pectins and Hypercholesterolemia

Topics: Avena; Cholesterol; Clinical Trials as Topic; Dietary Fiber; Fabaceae; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Pectins; Plants, Medicinal; Psyllium; Triticum

Topics: Adult; Aged; Animals; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Citrus; Female; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Lipoproteins, VLDL; Male; Middle Aged; Pectins; Triglycerides

Topics: Anticholesteremic Agents; Arteriosclerosis; Cholesterol; Coronary Disease; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Pectins

Topics: Arteriosclerosis; Atherosclerosis; Carbohydrates; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Pectins

The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of plant proteins (lupin protein or pea protein) and their combinations with soluble fibres (oat fibre or apple pectin) on plasma total and LDL-cholesterol levels. A randomised, double-blind, parallel group design was followed: after a 4-week run-in period, participants were randomised into seven treatment groups, each consisting of twenty-five participants. Each group consumed two bars containing specific protein/fibre combinations: the reference group consumed casein+cellulose; the second and third groups consumed bars containing lupin or pea proteins+cellulose; the fourth and fifth groups consumed bars containing casein and oat fibre or apple pectin; the sixth group and seventh group received bars containing combinations of pea protein and oat fibre or apple pectin, respectively. Bars containing lupin protein+cellulose ( - 116 mg/l, - 4·2%), casein+apple pectin ( - 152 mg/l, - 5·3%), pea protein+oat fibre ( - 135 mg/l, - 4·7%) or pea protein+apple pectin ( - 168 mg/l, - 6·4%) resulted in significant reductions of total cholesterol levels (P<0·05), whereas no cholesterol changes were observed in the subjects consuming the bars containing casein+cellulose, casein+oat fibre or pea protein+cellulose. The present study shows the hypocholesterolaemic activity and potential clinical benefits of consuming lupin protein or combinations of pea protein and a soluble fibre, such as oat fibre or apple pectin.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Avena; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, LDL; Dietary Fiber; Double-Blind Method; Female; Functional Food; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Inflammation Mediators; Lupinus; Male; Malus; Middle Aged; Pectins; Pisum sativum; Plant Proteins; Plant Proteins, Dietary

Viscous fibers typically reduce total cholesterol (TC) by 3-7% in humans. The cholesterol-lowering properties of the viscous fiber pectin may depend on its physico-chemical properties (viscosity, molecular weight (MW) and degree of esterification (DE)), but these are not typically described in publications, nor required by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) with respect to its generic pectin cholesterol-lowering claim.. Here, different sources and types of well-characterized pectin were evaluated in humans. Cross-over studies were completed in mildly hyper-cholesterolemic persons receiving either 15 g/day pectin or cellulose with food for 4 weeks.. Relative low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering was as follows: citrus pectin DE-70=apple pectin DE-70 (7-10% reduction versus control)>apple pectin DE-35=citrus pectin DE-35>OPF (orange pulp fiber) DE-70 and low-MW pectin DE-70>citrus DE-0. In a subsequent 3-week trial with 6 g/day pectin, citrus DE-70 and high MW pectin DE-70 reduced LDL-C 6-7% versus control (without changes in TC). In both studies, high DE and high MW were important for cholesterol lowering. Source may also be important as citrus and apple DE-70 pectin were more effective than OPF DE-70 pectin. Pectin did not affect inflammatory markers high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) nor plasma homocysteine.. Pectin source and type (DE and MW) affect cholesterol lowering. The EFSA pectin cholesterol-lowering claim should require a minimum level of characterization, including DE and MW.

Topics: Aged; Cellulose; Cholesterol, LDL; Citrus; Cross-Over Studies; Dietary Fiber; Esterification; Female; Fruit; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Male; Malus; Middle Aged; Molecular Weight; Pectins; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts

This study was designed to determine whether a soluble dietary fiber supplement containing gum arabic and pectin in apple juice would lower serum lipids in 110 hypercholesterolemic men and women. Subjects were stabilized on an American Heart Association Phase I Diet for 8 wk. Those with elevated low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, despite dietary modification, continued to follow the diet and were randomly assigned to receive 720 mL/d of apple juice containing 0 (control), 5, 9 or 15 g of gum arabic and pectin (4:1 ratio) for 12 wk, followed by a 6-wk apple juice-only washout phase. Serum lipid profiles, body weight and 3-day diet records were collected at 3-wk intervals. No significant differences among groups were observed in serum lipid responses during treatment or washout. During the treatment phase, mean serum total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations increased by 3.5 and 28.5%, respectively (all groups combined, P < 0.0001). The high density lipoprotein cholesterol level did not change significantly from baseline in any group. During washout, mean total cholesterol concentration rose by an additional 2.4% (P < 0.05) compared with the value at the end of the treatment period, suggesting that the apple juice used to deliver the fiber supplement may have contributed to the adverse changes observed in the serum lipid profile. These findings do not support the hypothesized hypocholesterolemic effect of the gum arabic/pectin (4:1) mixture studied, but do underline the importance of selecting appropriate vehicles for delivery of dietary fiber mixtures.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Beverages; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Diet; Dietary Fiber; Dietary Supplements; Female; Fruit; Gum Arabic; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Infant, Newborn; Male; Middle Aged; Pectins; Solubility; Viscosity

