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Hempseed (Cannabis sativa) offers effective alternative over statins in ameliorating hypercholesterolemia associated
Simarpreet Kaur1, Ayushi Garg1, Naveen Kaushal1
1Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India.
Insights
Hempseed lipid extract (HEMP) shows therapeutic potential against hypercholesterolemia-associated kidney damage, offering a safer alternative to statins by improving lipid profiles and reducing inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Hypercholesterolemia (HC) is linked to kidney damage.
- Statins, used for HC, can cause renal side effects.
- Natural alternatives for HC management are being explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate hempseed lipid extract (HEMP) for anti-inflammatory and redox effects against HC-induced renal damage.
- To compare HEMP's efficacy and safety with statins (Simvastatin) in a rat model.
Main Methods:
- HEMP was prepared and administered to rats with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced HC.
- Effects on lipid profiles, renal function, oxidative stress, and inflammation were assessed.
- HEMP's impact on lipid metabolism mediators (APO-B/E) was analyzed.
Main Results:
- HEMP improved lipid profiles and renal morphology, showing safety comparable to Simvastatin.
- HEMP modulated renal histoarchitecture, reduced oxidative stress, and influenced inflammatory pathways.
- HEMP activated resolution pathways, mitigating HC-associated renal insults.
Conclusions:
- HEMP demonstrates significant ameliorative and therapeutic potential for hypercholesterolemia-associated nephropathies.
- HEMP offers a promising natural strategy for managing HC and its renal complications.
- HEMP's safety profile suggests it as a viable alternative to statins.
Abstract:
A direct link between hypercholesterolemia (HC) and renal pathologies has been established. Statins, the drugs of choice for HC management, have been associated with various side effects and toxicities, including nephropathy and other renal insults. Thus, natural dietary products based-alternative strategies for HC and associated pathologies are being considered.
Objectives:
Based on the unique nutritional composition and numerous health benefits of Hempseeds (Cannabis sativa), currently the potential anti-inflammatory and redox modulatory effects of hempseeds lipid extract (HEMP) against HC associated renal damage were evaluated and compared with statins (Simvastatin) in HFD induced experimental model of HC in rats.
Design & Methods:
The hempseed lipid fractions (HEMP) were prepared and their ameliorating effects on HFD induced lipid profiles, renal function markers (RFT), histopathological/morphological changes, renal oxidative stress, and inflammation markers were studied and compared with statins (HFD + STATINS). Further, HEMP-mediated modulation of lipid metabolism mediators (APO-B/E) was studied.
Results:
Not only, HEMP administration improved the lipid profiles and morphological signs of HC, but it also was safe compared to Simvastatin in terms of hepatic and renal function markers. Further, changes in renal histoarchitecture, biochemical markers of oxidative stress, and expression profiles of lipid metabolism and inflammatory pathways (Cox-1/2, PGDS, PGES) revealed that HEMP positively modulating the redox homeostasis activated the resolution pathways against HC associated renal insults.
Conclusion:
The outcomes of the current study indicated HEMP's ameliorative and therapeutic potential against hypercholesterolemia-associated nephropathies and other systemic effects.
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