A study of Adansonia digitata on lipid profile and NFkb-p65 in diet and streptozotocin-induced metabolic syndrome in male Wistar rats

Abstract

Background: Hypercholesterolaemia is increasing in Nigeria. Adansonia digitata (AD) is used traditionally for managing disorders including hypercholesterolaemia. The present study aims to evaluate lipid-lowering effect of AD, and gene expression of NFkb-p65 on
diet and streptozotocin-induced dyslipidaemia in Wistar rats.
Methodology: Forty-two male Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups (n=7) A to G; givenfood and water ad libitum. Group A was fed standard animal diet. B to F were fed highfructose high-fat diet (HFHFD) for 6 weeks, and all groups except A, were then injected with 40mg/kg streptozotocin. Just before treatment began, an animal each from C to F was sacrificed (CC), to confirm hypercholesterolaemia. The remaining animals in C to F were administered AD (400mg/kg, 800mg/kg and 1600mg/kg) and standard drugs Metformin plus atovastatin respectively for another 6 weeks. Group G was concomitantly fed HFHFD and AD 1600mg/kg from the beginning, then terminated at 6 weeks. At the end of the study (12 weeks), the remaining animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation, serum samples were analysed for lipid profile; adipose tissue homogenates were analysed for NFkb-p65 using ELISA kits.
Results: Groups C, F and G had higher total cholesterol; Triglyceride level was significantly higher in all except group F (treated with metformin plus atovastatin). HDL as significantly highest in C; group A had lower LDL. Lowest level of NFkb-p65 was insignificantly recorded in group G.
Conclusion: Aqueous AD supplementation (400mg/kg) improved HDL level in male Wistar rats subjected to HFHFD, but no significant effect on NFkb-p65 expression.