The Effects of Cinnamomum zeylanicum on Lipid Profiles and Histology Via Up-Regulation of LDL Receptor Gene Expression in Hamsters Fed a High Cholesterol Diet

Abstract

Background: Recently, medicinal plants have become the focus of more attention due to their potentially effective roles in the prevention and treatment of many diseases. Objectives: The aim of this research was to examine the effects of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (CZ) on lipid profile and histological changes due to LDL receptor (LDL-R) gene expression in hamsters fed a high cholesterol diet. Methods: Thirty-two male hamsters were allocated into four groups (eight in each group under four weeks of treatment) as follows: group ND were fed a standard normal diet; group HCD were fed a normal diet supplemented with high cholesterol; group HCD + CZ2 were fed a high cholesterol diet (HCD) along with 2% CZ; and group HCD + CZ8 were fed an HCD diet along with 8% CZ. After the treatment process, blood samples were taken from all of studied animals, and sera were prepared for lipid profile assays. Liver LDL-R gene expression was assayed using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Liver histological changes were determined using the hematoxylin and eosin staining method. Results: A significant reduction was observed in serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-c), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels in the HCD + CZ8 group, while serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels increased when compared with the HCD group (P < 0.001). The HCD group demonstrated decreased LDL-R gene expression in the animals' livers, whereas treatment with CZ upregulated its expression. The scores for hepatic steatosis in the HCD + CZ8 group were diminished significantly. Conclusions:The administration of CZ improved dyslipidemia in hypercholesterolemic animals, probably by increasing LDL-R gene expression in the liver; consequently, it can be concluded that CZ can reverse hepatic steatosis. Therefore, CZ was determined as having a protective role against hypercholesterolemia.

Ameliorative Effect Of Trigonella Foenum Graecum L. On Lipid Profile, Liver Histology and Ldl-Receptor Gene Expression in High Cholesterol-Fed Hamsters

“…Saponins are one of the ingredients of FG. It is shown that saponins ameliorated dyslipidemia in rats (39); however, the exact mechanism is not well known. Accelerated cholesterol metabolism, inhibition of cholesterol synthesis are the possible mechanisms (40) that can be through upregulation of the enzymes gene expression.…”

Cinnamon attenuates adiposity and affects the expression of metabolic genes in Diet-Induced obesity model of zebrafish

“…The antidiabetic and insulin-mimetic action of cinnamon extract including regulation of expression of genes related to lipid and glucose metabolism has been shown in Wistar rats [30]. It has been shown that the administration of cinnamon extract attenuates dyslipidemia by the regulation of LDL-R expression in hypercholesterolimic animals, thereby exhibiting a protective effect in hypercholesterolemia [31]. In addition, the polyphenol extract of cinnamon has been demonstrated to lower inflammation, oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia via activation of antioxidant signaling and related transcription factors in high-fat diet rats [32].…”