| For medical practitioners and the general public - Cholesterol Journal Article Catalog. |
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| Plasma cholesterol concentration and mortality. The Whitehall Study Smith, G. D., M. J. Shipley, et al. (1992), Jama 267(1): 70-6. Abstract: OBJECTIVE--To examine the relationship between plasma cholesterol concentration and mortality from major causes of death. DESIGN.--Cohort study. SETTING--Civil service offices in London, England. PARTICIPANTS--There were 17,718 male civil servants aged 40 through 64 years at the time of study entry between 1967 and 1969. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE--Mortality from major cause groups. RESULTS--There were 4022 deaths in the cohort over the 18 years of follow-up. Total mortality increased with cholesterol level, although mortality in the small group with very low cholesterol levels (5% of study population) was nonsignificantly higher (P greater than.5) than that of the remainder of the lowest quintile cholesterol group. Coronary heart disease mortality increased with increasing cholesterol concentration from the lowest levels (P less than.001 for trend). The cancer mortality rate in the group below the fifth centile of the cholesterol distribution was higher than in the remainder of the cohort for lung (P less than.001), pancreas (P =.05), liver (P =.09), and all smoking-related cancers (P =.02). Only for lung cancer was there a consistent inverse trend with cholesterol level (P less than.01). Rates of mortality due to non-neoplastic respiratory disease were inversely related to cholesterol level (P less than.001). Health state at the time of examination and socioeconomic position were related to cholesterol concentration--subjects in lower employment grades, with disease at baseline, with a history of recent unexplained weight loss, or who had been widowed had lower initial cholesterol levels. These associations largely accounted for the relationships between cholesterol level and noncardiovascular mortality. CONCLUSIONS--The inverse associations between plasma cholesterol concentration and mortality from certain causes of death seen in cohort studies could be because the participants with low cholesterol levels possess other characteristics that place them at an elevated risk of death. |
| Plasma cholesterol concentrations in twin children: estimates of genetic and environmental influences Mastropaolo, W., A. Matheny Jr, Jr., et al. (2001), Clin Chem 47(4): 771. |
| Plasma cholesterol concentrations, dietary fat intake, and cholesterol intake in pharmacy students Spinler, S. A., S. de Denus, et al. (2003), J Am Pharm Assoc (Wash DC) 43(5): 590-5. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of formal education on hyperlipidemia on pharmacy students' dietary fat consumption and plasma cholesterol concentrations over a 3-month period. DESIGN: Prospective, open, nonrandomized, controlled trial. SETTING: College of pharmacy. PARTICIPANTS: First professional-year (P1) and second professional-year (P2) pharmacy students. INTERVENTION: P2 students received 6 hours of formal education regarding cardiovascular risk factors and National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines for detection and treatment of hyperlipidemia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Percentage of total caloric intake from fat and saturated fat and plasma cholesterol concentrations after 1 and 3 months. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between the percentage of total caloric intake from total and saturated fat for P1 and P2 students at all time points, with P1 > P2. A significant time effect was also found for percentage of total caloric intake from total and saturated fat as well as dietary cholesterol consumption for both groups, indicating no net effect of the formal educational intervention. No differences were found in average percentage of total caloric intakes from total and saturated fat between our student sample and that of a national sample of Americans of similar age from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Series III (NHANES III). Female pharmacy students appeared to have lower plasma cholesterol concentrations than women of the same age group in the general American population. CONCLUSION: Formal education did not alter students' percentage of total caloric intake from total and saturated fat or plasma cholesterol concentrations. Approximately 20% of pharmacy students may be eligible for more intensive diet and, perhaps, drug therapy for treatment of hypercholesterolemia. |
