Endothelial function in hypercholesterolemic subjects: Effects of plant stanol and sterol esters.
We investigated the effects of stanol (STAEST) and sterol esters (STEEST) on endothelial function in hypercholesterolemic subjects. In addition, associations of variables of cholesterol metabolism with endothelial function were investigated. In a double-blind randomized cross-over study (n=39) with age-matched parallel control group (n=37) the subjects consumed STAEST or STEEST spread (total plant sterols and stanols 1.93-1.98g/day) for 10 weeks each. Controls consumed the spread without sterols or stanols for 20 weeks. At baseline, brachial artery diameter was positively correlated with serum triglycerides (r=0.375, p=0.001) and glucose (r=0.420, p<0.001) and with cholesterol synthesis marker ratios to cholesterol (e.g. desmosterol r=0.540, p<0.001) and negatively with HDL cholesterol (r=-0.309, p=0.008) and absorption marker ratios (e.g. campesterol r=-0.332, p=0.004). During the intervention, LDL cholesterol was reduced by 6-9% from baseline with STAEST and STEEST spreads (p<0.05), and by 9-12%, respectively, from controls (p<0.05). Flow-mediated dilatation did not change during the investigation. Brachial artery diameter was unchanged in controls and during STAEST periods, but it was reduced during STEEST by 2.2% (p=0.012) from STAEST. In conclusion, variables of cholesterol metabolism are associated with brachial artery diameter at baseline. STEEST diminishes brachial artery diameter, but its clinical relevance remains unclear.
Hallikainen
Maarit
M
Department of Clinical Nutrition, University of Kuopio, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland. maarit.hallikainen@uku.fi
Lyyra-Laitinen
Tiina
T
Laitinen
Tomi
T
Agren
Jyrki J
JJ
Pihlajamäki
Jussi
J
Rauramaa
Rainer
R
Miettinen
Tatu A
TA
Gylling
Helena
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001916:Brachial Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012855:Sitosterols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014463:Ultrasonography
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D004041:Dietary Fats; D012855:Sitosterols; C407042:plant stanol ester