Abstract

ECHEVERRI, Darío et al. Effective microorganisms (EM-X): in-vitro action on aorta of hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Rev. Col. Cardiol. [online]. 2007, vol.14, n.3, pp.123-132. ISSN 0120-5633.

Background: EM-X is an antioxidant beverage obtained from rice bran and seaweed extracts fermented with Effective Microorganisms. The purpose of this study was to determine if EM-X prevents atherosclerotic plaque formation and favours in vitro vascular relaxation in a model of early atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Methods: The study population was divided in four groups: 1. atherosclerotic rabbits administered with EM-X, 2: atherosclerotic rabbits not administered with EM-X; 3: healthy rabbits not administered with EM-X; and 4: healthy rabbits administered with EM-X. Serum cholesterol was measured in each rabbit and vascular rings were obtained for conducting the endothelium dependent relaxation (EDR) in vitro analysis. Additionally, hystomorphometrical analysis and endothelial cell quantification were performed. Results: Whole cholesterol measurements differed significantly in groups 1 vs. 2 and 3 vs. 4 (p>0.05). EDR did not differ significantly between groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.181), or between groups 3 and 4 (p = 0.349). Hystomorphometrical characteristics did not show significant differences neither in groups 1 and 2 (p=0.85) nor in groups 3 and 4 (p=0.95). The immunohystochemical analysis did not show significant differences between any groups (p=0.85). Conclusion: The results found do not demonstrate the benefits of EM-X as antioxidant therapy in the prevention of atherosclerotic plaque formation and in vitro endothelium dependent vascular relaxation in healthy animals or with endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.

Keywords : antioxidants; endothelium; vasodilation; microorganisms.

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