Antioxidant capacity responsible for a hypocholesterolemia is independent of dietary cholesterol in adult rats fed rice protein

Positive effects of leaves of Erodium glaucophyllum on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defence depletion induced by obesity

Medicinal plants are sources of natural antioxidants thanks to their secondary metabolites. Previous studies showed that administration of Erodium glaucophyllum (EG) (Geraniaceae family) was found to alleviate the deleterious effects of obesity-induced damage on liver, heart and kidney. This study, carried out on adult male Wistar rats, evaluates the inhibitory effects of supplementation with E. glaucophyllum extract on obesity. Under our experimental conditions, administration of Erodium aqueous extract decreased the total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides levels as well as ASAT, ALAT, LDH, PAL levels and TBARS concentration; and increased the (HDL) with the antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx) in liver, heart and kidney, compared to HFD group. The anti-obesity effects of the Erodium extract in several organs were mainly due to the interaction of these bioactive molecules (polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannin compounds) and the enzyme system which could be determined by phytochemical analysis.

Health Benefits of Cereal Grain- and Pulse-Derived Proteins

Pulses and whole grains are considered staple foods that provide a significant amount of calories, fibre and protein, making them key food sources in a nutritionally balanced diet. Additionally, pulses and whole grains contain many bioactive compounds such as dietary fibre, resistant starch, phenolic compounds and mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids that are known to combat chronic disease. Notably, recent research has demonstrated that protein derived from pulse and whole grain sources contains bioactive peptides that also possess disease-fighting properties. Mechanisms of action include inhibition or alteration of enzyme activities, vasodilatation, modulation of lipid metabolism and gut microbiome and oxidative stress reduction. Consumer demand for plant-based proteins has skyrocketed primarily based on the perceived health benefits and lower carbon footprint of consuming foods from plant sources versus animal. Therefore, more research should be invested in discovering the health-promoting effects that pulse and whole grain proteins have to offer.

l-Arginine prevents 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal accumulation and depresses inflammation via inhibiting NF-κB activation

4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) is an inducer of inflammation. The aim of this study was to elicit the link between the inhibition of HNE accumulation and the depression of inflammation whether dependent onl-arginine availability in growing rats. Male Wistar rats were fed with different levels of l-arginine at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight for 14 days. The control group was fed with commercial pellets. After 14 days of oral administration, l-arginine significantly reduced hepatic accumulation of HNE and depressed inflammation in rats as compared with the control group. Compared to the control group, the anti-inflammatory action of l-arginine is reflected by upregulation of hepatic interleukin-10 (IL-10) and the suppression of hepatic cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrotic factor α, IL-1β, and IL-6 expressions in growing rats. With l-arginine administration, the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) was efficaciously inhibited through the upregulation of inhibitory κBα, and the depression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that l-arginine could reduce hepatic HNE levels and depress inflammation in growing rats, revealing a link between the inhibition of HNE accumulation with the depression of inflammation, which was attributed to the availability of l-arginine. A significant finding of this study was that the anti-inflammatory mechanism exerted by l-arginine was to inhibit NF-κB activation via downregulating PI3K/Akt.

Methionine strengthens anti-inflammation of rice protein via depressing NF-κB activation and stimulating Msr expression in rats fed cholesterol-enriched diets

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) is an inducer of inflammation. To elucidate the link of depression of ox-LDL accumulation and anti-inflammatory function of rice protein (RP) whether dependent on methionine availability, growing and adult rats were fed RP and methionine-supplemented RP (RM) under cholesterol-enriched dietary condition. After two weeks feeding, RP and RMs exerted the anti-inflammatory effects through up-regulating IL-10, while RP and RMs significantly reduced ox-LDL levels and effectively suppressed the expressions of inflammatory mediators (COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS). The anti-inflammatory molecular mechanism was to inhibit NF-κB activation and to simulate methionine sulfoxide reductase expression. Results showed, under cholesterol-enriched dietary condition, the anti-inflammatory action can be induced by RP and enhanced by methionine in growing and adult rats. The present study reveals a link of the decreased ox-LDL accumulation with the anti-inflammatory function of RP, which is dependent on methionine availability and independent of dietary cholesterol.

