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Effects of cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose on dyslipidemia in hamsters
Shao-Ching Hung1, Wallace Yokoyama, Hyunsook Kim
1The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Michigan 48667, USA.
Insights
Cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose (cHEC), a soluble fiber, reduced weight gain and improved cholesterol levels in hamsters. This suggests cHEC may be beneficial for cardiovascular risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Nutrition Science
- Animal Models
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease is often linked to hypercholesterolemia and dyslipidemia.
- Soluble fibers show potential in managing lipid profiles.
- Cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose (cHEC) is a novel soluble fiber.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of cHEC supplementation on hypercholesterolemia and dyslipidemia.
- To evaluate cHEC's impact on cardiovascular risk factors in an animal model.
Main Methods:
- Golden Syrian hamsters were fed a high-fat diet supplemented with 3-5% cHEC for 4 weeks.
- Measurements included body weight, adipose and liver weights, plasma lipid profiles, glucose, insulin, adiponectin, and leptin.
- Hepatic gene expression of CYP7A1, CYP51, and LDLR was analyzed.
Main Results:
- cHEC supplementation significantly reduced weight gain, adipose tissue, and liver weight.
- Plasma total, VLDL, and LDL cholesterol, along with hepatic lipids, were significantly decreased.
- Adiponectin levels increased, while leptin levels decreased; glucose and insulin showed no significant change.
- Liver mRNA levels for CYP7A1, CYP51, and LDLR were upregulated in cHEC-fed hamsters.
Conclusions:
- cHEC demonstrates potential as a dietary intervention for cholesterol reduction.
- cHEC may offer beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors, including lipid metabolism and hormonal signaling.
Abstract:
Cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose (cHEC) was supplemented in a high-fat diet to determine if this new soluble fiber had an effect on hypercholesterolemia and dyslipidemia associated with cardiovascular disease using Golden Syrian hamster as an animal model. Supplementation of 3-5% cHEC in a high-fat diet for 4 weeks led to significant weight gain reduction in hamsters. In addition, significant decreases in adipose and liver weights, concentrations of plasma total, VLDL, and LDL cholesterol, and hepatic lipids were shown. No significant improvements in glucose and insulin levels were observed with cHEC; however, a significant increase in plasma adiponectin and a decrease in leptin were observed. As compared with controls, 8% cHEC-fed hamsters had greater levels of mRNA for CYP7A1 (cytochrome P450 7A1; 2-fold of control; P < 0.05), CYP51 (lanosterol 14α-demethylase; 6-fold of control; P < 0.05), and LDLR (LDL receptor; 1.5-fold of control) in the liver. These findings suggest the possibility of the use of cHEC for cholesterol reduction and beneficial effects on the cardiovascular risk factors.
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