Confirmation of oxidative stress and fatty acid disturbances in two further Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome families with identification of a new mutation.

BACKGROUND: We have previously reported oxidative and fatty acids disturbances in one Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome (PLS) family. This Mendelian condition characterized by palmar plantar keratosis and severe aggressive periodontitis, is caused by mutations in the cathepsin C (CTSC) gene. In this study, we have analysed two further unrelated PLS families to confirm this association. METHODS: Mutations were identified by direct sequencing of CTSC. Biochemical analyses were performed in probands and their relatives in order to determine plasma levels of vitamin E, CoQ10 , lipid hydroperoxides (HP) and fatty acid patterns. RESULTS: Pathogenic CTSC mutations were identified in both families including a new mutation (c504C>G). Both probands showed low levels of vitamin E and CoQ10 , and high levels of lipid HP, and also very low levels of docohexaenoic acid. CONCLUSIONS: The previously reported oxidative and fatty acids disturbances were confirmed as a feature of this condition in two further families. There are low levels of antioxidant markers and high levels of oxidative markers, in addition of low levels of some anti-inflammatory fatty acids in persons suffering PLS and some of their relatives.

Fasting and postprandial adiponectin alterations anticipate NEFA and TNF-α changes in prepubertal obese children.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: It has been suggested that adipokine changes might precede changes in plasma non-esterified fatty acids and other obesity metabolic biomarkers. The aim of the present study was to evaluate changes in fasting and postprandial plasma levels of adiponectin, non-esterified fatty acids, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in prepubertal obese children and age-matched normal-weight children. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty-four children of prepubertal age (34 obese, comprising 23 males and 11 females, and 20 normal-weight comprising 11 males and 9 females) were studied. A standard 438 kcal breakfast was given to both groups. Baseline measurements included anthropometry and plasma lipids. The following parameters were determined in plasma before and after breakfast: glucose, insulin, and C-peptide at baseline and 2h and non-esterified fatty acids, adiponectin, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha at baseline and 1, 2, and 3h. Fasting plasma non-esterified fatty acid levels were lower in the obese versus normal-weight children (P=0.021). Both at baseline and postprandially, plasma adiponectin levels were lower in the obese versus normal-weight children (P<0.001). A trend was observed (P=0.06) that levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha were lower in the obese versus normal-weight children. Adiponectin was inversely associated with insulin in the obese children after adjustment for BMI and sex (r=-0.401, P=0.025). CONCLUSION: At prepubertal age, obese children show lower fasting and postprandial plasma adiponectin levels in comparison to normal-weight children, whereas non-esterified fatty acids and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were not yet increased. Therefore, adiponectin appears to be a good marker of early metabolic alterations associated with childhood obesity.

Olive oil and health: summary of the II international conference on olive oil and health consensus report, Jaén and Córdoba (Spain) 2008.

Olive oil (OO) is the most representative food of the traditional Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet). Increasing evidence suggests that monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) as a nutrient, OO as a food, and the MedDiet as a food pattern are associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and hypertension. A MedDiet rich in OO and OO per se has been shown to improve cardiovascular risk factors, such as lipid profiles, blood pressure, postprandial hyperlipidemia, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and antithrombotic profiles. Some of these beneficial effects can be attributed to the OO minor components. Therefore, the definition of the MedDiet should include OO. Phenolic compounds in OO have shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, prevent lipoperoxidation, induce favorable changes of lipid profile, improve endothelial function, and disclose antithrombotic properties. Observational studies from Mediterranean cohorts have suggested that dietary MUFA may be protective against age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Recent studies consistently support the concept that the OO-rich MedDiet is compatible with healthier aging and increased longevity. In countries where the population adheres to the MedDiet, such as Spain, Greece and Italy, and OO is the principal source of fat, rates of cancer incidence are lower than in northern European countries. Experimental and human cellular studies have provided new evidence on the potential protective effect of OO on cancer. Furthermore, results of case-control and cohort studies suggest that MUFA intake including OO is associated with a reduction in cancer risk (mainly breast, colorectal and prostate cancers).

