Induction of apolipoprotein A-I gene expression by black seed (Nigella sativa) extracts.

CONTEXT: Black seed [Nigella sativa L. (Ranunculaceae)] has been shown in animal models to lower serum cholesterol levels. OBJECTIVES: In order to determine if extracts from black seed have any effects on high-density lipoprotein (HDL), we characterized the effects of black seed extract on apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) gene expression, the primary protein component of HDL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hepatocytes (HepG2) and intestinal cells (Caco-2) were treated with black seed extracts, and Apo A-I, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), and retinoid-x-receptor α (RXRα) were measured by Western blot analysis. Apo A-I mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and apo A-I gene transcription was measured by transient transfection of apo A-I reporter plasmids. RESULTS: Extracts from black seeds significantly increased hepatic and intestinal apo A-I secretion, as well as apo A-I mRNA and gene promoter activity. This effect required a PPARα binding site in the apo A-I gene promoter. Treatment of the extract with either heat or trypsin had no effect on its ability to induce apo A-I secretion. Treatment with black seed extract induced PPARα expression 9-fold and RXRα expression 2.5-fold. Furthermore, the addition of PPARα siRNA but not a control siRNA prevented some but not all the positive effects of black seed on apo A-I secretion. DISCUSSION: Black seed extract is a potent inducer of apo A-I gene expression, presumably by enhancing PPARα/RXRα expression. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that black seed may have beneficial effects in treating dyslipidemia and coronary heart disease.