Anthocyanins increase low-density lipoprotein and plasma cholesterol and do not reduce atheroscle-rosis in Watanabe Heritable Hyperlipidemic rabbits

Effect of polyphenols isolated from purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas cv. Ayamurasaki) on the microbiota and the biomarker of colonic fermentation in rats fed with cellulose or inulin

A polyphenol-rich diet has been associated with various health benefits. This study assessed the effects of polyphenol/anthocyanin isolated from a purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas cv. Ayamurasaki) on colonic fermentation in cellulose- or inulin-fed rats. Male Fischer-344 rats were assigned to one of these experimental diets: 5% cellulose (CEL), 5% CEL + 1% purple sweet potato polyphenol extract (CELP), 5% inulin (INU), and 5% INU + 1% purple sweet potato polyphenol extract (INUP) in each diet. The purple sweet potato polyphenol extract (PSPP) increased the relative abundance of Dorea and reduced the relative abundances of Oscillospira and Bacteroides in cellulose- or inulin-fed rats, respectively. Besides, PSPP reduced the caecal iso-butyrate and pH in the cellulose-fed rats. Further, PSPP triggered an increase in the caecal mucin level when combined with cellulose and increased the caecal IgA level while reducing the indole production in both the cellulose- or inulin-fed rats. Finally, PSPP may have different effects on the intestinal fermentation properties depending on the fermentability of dietary fiber associated with it. Therefore, this study demonstrated that dietary inclusion of polyphenol/anthocyanin from purple sweet potato might confer positive health attributes to the host gut.

Extraction, Identification, and Health Benefits of Anthocyanins in Blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum L.)

The fruit of the blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) is round-shaped, dark purple, bittersweet, and seed-containing edible berries. The blackcurrant has been used as a traditional medicine in both Asia and European countries. It is known as a rich source of antioxidants, largely due to its high content of phenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins. Studies on anthocyanins from blackcurrants have adopted different extraction methods and a panel of anthocyanins has been identified in them. Research on the health benefits of blackcurrant anthocyanins has also grown. To present a general overview of research in blackcurrant anthocyanins, this review focuses on the extraction methods of anthocyanins from blackcurrants and the molecular mechanisms underlying their health benefits.

Bioefficacy of red cabbage against hypercholesterolemic diet mediated oxidative stress

Background

The shift towards hypercaloric diets and sedentariness has raised lifestyle related disorders and escalated health care cost. In order to tackle this epidemiological transition, healthy, affordable food choices should be introduced in the routine menu. In this context, red cabbage is known for its rich phytochemistry, minerals, antioxidant vitamins and dietary fiber. Considering these evidences, red cabbage leaves and its extract were assessed against hypercholesterolemia and associated oxidative stress.

Methods

In bioefficacy assessment trial (12 weeks), there were two dietary regimens; normal and hypercholesterolemic (1% cholesterol) that were further split into three groups each. In both feeding trials, red cabbage leaves (20%) and its extract in dose equivalent to red cabbage leaves were assessed against control diets. At termination of trial, serum lipidemic parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers were assessed to test the efficacy of diets.

Results

In hypercholesterolemic rabbits, red cabbage leaves showed significant reduction in cholesterol, LDL-c and triacylglycerol levels i.e. 15.19, 18.09 and 9.42% than extract administered groups; 10.79, 12.24 and 5.72, respectively. Besides, red cabbage leaves also portrayed momentous enhancement of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity up to 13.29 & 17.63% by lowering lipid peroxidation by 27.86% in hypercholesterolemic diet fed groups, whereas red cabbage extract administered group depicted relatively lesser amelioration in lipid peroxidation i.e. 21.42%.

Conclusions

Red cabbage leaves possess higher ameliorative potential against altered lipidemic profile and lipid peroxidation as compared to its extract thus explains its ability to prevent exhaustion of endogenous antioxidant enzymes; SOD and CAT.

Long-Term Supplementation of Black Elderberries Promotes Hyperlipidemia, but Reduces Liver Inflammation and Improves HDL Function and Atherosclerotic Plaque Stability in Apolipoprotein E-Knockout Mice

SCOPE

HDL particles are protective against atherosclerosis, but may become dysfunctional during inflammation and chronic disease progression. Anthocyanin-rich foods, such as the black elderberry, may improve HDL function and prevent disease development via antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigates the long-term consumption of black elderberry extract (BEE) on HDL function and atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein (apo) E^-/- mice.

