ATHEROGENIC INDEX OF PLASMA (AIP): CAN BE A BIOMARKER FOR EARLY ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN EXPERIMENTAL MODELS OF OBESITY RATS?
Abstract
Objective: Our experimental study evaluated the influence and correlation among the Atherogenic index of plasma and early histological endothelial dysfunction in an experimental model of obesity rats. Materials and methods: Twenty-one Wistar rats, male, aged 4–6 months (450-550g), were allocated into III groups. The control group consumed exclusively a standard food, while the II group was administered HFD (Hight-Fat-Diet) with 2% cholesterol and the last group received HFD and treatment with Atorvastatin 20mg/kg/day by gavages. Before and after 4 weeks of oral administration of diet and treatment, serum lipid profile and glycemia were measured. The Atherogenic Index of Plasma, Castelli risk indices (I and II) and lipoprotein combined indices (LCI) are evaluated with a formula. Also, for histological study, aortas were extracted for the histological investigation and the principal extracellular matrix components, including collagen and elastin, were examined with a microscope for indications of aortic degeneration. Endothelial dysfunction was evaluated with biochemical levels of lipid profile, abdominal ultrasonography and histological study. Results: Four-week diet supplementation with HFD for obesity rats caused an increase in serum lipids levels; AIP levels indicate a high risk for cardiovascular events, histological aspect we observed endothelial damage, with degenerative modification in the aortic media, indicating by the dissociation of elastic fibers and accumulation of collagen. Conclusions: In our study, AIP, lipoprotein combined index and Castelli’s risk index I and II are correlated with endothelial injury. Obesity disturbs the lipid profile, increasing AIP in experimental models of obesity rats and can be a risk factor for endothelial dysfunction. Treatment with statin, healthy food and change in the modifiable risk factors can improve endothelial function and early stage of atherosclerosis.
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