Prophylactic effect of flaxseed oil against radiation-induced hepatotoxicity in mice

Flaxseed (linseed, Linum usitatissimum, Linaceae) is widely used for its edible oil in many parts of the world. The present study investigates the radioprotective and antioxidative potential of flaxseed oil (FO). Swiss albino mice were administered FO orally once daily for 15 consecutive days, then exposed to a single dose of 5 Gy of gamma radiation. Lipid peroxide, reduced glutathione and total protein were estimated in the liver. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), acid and alkaline phosphatase estimations in serum were also carried out. Radiation-induced increases in the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO), AST, ALT and acid phosphatase were significantly ameliorated by flaxseed oil pretreatment, and radiation-induced depletion in the level of glutathione (GSH) and alkaline phosphatase activities was significantly inhibited by flaxseed oil administration. The lifespan was increased in the flaxseed oil treated irradiated mice in comparison with their respective control mice, with survival data showing an LD(50/30) (lethal dose for 50% of animals after 30 days) of 7.1 and 10 Gy for control and FO treated irradiated mice, respectively, and produced a dose reduction factor for flaxseed oil (DRF) of 1.40. Radiation-induced deficits in body and organ weight were significantly reduced or prevented in flaxseed oil pretreated mice. The protection afforded by flaxseed oil may be attributed to the constituents of the oil, which include omega-3 essential fatty acids and phytoestrogenic lignans, which appear to play an important role in free radical scavenging and singlet oxygen quenching. The study does not rule out the possibility of a prophylactic potential of flaxseed oil against radiation-induced degenerative changes in liver.     

Keishi-bukuryo-gan preserves the endothelium dependent relaxation of thoracic aorta in cholesterol-fed rabbit by limiting superoxide generation

Formerly, we have reported that keishi-bukuryo-gan prevents the progression of atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits and inhibits the free radical-induced RBC haemolysis in rats.The present study was performed to investigate how keishi-bukuryo-gan (KBG) inhibits the early stage of atherosclerosis. Plasma lipid concentration and hydroxyl radical generation during respiratory burst in neutrophils were evaluated at the start and end of the study. The protective effect of KBG against endothelium disorder due to hypercholesterolaemia was examined. Twelve male Japanese white rabbits (2 kg body weight) were divided into two groups. Group A (n = 6) was fed standard rabbit chow containing 1% cholesterol for 4 weeks. Group B (n = 6) was fed standard rabbit chow containing 1% cholesterol and 1% KBG for 4 weeks. In the plasma lipid concentration, only the lipid peroxide concentration of group A was significantly higher than that of group B. At the end of the study, DMPO-OH, the spin-trapped adduct of hydroxyl radicals generated by neutrophils, was increased in both groups, and this increase was marked in group B. Endothelium-dependent vasodilatation by acetylcholine increased significantly in group B compared with group A. Thus, KBG protects the vascular endothelium function by its antioxidative effect and by inhibiting the release of free radicals from neutrophils in vivo.     

The effects of flaxseed or its oil supplementations on polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review of clinical trials

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders around the world that can endanger reproductive, metabolic, and psychological health in women. Flaxseed is considered as a functional food which provides remarkable amounts of α-linolenic acid (ALA), phytosterogenic lignans, and dietary fibers. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of flaxseed or its oil supplementation on PCOS patients. We systematically searched all published randomized clinical trials indexed in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases from inception up to May 2022. Intended exposure and outcome were flaxseed or its oil and metabolic, anthropometric, and hormonal status of women with PCOS, respectively. Initial search via related keywords revealed 69 articles. After excluding duplicates, title and abstract of 55 remaining papers were screened. Fourteen papers were obtained for full text screening. Finally, nine clinical trials published between 2011 and 2021 were included in qualitative synthesis. Based on the results of the present systematic review, we suggest that flaxseed supplementation has the potential to improve metabolic, hormonal, and anthropometric parameters in women with PCOS. However, we also deduce that due to the scarcity of high-quality studies, additional studies need to be conducted in order to derive a solid conclusion.     

