Serum Cholesterol Levels In Rats Research Articles

Whole kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and bean hull reduce the total serum cholesterol, modulate the gut microbiota and affect the caecal fermentation in rats

The consumption of non-digestible carbohydrates such as dietary fibre (DF) and resistant starch (RS) alleviates chronic disease development. Our present animal study was performed to assess the serum cholesterol level and caecal fermentation of red kidney bean (RKB)-fed-rats. RKB (Phaseolus vulgaris) variety is a DF- and RS-rich leguminous plant. Male Fischer 344 rats were assigned to one of these experimental diets; the control diet (CON) containing 10% cellulose, whereas whole bean (WB) and bean hull (BH) diets containing 6.5% cellulose and 3.5% kintoki DF in each diet for a period of 4wks. WB diet was considered as a source of DF and RS, while the BH diet as a source of DF. Both WB and BH diets potentially reduced the serum cholesterol level in rats. WB diet modulated the microbial composition depending on diet preferences. Besides, the increase in propionate production was attributed to RKB resistant starch. Therefore, the result of this study demonstrated that the DF in RKB had a substantial effect on the serum cholesterol level, whereas the RS in RKB had a substantial effect on gut microbiota and caecal fermentation, which possesses the ability to alleviate the chronic disease development and confer health benefits to the host.

Consortia of bioactives in supercritical carbon dioxide extracts of mustard and small cardamom seeds lower serum cholesterol levels in rats: new leads for hypocholesterolaemic supplements from spices.

Melatonin-rich and 1,8-cineole-rich extracts have been successfully obtained from yellow mustard (YM) and small cardamom (SC) seeds, respectively, employing green technology of supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) extraction. Chemical profiling confirmed the presence of melatonin and 1,8-cineole and co-extractants in the respective extracts. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy attested strong antioxidant activities of the extracts foregoing pan-assay interference compounds involved in spectroscopic analysis. These extracts also exhibited synergistic efficacies greater than unity confirming antioxidant synergy among the co-extracted bioactives therein. To ascertain hypocholesterolaemic efficacies, these extracts were co-administered orally with Triton X (at the pre-optimised dose of 175 mg/kg body weight (BW)) to Wistar albino rats at doses of 550, 175 and 55 mg/kg BW. Serum total cholesterol levels in the rats were monitored on days 3, 7, 15 and 21. On day 21, total cholesterol level reduced appreciably by 49·44 % in rats treated with YM seed extract and by 48·95 % in rats treated with SC seed extract, comparable with atorvastatin-administered rats (51·09 %). Either extract demonstrated inhibitory effects on hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase activity. A molecular docking exercise identified specific compounds in the extracts which possessed binding affinities comparable with therapeutically used HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. In silico and in vivo studies concertedly concluded that the consortium of bioactive components in the extracts cannot be considered as invalid metabolic panaceas and therefore these 'green' extracts could be safely subjected to clinical studies as preventive biotherapeutics for hypercholesterolaemia. These extracts could be consumed per se as hypocholesterolaemic supplements or could be ingredients of new spice-based therapeutic foods.

Fennel Oil Treatment Mimics the Anti-Depressive and Anxiolytic Effects of Fluoxetine without Altering the Serum Cholesterol Levels in Rats

Fennel Oil Treatment Mimics the Anti-Depressive and Anxiolytic Effects of Fluoxetine without Altering the Serum Cholesterol Levels in Rats

Identification of the active protein in rice bran protein having an inhibitory activity of cholesterol micellar solubility.

In our previous study, rice bran protein (RBP) inhibited cholesterol micellar solubility in vitro and decreased serum cholesterol level in rats. In the present study, RBP was separated and purified by size-exclusion chromatography and reversed-phase chromatography. The active protein of RBP related to cholesterol micellar solubility was identified as lectin and non-specific lipid-transfer protein 1 using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis.

