phytosterols and Hypertension

Rice bran oil (RBO) has been demonstrated to affect complex malfunctioned conditions such as oxidative stress, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, hypertension, inflammation, abnormal cell growth (cancer), ulceration, immune and cognitive modulation. This unique effect of RBO is due to the presence of well-balanced fatty acid composition and several bioactive compounds, γ- oryzanol (cycloartenyl ferulate, 24-methylenecycloartanyl ferulate, campesterol ferulate, and β-sitosteryl ferulate), vitamin E (tocopherol and tocotrienol), phytosterols (β-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol) and other nutrients. The RBO composition of bioactive compounds varied geographically, thus the clear-cut mechanisms of action on complex disease cascades are still required. This review article summarized the RBO compositional profiling and compared it with other edible oils. This article also summarized Bangladesh RBO profiling and their proposed mechanism of action as well as the first line of defense in the prevention, management, and control of complex disease conditions. This review indicates how Bangladesh RBO increase their opportunity to be functional food for 21st century's ailment.

Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Bangladesh; Fatty Acids; Food Analysis; Functional Food; Hyperglycemia; Hyperlipidemias; Hypertension; Oxidative Stress; Phenylpropionates; Phytochemicals; Phytosterols; Rice Bran Oil; Vitamin E

Several reports have indicated a positive effect of phytosterols on blood pressure (BP), nevertheless these findings have been controversial. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was aimed to investigate the effects of phytosterol supplementation on BP. An online search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane library and Google Scholar up to May 2019. Weighted Mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a fixed-effects model. The present meta-analysis of 19 RCTs showed that supplementation with phytosterols can decrease both systolic BP (WMD: -1.55 mmHg, 95% CI: -2.67 to -0.42, p = 0.007) and diastolic BP (WMD: -0.84 mmHg, 95% CI: -1.60 to -0.08, p = 0.03). Dose-response analysis revealed that phytosterol intake change SBP significantly based on treatment dose in nonlinear fashion. Subgroup analysis based on duration showed a significant effect of phytosterol on SBP and DBP in subsets of <12 weeks. In addition, a significant effect of phytosterol was observed in dosage of ≥2000 mg for SBP and <2000 mg for DBP. Based on current findings supplementation with phytosterol may be a beneficial adjuvant therapy in hypertensive patients as well as a complementary preventive option in prehypertensive and normotensive individuals. However, this issue is still open and requires further investigation in future studies.

Topics: Antihypertensive Agents; Blood Pressure; Dietary Supplements; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Humans; Hypertension; Phytosterols; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Topics: Atherosclerosis; Cholesterol, LDL; Diet; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Hypertension; Phytosterols

Lifestyle intervention is recommended as the primary treatment for mild hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. We studied the effects of a spread containing bioactive milk peptides IPP and VPP, as well as plant sterols, on cardiovascular risk factors in 104 hypertensive, hypercholesterolemic subjects in a randomised, placebo-controlled double-blind intervention. Middle-aged subjects consumed 20 g day⁻¹ of a spread containing 4.2 mg of IPP and VPP as well as 2 g of plant sterols for 10 weeks after a 2 week run-in period. Blood pressure was measured at home 3 times a week. Office blood pressure and 24 h ambulatory blood pressure measurements were performed at the end of the run-in and intervention periods. Blood samples were analysed for serum lipids, plasma glucose and inflammation markers. A significant decrease (-4.1 mmHg vs. -0.5 mmHg, p = 0.007) in systolic blood pressure was seen in the active group, compared to placebo at home measurements. Office blood pressure and 24 h nighttime or daytime ambulatory systolic or diastolic pressure did not differ between the groups. Total (-0.16 vs. 0.25 mmol l⁻¹, p = 0.005) and LDL cholesterol (-0.16 vs. 0.18 mmol l⁻¹, p = 0.006) decreased significantly in the active group compared to the placebo. No significant differences between groups were seen for plasma glucose or inflammation markers. The results thus suggest that milk peptides IPP and VPP and plant sterols, in a low-fat spread matrix, produce a clinically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure as well as serum total and LDL cholesterol without adverse effects. Functional foods that affect 2 major risk factors offer a safe and convenient way to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by supporting lifestyle intervention.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Animals; Anticholesteremic Agents; Antihypertensive Agents; Blood Glucose; Blood Pressure; Cattle; Cholesterol, LDL; Double-Blind Method; Female; Fermentation; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Hypertension; Lactobacillus helveticus; Male; Margarine; Middle Aged; Milk; Peptides; Phytosterols

