Effect of Hypolipidemic drugs on stress induced alteration on Lipid profile in rats

OBJECTIVE : To evaluate the effect of hypolipidemic drugs gemfibrozil and bezafibrate on stress induced alteration on lipid profile in rats. METHODS : The study was carried on albino rats (150-200g) of either sex, divided into three groups of 6 each. Group I served as control. Groups II and III were treated with gemfibrozil 1000 mg/kg and bezafibrate 500 mg/kg respectively, p.o. in a single daily dose from day 1 to day 22. Physical stress of 5 hours swimming was given to all the groups on day 22. Blood samples were withdrawn in group I on day O (blank control) and on day 22 after stress (positive control). Blood samples were withdrawn in group II and III on days 3,7,14 and 21 and on day 22 after stress. All the blood samples were analysed for total cholesterol (TC) HDL, cholesterol (HDLC) triglyceride (TG) by enzymatic method and LDL & VLDL cholesterol was calculated by on the basis of Friedwalds equation. RESULTS : TC and TG reduced significantly after 21 days of treatment with gemfibrozil (group II) and bezafibrate (group III) while HDLC increased, significantly in comparison to blank control. TC and TG in all the groups increased significantly, after stress on day 22, when compared to same group before stress while HDLC. showed significant fall. Levels of TC and TG after stress were significantly less in gemfibrozil and bezafibrate treated rats in comparison to untreated rats while HDL.C. levels were significantly more in drug treated rats in comparison to drug untreated rats. CONCLUSION : The study showed that gemfibrozil (1000 mg/kg p.o.) and bezafibrate (500 mg/kg p.o.) were not only hypolipidemic but also effective in attenuating stress induced dyslipidemia in rats.