The Effects of a Soy Protein Rich Diet on the Blood Lipids and Endotel Function of the Patients with Hypercholesterolemi

Abstract

Diet has an important role in the etiology o f coronary heart diseases which are commo/ı causes o f death ali över the world. Studies indicate that dietary soy protein, which is used instead o f animal protein, is able to decrease the risk o f coronary heart disease. The aim o f this study was to evaluate the effects o f dietary protein on blood lipid levels and endothelial funetions. 20 patients with hypercholesterolemi participated to study fo r 6 weeks. After the daily energy, carbohydrate, fa t and protein requirements o f participants was calculated, an individual diet with 25-30% o f energy from fats, 10-12 % from proteins, 60-65 % carbohydrates and containing lower than 200 mg cholesterol was given to each participant. 60 % o f dietary animal protein was substituted with soy protein from soybean, soy flo u r and soy sprouts. Results o f this study showed that soy protein rich diet decreases the blood levels o f cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, Apolipoprotein B and trombomodulin; and these decreases were statistically significant (p<0.001 and p<0.05). The changes on HDL cholesterol, Apolipoprotein A-I and Lp (a) levels weren't statistically significant (p> 0.001). The improvement o f brachial arterial diameter and endothelial dependent dilation (EDD), used to evaluate endothelial funetions, were statistically significant (p<0.001). The consumption o f soybean and its produets as a part o f healthy and \vell-balanced diet can improve blood lipid profile and endothelial functions; and decrease cardiovascular disease risk.