Rebaudioside A enhances LDL cholesterol uptake in HepG2 cells via suppression of HMGCR expression
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-2021
Abstract
Background: Rebaudioside A is one of the major diterpene glycosides found in Stevia had been reported to possess anti-hyperlipidemic effects. In this study, we explore the potential cholesterol-regulating mechanisms of Rebaudioside A in the human hepatoma (HepG2) cell line in comparison with simvastatin. Methods: Cells were incubated with Rebaudioside A at several concentrations (0-10 μM) to determine the cytotoxicity by the MTT assay. Cells were treated with selected dosage (1 and 5 μM) in further experiments. Total cellular lipid was extracted by Bligh and Dyer method and subjected to quantitative colorimetric assay. To illustrate the effect of Rebaudioside A on cellular lipid droplets and low-density lipoprotein receptors, treated cells were subjected to immunofluorescence microscopy. Finally, we investigated the expression of experimental gene patterns of cells in response to treatment. Results: In this study, cytotoxicity of Rebaudioside A was determined at 27.72 μM. Treatment of cells with a higher concentration of Rebaudioside A promotes better hepatocellular cholesterol internalization and ameliorates cholesterol-regulating genes such as HMGCR, LDLR, and ACAT2. Conclusions: In conclusion, our data demonstrated that Rebaudioside A is capable to regulate cholesterol levels in HepG2 cells. Hence, we proposed that Rebaudioside A offers a potential alternative to statins for atherosclerosis therapy. © 2021. Reports of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. All Rights Reserved.
Keywords
Rebaudioside A, Anti-hypercholesterolemia, Lipid droplets, Low-density lipoprotein, HMGCR
Divisions
InstituteofBiologicalSciences
Funders
Universiti Putra Malaysia [Grant No: Geran Putra: GP/2020/9693000],Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UPM)
Publication Title
Reports of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Volume
10
Issue
3