Effects of protocatechuic acid on ameliorating lipid profiles and cardio-protection against coronary artery disease in high fat and fructose diet fed in rats

A coronary heart disease leads to increase in obesity and metabolic dysfunction. Protocatechuic acid (PCA), due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuro protective activities was found efficient as cardio-protective in coronary heart disease. Our study investigated hypolipidemic and cardioprotective effects of protocatechuic acid in the coronary artery disease induced by high fat and fructose diet (HFD) rat models. A diet rich in fat and fructose was fed to male Wistar rats prior to the start of experimental procedures. Serum lipid levels and hepatic triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels were examined and analyzed. Both in vitro an in vivo pancreatic lipase activity was determined as well. Histopathological examination was performed and their results were noted. Noteworthy reduction of serum lipid levels and hepatic TG and TC levels was seen in groups treated with simvastatin (SIM; 20 mg/kg) and PCA (50 and 100 mg/kg) in comparison to HFD groups. Pancreatic lipase activity was reduced in the SIM group and the group treated with doses of PCA (50 and 100 mg/kg). A marked increase in gain in body weight per week (P<0.05) was achieved in HFD group. Coronary risk index (CRI) and Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) showed decreased index values after treatments with SIM and PCA (50 and 100 mg/kg), respectively. Our findings confirmed the efficacious cardio-protective and hypolipidaemic activities of protocatechuic acid in coronary artery disease induced in rats with fat and fructose rich diet.