Investigação dos efeitos hipolipemiantes e antiateratogênicos do óleo da carcaça do jacaré do Pantanal (Caiman yacare) (Daudin, 1802) em ratos espontaneamente hipertensos submetidos à dieta aterogênica

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally among non-communicable diseases. There are various risk factors that can trigger or worsen the condition, leading to more severe issues such as atherosclerosis. Treatment usually involves medication, but there is a risk of drug interactions and potential resistance with long-term use. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of Caiman yacare oil on lowering lipids and its cardiorenal protective effects in spontaneously hypertensive rats. The study used an animal model with several cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension, hypothyroidism, and a high-fat diet. The rats were fed the high-fat diet for 8 weeks, with treatments starting after 4 weeks. C. yacare oil (given at doses of 19, 56, and 168 mg/kg), rosuvastatin (5 mg/kg), and fish oil (56 mg/kg) were administered orally for 4 weeks. Renal function was assessed at the beginning and end of the treatments. Blood pressure and cardiac electrical activity were monitored. Levels of serum lipids, inflammation and oxidative stress markers, as well as liver and kidney function were measured. The mesenteric vascular bed was removed to assess vascular reactivity, and samples from the kidney, heart, and arteries (carotid and subclavian) were collected for histopathological analysis. The results showed that oral administration of C. yacare oil at 168 mg/kg significantly reduced serum lipids, urea, creatinine, and oxLDL levels. It also prevented arterial endothelial dysfunction and intima-media thickness caused by the multiple cardiovascular risk factors. Significant diuretic, antihypertensive, or anti-inflammatory effects were not observed. The data suggests that prolonged treatment with C. yacare visceral fat oil has significant lipid-lowering effects, reduces the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, prevents endothelial dysfunction, and partially modulates renal function in rats with multiple cardiovascular risk factors.