Effects of hydroxycut ingestion on the lipid profile & lipoproteine metabolism in the rat model. (c2004)

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.