In vitro studies of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) glycation and oxidative modification using B.bowkeri extracts

The research focuses on targeting diabetes-associated risks of atherogenesis with B. bowkeri stem bark extracts. It aims to investigate the potential of B. bowkeri extracts to inhibit polyol pathway activity and LDL modification in vitro. The plant sample was bought from a Muthi shop in KwaZulu Natal, Pongola. It was sequentially extracted to obtain three plant extracts (hexane, dichloromethane, and methanol) that were used for investigative studies. The in vitro aldose reductase (ALR) and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) inhibition assays were used to investigate the potential of the extracts to inhibit the polyol pathway activity. The glycation of LDL was investigated using bovine serum albumin and methylglyoxal as glycating agents. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined using in vitro antioxidant assays like ferric reducing power, ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging assays. Their antioxidant activity was also investigated in the copper sulphate-induced LDL peroxidation.

The antiglycation results of the extracts was achieved by calculating the percentage inhibition and by quantifying the fructosamine, amino group and amyloid group content. The inhibition of LDL oxidation was achieved by quantifying the malonaldehyde content. The results revealed that the extracts inhibited glycation and oxidation of LDL.