Histopathological alterations in organ structures of hypercholesterolemic rats fed Ortanique peel polymethoxylated flavones

Abstract

Background and aim:Studies have shown that polymethoxylated flavones have potent hypolipidemic properties. There are, however, gaps in the literature on their effects on organ structures. This study evaluated the histopathological effects of Ortanique peel polymethoxylated flavones extract (PMF ort ) on the organ structures of diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats. Methods: Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were fed normal rat chow as well as high cholesterol diets supplemented with PMF ort and niacin, respectively. Light microscopic evaluation of the liver, spleen, kidney and bowel of hypercholesterolemic rats fed PMF ort and niacin was performed to determine possible morphologic alterations, compared to untreated hypercholesterolemic rats. Results: Untreated hypercholesterolemic rats showed significantly altered intestinal morphology, with an increase in the number of absorptive cells and in villus length when compared to untreated normal rats. They also exhibited hepatic steatosis (100%) and inflammation (20%) and lymphoid hyperplasia of the spleen (33%). Hypercholesterolemic rats treated with 1.5% PMF ort showed reductions in absorptive cell number, villus length and hepatic steatosis compared to the untreated hypercholesterolemic rats. They also showed significant reduction in splenic lymphoid hyperplasia. Conclusions: The current results would suggest that PMF ort consumption has no toxic effects on the organs of hypercholesterolemic rats but may ameliorate hypercholesterolemia-associated alterations in organ structures.

Modulation of antioxidant enzymes activities and lipid peroxidation products in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats fed ortanique peel polymethoxylated flavones extract

“…We also derived the mechanism of action which included reductions in the hepatic activity of the rate-limiting cholesterol synthesizing enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA HMG-CoA) reductase as well as absorption of cholesterol in the small intestines due to reductions in villi length and goblet cell proliferation. Our histopathological findings also demonstrated that PMF ort ameliorated hypercholesterolemic-associated organ injury (Green et al 2011b). Therefore another objective that warrants further exploration is to investigate the effects of PMF ort on antioxidant enzymes activity and organ injury.…”

Hypocholesterolaemic and hepatoprotective effects of virgin avocado oil in diet‐induced hypercholesterolaemia rats

“…() reported the hypercholesterolaemia‐induced rats and normal control rats possessed the similar relative weights of kidney and spleen, except the liver. The increment of relative liver weight is due to the occurrence of fatty liver disease, a condition characterised by the accumulation of lipids in the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes (Green et al ., ). All treated rats (HL, HH and HS) exhibited no significant differences in relative liver weight as compared to the NC.…”

“…Prolonged intake of cholesterol‐rich diet is associated with the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition characterised by inflammation and damage of the liver. The occurrence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is due to the build up of lipids in the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes (Green et al ., ). ALP, AST and ALT, commonly known as liver damage index, are used to determine the degree of liver damage (Lu et al ., ).…”

Supplementation of whole grain flaxseeds (Linum usitatissimum) along with high cholesterol diet and its effect on hyperlipidemia and initiated atherosclerosis in Wistar albino male rats

“…Results of the present study revealed significant (p<0.05) increase in TBARS levels in both liver and heart (includes aorta) of Group II rats compared to Group I, which indicates an increased amount of oxidative stress in the HCD-fed rats [ 29 ]. Hypercholesterolemia induces oxidative stress by causing a reduction in the tissue defense antioxidant enzymes, leading to acceleration of lipid peroxidation, cellular injury, atherosclerosis, and heart disease [ 30 ]. Antioxidant enzymes such as CAT, SOD, GPx, GR, and GST activity were reduced in Group II rats compared to control Group I rats fed on standard diet [ 15 ].…”

“…Gross changes in different organs are not conspicuous except enlargement and paleness of liver grossly and micro- to macro-vascular fatty vacuoles in hepatocytes microscopically in Group II rats, and it might be due to inclusion of 1% cholesterol, and 15% saturated fat to the rat diet [ 29 , 30 ]. The severity of enlargement and paleness and fatty vacuoles in the hepatocytes were very mild and less conspicuous in flaxseed ameliorated Group IV, and it might be due to antihyperlipidemic effects of flaxseeds [ 31 , 32 ].…”