Significant Reduction In Serum Cholesterol Research Articles

Regulation of Intestinal Flora and Immune Response by Cyanidin Exhibits Protective Effect against Type-2 Diabetes in Rat Model.

In the current study the effects of metformin and cyanidin on the immune system and intestinal flora in rats with type-2 diabetes was investigated. The findings showed that metformin or cyanidin treatment considerably reduced the rise in body weight and glucose levels induced by type-2 diabetes. The type-2 diabetic rats' glucose tolerance was significantly increased by cyanidin administration comparable to that of metformin. Cyanidin administration resulted in a significant reduction in serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in rats with type-2 diabetes. Treatment with cyanidin significantly increased the ratio of high-density lipoprotein to low-density lipoprotein in type-2 diabetes rats. Cyanidin administration significantly raised the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes in the fecal samples of type-2 diabetic rats compared to the model group. In comparison to the model group, it also significantly raised the levels of Lactobacillus intestinalis, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Lactobacillus reuteri in the type-2 diabetes rats. In type-2 diabetes rat fecal samples, the abundance of Christensenellaceae significantly increased while Enterobacteriaceae and Proteobacteria were found to decrease upon cyanidin administration. Furthermore, cyanidin administration to the rats with type-2 diabetes significantly improved the glucose homeostasis. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that cyanidin enhances glucose homeostasis in rats with type-2 diabetes, potentially through controlling intestinal flora. Thus, cyanidin may be looked into more as a possible therapeutic agent for type 2 diabetes.

Determination of lipid lowering properties of methanol extract of Tephrosia villosa against high fat diet induced hyperlipidemia in wistar rats

Objectives: The present study was performed to determine hypolipidemic potentials of methanol extract of Tephrosia villosa against high fat diet induced hyperlipidemia in wistar rats. Methods: Defatted powdered drug of ariel parts of Tephrosia villosa was subjected to methanol extraction using soxhlet extractor. The high fat diet induced hyperlipidemia in rat model was used for the present investigation in which all experimental rats were ingested with high fat diet (HFD) for entire period of study and were also administered with methanol extract for 21 days. Blood samples were collected from all the animals on day 21st after one hour of administration of the drugs and serum lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL and IDL) was estimated. All animals were sacrificed after the blood sampling and liver samples were collected. Results: The rats of therapeutic groups ingested with extract of Tephrosia villosa and standard drug atorvastatin have shown significant reduction in serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, LDL and increase in HDL indicating its ability to attenuate the effects of high fat diet. Conclusion: The methanol extract of Tephrosia villosa shown significant hypolipidemic effects against high fat diet induced hyperlipidemia wistar rats by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis in liver.

Determination of Lipid Lowering Properties of Methanol Extract of Tephrosia villosaAgainst High Fat Diet Induced Hyperlipidemia in Wistar Rats

The present study was performed to determine hypolipidemic potentials of methanol extract of Tephrosia villosa against high fat diet induced hyperlipidemia in wistar rats. Defatted powdered drug of ariel parts of Tephrosia villosa was subjected to methanol extraction using soxhlet extractor. The high fat diet induced hyperlipidemia in rat model was used for the present investigation in which all experimental rats were administered with single dose of triton (250mg/kg, ip.) on 1st day with methanol extract and upto 21 days. Blood samples were collected from all the animals on the 21stday after one hour of administration of the drugs and serum lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL and IDL) was estimated. All animals were sacrificed after the blood sampling and liver samples were collected. The collected liver samples were homogenized and estimated for protein and m-RNA expression ranges by western-blotting.The rats of therapeutic groups ingested with extract of Tephrosia villosaand standarddrug atorvastatin have shown significant reduction in serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, LDL and increase in HDL indicating its ability to attenuates effect of administration of triton. Administration of methanol extract could also normalize levels of protein and m-RNA expression in therapeutic rats.The methanol extract of Tephrosia villosashown significant hypolipidemic effects against triton induced hyperlipidemia wistar rats by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis in liver.

