Effect of phytosterols on reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in dogs.

Hyperlipidemia is described as an increase in serum and/or plasma levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, or both. This disturbance can be primary in some cases, or combined with other comorbidities such as endocrinopathies, liver diseases, or specific drug use. Among the various ways to control dyslipidemia are specific diets, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, or hypolipemiant treatment. Herbal medicine has been used in the human clinical routine to reduce cholesterol circulation. With an aim to expand its application in veterinary medicine, we analyzed the use of phytosterols in dogs as a potential alternative to control hypercholesterolemia. We performed lipidogram analysis in healthy dogs to examine the possible adverse effects during the treatment. Eight Beagle dogs received orally two 650 mg capsules of phytosterols (Collestra, Aché), for 15 consecutive d, along with the 2 usual meals. All animals remained clinically stable during the trial. There were significant alterations in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels during the trial. LDL was reduced (86.8 ± 29.89 mg/dL [D0], 74.45 ± 31.58 mg/dL [D8], and 58.91 ± 18.65 mg/dL [D15]; P = 0.0442) and HDL was elevated (83.40 ± 12.05 mg/dL [D0], 86.46 ± 13.05 mg/dL [D8], and 101.5 ± 10.52 [D15]; P = 0.0141), while total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations remained constant and within the normal range for canine species. Thus, a 1300 mg dose of phytosterols, administrated orally and fractionated along with the 2 usual meals, was capable of reducing LDL and increasing HDL concentration in healthy nondyslipidemic dogs, which makes them candidates to be included on the list of hypolipemiant drugs for clinical use in dogs with hypercholesterolemia.