Vitexin and an HMG-Co A reductase inhibitor prevent the risks of atherosclerosis in high-fat atherogenic diet fed rats

• Main Authors: Xiubing Lei, Yang Yang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2020-04-01
• Series: Journal of King Saud University: Science
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1018364720300392

Vitexin, a flavone is known for its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vitexin in HFAD induced atherosclerosis risks in rats. Atherosclerosis risks were induced in Albino Wistar rats by administering HFAD for 45 days. Vitexin (three dose levels) and pravastatin were administered to HFAD animals for 30 days, starting day 16 onwards. Serum lipids (TC, LDL, HDL, Atherogenic index- (AI), HDL/TC-ratio-%HTR), adhesion molecules-inflammatory mediators (MCP-1, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), anti-atherogenic markers (PON1 and HT activities) aortic nitrative-oxidative stress (nitrotyrosine, SOD, GPx, CAT), liver HMG-CoA-reductase activity and endothelial function (using thoracic aorta in organ chamber) were assessed. Administration of Vitexin and pravastatin (selective HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor) both alone and in-combination have corrected HFAD-induced increase in serum TC, LDL, AI, MCP-1, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, aortic nitro tyrosine and liver HMG-CoA-reductase activity. Vitexin and pravastatin have also amended HFAD-induced reduction in serum HDL, %HTR, PON1, HT, aortic SOD, GPx, CAT and endothelial function. Vitexin and pravastatin may be considered as a possible anti-atherogenic agents, which may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and its associated conditions, like ischemic-cerebrovascular disease, coronary Heart Disease and peripheral vascular disease. Keywords: Flavone, Vitexin, Pravastatin, HMG-CoA, Oxidative stress, Inflammation