A Diet-induced Atherosclerosis in Rabbit Model Provides an Insight into Essential Elements Concentrations in Cardiovascular Disease

Aim: To assess the effect of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis on essential minerals.
Study Design: Animal model was used for this study.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of biochemistry and department of Anatomy, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso. January, 2012 to October, 2012.
Methodology: We included 8 white rabbits which were divided into 2 groups, 1 (control i.e. rabbits given normal diet) and 2 (rabbits given standard diet plus 0.2% cholesterol and 0.6% groundnut oil i.e. atherogenic diet). Feeding was for 8 weeks. The minerals were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer; lipids and lipoproteins were determined spectrophotometrically while the effects of atherosclerosis on heart and kidneys were determined chemically and histologically.
Results: The results showed elevated serum concentrations of total cholesterol (4.05%), triglyceride (28%), high density lipoproteins (12.17%), very low density lipoprotein (70%) in atherosclerotic group when compared with control. Atherosclerosis caused decreased serum concentrations of copper (13.88%), manganese (23%), iron (26.46%) in atherosclerotic group when compared with control. Atherosclerosis induced elevated serum concentrations of zinc (47.34%), chromium (37.21%), calcium (72.04%) and magnesium (125.13%). Except for chromium, significant positive correlations were observed between serum cholesterol and trace elements. Induction of atherosclerosis resulted in impaired renal function shown by elevated concentrations of urea (34.80%) and creatinine (147.54%). Renal histology showed cellular necrosis of the epithelial squamous cells. In the aorta and brachiocephalis of the atherogenic diet fed rabbits, there were large number of smooth muscle like cells and focal aggregation of foam cells resulting in intima thickness.
Conclusion: This study further emphasized the monitoring of systemic concentrations of essential minerals in cardiovascular disorder as this may prevent occurrence of another pathologic condition.