Antihypercholesterolemic effect of Bacopa monniera linn. on high cholesterol diet induced hypercholesterolemia in rats

Anti-HMGCR immune-mediated necrotising myopathy: Addressing the remaining issues

The discovery of autoantibodies directed against the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR) enzyme has defined a sub-set of immune-mediated necrotising myopathy (IMNM) which is strongly associated with exposure to statin medications. Although understanding of anti-HMGCR IMNM has grown considerably with the reporting of multiple cohorts in North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania, there remain many unanswered questions. The true incidence of anti-HMGCR IMNM is not known and heterogeneity of phenotype and treatment response within this autoantibody sub-group is being increasingly recognised. Statin-naïve adults and juvenile patients with anti-HMGCR potentially share characteristics distinct from statin-exposed patients, alluding to unique pathogenesis. Conflicting data exists on whether malignancies are associated with anti-HMGCR and further clarification is required to determine the degree of cancer screening required. Treatment approaches to anti-HMGCR IMNM are heterogeneous but generally highlight the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin. Even with multimodal immunosuppression, patients with anti-HMGCR remain prone to relapse, with younger patients generally manifesting more refractory disease. In this Review, we aim to summarise the current literature on anti-HMGCR and discuss the remaining issues.

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.

Anti-hypercholesterolemic potential of diet supplemented with Anchomanes difformis and Pleurotus tuberregium tubers in high cholesterol fed rats

Background

One significant ethnomedicinal motivation behind Pleurotus tuberregium (PTT) and Anchomanes difformis (ADT) tubers is cardiovascular-related conditions treatment. This investigation is in this way planned for deciding the impact of PTT and ADT enhanced eating routine on key enzymes linked with hypercholesterolemia in elevated cholesterol fed rodents.

Methods

Rats were isolated into control group, hypercholesterolemic-prompted untreated group, hypercholesterolemic-treated groups with dietary routine containing PTT (5% and 10%), ADT (5% and 10%), 5% PTT and 5% ADT conbination and traditional medication, atorvastatin for 28 days. Ten rodents were utilized for every one of the groups.

Results

Feeding with PTT and ADT comprehensive eating regimen and their combination significantly (P < 0.05) diminished the AChE, HMG-CoA, ALT, AST, ALP, LDH and CK activities and levels of mevalonate, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDLch), atherogenic indices, MDA and ROS yet significantly increased the SOD, CAT, GPx activities, and level of HDL, GSH when contrasted with HC-initiated untreated rodents. Likewise, histopathological of liver and heart demonstrated no obsessive changes in all the treated groups when contrasted with healthy control group. HPLC fingerprinting of the PTT and ADT aqueous concentrates uncovered the nearness of ferulic acid, vanillic acid, catechin, quercetin, chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid and gallic acid. Notwithstanding, aqueous concentrate of ADT contained plentiful convergences of the polyphenolics when contrasted with PTT concentrate.

Conclusions

The tubers HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity could additionally support their antihypercholesterolemic use in folk medication. Accordingly, the tubers may in this way be valuable as restorative nourishment for helpful treatment of clinical conditions related hypercholesterolemia with the ADT diet holding more guarantee.

Neuroprotective effects of Bacopa monnieri in Parkinson's disease model

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra region and the presence of α-synuclein aggregates in the striatum and surrounding areas of brain. Evidences suggest that neuroinflammation plays a role in the progression of PD. We examined the neuro-protective effects of Bacopa monnieri (BM) in regulating neuroinflammation. Administration of BM suppressed the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, decreased the levels of α-synuclein, and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in PD animal model. Pre-treatment of BM showed more prominent results as compare to co- and post-treatment. Results suggest that Bacopa can limit inflammation in the different areas of brain, thus, offers a promising source of novel therapeutics for the treatment of many CNS disorders.

Bacopa Monnieri Protects the Directly Affected Organ as Well as Distant Organs Against I/R Injury by Modulating Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Nitrosative Pathways in A Rat Model for Infra-Renal Aortic Occlusion

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the protective effect and underlying mechanisms of B. monnieri, a medicinal plant, on kidney and skeletal muscle injury induced by infra-renal abdominal aorta clamping for 2-hours (ischemia) and following removal of the clamp (reperfusion, 2-hours).

METHODS

Rats were divided into four groups (n = 6): (I) animals given only saline (sham-control); (II) animals given B. monnieri extract for 10-days (300 mg/kg/day) (Bacopa-treated sham); (III) animals subjected to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R); (IV) animals given B. monnieri extract and then subjected to I/R. Kidneys and lower extremity muscles were examined for GPx, CAT, iNOS, 3-NT, IL-1β and TNF-α. Apoptosis and injury were evaluated by TUNEL and H&E staining, respectively.

