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Updated: Apr 9, 2026

Isolation and Analysis of Plasma Lipoproteins by Ultracentrifugation
Published on: January 28, 2021
Hypolipidemic effects of nimesulide and celecoxib in experimentally induced hypercholesterolemia in rabbits
Background/Aim:
Hypercholesterolemia plays an important role in the development of atherosclerotic disease, which is one of the leading causes of mortality in the world. Previous studies showed that cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors could be used in treating hypercholesterolemia. Thepresentstudywas designed to testwhether COX-2 inhibition can improve lipid profiles inhypercholesterolemia.
Materials And Methods:
Rabbits were fed a high-cholesterol diet to produce hypercholesterolemia. The role of COX-2 was evaluated using celecoxib and nimesulide. Rabbits were divided into 4 groups: the first with normal healthy rabbits, second with high-cholesterol diet and pretreatment with saline, third with high-cholesterol diet and pretreatment with celecoxib, and fourth with high-cholesterol diet and pretreatment with nimesulide. Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglyceride levels were measured at 2-week intervals in all the groups.
Results:
Results show significantly high levels of serum cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride but low levels of HDL in hypercholesterolemic rabbits pretreated with saline. Rabbits pretreated with nimesulide and celecoxib showed improvement compared to the saline-treated group.
Conclusion:
Improvement of lipid profile by celecoxib in hypercholesterolemic rabbits indicates the detrimental role of COX-2 during atherogenesis. However, the observed effects of nimesulide and celecoxib in hypercholesterolemia may be independent of their ability to inhibit COX-2. Nevertheless, both celecoxib and nimesulide show lipid-lowering potential in experimental hypercholesterolemia.
Insights
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition may improve lipid profiles in hypercholesterolemia. Both celecoxib and nimesulide demonstrated lipid-lowering potential in rabbits with experimental hypercholesterolemia.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for atherosclerotic disease, a leading global cause of mortality.
- Cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors have shown potential in managing hypercholesterolemia.
- The specific role of COX-2 in lipid metabolism and atherogenesis requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of COX-2 inhibition on lipid profiles in a rabbit model of hypercholesterolemia.
- To evaluate the lipid-lowering potential of celecoxib and nimesulide, selective COX-2 inhibitors.
Main Methods:
- Hypercholesterolemia was induced in rabbits via a high-cholesterol diet.
- Rabbits were divided into four groups: control, hypercholesterolemic (saline-treated), and hypercholesterolemic treated with celecoxib or nimesulide.
- Serum lipid levels, including total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides, were monitored.
Main Results:
- Hypercholesterolemic rabbits exhibited significantly elevated cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, with reduced HDL levels.
- Treatment with celecoxib and nimesulide led to notable improvements in lipid profiles compared to saline-treated controls.
- These findings suggest a role for COX-2 in the progression of hypercholesterolemia.
Conclusions:
- COX-2 inhibition, exemplified by celecoxib, may play a beneficial role in managing hypercholesterolemia and mitigating atherogenesis.
- The lipid-modifying effects of nimesulide and celecoxib might extend beyond COX-2 inhibition.
- Both agents show promise as therapeutic options for experimental hypercholesterolemia.
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