Hypolipidemic effect of cumin (Cuminum cyminum) on serum lipid profile and PPAR gene expression in adipose tissue of hyperlipidemic male rats
Abstract
Introduction: Hyperlipidemia is one of the most important risk factors of cardiovascular disease. The aim of present study was to evaluate the effect of hydro-methanolic extract of cumin on the serum lipids, histo-pathological liver damages and PPAR gene expression in the adipose tissue of hyperlipidemic rats.
Materials and Methods: Thirty-six adult male rats randomly were divided into 6 groups including normal group, control hyperlipidemic group (received 10% lipid in food), positive control hyperlipidemic rats (received atorvastatin at dose of 10 mg/kg, daily) and experimental hyperlipidemic rats (received extract at doses 100, 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg, daily). After 8 weeks and 12 h fastening, the animals were weighted and anesthetized by ether. The liver was removed and weighted. The blood and adipose tissue sampling were done. The weight gain, liver index, serum cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL, AST and ALT levels were measured by kit and PPAR gene expression in the adipose tissue was evaluated by real-time PCR.
Results: The results showed that oral treatment of atorvastatin and extract of cumin decreased weight gain, serum cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, AST and ALT levels, histopathological liver damages and PPAR gene expression in adipose tissue, while increased serum HDL level in experimental hyperlipidemic rats compared to control hyperlipidemic rats, significantly.
Conclusion: So, the extract of cumin improved lipid profile and then down-regulated PPAR gene expression in adipose tissue.