Rice protein suppresses 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-induced inflammation owing to methionine availability

4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) is one of the most important products of lipid peroxidation which induces inflammation. In order to investigate the effect of rice protein (RP) on suppressing HNE-induced inflammation and the role of methionine in regulating the anti-inflammatory function of RP, Wistar rats (male, weighing180-200 g) were ad libitum fed either a pellet diet with oral administration of methionine or ad libitum fed RP for two weeks. RP and methionine significantly reduced HNE levels and effectively suppressed the expressions of cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. The anti-inflammatory action of RP was evident from the upregulation of IL-10 and glutathione S-transferase, which played a role in the detoxification of HNE. The results show that the molecular mechanism responsible for the anti-inflammatory function of RP is the inhibition of nuclear factor-κB activation by the downregulation of protein kinase B/phosphoinositide 3 kinase. Further, this study demonstrates that methionine availability contributes to the suppression of HNE-induced inflammation through up-regulating IL-10 and GST in rats fed RP. Novelty: RP suppresses HNE-induced inflammation. Met plays a role in up-regulating IL-10 and GST. Met availability regulates the inhibition of NF-κB by RP.

Rice protein stimulates endogenous antioxidant response attributed to methionine availability in growing rats

Methionine sulfoxide reductase (Msr) and glutathione (GSH) are two endogenous antioxidant systems for depressing oxidative stress. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of methionine in involving the stimulation of endogenous antioxidant capacity of rice protein (RP). Seven-week-old male Wistar rats (body weight 180-200 g) were fed with commercial pellets (as control), methionine, and RP for 2 weeks. Compared with control, GSH synthesis and expressions of MsrA, MsrB2, and MsrB3 were stimulated by methionine and RP. After 2 weeks of feeding, Nrf2 was activated by RP and methionine, whereas the expressions of Keap1 and Cul3 were depressed. The ARE-driven antioxidant expressions (GCLC, GCLM, GS, HO-1, NQO1, CAT, SOD, GR, GST, GPx) were upregulated by methionine and RP. Results suggest that the endogenous antioxidant response induced by RP is primarily attributed to the methionine availability, in which the stimulation of Msr and GSH antioxidant system via Nrf2-ARE pathway. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Rice protein is a major plant protein, which is rich in sulfur-containing amino acids and widely consumed in the world. This paper emphasizes that the amino acid plays a key role in inducing the antioxidant activity of rice protein. The present study provides an insight that the methionine availability of rice protein will be a useful target for health promoting by activating endogenous antioxidant response against ROS-induced oxidative damage.

Physiological Multifunctions of Rice Proteins of Endosperm and Bran

Although it is considered a staple food, rice intake is under serious debate for its physiological usefulness, especially for diabetic patients, because of starch content. However, rice protein, the second major component of rice, has gained attention recently for its newly-discovered functions, which were previously unknown. Rice protein, a plant protein, shows multiple beneficial functions on lipid metabolism and diabetes and its complications, nephropathy, fatty liver and osteoporosis. Rice proteins of endosperm and bran, an ingredient of white rice and an unused product of brown rice, respectively, are valuable components for human health.

Rice Protein Exerts Endogenous Antioxidant Capacity via Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase and the Nrf2 Antioxidant System Independent of Age

The major aim of this study was to investigate the effect of rice protein (RP) on the activation of endogenous antioxidant defense in growing and adult rats. After 2 weeks, RP activated nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) by suppressing Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and Cullin 3 (Cul3) in growing and adult rats. Compared with casein, the upregulation of antioxidant responsive element (ARE)-driven antioxidant expression levels (glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit, glutamate cysteine ligase modulatory subunit, glutathione synthase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, heme oxygenase 1, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1) were found in RP groups. Also, RP upregulated methionine sulfoxide reductase (MsrA, MsrB2, and MsrB3) expression levels in growing and adult rats. As a result, RP enhanced endogenous antioxidative capacities to reduce hepatic accumulations of malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, and reactive oxygen species. This study demonstrates that RP exerts the endogenous antioxidant capacity in growing and adult rats, which is due to stimulating Msr antioxidant expression and activating Nrf2-ARE pathway. Results suggest that the antioxidant activity induced by RP is independent of age.

