epiglucan and Hypercholesterolemia

β-Glucan has been reported for its health benefits on blood lipids in hypercholesterolaemic individuals for years. However, people have paid little attention to the effects of β-glucan in populations with mild hypercholesterolaemia as well as the various delivering matrices. Our objective was to perform a meta-analysis to analyse the effects of β-glucan with different delivering matrices in mildly hypercholesterolaemic individuals. After conducting a comprehensive search in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Library, a total of twenty-one randomised controlled trials involving 1120 participants were identified to measure the pooled effect. The overall results indicated that consuming a dose of ≥3 g/d of β-glucan for at least 3 weeks could significantly reduce total cholesterol (TC) (-0·27 mmol/l, 95 % CI -0·33, -0·21, P < 0·001) and LDL-cholesterol (-0·26 mmol/l, 95% CI -0·32, -0·20, P < 0·001) compared with the control group in mildly hypercholesterolaemic individuals, while no significant difference was observed in TAG (-0·03 mmol/l, 95% CI -0·11, 0·06, P = 0·521) and HDL-cholesterol (0·01 mmol/l, 95% CI -0·03, 0·04, P = 0·777). There was evidence for modest unexplained heterogeneity in the meta-analysis. In conclusion, β-glucan can significantly reduce risk factors like TC and LDL-cholesterol for CVD in mildly hypercholesterolaemic individuals; furthermore, it appears that the effects of food matrices with both 'solid products' and 'liquid products' where β-glucan was incorporated into were ranked as the best way to exert its beneficial properties, while 'liquid' and 'solid' products were ranked as the second and third positions, respectively.

Topics: beta-Glucans; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Eating; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Hypercholesterolemia is one of primary risk factors of cardiovascular disease, together with metabolic syndrome, hypertension and diabetes. Although progress has been made, the search for novel methods of preventing and treating dyslipidemia is ongoing and current therapies for cardiovascular disease induce various side effects. β‑glucans are linear unbranched polysaccharides found in various natural sources, such as mushrooms. Due to their structure they are able to interact with innate immunity receptors, however they also act as dietary fibers in the digestive tract. As there are two forms of β‑glucans, insoluble and soluble forms, they are able to interact with lipids and biliary salts in the bowel and consequently reduce cholesterol levels. Therefore, they may be developed as a suitable therapeutic option to treat patients with dyslipidemia, as they are natural molecules that do not induce any significant side effects. The current review discusses the evidence supporting the effects of β‑glucans on cholesterol levels.

Topics: Animals; Anticholesteremic Agents; beta-Glucans; Cholesterol; Dietary Fiber; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Immunologic Factors

Epidemiological and interventional studies have clearly demonstrated the beneficial impact of consuming oat and oat-based products on serum cholesterol and other markers of cardiovascular disease. The cholesterol-lowering effect of oat is thought to be associated with the β-glucan it contains. However, not all food products containing β-glucan seem to lead to the same health outcome. Overall, highly processed β-glucan sources (where the oat tissue is highly disrupted) appear to be less effective at reducing serum cholesterol, but the reasons are not well understood. Therefore, the mechanisms involved still need further clarification. The purpose of this paper is to review current evidence of the cholesterol-lowering effect of oat in the context of the structure and complexity of the oat matrix. The possibility of a synergistic action and interaction between the oat constituents promoting hypocholesterolaemia is also discussed. A review of the literature suggested that for a similar dose of β-glucan, (1) liquid oat-based foods seem to give more consistent, but moderate reductions in cholesterol than semi-solid or solid foods where the results are more variable; (2) the quantity of β-glucan and the molecular weight at expected consumption levels (∼3 g day

Topics: Animals; Anticholesteremic Agents; Avena; beta-Glucans; Cholesterol; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia

Oats are a rich source of β-glucan, a viscous, soluble fibre recognised for its cholesterol-lowering properties, and are associated with reduced risk of CVD. Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised-controlled trials (RCT) investigating the cholesterol-lowering potential of oat β-glucan on LDL-cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol and apoB for the risk reduction of CVD. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched. We included RCT of ≥3 weeks of follow-up, assessing the effect of diets enriched with oat β-glucan compared with controlled diets on LDL-cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol or apoB. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed study quality and risk of bias. Data were pooled using the generic inverse-variance method with random effects models and expressed as mean differences with 95 % CI. Heterogeneity was assessed by the Cochran's Q statistic and quantified by the I 2-statistic. In total, fifty-eight trials (n 3974) were included. A median dose of 3·5 g/d of oat β-glucan significantly lowered LDL-cholesterol (-0·19; 95 % CI -0·23, -0·14 mmol/l, P<0·00001), non-HDL-cholesterol (-0·20; 95 % CI -0·26, -0·15 mmol/l, P<0·00001) and apoB (-0·03; 95 % CI -0·05, -0·02 g/l, P<0·0001) compared with control interventions. There was evidence for considerable unexplained heterogeneity in the analysis of LDL-cholesterol (I 2=79 %) and non-HDL-cholesterol (I 2=99 %). Pooled analyses showed that oat β-glucan has a lowering effect on LDL-cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol and apoB. Inclusion of oat-containing foods may be a strategy for achieving targets in CVD reduction.

Topics: Anticholesteremic Agents; Apolipoproteins B; Avena; beta-Glucans; Biomarkers; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Dietary Fiber; Dietary Supplements; Evidence-Based Medicine; Functional Food; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Middle Aged; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk; Seeds; Solubility

Evidence from animal and observational studies has supported the beneficial effects of beta-glucan intake on glycemic control, but intervention studies in hypercholesterolemic crowd have generated mixed results and have not been systematically examined. In the present study, we aimed to quantitatively evaluate the relation between beta-glucan consumption from oats or barley on glycemic control in hypercholesterolemic individuals. A systematic literature review was conducted for relevant published randomized controlled trials studies (RCTs) in electronic databases through July 2014. Twelve trials with a total of 603 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. Beta-glucan consumption did not significantly affect measures of glycemic control. Summary estimates of weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence interval was 0.05 mmol/L (-0.11, 0.02) for fasting glucose concentration and 0.75 pmol/L (-1.82, 3.32) for fasting insulin concentrations. In conclusion, there was not a significant overall effect of beta-glucan intake on improvements of fasting glucose and insulin concentrations in hypercholesterolemic subjects.

Topics: Avena; beta-Glucans; Blood Glucose; Diet; Hordeum; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

A growing body of evidence suggests that beta-glucan derived from oats or barley can reduce cardiovascular disease risk through reductions in serum lipids. However, the effects of beta-glucan on lipid changes in hypercholesterolemic patient groups are inconsistent. The objective of this study was to identify and quantify the effect of beta-glucan, a marker of water-soluble fiber, on various lipid parameters and glucose level in hypercholesterolemic subjects.. We performed a comprehensive literature search to identify the relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of beta-glucan consumption in hypercholesterolemic subjects. Mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for net changes in lipid concentrations by using fixed-effects or random-effects models according to heterogeneity. Publication bias, sensitivity analysis and subgroup analyses were also performed. Seventeen eligible RCTs with 916 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled result showed that beta-glucan consumption in hypercholesterolemic population significantly lowered the total cholesterol (TC) (MD, -0.26 mmol/L; 95% CI, -0.33 to -0.18; P < 0.00001) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol concentration (MD, -0.21 mmol/L; 95% CI, -0.27 to -0.14; P < 0.00001). However, there were no significant differences in high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, triglycerides (TG) and glucose. No adverse effects were reported among the eligible trials.. Our meta-analysis showed that beta-glucan consumption significantly decreased TC and LDL-cholesterol concentrations but did not affect TG, HDL-cholesterol, and glucose concentrations in hypercholesterolemic subjects.

