The Oxidative Stress Markers' Protective Influence of Sea Buckthorn and Grape Extracts in Atorvastatin-Treated Hyperlipidemic Rats.

Free radicals and reactive oxygen species initiate when the oxidative stress arises. (1) Background: The effect of natural molecules on oxidative stress in hyperlipidemic rats, taking statins, was observed. (2) Methods: One hundred and twelve white Wistar rats, males and females, were divided into seven: Group I received 20 mg of atorvastatin while groups II and III received a combination of 20 mg of atorvastatin and 100 mg of Sea buckthorn and grape extract. Groups IV and V received 100 mg of Sea buckthorn and grape extract, while groups VI and VII received only high-fat diet (HFD) and normal rodents' fodder. After two and six months, rats were euthanized, and blood was gathered to measure the main paraclinical values and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Also, the liver and kidney were stored for the organs' cytoarchitecture. For statistics, two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), was performed. (3) Results: HFD produced hyperlipidemia, accompanied by augmented serum and hepatic oxidative stress markers, in addition to a reduction in antioxidant enzyme activities and glutathione levels. Polyphenolic substances proven efficient against HFD caused oxidative stress. (4) Conclusions: Atorvastatin heightened the histological injuries caused by the fatty diet, but these were diminished by taking atorvastatin in combination with 100 mg/kg of plant extracts.

Sea Buckthorn and Grape Antioxidant Effects in Hyperlipidemic Rats: Relationship with the Atorvastatin Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Medications to reduce oxidative stress are preventing cellular damage associated with hyperlipidemia. In this regard, statins (e.g., atorvastatin) act primarily by decrease in low-density lipoprotein-c but, in the last decade, hepatotoxicity, associated with liver injuries in the next months after treatments' initiation, was reported. In this case, associated phytotherapy can be a solution. PURPOSE: To investigate the antioxidant potential and response to free radicals, in the case of hyperlipidemic rats treated with atorvastatin. Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) and a grape extract (antioxivita) efficiency in the oxidative stress were investigated, also being ascertained the rats' organs cytoarchitecture. METHODS: Eighty-four hyperlipidemic Wistar rats were divided into seven groups and orally treated as follows: ATS, atorvastatin (20 mg/kg·bw); ATS + Hr, atorvastatin + H. rhamnoides; ATS + Aox, atorvastatin + grape extract; Hr, H. rhamnoides; and Aox, grape extract (both as 100 mg/kg·bw). HFD and Control received high fat diet and normal fodder only. After two and six months, respectively, rats were euthanized and the heart, liver, and kidneys were gathered. The tissue samples were prepared by homogenization of 0.5 g tissue, in ethanol, kept for 48 hours at 4°C-10°C and then filtered, in order to assess organs' cytoarchitecture and the TAC's values (by using cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assay). The test tubes were incubated, at room temperature, for 30 minutes, and then analyzed using a spectrophotometer at 450-650 nm. RESULTS: The statistics (ANOVA) revealed that sea buckthorn diminished notably (p < 0.001) the oxidative stress in the heart, liver, and kidney. After six months, the TAC's reduced levels for the heart were significant (p < 0.001) in ATS + Aox. In the case of histology, the liver's cytoarchitecture in ATS revealed abnormal cytoarchitecture. In ATS + Hr, ATS + Aox, Hr, and Aox, cell regeneration improved in different stages, especially for ATS + Hr and ATS + Aox, in comparison with HFD, which exhibited fat degeneration. Kidney's cytoarchitecture revealed cellular healing, especially in ATS + Hr and ATS + Aox.