Hypocholesterolemic activity of onion is mediated by enhancing excretion of fecal sterols in hamsters

摘要: Onion has been shown to favorably modify the lipoprotein profile. However, research on its underlying mechanism is lacking. The present study investigated interaction of dietary onion powder with protein expression key receptors and enzymes involved in cholesterol metabolism. Thirty-six male hamsters were randomly divided into three groups fed a high-cholesterol control diet or two experimental diets supplemented 1% (OP-1) 5% (OP-5), for period 8 weeks. It was found that dose-dependently decreased plasma total (TC) level. change profile accompanied by greater excretion both fecal neutral acidic sterols. Western blot analysis revealed up-regulated sterol regulatory element binding 2 (SREBP-2), liver X receptor alpha (LXRα) cholesterol-7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) no effect 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) LDL (LDL-R). concluded hypocholesterolemic activity mediated enhancement up-regulation LXRα CYP7A1.