Rice Protein Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Effect in Growing and Adult Rats via Suppressing NF-κB Pathway

To elucidate the effect of rice protein (RP) on the depression of inflammation, growing and adult rats were fed with caseins and RP for 2 weeks. Compared with casein, RP reduced hepatic accumulations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitro oxide (NO), and plasma activities of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in growing and adult rats. Intake of RP led to increased mRNA levels, and protein expressions of phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), nuclear factor-κB 1 (NF-αB1), reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog A (RelA), tumor necrotic factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were decreased, whereas hepatic expressions of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) were increased by RP. The activation of NF-κB was suppressed by RP through upregulation of inhibitory κB α (IκBα), resulting in decreased translocation of nuclear factor-κB 1 (p50) and RelA (p65) to the nucleus in RP groups. The present study demonstrates that RP exerts an anti-inflammatory effect to inhibit ROS-derived inflammation through suppression of the NF-κB pathway in growing and adult rats. Results suggest that the anti-inflammatory capacity of RP is independent of age.

Rice protein reduces DNA damage by activating the p53 pathway and stimulating endogenous antioxidant response in growing and adult rats

BACKGROUND

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause DNA damage. Rice protein (RP) inhibits ROS accumulation. However, a link between the reduction of ROS-derived DNA damage and the intake of RP is far from clear. The main objective of this study is to elucidate the effects of RPs on the reduction of DNA damage in growing and adult rats.

RESULTS

An intake of RP for 2 weeks significantly reduced the hepatic accumulation of ROS and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in growing and adult rats, whereas the hepatic p53 content was markedly increased by RPs. After 2 weeks' feeding, the mRNA levels and protein expressions of p53, ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM), and Checkpoint kinase 2 (Chk2) were up-regulated by RPs, whereas Murine Double Minute 2 (MDM2) expressions were markedly inhibited by RPs, resulting in more p53 being translocated into the nucleus. Nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) was activated by RP by reducing Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), resulting in the up-regulation of antioxidant expressions of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in RP groups.

CONCLUSION

Rice protein can exert an endogenous antioxidant activity to reduce ROS-derived DNA damage by activating the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway. This study suggests that the activation of the ATM-Chk2-p53 pathway might be one of the mechanisms exerted by RP for reducing DNA damage in growing and adult rats. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

l-Methionine activates Nrf2-ARE pathway to induce endogenous antioxidant activity for depressing ROS-derived oxidative stress in growing rats

BACKGROUND

Methionine is an essential sulfur-containing amino acid. To elucidate the influence of l-methionine on activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-antioxidant responsive element (Nrf2-ARE) antioxidant pathway to stimulate the endogenous antioxidant activity for depressing reactive oxygen species (ROS)-derived oxidative stress, male Wistar rats were orally administered l-methionine daily for 14 days.

RESULTS

With the intake of l-methionine, Nrf2 was activated by l-methionine through depressing Keap1 and Cul3, resulting in upregulation of ARE-driven antioxidant expression (glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit, glutamate cysteine ligase modulatory subunit, glutathione synthase (GS), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), heme oxygenase 1, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1, glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) with increasing l-methionine availability. Upon activation of Nrf2, glutathione synthesis was increased through upregulated expression of methionine adenosyltransferase, S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase, cystathionine β-synthase, cystathionine γ-lyse, glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL) and GS, while hepatic expressions of methionine sulfoxide reductases (MsrA, MsrB2, MsrB3) and hepatic enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, GCL, GR, GST, GPx) were uniformly stimulated with increasing consumption of l-methionine. As a result, hepatic content of ROS and MDA were effectively reduced by l-methionine intake.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates that methionine availability plays a critical role in activation of the Nrf2-ARE pathway to induce an endogenous antioxidant response for depressing ROS-derived oxidative stress, which is primarily attributed to the stimulation of methionine sulfoxide reductase expression and glutathione synthesis. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

