Differential effect of Pistacia vera extracts on experimental atherosclerosis in the rabbit animal model: an experimental study

Abstract

BackgroundLipid-enriched diets and oxidative stress are risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis. The effects of the methanolic (ME) and cyclohexane (CHE) extracts of the Pistacia vera nut, often included in the Mediterranean diet, were studied in the rabbit model of atherosclerosis.Methods and resultsTwenty-four New Zealand White rabbits received atherogenic diet (Control Group), supplemented with ME (Group ME) or CHE (Group CHE) for 3 months. Previously, a GC-MS and a UHPLC LC-DAD-ESI(-)-HRMS/MS method were developed to investigate the extracts' chemical profiles. Blood samples at baseline and monthly determined lipid profile, lipid peroxidation and liver function. The aorta, myocardium and liver were examined histologically at 3 months.Groups ME and CHE had significantly higher HDL- and non-significantly lower LDL-cholesterol median % changes from baseline than the Control Group. Triacylglycerol was significantly higher in Group CHE vs. Control. MDA values were significantly lower in Group ME vs. Control and CHE. ALT and AST were significantly higher in Group CHE vs. Control. γ-GT was lower in Group ME vs. Control. Aortic intimal thickness was significantly less in Groups ME and CHE vs. Control; Group ME atherosclerotic lesions were significantly less extensive vs. Groups Control and CHE. Only Group CHE had significant liver fatty infiltration.ConclusionsDuring short-term administration concomitantly with atherogenic diet, both P. vera extracts were beneficial on HDL-, LDL-cholesterol and aortic intimal thickness. The ME additionally presented an antioxidant effect and significant decrease of aortic surface lesions. These results indicate that P. vera dietary inclusion, in particular its ME, is potentially beneficial in atherosclerosis management.

Argentinian pistachio oil and flour: a potential novel approach of pistachio nut utilization

“…These well known for their antioxidant activity in different trials. (+)-catechin is a flavonoid that has been indicated as a factor that reduce cardiovascular risk by lowering serum cholesterol levels, diminishing platelet aggregation and reducing blood pressure (Marinou et al 2010). On the other hand, procyanidins are reported to be potent antioxidants.…”

Effects of Oxidized Cooking Oil and α-Lipoic Acid on Blood Antioxidants: Enzyme Activities and Lipid Peroxidation in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet

“…These enzymes are modulated by nutritional factors [6,7]. The most popular are natural substances with antioxidant activity.…”

Efecto del té de peña, Sideritis hyssopifolia, en el desarrollo y evolución de la aterosclerosis en conejos

“…El desarrollo y progresión de las lesiones ateroscleróticas ha sido estudiado de forma extensa (Marinou et al, 2010) y se sabe que es un mecanismo complejo que requiere multitud de pasos. Existe un gran número de factores genéticos, metabólicos y ambientales que intervienen en la formación y evolución de la placa de ateroma.…”

“…Alisi et al (2008) administraron distintas dosis del extracto acuoso de la planta Urtica dioica (100,200 y 300 mg/kg/día) durante 41 días, obteniendo una disminución de los valores de ct, tg, chdl y cldl mucho más acusada en los animales a los que se administró la dosis mayor. El trabajo realizado por Marinou et al (2010) sirve como modelo para para ver los distintos efectos que se pueden conseguir tras la administración de diferentes extractos de una misma planta, en función de los componentes de cada uno. Este estudio se realizó durante un período de 3 meses, durante los cuales se administró un 1,00 % del extracto metanólico de la planta a un grupo y un 5,00 % del extracto ciclohexano a otro grupo de animales.…”

“…Además la concentración de vitamina e en el plasma fue mayor también en el grupo al que se le había administrado una dosis menor. Marinou et al (2010) analizó las lesiones histopatológicas producidas en la aorta de los conejos determinando el grosor de la capa íntima, acumulación de las células espumosas, inltrados mononucleares, formación de capa brosa y nivel de lípidos. Las lesiones en miocardio se clasicaron de 0 a 5 Conclusiones 1.…”