Attenuating Effect of Curcumin on Diet-induced Hypercholesterolemia in Mice

Background and Aims: Atherosclerosis is currently a chronic disease in which cholesterols accumulate in large arteries. Many genes such as liver X receptor &alpha; (LXR&alpha;) are involved in the cholesterol homeostasis. Curcumin, the main active polyphenol component derived from Curcuma longa, contribute to anti-inflammation and antioxidant in the treatment of atherosclerosis. Thus, this study intended to determine the role of curcumin in the cholesterol biosynthesis and LXR&alpha; gene expression in mice. Materials and Methods: This study examined the effects of curcumin on the gene expression via LXR&alpha; in monocytes of hypercholesterolemia mice, which were treated with the curcumin oral gavage at the dose of 15 mg/kg for 4 weeks, measured using real time polymerase chain reaction. To further investigate the effects of curcumin in hypercholesterolemia as well as non- hypercholesterolemia mice, the total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein in plasma have been also measured. Results: The average has been calculated by SigmaPlot software, showing that LXR&alpha; gene expression causes no significant difference between the control group and the experimental groups (p<0.05). Although, treatment with the curcumin decreases cholesterol, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein of plasma level and significantly increases high density lipoprotein cholesterol of plasma level. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that curcumin has a special effect on lipid metabolism by increasing the reverse cholesterol transport mechanisms and decreasing low density lipoprotein in the blood. In conclusion, curcumin seems to have potentials to be used as a supplement.