The effect of pyridoxine supplementation on plasma lipoproteins and its relationship with atherogenic risk

The effect of pyridoxine-HCl on cholesterol in plasma lipoprotein fractions and its relationship with atherogenic risk were investigated in mate Sprague-Dawley rats and healthy human volunteers. Plasma cholesterol, very low and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C and LDL-C) decreased, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased, in rats treated with pyridoxine. Although the cholesterol content of the liver did not change, it decreased significantly in the aorta. Atherogenic risk decreased in rats treated with pyridoxine because of a decrease in the plasma/HDL or LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio and the aorta cholesterol. Plasma cholesterol and cholesterol in the lipoprotein fractions of healthy volunteers given a placebo did not change significantly at the end of the experimental period. Pyridoxine affected the plasma cholesterol and cholesterol in lipoproteins in healthy persons as well as in the rats. Plasma cholesterol, VLDL-C and LDL-C decreased while HDL-C increased. Thus, the atherogenic risk decreased significantly. These findings; indicate that pyridoxine may be an antiatherogenic agent.