The Effect Of Proalgazyme And Its Subfractions On Lipid Metabolism In Diet Induced Hypercholesterolemic Hamsters: Correlation With Plasma Metabolomic Profile

THE EFFECT OF PROALGAZYME AND ITS SUBFRACTIONS ON LIPIDMETABOLISM IN DIET INDUCED HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIC HAMSTRES:CORREALTION WITH PLASMA METABOLOMIC PROFILEbyANDREEA GEAMANUDecember 2013Advisor: Dr. Smiti GuptaMajor: Nutrition and Food ScienceDegree: Doctor of PhilosophyBackground: Plasma HDL cholesterol levels are inversely related tocardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death worldwide. This studyinvestigated the preventative effect of an algae infusion, ProAlgaZyme (PAZ) and itssubfractions (F1, F2, F3, F4) on plasma HDL in a hamster model. Further, the studyaimed to identify the biologically active fraction of PAZ and to determine the therapeuticefficacy of the fraction in diet induced hypercholesterolemic hamsters over time. Also,the current study investigated the changes in plasma metabolomic profile produced dueto the interventions, and correlated the results with the lipoprotein profile of thehamsters.Methods: Eighty male golden Syrian hamsters (8 weeks old) were randomizedinto controls (CW and CP) or high fat diet (HW, HP, HF1, HF2, HF3, and HF4). Duringthe preventative intervention, an infusion of either 5% (HF1, HF2, HF3) or 20% (HP,HF4) concentration (v/v) was administered via the drinking water for 4 weeks, while thehamsters were being fed a high-fat diet (30% of calories from fat). Plasma lipids were