Influence of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on establishment and progression of atherosclerosis in rabbits.
OBJECTIVE
To determine effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on establishment and progression of experimentally-induced atherosclerosis in rabbits.


METHODS
For establishment of atherosclerosis, New Zealand White rabbits were fed a semipurified diet containing 0.1% to 0.2% cholesterol for 90 days. Some groups were fed diet and CLA. For effects on progression of atherosclerosis, rabbits with established atherosclerosis were fed a semipurified diet +/- CLA for 90 days.


RESULTS
At dietary levels as low as 0.1%, CLA inhibited atherogenesis. At dietary levels of 1%, CLA caused substantial (30%) regression of established atherosclerosis. This is the first example of substantial regression of atherosclerosis being caused by diet alone.


CONCLUSIONS
Dietary CLA is an effective inhibitor of atherogenesis and also causes regression of established atherosclerosis.
Kritchevsky
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The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA. kritchevsky@wistar.upenn.edu
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Wright
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Czarnecki
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D000818:Animals; D001011:Aorta / Q000473:pathology; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D019787:Linoleic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008099:Liver / Q000737:chemistry; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits
D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; D008055:Lipids; D019787:Linoleic Acid