Unique effect of 4-hydroxyestradiol and its methylation metabolites on lipid and cholesterol profiles in ovariectomized female rats

Animal studies have shown that endogenous estrogens such as 17β-estradiol (E2) can modulate lipid profiles in vivo, and this effect is generally thought to be mediated by the estrogen receptors (ERs). The present study sought to test a hypothesis that some of the endogenous estrogen metabolites that have very weak estrogenic activity may exert some of their modulating effects on lipid metabolism in an ER-independent manner. Using ovariectomized female rats as an in vivo model, we found that 4-hydroxyestradiol (4-OH-E2) has a markedly stronger effect in reducing the adipocyte size and serum cholesterol level in rats compared to E2, despite the weaker estrogenic activity of 4-OH-E2. Moreover, when E2 or 4-OH-E2 is used in combination with ICI-182,780 (an ER antagonist), some of their lipid-modulating effects are not blocked by this antiestrogen. Interestingly, two of the O-methylation metabolites of 4-OH-E2, namely, 4-methoxyestradiol and 4-methoxyestrone, which have much weaker estrogenic activity, were also found to have similar lipid-modulating effects compared to 4-OH-E2. Mechanistically, up-regulation of the expression of leptin, cytochrome P450 7A1 and LXRα genes is observed in the liver of animals treated with E2 or 4-OH-E2, and the up-regulation is essentially not inhibited by co-treatment with ICI-182,780. These results demonstrate that some of the endogenous E2 metabolites are functionally important modulators of lipid metabolic profiles in vivo. In addition, our findings indicate that an ER-independent pathway likely mediates some of the lipid-modulating effects of endogenous estrogens and their metabolic derivatives.

PENGARUH PEMBERIAN AIR SEDUHAN BERAS YANG DIFERMENTASI OLEH MONASCUS PURPUREUS (ANGKAK) TERHADAP PENURUNAN KADAR KOLESTEROL SERUM PADA TIKUS PUTIH

The using of plant-based medicine is a popular approach to health care. A study presented by American Hearth Association showing that brown rice can lower cholesterol level in bood serum. To know the benefi ts of Angkak’s steeping water to decrease serum cholesterol levels in mice and determine the effects of Angkak’s steeping water to decrease serum cholesterol levels in rats compared with simvastatin. This study used an experimental research design, and using pre and post test control group design, performed in the laboratory of biomedical III FK UMS on November 1, 2012 to date of January 1, 2013. The purposive sampling technique, sampel determinaton using formula Federer by the number of sample of 30 male white rats wistar strain. After the data is collected, analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, ANOVA, LSD, and the unpaired t test. The result of this study demnstrate hypothesis testing using ANOVA test with signifi cant level 95% of the negative control group, the treatment group a dose of 1, 2, and 3, it was found p<0,05 were signifi cantly different meaning. In the test dose of LSD between treatment groups 2 and 3 the value of p=0,839 (p>0,05) wich means no signifi cant difference. In the unpaired T test between the treatment group a dose of 1, 2, and 3 with positive control group were signifi cant difference. The unpaired T test between the treatment group a dose of 1, 2, and 3 with white rice also found signifi cant difference. Conclusion: Angkak’s steeping water can lower serum cholesterol levels of white rat as well as the water steepimg Angkak has the same effectiveness with simvastatin to decrease serum cholesterol levels of mice.Keyword: Cholesterol, Angkak

The ethanol-soluble part of a hot-water extract from Artemisia iwayomogi inhibits liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats.

This study was carried out to investigate the protective effects of the hot-water extract from Artemisia iwayomogi (Compositae) on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Liver injury was induced by oral administration of carbon tetrachloride (1 mL kg(-1)) twice a week during 4 weeks of A. iwayomogi treatment. Extracts from A. iwayomogi were prepared and administered to rats orally (2 g kg(-1) as A. iwayomogi for 4 weeks) as follows: group 1, hot-water extract; group 2, ethanol-soluble part of hot-water extract; group 3, ethanol-insoluble part of hot-water extract; and group 4, methanol extract. In rats treated with the ethanol-soluble part of the hot-water extract, liver hydroxyproline content was reduced to 74% that of carbon tetrachloride control rats (P < 0.05). Protein expression of alpha smooth muscle cell like actin was also decreased in rats treated with the ethanol-soluble part of the hot-water extract, which indicates inhibition of hepatic stellate cell activation. Liver malondialdehyde levels were significantly lowered in rats treated with the ethanol-soluble part of hot-water extract (P < 0.05). Serum cholesterol levels in rats treated with hot-water extract, ethanol-soluble or -insoluble parts of hot-water extract or methanol extract were significantly reduced when compared with those of carbon tetrachloride control rats (P < 0.05). The ethanol-soluble part of the hot-water extract from A. iwayomogi inhibited fibrosis and lipid peroxidation in rats with liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride. Both hot-water extract (either ethanol-soluble or -insoluble) and methanol extract of A. iwayomogi also lowered serum cholesterol levels in fibrotic rats.

