Vitis labrusca Extract (HP01) Improves Blood Circulation and Lipid Metabolism in Hyperlipidemic Rats

Abstract

Excessive intake of high-lipid foods and lifestyle changes can easily cause hyperlipidemia. Hyperlipidemia is clinically considered a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is the second leading cause of death worldwide. In this study, the effects of a Vitis labrusca extract (HP01) on coagulation, platelet aggregation, and lipid metabolism were investigated in hyperlipidemic rats. A rat model of high-fat diet- (HFD-) induced hyperlipidemia was used. Hemostatic parameters and lipid levels were investigated after HP01 treatment of hyperlipidemic rats. Different doses of HP01 (200 mg/kg/day and 400 mg/kg/day, p.o.) were administered for 3 weeks, and prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and platelet aggregation and bleed time (BT) were determined. The levels of thromboxane B(2) (TXB(2)) and serotonin were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Simultaneously, hepatic function and blood fat indexes, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglyceride (TG), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were also measured. In comparison with the data obtained for rats in the untreated HFD group, HP01 (200 mg/kg) treatment prolonged PT but did not affect aPTT. HP01 treatment did not alter plasma TXB(2), PGI2, or serotonin levels. However, HP01 showed some effects in improving liver function by reducing the levels of hepatic lipids. ALT, MDA, and hepatic TG levels significantly decreased, whereas GSH, GPx, CAT, and SOD levels significantly increased. These results confirm the HP01 extract will improve thromboplastic and the liver metabolic disorders in hyperlipidemia by oxidative stress response.

Figure 1

High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of quercein-3-O-glucironide in HP01. The marker compound of HP01 was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography.

Figure 2

Effects of HP01 on antioxidant activities. (a) Hydroxyl and (b) superoxide radical scavenging activities of HP01. Data are shown as mean ± SD of changes in the DPPH and superoxide radical scavenging activity. The results are presented as the mean ± SD. Values with different letters (A, B, C, D, and E) are significantly different one from another (one-way ANOVA followed by the Newman–Keuls multiple range test, P < 0.05).

Figure 3

Effects of HP01 on carotid artery thickness in hyperlipidemic rats. HP01 was administered orally once a day for 4 weeks in hyperlipidemic rats. Gingko extract (GK, 50 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as the positive control. (a) Hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections of carotid artery tissues (original magnification ×200). (b) Measurement of carotid artery thickness. Values are reported as the mean ± standard deviation. Values with different letters (A and B) are significantly different one from another (one-way ANOVA followed by the Newman–Keuls multiple range test, P < 0.05).

Figure 4

Effects of HP01 on platelet activity in hyperlipidemic rats. HP01 was administered orally once a day for 4 weeks in hyperlipidemic rats. Gingko extract (GK, 50 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as the positive control. The platelet activity shown as (a) PT, (b) aPTT, and (c) platelet aggregation. Serum levels of (d) TXA2 and (e) serotonin. Values are reported as mean ± standard deviation. Values with different letters (A and B) are significantly different one from another (one-way ANOVA followed by the Newman–Keuls multiple range test, P < 0.05).

Figure 5

Effects of HP01 on the hepatic protection in hyperlipidemic rats. HP01 was administered orally once a day for 4 weeks in hyperlipidemic rats. Gingko extract (GK, 50 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as the positive control. The hepatic levels of (a) MDA, (b) GSH, (c) GPx, (d) SOD, and (e) catalase. Values are reported as the mean ± standard deviation. Values with different letters (A, B, and C) are significantly different one from another (one-way ANOVA followed by the Newman–Keuls multiple range test, P < 0.05).

Figure 6

Effects of HP01 on the hepatic protection in hyperlipidemic rats. HP01 was administered orally once a day for 4 weeks in hyperlipidemic rats. Gingko extract (GK, 50 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as the positive control. The serum levels of (a) ALT and (b) AST. Values are reported as the mean ± standard deviation. Values with different letters (A, B, and C) are significantly different one from another (one-way ANOVA followed by the Newman–Keuls multiple range test, P < 0.05).