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Fish polar lipids retard atherosclerosis in rabbits by down-regulating PAF biosynthesis and up-regulating PAF

Constantina Nasopoulou1, Alexandros B Tsoupras, Haralabos C Karantonis

  • 1Department of Food and Nutrition Sciences, University of the Aegean, 2 Metropoliti Ioakim,814 00 Myrina, Lemnos, Greece.

Lipids in Health and Disease
|November 18, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Consumption of fish polar lipids reduced platelet activating factor (PAF) levels in rabbits with early atherosclerosis. This suggests dietary fish lipids may positively impact PAF metabolism during disease development.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Nutrition Science
  • Cardiovascular Research

Background:

  • Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is implicated as a key initiator in atherosclerosis.
  • Bioactive food components may modulate PAF metabolism.
  • This study investigates the impact of fish polar lipids on PAF metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) polar lipids on Platelet-activating factor (PAF) metabolism in rabbits with atherosclerosis.
  • To determine changes in PAF levels and the activity of key PAF-metabolizing enzymes.

Main Methods:

  • Rabbits were fed an atherogenic diet for 45 days, with or without gilthead sea bream polar lipids.
  • Specific activities of PAF metabolic enzymes (PAF-AH, Lp-PLA2, PAF-CPT, Lyso-PAF-AT) were measured in leukocytes, platelets, and plasma.
  • PAF concentrations were determined in blood cells and plasma.

Main Results:

  • PAF-Acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) activity decreased in platelets (groups A & B) and leukocytes (group A).
  • Lipoprotein-associated Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) activity increased in leukocytes and platelets (groups A & B).
  • PAF levels increased in the control group (A) but decreased in the fish lipid group (B).

Conclusions:

  • Gilthead sea bream polar lipids modulate PAF metabolism in rabbits under atherosclerotic conditions.
  • Consumption of these lipids led to reduced PAF levels and activity in the blood.
  • This suggests a potential benefit in mitigating early atherosclerotic lesions.

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