Effect of Xylooligosaccharide Enriched Yogurt on Serum Profile in Albino Rats

2 Abstract: The effect of Xylooligosacc haride (XO) enriched yogurt in addition to basal diet on seru m biochemical profile of albino rats assigned to 5 dietary treatments for a period of 21 days were studied. In all groups of rats (n = 5) serum glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides were observed. The weight gain in rats receiving yogurt was higher than those in control group. XO enriched yogurt showed significant improvement in minerals absorption. There was no significant change in serum cholesterol level of rats fed on yogurt with or without XO en richment but a fair reduction in serum glucose content was noted. XO as a functiona l ingredient can be incorporated in formulating dairy products with improved health benefits like lowering glucose levels.

Quantitative Analysis of Saponins in a Tea-Leaf Extract and Their Antihypercholesterolemic Activity

A novel simple method using liquid chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/TOF-MS) and LC/UV was established for the quantification of saponins in an extract from green tea leaves. The amount of saponins in a fraction with high in vitro antihypercholesterolemic activity, Fr2-3, was determined to be 72%. An in vivo experiment showed that the addition of 0.5% Fr2-3 to a high-cholesterol diet suppressed the increase in serum cholesterol levels in rats. Fr2-3 induced a decrease in the liver cholesterol and triglyceride levels and an increase in the fecal excretion of cholesterol. These results indicate tea-leaf saponins to be the active components in Fr2-3 and that these saponins exhibited antihypercholesterolemic activity by inhibiting cholesterol absorption in the intestines.

Lowering serum cholesterol level by feeding a 40% ethanol-eluted fraction from HP-20 resin treated with hot water extract of adzuki beans ( Vigna angularis) to rats fed a high-fat cholesterol diet

Objective Hot water extract of adzuki beans ( Vigna angularis) was subjected to HP-20 resin chromatography. The fraction eluted from the column using 40% ethanol (EtEx.40) was investigated by its effect on serum lipids in rats fed a high-fat cholesterol and/or cholesterol-free high-fat diet. Methods The rats were divided into 4 groups. Groups 1 and 2 were fed a high-fat cholesterol diet with or without 3.5% EtEx.40 for 2 wk. Group 3s and 4 were fed a high-fat cholesterol-free diet with or without 3.5% EtEx.40 for 2 wk. Results In the high-fat-cholesterol diet groups, there was no significant difference in food intake in the experimental diet group when compared with the control group. Serum total cholesterol level was significantly decreased in the rats fed the EtEx.40 diet, but there was no difference in fecal excretion of cholesterol and bile acid between the two dietary groups. Conversely, in the high-fat cholesterol-free diet groups, ingestion of EtEx.40 reduced serum triacylglycerol concentration. Conclusion Ingestion of EtEx.40 suppressed serum cholesterol level in rats fed the high-fat cholesterol and serum triacylglycerol level in rats fed the high-fat cholesterol-free diet. These mechanisms did not become clear in this experiment.

Potato and Soy Peptide Diets Modulate Lipid Metabolism in Rats

Dietary plant and animal peptides have been shown to reduce serum lipids. However, the potential of food-derived peptides has yet to be fully elucidated. We investigated the physiological importance of potato peptides in rats fed on a cholesterol-free diet containing 20% potato peptides (PP), when compared with two diets containing either 20% casein (CN) or 20% soy peptides (SP). The high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (+13.8%) and serum triglyceride (-38%) concentrations in the PP-fed group, non-HDL-cholesterol level in the PP- (-22.5%) and SP- (-15.7%) fed groups, and serum total cholesterol concentration (-12%) in the SP-fed group, were significantly different from the control group at the end of the experiment. The fecal excretion of neutral and acidic sterols was higher in the PP- and SP-fed groups, respectively, relative to the control group. These results indicate that the observed changes in the serum cholesterol levels in rats fed on soy and potato peptide appear to have been due to different mechanisms.

