Seven-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-chromen-4- one reduces atherogenic index and Nrf2 and GPx gene expressions in hyperlipidemic rats

Purpose: To investigate the effect of 7-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-chromen-4-one isolated from mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King) seeds on atherogenic index, expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and expression of the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) genes in hyperlipidemic rats. Methods: A total of 25 rats male aged 8 weeks and weighing an average of 200 g were used. They were divided into five groups as follows: (I) normal (N), (II) hyperlipidemic (HL), (III) hyperlipidemic rats treated with simvastatin (HL+SV), (IV and V) hyperlipidemic rats treated with 30 or 90mg, respectively, of 7-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-chromen-4-one per 200 g body weight per day for 4 weeks. Atherogenic index (AI) was calculated from the levels of triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) while Nrf2 and GPx gene expressions were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: Two different doses of 7-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-chromen-4-one in hyperlipidemic rats significantly reduced their atherogenic index (p < 0.05). Nrf2 and GPx expression levels were lower than (p > 0.05) those of hyperlipidemic group. Conclusion: Seven-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-chromen-4-one reduces the atherogenic index and expression levels of Nrf2 and GPx genes in hyperlipidemic rats. Thus, this compound has potential as an antihyperlipidemic agent