Evaluation of Oral Administration of L-Citrulline on Lipid Peroxidation and Some Antioxidant Enzymes Activities on Hyperlipidemic Wistar Rats

Background: Hyperlipidemia is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is characterized by an elevation of any or all lipid profiles and/or lipoproteins in the blood. Oxidative stress has been shown to play a role in hyperlipidemia, CVD, infectious diseases, cancer, diabetes, anemia and neurodegenerative pathology. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of oral administration of l-citrulline on lipid peroxidation and some antioxidant enzymes activities on hyperlipidemic wistar rats. Methods: The animals were made hyperlipidemic by intraperitoneal injection of poloxamer-407. Twenty-five (25) male Wistar rats weighing 100-120g, were grouped into five of 5 animals each. Animals in Group I (Normal Control) received distilled water only, while animals in Groups II, III, IV and V were given Poloxamer-407 intraperitoneally after every 48 hours and subsequently Groups III, IV and V were treated orally with Atorvastatin (10mg/kg), L-Citrulline (L-Citt) 400 mg and L-Citrulline 800 mg respectively for twenty-one (21) days. Results: Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration an index of lipid peroxidation, decreased in a dose dependent manner compared to the HLD only group (35.76±2.32, 35.02 ±2.55) ng/dl vs. (41.86±2.19) ng/dl. however, it was not significant(p<0.05). Catalase was significantly (p<0.05) decreased from (33.47±3.13) ng/dl to (18.35 ± 2.19) ng/dl. Superoxide dismutase level increased from (40.96±3.08) ng/dl to (46.30±1.42, 45.14±1.39) ng/dl however, it was insignificant (p<0.05). Reduced glutathione peroxidase recorded no significance. Conclusion: Administration of L-citrulline fails to proffer significant decrease in lipid peroxidation and increase in antioxidant enzyme SOD. Keywords: l-citrulline, Hyperlipidemia, poloxamer 407, oxidative stress, Antioxidant