Hypolipidaemic and anti-atherosclerotic effects of lupin proteins in a rabbit model.
The biological activities of a protein isolate from lupin (Lupinus albus) were studied in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis. Focal plaque development was induced at both common carotid arteries by perivascular injury. After surgery, animals were fed three different diets for 90 d, all with 1% cholesterol, 15% SFA and 20% protein; the protein source was casein (CAS), lupin proteins (LUP) or 50% CAS+50% LUP (CAS+LUP). Lower cholesterolaemia was detected in the LUP v. the CAS group at 60 and 90 d of treatment (-40·3 and -33·5%, respectively; P<0·05). Cryosection analyses of the carotids indicated a significant reduction in focal lesion progression in the LUP v. the CAS group (-37·4%; P<0·05). In summary, in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis, a protein isolate from L. albus reduced cholesterolaemia and exerted a remarkable protective activity against atherosclerosis progression.
Marchesi
Marta
M
Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, via Balzaretti 9, Milan 20133, Italy.
Parolini
Cinzia
C
Diani
Erika
E
Rigamonti
Elena
E
Cornelli
Lorena
L
Arnoldi
Anna
A
Sirtori
Cesare R
CR
Chiesa
Giulia
G
D000818:Animals; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000188:drug therapy*; D031297:Lupinus / Q000737:chemistry*; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011817:Rabbits
D010940:Plant Proteins