Effect of Atorvastatin and Lactobacillus Acidophilus on Cholesterol Metabolism in Experimental Hypercholesterolemia

Abstract

Hypercholesterolemia is a very common health problem in the world. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of atorvastatin and Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotic on cholesterol metabolism, and formation of neurosterides and myelin. Five groups were formed in the study. Group -1 was fed with standard rat chow as a control group. Group -2 was designated as hypercholosterolemi group and fed with cholesterol added rat chow. Group -3 was fed with cholesterol and atorvastatin. L.acidophilus probiotic was given in the last four weeks of the experiment to Group -4. L.acidophilus and atorvastatin were given together for the last four weeks to the Group -5. At the end of the trial, some biochemical parameters were determined by autoanalyzer device and ELISA. LDL receptor (LDL-R), HMG-CoA reductase, GAPDH genes were determined by RT-PCR. In the case of adding cholesterol to the diet, total cholesterol in the serum, LDL-cholesterol level increased, HDL-cholesterol level decreased, liver enzyme activity increased, Ox-LDL level increased significantly in the brain, testosterone, progesterone, MBP level, nNOS activity were significantly increased. GAPDH gene gave bands at the same intensities in brain and liver of in all groups. When compared with GAPDH, band intensities of the LDL-R and HMG-CoA reductase genes were decreased. It was determined that the hypocholesteric effect of the combination of statin and probiotic is better and neurosterides have a positive contribution to the level of serotonin hormone. As a result, it was concluded that L. acidophilus probiotic supplementation with atorvastatin can be recommended as supportive product in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.