Choosing hamsters but not rats as a model for studying plasma cholesterol‐lowering activity of functional foods

Rats and hamsters are commonly used rodents to test the efficacy of cholesterol‐lowering functional foods. In general, a diet containing 1% cholesterol for rats whereas a diet containing 0.1% cholesterol for hamsters is used to induce the hypercholesterolemia. The present study was carried out to compare hamsters with rats as a hypercholesterolemia model. Golden Syrian hamsters and Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups and fed one of the four diets containing 0–0.9% cholesterol. Results demonstrated that serum total cholesterol (TC) in hamsters was raised 73–81% higher than that in rats fed the same cholesterol diets. Unlike rats in which HDL‐C accounted very little for serum TC, the lipoprotein profile in hamsters was closer to that in humans. We investigated interaction of higher cholesterol diets with 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutary‐CoA (HMG‐CoA) reductase, low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDL‐R) and cholesterol‐7α‐hydroxylase (CYP7A1), sterol regulatory element binding protein‐2 (SREBP‐2), and liver X receptor (LXR‐α). Results showed hamsters and rats metabolized cholesterol differently. In view that hamsters synthesize and excrete cholesterol and bile acids in a manner similar to that in humans, it is concluded that hamsters but not rats shall be chosen as a model to study efficacy of cholesterol‐lowering functional foods.     

Porcine hemoglobin promotes lipid excretion to feces more strongly than globin protein in rats

In an effort to clarify whether the lipid-lowering effect of hemoglobin is due to globin protein or heme, this study investigated the effects of dietary porcine hemoglobin (PH) and porcine globin (PG) on lipids contents of serum, liver, and feces in rats. Five-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into 3 dietary groups of 7 rats each, with one group receiving a control diet and the other groups receiving diets containing 1.25% (w/w) PH or 1.18% (w/w) PG for 4 weeks. The PH diet decreased triacylglycerol content in serum and cholesterol in serum and liver, whereas the PG diet reduced triacylglycerol content in serum and cholesterol in liver. Fecal lipid excretion in the PH group was significantly higher than in the PG group. Therefore, PH affected lipid excretion to feces due to globin protein as well as heme.     

Effects of the insoluble fiber derived from Passiflora edulis seed on plasma and hepatic lipids and fecal output

The influence of the insoluble fiber-rich fraction (FRF) prepared from defatted Passiflora edulis seed, a potential fiber source, on plasma and hepatic lipids and fecal output were investigated in hamsters fed a hypercholesterolemic diet containing 5% insoluble FRF. The results showed that the consumption of insoluble FRF diet relative to cellulose diet could effectively (P < 0.05) decrease the levels of serum triglyceride, serum total cholesterol, and liver cholesterol, and increase (P < 0.05) the levels of total lipids, cholesterol, and bile acids in feces. The consumption of insoluble FRF also increased (P < 0.05) the fecal bulk and moisture. The marked cholesterol- and lipid-lowering effects of insoluble FRF might be partly attributed to its ability to enhance the excretion of lipids and bile acids via feces. Our results suggested that insoluble FRF could be a potential hypocholesterolemic ingredient for fiber-rich functional foods, but some further researches in humans may be needed to confirm its benefits.     

Cholesterol‐Lowering Properties of Whole Cowpea Seed and Its Protein Isolate in Hamsters

ABSTRACT: Hypercholesterolemic hamsters were fed for 4 wk on diets rich in saturated fatty acids and cholesterol, differing only in protein source (20 %): casein (control group, HC), whole cowpea seed (HWS), and cowpea protein isolate (HPI). Hamsters fed on HWS and HPI presented significant reductions in plasma total cholesterol and non‐HDL cholesterol. HPI and HC presented similar protein digestibility, which were significantly higher than that of HWS. Animals fed on HWS presented significantly higher levels of bile acids and cholesterol in feces than did the animals fed on casein or HPI diets. Histological analyses of the liver showed that HC diet resulted in steatosis widely distributed throughout the hepatic lobule, while HWS and HPI diets promoted reductions in liver steatosis. The effectiveness of HWS for modulating lipid metabolism was greater than that of HPI, as measured by plasma cholesterol reduction and liver steatosis.     

