Title
The effect of dietary phytosphingosine on cholesterol levels and insulin sensitivity in subjects with the metabolic syndrome
Author
Snel, M.
Sleddering, M.A.
Pijl, H.
Nieuwenhuizen, W.F.
Frölich, M.
Havekes, L.M.
Romijn, J.A.
Jazet, I.M.
TNO Kwaliteit van Leven
Publication year
2010
Abstract
Background: Sphingolipids, like phytosphingosine (PS) are part of cellular membranes of yeasts, vegetables and fruits. Addition of PS to the diet decreases serum cholesterol and free fatty acid (FFA) levels in rodents and improves insulin sensitivity.Objective:To study the effect of dietary supplementation with PS on cholesterol and glucose metabolism in humans. Methods: Twelve men with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) (according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria; age 512 years (means.e.m.); body mass index (BMI) 321 kg/m 2) were randomly assigned to 4 weeks of PS (500 mg twice daily) and 4 weeks of placebo (P) in a double-blind cross-over study, with a 4-week wash-out period between both interventions. At the end of each intervention anthropometric measures and serum lipids were measured and an intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) was performed. Results: Phytosphingosine did not affect body weight and fat mass compared with P. PS decreased serum total cholesterol (5.10.3 (PS) vs 5.40.3 (P) mmol/l; P0.05) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels (3.10.3 (PS) vs 3.40.3 (P) mmol/l; P0.05), whereas it did not alter serum triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol levels. In addition, PS lowered fasting plasma glucose levels (6.20.3 (PS) vs 6.50.3 (P) mmol/l; P0.05). PS increased the glucose disappearance rate (K-value) by 9.9% during the IVGTT (0.910.06 (PS) vs 0.820.05 (P) %/min; P0.05) at similar insulin levels, compared with P, thus implying enhanced insulin sensitivity. PS induced only minor gastrointestinal side effects. Conclusion: Dietary supplementation of PS decreases plasma cholesterol levels and enhances insulin sensitivity in men with the MetS. © 2010 Macmillan Publishers Limited All rights reserved.
Subject
Biology
Cholesterol
Insulin resistance
Intravenous glucose tolerance test
Metabolic syndrome
Sphingolipids
To reference this document use:
http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:f0f153c5-ed72-428a-bfc3-a44cbb726aba
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2009.154
TNO identifier
347308
ISSN
0954-3007
Source
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 64 (4), 419-423
Document type
article