Effect of Saudi and Egyptian pomegranate polyphenols in regulating the activity of PON1, PON2 and lipid profile for preventing coronary heart disease
Saudi and Egyptian pomegranate juice (APJ and EPJ) contains potent polyphenols antioxidants which were found to reduce serum and macrophage oxidative stress. The protective effects of APJ and EPJ against atherogenicity were evaluated by feeding mice with hypercholesterolemic diet supplemented with PJ. PJ consumption reduced mice serum Triglycerides (TG), Total cholesterol (TC) and (low density lipoprotein (LDL-c) and increase in the High-density lipoprotein (HDL-c) compared with mouse with control diet or atherogenic diet. The risk ratio and atherogenic index were significantly lower in either APJ or EPJ supplemented group. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) which remains associated with HDL showed significant increase in the activity in mice supplemented with PJ compared to mice with atherogenic diet (AD). PJ consumption significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and increased glutathione levels. The reduction in lipid peroxidation varied from 57 to 76%. PJ supplementation reduced peritoneal macrophages (MPM) mediated oxidation of LDL by 68 to 82% and decreased mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM) Ox-LDL uptake by 31 to 48%. A significant up regulation of macrophage PON2 activity was induced by PJ reducing the macrophage oxidative stress. In conclusion, PJ consumption resulted in anti-oxidative and antiatherogenic effects on serum and macrophages which could prevent atherosclerosis and coronary heart diseases.