Iridoid enriched fraction from Ajuga iva reduce cholesterolemia, triacylglycerolemia and increase the lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity of rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet

Objective: In this study, we examined the effect of iridoid (I) derived from lyophilized aqueous extract of Ajuga iva on serum HDL2 and HDL3 compositions and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity, enzyme responsible for reverse cholesterol transport. Methods: Male Wistar rats (n=24) weighing 120±5 g were fed a diet containing 1% cholesterol-rich diet for 15 days. After this phase, the hypercholesterolemic (HC) rats were divided into groups fed the same diet and received or not doses (5, 10 or 15 mg/kg b.w by intraperitoneal injection) of iridoid for 15 days. Results: Compared to HC group, serum total cholesterol value was 1.4and 1.2-fold lower in the I5-HC and I10-HC groups. C-HDL2 and C-HDL3 values were increased in the I5-HC, I10-HC and I15-HC groups (3.2and 4-, 2.2and 4.2-, and 3.2and 8.7-fold, respectively). HDL2 amounts were 4-, 4and 2.5-fold higher in the I5-HC, I10-HC and I15-HC groups. In HDL3, phospholipids contents were similar, whereas, unesterified cholesterol values were 3.3-, 2.8and 3-fold higher in the I5-HC, I10-HC and I15-HC groups. In HDL2, cholesteryl esters contents were significantly higher in the groups treated with iridoid (p<0.05). LCAT activity was increased in the I5-HC and I10-HC groups. Conclusion: Treatment with iridoid at doses 5 or 10mg/kg b.w reduce cholesterolemia. These molecules act efficiently on the efflux of cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver by increasing LCAT activity.