Fibrinogen is an important risk factor for atherosclerosis, stroke and cardiovascular heart disease (CHD). This risk is increased when associated with a high serum cholesterol. Furthermore, it is also believed that not only fibrinogen concentration, but also the quality of fibrin networks may be an important risk factor for the development of CHD. CHD and stroke as a result of atherosclerosis, plus the related problems of hyperinsulinaemia, hyperlipidaemia and hypertension are strongly related to diet. The "western" diet, defined by low fibre and high fat, sucrose and animal protein intakes, appears to be a major factor leading to death. It has been established that the water-soluble dietary fibre, pectin, significantly decrease the concentration of serum cholesterol levels. Evidence is also accumulating that a diet rich in fibre may protect against diseases associated with raised clotting factors. This investigation studied the possible effects of pectin on fibrinogen levels and fibrin network architecture. Two groups of 10 male hyperlipidaemic volunteers each, received a pectin supplement (15 g/day) or placebo (15 g/day) for 4 weeks. Lipid and fibrin network structure variables were measured at baseline and the end of supplementation. Pectin supplementation caused significant decreases in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein A & B and lipoprotein (a). Significant changes in the characteristics of fibrin networks developed in the plasma of the pectin supplemented group indicated that networks were more permeable and had lower tensile strength. These network structures are believed to be less atherogenic. It is suspected that pectin modified network characteristics by a combination of its effects on metabolism and altered fibrin conversion. This confirms the therapeutic possibilities of dietary intervention. Furthermore, this study also showed that changes in plasma fibrinogen need not be present to induce alterations in fibrin network architecture.

Topics: Adult; Cholesterol; Coronary Disease; Dietary Fiber; Double-Blind Method; Fibrin; Fibrinogen; Hemostasis; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Lipids; Male; Middle Aged; Molecular Structure; Pectins; Risk Factors

Guidelines for the use of water-soluble dietary fibers (WSDF) in the dietary management of elevated plasma cholesterol are not well-established. Consequently, 4 studies were conducted to explore the plasma lipid-lowering effects of a variety of WSDF. Studies were randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials involving healthy men and women (plasma cholesterol greater than 5.17 mmol/liter; greater than 200 mg/dl). Study duration ranged from 4 to 12 weeks. The WSDF acacia gum yields a low viscosity, palatable beverage when mixed in water. However, despite its WSDF classification, acacia gum consumed for 4 weeks as the sole WSDF source (15 g of WSDF/day) or primary source in a WSDF mixture (17.2 g of WSDF/day; 56% derived from acacia gum) did not produce a significant lipid-lowering effect versus placebo. When 15 g of WSDF/day consisting of psyllium hust, pectin, and guar and locust bean gums (medium viscosity) was consumed for 4 weeks, significant reductions in cholesterol resulted (total cholesterol 8.3%, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol 12.4%; p less than 0.001) that were comparable to changes achieved with 10 g of WSDF/day from high-viscosity guar gum. The magnitude of the lipid-lowering effect was related to intake of WSDF ranging from 5 to 15 g/day (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol +0.8% [placebo], -5.6% [5 g/day], -6.8% [10 g/day], -14.9% [15 g/day]; p less than 0.01 for trend). The effects of WSDF on plasma lipids were similar for men and women. A diet rich in selected WSDF may be a useful adjunct to the dietary management of elevated plasma cholesterol.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Analysis of Variance; Dietary Fiber; Double-Blind Method; Female; Galactans; Gum Arabic; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Male; Mannans; Middle Aged; Pectins; Plant Gums; Polysaccharides; Solubility; Viscosity; Water

