Hawthorn Fruit Extract Elevates Expression of Nrf2/HO-1 and Improves Lipid Profiles in Ovariectomized Rats

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge) extract on the lipid profiles and antioxidant properties in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. After ovariectomy, the rats were randomly divided into four groups: the non-OVX control (Sham), the OVX-control (OVX), the OVX + 100 mg/kg b.w. of hawthorn extract (OL), and the OVX + 200 mg/kg b.w. of hawthorn extract (OH). The final body weights of the OVX group were significantly increased, but the increment was significantly decreased in hawthorn groups (p < 0.05). The serum total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were significantly elevated in the OVX group, whereas the hawthorn groups showed a significant decrease in these levels (p < 0.05). The hepatic triglyceride (TG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly reduced in the hawthorn groups compared with the OVX group (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significantly decreased in the OVX group, whereas the hawthorn groups exhibited a significant increase in expression (p < 0.05). The protein expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, and GPx were lower in the OVX group than the Sham group (p < 0.05). The oral administration of hawthorn extract reversed the suppression of protein levels. These results suggest that hawthorn extract could have protective effects in OVX rats by improving lipid profiles, decreasing oxidative stress, and improving the antioxidant defense system.

Casein Glycomacropeptide Hydrolysates Exert Cytoprotective Effect against Cellular Oxidative Stress by Up-Regulating HO-1 Expression in HepG2 Cells

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Phytochemical composition and bioactivities of hawthorn ( Crataegus spp.): review of recent research advances

“…C. pinnatifida extract decreased the levels of serum TC, LDLC, hepatic TG and MDA, increased mRNA expression of nuclear erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Gpx and reversed the suppression of protein levels in ovariectomized rats (Yoo et al, 2016). reported that C. pinnatifida HLF ameliorated hepatic steatosis by enhancing the adiponectin/ AMPK pathway in the liver of HFD-induced NAFLD rats.…”

Gastroprotective Effects of Fermented Lotus Root against Ethanol/HCl-Induced Gastric Mucosal Acute Toxicity in Rats

“…The determination of malondialdehyde (MDA) by thiobarbituric acid (TBA) was used as an index of the extent of lipid peroxidation [21,22]. Briefly, 0.1 g of stomach tissue was homogenized using 1 mL of 1.15% potassium chloride (Sigma-Aldrich, Co., St. Louis, MO, USA) followed by successive additions of 0.2 mL of 8.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate solution (SDS) (IBS-BS003a; iNtRON Biotechnology, Gyeonggi-do, Korea), 1.5 mL of 20% acetic acid (Daejung Chemical, Suwon, Korea), 1.5 mL of 0.8% aqueous TBA (Sigma-Aldrich, Co., St. Louis, MO, USA), and 0.7 mL of distilled water.…”