RESULTS

I/R resulted in TUNEL positive cells, periarterial edema and glomerular capillary dilatation, decreased GPx activity, unchanged CAT, iNOS, 3-NT, IL-1β and TNF-α in kidney. B. monnieri minimized renal remote reperfusion injury, and Group IV showed a lower degree of renal histopathology score when compared to the others. B. monnieri mitigated muscle I/R injury, decreased muscle hypertrophy, myofibril abnormalities and apoptosis. Muscle 3-NT and cytokine levels were increased by I/R, and B. monnieri inhibited iNOS and 3-NT both in sham-control and I/R groups. Muscle GPx unaffected by I/R or B. monnieri, but CAT was inhibited only in B. monnieri-treated I/R group. Muscle iNOS, 3-NT, IL-1β, TNF-α levels and CAT activity of B. monnieri-treated I/R rats were lower than those in sham-control or Bacopa-treated sham.

CONCLUSIONS

B. monnieri can protect the directly affected organ as well as distant organs against I/R injury by modulating anti-inflammatory and anti-nitrosative pathways.

Vasodilatory Effects and Mechanisms of Action of Bacopa monnieri Active Compounds on Rat Mesenteric Arteries

B. monnieri extract (BME) is an abundant source of bioactive compounds, including saponins and flavonoids known to produce vasodilation. However, it is unclear which components are the more effective vasodilators. The aim of this research was to investigate the vasorelaxant effects and mechanisms of action of saponins and flavonoids on rat isolated mesenteric arteries using the organ bath technique. The vasorelaxant mechanisms, including endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) pathway and calcium flux were examined. Saponins (bacoside A and bacopaside I), and flavonoids (luteolin and apigenin) at 0.1-100 µM caused vasorelaxation in a concentration-dependent manner. Luteolin and apigenin produced vasorelaxation in endothelial intact vessels with more efficacy (Emax 99.4 ± 0.7 and 95.3 ± 2.6%) and potency (EC50 4.35 ± 1.31 and 8.93 ± 3.33 µM) than bacoside A and bacopaside I (Emax 83.6 ± 2.9 and 79.9 ± 8.2%; EC50 10.8 ± 5.9 and 14.6 ± 5.4 µM). Pretreatment of endothelial intact rings, with L-NAME (100 µM); an eNOS inhibitor, or removal of the endothelium reduced the relaxant effects of all compounds. In K+-depolarised vessels suspended in Ca2+-free solution, these active compounds inhibited CaCl2-induced contraction in endothelial denuded arterial rings. Moreover, the active compounds attenuated transient contractions induced by 10 µM phenylephrine in Ca2+-free medium containing EGTA (1 mM). Thus, relaxant effects occurred in both endothelial intact and denuded vessels which signify actions through both endothelium and vascular smooth muscle cells. In conclusion, the flavonoids have about twice the potency of saponins as vasodilators. However, in the BME, there is ~20 × the amount of vaso-reactive saponins and thus are more effective.

Neuropharmacological and cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst - A review on its mechanistic aspects

Bacopa monnieri (L.) - (BM) is a perennial, creeping herb which is widely used in traditional ayurvedic medicine as a neural tonic to improve intelligence and memory. Research into the biological effects of this plant has burgeoned in recent years, promising its neuroprotective and memory boosting ability among others. In this context, an extensive literature survey allows an insight into the participation of numerous signaling pathways and oxidative mechanism involved in the mitigation of oxidative stress, along with other indirect mechanisms modulated by bioactive molecules of BM to improve the cognitive action by their synergistic potential and cellular multiplicity mechanism. This multi-faceted review describes the novel mechanisms that underlie the unfounded but long flaunted promises of BM and thereby direct a way to harness this acquired knowledge to develop innovative approaches to manipulate its intracellular pathways.

Comparative studies on the hypolipidemic, antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of catechin-enriched green and oolong tea in a double-blind clinical trial

This study aimed to compare the beneficial effect of catechin-enriched green tea and oolong tea on mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects. Sixty mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects (180-220 mg dL^-1) were enrolled and divided into three groups as catechin-enriched green tea (CEGT), catechin-enriched oolong tea (CEOT) or placebo. The subjects were instructed to drink 2 × 300 mL of CEGT (780.6 mg of catechin), CEOT (640.4 mg of catechin) or placebo beverage for 12 weeks. Drinking CEGT and CEOT significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the body weight, fat, and BMI, lipid peroxidation as well as lipid profile (TC, LDL-c, HDL-c, and TG). Also, intervention with CEGT and CEOT significantly improved (p < 0.05) the oxidative indices (TEAC and GSH) and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, and GR). Moreover, ultrasound examination endorsed the hepatoprotective activity of CEGT and CEOT by reverting mild fatty liver to the normal hepatic condition because of antioxidant and hypolipidemic activities. To summarize, both CEGT and CEOT showed similar antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities. However, CEOT displayed superior lipid-lowering activity compared to CEGT or placebo, and hence it could be used to amend the wellness condition of mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects.

