Eicosanoids and docosanoids in plasma and aorta of healthy and atherosclerotic rabbits.

Eicosanoids and docosanoids have been shown to be involved in atherosclerosis. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are important nutrients that are metabolized by lipoxygenases and cyclooxygenases to various mono-hydroxy metabolites which can be further metabolized by specific enzymes to more complex eicosanoids and docosanoids. In this study a high-performance liquid chromatography methodology was established and rabbits were fed with a control or a high-cholesterol diet to induce atherosclerotic lesions to determine pro- or anti-inflammatory lipid mediators in atherosclerotic vessels. In aortic samples from atherosclerotic rabbits we determined for the first time various eicosanoids/docosanoids and observed an increased concentration of 12-lipoxygenase metabolites. Increased levels of 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) in high-cholesterol versus control animals as well as increased ratios of 12-HETE/arachidonic acid ratios indicate that 12-lipoxygenase metabolites may have importance in atherosclerosis. In addition, decreased concentrations of the 5-lipoxygenase metabolite leukotriene B4 levels were detected in high-cholesterol animals. A positive correlation of total plaque area with plasma levels of 12-HETE and a negative correlation with aortic levels of endogenous PPARγ-ligand 13-oxo-octadecadienoic acid were found. This study let us conclude that the cholesterol content in the diet might influence atherosclerosis via increased 12-lipoxygenase- and cyclooxygenase-mediated pathways and reduced 5-lipoxygenase pathways.

Effects of lycopene on the initial state of atherosclerosis in New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Lycopene is the main carotenoid in tomatoes, where it is found in high concentrations. Strong epidemiological evidence suggests that lycopene may provide protection against cardiovascular diseases. We therefore studied the effects of lycopene on diet-induced increase in serum lipid levels and the initiation of atherosclerosis in New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The animals, divided into four groups of 9 animals each, were fed either a standard diet, a high-cholesterol diet containing 0.5% cholesterol, a high-cholesterol diet containing placebo beadlets, or a high-cholesterol diet plus 5 mg/kg body weight/day of lycopene (in the form of lycopene beadlets), for a period of 4 weeks. We found significantly elevated lycopene plasma levels in the animal group treated with lycopene beadlets. Compared to the high-cholesterol and the placebo group, this was associated with a significant reduction of 50% in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol serum levels in the lycopene group. The amount of cholesteryl ester in the aorta was significantly decreased by lycopene. However, we did not observe a significant decrease in the extent of aortic surface lipid accumulation in the lycopene group. In addition, no differences in the intima-media thickness among groups were observed. Endothelial-dependent and endothelial-independent vasodilation in isolated rabbit aortic and carotid rings did not differ among any of the animal groups. CONCLUSIONS: Lycopene supplementation for 4 weeks increased lycopene plasma levels in the animals. Although we found strongly reduced total and LDL cholesterol serum levels as well as significantly lower amounts of cholesteryl ester in the aortae in the lycopene-treated group, no significant differences in initial lesions in the aortae were detected.