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Antihyperlipidemic Activity of Flax Lignan Concentrate in Nicotinamide-Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Hyperlipidemia Rats

*Correspondence:

Nikhila Vengala , Department of Pharmacology, Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Pune, Maharashtra, India, Tel: 9767843561; E-mail: nikhilavengala91@gmail.com

Abstract

Background: Flax seeds have been shown to have multiple benefits in cardiovascular disorders. Objective: To evaluate Antihyperlipidemic activity of methanolic fraction of flax lignan concentrate (MF-FLC) obtained from Linum usitatissium L., Linaceae in nicotinamide-STZ induced diabetic hyperlipidemia rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were used for the study. The IAEC of Poona college of Pharmacy approved the proposal. Protocol no. CPCSEA/01/14. Diabetes was induced in rats by nicotinamide-STZ. Diabetic animals were divided into five groups: Diabetic atherosclerosis control, Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg), MF-FLC (200 mg/kg), MF-FLC (400 mg/kg), and MF-FLC (800 mg/kg). After the confirmation of diabetes, rats were treated with cholesterol (4% w/w) and cholic acid (1% w/w) for 45 days. After 15 days of cholesterol treatment, atorvastatin and MF-FLC treatment was given to respective groups for 30 days. Non-diabetic atherosclerosis group received cholesterol-cholic acid treatment alone. The control group was given coconut oil as vehicle. Results: Treatment of MF-FLC (400 mg/kg) and atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (p<0.01), diastolic blood pressure (p<0.01), mean arterial blood pressure (p<0.001) and left ventricular end diastolic pressure (p<0.001) whereas there was significant increase in Max dp/dt (p<0.001) and Min dp/dt (p<0.01) indicating the effect on cardiac contractility. These findings were confirmed in histopathology. MF-FLC (400 mg/kg) showed significant (p<0.01) reduction in the glucose level. MF-FLC (400 mg/kg) was found to be effective, increase in the dose (800 mg/kg) there showed a ceiling effect. Conclusion: The treatment with MF-FLC showed significant increase in the both max and min dp/dt. Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) also showed significant increase in the both max and min dp/dt. This suggests that MF-FLC provides sufficient contractile reserve to ameliorate the detrimental effects of diabetes on cardiac contractility. MF-FLC had additional benefit of anti-hyperglycemic effect when compared to atorvastatin.

Keywords

Flax lignan concentrate; Flaxseed; Streptozotocin; Linum usitatissimum; Hyperlipidemia; Cholic acid

Abbreviations

SBP: Systolic Blood Pressure; DBP: Diastolic Blood Pressure; MABP: Mean Arterial Blood Pressure; LVEDP-Left: Ventricular End Diastolic Pressure; MF-FLC: Methanolic Fraction of Flax Lignan Concentrate

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus is the name given to a group of disorders with different etiologies. It is characterized by disarrangements in carbohydrates, proteins and fat metabolism caused by the complete or relative insufficiency of insulin secretion and/or insulin action [1]. Diabetes mellitus is characterized by hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion followed by dysfunction and failure of organs especially the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and arteries. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a well-recognized risk factor for atherosclerotic and cardiovascular disease (CVD) that confers a markedly increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and cardiovascular mortality when compared to non-diabetic patients [2].

Atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular disease characterized by the deposition of lipids in the artery wall and the infiltration of inflammatory cells, such as monocytes and lymphocytes. Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for the premature development of atherosclerosis and it has been shown to increase the incidence of myocardial ischemia and cardiac events [3]. Patients with diabetes are at a higher risk for developing atherosclerosis than non-diabetic subjects and have enhanced susceptibility for myocardial infarction, peripheral artery disease and stroke. Diabetes induces phenotypic changes in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) such as increased contractility, cellular proliferation, migration and extracellular matrix formation, which may lead to accelerated SMC accumulation in atherosclerotic lesions. The cellular and molecular mechanisms by which diabetes accelerates atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease are still poorly understood [4].

