Evaluation of hypolipidemic Marrubium vulgare effect in Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemia in mice

Hypolipidemic potential and safety profile of the ethanolic extract and flour of the peel of Passiflora Cincinnata Mast. (Passifloraceae) in mice

Passiflora cincinnata Mast. is described as a native Caatinga species, used by nutritional and medicinal purposes, although there are still few studies and pharmacological data related to this species. This paper aims to evaluate the safety profile and hypolipidemic potential of the fruit peel of this species in mice. It was analyzed the chemical composition of ethanolic extract (EtOH-Pc) by HPLC-DAD-MS/MS, and the organic and inorganic composition of flour (MF-Pc). Also were evaluated the acute toxicity, the lipid-lowering potential of these samples, through of a pretreatment (oral: 100 and 200 mg/kg), and a single treatment with the same doses, after hyperlipidemic induction with triton WR-1339, using as animal model Swiss Mus musculus mice, besides histopathological analysis. The presence of flavonoids in the extract was confirmed, mainly C-glycosides, and antioxidant minerals and pectin, in flour. No clinical signs of toxicity or death were reported in the study. In the hyperlipidemia study model used, the analyzed substances, at all doses, notably decreased the lipid levels of TC, TG, LDL-c and VLDL-c and increase the HDL-c levels in the induced hyperlipidemic mice (p < 0.05). The results of the histopathological analysis showed that in the group only induced was identified the discrete presence of hepatic steatosis, in 2 animals at the analysis of 24 h, not being visualized in the groups treated with the substances evaluated. The results obtained in the present study suggest a hypolipidemic potential of the extract and flour, obtained from the fruit peel of Passiflora cincinnata Mast.

Antioxidant compounds from Annona crassiflora fruit peel reduce lipid levels and oxidative damage and maintain the glutathione defense in hepatic tissue of Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemic mice

Dyslipidemia is a risk factor for the pathogenesis of several diseases, such as obesity, hypertension, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. In addition to interfering with serum concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides, hyperlipidemia is involved in oxidative stress increase and reduction of the endogenous antioxidant defenses. The fruit peel of Annona crassiflora crude extract (CEAc) and its polyphenols-rich fraction (PFAc) were investigated against hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia and hepatic oxidative stress in Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemic mice. Lipid parameters in serum, feces and liver, as well as hepatic oxidative status, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense systems were analyzed. Pre-treatment with CEAc for 12 days decreased hepatic triglycerides and total cholesterol, and similar to PFAc, increased the high-density lipoprotein level. There were reductions in lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation, as well as restoration of the glutathione defense system and total thiol content in the liver of the hyperlipidemic mice treated with PFAc. The fruit peel of A. crassiflora, a promising natural source of bioactive molecules, showed a potential lipid-lowering action and hepatoprotective activities triggered by reduction of oxidative damage and maintenance of the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems impaired by the hyperlipidemic state.

Pharmacological Effects of Methotrexate and Infliximab in a Rats Model of Diet-Induced Dyslipidemia and Beta-3 Overexpression on Endothelial Cells

BACKGROUND

Hyperlipidemia and inflammation are critical components in the pathophysiology of endothelial disorder, which can lead to vascular complications. Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of immunomodulatory therapy (methotrexate and infliximab) in a diet-induced hyperlipidemia rat model.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley (wild type (WT), male, n = 32) rats&nbsp;were divided into four groups: one group fed with standard diet (SD), one group fed with high lipid diet (HLD), and two groups that received HLD and drug treatment (methotrexate (Mtx) or infliximab (Ifx)). In order to evaluate if modifications to the endothelial cells may influence the risk of vascular complications following hyperlipidemia or treatment reactivity, each group was doubled by a rats group that overexpressed beta-3 receptors on the endothelial cells (transgenic (TG-beta 3), male, n = 32). Serum lipid profile, liver enzymes, oxidative stress, and inflammation markers were determined. Histopathologic analysis of the liver and aorta was performed.

RESULTS

After 9 weeks of HLD, rats exhibited significant pathologic serum lipid profiles, elevated oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory markers. Additionally, the aortic histopathological analysis revealed aorta media-intima thickening (p < 0.05) in the transgenic group. Methotrexate and infliximab significantly decreased inflammation and oxidative stress parameters, but presented opposing effects on lipid profiles (methotrexate decreased, whereas infliximab increased the atherosclerosis index). Drug treatment decreased the aorta media-intima thickness (p < 0.05) only in transgenic rats.