In order to determine the efficacy of Anticholest, an apple-pectin-guar soft-drink in reducing elevated cholesterol (c) levels, 33 participants (aged from 8 to 73 years) were divided into three groups of comparable age, body-mass index, total c, LDL-c, HDL-c, and triglycerides. They received this combined fiber product either (group 1) at dosages of 1 cup (17 g) every second day, or (group 2) of 1 cup a day or (group 3) of 2 cups a day. Anticholest significantly reduced total c, LDL-c and the total c/HDL-c ratio. In group 3 HDL-c was increased significantly (p less than 0.01). The average percentage decrease in total c was 10.0% for group 1, 10.7% for group 2, and 15.7% for group 3. LDL-c was lowered 14.4% in group 1, 13.8% in group 2 and 19.1% in group 3. The highest individual reduction amounted to more than 30% for total-c and LDL-c. A significant decrease was also detected in the triglycerides (tg) in group 3 (p less than 0.05). 7 patients were non-responders. Anticholest appears to be an appropriate treatment for patients at risk of coronary heart disease with insufficient or inadequate response to dietary measures, but where long-term pharmacotherapy is not yet indicated. The lack of side effects and its form of administration as a viscous drink are important determinants for long-term compliance, which is essential in the management of a chronic progressive disease such as atherosclerosis.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, HDL; Dietary Fiber; Female; Food, Formulated; Galactans; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Male; Mannans; Middle Aged; Pectins; Plant Gums; Triglycerides

Soluble-fiber breakfast cereals were examined for their cholesterol-lowering ability in 58 male patients with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients followed a step 1 diet for a minimum of 6 wk, then were randomly assigned to groups incorporating either corn flakes or one of two soluble-fiber cereals (pectin enriched or psyllium enriched) in the diet for an additional 6 wk. During the diet-only phase, total cholesterol dropped 3.8%. During the cereal-plus-diet phase, total and LDL cholesterol values of the pectin-enriched cereal group dropped an additional 2.1% (P = 0.243) and 3.9% (P = 0.16), respectively, and they dropped 5.9% (P = 0.005) and 5.7% (P = 0.034), respectively, in the psyllium-enriched cereal group. During the cereal-plus-diet phase, no significant effects on HDL cholesterol, triglyceride, or body weight were found within or between any cereal groups. These results support use of soluble-fiber cereals as an effective and well-tolerated part of a prudent diet in the treatment of mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Dietary Fiber; Eating; Edible Grain; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Iron; Lipids; Male; Middle Aged; Pectins; Psyllium; Solubility

Topics: Adult; Blood; Cholesterol; Clinical Trials as Topic; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Male; Pectins

We investigated the regulatory effects of citrus pectin oligosaccharides (POS) from an innovative, chemically controllable degradation process on cholesterol metabolism and the gut microbial composition. The modulatory role of the intestinal flora was explored. Four-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were fed either a standard diet; a high-fat (HF) diet; or a HF diet with 0.15, 0.45, and 0.9 g/kg body weight POS for 30 days. POS reduced serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) in a dose-dependent manner. The relative abundances of specific bacterial groups in the feces and the concentrations of their metabolites were higher in the POS groups. There were significant correlations among

Topics: Animals; Anticholesteremic Agents; Bacteria; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, LDL; Citrus; Diet, High-Fat; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Feces; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Oligosaccharides; Pectins; Plant Extracts

This study was aimed at determining potential effects of apple-derived pectin on weight gain, gut microbiota, gut barrier and metabolic endotoxemia in rat models of diet-induced obesity. The rats received a standard diet (control; Chow group; n = 8) or a high-fat diet (HFD; n = 32) for eight weeks to induce obesity. The top 50th percentile of weight-gainers were selected as diet induced obese rats. Thereafter, the Chow group continued on chow, and the diet induced obese rats were randomly divided into two groups and received HFD (HF group; n = 8) or pectin-supplemented HFD (HF-P group; n = 8) for six weeks. Compared to the HF group, the HF-P group showed attenuated weight gain (207.38 ± 7.96 g vs. 283.63 ± 10.17 g, p < 0.01) and serum total cholesterol level (1.46 ± 0.13 mmol/L vs. 2.06 ± 0.26 mmol/L, p < 0.01). Compared to the Chow group, the HF group showed a decrease in Bacteroidetes phylum and an increase in Firmicutes phylum, as well as subordinate categories (p < 0.01). These changes were restored to the normal levels in the HF-P group. Furthermore, compared to the HF group, the HF-P group displayed improved intestinal alkaline phosphatase (0.57 ± 0.20 vs. 0.30 ± 0.19, p < 0.05) and claudin 1 (0.76 ± 0.14 vs. 0.55 ± 0.18, p < 0.05) expression, and decreased Toll-like receptor 4 expression in ileal tissue (0.76 ± 0.58 vs. 2.04 ± 0.89, p < 0.01). The HF-P group also showed decreased inflammation (TNFα: 316.13 ± 7.62 EU/mL vs. 355.59 ± 8.10 EU/mL, p < 0.01; IL-6: 51.78 ± 2.35 EU/mL vs. 58.98 ± 2.59 EU/mL, p < 0.01) and metabolic endotoxemia (2.83 ± 0.42 EU/mL vs. 0.68 ± 0.14 EU/mL, p < 0.01). These results suggest that apple-derived pectin could modulate gut microbiota, attenuate metabolic endotoxemia and inflammation, and consequently suppress weight gain and fat accumulation in diet induced obese rats.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Obesity Agents; Bacteria; Biomarkers; Cholesterol; Diet, High-Fat; Disease Models, Animal; Endotoxemia; Fruit; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Hypercholesterolemia; Inflammation Mediators; Intestinal Mucosa; Intestines; Lipopolysaccharides; Male; Malus; Obesity; Pectins; Permeability; Phytotherapy; Plants, Medicinal; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Tight Junctions; Time Factors; Weight Gain

