Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 17, 2025
Isolation and Analysis of Plasma Lipoproteins by Ultracentrifugation
Published on: January 28, 2021
Resveratrol Treatment Is Associated with Lipid Regulation and Inhibition of Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2
Lei Xu1, Renjie Wang2, Hongyu Liu1
1Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun City, Jilin Province 130033, China.
Abstract:
The effects of resveratrol on various conditions have been widely studied previously. This paper aimed to investigate the influence of resveratrol on atherosclerosis (AS). Twenty-four New Zealand male rabbits were randomly and equally assigned to the normal diet group (NDG), fat diet group (FDG), and fat diet with resveratrol group (80 mg/kg/d, RFG). Biochemical indicators from blood samples were analyzed at baseline and 3 months to investigate the effects of resveratrol on blood lipid, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), liver, and renal function. The indicators including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine (CREA), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and Lp-PLA2. At 3 months, arteries were stained with hematoxylin and eosin to study the influence of resveratrol on the aortic intima, smooth muscle layer, and the intima/media ratio. Comparisons of weight, ALT, AST, CREA, TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, and Lp-PLA2 among the three groups showed no significant difference at baseline. However, at the end of 3 months, significant differences were observed in AST, CREA, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, and Lp-PLA2 between the three groups (P < 0.05). In pairwise comparison, CREA, TC, LDL-C, and Lp-PLA2 had significant differences between any two groups (P < 0.05). In addition, there were significant differences in the AST and HDL-C levels between RFG and NDG groups (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the HDL-C levels were also significantly different between the FDG and NDG groups (P < 0.01). The histologic analysis also showed that the thickness of the aortic intima and the ratio of the intima and aortic tunica media (P < 0.05) significantly decreased in RFG compared to FDG. Resveratrol may have an antiatherosclerosis effect on a rabbit model of AS.
Insights
Resveratrol supplementation in rabbits with atherosclerosis (AS) improved lipid profiles and reduced aortic intima thickness. This suggests resveratrol may offer anti-atherosclerosis benefits.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Nutraceuticals and Disease Prevention
- Animal Models of Human Disease
Background:
- Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by plaque buildup in arteries.
- Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in grapes and red wine, has demonstrated various health benefits in preclinical studies.
- The specific anti-atherosclerotic effects of resveratrol in a controlled animal model require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of resveratrol in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis.
- To evaluate the impact of resveratrol on key biochemical markers and arterial histology in AS.
- To determine if resveratrol supplementation can mitigate the progression of atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four male New Zealand rabbits were divided into three groups: normal diet (NDG), high-fat diet (FDG), and high-fat diet with resveratrol (RFG).
- Biochemical parameters including lipids, liver enzymes, renal function, and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) were analyzed at baseline and 3 months.
- Aortic intima-media thickness was assessed via hematoxylin and eosin staining at the study's conclusion.
Main Results:
- After 3 months, significant differences in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine (CREA), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and Lp-PLA2 were observed between groups.
- Pairwise comparisons revealed significant differences in CREA, TC, LDL-C, and Lp-PLA2 among all three groups.
- Histological analysis showed a significant reduction in aortic intima thickness and intima/media ratio in the RFG compared to the FDG.
Conclusions:
- Resveratrol supplementation significantly improved lipid profiles and renal function markers in rabbits with diet-induced atherosclerosis.
- Resveratrol administration reduced aortic intima-media thickness, indicating a potential anti-atherosclerotic effect.
- These findings suggest that resveratrol may be a promising agent for preventing or treating atherosclerosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
01:20Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
01:29Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
Considering cholesterol and...