Comment on: Teoh MK, Chong JM, Mohamed J, Phang KS. Protection by tocotrienols against hypercholesterolaemia and atheroma. Med J Malaysia. 1994 Sep;49(3):255-62
Cholesterol reduction reduces ischaemic cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the asymptomatic healthy population as well as in those with known coronary artery disease. Angiographic studies have also demonstrated regression of atherosclerotic plaques as well as retardation of new atheroma formation with such therapy. Yet, there is a consistent inability to reduce overall mortality in cholesterol-lowering drug trials. An excess of suicide, homicide and violence has been attributed to cholesterol reduction interfering with membrane lipids and receptors, leading to aggressive behaviour. The risk and benefits of cholesterol reduction must thus be weighed in the individual patient; it is more useful in those with known coronary artery disease who are at high risk of subsequent ischaemic cardiovascular events.
Matched MeSH terms: Arteriosclerosis/prevention & control
Antioxidants such as tocotrienols may protect against atherosclerosis since tissue injury from free radicals is a final common pathway of damage in arterial disease. In this study, the effects of tocotrienols on serum cholesterol, lipid peroxides, and aorta atheroma were assessed in rabbits fed an atherogenic diet for 12 weeks. Tocotrienols were more effective than tocopherols in preventing increases in serum LDL (p = 0.03) and total cholesterol (p = 0.008) levels in the cholesterol-fed rabbits. Elevation of serum lipid peroxides was effectively suppressed by tocotrienols (p = 0.01). Both tocopherols and tocotrienols offered significant protection against atheroma in the rabbit aorta, but tocotrienols had a stronger hypolipidaemic effect.
Comment in: Pathmanathan R, Wong KT. Protection by tocotrienols against hypercholesterolaemia and atheroma. Med J Malaysia. 1995 Mar;50(1):117
Matched MeSH terms: Arteriosclerosis/prevention & control