Casein-derived tripeptides isoleucine-proline-proline (Ile-Pro-Pro) and valine-proline-proline (Val-Pro-Pro) lower blood pressure (BP) in long-term clinical studies. Their acute effects on BP and vascular function, important for daily dosing scheme, were studied in a placebo-controlled double-blind crossover study using a single oral dose of a fermented milk product containing Ile-Pro-Pro and Val-Pro-Pro as well as plant sterols. Twenty-five subjects with untreated mild hypertension received in random order 250 g of study product (25 mg peptides and 2 g plant sterols) or placebo. Ambulatory BP was monitored for 8 h post-dose and arterial stiffness measured by pulse wave analysis at 2, 4, and 8 h. Blood and urine samples were analyzed for markers of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and endothelial function. Baseline adjusted treatment effect for systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial BP was -2.1 mmHg (95% CI: -4.1 to -0.1, p = 0.045), -1.6 mmHg (95% CI: -3.1 to -0.1, p = 0.03), and -1,9 mmHg (95% CI: -3-3 to -0.4, p = 0.0093), respectively, in favor of the active treatment for 8 h post- dose. No significant differences between the treatments were seen in brachial or aortic augmentation index, pulse wave velocity, or markers of RAS. Urinary excretion of cGMP, the second messenger of endothelial nitric oxide, was higher in the active group vs. placebo (p = 0.01). The results indicate that a single dose of a fermented milk product containing Ile-Pro-Pro and Val-Pro-Pro and plant sterols acutely lowers brachial SBP and DBP in mildly hypertensive subjects.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Antihypertensive Agents; Blood Pressure; Cross-Over Studies; Cultured Milk Products; Cyclic GMP; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Male; Middle Aged; Oligopeptides; Phytosterols; Renin-Angiotensin System; Treatment Outcome

To determine the effect on blood pressure of dietary advice to consume a combination of plant-based cholesterol-lowering foods (dietary portfolio).. For 1 year, 66 hyperlipidemic subjects were prescribed diets high in plant sterols (1.0 g/1000 kcal), soy protein (22.5 g/1000 kcal), viscous fibers (10 g/1000 kcal) and almonds (22.5 g/1000 kcal). There was no control group. Seven-day diet record, blood pressure and body weight were monitored initially monthly and later at 2-monthly intervals throughout the study.. Fifty subjects completed the 1-year study. When the last observation was carried forward for non-completers (n=9) or those who changed their blood pressure medications (n=7), a small mean reduction was seen in body weight 0.7+/-0.3 kg (P=0.036). The corresponding reductions from baseline in systolic and diastolic blood pressure at 1 year (n=66 subjects) were -4.2+/-1.3 mm Hg (P=0.002) and -2.3+/-0.7 mm Hg (P=0.001), respectively. Blood pressure reductions occurred within the first 2 weeks, with stable blood pressures 6 weeks before and 4 weeks after starting the diet. Diastolic blood pressure reduction was significantly related to weight change (r=0.30, n=50, P=0.036). Only compliance with almond intake advice related to blood pressure reduction (systolic: r=-0.34, n=50, P=0.017; diastolic: r=-0.29, n=50, P=0.041).. A dietary portfolio of plant-based cholesterol-lowering foods reduced blood pressure significantly, related to almond intake. The dietary portfolio approach of combining a range of cholesterol-lowering plant foods may benefit cardiovascular disease risk both by reducing serum lipids and also blood pressure.

Topics: Blood Pressure; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, Dietary; Diet Records; Dietary Fiber; Female; Humans; Hyperlipidemias; Hypertension; Male; Middle Aged; Obesity; Phytosterols; Prunus; Soybean Proteins; Weight Loss

Canola oil (Can) and several vegetable oils shorten the lifespan of stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). Although similar lifespan shortening has been reported for partially hydrogenated Can, the efficacy of fully hydrogenated oils on the lifespan remains unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the lifespan of SHRSP fed diets containing 10 % (w/w) of fully hydrogenated Can (FHCO) or other oils.. Survival test: Upon weaning, male SHRSP were fed a basal diet for rodents mixed with one of the test oils -i.e., FHCO, Can, lard (Lrd), and palm oil (Plm) throughout the experiment. The animals could freely access the diet and drinking water (water containing 1 % NaCl), and their body weight, food intake, and lifespan were recorded. Biochemical analysis test: Male SHRSP were fed a test diet with either FHCO, Can, or soybean oil (Soy) under the same condition, except to emphasize effects of fat, that no NaCl loading was applied. Soy was used as a fat source in the basal diet and was set the control group. Blood pressures was checked every 2 weeks, and serum fat levels and histological analyses of the brain and kidney were examined after 7 or 12 weeks of feeding.. During the survival study period, the food consumption of FHCO-fed rats significantly increased (15-20 % w/w) compared with that of rats fed any other oil. However, the body weight gain in the FHCO group was significantly less (10-12 %) than that in the control group at 9-11 weeks old. The FHCO (> 180 days) intervention had the greatest effect on lifespan, followed by the Lrd (115 ± 6 days), Plm (101 ± 2 days), and Can (94 ± 3 days) diets. FHCO remarkably decreased the serum cholesterol level compared with Can and the systolic blood pressure from 12 to 16 weeks of age. In addition, while some rats in the Can group exhibited brain hemorrhaging and renal dysfunction at 16 weeks old, no symptoms were observed in the FHCO group.. This current study suggests that complete hydrogenation decreases the toxicity of Can and even prolongs the lifespan in SHRSP.