Three strains of lactic acid bacteria and one probiotic Bifidobacterium strain sourced from milk origin were considered to select for the best synbiotic-like combination for cholesterol uptake ability. For that purpose, fermentative characteristics, bile salt hydrolase activity, bile survival and cholesterol removal were assessed in the presence of different carbohydrates.. Carbohydrate fermentability was highly variable among the different strains, and lactulose was the only prebiotic to favour growth of all strains, whereas pectin led to low population regardless of the strain. Bile survival of bacteria could be improved by the preferred carbon source and was related to their bile salt hydrolase activities. All together, our results showed that the most advantageous synbiotic-like combinations to achieve cholesterol uptake abilities were Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus LB 340 with raffinose, Streptococcus thermophilus TA040 or Lactobacillus rhamnosus LBRE-LSAS with lactulose, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bb12 with mannitol.. The suggested synbiotics may represent new promising functional dairy additives.

Topics: Amidohydrolases; Animals; Bacteria; Bifidobacterium; Bile; Cholesterol; Dietary Carbohydrates; Fermentation; Gastrointestinal Tract; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Lactobacillus; Lactulose; Mannitol; Milk; Pectins; Prebiotics; Probiotics; Raffinose; Synbiotics

The dose-response efficiency and long-term effect of the hypocholesterolemic effect of octadecylpectinamide was examined in female rats fed diets containing cholesterol at 10 g/kg. In our first experiment, amidated pectin supplied at 20 g/kg, 40 g/kg and 60 g/kg significantly decreased serum cholesterol from 3.32 μmol/ml (control) to 1.23 μmol/ml in a dose-dependent manner. In a second experiment, the hypocholesterolemic effect of amidated pectin supplied at 20 g/kg persisted after 3 months of feeding. In both experiments, the amidated pectin significantly decreased the concentrations of cholesterol in hepatic tissue and triacylglycerols in serum. The serum concentration of aspartate aminotransferase significantly increased in rats fed amidated pectin at 60 g/kg for 4 weeks, and at 20 g/kg for 3 months. In conclusion, amidated pectin at a low dose and used for a period shorter than 3 months might be considered as an effective hypocholesterolemic and lipid-lowering agent that may substitute typical antilipidemic drugs.

Topics: Animals; Cholesterol; Diet; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Feeding Behavior; Female; Hypercholesterolemia; Liver; Organ Size; Pectins; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Time Factors; Triglycerides

This study investigates whether some dietary fibers can the toxicity due to cystine added to the diet. Wistar rats were investigated for the effects of adding pectin, sugar beet fiber or konjac mannan to a cystine diet on the growth rate and on the activities of liver antioxidant enzymes and serum enzymes. The addition of pectin, sugar beet fiber or konjac mannan to the cystine diet resulted in a significant increase in both the food intake and body weight gain. Feeding the cystine diet caused lower activities of total and Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase, and of catalase in the liver. The addition of pectin to the cystine diet counteracted the activities of the total and Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase, and of catalase in liver. Of the dietary fibers tested, konjac mannan prevented the elevation of the two enzyme activities in the serum induced by feeding the cystine diet, indicating that this fiber might have the ability to alleviate hepatic damage due to dietary cystine.