The aqueous extract of Olea europaea leaves protects from haematotoxicity and kidney damage induced by diclofenac in Swiss albino mice

Olea europaea leaves are one of the most widely used by-products in traditional medicine due to their biological properties. This study evaluated the antioxidant activities, and the beneficial effects of the aqueous extract of “Sahli” Olea europaea leaves on diclofenac-induced haematotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in Swiss albino mice. The mice were divided into four groups of seven each: a control group, a diclofenac-treated group, a group orally gavaged with the extract of olive leaves, and a group pre-treated with the extract of olive leaves and then injected with diclofenac. The results obtained indicated that the injection of the mice with diclofenac alone caused an extensive change in their haematological and biochemical parameters, such as red and white blood cells (RBC and WBC, respectively), platelet count (PLT), and creatinine and urea levels, a significant increase in lipid peroxidation level (TBARS) and a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) levels. Olive leaf extract administration in the diclofenac-treated mice was found to correct and restore all the investigated parameters and protect the kidney histology by minimizing the oxidative stress induced by diclofenac in the mice tissues.

Olea europaea leaves are one of the most widely used by-products in traditional medicine due to their biological properties.

Methionine Augments Antioxidant Activity of Rice Protein during Gastrointestinal Digestion

To elucidate the influence of methionine, which is an essential sulfur-containing amino acid, on the antioxidant activity of rice protein (RP), methionine was added to RP (RM). The addition of methionine to RM0.5, RM1.0, RM1.5, RM2.0, and RM2.5 was 0.5-, 1.0-, 1.5-, 2.0-, and 2.5-fold of methionine of RP, respectively. Using the in vitro digestive system, the antioxidant capacities of scavenging free radicals (superoxide; nitric oxide; 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt, ABTS), chelating metal (iron), and reducing power were investigated in the hydrolysates of RP and RMs. Upon pepsin-pancreatin digestion, the weakest antioxidant capacity was produced by RP. With the addition of methionine, RMs exhibited more excellent responses to free radical scavenging activities and reducing power than RP, whereas RMs did not produce the marked enhancements in iron chelating activity as compared to RP. The present study demonstrated that RMs differently exerted the free radical scavenging activities that emerged in the protein hydrolysates, in which the strongest scavenging capacities for ABTS, superoxide, and nitric oxide were RM1.5, RM2.0, and RM2.5, respectively. Results suggested that the availability of methionine is a critical factor to augment antioxidant ability of RP in the in vitro gastrointestinal tract.

Liver Antioxidant Enzyme Activities Increase After Taurine in Ovariectomized Rats

The present study was performed to know the effects of taurine on the lipid level of plasma and liver, lipid peroxidation and antioxidative enzyme activities of liver tissue in ovariectomized (OVX) rats fed cholesterol. Twenty-four female SD rats (200 ± 5 g) were grouped; sham and ovariectomy groups, which were each randomly subgrouped; fed control and control supplemented with taurine (20 g/kg diet). The serum total cholesterol, TG (triglyceride), LDL-cholesterol, athrogenic index, and HDL-cholesterol of taurine diet group were not statistically different. Also the levels of liver total cholesterol, triglyceride were not considerably different in different diets. The lipid peroxidation of malondialdehyde concentration was considerably lower in taurine-feeding group than control-feeding group in ovariectomy group. The superoxide dismutase activity in liver tissue was significantly higher in rats fed taurine than in rats fed control diet in OVX rats. GSH-Px (glutathione peroxidase) activity was statistically greater at the rats fed taurine diets compared to rats fed control diet in ovariectomy group. Activity of catalase was higher in taurine group than in control group in ovariectomy group, but it was not significantly different. In conclusion, taurine supplementation was beneficial on antioxidative enzyme activities of liver tissue in ovariectomized rats fed cholesterol.