Linum usitatissimum commonly called as flaxseed or linseed is brown or yellow colored seed harvested from the blue flowers of flax crop. It has been used as food in India and around the world for a long time. Flaxseed mainly contains omega-3 fatty acid, α-linolenic acid, dietary fiber and secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) lignan (Bassett et al., 2009). Flaxseed contains ten to hundred times more lignan than most other edible plants seeds. It is reported that flaxseed also contains other lignans like matairesinol, lariciresinol, hinokinin, arctigenin, pinoresinol and demethoxy secoisolariciresinol in small quantity with several phenolic acid compounds [5,6]. Traditionally, flaxseed has been grown for its oil.

Flaxseed has been taking part in a serious role within the field of diet and disease research because of its potential health benefits as it is associated to high content of α-linolenic acid (ALA) (57%), that is a necessary omega-3-fatty acid and additionally as a result of a high lignan, specifically secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG). linseed is an oilseed that contains regarding 38%-45% oil. ALA content in flax oil is 55%-60% and lignan content in linseed is up to 13 mg/g flaxseed [7-9]. The lignan SDG is converted by bacteria in the colon of humans and other animals to enterodiol and enterolactone, referred to as mammalian lignans. These exhibit weak estrogenic activity as they can bind to estrogen receptors on cell membranes [10]. The interest in ALA and lignans has opened opportunities. Flaxseed is also a good source of protein and dietary fibre,accounting for 20% and 28% of the flaxseed, respectively. Many dietary antioxidants and some non-nutrient based antioxidants from plants, such as sulphur containing compounds in garlic, phyto-oestrogens in soy, green tea, anthocyanins in red berries, lycopene in tomatoes, red and white wines from grape seeds are increasingly being recognized as potential health promoters in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Flaxseed has gained much importance in recent times as ethnomedicine due to its wide pharmacological actions [11,12].

Materials and Methods

Experimental research protocol

Male Wistar rats weighing (220 g-250 g) were purchased from National Institute of Biosciences, Pune, India. The animals were housed at ambient temperature 25 ± 1°C and relative humidity of 45-55% under 12 h day/night conditions during entire experimental period. Food pellets were purchased from Nav Maharashtra Chakan oil mills Ltd., Sangli) and water ad libitum. The research proposal was prepared according to the guidelines of the Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments of Animals (CPCSEA). The Institutional Animal Ethical Committee (IAEC) of Poona College of Pharmacy approved the proposal. Protocol no. : CPCSEA/01/14.

Drugs and chemicals

Atorvastatin (Aurobindo Pharma Ltd), Streptozotocin, Nicotinamide (Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, USA), Cholesterol, Cholic acid, Urethane, (HiMedia Laboratories, Mumbai, India), Anesthetic ether (Narson Pharma, Mumbai), Heparin (Gland Pharma Ltd., Mumbai) were used for study.

Collection and authentication of plant seeds

Seeds of Linum usitatissimum were obtained from Dr. P. B. Ghorpade, Principal Scientist, Punjabrao Deshmukh Krushi Vidyapeeth, College of Agriculture, and Nagpur, India. After the authentication of seeds, a voucher specimen was deposited at the institute. Flaxseeds were stored in cold room before processing. Flaxseeds were processed for oil extraction at our Indian Council of Agricultural Research under National Agriculture Innovation Project, Omega-3-oil unit, Maharashtra, India.

Preparation of methanolic fraction of flax lignan concentrates (MF-FLC)

Preparation of flax lignan concentrate was carried out as described previously [13]. Flaxseed cake was defatted by n-hexane and then hydrolyzed with 1 M aqueous sodium hydroxide for 1 h at room temperature with intermittent shaking followed by extraction with 50% ethanol. The filtrate was acidified to pH 3 using 1 M hydrochloric acid. The filtrate was dried using rota vac at 50°C. The dry powder of hydro alcoholic extract was labeled as flax lignan concentrate (FLC). Further enrichment of active constituent by solvent-solvent fractionation on FLC was carried out as followed. FLC was subjected for solvent-solvent fractionation. 25 g of FLC was fractionated with Methanol: Water (9:1). Further resultant fraction was again fractionated with pure methanol to get lignan rich concentrate called MF-FLC (Figure. 1 ). The yield of MF-FLC was 15% w/w. The powdered MF-FLC was dissolved in distilled water to prepare the different concentrations of MF-FLC and used for pharmacological studies.

