Document Type : Full Research Paper
Authors
1
Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
2
Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
3
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Although cholesterol is an essential and vital compound in the formation of cell membranes,
high levels of cholesterol in the blood can act as a major risk factor. Prosopis farcta (P. farcta) is a leguminous
plant that has been reported to possess many medicinal properties. Olive oil and omega-3 unsaturated
fatty acids are highly beneficial and essential for the body.Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate
the effects of P. farcta extract, alone and in combination with olive oil and omega-3, on plasma lipid
levels in hypercholesterolemic rats.Methods: To conduct the experiment, 60 male Wistar rats were used
and randomly divided into 10 groups, with 6 rats in each group. Group 1 served as the control group and
received a normal diet. Group 2 served as the hypercholesterolemia group and received a high-fat diet (containing
2% cholesterol) for 8 weeks. Groups 3 to 10 were initially fed a high-fat diet for 4 weeks and then,
for the following 4 weeks, continued on the high-fat diet while respectively receiving different treatments:
100 mg/kg of P. farcta extract, 5% olive oil, 400 mg/kg of omega-3, olive oil plus omega-3, P. farcta extract
plus olive oil, P. farcta extract plus omega-3, P. farcta extract plus olive oil and omega-3, and 20 mg/kg
of atorvastatin. At the end of the experiment, following blood collection, liver tissues and serum samples
were sent to the laboratory for the measurement of blood parameters.Results: The results obtained from
this study showed that feeding a high-fat diet increased body weight and plasma levels of total cholesterol,
triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, glucose, and the liver enzyme aspartate aminotransferase. In addition, liver
histopathological examination of animals in the hypercholesterolemia group revealed destructive structural
changes, including fat accumulation in the form of macrovesicles and microvesicles, hepatocellular steatosis,
cell swelling and ballooning, as well as hyperemia and inflammation in the central vein and sinusoids.
Conclusion: Treatment with P. farcta extract, olive oil, and omega-3, either individually or in combination,
was able to improve the above-mentioned changes and disorders.
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