METHODS AND RESULTS

ApoE^-/- mice (n = 12/group) are fed a low-fat diet, supplemented with 0, 0.25%, or 1% (by weight) BEE (≈37.5-150 mg anthocyanins per kg body weight) for 24 weeks. Feeding 1% BEE increases total serum cholesterol (+31%) and non-HDL cholesterol (+32%) compared with the control diet. PON1 arylesterase (+32%) and lactonase (+45%) activities also increase with the 1% BEE diet. Both 0.25% BEE and 1% BEE diets strongly increase HDL cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) by 64% and 85%, respectively. Further, BEE dose-dependently lowers serum liver enzymes and hepatic inflammatory gene expression. Although there is no change in neutral lipid accumulation in atherosclerotic lesions, BEE promotes connective tissue deposition in the aortic root.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic BEE supplementation in apoE^-/- mice dose-dependently improves HDL function. Despite BEE promoting hyperlipidemia, which likely offsets HDL effects, BEE increases connective tissue content, suggesting improved atherosclerotic plaque stability.

Blackcurrant anthocyanins stimulated cholesterol transport via post-transcriptional induction of LDL receptor in Caco-2 cells

PURPOSES

We previously showed that polyphenol-rich blackcurrant extract (BCE) showed a hypocholesterolemic effect in mice fed a high fat diet. As direct cholesterol removal from the body via the intestine has been recently appreciated, we investigated the effect of BCE on the modulation of genes involved in intestinal cholesterol transport using Caco-2 cells as an in vitro model.

METHODS

Caco-2 cells were treated with BCE to determine its effects on mRNA and protein expression of genes important for intestinal cholesterol transport, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake, cellular cholesterol content, and cholesterol transport from basolateral to apical membrane of Caco-2 cell monolayers. Cells were also treated with anthocyanin-rich or -poor fraction of BCE to determine the role of anthocyanin on BCE effects.

RESULTS

BCE significantly increased protein levels of LDL receptor (LDLR) without altering its mRNA, which consequently increased LDL uptake into Caco-2 cells. This post-transcriptional induction of LDLR by BCE was markedly attenuated in the presence of rapamycin, an inhibitor of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). In addition, BCE altered genes involved in cholesterol transport in the enterocytes, including apical and basolateral cholesterol transporters, in such a way that could enhance cholesterol flux from the basolateral to apical side of the enterocytes. Indeed, BCE significantly increased the flux of LDL-derived cholesterol from the basolateral to the apical chamber of Caco-2 monolayer. LDLR protein levels were markedly increased by anthocyanin-rich fraction, but not by anthocyanin-free fraction.

CONCLUSION

mTORC1-dependent post-transcriptional induction of LDLR by BCE anthocyanins drove the transport of LDL-derived cholesterol to the apical side of the enterocytes. This may represent a potential mechanism for the hypocholesterolemic effect of BCE.

Action mechanism and cardiovascular effect of anthocyanins: a systematic review of animal and human studies

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are an important cause of death worldwide. Anthocyanins are a subgroup of flavonoids found in berries, flowers, fruits and leaves. In epidemiological and clinical studies, these polyphenols have been associated with improved cardiovascular risk profiles as well as decreased comorbidities. Human intervention studies using berries, vegetables, parts of plants and cereals (either fresh or as juice) or purified anthocyanin-rich extracts have demonstrated significant improvements in low density lipoproteins oxidation, lipid peroxidation, total plasma antioxidant capacity, and dyslipidemia as well as reduced levels of CVD molecular biomarkers. This review discusses the use of anthocyanins in animal models and their applications in human medicine, as dietary supplements or as new potent drugs against cardiovascular disease.

