The beneficial effects of virgin olive oil against oxidative stress induced by hypercholesterolemia in rats

Cardiovascular disease(CVD) remains the major cause of mortality in the world, typically claiming a third of all deaths. The primary cause of CVD is atherosclerosis. Therefore, timely prevention and therapy of atherosclerosis are able to reduce the risk of the development of its clinical manifestations. Anti-atherosclerotic activity of medicinal plants mainly appears in their multiple effects.This study was carried out to evaluate the hypolipidemic activity of virgin olive oil in experimentally induced hyperlipemic Wistar. A total of 24 rats were randomly allocated to 4 equal groups and treated as follows for 50 days: (1) Normal control (NC); that were fed with a standart diet; (2) High Cholesterol Diet Control (HCD); which received high cholesterol diet for 50 days; (3) Animals receiving high cholesterol diet for 50 days, after this period the animals are fed for eight days by the standard foodand receiving by gavage virgin olive oil (HCD+VOO) and(4) Animals fed for eight days with the standard food and receiving by gavage olive oil (VOO). High Cholesterol Diet containing yolk egg and coconut oil. Results showed that olive oil caused a significant (p < 0.01) reduction in serum levels of Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), Low­Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL) and Atherogenic Index Serum (AIS). The results also demonstrated a significant (p < 0.01) increase in High­Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL). Moreover, virgin olive oil induced a significant reduction in liver lipid content. On the other hand, a High cholesterol diet induced oxidative stress was measured by estimating reduced glutathione level and amount of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formed as an index of lipid peroxidation in a liver and a heart. Virgin olive oil supplementation attenuated all these variations. Our observations of the study indicate that the virgin olive oil has a significant antihyperlipidemic potential.

Comparison between red wine and isolated trans-resveratrol in the prevention and regression of atherosclerosis in LDLr (-/-) mice / Comparação entre o vinho tinto e o trans-resveratrol isolado na prevenção e regressão da aterosclerose em camundongos LDLr (-/-)

Moderate consumption of red wine has been widely associated with reduced cardiovascular risk, mainly due to its composition in phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity, such as trans-resveratrol. Our aim was to compare the effect of red wine vs trans-resveratrol consumption on the prevention and regression of atherosclerosis in LDLr (-/-) mice. This study consisted of two protocols: "PREVENTION" (PREV) and "REGRESSION" (REGR). Both protocols included four groups: red wine (WINE), dealcoholized red wine (EXT), trans-resveratrol (RESV), and control (CONT). In PREV protocol, animals received a normal diet for 8 weeks and then switched to an atherogenic diet for the following 8 weeks, while the opposite was performed during REGR protocol. Animals that received atherogenic diet after an initial period on a normal diet (PREV) gained more body weight (39.25 ± 2.30%) than the opposite (29.27 ± 1.91%, p=0.0013), suggesting an interaction between age and weight gain. Trans-resveratrol showed the highest hypocholesterolemic effect in PREV protocol, reducing total cholesterol, LDL-C and VLDL-C, but also HDL-C. The supplementation with trans-resveratrol and dealcoholized red wine changed the fatty acids profile in the liver in both protocols, leading to an increase of MDA concentrations and SOD activity in PREV protocol. All three forms of supplementation altered biomarkers of oxidative stress and lipidemia but presented no effect on the prevention or regression of fatty streaks. These results suggest that the cardiovascular protection associated with the "French Paradox" may be a result of synergistic effects between wine and the Mediterranean diet

