Abstract

The effect of Fufang Jiangzhi No. 3 on cholesterol-bile acid metabolism in New Zealand white rabbit fed with cholesterol-rich diet was studied. 24 male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned into control group (Group A), hypercholesterolemia model group (Group B), and Fufang Jiangzhi No. 3 treatment group (Group C). Groups B and C were fed with cholesterol-rich diet (containing 1% cholesterol) 120 g/day during 4 weeks’ administration in order to establish hypercholesterolemia model while Group A was fed with common rabbit fodder 120 g/day. Group C received Fufang Jiangzhi No. 3 by intragastric administration (0.5 bag/20 ml distilled water, every morning) at the same time as the start of the cholesterol-rich diet exposure. Serum CHO, LDL-C and BA assessment of 24 rabbits was performed at the end of the experiment. The activity of CYP7A1 in the liver was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISAs). The expressions of CYP7A1 mRNA, bile salt export pump (BSEP) mRNA and small heterodimer partner (SHP) mRNA in the liver were measured by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Serum CHO in Group B was much higher than that in Group A (P<0.05), moreover, the serum CHO in Group C was lower than that in Group B (P<0.05). The level of BSEP mRNA and SHP mRNA in Group C were much lower than those of Group B (P<0.01). These results suggested that Fufang Jiangzhi No. 3 can up-regulate the expression of CYP7A1 mRNA and enhance the activity of CYP7A1. It may be one of the mechanisms involved in its preventive effect in cholesterol-rich diet-induced hyperchlesterolemia in New Zealand white rabbit.

Key words: Bile acid, Fufang Jingzhi No. 3, Farnesoid X Recptor (FXR), CYP7A1.