| Plasma cholesterol distribution in a rural Nigerian population--relationship to age, sex and body mass Erasmus, R. T., C. Uyot, et al. (1994), Cent Afr J Med 40(11): 299-302. Abstract: Plasma cholesterol was measured in 417 healthy rural Nigerians consisting of 230 males (mean age 36.60 +/- 1.29 years) and 187 (mean age 34.60 +/- 1.38 years). Mean plasma cholesterol concentrations were found to be 2.91 +/- 0.22 mmol/l and 3.26 +/- 0.25 mmol/l in males and females respectively. These differences were highly significant (p < 0.025). The lowest plasma cholesterol levels were observed in the 11 to 20 year age group and the highest in the > 61 years age group. A strong correlation, which was higher in males than females was observed between plasma cholesterol and age (r = 0.48; p < 0.01). No significant correlation was observed between body mass index (BMI) and plasma cholesterol in both male female subjects. These results suggest that plasma cholesterol concentrations observed in rural Nigerians may be related to their physical activity and the consumption of a low fat diet. |
| Plasma cholesterol ester transfer protein and distribution of cell cholesterol among plasma lipoproteins in vitro in distance runners and sedentary men Sutherland, W. H., S. A. Stapely, et al. (1993), Clin Physiol 13(2): 143-51. Abstract: Plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity and distribution of red blood cell (RBC) cholesterol among plasma lipoproteins during incubation of blood were determined in 14 distance runners and 10 sedentary men. Mean plasma CETP activity was similar in the runners (31% 10 microliters-1 18 h-1) and the sedentary men (32% 10 microliters-1 18 h-1). There was significantly (P < 0.05) greater accumulation of cell cholesterol in the HDL fraction (runners: 0.33 mmol l-1; sedentary men: 0.23 mmol l-1) which comprised a significantly (P < 0.05) larger proportion of the total amount of cell cholesterol lost to plasma (runners: 89%; sedentary men: 64%) in incubated blood from the runners. The results of this study suggest that in distance runners, high HDL concentrations are not accompanied by reduced plasma CETP levels but in conjunction with low triglyceride-rich lipoprotein levels in plasma, may promote preferential distribution of cell cholesterol into the 'antiatherogenic' HDL fraction. |
| Plasma cholesterol esterase level is a determinant for an atherogenic lipoprotein profile in normolipidemic human subjects Brodt-Eppley, J., P. White, et al. (1995), Biochim Biophys Acta 1272(2): 69-72. Abstract: Plasma cholesterol level is controlled by various factors. In the present study, high plasma activity of cholesterol esterase was found to correlate with plasma total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in normolipidemic human subjects. However, the cholesterol esterase is not elevated in plasma of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. These observations suggest that cholesterol esterase level is not determined by plasma cholesterol level, but elevated cholesterol esterase may be causative in increasing plasma cholesterol and LDL. Additional experiments further demonstrated that cholesterol esterase can convert the larger and less-atherogenic LDL to the smaller and more atherogenic LDL subspecies in vitro. These results suggest that plasma cholesterol esterase contributes to the formation and accumulation of atherogenic lipoproteins, and thus is a major risk factor for premature atherosclerosis in normal human subjects. |
| Plasma cholesterol esterification and transfer, the menopause, and hormone replacement therapy in women Lewis-Barned, N. J., W. H. Sutherland, et al. (1999), J Clin Endocrinol Metab 84(10): 3534-8. Abstract: With the onset of the menopause, plasma lipids and lipoprotein metabolism changes toward a more atherogenic profile that is improved by HRT. To determine whether cholesterol esterification rate (CER) and transfer of cholesteryl esters from high density lipoproteins to apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins are affected by menopause and HRT, plasma newly synthesized cholesteryl ester transfer (NCET) activity, CER and plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoprotein concentrations were measured in perimenopausal women (age range: 40-55 yr), including 49 premenopausal women and 32 postmenopausal women who were subsequently randomized to receive either placebo or 17-beta estradiol/norethisterone for 6 months. Plasma NCET (P = 0.03) and CER (P = 0.008) were significantly higher in postmenopausal women. Plasma low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration, high density lipoprotein concentration, and body mass index were independent predictors of plasma NCET in premenopausal women, and plasma triglyceride and apolipoprotein B concentrations were corresponding predictors in postmenopausal women. When data were adjusted for plasma triglyceride, plasma NCET activity was no longer significantly different (P = 0.81) between premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Plasma NCET and CER did not change significantly in postmenopausal women during HRT. These data suggest that the determinants of plasma NCET activity after menopause and increased levels of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein acceptors of cholesteryl esters may lead to increased plasma NCET that is not reduced by HRT in postmenopausal women. |
