Algal extracts ProAlgaZyme (PAZ) have shown a preventative beneficial effect against the negative effects of the high-fat diet by supporting healthy cholesterol balance, according to a new study published in the journal Nutrition & Metabolism.
Researchers at Wayne State University, in conjunction with Health Enhancement Products, Inc., monitored lipid metabolism in a widely accepted animal model to determine the effects of algal extracts on cholesterol. The test subjects consumed a high-fat diet for four weeks, at which point they became hypercholesterolemic (they had high plasma cholesterol levels). Subsequently, the animals were given the extracts for 0 (untreated), 3, 7, 10, 14 and 21 days while still on the high-fat diet.
The results indicated that the PAZ extracts may be a useful option for improving the plasma cholesterol profile despite the hypercholesterolemic state induced by a high-fat diet. Specifically, "bad" cholesterol concentrations significantly decreased in all subjects consuming the PAZ extracts, compared to those who were not treated. Further, increased levels of "good" cholesterol could be seen as early as day three for that same group. By day 21, good cholesterol levels increased by 28% and bad cholesterol levels decreased by 30%.
By day 10, subjects showed a threefold increase in the gene expression of APO A1, a major protein associated with the production of HDL particles, the good cholesterol, which increased six-fold by day 21.
Further, metabolomics analysis was conducted to analyze the concentration of certain metabolites in the blood. Administering the PAZ extract correlated with significantly decreased levels of several metabolites that are independent predictors of increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