O consumo moderado de vinho tinto tem sido amplamente associado à redução do risco cardiovascular, principalmente devido à sua composição em compostos fenólicos com atividade antioxidante, como o trans-resveratrol. Nosso objetivo foi o de comparar o efeito do consumo de vinho tinto vs trans-resveratrol na prevenção e regressão da aterosclerose em camundongos LDLr (-/-). Este estudo consistiu em dois protocolos: "PREVENÇÃO" (PREV) e "REGRESSÃO" (REGR). Ambos os protocolos incluíram quatro grupos: vinho tinto (WINE), vinho tinto sem álcool (EXT), transresveratrol (RESV) e controle (CONT). No protocolo PREV, os animais receberam uma dieta normal durante 8 semanas e trocaram para uma dieta aterogênica durante as 8 semanas seguintes, enquanto o oposto foi realizado no protocolo REGR. Os animais que receberam dieta aterogênica após um período inicial em dieta normal (PREV) ganharam mais peso corporal (39.25 ± 2.30%) do que o oposto (29.27 ± 1.91%, p=0.0013), sugerindo uma interação entre idade e ganho de peso. O trans-resveratrol mostrou efeito hipocolesterolêmico mais elevado no protocolo PREV, reduzindo colesterol total, LDL-C e VLDL-C, mas também o HDL-C. A suplementação com trans-resveratrol e vinho tinto sem álcool alterou o perfil de ácidos graxos do fígado em ambos os protocolos, levando a um aumento das concentrações de MDA e da atividade da SOD no protocolo PREV. Todas as três formas de suplementação alteraram biomarcadores do estresse oxidativo e lipidemia, mas não apresentaram efeito sobre a prevenção ou regressão de estrias gordurosas. Esses resultados sugerem que a proteção cardiovascular associada ao "Paradoxo francês" pode ser resultado de efeitos sinérgicos entre o vinho e a dieta mediterrânea

Effects of Brazilian Cardioprotective Diet Program on risk factors in patients with coronary heart disease: a Brazilian Cardioprotective Diet randomized pilot trial

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Brazilian Cardioprotective Diet Program in reducing blood pressures, fasting glucose levels and body mass indices in patients with established atherothrombotic disease. METHOD: This randomized controlled pilot trial included outpatients who were over 45 years of age with atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease. Group A, who received the Brazilian Cardioprotective Diet Program, had weekly sessions with dietitians. Groups B and C received the usual dietary therapy that is given to patients with cardiovascular diseases as proposed by the Brazilian guidelines. This diet had the same nutrient profile as that given to Group A, but it was customized by the integration of typical Mediterranean foods. The difference between Groups B and C was the number of sessions with the dietitian. Group B received weekly sessions, while group C only had monthly sessions. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT 01453166. RESULTS: There was a greater reduction in systolic (7.8%) and diastolic (10.8%) blood pressures in Group A compared with Group B (2.3% and 7.3%), and Group C (3.9% and 4.9%, respectively). Fasting glucose decreased by 5.3% and 2% in Groups A and B, respectively. Fasting glucose increased by 3.7% in Group C. The BMIs decreased by 3.5% and 3.3% in Groups A and B, respectively. Group C did not present with any changes in BMI. However, none of these data showed statistical differences between the groups, which is methodologically acceptable in pilot trials. CONCLUSIONS: The Brazilian Cardioprotective Diet Program seems to be more effective in reducing blood pressures, fasting glucose levels, weights and BMIs in patients with previous cardiovascular disease compared with the diet that has been proposed by the Brazilian guidelines.

Long-term effects of processed Berberis vulgaris on some metabolic syndrome components

Metabolic syndrome is complex of metabolic disorders that correlates with cardiovascular disease. This study aimed at investigating the effect of processed Berberis vulgaris [B.vulgaris] on some metabolic syndrome components. Participants, type2 diabetics, were recruited in a randomized controlled clinical trial [n = 57] and randomly assigned into three groups: 1] processed B.vulgaris [n =19], 2] apple vinegar group [n =19] and 3] control group [n =19]. Height, weight, serum total cholesterol, HDL-, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and insulin concentrations were measured at baseline and at the end of the 8th week and BMI, total/HDL-cholesterol ratio and insulin resistance were estimated. Processed B.vulgaris group showed no significant effects on BMI, total cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose concentrations, whereas LDL-cholesterol concentration [22.48 +/- 35.44mg/dl] and total/HDL-cholesterol ratio [2.56 +/- 4.87] significantly decreased and HDL-cholesterol concentration [12.33 +/- 20.58mg/dl] increased [P < 0.05]. No significant effect on lipid profiles was found in the apple vinegar group. Increased insulin concentration and insulin resistance was observed in all of these groups [P < 0.001], independent of processed B.vulgaris and apple vinegar effects. Findings of the present study showed the beneficial effects of processed B.vulgaris on certain atherosclerosis risk factors

Effect of a high dairy diet on serum antibody titers to heat shock protein 27 in overweight and obese children

An immune response to heat shock proteins appears to be involved in atherogenesis. To date, there has been no report on the impact of dairy or calcium consumption on serum antibody titers to heat shock protein 27 [anti-HSP27]. We have investigated whether an increase in dairy food consumption is capable of affecting serum antibody titers to heat shock protein 27 [anti-HSP27] level in children. Overweight and obese children [n=99, age: 12-18 y, body mass index: 27-40 kg/m2] were randomized to receive a calorie restricted diet providing a 500 kcal/d deficit from total energy expenditure and two [n=38], three [n=26] or four [n=35] servings of dairy products/day. Serum anti-HSP27 level in addition to the serum hs-CRP and lipid profile were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. Serum anti-HSP27 concentrations did not change significantly in any of the mentioned groups. Serum hs-CRP and lipid profile did not change significantly either, apart from a significant increase in HDL-cholesterol in the low-dairy group. An increased intake of dairy products does not lead to a significant change in serum anti-HSP27 level in overweight and obese children

Modificaciones en el perfil de lípidos inducidas al agregar nueces a la dieta del paciente hipercolesterolémico / Modifications in lipids profile when nuts are added to the diet of the hypercholesterolemic patients

En un estudio prospectivo, longitudinal y abierto se evaluó la modificación en el perfil de lípidos de pacientes hepercolesterolémicos. Se incluyeron 22 individuos (7 H y 15 M) dislipidémicos (colesterol mayor de 6.20 mmoles), se agregaron 100 gramos de nuez cáscara de papel cada tercer día y se siguieron con determinaciones de colesterol cada mes durante tres meses; no se dio otro tipo de dieta que la habitual del paciente, para evitar confusiones sobre la causa de la modificación del perfil de lípidos (42 por ciento del peso de este tipo de nuez es grasa monoinsaturada y 18 por ciento grasa poliinsaturada). La prueba estadística empleada fue la t de Student. Los 22 pacientes tuvieron una respuesta satisfactoria tanto en la reducción de colesterol -inicial 7.39 mmoles, final 7.03 mmoles (32 por ciento)- como en la de triglicéridos -inicial 2.05 mmoles, final 1-62 mmoles- p < 0.05. Siete pacientes eran además hipertensos y cinco diabéticos; sin embargo, no hubo diferencia significativa en su respuesta. Nuestros resultados muetran un claro efecto benéfico del uso de este tipo de alimentos sobre el perfil de lípidos del paciente con dislipidemia, reforzando el que su manejo se base en modificaciones en la dieta más que en el uso de fármacos hipocolesterolemiantes. Una ventaja adicional de esta variedad de nuez es su alto contenido en L-arginina, aminoácido precursor del óxido nítrico, el cual ha demostrado en animales hipercolesterolémicos un marcado efecto antiaterogénico

Rol de la dieta en el tratamiento de las dislipidemias y de la ateroesclerosis / The importance of diet in the treatment of dyslipidemias and atherosclerosis

Las hiperlipidemias representan un conjunto de enfermedades caracterizadas por el aumento de las lipoproteínas circulantes y que se manifiestan por una elevación de la concentración plasmática del colesterol y/o de los triglicéridos. La base del tratamiento de estas alteraciones, radica en la dieta, la que debe ser formulada en forma correcta y adecuada, especialmente en aquellos pacientes en los que es el único elemento terapéutico. En esta revisión se analizan las recomendaciones dietéticas actuales, fijadas por los Comités de expertos americanos y europeos y se sugieren pautas de tratamiento

Efectos del tratamiento con ateromixol (PPG) (5 mg) en pacientes con hiperlipoproteinemia tipo II / Effects of treatment with ateromixol (PPG) (5 mg) in patient with type II hypercholesterolaemia

