed by 16S rRNA-based microbiota analysis and untargeted lipidomic analysis (LC-MS/MS), respectively. Sal treatment markedly reduced weight, body fat index, serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein, glucose, free fatty acid, hepatic lipid accumulation, and adipocyte vacuolation, and increased serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) in rats with HFD-induced obesity. These effects were associated with increased concentrations of lipid factors such as cAMP, PKA, and HSL in the liver and adipose tissues, enhanced gut integrity, and improved lipid metabolism. GM analysis revealed that Sal could reverse HFD-induced dysbacteriosis by promoting the abundance of Actinobacteriota and Proteobacteria, and decreasing the growth of Firmicutes and Desulfobacterita. Furthermore, LC-MS/MS analysis indicated that Sal decreased TGs (TG18:2/18:2/20:4, TG16:0/18:2/22:6), DGs (DG14:0/22:6, DG22:6/22:6), CL (18:2/ 18:1/18:1/20:0), and increased ceramides (Cers; Cer d16:0/21:0, Cer d16:1/24:1), (O-acyl)-ω-hydroxy fatty acids (OAHFAs; OAHFA18:0/14:0) in the feces of rats. Spearman's correlation analysis further indicated that TGs, DGs, and CL were negatively related to the abundance of Facklamia and Dubosiella, and positively correlated with Blautia and Quinella, while OAHFAs and Cers were the opposite. Sal has an anti-obesity effect by regulating the GM and lipid metabolism.

Comparative Study Between Quercus Infectoria Galls Extract and Glimepiride On Pancreas and Some Blood Parameters in Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease involving improperly high blood glucose level, hyperlipidemia and hypoinsulinemia. The aim of current study is to assess and compare the influence of Quercus infectoria galls (QIg) extract and glimepiride on pancreatic β-cells secretory function and serum lipid profile in diabetic rats. In the present study, thirty six male rats were used and divided into six groups (n=6), including negative control, STZ induced diabetic control, treated diabetic rats with glimepiride (200mg/Kg Bw), and treated diabetic rats with different concentrations QIg extract, 200 mg, 400 mg and 800 mg/Kg Bw for 42 days, respectively. At the end of the experiment, all rats were fasted overnight, blood samples were collected for measuring fasting blood glucose, insulin hormone and lipid profile. All rats were then scarified by using chloroform in order to take part of the pancreatic tissue. The results show a significant decrease in blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, HbA1c% with obvious elevation in serum insulin hormone and high-density lipoprotein in diabetic rats treated with QIg extract and glimepiride compared with diabetic untreated group. In addition, high atherogenic index in diabetic rats was significantly reduced by different concentrations of QIg extract and glimepiride. Histopathogical results revealed that there was a significant and dose-dependent morphological restoration in the pancreatic structure damages especially at high dose of the extract. These findings provide a new insight into the role of QIg methanolic extract in maintaining normal blood glucose and adequate pancreatic insulin hormone secretion in diabetic rats, amelioration of dyslipidemia and associated cardiovascular alterations with subsequent improvement in pancreatic structural damages in diabetic rats.

The comparison of omega-3 and flaxseed oil on serum lipids and lipoproteins in hyperlipidemic male rats

Hyperlipidemia affects a significant number of patients despite treatment with cholesterol-lowering drugs. Due to the low efficacy of synthetic drugs, there is a need for new agents with low side effects. Therefore, the effects of flaxseeds oil and animal omega-3 on the hyperlipidemic rats were investigated. Forty male Wistar rats were assigned to four groups (n = 10): 1) control group that was fed with a standard diet (pallets). 2) high-fat diet (HFD) control group that was fed with high-fat food for 42 days, 3) Omega-3 group that received HFD for 21 days, followed by HFD + omega-3 capsule (600 mg/kg; 21 days/gavage), and 4) flaxseed oil group that received HFD for 21 days, followed by HFD + flaxseed oil (10 ml/kg; 21 days/gavage). Blood samples were collected three times and at the stages one to third of the experiment from the rats’ tail. The results showed that high levels of fat significantly increased cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the flaxseed, HFD control, and omega-3 groups in the second stages of the experiment. Inverse, omega-3 or flaxseed oil supplementation decreased cholesterol, TG, and LDL levels and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level in comparison with the HFD control group in the third stages of the experiment. There was no significant difference in the studied parameters between the flaxseed- and omega-3-treated groups. It can be concluded that flaxseed oil similar to omega-3 is effective in the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

Heat-Killed Enterococcus faecalis Prevents Adipogenesis and High Fat Diet-Induced Obesity by Inhibition of Lipid Accumulation through Inhibiting C/EBP-α and PPAR-γ in the Insulin Signaling Pathway.

