The inhibitory effects of polysaccharide peptides (PsP) of Ganoderma lucidum against atherosclerosis in rats with dyslipidemia.

Background: Atherosclerosis occurs as a result of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) deposits oxidation. Endothelial dysfunction is an early process of atherosclerosis. Restoring endothelial lining back to normal by endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) is critical for slowing or reversing vascular disease progression. Oxidative stress from hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is increased in dyslipidemia so that antioxidant agent is required to prevent destruction of blood vessels.

Objectives: This study aims to report Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide peptide (PsP) effects in atherogenic process by measuring H₂O₂ level, IL-10 level, and EPC number in blood serum, and also intima-media thickness of aorta in dyslipidemia Wistar rat model by giving them a hypercholesterol diet (HCD).

Materials and methods: The study was an experimental in vivo post-test with control group design. Thirty-five Wistar rats (Rattus norwegicus) were divided into five groups (normal diet group, HCD group, and hypercholesterol groups that received 50 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg bodyweight PsP).

Results: Each treatment group showed significant results for the administration of PsP using the one-way analysis of variance test (p<0.050) for the reduction of H₂O₂ (p = 0.003), levels of IL-10 (p = 0.027), number of EPC in the blood serum (p = 0.011), and the intima-media thickness of the aorta (p = 0.000). PsP from G. lucidum is a potent antioxidant and may prevent atherogenesis process in patients with dyslipidemia.

Conclusions: The optimum doses of PsP in this study is 300 mg/kg bodyweight. Further studies are required to determine the antioxidant effects of PsP G. lucidum and its benefits in the management of dyslipidemia.