Egg Yolk increases Lipid Profile in Wistar Rats; Protective Effect of Carica papaya seed extract

Inneh C. A and Momodu O. I

Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City.

Corresponding Author: churchill.inneh@uniben.edu

Recieved Date: 11th March, 2023; Accepted Date: 2nd May, 2023; Published Date: June, 2023

Citation: Inneh C. A and Momodu O. I

ABSTRACT

Background: Egg yolk has been reported to contain a significant amount of cholesterol. There have been controversies with repect to the impact of dietary egg yolk on plasma cholesterol. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of egg yolk on the lipid profile and the hypolipidemic potential of Carica papaya seed extract in Wistar rats. Method: Thirty five (35) Adult Wistar rats weighing between 150-200g were assigned into seven groups with five (5) animals per group. Rats in group A served as control while group B1 animals were administered with 2ml of egg yolk for two weeks. Group B2 animals were administered with 2ml of egg yolk for four weeks; group C1 and C2 were administered with 400mg/kg body weight (bwt) of aqueous seed extract of Carica papaya for two weeks and four weeks respectively; while group D1 and D2 were co-administered with 2ml of egg yolk and 400mg/kg bwt of aqueous seed extract of Carica papaya for two weeks and four weeks respectively. At the end of the experimental period, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected into plain sample bottles. Lipid profile (Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein (LDL-C), Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL-C) were analyzed using spectrophotometric methods Results: There was a significant increase in total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoproteins (LDL), very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and a significant decrease in high density lipoproteins (HDL) in rats administered with egg yolk for two weeks and four weeks when compared with those of the control. In rats that were co-treated with egg yolk and Carica papaya there was a significant decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoproteins (LDL), very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and a significant improvement in high density lipoproteins (HDL) when compared to those that were treated with egg yolk only for two weeks and four weeks respectively. Conclusion: This study has shown egg yolk increases serum lipids and Carica papaya seed extract possesses hypolipidemic effect and could be of therapeutic benefit in the management of dyslipidemia and other lipid associated disorders.