Effect of Fenugreek and Atorvastatin on Atherosclerotic Biomarkers in Rats Fed with a Modified High-Ghee Diet

Abstract

Ghee intake in the diet is considered a possible risk factor for conditions of dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis, while fenugreek has a preventive effect against it. This study aimed to assess the role of fenugreek and atorvastatin on atherosclerotic markers in rats with a modified high ghee diet. The experimental design of the study included thirty-five adult male rats. After meeting acclimatization, which lasted one week, the rats were randomly divided to five groups (n = 7) based on their dietary needs. Group 1 served as the negative control and was given a normal diet. Groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 were given a high ghee diet that consisted of ghee (Samna) for a period of 12 weeks. Thereafter, the HGD-fed rats were grouped differently based on their intended treatments from 9 weeks to 12 weeks with continuous feeding by HGD: Group 3 was given fenugreek (500 mg/kg/day) orally. Group 4 was given atorvastatin (30 mg/kg/day) orally. Finally, Group 5 was given a combination of the above treatments. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for lipid levels, inflammatory, and heart function parameters. After 12 weeks, the heart samples underwent analysis for redox homeostasis, which involves analyzing the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and histopathological analysis. The study used statistical analysis via the ANOVA model from the Prism tool of GraphPad Software Inc., USA, San Diego, and version 10.6. The findings revealed a significant increase in serum lipid indices (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol) and inflammatory markers and a reduction in HDL-C and antioxidant enzymes in experimental rats receiving a high ghee diet. The supplementation of fenugreek significantly affected body weight and serum LDL concentrations and TG (P < 0.0001), and there was a marked increase in HDL concentrations (P < 0.0001) and a lower atherogenic index profile. Also, fenugreek significantly reduced CRP concentrations (P < 0.0001) and IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively) in experimental HGD rats and improved antioxidant status by significantly reducing tissue concentrations of MDA (P <0.01) and increasing GSH (P <0.001). Histopathological analysis verified a presence of lesions in the HGD group, and therapy with fenugreek and atorvastatin decreased the quantity of lesions. The findings of this study provide evidence of serum lipid imbalance provoked by ghee intake and suggest a marked anti-lipidemic activity of fenugreek intake. The combined strategies of adopting a healthy lifestyle and supplementing with fenugreek may possibly provide a practical anti-lipidemic strategy and may deal with several factors connected with cardiovascular diseases.