Polyphenol-rich blackcurrant extract exerts hypocholesterolaemic and hypoglycaemic effects in mice fed a diet containing high fat and cholesterol

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of metabolic abnormalities, such as hyperlipidaemia and hyperglycaemia. We investigated whether polyphenol-rich blackcurrant extract (BCE) can prevent high fat/high cholesterol (HF/HC) diet-induced metabolic disturbances in mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a modified AIN-93M diet containing HF/HC (16% fat, 0·25% cholesterol, w/w) or the same diet supplemented with 0·1% BCE (w/w) for 12 weeks. There were no differences in total body weight and liver weight between groups. Plasma total cholesterol (TC) and glucose levels were significantly lower in BCE group than in controls, while plasma TAG levels were not significantly different. There was a decreasing trend in hepatic TAG levels, and histological evaluation of steatosis grade was markedly lower in the livers of mice fed BCE. Although the mRNA levels of major regulators of hepatic cholesterol metabolism, i.e. 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) and LDL receptor (LDLR), were not significantly altered by BCE supplementation, protein expression of mature sterol-regulatory element-binding protein and LDLR was significantly increased with no change in HMGR protein. The expression of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 that facilitates LDLR protein degradation, as well as one of its transcriptional regulators, i.e. hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α, was significantly decreased in the livers of mice fed BCE. Taken together, BCE supplementation decreased plasma TC and glucose, and inhibited liver steatosis, suggesting that this berry may be consumed to prevent metabolic dysfunctions induced by diets high in fat and cholesterol.

Polyphenol-rich extract from blackcurrant pomace attenuates the intestinal tract and serum lipid changes induced by a high-fat diet in rabbits

Purpose

The consumption of a high level of dietary extract from blackcurrant pomace rich in polyphenols was hypothesised to exert beneficial effects on the serum lipid profile, the markers of insulin resistance and the antioxidant status of the host without negative changes in the intestinal tract.

Methods

This hypothesis was tested on 20 male New Zealand white rabbits randomly assigned to four groups of five individuals each. For 4 weeks, the animals were subjected to the following dietary treatments: two control groups were fed a standard or a high-fat diet (7 and 32 % energy from fat, respectively), and two experimental groups were fed a standard or a high-fat diet with the addition of 1.5 % blackcurrant polyphenolic extract. The extract obtained from blackcurrant fruit pomaces was characterised by high concentrations of anthocyanins and flavonols (48.9 and 17.9 %, respectively).

Results

The high-fat feeding regimen led to a series of unfavourable changes, such as increased body weight, disturbance of fermentative processes in the hindgut as well the induction of oxidative stress, hyperlipidaemia and insulin resistance. Dietary supplementation with blackcurrant extract decreased the concentration of putrefactive metabolites (ammonia and putrefactive SCFA) and β-glucuronidase activity in the hindgut digesta. Additionally, the extract ameliorated hyperlipidaemia by decreasing triglyceride, total cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol and free fatty acid concentrations in the serum and increased the antioxidant capacity of the serum.

Conclusion

This study suggests that a polyphenol-rich extract from blackcurrant pomace ingested at relatively high amounts may be a useful therapeutic option in the reversal of dysfunctions related to obesity and its complications.

Antioxidative and cardioprotective properties of anthocyanins from defatted dabai extracts

This study aimed to determine anthocyanins and their antioxidative and cardioprotective properties in defatted dabai parts. Anthocyanins in crude extracts and extract fractions of defatted dabai peel and pericarp were quantified using UHPLC, while their antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress inhibition ability were evaluated by using DPPH and CUPRAC assays as well as linoleic acid oxidation system, hemoglobin oxidation, and PARP-1 inhibition ELISA. Cardioprotective effect of the defatted dabai peel extract was evaluated using hypercholesterolemic-induced New Zealand white rabbits. Six anthocyanins were detected in the defatted dabai peel, with the highest antioxidant capacities and oxidative stress inhibition effect compared to the other part. The defatted dabai peel extract has also inhibited lipid peroxidation (plasma MDA) and elevated cellular antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GPx) in the tested animal model. Major anthocyanin (cyanidin-3-glucoside) and other anthocyanins (pelargonidin-3-glucoside, malvidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-galactoside, cyanidin-3-arabinoside, and peonidin-3-glucoside) detected in the defatted dabai peel are potential future nutraceuticals with promising medicinal properties.

