Publication Date:
2008-11-16
Description:
Background: The beneficial effects of long-chain n-3 fatty acids (LC-n-3 FA) of marine origin on lipids and cardiovascular events are well documented. However, the relevance of plant-derived C18-n-3 FA (alpha-linolenic acid, ALA) on atherogenesis and on arachidonic acid (AA, the proaggregatory precursor of thromboxane) remains unclear. Furthermore, the capacity for chain elongation is thought to be minimal in mammals. We have reported on the potential benefits of increased concentrations of ALA in alpine milk products (“The alpine paradox”). Aims: We tested if an ALA-rich diet reduces atherosclerosis, induces a favorable lipid profile including a reduced content of AA in red cell membranes, liver and adipose tissue, and promotes chain elongation of ALA into LC-n-3 FA. Methods and Results: Eight weeks old male apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE− /−) mice were fed a 0.15% cholesterol diet for 16 weeks containing either a high ALA (high, 7g/100g; n=10) or a low ALA content (low, 0.03g/100g; n=10). ALA was given as flaxseed oil, the control diet was compensated with cocoa butter. Plaque area in the aortic arch as quantified by oil-red O staining was reduced by 53% (P
Print ISSN:
0006-4971
Electronic ISSN:
1528-0020
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
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