The Effect of Tender Coconut Water on the Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Macrophage Type-1 (M1) in Hyperlipidemic Rats

Background: Individuals with hyperlipidemia have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to those with normal total cholesterol levels. High-fat intake can increase cholesterol esters, especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels. This causes adipocyte death, infiltration of macrophage type-1 (M1) expression and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from M1 such as Interleukin 6 (IL-6). The effect leads to apoptosis of vascular and neuronal cells as well as regulates the expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). Tender coconut water contains antioxidants with the ability to prevent ROS, as well as reduce PKC activation, AGEs formation, and VEGF expression. Objective: To determine the effect of tender coconut water on VEGF and M1 expression in hyperlipidemic male Wistar rats. Method: This research used an experimental design and a post-test Only Control Group Design. The number of samples was 24 rats divided into Groups K1 (healthy rats), K2 (hyperlipidemic rats), K3 (hyperlipidemic rats+ Tender coconut water 4 mL / 200grBW / day), and K4 (hyperlipidemic rats+ coconut water 8 mL / 200grBW / day), with treatment duration of 21 days. VEGF expression data were analyzed by a one-way ANOVA test. Results: The highest and lowest average number of M1 was in K2 (28.72) and K1 (3.61). The average in K3 was lower when compared to K2 (14.66 >< 28.72). Furthermore, M1 expression in K4 was lower when compared to K3 (6.72 >< 14.66). The highest and lowest average VEGF expression was in K2 (4.58) and K1 (1.00). The average K3 was lower when compared to K2 (2.85 >< 4.58), and VEGF expression in K4 was lower than K3 (1.76 >< 2.85). Conclusion: Tender coconut water affected VEGF expression and M1 quantity in hyperlipidemic rats