Black-currant protection against oxidative stress formation

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of black-currant juice on chronic ethanol-induced oxidative stress and its consequences in liver, brain, and serum of rats. Data demonstrated that administration of black-currant juice to rats improved antioxidant abilities in the examined tissues as evidenced by measurement of activities of Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione reductase (GSSG-R), as well as levels of glutathione (GSH) and vitamins C, E, and A. Ethanol intoxication produced a decrease in the activities and levels of the antioxidants just listed, and the decrease was accompanied by a reduction in levels of arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Further results showed enhanced lipid peroxidation as determined by malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), and neuroprostanes and elevated protein levels such as carbonyl groups and dityrosine. Ethanol intoxication altered liver metabolism as evidenced by a decrease in peroxisome proliferator-activated-receptor (PPARα), AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK), and nuclear factor kappa B cells (NFκB) and by an increase in tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) expression. Administration of black-currant juice to ethanol-intoxicated rats exerted an antioxidant response by restoring to normal quantities the antioxidant levels and enzyme activities and prevented lipid and protein oxidative effects. The activities of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase, biomarkers of liver damage, returned to normal after black-currant treatment of ethanol-administered animals. In addition, the expression of PPARα, AMPK, TNF-α, and NFκB confirmed the protective effect of the juice. Data thus indicate the extensive antioxidant metabolic effects of black-currant juice that may be beneficial for humans.

Blueberry intake alters skeletal muscle and adipose tissue peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor activity and reduces insulin resistance in obese rats

Metabolic syndrome can precede the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease and includes phenotypes such as obesity, systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia. A recent epidemiological study indicated that blueberry intake reduced cardiovascular mortality in humans, but the possible genetic mechanisms of this effect are unknown. Blueberries are a rich source of anthocyanins, and anthocyanins can alter the activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), which affect energy substrate metabolism. The effect of blueberry intake was assessed in obesity-prone rats. Zucker Fatty and Zucker Lean rats were fed a higher-fat diet (45% of kcal) or a lower-fat diet (10% of kcal) containing 2% (wt/wt) freeze-dried whole highbush blueberry powder or added sugars to match macronutrient and calorie content. In Zucker Fatty rats fed a high-fat diet, the addition of blueberry reduced triglycerides, fasting insulin, homeostasis model index of insulin resistance, and glucose area under the curve. Blueberry intake also reduced abdominal fat mass, increased adipose and skeletal muscle PPAR activity, and affected PPAR transcripts involved in fat oxidation and glucose uptake/oxidation. In Zucker Fatty rats fed a low-fat diet, the addition of blueberry also significantly reduced liver weight, body weight, and total fat mass. Finally, Zucker Lean rats fed blueberry had higher body weight and reduced triglycerides, but all other measures were unaffected. In conclusion, whole blueberry intake reduced phenotypes of metabolic syndrome in obesity-prone rats and affected PPAR gene transcripts in adipose and muscle tissue involved in fat and glucose metabolism.

Bioavailability of cyanidin glycosides from natural chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) juice with dietary-relevant dose of anthocyanins in humans

The aim of this study was to investigate the bioavailability of anthocyanins from chokeberry juice with a dietary-relevant dose of anthocyanins. Thirteen healthy volunteers consumed chokeberry juice providing 0.8 mg of anthocyanins/kg of body weight. Before and after juice consumption, blood and urine were collected. Concentration of anthocyanins was measured with HPLC-PDA-MS-ESI. Cyanidin-3-galactoside comprised 66% of total chokeberry anthocyanins. Eight cyanidin derivatives were found in blood and urine after juice consumption. The maximum plasma anthocyanin concentration of 32.7 ± 2.9 nmol/L was reached at 1.3 ± 0.1 h after juice consumption. The anthocyanins' urine excretion rate (62.9 ± 5.0 nmol/h) was the highest within the first 2 h. In total, 0.25 ± 0.02% of the ingested anthocyanins was excreted by the renal route during 24 h, mainly as metabolites of cyanidin. According to these observations, after consumption of a dietary-relevant dose of anthocyanins as natural chokeberry juice, anthocyanins and their metabolites were present in plasma and urine of volunteers.

