Rebaudioside A enhances LDL cholesterol uptake in HepG2 cells via suppression of HMGCR expression

• Main Authors: Ilias, A.N., Ismail, I.S., Hamzah, H., Mohd Mohidin, Taznim Begam, Idris, M.F., Ajat, M.
• Format: Article
• Published: 2021
• Subjects: QD Chemistry; QH301 Biology
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/35876/
• Institution: Universiti Malaya

Background: Rebaudioside A is one of the major diterpene glycosides found in Stevia had been reported to possess anti-hyperlipidemic effects. In this study, we explore the potential cholesterol-regulating mechanisms of Rebaudioside A in the human hepatoma (HepG2) cell line in comparison with simvastatin. Methods: Cells were incubated with Rebaudioside A at several concentrations (0-10 μM) to determine the cytotoxicity by the MTT assay. Cells were treated with selected dosage (1 and 5 μM) in further experiments. Total cellular lipid was extracted by Bligh and Dyer method and subjected to quantitative colorimetric assay. To illustrate the effect of Rebaudioside A on cellular lipid droplets and low-density lipoprotein receptors, treated cells were subjected to immunofluorescence microscopy. Finally, we investigated the expression of experimental gene patterns of cells in response to treatment. Results: In this study, cytotoxicity of Rebaudioside A was determined at 27.72 μM. Treatment of cells with a higher concentration of Rebaudioside A promotes better hepatocellular cholesterol internalization and ameliorates cholesterol-regulating genes such as HMGCR, LDLR, and ACAT2. Conclusions: In conclusion, our data demonstrated that Rebaudioside A is capable to regulate cholesterol levels in HepG2 cells. Hence, we proposed that Rebaudioside A offers a potential alternative to statins for atherosclerosis therapy. © 2021. Reports of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. All Rights Reserved.