Anti-atherogenic properties of kgengwe (Citrullus lanatus) seed powder in low density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice are mediated through beneficial alterations in inflammatory pathways

Ramandeep Kaur , Kabo Masisi, M Molaei, G Fischer , Rosemary Kobue-Lekalake, Mohammed H Moghadasian

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Kgengwe fruits are commonly consumed in sub-Saharan countries. Recent reports indicated low coronary artery disease rates in those regions. To investigate anti-atherogenic properties and potential mechanisms of action of Kgengwe seed powder (KSP), male low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDL-r-KO) mice were fed with an atherogenic diet supplemented with (treated, n = 10) or without (controls, n = 10) 10% (w/w) KSP for 20 weeks. Proximate analysis revealed that KSP contained 38% fibre and 15% lipids. KSP supplementation was not associated with significant changes in body weight gain rate, food intake, and plasma lipid levels. However, the average atherosclerotic lesion size in the aortic roots in the KSP-treated group was 58% smaller than that in the control group (0.26 vs 0.11 mm2, p < 0.05). This strong anti-atherogenic effect was associated with significant increases in the average plasma levels of certain cytokines such as IL-10 (6 vs 13 pg/mL, p < 0.05), GM-CSF (0.1 vs 0.2 pg/mL, p < 0.05), and EPO (7 vs 16 pg/mL, p < 0.05) along with reductions in the average levels of plasma MCP-1 (19 vs 14 pg/mL, p < 0.05) and MIP-2 (28 vs 13 pg/mL, p < 0.05). Except for relatively high levels of saturated fatty acids, KSP possesses balanced nutrient compositions with strong anti-atherogenic properties, which may be mediated through alterations in inflammatory pathways. Additional studies warrant confirmation and mechanism(s) of action of such effects.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)169-177
Number of pages9
JournalApplied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism
Volume46
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 21 2021

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Anti-atherogenic properties of kgengwe (Citrullus lanatus) seed powder in low density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice are mediated through beneficial alterations in inflammatory pathways'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this