Okay. The study was done in mice, but the result was high phosphate intake leads to atherogenesis (the process of forming atheromas, plaques in the inner lining of arteries.) and may influence development of heart disease. Low phosphate intake, however, is associated with higher fat tissue and 4 fold increase in insulin resistance.
Mice on the higher phosphate diet had significantly more atheroma at the aortic sinus (42±1.9% versus 30±1.5% for high versus low phosphate, P<0.01).
Compared with standard and high-phosphate diet groups, mice on a low-phosphate diet had more adipose tissue and a 4-fold increase in insulin resistance measured by homeostatic model assessment (43.7±9.3 versus 8.9±0.7 for low versus high phosphate, P<0.005).
Conclusion—
A high-phosphate diet accelerates atherogenesis in apolipoprotein E–/– mice, whereas low phosphate intake induces insulin resistance. These data indicate for the first time that controlling dietary phosphate intake may influence development of both atherosclerosis and the metabolic syndrome.
ScienceDaily (June 7, 2011) — Lowering phosphate intake in humans may reduce heart disease, according to research by experts at
the University of Sheffield. The study demonstrates the connection between a high phosphate diet and atherosclerosis -- a leading cause of heart disease, the researchers say.
The findings have been published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology (June 2, 2011).
The research, which was funded by the Sheffield Kidney Association and the National Institute for Health Research, has shown that cholesterol deposits in the wall of arteries are increased following a higher phosphate diet. This leads to narrowing of the arteries, which is the cause of most heart attacks and strokes.
As a result, the research demonstrates the importance of reducing phosphate levels in the human diet or possibly using drugs called binders or other agents that stop phosphate being absorbed. Food high in phosphate includes biscuits, cakes, sweets, dairy products and meats such as offal and veal.
Dr. Tim Chico from the University´s Department of Cardiovascular Science, who led the research, said: "This is a very early, but exciting finding, as it suggests that by reducing the amount of phosphate in the blood we may have discovered a new approach to reducing heart disease. We´re now hoping to extend our research further and look into developing new treatments to help reduce phosphate levels in the bloodstream."
Story Source:
The above story is reprinted (with editorial adaptations by ScienceDaily staff) from materials provided by University of Sheffield.
Journal Reference:
T. Ellam, M. Wilkie, J. Chamberlain, D. Crossman, R. Eastell, S. Francis, T. J. A. Chico. Dietary Phosphate Modulates Atherogenesis and Insulin Resistance in Apolipoprotein E Knockout Mice. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, 2011; DOI: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.111.231001