Evaluation of the effects of n-acetylcysteine on atherosclerosis and oxidative stress parameters in mice fed with a western diet

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of NAS on obesity and atherosclerosis parameters in mice fed a western-style diet. The study was carried out with 32 male BALB/C mice aged 8-9 weeks. BALB/C male mice were fed purified diet (10% fat, 70% carbohydrate, 20% protein, 3.85 kcal/g) (Control, K); purified diet (10% fat, 70% carbohydrate, 20% protein; 3.85 kcal/g) + NAC (K+NAC); high fat and sucrose diet (45% fat, 35% carbohydrate, 20% protein; 4.73 kcal/g) (HFSD); high fat and sucrose diet (45% fat, 35% carbohydrate, 20% protein; 4.73 kcal/g) + NAC (HFSD + NAC). NAC was given in the water of the mice at a rate of 2 g/L. Feed and water of the mice were given ad libitum and the mice were followed up for 11 weeks. After the follow-up, the mice were sacrificed and heart tissue and blood were collected. Heart tissue and plasma were analyzed for TAS, TOS, TGF-1β, IL-12 and CT-1, and plasma was analyzed for total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, HDL-C and VLDL. When the initial and final measurements were compared, an increase in body weight was observed in all groups (p<0.05). Throughout the study, the body weights, feed consumption and energy intake of the mice in the YYSD group were higher than the mice in the other groups. The average feed intake, energy, carbohydrate, protein and fat intakes of mice given N-acetylcysteine (NAC) were lower than those of mice not given NAC. Serum triglyceride and VLDL-C levels were highest in the K group (p>0.05). N-acetylcysteine supplementation increased HDL-C and total cholesterol levels in mice given high fat and sucrose diet (p<0.05). N-acetylcysteine supplementation increased TAS levels in mice fed high fat and sucrose diet and control diet (p<0.05). Serum TGF-β levels were found to be higher in high fat and sucrose diet + NAC, K+NAC and K groups compared to mice in the YYSD group (p<0.05). N-acetylcysteine supplementation was found to ameliorate the IL-12 increase induced by high fat and sucrose diet in heart tissue (p<0.05). In addition, TGF-β1 levels in heart tissue were lower in the HFSD + NAC group compared to the HFSD group and in the K + NAC group compared to the K group (p>0.05). In conclusion, NAC supplementation may improve elevated serum lipid levels and atherosclerosis markers caused by high-fat and sucrose diet. N-acetylcysteine may have a role in preventing the development of atherosclerosis. Evaluation of different markers of atherosclerosis and further studies in humans will help to better understand the effects of N-acetylcysteine on atherosclerosis.