CONCLUSIONS

HLD was associated with hyperlipidemia, inflammation and oxidative stress. The overexpression of beta-3 receptors on endothelial cells increased aortic thickening in response to the HLD. Methotrexate and infliximab reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in all groups, but led to favorable histopathologic vascular results only in the transgenic groups.

Marrubium vulgare L.: A Phytochemical and Pharmacological Overview

Marrubium vulgare is a plant with high bioactive potential. It contains marrubiin, a labdane diterpene that is characteristic for this genus, as well as a complex mixture of phenolic compounds. According to numerous studies, M. vulgare acts as a good antioxidant agent, and due to this, it could potentially be useful in treatments of cancer, diabetes mellitus, and liver diseases. In addition, its anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, and sedative potential are discussed. Apart from that, its antimicrobial activity, especially against Gram+ bacteria, fungi, herpes simplex virus, and parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Plasmodium berghei-berghei was recorded. Additionally, it could be used as a chicken lice repellent, herbicide, and natural insecticide against mosquito larvae and natural molluscicide. In veterinary medicine, M. vulgare can be used as an anthelmintic against the eggs and larvae of bovine strongyles parasites, and as an antibiotic against bovine mastitis caused by resistant bacterial strains. Due to the mentioned benefits, there is a tendency for the cultivation of M. vulgare in order to ensure high-quality raw material, but more firm scientific evidence and well-designed clinical trials are necessary for the well-established use of M. vulgare herb and its preparations.

The protective effects of Salvia officinalis essential oil compared to simvastatin against hyperlipidemia, liver, and kidney injuries in mice submitted to a high-fat diet

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of Salvia officinalis essential oil (SEO) and simvastatin in hyperlipidemic mice. Animals were randomly divided into four groups. The control group received a standard diet. The high-fat diet (HFD) group received HFD. The third and fourth groups received HFD associated either with simvastatin (2.5 mg/kg bw) or with SEO (4 mg/kg bw). All animals were sacrificed after 8 weeks of treatment. SEO and simvastatin reduced in HFD mice body weight gain, hyperlipidemia, disruption of liver and renal functions and reactive oxygen species production. In fact, total cholesterol, triglycerides, total lipids, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, as well as aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase and lactate dehydrogenase activities were reduced, while fecal lipids increased compared to those of HFD mice. The lipid-lowering effect of SEO was more effective than that of simvastatin. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: High-fat diet provokes hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, and abnormal lipid metabolism leading to the development of hepatic and renal dysfunctions as well as perturbations of the antioxidant status in liver and kidney. The results of this research highlight the beneficial effects of SEO in the management of these disorders without inducing side effects; in fact, the plant essential oil decreased lipids and improved the antioxidant status more than did a synthetic drug.

Hypolipidemic Effect ofTrixis angustifoliaAqueous Extract on Triton WR-1339- and High-Fat Diet-Induced Hyperlipidemic Mice

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hypolipidemic effect of Trixis angustifolia aqueous extract (TxAE) on Triton WR-1339- and high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic mice. In the Triton model, treatment with TxAE at 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight produced a significant decrease in triglycerides and very low-density lipoprotein levels and a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Similarly, administration of TxAE along with the high-fat diet induced a significant decrease in serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, and increase in HDL. In addition, a phytochemical study of TxAE led to the isolation of 2 previously described compounds: pebrellin and xanthomicrol. This is the first time that these compounds have been identified in a plant extract with hypolipidemic effect. The results suggest the possible therapeutic potential of TxAE as a hypolipidemic agent supporting the usage of T. angustifolia as a traditional medicine.

Medicinal Herbs Effective Against Atherosclerosis: Classification According to Mechanism of Action

Atherosclerosis is a widespread and chronic progressive arterial disease that has been regarded as one of the major causes of death worldwide. It is caused by the deposition of cholesterol, fats, and other substances in the tunica intima which leads to narrowing of the blood vessels, loss of elasticity, and arterial wall thickening, thus causing difficulty in blood flow. Natural products have been used as one of the most important strategies for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases for a long time. In recent decades, as interests in natural products including medicinal herbs have increased, many studies regarding natural compounds that are effective against atherosclerosis have been conducted. The purpose of this review is to provide a brief over-view of the natural compounds that have been used for the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis, and their mechanisms of action based on recent research.