Apple Extracts Present Catabolic and Hipocolesterolemic Effect in Mice

Abstract

Dyslipidemia is highly prevalent in the Chilean population: about 40% have total cholesterol levels over 200 mg/dl and 25% are obese (BMI > 30) which produces an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and deaths. Over consumption of foods rich in lipids and carbohydrates unchains these events, due to the high amount of lipid accumulation in adipocytes. These cells are capable of producing a large number of mediators of inflammation and adipokines which in large quantities can compromise the overall metabolism. Apple has been shown to stop these events. We used CF-1 mice that were fed on a high-fat diet which leads to a metabolic status similar to dyslipidemia. Different types of apple waste were direct from orchard and fruit industry. Extracts obtained were characterized and administered in drinking water. At the end of the 40-day experimental period, biochemical parameters in animals were measured and the weight of white adipose tissue (WAT) was quantified. The results were compared with the normal diet and fat diet controls. All apple extracts decrease total and LDL cholesterol to levels similar to normal control and decrease WAT. Apple extracts may be an effective protector against development of risk factors in cardiovascular disease in the Chilean population.