D. Kritchevsky et al., Influence of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on establishment and progression of atherosclerosis in rabbits, J AM COL N, 19(4), 2000, pp. 472S-477S
Objective: To determine effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on establ
ishment and progression of experimentally-induced atherosclerosis in rabbit
s.
Methods: For establishment of atherosclerosis, New Zealand White rabbits we
re fed a semipurified diet containing 0.1% to 0.2% cholesterol for 90 days.
Some groups were fed diet and CLA. For effects on progression of atheroscl
erosis, rabbits with established atherosclerosis were fed a semipurified di
et+/-CLA for 90 days.
Results: At dietary levels as low as 0.1%, CLA inhibited atherogenesis. At
dietary levels of 1%, CLA caused substantial (30%) regression of establishe
d atherosclerosis. This is the first example of substantial regression of a
therosclerosis being caused by diet alone.
Conclusion: Dietary CLA is an effective inhibitor of atherogenesis and also
causes regression of established atherosclerosis.