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The role of gut microbiota in the low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol‐lowering effects of plant sterol esters
Author(s) -
Dubenetzky Megan Christina,
Rasmussen Heather,
Carr Timothy,
Walter Jens
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.586.4
Subject(s) - sterol , cholesterol , chemistry , gut flora , ldl cholesterol , biochemistry , food science
The hyopcholesterolemic effect of plant sterol esters have been documented, with an average reduction in plasma LDL cholesterol levels of approximately 10% in humans. The exact mechanism by which this occurs is largely unknown. To determine the relationship between resident bacteria populations in the gut and the cholesterol‐lowering ability of plant sterol esters, 13 healthy individuals with elevated plasma LDL cholesterol were enrolled in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over trial. Stearate‐enriched plant sterol esters (SPSEs) (3 g/d) or a placebo were administered for two, 4‐week periods separated by a 4‐week washout period. Dietary intake, weight and compliance were assessed throughout the study. Serum LDL cholesterol was significantly reduced by SPSE intake ( P > 0.05), and serum and fecal neutral sterols differed with SPSE intake. Total fecal bile acids were not changed by SPSE treatment, but individual bile acids differed significantly ( P > 0.05). Pyrosequencing of 16s rRNA revealed within‐subject shifts in the microbiota, with SPSE supplementation correlating significantly to changes in serum cholesterol concentrations ( P > 0.05). The present study presents a novel mechanism by which plant sterol esters reduce LDL cholesterol and could give rise to future therapeutic regimens targeting the gut microbiota for modulation of cardiovascular disease risk factors.