Effects of Chitin-Glucan on Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), especially atherosclerotic coronary heart disease and stroke, are the leading causes of death globally. Important risk factors for CVDs include elevated serum levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein(LDL)-cholesterol, triglycerides, and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol. Elevated "oxidized" LDL, a pro-inflammatory villain, has also emerged as an important risk factor for the development of CVDs. There is a growing need to identify safe and effective nutritional interventions that offer a clinical benefit aimed at reducing one more of the risk factors for CVDs. Data from many studies in humans have shown various health benefits provided by dietary fiber intake, including an inverse association with the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The primary purpose of this study is to determine whether daily consumption for 6 weeks of chitin-glucan, a fiber purified from a microorganism, is effective at reducing the amount of oxidized LDL in humans with borderline-to-high LDL-cholesterol. The effects of chitin-glucan on other cardiovascular risk factors will also be evaluated.