Topics: Avena; beta-Glucans; Blood Glucose; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, LDL; Dietary Fiber; Female; Hordeum; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Lipoproteins, HDL; Male; Treatment Outcome; Triglycerides

Reducing elevated LDL-cholesterol is a key public health challenge. There is substantial evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCT) that a number of foods and food components can significantly reduce LDL-cholesterol. Data from RCT have been reviewed to determine whether effects are additive when two or more of these components are consumed together. Typically components, such as plant stanols and sterols, soya protein, β-glucans and tree nuts, when consumed individually at their target rate, reduce LDL-cholesterol by 3-9 %. Improved dietary fat quality, achieved by replacing SFA with unsaturated fat, reduces LDL-cholesterol and can increase HDL-cholesterol, further improving blood lipid profile. It appears that the effect of combining these interventions is largely additive; however, compliance with multiple changes may reduce over time. Food combinations used in ten 'portfolio diet' studies have been reviewed. In clinical efficacy studies of about 1 month where all foods were provided, LDL-cholesterol is reduced by 22-30 %, whereas in community-based studies of >6 months' duration, where dietary advice is the basis of the intervention, reduction in LDL-cholesterol is about 15 %. Inclusion of MUFA into 'portfolio diets' increases HDL-cholesterol, in addition to LDL-cholesterol effects. Compliance with some of these dietary changes can be achieved more easily compared with others. By careful food component selection, appropriate to the individual, the effect of including only two components in the diet with good compliance could be a sustainable 10 % reduction in LDL-cholesterol; this is sufficient to make a substantial impact on cholesterol management and reduce the need for pharmaceutical intervention.

Topics: Anticholesteremic Agents; beta-Glucans; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Diet; Dietary Fats; Dietary Fiber; Energy Intake; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; Food; Food Preferences; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; MEDLINE; Nuts; Phytosterols; Sitosterols; Solubility; Soybean Proteins

Elevated total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels are considered major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Oat β-glucan, a soluble dietary fiber that is found in the endosperm cell walls of oats, has generated considerable interest due to its cholesterol-lowering properties. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a health claim for β-glucan soluble fiber from oats for reducing plasma cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease in 1997. Similarly, in 2004 the United Kingdom Joint Health Claims Initiative (JHCI) allowed a cholesterol-lowering health claim for oat β-glucan. The present review aims to investigate if results from more recent studies are consistent with the original conclusions reached by the FDA and JHCI. Results of this analysis show that studies conducted during the past 13 years support the suggestion that intake of oat β-glucan at daily doses of at least 3 g may reduce plasma total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels by 5-10% in normocholesterolemic or hypercholesterolemic subjects. Studies described herein have shown that, on average, oat consumption is associated with 5% and 7% reductions in total and LDL cholesterol levels, respectively. Significant scientific agreement continues to support a relationship between oat β-glucan and blood cholesterol levels, with newer data being consistent with earlier conclusions made by the FDA and JHCI.

Topics: Anticholesteremic Agents; Avena; beta-Glucans; Dietary Fiber; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

To more precisely quantify the effect of barley β-glucan on blood lipid concentrations in humans and to examine the factors that could affect its efficacy.. Eleven eligible randomized clinical trials published from 1989 to 2008 were identified from nine databases. Weighted mean effect sizes were calculated for net differences in lipid profile using a random effect model (RevMan 4.2).. Overall, barley and β-glucan isolated from barley lowered total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations by 0.30 mmol/l (95% confidence interval (CI): -0.39 to -0.21, P<0.00001) and 0.27 mmol/l (95% CI: -0.34 to -0.20, P<0.00001), respectively, compared with control. The pattern of cholesterol-lowering action of barley in this analysis could not be viewed as a dose-dependent response. There were no significant subgroup differences by type of intervention and food matrix.. Increased consumption of barely products should be considered as a dietary approach to reduce LDL cholesterol concentrations.

Topics: beta-Glucans; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Cross-Over Studies; Hordeum; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Phytotherapy; Plant Preparations; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Triglycerides

This review is intended to focus on the composition of oat and its therapeutic potential in the pharmacology that supports its use to cure various maladies. Oat (Avena sativa) is distinct among the cereals due to its multifunctional characteristics and nutritional profile. Recent advancement in food and nutrition has revealed the importance of its various components. It is a good source of dietary fiber especially beta-glucan, minerals and other nutrients. Oat and oat by products have been proven to be helpful in the treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Oat bran in particular, is good source of B complex vitamins, protein, fat, minerals besides heart healthy soluble fiber beta-glucan. The beta-glucan has outstanding functional properties and is of immense importance in human nutrition. Different physiological effects of beta-glucan are related to its viscosity, attenuation of postprandial plasma glucose and insulin responses, high transport of bile acids towards lower parts of the intestinal tract and high excretion of bile acids thereby lowering of serum cholesterol levels. Moreover, it is helpful against coeliac disease. The incorporation of oat grains and oat bran in the food products improves not only the nutrition but also a therapy against various maladies.

Topics: Area Under Curve; Avena; beta-Glucans; Blood Glucose; Celiac Disease; Cholesterol; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Dietary Fiber; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Intestinal Absorption; Minerals; Postprandial Period; Solubility; Viscosity; Vitamins

Non-cellulosic beta-glucans are now recognized as potent immunological activators, and some are used clinically in China and Japan. These beta-glucans consist of a backbone of glucose residues linked by beta-(1-->3)-glycosidic bonds, often with attached side-chain glucose residues joined by beta-(1-->6) linkages. The frequency of branching varies. The literature suggests beta-glucans are effective in treating diseases like cancer, a range of microbial infections, hypercholesterolaemia, and diabetes. Their mechanisms of action involve them being recognized as non-self molecules, so the immune system is stimulated by their presence. Several receptors have been identified, which include: dectin-1, located on macrophages, which mediates beta-glucan activation of phagocytosis and production of cytokines, a response co-ordinated by the toll-like receptor-2. Activated complement receptors on natural killer cells, neutrophils, and lymphocytes, may also be associated with tumour cytotoxicity. Two other receptors, scavenger and lactosylceramide, bind beta-glucans and mediate a series of signal pathways leading to immunological activation. Structurally different beta-glucans appear to have different affinities toward these receptors and thus generate markedly different host responses. However, the published data are not always easy to interpret as many of the earlier studies used crude beta-glucan preparations with, for the most part, unknown chemical structures. Careful choice of beta-glucan products is essential if their benefits are to be optimized, and a better understanding of how beta-glucans bind to receptors should enable more efficient use of their biological activities.

