ABSTRACT
Background and aim: Enhancement of blood factor 7 or fibrinogen is considered as cardiovascular risk factors. This study was, therefore, aimed to evaluate the effects of Sesamum indicum seed and oil on fibrinogen and factor 7 in hypercholesterolemic rabbits
Methods: In an experimental study, 32 New Zealand rabbits were randomly designated into 4 groups of 8 and were fed for 60 days as following: normal diet, hypercholestrol [1%] diet, hypercholestrol [1%] diet+10% sesame seed, hypercholestrol [1%] diet+5% sesame oil. At the beginning and 60 days after the start of the study, the blood fibrinogen and factor 7 were measured and compared in different groups
Results: There was no difference for fibrinogen and factor 7 in different groups at the start of the study, however, the blood fibrinogen and factor 7 were increased in hypercholesterolemic group compared to normal diet group [P<0.05]. The amounts of blood fibrinogen and factor 7 were decreased in hypercholesterol+sesame seed and in hypercholesterol+sesame oil groups compared to hypercholesterol diet group [P<0.05]
Conclusion: Sesame seed and oil may have beneficial effects on cardiac function by decreasing blood fibrinogen and factor 7 as cardiovascular risk factors