Plasma Lipid Levels In Rats Research Articles

Effects of ginseng on TNF-?, leptin and plasma lipid levels of rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet

Effects of ginseng on TNF-?, leptin and plasma lipid levels of rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet

Effects of ginseng on TNF-α, leptin and plasma lipid levels of rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet

This study assessed the effects of ginseng root powder on plasma total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, leptin, and TNF-I± levels of adult rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet. In this study, 48 healthy adult male Wistar Albino rats were divided into three groups: a control group (K), a cholesterol group (C), and a cholesterol+ginseng group (CG). The K group was fed a standard rat diet, whereas the C and CG groups were fed the same standard diet containing 5% cholesterol and 5% cholesterol+1 g/kg Panax ginseng root powder, respectively. Blood samples were taken on days 20 and 40 of the study. On days 20 and 40, the CG group had lower plasma total cholesterol levels than the C group (p<0.05). On day 20, there were no significant differences in plasma LDL-cholesterol levels between the CG and K groups. The reduction in plasma trygliceride levels (day 20), the increase in plasma HDL-cholesterol levels (day 20) and the decrease in plasma leptin levels (day 40) in the CG group compared to the C group were significant (p<0.05). However, there were no differences in TNF-I± plasma levels on days 20 or 40 both between sampling times and among the groups. The results of this study support the use of ginseng to ameliorate abnormalities in serum lipid levels.

Laxative Treatment With Polyethylene Glycol Does Not Affect Lipid Absorption in Rats

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a frequently used laxative agent. It is unknown, however, whether PEG affects the absorptive capacity of the intestine. Reduced lipid (dietary fat and cholesterol) absorption induced by long-term PEG treatment could negatively affect growth in children. We tested whether PEG accelerates gastrointestinal transit and alters lipid absorption and plasma lipid levels. Wistar rats were administered drinking water with or without PEG (7%) for 2 weeks. We studied whole gut transit time by recording the first appearance of red feces after intragastric carmine red administration. We measured plasma concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides, dietary fat absorption by 48-hour fat balance and by plasma appearance of intragastrically administered stable-isotope labeled fats, and cholesterol absorption with a dual stable isotope technique. PEG decreased whole gut transit time by 20% (P=0.028) without causing diarrhea. PEG treatment did neither affects overall dietary fat balance nor fat uptake kinetics, cholesterol absorption, or plasma lipid concentrations. PEG does not affect lipid absorption nor steady-state plasma lipid levels in rats, although it accelerates the gastrointestinal transit.

Effects of two storage β-1,3-glucans, laminaran from Eicenia bicyclis and paramylon from Euglena gracili, on cecal environment and plasma lipid levels in rats

To determine the dietary effects of storage β-1,3-glucans on the intestinal environment, fermentation of laminaran (from brown alga Eicenia bicyclis, degree of polymerization (DP) ≒ 22), paramylon (granule from Euglena gracilis, DP < 700) and curdlan (from bacteria Alkaligenes faecalis, DP = 2500–4900) by human fecal microflora in vitro was investigated . Furthermore, the dietary effects of 1% (w/w) laminaran and paramylon on the cecal microflora, cecal organic acids and plasma lipid levels in rats were examined. Paramylon suppressed the growth of human fecal microflora in vitro, though laminaran promoted the growth and lowered the pH of the culture medium. Curdlan did not have an effect on the growth and pH. In the rats fed a diet containing laminaran, the cecal weight, cecal organic acids (acetic acid and propionic acid) and ratio of bifidobacteria to total viable cells increased. On the other hand, cecal fermentation was not shown in rats fed paramylon. The diet containing paramylon lowered liver weight, changed the colour of cecal content to green, and increased plasma triacylglycerols. These results indicate that the dietary effects of β-1,3-glucans on intestinal environment and lipid metabolism are affected by molecular weight, DP, and/or solubility in water.

Plasma Lipid Levels of Rats Fed a Diet Containing Pork Fat as a Source of Lipids after Splenic Surgery

Experimental studies have suggested an important role of the spleen in lipid metabolism, although with controversial results. Our purpose was to analyze the effect of a nutritionally balanced (NB) diet and a diet containing pork fat (PF) as source of lipids on the lipid profile of rats submitted to splenic surgery. Sixty adult male Wistar rats were divided into six groups of 10 animals each: 1 sham-operated, NB diet; 2 sham-operated, PF diet; 3 total splenectomy (TS), NB diet; 4 TS, PF diet; 5 TS followed by splenic autotransplantation (SA), NB diet; and 6 SA, PF diet. Blood samples were collected at the beginning (D0) and after 12 weeks of the experiment (D + 12) for plasma lipid determination. Morphologic regeneration of splenic tissues was observed, with no differences between groups 5 and 6. When D + 12 plasma lipid levels were compared to D0 levels there were no differences in groups 1, 3, and 5, while in groups 2, 4, and 6 total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), and triacylglycerols (TAG) increased, and high density lipoprotein (HDL) decreased. At D + 12, groups 2, 4, and 6 had lower HDL than group 3. In conclusion, regardless of the surgical procedure applied to the spleen, an NB diet maintained plasma lipid levels while a diet with PF as source of lipids changed the animals' lipid profile.

