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Dietary pectin influences fibrin network structure in hypercholesterolaemic subjects
F J Veldman1, C H Nair, H H Vorster
1Department of Paramedical Sciences, Technikon Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
Insights
Dietary pectin supplementation improved cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol and making fibrin networks less prone to atherosclerosis. This dietary intervention shows therapeutic potential for reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Nutritional Science
- Hematology
Background:
- Fibrinogen and fibrin network quality are risk factors for atherosclerosis, stroke, and cardiovascular heart disease (CHD).
- Western diets high in fat and sucrose contribute to CHD, while dietary fiber, like pectin, may offer protection.
- Pectin is known to reduce serum cholesterol levels and evidence suggests fiber intake may positively impact clotting factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of pectin supplementation on fibrinogen levels and fibrin network architecture in hyperlipidaemic individuals.
- To determine if pectin can alter fibrin network structure independently of changes in plasma fibrinogen concentration.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving two groups of 10 male hyperlipidaemic volunteers.
- Participants received either 15 g/day of pectin or a placebo for 4 weeks.
- Measurements included serum lipid profiles, apolipoproteins, lipoprotein (a), and fibrin network structure variables at baseline and study end.
Main Results:
- Pectin supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein A & B, and lipoprotein (a).
- Significant alterations in fibrin network characteristics were observed, with pectin-supplemented individuals showing more permeable networks with lower tensile strength.
- These modified fibrin networks are considered less atherogenic.
Conclusions:
- Pectin supplementation positively impacts cardiovascular risk factors by improving lipid profiles and favorably modifying fibrin network architecture.
- Pectin may exert its beneficial effects through metabolic changes and by influencing fibrin conversion, leading to less atherogenic fibrin structures.
- Alterations in fibrin network structure can occur independently of changes in plasma fibrinogen levels, highlighting a novel therapeutic target.
Abstract:
Fibrinogen is an important risk factor for atherosclerosis, stroke and cardiovascular heart disease (CHD). This risk is increased when associated with a high serum cholesterol. Furthermore, it is also believed that not only fibrinogen concentration, but also the quality of fibrin networks may be an important risk factor for the development of CHD. CHD and stroke as a result of atherosclerosis, plus the related problems of hyperinsulinaemia, hyperlipidaemia and hypertension are strongly related to diet. The "western" diet, defined by low fibre and high fat, sucrose and animal protein intakes, appears to be a major factor leading to death. It has been established that the water-soluble dietary fibre, pectin, significantly decrease the concentration of serum cholesterol levels. Evidence is also accumulating that a diet rich in fibre may protect against diseases associated with raised clotting factors. This investigation studied the possible effects of pectin on fibrinogen levels and fibrin network architecture. Two groups of 10 male hyperlipidaemic volunteers each, received a pectin supplement (15 g/day) or placebo (15 g/day) for 4 weeks. Lipid and fibrin network structure variables were measured at baseline and the end of supplementation. Pectin supplementation caused significant decreases in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein A & B and lipoprotein (a). Significant changes in the characteristics of fibrin networks developed in the plasma of the pectin supplemented group indicated that networks were more permeable and had lower tensile strength. These network structures are believed to be less atherogenic. It is suspected that pectin modified network characteristics by a combination of its effects on metabolism and altered fibrin conversion. This confirms the therapeutic possibilities of dietary intervention. Furthermore, this study also showed that changes in plasma fibrinogen need not be present to induce alterations in fibrin network architecture.