Effects of Persea americana Seed Extract on Lipid Profile, Atherogenic and Coronary Risk Indices in Doxorubicin-injected Male Rats

Abstract

Doxorubicin (DOX) can cause disruption in the lipid profile due to free radical process. The health benefits of avocado seeds stem from essential nutrients and phytochemicals. This study aimed to assess the effects of Persea americana seed extract on lipid profile, atherogenic and coronary risk indices in doxorubicin-injected male rats. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: Group A were control rats. Group B rats received DOX alone in over a 5 weeks period. Group C animals received the DOX treatment plus Vitamin E. Groups D, E and F rats received the DOX treatment plus 400 mg/Kg, 800 mg/Kg and 1200 mg/Kg b.wt of the extract respectively. Animals were sacrificed after the treatment period, and serum lipid profile was evaluated. Atherogenic index (AI) and coronary risk index (CRI) were also determined. The results showed that rats given DOX+400 mg/Kg and DOX+1200 mg/Kg b.wt of the extracts were found to be non-significantly lower in LDL (43.54±0.496 and 42.22± 3.399 mg/Kg b.wt respectively) and significantly higher (P = .05) in HDL (51.35±2.888 and 49.02±3.450 mg/dl respectively) value when compared to those of the DOX-test and control groups, indicating enhancement of lipid profile. Moreover, the AI and CRI values of the rats given DOX+400 and DOX+800 mg/kg b.wt of the extract were found to be lower compared to the DOX-test and control groups. The findings of this study suggest that the P. americana extract has anti-dyslipidemic potentials, hence could prevent aberrant lipid metabolism that leads to hypertension.