A novel approach in reducing hypercholesterolemia using modified mango kernel starch and its role as a potential fat...

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Food Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Hypercholesterolemia poses a significant global health burden, contributing to millions of deaths annually.
• Modified starches, particularly acid-treated variants, show promise in managing lipid metabolism.
• Mango kernel starch is being explored as a functional ingredient for health benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of acid-hydrolyzed modified mango kernel starch on hypercholesterolemia in a mouse model.
• To evaluate its impact on lipid profiles, inflammatory markers, and key protein expression in the liver.

Main Methods:

• Mango kernel starches from various *Mangifera indica* species were chemically modified using acid hydrolysis.
• An in-vivo hypercholesterolemic mouse model (C57BL/6) was established to assess the efficacy of the modified starch.
• Analysis included lipid profiles, inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), and hepatic protein expression (FAS, ACC, SREBP1).

Main Results:

• Acid hydrolysis increased water-holding capacity and amylose content of mango kernel starch.
• Modified mango kernel starch significantly reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipid peroxidation in hypercholesterolemic mice.
• Administration of modified starch suppressed increases in plasma TNF-α and IL-6 and decreased the expression of key lipogenic proteins in the liver.

Conclusions:

• Modified mango kernel starch demonstrates significant hypolipidemic and anti-inflammatory effects in a hypercholesterolemic mouse model.
• It effectively modulates key pathways involved in cholesterol synthesis and lipid metabolism.
• Modified mango kernel starch presents a viable therapeutic alternative for hypercholesterolemia management and can potentially serve as a fat replacer.