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The effect of pomegranate extract on coronary artery atherosclerosis in SR-BI/APOE double knockout mice
Aishah Al-Jarallah1, Fatima Igdoura, Yi Zhang
1Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S 4L8.
Objectives:
To examine the effects of pomegranate extract on inflammation and oxidative stress and the development of spontaneous occlusive coronary artery atherosclerosis in the SR-BI/apoE double knockout mouse model of coronary heart disease.
Methods And Results:
SR-BI/apoE double KO mice were treated for two weeks with pomegranate extract via drinking water, beginning at three weeks of age. Treatment with pomegranate extract increased cholesterol ester content and reduced the abnormally high unesterified/esterified cholesterol ratio of VLDL-sized lipoproteins. Despite the increase in cholesterol levels associated with VLDL-sized particles, pomegranate extract treatment reduced the size of atherosclerotic plaques in the aortic sinus and reduced the proportion of coronary arteries with occlusive atherosclerotic plaques. Treatment with pomegranate extract resulted in substantial reductions in levels of oxidative stress and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in atherosclerotic plaques in the aortic sinus and coronary arteries. In addition, treatment with pomegranate extract reduced lipid accumulation, macrophage infiltration, levels of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and fibrosis in the myocardium, attenuated cardiac enlargement and the development of ECG abnormalities in SR-BI/apoE double KO mice.
Conclusion:
Pomegranate extract reduced aortic sinus and coronary artery atherosclerosis in SR-BI/apoE dKO mice. The atheroprotective effects of pomegranate extract appear to involve reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in the vessel wall despite unaltered systemic markers of inflammation and increased lipoprotein cholesterol in these mice.
Insights
Pomegranate extract reduced atherosclerosis in a mouse model of heart disease. This natural compound decreased plaque size and oxidative stress, offering potential benefits for cardiovascular health.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Nutritional Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) involves atherosclerosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
- Mouse models like SR-BI/apoE double knockout (dKO) are crucial for studying CHD development.
- Pomegranate extract is investigated for its potential health benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of pomegranate extract on inflammation, oxidative stress, and atherosclerosis progression.
- To assess the efficacy of pomegranate extract in the SR-BI/apoE dKO mouse model of spontaneous coronary artery atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- SR-BI/apoE dKO mice were administered pomegranate extract in drinking water for two weeks.
- Measurements included lipoprotein cholesterol, atherosclerotic plaque size, oxidative stress markers, and myocardial pathology.
- Systemic and vessel wall markers of inflammation were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Pomegranate extract altered lipoprotein cholesterol profiles, increasing ester content and reducing the unesterified/esterified ratio.
- Despite increased VLDL-sized particle cholesterol, plaque size in the aortic sinus and coronary arteries decreased.
- Significant reductions in oxidative stress and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 were observed in plaques and myocardium.
Conclusions:
- Pomegranate extract demonstrated atheroprotective effects in SR-BI/apoE dKO mice, reducing coronary artery atherosclerosis.
- The benefits appear linked to reduced oxidative stress and inflammation within the vessel wall.
- These findings suggest pomegranate extract's potential in managing cardiovascular disease, independent of systemic inflammation markers.
