Plasma HDL subfraction levels increase in rats fed proso-millet protein concentrate.
BACKGROUND
Millet has been consumed as human food in the countries of Asia and Africa. We reported previously the effects of dietary protein concentrates from proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) on plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein HDL cholesterol. Of note is that of these HDL subfractions, HDL2 particles may have the more strongly protective effect against the risk of coronary heart disease than HDL3. However, it is unclear how dietary millet protein affects plasma levels of HDL subfractions.


METHODS
We examined the effect of feeding of proso-millet protein concentrate (PMPC) for 21 days on plasma levels of HDL cholesterol, HDL subfractions and lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activities in rats.


RESULTS
Results showed a clear elevation of plasma levels of HDL cholesterol (p<0.05) without an increase in low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and enhancement of LCAT activities (p<0.06) by the intake of a PMPC diet compared with a casein diet. This increase in HDL cholesterol levels was substantially due to the elevation of HDL2 subfractions (p<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
PMPC could have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular disease because HDL2 subfractions may have the more strongly protective effect against the risk of coronary heart disease.
Shimanuki
Shigefumi
S
Utiike Jyozo Co. Ltd., Fukushima, Fukushima, Japan.
Nagasawa
Takashi
T
Nishizawa
Naoyuki
N
D000818:Animals; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008897:Panicum / Q000737:chemistry*; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL; D010940:Plant Proteins