In Vivo Suppression Of Atherosclerosis By Dietary Oats Avenanthramides

The consumption of oatmeal and oat bran has been shown to reduce total and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in plasma, which are major risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD). Oats, in addition to containing soluble fiber (β-glucan), are a good source of protein and lipids as well as several antioxidants including vitamin E, phytic acid, phenolics, and Avenanthramides (Avns), unique soluble bioactive compounds present only in oats. Avns can inhibit inflammation in arterial endothelium by suppressing NF-κB, which regulates expression of several inflammatory cytokines. We have reported that Avns suppressed endothelial expression of chemokines (MCP-1, IL-8), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 and IL-6) and several adhesion molecules, all of which suggest oats’ potential anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic properties. In agreement with our in vitro observations, supplementing a high fat diet of LDLr−/− mice with feed containing 27% or 40% oats significantly reduced aortic lesion develop...