Se presentan los resultados de un ensayo clínico doble ciego vs. placebo realizado en 2 hospitales de Ciudad de la Habana (Cuba), en el cual se investigó la eficacia y tolerancia de dosis únicas diarias de 5 mg deateromixol (PPG) en pacientes hipercolesterolémicos tipo II. Los niveles basales de los lípidos y lipoproteínas se definieron al culminar un período inicial de dieta hipocolesterolémica. El tratamiento redujo significativamente las cifras de colesterol (10.85%), LDL-C (16.08%), los índices LDL-C/HDL-C (18.95%) y colesterol/HDL-C (14.80%) e incremento modesto estadísticamente significativa las HDL-C (8.84%), mientras que los triglicéridos y las VLDL-C descendieron no significativamente. En el grupo placebo no se produjeron variaciones significativas de los parámetros referidos. Tampoco se registraron afectaciones de la frecuencia cardíaca, presión arterial, ni de los parámetros bioquímicos y hematológicos investigados atribuibles al tratamiento. El PPG fue muy bien tolerado. De 164 pacientes incluidos en el ensayo, 151 (92.07%) culminaron el tratamiento, no produciéndose bajas por reacciones adversas. Las experiencias adversas fueron leves y transitorias y su comparación entre grupos no reveló diferencias significativas. Los resultados demuestran la eficacia del PPG (5 mg), así como su excelente tolerancia, hechos que justifican su utilidad en el tratamiento de la hiperlipoproteinemia tipo II

Acidos graxos omega III: uma revisao / Marine omega III fatty acids: a review

A baixa mortalidade de esquimos por coronariopatia, tem sido relacionada a alta quantidade de peixe que eles consomem. A adicao do acido eicosapentanoico, um oleo de peixe marinho, na dieta humana, mostra a producao de metabolitos que sao menos potentes que seus assemelhados derivados do acido araquidonico. Devido as diferentes atividades funcionais destes eicosanoides, muitas pesquisas estao sendo feitas com outras patologias. O objetivo desta revisao e mostrar alguns trabalhos e resultados com o uso destas substancias.

Profilaxia da arteriosclerose com lípidios marinhos: efeitos de uma curta suplementaçäo com óleo de figado de bacalhau em voluntários normais e revisäo de literatura / Prophylaxis of atherosclerosis with marine lipids: effects of a short supplementation with cod liver oil in healthy voluntects and a review of the literature

Numerosos estudos epidemiológicos e experimentais sugerem existir uma relaçäo inversa entre o consumo de peixe e a mortalidade por doenças aterotrombóticas. Esses efeitos protetores devem-se, provavelmente, aos lipídios encontrados nos peixes e outros animais marinhos, particularmente os ácidos eicosapentaenóico e decosahexaenóico. O presente estudo foi estruturado com o objetivo de avaliar que efeitos uma curta suplementaçäo à dieta ocidental com óleo de fígado de bacalhau poderá exercer sobre o tempo de sangramento e o padräo lipídico plasmático em voluntários normais. O autor também faz uma revisäo de estudos recentes e discute seus resultados

Influência do feijäo-fradinho sobre alguns parâmetros bioqímicos na ateromatose de coelhos / Influence of China beans on some biochemical parameters in atheromatosis of rabbits

Em coelhos alimentados com dietas contendo a mesma quantidade de farelo de milho ou farinha de feijäo-fradinho, além de outros ingredientes, verificou-se que o feijäo-fradinho exerce açäo benéfica sobre o processo alteromatoso. De fato, observamos decréscimo significativo de colesterol total e de lipídios totais no soro sangüíneo, de colesterol total no fígado ao final da experiência, e de colesterol total no soro sangüíneo em três dos quatro períodos de experiência. Além disso, com exceçäo dos níveis de lipídios totais no fígado, os coelhos que receberam feijäo-fradinho na dieta apresentaram, em média, valores mais baixos de outros parâmetros bioquímicos, quando comparados com os animais-controle alimentados com farelo de milho