Kiwifruit supplementation increases the gene expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 and Liver X receptor α in liver and intestine of hamsters fed with high-fat diet

BACKGROUND: Liver X receptor α (LXRα) and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) as a lipid transporter play an important role in cholesterol efflux from cells. OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to determine the effect of kiwifruit supplementation on LXRα and ABCA1 gene expressions in liver and intestine of hamsters fed with high-fat diet (HFD). METHODS: 36 Golden Syrian male hamsters were divided into 6 groups (n = 6) including, group 1 received chow diet (control normal), group 2 and 3 received chow diet plus 1.86 and 3.73 g/kg kiwifruit, group 4 received HFD, group 5 and 6 received HFD plus 1.86 and 3.73 g/kg kiwifruit for 8 weeks. RESULTS: ABCA1 gene expression were significantly decreased in the liver (p <  0.01) and the intestine (p <  0.05) of HFD group compared with control normal. The gene expression levels of ABCA1 from liver and intestine were increased in HFD treated with kiwifruit compare to untreated HFD group (p <  0.05). LXRα gene expression of intestine was increased in all of the kiwifruit treated groups compared with untreated groups (p <  0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of kiwifruit in in hamsters receiving HFD can improve cholesterol efflux from liver and intestine by increase the gene expression of ABCA1 and LXRα.