Topics: Animals; Blood Pressure; Body Weight; Brain; Cholesterol; Dietary Fats; Eating; Fatty Acids; Hydrogenation; Hypertension; Kidney; Longevity; Male; Palm Oil; Phytosterols; Rapeseed Oil; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Soybean Oil; Stroke; Survival Analysis

The role of traditional Chinese medicine Prunella vulagaris L in the treatment of tumors and inflammation has been widely confirmed. We found that some signaling pathways of Prunella vulgaris L action can also regulate diabetes and hypertension, so we decided to study the active ingredients, potential targets and signaling pathway of Prunrlla vulgaris L, and explore the "multi-target, multi-pathway" molecular mechanism of Prunella vulgaris L on diabetes mellitus complicated with hypertension(DH).

Topics: Diabetes Mellitus; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Flavonoids; Glycation End Products, Advanced; Humans; Hypertension; Insulin; Interleukin-6; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Molecular Docking Simulation; Network Pharmacology; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Phytosterols; Protein Interaction Maps; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Prunella; Quercetin; Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products; Signal Transduction; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Epimedium brevicornu Maxim as a Chinese herb, is recommended for the treatment of menopausal women with hypertension for 50 years. Icariin, as the main hydrophilic ingredient of Epimedium brevicornu Maxim, has been proven to be a plant sex hormone and lower blood pressure down. Here, we hypothesized that Icariin can regulate T cells differentiation which leads to the blood pressure decrease in castrated SHR rats.. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the exogenous estrogen, androgen and Icariin on T-cell modulation in hypertension.. Two weeks after castration, both male and female SHR rats were given estradiol, testosterone, and Icariin intervention respectively. Body weight, blood pressure, and heart rate were tested weekly. After six weeks, proportion of T helper cells (Th), cytotoxic T cells (Tc), and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in both peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and splenocytes were tested by flowcytometry. Serum levels of estrogen, testosterone, AngII, TNF-α, IL-17 were tested by Elisa. Aortic arches were isolated for HE and Masson staining. The expressions of ERβ and AR in aorta were tested by Western-blot.. In both male and female SHR rats, we found that Icariin and estradiol lower blood pressure, but testosterone elevates blood pressure. Similar as testosterone, Icariin can attenuate Tc and Th proportions and elevate Tregs proportion in both peripheral blood and splenocyte in male SHR, which can be blunt by flutamide. Besides, Icariin performs similar function as estradiol that attenuates Tc proportions and elevates Tregs proportion in both peripheral blood and splenocytes in female SHR, which leads to the lower blood pressure and can be partly blunt by fulvestrant. Testosterone increases AngII and TNF-α levels in serum, leading to the higher blood pressure in both male and female SHR rats.. These results verified that Icariin, as a plant sex hormone, can regulate T cells differentiation related to blood pressure decrease in SHR rats.

Topics: Angiotensin II; Animals; Aorta; Blood Pressure; Castration; Epimedium; Estradiol; Estrogen Receptor beta; Female; Flavonoids; Heart Rate; Hypertension; Interleukin-17; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Male; Phytosterols; Rats, Inbred SHR; Rats, Inbred WKY; Receptors, Androgen; Spleen; T-Lymphocytes; Testosterone; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Rice bran enzymatic extract (RBEE) has advantages compared to the original rice bran or its oils including water solubility, lack of rancidity and increased content in high nutritional proteins and nutraceutical compounds, particularly phytosterols, γ-oryzanol and tocols. Our aim was to determine the beneficial effects of RBEE in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome in obese Zucker rats.. Obese Zucker rats and their lean littermates were fed a 1 and 5 % RBEE-supplemented diet (O1, O5, L1 and L5). Simultaneously, obese and lean Zucker rats, fed a standard diet, were used as controls (OC and LC, respectively). Body weight, food and water intake, and systolic blood pressure were weekly evaluated. After treatment, biochemical assays of serum glucose, insulin, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), adiponectin and nitrates (NO((x))) were determined.. RBEE treatment reduced circulating levels of TG and TC, whereas increased HDL-cholesterol without altering NEFA values in obese rats. The extract also induced a significant dose-dependent reduction of hypertension linked to obesity. RBEE of 5 % improved insulin resistance and subsequently reduced HOMA-IR index without altering serum glucose levels. Obese animals treated with RBEE showed partial restoration of adiponectin levels and a significant attenuation of pro-inflammatory values of NO((x)).. These findings evidence the nutraceutical properties of RBEE against the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome by attenuating dyslipidemia, hypertension and insulin resistance as well as by restoring hypoadiponectinemia associated to obesity.

