Conclusions
In this experiment, we identified 12 differentially-expressed plasma proteins associated with therapeutic effects of YCL. The functions of those proteins are related with lipid metabolism, blood coagulation, anti-inflammation and substance transport. This study provided a clue for the mechanism that underlies the therapeutic effect of YCL on lipid metabolism.
Methods
We established hyperlipidemic model rats and administrated them with different doses of YCL extracts (0.35g/ml, 0.75g/ml and 1.5g/ml). Serum lipid levels were quantified and proteomic analysis was performed on plasma samples at the end of the study. Total plasma proteins were separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE), and protein spots with 1.5-fold difference were excised and then analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS. Proteomic
Results
The results showed that the serum levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C were significantly decreased, while the HDL-C levels were significantly increased in different doses of YCL treatment groups. After being analyzed by 2-DE and MALDI-TOF MS, 12 proteins were identified. Eight proteins (T-kininogen, C3, C4, C4BPA, Igλ-2 chain C, Mbl2, Hpx and FGL1) were up-regulated in hyperlipidemic model rats, while four proteins (ApoE, ALB, TTR and VDBP) were up-regulated in the control and the YCL-treated rats. Two plasma proteins, ApoE and FGL1, involved in lipid metabolism, were confirmed by western blotting, and the results were consistent with the data from the proteomics results. Conclusions: In this experiment, we identified 12 differentially-expressed plasma proteins associated with therapeutic effects of YCL. The functions of those proteins are related with lipid metabolism, blood coagulation, anti-inflammation and substance transport. This study provided a clue for the mechanism that underlies the therapeutic effect of YCL on lipid metabolism.