Key findings
The main objectives of this study were to determine whether a lignan complex isolated from flaxseed would affect plasma concentration of CRP, IL-6, TNF-a, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and MCP-1 in healthy post-menopausal women. Results may be confounded due to the health status of the women with an initial TC concentration of 5.97 1.02 mmol/L. Effects of the lignan complex may have been different in hyperlipidemic women or women with a different CVD risk profile. In Only a significant effect was found on CRP. It is likely that the effect on CRP is caused by the increased serum ENL concentrations following the lignan complex intervention period. A 6-week daily consumption of a low-fat muffin enriched with a lignan complex isolated from flaxseed providing 500 mg SDG caused a significant difference in CRP concentration compared to a low-fat muffin with no lignans added among apparently healthy postmenopausal woman. The difference in CRP concentrations was independent of changes in other inflammatory markers. The lignan complex may have specific effects related to inflammation mediated through systemic or local inflammatory pathways not examined in this study.
ABSTRACT
Background and aim: Plant lignans are metabolised by the colonic micro-flora to the mammalian lignans enterodiol and enterolactone, which are hypothesized to be cardioprotective. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a plant lignan complex isolated from flaxseed, providing 500 mg/d of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, on inflammatory markers. Methods and results: Healthy postmenopausal women (n = 22) completed a randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Women consumed daily a low-fat muffin, with or without a lignan complex, for 6 weeks, separated by a 6-week washout period. A significant difference of approximately 15% (P=0.028) was observed for C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration between the lignan complex intervention period and placebo period. CRP concentrations (median; 25th, 75th percentiles) were 0.88 (0.63, 2.05) mg/L at baseline and 0.92 (0.59, 1.49) mg/L after the lignan complex intervention period compared with 0.80 (0.62, 1.62) mg/L at baseline and 1.10 (0.72, 1.62) mg/L after placebo. No significant differences in interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 were found between the lignan complex intervention period and placebo period. Conclusion: Daily consumption for 6 week of a low-fat muffin enriched with a lignan complex may reduce CRP concentrations compared to a low-fat muffin with no lignans added.
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