Topics: Adiponectin; Animals; Blood Glucose; Blood Pressure; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Diet; Dyslipidemias; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; Hypertension; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Metabolic Syndrome; Nitrates; Obesity; Oryza; Phenylpropionates; Phytosterols; Plant Extracts; Rats; Rats, Zucker; Triglycerides; Water

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Atherosclerosis; Blood Pressure; Capsaicin; Cardiovascular Diseases; Databases, Factual; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Endotoxemia; Feeding Behavior; Flavonoids; Fructose; Glycation End Products, Advanced; Humans; Hypertension; Hyperuricemia; Lipid Metabolism; Neuroimaging; Obesity; Phytosterols; Stroke; Thermogenesis

We had previously found plant sterols deposited in the bodies of stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP)/Sea and Wistar Kyoto (WKY)/NCrlCrlj rats that had a missense mutation in the Abcg5 cDNA sequence that coded for ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABC) G5. We used SHRSP/Izm, WKY/NCrlCrlj, and WKY/Izm rats in the present study to determine the mechanisms for plant sterol deposition in the body. Jcl:Wistar rats were used as a control strain. A diet containing 0.5% plant sterols fed to the rats resulted in plant sterol deposition in the body of SHRSP/Izm, but not in WKY/Izm or Jcl:Wistar rats. Only a single non-synonymous nucleotide change, G1747T, resulting in a conservative cysteine substitution for glycine at amino acid 583 (Gly583Cys) in Abcg5 cDNA was identified in the SHRSP/Izm and WKY/NCrlCrlj rats. However, this mutation was not found in the WKY/Izm or Jcl:Wistar rats. No significant difference in the biliary secretion or lymphatic absorption of plant sterols was apparent between the rat strains with or without the missense mutation in Abcg5 cDNA. Our observations suggest that plant sterol deposition in rat strains with the missense mutation in Abcg5 cDNA can occur, despite there being no significant change in the biliary secretion or lymphatic absorption of plant sterols.

Topics: Absorption; Amino Acid Substitution; Animals; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 5; ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; Bile; Blood Pressure; Hypertension; Lipoproteins; Lymphatic Vessels; Male; Mutation, Missense; Nucleotides; Phytosterols; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Rats, Inbred WKY; Rats, Wistar

In this study, we investigated the synergistic effects of plant sterols (PS) and casein-derived tripeptides on arterial tone and blood pressure in experimental hypertension. We hypothesized that PS and tripeptides could have positive, synergistic effects on the development of hypertension and endothelial dysfunction in young spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Six-week-old male SHR were divided into 3 groups to receive milk products containing PS, or PS with tripeptides, or a control containing no active components for 8 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured weekly, and vascular reactivity measurements with isolated mesenteric arteries were performed at the end of the study. Biochemical measurements for several parameters were performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using plasma samples. Levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme 1, cyclooxygenase-2, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and P-selectin messenger RNA expressions were determined from aortic tissue by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The study showed that long-term treatment with PS + tripeptides attenuated the development of hypertension in SHR (SBP, 187 ± 5 mm Hg vs 169 ± 4 mm Hg in control group; P < .01). Plant sterols alone did not affect SBP significantly. Endothelial dysfunction was observed in all SHR; however, treatment with PS resulted in poorer endothelium-dependent and nitric oxide-mediated relaxation compared with other groups. Aortic cyclooxygenase-2 and P-selectin were significantly down-regulated in PS and PS + tripeptides groups when compared with the control group. The expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase was significantly lower in PS than in PS + tripeptides group. In conclusion, long-term treatment with PS has a slight but not significant antihypertensive effect. Plant sterols do not provide any beneficial effects on endothelial function in hypertensive rats; however, treatment with both PS and tripeptides showed mild anti-inflammatory effects.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antihypertensive Agents; Blood Pressure; Caseins; Cyclooxygenase 2; Down-Regulation; Drug Synergism; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Hypertension; Male; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; P-Selectin; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; Phytosterols; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Milk casein-derived angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory tripeptides isoleucine-proline-proline (Ile-Pro-Pro) and valine-proline-proline (Val-Pro-Pro) have been shown to have antihypertensive effects in human subjects and to attenuate the development of hypertension in experimental models. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of a fermented milk product containing Ile-Pro-Pro and Val-Pro-Pro and plant sterols on already established hypertension, endothelial dysfunction and aortic gene expression. Male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 195 mmHg were given either active milk (tripeptides and plant sterols), milk or water ad libitum for 6 weeks. SBP was measured weekly by the tail-cuff method. The endothelial function of mesenteric arteries was investigated at the end of the study. Aortas were collected for DNA microarray study (Affymetrix Rat Gene 1.0 ST Array). The main finding was that active milk decreased SBP by 16 mmHg compared with water (178 (SEM 3) v. 195 (SEM 3) mmHg; P < 0.001). Milk also had an antihypertensive effect. Active milk improved mesenteric artery endothelial dysfunction by NO-dependent and endothelium-derived hyperpolarising factor-dependent mechanisms. Treatment with active milk caused mild changes in aortic gene expression; twenty-seven genes were up-regulated and eighty-two down-regulated. Using the criteria for fold change (fc) < 0.833 or > 1.2 and P < 0.05, the most affected (down-regulated) signalling pathways were hedgehog, chemokine and leucocyte transendothelial migration pathways. ACE expression was also slightly decreased (fc 0.86; P = 0.047). In conclusion, long-term treatment with fermented milk enriched with tripeptides and plant sterols decreases SBP, improves endothelial dysfunction and affects signalling pathways related to inflammatory responses in SHR.

