Dietary diacylglycerol extenuates arterial thrombosis in apoE and LDLR deficient mice

Abstract

Introduction Prevention of arterial thrombotic diseases has high priority in developed countries. An appropriate diet is thought to be the best way to prevent or reduce the risk of mortality from such diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of diacylglycerol (DAG)-rich diets on arterial thrombosis. Material and methods Diet-sensitive congenital apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and LDL receptor (LDLR) double deficient mice were used. Thrombosis was assessed by the rate and extent of thrombus formation in the carotid artery of mice after laser irradiation. Plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were measured by enzymatic assays. Four kinds of diets were used: high fat (Western-style) diet contained 20% fat (w/w) and 0.05% cholesterol (w/w); the TAG-rich and the DAG-rich high fat diet contained 20% TAG or DAG oil (w/w) with very similar fatty acid composition and 0.05% cholesterol ; Low fat (Japanese-style) diet contained 7% fat, without cholesterol. These diets were on the basis of AIN93G and were given to mice for 8 weeks from 6 weeks of age. Results Western-style high fat and TAG-rich high fat diets significantly increased thrombogenicity compared with low fat diet. DAG-rich high fat diet showed the lowest value, and the extent of thrombogenicity was equivalent to the low fat diet group. Fasting plasma total cholesterol level of DAG-rich high fat and low fat diet groups were significantly lower than that of TAG-rich high fat and high fat diet groups. Fasting plasma triglyceride levels in DAG-rich high fat diet group were significantly lower than in the TAG-rich high fat diet group. Conclusions Dietary DAG but not TAG oil extenuates arterial thrombus formation. The mechanism of this effect is unclear and further investigated.