米糠蛋白改善大鼠脂质代谢作用及机制研究

为了讨论米糠蛋白对高脂饮食状态大鼠脂质代谢的影响及作用机制。试验设计酪蛋白组（CAS,对照组）、米糠蛋白组（RBP）、糙米蛋白组（BRP）和大米蛋白组（WRP）等4组,饲喂大鼠分别添加了质量分数20%酪蛋白、15%酪蛋白+5%米糠蛋白、15%酪蛋白+5%糙米蛋白和15%酪蛋白+5%大米蛋白的高胆固醇饲料3周。实验测定大鼠血清总胆固醇（TC）水平、甘油三酯（TG）浓度以及肝脏TC、TG和总脂质的含量,并收集了实验后期3 d的粪便,测定其总胆汁酸和中性固醇的排泄量。采用体外模拟人体胃肠消化道环境试验,测定CAS、RBP、BRP及WRP对胶束溶解度的抑制率和不同浓度RBP的胆汁酸结合能力。结果显示,高纯度米糠蛋白与酪蛋白和其他蛋白组相比较能明显降低高胆固醇饲喂大鼠的血清TC（P<0.05）以及动脉粥样硬化指数（P<0.05）,肝脏TC水平显著降低（P<0.05）,粪便中总胆汁酸排泄量显著增加（P<0.05）。体外实验结果表明,米糠蛋白能与胆汁酸相结合,显著抑制了胆固醇胶束溶解度（P<0.05）。综上所述,米糠蛋白在体内与胆汁酸相结合,抑制其在肠道的吸收,增加其粪便中的排泄量,最后达到降血脂的作用。     

Selection of potential probiotic lactobacilli for cholesterol-lowering properties and their effect on cholesterol metabolism in rats fed a high-lipid diet

The objectives of this study were to screen probiotic characteristics of lactobacilli isolated from traditionally homemade koumiss products in Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia of China, and to determine and compare the effect of the Lactobacillus strains in vivo on lipid metabolism in rats fed with a high-lipid diet. Three out of 68 strains of Lactobacillus isolated from the koumiss were screened for bile-salt resistance, acid tolerance, and different hypocholesterolemic properties. The cholesterol-lowering effects of the 3 screened strains were estimated in rats fed a high-lipid diet by determination of serum lipids, liver, and fecal cholesterol, fecal total bile acids, and short-chain fatty acids. After a 4-wk feeding period, in comparison with the control group, the groups LIP-1 and MG9-2 had a significant reduction in serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and significantly increased high-density lipoprotein, the group E7301 had similar effects on serum lipids, but the change was not significant. The groups LIP-1, MG9-2 and E7301 had a significant reduction in liver cholesterol content and an increase in fecal cholesterol content compared with the control group. Total bile acid excretion was significantly higher in rats fed MG9-2 than the other groups. Rats fed diets containing lactic acid bacteria strains had significantly higher propionic acid and butyric acid concentrations in the feces compared with the control. Results indicated that the 3 screened Lactobacillus strains were able to lower cholesterol in vitro, and reduce cholesterol effectively in vivo. The mechanisms behind the hypocholesterolemic effect of 3 strains are likely to be diverse and will need further investigation.     

Hypocholesterolemic effects of low calorie structured lipids on rats and rabbits fed on normal and atherogenic diet

The hypocholesterolemic effects of two low calorie structured lipids (SL1 and SL2) containing essential fatty acids, prepared by lipase catalysed interesterification of ethyl behenate respectively with sunflower and soybean oils were studied in rats and rabbits. The feeding experiment conducted on rats as well as rabbits, fed on normal and atherogenic diet containing 10% of SL1 and SL2 (experimental) and sunflower oil (control) indicated no adverse effects on growth and food intake. However, the structured lipids beneficially lowered serum and liver lipids, particularly cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and also maintains the essential fatty acid status in serum and liver. The lipid deposition observed in the arteries of rabbits fed on atherogenic diets was significantly reduced when structured lipids were included in the diet. These observations coincided with reduced levels of serum cholesterol particularly LDL cholesterol observed in experimental groups. Therefore the structured lipids, designed to have low calorific value also beneficially lower serum lipids and lipid deposition in animals fed on atherogenic diets.     