Preparation of drug solution MF-FLC dose

Atorvastatin and MF-FLC were dissolved in distilled water. This study was carried out using three doses of MF-FLC (i.e. 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg, p.o.) and one dose of Atorvastatin (i.e. 10 mg/kg, p.o.). Fresh drug solution was prepared from each day.

Experimental induction of diabetes

Male Wistar albino rats (220 g-250 g) were used for study. The initial serum glucose level was determined by glucose oxidase-peroxidase method using kit. The animals showing very high>150 mg/dl or low< 75 mg/dl were excluded and the animals showing optimum serum glucose level 80-120 mg/dl were selected for the study. Diabetes was induced by intraperitonial (i.p.) injection of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) in the overnight fasted adult Wistar rats (220 g-250 g), nicotinamide (110 mg/kg) was administered i.p. 15 min before injection of STZ. Animals were fed with glucose solution (5%) for 12 h to avoid hypoglycemia. Hyperglycemia was confirmed after 3 days. Steady state of hyperglycemia reached after 15 days. Serum glucose level was determined by the glucose oxidase-peroxidase method. Rat having serum glucose between 300-400 mg/dl was selected for the study. The animals were provided with feed and water ad libitum.

Experimental induction of hyperlipidemia

After the induction of diabetes, the rats were treated once daily with cholesterol (500 mg/kg) + cholic acid (250 mg/kg) in coconut oil (10 ml/kg) for 45 days. The blood glucose level was allowed to stabilize for 15 days. The rats were treated with cholesterol and cholic acid for 45 days and the treatment was given for the last 30 days. The treatment was started from beginning of 5^th week and continued till the end of 9^th week. The animals from normal receive only vehicle (coconut oil). The animals from low dose treatment group received 200 mg/kg MF-FLC p.o. till the end of study. The animals from medium dose treatment group received 400 mg/kg of MF-FLC p.o. The animals from high dose treatment group received 800 mg/kg of MF-FLC p.o.

Experimental design

The rats were randomly divided into seven groups, each containing six rats:

Group I: Vehicle control

Group II: Diabetic atherosclerosis control group< /p>

Group III: Non-diabetic atherosclerosis group< /p>

Group IV: Atorvastatin treated group (10 mg/kg)

Group V: MF-FLC treated group (low dose i.e. 200 mg/kg)

Group VI: MF-FLC treated group (medium dose i.e. 400 mg/kg)

Group VII: MF-FLC treated group (high dose i.e. 800 mg/kg)

MF-FLC and Atorvastatin were and administered to the rats orally using an oral feeding needle daily for nine consecutive weeks. The vehicle control rats received vehicle as coconut oil.

Assessment of Hemodynamic Changes

On last day of study, animals were anaesthetized by urethane (1.25 gm/kg) i.p. The right carotid artery of each rat was cannulated (Figure. 2) for the measurement of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial blood pressure (MABP). The cannula was filled with heparinized saline and connected to pressure transducer to record all the parameters mentioned above. After 30 minutes of stabilization hemodynamic parameters were recorded by eight channel recorder Power lab (AD Instruments, UK) having LABCHART-6 pro software. Followed by their where insertion of Millar catheter (AD Instruments, UK) having LABCHART-6 pro software, to record the left ventricular function such as left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP), dp/dt Max, dp/dt Min respectively.

Results

Effect of MF-FLC and atorvastatin on serum glucose (mg/dl) by experimentally induced atherosclerosis in diabetic male Wistar rats.

The plasma glucose levels on the 0^th day in control, diabetic atherosclerosis control, non-diabetic atherosclerosis, MF-FLC treated groups (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg) and Atorvastatin group were 99.74 ± 5.95, 109.75 ± 4.86, 102.89 ± 3.95, 109.34 ± 3.58, 105.03 ± 4.56, 107.34 ± 3.59 and 104.45 ± 3.34 mg/dl respectively. After 3 weeks of induction of diabetes the serum glucose levels in diabetic atherosclerosis control, non-diabetic atherosclerosis group, MF-FLC treated groups and Atorvastatin group were 356.96 ± 3.96, 101.85 ± 6.09, 429.95 ± 5.69, 450.92 ± 6.04, and 5.20 mg/dl respectively. At the end of 9^th week serum glucose levels in diabetic atherosclerosis control, non-diabetic atherosclerosis group, MF-FLC treated groups and Atorvastatin group were 438.48 ± 9.83, 119.04 ± 4.31, 399.63 ± 9.53, 337.53 ± 9.08, 251.54 ± 9.97 and 290.95 ± 8.94 mg/dl respectively. The treatment with MF-FLC and Atorvastatin showed significant reduction in glucose levels (Figure. 3).