Increasing consumption of food with high caloric density and a sedentary lifestyle have influenced the increasing obesity prevalence worldwide. The recent pandemic has contributed to this problem. Obesity refers to a state in which lipid accumulates excessively in adipocytes and adipose tissues. Dried heat-killed Enterococcus faecalis (EF-2001) prevents allergic mechanisms, inflammation, and tumor progression. In the present study, we investigated the effects of EF-2001 on high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats. The degree of obesity in experimental rats was reduced after 6 weeks of oral administration of 3 mg/kg or 30 mg/kg dosages of EF-2001, indicating regulating effects in rats with HFD-induced obesity. We found that EF-2001 decreased the amounts of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and non-high density lipoprotein (HDL) in HFD-induced obese rats. The effects of EF-2001 on 3T3-L1 adipocytes stained with Oil red O stain are shown in reductions of lipid accumulation, respectively. In addition, we examined the relationships between EF-2001 treatment and mechanisms for the insulin signaling of adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. EF-2001 induced down-regulation in phosphorylation of Erk, JNK, and Akt through the inhibition of insulin receptor phosphorylation. EF-2001 inhibits the expressions of C/EBP-α and PPAR-γ, a lipid metabolism-related transcription factor through confocal microscope observation and Western blot on 3T3-L1 adipocytes and HFD-induced obese rats. Based on our results, intake of EF-2001 significantly prevented HFD-induced obesity in rats through inhibition of C/EBP-α and PPAR-γ in the insulin signaling pathway on lipid accumulation.

Bacillus natto ameliorates obesity by regulating PI3K/AKT pathways in rats

Obesity has become the second leading cause of death globally after smoking. Probiotic Bacillus has noticeable weight-loss effects. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of Bacillus natto (B. natto) on insulin resistance in obese rats. The obese rat model was established with a HFD for 8 weeks, and then, B. natto was orally administered at different dosed for 8 weeks. The results showed that B. natto significantly reduced the body weight, epididymis fat weight, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein while increasing the level of high-density lipoprotein in HFD rats. B. natto intervention improved liver injury by reducing alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase levels. B. natto intervention was also beneficial for the inhibition of hepatic steatosis and inflammation factors in HFD rats by inhibiting the mRNA expression level of SREBP-1 gene. Moreover, B. natto improved insulin resistance homeostasis by activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, B. natto could be used as a potential probiotic supplement to provided new strategy for the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases such as obesity.

Antihyperglycemic and antidyslipidemic Effect of Moricandia suffruticosa in Normal and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

The present work aimed to assess the antihyperglycemic and antohyperlipidemic effects ofMoricandia suffruticosa. Moricandia suffruticosa (M. suffruticosa) is used in traditional medicine. The present study investigated the antihyperglycemic and antidyslipidemic effects of M. suffruticosa and its effect on glycogen content in normoglycemic and hyperglycemic rats. The effect of the aqueous extract of M. suffruticosa (AEMS) at a two doses of 100 and 140 mg/kg on blood glucose levels, lipid, lipoprotein profile, and glycogen content was examined in normal and streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats. On the other hand, a preliminary phytochemical screening and quantification of phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents were carried out. The results demonstrated that AEMS exhibits antihyperglycemic activity in diabetic rats during both acute and subchronic essays. Furthermore, AEMS revealed an antidyslipidemic effect concerning the level of triglycerides, total cholesterol, very-low density lipoprotein (VLDL), and non-high density lipoproteins (Non-HDL). In contrast, AEMS has not affected the value of glycemia, lipids, and lipoproteins in normal rats. In addition, AEMS is rich in several phytochemical compounds. Furthermore, AEMS revealed an important in vitro antioxidant activity. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that M. suffruticosa exhibits an important antihyperglycemic effect in diabetic rats.