| Plasma cholesterol levels and Irlen syndrome: preliminary study of 10- to 17-yr.-old students Sparkes, D. L., G. L. Robinson, et al. (2003), Percept Mot Skills 97(3 Pt 1): 743-52. Abstract: The preliminary study investigated metabolic anomalies in children and teenagers with Irlen Syndrome, particularly in relation to the levels of n-3 and n-6 essential fatty acids, plasma cholesterol levels, and the relative abundance of plasma saturated fatty acids. The experimental group involved 13 subjects with Irlen Syndrome (M=13.3 yr., SD=2.5 yr.), with a comparison group of 16 age- and sex-matched controls (M=13.8 yr., SD=2.4 yr.). The Irlen Syndrome group were selected from people referred for help with reading and writing problems. The control group were primarily recruited from the general public. All subjects were screened for symptoms of the syndrome using the Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome Screening Manual. Samples of whole blood were collected and plasma extracted. Metabolites were compared using the Student t test. There were no differences in n-3 and n-6 essential fatty acids between Irlen Syndrome and control groups, although the former group had lower mean levels in most of these essential fatty acids. Total plasma cholesterol level was significantly decreased for the Irlen Syndrome group, and there was a significant increase in the relative abundance of the odd-chain fatty acid, heptadecanoic acid. The differences in heptadecanoic acid may have implications for altered membrane function and neurotransmission. The differences in plasma cholesterol levels, as well as heptadecanoic acid, may also point to the presence of viral or bacterial infection. |
| Plasma cholesterol levels and ischemic heart disease: new findings and new approaches Ginter, E. (1992), Bratisl Lek Listy 93(2): 67-75. Abstract: The information explosion characteristic of recent years has presented a series of findings enabling a more effective prevention of ischemic heart disease by controlling low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels of cholesterol. The detection of LDL receptors has provided new information on the mechanisms regulating the level of plasma LDL. Data on competitive inhibitors of endogenous cholesterol synthesis have afforded new possibilities of pharmacological control of LDL levels. Studies of primary prevention of ischemic heart disease have yielded evidence showing that a 1% decrease of cholesterol level reduces coronary risk by 2%. A prospective study of the relationship between cholesterol levels and coronary mortality, absolutely unique as to its extent (368,000 middle-aged men followed up over a period of 6 years) has demonstrated that there is no borderline cholesterol level below which coronary risk would be absolutely excluded. Between total cholesterol level and coronary mortality there is a close, continual and graded relationship. In light of these findings, total cholesterol levels have been reclassified: desirable levels -5.2 x 10(-3) mol.l-1, borderline risk levels under 5.2-6.2 x 10(-3) mol.l-1, and high risk levels--above 6.2 x 10(-3) mol.l-1. In subjects with several risk factors (smoking, hypertension, familial occurrence of heart, heart disease, obesity, diabetes mellitus, HDL cholesterol below 0.9 x 10(-3) mol.l-1) the level of total cholesterol should be brought down below 4 x 10(-3) mol.l-1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) |
| Plasma cholesterol reducing effect of FR129169, a novel acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase inhibitor, in the rat Sakuma, Y., H. Hagihara, et al. (1996), Jpn J Pharmacol 70(1): 35-41. Abstract: FR129169 (FR) (N-(1,2-diphenylethyl)-2-octyloxyphenylacetamide) has been found to inhibit acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) activities in intestinal microsomes of rats and rabbits and the liver homogenate of rats with IC50 values of around 1.0 x 10(-7) M. The inhibitory activity was 2-3 times more potent than that of CI 976 (CI). When FR in a dose of 10 mg/kg/day was administered as a dietary admixture, plasma cholesterol levels were normalized in rats fed a high cholesterol diet, but lower doses of FR had no effect. Similar results were obtained in the rats treated with CI. The ex vivo study where hepatic ACAT activity was measured after oral dosing of the two inhibitors revealed that ACAT activity was significantly reduced in rats treated with FR in a dose of 10 mg/kg/day, while CI reduced the activity at lower doses such as 0.1 and 1 mg/kg/day. Since FR was not orally absorbed, it is speculated that the inhibitory activity of FR on hepatic ACAT in the ex vivo study results from the reduction of plasma cholesterol levels. These results suggest that FR exerted cholesterol-lowering activity mainly through inhibition of intestinal ACAT activity. The significance of intestinal ACAT inhibition by FR for therapeutic treatment of hypercholesterolemia is discussed. |