Hypolipidaemic activity of methanol extract of Aleurites moluccana

The lipid-lowering action of the leaves of the Aleurites moluccana methanol extract was studied in Triton W-1339 and high-fat-diet fed rats. The serum lipids (total cholesterol, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides) and body weight were found to be lowered by A. moluccana (300 mg/kg, b.w.) in rats with Triton-induced hypercholesterolaemia and on a hyperlipaemic diet. The results suggest that the lipid lowering action of this natural product is mediated through inhibition of hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis and reduction of lipid absorption in the intestine.     

Protective role of Melissa officinalis L. extract on liver of hyperlipidemic rats: a morphological and biochemical study

In this study, the effects of Melissa officinalis L. extract on hyperlipidemic rats were investigated, morphologically and biochemically. The animals were fed a lipogenic diet consisting of 2% cholesterol, 20% sunflower oil and 0.5% cholic acid added to normal chow and were given 3% ethanol for 42 days. The plant extract was given by gavage technique to rats to a dose of 2 g/kg every day for 28, 14 days after experimental animals done hyperlipidemia. The degenerative changes were observed in hyperlipidemic rats, light and electron microscopically. There was a significant increase in the levels of serum cholesterol, total lipid, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), a significant decrease in the levels of liver tissue glutathione (GSH), a significant increase in the levels of tissue lipid peroxidation (LPO) in this group. On the other hand, the administration of Melissa officinalis L. extract reduced total cholesterol, total lipid, ALT, AST and ALP levels in serum, and LPO levels in liver tissue, moreover increased glutathione levels in the tissue. As a result, it was suggested that Melissa officinalis L. extract exerted an hypolipidemic effect and showed a protective effect on the liver of hyperlipidemic rats.     

Olive Leaf Extract Improves the Atherogenic Lipid Profile in Rats Fed a High Cholesterol Diet

Coronary heart disease because of atherosclerosis is still the most common cause of mortality. Elevated levels of low‐density lipoprotein and total cholesterol are major risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the olive leaf extract on serum lipid profile, early changes of atherosclerosis and endothelium‐dependent relaxations in cholesterol‐fed rats. For this purpose, rats were fed by 2% cholesterol‐enriched or standard chow for 8 weeks. Some rats in each group were also fed orally by olive leaf extract at doses of 50 or 100 mg/kg/day. Atorvastatin at dose of 20 mg/kg of body weight daily was also given as positive control. After 8 weeks, lipid profiles of rat serums were analyzed. Antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) and degree of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde levels) were also measured in the hearts isolated from rats. In addition, expression of adhesion molecules and endothelium‐dependent relaxations of isolated thoracic aortas of rats were evaluated. Total cholesterol and LDL‐cholesterol levels were found to be increased in cholesterol‐fed rats, and both doses of olive leaf extract and atorvastatin significantly decreased those levels. In conclusion, because the olive leaf extract attenuates the increased cholesterol levels, it may have beneficial effects on atherosclerosis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

半合成高脂饲料和合成高脂饲料对大鼠糖脂代谢的影响

 目的 探讨半合成高脂饲料和合成高脂饲料对Wistar大鼠糖脂代谢的影响。方法 雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为3组,正常对照组（Con,n=7给予普通饲料;高脂1组（HF1,n=7给予合成高脂饲料;高脂2组（HF2,n=7给予半合成高脂饲料。观察大鼠体重变化、能量摄入、血清总甘油三酯、血清总胆固醇水平,进行胰岛素耐量实验和口服葡萄糖耐量实验。结果 与正常对照组大鼠相比,半合成高脂饲料和合成高脂饲料喂养的大鼠第1周出现体重显著性升高;第2周出现血清总甘油三酯水平显著性升高;第4周出现明显的糖耐量异常和胰岛素抵抗。结论 半合成高脂饲料和合成高脂饲料喂养的大鼠均可较好地模拟糖脂代谢异常的主要生理病理状态,具有肥胖、口服葡萄糖糖耐量异常、胰岛素抵抗、高甘油三酯血症等基本特征,并且半合成高脂饲料更适于诱导大鼠糖脂代谢异常。     