FORMULATION DEVELOPMENT OF ORLISTAT NANOCRYSTALS: IN VITRO CHARACTERIZATION AND IN VIVO STUDIES

Poor solubility of orlistat limits its luminal concentration and hence needs to be administered in higher doses, leading to drug related side effects. The aim of the present research was to investigate nanocrystallization approach to increase the solubility of orlistat using melt extrusion and high-pressure homogenization (HPH) methods. The effect of factors like type and amount of polymer, homogenization pressure and time, and number of cycles on orlistat solubility was investigated. A ~10-fold increase in the solubility of orlistat was attained using OPo11N with a subsequent increase in the dissolution rate of the drug. Poloxamer 188-orlistat nanocrystals (OPo11N) as compared to pure orlistat led to a decrease in T90%(20 mins for OPo11N and 51 mins for marketed sample). In vivo studies in female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats showed that post one month of oral administration the total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins of female SD rats remained unchanged compared to the control group. The triglycerides content and high-density lipoproteins levels were significantly increased with increase in the treatment time i.e. 12 weeks compared to the group treated with pure orlistat drug. In conclusion, the NC approach could serve as an effective formulation strategy for solubility enhancement of orlistat.

Beta vulgaris L. (Beetroot) Methanolic Extract Prevents Hepatic Steatosis and Liver Damage in T2DM Rats by Hypoglycemic, Insulin-Sensitizing, Antioxidant Effects, and Upregulation of PPARα.

Simple SummaryBeetroot is one of the most consumable plants across the world. Previous studies have shown many health benefits of beetroot, with evidence of having potent hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. The data obtained from this study further confirmed this effect in streptozotocin-diabetic animals. They showed the ability of methanolic beetroot extract to prevent the associated hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation, steatosis, and dyslipidaemia. However, the protection mechanisms involve, at least, upregulation of endogenous antioxidants, anti-apoptotic Bcl2, and PPARα.The present study examined if methanolic beetroot extract (BE) could prevent dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis and damage in a type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rat model and studied some mechanisms of action. T2DM was induced in adult male Wistar rats by a low single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) (35 mg/kg, i.p) and a high-fat diet (HFD) feeding for 5 weeks. Control or T2DM rats then continued on standard or HFDs for another 12 weeks and were treated with the vehicle or BE (250 or 500 mg/kg). BE, at both doses, significantly improved liver structure and reduced hepatic lipid accumulation in the livers of T2DM rats. They also reduced body weight gain, serum glucose, insulin levels, serum and hepatic levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids, and serum levels of low-density lipoproteins in T2DM rats. In concomitant, they significantly reduced serum levels of aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, hepatic levels of malondialdehyde, tumor-necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and mRNA of Bax, cleaved caspase-3, and SREBP1/2. However, both doses of BE significantly increased hepatic levels of total glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and mRNA levels of Bcl2 and PPARα in the livers of both the control and T2DM rats. All of these effects were dose-dependent and more profound with doses of 500 mg/kg. In conclusion, chronic feeding of BE to STZ/HFD-induced T2DM in rats prevents hepatic steatosis and liver damage by its hypoglycemic and insulin-sensitizing effects and its ability to upregulate antioxidants and PPARα.

The effect of Sorghum Tempeh (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in atherogenic diet-induced rats

An atherogenic diet induces oxidative stress leading to hypercholesterolemia. This condition causes atherosclerosis followed by increased LDL and MDA. Sorghum tempeh contains fiber and antioxidants that can protectively improve LDL and MDA levels. Therefore, this research aims to determine the effect of sorghum tempeh on LDL and MDA levels in atherogenic diet-induced rats compared to sorghum flour. It used a randomized pre-post test with a control group design. The test subjects were 30 male Sprague Dawley rats, consisting of 6 normal conditioned rats (C1), and 24 that were induced by an atherogenic diet (C2, T1, T2, T3) for 2 weeks. Sorghum flour was administered at a dose of 4.095 g (T1) and the sorghum tempeh at 3.041 g (T2) and 6.081 g (T3) for 4 weeks. Furthermore, C2 was constantly induced through an atherogenic diet. Total cholesterol and LDL levels were then analyzed using the CHOD-PAP method, and MDA levels, using the ELISA method. Meanwhile, statistical analysis for these variables was carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics 21 software. The results showed that the administration of sorghum flour and tempeh significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL, MDA levels in each group (p = 0.001). Furthermore, it showed that there was a significantly strong correlation between LDL and MDA levels before and after treatment (r = 0.610, r = 0.805, and p = 0.001). The administration of sorghum tempeh at a dose of 6.081 g caused the greatest reduction (∆) in LDL levels at -44.19 ±2.58 mg.dL-1, although, it was not the same as normal control. Meanwhile, sorghum flour at a dose of 4.095 g was the most influential in reducing MDA levels to the same as normal control with delta (∆) at -7.67 ±0.37 ng.mL-1. In conclusion, sorghum tempeh and flour were the most effective at reducing LDL and MDA levels, respectively.