Effects of Dietary Protein from Different Sources on Biotransformation, Antioxidation, and Inflammation in the Rat Liver

In this work, the effects of different sources of meat protein on liver metabolic enzymes were investigated. Rats were fed for 90 days with semisynthetic diets in which casein was fully replaced by isolated soybean, fish, chicken, pork, or beef proteins. Then, liver proteomics was performed using iTRAQ and LC-ESI-MS/MS. The results indicated that intake of meat protein diets significantly reduced the protein levels of CYP450s, GSTs, UGTs, and SULTs compared to those of the casein and soybean protein diet groups. The total antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation values did not differ between four meat protein diet groups and the casein diet group. However, GSH activity in the fish, chicken, and beef protein groups was significantly higher than those of the casein and soybean protein groups. The beef protein diet significantly upregulated the expression of immune-related proteins. The Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway was suggested to involve the diet-mediated regulation of biotransformation, inflammation, and redox status.

Quercetin Prevents Diastolic Dysfunction Induced by a High-Cholesterol Diet: Role of Oxidative Stress and Bioenergetics in Hyperglycemic Rats

Alterations in cardiac energy metabolism play a key role in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Hypercholesterolemia associated with bioenergetic impairment and oxidative stress has not been well characterized in the cardiac function under glycemic control deficiency conditions. This work aimed to determine the cardioprotective effects of quercetin (QUE) against the damage induced by a high-cholesterol (HC) diet in hyperglycemic rats, addressing intracellular antioxidant mechanisms and bioenergetics. Quercetin reduced HC-induced alterations in the lipid profile and glycemia in rats. In addition, QUE attenuated cardiac diastolic dysfunction (increased E:A ratio), prevented cardiac cholesterol accumulation, and reduced the increase in HC-induced myocyte density. Moreover, QUE reduced HC-induced oxidative stress by preventing the decrease in GSH/GSSG ratio, Nrf2 nuclear translocation, HO-1 expression, and antioxidant enzymatic activity. Quercetin also counteracted HC-induced bioenergetic impairment, preventing a reduction in ATP levels and alterations in PGC-1α, UCP2, and PPARγ expression. In conclusion, the mechanisms that support the cardioprotective effect of QUE in rats with HC might be mediated by the upregulation of antioxidant mechanisms and improved bioenergetics on the heart. Targeting bioenergetics with QUE can be used as a pharmacological approach to modulate structural and functional changes of the heart under hypercholesterolemic and hyperglycemic conditions.

In vitro antioxidant activity of rice protein affected by alkaline degree and gastrointestinal protease digestion

BACKGROUND

To elucidate whether and how alkali treatment, which is a common process for rice protein (RP) extraction, affects antioxidant activity of RP, the different degree of alkali (from 0.1% to 0.4% of NaOH) was used to extract RP (RP-1, RP-2, RP-3, RP-4).

RESULTS

The antioxidant capacities of scavenging free radicals [2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid] diammonium salt, ABTS; 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH), chelating metals (iron, copper) and reducing power investigated in the hydrolysates of RPs (RP-1, RP-2, RP-3, RP-4) during in vitro pepsin-pancreatin digestion were effectively affected by alkali treatment. The present study demonstrated that the weakest antioxidant responses to ABTS radical-scavenging activity, DPPH radical-scavenging activity, iron chelating activity, copper chelating activity and reducing power were produced by RP-4 extracted by the highest alkali proportion (0.4% NaOH).

