PMID: 

Food Chem. 2015 Feb 15 ;169:344-9. Epub 2014 Aug 10. PMID: 25236236

Abstract Title: 

Effects of dietary hull-less barleyβ-glucan on the cholesterol metabolism of hypercholesterolemic hamsters.

Abstract: 

The aim of the present study is to investigate the hypocholesterolemic effects of dietary hull-less barleyβ-glucan (HBG) on cholesterol metabolism in hamsters which were fed a hypercholesterolemic diet. The hamsters were divided into 3 groups and fed experimental diets, containing 5‰ HBG or 5‰ oat β-glucan (OG), for 30days. The HBG, as well as OG, lowered the concentration of plasma LDL-cholesterol significantly. The excretion of total lipids and cholesterol in feces were increased in HBG and OG groups compared with the control group. The activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase in liver was reduced significantly in the HBG group compared with the control and OGgroups. The activity of cholesterol 7-α hydroxylase (CYP7A1) in the liver, in the HBG and OG groups, was significantly increased compared with the control group. The concentrations of acetate, propionate and total short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were not significantly different between the HBG andcontrol groups. These results indicate that dietary HBG reduces the concentration of plasma LDL cholesterol by promoting the excretion of fecal lipids, and regulating the activities of HMG-CoA reductase and CYP7A1 in hypercholesterolemic hamsters.

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PMID: 

Hum Exp Toxicol. 2019 Dec 26:960327119895811. Epub 2019 Dec 26. PMID: 31876187

Abstract Title: 

Effects of quercetin on cadmium-induced toxicity in rat urine using metabonomics techniques.

Abstract: 

This study aimed to analyse the protective effects of quercetin on the toxicity of cadmium (Cd) using metabonomics techniques. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups (= 10): control group (C), low-dose quercetin-treated group (Q1; 10 mg/kg bw/day), high-dose quercetin-treated group (Q2; 50 mg/kg bw/day), Cd-treated group (D; 4.89 mg/kg bw/day), low-dose quercetin plus Cd-treated group (DQ1) and high-dose quercetin plus Cd-treated group (DQ2). The rats continuously received quercetin and Cd via gavage and drinking water for 12 weeks, respectively. The rat urine samples were collected for metabonomics analysis. Finally, 10 metabolites were identified via the metabonomics profiles of the rat urine samples. Compared with the control group, the intensities of taurine, phosphocreatine, l-carnitine and uric acid were significantly decreased (

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PMID: 

Neuroscience. 2020 Jan 21 ;428:38-49. Epub 2019 Dec 23. PMID: 31874239

Abstract Title: 

Quercetin Attenuates Decrease of Thioredoxin Expression Following Focal Cerebral Ischemia and Glutamate-induced Neuronal Cell Damage.

Abstract: 

Quercetin is a bioactive flavonoid which abundantly exists in vegetables and fruits. Quercetin exerts a neuroprotective effect against cerebral ischemia. Thioredoxin acts as antioxidant by regulating redox signaling. This study investigated whether quercetin regulates thioredoxin expression in focal cerebral ischemia and glutamate-induced neuronal cell death. Male Sprague Dawley rats (210-230 g) were intraperitoneally injected with vehicle or quercetin (10 mg/kg) 1 h prior to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Cerebral cortex was collected 24 h after MCAO. MCAO led to neurological movement deficits, brain edema, and serious histopathological damages in cerebral cortex, andquercetin alleviated these damages following MCAO. We observed the change of thioredoxin expression in MCAO animals with quercetin using proteomic approach, reverse-transcription PCR, and Western blot analyses. Thioredoxin expression decreased in vehicle-treated MCAO animals, while quercetin attenuated this decrease. Moreover, quercetin treatment alleviated the decrease in the number of thioredoxin-positive cells in cerebral cortex of MCAO animals. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated that interaction of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) and thioredoxin was decreased in MCAO animals with vehicle, while quercetin prevented MCAO-induced decrease in these binding. In addition, quercetin also alleviated the reduction of cell viability and the decrease in thioredoxin expression in glutamate-treated hippocampal cell line and primary cultures of cortical neurons. However in thioredoxin-silenced cortical neuron, anti-apoptotic effect of quercetin was decreased. Thus, changes of thioredoxin expression by quercetin may contribute to the neuroprotective effect of quercetin in focal cerebral ischemia. Our findings suggest that quercetin mediates its neuroprotectivefunction by regulation of thioredoxin expression and maintenance of interaction between ASK1 and thioredoxin.