Periodontitis is associated with altered plasma fatty acids and cardiovascular risk markers.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In periodontitis it has been found that some perturbation exists in lipid biomarkers, such as increased serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Nevertheless, the relationship between fatty acids and periodontitis has been demonstrated only in a few studies and remains controversial. The aim of this investigation was to explore the effects of periodontitis on a cluster of traditional and novel cardiovascular risk factors such as plasma-lipids profile, types of plasma fatty acids, adhesion molecules and systemic inflammatory markers. METHODS AND RESULTS: At a university dental school, 56 patients all over 35 years old were enrolled and invited to participate in the study. Total plasma fatty acids, saturated, n-6 polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, peroxidability index, soluble VCAM, TNF-alpha, cholesterol, triacylglycerols, and VLDL-c were significantly higher in the periodontitis group compared to the non-periodontitis group. CONCLUSIONS: This close association found between plasma triacylglycerols, LDL-c, saturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, total amount of fatty acids and coenzyme Q(10) with some periodontal data such as periodontal probing depth, recession of the gingival margin and clinical attachment level (Pearson correlation between 0.3 and 0.6), leads to the conclusion that there is an inter-relationship between periodontitis, plasma fatty acids profile and the increase in metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

Fasting and postprandial relationships among plasma leptin, ghrelin, and insulin in prepubertal obese children.

BACKGROUND: Leptin is involved in the long-term regulation of body weight and dietary intake, while ghrelin plays an essential role in appetite control. High levels of leptin have been associated with adiposity and the suppression of ghrelin levels with increased dietary intake. AIMS: To evaluate fasting and postprandial concentrations of plasma leptin and ghrelin after intake of a standardised breakfast and to study the relationship of these hormones with adiposity and insulin resistance in obese prepubertal children. METHODS: 34 obese and 20 normal-weight prepubertal children aged 6-12 years were selected. Plasma leptin and ghrelin were measured by ELISA and radioimmunoassay, respectively. The general linear model of variance, principal-component factor, and Pearson's analyses correlation were performed. RESULTS: Baseline and postprandial leptin levels were higher in obese versus normal-weight children. In obese, ghrelin showed an altered pattern during the postprandial period, recovering to baseline levels at 3h after the intake. Insulin resistance was associated with leptin and independently with ghrelin. CONCLUSION: The association of ghrelin with insulin resistance provides further evidence on the regulation of ghrelin in glucose homeostasis in childhood obesity at the prepubertal age. Changes in ghrelin after dietary intake may be related to an earlier recovery of appetite in prepubertal obese children.

Metabolic syndrome and periodontitis: is oxidative stress a common link?

A review of pathological mechanisms that can explain the relationship between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is necessary to improve the management of both conditions. Metabolic syndrome is a combination of obesity, hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes, hyperinsulinemia, and dyslipidemia. All these have been examined in recent years in terms of their relationship to periodontitis. Reviewed data indicate an association between some of them (body mass index, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDL-C], triglycerides, high blood pressure, among others) and periodontitis. Oxidative stress may act as a potential common link to explain relationships between each component of metabolic syndrome and periodontitis. Both conditions show increased serum levels of products derived from oxidative damage, with a pro-inflammatory state likely influencing each other bidirectionally. Adipocytokines might modulate the oxidant/anti-oxidant balance in this relationship.

Changes in plasma fatty acid composition after intake of a standardised breakfast in prepubertal obese children.

Obese patients typically show a pattern of dyslipidaemia and changes in plasma fatty acid composition reflecting abnormalities in lipoprotein metabolism and dietary habits. Animals and obese adults have been widely studied; however, contradictory results have been published in children. The objective was to assess changes in plasma fatty acid composition in total plasma lipids and plasma lipid fractions in obese prepubertal children compared with those of normal weight and to evaluate changes in postprandial plasma fatty acids during a 3 h period after intake of a standardised breakfast. The study was a case-control study with thirty-four obese and twenty normal-weight prepubertal children (Tanner 1). Anthropometric and metabolic variables and fatty acid concentrations were measured in plasma and its fractions. Liquid chromatography was used to separate lipid fractions and GLC to quantify fatty acids. Plasma total fatty acids (TFA), SFA, MUFA and PUFA concentrations were higher in obese than in control children. Except for 18 : 0, 18 : 3n-3, 20 : 4n-6 and n-3 PUFA, all fatty acids in TAG were also elevated in the obese group. Fatty acids 16 : 1n-7, 18 : 0, 18 : 1n-9, 20 : 2n-6, TFA and MUFA significantly decreased between the 2nd and 3rd hour in normal-weight v. obese children. The concentration of 16 : 1n-7 was positively and the proportion of 20 : 4n-6 inversely associated with a significant increase in risk of obesity. Obese prepubertal children show an altered plasma fatty acid profile and concentrations, mainly related to the TAG fatty acid profile, with a lower clearance of fatty acids v. normal-weight prepubertal children.

