Desmodium gyrans dc modulates lipid trafficking in cultured macrophages and improves functional high-density lipoprotein in male wistar rats

• Published in: Indian journal of pharmacology Vol. 53; no. 4; pp. 286 - 293
• Main Authors: Indu, M, Narayanankutty, Arunaksharan, Ramavarma, Smitha, Manalil, Jeksy, Padikkala, Jose, Raghavamenon, Achuthan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Wolters Kluwer India Pvt. Ltd 01.07.2021; Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd; Wolters Kluwer - Medknow
• Subjects: Animals; Apolipoprotein A-I - genetics; Beans; CD36 Antigens - genetics; Cholesterol; Cholesterol Ester Transfer Proteins - genetics; Fabaceae; Foam Cells - physiology; Hep G2 Cells; High density lipoprotein; Humans; Legumes; Lipid Metabolism - drug effects; Lipids; Lipoproteins, HDL - physiology; Macrophages; Macrophages - metabolism; Male; Mimosaceae; Nutritional aspects; Physiological aspects; Plant Extracts - pharmacology; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Rodents; THP-1 Cells; India; foam cells; reverse cholesterol transport; cholesterol efflux; high-density lipoprotein; Atheroprotection
• ISSN: 0253-7613; 1998-3751
• DOI: 10.4103/ijp.IJP_136_17

OBJECTIVE: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol-mediated atherosclerotic plaque regression has gained wide therapeutic attention. The whole plant methanolic extract of the medicinal plant Desmodium gyrans Methanolic Extract (DGM) has shown to mitigate hyperlipidemia in high fat- and-cholesterol fed rats and rabbits with significant HDL enhancing property. The study aimed to assess the functionality and mechanistic basis of HDL promoting effect of DGM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Macrophage cholesterol efflux and foam cell formation assays were performed in THP-1 macrophages. Male Wistar rats were given DGM extract over 1 month and assessed the serum HDL, Apolipoprotein A1 (Apo-A1), and paraoxonase activity. Quantitative Polymerase chain reaction was carried out to assess the expression level of Apo-A1, SR-B1 (Scavenger receptor B1), and Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) on cDNA of HepG2 cells exposed to DGM. RESULTS: Pretreatment of DGM inhibited uptake of oxidized lipids and enhanced the lipid efflux by THP-1-derived macrophages. Oral administration of DGM (100 and 250 mg/kg) progressively enhanced the serum HDL, Apo-A1 level, and associated paraoxonase activity in normal male Wistar rats. In support to this, DGM exposed HepG2 cells documented dose-dependent increase in the expression of SR-B1 and Apo-A1 mRNA, while reduced the CETP expression. CONCLUSION: Overall the results indicated that DGM modulates lipid trafficking and possesses functional HDL enhancing potential through increased Apo-A1 levels and paraoxonase activity. Further, reduced CETP expression and increased expression of SR-B1 suggest the reverse cholesterol transport promoting role of DGM.