Metabolic syndrome:A review of the role of vitamin D in mediating susceptibility and outcome

Despite the well-recognised role of vitamin D in a wide range of physiological processes,hypovitaminosis is common worldwide(prevalence 30%-50%) presumably arising from inadequate exposure to ultraviolet radiation and insufficient consumption.While generally not at the very low levels associated with rickets,hypovitaminosis D has been implicated in various very different,pathophysiological processes.These include putative effects on the pathogenesis of neoplastic change,inflammatory and demyelinating conditions,cardiovascular disease(CVD) and diabetes.This review focuses on the association between hypovitaminosis D and the metabolic syndrome as well as its component characteristics which are central obesity,glucose homeostasis,insulin resistance,hypertension and atherogenic dyslipidaemia.We also consider the effects of hypovitaminosis D on outcomes associated with the metabolic syndrome such as CVD,diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.We structure this review into 3 distinct sections; the metabolic syndrome,vitamin D biochemistry and the putative association between hypovitaminosis D,the metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk.

Ethanolic extract of cashew apple inhibits lipid metabolism and ameliorates obesity in atherogenic diet-induced obese rats

Objective:To evaluate the anti-obesity activity of ethanolic extract of cashew apple using various in vitro and in vivo models.Methods:Phytochemical screening was carried out in ethanolic extract of cashew apple,followed by quantification of phenol and flavonoid.Antioxidant potential was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)scavenging assays.The inhibitory effect of ethanolic extract of cashew apple on atic lipase was also studied.In addition,anti-obesity activity was determα-amylase and pancreined in two in vivo models,lipid emulsion model and atherogenic diet-induced obese rat model.Levels of postprandial plasma triglycerides were assessed in lipid emulsion model,whereas serum lipid profile,in vivo antioxidants and histopathological studies of the carotid artery and liver were performed in an atherogenic diet-induced obese model.Results:Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of carbohydrates,alkaloids,polyphenols,terpenoids,and steroids.The in vitro assays showed inhibition of otential.Ethanolic extract of cashew appα-amylase and pancreatic lipase and strong antioxidant ple showed significant and timedependent inhibitory activity on postprandial triglycerides after administration of lipid emulsion for 5 h.Ethanolic extract of cashew apple at 200 and 400 mg/kg on day 60 showed a significant reduction in body weight,body mass index and atherogenic index,whereas lipid profile and liver function marker levels in the serum were decreased in a dose-dependent manner at time intervals(day 0,20,40,and 60)compared to the atherogenic diet-induced obese rats.Histological observations showed reduced non-alcoholic fatty liver deposits and decreased atherosclerotic fatty streak plaques(carotid artery)after treatment with ethanolic extract of cashew apple.Conclusions:Ethanolic extract of cashew apple ameliorates obesity,which may be partly mediated by its delayed absorption of cholesterol and carbohydrates.

Atherogenic index of plasma combined with waist circumference and body mass index to predict metabolic-associated fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND Early identification of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)is urgent.Atherogenic index of plasma(AIP)is a reference predictor of obesity-related diseases,but its predictive value for MAFLD remains unclear.No studies have reported whether its combination with waist circumference(WC)and body mass index(BMI)can improve the predictive performance for MAFLD.AIM To systematically explore the relationship between AIP and MAFLD and evaluate its predictive value for MAFLD and to pioneer a novel noninvasive predictive model combining AIP,WC,and BMI while validating its predictive performance for MAFLD.METHODS This cross-sectional study consecutively enrolled 864 participants.Multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve were used to evaluate the relationship between AIP and MAFLD and its predictive power for MAFLD.The novel prediction model A-W-B combining AIP,WC,and BMI to predict MAFLD was established,and internal verification was completed by magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis.RESULTS Subjects with higher AIP exhibited a significantly increased risk of MAFLD,with an odds ratio of 12.420(6.008-25.675)for AIP after adjusting for various confounding factors.The area under receiver operating characteristic curve of the A-W-B model was 0.833(0.807-0.858),which was significantly higher than that of AIP,WC,and BMI(all P<0.05).Subgroup analysis illustrated that the A-W-B model had significantly higher area under receiver operating characteristic curves in female,young and nonobese subgroups(all P<0.05).The best cutoff values for the A-W-B model to predict MAFLD in males and females were 0.5932 and 0.4105,respectively.Additionally,in the validation set,the area under receiver operating characteristic curve of the A-W-B model to predict MAFLD was 0.862(0.791-0.916).The A-W-B level was strongly and positively associated with the liver proton density fat fraction(r=0.630,P<0.001)and significantly increased with the severity of MAFLD(P<0.05).CONCLUSION AIP was strongly and positively associated with the risk of MAFLD and can be a reference predictor for MAFLD.The novel prediction model A-W-B combining AIP,WC,and BMI can significantly improve the predictive ability of MAFLD and provide better services for clinical prediction and screening of MAFLD.

