Efectos del Pycnogenol y Vitamina E, sobre la actividad de la Glutatión Peroxidasa y la formación de ateromas, en conejos expuestos a dieta hiperlipidémica

Antioxidants have been used to slow down or inhibit atherosclerosis. The objective of the present study was to compare the effect of Pycnogenol (Pyc), and Vitamin E (Vit E), separately and combined, on serum Glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx), and on the formation of aortic lesions in rabbits. 50 rabbits were studied: Group1: “conejarina” (commercial rabbit food) and vegetables; Group2: egg and conejarina, Group3: egg, conejarina and Pyc, Group4: egg, conejarina and Vit E, Group5: egg, conejarina, Pyc and Vit E. The doses were: Pyc (5mg/day), Vit E (200mg/day). The experiment lasted 12 weeks. Lipid profile was done by enzymatic methods, GPx by kinetic method and Vit E by HPLC, in weeks 0, 6 and 12. Histological study of rabbit’s aorta was done. GPx in groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 increased, compared with controls, from week 6 and 12 of experimentation (p<0,05). There was delayed and inhibition of aortic lesions in groups 3, 4 and 5. In conclusion, under hyperlipidaemic conditions, with or without antioxidants supplementation, activity of GPx is increased. Antioxidants reduce and prevent the progression of atheromas