Peso do útero após ligadura no ramo ovariano do vaso uterino

The objective was to verify the effect of total splenectomy and ligature of the splenic vessels on the plasma lipid levels in rats fed a control diet or a diet supplemented with 2.5% cholesterol. Ninety-nine male Wistar rats weighting between 273 and 427 g (arithmetic mean: 349.46 +/-35.54) were randomly divided into four groups: group 1- control (N=19), nonoperated; group 2 - sham (N=19), laparotomy with spleen manipulation; group 3 -TS (N=31), total splenectomy; group 4 (N=30) simultaneous ligature of the splenic artery and vein. Blood was collected from all animals for determination of plasma lipids at the beginning of the experiment. Rats were than divided into two subgroups receiving either control diet (subgroup A) or diet supplemented with 2.5% cholesterol (subgroup B). Another blood sample was collected 90 days later for a new determination. No significant difference in plasma lipids between the four groups was observed at the beginning (p>0.05). In subgroups 1A, 2A and 4A, there was no significant difference in the values of HDL, VLDL and triglycerides, except LDL that dropped significantly in subgroup 1A and 2A (p<0.05) and not significantly in subgroup 4A. In subgroup 1B, 2B and 4B there was a significant increase in late postoperative plasma total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL (p<0.05) and a not significant increase of HDL. In total splenectomy, at late postoperative there was a significant increase of cholesterol, LDL, VLDL and triglycerides, especially in subgroup B. In group 3 the cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides were more significant than in groups 1, 2 and 4. Total splenectomy caused a more significant increase of cholesterol, LDL, VLDL and triglycerides in rats fed a cholesterol diet. The simultaneous ligature of vein and artery prevented alterations in plasma lipids observed in rats submitted to total splenectomy and maintained lipid levels similar to those of the control and sham groups.

Subtotal splenectomy preserving the lower pole in rats: technical, morphological and functional aspects

To assess the possibility of preserving the lower pole of the spleen, supplied by the inferior lobar vessels and segmental vessels, or by vessels of the gastrosplenic ligament, in subtotal splenectomy; to study the viability and function of the lower pole of the spleen. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were used in this study. Said animals weighed 273-390 g ( 355.2 +/- 30.5 g ), and were randomly distributed into three groups. Group 1 comprised ten animals which were submitted to exploratory laparotomy with spleen manipulation (sham operation). Group 2 comprised 16 animals which were submitted to total splenectomy. Group 3 comprised ten animals which were submitted to subtotal splenectomy, preserving the lower pole of the spleen. Blood was collected from all animals before and 90 days after surgery to measure the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. The animals were sacrificed 90 days after surgery. Spleens and remaining spleens were removed for macroscopic and microscopic examination. Surgery was performed with no complications in all groups. Six animals died in group 2. Spleens of groups 1 and 2, and lower poles of group 3 were macroscopically viable. Apparent white pulp hyperplasia was observed in group 1. In group 3, slight inflammation and capsular fibrosis were observed at the incision site, as well as diffuse hemosiderosis in the red pulp. Average mass of remaining spleen was 35.84% +/- 4.31%. No significant difference was observed between preoperative and late postoperative lipid levels in groups 1 and 3 (p > 0.05). Late postoperative lipid levels significantly increased in group 2. Preservation of the lower pole of the spleen (supplied by gastrosplenic vessels or inferior lobar vessels and segmental vessels) was possible with subtotal splenectomy. The lower pole was macroscopically and microscopically viable in all cases. Subtotal splenectomy preserving the lower pole prevented changes in lipid levels, which were observed in rats submitted to total splenectomy. Plasma lipid levels in rats submitted to subtotal splenectomy were similar to those observed in sham operated rats.

Supplementation of garlic lowers lipids and increases antioxidant capacity in plasma of rats

The bioactivity of raw and boiled garlic ( Allium sativum L.), comprising contributions from polyphenols, was determined by cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assays. Boiling garlic at 100°C for 20 minutes preserves its bioactivity and makes it comparable with the raw sample. Wistar male rats were randomly divided into 10 diet groups with garlic supplementation. The control group was fed basal diet that included wheat starch, casein, soybean oil, cellulose, mineral, and vitamin mixtures. To the basal diet of the other groups, 25 mg of lyophilized garlic equivalent to 500 mg raw garlic/kg body weight (raw) was added. The same quantity of boiled garlic for 20, 40, and 60 minutes (Gar20, Gar40, and Gar60 groups), 1% of cholesterol (Chol) and 25 mg of lyophilized raw garlic (Chol/Raw), 1% of Chol, and the same quantity of boiled garlic for Chol/Gar20, Chol/Gar40, and Chol/Gar60 groups were added, respectively. After the trial in rats of Chol/Raw and Chol/Gar20 diet groups, the added garlic significantly hindered the rise in plasma lipids. A significant increase ( P < .05) in plasma antioxidant activity was registered in Raw and Gar20 diet groups. In conclusion, raw and boiled garlic at 100°C for 20 minutes improved the plasma lipid levels in rats fed cholesterol-containing diets and increased the plasma antioxidant activity in groups of rats fed cholesterol-free diets. Garlic boiled for a short time can be used as an additive in cooking.

