Effects of metformin on high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic rats

Metformin as insulin sensitizer is now often associated with a significant decrease in plasma triglycerides, plasma total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and a significant increase in plasma HDL cholesterol without causing hypoglycemia. Current research aim are to determine the effects of metformin on high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic rats. To this end, a total of 30 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups (N = 5). Normal control was not treated, the negative group was given 0.5% CMC, the positive group used simvastatin dose of 1.8 mg/kg BW/day orally and three variation dose groups of metformin were given at a dose of 225; 450; and 900 mg/kg BW rat/day orally. Induction was carried out for 28 days and continued for 14 days treated with an administration orally. Lipid profile was measured by the colorimetric enzymatic method. As a result, all doses of metformin significantly decreased total cholesterol and LDL (p <0.05) compared to normal and negative controls. The highest dose significantly decreased triglyceride levels (p <0.05) and increased HDL levels (p <0.05) compared to normal and negative controls. Based on these results, metformin has a potential effect of antihyperlipidemic at a dose of 225 mg/kg BW rat.