Topics: Animals; Antihypertensive Agents; Blood Pressure; Caseins; Cultured Milk Products; Endothelium, Vascular; Gene Expression; Hypertension; Male; Nitric Oxide; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; Oligopeptides; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; Phytosterols; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Signal Transduction

Topics: Anticholesteremic Agents; Azetidines; Blood Pressure; Cholesterol, Dietary; Dietary Proteins; Ezetimibe; Female; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Hypertension; Lipid Metabolism; Male; Milk Proteins; Phytosterols; Soybean Proteins

The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of increased consumption of phytosterols or phytostanols on blood pressure and renal blood pressure regulatory gene expression in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive (SHRSP) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) inbred rats. SHRSP and WKY inbred rats (10/group) were fed a control diet or a diet supplemented with phytosterols or phytostanols (2.0 g/kg diet). After 5 weeks, SHRSP rats demonstrated higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures than WKY inbred rats. SHRSP rats that consumed the phytosterol or phytostanol supplemental diets displayed a 2- or 3-fold respective increase in the diastolic blood pressure than those that consumed the control diet. Angiotensinogen (Agt), angiotensin I-converting enzyme 1 (Ace1), nitric oxide synthase (Nos) 1, Nos3, cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox2) and THUMP domain containing 1 were expressed at higher levels in SHRSP compared with WKY inbred rats. Renin and angiotensin II receptor type 1a were expressed at lower levels in SHRSP than WKY inbred rats. Phytostanol supplementation up-regulated the expression of Ace1 and Nos3 in SHRSP rats. Phytosterol supplementation increased the mRNA levels of Nos1 and spondin 1 (Spon1) in SHRSP and WKY inbred rats. Cox2 mRNA levels were elevated in both phytosterol- and phytostanol-supplemented SHRSP and WKY inbred rats. Therefore, the increased blood pressure in SHRSP rats may be partly due to altered renal expression of blood pressure regulatory genes. Specifically, up-regulation of Ace1, Nos1, Nos3, Cox2 and Spon1 were associated with the increased diastolic blood pressure observed in phytosterol- or phytostanol-supplemented SHRSP rats.

Topics: Angiotensinogen; Animals; Blood Pressure; Cyclooxygenase 2; Diastole; Gene Expression; Gene Expression Regulation; Hypertension; Kidney; Male; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; Phytosterols; Phytotherapy; Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Rats, Inbred WKY; Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1; Renin; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger; Up-Regulation

The effect of chronic treatment with fermented milk products containing bioactive tripeptides and plant sterols on blood pressure and vascular function was investigated in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Six-weeks old male SHR (n=36) were randomized into 4 groups by body weight and blood pressure to receive either Lactobacillus helveticus fermented standard milk product (containing tripeptides Ile-Pro-Pro, Val-Pro-Pro and Leu-Pro-Pro), test product with enzymatically produced tripeptides without or with plant sterols or control product without the active constituents for 8 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured weekly using the tail-cuff method. Thoracic aorta and mesenteric artery were excised for vascular response measurements. At the end, SBP values vs. control product group were: standard product group -14 mmHg (P<0.05), test product group -12 mmHg and test product +sterols group -7 mmHg. The average daily tripeptide dose was 2.8-5.2 mg/kg. Total serum cholesterol in the test product +sterols group tended to be lower than in the test product group (P=0.10) whereas serum plant sterol (campesterol, sitosterol) concentrations were higher (P<0.001). In conclusion, bioactive tripeptide-containing milk products attenuated the blood pressure development in SHR. The plant sterols did not improve this effect. Vascular responses did not markedly differ between the groups, except that endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) -related aortic relaxation was demonstrated in the test product +sterols group.

