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Effects of Watermelon and L‐Arginine Consumption on Serum Lipid Profile, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Rats
Author(s) -
Beidler Joshua,
Hunter Anna,
Tunstall Ashley,
Kern Mark,
Hooshmand Shirin,
Figueroa Arturo,
Hong Mee Young
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.30.1_supplement.lb289
Subject(s) - oxidative stress , medicine , endocrinology , arginine , inflammation , lipid profile , cholesterol , chemistry , lactate dehydrogenase , thiobarbituric acid , nitric oxide , high density lipoprotein , lipid peroxidation , biochemistry , amino acid , enzyme
Both watermelon and L‐arginine consumption may reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk by promoting endothelial nitric oxide production; however, few studies have directly compared the effects of these agents on blood lipids, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of watermelon extract (powder) or L‐arginine supplementation on CVD risk factors in rats fed an atherogenic high‐fat diet. After 9 weeks of feeding, rat (Sprague‐Dawley, male, 21 days old) serum samples were collected from animals fed diets containing 0.5% watermelon powder (n = 11), 0.36% L‐arginine (n = 11) or a control diet (n = 10) to evaluate a variety of biomarkers that are associated with lipid profile, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Both L‐arginine and watermelon groups exhibited improved lipid profile as indicated by significantly lower (P<0.05) serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol. In contrast, serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol in the supplemented groups was not different than control. Serum C‐reactive protein and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were significantly lower in the L‐arginine and watermelon groups (P<0.05), indicating decreased inflammation and oxidative stress. The liver function markers aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase were significantly lower (P<0.05) in the L‐arginine and watermelon groups, while alanine aminotransferase and creatine kinase were not. These results suggest that watermelon extract is a viable alternative to L‐arginine supplementation for improving cardiovascular risk factors, as evidenced by beneficial effects on serum lipids, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Support or Funding Information The study was funded by The US National Watermelon Promotion Board.