[Intake of an iron-supplemented milk formula as a preventive measure to avoid low iron status in 1-3 year-olds]. / Ingesta de una fórmula láctea suplementada con hierro como medida preventiva del déficit de hierro en niños de 1 a 3 años de edad.

OBJECTIVE: Low iron status is a well known risk factor for iron deficiency anemia in infants and young children. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of an iron-fortified toddler formula on iron status in 1-3 year-olds. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-three healthy infants and young children were assigned to two groups that received 500 mL/day of and iron-fortified toddler formula or 500 mL/day of unmodified cow's milk for 4 months. Allocation was random and double-blind. Daily dietary intake was calculated by dietary evaluation, and iron nutritional status was assessed (hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, serum iron, ferritin, and transferrin). RESULTS: At enrollment, no anemia was found in either group, although hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit were significantly lower in the toddler formula group than in the unmodified cow's milk group. However, these differences disappeared at the end of the intervention period. After 4 months, the toddler formula group showed significantly higher serum ferritin and lower serum transferrin concentrations than the cow's milk group. CONCLUSION: Intake of iron-supplemented toddler formula for 4 months in 1-3 year-olds is more effective in maintaining iron nutritional status than cow's milk.

Ingesta de una fórmula láctea suplementada con hierro como medida preventiva del déficit de hierro en niños de 1 a 3 años de edad / Intake of an iron-supplemented milk formula as a preventive measure to avoid low iron status in 1-3 year-olds

Objetivo. La baja ingesta de hierro es un factor bien conocido como responsable de anemia por deficiencia de hierro en lactantes y niños pequeños. En el presente estudio se ha evaluado la influencia de la ingesta de una fórmula láctea para niños pequeños suplementada con hierro sobre el estado nutricional del hierro en niños de 1 a 3 años de edad. Pacientes y métodos. Se han estudiado 33 niños sanos distribuidos de forma aleatorizada y doble ciego en 2 grupos, uno que tomó 500 ml/día de una fórmula láctea suplementada con hierro y otro 500 ml/día de leche entera de vaca. Todos los niños tomaron la fórmula o la leche de vaca durante 4 meses. La ingesta de nutrientes fue calculada mediante la valoración de la dieta y se evaluó el estado nutricional del hierro (hemoglobina, hematócrito, volumen corpuscular medio, hemoglobina corpuscular media, concentración de hemoglobina corpuscular media, hierro, ferritina y transferrina). Resultados. Al inicio del estudio, ningún niño presentaba anemia, aunque el grupo que tomó la fórmula láctea suplementada con hierro presentaba una concentración de hemoglobina y hematócrito significativamente más baja. Sin embargo, las diferencias desaparecieron al final del período de intervención. Además, al final del estudio el grupo que tomó la fórmula láctea suplementada con hierro mostró unas concentraciones en suero significativamente más elevadas de ferritina y más bajas de transferrina que el grupo que tomó leche entera de vaca. Conclusión. La ingesta de una fórmula suplementada con hierro para niños pequeños durante 4 meses en niños de 1 a 3 años de edad, contribuye mejor que la leche de vaca a mantener el estado nutricional de hierro

Objective. Low iron status is a well known risk factor for iron deficiency anemia in infants and young children. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of an iron-fortified toddler formula on iron status in 1-3 year-olds. Patients and methods. Thirty-three healthy infants and young children were assigned to two groups that received 500 mL/day of and iron-fortified toddler formula or 500 mL/day of unmodified cow's milk for 4 months. Allocation was random and double-blind. Daily dietary intake was calculated by dietary evaluation, and iron nutritional status was assessed (hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, serum iron, ferritin, and transferrin). Results. At enrollment, no anemia was found in either group, although hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit were significantly lower in the toddler formula group than in the unmodified cow's milk group. However, these differences disappeared at the end of the intervention period. After 4 months, the toddler formula group showed significantly higher serum ferritin and lower serum transferrin concentrations than the cow's milk group. Conclusion. Intake of iron-supplemented toddler formula for 4 months in 1-3 year-olds is more effective in maintaining iron nutritional status than cow's milk

[Experimental models of cardiovascular disease]. / Modelos experimentales de enfermedad cardiovascular.

