Potential Antihyperlipidemia Effect of Lactoferrin in Hyperlipidemia-Induced Male Sprague–Dawley Rats

Abstract

Potential Antihyperlipidemia Effect of Lactoferrin in Hyperlipidemia-Induced Male Sprague–Dawley Rats Louis Fabio Jonathan Jusni1, Valencia Chandra1, Tena Djuartina2,3, Dion Notario4, Zita Arieselia5, Linawati Hananta5* 1Medicine Study Programme, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta 12930, Indonesia 2Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta 12930, Indonesia 3Biomedical Sciences Programme, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta 12930, Indonesia 4Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta 12930, Indonesia 5Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta 12930, Indonesia Abstract Background: Hyperlipidemia is a condition that is characterized as an increase in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. Lactoferrin is a protein that can serve as an antioxidant. This study aims to determine whether lactoferrin can reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Methods: This study used 24 Sprague–Dawley rat strains, which were divided into six groups: normal group; negative control; positive control; and dose groups 1, 2, and 3. The normal group was given standard feed, whereas the other group was given high cholesterol and fat. The positive control group and dose groups 1, 2, and 3 were given 1.5 mg/kg BW of simvastatin and 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of BW lactoferrin, respectively. After 6 weeks, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were measured. Results: This study showed that lactoferrin doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg BW could significantly reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride levels (p < 0.05). Lactoferrin could also significantly reduce activated Kupffer cell and steatosis area in the liver (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Lactoferrin can reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Thus, further research is needed to address the existing bias and confirm that lactoferrin can reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Keywords: cholesterol, hyperlipidemia, lactoferrin, sprague–Dawley, triglyceride