Carrot insoluble fiber-rich fraction lowers lipid and cholesterol absorption in hamsters

Potential effects of the insoluble fiber-rich fractions (IFRF) prepared from carrot pomace on lipid and cholesterol absorption in hamsters were investigated. As compared with the cellulose-added and fiber-free diets, IFRF diet significantly (P<0.05) lowered the levels of serum triglyceride, serum total cholesterol, and liver cholesterol, and meanwhile resulted in a significantly (P<0.05) higher HDL:total cholesterol ratio as well as higher levels of fecal lipids, cholesterol, and bile acids. Significant correlations were observed among the levels of serum triglyceride, serum total cholesterol, liver cholesterol, fecal lipids, fecal cholesterol, and fecal bile acids, implying that the hypolipidemic and hypocholesterolemic effects of IFRF were partly attributed to the reduced absorption of lipid and cholesterol. Our results suggested that IFRF could be a potential functional ingredient in the fiber-rich diets for controlling serum cholesterol concentration.     

Fish protein decreases serum cholesterol in rats by inhibition of cholesterol and bile acid absorption

Fish protein has been shown to decrease serum cholesterol content by inhibiting absorption of cholesterol and bile acid in laboratory animals, though the mechanism underlying this effect is not yet fully understood. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the mechanism underlying the inhibition of cholesterol and bile acid absorption following fish protein intake. Male Wistar rats were divided into 2 dietary groups of 7 rats each, 1 group receiving a diet consisting of 20% casein and the other receiving a diet consisting of 10% casein and 10% fish protein. Both experimental diets also contained 0.5% cholesterol and 0.1% sodium cholate. After the rats had been on their respective diets for 4 wk, their serum and liver cholesterol contents and fecal cholesterol, bile acid, and nitrogen excretion contents were measured. Fish protein consumption decreased serum and liver cholesterol content and increased fecal cholesterol and bile acid excretion and simultaneously increased fecal nitrogen excretion. In addition, fish protein hydrolyzate prepared by in vitro digestion had lower micellar solubility of cholesterol and higher binding capacity for bile acids compared with casein hydrolyzate. These results suggest that the hypocholesterolemic effect of fish protein is mediated by increased fecal cholesterol and bile acid excretion, which is due to the digestion products of fish protein having reduced micellar solubility of cholesterol and increased bile acid binding capacity.     

Effects of diet supplementation with cactus pear seeds and oil on serum and liver lipid parameters in rats

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of diets enriched with cactus pear oil (CPO) or seeds (CPS) on serum and liver lipid parameters compared to those of adult rats submitted to a standard diet. Male rats were divided into three groups, the first group represented control group, fed with standard diet, the second group was fed with control diet supplemented with CPO (2.5%, wt/wt) and the third group fed control diet supplemented with CPS (33%, wt/wt), for nine weeks. Feed intake and body weight of rats were measured every two days. Organ weights were determined at the end of treatment; cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides levels were determined by enzymatic methods. Liver and serum lipid extracts were analysed for their fatty acid composition for the three groups of rats. No differences in pancreas, kidney or liver weights were observed in the CPS diet whereas the CPO diet induced a significant increase in liver and pancreas weights. The tested diets significantly decreased the atherogenic index compared to the control diet, whereas serum cholesterol level was only reduced by the supplementation with CPO diet. No variations in serum lipids were observed among the groups, whereas liver lipids showed slight variations. Accordingly, these results indicated that the supplementation with CPO or CPS could be effective in decreasing the atherogenic risk factors in rats.     

Effect of administration of Lactobacillus gasseri on serum lipids and fecal steroids in hypercholesterolemic rats

The effects of milk and nonfermented milks produced from Lactobacillus gasseri on serum lipids and total bile acids and fecal steroids and microflora were estimated in rats fed cholesterol-enriched diets. Lactobacilli decreased and coliforms increased in feces of the control group; however, the concentrations of fecal lactobacilli remained unchanged when rats were fed nonfermented milks. Fecal coliforms in rats receiving milk and nonfermented milk produced from L. gasseri SBT0270 increased, while rats receiving nonfermented milk produced from L. gasseri SBT0274 had lower fecal coliform count than did the control group. Only NFM-A significantly reduced serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and bile acids. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was significantly decreased when rats were given milk and nonfermented milks. Milk and NFM-A lowered serum triglycerides levels. Milk and nonfermented milks did not affect the total neutral steroids, but higher levels of acidic steroid were detected in the feces than the control group. The results showed that the hypocholesterolemic effect of L. gasseri SBT0270 was attributed to its ability to suppress the reabsorption of bile acids into the enterohepatic circulation and to enhance the excretion of acidic steroids in feces of hypercholesterolemic rats.     

