Original Communication
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005) 59, 518–525. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602106 Published online 26 January 2005
Effect of plant sterols and endurance training on LDL particle size and distribution in previously sedentary hypercholesterolemic adults
Guarantor: PJH Jones.
Contributors: KAV conducted the human trial, analysed the data, and wrote the manuscript. ACS and BL assisted in the data analyses, and were involved in the final approval of the manuscript. PJHJ designed the study and aided in the preparation of the manuscript.
K A Varady1, A C St-Pierre2, B Lamarche2 and P J H Jones1
- 1School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Québec, Canada
- 2Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods Institute, Université Laval, Ste. Foy, Québec, Canada
Correspondence: JH Jones, School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, McGill University, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Québec, Canada H9X 3V9. E-mail: jonesp@macdonald.mcgill.ca
Received 25 May 2004; Revised 27 August 2004; Accepted 11 November 2004; Published online 26 January 2005.
Abstract
Background:
Plant sterols and exercise favourably alter lipid profiles in a way that protect against future coronary heart disease (CHD). However, their effects on other indicators of CHD risk, such as LDL particle size, still need further clarification.
Objective:
This study examined the effect of plant sterols, exercise, and the combination of plant sterols and exercise, on LDL particle size and distribution in previously sedentary, hypercholesterolemic adults.
Design:
In an 8-week, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm clinical trial, 84 subjects were randomized to one of four intervention groups: (1) combination of sterols and exercise, (2) exercise, (3) sterol, or (4) control.
Results:
Exercise significantly (P<0.05) reduced post-treatment LDL peak particle size from 255 to 253 Å. Additionally, exercise significantly (P<0.05) decreased the proportion of large LDL particles within plasma. Sterol supplementation significantly (P<0.05) decreased the estimated cholesterol concentrations within small, medium, and large LDL particles by 13.4, 13.5, and 14.4%, respectively, yet had no effect on the distribution of cholesterol among various LDL particle sizes. Furthermore, decreased body weight post-training was associated with increased cholesterol in small LDL particles (r=-0.52, P<0.0001). Decrease in body fat percent (BF%) post-training was associated with increased cholesterol concentrations in small LDL particles (r=-0.29, P<0.01).
Conclusion:
On the basis of modulating LDL electrophoretic characteristics, the present study demonstrates that plant sterols have no effect on CHD risk, while short-term exercise may potentially increase CHD risk by decreasing LDL peak particle size.
Sponsorship:
This study was sponsored by The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
Keywords:
plant sterol, exercise, LDL particle size, body composition, cholesterol
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