Interactions of Oxysterols with Atherosclerosis Biomarkers in Subjects with Moderate Hypercholesterolemia and Effects of a Nutraceutical Combination (Bifidobacterium longum BB536, Red Yeast Rice Extract) (Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study)

Abstract

Background: Oxysterol relationship with cardiovascular (CV) risk factors is poorly explored, especially in moderately hypercholesterolaemic subjects. Moreover, the impact of nutraceuticals controlling hypercholesterolaemia on plasma levels of 24-, 25- and 27-hydroxycholesterol (24-OHC, 25-OHC, 27-OHC) is unknown. Methods: Subjects (n = 33; 18–70 years) with moderate hypercholesterolaemia (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C:): 130–200 mg/dL), in primary CV prevention as well as low CV risk were studied cross-sectionally. Moreover, they were evaluated after treatment with a nutraceutical combination (Bifidobacterium longum BB536, red yeast rice extract (10 mg/dose monacolin K)), following a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled design. We evaluated 24-OHC, 25-OHC and 27-OHC levels by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. Results: 24-OHC and 25-OHC were significantly correlated, 24-OHC was correlated with apoB. 27-OHC and 27-OHC/total cholesterol (TC) were higher in men (median 209 ng/mL and 77 ng/mg, respectively) vs. women (median 168 ng/mL and 56 ng/mg, respectively); 27-OHC/TC was significantly correlated with abdominal circumference, visceral fat and, negatively, with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Triglycerides were significantly correlated with 24-OHC, 25-OHC and 27-OHC and with 24-OHC/TC and 25-OHC/TC. After intervention, 27-OHC levels were significantly reduced by 10.4% in the nutraceutical group Levels of 24-OHC, 24-OHC/TC, 25-OHC, 25-OHC/TC and 27-OHC/TC were unchanged. Conclusions: In this study, conducted in moderate hypercholesterolemic subjects, we observed novel relationships between 24-OHC, 25-OHC and 27-OHC and CV risk biomarkers. In addition, no adverse changes of OHC levels upon nutraceutical treatment were found.

Systematic analysis of the experimental and clinical pharmacology of nicotinamide and prospects for the treatment of atherosclerosis

“…Важным синергистом никотинамида и природных статинов является пробиотическая бифидобактерия B.longum BB536, в геноме которой заложена программа интенсификации обмена жиров. Нутрицевтическая комбинация B.longum BB536 и ловастатина (монаколина К) улучшала липидный профиль у пациентов с умеренной гиперхолестеринемией (n=33; 18-70 лет) [68].…”

Nutraceutical alternatives to red yeast rice extract/monacolin K for moderate hypercholesterolaemia: Current evidence and knowledge gaps: Nutraceuticals and hypercholesterolaemia

“…For example, RYR extract has been used in combination with berberine, policosanol, astaxanthin, coenzyme Q10, and folic acid (41). Moreover, RYR extract has also been combined with the probiotic Bifidobacterium Longum BB536 (42,43). Policosanols are a mixture of waxy alcohols derived from a variety of plants.…”

Nutraceuticals for Dyslipidaemia and Glucometabolic Diseases: What the Guidelines Tell Us (and Do Not Tell, Yet)

“…The use of nutraceutical products for the management of dyslipidaemia (and some features, such as insulin resistance, which are often associated to it) is a rather diffused option and the efficacy and safety of several such products, mostly combining two or more active phytoextracts or compounds, have been evaluated by good-quality RCTs [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ].…”