植物分离蛋白对卵巢切除大鼠血脂代谢的影响

目的:研究大米分离蛋白和大豆分离蛋白对因雌性激素缺乏引起的高胆固醇血症的影响.方法:将24只Wistar成年雌鼠随机分为4组.3组大鼠进行双侧卵巢切除手术,分别喂食添加20%酪蛋白(对照组)、大米分离蛋白或大豆分离蛋白的饲料.另1组进行卵巢伪切除手术,喂食添加20%酪蛋白的对照饲料,喂养4周后解剖,测定血清和肝脏中胆固醇、甘油三酯浓度以及粪中胆汁酸排泄量和蛋白表观消化率等指标.结果:卵巢切除明显增加成年雌鼠血清和肝脏中胆固醇和甘油三酯浓度.与酪蛋白组相比,饲料中添加大豆分离蛋白能显著降低卵巢切除大鼠血浆总胆固醇和低密度脂蛋白及胆固醇浓度(p＜0.05),但对血浆甘油三酯浓度无显著影响,同时明显降低肝重、肝脏中总脂、总胆固醇、游离胆固醇及甘油三酯总量,以及增加排粪量和胆汁酸排泄量,大豆分离蛋白表观消化率也明显比酪蛋白和大米分离蛋白高.大米分离蛋白对血脂没有明显降低效果,但肝脏总脂、总胆固醇、游离胆固醇和甘油三酯浓度明显低于酪蛋白饲料组,而排粪量、粪中胆汁酸排泄量和蛋白表观消化率则与酪蛋白组无显著差异.结论:抗消化蛋白对因雌性激素缺乏引起的高胆固醇血症有明显降低效果,可能的作用机制是由于该蛋白的低消化性干扰,肠道中胆汁酸代谢,增加粪中胆汁酸的排泄量来降低肝脏和血浆中胆固醇浓度.     

Effect of amaranth and oat bran on blood serum and liver lipids in rats depending on the kind of dietary fats

The effect of amaranth and oat bran on the lipids of blood and liver in rats depending on the kind of fats in diet was the subject of our study. Sixty male Buffalo rats were fed for 28 days one of six diet containing 15% of fat (lard or sunflower oil), 20% of protein and 0.5% of cholesterol. Amaranth and oat bran added to diet provided 4–4.5% of dietary fiber, water soluble fraction of which amounted to 30%. Amaranth significantly decreased the level of total cholesterol in rats blood serum (by 10.7% in the case of diet with lard and by 14% with sunflower oil) and in liver (by 20% in the case of diet with lard and by 23% with sunflower oil). Similarly oat bran decreased the level of total cholesterol in the blood serum: by 19% in the case of diet with lard and by 22% with sunflower oil; and in liver by 22 and 27%, respectively. Amaranth and oat bran did not influence HDL-cholesterol in the blood of rats. The influence of amaranth and oat bran on the concentration of triglycerides in the blood serum depended on the kind of fats in a diet. The diets containing amaranth or oat bran with lard did not decrease the concentration of this lipids, however, the same diets but with sunflower oil decreased this concentration significantly (by 22%). In liver significant hypotriglyceridemic effect of amaranth and oat bran was observed for both of the diets: based on lard and sunflower. The decrease of triglycerides concentration under the influence of amaranth amounted to 10% (diet with lard) and 15% (diet with sunflower oil). Oat bran decreased the concentration of triglycerides in liver by 15% (diet with lard) and 20% (diet with sunflower oil). Sunflower oil added to the diets augmented the hypolipemic effect of amaranth and oat bran.     

Effects of the Polysaccharide from the Sporophyll of Brown Alga Undaria Pinnatifida on Serum Lipid Profile and Fat Tissue Accumulation in Rats Fed a High‐Fat Diet

We investigated the effects of the polysaccharide from the sporophyll of a selected brown alga Undaria pinnatifida on serum lipid profile, fat tissue accumulation, and gastrointestinal transit time in rats fed a high‐fat diet. The algal polysaccharide (AP) was prepared by the treatment of multiple cellulase‐producing fungi Trichoderma reesei and obtained from the sporophyll with a yield of 38.7% (dry basis). The AP was mostly composed of alginate and fucoidan (up to 89%) in a ratio of 3.75:1. The AP was added to the high‐fat diet in concentrations of 0.6% and 1.7% and was given to male Sprague–Dawley rats (5‐wk‐old) for 5 wk. The 1.7% AP addition notably reduced body weight gain and fat tissue accumulation, and it improved the serum lipid profile, including triglycerides, total cholesterol, and very low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol. The effects were associated with increased feces weight and shortened gastrointestinal transit time. In addition, the lipid peroxidation of the liver was decreased in both groups.     