| Plasma cholesterol reduction by defatted soy ontjom (fermented with Neurospora intermedia) in rats fed a cholesterol-free diet Matsuo, M. (2000), J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 46(1): 30-3. Abstract: To popularize defatted soy ontjom (DSB-ontjom, soy product fermented with Neurospora intermedia) as a new food, I examined the plasma cholesterol-reducing effects of DSB-ontjom and DSB in rats fed cholesterol-free diets and compared the efficiencies of these effects. DSB-ontjom greatly reduced the plasma cholesterol level and increased fecal steroid excretion as compared to DSB. DSB-ontjom was rich in pepsin-resistant protein having a high bile acid binding capacity and was abundant in isoflavone-aglycones, especially daizein. The dietary fiber (DF) of DSB-ontjom stimulated the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by intestinal microflora. The effect of DSB-ontjom on plasma cholesterol reduction was attributed to the collaborative effects of pepsin-resistant-protein, isoflavone-aglycones and SCFA-producing DF in DSB-ontjom. |
| Plasma cholesterol regulates soluble cell adhesion molecule expression in familial hypercholesterolemia Sampietro, T., M. Tuoni, et al. (1997), Circulation 96(5): 1381-5. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hypercholesterolemia is associated with endothelial dysfunction. On the basis of the hypothesis that high plasma cholesterol per se may be a sufficient stimulus to upregulate endothelial adhesiveness and that this phenomenon might be reversible, soluble endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecules (sELAMs) were studied in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia undergoing LDL apheresis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Selective LDL absorption by dextran sulfate columns was used to treat plasma volumes of 6.5 to 9.2 L; after LDL apheresis, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, triglycerides, and lipoprotein(a) levels were reduced by 74%, 82%, 79%, 56%, and 86%, respectively. Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and sELAM- were measured before, immediately after, and 2 and 6 days after LDL apheresis. Basal sICAM-1 and sELAM-1 values were higher than in healthy control subjects. After LDL apheresis, they decreased (P<.0001 and P<.0004, respectively); their removal by extracorporeal circulation components was excluded. Individual pretreatment and posttreatment values of sICAM-1 and sELAM-1 were positively correlated (P<.0001 and P<.001, respectively) with total cholesterol; their rebound curves showed patterns similar to the total cholesterol rebound curve but not to the triglyceride and lipoprotein(a) curves. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of changes in clinical chemical parameters, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and acute-phase reactant proteins, these results confirm in a clinical setting the upregulation of endothelial adhesiveness observed in experimental hypercholesterolemia and suggest a direct role for cholesterol in regulating this phenomenon, at least in familial hypercholesterolemia. |
| Plasma cholesterol response to dietary saturated fat. Conclusions are based on circular arguments Doepfmer, S. and I. Guggenmoos-Holzmann (1996), Bmj 312(7029): 511-2. |
| Plasma cholesterol responses to the adrenocorticotropic hormone in Japanese quail following eighteen generations of divergent selection Marks, H. L., H. S. Siegel, et al. (1990), Poult Sci 69(2): 205-8. Abstract: Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) lines were divergently selected for plasma cholesterol response to adrenocorticotropin (ACTH). Data for Generations 9 to 18 indicated a greater response in the low (L) line than in the high (H) line, which was contrary to selection responses for the first eight generations. During Generations 9 to 18, selection differentials were greater in the H line; however, heritability estimates were greater in the L line. These data suggest caution in the interpretation of early selection responses for plasma cholesterol. Selection for plasma cholesterol response following ACTH injection also resulted in divergence in plasma cholesterol levels in the H and L lines in the absence of ACTH. Body weights at 31 days were greater in the H line than in the L line, suggesting a possible relationship with the plasma cholesterol level. |
