Cardiovascular benefits of okra in low density lipoprotein knockout mice
Loading...
Date
2021
Authors
Kone Berethe, Rokiatou
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the main non-communicable conditions worldwide. Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) is commonly used in many countries including Sub-Saharan Africa. Although the plant is highly valued for its potential health benefits, its cardiovascular benefits are not scientifically well investigated. In an attempt to investigate its cardiovascular benefits, twenty-five male mice were randomly assigned to 3 groups with 2 different diets, chow diet (control (LDLr-KO), n=6 and C57BL/6, n=10) and okra powder diet (LDLr-KO, n=9) at 20% (w/w) for 20 weeks. All diets contained 0.06% (w/w) dietary cholesterol. The incorporation of okra powder in the diet did not increase the total phenolic content of the diet. At baseline and during the experimental course, body weight, food consumption, and plasma lipid levels were measured regularly. At the end of the study, atherosclerotic lesion development was assessed in the aortic roots using light microscopy techniques. The food intake was not significantly different in any experimental groups. However, supplementation of okra changed the weight gain rate, and the plasma total cholesterol and triglycerides levels declined significantly in the okra diet group during the study course. These changes were accompanied by slight reductions in the extent of atherosclerosis (0.17±0.05 vs 0.25±0.05 mm2) as compared to controls. Also, there was a significant increase in the plasma level of IL-10 in the okra-treated animals, as compared to that in the control group. These findings may indicate that the anti-hyperlipidemic effects of okra may be mediated through anti-inflammatory mechanisms. More research is needed to warrant confirmation of such suggestions.
Description
Keywords
Abelmoschus esculentus, Okra, Ldlr-ko mice, Atherosclerosis, Anti-hyperlipidemic, Inflammation, Phenolic compounds