Lycopsamine Attenuates Diabetes Mellitus via The Nuclear Factor Kappa B-Induced 5′ Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase Signal Pathway

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by inflammation, abnormal glycolipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and mitochondrial dysfunction leading to hyperglycemia. The aim of the present investigation was to determine the efficacy of lycopsamine in a rat model of diabetes mellitus to understand its mechanism. Lycopsamine treatment markedly lowered the level of total cholesterol, triglyceride, nonesterified fatty acids, and low-density lipoprotein in diabetic rats. There was also a reduction in interleukin-6, interleukin-10, C-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels. Lycopsamine treatment normalized the metabolism of lipid and glucose, insulin resistance, and body weight of diabetic rats. Findings of immunohistochemical analyses exhibited rise in precipitation of immunocytes in renal cells. Results potentially demonstrated that lycopsamine treatment remarkably reduced the nuclear factor-kappa B level and enhanced the 5′ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase expression. Altogether, administration of lycopsamine suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokines and attenuated the metabolic symptoms in diabetes mellitus experimental rats.

Celecoxib exhibits therapeutic potential in experimental model of hyperlipidaemia.

Hyperlipidaemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death globally. Celecoxib attenuated hypercholesterolaemia associated with CCl4-induced hepatic injury in rats without improving liver function in our previous study. This present study investigated the lipid lowering potential of celecoxib in normal rats fed with coconut oil subjected to five deep-frying episodes. Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to groups (n = 6 rats/group) which received physiological saline (10 mL/kg), unheated coconut oil (UO, 10 mL/kg) or heated coconut oil (HO, 10 ml/kg) for 60 days. Groups that received HO were subsequently treated with either physiological saline, atorvastatin (25 mg/kg), celecoxib (5 mg/kg) or celecoxib (10 mg/kg) in the last fifteen days of the experiment. Rats were sacrificed 24 hours after last treatment and blood and tissue samples collected for analysis. HO consumption produced significant hyperlipidaemia and elevation in marker enzymes of hepatic function. Celecoxib ameliorated the hyperlipidaemia as shown by the significantly (P<0.05) lower total cholesterol, triglycerides, low and very low density lipoprotein in the celecoxib-treated rats when compared with HO-fed rats that received saline. Celecoxib also reduced (P<0.05) alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and liver weight of hyperlipidaemic rats. Similarly, hepatocellular damage with the hyperlipidaemia was significantly reversed by celecoxib. However, serum TNF-α and IL-6 did not change significantly between the various groups. Taken together, data from this study suggest that celecoxib may exert therapeutic benefit in hyperlipidaemia and its attendant consequences.

Antioxidants Isolated from Elaeagnus umbellata (Thunb.) Protect against Bacterial Infections and Diabetes in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rat Model.

The increase in resistance of microbes against conventional drugs is currently a hot issue, whereas diabetes is another main cause of mortalities encountered throughout the world after cancer and heart attacks. New drug sources in the form of plants are investigated to get effective drugs for the mentioned diseases with minimum side effects. Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb. is a medicinal plant used for the management of stress related disorders like diabetes and other health complications. The active constituents of the chloroform extract derived from E. umbellata berries was isolated by silica gel column chromatography which were identified as morin, phloroglucinol, and 1-hexyl benzene through various spectroscopic techniques (electron ionization mass spectrometry, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR spectroscopy). The possible protective effects (antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidiabetic activity) of isolated compounds were evaluated using reported methods. Morin exhibited strong in vitro antiradical potential against DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radicals along with prominent antibacterial activities against selected bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis). Among the isolated compounds the more potent one (morin) was assessed for its in vivo antidiabetic potential in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. The in vivo effects observed were further confirmed in ex vivo experiments where the effect of isolated compound on antioxidant enzyme like glutathione peroxidase (GPx), total content of reduced glutathione (GSH), % DPPH inhibition, and the lipid peroxidation MDA (Malondialdehyde) level in pancreatic tissues homogenates were evaluated. In vivo morin at tested doses (2, 10, 15, 30 and 50 mg/kg body weight) significantly restored the alterations in the levels of fasting blood glucose level and body weight loss along with significant decrease in levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, HbA1c level, and significantly increased the high-density lipoprotein in diabetic rats. Morin also effectively ameliorated the hepatic enzymes, and renal functions like serum creatinine. Morin significantly increased the antioxidant enzyme like GPx activity, GSH content, and % DPPH inhibition activity, while reduced the lipid peroxidation MDA (malondialdehyde) level in pancreatic tissues homogenates, and modification of histopathological changes in diabetic rats. Morin exhibited high antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidiabetic potentials as compared to phloroglucinol and 1-hexyl benzene, that could, therefore, be considered as a promising therapeutic agent to treat diabetes mellitus and bacterial infections.

