Influence of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on establishment and progression of atherosclerosis in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE To determine effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on establishment and progression of experimentally-induced atherosclerosis in rabbits. METHODS For establishment of atherosclerosis, New Zealand White rabbits were fed a semipurified diet containing 0.1% to 0.2% cholesterol for 90 days. Some groups were fed diet and CLA. For effects on progression of atherosclerosis, rabbits with established atherosclerosis were fed a semipurified diet +/- CLA for 90 days. RESULTS At dietary levels as low as 0.1%, CLA inhibited atherogenesis. At dietary levels of 1%, CLA caused substantial (30%) regression of established atherosclerosis. This is the first example of substantial regression of atherosclerosis being caused by diet alone. CONCLUSION Dietary CLA is an effective inhibitor of atherogenesis and also causes regression of established atherosclerosis.