BACKGROUND: Dietary fat is considered one of the most important factors associated with blood lipid metabolism and plays a significant role in the cause and prevention of atherosclerosis that has been widely accepted as an inflammatory disease of the vascular system. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of genetically modified flaxseed (W86) rich in phenylpropanoid compounds and hydrolysable tannin in high cholesterol-induced atherosclerosis rabbit models compared to parental cultivar Linola. METHODS: Twenty-Eight White New Zealand white rabbits aged 6 months were randomly divided into four groups, control group, high cholesterol group (10 g/kg), Linola flaxseed group (100 g/kg) and W86 flaxseed group (100 g/kg). The rabbits were fed a normal diet or a high cholesterol diet for 10 weeks. Levels of blood lipids, hematological values, total antioxidative status and superoxide dismutase activity in serum were determined. Moreover, body weight and feed intake were measured after sixth and tenth weeks. After each stage of the experiment atherogenic indexes (non-HDL-C/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, and atherogenic index of plasma) was calculated. RESULTS: The intake of a dyslipidaemic diet negatively influenced lipid profile in rabbits at the 10 weeks of feeding. W86 flaxseed significantly decreased total cholesterol, LDL-C, VLDL-C and TG serum levels in cholesterolemic rabbits compared with parental Linola after 10 weeks. Atherogenic indexes decreased over time with a significant difference between the diets and they were the best for W86 flaxseed. Similarly, the experimental addition of W86 significantly decreased atherogenic predictors such as heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and the mean platelet volume-to-lymphocyte ratio. In rabbits, W86 flaxseed increased the activity of superoxide dismutase and total antioxidative status compared to Linola. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the presented study suggest that the addition of W86 flaxseed alleviate serum lipid changes in high cholesterolemic diet-administered rabbits. W86 flaxseed significantly reduced atherogenic indexes, as compared with the Linola and indicate that W86 flaxseed more effectively red CVD risk factors during hypercholesterolemia. Moreover, the presented result suggested that W86 flaxseed can be a part of a heart-healthy and antiatherogenic diet for the human.
Link to Full TextLipids Health Dis. , 2018., Apr 10;17(1):76. doi: 10.1186/s12944-018-0726-4.
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of genetically modified flaxseed (W86) rich in phenylpropanoid compounds and hydrolysable tannin in high cholesterol-induced atherosclerosis rabbit models compared to parental cultivar Linola. The study investigated the effect of short-term use of flaxseed, with special emphasis on variety W86, in rabbits on the hemopoietic and lymphopoietic system. The results show that exposure of rabbits to W86 flaxseed during the full fattening period did not have a major impact on the body weight and feed intake. However, the feed intake in the experimental groups was lower at the end of this period than in 6 weeks and significantly greater decline was observed in the LIN group than in W86 group during the experiment. Cardiovascular events are primarily associated with a high circulating platelet count and low blood lymphocytes. Theresult suggests that W86 flaxseed with increased phenylpropanoid compounds, hydrolysable tannin, and the well balanced ω-6/ω-3 ratio can prevent thrombocytosis and eventually atherosclerotic lesions. Based on the results of clinical trials, epidemiological investigations and experimental studies, ingestion of ALA has been suggested to have a positive impact on CVD. Increased linoleic intake has been shown to promote platelet aggregation and oxidation of LDL. ALA has antithrombotic properties and may also be antiarrhythmic.
The results of the presented study suggest that the addition of W86 flaxseed alleviate serum lipid changes in high cholesterolemic diet-administered rabbits. W86 flaxseed significantly reduced atherogenic indexes, as compared with the Linola and indicate that W86 flaxseed more effectively red CVD risk factors during hypercholesterolemia.