Regular tart cherry intake alters abdominal adiposity, adipose gene transcription, and inflammation in obesity-prone rats fed a high fat diet

Obesity, systemic inflammation, and hyperlipidemia are among the components of metabolic syndrome, a spectrum of phenotypes that can precede the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Animal studies show that intake of anthocyanin-rich extracts can affect these phenotypes. Anthocyanins can alter the activity of tissue peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), which affect energy substrate metabolism and inflammation. However, it is unknown if physiologically relevant, anthocyanin-containing whole foods confer similar effects to concentrated, anthocyanin extracts. The effect of anthocyanin-rich tart cherries was tested in the Zucker fatty rat model of obesity and metabolic syndrome. For 90 days, rats were pair-fed a higher fat diet supplemented with either 1% (wt/wt) freeze-dried, whole tart cherry powder or with a calorie- and macronutrient-matched control diet. Tart cherry intake was associated with reduced hyperlipidemia, percentage fat mass, abdominal fat (retroperitoneal) weight, retroperitoneal interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) expression, and plasma IL-6 and TNF-alpha. Tart cherry diet also increased retroperitoneal fat PPAR-alpha and PPAR-gamma mRNA (P = .12), decreased IL-6 and TNF-alpha mRNA, and decreased nuclear factor kappaB activity. In conclusion, in at-risk obese rats fed a high fat diet, physiologically relevant tart cherry consumption reduced several phenotypes of metabolic syndrome and reduced both systemic and local inflammation. Tart cherries may reduce the degree or trajectory of metabolic syndrome, thereby reducing risk for the development of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Effects of dietary supplementation with red-pigmented leafy lettuce (Lactuca sativa) on lipid profiles and antioxidant status in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat high-cholesterol diet

The present study was undertaken to assess the beneficial effects of a daily consumption of 8 % freeze-dried red-pigmented leafy lettuce (Lactuca sativa) on CVD. C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat high-cholesterol diet supplemented with or without red-pigmented leafy lettuce for 4 weeks. The present results showed that the red-pigmented leafy lettuce-supplemented diet significantly decreased the level of total and LDL-cholesterol and TAG in the plasma of the mice. The atherosclerotic index was calculated to be 46 % lower in the mice fed with the lettuce diet compared with the control diet. Lipid peroxidation measured by 2-thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances was markedly reduced in the plasma, liver, heart and kidney of the mice fed the lettuce diet. The content of antioxidants (total glutathione and beta-carotene) was significantly increased by lettuce supplementation. The antioxidant defence system by antioxidant enzymes including glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase and paraoxanase in blood or liver tissues was also increased, and showed the improved oxidative stress in the mice fed the lettuce diet. The measurement of tail DNA (%), tail extent moment and olive tail moment indicated that the lettuce diet increased the resistance of hepatocyte and lymphocyte DNA to oxidative damage. The present study showed that the supplementation of a high-cholesterol high-fat diet with 8 % red-pigmented leafy lettuce resulted in an improvement of plasma cholesterol and lipid levels, prevention of lipid peroxidation and an increase of the antioxidant defence system and, therefore, could contribute to reduce the risk factors of CVD.

Altered hyperlipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in rats with intake of tart cherry

Elevated plasma lipids, glucose, insulin, and fatty liver are among components of metabolic syndrome, a phenotypic pattern that typically precedes the development of Type 2 diabetes. Animal studies show that intake of anthocyanins reduces hyperlipidemia, obesity, and atherosclerosis and that anthocyanin-rich extracts may exert these effects in association with altered activity of tissue peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). However, studies are lacking to test this correlation using physiologically relevant, whole food sources of anthocyanins. Tart cherries are a rich source of anthocyanins, and whole cherry fruit intake may also affect hyperlipidemia and/or affect tissue PPARs. This hypothesis was tested in the Dahl Salt-Sensitive rat having insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia. For 90 days, Dahl rats were pair-fed AIN-76a-based diets supplemented with either 1% (wt:wt) freeze-dried whole tart cherry or with 0.85% additional carbohydrate to match macronutrient and calorie provision. After 90 days, the cherry-enriched diet was associated with reduced fasting blood glucose, hyperlipidemia, hyperinsulinemia, and reduced fatty liver. The cherry diet was also associated with significantly enhanced hepatic PPAR-alpha mRNA, enhanced hepatic PPAR-alpha target acyl-coenzyme A oxidase mRNA and activity, and increased plasma antioxidant capacity. In conclusion, physiologically relevant tart cherry consumption reduced several phenotypic risk factors that are associated with risk for metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes. Tart cherries may represent a whole food research model of the health effects of anthocyanin-rich foods and may possess nutraceutical value against risk factors for metabolic syndrome and its clinical sequelae.