Keishi‐bukuryo‐gan prevents the progression of atherosclerosis in cholesterol‐fed rabbit

In this study, we examined whether in vivo keishi‐bukuryo‐gan (a Kampo formulation) could prevent the progression of atherosclerosis in cholesterol‐fed rabbits, an animal model for hypercholesterolaemia. Sixteen male Japanese white rabbits (2 kg body weight) were divided into two groups. Group A (n = 8) was fed standard rabbit chow containing 1% cholesterol for 8 weeks. Group B (n = 8) was fed standard rabbit chow containing 1% cholesterol and 1% keishi‐bukuryo‐gan for 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, average plasma concentrations of total‐cholesterol and IDL‐cholesterol were 2055.9 ± 201.8 mg/dL and 408.1 ± 62.6 mg/dL in group A and 1950.5 ± 126.3 mg/dL and 407.6 ± 56.6 mg/dL in group B, respectively. The percentage of the surface area of the total thoracic aorta with visible plaque was significantly reduced by keishi‐bukuryo‐gan administration; group A was 33.2% ± 5.3% and group B was 14.3% ± 2.9%. β ‐very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) isolated from cholesterol fed rabbits treated with keishi‐bukuryo‐gan (group B) were shown to be highly resistant to oxidative modification by cupric ion. Sera isolated from rabbits administered keishi‐bukuryo‐gan had reduced lipid peroxide formation compared with those from rabbits without keishi‐bukuryo‐gan. Thus, keishi‐bukuryo‐gan prevents the progression of atherosclerosis in cholesterol‐fed rabbits in vivo by limiting oxidative LDL modification. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of aqueous extract of Ajuga iva supplementation on plasma lipid profile and tissue antioxidant status in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet

The present study was designed to explore the possible antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects of the aqueous extract of Ajuga iva (0.5% in the diet) in rats fed a high-cholesterol (1%) diet (HCD). The results indicated that the HCD-Ai versus HCD treatment led to many changes in biochemical parameters. They showed a decrease of plasma total cholesterol (TC) and VLDL-cholesterol but an increase of HDL(2)-cholesterol. The triacylglycerol contents were reduced in plasma and in VLDL. The lipid peroxidation determined by TBARS was decreased by 75% in plasma. TBARS in liver, heart and kidneys were highly reduced excepted in the adipose tissue. Ajuga iva treatment enhanced superoxide dismutase activity in liver and kidney. Glutathione reductase activity was lowered in adipose tissue but increased in liver and in kidney. A significant increase was noted in glutathione peroxidase activity in liver, heart and kidney but a low value in adipose tissue was observed. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that in addition to its potent TG and TC-lowering effects, Ajuga iva is effective in improving the antioxidant status by reducing lipid peroxidation in plasma and tissues and enhancing the antioxidant enzymes in rats fed high-cholesterol diet. Furthermore, Ajuga iva may reduce intestinal cholesterol absorption.     

A comparison between the effects of flaxseed oil and fish oil supplementation on cardiovascular health in type 2 diabetic patients with coronary heart disease: A randomized,double‐blinded,placebo‐controlled trial

