Search

Ezetimibe is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor that blocks the intestinal absorption of both biliary and dietary cholesterol, thereby lowering primarily low density lipoproteincholesterol (LDL-chol) in human studies. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ezetimibe on dyslipidemia control in nine dogs with hypercholesterolemia. Changes in total cholesterol (T-chol) and each lipoprotein fractions were evaluated at 0, 2, and 4 months following initiation of ezetimibe treatment. A significant decrease in T-chol was observed, and a mean T-chol concentration below 400 mg/dL was achieved at 2 and 4 months. Furthermore, a significant decrease in LDL-chol was observed (-53.3% and -64.3% at 2 and 4 months, respectively). Taken together, treatment of ezetimibe could lower LDL-chol levels in dogs with hypercholesterolemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ezetimibe is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor that blocks the intestinal absorption of both biliary and dietary cholesterol, thereby lowering primarily low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-chol) in human studies. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ezetimibe on dyslipidemia control in nine dogs with hypercholesterolemia. Changes in total cholesterol (T-chol) and each lipoprotein fractions were evaluated at 0, 2, and 4 months following initiation of ezetimibe treatment. A significant decrease in T-chol was observed, and a mean T-chol concentration below 400 mg/dL was achieved at 2 and 4 months. Furthermore, a significant decrease in LDL-chol was observed (-53.3% and -64.3% at 2 and 4 months, respectively). Taken together, treatment of ezetimibe could lower LDL-chol levels in dogs with hypercholesterolemia.

Both dietary oleic acid and plant sterols are known to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. We have produced phytosteryl oleates through enzymatic reactions. Cardiovascular benefits of phytosteryl oleates were investigated in apolipoprotein E knockout (apo E-KO) mice over 7 weeks at an oral dose of 2% (w/w). The mice treated with phytosteryl oleates had significantly lower very-low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C) and higher high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations as compared to the control group. The treated group also had significantly higher levels of cholesterol, campesterol and sitosterol in faecal materials as compared to the control group. These changes were accompanied by significant reductions in the volume of atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic roots. Furthermore, histological and biochemical analysis of hepatic tissues showed comparable data between the 2 groups of mice. This plus comparable body weight gain suggest a higher degree of safety and tolerability for phytosteryl oleates over 7 weeks of experimentation in this animal model. The data so obtained suggest a strong anti-atherogenic activity for phytosteryl oleates in apo E-KO mice. Additional studies are needed to confirm such effects over a longer period of time in this and other relevant animal models.

Policosanol comprises a mixture of long-chain aliphatic alcohols from sugarcane wax. More than 50 studies indicate that policosanol decreases serum cholesterol, while others failed to reproduce this effect. The objective of this investigation was to assess the bioavailability of esterified policosanol and non-esterified policosanol (NEP), in relation to their hypocholesterolemic effects. Sprague Dawley rats were given a daily oral dose of 100 mg/kg of NEP, 117 mg kg–1 of butyric acid esterified policosanol (BAEP), or 164 mg kg–1 of oleic acid esterified policosanol (OAEP). Policosanol absorption was evaluated in plasma between 0 and 3 hours after ingestion. To assess changes in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDLcholesterol and triacylglycerols in plasma and liver 3-hydroxy- 3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG- CoA red) phosphorylation, the rats were supplemented with nonesterified or esterified policosanol for 5 weeks. The results indicate that policosanol absorption was significantly greater in OAEP-treated rats than in those subjected to NEP or BAEP administration. OAEP significantly reduced plasma total and LDL-cholesterol in rats, in addition to a 5.6-fold increase (P < 0.05) in the hepatic content of phosphorylated HMG-CoA red over the control values. In conclusion, esterification of policosanol with oleic acid enhances policosanol bioavailability, and significantly improves the serum lipid profile in normocholesterolemic rats in association with the inactivation of HMG-CoA red controlling cholesterogenesis.

Both dietary oleic acid and plant sterols are known to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. We have produced phytosteryl oleates through enzymatic reactions. Cardiovascular benefits of phytosteryl oleates were investigated in apolipoprotein E knockout (apo E-KO) mice over 7 weeks at an oral dose of 2% (w/w). The mice treated with phytosteryl oleates had significantly lower very-low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C) and higher high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations as compared to the control group. The treated group also had significantly higher levels of cholesterol, campesterol and sitosterol in faecal materials as compared to the control group. These changes were accompanied by significant reductions in the volume of atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic roots. Furthermore, histological and biochemical analysis of hepatic tissues showed comparable data between the 2 groups of mice. This plus comparable body weight gain suggest a higher degree of safety and tolerability for phytosteryl oleates over 7 weeks of experimentation in this animal model. The data so obtained suggest a strong anti-atherogenic activity for phytosteryl oleates in apo E-KO mice. Additional studies are needed to confirm such effects over a longer period of time in this and other relevant animal models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blends of refined groundnut oil (GNO) and oryzanol concentrate having 3, 5, and 10% oryzanol in the blend, and a rice bran oil (RBO) which had retained all the nutrients such as oryzanol, tocopherols and tocotrienols and the unsaponifiable matter components of crude oil (GWF RBO) were prepared. Weanling rats were fed with diet containing the oil blends/rice bran oil at 10% level for 60 days and then dissected. The lipid profiles in serum, liver were investigated and the cholesterol levels were marginally reduced (7-16% in serum, 10-14.5% in liver) in rats fed oryzanol containing diet. RBO, GWF RBO containing diets showed a reduction of serum cholesterol by 14%, 15% respectively when compared to those fed with GNO. Serum and liver lipid analysis also showed significant change in TG concentration in rats fed blended oils containing oryzanol compared to the rats given GNO. Histology of liver and kidneys did not show changes. These studies indicated that oryzanol has an effect in lowering serum and liver cholesterol and shows antiatherogenic properties when incorporated into groundnut oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Phytosterols have attracted much attention in recent years due to their health benefits, such as cholesterol lowering, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenicity, and anti-cancer potential. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been demonstrated to possess cardioprotective and immune-enhancing effects. Esterification of phytosterols with DHA may render improved physiochemical properties such as solubility, miscibility, oxidative stability and hence bioactivity and bioavailability. Thus, phytosteryl docosahexaneates (PS-DHA) may offer both the benefits of phytosterols and DHA, possibly in a synergistic manner. Here, we describe a method for enzymatic synthesis of phytosteryl docosahexaneates and evaluation of metabolic and cardiovascular benefits in apo-E deficient (apo E-KO) mice. The structures of phytosteryl docosahexaneates were confirmed by infrared (IR) and high performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS) using both normal and reverse phase chromatography. Apo E-KO mice were fed with an atherogenic diet containing 2% (w/w) PS-DHA for 7weeks. Plasma lipid levels and the extent and complexity of atherosclerotic lesions were examined and compared with those in the control group. The PS-DHA-treated mice had significantly lower plasma cholesterol levels and three times smaller atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic roots. This pilot study suggests cardiovascular benefits for PS-DHA. Further experimental and clinical studies are needed to confirm such benefits of PS-DHA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]