The Journal of Nutrition Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions Carob Pod Insoluble Fiber Exerts Anti- Atherosclerotic Effects in Rabbits through

The aim of this studywas to evaluate the potential effects of an insoluble dietary fiber from carob pod (IFC) (1 g kg21 d21 in the diet) on alterations associated with atherosclerosis in rabbits with dyslipidemia. Male New Zealand rabbits (n = 30) were fed the following diets for 8 wk: 1) a control diet (SF412; Panlab) as a control group representing normal conditions; 2) a control supplemented with 0.5 % cholesterol + 14 % coconut oil (DL) (SF302; Panlab) for 8 wk as a dyslipidemic group; and 3) a control containing 0.5 % cholesterol + 14 % coconut oil plus IFC (1 g kg21 d21) (DL+IFC) for 8 wk. IFC was administered in a pellet mixed with the DL diet. The DL-fed group developed mixed dyslipidemia and atherosclerotic lesions, which were associated with endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and fibrosis. Furthermore, sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-g coactivator-1a (PGC-1a) protein expression in the aorta were reduced to 77 % and 63 % of the control group, respectively (P < 0.05), in these rabbits. Administration of IFC to DL-fed rabbits reduced the size of the aortic lesion significantly (DL, 15.2 % and DL+IFC, 2.6%) and normalized acetylcholine-induced relaxation (maximal response: control, 89.3%; DL, 61.6%; DL+IFC, 87.1%; P < 0.05) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression (DL, 52 % and DL+IFC, 104 % of the control group). IFC administration to DL-fed rabbits also reduced cluster of differentiation 36 (DL, 148%andDL+IFC, 104%of the control group; P < 0.05), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (DL, 141 % and DL+IFC, 107 % of the control group), tumor necrosis factor-a (DL