Ethanolamine improves hypercholesterolemia in rats fed high-fat/high-cholesterol diets

It is known that ethanolamine (Etn) decreases serum cholesterol level in rats fed a cholesterol-free diet and that bezafibrate (Bf) is effective in hypercholesterolemia. In this study, we examined the effects of Etn on serum and liver lipid in rats fed a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet and compared them to the effects of Bf. In addition, we measured the mRNA expression of apoA-I, apoB, and apoE in the liver and small intestine. Hypercholesterolemic rats fed a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet with water were included in the control group, and groups administered 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/mL Etn containing water were the experimental groups; the rats were fed for 8 days. The positive control group diet contained 0.1% Bf. Ethanolamine decreased very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in a dose-dependent manner, whereas the serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and the hepatic cholesterol levels were unaffected. The decrease in cholesterol in serum and liver after Bf intake was even greater. Northern blot analysis showed that mRNA expression of apoB was suppressed by more than 50% in liver of rats in the Etn and Bf groups; however, mRNA expression of apoE in liver and of apoA-I and apoB in intestine were unaffected in the rats that were fed with Etn only. The results indicate that Etn improves hypercholesterolemia and might decrease serum cholesterol via the suppression of apoB mRNA in the liver.

We-P14:398 Additive effects of sterols to rice bran oil on serum cholesterol levels in rats

We-P14:398 Additive effects of sterols to rice bran oil on serum cholesterol levels in rats

Antihypercholesterolemic Activity of Catechin-free Saponin-rich Extract from Green Tea Leaves

Catechins were removed from tea leaves to examine if there were any other components having the antihypercholesterolemic activity. The prepared catechin-free tea extract, TE, contained saponins and caffeine. The intake of TE suppressed the increase in the serum cholesterol level of rats induced hypercholesterolemia, and enhanced the excretion of cholesterol into feces. Since caffeine has been reported to enhance the serum cholesterol level, the effect of TE on the reduction of the cholesterol level appeared to be due to saponins. In vitro experiment showed that TE inhibited the incorporation of cholesterol into micelles. From all these results, TE exhibited the antihypercholesterolemic activity probably by preventing cholesterol from being incorporated into the micelles and thus inhibiting its absorption from the intestine.

홍국 첨가 김치가 고지방식이를 투여한 흰쥐의 체중변화 및 지질대사에 미치는 영향

홍국 김치의 투여가 고지방식이를 섭취한 흰쥐의 혈청지질구성과 간장기능에 미치는 영향을 조사하였다. Sprague-Dawely계의 흰쥐를 I군(정상식이군), II군(정상식이+홍국 <TEX>$5\%$</TEX> 첨가 김치분말 <TEX>$1\%$</TEX>군), III군(고지방식이군), IV군(고지방식이+김치분말 <TEX>$1\%$</TEX>군), V군(고지방식이+홍국 <TEX>$2.5\%$</TEX> 첨가 김치분말 <TEX>$1\%$</TEX>군), 그리고 VI군(고지방식이+홍국 <TEX>$5\%$</TEX> 첨가 김치분말 <TEX>$1\%$</TEX>군)으로 나누어 각 군마다 8마리씩 4주간 사육하였다. 실험 종료일의 체중은 고지방식이급여로 고지방식이군은 정상군 보다 높은 수치를 보였으나, 홍국 김치 투여군에서는 홍국의 농도에 관계없이 체중의 증가가 유의적으로 감소하였다. 단위 체중당 간장 및 비장의 중량은 정상군에 비해 고지방식이 군에서 증가하였고, 김치 및 홍국 김치의 투여에 따라 감소하였으나, 신장의 중량은 각 군들 간에 유의성은 없었다. 중성지질의 농도는 정상군에 비해 고지방식이군에서 높았으며, 홍국 김치의 투여에 따라 감소하였고, 동맥경화와 밀접한 상관관계가 있는 LDL 콜레스테롤과 총콜레스테롤의 농도 및 동맥경화 지수는 김치 및 홍국 김치 투여군에서 유의적으로 감소하였다. 혈장 중 AST활성은 고지방식이군에서 증가하였고, ALT 활성은 각 군간에 차이를 보이지 않았다. Obesity is emerging as one of the major risk factors of death in Korea as well as western societies. This study was performed to investigate the effect of kimchi with Monascus purpureus (Hongkuk) on liver function, plasma lipid composition of rats fed high fat diet for four weeks in rats. Rats were divided into the following 6 groups; I group (normal diet), II group (normal diet with <TEX>$1\%$</TEX> kimchi powder using <TEX>$5.0\%$</TEX> Hongkuk), III group (high fat diet), IV group (high fat diet with <TEX>$1\%$</TEX> kimchi powder), V group (hish fat diet with <TEX>$1\%$</TEX> kimchi powder using <TEX>$2.5\%$</TEX> Hongkuk), and VI group (high fat diet with <TEX>$1\%$</TEX> kimchi powder using <TEX>$5\%$</TEX> Hongkuk). Weight gains showed to decrease in group IV, V, VI. Food intake and food efficiency ratio were no significantly different among the groups. Plasma total cholesterol showed to decrease with kimchi using Hongkuk. LDL-cholesterol levels were lower in kimchi using Hongkuk than that of control group. These results demonstrated that the kimchi and kimchi using Monascus purpureus(Hongkuk) decreased weight gains and lowered serum cholesterol levels in rat.