Effect of MF-FLC and atorvastatin on lipid profile by experimentally induced atherosclerosis in diabetic male wistar rats

Serum total cholesterol: The serum cholesterol levels of control group animals from 0th week to 9th week were found to be 45.69 ± 3.45, 43.60 ± 4.61, 46.41 ± 3.51 and 47.72 ± 2.43 mg/dl respectively. In case of diabetic atherosclerosis control and non-diabetic atherosclerosis group of animals, there was a significant (p< 0.001) increase in cholesterol levels from 5th week (158.51 ± 5.07 and 145.05 ± 6.03 mg/dl) to the end of 9th week (219.19 ± 8.65 and 208.34 ± 10.42 mg/dl) when compared to control group. Treatment with MF-FLC (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg) showed significant (p< 0.01, p< 0.001) decrease in cholesterol level i.e. 186.14 ± 8.51, 179.54 ± 8.94 and 182.41 ± 8.11 mg/dl at the end of 9th week. Treatment with Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) showed significant (p< 0.001) decrease in cholesterol level i.e. 170.37 ± 7.16 mg/dl when compared to diabetic atherosclerosis control group (Figure. 4a).

The results indicated that in diabetic group cholesterol level increased and treatment with MF-FLC and Atorvastatin showed significantly decreased cholesterol level [12,13].

Serum triglyceride: The serum triglyceride levels of control group animals from 0th week to 9th week were found to be 43.07 ± 1.72, 45.19 ± 2.51, 44.98 ± 1.33 and 46.20 ± 0.98 mg/dl respectively. In case of diabetic atherosclerosis control and non-diabetic atherosclerosis group of animals, there was a significant (p< 0.05, p< 0.01, p< 0.001) increase in triglyceride levels from 5th week (60.19 ± 2.55 and 58.44 ± 3.86 mg/dl) to the end of 9th week (98.37 ± 3.50 and 95.44 ± 2.51 mg/dl) when compared to control group. Treatment with MF-FLC (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg) showed significant (p< 0.05, p< 0.01, p< 0.001) decrease in triglyceride level i.e. 84.15 ± 2.99, 79.32 ± 2.66 and 81. 97 ± 2.55 mg/dl at the end of 9th week. Treatment with Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) showed significant (p< 0.01, p< 0.001) decrease in triglyceride level i.e. 81.59 ± 4.63 and 78.98 ± 3.13 mg/dl when compared to diabetic group (Figure. 4b).

The results indicated that in diabetic group triglyceride level increased and treatment with MF-FLC and Atorvastatin showed significantly decreased triglyceride level.

High density lipoproteins: The HDL level of normal control group animals was found to be 23.39 ± 0.46 mg/dl. In case of diabetic atherosclerosis control and non-diabetic atherosclerosis group of animals, HDL levels were 17.16 ± 0.81 mg/dl and 17.09 ± 0.63 mg/dl which showed significant (p< 0.001) decrease in HDL level when compared to control group. Treatment with MF-FLC (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg) and Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) showed significant (p< 0.001, p< 0.01) increase i.e. 21.42 ± 0.81 mg/dl, 22.24 ± 0.77 mg/dl, 21.98 ± 0.70 mg/dl and 22.68 ± 0.96 mg/dl, in HDL level when compared to diabetic atherosclerosis control group (Figure. 4c).

The results indicated that in diabetic atherosclerosis control and group HDL level increased and treatment with MF-FLC and Atorvastatin showed significantly decreased HDL level [14-16].