Effect of EGCG on lipid absorption and plasma lipid levels in rats

Catechins, compounds derived from green tea, have been shown to reduce plasma cholesterol levels and the rate of cholesterol absorption. We investigated the dose response and the mechanism of action of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on these parameters in rats. Wistar rats were fed a diet high in cholesterol and fat containing either none, 0.25% (0.2 g/day/kg BW), 0.5% (0.4 g/day/kg/BW) or 1.0% (0.7 g/day/kg BW) of EGCG. After 4 weeks of treatment, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein plasma levels were significantly reduced in the group fed 1% EGCG when compared to the no treatment group. Plasma triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein levels did not change significantly. Following a single oral application of a liquid test-meal, intestinal cholesterol absorption in Wistar rats was 79.3% in the control group. In the group treated with 0.1 g/kg BW EGCG intestinal cholesterol absorption decreased to 73.7% and in the group treated with 0.5 g/kg BW of EGCG intestinal cholesterol absorption fell significantly to 62.7% (P = 0.005). Total fat absorption was very efficient in the control group (99.5% of the applied dose) and decreased significantly but moderately in the group treated with the highest doses of EGCG (0.75, 1 g/kg BW). In an in-vitro biliary micelle model, the addition of 55 μM to 1300 μM EGCG not only decreased cholesterol solubility dose-dependently in these micelles but also altered the size of the mixed lecithin/taurocholate/cholesterol micelles as demonstrated by light scattering. This study provides evidence suggesting that the cholesterol-lowering effect of green tea is mainly elicited by EGCG, one of the most abundant catechins contained in green tea. It is suggested that one of the underlying mechanisms by which EGCG affects lipid metabolism is by interfering with the micellar solubilization of cholesterol in the digestive tract, which then in turn decreased cholesterol absorption.

Differential effects of dietary choline and methionine on plasma lipid levels in rats fed on a high cholesterol diet.

Differential effects of dietary choline and methionine on plasma lipid levels in rats fed on a high cholesterol diet.

Effect of cyclosporine on pancreatic function and on plasma lipid levels in rats

Effect of cyclosporine on pancreatic function and on plasma lipid levels in rats

Multicompartmental analysis of the effects of dietary fat saturation and cholesterol on absorptive lipoprotein metabolism in the rat

The potential contribution of the metabolism of absorptive lipoproteins to effects of dietary cholesterol and saturated (versus polyunsaturated) fat on plasma lipids and lipoproteins was studied in rats. Recipients were fed either a commercial stock diet, a low fat/cholesterol-free semipurified diet with a neutral P/S ratio, or one of two high fat/cholesterol-containing diets that had a high (4.6) or low (0.2) P/S ratio. Chylomicrons and intestinal very low-density lipoproteins labeled with 3H-oleic acid and/or 14C-cholesterol were isolated from donor rats receiving the high or low P/S ratio oil and were injected into recipients. Data on plasma disappearance and hepatic recovery of labels were analyzed by compartmental analysis. A multicompartmental model was required to fit these data and included steps interpreted to correspond to activation of newly secreted intestinal lipoproteins; delipidation on capillary endothelia by lipoprotein lipase, with transfer of cholesterol to other lipoproteins and tissue uptake of cholesterol and fatty acids; hepatic clearance of remnants; and secretion of lipoproteins by the liver. Metabolic state of the recipients (especially plasma triglyceride concentrations) had a greater influence on the rate of chylomicron turnover than did the source of donor chylomicrons, although saturated chylomicrons tended to be metabolized more slowly than polyunsaturated ones. For recipients fed the commercial stock diet and injected with saturated (versus polyunsaturated) chylomicrons, the mechanistic model predicted an increased retention of triglycerides during remnant formation, and thus an increased delivery of triglyceride to the liver. A consequent elevation in hepatic production of very low-density lipoprotein triglycerides may be related to the observed slower clearance of chylomicrons and increased plasma lipid levels in rats fed saturated fat and cholesterol.

Effects of Red ginseng-crude saponin on plasma lipid levels in rats fed on a diet high in cholesterol and triglyceride

The effect of Red ginseng saponin on plasma lipid levels in Wistar rats fed on a diet high in cholesterol and triglyceride was determined. A dose of Red ginseng-crude saponin (150 mg/kg/day) was administered orally for 4 weeks to Wistar rats fed on a diet containing 2% cholesterol and 10% olive oil. Plasma levels of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride were measured and lipoproteins were analyzed by using electrophoretic technique. Red ginseng saponin showed no significant changes of HDL-cholesterol level but it lowered plasma levels of total cholesterol and elevate those of triglyceride intensively.