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pubmed:abstractText |
The effect of different polysaccharides fermented in the large intestine and liable to lower plasma cholesterol was investigated in rats. Male rats were assigned to one of five treatment groups: control diet or a diet containing pectin, guar gum, gum arabic or beta-cyclodextrin. The four compounds were effectively fermented, yielding cecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentrations in the range of 130 to 170 mmol/L. Relative to controls, the cecal concentration of propionate was significantly higher in rats fed all fibers, especially those fed guar gum (+190%) or beta-cyclodextrin (+385%). All the fermented carbohydrates elicited a significant cholesterol-lowering effect, which was most potent in rats fed guar gum or beta-cyclodextrin, the two fibers that also significantly depressed plasma triglycerides. These two carbohydrates significantly lowered LDL and HDL1 cholesterol, triglyceride-rich lipoprotein triglycerides and apolipoprotein E levels. Apolipoprotein B was lowered only by beta-cyclodextrin. The microsomal activities of hydroxymethylglutaryl (HMG) CoA reductase and of cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase were markedly elevated in rats fed guar gum or beta-cyclodextrin and, to a lesser extent, in those fed pectin compared with controls. Increased bile acid excretion seems to be essential in the cholesterol-lowering effect of soluble fibers and related compounds. This effect is connected to induction of HMG CoA reductase and lowering concentrations of apolipoprotein E-containing particles.
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