Effects of Watermelon Powder on Lipid Metabolism through Regulation of Gene Expression in Atherogenic Diet‐Fed Rats

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States, which has led to an increasing need for cost effective non‐pharmacological treatment alternatives. Studies have shown that watermelon plays a role in vascular function by causing vasodilation, which lowers blood pressure and arterial stiffness. We want to examine if watermelon powder supplementation has therapeutic effects on lipid metabolism through regulation of hepatic gene expression. The genes of interest included fatty acid synthase (FAS), HMG‐CoA reductase (HMGCR), sterol regulatory element binding protein ‐1 and 2 (SREBP‐1, SREBP‐2). Forty male‐weanling (21 days old) Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into four groups (10/group, total N=40) in a 2 (diets) x 2 (treatment) factorial design using an atherogenic diet with or without Dextran Sodium Sulfate (DSS) as an inflammatory agent for 48 hours. Watermelon powder groups exhibited significantly lower total cholesterol levels, LDL‐cholesterol, and serum triglycerides (P<.05). FAS, HMGCR, SREBP‐1, and SREBP‐2 were significantly down regulated in watermelon diet groups (P<.05). These findings support the use of watermelon powder as an alternative treatment for improving risk factors associated with CVD by altering hepatic lipid metabolism related gene expression and thus improving lipid profiles. Supported by NUTR 302L class and SDSU UGP.