豆渣与抗消化淀粉复合增强降血脂效果

目的：研究富含膳食纤维的豆渣饲料对抗消化淀粉降低因缺乏雌性激素导致的高血脂症效果的影响。方法：将32 只Wistar 成年雌鼠进行双侧卵巢切除手术,恢复后随机分为4 组,分别饲喂膳食纤维总含量为2.6%(对照组)、41.7%(豆渣SD 组)、39.8%(抗消化淀粉RS 组)和40.5%(SD+RS 复合组)的饲料。喂养5 周后解剖,测定血清和肝脏中胆固醇、甘油三酯浓度、肝脏胆固醇羟化酶(CYP7α)活性以及小肠、盲肠中胆汁酸总量和粪中胆汁酸排泄量等指标。结果：与饲料对照组相比,RS、SD+RS 明显降低血清和肝脏胆固醇浓度(P ＜ 0.05),SD、SD+RS显著降低血清甘油三酯浓度(P ＜ 0.05),SD+RS 显著提高了小肠中胆汁酸总量、粪便中胆汁酸排泄量以及肝脏的胆固醇羟化酶(CYP7α)活性(P ＜ 0.05)。结论：豆渣与抗消化淀粉复合能明显提高抗消化淀粉降血脂效果。降低血清胆固醇浓度的可能机制是通过增加肠道中胆汁酸总量和粪中胆汁酸的排泄量来降低血液中胆固醇浓度。     

Investigation of the cholesterol-lowering action of insoluble fibre derived from the peel of Citrus sinensis L. cv. Liucheng

A water-insoluble fibre-rich fraction (WIFF) was isolated from the peel of Citrus sinensis L. cv. Liucheng. The effects of a WIFF-containing diet on lipid and cholesterol absorption in hamsters were investigated and compared with those of a cellulose-containing diet and fibre-free diet, as controls. Results demonstrated that WIFF could significantly (P<0.05) decrease the levels of serum triglyceride, serum total cholesterol, liver total lipids, and liver cholesterol, while it could also significantly (P<0.05) increase the levels of fecal total lipids, fecal cholesterol, and fecal bile acids, as well as the fecal bulk and moisture. The pronounced hypocholesterolemic and hypolipidemic effects of WIFF might be attributed to its ability to enhance cholesterol and bile acids excretion. These results suggest that WIFF could be a potential cholesterol-lowering ingredient in human diets or new formulations of fibre-rich functional foods.     

Cholesterol lowering activity of mango ginger (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Curcuma amada</Emphasis> Roxb.) in induced hypercholesterolemic rats

Mango ginger (Curcuma amada Roxb.) is a spice commonly consumed in Asian countries. Health beneficial hypotriglyceridemic property of mango ginger has been reported earlier. In this investigation, the anti-hypercholesterolemic influence of dietary mango ginger was evaluated in experimental rats. Dietary mango ginger powder (10%) or its equivalent of 10 mg% curcumin-containing portion was fed along with 1% cholesterol supplemented diet in Wistar rats for 5 weeks. The treatment countered the liver and serum total and LDL + VLDL associated cholesterols and increased the HDL associated cholesterol while it had no influence on cholesterol levels in animals, maintained on normal diet. Dietary C. amada and its curcumin-free portion were effective in lowering liver cholesterol in animals, maintained on basal diet, while the curcumin-containing component of C. amada was ineffective. The biliary secretion of total lipids and bile acids was increased by dietary C. amada and both of its components. While biliary cholesterol was increased in animals fed with whole mango ginger, no such increases were noticed in groups fed with either components of mango ginger. Cholesterol absorption in ligated rat intestinal loops was not affected by mango ginger or either of its components. Thus, the present study has evidenced that the spice mango ginger possesses beneficial anti-hypercholesterolemic activity in hypercholesterolemic situation. This information is complementary to the earlier report on the health beneficial hypotriglyceridemic influence of this spice.     

