Anti-atherogenic effects of phytosteryl oleates in apo-E deficient mice

• Phytosteryl oleates show cardioprotection in apo-E-KO mice.
• Phytosteryl oleates reduce VLDL-C in mice.
• Phytosteryl oleates increase HDL-C in mice.
• Phytosteryl oleates exhibit strong anti-atherogenic effect.

Both dietary oleic acid and plant sterols are known to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. We have produced phytosteryl oleates through enzymatic reactions. Cardiovascular benefits of phytosteryl oleates were investigated in apolipoprotein E knockout (apo E-KO) mice over 7 weeks at an oral dose of 2% (w/w). The mice treated with phytosteryl oleates had significantly lower very-low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C) and higher high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations as compared to the control group. The treated group also had significantly higher levels of cholesterol, campesterol and sitosterol in faecal materials as compared to the control group. These changes were accompanied by significant reductions in the volume of atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic roots. Furthermore, histological and biochemical analysis of hepatic tissues showed comparable data between the 2 groups of mice. This plus comparable body weight gain suggest a higher degree of safety and tolerability for phytosteryl oleates over 7 weeks of experimentation in this animal model. The data so obtained suggest a strong anti-atherogenic activity for phytosteryl oleates in apo E-KO mice. Additional studies are needed to confirm such effects over a longer period of time in this and other relevant animal models.