Objective:To study the effects of crocetin on the susceptibility of low density lipoprotein (LDL) to oxidation and serum level of oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL) in hyperlipidemic rabbits and the possible mechanisms involved. Methods: Hyperlipidemic rabbits were established by feeding the animals with a high lipid diet for 4 weeks. Serum level of Ox-LDL was determined by sandwich ELISA. Following isolation of LDL

the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation was evaluated by in vitro assay. Serum levels of lipids

serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were also determined. Results: Crocetin of dosages of 30 and 15 mg·kg-1 markedly reduced serum level of Ox-LDL and the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation

while serum levels of lipids were reduced only by 30 mg·kg-1 of crocetin. Both dosages of crocetin significantly enhanced serum TAC and the activities of SOD and GPX. Conclusion: Crocetin significantly reduces serum level of Ox-LDL and the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation in hyperlipidemic rabbits

which might be attributed

at least partly

to the enhancement of serum TAC and the activities of SOD and GPX.