Effect of various dietary fats and proteins on serum cholesterol level in rats

A 60 day experiment on growing rats was performed to evaluate the effect of two protein sources (casein and soybean protein isolate) and four fats (olive oil, OO; evening primrose oil, EO; linseed oil, LO; and butter, B) on plasma lipoprotein fractions: total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triacylglycerol (TAG) levels. The different protein and fat sources had no influence on body weight gain of rats. Fats had no significant effect on TC and LDL-C. Significant differences were found only in HDL-C. OO gave the lowest (43.3 mg dl -1 ) and EO the highest (54.4 mg dl -1 ) value. Proteins had a significant influence on all lipids analysed. Soybean protein caused higher TC (78.5 vs 67.9 mg dl -1 ), HDL-C and TAG levels but significantly lowered LDL-C in the plasma of rats. These results suggest that protein has a stronger effect on cholesterol level than fat. Generalement, les acides gras satures augmentent les taux de cholesterol dans le sang tandis que les acides gras insatures les reduisent. Cependant, l'effet des acides gras insatures peut etre modifie en presence d'acides gras satures. La nature des source de proteines alimentaires peut aussi influencer le taux de cholesterol. Le sujet de cette etude est de determiner l'effet d' huiles variees contenant differents acides gras dans des regimes a base de proteines d'origine animale ou vegetale. Une experimentation de 60 jours, realisee sur des rats, evalue l'effet de 2 sources de proteines (caseine et proteines de soja) et 4 matieres grasses (huile d'olive, huile d'onagre, huile lin et beurre).

Sterol synthesis. Synthesis of 3 β-hydroxy-25,26,26,26,27,27,27-heptafluorocholest-5-en-7-one and its effects on HMG-CoA reductase activity in Chinese hamster ovary cells, on ACAT activity in rat jejunal microsomes, and serum cholesterol levels in rats

