Optimization of Lovastatin production under sub-merged fermentation and its effect on cholesterol blood level in rats

Abstract

Lovastatin was endorsed for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. In the current work, culture parameters (temperature, initial pH, incubation period, and carbon & nitrogen sources) were optimized for lovastatin production by Aspergillus fumigatus. Different concentrations of glucose and peptone had been also examined that enhances lovastatin production by Aspergillus fumigatus. The lovastatin yield of (0.869 mg/ml) was obtained at an optimum temperature of 30˚C; pH of 6; glucose concentration 35g/l; peptone concentration 7.769 g/l and at an incubation period of 10 days. Impact of produced lovastatin, had been examined on an experimental model of hypercholesterolemic rats that was established by feeding normolipidemic diet (NLD) supplemented with 4% cholesterol, 1% cholic acid and 0.5% thiouracil, w/w for three months. Current study uncovered that hypercholesterolemic rats recorded a significant elevation in total lipids (TL), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and phospholipids (PL), whereas high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was decreased. In comparison the produced lovastatin instigated noteworthy decline in serum TL, PL, TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C levels. On other hand, lovastatin treatment to hypercholesterolemic rats improved the lipid profile in hepatic tissues. In addition, lovastatin treatment expanded hepatic enzyme levels AST and ALT compared to Hypercholesterolemic rats. Meanwhile there was a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation alongside with significant elevation of total antioxidant (TAO) as SOD, CAT and GSH in the liver. Bringing down of these parameters, may in charge of both lipid-bringing down and antioxidative action of lovastatin, which shield liver from hyperchlorestrimia.