The present work describes clinically useful experimental models for the study of cardiovascular disease and emphasites the models used to determine the pathophysiologic mechanisms of atherosclerosis, as well as to evaluate the effects of nutritional and pharmacological products on the development of this complex inflammatory process present in many cardiovascular diseases. Animal models in which ahterosclerosis may be induced by dietary changes are reviewed, as well as those in which modification in one or more genes (knock-out and knock-in animals), or the incorporation of foreign genes from other species lead to early cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, some of the cell lines most frequently used in studying molecular mechanisms of atherosclerosis and assessment of substances with nutritional or pharmacological interest are considered.

Dietary lipids and cancer.

Cancer is one of the main causes of death in Western countries. Among the factors that contribute to the appearance of this disease, diet has a fundamental role, and specifically fats are the main component related to the increase in the incidence of cancerous diseases, particularly breast, colon-rectal, and prostate cancer. From dietary lipids, much attention has been given to the beneficial effects of fish oil, rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids n-3 serie, as well as of olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids--primarily oleic acid. On the contrary, a negative effect has been reported for polyunsaturated fatty acids n-6 serie and for saturated fatty acids. Nutrition constitutes an important aspect of the life of cancer patients. Currently, nutritional formulas are being designed with supplements of polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acids and other components such as arginine, RNA, lysine, etc., with the aim of ameliorating the effects of this pathology. The results demonstrate the lower morbility and therefore improved quality of life, a decline in mortality, and a reduction in related costs.

Postprandial response of trans fatty acids in prepubertal obese children.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the intake, plasma concentrations and postprandial response of trans fatty acids in obese and control children at prepubertal age in order to detect potential associations with childhood obesity. DESIGN: Case-control study, clinical dietary intervention with a 428 kcal standardized breakfast and longitudinal 3 h postprandial follow-up for trans fatty acid plasma levels. SUBJECTS: Fifty-four children aged 6-13 years of both sexes, 34 obese (body mass index >97th percentile for age and sex) and 20 non-obese (control group) at prepubertal period (Tanner I). MEASUREMENTS: Various anthropometric parameters and sex hormones, fasting insulin and glucose, estimation of dietary trans fatty acid intake and their plasma quantitation in fasting conditions, and for 3 h following intake of a standardized breakfast. RESULTS: Dietary trans fatty acid intake was less than 0.4% of total energy in both groups, with a trend towards higher intake in obese children. Fasting plasma trans fatty acid concentrations and percentages were similar in both groups. However, trans fatty acid levels at +3 h were significantly higher than at 0 h in obese children, but not in controls (obese, 0 h: 2.38+/-0.29; 3 h: 3.62+/-0.45; controls, 0 h: 2.29+/-0.24; 3.14+/-0.49 mg/dl); cis monounsaturated fatty acid concentrations were not significantly affected by the postprandial interval. Obese children exhibited hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance; however, trans fatty acid intake or their plasma levels were not associated with them. CONCLUSION: There is a low intake of trans fatty acids in Southern Spanish children, which is supported by their low concentrations in plasma. No difference in trans fatty acid intake is observed between obese and control children, although plasma levels remain higher in obese than in control children after 3 h of a meal. A marked insulin resistance is seen in obese, but it is not correlated with either trans fatty acid intake or plasma concentration.

International conference on the healthy effect of virgin olive oil.