Topics: Animals; beta-Glucans; Clinical Trials as Topic; Communicable Diseases; Cytokines; Diabetes Mellitus; Fungi; Glucose Metabolism Disorders; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Immunologic Factors; Lectins, C-Type; Lymphocytes; Macrophages; Membrane Proteins; Neoplasms; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Phagocytosis; Receptors, Cell Surface; Receptors, Complement; Signal Transduction; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic; Toll-Like Receptor 2

The Beta-glucan Effects on Lipid profile, glycemia and inTestinal health (BELT) Study investigated the effect of 3 g/day oat beta-glucans on plasma lipids, fasting glucose and self-perceived intestinal well-being. The Study was an 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over randomized clinical trial, enrolling a sample of 83 Italian free-living subjects, adherent to Mediterranean diet, with a moderate hypercholesterolemia and a low cardiovascular risk profile. Beta-glucans reduced mean LDL-Cholesterol (LDL-C) levels from baseline by 12.2% (95%CI: -15.4 to -3.8) after 4 weeks of supplementation and by 15.1% (95%CI: -17.8 to -5.9) after 8 weeks of supplementation (

Topics: Adult; Aged; Avena; beta-Glucans; Blood Glucose; Cross-Over Studies; Dietary Fiber; Double-Blind Method; Fasting; Female; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Lipids; Male; Middle Aged

The cholesterol-lowering effect of barley β-glucan has been proposed to be the result of a pleiotropic effect, which involves several biological mechanisms such as gut fermentation, inhibition of intestinal cholesterol absorption and increased bile acid excretion and its synthesis. However, one of the recent studies from our laboratory indicated that increased bile acid excretion and subsequent increase in its synthesis, but not the inhibition of cholesterol absorption or synthesis might be responsible for the cholesterol-lowering effect of barley β-glucan. Accordingly, the primary objective of the present study was to investigate the concentration of bile acids (BA), neutral sterols (NS) and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) excreted through the feces by mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects who consumed diets containing barley β-glucan with varying molecular weights (MW) and concentrations. In a controlled, four phase, crossover trial, 30 mildly hypercholesterolemic but otherwise healthy subjects were randomly assigned to receive breakfast containing 3 g high MW (HMW), 5 g low MW (LMW), 3 g LMW barley β-glucan or a control diet for 5 weeks. The concentrations of BA, NS and SCFA in the feces were measured at the end of each treatment phase. Compared to the other treatment groups, 3 g day-1 HMW barley β-glucan consumption resulted in increased lithocholic acid (LCA) excretion (P < 0.001) but not LMW β-glucan, even at the high dose of 5 g day-1. Increased fermentability of fibre was also evident from a significant increase in fecal total SCFA concentrations in response to the 3 g HMW β-glucan diet compared to the 3 g LMW barley β-glucan and control diet (P = 0.0015). In summary, the current results validate our previous report on the role of fecal bile acid excretion in cholesterol lowering through the consumption of barley β-glucan. In addition, increased SCFA concentrations indicate that an increase in β-glucan molecular weight promotes hindgut fermentation, which might also be playing a role in attenuating cholesterol levels.

Topics: Adult; Aged; beta-Glucans; Bile Acids and Salts; Cholesterol; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Feces; Female; Hordeum; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Male; Middle Aged

Underlying mechanisms responsible for the cholesterol-lowering effect of β-glucan have been proposed, yet have not been fully demonstrated. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether the consumption of barley β-glucan lowers cholesterol by affecting the cholesterol absorption, cholesterol synthesis or bile acid synthesis. In addition, this study was aimed to assess whether the underlying mechanisms are related to cholesterol 7α hydroxylase (CYP7A1) SNP rs3808607 as proposed by us earlier. In a controlled, randomised, cross-over study, participants with mild hypercholesterolaemia (n 30) were randomly assigned to receive breakfast containing 3 g high-molecular weight (HMW), 5 g low-molecular weight (LMW), 3 g LMW barley β-glucan or a control diet, each for 5 weeks. Cholesterol absorption was determined by assessing the enrichment of circulating 13C-cholesterol over 96 h following oral administration; fractional rate of synthesis for cholesterol was assessed by measuring the incorporation rate of 2H derived from deuterium oxide within the body water pool into the erythrocyte cholesterol pool over 24 h; bile acid synthesis was determined by measuring serum 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one concentrations. Consumption of 3 g HMW β-glucan decreased total cholesterol (TC) levels (P=0·029), but did not affect cholesterol absorption (P=0·25) or cholesterol synthesis (P=0·14). Increased bile acid synthesis after consumption of 3 g HMW β-glucan was observed in all participants (P=0·049), and more pronounced in individuals carrying homozygous G of rs3808607 (P=0·033). In addition, a linear relationship between log (viscosity) of β-glucan and serum 7α-HC concentration was observed in homozygous G allele carriers. Results indicate that increased bile acid synthesis rather than inhibition of cholesterol absorption or synthesis may be responsible for the cholesterol-lowering effect of barley β-glucan. The pronounced TC reduction in G allele carriers of rs3808607 observed in the previous study may be due to enhanced bile acid synthesis in response to high-viscosity β-glucan consumption in those individuals.

Topics: Alleles; beta-Glucans; Bile Acids and Salts; Carbon Isotopes; Cholestenones; Cholesterol; Cholesterol 7-alpha-Hydroxylase; Cholesterol, Dietary; Cholesterol, LDL; Cross-Over Studies; Dietary Fiber; Female; Genotype; Hordeum; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Intestinal Absorption; Male; Middle Aged; Molecular Weight; Plant Extracts; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

β-Glucan, a soluble fiber with viscous property, has a documented cholesterol-lowering effect. The molecular weight (MW) of β-glucan, which contributes to viscosity, and an individual's genotype might influence the cholesterol-lowering efficacy of β-glucan.. This study was designed to determine whether the cholesterol-lowering efficacy of barley β-glucan varied as a function of MW and the daily dose consumed. Our second aim was to determine whether any gene-diet interactions are associated with the cholesterol-lowering efficacy of β-glucan.. In a randomized controlled crossover trial, 30 mildly hypercholesterolemic adults [12 men and 18 women, aged 27-78 y; body mass index (in kg/m(2)): 20-40; total cholesterol (TC): 5.0-8.0 mmol/L; LDL cholesterol: 2.7-5.0 mmol/L] were randomly assigned to receive a breakfast that contained either barley β-glucan at 3 g high MW (HMW)/d, 5 g low MW (LMW)/d, or 3 g LMW/d or a control diet, each for 5 wk. The washout period between the phases was 4 wk. Fasting blood samples were collected at the start and end of each phase for blood lipid analysis and genotyping.. Consumption of 3 g HMW β-glucan/d lowered TC by -0.12 mmol/L (95% CI: -0.24, -0.006 mmol/L) compared with the control diet (P= 0.0046), but the LMW β-glucan, at either 3 g/d or 5 g/d, did not change serum cholesterol concentrations. This effect of HMW β-glucan was associated with gene-diet interaction, whereby individuals with the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs3808607-G allele (GG or GT) of the cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily A member 1 gene (CYP7A1) had greater responses to 3 g HMW β-glucan/d in lowering TC than TT carriers (P= 0.0006).. The HMW β-glucan rather than LMW β-glucan reduced circulating TC effectively in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults. The cholesterol-lowering effect of β-glucan may also be determined by the genetic characteristics of an individual. These data show that individuals carrying theCYP7A1SNP rs3808607-G allele are more responsive to the cholesterol-lowering effect of β-glucan with HMW than TT carriers. This trial was registered atclinicaltrials.govasNCT01408719.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Alleles; beta-Glucans; Body Mass Index; Cholesterol 7-alpha-Hydroxylase; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Cross-Over Studies; Female; Genotyping Techniques; Hordeum; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Male; Middle Aged; Molecular Weight; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Triglycerides

Oats are high in soluble fibers and effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). We assessed the effects of beta-glucan from oat bran on serum nitric oxide (NO) endothelial function in patients with hypercholesterolemia.. Sixty hypercholesterolemic patients were randomly divided to receive an experimental bread rich in beta-glucan from oat bran (intervention) or bread rich in wheat fiber (control) for four weeks. All subjects had the same diet for two-week baseline period and hypocaloric diet for four weeks of intervention. Serum NO concentration and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) were determined before and after the experiment.. Mean age of the participants was 51.1 ± 9.3 years and 65% (n = 39) were female. After intervention, serum NO concentration increased by 50.2 ± 19.8 μmol/lit in the intervention group (P = 0.017), but no change was observed in the control group (17.5 ± 27.5 μmol/lit; P = 0.530). No change of FMD was observed in the intervention (0.48 ± 0.78%; P = 0.546) or in the control group (0.59 ± 0.92%; P = 0.533).. Consumption of oat bread for four weeks increases serum NO concentration but has no effect on FMD. Further studies are warranted in this regard.

