Efeito hipolipemiante do extrato de canela (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) em um modelo de hipercolesterolemia em camundongos

Abstract

Hypercholesterolemia, characterized by high levels of cholesterol, especially the LDL fraction, is the main risk factor for atherosclerosis and is an important risk factor for the development of Alzheimer's disease. The objective of this study was to verify the therapeutic effect of cinnamon extract (Cinnamomun zeylanicum) in a model of hypercholesterolemia in mice. Young male (90 days old) C57BJ6 wild-type and hypercholesterolemic mice (Knockout for LDL receptors) received cinnamon extract (EC) or vehicle during 30 days. After EC treatment, were analyzed the biochemical parameters (triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and oxidized LDL) in the blood and markers of oxidative stress (TRAP, TAR, GSH and ROS) and inflammation (TNF-α, IL1-β, IL-6 and IL-10) in the hippocampus of mice. The results of the present study showed that EC reversed the increase in the levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL-C and oxidized LDL and the decrease in HDL levels, caused by the absence of the LDL receptor. It has also been observed that CE totally protected against the decrease of TRAP, TAR and GSH levels and the production of ROS in the hippocampus. Finally, EC treatment was able to reduce the increase of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and to increase the levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) in the hippocampus of hypercholesterolemic animals. In conclusion, we suggest that Cinnamomun zeylanicum extract has important lipid-lowering effects and may be used preventively or adjunctively in the treatment of dyslipidemias.