Study of Lipid Abnormalities in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Nephropathy in Eastern India

Background: Diabetic nephropathy is one of the major complications of diabetes. Nephropathy patients must be evaluated for dyslipidemia as it is an established risk factor for cardiovascular events. We compared the degree of dyslipidemia among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) subjects with or without nephropathy and analyzed the factors associated with nephropathy among them. Methods: In this retrospective study, T2DM patients with overt nephropathy were enrolled in the study group (n = 50);without nephropathy were enrolled in the control group (n = 50). Both groups were matched for age duration of diabetes. After taking informed consent anthropometrical clinical examinations were done. Biochemical investigations (Total cholesterol, TG, HDL, LDL, VLDL, sdLDL-C, S. urea, S. creatinine were done in SCB MCH, Biochemistry department. Urine microalbumin per gm of creatinine was done. TG/HDL-C ratio, a surrogate marker for small, dense, LDL particles (sdLDL), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were calculated using equations. Results were analyzed statistically using SPSS version 20. Results: Mean Total cholesterol, TG, LDL, sdLDL are significantly high in nephropathy patients with p values 0.026, 0.012, 0.014, 0.04 respectively. Estimated GFR has a significant positive correlation with TCHOL (r = &minus;0.850, p = 0.01), TG (r = &minus;0.14, p = 0.008), LDL (r = &minus;0.62 p = 0.037). Estimated GFR has a significant negative correlation with S. urea (r = &minus;0.587, p ≤ 0.01), S. creatinine (r = &minus;0.59, p ≤ 0.01), UACR (r = &minus;0.47, p ≤ 0.01). Dyslipidema sdLDL is significantly more in nephropathy group in comparison to diabetic group with p values 0.033, 0.045 respectively. Conclusion: Our study shows that dyslipidemia was highly prevalent among subjects with nephropathy. So cardiovascular risks can be averted by regular screening for dyslipidemia in diabetic nephropathy patients.

Anti-atherosclerotic activity of root bark of Premna integrifolia Linn.in high fat diet induced atherosclerosis model rats

Premna integrifolia Linn. is a medicinal plant used in ＂Dhasamula＂ drug preparation of Ayurvedic systems of medicine in the treatment of various ailments like bronchitis, dyspepsia, liver disorders, piles, constipation,hyperlipidemia and fever. The anti-atherosclerotic activity of hydroalcoholic extract（HAE） of root bark of P.integrifolia was evaluated in high fat diet induced atherosclerosis rats. Sixty Wistar rats were divided into six groups： the first group served as control, the second group was fed with high fat diet and the other three groups were fed with high fat diet along with various concentrations of HAE and the last group was treated with atorvastatin for 30 days. Lipid and lipoprotein profile, atherogenic index, and cardiac markers and histopathological evaluation of aorta were determined in high fat diet induced atherosclerosis rats. HAE of P.integrifolia produced a significant and dose-dependent anti-atherosclerotic activity in terms of reduction in lipids and lipoprotein profile, atherogenic index, HMG-Co A reductase activity, marker enzymes such as lactate dehydrogenase（LDH）, creatine phosphokinase（CPK）, aspartate transaminase（AST）, alanine transaminase（ALT） and alkaline phosphatase（ALP）, alteration in collagen and calcium contents, mild mineralization and focal rupture of intima and media of aorta was noticed in treated groups as compared to the control. The results suggested that anti-atherosclerotic activity of HAE of P. integrifolia Linn. was due to its modulatory activity on metabolic pathway of lipid. The results contribute to the validation of the traditional use of Agnimantha in high fat diet induced atherosclerosis rats.

