Effects of pure tocotrienols on the status of endothelial activation, inflammation, oxidative stress and plaque stability in the prevention of early and established experimental atherosclerosis / Nurmazni Zulkafli

Atherosclerosis is one of the leading causes of coronary artery disease (CAD). Studies on the cardioprotective activities of tocotrienols (T3) in the absence of alpha tocopherol (TCP) remain obscure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of pure T3 supplementation on lipid lowering, tissue endothelial activation and inflammatory biomarkers, and oxidative stress in early and established atherosclerosis rabbit model. Fifteen New Zealand white rabbits were divided into two intervention groups: Al [given 2 months normal diet (ND) and 2 weeks high cholesterol diet (HCD)] and A2 (given 2 months ND and 2 months HCD). Each group was further divided into three groups: T3- 4mg/kg and T3-15mg/kg supplementation groups given pure T3 (delta90%-gammal0%) and placebo. Interventions were given throughout the study. Fasting serum lipids, plasma C-reactive protein and 8-isoprostanes were measured at baseline, 4, 8, 10, 12, 16 weeks…