Dill-normalized liver lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and low-density lipoprotein receptor levels in high cholesterol fed hamsters

BACKGROUND: High lipid accumulation in hepatocyte and blood vessels can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and heart diseases, respectively. These disorders are the main reasons of mortality in various countries. In this experiment, we evaluated the effect of leaf extracts of Anethum graveolens (AG), also known as Dill, and AG tablet on expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and liver lipid in hypercholesterolemic hamsters.METHODS: In this experimental study, ۳۶ male golden hamsters were divided into ۶ groups: ۱) standard diet + ۰.۵% cholic acid + ۲% cholesterol [high cholesterol diet (HCD)], ۲) HCD + ۱۰۰ mg/kg hydroalcoholic extract of Dill, ۳) HCD + ۲۰۰ mg/kg hydroalcoholic extract of Dill, ۴) HCD + ۱۰۰ mg/kg Dill tablet, ۵) HCD + ۲۰۰ mg/kg Dill tablet, ۶) chow. At the end of study (۳۰th day), hamsters were anesthetized and blood sample and liver tissue were collected. Biochemical factors and antioxidant parameters were determined. LDLR messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) level was measured using real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Histopathological change of liver was determined using light microscope.RESULTS: Compared to HCD group, blood lipids (P < ۰.۰۰۱۰) and liver enzymes (P < ۰.۰۰۱۰) markedly reduced in AG-treated groups. The expression of LDLR did not change significantly in animals which received low dose of hydroalcoholic extract or AG tablet, but it increased in animals receiving high dose of extract or tablet (P < ۰.۰۱۰۰). Liver antioxidant significantly increased by AG (P < ۰.۰۰۱۰). Liver histopathological changes were normalized by AG.CONCLUSION: AG can significantly increase LDLR gene expression in HCD animals. This study showed that both AG extract and AG tablet had potential antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects in hamsters.

کلیدواژه ها:

Anethum Graveolens ، Cholesterol ، Hamsters ، Herbal Medicine