Effect of Genistein on Lipid Profile and Oxidative Status in Hyperlipidemic Wistar Rats

Background: Hyperlipidemia is a major cause of atherosclerosis-induced conditions such as coronary heart disease, ischemic cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral vascular disease. Due to various adverse effects with the current pharmacological therapy, many plant-derived compounds are being tested to lower serum lipid levels. Genistein, a polyphenolic isoflavone, showed promising results in several studies. Objective: The current study aimed to assess the effect of genistein on lipid profile and oxidative status in hyperlipidemic wistar rats.Materials and Methods: This prospective, observational in vivo study was carried out in Sri manakula vinayagar medical college and hospital, Puducherry, India. Thirty-xix adult male albino wistar rats were used for the experiment. Rats were divided randomly into six groups consisting of six animals in each group. All animals were given high cholesterol diet (0.75% cholesterol + 1.5% bile salt) to induce hyperlipidemia. The animals were treated with atorvastatin (10 mg/kg oral) and genistein (1 mg/kg oral and 5 mg/kg oral) once daily for a period of 30 days. All animals were weighed at the start and the end of the experimental period.On 31st day after overnight fasting, blood samples were collected from orbital sinus for biochemical analysis of lipoproteins and antioxidants. Basic parameters like body weight was measured. Measurement of parameters like Total Cholesterol, HDL, VLDL, LDL Triglycerides was carried out for undertaking Serum Lipid Profile. And, measurement of parameters like reduced glutathione (GSH), serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and plasma catalase was carried out for undertaking Antioxidant activity. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way analysis of variance test followed by post hoc Dunnett’s multiple comparison test. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Result: Oral administration of genistein showed a significant reduction in body weight serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein levels. Dose dependent significant changes (P<0.05) were observed in MDA and Catalase levels among genistein treated animals. Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that genistein effectively attenuated raised serum TC, LDL, VLDL, and TG levels with remarkable improvement in antioxidant activity. Thus, genistein, a polyphenolic isoflavone, in a dose of 5 mg/kg alone and in combination with conventional hypolipidemic drug, atorvastatin has beneficial effect on serum lipid profile and antioxidant activity in hyperlipidemic male albino Wistar rat