title: Enzymatic synthesis of phytosteryl docosahexaneates and evaluation of their anti-atherogenic effects in apo-E deficient mice.
abstract: Phytosterols have attracted much attention in recent years due to their health benefits, such as cholesterol lowering, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenicity, and anti-cancer potential. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been demonstrated to possess cardioprotective and immune-enhancing effects. Esterification of phytosterols with DHA may render improved physiochemical properties such as solubility, miscibility, oxidative stability and hence bioactivity and bioavailability. Thus, phytosteryl docosahexaneates (PS-DHA) may offer both the benefits of phytosterols and DHA, possibly in a synergistic manner. Here, we describe a method for enzymatic synthesis of phytosteryl docosahexaneates and evaluation of metabolic and cardiovascular benefits in apo-E deficient (apo E-KO) mice. The structures of phytosteryl docosahexaneates were confirmed by infrared (IR) and high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) using both normal and reverse phase chromatography. Apo E-KO mice were fed with an atherogenic diet containing 2% (w/w) PS-DHA for 7 weeks. Plasma lipid levels and the extent and complexity of atherosclerotic lesions were examined and compared with those in the control group. The PS-DHA-treated mice had significantly lower plasma cholesterol levels and three times smaller atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic roots. This pilot study suggests cardiovascular benefits for PS-DHA. Further experimental and clinical studies are needed to confirm such benefits of PS-DHA.
authors: Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, NL, Canada A1B 3X9.
authors: Zhuliang
authors: Z
authors: Tan
authors: Khuong
authors: K
authors: Le
authors: Mohammed
authors: M
authors: Moghadasian
authors: Fereidoon
authors: F
authors: Shahidi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001057:Apolipoproteins E / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000235:genetics; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D004036:Diet, Atherogenic / Q000009:adverse effects; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D004951:Esterification; D006801:Humans; D008049:Lipase / Q000737:chemistry*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D015394:Molecular Structure; D010840:Phytosterols / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D001057:Apolipoproteins E; D008055:Lipids; D010840:Phytosterols; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D008049:Lipase