This study compared the effects of flaxseed and fish oil supplementation on cardiovascular risk parameters in diabetic patients with coronary heart disease. Participants were randomly allocated into three intervention groups to receive either 1,000 mg of omega‐3 fatty acids from fish oil or 1,000 mg of omega‐3 fatty acids from flaxseed oil or placebo (n = 30 each group) twice a day for 12 weeks. A significant reduction in insulin levels (.04) was observed following flaxseed oil and fish oil supplementation compared with the placebo. In addition, a significant reduction in high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (.02) was seen after flaxseed oil supplementation compared with the placebo and a significant increase in total nitrite (.001) was seen after flaxseed oil and fish oil intake compared with placebo. Additionally, a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity (p < .001) after consuming flaxseed oil and fish oil compared with placebo and glutathione levels (.001) after consuming fish oil compared with flaxseed oil and placebo was observed. Overall, our study revealed the beneficial effects of flaxseed oil and fish oil supplementation on few metabolic profiles. This study suggests that the effect of flaxseed oil in reducing insulin and increasing total nitrite and total antioxidant capacity is similar to fish oil.     

Hypolipidaemic and antioxidant effect of Enicostemma littorale Blume aqueous extract in cholesterol fed rats

Enicostemma littorale aqueous extract (1.5 g/100 g body weight/day, p.o.) was administered to rats along with hypercholesterolaemic diet for 6 weeks and the hypolipidaemic and antioxidant effect was evaluated. Feeding cholesterol increased serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, LDL, VLDL and decreased HDL levels as compared to normal diet fed rats. Enicostemma littorale treatment increased HDL levels and decreased serum cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, VLDL, LDL/HDL ratio. In addition, treatment with the extract showed a decrease in activities of erythrocyte catalase, superoxide dismutase and lipid peroxidation levels, with an increase in reduced glutathione levels as compared to cholesterol fed untreated rats. Liver and kidney cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels were also decreased in Enicostemma littorale treated rats. Hepatic HMG CoA reductase activity was significantly reduced in the extract treated hypercholesterolemic rats. Lovastatin was used as a reference drug. The hypolipidaemic and antioxidant effect of Enicostemma littorale aqueous extract in cholesterol fed rats is being reported for the first time.     

Effects of Nigella unguicularis fixed oil on blood biochemistry and oxidant/antioxidant balance in rats

In the present study, Nigella unguicularis (Lam.) Spenner (Ranunculaceae) (Nu) fixed oil was administered orally to Wistar Kyoto rats for 4 weeks. The effects of the oil on serum lipid profile, haematological parameters and oxidant/antioxidant balance were investigated. The study showed that daily administration of the oil (1 ml/kg orally for 4 weeks) caused a significant decrease in serum total cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose levels and a significant elevation of serum high-density lipoprotein level. The serum transaminases ( aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT)), alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen, urea, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration decreased significantly while albumin, mean corpuscular volume and fibrinogen levels increased significantly compared to control values. The administration of the oil (1 ml/kg orally for 4 weeks) caused a significant increase total antioxidant status in rats. Treatment with Nigella unguicularis oil did not effect malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. It is concluded that Nigella unguicularis oil possesses favourable metabolic effects on blood biochemistry and oxidant/antioxidant balance in rats.     

Antioxidant effect of squeezed juice from black radish (Raphanus sativus L. var niger) in alimentary hyperlipidaemia in rats

Black radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. niger) root has been used in folk medicine since antiquity as a natural drug for the stimulation of bile function. According to in vitro studies the squeezed juice from black radish root exhibited significant antioxidant properties. In the present study, the beneficial effect of the black radish juice on some free radical reactions in rats fed with a diet rich in lipids (20% sunflower oil, 2% cholesterol, 0.5% cholic acid in normal chow) was examined. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and conjugated diene concentrations were significantly higher, while the antioxidant enzyme activities and the free radical scavenging capacity were lower in hyperlipidaemic rats compared with normal controls. Supplementation of the lipid-rich diet with black radish juice resulted in a significant improvement of the parameters mentioned above. Although the exact mechanism of the biologically active compounds in black radish on the lipid metabolism and lipid peroxidation is not clear yet, a beneficial effect of the drug was evident in alimentary hyperlipidaemia.     

