Abstract:
The present study evaluates the effects of eight weeks of hydroxy cut-induced
changes on blood lipid profile in rats fed with either regular or high fat diets.
Regardless of the fat content in the diet, hydroxy cut intake significantly decreased
fasting serum cholesterol, triacylglycerol (TAG), LDL cholesterol and total
apolipoprotein B (apoB) concentrations in both the normal and high dose treated
groups. A decrease in LDLlHDL and total cholesterollHDL ratios was also observed
indicating a better cardioprotective effect of hydroxycut. The drug increased blood
glucose levels, in a non-dose dependent manner, only when the diet was high in fat.
No hydroxycut-related changes in plasma activities of SGOT (AST), SGPT (AL T),
LDH and CPK indicating that no liver damage has been observed during the study
period. A dose dependent decrease in liver fat content has been observed with
hydroxycut intake, and a high correlation between liver fat content and VLDL TAG
secretion was observed. The drug did not affect the number and composition of
secreted VLDL particles. However, a significant decrease in VLDL TAG secretion
was only observed with hydroxycut administration when the fat content in the diet
was high. Rats receiving the drug showed a significant decrease in LDL apo B as
well as LDL TAG and cholesterol concentrations, indicating a more rapid metabolism of the lipoprotein particles with hydroxycut intake. The drug also
resulted in increased TAG and cholesterol excretion in the feces. A single intragastric
food load concomitant with hydroxycut reduced significantly postprandial plasma
TAG concentration in a dose dependent manner.
In conclusion, hydroxy cut intake has a beneficial impact on blood lipid
profile and atherosclerosis, an effect attributed to improved clearance and metabolism
of lipoprotein particles and to a lesser extent to an increased excretion of TAG and
cholesterol in the feces.