Topics: Alanine Transaminase; Animals; Body Weight; Catalase; Cellulose; Copper; Cystine; Diet; Dietary Fiber; Eating; Hypercholesterolemia; Liver; Male; Mannans; Ornithine Carbamoyltransferase; Pectins; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Superoxide Dismutase; Zinc

Besides others pectin, a soluble fibre, has been reported to be effective in lowering cholesterol levels in both animals and man with hyperlipidemia as well as being able to slow carbohydrate absorption and hence reduce the postprandial rise in blood glucose and serum insulin in patients with type-II diabetes. Aim of this pilot study was to assess the effect of prickly pear consumption on glucose- and lipid metabolism.. In 24 non-diabetic, non-obese males (aged 37-55 years) suffering from primary isolated hypercholesterolemia (n = 12; group A) or combined hyperlipidemia (n = 12; group B) respectively, the influence of prickly pear pectin (Opuntia robusta)-intake on glucose- and lipid metabolism was examined. After an 8 week pre-running phase with a 7506 KJ step-I diet (phase I), 625 KJ were replaced by prickly pear edible pulp (250 g/day) for 8 further weeks (phase II).. Prickly pear leads to a decrease of total cholesterol (12%), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (15%), apolipoprotein B (9%), triglycerides (12%), fibrinogen (11%), blood glucose (11%), insulin (11%) and uric acid (10%), while body weight, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-I, and lipoprotein(a) remained unchanged.. The hypocholesterolemic action of prickly pear may be partly explained by the fibre (pectin) content, but the hypoglycaemic actions (improvement of insulin sensitivity) in the non-obese, non-diabetic need further investigation to get more insights on the potential advantage of treating the metabolic syndrome.

Topics: Adult; Apolipoproteins B; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, LDL; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Fibrinogen; Glucose; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Hyperlipidemias; Insulin; Lipid Metabolism; Male; Middle Aged; Opuntia; Pectins; Phytotherapy; Pilot Projects; Plant Preparations; Time Factors; Triglycerides

We found in preliminary studies with hamsters that citrus peels have a cholesterol lowering effect comparable to that of pectin extracted from these peels.. We wanted to examine whether the cholesterol lowering effect of the peels could be completely accounted for by the pectin in the peels.. We fed cholesterol enriched (0.1 %,w/w) semipurified diets containing 3% (w/w) of cellulose, lemon peels, lemon pectin, and the waste stream material of the lemon peels to hybrid F1B hamsters for a period of 8 weeks. The waste stream of the lemon peels is the left over after extraction of the lemon pectin.. Feeding the semipurified diets resulted in an increase of plasma cholesterol levels in all the dietary groups after 2 and 4 weeks on the diets. Cholesterol concentrations in the cellulose fed hamsters continued to increase after 4 weeks on the diet, whereas cholesterol levels in the other groups had reached a plateau. As a consequence, the plasma cholesterol levels in the hamsters fed the peels (5.59 +/- 0.74 mmol/L, mean +/- SD, n = 14), pectin (5.19 +/- 0.48 mmol/L), or waste stream (5.53 +/- 0.94 mmol/L) were lower than those in the hamsters fed cellulose (6.71 +/- 1.52 mmol/L) after 8 weeks on the diets. Differences in total plasma cholesterol were reflected in differences in both VLDL and LDL cholesterol concentration, but this effect was more distinct for the VLDL. There was no effect of the type of fiber on HDL cholesterol levels. Liver cholesterol concentrations paralleled. the concentrations of plasma cholesterol and the liver cholesterol concentrations in the hamsters fed the peels (3.57+/- 1.01 micromol/g liver, mean +/- SD, n = 14), pectin (4.86 +/- 1.42), and the waste stream (4.96 +/- 1.89) were lower than those in the cellulose group (7.19 +/- 2.32). The hamsters fed the peels, pectin, or waste stream tended to have a higher excretion of fecal bile acids and neutral sterols then the cellulose fed hamsters.. The results of this study suggest that lemon peels and the waste stream of the lemon peels are as effective in lowering plasma and liver cholesterol in hamsters as the pectin extracted from the peels and that also compounds other than pectin are probably responsible for the cholesterol lowering effect of the citrus peels.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Animals; Anticholesteremic Agents; Antidiarrheals; Cholesterol; Citrus; Cricetinae; Hypercholesterolemia; Liver; Male; Mesocricetus; Pectins; Triglycerides; Waste Products