Topics: Adult; beta-Glucans; Bread; Cholesterol; Dietary Fiber; Endothelial Cells; Female; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Male; Middle Aged; Nitric Oxide; Obesity

We aimed at evaluating whether β-glucans could improve low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and/or glycemic control in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), in whom statins usually have muscle-related side effects. Fifty-nine MG patients participated in the study and received a daily dietary supplement of 3 g of β-glucans during 8 weeks. Body mass index (BMI) and blood sample analysis of lipid and glucose status were performed before and after 8 weeks intake of β-glucans. In the 52 patients who completed the study, there was a significant reduction in total cholesterol, LDL, ApoA1 and ApoB (all P<0.003). However, glycemic control and BMI were unaltered. The present study indicates that 8 weeks daily intake of 3 g of β-glucans significantly reduces total cholesterol, LDL, ApoA1 and ApoB in MG patients. β-glucans may therefore be of value in improving lipid status in MG patients, without the muscle-related side effects accompanied by statins.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anticholesteremic Agents; Apolipoprotein A-I; Apolipoproteins; Apolipoproteins B; beta-Glucans; Blood Glucose; Body Mass Index; Cholesterol, LDL; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Hypercholesterolemia; Male; Middle Aged; Muscle Weakness; Myasthenia Gravis

Several regulatory bodies have approved a health claim on the cholesterol-lowering effects of oat β-glucan at levels of 3·0 g/d. The present study aimed to test whether 1·5 g/d β-glucan provided as ready-to-eat oat flakes was as effective in lowering cholesterol as 3·0 g/d from oats porridge. A 6-week randomised controlled trial was conducted in eighty-seven mildly hypercholesterolaemic ( ≥ 5 mmol/l and < 7·5 mmol/l) men and women assigned to one of three diet arms (25 % energy (E%) protein; 45 E% carbohydrate; 30 E% fat, at energy requirements for weight maintenance): (1) minimal β-glucan (control); (2) low-dose oat β-glucan (1·5 g β-glucan; oats low - OL) or (3) higher dose oat β-glucan (3·0 g β-glucan; oats high - OH). Changes in total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) from baseline were assessed using a linear mixed model and repeated-measures ANOVA, adjusted for weight change. Total cholesterol reduced significantly in all groups ( - 7·8 (sd 13·8) %, - 7·2 (sd 12·4) % and - 5·5 (sd 9·3) % in the OH, OL and control groups), as did LDL-C ( - 8·4 (sd 18·5) %, - 8·5 (sd 18·5) % and - 5·5 (sd 12·4) % in the OH, OL and control groups), but between-group differences were not significant. In responders only (n 60), β-glucan groups had higher reductions in LDL-C ( - 18·3 (sd 11·1) % and - 18·1 (sd 9·2) % in the OH and OL groups) compared with controls ( - 11·7 (sd 7·9) %; P = 0·044). Intakes of oat β-glucan were as effective at doses of 1·5 g/d compared with 3 g/d when provided in different food formats that delivered similar amounts of soluble β-glucan.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Avena; beta-Glucans; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, LDL; Dietary Fiber; Female; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Linear Models; Male; Middle Aged; Overweight; Solubility

There has been growing interest in using dietary intervention to improve the lipid profile. This work aims at analyzing the effects and the comparison of the enrichment of a diet with beta-glucans or rice bran in mildly hypercholesterolemic men.. The subjects initially consumed a 3-week Step 1 American Heart Association diet with rice bran-enriched foods. After this adaptation period, volunteers were randomly assigned to follow a crossover, controlled trial that consisted of two treatment with beta-glucan- or rice bran-enriched foods, each of 4 weeks, with a 3-week wash-out, like the adaptation period, between periods. Fasted blood samples were collected on days 0, 21, 49, 70 and 98 in both study arms for measuring low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (primary outcome), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein (apo) A-I, apo B and glucose levels.. Twenty-four men (mean age: 50.3±5.3, mean body mass index: 24.9±1.9) completed the 14-week trial. Subjects in the 3-week adaptation period experienced significant reductions in the mean level of LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol/HDL cholesterol, apo A-I, apo A-I/apo B and glucose. During the intervention diet periods, a difference was found between treatment groups for the mean change in LDL (0.21 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.02-0.40), P=0.033) and total cholesterol (0.34 (95% CI: 0.20-0.47), P<0.001). Other parameters evaluated were not significantly affected by the diet consumed.. The results of the present crossover clinical trial showed that beta-glucan-enriched foods are more effective in lowering serum LDL levels, compared with rice bran-enriched foods.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; beta-Glucans; Body Mass Index; Cholesterol, LDL; Cross-Over Studies; Diet, Fat-Restricted; Dietary Fiber; Food Preferences; Food, Fortified; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Lipids; Male; Middle Aged; Oryza; Seeds; Severity of Illness Index; Solubility; Young Adult

There is increasing global acceptance that viscous soluble fibers lower serum LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), but most evidence for this comes from studies in Caucasians. To see if oat β-glucan lowers LDL-C in Caucasians and non-Caucasians we conducted a post-hoc analysis of the results of a randomized, controlled, double-blind, multi-center clinical trial whose primary aim was to determine if molecular-weight (MW) influenced the LDL-C-lowering effect of oat β-glucan.. Caucasian and non-Caucasian subjects with LDL-C-C ≥ 3.0 and ≤ 5.0 mmol/L (n = 786 screened, n = 400 ineligible, n = 19 refused, n = 367 randomized, n = 345 completed, n = 1 excluded for missing ethnicity) were randomly assigned to consume cereal containing wheat-fiber (Control, n = 74:13 Caucasian:non-Caucasian) or 3 g high-MW (3H, 2,250,000 g/mol, n = 67:19), 4 g medium-MW (4 M, 850,000 g/mol, n = 50:17), 3 g medium-MW (3M, 530,000 g/mol, n = 54:9) or 4 g low-MW (4 L, 210,000 g/mol, n = 51:12) oat β-glucan daily for 4 weeks. LDL-C after 4 weeks was influenced by baseline LDL-C (p < 0.001) and treatment (p = 0.003), but not ethnicity (p = 0.74). In all subjects, compared to control, 3 H, 4 M and 3 M reduced LDL-C significantly by 4.8 to 6.5%, but 4 L had no effect. Compared to control, the bioactive oat β-glucan treatments (3H, 4M and 3M) reduced LDL-C by a combined mean (95% CI) of 0.18 (0.06, 0.31) mmol/L (4.8%, n = 171, p = 0.004) in Caucasians, a value not significantly different from the 0.37 (0.09, 0.65) mmol/L (10.3%, n = 45, p = 0.008) reduction in non-Caucasians.. We conclude that oat β-glucan reduces LDL-C in both Caucasians and non-Caucasians; there was insufficient power to determine if the magnitude of LDL-C-lowering differed by ethnicity.. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00981981.

