Effect of plant sterols and endurance training on LDL particle size and distribution in previously sedentary hypercholesterolemic adults (original) (raw)

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• Published: 26 January 2005

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 59, pages 518–525 (2005)Cite this article

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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.

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Acknowledgements

We thank the participants who contributed their time and effort, and Dr William Parsons who aided with the physical examinations during the screening phase of the trial.

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Authors and Affiliations

1. School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Québec, Canada
   K A Varady & P J H Jones
2. Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods Institute, Université Laval, Ste. Foy, Québec, Canada
   A C St-Pierre & B Lamarche

Authors

1. K A Varady
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2. A C St-Pierre
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3. B Lamarche
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4. P J H Jones
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Corresponding author

Correspondence toP J H Jones.

Additional information

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.

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Varady, K., St-Pierre, A., Lamarche, B. et al. Effect of plant sterols and endurance training on LDL particle size and distribution in previously sedentary hypercholesterolemic adults.Eur J Clin Nutr 59, 518–525 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602106

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• Received: 25 May 2004
• Revised: 27 August 2004
• Accepted: 11 November 2004
• Published: 26 January 2005
• Issue Date: 01 April 2005
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602106

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