Anti-atherogenic Potential of Natural Honey： Anti-diabetic and Antioxidant Approaches

Atherogenic dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease in patients with DM and characterized with high level of lipoprotein （a） （Lp （a）） and low level of adiponectin. Adiponectin serves as a regulator in glucose and lipid metabolism therefore is essential for maintaining response to insulin. Lp （a） is a cholesterol rich compound, so agents with hypoglycemic properties are suitable for treatment of diabetes that could improve atherogenic dyslipidemia. The major goal of this study was to investigate antioxidant capacity of natural honey as well as levels of adiponectin, Lp （a） and AlP （atherogenic index of plasma） in honey treated experimental diabetes. Twenty eight streptozotocin-induced diabetic male wistar rats were randomized into four groups （seven animals each） and administered distilled water, natural honey 1 and 2g/kg and glibenclamide. After three weeks treatment, adiponectin, Lp （a）, MDA （malondialdehyde）, FBS （fasting blood sugar）, TG （triglyceride）, cholesterol, HDL-C （high density lipoprotein） and LDL-C （low density lipoprotein） were measured. AlP also was calculated. Data analysis showed that honey significantly reduced serum level of triglycerides （0.72 ± 0.02 mmol/L） and FBS （7.8 ±0.12 mmol/L） to normoglycemic levels in diabetic rats. Honey also significantly increased serum adiponectin （4.5 ± 0.26 rag/L） and HDL-C （0.72 ± 0.14 retool/L） levels in diabetic rats. Serum level ofLP （a） was declined in honey treated groups （25.5 ± 3.2 g/dL）. Also honey supplementation decreased MDA level and AIP to normoglycemic control group. Our study supports the hypothesis that honey has beneficial effects in diabetes by its anti-atherogenic effect. Increased adiponectin level in honey treated groups might be associated with better glycemic control and improved lipid profile. Accordingly agents that increase adiponectin levels might be valuable targets for decreasing the atherogenic risk in diabetes.

Evaluation of hypolipidemic Marrubium vulgare effect in Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemia in mice

Objective: To evaluate the hypocholesterolemic and hypotriglyceridemic activities of four Marrbium vulgare(M. vulgare) herb extracts using Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemia in mice. Methods: Hyperlipidemia was developed by intraperitoneal injection of Triton(200 mg/kg body weight). The animals were divided into main four groups of eight mice each: normal control group, hyperlipidemic control group, hyperlipidemic plus tween-40 control and treated group. The fourth one was divided into four subgroups, petroleum ether extract group, chloroform extract group, ethyl acetate extract group and methanol extract treated group each of them contains two sub-sub group for treating animals with two doses at 0.1 and 0.25 LD50. Results: After 7 h and 24 h of treatment, the intragastric administration of all extracts caused a significant decrease of plasma total cholesterol. Triglyceride levels were also significantly lowered by all extracts while petroleum ether produced the lowest decreasing level. Similar results were observed for LDL-cholesterol concentrations. Furthermore, more polar extracts(methanol and ethyl acetate)-soluble fractions showed a significant ameliorative action on elevated atherogenic index(AI) and LDL/HDL-C ratios, while these atherogenic markers were not statistically suppressed by the chloroform and petroleum ether-soluble extract. Conclusion: The findings indicated that Marrubium may contain polar products able to lower plasma lipid concentrations and might be beneficial in treatment of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.

Sesamol inhibits atherogenic LDL-induced endothelial cell senescence in vivo and in vitro

