Red pepper attenuates cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity and atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits

Background: The current study was conducted to examine the effect of red pepper supplementation on cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity, along with its anti-atherosclerotic effect in cholesterol-fed rabbits. Methods: Rabbits were fed a 1% cholesterol diet for 12 weeks, including a 1% red pepper powder supplement. Results: The red pepper supplemented group exhibited significantly lower CETP activity than the control group during the experimental period (P<0.05). The total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), LDL-C, VLDL-C, and VLDL-TG levels and atherogenic index (AI) were all significantly lower in the red pepper group than in the control group (P<0.05), whereas the HDL-C level was significantly higher in the red pepper group than in the control group during the experimental period (P<0.05). Furthermore, the red pepper supplementation increased the fecal TG excretion (P<0.05). Based on a morphological examination, the red pepper supplemented group exhibited fewer fat droplet deposits than the control group. Conclusions: The current results suggest that red pepper attenuates atherosclerosis, plus plasma CETP would appear to be a risk marker of atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.