This study investigated the effects of a tocotrienol-rich fraction (TTRF) on the microscopic development of atherosclerosis and lipid peroxidation in the aorta of rabbits. Group 1 was fed a normal diet, group 2 received a 2% cholesterol diet and group 3 received a 2% cholesterol diet plus daily oral administration of the TTRF. After 10 weeks, the aortic content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured as an index of lipid peroxidation. The MDA was lowest in rabbits that received the TTRF compared to the groups that did not. The degree of intimal thickening was higher in the cholesterol-fed rabbits without the TTRF compared to the cholesterol-fed rabbits with TTRF (P<0.05). The continuity of the internal elastic lamina (IEL) was noted to be preserved in the cholesterol-fed rabbits with TTRF but appeared disrupted in the cholesterol-fed rabbits without the TTRF. The disrupted and fragmented IEL may have resulted from the injury caused by lipid peroxidation that contributed to the more extensive intimal thickening. We conclude that the antioxidant activities of the TTRF can reduce experimental atherosclerosis.
