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The effects of corn fractions on cardiovascular risk factors in low density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice 
K. MASISI (1), T. Beta (2), K. Le (3), M. H. Moghadasian (3). (1) Department of Food Science, & Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; (2) Department of Food Science, & Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg , MB, Canada; (3) Department of Human Nutritional Sciences and Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg , MB, Canada

Accumulating evidence has suggested that intake of whole grains is a protective factor against pathogenesis of coronary artery disease. The exact mechanisms, however, are still not clearly understood. We hypothesized that adequate intakes of corn fractions (aleurone, endosperm and germ) reduce cardiovascular risks through beneficial alterations in endogenous antioxidant status, lipid profile and inflammatory pathways in low density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDL-r-KO) mice. Four groups of male LDL-r-KO mice were fed with the experimental diets supplemented with (3 treated groups) or without (1 control group) 5% (w/w) of each of hand-separated corn fraction for 10 weeks. All diets were supplemented with 0.06% (w/w) dietary cholesterol. LDL-r-KO mice are well known models for studying LDL oxidation and atherosclerosis. This study, approved by the Animal Care Committee at the University of Manitoba, is currently in progress. Supplementation of corn fractions did not change weight gain rate or food intake in LDL-r-KO mice during the first 6 weeks of the study. However, mice fed with aleurone fraction had significantly lower plasma total cholesterol (TC; <i>P < 0.04</i>) as compared with those in other groups at week 6 of the study. Susceptibility of LDL particles to copper-induced oxidation as well as the extent and degree of atherogenesis will be examined at the end of the study. The findings of this study will encourage further investigations of potential cardiovascular benefits of cereal grain fractions.

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