Low density lipoproteins: The LDL level of normal control group animals was found to be 38.06 ± 3.04 mg/dl. In case of diabetic atherosclerosis control and non-diabetic atherosclerosis group of animals, LDL levels were 58.08 ± 2.36 mg/dl and 56.84 ± 2.33 mg/dl which showed significant (p< 0.001) increase in LDL level when compared to control group. Treatment with MF-FLC (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg) and Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) showed significant (p< 0.001, p< 0.01, p< 0.05) decrease i.e. 42.52 ± 2.09 mg/dl, 39.61 ± 2.98 mg/dl, 20.29 ± 2.29 mg/dl and 35.79 ± 2.13 mg/dl, in LDL level when compared to diabetic atherosclerosis control group (Figure. 4d).

The results indicated that in diabetic atherosclerosis control and group LDL level increased and treatment with MF-FLC and Atorvastatin showed significantly decreased LDL level [17].

Very low density lipoproteins: The VLDL level of normal control group animals was found to be 9.24 ± 0.95 mg/dl. In case of diabetic atherosclerosis control and non-diabetic atherosclerosis group of animals, VLDL levels were 22.81 ± 1.34 mg/dl and 22.45 ± 1.29 mg/dl which showed significant (p< 0.001) increase in VLDL level when compared to control group. Treatment with MF-FLC (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg) and Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) showed significant (p< 0.001, p< 0.01, p< 0.05) decrease i.e. 17.83 ± 0.91, 15.86 ± 0.72, 16.45 ± 0.83 and 14.79 ± 0.75 mg/dl in VLDL level when compared to diabetic atherosclerosis control group (Figure. 4e).

The results indicated that in diabetic atherosclerosis control and group VLDL level increased and treatment with MF-FLC and Atorvastatin showed significantly decreased VLDL level.

Effect of MF-FLC and Atorvastatin on hemodynamic parameters by experimentally induced atherosclerosis in diabetic male Wistar rats

Systolic blood pressure (SBP): In normal control group of animals it was found to be 108.24 ± 1.48 mmHg. In case of diabetic atherosclerosis control and non-diabetic atherosclerosis group of animals, SBP was 129.77 ± 2.13 mmHg and 128.14 ± 1.47 mmHg which showed significant (p< 0.001) increase in SBP (mmHg) when compared to control group. Treatment with MF-FLC (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg) showed significant decrease (p< 0.01, p< 0.05) in SBP i.e. 117.81 ± 2.31, 113.87 ± 3.18 and 115.98 ± 1.05 mmHg. Treatment with Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) also showed significant (p< 0.01) increase in SBP i.e. 111.64 ± 2.61 mmHg when compared to diabetic atherosclerosis control group (Figure. 5a).

The results indicated that in diabetic atherosclerosis control group systolic blood pressure (SBP) increased and treatment with MF-FLC and Atorvastatin showed significant decrease in systolic blood pressure.

Diastolic blood pressure (DBP): In normal control group of animals it was found to be 89.57 ± 2.01 mmHg. In case of diabetic atherosclerosis control and non-diabetic atherosclerosis group of animals, DBP was 119.44 ± 1.81 mmHg and 118.14 ± 2.31 mmHg which showed significant (p< 0.001) increase in DBP (mmHg) when compared to control group. Treatment with MF-FLC (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg) showed significant decrease (p< 0.01, p< 0.05) in DBP i.e. 105.64 ± 2.53, 102.44 ± 2.32 and 103.57± 2.42 mmHg. Treatment with Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) also showed significant (p< 0.01) increase in DBP i.e. 100.46 ± 2.83 mmHg when compared to diabetic atherosclerosis control group (Figure. 5b).

The results indicated that in diabetic atherosclerosis control group Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) increased and treatment with MF-FLC and Atorvastatin showed significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure.

Mean Arterial Blood Pressure: The MABP in control group of animals was found to be 95.06 ± 3.04 mmHg. In case of diabetic atherosclerosis control and non-diabetic atherosclerosis group of animals, MABP was 134.61 ± 2.46 mmHg and 126.41 ± 3.46 mmHg which showed significant (p< 0.001) increase when compared to control group. On the other hand treatment with MF-FLC (400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg) and Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) showed significant (p< 0.01) decrease in MABP i.e. 114.06 ± 2.95 mmHg, 117.35 ± 3.44 mmHg and 112.48 ± 2.41 mmHg when compared to diabetic atherosclerosis control group. Whereas MF – FLC (200 mg/kg) showed non-significant decrease i.e. 120.49 ± 4.06 mmHg (Figure. 5c).

