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Related Experiment Videos

Reduced and high molecular weight barley beta-glucans decrease plasma total and non-HDL-cholesterol in

Thomas A Wilson1, Robert J Nicolosi, Bryan Delaney

  • 1Center for Health and Disease Research, Department of Health and Clinical Sciences, University of Massachusetts-Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA.

The Journal of Nutrition
|October 7, 2004
PubMed
Summary

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Barley beta-glucan, a soluble fiber, lowers cholesterol. This study shows both high and reduced molecular weight barley beta-glucans effectively reduce plasma cholesterol and offer antiatherogenic benefits.

Area of Science:

  • Nutrition Science
  • Biochemistry
  • Food Science

Background:

  • Barley beta-glucan's cholesterol-lowering effect is attributed to its soluble dietary fiber properties.
  • The specific role of molecular weight (MW) in this activity remains unclear.
  • Previous research indicated enzymatic degradation of beta-glucan abolishes its cholesterol-lowering capacity, but MW was not assessed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if partially hydrolyzed barley beta-glucan concentrates with reduced MW retain cholesterol-lowering and antiatherogenic activities.
  • To compare the effects of reduced MW beta-glucan with a high MW fraction from the same barley source.

Main Methods:

  • Syrian Golden hamsters were fed a hypercholesterolemic diet (HCD).
  • Following an acclimatization period, hamsters received either HCD or diets supplemented with high or reduced MW barley beta-glucan (8 g/100 g).

Related Experiment Videos

  • Plasma lipid profiles, liver lipid content, aortic cholesterol ester, and fecal sterol excretion were analyzed.

    • Main Results:

    • Both high and reduced MW beta-glucan significantly decreased plasma total cholesterol and non-HDL-cholesterol.
    • No significant differences were observed in plasma HDL-cholesterol or liver lipid concentrations.
    • Reduced MW beta-glucan uniquely increased fecal cholesterol excretion, while both fractions increased fecal neutral sterols and coprostanol.

    Conclusions:

    • Barley beta-glucan exhibits cholesterol-lowering activity across a range of molecular weights.
    • Both high and reduced MW beta-glucans demonstrate antiatherogenic potential, with reduced MW showing enhanced fecal cholesterol excretion.