Effects of Corn Peptide Consumption on Plasma Lipid Profiles in Cholesterol-Fed Rats

ABSTRACT

In this study, the effects of corn peptide consumption on plasma lipid profiles were investigated in high cholesterol dietfed rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 21) were fed with corn peptide-free (control) diet, diets containing 2% or 5% corn peptide for 5 weeks. Hypercholesterolemia was induced by adding 1% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid to all diets. No difference was found in food intake and body weight gain among groups. The corn peptide treated groups showed significant improvement in the plasma level of HDL-cholesterol (p < 0.05) compared to the control group, while the plasma total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were not affected. 5% corn peptide supplemented diet reduced plasma level of triglycerides (p < 0.05). The atherogenic index was decreased in the corn peptide treated groups. These results suggest that consumption of corn peptide may lead to an amelioration of metabolic syndrome as well as a reduction of cardiovascular disease and hyperlipidemia through increasing the level of HDL-cholesterol, and decreasing the level of triglycerides in plasma.