Hypolipidemic Activity of Peony Seed Oil Rich in α‐Linolenic,is Mediated Through Inhibition of Lipogenesis and Upregulation of Fatty Acid β‐Oxidation

Peony seed oil (PSO) is a new resource food rich in α‐Linolenic Acid(ALA) (38.66%). The objective of this study was to assess the modulatory effect of PSO on lipid metabolism. Lard oil, safflower oil (SFO), and PSO were fed to wistar rats with 1% cholesterol in the diet for 60 d. Serum and liver lipids showed significant decrease in total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels in PSO fed rats compared to lard oil and SFO fed rats. ALA, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), contents were significantly increased, whereas linoleic acid (LA), arachidonic acid (AA) levels decreased in serum and liver of PSO fed rats. Feeding PSO increased ALA level and decreased n‐6 to n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio. The hypolipidemic result of PSO indicated that PSO participated in the regulation of plasma lipid concentration and cholesterol metabolism in liver. The decreased expression of sterol regulatory element‐binding proteins 1C (SREBP‐1c), acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC), and fatty acid synthase (FAS)‐reduced lipid synthesis; Activation of peroxisome proliferator–activator receptor (PPARα) accompanied by increase of uncoupling protein2 (UP2) and acyl‐CoA oxidase (AOX) stimulated lipid metabolism and exerted an antiobesity effect via increasing energy expenditure for prevention of obesity.     

Influence of fried and fried‐treated oils with different filter aids on rat health

Soybean, sunflower, palm and cottonseed oils were fried continuously at 180 ± 5 °C for 12 h. Fried oil quality was regenerated by adding individually Magnesol XL, diatomaceous earth and kaolin at 2% level, then stirring mechanically at 105 °C for 15 min and filtering. A set of nutritional experiments was conducted in which rats were administered standard diets containing non‐fried, fried and fried‐treated oils with various filter aids. The safety limits of the fried‐treated oils were recognized by measuring the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (AP), and levels of total lipids, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol of rat sera. Also, histopathological evaluation of rat liver tissues was microscopically done to detect any damage that might occur due to feeding rats on non‐fried, fried and fried‐treated oils. Administration of fried oils to rats induced significant rises in activities of ALT, AST and AP, and increases in the levels of total lipids and total cholesterol. The results demonstrate that there were non‐significant changes in sera levels of LDL and HDL cholesterol in rats fed diets containing various types of soybean, sunflower and cottonseed oils. Administration of fried‐treated oils to rat diets indicates that the activities of ALT, AST and AP and levels of sera constituents were similar to those of rats given non‐fried oils. Palm oil exceptionally behaved differently from the other oils. Palm oil raised sera total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol and lowered HDL cholesterol level. Histopathological examination of rat liver tissues indicated that changes paralleled the biochemical data. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of Dietary Partial Hydrolysate of Phospholipids,Rich in Docosahexaenoic Acid‐Bound Lysophospholipids,on Lipid and Fatty Acid Composition in Rat Serum and Liver

Lysophospholipids have been recognized as potent biologically active lipid mediators. However, attention has not been paid to the health benefits of dietary partial hydrolysate of phospholipids (PH‐PL), which is rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)‐bound lysophospholipids. In this study, the effects of PH‐PL on serum and liver lipid profiles of rats upon administration of PH‐PL are demonstrated in comparison to those of fish oil (FO), which comprises eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA‐bound triglyceride (TG). PH‐PL containing EPA and DHA was prepared via enzymatic modification of squid (Todarodes pacificus) meal that is rich in phospholipids. Male Wistar rats were fed a basal diet containing soybean oil alone (7%), FO, and PH‐PL. The FO and PH‐PL diets had similar EPA and DHA contents. After the rats had been fed their respective diets for 28 d, their serum and liver lipid contents, fecal lipid excretion, and hepatic gene expression level were measured. The results demonstrated that compared with the soybean oil diet alone, the PH‐PL diet decreased serum and liver TG contents partially because of the enhancement of liver acyl‐CoA oxidase activity and suppression of liver fatty acid synthase activity. In addition, compared with the soybean oil diet, the PH‐PL group exhibited lower serum cholesterol content at least in part because of the reduction of hepatic 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA reductase mRNA expression level. We found that dietary administration of EPA and DHA containing PH‐PL has a hypolipidemic effect that may help prevent the development lifestyle‐related diseases.