The results indicated that in diabetic atherosclerosis control group MABP increased and treatment with MF-FLC (400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg) and Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) significantly decreased and MF-FLC (200 mg/kg) non-significantly decreased the MABP as compared to that of diabetic atherosclerosis control group.

Left ventricular end diastolic pressure: The LVEDP in control group of animals found to be 6.92 ± 0.49 mmHg. In case of diabetic atherosclerosis control and non-diabetic atherosclerosis group of animals, LVEDP was 10.77 ± 0.36 mmHg and 9.85 ± 0.47 mmHg which showed significant (p< 0.001, p< 0.01) increase in LVEDP (mmHg) when compared to control group. Treatment with MF-FLC (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg) showed significant decrease (p< 0.001, p< 0.01, p< 0.05) in LVEDP i.e. 8.57 ± 0.46, 7.99 ± 0.35 and 8.25 ± 0.37 mmHg. Treatment with Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) also showed significant (p< 0.001) increase in LVEDP i.e. 7.74 ± 0.36 mmHg when compared to diabetic atherosclerosis control group (Figure. 5d).

The results indicated that in diabetic atherosclerosis control group LVEDP increased and treatment with MF-FLC and Atorvastatin showed significant decrease in end diastolic blood pressure.

Max dp/dt: The Max dp/dt in control group of animals found to be 5537.08 ± 100.19 mmHg. In case of diabetic atherosclerosis control and non-diabetic atherosclerosis group of animals, Max dp/dt was 2925.27 ± 90.01 mmHg and 2891.93 ± 86.69 mmHg which showed significant (p< 0.001) decrease in Max dp/dt (mmHg) when compared to control group. Treatment with MF-FLC (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg) showed significant increase (p< 0.001, p< 0.01) in Max dp/dt i.e. 3587.42 ± 127.94, 3665.41 ± 135.42 and 3599.10 ± 119.45 mmHg. Treatment with Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) also showed significant (p< 0.001) decrease in Max dp/dt i.e. 3720.42 ± 113.16 mmHg when compared to diabetic atherosclerosis control group (Figure. 5e).

The results indicated that in diabetic atherosclerosis control group Max dp/dt decrease and treatment with MF-FLC and Atorvastatin showed significant increase in diastolic blood pressure.

Min dp/dt: The Min dp/dt in control group of animals was found to be-2916.67 ± 114.19 mmHg. In case of diabetic atherosclerosis control and non-diabetic atherosclerosis group of animals, Min dp/dt was 2095.27 ± 119.03 mmHg and-2067.64 ± 74.76 mmHg which showed significant (p< 0.001) decrease when compared to control group. On the other hand treatment with MF-FLC (400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg) and Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) showed significant (p< 0.01, p< 0.05) increase in Min dp/dt i.e.-2717.44 ± 144.35 mmHg,-2697.42 ± 113.94 mmHg and-2806.59 ± 171.88 mmHg when compared to diabetic atherosclerosis control group. Whereas MF – FLC (200 mg/kg) showed non-significant increase i.e.-2378.03 ± 105.45 mmHg (Figure. 5f).

The results indicated that in diabetic atherosclerosis control group Min dp/dt decreased and treatment with MF-FLC (400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg) and Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) significantly increased and MF – FLC (200 mg/kg) non-significantly increased the Min dp/dt as compared to that of diabetic atherosclerosis control group [18-22].

Effect of MF-FLC and atorvastatin histopathology of heart by experimentally induced atherosclerosis in diabetic male Wistar rats

Histopathological observations of the heart from control group revealed normal architecture with normal myocardial fibers and muscle bundles (Figure. 6a ). The hearts from the diabetic atherosclerotic animals (Group II) showed moderate degenerating cardiomyocytes, the muscle fibers were disrupted and degenerated and there was infiltration of inflammatory cells (Figure. 6b). In case of atherosclerotic group, heart showed minimal hypertrophy, mild vacuolations and degenerating cardiomyocytes (Figure. 6c). Treatment of atorvastatin reduced the muscle damage and there was minimal hyperplasia (Figure. 6d). Treatment of the test drug at low and high doses did not showed much effect on the heart sections, there was moderate to mild degeneration in cardiomyocytes and the muscle fibers were disrupted (Figure. 6e and Figure. 6g). Treatment of test drug at the medium dose showed minimal areas of damage and there was tendency towards recovery (Figure. 6f).

