Reduction of atherosclerotic disease in genetically obese rats by low calorie diet

Abstract

Starting at 3 months of age genetically obese rats were maintained on a low calorie diet of Purina chow for the rest of life. On ad libitum diet of Purina chow such animals exhibit endogenous hyperlipidemia and spontaneous hypertension and frequently develop atherosclerotic vascular disease. The low calorie regimen was well tolerated by the obese rats and proved to be highly beneficial. It diminished the obese state, almost eliminated the hypertriglyceridemia, reduced the hypercholesterolemia, and substantially lowered the incidence of atherosclerotic lesions, i.e., to 14% as compared to 48% among obese rats on ad libitum diet. Since the animals had persistent hypertension in spite of the low calorie diet, it appears likely that control of the hyperlipidemia played a significantly role in the prevention of vascular disease.