Effects of red grape skin and seed extract supplementation on atherosclerosis in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits

Epidemiological studies have suggested an association between consumption of red wine and other polyphenolic compounds and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits were used to investigate the effects of polyphenols in a red grape skin and seed extract (GSE) on the development of atherosclerosis. WHHL rabbits received either semisynthetic diet (casein based) or semisynthetic diet added GSE over a period of 15 wk. Plasma lipids and aortic cholesterol accumulation were measured. Feeding semisynthetic diet was associated with increasing hypercholesterolemia, which was developing slower in GSE group compared to the controls as recorded by significantly lower plasma cholesterol in dosage week 7 (males: P < 0.05, females: P < 0.01) and 11 (males: P < 0.01). Aortic atherosclerosis evaluated as the cholesterol content in aortic tissue was comparable in the control and GSE-dosed females, but it was significantly reduced in the abdominal part of GSE-dosed male compared to the controls (P < 0.05). In conclusion, feeding GSE extract to WHHL rabbits had no significant effects in females but was associated with transient less hypercholesterolemic response to semisynthetic diet and, furthermore, retarded the development of aortic atherosclerosis in males as demonstrated by significantly lower cholesterol content in the abdominal part.

A diet rich in dietary fiber from cocoa improves lipid profile and reduces malondialdehyde in hypercholesterolemic rats

OBJECTIVE

The potential hypolipidemic effect of a new cocoa product rich in dietary fiber (DF) naturally containing antioxidant polyphenols (cocoa fiber [CF]) was studied in a rat model of dietary-induced hypercholesterolemia.

METHODS

For 3 wk animals were fed normal, cholesterol-free diets or diets supplemented with cholesterol to evoke hypercholesterolemia. Control diets contained 10% cellulose as DF, and test diets were supplemented with 165 g of CF per kilogram (providing 10% DF). Lipid profile, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde were measured in serum in addition to the activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase and concentrations of glutathione and malondialdehyde in the liver.

RESULTS

Hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia were established as a consequence of the cholesterol-rich diets. CF showed an important hypolipidemic action, returning triacylglycerol levels in hypercholesterolemic animals to normal values. The hypocholesterolemic effect was also patent, reducing total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, yet basal values were not attained. Decreased lipid peroxidation in serum and liver as a consequence of CF intake was patent not only in hypercholesterolemic but also in normocholesterolemic animals. No apparent effects on serum total antioxidant capacity or on the activity of antioxidant enzymes and hepatic levels of glutathione were observed. These effects might be attributed to the high DF content of CF and to the natural presence of antioxidant polyphenols.

CONCLUSION

The consumption of CF with a hypercholesterolemic diet improved the lipidemic profile and reduced lipid peroxidation, suggesting that CF might contribute to a reduction of cardiovascular risk.

Dietary supplementation with an extract of lycopene-rich tomatoes does not reduce atherosclerosis in Watanabe Heritable Hyperlipidemic rabbits

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene and other carotenoids which have shown beneficial effects on CVD in epidemiological and intervention studies. In the present study the effect of an extract of lycopene-rich tomatoes, Lyc-O-Mato®on atherosclerosis was studied in Watanabe Heritable Hyperlipidemic rabbits. The rabbits were fed a control diet, a control diet supplemented with the tomato extract or a control diet supplemented with a mixture of plant oils for 16 weeks. Lycopene was detected only in plasma of rabbits receiving tomato extract. The tomato extract had no effect on cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels measured in total plasma, lipoprotein fractions and on aortic atherosclerosis evaluated biochemically and by microscopy. Oxidation of lipids in unfractionated plasma also was unaffected by the intake of tomato extract. In conclusion, the tomato extract increased plasma levels of lycopene in rabbits, but had no effect on hypercholesterolaemia, oxidation of plasma lipids or aortic atherosclerosis.