Influence of dietary lipids on lipoprotein composition and LDL Cu(2+)-induced oxidation in rabbits with experimental atherosclerosis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the composition of plasma lipoproteins and their susceptibility to oxidation in rabbits with experimental atherosclerosis provoked by the intake of a diet rich in cholesterol and saturated fat as well as the influence of the intake of four diets differing in their lipid profiles (fish (F), refined olive (R), virgin olive (V) and sunflower (S) oils) on plasma lipoprotein composition and susceptibility to oxidation of these atherosclerotic rabbits. Plasma and lipoproteins concentrations of cholesterol, phospholipids and triglycerides were markedly higher in atherosclerotic rabbits but decreased with the experimental diets. LDL oxidation damage increased in atherosclerotic rabbits; the F diet led to a higher LDL oxidation susceptibility whereas groups fed either S, R, or V showed LDL oxidation values close to those of the control group. Diets rich in monounsaturated and n-3 polyunsaturated oils showed efficacy in restoring the normal lipid profiles in atherosclerotic rabbits provided in fish oil is adequately stabilized with antioxidants.