Biochemical alterations and endothelial dysfunction in hypercholesterolemic rats: Effects of Bezafibrate

Abstract

Omayma Ahmed Ragab Abozaid, Mohamed Ragaei Ragab Hasanin, Amal Hanafi

Background: Hypercholesterolemia is a serious problem cause biohazards for human health and endothelial dysfunction. Objective: The current study was conducted to test effects of hyperlipidemia alone or in combination with bezafibrate at various doses. Total cholesterol, triacylglecerol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), apolipoprotein B, endothelin-1, histamine, nitric oxide (NO), IL-6, creatinine and alanine amino transferase (ALT) were assayed Methodology: Rats were randomly divided into four groups (10rats each). The first group fed a normal diet and represents the control group. The second group fed normal diet enriched with 1% cholesterol and 5% coconut oil (cholesterol–fed group). The third group fed on normal diet and bezafibrate at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day. The fourth group is cholesterol fed and subdivided into A, B, C and supplemented with bezafibrate at various concentration 50, 100, 200 mg/kg/day respectively. Feeding was continued daily for 6 weeks after incidence of hypercholesterolemia. Results: The current study revealed that total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, apolipoprotein B, and LDL concentration were significantly elevated in the cholesterol–fed rats compared to control alone and control plus bezafibrate. In addition, plasma endothelin-1, histamine and IL-6 concentration were significantly elevated in the cholesterol–fed rats compared to bezafibrate and control group rats. Bezafibrate administration to rats fed high cholesterol diet normalized significantly the changes in all parameters except NO levels compared to hyperlipidemic group. Meanwhile, the plasma nitric oxide in all groups was not significantly different from those of control. However, plasma HDL concentration in the cholesterol fed rats was significantly lowered compared to bezafibrate treated rats. Conclusion: Bezafibrate may acts as a mixed blessing drug to normalize lipid profiles and endothelial dysfunction during hyperlipidemia.