Topics: Adult; Avena; beta-Glucans; Cholesterol, LDL; Dietary Fiber; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Male; Middle Aged; Triticum; White People

We have earlier demonstrated that muesli enriched with oat beta-glucan effectively lowered serum LDL cholesterol. Addition of plant stanols further lowered LDL cholesterol. Besides these hypocholesterolemic effects, beta-glucan and plant stanol esters (PSE) may also affect inflammatory processes. Forty-two mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects randomly consumed for 4 wk (crossover design) control muesli (4.8 g control fiber), beta-glucan muesli (4.8 g oat beta-glucan), or combination muesli (4.8 g oat beta-glucan plus 1.4 g stanol as PSE). Changes in cytokine production (IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha) of LPS-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and whole blood were evaluated, as well as changes in plasma high-sensitivity (hs)-CRP. Additionally, changes in expression profiles of 84 genes involved in atherosclerosis metabolism were assessed in isolated PBMC. IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha production by PBMC and whole blood after LPS stimulation did not differ between the treatments. Also high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were similar. beta-Glucan consumption did not change gene expression, while only 3 genes (ADFP, CDH5, CSF2) out of the 84 genes from the atherosclerotic risk panel were differentially expressed (p < 0.05) after consumption of PSE. Consumption of beta-glucan with or without PSE did not influence inflammatory parameters in mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects.

Topics: Adult; Atherosclerosis; Avena; beta-Glucans; C-Reactive Protein; Cross-Over Studies; Dietary Fiber; Double-Blind Method; Female; Gene Expression; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Inflammation; Interleukin-1; Interleukin-8; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Lipopolysaccharides; Male; Middle Aged; Sitosterols; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Barley fiber rich in beta-glucans lowers serum lipids, but is difficult to incorporate into products acceptable to consumers. We investigated the physiological effects of two concentrated barley beta-glucans on cardiovascular disease (CVD) endpoints and body weight in human subjects.. Hypercholesterolemic men and women (n = 90) were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: low molecular weight (low-MW) or high molecular weight (high-MW) concentrated barley beta-glucan consumed as a daily supplement containing 6 grams beta-glucan/day. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline and week 6 and analyzed for total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, insulin, homocysteine and C-reactive protein (CRP). Dietary intakes, body weights, blood pressure, hunger ratings, and gastrointestinal symptoms were measured at baseline and 6 weeks.. The only difference between treatments in lipid outcomes at week 6 was a reduction of the cholesterol/HDL ratio in the low-MW group and a small increase in the high-MW group. No changes were found in blood pressure, glucose, insulin, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Body weight decreased from baseline to 6 weeks in the high-MW group while body weight increased in the low-MW group. Levels of hunger decreased slightly in the low-MW group and decreased significantly in the high-MW group (P = 0.02). Overall, supplementation with isolated barley beta-glucans of different molecular weights had small effects on cardiovascular disease markers. Molecular weight of the barley fiber did alter effects on body weight with the high-MW fiber significantly decreasing body weight.

Topics: Adult; beta-Glucans; Blood Glucose; Blood Pressure; Body Weight; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cholesterol; Dietary Fiber; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Energy Intake; Female; Gastrointestinal Tract; Hordeum; Humans; Hunger; Hypercholesterolemia; Insulin; Male; Middle Aged; Phytotherapy; Triglycerides

This study investigated whether the consumption of a diet in which high-beta-glucan barley replaced rice would reduce the visceral fat area as well as the serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) in hypercholesterolemic Japanese men. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled intervention study was conducted in 44 hypercholesterolemic Japanese men with a body mass index (BMI) >22 kg/m2. The subjects were randomly assigned to groups consuming either rice (placebo group) or a mixture of rice and pearl barley with a high beta-glucan content (test group, 7.0 g beta-glucan per day) for 12 weeks. Blood samples were taken, and CT scan obtained before the trial and every four weeks during the trial. The pearl barley intake significantly reduced serum concentrations of LDL-C (P = 0.041) and TC (P = 0.037) during the trial. Significant differences between the test and placebo groups were found for the visceral fat (P = 0.039), BMI (P = 0.015), and waist circumference (P = 0.011) at the end point. The consumption of pearl barley with a high beta-glucan content reduces not only LDL-C but also visceral fat area.

Topics: Adult; Anticholesteremic Agents; beta-Glucans; Body Mass Index; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Double-Blind Method; Hordeum; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Intra-Abdominal Fat; Japan; Male; Triglycerides; Waist-Hip Ratio

To investigate whether a daily intake of a nutrient-balanced ready meal containing 4 g of oat beta-glucans lowers total cholesterol (T-C) and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in hyperlipidemic subjects and to evaluate its effect on postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations.. A parallel, placebo-controlled trial was carried out in 43 healthy men and women with elevated serum cholesterol levels. During the 3-week run-in period, all subjects consumed daily a ready-meal soup, low in energy and fat and high in fiber but without oat beta-glucans. Subjects were then randomly assigned for the following 5-week intervention period to either continue consumption of the control soup or an equal soup supplemented with beta-glucan.. Consumption of the beta-glucan-enriched ready meal decreased T-C (0.22 +/- 0.41 mmol/l) and LDL-C (0.16 +/- 0.36 mmol/l), but the reductions were not significantly lower compared with control. After a meal with beta-glucan soup, neither postprandial glucose nor insulin concentrations were significantly different from those after a control soup.. A daily dose of 4 g of oat beta-glucans incorporated into a healthy ready meal did not significantly lower T-C and LDL-C compared with an equal ready meal without beta-glucans. Thus, if a food product fulfils general healthy dietary recommendations it may not necessarily be a candidate for supplementation with beta-glucans.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Apolipoproteins B; Avena; beta-Glucans; Blood Glucose; C-Reactive Protein; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Dietary Fiber; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Insulin; Male; Middle Aged; Postprandial Period; Satiation; Single-Blind Method; Triglycerides

Intake of food products rich in water-soluble fiber beta-glucan and products enriched with plant stanol esters lower serum cholesterol. Combining 2 functional food ingredients into one food product may achieve additional reductions of serum cholesterol. Our objective was to investigate the effects of a simultaneous intake of beta-glucan plus plant stanol esters on lipid metabolism in mildly hypercholesterolemic volunteers. In a randomized, controlled, 3-period crossover study, 40 mildly hypercholesterolemic men and women received muesli in random order twice a day for 4 wk, which provided, in total, 5 g control fiber from wheat (control muesli), 5 g oat beta-glucan (beta-glucan muesli), or 5 g oat beta-glucan plus 1.5 g plant stanols (combination muesli). beta-Glucan muesli decreased serum LDL cholesterol by 5.0% compared with control muesli (P = 0.013). Combination muesli reduced LDL cholesterol by 9.6% compared with control muesli (P < 0.001), and by 4.4% compared with beta-glucan muesli (P = 0.036). Serum HDL cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations did not differ after the 3 treatments. Compared with control muesli, beta-glucan muesli increased bile acid synthesis (P = 0.043) and decreased cholesterol absorption (P = 0.011). Addition of plant stanols did not influence bile acid synthesis but decreased cholesterol absorption (P < 0.001) and raised cholesterol synthesis (P = 0.016) compared with control muesli, and the plant stanols decreased cholesterol absorption compared with beta-glucan muesli (P = 0.004). The combination muesli decreased serum concentrations of sitostanol compared with control muesli (P = 0.010). Plasma concentrations of lipid-soluble antioxidants did not differ after the 3 treatments. beta-Glucan muesli effectively lowered serum LDL cholesterol concentrations. The addition of plant stanol esters to beta-glucan-enriched muesli further lowered serum LDL cholesterol, although effects were slightly less than predicted.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Antioxidants; beta-Glucans; Bile Acids and Salts; Cholesterol; Cross-Over Studies; Female; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Lipid Metabolism; Lipids; Lipoproteins; Male; Middle Aged; Phytosterols

