Abstract of research

Biochemical alterations in erythrocytes membrane lipid in experimentally induced atherosclerosis and their modulation with chitosan in rats

Samy A. Hussein1, Omayma A.R. AboZaid1, Tahya E. A. Ismael2, Ghada F. Al lawaty1

Abstract

Hypercholesterolemia is one of the most important risk factors for atherosclerosis and subsequent cardiovascular disease. In the present study, the therapeutic effect of chitosan administration on serum lipids profile, apolipoprotein A (apo A) and apolipoprotein B (apo B) in addition to Lipid composition in erythrocytes membrane [Total cholesterol (TC), and free fatty acids (FFA)] in hypercholesterolemia induced in rats have been evaluated. Sixty male rats were divided into four equal groups of 15 rats each. Group Ι (Control group): rats fed on normal diet. Group Π: Rats fed on high cholesterol diet (HCD) [4% cholesterol (w/w) and 1% cholic acid]. Group III: Rats fed with HCD + Chitosan 5% (5g/100g/day) after two weeks from the onset of the experiment (induction of hypercholesterolemia). Group IV: Rats fed with normal diet + Chitosan5% (5g/100g/day). Blood samples were collected from all animal groups three times at 2, 4 and 6 weeks from the onset of treatment with chitosan. The obtained results showed a marked increase in serum total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, LDL-C, VLDL-C, phospholipids and Apo B concentration as well as in erythrocytes membrane lipids composition (TC and FFA) in hypercholesterolemia induced in rats. However, serum HDL–C and Apo A levels were significantly decreased. Treatment with chitosan to hypercholesterolemic induced rats lowered serum lipids and lipoproteins profile (LDL-C, VLDL-C), and erythrocytes lipids composition with increasing HDL-C and Apo A concentrations. These results suggest that, chitosan may be effective in controlling cholesterolemic status and improving dyslipidemia and has the potential in reducing cardiovascular complications due to hypercholesterolemia.