Effect of Linoleic Acid on Cholesterol Levels in a High-Fat Diet-Induced Hypercholesterolemia Rat Model

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, accounting for almost one-third of all deaths. The risk factors for developing this disease include high levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), alongside low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Dietary linoleic acid has been suggested to reduce these risk factors. This study aims to determine the effects of linoleic acid on cholesterol levels, liver function tests, and structural changes in liver tissue in comparison with fenofibrate in a hypercholesterolemic rat model. Thirty-six male Sprague Dawley rats (150–180 g) were divided into non-hypercholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic groups. Hypercholesterolemia was induced in the rats by feeding them with a high-fat diet for two weeks. After two weeks, the non-hypercholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic rats were equally divided into six groups (n = 6): control non-hypercholesterolemic rats, non-hypercholesterolemic rats treated with fenofibrate (60 mg/kg), non-hypercholesterolemic rats treated with linoleic acid (5 mg/kg), control hypercholesterolemic rats, hypercholesterolemic rats treated with fenofibrate (60 mg/kg), and hypercholesterolemic rats treated with linoleic acid (5 mg/kg). The changes in the rats’ body weight, serum lipid profiles, atherogenic indices, and liver function test results were obtained. The rats’ liver tissues were stained for histopathological analysis. The linoleic acid-treated hypercholesterolemic rats exhibited significantly reduced serum TC, TG, LDL, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase levels, as well as increased HDL levels compared with the control hypercholesterolemic rats. These linoleic acid effects were comparable to those in the fenofibrate-treated hypercholesterolemic rats. In conclusion, linoleic acid possesses early anti-hypercholesterolemic properties, which may be due to the reductions in serum cholesterol levels and mild early structural changes in the liver tissues of hypercholesterolemic rats. Therefore, continued studies on linoleic acid in atherosclerotic and/or obese animal models are suggested.

Chemical profiling of bioactive compounds in the methanolic extract of wild leaf and callus of Vitex negundo using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

“…In the present study, octadecanoic acid was present in both leaf and callus extracts of V. negundo . The results of the present study were in accordance with reports on Cleistanthus collinus , Goniothalamus umbrosus , Kigelia pinnata , and Melissa officinalis which contained n-hexadecanoic and octadecadienoic acids[ 23 , 24 ]. The study revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds present in all the methanolic extracts of in-vivo and in-vitro plant samples[ 25 ].…”

Hydroxytyrosol Linoleoyl Ether Ameliorates Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease Symptoms in Obese Zucker Rats

“…Hypercholesterolemia, a hallmark of the obese Zucker rat model, was effectively alleviated by HTLE in both lean and obese strains. The observed similar effects in obese rats when co-administered with a Ppar-α ligand and a Cb1 antagonist reinforce that HTLE operates via these two mechanisms simultaneously. ,, Indeed, some other data in the literature also support this perspective. On the one hand, the HTLE structure contains the linoleic acid, which is not only a well-known Ppar-α ligand but also displays a potent effect in reducing hypercholesterolemia as well as the levels of the transaminases AST and ALT in an obesity rat model. ,, On the other hand, Cb1 blockade was also reported to decrease serum levels of total cholesterol in a mouse model .…”

“…The observed similar effects in obese rats when co-administered with a Ppar-α ligand and a Cb1 antagonist reinforce that HTLE operates via these two mechanisms simultaneously. 20,48,49 Indeed, some other data in the literature also support this perspective. On the one hand, the HTLE structure contains the linoleic acid, which is not only a wellknown Ppar-α ligand but also displays a potent effect in reducing hypercholesterolemia as well as the levels of the transaminases AST and ALT in an obesity rat model.…”

“…On the one hand, the HTLE structure contains the linoleic acid, which is not only a wellknown Ppar-α ligand but also displays a potent effect in reducing hypercholesterolemia as well as the levels of the transaminases AST and ALT in an obesity rat model. 31,48,49 On the other hand, Cb1 blockade was also reported to decrease serum levels of total cholesterol in a mouse model. 50 Therefore, it is conceivable that the HTLE's impact on plasma cholesterol arises from its combined actions as both a Ppar-α ligand and a Cb1 antagonist.…”

Hypolipidemic effect and modulation of hepatic enzymes by different edible oils in obese Wistar rats

“…In both animal and human research, OO has been shown to have hypolipidemic effects because it is also high in oleic acid [ 59 ]. Linoleic acid, which has been demonstrated to reduce TC, LDL-C, and VLDL-C levels, is a good source of fat in SO [ 60 ]. On the other hand, CLO is abundant in EPA and DHA, which have been revealed to lower plasma TAG levels.…”