Korean J Med.  2000 Feb;58(2):197-203.

Comparison of serum lipid profiles and total antioxidant status in vegetarian and non-vegetarian groups

• Kim SG
• Kim HI
• Yum MS
• Jo H
• O YY
• Kwan HJ
• Cho WH
• Park JS

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that modified or oxidized lipoproteins play a key role in the process of atherogenesis, particularly in hyperlipidemic individuals. Low density lipoprotein(LDL) is modified by oxygen free radical from damaged tissue or inflammatory cells. Further changes in the LDL molecule lead to an oxidized form (oxidized LDL), which is recognized by the macrophage scavenger receptor. Scavenger receptors on macrophages recognize and bind oxidized LDL. As uptake continues, the macrophages change to lipid-laden foam cells, the components of the fatty streak, which is the precursor atherosclerotic lesion. Antioxidants are known to prevent modification of LDL by free radicals and possibly also atheroma formation. This study was designed to compare the total antioxidant status and other lipid profiles in vegetarian and non-vegetarian groups in Korean adults to see the effect of diet modification on antioxidant status.
METHODS
174 vegetarian and 150 non-vegetarian male adults were recruited for lipid test including total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), and total antioxidant status during annual routine physical examination. RESULT: 1) Total antioxidant status was significantly high in vegetarian group(1.390+/-0.288 mmol/L) compared to non-vegetarian group(1.155+/-0.290 mmol/L)(p< 0.001). 2) In non-vegetarian group, total antioxidant status was significantly low in smokers(1.041+/-0.288 mmol/L) compared to non-smokers(1.227+/-0.328 mmol/L)(p< 0.001). 3) Correaltions between lipid profiles and total antioxidant status in vegetarian and combined groups were not significant.
CONCLUSION
Total antioxidant status in vegetarian group was significantly higher compared to non-vegetarian group. Among non-vegetarian group, smoker group showed lower total antioxidant status compared to non-smoker group. And there was no significant correlations between lipid profiles and total antioxidant status.

Keyword

Vegetarian; Lipid profiles; Total antioxidant status

MeSH Terms

Adult
Antioxidants
Atherosclerosis
Cholesterol
Foam Cells
Food Habits
Free Radicals
Humans
Lipoprotein(a)
Lipoproteins
Macrophages
Male
Oxygen
Physical Examination
Plaque, Atherosclerotic
Receptors, Scavenger
Triglycerides
Antioxidants
Cholesterol
Free Radicals
Lipoprotein(a)
Lipoproteins
Oxygen
Receptors, Scavenger
Triglycerides