The Effects of Beta-Glucan Rich Oat Bread on Serum Nitric Oxide and Vascular Endothelial Function in Patients with Hypercholesterolemia

Abstract

Introduction. Oats are high in soluble fibers and effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). We assessed the effects of beta-glucan from oat bran on serum nitric oxide (NO) endothelial function in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Method. Sixty hypercholesterolemic patients were randomly divided to receive an experimental bread rich in beta-glucan from oat bran (intervention) or bread rich in wheat fiber (control) for four weeks. All subjects had the same diet for two-week baseline period and hypocaloric diet for four weeks of intervention. Serum NO concentration and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) were determined before and after the experiment. Results. Mean age of the participants was 51.1 ± 9.3 years and 65% (n = 39) were female. After intervention, serum NO concentration increased by 50.2 ± 19.8 μmol/lit in the intervention group (P = 0.017), but no change was observed in the control group (17.5 ± 27.5 μmol/lit; P = 0.530). No change of FMD was observed in the intervention (0.48 ± 0.78%; P = 0.546) or in the control group (0.59 ± 0.92%; P = 0.533). Conclusion. Consumption of oat bread for four weeks increases serum NO concentration but has no effect on FMD. Further studies are warranted in this regard.

Lipid lowering nutraceuticals in clinical practice: position paper from an International Lipid Expert Panel

“…According to the American and European guidelines for the management of dyslipidemia, the consumption of 5–15 g/day (European guidelines) or 10–25 g/day (US guidelines) of soluble fibers derived from oat rich in β-glucan can essentially reduce the levels of cholesterol in the blood [ 55 , 56 ]. Finally, the study of Tabesh et al showed that the consumption of β-glucan for 4 weeks in 60 patients with hypercholesterolemia increases the serum levels of nitric oxide (NO) ( p = 0.017) but has no effect on flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) [ 57 ].…”

Mushroom Polysaccharides: Chemistry and Antiobesity, Antidiabetes, Anticancer, and Antibiotic Properties in Cells, Rodents, and Humans

“…In relation to this, there is extensive literature on the antiobesity properties of cereal β-glucans (for example, from barley, oats, rice, wheat) in rodents and humans that may be concurrently consumed with corresponding mushroom β-glucans: for example, Aoe, et al [ 139 ]; Arena, et al [ 140 ]; Chang, et al [ 141 ]; El Khoury, et al [ 142 ]; and Tabesh, et al [ 143 ].…”

Beta-Glucans Supplementation Associates with Reduction in P-Cresyl Sulfate Levels and Improved Endothelial Vascular Reactivity in Healthy Individuals

“…Notably, our study also evidences a positive effect of beta-glucans supplementation on the endothelial function in healthy subjects. Indeed, a recent interventional study with supplementation of 6 g of beta-glucans contained in a piece of oat bread failed to demonstrate a significant effect on FMD in hypercholesterolemic patients [27], although it increased serum NO levels [28]. In another study, the efficacy of whole oats and vitamin E to prevent endothelial dysfunction induced by a high-fat meal was demonstrated on healthy subjects, through brachial artery peak flow, but also in this case no difference in FMD was detected [26].…”

“…Some researches on humans demonstrated the increase of circulating SCFA following beta-glucans ingestion [24], and also our group recently published results showing the modulation of the gut microbiota composition and the increase of SCFA levels after beta-glucans treatment [25], but no human trial investigated, at the same time, the effects on proteolytic uremic toxins pCS and IS. Additionally, some studies were set up in order to investigate the presumptive beta-glucans effects on ameliorating the endothelial function [26–28] but again, in our knowledge, none demonstrated any effect on flow-mediated dilation (FMD).…”