Discussion

In the earlier study, Zanwar et al reported that there was a reduction in the blood glucose level by MF-FLC in alloxan induced diabetes in rats. Similar findings were observed in nicotinamide-streptozotocin induced diabetes with hyperlipidemic rats. In the present study, diabetes was induced by injecting nicotinamide-streptozotocin intraperitoneally. Streptozotocin is commonly used for experimental induction of type 1 diabetes mellitus which results in rapid reduction in pancreatic islet pyridine nucleotide concentration and causes subsequent β-cell necrosis. Nicotinamide was given 15 minutes before STZ administration causes 40% decrease in pancreatic β-cell mass which resembles human type 2 diabetes. In the present study, it was observed that only MF-FLC in a dose dependent manner reduced blood glucose level. The anti-hyperglycemic effect was not shown by atorvastatin; on the other hand non-significant increase in the blood glucose level was obtained.

Currently there is a controversy regarding the role of statins, [23] had reported hyperglycemic effect of statins. Similar findings were observed in [24], in their review of five trials (HPS [simvastatin, 40 mg], LIPID [pravastatin, 40 mg], ASCOT [Atorvastatin 10 mg], CORONA [rosuvastatin 10 mg] and JUPITER [rosuvastatin, 20 mg]) involving 51,619 participants among whom 1943 developed diabetes. They concluded that this small but significant increase may related to statin use but was not drug or dose specific. Treatment with MF-FLC appears to be beneficial as the extract was effective in reducing the blood glucose level. In this respect MF-FLC differs significantly compared to Atorvastatin. Administration of 4% cholesterol (w/w) and 1% cholic acid (w/w) for 45 days induced hyperlipidemic in rats. Hyperlipidemia was confirmed by measuring total cholesterol and triglyceride in the serum samples at the end of 9th week.

Diabetes induces both systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Vehicle control diabetic atherosclerosis animals showed reduced SBP, DBP MABP and LVSP when compared with normal group of animals. This decrease might be due to the myocardial necrosis or hypertrophy. In the present study MF-FLC (400 mg/kg) and atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) treated animals showed significant increase in SBP, DBP MABP and LVSP indicating improved cardiac function.

The max dp/dt and min dp/dt are the maximum and minimum rates of pressure development during contraction and relaxation. In present study diabetic atherosclerosis control rats showed decrease in both max and min dp/dt. These findings were in accordance with previous findings of Zanwar et al., 2012. The treatment with MF-FLC showed significant increase in the both max and min dp/dt. Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) also showed significant increase in the both max and min dp/dt. This suggests that MF-FLC provides sufficient contractile reserve to ameliorate the detrimental effects of diabetes on cardiac contractility.

Minimal hypertrophy, mild vacuolations, degenerating cardiomyocytes, severe vacuolation, distorted architecture, hypertrophy of hepatocytes, necrosis, severe tubular degeneration and degeneration of glomeruli and infiltration of inflammatory cells were observed in the histopathology signifying the anti-hyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effect of MF-FLC adds to the accumulating evidence for therapeutic effect of the extract.

Conclusion

The results indicate that MF-FLC possesses therapeutic property in restoring the diabetes induced insults.

• Rats treated with MF-FLC (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg) showed significant reduction in glucose levels. This indicates anti-diabetic activity of MF-FLC. Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) also showed non-significant increase in blood glucose level. MF-FLC offers advantage over Atorvastatin in controlling the blood glucose levels.

• In the present study MF-FLC (400 mg/kg) and atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) treated animals showed significant increase in SBP, DBP MABP and LVSP indicating improved cardiac function.

• The treatment with MF-FLC showed significant increase in the both max and min dp/dt atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) also showed significant increase in the both max and min dp/dt. This suggests that MF-FLC provides sufficient contractile reserve to ameliorate the detrimental effects of diabetes on cardiac contractility.

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