Preparation of pectin-tannic acid coated core-shell nanoparticle for enhanced bioavailability and antihyperlipidemic activity of curcumin

As a functional polyphenolic compound, curcumin (CUR) has limited application due to its low solubility and bioavailability. In this work, curcumin loaded micelles self-assembled from disodium glycyrrhizin (Na2GA) was coated with pectin and tannic acid to construct a core-shell solid dispersion (SD-CUR). The assembly mechanism of the core-shell nanoparticle was clarified by molecular dynamics simulation. Improved solubility and in vitro release characteristics of SD-CUR in simulated gastric and intestinal juice were achieved. The parallel artificial membrane permeability (PAMPA) test confirmed that the permeability of curcumin in SD-CUR was significantly improved compared with the pure curcumin. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that the bioavailability was increased by 10 times. Intestinal in situ absorption study proved SD-CUR could enhance drug to transport across intestinal epithelial cells. Further hypolipidemic study demonstrated that the SD-CUR medication group could considerably reduce the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) in hyperlipidemia rats. These findings confirmed that SD-CUR had broad application prospects in the prevention and treatment of hyperlipidemia.

Effect of hydrolysable tannin on nutrient intake obesity and other associated metabolic risk factors in polycystic rats

BackgroundFood intake and eating behavior are two important risk factors that lead to obesity and other associated metabolic and reproductive disorders like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Most of the phytonutrients like hydrolysable tannin (HT) have the ability to reduce the nutrient intake that might be a suitable remedy for weight management of females in their reproductive age. Therefore, the present research is aimed to find out the effect of HT on nutrient intake, weekly body weight, blood glucose, serum lipids, minerals, immunoglobulins and satiety hormones in PCOS rats.Materials and methodsA total of forty five adult healthy female rats of 56 days old, weighed 135 ± 5 g with two consecutive estrous cycles were selected. In order to induce PCOS in rats, the intramuscular injection of 4 mg/rat/kg Estradiol- Valerate was used. After induction, a Complete Randomized Design was used to divide the rats into five equal groups (n = 9) named as Pc0, Pc0.5, Pc1, Pc1.5 and Pc2. The groups of rats were offered different doses of HT i.e. 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 % respectively per kg body weight in solution form through oral gavage once in a day for 60 days.ResultsAfter the intake of different levels of HT, the statistical results had shown a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the weekly nutrient intake, body weight, water intake, weight gain, fasting blood glucose in PCOS rats. A similar trend of decrease (p < 0.05) was noticed in serum iron, IgM, IgG, leptin, ghrelin, cholesterol, low density lipoprotein and triglycerides while a significant improvement (p < 0.05) was also observed in high density lipoprotein in the PCOS rats. However, a non-significant effect (p > 0.05) was observed on serum protein and calcium levels.ConclusionsThe study concluded that HT had a therapeutical potential to decrease the nutrient intake and its anti-nutritional property could be used as remedy for the management of body weight, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk factors of PCOS rats.

A Comparative study on Efficacy of Lutein and Atorvastatin on Lipid Profile and Lipoprotein(A) in Hypercholesterolemic male Wistar Rats

