Resveratrol alleviates hyperlipidemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress in poloxamer 407-induced hyperlipidemic adult Wistar rats

Poloxamer 407 (Pol-407) is widely used to induce hyperlipidemia, leading to dysregulated lipid metabolism and increased cardiovascular risk. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of resveratrol in mitigating Pol-407-induced hyperlipidemia and associated oxidative and inflammatory stress. Twenty-five Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n=5 per group) as follows: Group 1 (normal control), Group 2 (Pol-407-only), Groups 3, 4, and 5, administered resveratrol at doses of 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg, respectively. The study lasted for 21 days. The experimental animals were anaesthetized and killed. Blood samples and cardiac tissues were collected and used for biochemical assessment. Resveratrol treatment demonstrated a significant (P<0.05) dose-dependent improvement in lipid profiles, reducing total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Resveratrol administration significantly (P<0.05) lowered atherogenic and Castelli?s risk indices, restoring cardiovascular balance. Antioxidant defenses were strengthened, evidenced by reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and improved superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity. Resveratrol mitigated inflammation by decreasing tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-?) and increasing interleukin-10 (IL-10). Cardiac brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels (BDNF) were significantly (P<0.05) restored in the resveratrol-treated groups, suggesting improved cardiac protection. These findings highlight resveratrol?s potential use against hyperlipidemia-induced oxidative and inflammatory stress, reinforcing its lipid-regulating, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities.