Effects of phytosterol supplementation on lipoprotein subfractions and LDL particle quality.

Phytosterols are natural components of plant-based foods used as supplements because of their known cholesterol-lowering effect. However, their effects on lipoprotein subfractions and the quality of the LDL particle have not been studied in greater detail. We aimed to evaluate the effects of phytosterols supplements on lipids, lipoproteins subfractions, and on the quality of LDL. A prospective, pilot-type, open label, cross-over study, randomized 23 males in primary prevention of hypercholesterolemia to receive diet or diet plus phytosterol (2.6 g in 2 doses, with meals) for 12 weeks, when treatments were switched for another 12 weeks. Lipoprotein subfractions were analyzed by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel (Lipoprint System®). The Sampson equation estimated the small and dense (sd) and large and buoyant (lb) LDL subfractions from the lipid profile. Quality of LDL particle was analyzed by Z-scan and UV-vis spectroscopy. Primary outcome was the comparison of diet vs. diet plus phytosterols. Secondary outcomes assessed differences between baseline, diet and diet plus phytosterol. Non-parametric statistics were performed with p < 0.05. There was a trend to reduction on HDL-7 (p = 0.05) in diet plus phytosterol arm, with no effects on the quality of LDL particles. Heatmap showed strong correlations (ρ > 0.7) between particle size by different methods with both interventions. Diet plus phytosterol reduced TC, increased HDL-c, and reduced IDL-B, whereas diet increased HDL7, and reduced IDL-B vs. baseline (p < 0.05, for all). Phytosterol supplementation demonstrated small beneficial effects on HDL-7 subfraction, compared with diet alone, without effects on the quality of LDL particles.This trial is registered in Clinical Trials (NCT06127732) and can be accessed at https://clinicaltrials.gov .

Efeitos da suplementação de resveratrol sobre fatores de risco cardiovascular / Effects of resveratrol supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors

O resveratrol, ou 3,5,4-triidroxiestilbeno, é um polifenol encontrado principalmente em uvas, vinho tinto, amendoins, chocolate amargo e algumas frutas silvestres. Diversos estudos investigaram sua ação sobre doenças cardiovasculares, câncer, doenças neurodegenerativas, diabetes, hiperglicemia, bem como seus possíveis efeitos sobre a longevidade. No entanto, os resultados ainda são inconclusivos, principalmente no que se refere à dose necessária, que dificilmente é atingida só com a alimentação. Portanto, foi feita uma revisão da literatura recente quanto à suplementação de resveratrol em seres humanos e seus efeitos sobre os fatores de risco para desenvolvimento de doenças cardiovasculares. Foram incluídos 15 estudos que avaliaram a função endotelial, o perfil glicêmico, o perfil inflamatório, lipoproteínas, bem como a segurança do consumo por idosos. A suplementação de resveratrol mostrou-se segura em idosos e benéfica principalmente para a função endotelial em diferentes populações, tendo efeito positivo também sobre o perfil glicêmico de pacientes com resistência à insulina e inflamação. Além disso, verificou-se redução significativa da produção intestinal e hepática das lipoproteínas Apo B-48 e Apo B-100. Devido a todos esses aspectos, a suplementação com resveratrol pode exercer papel protetor contra o desenvolvimento de doenças cardiovasculares

Resveratrol, or 3,4,5-trihydroxystilbene, is a polyphenol found mainly in grapes, red wine, peanuts, dark chocolate and some berries. Several studies have investigated the impact of resveratrol on cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes and hyperglycemia, as well as its potential effects on longevity. However, the results are still inconclusive, especially regarding the necessary dosage, which is unlikely to be achieved through diet alone. Therefore, we have reviewed the recent literature on resveratrol supplementation in humans and its effects on risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases. We included fifteen studies that evaluated the endothelial function, glycemic profile, inflammatory profile, lipoproteins, and the safety of its consumption by the elderly. Resveratrol supplementation was proven to be safe for use in the elderly and mainly benefits endothelial function in different populations, also having a positive effect on the glycemic profile of patients with insulin resistance and inflammation. A significant reduction in the intestinal and hepatic production of lipoproteins Apo B-48 and Apo B-100 was also observed. Due to all these aspects, supplementation with resveratrol could play a protective role in the development of cardiovascular diseases

Relações entre o potássio da dieta e a pressão arterial / Relationship between dietary potassium and blood pressure

A alta ingestão de potássio está associada com níveis reduzidos de pressão arterial. Estudos têm demonstrado que a excreção de potássio na urina representa a quantidade de potássio ingerido na dieta, podendo ser um marcador da efetividade da terapia anti-hipertensiva e de desfechos cerebrovasculares. A suplementação de potássio possui efeito hipotensor em pacientes com hipertensão moderada, e estudos clínicos têm revelado que dietoterapia baseada em frutas, verduras e legumes ricos em potássio podem reduzir a pressão arterial, quando associada à redução de sódio na dieta. As dietas que produzam uma relação de concentrações urinárias < 1,0 (Na/K) entre o sódio e o potássio têm importantes efeitos na pressão arterial. Arecomendação é que seja ingerido aproximadamente 4,7g/dia de potássio na dieta por pacientes com hipertensão arterial. A adição de potássio na dieta de forma suplementada, ou por meiode uma dieta com alimentos ricos nesse mineral, pode ser um adjuvante eficiente na terapia farmacológica anti-hipertensiva dos pacientes com hipertensão arterial.

High potassium intake is associated with low levels of blood pressure. Studies have shown that urinary potassium excretion represents the amount of intake, thus it became an effective way to know the efficiency of the antihypertensive therapy as well as vascular complications and stroke. Potassium supplementation has hypotensive effect in patients with moderate hypertension, and clinical studies have shown that diet therapy based on fruits and vegetables rich in potassium can reduce blood pressure, when associated with dietary sodium reduction. Diets that produce urinary concentrations < 1.0 regarding the sodium/potassium rate (Na/K) have important effects on blood pressure. The recommendation is the ingestion of approximately 4.7g/day of potassium in diet for patients with hypertension. Addition of potassium in the diet as a supplement or increasing the intake of foods rich in this mineral may be an effective coadjuvant antihypertensive therapy to patients with hypertension.