Topics: Acetylcholinesterase; Animals; Antihypertensive Agents; Arteries; Blood Pressure; Caseins; Cholesterol; Cultured Milk Products; Hypertension; Lactobacillus helveticus; Male; Oligopeptides; Phytosterols; Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Time Factors

The investigation of influent of antiatherosclerotic diets with phytosterols on clinical and metabolic parameters in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Results of the study show that enrichment of a diets with phytosterols in patients with ischemic heart disease and hypertension improved clinic status, antropometric levels and lipid spectrum of blood. The research has shown, that the use in the treat-preventive purposes phytosterols is rather perspective.

Topics: Diet; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Lipids; Male; Middle Aged; Myocardial Ischemia; Phytosterols

This study examined the dietary effects of enzymatically modified sesame oil with caprylic acid (structured lipids, SL) and phytosteryl esters (PE) on blood lipid profiles and cardiovascular parameters of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) fed high-fat and high-cholesterol (HFHC) diets. The dietary groups were: normal diet (control), sesame oil (SO), SL, SO fortified with PE (SOP), and SL fortified with PE (SLP). After 9 weeks of feeding, the body weights, liver weights, and liver weight/body weight ratios in all HFHC-fed groups were higher than controls. Plasma total and LDL cholesterol levels in all HFHC-fed groups were similar to one another but higher than those in controls. Plasma HDL cholesterol levels in rats fed SOP and SLP were higher than those in controls or rats fed SO and SL. Plasma HDL/total cholesterol ratios in rats fed SOP and SLP were similar to those in controls and were higher than those in rats fed SO and SL. There was no difference in plasma lipid profiles between rats fed SO and SL. Arterial blood pressures (BP) in conscious HFHC-fed rats were similar to those in controls whereas heart rates (HR) in all HFHC-fed groups were similar to one another but were higher than that in controls. These findings demonstrate that (1) the dietary effects of SL on plasma lipid profiles and resting BP and HR are similar to those of SO, (2) PE had positive effects on plasma lipid profiles, and (3) 9-week intake of SL and PE did not have pronounced effects on resting BP but induced tachycardia in SHR.

Topics: Animals; Blood Pressure; Body Weight; Cardiovascular System; Diet; Dietary Fats; Disease Models, Animal; Heart Rate; Hypertension; Male; Organ Size; Phytosterols; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Sesame Oil; Tachycardia

This study examined the dietary effects of sesame oil (SO)-based structured lipids (SL) and phytosteryl esters (PE) on cardiovascular function in conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) fed high-fat (HF) diets (20% w/w fat). The dietary groups were as follows: normal diet (4.5% w/w fat), SO, SO fortified with PE (SOP), SL, and SL fortified with PE (SLP). Mean arterial blood pressures were similar in all groups, whereas resting heart rates (HR) were higher in all HF-fed groups. The pressor responses to the alpha1-adrenoceptor agonist, phenylephrine (5 microg/kg), were similar in all groups. However, the pressor responses to phenylephrine (10 microg/kg) were diminished in SO- or SL-fed SHR, whereas they were not diminished in SOP- or SLP-fed SHR. The depressor responses elicited by the nitric oxide (NO) donor, sodium nitroprusside (5 and 10 microg/kg), were not diminished in HF-fed rats. Baroreflex-mediated changes in HR were variously decreased in the HF-fed groups, and this decrease tended to be greater in SOP and SLP than in SO and SL groups. The depressor and tachycardic responses elicited by the beta-adrenoceptor agonist, isoproterenol, were equivalent in all groups. The depressor responses elicited by the endothelium-dependent agonist, acetylcholine (0.1 microg/kg), and the hypertension elicited by the NO synthesis inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine methylester (25 micromol/kg), were similar in all groups. These findings demonstrate that (1) HF diets increase resting HR and impair baroreflex function in SHR, whereas they do not obviously affect endothelium-dependent vasodilation, and (2) fortification with PE may be deleterious to cardiovascular function (eg, baroreflex activity) in SHR.