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.

Efficacy of protein rich pearl powder on antioxidant status in a randomized placebo-controlled trial

Pearl is one of the well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescribed for treating various skin and bone related disorders due to its abundant proteins and mineral contents. The present investigation focused on antioxidation and life span prolonging effects from different extracts of pearl powder. During in vitro studies, various oxidative indices were evaluated, along with lifespan-prolonging effect were checked using wild-type Caenorhabditis elegans. For the clinical trial, 20 healthy middle-aged subjects were recruited and separated into 2 groups as experimental and placebo group, who received 3 g of pearl powder/d (n = 10) and 3 g of placebo/d (n = 10) for 8 weeks, respectively. During the initial, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th weeks the blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. The protein extract of pearl powder recorded maximum (p < 0.05) antioxidant activity (20–68%) as well as efficiently prolonged the life span of C. elegans by 18.87%. Pearl powder supplemented subjects showed a substantial increase (p < 0.05) in total antioxidant capacity from 0.45 to 0.69 mM, total thiols from 0.23 to 0.29 mM, Glutathione content from 5.89 to 9.19 μM, enzymic antioxidant activity (SOD-1248 to 1308; Gpx-30 to 32; GR-2.4 to 2.9) as well as considerably suppressed the lipid peroxidation products from 4.95 to 3.27 μM. The outcome of both in-vitro and in-vivo antioxidant activity inferred that protein extract of pearl powder was a potent antioxidant and thereby prolonged the lifespan of C. elegans. Hence, pearl powder could be recommended for treating various age-related degenerative disorders.

Regulatory efficacy of fermented plant extract on the intestinal microflora and lipid profile in mildly hypercholesterolemic individuals

In recent years, the use of fermented plant products to protect against various metabolic syndromes has been increasing enormously. The objective of this study was to check the regulatory efficacy of fermented plant extract (FPE) on intestinal microflora, lipid profile, and antioxidant status in mildly hypercholesterolemic volunteers. Forty-four mildly hypercholesterolemic individuals (cholesterol 180–220 mg/dL) were recruited and assigned to two groups: experimental or placebo. Volunteers were requested to drink either 60 mL of FPE or placebo for 8 weeks. Anthropometric measurements were done in the initial, 4^th, 8^th, and 10^th weeks. The anthropometric parameters such as body weight, body fat, and body mass index were markedly lowered (p < 0.05) on FPE intervention participants. Moreover, the total antioxidant capacity and total phenolics in plasma were considerably increased along with a reduction (p < 0.05) in total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) after FPE supplementation. Participants who drank FPE showed a pronounced increase (p < 0.05) in the number of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp., whereas the number of harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens (p < 0.05) were concomitantly reduced. Furthermore, the lag time of LDL oxidation was substantially ameliorated in FPE-administered group, thus indicating its antioxidative and cardioprotective properties. Treatment with FPE substantially improved the intestinal microflora and thereby positively regulated various physiological functions by lowering the anthropometric parameters, TC, and LDL-c, and remarkably elevated the antioxidant capacity and lag time of LDL oxidation. Therefore, we recommended FPE beverage for combating hypercholesterolemia.

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.

Effects of Methanol Extract of Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) on Atherogenic Indices and Redox Status of Cellular System of Hypercholesterolemic Male Rats

We investigated the effects of methanol extract of Artocarpus altilis (AA) on atherogenic indices and redox status of cellular system of rats fed with dietary cholesterol while Questran (QUE) served as standard. Biochemical indices such as total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low- and high-density lipoproteins-cholesterol (LDL-C and HDL-C), aspartate and alanine aminotransferases (AST and ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), reduced glutathione, glutathione-s-transferase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were assessed. Hypercholesterolemic (HC) rats had significantly increased relative weight of liver and heart. Dietary cholesterol caused a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the levels of serum, hepatic, and cardiac TC by 110%, 70%, and 85%, LDL-C by 79%, 82%, and 176%, and TG by 68%, 96%, and 62%, respectively. Treatment with AA significantly reduced the relative weight of the organs and lipid parameters. There were beneficial increases in serum and cardiac HDL-C levels in HC rats treated with AA. In HC rats, serum LDH, ALT, and AST activities and levels of LPO were increased, whereas hepatic and cardiac SOD, CAT, and GPx were reduced. All biochemical and histological alterations were ameliorated upon treatment with AA. Extract of AA had protective effects against dietary cholesterol-induced hypercholesterolemia.

Ethanolic extract of rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (chuanxiong) enhances endothelium-dependent vascular reactivity in ovariectomized rats fed with high-fat diet

Rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (LC), also known as chuanxiong, is a very common herb widely used to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.