| Plasma cholesterol transport in anhepatic rats Quarfordt, S. H., B. Landis, et al. (1992), J Clin Invest 89(5): 1564-70. Abstract: The plasma appearance of newly synthesized cholesterol in anhepatic laboratory diet-fed rats was 10% of the intact rat. In intact rats this cholesterol was mainly ester in lower density lipoproteins, but for anhepatic rats it was virtually only free in high density lipoprotein. Chylomicron cholesterol ester was removed much more slowly from anhepatic than control plasma and returned primarily as free in high density lipoproteins, with the control return 10 times the anhepatic return. Lower density lipoprotein cholesterol ester transfer to an extravascular pool in anhepatic rats was less than 10% of controls. The liver was responsible for 95% of the extravascular lower density lipoprotein ester pool and only 50% of the for high density lipoprotein ester. Despite decreased anhepatic lipoprotein catabolism, the mass of both plasma low and high density lipoproteins progressively decreased indicating an even greater decrease in influx. The anhepatic fractional catabolic rate of apo A1 was similar to controls, but that of apo E was considerably less. Despite the unchanged catabolism of apo A1 and the reduced catabolism of apo E, plasma apo A1 decreased less than apo E after hepatectomy. The anhepatic data confirm the pivotal role of the liver in maintaining plasma low and high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. They suggest that, in addition to its anabolic and catabolic functions, the liver also acts as a reservoir buffering changes in plasma concentration. |
| Plasma cholesterol, B-carotene and ascorbic acid changes in human malaria Njoku, O. U., I. C. Ononogbu, et al. (1995), J Commun Dis 27(3): 186-90. Abstract: Serum cholesterol (Total and free) as well as B-carotene and vitamin C level concentrations during and after severe infection by Plasmodium falciparum were determined. The decrease in the concentrations of cholesterol and B-carotene during and after infection was not statistically significant (P > 0.01), while the decrease in vitamin C was statistically significant (P < 0.01) during and after infection. |
| Plasma cholesterol: an influencing factor in red blood cell oxygen release and cellular oxygen availability Buchwald, H., H. J. Menchaca, et al. (2000), J Am Coll Surg 191(5): 490-7. Abstract: BACKGROUND: A fairly immediate reduction in angina pectoris symptoms after cholesterol lowering has been described. Our previous findings in rabbits and in a four-patient human pilot study indicated the existence of an RBC membrane barrier to oxygen (O2) transport in the presence of hypercholesterolemia. Our current objective was to determine whether, and to what extent, the plasma cholesterol concentration is an influencing factor in RBC O2 release and cellular O2 availability. STUDY DESIGN: In an unique O2 diffusion analysis system, blood samples from 100 patients referred for lipid modification were analyzed. After 1 to 2 minutes of mixing in our diffusion analysis system, the next 1 to 2 minutes of circulation is comparable with 1 to 2 seconds of myocardial capillary flow. RBC O2 diffusion was defined by the depletion rate of total O2 content in blood from full O2 saturation (98%) to desaturation (approximately 60%). Relative tissue O2 availability was defined as the percentage decrease in O2 availability between the high-cholesterol group and the low-cholesterol group. RESULTS: The 100 patients were divided almost equally into two groups on the basis of plasma cholesterol ranges of 175 to 229 mg/dL (n=49) and 230 to 299 mg/dL (n = 51). The mean cholesterol concentrations and percentage increases in the high-cholesterol group over the low-cholesterol group were: for plasma, 206 +/- 0.3 and 256 +/- 0.4 mg/dL, 24.3% (p < 0.001); for RBCs, 93 +/- 0.2 and 106 +/- 0.2mg/dL, 14.0% (p < 0.001); and for RBC membranes, 41 +/- 0.1 and 54 +/- 0.2mg/dL, 31.7% (p < 0.001). The blood O2 diffusion curves were distinctly different between the high- and the low-cholesterol groups (p < 0.05). Blood O2 diffusion, defined by the blood O2 diffusion curves, was inversely proportional to the plasma, RBC, and RBC-membrane cholesterol concentrations. The relative tissue O2 availability, after a circulation period of more than 3 minutes in the diffusion system, showed a decrease of 17.5% (p < 0.05) between the plasma cholesterol groups. In comparing the two plasma cholesterol concentration extremes of less than 200mg/dL (n= 14) and greater than 275 mg/dL (n= 11) after a circulation period of more than 3 minutes in the diffusion system, we found a decrease in relative tissue O2 availability of 35.8% (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The plasma cholesterol concentration may be an influencing factor in RBC-membrane cholesterol content, which, in turn, may regulate RBC-membrane O2 transport, RBC O2 release, and cellular O2 availability. The implications of this work include the addition of angina pectoris control to the indications for appropriate lipid modification and the development of an in vitro blood stress test to replace patient cardiac stress testing. |