Topics: Animals; Baroreflex; Blood Pressure; Cardiovascular System; Dietary Fats; Endothelium, Vascular; Heart Rate; Hypertension; Male; Phytosterols; Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Sesame Oil; Vasodilation

Unusual survival-shortening activities of some vegetable oils were detected in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive (SHRSP) rats, and phytosterol (PS) in the oils and the tissue tocopherol status have been suggested to be the factors for the activities. Here, we re-evaluated the contribution of PS to the survival-shortening, and examined the hepatic tocopherol status. A basal diet for rodents and a test oil were mixed at a 9:1 ratio, and the diet was given to male SHRSP rats upon weaning. The total and major PS contents of the diets and tissue lipids did not correlate with relative survival time. The free fatty acid fractions obtained by lipase and alkaline hydrolyses of canola oil (Can) and the original Can contained PS in comparable amounts but the free fatty acid fractions did not exhibit survival-shortening activities compared with the soybean oil (Soy) group. The activity was not detected in the ethyl acetate extracts of the aqueous phase after the hydrolysis. When a commercially available PS preparation was added to the Soy diet at an amount 2.8-fold higher than that in the Can diet, the mean survival time was shortened but was still significantly longer than that of the Can group. The hepatic tocopherol level was significantly higher in the Can group than in the hydrogenated Soy group and Soy group, but the former two groups exhibited a survival-shortening activity. These results indicate that factors other than PS, tocopherol status and fatty acid composition in some vegetable oils are critical for the survival-shortening activity observed in SHRSP rats.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Diet; Dietary Fats; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; Hypertension; Liver; Longevity; Male; Phytosterols; Rapeseed Oil; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Soybean Oil; Stroke; Survival Rate; Tocopherols

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet substantially lowers blood pressure and reduces blood lipid levels. The DASH diet menus were designed to reach beneficial levels of fiber, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, and therefore contain more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains relative to the control menus, and consequently more phytochemicals. Using the US Department of Agriculture food composition databases, the polyphenol, carotenoid, and phytosterol contents of the diets used in the DASH study were estimated. When compared with the control diet, the DASH diet is higher in flavonols, flavanones, flavan-3-ols, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein+zeaxanthin, and phytosterols. Flavone levels are similar, whereas isoflavones are present in a small amount in the DASH diet. The roles of these compounds in disease risk reduction are becoming recognized. It therefore is possible that the health benefits of the DASH diet are partially attributable to the phytochemicals and might extend beyond cardiovascular disease risk reduction.

Topics: Blood Pressure; Carotenoids; Databases, Factual; Diet, Sodium-Restricted; Dietary Fats; Dietary Fiber; Flavones; Food Analysis; Fruit; Humans; Hypertension; Isoflavones; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Phytosterols; Vegetables

Two groups of 20 stroke prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) at 5 weeks old were fed a diet containing 10 w/w% rapeseed (canola) oil or soybean oil as the only dietary fat, and given drinking water containing 1% NaCl. Life span of the canola oil group (62+/-2 days) was shorter than that of the soybean oil group (68+/-3 days). Stroke-related symptoms were observed in every animal, but the onset of those in the canola oil group, at 47+/-1 days after starting the administration was earlier than that in the soybean oil group, 52+/-2 days. Incidence of cerebral hemorrhage was similar in these groups, and no differences were found between lesions of organs in the groups. In another experiment, two groups of ten SHRSP at 5 weeks of age were fed the defatted diet and given canola oil or soybean oil by gavage at 10 w/w% of consumed food for 4 weeks without NaCl loading. After the 4-week administration, mean systolic blood pressure in the canola oil group and the soybean oil group were 233+/-2 and 223+/-0.3 mmHg, respectively. Phytosterol levels in both plasma and erythrocyte membranes reflected those contained in the oils ingested. Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activities in the brain, heart and kidney were enhanced in the canola oil group. These results indicate that promotion of hypertension-related deterioration in organs is likely to have relevance to the short life span in the canola oil group. Enhanced Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity by phytosterols in the oil ingested may play a role in these changes.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Blood Pressure; Brain; Erythrocyte Membrane; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; Hypertension; Incidence; Kidney; Longevity; Male; Myocardium; Phytosterols; Plant Oils; Rapeseed Oil; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase; Soybean Oil; Stroke

1. To assess the effect of dietary phytosterol on stroke and the lifespan of salt-loaded stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP), we investigated the effects of the addition of phytosterol to soybean oil (phytosterol content: 0.3%) on stroke onset, lifespan following onset of stroke and overall lifespan compared with canola oil (phytosterol content: 0.9%). 2. Six-week-old male SHRSP were fed a test diet prepared by the addition of canola oil (CA diet), soybean oil (SO diet), soybean oil plus 0.6% phytosterol (SO + 0.06P diet) or soybean oil plus 4.5% phytosterol (SO + 0.45P diet) as a 10% fat source. 3. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) increased in the SO + 0.06P and SO + 0.45P groups compared with the SO group and the increase was dependent on the amount of phytosterol added, indicating that the addition of phytosterol to soybean oil may promote an increase in SBP in salt-loaded SHRSP. 4. The onset of stroke was shortest in the SO + 0.45P group and survival after the onset of stroke was shortest in the CA group. Consequently, the SO + 0.45P and CA groups showed marked lifespan shortening, indicating that a fivefold greater amount of phytosterol was required to produce an effect equivalent to that of canola oil. 5. Investigation of the mRNA expression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters involved in intestinal phytosterol absorption indicated significant decreases in the intestinal mRNA expression of Abcg5 and Abcg8 in SHRSP and Wistar-Kyoto rats compared with Wistar rats. 6. In conclusion, the addition of phytosterol to soybean oil elevated SBP and promoted the onset of stroke, which may cause a reduction in survival time. However, a fivefold greater amount of phytosterol was required to produce an effect that was equivalent to the survival time-shortening effect of canola oil. The significant decrease in the intestinal mRNA expression of Abcg5 and Abcg8 in SHRSP may be responsible, at least in part, for the unfavourable effects observed following the addition of phytosterol.

