Effect of Lactobacillus-fermented adlay-based milk on lipid metabolism of hamsters fed cholesterol-enriched diet

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of adlay milk and adlay-soymilk fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum or Lactobacillus paracasei on lipid metabolism in hamsters fed with a cholesterol-enriched diet. Adlay milk and fermented adlay milk with or without soymilk administered to hamsters significantly decreased (p < 0.05) serum cholesterol levels and ratio of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, when compared to a high-cholesterol diet group; there was also a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the level of fecal cholesterol and triglycerides. The group administered adlay milk fermented with L plantarum or L paracasei presented increased superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant status activity in the blood, thus relieving the levels of thinobarbituric acid reactive substances as compared to other treatment groups. Adlay milk and Lactobacillus-fermented adlay milk with or without a soymilk supplement, could be used as a potential cholesterol-lowering ingredient; it could also relieve hyperlipidemia-induced oxidative stress to improve hypercholesterolemia. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.