Hypolipidemic study of xylanase-modified corn bran fibre in rats

In order to understand the regulatory effect of xylanase-modified corn bran fibre (XMF) on lipid homeostasis, detailed influences, following the ingestion of XMF and its original form (corn bran dietary fibre, CDF), on serum, liver and faecal lipids were studied in Sprague–Dawley rats. In both CDF and XMF groups, serum total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly lowered after 4 weeks (p < 0.05). By the end of week 6, data in the XMF group showed that serum LDL-C was lowered further and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly increased (p < 0.05); liver TC, TG and fat were significantly lower (p < 0.05), while the excretions of faecal fat, TC and bile acids were significantly higher (p < 0.05). The decrease of liver and serum lipids in the XMF group was consistent with the improved excretion of faecal lipids and bile acids. Other related mechanisms are also considered.