In vivo anti-atherogenic properties of cultured gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) polar lipid extracts in hypercholesterolaemic rabbits

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the fish lipid extracts have in vivo anti-atherogenic properties in hypercholesterolaemic rabbits. Fish oil extracts were obtained from cultured gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) and, for the in vivo experiment, 12 healthy male New Zealand rabbits of specific weight and age were used, which were randomly divided into two groups of six animals each and were given specific diets for 45 days. Group A was given an atherogenic diet, while group B was given an atherogenic diet enriched with Gilthead Sea Bream Polar Lipids (GSBPL).The levels of total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and triacylglycerols (TAG) increased in animals of both groups. TC, LDL-C and TAG levels did not exhibit statistical significant differences between groups A and B by day 45, while HDL-C levels increased significantly in group B in comparison with group A by day 45. Plasma PAF-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) activity increased significantly in group B at the end of the experiment, in comparison with group A, while platelet aggregation efficiency was reduced in group B rabbits.Rabbits of group B (atherogenic diet supplemented with GSBPL) developed early atherosclerosis lesions, of statistically significantly lower degree (p = 0.017) than did group A.