title: Mechanisms used by inulin-type fructans to improve the lipid profile.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The consumption of prebiotics has been associated with improvement in the lipid profile. Thus, this review aims to describe the main mechanisms by which inulin-type fructans improve the lipid profile and thereby reduce the cardiovascular risk.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Inulin-type fructans have been demonstrated to improve the lipid profile through a number of mechanisms. These mechanisms include: decrease in gene expression of hepatic enzymes responsible for de novo synthesis of lipids; increase of muscle lipoprotein lipase enzyme activity, enhancing the production of short-chain fatty acids; altered production of polyamines which increases the production of satiogenic peptide; altered blood glucose and insulinemia; increase of fecal excretion of bile salts and cholesterol and increase of the Bifidobacterium population.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The consumption of inulin-type fructans enhances lipid profile. Generally, the mechanisms vary according to the physiologic state of the individual and the type of diet to which the inulin-type fructans are added. Thus, inulin may be used for the prevention and/or treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Health, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil.. sandraadosreis@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Sandra Aparecida dos
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Reis
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Health, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil.. sandraadosreis@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Lisiane Lopes da
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Conceição
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Health, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil.. sandraadosreis@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Damiana Diniz
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Rosa
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Health, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil.. sandraadosreis@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Manoela Maciel dos Santos
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Dias
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Health, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil.. sandraadosreis@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Maria do Carmo Gouveia
authors.initials: Mdo C
authors.lastname: Peluzio
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004032:Diet; D005630:Fructans / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control; D007444:Inulin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D064307:Microbiota
chemical_list: D005630:Fructans; D008055:Lipids; D007444:Inulin