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Ethereal Extract of Pepper: Preventing Atherosclerosis and Left Ventricle Remodeling in LDL Receptor Knockout Mice
Leandro Dos Santos1, Letícia de Oliveira Maciel2, Erika Kristina Incerpi Gracia3
1Pernambuco Rural Federal University ‒ Serra Talhada Academic Unit (UFRPE ‒ UAST), Serra Talhada, PE 56909-535, Brazil.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. In this study we compared the effects of oral treatment with red pepper ethereal extracts or simvastatin on dyslipidemia, left ventricle remodeling, and atherosclerotic lesions of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor knockout mice (LDLr-/-) fed a hyperlipidic diet. Forty 3-month-old male mice were distributed into four groups: control (C; animals fed a standard diet), HL (ani-mals fed a hyperlipidic diet), and HL+P or HL+S (animals fed a hyperlipidic diet plus red pepper ethereal extracts or simvastatin, respectively). After 60 days, treatment with both red pepper ethereal extracts and simvastatin prevented dyslipidemia, atherosclerotic lesion progression, and left ventricle hypertrophy. Our results suggest a cardioprotective effect of red pepper ethereal extracts in LDLr-/- mice, which is comparable to the well-known effects of simvastatin.
Insights
Red pepper extracts and simvastatin offer cardioprotection by preventing dyslipidemia, arterial lesions, and heart remodeling in mice. These natural compounds show promise for cardiovascular health.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Pharmacology
- Nutraceuticals
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major global health burden.
- Dyslipidemia, left ventricle remodeling, and atherosclerosis are key pathological features of CVDs.
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor knockout (LDLr-/-) mice are a relevant model for studying atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cardioprotective effects of red pepper ethereal extracts.
- To compare the efficacy of red pepper extracts with simvastatin in a mouse model of hyperlipidemia.
- To evaluate the impact on dyslipidemia, left ventricle remodeling, and atherosclerotic lesions.
Main Methods:
- Oral administration of red pepper ethereal extracts or simvastatin to LDLr-/- mice on a hyperlipidic diet.
- Four experimental groups: control, hyperlipidic diet, hyperlipidic diet + red pepper extracts, hyperlipidic diet + simvastatin.
- Assessment of dyslipidemia, atherosclerotic lesion progression, and left ventricle hypertrophy after 60 days.
Main Results:
- Both red pepper ethereal extracts and simvastatin effectively prevented dyslipidemia.
- Treatment with red pepper extracts and simvastatin inhibited atherosclerotic lesion progression.
- Both interventions successfully prevented left ventricle hypertrophy in the treated mice.
Conclusions:
- Red pepper ethereal extracts demonstrate significant cardioprotective effects.
- The cardioprotective efficacy of red pepper extracts is comparable to simvastatin.
- Red pepper extracts represent a potential therapeutic strategy for managing cardiovascular risk factors.