Pseurotin A Validation as a Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Recurrence-Suppressing Lead via PCSK9-LDLR Axis Modulation.

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) cells can de novo biosynthesize their own cholesterol and overexpress proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). PCSK9 proved to contribute to mCRPC cell motility since PCSK9 knockdown (KD) in mCRPC CWR-R1ca cells led to notable reductions in cell migration and colony formation. Human tissue microarray results proved a higher immunohistoscore in patients ≥ 65 years old, and PCSK9 proved to be expressed higher at an early Gleason score of ≤7. The fermentation product pseurotin A (PS) suppressed PCSK9 expression, protein-protein interactions with LDLR, and breast and prostate cancer recurrences. PS suppressed migration and colony formation of the CWR-R1ca cells. The progression and metastasis of the CWR-R1ca-Luc cells subcutaneously (sc) xenografted into male nude mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD, 11% fat content) showed nearly 2-fold tumor volume, metastasis, serum cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and PCSK9 levels versus mice fed a regular chow diet. Daily oral PS 10 mg/kg treatments prevented the locoregional and distant tumor recurrence of CWR-R1ca-Luc engrafted into nude mice after primary tumor surgical excision. PS-treated mice showed a significant reduction in serum cholesterol, LDL-C, PCSK9, and PSA levels. These results comprehensively validate PS as an mCRPC recurrence-suppressive lead by modulating the PCSK9-LDLR axis.

Effect Of Tamoxifen On Plasma Lipid Profile In Patients Of Breast Cancer.

To evaluate the effect of Tamoxifen on plasma lipid profile in breast cancer patients presenting at tertiary care hospitals. It was a longitudinal study conducted at the Department of Oncology of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center from December 2018 to November 2019. Eighty-eight females aged 26-66 years diagnosed with breast cancer were included in the study using a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Detailed gynaecological and clinical investigations and detailed history were taken. The blood samples of all the patients were collected and the plasma lipid profile was measured before initiation of Tamoxifen treatment and three- and six-months post-treatment at the clinical laboratory. The plasma lipid profile includes the measurement of Total cholesterol (mg/dl), Triglyceride(mg/dl), High-density Lipoprotein (mg/dl) & Low-density Lipoprotein (mg/dl). SPSS version 23 was used to analyse data. After treatment, there was a significant reduction in serum cholesterol & Low-density Lipoprotein level by 20.54 mg/dl & 16.46 mg/dl at 3 months (p<0.05), moreover there was a significant increase in Triglyceride by 22.14 at 3 months (p<0.05). No significant difference was observed in High density lipoprotein level at 3 months after using Tamoxifen. At 6 months there was a significant reduction in serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein by 32.29mg/dl and 24.11 mg/dl at 6 months (p<0.05), moreover there was a significant increase in Triglyceride level by 42.19 mg/dl at 6 months (p<0.05). No significant difference was observed in High-density lipoprotein level at 6 months after using Tamoxifen. Total cholesterol and Low-density Lipoprotein levels showed significant reduction over the period of six months from the baseline with the use of Tamoxifen. Hence Tamoxifen should be considered to have an added advantage on lipid metabolism and therefore, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.

Caffeic acid regulates glucose homeostasis and inhibits purinergic and cholinergic activities while abating oxidative stress and dyslipidaemia in fructose-streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

The antidiabetic potential of caffeic acid in fructose/streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats was examined in this study. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were supplied with 10% fructose solution for 14 days followed by an intraperitoneal injection of 40 mg/kg bw streptozotocin to induce type 2 diabetes (T2D). Rats were treated with both low (150 mg/kg bw) and high (300 mg/kg bw) doses of caffeic acid for 5 weeks, while the positive control group was treated with metformin (200 mg/kg bw). Treatment with caffeic acid significantly decreased blood glucose levels and elevated serum insulin levels while improving glucose tolerance, pancreatic β-cell function and morphology. It also led to a significant reduction of serum cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol, ALT, AST, creatinine, urea and uric acid levels, while increasing HDL cholesterol levels. Caffeic acid significantly (P < 0.05) elevated hepatic glycogen level, serum and pancreatic glutathione level, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities with a concomitant decrease in malondialdehyde level, α-amylase, lipase, adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (ENTPDase), 5'-nucleotidase (5'-NTD) and acetylcholinesterase activities. The results suggest caffeic acid as a potent natural product with therapeutic effects against T2D. Further molecular and clinical studies are, however, required to ascertain these findings.

Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure to Alleviate Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Patients with Obesity Scheduled for Bariatric/Metabolic Surgery: a Pilot, Prospective, Randomized Multicenter Comparative Study.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and obesity are frequently associated with hypertension (HTN), dyslipidemia (DLP), and insulin resistance (IR). In patients with obesity and OSAS scheduled for bariatric surgery (BS), guidelines recommend at least 4 weeks of preoperative continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Low-calorie ketogenic diets (LCKDs) promote pre-BS weight loss (WL) and improve HTN, DLP, and IR. However, it is unclear whether pre-BS LCKD with CPAP improves OSAS more than CPAP alone. We assessed the clinical advantage of pre-BS CPAP and LCKD in patients with obesity and OSAS. Seventy patients with obesity and OSAS were randomly assigned to CPAP or CPAP+LCKD groups for 4 weeks. The effect of each intervention on the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) was the primary endpoint. WL, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, HTN, DLP, and IR were secondary endpoints. AHI scores improved significantly in both groups (CPAP, p=0.0231; CPAP+LCKD, p=0.0272). However, combining CPAP and LCKD registered no advantage on the AHI score (p=0.863). Furthermore, body weight, CRP levels, and systolic/diastolic blood pressure were significantly reduced in the CPAP+LCKD group after 4 weeks (p=0.0052, p=0.0161, p=0.0008, and p=0.0007 vs baseline, respectively), and CPAP+LCKD had a greater impact on CRP levels than CPAP alone (p=0.0329). The CPAP+LCKD group also registered a significant reduction in serum cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels (p=0.0183, p=0.0198, and p<0.001, respectively). Combined with CPAP, LCKD-induced WL seems to not have a significant incremental effect on AHI, HTN, DLP, and IR but lower CRP levels demonstrated a positive impact on chronic inflammatory status.

Evaluation of Anti-hyperlipidemic Activity of Red Onion In Experimental Animals

Objective: To evaluate antihyperlipidemic effect of red onion on poloxamer 407 induced hyperlipidemia in wistar albino rats.&#x0D; Methods: Hyperlipidemia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of poloxamer-407 (P-407) at a dose of 1.0g/kg body weight in wistar albino rats. Drug treatments were done by oral gavage for 21 days. At the end of the study, animals were kept fasted over night and then blood samples were collected. The serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and High density lipoprotein (HDL) were measured while low density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) were calculated by Friedewald formula and atherogenic index was also calculated.&#x0D; Results: From the present investigation, it was observed that ethanolic extract of red onion have shown significant reduction in serum cholesterol, triglyceride and lipoprotein levels and increase in HDL level in P-407 induced hyperlipidemia.&#x0D; Conclusion: The findings in this study revealed the effectiveness of ethanolic extract of red onion against hyperlipidemic activity.&#x0D;

Evaluation and comparison of hypolipidemic effect of Curcuma longa Linn. with atorvastatin in albino rats

