Background
In vitro,
olive phenols exert potent antioxidant
and enzyme-modulating activities.
Aim of the study
We comparatively
evaluate, in mildly
dyslipidemic patients, the vasoprotective
potential of extra virgin
olive oil.
Methods
22 patients were
administered 40 mL/day of either
extra-virgin, i. e. phenol rich, or refined,
i. e. phenol poor, olive oils
(EVOO or ROO, respectively, with
nearly identical fatty acid composition),
with a crossover design. Each
treatment was carried out for seven
weeks, with four weeks of washout
in between. Plasma antioxidant capacity,
serum thromboxane B2
(TXB2) formation, and urinary isoprostane
excretion were evaluated
as surrogate markers of cardioprotective
potential and vascular function.
Results
No effects on plasma
lipid/lipoprotein profile were observed.
Conversely, EVOO consumption
was associated with favorable
effects on circulating
markers. Namely, decreased serum
TXB2 production and increased
plasma antioxidant capacity were
observed when EVOO was administered
in both treatment arms.
Neither treatment had any significant
effect on isoprostane excretion.
Conclusions
EVOO consumption
by mildly dyslipidemic
patients is associated with favorable
changes in circulating markers
of cardiovascular condition. Based
on current knowledge, these effects
may be associated with cardioprotection.Key words atherosclerosis - antioxidants - coronary disease - free radicals - olive oil - isoprostanes