Hypolipidemic and antiatherogenic effects of Cynara scolymus in cholesterol-fed rats

ABSTRACT Cynara scolymus L., Asteraceae, are traditionally used to treat dyspepsia. This study evaluated the hypolipidemic and antiatherogenic effects of an aqueous extract prepared from the leaves of C. scolymus in rat's model. Hypercholesterolemic rats (1% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid for 15 days) were treated (0.5 ml/200 g) with extract of C. scolymus (150, 300, or 600 mg/kg p.o.; n = 6) or simvastatin (4 mg/kg p.o.; n = 6) once per day for 30 days along with hypercaloric diet. A control group (C) was given water (0.5 ml/200 g; n = 6). A high-cholesterol diet was maintained throughout the treatment period. Rats treated with extract of C. scolymus (150, 300, or 600 mg/kg) and simvastatin showed significant decreases in serum levels of total cholesterol (&#8722;46.9%, &#8722;51.9%, &#8722;44%, and &#8722;41.9%, respectively) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C; &#8722;52.1%, &#8722;54.8%, &#8722;51.9%, and &#8722;46.7%, respectively), compared with group C (p < 0.005). Biochemical analyses revealed significant decrease in the concentration of IL-1, IL-6, TNF-&#945;, IFN-&#947;, C-reactive protein, oxidized-LDL, and antioxidized-LDL in rats treated with extract of C. scolymus (150, 300, or 600 mg/kg). There were no differences in serum ALT enzyme activity between the groups. Our results suggest that hypolipidemic and antiatherogenic effects could be related with the presence of polar substances present in aqueous extract of C. scolymus

Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of Solidago chilensis in rats

AbstractSolidago chilensis Meyen, Asteraceae, is traditionally used to treat inflammation. However, phytochemical and pharmacology investigations are lacking. This study evaluated the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of hydroalcoholic extract from S. chilensis aerial parts in rats. In oral glucose tolerance tests the rats received saline (0.5 ml/100 g) in control group (C), hydroalcoholic extract (125, 250 or 500 mg/kg p.o.; n = 6) or glibenclamide (10 mg/kg p.o.; n = 6). After 30 min, glucose (4 g/kg) was administered. Rats treated with hydroalcoholic extract 500 demonstrated decreased glucose levels at 180 min (-22.1%), when compared with group C, similar to glibenclamide. Moreover, treatment with hydroalcoholic extract 500 significantly increased the glycogen content in the liver and soleus muscle, and hydroalcoholic extract 250 specifically inhibited the enzyme maltase when compared with group C. Furthermore, all hyperglycemic rats treated with hydroalcoholic extract (125, 250 and 500) exhibited an accentuated decrease in total cholesterol levels (-36.8%, -36.7% and -41.3%, respectively). Our results suggest that hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of hydroalcoholic extract could be associated with increased production and release of insulin as well as with insulinotropic and antioxidant effects

Vascular Dysfunction in Mother and Offspring During Preeclampsia: Contributions from Latin-American Countries

Pregnancy is a physiologically stressful condition that generates a series of functional adaptations by the cardiovascular system. The impact of pregnancy on this system persists from conception beyond birth. Recent evidence suggests that vascular changes associated with pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia, affect the function of the maternal and offspring vascular systems, after delivery and into adult life. Since the vascular system contributes to systemic homeostasis, defective development or function of blood vessels predisposesboth mother and infant to future risk for chronic disease. These alterations in later life range from fertility problems to alterations in the central nervous system or immune system, among others. It is important to note that rates of morbi-mortality due to pregnancy complications including preeclampsia, as well as cardiovascular diseases have a higher incidence in Latin American countries than in more developed countries. Nonetheless, there is a lack both in the amount and impact of research conducted in Latin America. An impact, althoughsmaller, can be seen when research in vascular disorders related to problems during pregnancy is analyzed. Therefore, in this review, information about preeclampsia and endothelial dysfunction generated from researchgroups based in Latin American countries will be highlighted. We relate the need, as present in many other countries in the world, for increased effective regional and international collaboration to generate new dataspecific to our region on this topic.Fil: Giachini, Fernanda Regina. Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso Do Sul. Centro de Ciencias Biológicas E Da Saude; BrasilFil: Galaviz Hernandez, Carlos. Instituto Politécnico Nacional; MéxicoFil: Damiano, Alicia Ermelinda. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay; ArgentinaFil: Viana, Marta. Universidad CEU San Pablo; EspañaFil: Cadavid, Angela. Universidad de Antioquia; ColombiaFil: Asturizaga, Patricia. Hospital Materno-infantil de la Caja Nacional de Salud; BoliviaFil: Teran, Enrique. Universidad San Francisco de Quito; EcuadorFil: Clapes, Sonia. Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de la Habana; CubaFil: Alcala, Martin. Universidad CEU San Pablo; EspañaFil: Bueno, Julio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay; ArgentinaFil: Calderón Domínguez, María. Universidad CEU San Pablo; EspañaFil: Ramos, María P.. Universidad CEU San Pablo; EspañaFil: Lima, Victor Vitorino. Universidad Federal de Mato Grosso; BrasilFil: Sosa Macias, Martha. Instituto Politécnico Nacional; MéxicoFil: Martinez, Nora Alicia. Universidad de Antioquia; ColombiaFil: Roberts, James M.. University of Pittsburgh; Estados UnidosFil: Escudero, Carlos. Universidad del Bio Bio; Chil