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Characterisation of atherogenic effects of low carbohydrate, high protein diet (LCHP) in apoE/LDLR−/− mice

  • Published:
The journal of nutrition, health & aging

Abstract

Introduction

Low Carbohydrate High Protein diet represents a popular strategy to achieve weight loss.

Objective

The aim of this study was to characterize effects of low carbohydrate, high protein diet (LCHP) on atherosclerotic plaque development in brachiocephalic artery (BCA) in apoE/LDLR−/− mice and to elucidate mechanisms of proatherogenic effects of LCHP diet.

Materials and Methods

Atherosclerosis plaques in brachiocephalic artery (BCA) as well as in aortic roots, lipoprotein profile, inflammation biomarkers, expression of SREBP-1 in the liver as well as mortality were analyzed in Control diet (AIN-93G) or LCHP (Low Carbohydrate High Protein) diet fed mice.

Results

Area of atherosclerotic plaques in aortic roots or BCA from LCHP diet fed mice was substantially increased as compared to mice fed control diet and was characterized by increased lipids and cholesterol contents (ORO staining, FT-IR analysis), increased macrophage infiltration (MOMA-2) and activity of MMPs (zymography). Pro-atherogenic phenotype of LCHP fed apoE/LDLR−/− mice was associated with increased plasma total cholesterol concentration, and in LDL and VLDL fractions, increased TG contents in VLDL, and a modest increase in plasma urea. LCHP diet increased SCD-1 index, activated SREBP-1 transcription factor in the liver and triggered acute phase response as evidence by an increased plasma concentration of haptoglobin, CRP or AGP. Finally, in long-term experiment survival of apoE/LDLR−/− mice fed LCHP diet was substantially reduced as compared to their counterparts fed control diet suggesting overall detrimental effects of LCHP diet on health.

Conclusions

The pro-atherogenic effect of LCHP diet in apoE/LDLR−/− mice is associated with profound increase in LDL and VLDL cholesterol, VLDL triglicerides, liver SREBP-1 upregulation, and systemic inflammation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Genetic Diagnostics and Nutrigenomics, Chair of Clinical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, ul. Kopernika 21, 31-531, Kraków, Poland

    Renata B. Kostogrys & I. Wybrańska

  2. Wyatt Technology Europe GmbH, Hochstrasse 18, DE-56307, Dernbach, Germany

    C. Johann

  3. Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Food Technology, Agricultural University of Kraków, ul. Balicka 122, 30-149, Kraków, Poland

    I. Czyżyńska, M. Franczyk-Żarów & A. Drahun

  4. Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, ul. Bobrzynskiego 14, Kraków, Poland

    E. Maślak, A. Jasztal, Ł. Mateuszuk, T. P. Wrobel, M. Baranska & S. Chlopicki

  5. Department of Histology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, ul. Kopernika 7, 31-034, Kraków, Poland

    M. Gajda

  6. Genetic Diagnostics and Nutrigenomic Unit, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387, Kraków, Poland

    I. Wybrańska

  7. Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Poland

    K. Jezkova & P. Nachtigal

  8. Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Chair of Pharmacology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Grzegorzecka 16, 31-531, Poland

    S. Chlopicki

Authors
  1. Renata B. Kostogrys
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  2. C. Johann
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  3. I. Czyżyńska
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  4. M. Franczyk-Żarów
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  5. A. Drahun
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  6. E. Maślak
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  7. A. Jasztal
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  8. M. Gajda
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  9. Ł. Mateuszuk
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  10. T. P. Wrobel
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  11. M. Baranska
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  12. I. Wybrańska
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  13. K. Jezkova
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  14. P. Nachtigal
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  15. S. Chlopicki
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Renata B. Kostogrys.

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Kostogrys, R.B., Johann, C., Czyżyńska, I. et al. Characterisation of atherogenic effects of low carbohydrate, high protein diet (LCHP) in apoE/LDLR−/− mice. J Nutr Health Aging 19, 710–718 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-015-0543-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-015-0543-7

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