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PMID: 

J Sci Food Agric. 2016 Mar 15 ;96(4):1396-401. Epub 2015 May 21. PMID: 25913820

Abstract Title: 

Effects of dietary oat proteins on cholesterol metabolism of hypercholesterolaemic hamsters.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: The aim of present study was to investigate the hypocholesterolaemic effects of oat proteins (OP) in hamsters fed with a hypercholesterolaemic diet. The hamsters were divided into five groups and fed with the experimental diets containing oat, OP, oatβ-glucan (OG), or OP+OG for 30 days.RESULTS: OP and the OG significantly lowered the concentrations of plasma low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and liver total cholesterol (TC), and increased the excretion of faecal bile acid and TC. Plasma and liver TC in the OP+OG group were significantly lower than those in the OP or OG groups. Both OP and OG increased the activity of liver cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), while its activity in the OP+OG group was strongly increased compared with the OP or OG groups.CONCLUSION: These results indicated that dietary OP could improve hypercholesterolaemia, while dietary OP and OG together would have better hypocholesterolaemic effects.

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PMID: 

Molecules. 2019 Dec 23 ;25(1). Epub 2019 Dec 23. PMID: 31878082

Abstract Title: 

Quercetin, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Curcumin, and Resveratrol: From Dietary Sources to Human MicroRNA Modulation.

Abstract: 

Epidemiologic studies suggest that dietary polyphenol intake is associated with a lower incidence of several non-communicable diseases. Although several foods contain complex mixtures of polyphenols, numerous factors can affect their content. Besides the well-known capability of these molecules to act as antioxidants, they are able to interact with cell-signaling pathways, modulating gene expression, influencing the activity of transcription factors, and modulating microRNAs. Here we deeply describe four polyphenols used as nutritional supplements: quercetin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC), and curcumin, summarizing the current knowledge about them, spanning from dietary sources to the epigenetic capabilities of these compounds on microRNA modulation.

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PMID: 

J Agric Food Chem. 2016 Mar 2 ;64(8):1686-94. Epub 2016 Feb 22. PMID: 26900983

Abstract Title: 

Plasma Cholesterol-Lowering Activity of Lard Functionalized with Mushroom Extracts Is Independent of Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 Protein and ABC Sterol Transporter Gene Expression in Hypercholesterolemic Mice.

Abstract: 

Interest in food matrices supplemented with mushrooms as hypocholesterolemic functional foods is increasing. This study was to (i) investigate the hypocholesterolemic activity of lard functionalized with mushroom extracts (LF) including fungalβ-glucans, water-soluble polysaccharides, or ergosterol and (ii) examine the LF influence on transcriptional mechanisms involved in cholesterol metabolism. mRNA levels of 17 cholesterol-related genes were evaluated in jejunum, cecum, and liver of high cholesterol-fed mice. The four tested LFs decreased plasma cholesterol by 22-42%, HDLc by 18-40%, and LDLc by 27-51%, and two of them increased mRNA levels of jejunal Npc1l1 and Abcg5 and hepatic Npc1l1. mRNA levels of other cholesterol-related genes were unchanged. These findings suggest that LF may have potential as a dietary supplement for counteracting diet-induced hypercholesterolemia and could be a source for the development of novel cholesterol-lowering functional foods. However, the cholesterol-lowering effect was unrelated to transcriptional changes, suggesting that post-transcriptional mechanisms could be involved.

