Modulatory effects of oleanolic acid on cardiac anti-oxidant status and inflammatory response in high fructose-fed neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats

Abstract

This present study investigated the antioxidant and inflammatory properties of oleanolic acid (OA) on neonatal rats administered with high fructose diet (HFD). Neonatal rats (24) were assigned at random to four (4) groups namely: Group A (control) which had distilled water only; Group B was administered with OA only; Group C was administered with HFD; Group D received HFD and OA. Animals were administered orally using orogastric gavage at a dosage of 10 ml/kg for 7 days (postnatal day 7-14. The antioxidant status of the hearts such as TEAC, Ferric Reducing Anti-oxidant Power, FRAP, Trolox Equivalence Antioxidant Capacity and oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, Malondialdehyde and GSH, Glutathione) were evaluated using standard procedures. The levels of inflammatory cytokines in the hearts were determined using magnetic bead-based assays procedure. The TEAC values were significantly decreased in HFD+OA treatment (p < 0.05) in comparison with HFD group. Glutathione concentration in the HFD group had significant increase (p < 0.05) following treatment with oleanolic acid. FRAP values and MDA level were significantly (p < 0.01) elevated post exposure to HFD and treatment with oleanolic acid insignificantly decreased MDA level when compared with HFD group. The pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, IFN-γ, TNF-a and MCP-1) were significantly (p < 0.05) increased HFD group when compared to the control. Oleanolic acid administration significantly reduced inflammation in postexposure to HFD. Neonatal intake of oleanolic acid may help to prevent inflammation and oxidative damage in the progression of cardiovascular related diseases.