3 β-Hydroxycholest-5-en-7-one ( I; 7-ketocholesterol) is an oxysterol of continuing interest in biology and medicine. In the present study, we have prepared a side-chain fluorinated analog, 3 β-hydroxy-25,26,26,26,27,27,27-heptafluorocholest-5-en-7-one ( VI), with the anticipation that the F 7 substitution would block major metabolism of the 7-ketosterol, and thereby enhance its potential in vivo effects on serum cholesterol levels and other parameters. Chromium trioxide/dimethyl pyrazole oxidation of the acetate derivative of the previously described 25,26,26,26,27,27,27-heptafluorocholest-5-en-3 β-ol (Swaminathan et al., 1993. J. Lipid Res. 34, 1805–1823) followed by mild alkaline hydrolysis gave VI. The effects of VI on 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase activity in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells, on acyl coenzyme A–cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) activity in rat jejunal microsomes, and on serum cholesterol levels and other parameters in male Sprague-Dawley rats were determined and compared with those obtained with I and with another α, β-unsaturated ketosterol, i.e. 3 β-hydroxy-5 α-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one ( II). I and VI showed essentially the same potency, considerably less than that of II, in lowering the levels of HMG-CoA reductase activity in CHO-K1 cells. Whereas addition of II to rat jejunal microsomes inhibited ACAT activity (IC 50 ∼3 μM), I and VI had no effect under the conditions studied (from 1 to 16 μM). Dietary administration of I, at levels of 0.1 and 0.15%, had no effect on food consumption, gain in body weight, or serum cholesterol levels. At 0.2%, I caused a modest decrease in body weight gain and a slight decrease in serum cholesterol levels (relative to ad libitum but not pair-fed control animals). The F 7-7-ketosterol VI, at 0.26% in diet (the molar equivalent of 0.2% I), had no effect on food consumption, body weight, or serum cholesterol levels. Administration of I (0.1, 0.15 or 0.2% in diet) caused increases in the weight of small intestine. In contrast, no effect of VI (0.26% in diet) on small intestinal weight was observed.

Serum cholesterol reduction and cholesterol absorption inhibition in CaCo-2 cells by a soyprotein peptic hydrolyzate.

The serum cholesterol level in rats was significantly decreased in a group fed on a soyprotein peptic hydrolyzate (SPH) when compared with a group fed on a casein tryptic hydrolyzate (CTH). The fecal excretion of total steroids was significantly greater with rats fed on the SPH diet when compared with the CTH diet. The results of CaCo-2 studies clearly suggest that the suppression of cholesterol absorption in the intestinal epithelia is part of the mechanism for the hypocholesterolemic action induced by SPH.

Effects of propionic acid and pravastatin on HMG-CoA reductase activity in relation to forestomach lesions in the rat.

Administration of 4% propionic acid in powdered diet to rats for 12 weeks induces severe hyperplastic lesions in the forestomach mucosa. The mechanisms underlying this damage are not yet clear. Several lipophilic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors such as lovastatin and simvastatin produce forestomach lesions similar to propionic acid after oral administration and the degree of alterations is correlated with their in vitro inhibitory potency (Kloss et al. 1991). Therefore it is possible, that sustained inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase and induction of hyperplasias may be somehow connected. For that reason we investigated, whether or not propionic acid has any influence on HMG-CoA reductase activity in vitro and in vivo, because propionic acid has been suggested to suppress liver cholesterol synthesis, and also whether or not pravastatin, a more polar HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor than lovastatin displays similar effects on forestomach mucosa. In untreated forestomach microsomes in vitro, propionic acid at a concentration of 51 mM (pH 5.7) inhibited HMG-CoA reductase activity by 51 + or - 10%, but at pH 7.2 no inhibition of the enzyme could be detected. Furthermore 4% propionic acid-treatment did not lower serum cholesterol. In contrast to lovastatin (Kloss et al. 1991), oral administration of pravastatin (up to 25% in the diet) did not produce any forestomach lesions in the rat. On the other hand, pretreatment with pravastatin revealed that HMG-CoA reductase activity in microsomes exceeded the activity of control forestomach and liver microsomes by 4.9 fold and 6.7 fold respectively, whereas no induction of this enzyme (neither liver nor forestomach) could be observed by pretreatment with 4% propionic acid for 12 weeks. Despite increased hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity, pravastatin-treatment significantly lowered serum cholesterol levels of rats. These results show that sustained inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase activity in forestomach microsomes is not strongly connected with hyperplasia development.

β-Nerve Growth Factor as a Mediator of the Acute Phase Responsein Vivo

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is increased during inflammation and stress. Stress-induced increases in specific serum proteins, such as serum amyloid A (SAA) and serum triglyceride (TG) levels, are part of the acute phase response which is mediated by cytokines. We now report the effect of systemic administration of β-NGF on levels of serum lipids and SAA. β-NGF induced a rapid and sustained increase in serum TG and free fatty acid (FFA) in a dose dependent manner, while decreasing serum cholesterol levels in rats. Additionally, β-NGF increased hepatic mRNA levels and serum concentrations of SAA at 16 hours in mice. Thus, β-NGF joins the list of cytokines and growth factors that can mediate the acute phase response.