OBJECTIVE Highly electronegative L5 low-density lipoprotein(LDL),an atherogenic LDL,induces endothelial cell(EC)senescence and has been implicated in the progression of atherosclerosis.We examine whether sesamol,a natural organic compound and component of sesame oil,prevents EC senescence induced by electronegative LDL(L5)and to investigate the underlying mechanisms.METHODS Syrian hamsters,which have a LDL profile similar to that of humans,were fed a normal chow diet(control),a high-fat diet(HFD),or a HFD supplemented with the administration of 50 or 100mg·kg-1 sesamol via oral gavage(HFD+sesamol)for 16 weeks(n=10 per group).Among these groups,we compared plasma L5 levels and aortic endothelial senescence in the aortic arch.In vitro,we examined the effects of sesamol on human aortic endothelial cell(HAEC)senescence and signaling pathways induced by L5.RESULTS Hamsters in the HFD group had higher plasma L5 levels than did the HFD+sesamol groups or control group.Betagalactosidase(gal)staining showed that aortic endothelial senescence was markedly increased in the aortic arch of the HFD group but not in that of the HFD+sesamol groups when compared with the control group.In vitro,treatment of HAECs with sesamol(1-3mol·L-1)blocked L5-induced EC senescence in a dose-dependent manner.Sesamol also markedly inhibited the L5-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and p53 activation and increased Mdm2 and phosphorylation of Akt.CONCLUSION The critical findings of this study suggest that sesamol may provide protection against atherosclerosis and the development of cardiovascular disease in humans.

Improvement of lipid profile and atherogenic index in rat treated with Cymbopogon citratus Stapf water extract

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of Cymbopogon citratus Stapf water extract(CCS)on lipid profile,atherogenic index and antioxidant enzymes in Sprague-Dawley rats.METHODS Rats aged eight weeks(250±20)g were orally administered with CCS at 250 and 500mg·kg-1·d-1 for one month.RESULTS Administration of CCS extract to rats caused significant decrease of serum total cholesterol,triglycerides and LDL levels,whereas,the HDL level was increased compared with untreated rats(P<0.05).Moreover,the CCS extract showed a significant decreased atherogenic index in comparison with untreated rats(P<0.05).Furthermore,serum activities of superoxide dismutases and catalase were also improved in rats treated with CCS.This was consistent with decrease of serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substance.CONCLUSION The present study provides evidence that CCS water extract provides a benefit effect on serum lipid and atherogenic index and exhibits antioxidant effect in vivo.

Atherogenic indices in non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy

AIM:To evaluate the atherogenic indices and the relationship with visual acuity and bilateral sequential involvement in patients with non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy(NAION).METHODS:A total of 65 patients with NAION and 48 age-sex matched healthy individuals were included in this retrospective study.The demographic characteristics and laboratory findings of the patients and control subjects were obtained from the electronic medical records.The atherogenic indices were calculated using the lipid parameters.The association between visual acuity,bilateral sequential involvement,and atherogenic indices was investigated.RESULTS:The mean age was 63.8±12.5 y in the NAION group and 64.7±10.1 y in control group(P=0.707).Although there were no significant differences in terms of total cholesterol(TC)and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-c)between two groups(P=0.089,0.091),all the nontraditional serum lipid ratios were significantly higher in NAION group(P<0.05).In the NAION subgroup analysis,with visual acuity≤20/200 had higher TC/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-c),LDL-c/HDL-c,and non-HDL-c/HDL-c values than the patients in the NAION group with visual acuity>20/200(P=0.032,0.025,0.032,respectively).The values for the atherogenic indices were higher in NAION patients with bilateral sequential involvement in comparison to those with unilateral involvement(P=0.271,0.127,0.197,0.128,0.127,respectively).CONCLUSION:The study reveals a relationship between NAION and the non-traditional lipid ratios.Atherogenic indices may predict the visual loss severity and second eye involvement in patients with NAION.

Assessment of Lipid Profile and Atherogenic Indexes of Hepatitis B Virus Carriers amongst Volunteer Blood Donors in Nigeria

Introduction: Infectious agents such as hepatitis B virus can constitute major public health problems as ii affects the liver resulting into inflammatory conditions. This study was designed to assess plasma lipid profile and atherogenic indexes of hepatitis B virus carriers among voluntary blood donors in North Central, North East and South-South regions of Nigeria. Materials & Methods: A total of 183 blood samples were collected from subjects in North Central consisting of 137 males and 46 females;176 blood samples from the North East consisting of 129 males and 47 females and 173 blood samples from subjects in South-South region consisting of 123 males and 50 females. The mean ages of the subjects were 34.89 ± 9.19 years, 39.81 ± 9.60 years and 39.92 ± 9.27 years for North Central, North East and South-South regions respectively. The specimens were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All specimens were analyzed for total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C and triglycerides with standard biochemical procedures. The atherogenic indexes were computed using established ratios. The data was analyzed statistically and p-value Results: The mean values of total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides did not vary significantly (p > 0.05) between the hepatitis B positive carriers and hepatitis B negative subjects across the geo-political zones studied although in some of the parameters the values were on the high normal range between the male and female subjects. The AIP and CRR-1 and CRR-11 of the blood donors in the zones in both the HBsAg positive and negative subjects were within the reference range. The atherogenic coefficient value of >3.0 was obtained for some HBsAg negative and positive subjects in some of the zones. Conclusion: The findings thus indicate that asymptomatic HBV infection may be associated with low risk of dyslipidaemia in the population.

