Decrease in plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, cholesteryl ester transfer protein, and...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Nutritional Science
• Lipid Metabolism

Background:

• Plant stanol esters effectively lower cholesterol in Western populations.
• Japanese diets are typically low in fat and cholesterol, potentially influencing stanol ester efficacy.
• The impact of plant stanol ester on specific arteriosclerosis markers in Japanese individuals requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of a plant stanol ester-containing spread on plasma lipid levels, including total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), in Japanese adults.
• To assess the impact of plant stanol ester on apolipoprotein B (apoB) and other arteriosclerosis-promoting factors such as remnant triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins (RLP-C), cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), and oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL).
• To determine the safety of consuming plant stanol ester in the Japanese population.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 105 healthy Japanese volunteers.
• Participants were assigned to consume either a placebo spread, 2 g/d of plant stanol (3.4 g stanol ester), or 3 g/d of plant stanol (5.1 g stanol ester).
• Plasma lipid profiles, apolipoproteins, RLP-C, CETP mass, Ox-LDL, plant sterols, and fat-soluble vitamins were measured at baseline and follow-up points (2, 4, and 8 weeks).

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in plasma total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, apolipoprotein B (apoB), CETP mass, and oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL) were observed in both the 2 g/d and 3 g/d plant stanol groups.
• The 2 g/d group showed reductions of 6.5% in TC, 9.6% in LDL-C, 8.3% in apoB, 6.1% in CETP mass, and 20% in Ox-LDL.
• No significant changes in plasma levels of plant stanols, plant sterols, retinol, beta-carotene, or alpha-tocopherol were noted, indicating good safety, although minor increases in campestanol and decreases in alpha-tocopherol were observed in specific groups.

Conclusions:

• Plant stanol ester-containing spread effectively reduces plasma levels of LDL-C, apoB, CETP, and Ox-LDL in Japanese individuals.
• The observed reductions were less pronounced than in Western studies, potentially due to differences in basal dietary intake.
• A daily intake of 2 g of plant stanol was found to be adequate for achieving these benefits in the Japanese population, with no significant adverse effects reported.