Effects of Momordica charantia powder on serum glucose levels and various lipid parameters in rats fed with cholesterol-free and cholesterol-enriched diets

The effects of dietary bitter melon (Momordica charantia) freeze-dried powder on serum glucose level and lipid parameters of the serum and liver were studied in rats fed diets supplemented with and without cholesterol. Rats were fed the diets for 14 days containing bitter melon freeze-dried powder at the level of 0.5, 1 and 3% without an added dietary cholesterol (experiment I) and those containing bitter melon at the level of 1% with or without 0.5% cholesterol and 0.15% bile acid (experiment II). No adverse effect of dietary bitter melon powder on growth parameters and relative liver weight were noted. Dietary bitter melon resulted in a consistent decrease in serum glucose levels in rats fed cholesterol-free diets, but not in those fed cholesterol-enriched diets, although no dose-response was noted. Addition of cholesterol to the diets as compared to those without added cholesterol caused hypercholesterolemia and fatty liver. Bitter melon had little effect on serum lipid parameters, except for high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol; HDL-cholesterol levels tended to decrease by dietary cholesterol, while they were consistently elevated by dietary bitter melon both in the presence and absence of dietary cholesterol, indicating an antiatherogenic activity of bitter melon. In addition, bitter melon exhibited a marked reduction in the hepatic total cholesterol and triglyceride levels both in the presence and absence of dietary cholesterol; the reduction of triglyceride levels in the absence of dietary cholesterol was in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that bitter melon can be used as a health food.     

降压脉净液对高脂饮食自发性高血压大鼠的影响

目的：观察并验证降压脉净液对高脂饮食自发性高血压大鼠（SHR）的降压、降脂作用及肾脏的病理变化。方法：将42只SHR分为5组：A组用普食，B组用高脂饮食，C组用高脂饮食加降压脉净液治疗，D组用高脂饮食加西药治疗，E组用高脂饮食加牛黄降压丸治疗，F组为正常大鼠（WKY）用普食。观察治疗后14周血压、生化指标及肾脏病理学改变。结果：（1）血压变化：A、B组血压升高最明显；组用药后第5周开始血压处于相对平稳阶段，比A、B、D、E组为低（P＜0．01）。（2）一氧化氮（NO）：C、D组较B、E组明显升高（P＜0．05或P＜0．01）。（3）胆固醇（CHO）：C、D组均较B组明显降低（P＜0．01），而C组降低更明显（P＜0．01和P＜0．05）。（4）肾脏病理改变：B组病变最为严重（P＜0．05）；C组病变改善最为明显（P＜0．01）。结论：（1）高血压合并高脂血症其病变程度比单纯高血压严重。（2）降压脉净液对SHR血压具有控制其发展的作用，其降压机理可能与提高血中NO有关。（3）降压脉净液具有降脂作用。（4）降压脉净液通过降压、降脂，从而减轻了肾脏病理改变，具有保护肾脏的作用。     

调脂通脉汤抗动脉粥样硬化作用研究

目的:观察调脂通脉汤对动脉粥样硬化(AS)大鼠血脂的影响及对血清一氧化氮(NO)、内皮素(ET)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、丙二醛(MDA)水平的调节作用。方法:采用腹腔注射维生素D3加高脂喂饲的方法复制AS大鼠模型,灌胃给予辛伐他汀组及高、低剂量的调脂通脉汤,连续4周。实验结束时取血检测血脂及血清NO、ET、SOD、MDA变化。结果:模型组血清总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、低密度脂蛋白(LDL)明显高于空白对照组,而高密度脂蛋白(HDL)明显低于空白对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);辛伐他汀组及调脂通脉汤低剂量组(0.74g/kg/d)和高剂量组(1.48g/kg/d)血清TC、TG、LDL均低于模型组,而HDL明显低于空白对照组。与空白对照组比较,模型组血清NO、SOD水平降低,ET、MDA水平升高;辛伐他汀组及调脂通脉汤高、低剂量组血清NO、SOD水平均高于模型组,而ET、MDA水平低于模型组。结论:调脂通脉汤能降低AS大鼠血脂水平,并通过调节AS大鼠NO与ET平衡,以及抗氧化作用而产生抗AS作用。     

