Antioxidant activity of high sulfate content derivative of ulvan in hyperlipidemic rats.

High sulfate content derivative of polysaccharide (HU) from Ulva pertusa (Chlorophyta) showed strong antioxidant activity in vitro. In the present study, in vivo antioxidant activity were tested in liver of hyperlipidemic rats including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT). The HU groups at the doses of 125 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg showed stronger activity on SOD than hyperlipidemimia group (P<0.01). The HU groups at the doses of 125 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg could increase the activities of GSH-Px obviously (P<0.01) as compared with hyperlipidemic rats. It was likely that the sulfate content had significant effect on the antioxidant activity in vivo. On the other hand, it may be concluded that, probably due to its antioxidant effects, HU is effective in the protection of liver tissue from the damage of cholesterol-rich diet rats and that the HU may be of use as an antihyperlipidemia agent.