Benefit from Testosterone and Hydrocortisone on Coronary Atherogenesis in Cockerels on a Low Protein Atherogenic Diet

Abstract

In the presence of high fat and high cholesterol in the diet, growing cockerels showed more marked hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis when their protein intake was low. Testosterone counteracted both the increased hypercholesterolemic and the enhanced atherogenic effects of a low protein diet. Hydrocortisone markedly aggravated the hypercholesterolemia in these cockerels but offered significant protection against coronary atherogenesis when associated with a low protein intake. When the dietary protein level is adequate neither testosterone nor hydrocortisone lowered coronary atherogenesis, despite modification of plasma cholesterol levels. Protein level in the diet must be considered in evaluating hormonal atherogenic effects.