Red algal cellular biomass lowers circulating cholesterol concentrations in Syrian golden hamsters consuming hypercholesterolaemic diets.

Preliminary evidence suggests that consumption of Porphyridium cruentum (PC) biomass results in hypocholesterolaemic effects; however, mechanisms responsible have not been elucidated. The aim of the present study was to determine whether PC biomass lowers circulating cholesterol concentrations, dose dependently, in hamsters fed hypercholesterolaemic diets for 28 d and determine whether cholesterol biosynthesis is affected. Biomass added to diets at 2.

Contribution of Sp1 to initiation of transcription of angiotensinogen.

Several genetic polymorphisms have been identified in the proximal promoter of angiotensinogen ( AGT). Gene titration experiments in transgenic animals have demonstrated that small increases in the basal expression of AGT can lead to elevated blood pressure. The direct proof that promoter variants of AGT can lead to elevated blood pressure will ultimately require the development of specific animal models.