Background Hypercholesterolemia is the predominantfactor in developing atherosclerosis and myocardial diseases.A major contributor for the progression of atherosclerosis is abnormalities in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism.Hence the objectives of the study was to estimatethe comparative efficacy of Lutein with atorvastatin on lipid profile and lipoprotein(a) and to estimate the histopahthological changes in hypercholesterolemic male wistar rats. Materials and Methods Experimental Wistar rats (male) were grouped into six. Each group contains 6 rats. Group I is control. Group II received cholesterol rich diet. Group III received cholesterol rich diet and the drug Atorvastatin 5mg/kg. Group IV received cholesterol rich diet and the drugLutein 25mg/kg. Group V received cholesterol rich diet and the drugLutein 50mg/kg. Group VI received cholesterol rich diet and the drug Lutein100mg/kg. At the end of 16 weeks, Blood samples from each rats was taken through retro-orbital puncture to evaluate serum lipoproteinsand lipoprotein(a) and thenwistar rats were sacrificed underinjection I.M Ketamine,Aortaand Liverwere dissected out and sent for histopathological studies. Results The plasma LDL, VLDL, Triglycerides, total cholesterol, lipoprotein(a) levels were reduced in all lutein treated groups and atorvastatin treated group compared to high cholesterol diet group. A significant rise in HDL levels was noted in all Lutein treated groups and atorvastatin treated group. No statistically significant difference was seen between Atorvastatin 5mg/kg body weight and Lutein 100mg/kg body weight on reduction of total cholesterol.The efficacy of the drug Lutein in progression of atherosclerosis and its cytoprotective action in liver was proved in this study. Conclusion This study indicates that Lutein has effect onreducing plasma lipoproteins&amp;the study had shown significant antiatherogenic effect.

Desmodium gyrans dc modulates lipid trafficking in cultured macrophages and improves functional high-density lipoprotein in male wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE:High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol-mediated atherosclerotic plaque regression has gained wide therapeutic attention. The whole plant methanolic extract of the medicinal plant Desmodium gyrans Methanolic Extract (DGM) has shown to mitigate hyperlipidemia in high fat- and-cholesterol fed rats and rabbits with significant HDL enhancing property. The study aimed to assess the functionality and mechanistic basis of HDL promoting effect of DGM.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Macrophage cholesterol efflux and foam cell formation assays were performed in THP-1 macrophages. Male Wistar rats were given DGM extract over 1 month and assessed the serum HDL, Apolipoprotein A1 (Apo-A1), and paraoxonase activity. Quantitative Polymerase chain reaction was carried out to assess the expression level of Apo-A1, SR-B1 (Scavenger receptor B1), and Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) on cDNA of HepG2 cells exposed to DGM.RESULTS:Pretreatment of DGM inhibited uptake of oxidized lipids and enhanced the lipid efflux by THP-1-derived macrophages. Oral administration of DGM (100 and 250 mg/kg) progressively enhanced the serum HDL, Apo-A1 level, and associated paraoxonase activity in normal male Wistar rats. In support to this, DGM exposed HepG2 cells documented dose-dependent increase in the expression of SR-B1 and Apo-A1 mRNA, while reduced the CETP expression.CONCLUSION:Overall the results indicated that DGM modulates lipid trafficking and possesses functional HDL enhancing potential through increased Apo-A1 levels and paraoxonase activity. Further, reduced CETP expression and increased expression of SR-B1 suggest the reverse cholesterol transport promoting role of DGM.

Antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic and hepatoprotective effects of Ficus ottoniifolia (Miq.) Miq. supplementation in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Objective:Medicinal plants provide better and cheaper alternative therapy for management of several diseases compared to orthodox medicines. This study evaluated the effects of feed formulated with Ficus ottoniifolia (Miq.) Miq. (FFFO) leaves in the management of alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus (DM) in rats.Materials and Methods:DM was induced in overnight-fasted rats by administration of alloxan monohydrate intraperitoneally. DM rats in Groups 1−3 were fed with graded FFFO while group 4 (diabetic control) and group 5 (normal control) were fed with commercial feeds (Vital-Feeds), daily for 21 days. Changes in body weight and some biochemical parameters were thereafter determined. Results:Results showed significant decreases (p<0.05) in serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) but significant increases (p<0.05) in blood glucose, serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities in DM-induced rats compared to the normal control group. Feeding with FFFO significantly increased (p<0.05) the body weight and HDL, decreased the blood glucose, serum LDL, TG and TC and attenuated ALT activities in FFFO-fed DM rats compared to the diabetic control group.Conclusion:This study revealed that FFFO-diet may mitigate hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and liver-damage associated with DM.

