Abstract
We assessed the effect of a sturgeon eggs-based nutraceutical (LD-1227) versus eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the ultrastructure of spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) aortas. Sixty SHR were randomly divided into three groups that were fed (1) rat chow, (2) rat chow plus 10 mg of EPA/DHA, or (3) rat chow plus 10 mg of LD-1227, for 18 weeks. Afterward, aortas of these rats were used for blind measurements of the thickened intima area and examination by electron microscopy. Control SHR showed an expanded subendothelial space and leukocyte infiltration of the intima that were reduced in LD-1227-fed rats (p<0.05) and less in EPA/DHA group. Transmission electron microscopy showed endothelial alteration with severe subcellular injury and, unlike the EPA/DHA-group, LD-1227-treated rats displayed a significant reduction in endothelial alteration with severe subcellular injury (p<0.05). These data suggest that LD-1227 has stronger arterial protective properties and deserves further investigation in view of a preventive medicine strategy.