Monolluma quadrangulaProtects against Oxidative Stress and Modulates LDL Receptor and Fatty Acid Synthase Gene Expression in Hypercholesterolemic Rats

Abstract

Hypercholesterolemia is a metabolic disorder associated with oxidative stress. The present study investigated the protective effect ofMonolluma quadrangulaextract on hypercholesterolemia-induced oxidative stress in the liver and heart of high-cholesterol-diet- (HCD-) fed rats. The experimental animals received HCD for 10 weeks and were concurrently treated with 300 or 600 mg/kgM. quadrangulaextract. HCD-fed rats showed a significant increase in serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, vLDL-cholesterol, and cardiovascular risk indices along with decreased HDL-cholesterol and antiatherogenic index. TheM. quadrangulaextract significantly improved dyslipidemia and atherogenesis in HCD-fed rats. HCD induced a significant increase in serum transaminases, creatine kinase-MB, and proinflammatory cytokines. In addition, HDC induced a significant increase in hepatic and cardiac lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant enzymes. Treatment with theM. quadrangulaextract significantly alleviated liver and heart function markers, decreased proinflammatory cytokines and lipid peroxidation, and enhanced the antioxidant defenses. Also, theM. quadrangulaextract significantly reduced the expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and increased the expression of LDL receptor in the liver of HCD-fed rats. In conclusion, theM. quadrangulaextract has a potent antihyperlipidemic and cholesterol-lowering effect on HCD-fed rats. The beneficial effects of theM. quadrangulaextract were mediated through the increased antioxidant defenses, decreased inflammation and lipid peroxidation, and modulated hepatic FAS and LDL receptor gene expression.