Effect of Lactuca sativa supplemented diet on Poloxamer 407 induced hyperlipidemic albino rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have primarily contributed to the global disease burden. They represent the leading cause of mortality and healthcare expenditures in developed and third-world nations, responsible for approximately 30% of global deaths and 10% of global diseases annually. This study investigated the effects of a Lactuca sativa L. (lettuce) supplemented diet on Poloxamer 407-induced hyperlipidemic albino rats. Twenty-four (24) rats were grouped into six groups of treatments, i.e., four rats in each treatment. Treatments applied in this study were: control treatment (feed and water only), a P-407 induced without Atorvastatin, a P-407 induced treated with Atorvastatin, and P-407 induced with 10%, 30%, and 50% L. sativa supplemented diet. P407 was administered intraperitoneally at 1000 mg/kg body weight. Body weight was measured every three days for 14 days. Blood sample collection was carried out for the analysis of lipid profiles (High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C), Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C), Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL), Triacylglycerides (TAG), and Total Cholesterol (TC)) and liver function parameters (ALP, ALT, AST, GGT, TP, ALB and GLB). The liver and brain tissues were analyzed for lipid peroxidation levels. Results showed that induction of P407 resulted in a higher body weight gain (p0.05) compared to the control treatment. The atherogenic risk prediction indices indicated a decreased risk in the treated groups with Atorvastatin or L. sativa-supplemented diet. Furthermore, liver function parameters were better in the treatment groups with Atorvastatin or L. sativa-supplemented diet, including decreased liver function parameters and increased total protein, albumin, and globulin levels. The L. sativa-supplemented diet also exhibited anti-lipid peroxidation activity, as indicated by reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. In conclusion, the L. sativa-supplemented diet had hypolipidemic effects, anti-lipid peroxidation activity, and hepatoprotective effects, suggesting its potential as an antihyperlipidemic agent