Experimental hypercholesterolemia and its modulation by some natural dietary supplements (pectin, garlic and ginseng) and by the drug gemfibrozil were studied. Experimental hypercholesterolemia was induced by feeding rabbits a 2% cholesterol-enriched diet for 28 days. Hypercholesterolemic rabbits were classified into five groups. One group did not receive treatments and served as a control hypercholesterolemic group. The other four groups were fed the cholesterol-enriched diet in conjunction with either 10% pectin, 2% garlic, 2% ginseng or 135 mg g-1 b.w gemfibrozil in a daily oral dose. A normal group of rabbits fed a plain chow diet was also included in the study. The hypolipidemic effect of the above treatments was examined by estimating serum triglycerides (TG), total-, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol. Post-heparin total and hepatic lipase activities were estimated in post-heparin plasma obtained 10 min after an intravenous injection of heparin (200 IU kg-1 b.w). In order to evaluate the antioxidant status of the rabbits, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) level and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured. After killing, aorta from all rabbits were subjected to histopathological examination. Results of the study demonstrated that feeding the cholesterol-enriched diet caused a significant increase in total-, LDL-, and HDL-cholesterol, plasma MDA and post-heparin total and hepatic lipase activities. On the other hand, serum TG and erythrocyte SOD were not changed. Histopathological examination revealed marked alteration in the aortic wall with the appearance of large multiple atheromatous plaques. Both garlic and pectin were successful in a significant reduction of the hypercholesterolemia in a way comparable to gemfibrozil. Garlic was the only treatment that has antilipid peroxidative property. Erythrocyte SOD activity was not affected by hypercholesterolemia or by any of the treatments. Also, none of the treatments were able to modify the significant elevation of post-heparin lipolytic activities associated with the hypercholesterolemia or to significantly affect the serum triglycerides level. Finally, among the hypercholesterolemic groups that received treatments, the least changes in the aortic wall were shown in the animals of the gemfibrozil group. Slight degeneration was observed in the aorta of animals treated with pectin or garlic. Ginseng administration failed to exert any significant protection from the remarkable hypercholesterolemi

Topics: Animals; Aorta; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, Dietary; Garlic; Gemfibrozil; Hypercholesterolemia; Hypolipidemic Agents; Male; Panax; Pectins; Photomicrography; Plants, Medicinal; Rabbits; Superoxide Dismutase; Triglycerides

It is suspected that not only fibrinogen concentration but also the quality of fibrin networks may contribute to cardiovascular risk. Evidence is accumulating that a "prudent" diet may protect against diseases associated with raised clotting factors. The effect of diet on fibrinogen is, however, still controversial. In a previous study performed in our laboratory, it was shown that dietary pectin influences fibrin network architecture in hypercholesterolaemic men without causing any changes in fibrinogen concentration. To elucidate the possible mechanisms, it was necessary to study the possibility that pectin may itself have indirect effects on fibrin network architecture. Pectin is fermented in the gastrointestinal tract to acetate, propionate, and butyrate. In humans, only acetate reaches the circulation beyond the liver. This investigation primarily examined the possibility that pectin may, through acetate, influence fibrin network architecture in vivo. The effects of pectin and acetate supplementation in hypercholesterolaemic subjects were compared. Furthermore, this study also aimed at describing the possible in vitro effects of acetate on fibrin network architecture. Two groups of 10 male hyperlipidaemic volunteers each received a pectin (15 g/day) or acetate (6.8 g/day) supplement for 4 weeks. Acetate supplementation did not cause a significant change in plasma fibrinogen levels. As in the pectin group, significant differences were found in the characteristics of fibrin networks developed in plasma after 4 weeks of acetate supplementation. Fibrin networks were more permeable (from 213+/-76 to 307+/-81 x 10(11) cm2), had lower tensile strength (from 23+/-3 to 32+/-9% compaction), and were more lyseable (from 252+/-11 to 130+/-15 minutes). These results strongly suggest that the effect of pectin on network architecture could partially be mediated by acetate. Progressive amounts of acetate were used in vitro to investigate the possibility that acetate may be directly responsible for changes that occurred in fibrin network architecture in the plasma medium. Results indicated that acetate influenced fibrin network architecture directly. From the results, it seems highly possible that acetate may be responsible in part for the beneficial effects of pectin supplementation in vivo. It is evident that pectin or acetate supplementation can be useful during the treatment or prevention of some clinical manifestations, especially those associated with raised to

Topics: Adult; Antidiarrheals; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Fibrin; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; Fibrinogen; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Male; Middle Aged; Pectins

Sustained hypercholesterolemia is a known risk factor for development of atherosclerosis. In animal studies, grapefruit pectin fed concurrently with a high-lipid diet inhibits hypercholesterolemia and atherogenesis. The purpose of the present study was to determine if grapefruit pectin affects cholesterol levels and atherogenesis of animals with established hypercholesterolemia. Microswine were fed an atherogenic diet to establish hypercholesterolemia. Plasma cholesterol levels rose rapidly and for 360 days were sustained at levels 6- to 12-fold the normal level. Then, half the microswine, selected at random, were fed a diet in which 3% grapefruit pectin was substituted for cellulose, and the remaining animals received the original diet. Animals were killed 270 days later, and the extent of atherosclerosis was determined. In animals with established hypercholesterolemia, pectin did not lower their cholesterol levels. However, pectin reduced the extent of atherosclerosis in both the aorta and coronary arteries. The mean surface area covered by atherosclerosis in the aorta was 13.6% in the group that did not receive pectin compared with 5.3% in the group that did receive pectin. The mean coronary artery narrowing was 45% without pectin and 24% with pectin. We conclude that pectin may have a direct beneficial effect on atherosclerosis by a mechanism independent of cholesterol levels.