| Plasma cholesterol-lowering activity of monocyte colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) Shimano, H., N. Yamada, et al. (1990), Ann N Y Acad Sci 587: 362-70. Abstract: We investigated the action of monocyte colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) on plasma cholesterol metabolism. Recombinant human monocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhM-CSF) was intravenously injected into Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits that were deficient in LDL receptor. The treated rabbits showed decreases in plasma total cholesterol levels from 493 +/- 39 to 416 +/- 45 mg/dl (about 15%) during the treatment. The decrease in total plasma cholesterol level was due to decreased levels of lipoproteins containing apo B 100 such as VLDL, IDL, and LDL. The effect of M-CSF on the LDL-receptor-deficient animal in vivo and evidence from Northern blot analysis of liver suggested that M-CSF lowers plasma cholesterol level through activated uptake of lipoproteins containing apo B 100 via pathways other than the hepatic LDL receptor. We have started a clinical study to evaluate the plasma cholesterol-lowering effect of M-CSF in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, and have observed a decreased in total plasma cholesterol level in one of three patients treated with M-CSF. M-CSF may provide new insight into plasma cholesterol metabolism and a possible new tool to treat patients with hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. |
| Plasma cholesterol-lowering effect on rats of dietary fiber extracted from immature plants Nishimura, N., Y. Taniguchi, et al. (2000), Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 64(12): 2543-51. Abstract: Crude dietary fiber samples were prepared from beet, cabbage, Japanese radish, onion and mung bean sprouts (BF, CF, RF, OF and MF, respectively). These samples contained total dietary fiber at the levels of 814, 699, 760, 693 and 666 g/kg, respectively. To examine the effect of these dietary fiber sources on the plasma cholesterol concentration, male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed on a fiber-free (FF) diet or on an FF diet supplemented with 5% or 10% dietary fiber. Dietary fiber extracted from vegetables, wood cellulose (CL), pectin (PE) and guar gum (GG) were used as the fiber sources. Compared with the rats fed on the FF diet, a significant reduction in the plasma cholesterol concentration was observed in the rats fed on BF, CF, RF, MF, PE or GG after a 21-d feeding period. Cecal acetate, n-butyrate and total short-chain fatty acids were significantly higher in the rats fed on these dietary fibers, except for CF, than in those fed on the FF diet. A negative correlation was apparent between the total dietary fiber content, hemicellulose content and pectin content of each dietary fiber source and the plasma cholesterol concentration. These results suggest that some vegetable fibers exert a plasma cholesterol-lowering effect through cecal fermentation of these fibers. |
| Plasma cholesterol-lowering potential of edible-oil blends suitable for commercial use Nestel, P. J., M. Noakes, et al. (1992), Am J Clin Nutr 55(1): 46-50. Abstract: We tested semihardened blends of edible oils, suitable for commercial food manufacture, with a lower-than-conventional saturated fatty acid content, for their effects on plasma cholesterol. Twenty-six mildly hypercholesterolemic men took part in a double-blind crossover experiment in which two test blends were compared with two control dietary periods which resembled the Australian fat intake: proportions of polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, and saturated fatty acids (PMS) 0.4:0.9:1. PMS in the test diets was approximately 0.8:1.3:1 and resulted in significantly lower LDL-cholesterol concentrations (reductions of less than or equal to 7.7%). HDL cholesterol and plasma triglyceride were unchanged. The trans fatty acid (mainly elaidic) content of the blends was 16%, raising its contribution to energy by 4% but without apparent effect on LDL and HDL concentrations. Provided the overall ratio of linoleic acid to palmitic acid in commercial edible-oil blends exceeds that in the prevailing national diet, partial hydrogenation will not negate the LDL-lowering potential. |