Asmaa Talal Al-Malki^1,, Heba Abbas Ahmed Sindi², Mohammed Hussain Al-Qahtani³

Scope: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) share a major part of the total deaths (about 46%) in Saudi Arabia. There are indications of an association between the bioactive components in Hibiscus sabdariffa, in affecting the atherosclerosis biomarkers, the major cause of (CVDs). An intervention study aimed to see the effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa tea extracts on regulating CD36 gene expression in human to prevent atherosclerosis. Methods and results: The blood sample were twice collected. In addition, anthropometric measurements were determined at baseline, and a usual diet was followed while consuming the H. sabdariffa tea twice a day for six consecutive weeks. Following termination of exposure period blood samples were withdrawn. The results revealed that the OxLDL levels were significantly decreased (P=0.013, P< 0.05). Another result of special interest was that the CD36 gene expression significantly experienced, a down regulation in the gene level was detected (P= 0.003, P<0.05), whereas the CD36 protein levels significantly registered an increase (P=0.05, P≤ 0.05). There was an obvious positive correlation between the CD36 gene expression and the OxLDL. Conclusion: In conclusion, a possible effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa tea extracts has potential in affecting the atherosclerosis biomarkers evidently rejected by regulating the CD36 gene expression. Further evaluation is suggested to examine the effect of pure anthocyanins glucoside.

CD36 gene expression, anthocyanin, atherosclerosis, bioactive components, antioxidants