Soluble fibers lower serum lipids, but are difficult to incorporate into products acceptable to consumers. We investigated the physiological effects of a concentrated oat beta-glucan on cardiovascular disease (CVD) endpoints in human subjects. We also compared the fermentability of concentrated oat beta-glucan with inulin and guar gum in a model intestinal fermentation system.. Seventy-five hypercholesterolemic men and women were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: 6 grams/day concentrated oat beta-glucan or 6 grams/day dextrose (control). Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline, week 3, and week 6 and analyzed for total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, insulin, homocysteine and C-reactive protein (CRP). To estimate colonic fermentability, 0.5 g concentrated oat beta-glucan was incubated in a batch model intestinal fermentation system, using human fecal inoculum to provide representative microflora. Fecal donors were not involved with the beta-glucan feeding trial. Inulin and guar gum were also incubated in separate serum bottles for comparison.. Oat beta-glucan produced significant reduction from baseline in total cholesterol (-0.3 +/- 0.1 mmol/L) and LDL cholesterol (-0.3 +/- 0.1 mmol/L), and the reduction in LDL cholesterol were significantly greater than in the control group (p = 0.03). Concentrated oat beta-glucan was a fermentable fiber and produced total SCFA and acetate concentrations similar to inulin and guar gum. Concentrated oat beta-glucan produced the highest concentrations of butyrate at 4, 8, and 12 hours.. Six grams concentrated oat beta-glucan per day for six weeks significantly reduced total and LDL cholesterol in subjects with elevated cholesterol, and the LDL cholesterol reduction was greater than the change in the control group. Based on a model intestinal fermentation, this oat beta-glucan was fermentable, producing higher amounts of butyrate than other fibers. Thus, a practical dose of beta-glucan can significantly lower serum lipids in a high-risk population and may improve colon health.

Topics: Adult; Avena; beta-Glucans; Blood Pressure; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, LDL; Diet Records; Dietary Fiber; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Fermentation; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Male; Patient Selection; Triglycerides

Barley, like oats, is a rich source of the soluble fibre beta-glucan, which has been shown to significantly lower LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C). However, barley foods have been less widely studied. Therefore, we evaluated the LDL-C-lowering effect of a concentrated barley beta-glucan (BBG) extract as a vehicle to deliver this potential health benefit of barley. In a 10-week blinded controlled study, subjects were randomized to one of four treatment groups or control. Treatment groups included either high molecular weight (HMW) or low molecular weight (LMW) BBG at both 3 and 5 g doses. Treatment was delivered twice per day with meals in the form of two functional food products: a ready-to-eat cereal and a reduced-calorie fruit juice beverage. Levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), and TAG were determined at baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment. The study group comprised 155 subjects. All treatments were well tolerated and after 6 weeks of treatment the mean LDL-C levels fell by 15 % in the 5 g HMW group, 13 % in the 5 g LMW group and 9 % in both the 3 g/d groups, versus baseline. Similar results were observed for total cholesterol. HDL-C levels were unchanged by treatment. Concentrated BBG significantly improves LDL-C and total cholesterol among moderately dyslipidaemic subjects. Food products containing concentrated BBG should be considered an effective option for improving blood lipids.

Topics: Adult; Aged; beta-Glucans; Cholesterol, LDL; Dietary Fiber; Double-Blind Method; Female; Food, Fortified; Hordeum; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Lipids; Male; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome

This randomized, controlled trial of cholesterol lowering by an oat bran cereal containing beta glucan vs a corn cereal without soluble fiber in Hispanic Americans was conducted for 11 weeks. One-hundred fifty-two men and women, ages 30 to 70 years, with baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels between 120 and 190 mg/dL and triglycerides <400 mg/dL were included. After eating a National Cholesterol Education Program Step 1 diet for 5 weeks, subjects were randomly assigned to the corn or the oat cereal for the next 6 weeks. The daily dose of beta glucan was 3 g. Consumption of oat cereal was associated with a reduction in plasma levels of both total cholesterol (-10.9+/-21.6 mg/dL; -4.5%) and LDL-C (-9.4+/-20.3 mg/dL; -5.3%). Consumption of corn cereal did not affect either total cholesterol (+1.2+/-18.3 mg/dL; 1.1%) or LDL-C (+1.2+/-17.5 mg/dL; 2.2%). Differences between the effects of the two cereals on total cholesterol and LDL-C were significant, P =.0003 and P =.0007, respectively.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Anticholesteremic Agents; Avena; beta-Glucans; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Edible Grain; Female; Hispanic or Latino; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Male; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome; Triglycerides

To investigate side by side the effects on serum lipoproteins and postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations of beverages enriched with 5 or 10 g of beta-glucans from oats or barley.. An 8-week single blind, controlled study with five parallel groups carried out at two centres under identical conditions.. A total of 100 free-living hypercholesterolaemic subjects were recruited locally and 89 completed the study.. During a 3-week run-in period all subjects consumed a control beverage. For the following 5-week period four groups received a beverage with 5 or 10 g beta-glucans from oats or barley and one group continued with the control beverage. Blood samples in weeks 0, 2, 3, 7 and 8 were analysed for serum lipids, lipoproteins, glucose and insulin. Postprandial concentrations of glucose and insulin were compared between control and the beverage with 5 g of beta-glucans from oats or barley.. Compared to control, 5 g of beta-glucans from oats significantly lowered total-cholesterol by 7.4% (P<0.01), and postprandial concentrations of glucose (30 min, P=0.005) and insulin (30 min, P=0.025). The beverage with 10 g of beta-glucans from oats did not affect serum lipids significantly in comparison with control. No statistically significant effects compared to control of the beverages with barley beta-glucans were found.. A daily consumption of 5 g of oat beta-glucans in a beverage improved the lipid and glucose metabolism, while barley beta-glucans did not.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Analysis of Variance; Avena; beta-Glucans; Beverages; Blood Glucose; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Food, Fortified; Hordeum; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Insulin; Lipids; Male; Middle Aged; Netherlands; Phytotherapy; Postprandial Period; Single-Blind Method; Sweden

Barley has high amounts of soluble fiber but is not extensively consumed in the US diet.. This study investigated whether consumption of barley would reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors comparably with that of other sources of soluble fiber.. Mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects (9 postmenopausal women, 9 premenopausal women, and 7 men) consumed controlled American Heart Association Step 1 diets for 17 wk. After a 2-wk adaptation period, whole-grain foods containing 0, 3, or 6 g beta-glucan/d from barley were included in the Step 1 diet menus. Diets were consumed for 5 wk each and were fed in a Latin-square design. Fasting blood samples were collected twice weekly.. Total cholesterol was significantly lower when the diet contained 3 or 6 g beta-glucan/d from barley than when it contained no beta-glucan; the greatest change occurred in the men and postmenopausal women. HDL and triacylglycerol concentrations did not differ with the 3 amounts of dietary beta-glucan. Large LDL and small VLDL fractions and mean LDL particle size significantly decreased when whole grains were incorporated into the 3 diets. Large LDL and large and intermediate HDL fractions were significantly higher, mean LDL particle size was significantly greater, and intermediate VLDL fractions were significantly lower in the postmenopausal women than in the other 2 groups. A group-by-diet interaction effect was observed on LDL fractions and small LDL particle size.. The addition of barley to a healthy diet may be effective in lowering total and LDL cholesterol in both men and women.

