Modulation of cholesterol induced hypercholesterolemia through dietary factors in Indian desert gerbils (Meriones hurrianae).

Modulation of cholesterol metabolism in cholesterol-fed male Indian desert gerbils (Meriones hurrianae) was examined, using a diet formulated to contain various n-6/n-3 fatty acid profiles. 6-wk old gerbils of approx. 120 g were used in groups of 6, fed either coconut oil (CNO), crude palm oil (CPO) or soybean oil (SBO) at 10% in a basal ration containing 68.2-69.5% ragi flour and 15% bengal gram flour, as well as 0 or 1% cholesterol. Diets and water were provided ad lib. for 12 wk. Blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical analyses. The 3 diets had PUFA:saturated fatty acid ratios of 0.01 (CNO), 0.28 (CPO) and 3.01 (SBO). Total serum cholesterol averaged 44.92, 47.45 and 50.48 mg/dl in SBO, CPO and CNO rations without added cholesterol, vs. 46.1, 48.72 and 52.71 mg/dl in corresponding rations with added cholesterol. HDL-cholesterol levels were, correspondingly, 33.44, 31.87 and 30.97% of total cholesterol (no added cholesterol) and 36.6, 31.86 and 28.2% (added cholesterol); LDL-cholesterol + VLDL-cholesterol percentages were, correspondingly, 14.87, 16.43 and 18.98, vs. 17.36, 19.28 and 19.35%. Serum triglyceride levels in SBO, CPO and CNO fed gerbils were, respectively, 3.07, 3.54 and 3.76 mg/dl (no added cholesterol), vs. 2.99, 3.8 and 3.91 mg/dl (added cholesterol); phospholipid levels averaged, correspondingly, 16.29, 17.22 and 15.45 mg/dl, vs. 15.28, 17.1 and 14.59 mg/dl. Liver, heart and biliary lipid profiles of gerbils were also examined. Overall, SBO-containing rations reduced tissue and serum cholesterol levels, followed by CPO-containing rations.