Hypercholesterolemia is one of the most important risk factors for atherosclerosis and subsequent
cardiovascular disease. In the present study, the therapeutic effect of chitosan administration on serum
lipids profile, apolipoprotein A (apo A) and apolipoprotein B (apo B) in addition to Lipid composition
in erythrocytes membrane [Total cholesterol (TC), and free fatty acids (FFA)] in hypercholesterolemia
induced in rats have been evaluated. Sixty male rats were divided into four equal groups of 15 rats each.
Group Ι (Control group): rats fed on normal diet. Group Π: Rats fed on high cholesterol diet (HCD) [4%
cholesterol (w/w) and 1% cholic acid]. Group III: Rats fed with HCD + Chitosan 5% (5g/100g/day)
after two weeks from the onset of the experiment (induction of hypercholesterolemia). Group IV: Rats
fed with normal diet + Chitosan5% (5g/100g/day). Blood samples were collected from all animal groups
three times at 2, 4 and 6 weeks from the onset of treatment with chitosan. The obtained results showed
a marked increase in serum total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, LDL-C, VLDL-C, phospholipids and Apo
B concentration as well as in erythrocytes membrane lipids composition (TC and FFA) in
hypercholesterolemia induced in rats. However, serum HDL–C and Apo A levels were significantly
decreased. Treatment with chitosan to hypercholesterolemic induced rats lowered serum lipids and
lipoproteins profile (LDL-C, VLDL-C), and erythrocytes lipids composition with increasing HDL-C
and Apo A concentrations. These results suggest that, chitosan may be effective in controlling
cholesterolemic status and improving dyslipidemia and has the potential in reducing cardiovascular
complications due to hypercholesterolemia.