Polyphenol-rich extract from wild Lonicera caerulea berry reduces cholesterol accumulation by mediating the expression of hepatic miR-33 and miR-122, HMGCR, and CYP7A1 in rats

A wild Lonicera caerulea berry extract rich in polyphenols (LCBP) is widely used as a food supplement and additive. The main active components are cyanidin-3-glucoside, (+)-catechin, and chlorogenic acid. The aim of this study was to examine the hypocholesterolemic effects of LCBP in high cholesterol diet (HCD)-induced hypercholesterolemia in Sprague Dawley rats and the associated changes in cholesterol metabolism. Rats were fed an HCD with or without LCBP (75, 150, and 300 mg/kg body weight) for 12 weeks. LCBP at 150 and 300 mg/kg was effective for reducing cholesterol accumulation (p < .05 or p < .01). LCBP supplementation significantly decreased body and organ weights (p < .01). In addition, it normalized serum lipid levels and decreased liver total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in hypercholesterolemic rats (p < .01). LCBP also improved the histopathological features of the hepatic tissue and aorta pectoralis in rats fed an HCD. Dietary LCBP supplementation promoted the metabolism of cholesterol to bile acids by increasing CYP7A1 activity.