Abstract
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Introduction and rationale : Oat is an important cereal crop known to provide many health benefits that are mainly associated with their high β-glucan content. However, very little known about the potential of protein derived from oats to attenuate cardiovascular disease (CVD). The goal of our study was to investigate the potential health benefits of oat protein in an animal model of hypertension and CVD.
Methods : The effects of oat protein were examined on cardiovascular function in the spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR); Normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) served as controls. The study design included three groups – (1) WKY on AIN93G based control diet with casein as protein source (2) SHR on AIN93G based control diet with casein as protein source and (3) SHR on AIN93G based control diet with oat protein as protein source. Blood pressure was examined in all animals by using a multi-channel computerized non-invasive system with a tail cuff sphygmomanometer. Heart structure and function was examined in all animals by performing trans thoracic echocardiography including 2-dimensionally guided M-mode echocardiography and Pulse wave Doppler measurements. Biochemical analysis was performed on blood to measure markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as liver and kidney damage in all animals.
Results and conclusions: The results of our study show that the replacement of casein protein with oat protein in the diet of SHR was effective in preventing a significant decline in cardiovascular function, as well as in reducing markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, and markers of liver and kidney damage. These preliminary results indicate a potential for oat protein in the prevention of hypertension and its cardiovascular complications. It also opens the possibility of developing food products containing oat protein in the future.
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