Background: Hyperlipidemia is one of the most common causes of atherosclerosis. Secondary hyperlipidemia could be due to obesity, diabetes mellitus, alcohol consumption, kidney failure, nephrotic syndrome, etc. It does not cause any symptoms and may go unnoticed for years. Dietary modifications along with medications are the mainstay of treatment in moderate to severe causes of hyperlipidemia. Statins are one of the most widely used drugs for the treatment of this disorder. Myopathy and persistent liver enzyme abnormalities are the most deleterious adverse effects of statins. The use of phytochemicals would minimize the adverse effects encountered with statins. In the present study, we studied and compared the hypolipidemic effect of Curcuma longa Linn. with atorvastatin in obese hyperlipidemic rats. Aims and Objectives: The present study was done to evaluate the hypolipidemic effect of turmeric (C. longa Linn.) and to compare it with atorvastatin in albino rats. Materials and Methods: Wistar albino rats weighing 120–150 g were utilized for the present study. The ethanolic extract of C. longa Linn. was administered orally to obese rats for 8 weeks. Serial estimation of lipid profile was done at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks, respectively. Lipid profile was assessed using serum cholesterol, serum high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), serum low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), and serum triglycerides (TGs) as parameters. Results: Statistically significant improvement in lipid profile (P < 0.05) was seen after administration of C. longa in obese rats. There was significant reduction in serum cholesterol, serum LDL, and serum TGs. However, serum HDL did not show a significant increase. Conclusion: C. longa Linn. had a hypolipidemic effect.

Comparative study of cardio-protective effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles and zinc sulfate in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The cardio-protective effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (Zn NPs) against diabetes-induced cardiopathy were evaluated and compared with zinc sulfate (ZnSO4). A total of 120 Wistar rats were randomly categorized as healthy and diabetic groups. Then, the 2 groups were classified in 5 subgroups. The animals received oral supplementations containing different Zn NP (ie, doses of 1, 3, and 10mg/kg) and ZnSO4 (30mg/kg) concentrations over 8 weeks. Blood and cardiac tissue samples were collected in the different time intervals and subjected to biochemical and histopathological analysis. Zn NPs showed dual effects, as its middle dose played protective role and recovered cardiac damages evidenced by significant reduction of serum cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, lipoprotein (a), atherogenic index, TNF-α, cardiac MDA, B-type natriuretic peptide and caspase-3 activity. Apoptosis indices and histopathological features also were improved. However, the highest dose was found to be toxic and resulted in aggravation of the injuries. Another interesting finding is the ability of the higher doses of Zn-NPs (3 and 10mg/kg) to elevate cardiac zinc levels above the normal range in healthy animal. ZnSO4 also helped to recuperation of the damages, but the middle dose of Zn NPs was more efficient as compared to ZnSO4. Conclusively, Zn NPs have the potential for Zn delivery in diabetic patients.

EVALUATION OF ANTIHYPERLIPIDEMIC ACTIVITY OF LEAVES OF ACHYRANTHES ASPERA Linn USING HYPERLIPIDEMIC RATS

Objective: Plants have been one of the important sources of medicines since the beginning of human civilization. Achyranthes aspera Linn. belongingto family Amaranthaceae, commonly found in India. The plant is used as antiarthritic, purgative, diuretic, antimalarial, etc.Methods: The antihyperlipidemic activity of alcoholic and aqueous extracts of leaves of A. aspera was evaluated using triton-induced hyperlipidemiamodel in albino Wistar rats. The acute toxicity study confirmed that both the extracts were found to be safe at 5000 mg/kg b.w. in female albinoWistar rats. In this model, eight groups (six animals per group) of animals were used. Group I and II were considered as saline and hyperlipidemiccontrols, respectively, and other groups received their respective agents (alcoholic or aqueous extract/atorvastatin/ayurvedic preparation) and all thegroups received triton WR1339 (200 mg/kg b.w. i.v.) except saline control group. Serum cholesterol and triglycerides (TGs) level are estimated for theevaluation of antihyperlipidemic effects of extracts.Results: The ethanolic extract has shown a significant reduction in serum cholesterol and TGs level indicating antihyperlipidemic potentials in theplant while aqueous extract has not shown any beneficial effect.Conclusion: In this triton-induced hyperlipidemia model, serum and TG levels were analyzed ethanolic extract was shown antihyperlipidemic activity.Further clinical studies are compulsory to confirm the findings.Keywords: Achyranthes aspera, High-density lipoprotein, Low-density lipoprotein, Triglyceride, Total cholesterol, Triton, Antihyperlipidemic.

Re-evaluation of the traditional diet-heart hypothesis: analysis of recovered data from Minnesota Coronary Experiment (1968-73)

Objective To examine the traditional diet-heart hypothesis through recovery and analysis of previously unpublished data from the Minnesota Coronary Experiment (MCE) and to put findings in the context of existing...

