Effects of flaxseed consumption on plasma lipids, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 activity and gut microbiota composition in patients with coronary artery disease.

Abstract

Background: Clinical studies have demonstrated possible beneficial effects of flaxseed on cardiovascular disease risk factors, but limited studies have evaluated the effects of flaxseed on the plasma lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂ (Lp-PLA₂) and gut microbial composition in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Aim: The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of flaxseed consumption on plasma lipids and lipoproteins, Lp-PLA₂ activity, as well as the relative abundance of some gut microbiota in CAD patients. Methods: In a randomized controlled parallel trial, 50 patients with CAD were randomly allocated to 12 weeks of supplementation of flaxseed (30 g/day) or control (usual care). Before and after the intervention, plasma lipids, Lp-PLA₂ activity, and some gut microbiota composition (4 different bacterial genera, including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes)  were measured. Results: Compared to control, flaxseed consumption was associated with improved Lp-PLA₂ activity. After 12 weeks of intervention, no significant changes were observed in plasma lipids and fecal microbial composition in the two study groups. Conclusion: The present study showed that in patients with CAD, flaxseed supplementation reduced plasma Lp-PLA₂ activity but had no effect on plasma lipids and the composition of some intestinal bacteria.