Topics: Animals; ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Eating; Fat Substitutes; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; Gene Expression; Hypertension; Intestines; Male; Phytosterols; Rapeseed Oil; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Rats, Inbred WKY; Rats, Wistar; RNA, Messenger; Sodium Chloride, Dietary; Soybean Oil; Stroke

In most hypertensive rat models, serum total cholesterol is typically low and the cholesterol is primarily in the HDL rather than the LDL fraction. This difference from humans usually makes these animals unsuitable for experimental atherosclerosis studies. In the present study, we induced severe hypercholesterolemia including a 10-fold increase in serum LDL cholesterol, endothelial dysfunction and hypertension as well as vascular and renal damage in obese Zucker rats by feeding a human-type high fat, high cholesterol and high salt diet (butter 18, cholesterol 1 and NaCl 6 g/100 g dry weight). Supplementation of this atherogenic diet with plant sterols (1 g/100 g) and replacing the NaCl partially by calcium, magnesium and potassium effectively prevented the diet-induced increases in total and LDL cholesterols and 24-h systolic and mean blood pressures, and markedly improved endothelial function. Plant sterols and the minerals also protected against vascular and renal damage and extended the life span of the obese Zucker rats by 60% compared with the rats fed the atherogenic diet. Our findings suggest that human-type cardiovascular disorders can be induced in obese Zucker rats by feeding a human-type atherogenic diet. This seems to be a suitable animal model for experimental studies on atherosclerosis and hypertension as well as for evaluating new dietary approaches to reducing cardiovascular risk.

Topics: Animals; Arteriosclerosis; Blood Pressure; Calcium, Dietary; Cholesterol; Diet, Atherogenic; Dietary Supplements; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Hypertension; Magnesium; Minerals; Obesity; Phytosterols; Potassium, Dietary; Rats; Rats, Zucker; Risk Factors

In recent studies, the life span of stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive (SHRSP) rats was altered by a variety of dietary fats. It was relatively shorter in rats fed canola oil as the sole source of fat. The present study was performed to find out whether the fatty acid profile and the high content of sulfur compounds in canola oil could modulate the life span of SHRSP rats. SHRSP rats (47 d old, n = 23/group) were matched by body weight and systolic blood pressure and fed semipurified diets containing 10% canola oil, high-palmitic canola oil, low-sulfur canola oil, soybean oil, high-oleic safflower oil, a fat blend that mimicked the fatty acid composition of canola oil, or a fat blend high in saturated fatty acids. A 1% sodium chloride solution was used as drinking water to induce hypertension. After consuming the diets for 37 d, five rats from each dietary group were killed for collection of blood and tissue samples for biochemical analysis. The 18 remaining animals from each group were used for determining their life span. The mean survival time of SHRSP rats fed canola oil (87.4+/-4.0 d) was not significantly different (P > 0.05) from those fed low-sulfur canola oil (89.7+/-8.5 d), suggesting that content of sulfur in canola oil has no effect on the life span of SHRSP rats. The SHRSP rats fed the noncanola oil-based diets lived longer (mean survival time difference was 6-13 d, P < 0.05) than those fed canola and low-sulfur canola oils. No marked differences in the survival times were observed among the noncanola oil-based groups. The fatty acid composition of the dietary oils and of red blood cells and liver of SHRSP rats killed after 37 d of treatment showed no relationship with the survival times. These results suggest that the fatty acid profile of vegetable oils plays no important role on the life span of SHRSP rat. However, phytosterols in the dietary oils and in liver and brain were inversely correlated with the mean survival times,indicating that the differential effects of vegetable oils might be ascribed, at least partly, to their different phytosterol contents.

Topics: Animals; Brain Chemistry; Cholesterol; Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; Fatty Acids; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; Hypertension; Liver; Phytosterols; Rapeseed Oil; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Sitosterols; Stroke; Survival Rate; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Vitamin E