Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Thymus vulgaris on Serum Levels Lipoprotein Lipase and Angiopoietin-like Protein 4 in Hyperlipidemic Rats

Hyperlipidemia is known as one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Thyme is one of oldest medicinal herbs that is used mainly for medicinal aims. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) hydrolyzes triglycerides in lipoproteins and angiopoietin-like protein (ANGPTL4) is a LPL regulator, therefore, this study aimed at examining the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of thyme on serum levels of ANGPTL4 and LPL in hyperlipidemic rats. This case-control study was performed in 48 male Wistar rats weighing 180-250g. The animals were divided into 6 groups, including Becker control, fat control group, and 1, 2, 3, and 4 test groups. After induction of hyperlipidemia, test groups (1, 2, and 3) were subjected to gavage with thyme extract at 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg, respectively and group 4 was subjected to gavage with Gemfibrozil at 10 mg/kg for 10 days. Blood samples were taken from all groups and serums were collected for measuring various parameters. Serum cholesterol concentration in treatment groups receiving thyme at 200 mg/kg (p=0.035) and 300 mg/kg (p=0.003) and Gemfibrosil (p=0.025) showed a significant decrease compared to fat control group but other factors such as LPL and ANGPTL4 showed no significant changes (p<0/05). Thyme extract can be effective in lowering cholesterol levels. But further evaluations are suggested to use this extract at higher doses and longer durations to study its effect on lipid factors, LPL, and ANGPTL4.