The Impact of Dietary Octacosanol on Plasma Lipids and Atherosclerotic Lesion Development in Apo E‐KO Mice

Abstract

Background: Some studies have reported beneficial effects of dietary polycosanols on plasma lipids; however, long-term effects have not been determined yet. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effects of dietary octacosanol on plasma lipids and atherogenesis in Apo E-KO mice. Methods: Ten- male 4- week old apo E-KO mice were fed a 0.2% (W/W) cholesterol-supplemented diet with (treated group, n=5) or without (control group, n=5) 1% (W/W) octacosanol for 12 weeks. Body weight, plasma lipids and aortic atherosclerotic lesion size were measured in both groups of mice. Results: As compared to the control, octacosanol treatment was associated with significantly (p<0.05) reduced levels of plasma triglycerides and slightly increased levels of total cholesterol in the treated group. However, the extent and severity of aortic atherosclerosis were comparable between the two groups of mice. Conclusions: Our data suggest that dietary octacosanol may reduce plasma triglyceride levels in apo E-KO mice. Studies in other animal models may reveal the potential benefits of dietary octacosanol on progression and/or regression of atherosclerotic lesions. Acknowledgements: Octacosanol was a gift from Sino Pharmaceuticals Corp., Richmond, BC.