Exogenous 17-β estradiol administration blunts progression of established angiotensin II-induced abdominal aortic aneurysms in female ovariectomized mice.

BackgroundAbdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) occur predominately in males. However, AAAs in females have rapid growth rates and rupture at smaller sizes. Mechanisms contributing to AAA progression in females are undefined. We defined effects of ovariectomy, with and without 17-β estradiol (E2), on progression of established angiotensin II (AngII)-induced AAAs in female mice.MethodsWe used neonatal testosterone exposures at 1 day of age to promote susceptibility to AngII-induced AAAs in adult female Ldlr−/− mice. Females were infused with AngII for 28 days to induce AAAs, and then stratified into groups that were sham, ovariectomized (Ovx, vehicle), or Ovx with E2 administration for 2 months of continued AngII infusions. Aortic lumen diameters were quantified by ultrasound and analyzed by linear mixed model, and maximal AAA diameters were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Atherosclerosis was quantified en face in the aortic arch. AAA tissue sections were analyzed for cellular composition. We quantified effects of E2 on abdominal aortic smooth muscle cell (SMC) growth, α-actin and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) production, and wound healing.ResultsSerum E2 concentrations were increased significantly by E2. Aortic lumen diameters increased over time in sham-operated and Ovx (vehicle) females, but not in Ovx females administered E2. At day 70, E2 administration decreased significantly aortic lumen diameters compared to Ovx vehicle and sham-operated females. Compared to Ovx females (vehicle), maximal AAA diameters were reduced significantly by E2. AAA tissue sections from Ovx females administered E2 exhibited significant increases in α-actin and decreases in neutrophils compared to Ovx females administered vehicle. In abdominal aortic SMCs, E2 resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in α-actin, elevated TGF-β, and more rapid wound healing. E2 administration to Ovx females also significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesions compared to sham-operated females. This effect was accompanied by significant reductions in serum cholesterol concentrations.ConclusionsE2 administration to Ovx females abolished progressive growth and decreased severity of AngII-induced AAAs. These effects were accompanied by increased SMC α-actin, elevated TGF-β, and reduced neutrophils. Similarly, E2 administration reduced AngII-induced atherosclerosis. These results suggest that loss of E2 in post-menopausal females may contribute to progressive growth of AAAs.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13293-015-0030-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Polyherbal hypocholesterolemic supplement lowers egg yolk cholesterol without affecting performance and egg quality in layers

This study was designed to evaluate efficacy of polyherbal hypocholesterolemic supplement AV/HLP/16 (test compound) on serum and egg yolk cholesterol levels and egg quality parameters in layers. One hundred and twenty healthy White Leghorn (BV 300 strain) of 54 weeks age were randomly divided into four treatments (T 0 , T 1 , T 2 , T 3 ); subdivided into three replicates with ten birds in each replicate for a period of five weeks (54 th to 58 th weeks of age). T 0 was the control supplied with commercial basal diet without addition of test compound. T 1 , T 2 and T 3 were supplemented with test compound in basal diet @ 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 kg/ton of feed, respectively. Weekly feed intake, daily egg production, egg weights, egg yolk total cholesterol, egg weight, shape index, yolk weight, albumen weight, shell weight, shell thickness was recorded. Significant reduction in serum cholesterol and egg yolk cholesterol (P<0.05) was observed in treatment groups. Polyherbal AV/HLP/ 16 supplementation in layers did not impart any beneficial or deleterious effect on feed intake, feed efficiency, hen day egg production or egg quality traits viz ., egg weight, shape index, yolk weight, and albumen weight except shell thickness. Polyherbal hypocholesterolemic supplement AV/HLP/16 @ 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 kg per ton of feed reduced egg yolk cholesterol with better egg shell thickness without affecting the performance as well as egg quality parameters in layers.

