High-fat/cholesterol diets (HFCD) formulated by addition of butter (BU), coconut oil (CO), or flaxseed oil (FX) enhanced (P < 0.05) serum lipids of hamsters compared to the low-fat/cholesterol diet (Control). However, FX groups showed a hypocholesterolaemic effect compared to CO and BU groups. Lower (P < 0.05) hepatic triacylglycerol and cholesterol contents were measured in FX groups than those of CO and BU groups; whereas, higher (P < 0.05) faecal triacylglycerol and cholesterol contents were observed in FX groups. HMG-CoA reductase mRNA expression was upregulated (P < 0.05) by HFCD, whilst FX groups showed no (P > 0.05) influence on LDL-receptor mRNA expression compared to that of Control groups; however, higher (P < 0.05) than those of CO and BU groups. Meanwhile, there was a tendency towards higher CYP7A1 expression in the CO or FX group than the BU group. Thus, the hypocholesterolaemic effect of FX might result from increases of LDL-receptor mRNA expression, and cholesterol catabolism/output.
