Find in Library

Introduction. Several studies have reported that marine peptides have antioxidant effect. However, few have focused on their cholesterol-lowering effect. Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of sardine (Sardina pilchardus ) and sardinelle (Sardinella aurita) protein hydrolysates on reverse cholesterol transport, and antioxidant status, in rat fed a cholesterol-enriched diet. Materials and methods. Eighteen male Wistar rats (350±15g) were divided into three groups, and fed 20% casein and 1% cholesterol for 15 days. During this period, two groups received by gavage sardine protein hydrolysates (HPS) or sardinelle (HPA) solution. The 3rd group received water (GC). Results. Cholesterolemia was 1.7-fold lower in hydrolysates fed groups. The lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity was respectively, 1.7- and 1.6-fold higher in HPS and HPA groups. Phospholipids values of high density lipoprotein (PL-HDL ) were 1.4-fold lower in HPS compared with GC group. Cholesteryl esters amounts of HDL (CE-HDL ) were respectively, 1.7- and 1.5-fold higher in HPS and HPA groups. Liver and muscle thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were respectively reduced by 68% and 29% in HPS and 48.5% and 63.6% in HPA group. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was increased by 32% in liver and 78% in muscle of HPA. Conclusion. It seems that HPS and HPA act favorably on reverse cholesterol transport, and improve oxidative stress, in rat fed cholesterol- enriched diet.