1. Ageing represents a great concern in developed countries because the number of people involved and the pathologies related with it, like atherosclerosis, morbus Parkinson, Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, cognitive decline, diabetes and cancer. 2. Epidemiological studies suggest that a Mediterranean diet (which is rich in virgin olive oil) decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease. 3. The Mediterranean diet, rich in virgin olive oil, improves the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as the lipoprotein profile, blood pressure, glucose metabolism and antithrombotic profile. Endothelial function, inflammation and oxidative stress are also positively modulated. Some of these effects are attributed to minor components of virgin olive oil. Therefore, the definition of the Mediterranean diet should include virgin olive oil. 4. Different observational studies conducted in humans have shown that the intake of monounsaturated fat may be protective against age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. 5. Microconstituents from virgin olive oil are bioavailable in humans and have shown antioxidant properties and capacity to improve endothelial function. Furthermore they are also able to modify the haemostasis, showing antithrombotic properties. 6. In countries where the populations fulfilled a typical Mediterranean diet, such as Spain, Greece and Italy, where virgin olive oil is the principal source of fat, cancer incidence rates are lower than in northern European countries. 7. The protective effect of virgin olive oil can be most important in the first decades of life, which suggests that the dietetic benefit of virgin olive oil intake should be initiated before puberty, and maintained through life. 8. The more recent studies consistently support that the Mediterranean diet, based in virgin olive oil, is compatible with a healthier ageing and increased longevity. However, despite the significant advances of the recent years, the final proof about the specific mechanisms and contributing role of the different components of virgin olive oil to its beneficial effects requires further investigations.

Sunflower oil does not protect against LDL oxidation as virgin olive oil does in patients with peripheral vascular disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare the in vivo effects of a diet rich in virgin olive oil or sunflower oil on the lipid profile and on LDL susceptibility to oxidative modification in free-living Spanish male patients with peripheral vascular disease. METHODS: A total of 20 Spanish male subjects diagnosed with peripheral vascular disease were randomly divided into two groups (n = 10) receiving different supplements, virgin olive oil and sunflower oil for 4 months. RESULTS: The adaptation of patients to the experimental supplements was demonstrated since plasma and LDL fatty acids composition reflected dietary fatty acids. No differences in triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol or HDL-cholesterol concentrations were found between the groups of patients. A significantly higher LDL susceptibility to oxidation was observed after sunflower oil intake in comparison with virgin olive oil, in spite of an increase in LDL alpha-tocopherol concentration in sunflower oil group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study provide further evidence that sunflower-oil-enriched diets does not protect LDL against oxidation as virgin olive oil does in patients with peripheral vascular disease.

Coenzyme Q differentially modulates phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase gene expression and free radicals production in malignant and non-malignant prostate cells.

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of coenzyme Q on the mRNA abundance of PHGPx and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in two different cell lines from human prostate, a line of non cancer cells (PNT2) and a line of cancer cells (PC3). Results showed that malignant cells markedly differ in their response to coenzyme Q compared to non-malignant cells, with no changes in PHGPx expression and greater ROS production. Furthermore coenzyme Q supplementation significantly lowered cell growth of the PC3 cancer line without affecting the PNT2. If these results are confirmed with additional experiments, it could represent a novel and interesting approach on the biomedical use of coenzyme Q10 in cancer therapy.

Virgin olive and fish oils enhance the hepatic antioxidant defence system in atherosclerotic rabbits.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: In this study we report the effects of sunflower, virgin olive and fish oils on the lipid profile and antioxidant defence system in liver mitochondria from rabbits with experimental atherosclerosis. METHOD: An atherogenic control group were fed for 50 days on a diet containing 3% lard and 1.3% cholesterol. Four groups were fed for an additional period of 30 days with a diet enriched in different oils: sunflower oil, virgin olive oil, refined olive oil and fish oil. A control group was fed with a standard chow. RESULTS: The atherogenic diet caused important changes in the hepatic mitochondria lipid profile and in the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defence system accompanied with an increase in the content of hydroperoxides in liver mitochondria. The administration of virgin olive and fish oils showed a better profile in the antioxidant system as well as decrease in the content of hydroperoxides. CONCLUSIONS: The intake of cholesterol- and lard-enriched diet leads to a high impairment in the hepatic antioxidant defence system. However, the replacement of that diet by other unsaturated fat-enriched diets using virgin olive, sunflower and fish oil enhances hepatic antioxidant defence system, virgin olive and fish oil diet provide the best results.

Sunflower, virgin-olive and fish oils differentially affect the progression of aortic lesions in rabbits with experimental atherosclerosis.

