Effect of lecithin on the development of experimental atherosclerosis in rabbits.

Thirty male mongrel rabbits were divided into 3 equal groups: (1) controls, (2) animals receiving a high-fat diet (HFD) containing cholesterol and coconut oil, and (3) HFD + lecithin. The experiment lasted 12 weeks. In animals receiving a HFD (group II) the QRS interval (ECG) was significantly prolonged, and the concentration of lipid fractions (except for HDL-cholesterol) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the blood was markedly elevated.