Hypercholesterolemia, angiotensin converting enzyme and ecto-enzymes of purinergic system: Ameliorative properties of caffeic and chlorogenic acid in hypercholesterolemic rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the modulatory properties of caffeic acid (CA) and chlorogenic acid (CH) on the activity of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), purinergic enzyme (PE), and lipid lowering properties in hypercholesterolemic rats. CA and CH (10 or 15mg/BW) were administered on hypercholesterolemic rats for 21days while simvastatin (0.2mg/BW) was used as a reference drug. Effects of CA and CH on PE, adenosine deaminase (ADA), ACE, atherogenic index as well as antioxidant status were determined. CA and CH positively modulated activity of e-NTPDase, reduced activity of the ADA and ACE, caused a significant (p<0.05) reduction in plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol levels, and elevated HDL-cholesterol level in hypercholesterolemic rats. The results showed that CH exhibited stronger ameliorative properties than caffeic acid, based on its effect on the activities of PE, ACE, and atherogenic index. Also, CA exhibited stronger antioxidant properties than CH. Practical application Plant phytochemical constituents such as phenolic acids have been used in the management of hypercholesterolemia and its related complications. These phenolic acids are bioavailable in coffee, vegetables, spices, and legumes. They exhibit various pharmacology effects in diseased and healthy individual. However, caffeic and chlorogenic acid exhibits atherogenic properties and modulates activity of key enzymes linked with hypertension in hypercholesterolemic rats. Nevertheless, chlorogenic acid exhibited a better atherogenic effect than caffeic acid in hypercholesterolemic rats.