Topics: Adult; beta-Glucans; Cardiovascular Diseases; Diet; Female; Hordeum; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Lipids; Male; Middle Aged; Phytotherapy; Postmenopause; Premenopause; Risk Factors

The effect of barley β-glucan on soybean oil digestion characteristics before and after fermentation was studied in an in vitro-simulated gastrointestinal digestion model. The addition of barley β-glucan made the system more unstable, the particle size increased significantly, and confocal laser imaging showed that it was easier to form agglomerates. The addition of barley β-glucan increased the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in digestion products, and reduced digestibility of soybean oil. In a co-culture model of Caco-2/HT29 and HepG2 cells, the effects of digestive products of soybean oil and barley β-glucan before and after fermentation on lipid metabolism in HepG2 cells were investigated. The results showed that adding only soybean oil digestion products significantly increased triglycerides (TG) content and lipid accumulation in basolateral HepG2 cells. When fermented barley β-glucan was added, lipid deposition was significantly decreased, and the lipid-lowering activity was better than that of unfermented barley β-glucan.

Topics: beta-Glucans; Caco-2 Cells; Coculture Techniques; Digestion; Hordeum; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Soybean Oil

Mixed linkage (1→3),(1→4)-β-d-glucan (BG) is a soluble fibre available from oat and barley grains that has been gaining interest due to its health-promoting role in cardiovascular diseases and its ability to modulate the glycaemic index which is beneficial for people with diabetes. This study investigates the effect of three purified barley BGs, with different molecular weight and block structure, on faecal bile acid excretion in hypercholesterolaemic rats. Wistar rats (48 male) were divided in four groups: Control group fed with the cellulose-rich diet (CON); Glucagel group fed with the commercial BG (GLU, 100 kDa), and rats fed with low molecular weight BG (LBG, 150 kDa) and medium molecular weight BG (MBG, 530 kDa). The bile acid profiles of rat faecal samples were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A metabolite profiling approach led to the identification of 7 bile acids and 45 other compounds such as sterols, fatty acids and fatty alcohols. Subsequent application of ANOVA-simultaneous component analysis and Principal Component Analysis revealed that all three BG diets increased bile acid faecal excretion compared to the control group. The bile acid excretion was found to be different in all three BG diets and the MBG group showed a significantly higher level of faecal secondary bile acids, including deoxycholic acid, hyodeoxycholic acid, and lithocholic acid. We hypothesise that the hydrophobic surface of the secondary bile acids, which are known to cause colon cancer, has high affinity to the hydrophobic surfaces of cellulosic blocks of the BG. This in vivo study demonstrates that the molecular weight and/or block structures of BG modulate the excretion of secondary bile acids. This finding suggests that developing diets with designed BGs with an optimal molecular structure to trap carcinogenic bile acids can have a significant impact on counteracting cancer and other lifestyle associated diseases.

Topics: Animals; beta-Glucans; Bile Acids and Salts; Dietary Supplements; Feces; Hordeum; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Male; Rats; Rats, Wistar

There is an unmet need for appealing and functional barley β-glucan (BG) food matrices that can provide sufficient and active BG doses to consumers. We investigated how molecular mass and oligomer structure important for BG food and health properties affected plasma lipids and gut parameters in hypercholesterolemic rats. Following 3 weeks on a high-cholestrol diet, rats were given a high-cholesterol diet supplemented with either cellulose (control) or purified barley BGs with low (100 or 150 kDa; glucagel or lowBG, respectively) or medium (530 kDa; mediumBG) molecular masses varying in cellotriosyl/cellotetraosyl oligomer ratio for 4 weeks. All four diets (control, glucagel, lowBG or mediumBG) reduced plasma triacylglycerol and cholesterols from week 3 to 7. The BG diets increased cecal production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) compared to the control diet. The glucagel and lowBG diets stimulated the number of Bifidobacterium in the cecum, whereas the mediumBG diet reduced numbers of both Bacteroides/Prevotella and Lactobacillus in the cecum compared to the control diet. In conclusion, barley BGs at 6.5-7.5% of the diet independent of molecular mass and oligomer block structure showed no additional effect compared to the control treatment on blood cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels in this hypercholesterolemic rat model. Furthermore, the cecal fermentation pattern and microbial composition did not seem to affect plasma lipid composition.

Topics: Animals; Bacteria; beta-Glucans; Cecum; Cholesterol; Dietary Supplements; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Fermentation; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Hordeum; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Lipids; Male; Molecular Weight; Plant Extracts; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Triglycerides

The aim of present study was to investigate the hypocholesterolaemic effects of oat proteins (OP) in hamsters fed with a hypercholesterolaemic diet. The hamsters were divided into five groups and fed with the experimental diets containing oat, OP, oat β-glucan (OG), or OP+OG for 30 days.. OP and the OG significantly lowered the concentrations of plasma low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and liver total cholesterol (TC), and increased the excretion of faecal bile acid and TC. Plasma and liver TC in the OP+OG group were significantly lower than those in the OP or OG groups. Both OP and OG increased the activity of liver cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), while its activity in the OP+OG group was strongly increased compared with the OP or OG groups.. These results indicated that dietary OP could improve hypercholesterolaemia, while dietary OP and OG together would have better hypocholesterolaemic effects.

Topics: Animals; Anticholesteremic Agents; Avena; beta-Glucans; Cholesterol; Cholesterol 7-alpha-Hydroxylase; Cholesterol, Dietary; Cholesterol, LDL; Cricetinae; Dietary Proteins; Hypercholesterolemia; Liver; Male; Mesocricetus; Phytotherapy; Plant Proteins

Interest in food matrices supplemented with mushrooms as hypocholesterolemic functional foods is increasing. This study was to (i) investigate the hypocholesterolemic activity of lard functionalized with mushroom extracts (LF) including fungal β-glucans, water-soluble polysaccharides, or ergosterol and (ii) examine the LF influence on transcriptional mechanisms involved in cholesterol metabolism. mRNA levels of 17 cholesterol-related genes were evaluated in jejunum, cecum, and liver of high cholesterol-fed mice. The four tested LFs decreased plasma cholesterol by 22-42%, HDLc by 18-40%, and LDLc by 27-51%, and two of them increased mRNA levels of jejunal Npc1l1 and Abcg5 and hepatic Npc1l1. mRNA levels of other cholesterol-related genes were unchanged. These findings suggest that LF may have potential as a dietary supplement for counteracting diet-induced hypercholesterolemia and could be a source for the development of novel cholesterol-lowering functional foods. However, the cholesterol-lowering effect was unrelated to transcriptional changes, suggesting that post-transcriptional mechanisms could be involved.