复合磷脂和大豆磷脂对大鼠血脂和心肌丙二醛及脉搏波的影响

 目的：观察复合碑脂和大豆磷脂对高脂大鼠血脂、心肌丙二醛及脉搏波的影响。方法：在高脂饲料中添加复合磷脂或大豆磷脂饲养大鼠，3周末浏定血脂、心肌丙二醛及脉搏波。结果：复合碑脂和大豆磷脂都能明显降低大鼠血清胆固醉、甘油三脂及低密度脂蛋白胆固醉的含蚤；复合碑脂还可明显降低心肌丙二醛含t，提高尾动脉脉搏波上升支针率，增加降中峡的相对深度。结论：复合碑脂和大豆磷脂都具有降血脂的作用;复合碑脂还具有延缓衷老的作用。     

Antioxidant effect of aqueous extract of the bark of Ficus bengalensis in hypercholesterolaemic rabbits

The antioxidant effect of aqueous extract of the bark of Ficus bengalensis has been evaluated in hypercholesterolaemic rabbits. Rabbits were divided into three groups, Group I served as healthy control; groups II and III were made hypercholesterolaemic by feeding cholesterol suspended in groundnut oil (100 mg/kg body weight per day) for 6 weeks. Rabbits of Group III received water extract of the bark of Ficus bengalensis at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight per day in addition to cholesterol suspended in oil. Feeding cholesterol increased serum cholesterol, triacylglycerol and LDL + VLDL-cholesterol significantly in Group II as compared to Group I (P = 0.001). Treatment with water extract decreased the serum cholesterol level by 59%, triacylglycerol by 54% and LDL + VLDL-cholesterol by 60% in Group III as compared to Group II. In addition, treatment with this extract led to a decrease in lipid peroxidation as evidenced by fall in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances with a corresponding increase in blood glutathione content (P = 0.001). Further, there was significant increase in the activities of antioxidant enzymes; superoxide dismutase (P < 0.001), catalase (P < 0.03), glutathione peroxidase (P = 0.03) and glutathione reductase (P < 0.01); which were depressed in Group II rabbits after cholesterol feeding. Thus, our results show that the water extract of the bark of Ficus bengalensis has significant antioxidant effect, in addition to hypolipidaemic effect.     

黄芪多糖对高脂血症大鼠血脂、免疫功能及氧化应激指标的影响

目的研究黄芪多糖(Polysaccharides from Astragalus,PA)对高脂血症模型大鼠血脂、免疫功能及氧化应激反应的影响;方法体Wistar大鼠80只随机分为5组,正常对照组喂普通饲料,其他各组喂饲高脂饲料建立高脂血症模型,各组按规定预防给药40 d后,测定血清血脂水平、免疫功能及氧化应激指标。结果 PA能明显降低高脂血症大鼠总胆固醇(TC)、三酰甘油(TG)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、丙二醛(MDA)(P<0.05),升高高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)、巯基(SH)、一氧化氮(NO)、胸腺指数及脾指数(P<0.05)。结论 PA能有效预防实验性高脂血症大鼠脂代谢紊乱,改善细胞免疫功能,降低其氧化应激水平。     

黄芪当归合剂对肾病综合征血清脂谱和肾小球硬化的影响

为探讨黄芪当归合剂降脂的肾脏保护作用。采用嘌呤霉素引起的肾病综合征大鼠模型，以有效的降脂药普伐他汀作阳性对照。观察黄芪当归合剂的作用。结果：黄芪当归合剂不仅有普伐他汀的降低胆固醇和甘油三酯的作用，还能降低低密度脂蛋白和载脂蛋白Ｂ１００。肾病理和免疫组织化学证实本品在降脂同时还减少了肾小球硬化指数和细胞外基质的聚积。