Polysaccharide from Fuzi (FPS) Prevents Hypercholesterolemia in Rats

Male rats were fed either a normal or high cholesterol (HC) diet for two-weeks. Half of the rats on the HC diet were orally gavaged with FPS (224 mg/kg, 448 mg/kg or 896 mg/kg diet) daily. Serum lipid levels were quantified at end of the study period as were liver levels of LDL-R protein and mRNA expression of CYP7α-1 and HMG-CoA. Serum cholesterol and LDL-C concentrations were significantly elevated from control in HC rats, but not in those treated with FPS (P < 0.05). LDL-R expression was significantly decreased in the HC group compared to control (P < 0.05), but significantly increased in the FPS group (P < 0.05). HMG-CoA mRNA levels were significantly increased in the HC group compared both other groups (P < 0.05), while CYP7α-1 expression was significantly higher in the FPS group compared to both other groups (P < 0.05).These findings suggest that the cholesterol lowering effect of FPS in hypercholesteremic rats is caused at least in part by increased hepatic LDL-R and CYP7α-1 expression and decreased HMG-CoA expression. Further study is needed to determine precisely where and how FPS exerts these effects. FPS offers potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.Hypercholesterolemia is an important risk factor for atherosclerosis and consequent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Increased circulating levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) underlie the development of atherosclerosis [1,2]. Statins have been shown to effectively lower LDL levels and reduce both mortality and morbidity associated with coronary heart disease by 30% [3]. However, as noted Steinberg and colleagues in a recent review [4], this still leaves a significant percentage of individuals for whom statin therapy will not prevent the occurrence of adverse events. There is an obvious need for more efficacious and alternative treatment options.Many Chinese herbal medicines contain polysaccharides which can exert a wide range of pharmacological effects, includ