Topics: Animals; Aorta; Aortic Diseases; Arteriosclerosis; Citrus; Coronary Artery Disease; Coronary Vessels; Diet, Atherogenic; Female; Hypercholesterolemia; Pectins; Swine; Swine, Miniature

The lipid-lowering effect of a new mixture of fiber consisting in guar and apple-pectin in combination with apple-pomaces has been estimated in 15 female type 2-diabetics [age mean = 62 (52-70) yr] with hypercholesterolemia (total-chol > 240 mg/dl and LDL-chol > 130 mg/dl). After a dietetic run-in-phase of 3 weeks the patients received the fiber mixture (1 package of 17 g with about 5.9 g water-soluble fiber) dissolved in 250 ml water for the next 9 weeks: during the first 3 weeks 2 portions per day, the next 3 weeks twice 1/2 portion and the last 3 weeks one 1/2 portion daily. The fiber mixture had to been consumed 30 minutes before taking a main meal. Regular intake of the fiber product led to a significant decrement in blood lipids, and this improvement under 2 portions daily has been maintained for the most part with the reduced dosage. The total-chol levels decreased by 11.3% during the first 3 weeks of fiber intake (p < 0.05) and by -12.6% during the next 3 weeks (p < 0.05), the decrease during the last 3 weeks under the reduced fiber intake was -9.6% (ns). The HDL-chol levels remained approximately the same during the whole period of observation. The triglyceride concentrations in serum could be lowered by -15.5% during the first 3 weeks of fiber intake, and by -19.2% during the next 3 weeks (p < 0.05), finally the decrease was -12.3% (ns). The atherogenic index (Chol-/HDL-chol) could be reduced on an average of 14.3% in relation to the initial value.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Aged; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diet, Diabetic; Dietary Fiber; Drug Combinations; Female; Galactans; Glycated Hemoglobin; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Mannans; Middle Aged; Pectins; Plant Gums; Triglycerides

Topics: Cholesterol, LDL; Dietary Fiber; Drug Interactions; Female; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Lovastatin; Middle Aged; Pectins

Forty-one free-living adult men with mild hypercholesterolemia (5.2-7.5 mmol/L) voluntarily participated in an 8-wk crossover study designed to determine the effect of prunes as a source of fiber on plasma cholesterol and on fecal output and bile acid concentration. During the prune period, subjects supplemented their usual diets with 12 prunes (100 g; 6 g dietary fiber) daily. Plasma low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly lower after the prune period (3.9 mmol/L) than after the grape-juice-control period (4.1 mmol/L). Fecal bile acid concentration of lithocholic acid was significantly lower after the prune period (0.95 mg bile acid/g dry wt stool) than after the grape-juice-control period (1.20 mg bile acid/g dry wt stool). Both fecal wet and dry weights were approximately 20% higher after the prune period than after the grape-juice-control period. Total bile acids (mg/72 h) did not significantly differ between experimental periods.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Bile Acids and Salts; Cholesterol, LDL; Defecation; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fats; Dietary Fiber; Feces; Fruit; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Lipids; Male; Middle Aged; Pectins

We studied the effect of dietary grapefruit pectin on plasma cholesterol and the development of atherosclerosis in 18 miniature swine. Pigs were randomized to one of three diets: no added fat (I), added fat/cellulose (II), and added fat/pectin (III). Plasma cholesterol was measured monthly. Arteries were examined for atherosclerosis at the termination of the experiment. Pectin supplementation of an added fat diet resulted in a significantly lower average plasma cholesterol than did cellulose supplementation (168 mg/dl vs. 249 mg/dl, p less than 0.05). The pectin-fed pigs also developed less atherosclerosis of their aortas (1.1% vs. 7.0%, p less than 0.05) and coronary arteries (2.9% vs. 26.2% cross-sectional narrowing, p less than 0.05). Plasma cholesterol levels correlated with the severity of aortic (r = 0.836) and coronary artery (r = 0.735) atherosclerosis. We conclude that dietary grapefruit pectin supplementation inhibits hypercholesterolemia and appears to be proportionately protective against atherosclerosis.