CONCULSION

The present study indicates that antioxidant capacity of RP could be more readily depressed by strict alkali degree and affected by gastrointestinal proteases. Results suggest that alkali extraction is a vital process to regulate the antioxidant activity of RP through modifying the compositions of amino acids, which are dependent on alkali magnitude. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Rice endosperm protein slows progression of fatty liver and diabetic nephropathy in Zucker diabetic fatty rats

We previously reported that rice endosperm protein (REP) has renoprotective effects in Goto-Kakizaki rats, a non-obese diabetic model. However, whether these effects occur in obese diabetes remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the effects of REP on obese diabetes, especially on fatty liver and diabetic nephropathy, using the obese diabetic model Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. In total, 7-week-old male ZDF rats were fed diets containing 20 % REP or casein (C) for 8 weeks. Changes in fasting blood glucose levels and urinary markers were monitored during the experimental period. Hepatic lipids and metabolites were measured and renal glomeruli were observed morphologically. HbA1c levels were significantly lower in rats fed REP, compared with C (P<0·05). Compared with C in the liver, REP prevented lipid accumulation (total lipid, TAG and total cholesterol, P<0·01). Liver metabolome analysis indicated that levels of metabolites associated with glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway and carnitine metabolism were significantly greater in the REP group than in the C group (P<0·05), suggesting activation of both glucose catabolism and fatty acid oxidation. The metabolite increases promoted by REP may contribute to suppression of liver lipid accumulation. Urinary excretion of albumin and N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase was significantly reduced in rats fed REP for 8 weeks (P<0·01). In addition, there was a distinct suppression of mesangial matrix expansion and glomerular hypertrophy in response to REP (P<0·01). Thus, REP had preventive effects on obese diabetes, fatty liver and diabetic nephropathy.

Therapeutic effect of apple pectin in obese rats

Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder and is associated with significant comorbidities such as dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes. This pathology is changing worldwide and is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This study, carried out on adult male Wistar rats, evaluates the inhibitory effects of supplementation with apple pectin molecule on obesity. Under our experimental conditions, administration of pectin molecule decreased 1) the total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-ch) and triglycerides (TG) levels as well as ASAT, ALAT, LDH, ALP, UREA and uric acid (UC) levels in blood serum; and 2) increased the creatinine levels (CREA), compared to HFD group. TBARS concentrations decreased in liver, kidney, and serum by 20%, 29% and 19%, respectively, in a group treated with high-fat diet and pectin (HFD+Pec) compared to a HFD-treated group. The same treatment with pectin molecule increased superoxide dismutase, glutathion peroxidase and catalase activities by 39%, 14% and 16% in liver; 5%, 7% and 31% in kidney; and 9%, 32% and 22% in blood serum in the HFD Pec-treated group. The anti-obesity effects of the pectin molecule in several organs are mainly due to the interaction of this molecule with both the polysaccharide and the enzyme system which can be determined by phytochemical analysis.

Antihypercholesterolemic effect of Cleome arabica L. on high cholesterol diet induced damage in rats

Dietary cholesterol is known to be one of the main risk factors that accelerate oxidation process leading to hypercholesterolemia and attendant cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study, carried out on adult male Wistar rats, was to evaluate the inhibitory effects of supplementation with aqueous of Cleome arabica leaf extract on hypercholesterolemia. After 3 months of treatment, animals were sacrificed by decapitation. Blood serum was obtained by centrifugation. Under our experimental conditions, administration of Cleome arabica leaf extract decreased the total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-chol) and triglycerides (TG) levels by 27 %, 52 %, 37 %, respectively, and reduced SGOT SGPT, LDH and PAL levels in blood serum compared to untreated hypercholesterolemic rats. TBARS concentrations decreased by 21 % in liver, 22 % in heart and 30 % in kidney in a group of rats treated with cholesterol and Cleome arabica (Chol C.ar) compared to a Chol-treated group. The same treatment with Cleome arabica leaf extract increased superoxide dismutase and enhanced glutathione peroxidase activity. Catalase activity was found to increase in liver, heart and kidney by 17 %, 16 % and 23 %, respectively, in the C.ar Chol-treated group. The protective effect of Cleome arabica on hypercholesterolemia inducing oxidative stress in several organs was mainly attributed to antioxidant properties. The latter were due to the presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids shown by the obtained HPLC profiles.