Effect of Diets on Plasma and Aorta Lipidome: A Study in the apoE Knockout Mouse Model.

Scope: Specific lipid molecules circulating in plasma at low concentrations
have emerged as biomarkers of atherosclerotic risk. The aim of the present
study is that of evaluating, in an athero-prone mouse model, how different
diets can affect plasma and aorta lipidome.
Methods and results: Thirty-six apoE knockout mice are divided in three
groups and feed 12 weeks with diets differing for cholesterol and fatty acid
content. Atherosclerosis is measured at the aortic sinus and aorta. Lipids are
quantified in plasma and aorta with mass spectrometry. The cholesterol
content of the diets is the main driver of lipid accumulation in plasma and
aorta. The fatty acid composition of the diets affects plasma levels both of
essential (linoleic acid) and nonessential (myristic and arachidonic acid) ones.
Lipidomics show a comparable distribution, in plasma and aorta, of the main
lipid components of oxidized LDL, including cholesteryl esters and
lysophosphatidylcholines. Interestingly, lactosylceramide,
glucosyl/galactosylceramide, and individual ceramide species are found to
accumulate in diseased aortic segments.
Conclusion: Both the cholesterol and fatty acid content of the diets
profoundly affect plasma lipidome. Aorta lipidome is likewise affected with
the accumulation of specific lipids known as markers of atherosclerosis.