Analysis of the lipid profile, activity of antioxidant enzymes and inflammatory molecules after vitamin D supplementation in an experimental model of diet-induced atherosclerosis

Low levels of vitamin D increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study is to verify the effects of vitamin D in an experimental model of rabbits fed a diet rich in lard / sucrose / cholesterol (LSC). The cholesterol-fed rabbit model is notable for rapid development of aortic lesions and low cost for maintenance, being a typical diet for induction of atherosclerosis, supplementation of 0.5% to 4% of cholesterol in about 8 to 16 weeks. Considering a possible protective effect of vitamin D on the cardiovascular and hypercholesterolemic/hyperglycemic diet, as an important risk factor, in this study, we examined the action of vitamin D in an experimental model of rabbits fed a diet plus cholesterol, lard and sucrose, analyzing inflammatory molecules such as ICAM-1, MCP-1 and e-NO in the aorta; activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), as well as lipid profile parameters. The levels of total cholesterol, Triglycerides and VLDL-c showed a considerable decrease when we compare the results of the 12th and 24th week. The number of animals was the limiting factor of our study, further analysis should be made to understand the mechanism of vitamin D in experimental atherosclerosis