Study the Effect of Different Levels of Zucchini (<i>Cucurbita pepo</i>L.) on the Biological Indicators for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Rats Fed High-Fat Diets

The effects of fresh zucchini on nutritional status, and biological indicators for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in rats fed high-fat diets investigated in this study. Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into two main groups the first, negative control group Co (-) (n = 6), fed basal diet, The second group (n = 24) fed high-fat diet (containing basal diet + 5% tallow + 1% cholesterol + 0.02% bile salt). This group was divided into four subgroups each group 6 rats: group positive control co (+) fed high-fat diet only, group 1 (G (1)) fed high-fat diet plus 10% zucchini, group 2 (G (2) fed high-fat diet plus 15% zucchini and group 3 (G (3)) fed high-fat diet plus 20% zucchini. The levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were measured after eight wk. of experimental treatment. The pathologic changes of the heart, spleen and kidney were evaluated. SPSS, one way ANOVA was used to analyze the results. The results indicated that the mean values of body weight gain (BWG) and feed efficiency ratio (FIR) in G (2) and G (3) showed significant decrease compared to co (-), co (+) and G 1. The results showed that in groups (G1, G2 and G3) the relative weight of heart had significant increase when compared with control negative group. But liver and spleen weight had no significant difference when compared with control negative and positive group, the levels of TC, TG and LDL-C were significantly increased in co (+) (P < 0.05) Compared to co (-), all groups fed on high fat diet containing different levels of zucchini (10%, 15% and 20%) had significant decrease in TC and LDL-C compared with co (+), also G2 and G3 had improve significant in HDL-C when compared with co. (+). The groups fed on zucchini give results similar to group co. (-). The best treatment was zucchini (15% and 20%) which had lowest values of total lipid cholesterol and LDL-C, and the best values of HDL-C, HDL-C/TC % for all groups fed on high fat diet and zucchini increased non significantly (p ≤ 0.05) the HDL-C/TC % index compared to group co. (+). while, G2 and G3 gave significant decrease in LDL-C/HDL-C ratio compared to group co. (+). Morphologic changes of heart, spleen and kidney revealed that groups G2 and G3 had a similar preventive effect against CHD in this experimental model. In conclusion, results showed that zucchini had similar potential to attenuate CHD-related parameters in a mild oxidative stress induced by high-fat diet in rats.

Attenuation of Salt-Loading Induced Cardiomegaly and Dyslipidemia in Wistar Rats by Aqueous Leaf Extract of <i>Chromolaena odorata</i>

The effect of aqueous extract of the leaves of Chromolaena odorata on body weight, organ sizes, lipid profiles and atherogenic indices was investigated in normal and sub-chronic salt-loaded rats. The normal and treatment control groups were fed 100% of commercial feed, while the test control, reference and test treatment groups received an 8% salt-loaded diet. The extract (at 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) and moduretics (at 1 mg/kg body weight) were orally administered daily. The normal and test control groups orally received appropriate volumes of water. The extract was screened for bioactive components using gas chromatography-coupled-flame ionization detector. The main glycosides, saponins, allicins, alkaloids, benzoic acid derivatives, terpenes and lignans detected were arbutin, avenacin B-1 (and avenacin A-1), diallyl thiosulphinate, lupanine, ferulic acid (and vanillic acid), limonene and retusin, respectively. Compared to test control, the extract dose-dependently, significantly (P 0.05) lowered the heart size, plasma levels of triglyceride, total density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol and atherogenic indices (cardiac risk ratio, atherogenic coefficient and atherogenic index of plasma). It also significantly increased plasma high density lipoprotein level. These results suggest a protective mechanism of the extract against hypertension induced cardiomegaly and dyslipidemia, thus suggesting that this may underlie its antihypertensive action.