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PMID: 

J Nutr. 2016 04 ;146(4):720-7. Epub 2016 Mar 2. PMID: 26936139

Abstract Title: 

High-Molecular-Weightβ-Glucan Decreases Serum Cholesterol Differentially Based on the CYP7A1 rs3808607 Polymorphism in Mildly Hypercholesterolemic Adults.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: β-Glucan, a soluble fiber with viscous property, has a documented cholesterol-lowering effect. The molecular weight (MW) of β-glucan, which contributes to viscosity, and an individual's genotype might influence the cholesterol-lowering efficacy of β-glucan.OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to determine whether the cholesterol-lowering efficacy of barleyβ-glucan varied as a function of MW and the daily dose consumed. Our second aim was to determine whether any gene-diet interactions are associated with the cholesterol-lowering efficacy of β-glucan.METHODS: In a randomized controlled crossover trial, 30 mildly hypercholesterolemic adults [12 men and 18 women, aged 27-78 y; body mass index (in kg/m(2)): 20-40; total cholesterol (TC): 5.0-8.0 mmol/L; LDL cholesterol: 2.7-5.0 mmol/L] were randomly assigned to receive a breakfast that contained either barleyβ-glucan at 3 g high MW (HMW)/d, 5 g low MW (LMW)/d, or 3 g LMW/d or a control diet, each for 5 wk. The washout period between the phases was 4 wk. Fasting blood samples were collected at the start and end of each phase for blood lipid analysis and genotyping.RESULTS: Consumption of 3 g HMWβ-glucan/d lowered TC by -0.12 mmol/L (95% CI: -0.24, -0.006 mmol/L) compared with the control diet (P= 0.0046), but the LMW β-glucan, at either 3 g/d or 5 g/d, did not change serum cholesterol concentrations. This effect of HMW β-glucan was associated with gene-diet interaction, whereby individuals with the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs3808607-G allele (GG or GT) of the cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily A member 1 gene (CYP7A1) had greater responses to 3 g HMW β-glucan/d in lowering TC than TT carriers (P= 0.0006).CONCLUSIONS: The HMWβ-glucan rather than LMW β-glucan reduced circulating TC effectively in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults. The cholesterol-lowering effect of β-glucan may also be determined by the genetic characteristics of an individual. These data show that individuals carrying theCYP7A1SNP rs3808607-G alleleare more responsive to the cholesterol-lowering effect of β-glucan with HMW than TT carriers. This trial was registered atclinicaltrials.govasNCT01408719.

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PMID: 

Nutr Hosp. 2016 02 16 ;33(1):123-130. Epub 2016 Feb 16. PMID: 27019267

Abstract Title: 

Effects of oat bran and nutrition counseling on the lipid and glucose profile and anthropometric parameters of hypercholesterolemia patients

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: In order to prevent chronic, non communicable disease, it is essential that lifestyle is modified to include a diet high in fiber.AIM: To assess the effect oat bran (OB) in conjunction with nutrition counseling (NC) have on lipid and glucose profile, anthropometric parameters,quality of diet, and ingestion of ultraprocessed foods (UPF) and additives in hypercholesterolemia sufferers.METHOD: This was a 90-day, double-blind, placebo-controlled, block-randomized trial undertaken on 132 men and women with LDL-c≥ 130 mg/ dL. The participants were sorted into two groups: OB Group (OBG) and Placebo Group (PLG), and were given NC and 40g of either OB or rice flour, respectively. Lipid and glucose profile were assessed, as were the anthropometric data, quality of diet (Diet Quality Index revised for the Brazilian population – DQI-R) and whether or not UPF or additives were consumed.RESULTS: Both groups showed a significant decrease in anthropometric parameters and blood pressure, as well as a significant reduction in total and LDL cholesterol. There was also an improvement in DQI-R in both groups and a decrease in consumption of UPF. Blood sugar, HOMA-IR and QUICKI values were found to be significantly lower only in the OBG.CONCLUSION: Our findings in lipid profile and anthropometric parameters signify that NC has a beneficial effect, which is attributable to the improved quality of diet and reduced consumption of UPF. Daily consumption of 40 g of OB was found to be of additional benefit, in decreasing insulin-resistance parameters.

