RESUMEN
Objectives: Heart disease, caused by atherosclerosis, is the leading cause of death. Maintaining vascular integrity is crucial to reducing atherosclerosis risk. Mangos are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that may offer cardioprotective and immune-boosting benefits. However, their effects on the vasculature and immune system in adults with overweight and obesity remain unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of mango consumption on vascular health and immune function in adults with overweight and obesity. Methods: In a 12-week, crossover study, 27 overweight and obese participants consumed either 100 kcals of mangos daily or isocaloric low-fat cookies daily. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline, week 4, and week 12 and analyzed for vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), P-selectin, E-selectin, sCD4, sCD8, sCD3E, and sCD45, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Results: Mango consumption significantly decreased VCAM-1 between baseline and week 4 (P = 0.046) and week 12 (P = 0.004). CAT increased between baseline and week 12 (P = 0.035) with mango consumption. GPx increased at week 12 compared to baseline and week 4 (P < 0.05). At week 12, SOD was higher after mango consumption compared to low-fat cookie consumption (P = 0.046). There were no significant differences in ICAM-1, P-selectin, E-selectin, sCD4, sCD8, sCD3E, sCD45 or TNF-α concentrations (P > 0.05 for all non-significant results). Conclusions: This study suggests that 100 kcals of mangos may benefit the integrity of the vasculature by reducing VCAM-1 and increasing SOD, CAT, and GPx levels. Mangos can be an alternative snack for improving atherosclerosis and oxidative stress risk factors.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Elevated LDL-C, lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], and inflammation are associated with greater risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular events. Consumption of individual nut types decreases these risk factors but knowledge about the effect of mixed nuts on Lp(a) is limited. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of consuming 42.5 g/day of mixed nuts on LDL-C, Lp(a), and inflammatory markers in individuals with overweight or obesity. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a 16-week randomized control trial, 29 participants with overweight or obesity (BMI 25-40 kg/m2) consumed either 42.5 g/day of mixed nuts (cashews, almonds, macadamia nuts, Brazil nuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, and peanuts) or 69 g/day isocaloric pretzels. Blood samples were collected at baseline, week 8, and week 16 for analysis on total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, Lp(a), inflammation markers, glucose, insulin, adiponectin and liver function enzymes. No significant differences were seen in TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, Lp(a), or liver function enzymes between the two groups. Participants consuming mixed nuts had significantly lower body fat percentage and diastolic blood pressure, and higher adiponectin (all P ≤ 0.05). C-reactive protein (CRP) and 8-oxo-deoxyguanosis (8-oxodG) showed non-significant decreasing trends and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) had a non-significant increasing trend in the mixed nut group. CONCLUSION: Consumption of mixed nuts had no evidence of an effect on LDL-C or Lp(a) throughout the intervention. Notably, mixed nut consumption lowered body fat percentage without significant changes in body weight or BMI. Future studies with larger sample sizes investigating the changing trends of CRP, 8-oxodG, and TAC are warranted. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTER: NCT03375866.