Topics: Animals; Cholesterol; Citrus; Coronary Artery Disease; Diet, Atherogenic; Dietary Fiber; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Hypercholesterolemia; Pectins; Random Allocation; Swine; Swine, Miniature; Triglycerides

The activity of the cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylating system containing cyto-chrome P-450 is depressed in the liver of guinea-pigs with chronic marginal vitamin C deficiency. Slowing-down of this rate-limiting reaction of cholesterol transformation to bile acids causes cholesterol accumulation in the liver, blood plasma and arteries, increase in the index total: HDL cholesterol, prolongation of plasma cholesterol half-life, increase in the index cholesterol: bile acids in the gall-bladder bile, cholesterol gallstone formation and atheromatous changes on coronary arteries in guinea-pigs with long-lasting marginal vitamin C deficiency. The most effective means for preventing these changes are vitamin C doses ensuring maximal steady-state levels of ascorbate in the tissues. In most of hypercholesterolemic persons with a low vitamin C status, the administration of ascorbic acid in doses 500-1000 mg per day lowers total cholesterol concentration in blood plasma. This effect may be reinforced through a simultaneous administration of bile acids sequestrants, such as cholestyramine or pectin. In every form of hypercholesterolemia therapy (dietary and/or pharmacological), an adequate vitamin C supply should be ensured in doses capable of creating maximal steady-state levels of ascorbate in human tissues.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Cholesterol; Drug Synergism; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Pectins; Spleen; Time Factors

Four groups of 14 New Zealand white rabbits were made hypercholesterolemic by feeding them during four months on a casein semi-synthetic diet containing 21% sawdust. Then 10% sawdust was replaced by cellulose, citrus pectin and wheat bran respectively in three groups, while the fourth group continued on the original sawdust containing diet. A control group consisted of four "chow" fed animals. Excretion of faecal neutral steroids (FNS) was determined periodically. Citrus pectin significantly increased the amounts of FNS excreted after five week. FNS levels were not significantly affected by the other fiber sources, but it tended to be higher on cellulose and wheat bran diets than on the sawdust diet.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Cellulose; Cholestanol; Cholesterol; Citrus; Dietary Fiber; Feces; Hypercholesterolemia; Pectins; Rabbits; Triticum; Wood

Topics: Anticholesteremic Agents; Fruit; Hypercholesterolemia; Pectins

An addition of 5% citrus pectin and 0.5% ascorbic acid to high-fat diet of guinea pigs prevented total cholesterol accumulation in blood serum and the liver. Two groups of persons were given a preparation containing a daily dose of 15 g pectin and 450 mg ascorbic acid for 6 weeks. In 21 healthy persons with mild hypercholesterolemia total serum cholesterol dropped significantly by 24 mg/100 ml (8.6%), while the concentration of high density lipoprotein cholesterol remained unchanged. In 11 hyperlipemic outpatients (type IIa, IIb and IV) total serum cholesterol dropped by 68 mg/100 ml (18.7%). The changes in triglyceridemia proved inconsistent.

Topics: Animals; Anticholesteremic Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Cholesterol; Fasting; Guinea Pigs; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Hyperlipidemias; Lipoproteins, HDL; Liver; Male; Pectins; Reference Values; Triglycerides

Topics: Citrus; Clofibrate; Fruit; Gout; Hypercholesterolemia; Hyperlipidemias; Lipids; Pectins; Structure-Activity Relationship

Topics: Absorption; Arteriosclerosis; Bile Acids and Salts; Cellulose; Cholelithiasis; Cholesterol; Colonic Neoplasms; Constipation; Deoxycholic Acid; Dietary Fiber; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Intestinal Absorption; Lipid Metabolism; Lithocholic Acid; Pectins; Water

Topics: Bile Acids and Salts; Cellulose; Cholelithiasis; Cholesterol; Colonic Neoplasms; Constipation; Diet; Digestion; Diverticulum, Colon; Feces; Feeding Behavior; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; In Vitro Techniques; Intestinal Absorption; Lignin; Metabolic Diseases; Pectins

Topics: Animals; Anticholesteremic Agents; Body Weight; Cellulose; Cholesterol; Dietary Carbohydrates; Feces; Hypercholesterolemia; Lipids; Male; Pectins; Polysaccharides; Poultry; Proteins

Topics: Biomedical Research; Flavoring Agents; Food Additives; Fruit; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Malus; Pectins

Topics: Cholesterol; Diet; Flavoring Agents; Food Additives; Fruit; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Malus; Pectins

Topics: Animals; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, Dietary; Diet; Hypercholesterolemia; Lipid Metabolism; Liver; Pectins; Rats