PS-B03-12: DIETARY CAPSANTHIN INHIBITS ATHEROSCLEROTIC INFLAMMATION IN APOLIPOPROTEIN E-DEFICIENT MICE

Abstract

Objective: Among carotenoids, capsanthin is a lipophilic red pigment responsible for the red pigmentation of paprika fruits (Capsicum annuum L.) However, its role in atherosclerosis is yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the role of dietary capsanthin on vascular inflammation in atherosclerotic mice. Design and method: We evaluated the anti-atherosclerotic effects of daily oral administration of capsanthin (0.5 mg/kg of body weight/day) in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice fed a Western-type diet (WD). Results: Dietary capsanthin significantly inhibited the WD-induced elevation in the plasma levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride in mice. The WD group showed a remarkable increase in oil red O-positive lesions indicating aortic plaque formation in whole and cross-sectional aorta. Interestingly, capsanthin reduced aortic plaque formation and VCAM-1 expression, which is vascular inflammation, in atherosclerotic mice. Furthermore, capsanthin significantly reduced the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, a systemic inflammatory marker, in atherosclerotic mice. Conclusions: Taken together, our data demonstrate that dietary capsanthin plays a protective role against atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic mice.