Effect of Phytosterols Fraction of Iraqi Rhus Coriaria in Experimentally Induced Hyperlipidemic Mice

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the antihyperlipidemic effect of Phytosterols fraction of Iraqi Rhus coriaria in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Animals were divided into four groups (n =8). The total duration of the study was 56 days split into two intervals. During the first 28-days interval, mice were administered with HFD, whereas during the second 28-days interval they were administered HFD plus phytosterol fraction (500mg/kg:p.o.) or the standard drug Atorvastatin (10mg/kg:p.o.). Phytosterols treatment to HFD-induced hyperlipidemic mice caused a high significant decrement in the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C and VLDL-C. Moreover, phytosterols resulted in significant increase in the levels of HDL-C, whereas it caused remarkable decreases in ALT, AST and ALP enzymatic activities also in total serum bilirubin and albumin levels among hyperlipidemic mice. Besides that, Phytosterols treatment showed significant improvement in levels of tissue MDA and GSH in hyperlipidemic mice. Histopathological examination of hyperlipidemic mice showed a disorganized hepatic tissue, marked and diffused cytoplasmic fatty infiltration which was all ameliorated by Phytosterols administration. The results revealed that Phytosterols (500mg/kg;p.o.) possess potential ameliorating benefits against hyperlipidemia induced by HFD on lipid profile, liver function enzymes, oxidative stress parameters and hepatic histo-architecture. Further investigations are recommended and clinical trials are warranted to assess the efficacy and to fully dissect the mode of action underpinning the observed anti-hyperlipidemic effect of phytosterols.