Effects of 'Annurca' Apple Fruit, a Southern Italy Cultivar, on Lipid Metabolism in Wistar Rats

Annurca apple fruit is commonly cultivated in southern Italy and undergoes a typical reddening treatment and, is notable for its high firmness and its characteristic flavour. Apples may have selective effects on abnormalities associated with the plurimetabolic syndrome. Therefore, the effects of 20% lyophilized 'Annurca' apple supplementation on plasma and tissue lipids were investigated in Wistar rats. The experimental diets were equilibrated for sugar supply, containing 0.25g/100g cholesterol and provided only a third of the vitamin E requirement. The apple diet lowered plasma FFA and in parallel reduced triglyceride in heart and liver. Plasma leptin was also suppressed by the apple diet. In conclusion, despite their moderate fiber content, apples improve substantially the lipid status in Wistar rats, suggesting that other plant constituents such as the pectins are involved in these effects.