Topics: Agaricales; Animals; Anticholesteremic Agents; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 5; ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; beta-Glucans; Cholesterol; Dietary Fats; Gene Expression; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Lipoproteins; Male; Membrane Transport Proteins; Mice

The aim of the present study is to investigate the hypocholesterolemic effects of dietary hull-less barley β-glucan (HBG) on cholesterol metabolism in hamsters which were fed a hypercholesterolemic diet. The hamsters were divided into 3 groups and fed experimental diets, containing 5‰ HBG or 5‰ oat β-glucan (OG), for 30days. The HBG, as well as OG, lowered the concentration of plasma LDL-cholesterol significantly. The excretion of total lipids and cholesterol in feces were increased in HBG and OG groups compared with the control group. The activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase in liver was reduced significantly in the HBG group compared with the control and OG groups. The activity of cholesterol 7-α hydroxylase (CYP7A1) in the liver, in the HBG and OG groups, was significantly increased compared with the control group. The concentrations of acetate, propionate and total short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were not significantly different between the HBG and control groups. These results indicate that dietary HBG reduces the concentration of plasma LDL cholesterol by promoting the excretion of fecal lipids, and regulating the activities of HMG-CoA reductase and CYP7A1 in hypercholesterolemic hamsters.

Topics: Animals; beta-Glucans; Cholesterol; Cholesterol 7-alpha-Hydroxylase; Cholesterol, LDL; Cricetinae; Hordeum; Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases; Hypercholesterolemia; Liver; Male; Mesocricetus

Topics: Avena; beta-Glucans; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, LDL; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of dietary wheat bran arabinoxylans (AXs) on cholesterol metabolism in hypercholesterolemic hamsters. The hamsters were divided into 3 groups and fed the experimental diets containing AXs or oat β-glucan at a dose of 5 g/kg for 30 days. As the results, the AXs lowered plasma total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations, and increased excretions of total lipids, cholesterol and bile acids, as well as oat β-glucan. The AXs reduced the activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, and increased the activity of cholesterol 7-α hydroxylase (CYP7A1) in liver. Moreover, the AXs increased propionate and the total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentrations. These results indicated that dietary AXs reduced the plasma total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations by promoting the excretion of fecal lipids, regulating the activities of HMG-CoA reductase and CYP7A1, and increasing colonic SCFAs in hamsters.

Topics: Animals; Avena; beta-Glucans; Bile Acids and Salts; Cholesterol; Cholesterol 7-alpha-Hydroxylase; Cholesterol, LDL; Colon; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fiber; Feces; Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases; Hypercholesterolemia; Liver; Male; Mesocricetus; Molecular Weight; Viscosity; Xylans

The water-soluble, mixed-linkage β-glucan, a form of soluble dietary fibre, is considered the main biologically active component responsible for the capacity of many oat products to lower postprandial glycaemia and fasting plasma cholesterol in human subjects. The present review discusses the physical and chemical properties of oat β-glucan that are considered important predictors of these beneficial metabolic effects. In vitro modelling and animal and human studies have provided compelling evidence showing that the ability of oat β-glucan to increase the viscosity of digesta in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is a primary determinant of its blood-glucose and cholesterol-lowering properties. Therefore, the chemical structure, molecular weight (MW), the rate and extent of dissolution and solution rheology of oat β-glucan are key factors in determining the physiological function of oat-containing foods. The structure and properties of oat β-glucan vary between species and varieties of oats, and are also affected by the growing and storage conditions and processing of oat grain. In addition, the extraction and analysis methods may also contribute to the variations in the structure, MW, hydration and solution rheology of β-glucan obtained from different laboratories. Recent work has demonstrated that β-glucan solubility in foods depends on the source of the material and processing conditions; solubility may also be subject to changes during food preparation and storage (such as freezing). In conclusion, both the amount and MW of β-glucan that are solubilised in the GIT need to be considered when assessing the blood-glucose and cholesterol-lowering properties of oat-containing foods.

Topics: Anticholesteremic Agents; Avena; beta-Glucans; Blood Glucose; Cholesterol; Diet; Dietary Fiber; Edible Grain; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Hyperglycemia; Hypoglycemic Agents; Molecular Weight; Rheology; Solubility; Viscosity

A large body of clinical evidence suggests that the consumption of 3 g or more per d of β-glucan from oats or barley, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of CHD. The unique chemical and physical properties of oats and physiological responses to oat consumption contribute to their demonstrated health benefits; other health attributes are still under evaluation. Many of these benefits, such as those associated with a reduced risk of CVD, are codified in health claims by several regulatory agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration in the USA and the European Food Safety Authority in Europe. Despite these oat-health relationships, an apparent decline in agricultural production, the presence of an array of plant pathogens, and dynamics of climatic conditions may preclude the availability and subsequent consumption of this commodity worldwide. Therefore, it is incumbent on scientists from multiple disciplines to advance research in a spectrum of arenas, including physico-chemical properties of oats, the impact of oats on an array of non-communicable diseases and human microbiome, agricultural practices and environments, and processing technologies that contribute to global food policies.

Topics: Agriculture; Avena; beta-Glucans; Cardiovascular Diseases; Diet; Food Supply; Functional Food; Health; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Research

Topics: beta-Glucans; Bile Acids and Salts; Cholesterol; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Molecular Weight; Plant Extracts; Viscosity

The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of two different yeast-derived beta-glucans on macrophage functionality and blood cholesterol levels in mice. After establishing their ability to act as a strong stimulator of macrophages, we measured the capacities of the glucans to lower blood cholesterol. Our results showed that consumption of diets containing yeast-derived beta-glucan indicated a dose-dependent decrease in plasma cholesterol levels, with Betamune having a significantly stronger effect than WGP (Whole Glucan Particles). In hypercholesterolemic subjects, the cholesterol- and triglycerides-lowering effects of Betamune were again significantly stronger. The results of this investigation demonstrated that highly purified yeast-derived beta-glucans modify plasma cholesterol levels and other indicators associated with artherogenic progression in mice. The fact that these glucans also strongly stimulated both monocytes and macrophages supports the hypothesis that there could be a macrophage-cholesterol (metabolism) axis involvement in these outcomes.

Topics: Animal Structures; Animals; beta-Glucans; Blood; Cholesterol; Dietary Carbohydrates; Female; Hypercholesterolemia; Macrophage Activation; Macrophages; Macrophages, Peritoneal; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Microspheres; Monocytes; Organ Size; Phagocytosis; Triglycerides; Yeasts

Topics: beta-Glucans; Dietary Fiber; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Lipids; Research Design

Topics: Avena; beta-Glucans; Dietary Fiber; Food, Fortified; Hordeum; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Prognosis; Solubility; Treatment Outcome

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is adopting as a final rule, without change, the provisions of the interim final rule that amended the regulation authorizing a health claim on the relationship between beta-glucan soluble fiber from whole oat sources and reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) by adding barley as an additional source of beta-glucan soluble fiber eligible for the health claim. FDA is taking this action to complete the rulemaking initiated with the interim final rule.

Topics: beta-Glucans; Coronary Disease; Dietary Fiber; Food Labeling; Hordeum; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; United States; United States Food and Drug Administration