The effect of silicon (Si) on lipid parameters in blood serum and arterial wall.

The influence of silicon treatment on the levels of lipid parameters of blood serum and aortic wall was studied in rats. The concentrations of total cholesterol, phospholipids, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and HDL-phospholipids were measured in sera of rats receiving per os a soluble, inorganic silicon compound--sodium metasilicate nonahydrate (Na2SiO3.9H2O)--dissolved in the drinking water. In the aortic tissue levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids were estimated. An increase in HDL-cholesterol and HDL-phospholipid concentrations, with a simultaneous decrease of LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels, was observed in the sera of the tested group. The levels of total cholesterol and phospholipids in the sera, as well as the concentrations of lipids in the aortic walls, showed no significant differences. The results obtained could provide evidence for the existence of an additional mechanism of silicon antiatheromatous action, concerning the modification of activity of enzymatic systems involved in lipids metabolism.