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PMID: 

Sci Pharm. 2016 Jan-Mar;84(1):153-65. Epub 2016 Feb 14. PMID: 27110506

Abstract Title: 

Cholesterol-Lowering Effect of Beta Glucan Extracted from Saccharomyces cerevisiae in Rats.

Abstract: 

Glucans are present in fungi, plants, algae, and bacteria.β-Glucan, one of the major cell wall components of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has been found to enhance immune functions. Glucans are glucose polymers with an α- or β-type glycosidic chain. The role of (1→3)-β-D-glucan is in the maintenance of yeast cell wall shape and rigidity. Studies revealthat soluble glucans can lower total cholesterol and LDL levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia. The important benefit of β-glucan is to improve the immune system and to decrease cholesterol levels in the blood. Several studies have reported the benefits of β-glucan as: antiseptic, antioxidant, anti-aging, immune system activators, protection against radiation, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-cholesterol etc. In this research S. cerevisiae was cultured in yeast extract-peptone-glucose (YPG) broth medium to produce beta-glucan. Cells were harvested at the stationary phase, washed, and disrupted by means of sonication method. The obtained cell walls were used to prepare alkali-soluble β-glucan (glucan-S1). In this regard, 2% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and 3% acetic acid were used in alkaline-acid extraction, respectively. Potential use of beta-glucan extract as an anticholesterol agent was tested using Sprague dawley strain rats. The experiments were divided into eight groups with four replicates: Group I (normal control), group II (fed with cholesterol without beta-glucan), group III (fed with cholesterol + atorvastatin), group IV (fed with cholesterol + β-glucan standard), group V-VIII (fed of cholesterol + β-glucan of S. cerevisiae with each dose of 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg / BW. Rats were fed with cholesterol for 14 days, except for group I. Analysis of blood was carried out to determine total cholesterol, triglycerides, and malondialdehyde. The results showed that beta-glucan crude obtained from S. cerevisiae cultures was 6.890g.L(-1). Βeta-glucan extract of S. cerevisiae can reduce total cholesterol approaching normal values at doses of 10 mg of 32.79 % (blood plasma) and 33.71 % (in the liver). The extract was capable of reducing triglyceride levels ina dose of 10 mg of beta-glucan 64.43 % (blood plasma) and at a dose 30 mg of beta-glucan 19.45 % (liver). Beta-glucan treatment at a dose of 40 mg can reduce MDA levels of 45.22 % (blood plasma) and 42.64 % (liver).

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PMID: 

Br J Nutr. 2016 Oct ;116(8):1369-1382. Epub 2016 Oct 11. PMID: 27724985

Abstract Title: 

The effect of oatβ-glucan on LDL-cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol and apoB for CVD risk reduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised-controlled trials.

Abstract: 

Oats are a rich source ofβ-glucan, a viscous, soluble fibre recognised for its cholesterol-lowering properties, and are associated with reduced risk of CVD. Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised-controlled trials (RCT) investigating the cholesterol-lowering potential of oat β-glucan on LDL-cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol and apoB for the risk reduction of CVD. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched. We included RCT of ≥3 weeks of follow-up, assessing the effect of diets enriched with oat β-glucan compared with controlled diets on LDL-cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol or apoB. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed study quality and risk of bias. Data were pooled using the generic inverse-variance method with random effects models and expressed as mean differences with 95 % CI. Heterogeneity was assessed by the Cochran's Q statistic and quantified by the I 2-statistic. In total, fifty-eight trials (n 3974) were included. A median dose of 3·5 g/d of oat β-glucan significantly lowered LDL-cholesterol (-0·19; 95 % CI -0·23, -0·14 mmol/l, P

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