African Walnuts (Tetracarpidium conophorum) Modulate Hepatic Lipid Accumulation in Obesity via Reciprocal Actions on HMG-CoA Reductase and Paraoxonase | Bentham Science
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Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets

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ISSN (Print): 1871-5303
ISSN (Online): 2212-3873

Research Article

African Walnuts (Tetracarpidium conophorum) Modulate Hepatic Lipid Accumulation in Obesity via Reciprocal Actions on HMG-CoA Reductase and Paraoxonase

Author(s): Daniel E. Uti, Item J. Atangwho*, Eyong U. Eyong, Grace U. Umoru, Godwin E. Egbung, Solomon O. Rotimi and Victor U. Nna

Volume 20, Issue 3, 2020

Page: [365 - 379] Pages: 15

DOI: 10.2174/1871530319666190724114729

Price: $65

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Abstract

Background: Obesity is characterized by increased body fat and involves an imbalance between the synthesis and degradation of lipids.

Objective: The study aimed to investigate the effect of African walnuts (Tetracarpidium conophorum) on lipids storage and the regulatory enzymes of hepatic lipid metabolism in obese rats.

Methods: Nuts were extracted in ethanol (WE) and further separated to obtain the ethyl-acetate fraction (ET) and the residue (RES). These were administered orally to 3 groups of monosodium glutamate- obese rats (n = 6), respectively, for 6 weeks. Other groups in the study were: normal (NC), obese control (OC) and standard control (SC) which received orlistat. Hepatic total lipids, total phospholipids, triacylglycerol (TG), total cholesterol (TCHOL), 3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase and paraoxonase were studied.

Results: Total lipids, TG and TCHOL which increased in OC compared to NC group, decreased. HMG-CoA reductase activity decreased in the 3 study groups relative to OC. Paraoxonase activity which decreased in OC was up-regulated, while the magnitude of hepatic cholesterol decreased from 94.32 % in OC to 52.19, 65.43 and 47.04 % with WE, ET and RES, respectively. Flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, tannins and saponins were detected in the nut. GC-MS analysis revealed 16, 18 and 10 volatile components in WE, ET and RES, respectively. Unsaturated fatty acids (linolenic acids: 33.33, 47.95 and 50.93 %, and α-linolenic acids: 25, 19.66 and 26.63 %) in WE, ET and RES, respectively, are the most abundant, and likely to be responsible for the observed activity.

Conclusion: African walnuts can prevent hepatic lipid accumulation through reciprocal actions on HMG-CoA reductase and paraoxonase in obesity.

Keywords: Tetracarpidium conophorum nuts, Obesity, Hepatic lipids, HMG-CoA reductase, Paraoxonase, reciprocal actions.

Graphical Abstract
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