Dyslipidaemias and Physical Activity in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy people present movement difficulty and are liable to develop disorders associated with sedentary lifestyles such as dyslipidaemias and cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to assess physical activity and the prevalence of lipid abnormalities in 29 children with cerebral palsy who were being treated in two care centers in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico. Physical activity was calculated using a survey. Blood glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, and triglycerides were determined. Forty-eight percent had at least one dyslipidaemia. The most frequent lipid abnormalities were hypertriglyceridaemia and low HDL-C. High prevalence of the atherogenic index was found. The physical activity of children was lower than recommended for their age. Sixty-two percent attended rehabilitation sessions, 10% attended sports classes, 14% rehabilitation plus sports and 14% did not engage in intentional physical activity. There is high frequency of lipid disorders in children with cerebral palsy. Greater participation in physical activity should be promoted in children to improve their metabolic status and quality of life, especially those suffering from cerebral palsy.

Atherogenic Indices and HDL Particle Size as Laboratory Parameters to Evaluate Cardiovascular Risk in the Presence of Dyslipidemia

Dyslipidemia may influence enzymes and transfer proteins needed to the lipoprotein particle remodeling. Calculated indices and evaluation of lipoprotein particle size have widely been used to predict cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate HDL particle size and LDL particle size estimate based on TG/HDL-C as well as apoB/apoA-I ratio as possible marker and atherogenic indices, respectively, of cardiovascular disease risk in the presence of dyslipidemia. We evaluated 100 individuals of both gender, without treatment with lipid-lowering drugs, 27 normolipidemic and 73 dyslipidemic, such as isolated hypercholesterolemia (n = 16), isolated hypertriglyceridemia (n = 17), low HDL-C (n = 26) and mixed dyslipidemia (n = 14). The HDL particle size did not differ between groups. The TG/HDL-C ratio was higher in groups with isolated hypertriglyceridemia (4.2 ± 1.5), low HDL-C (5.2 ± 3.1) and mixed dyslipidemia (5.3 ± 1.6). The apoB/apoA-I ratio was increased in all groups of dyslipidemia (apoB/apoA-I > 0.5) when compared to normolipidemic (apoB/apoA-I = 0.5, p < 0.001). There was a positive linear correlation between the TG/HDL-C ratio and the apoB/apoA-I ratio in low HDL-C group (r = 0.507, p = 0.008, Spearman). The results suggest that the evaluations of lipoproteins particles remodeling markers and the use of calculated indices may contribute to the evaluation of cardiovascular disease risk when dyslipidemia take place.

A novel rat model of fatty organ degeneration induced by poloxamer 407

Traditional methods of inducing hyperlipidemia in animal models are either costly(genetic manipulation)or it is difficult to control for the effects of other variables.For example,during high-fat feeding,the amount of high-fat diet intake per animal cannot be precisely controlled.The aim of this study was to develop an experimental model of fatty organ degeneration induced by poloxamer 407(P-407).The study was conducted in 2-month-old,male Sprague-Dawley rats that were administered intraperitoneally with either 10%(w/w)P-407(1 g/kg)or saline(10 mL/kg)for 4 months.Their lipid profile,organ degeneration due to fat deposition,and body mass were assessed.Intraperitoneal administration of P-407 resulted in significant increases in plasma triglycerides(P
0.001),total cholesterol(P<0.001),high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol(P
0.001),and low-density lipoprotein(P<0.001)cholesterol.In contrast to the control group,fatty tissue degeneration was observed in the liver,spleen,and kidneys of P-407-treated rats.Positive correlations between fatty tissue degeneration,and the atherogenic index of plasma(P<0.001)and the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density-lipoprotein(P<0.001)were identified.In addition,treatment with P-407 for 3 to 4 months caused a significant reduction in body mass relative to controls(P<0.001).Thus,this study describes the development of a cost-effective experimental rat model of organ degeneration,characterized by fat accumulation in the liver,spleen,and kidneys,which could be used for the study of steatosis and related diseases arising from sustained untreated dyslipidemia.Furthermore,both the atherogenic index of plasma and the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol can be used to predict the risk of fatty tissue degeneration in this model.The study was approval of the University of Jishou Biomedical Research Ethics Committee,China.