phytosterols and Vascular-Diseases

To evaluate changes on venous diameter and perimeter of lower limbs in chronic venous disorder (CVD) patients after different clinical treatments for four weeks.. Fifty-two female patients classified as C2,s or C2,3,s (CEAP classification) were allocated consecutively in three groups: Cirkan (40 mg of the root extract of Ruscus aculeatus + 100 mg of flavonoid hesperidine methylchalcone + 200 mg of vitamin C per pill); elastic compression stockings (ECS) and no treatment (NT). Diameters were determined by duplex ultrasound and perimeter with Leg-O-Meter.. After treatment, Cirkan significantly decreased popliteal vein and great saphenous vein (GSV) diameters bilaterally and ECS decreased popliteal vein diameter bilaterally and GSV and varices only on the left limb. Perimeters changed only with ECS. Clinical scores changed between Cirkan x NT and ECS x Cirkan. Disability score varied for ECS x NT and Cirkan x NT. chi2 test detected different distribution frequency for C3 and C2 classes according to treatment: ECS (both limbs) and Cirkan (only left limb). Varices and anatomical scores did not change.. ECS emerges as the most effective clinical treatment tested but improvements with Cirkan on vein diameter and CEAP class were also observed. Clinical scores improved due to pain relief and edema reduction (ECS). These findings point to a positive effect of Cirkan, suggesting that venotonic drugs should be taken into account in the treatment of CVD.

Topics: Adult; Anthropometry; Ascorbic Acid; Brazil; Cardiovascular Agents; Chi-Square Distribution; Chronic Disease; Chymotrypsin; Disability Evaluation; Drug Combinations; Female; Hesperidin; Humans; Lower Extremity; Middle Aged; Pain; Pain Measurement; Phytosterols; Popliteal Vein; Saphenous Vein; Stockings, Compression; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Trypsin; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex; Vascular Diseases

Topics: Cholesterol; Humans; Intestinal Absorption; Phytosterols; Sitosterols; Vascular Diseases

The syndrome that is characterized by obesity, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia is increasingly prevalent in all prosperous societies. It is now recognized as a major contributor to cardiovascular disease. Vascular dysfunction in the form of hypercontractility and impaired nitric oxide-mediated relaxation is a significant component of cardiovascular disease, predisposing to ischemic events. The JCR:LA-cp strain of rats exhibits all major aspects of the obesity/insulin resistance syndrome, including vascular dysfunction and ischemic lesions of the heart. Dietary lipid intake may have a marked effect on plasma lipid levels and, potentially, on vascular disease. We have investigated the effects of a novel preparation, ONC101 (a phytosterol esterified with fish oil), on plasma lipids and vascular function in the insulin-resistant JCR:LA-cp rat. Treatment of obese male rats with ONC101 from 8 to 12 wk of age resulted in no change in plasma lipid concentrations at 0.5 g/kg body weight. At the higher dose of 2.6 g/kg, plasma TG fell 50% (1.26 vs. 2.59 mmol/L, P < 0.002) and cholesterol esters were significantly reduced (1.34 vs. 1.61 mmol/L, P < 0.002). Food intake and body weights were unaffected by ONC101 treatment. At the low dose of 86 mg/kg, the hypercontractility of aortic rings in response to phenylephrine was normalized and the relaxant response to acetylcholine was significantly improved. The results indicate that ONC101 at high doses has significant hypolipidemic effects and, at very low doses, has beneficial effects on endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cell function.

Topics: Animals; Fish Oils; Insulin Resistance; Lipids; Male; Phytosterols; Rats; Vascular Diseases

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Chymotrypsin; Drug Combinations; Female; Flavonoids; Hesperidin; Humans; Leg; Peptide Hydrolases; Phytosterols; Trypsin; Vascular Diseases; Veins