In this study we report the effects of sunflower, virgin olive and fish oils on the progression of aortic lesions. A total of 24 male New Zealand rabbits (six per each group) were fed for 50 days on a diet containing 3% lard and 1.3% cholesterol, to induce atherosclerosis. An atherogenic control group (A) was killed after this period and three groups were fed for an additional period of 30 days with a diet composed of (1.75 g of supplemented oil and 98.25 of standard chow): sunflower oil (S), virgin olive oil (O) and fish oil (F). A control group (n=6) was fed with a standard chow diet for 80 days. LDL lipid composition and histological analysis of aortic atherosclerotic lesions were assayed. The atherogenic diet caused a significant increase of cholesterol levels in LDL and aorta tissue. Cholesterol ester content rose significantly in the aortic arch of groups S, O and F. Fatty streaks were found in all aortic sections, although only group S showed a significant progression of the lesion compared with group A. We conclude that the replacement of a high cholesterol-saturated fat diet by another cholesterol free-unsaturated fat diet does not regress atherosclerosis in rabbit. However, sunflower oil provokes a significant progression in lesion development, whereas diet enrichment with extra virgin olive oil and, to a lesser extent, fish oil, stops this progression.

Dietary oils high in oleic acid but with different unsaponifiable fraction contents have different effects in fatty acid composition and peroxidation in rabbit LDL.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the influence of different edible oils high in oleic acid but with different unsaponifiable fractions on the fatty acid composition and lipid peroxidation in plasma and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in rabbits. METHODS: Thirty-two rabbits were randomly assigned to four groups of eight animals. For 8 wk each group was fed a semisynthetic isoenergetic diet that differed by lipid source (Picual virgin olive oil, Picual virgin olive oil that had been subjected to an exhaustive process of washing, Arbequina virgin olive oil, and sunflower oil high in oleic acid). We analyzed the fatty acid profile, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, alpha-tocopherol, coenzyme Q, and retinol in plasma and the fatty acid profile, hydroperoxides, alpha-tocopherol, and coenzyme Q in LDL. RESULTS: The two varieties of virgin olive oil behaved differently from the high-oleic sunflower oil, and the effect of the different ratios of oleic acid to linoleic acid in the lipid sources on fatty acid composition in plasma and LDL was significant. With regard to oxidative stress, LDL in the group that ingested the lipid sources with the greatest amount of phenolic compounds showed the highest level of antioxidants (alpha-tocopherol and coenzyme Q; P < 0.05) and the lowest susceptibility to lipid peroxidation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence in vivo of the considerable antioxidant capacity of the phenolic fraction of virgin olive oil in rabbit LDL and the important role that this unsaponifiable fraction can play in the overall antioxidant benefit attributed to these oils. However, these effects depend on the phenolic content of the oil.

[Protective effect of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids on the development of cardiovascular disease]. / Efectos protectores de los ácidos grasos monoinsaturados y poliinsaturados sobre el desarrollo de la enfermedad cardiovascular.

Cardiovascular disease has a multifactorial aetiology, as is illustrated by the existence of numerous risk indicators, many of which can be influenced by dietary means. In this article, the effects of unsaturated fatty acids on cardiovascular disease are reviewed, with special emphasis on the modifications of the lipoprotein profile and the mechanism by which fatty acids may affect the immune response on the development of the atherosclerotic lesion. Atherosclerosis occurs fundamentally in three stages: dysfunction of the vascular endothelium, fatty streak and fibrous cap formation. Each of the three stages is regulated by the action of vasoactive molecules, growth factors and cytokines, mediators of the immune response. Dietary lipid quality can affect the lipoprotein metabolism, altering their concentrations in the blood, permitting a greater or lesser recruitment of them in the artery wall. The replacement of dietary saturated fat by mono- or polyunsaturated fats significantly lowers the plasma-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels. Likewise, an enriched monounsaturated fatty acid diet prevents LDL oxidative modifications more than an enriched polyunsaturated diet, and the oxidation of LDL in patients with peripheral vascular disease mediated by n-3 fatty acids can be reduced by the simultaneous consumption of olive oil. However, strong controversy surrounds the effect of the different unsaturated fatty acids. The type of dietary fat can directly or indirectly influence some of the mediating factors of the immune response; n-3 fatty acids have powerful antiinflammatory properties. Dietary fatty acids strongly determine the susceptibility of lipoproteins to oxidation, which also has an impact on the activation of molecules of adhesion and other inflammatory factors. Moreover, several works have demonstrated a direct effect of fatty acids on the genetic expression of many of those factors. Finally, certain aspects of blood platelet function, blood coagulability, and fibrinolytic activity associated with cardiovascular risk, are modulated by dietary fatty acids; n-3 fatty acids strongly inhibits platelet aggregation and activate thrombolytic processes.