The Subchronic Toxic Effects of Mosla chinensis Maxim in Normal Rats

Background The aim of this work was to study the toxic effects and target organs of Mosla chinensis Maxim (MCM) in rats and provide theoretical basis for clinical medication. Methods The subchronic toxicity study was conducted on 60 male and female SD rats using the fixed-dose method for the treatment groups and 20 male and female SD rats for the control. At the subchronic toxicity study, the water extract of MCM with fixed doses of 0.2 g/kg/day, 2 g/kg/day, and 20 g/kg/day was administered for 90 days intragastric, and the control group was given the same amount of distilled water. After 90 days, the general conditions of the rats were observed. Assessment on safety of the extract was conducted by a subchronic toxicity test which mainly examined alteration occurrence in gut flora and urine metabolism. Results There was no significant difference in physical signs, reactivity, and stool characteristics in the four groups. Compared with the control group, the number of red blood cells in the male 2 g/kg/day group and the female 0.2 g/kg/day group was significantly different (P < 0.05). The detection of serum biochemical indicators showed that MCM has an effect on liver and kidney function but has no physiological significance. The level of low-density lipoprotein in male rats was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the blood glucose levels of female rats in the 0.2 g/kg/day, 2 g/kg/day, and 20 g/kg/day groups were significantly increased (P < 0.05). As far as the diversity of intestinal flora is concerned, feeding MCM for 90 days has an influence on the distribution of intestinal flora. The content of lactic acid bacteria increased, and the ratio of hard bacteria to Bacteroides (f/b) was also affected, but there was no significant difference. Conclusions These findings showed that the long-term intragastric administration of the MCM is safe to use within its dose recommendation. But it could have a slight effect on the metabolism of uric acid by changing the composition of intestinal flora and affecting the metabolism of tryptophan.

Dual mechanisms of a Sri Lankan traditional polyherbal mixture in the improvement of pancreatic beta cell functions and restoration of lipoprotein alterations in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTraditional polyherbal preparations have been utilized in Sri Lanka since ancient times and have gained a wide acceptance throughout the country. Although an extensive body of evidence supports the use of traditional herbal mixtures in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, only a few polyherbal mixtures have been subjected to systematic scientific investigations and their mechanisms for long-term glucose control remain unclear. In general, scientific evaluations of the effectiveness of antidiabetic formulations which are prescribed by traditional practitioners have received great attention, and therefore uncovering their mechanism of action would be beneficial. AimThe aim of the present study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy, in terms of antidiabetic and antihyperlipidaemic activities, of a well-known traditional polyherbal mixture composed of leaves of Murraya koenigii L., -cloves of Allium sativum L., - fruits of Garcinia quaesita Pierre and seeds of Piper nigrum L. in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Materials and methodsEqual amounts from each of the above plant parts (100 g) were mixed together and extracted into cold water, hot water (3 h, refluxed) and water-acetone (1:1) separately. Dose response study of cold water, hot water, and water-acetone extracts of the polyherbal mixture at three selected doses of 0.5 g/kg, 1.0 g/kg and 1.5 g/kg was conducted in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Based on the dose response data, hot water and water-acetone extracts at the therapeutic dose of 1.0 g/kg were administered to STZ induced diabetic rats (n = 6/group) daily for 30 days in the long-term study. Glibenclamide (0.5 mg/kg) was used as the positive control. Glycaemic parameters, pancreatic β cell restoration, and lipid profile were evaluated in diabetic rats treated with the plant extract mixture. HPLC fingerprints of hot water and water-acetone extracts of the polyherbal mixture were compared with those of extracts of individual plants with the respective solvents, in the standardisation protocol. ResultsThe hot water and water-acetone extracts were shown to be active in the dose response study and 1.0 g/kg was selected for the long term study. Treatment with the hot water and water-acetone extracts of the polyherbal mixture and glibenclamide significantly lowered the glycated haemoglobin by 19%, 26%, and 43%, respectively, at the end of the intervention (p < 0.05). The serum insulin concentration was significantly increased (p < 0.05) upon the plant treatment, corroborating the evidence of β-cell restoration in the pancreas of H and E stained sections. Moreover, the above extracts reported an impressive restoration of lipoproteins in diabetic rats compared to the diabetic control rats. The homeostatic assessment of β-cell functions (HOMA-β) was also improved in rats treated with the hot water and water-acetone extracts of the polyherbal mixture. The HPLC fingerprints of the polyherbal mixture and the individual plants showed shifts in some peaks and formation of new peaks. ConclusionThe results revealed that the aforementioned polyherbal mixture possesses potent antihyperglycaemic and antihyperlipidaemic effects with considerable restoration of pancreatic β-cells, justifying the traditional use of the mixture in diabetes associated dyslipidaemia.