Dietary flaxseed supplementation improves endothelial function in the mesenteric arterial bed

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of flaxseed diet supplementation on endothelial function in the mesenteric arterial bed of rats. Twenty-four rats were divided into 3 groups: Control Group (CG; 10% protein; 5% fiber; 7% lipid); Flaxseed Group (FG, supplemented with 25% flaxseed; 10% protein; 7% fiber; 11% lipid); and Modified Control Group (MCG; 10% protein; 7% fiber; 11% lipid). The blood was obtained by cardiac puncture (after 180 days) and the serum was separated for lipid profile analyses. The vasodilator effect of acetylcholine (1–100 pmol) was evaluated in the preconstricted isolated rat vascular bed. FG showed a 47% increase in HDL-C, a 22% reduction in LDL-C, a 23% reduction in triacylglycerols, and an increased (p < 0.05) vasodilator response to acetylcholine, in relation to the CG and CMG groups. These results suggest that flaxseed has a cardioprotective effect by improving the blood lipid profile and endothelial function.