Thrombogenicity of dietary milkfat, fish oil and hydrogenated coconut oil in a pig model (abstract)

Authors: Maccoll AJ, James KAC, Thompson KG, Arthur DG
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 43, Issue 3, pp 123, Jun 1995
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Pig, Production animal
Subject Terms: Circulatory system/haematology, Diet/rations/food, Fat/lipids, Nutrition/metabolism, Pathology, Research/development
Article class: Abstract

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Abstract: Several indicators of thrombosis and thrombolysis were measured in four groups of 16 pigs fed for 10 weeks on either a low fat basal ration or rations containing 10% anhydrous milkfat (AMF), 10% fish oil (MaxEPA), or 10% hydrogenated coconut oil (HCO). At the end of the feeding period, pigs on the three test fat/oil rations were subjected to balloon angioplasty of both femoral arteries. Thrombus size at the site of injury was measured both morphometrically and using autologous blood platelets labelled with ⁹⁹Tc-HMPAO (technetium - “Deretec”).
After 8 weeks on the test ration, pigs fed MaxEPA had significantly higher plasma concentrations of fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor and a-2 antiplasmin than those on the other rations. Although this might suggest an increased tendency towards thrombosis and reduced thrombolysis in MaxEPA-fed pigs this group had significantly higher plasma concentrations of antithrombin III, a potent inhibitor of thrombosis. Furthermore, heparin thrombin times were longest in the pigs fed MaxEPA and collagen-induced platelet aggregation was significantly less than in pigs on the HCO ration.
Microscopic examination of segments of femoral artery from sites subjected to balloon angioplasty confirmed the presence of endothelial denudation. The exposed subendothelial surface was covered by either a platelet monolayer or thrombi consisting primarily of platelets. In some pigs from each treatment group there were large thrombi, consisting of both platelets and fibrin, even in the absence of a medial tear. No significant differences in thrombus size were found between test diets, but the relatively large within group variability may have masked subtle differences.

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