Low density lipoprotein-cholesterol lowering activity of a blend of rice bran oil and safflower oil (7:3) in indian patients with hyperlipidemia: a randomized, double blind, controlled, comparative, parallel group study

Background: Blends of rice bran oil (RBO) offer promise as functional foods to lower cholesterol. In Japan, a blend of 70% RBO and 30% safflower oil (KO) was shown to lower cholesterol in young healthy volunteers. However, this effect has not been demonstrated in hyperlipidemic individuals in the Indian population. Objective: We evaluated the effect of the blend on blood lipids in hyperlipidemic individuals for 12 weeks after 2 weeks stabilization period. Design: The study was a double blind, randomized, and controlled study. Thirty-five free-living individuals of either gender, aged 18-70 years completed this study. Assessment of subjects was carried out at baseline and weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12. Results: All 35 subjects completed the study. There was a significant reduction in serum cholesterol (21%, P < 0.001) at the end of 12 weeks in the experimental group. In the control group, there was a significant reduction till week 8 (17%, P < 0.001), followed by an increase at week 12. A similar trend was seen with serum low density lipoprotein (LDL). At week 12, LDL in the experimental group was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than LDL in the control group. Conclusions: Consumption of a diet enriched in the blended oil and meeting the recommended dietary guidelines resulted in an improved lipid profile. The blend can play an important role in the diet of people at risk of coronary heart disease.

Use of certain herbal preparations in broiler feeds - A review

The importance and use of herbal remedies (turmeric, tulsi, amla and aloe vera etc.) has been reviewed systematically. Turmeric (curcumin), acts as an antioxidant, antimutagenic, antiinflamatory and antimicrobial agent and protect liver against a variety of toxicants. Tulsi (eugenol) have anticancer properties, reduced blood glucose levels, total cholesterol levels and promotes immune system function. Amla, richest source of vitamin-c and it's active tannoid principles have antimicrobial, antidiabetics, anticarcinogenic properties and enhances immune property. Aloe vera contains phytochemicals (Saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids and phenols), which is an indication of cosmetic and medicinal value. Turmeric, tulsi, amla and aloe vera preparations increased the body weight gain, feed efficiency and decreased the feed intake. These preparations decreased the mortality rates and the cost of feed has been decreased from 6.2% to 13.5%. They have reduced the fat accumulation, increased dressing percentage, liver weight, spleen weight and whole giblet weights. Significant reduction of serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides and increased the humoral response against RD vaccine.

Effects of taurine and/or ginseng and their mixture on lipid profile and some parameters indicative of myocardial status in streptozotocin-diabetic rats

This represented study aims to evaluate the protective effects of two natural antioxidants, taurine and/or ginseng and their mixture on lipid profile and some parameters indicative of myocardial status in streptozotocin-diabetic rats.Adult male albino rats (Sprague Dawley strain) were divided into five groups, a control and four experimental groups; each of them contains five rats. The experimental animals were injected (i.p) with 40mg/kg body weight of streptozotocin (STZ) daily for 2 successive days to induce diabetes. The first group of diabetic rats was considered as a diabetic group and left without treatment. The second group was injected i.p with 500mg/kg body weight of taurine daily for one month and served as diabetic plus taurine group. In the third group, ginseng was given orally at a dose of 400mg/kg body weight daily for the same previous period. The last group received both taurine and ginseng treatments at the aforementioned doses and through the same routes for one month.The results indicated that the administration of taurine or ginseng showed a remarkable amelioration in glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C), insulin and free T3 levels. The maximum amelioration in the level of glucose, HbA1C, insulin and free T3 occurred in diabetic rats that received the mixture of taurine and ginseng. Additionally, treatment of diabetic rats with two antioxidants induced a significant reduction in serum cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein levels. The antioxidants also displayed a significant decrease in the activities of cardiac enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the levels of serum endothelin-1 with a significant elevation in the levels of serum total nitric oxide (TNO) in the diabetic animals group. The results suggest that a combination treatment between taurine and ginseng might represent the treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) which is related to diabetic disorder.

Antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects of the Lagenaria siceraria fruit in NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) induced hypertensive rats

Context: Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl. (Cucurbitacae) (LS) has been reported to possess cardioprotective, antihyperlipidemic, and diuretic activities.Objective: To evaluate antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects of the Lagenaria siceraria fruit powder in NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) induced hypertension in rats.Materials and methods: Male Wistar rats were divided in four groups. Control 2% gum acacia p.o., L-NAME (40 mg/kg p.o.), LS (500 mg/kg p.o.) + L-NAME (40 mg/kg p.o.), L-arginine (100 mg/kg p.o.) + L-NAME (40 mg/kg p.o.). Treatment period was 4 weeks. On day 29 serum marker enzymes, cholesterol and heamodynamic parameters were measured. Histology of heart was performed. LS powder was characterized by HPLC.Result: Systolic blood pressures were increased by L-NAME (p < 0.001). In both drug treated groups systolic and diastolic blood pressures were reduced significantly (p < 0.001) compared to L-NAME. In L-NAME group significantly (p < 0.01) elevated cholesterol which was reduced (p < 0.05) by LS treatment. In L-NAME group inflammation and necrosis (0–35%) was present in heart whereas there was no change in myocardium of LS and L-arginine treated rats. Vitexin, orientin and isoorientin were detected in methanol extract of LS powder.Discussion and conclusion: L-NAME induced hypertension in rats was reduced by treatment with LS. The absence of necrosis, inflammation in the heart and significant reduction in serum cholesterol in LS and L-arginine treated rats indicated cardioprotective activity. Antioxidant activity of orientin and isoorientin appears to reduce the L-NAME induced damage. It is concluded that LS fruit possess antihypertensive and cardioprotective activity.

PA01.36. Yava- A boon for medoroga

Purpose: A report, prepared by WHO and the World Economic Forum says that India will incur an accumulated loss of $236.6 billion by 2015 on account of unhealthy lifestyles and faulty diet. The WHO and International Obesity Task Force have declared the obesity epidemic on a global scale. Though genetic factors contribute to human obesity, the nature of diet plays a key role in Medoroga. Ayurveda has given top priority to food under the three supporters of life. Among them, Yava (Hordeum vulgare) is a supplementary diet for which wide references were found in classics as preventive and curative aspects of medoroga. Keeping this in view the present study has been taken up to evaluate the efficacy of yava in medoroga. Method: 30 clinically diagnosed cases of Medoroga were selected from O.P.D of S.V. Ayurvedic hospital, Tirupati following specific exclusion and inclusion criteria. Diagnostic criteria including laboratory investigations along with subjective and objective parameters were considered for the study. Dose Yava churna 10 gm BD with hot water. Duration 90 days. Result: Statistical data revealed highly significant reduction in serum cholesterol, Body weight, MI, serum triglycerides, VLDL and significant improvement in HDL levels. Conclusion: Administration of yava churna has given better results. It was evident by the significant changes in the subjective and objective parameters.

The effect of simvastatin in penile erection: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (Simvastatin treatment for erectile dysfunction—STED TRIAL)

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of simvastatin in erectile dysfunction (ED) secondary to endothelial dysfunction. This study is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial in patients with ED and endothelial dysfunction. Patients were randomized to receive 20 mg simvastatin (n = 21) or placebo (n = 20) daily for 6 months and subsequently 10 mg of vardenafil on demand for 4 weeks. Serum cholesterol, hormone profile, ultrasensitive C-reactive protein, the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction (IIEF) and the ED Index of Treatment Satisfaction were evaluated. There was a significant reduction in serum cholesterol in the treatment group. The hormonal profile remained unaltered. There was no difference in the IIEF between the groups at follow-up, although, at the beginning, 26% of the patients of both groups presented with mild ED and 74% with moderate-to-severe ED; at the end of the 7th month, all patients from the simvastatin group progressed to mild ED, compared with only 83% in the placebo group. There was no statistically significant difference in penile erection after intake of simvastatin or placebo. This study does not support the use of simvastatin as erectogenic medication. Further studies are necessary to verify if simvastatin has any beneficial effect on ED.