Anti‐atherogenic effect of blue‐green algae in male apolipoprotein E knockout mice fed an atherogenic diet

Abstract

Development of atherosclerotic plaque in the arteries involves hyperlipidemia and inflammation. We previously reported hypolipidemic and anti‐inflammatory properties of blue‐green algae (BGA) or their organic extracts in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Therefore, BGA may be protective against atherogenesis. To evaluate an anti‐atherogenic effect of Nostoc commune var. sphaeroides Kützing (NO) and Spirulina platensis (SP), 45 male apolipoprotein E knockout mice were fed a high fat/high cholesterol control diet (HF/HC, 15% fat and 0.2% cholesterol by wt) or a HF/HC diet supplemented with 5% of dry, powdered NO or SP by wt for 12 wk. NO supplementation significantly decreased plasma total cholesterol concentrations at 6 and 12 wk than other groups. Plasma triglyceride levels were lower in NO‐fed mice than SP mice. BGA supplementation did not alter liver weight and the expression of hepatic genes for cholesterol synthesis, LDL uptake and lipogenesis compared with control. Plasma tumor necrosis factor α levels were not significantly different between groups. However, when splenocytes isolated from NO and SP‐fed mice were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide ex vivo, interleukin 6 secretion was significantly decreased compared with control splenocytes. In conclusion, different types of BGA may be athero‐protective by exerting hypolipidemic and/or anti‐inflammatory functions. (Funded by NIH R21AT005152)Grant Funding Source: NIH R21AT005152