title: Antihyperlipidemic activity of chickpea sprouts supplementation in ovariectomy-induced dyslipidemia in rats.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Phytoestrogens are increasingly becoming popular as alternatives for hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal condition.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  In this study, the antihyperlipidemic effect of chickpea (Cicer arientum) sprouts was evaluated in ovariectomy-induced dyslipidemia in rat model in comparison with standard antihyperlipidemic agent atorvastatin.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 24 female adult Wistar rats were divided into four groups that is, Group I - Control; Group II - Ovariectomized (OVX) rats; Group III - OVX + germinated chickpea sprouts (20% in diet) and Group IV OVX + atorvastatin (1.2 mg/kg b.wt, p.o.). Body and organ weights, serum, and liver lipid profile were assessed at the end of 8 weeks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results indicated that ovariectomy significantly (P < 0.05) increased total cholesterol, nonhigh-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides (TGs) in serum and liver. The total lipid and phospholipid content in liver were also significantly (P < 0.05) increased. The weights of uterus and heart were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased. Dietary supplementation with germinated chickpea normalized the lipid profile in serum and liver. Further, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, body weight, uterine, heart, and spleen weights were significantly (P < 0.05) increased. Atorvastatin administration showed similarly normalized lipid profile, but showed no improvement on decreased uterus and heart weights. Histopathological examination revealed fatty changes in liver, uterine atrophy, and subintimal fat accumulation in aorta in OVX group. The changes were mild in chickpea group with no improvement in statin group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Germinated seeds of chickpea showed significant antihyperlipidemic activity, which was comparable to atorvastatin. Further, germinated chickpea improved organ weights and helped in the reversal of histopathological changes suggesting its usefulness in postmenopausal condition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Science, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Sagili
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Harini
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Science, Proddatur, Andhra Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Kaliki
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Adilaxmamma
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Husbandry, Super Specialty Veterinary Hospital, Pulivendula, Andhra Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Emani Madan
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Mohan
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Science, Proddatur, Andhra Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Ch
authors.initials: Ch
authors.lastname: Srilatha
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Science, Proddatur, Andhra Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Mekapogu Alpha
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Raj
keywords: Antihyperlipidemia; atorvastatin; bengal gram; chickpea; cicer arientum; dyslipidemia; ovariectomy