Conclusions In the context of low SFAs , high-MUFA diets in isocaloric substitution for high-CHO diets did not affect blood pressure in individuals with and without hypertension .
Context Current dietary guidelines for cardiovascular disease risk management recommend restricting intake of saturated fatty acids ( SFAs ) .
However , the optimal macronutrient profile , in the context of a low-SFA diet , remains controversial .
The blood-pressure effect of replacing SFAs in diets with monounsaturated fatty acids ( MUFAs ) compared with carbohydrate has not been quantified to date .
Evidence for an Independent and Cumulative Effect of Postprandial Hypertriglyceridemia and Hyperglycemia on Endothelial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress Generation: Effects of Short- and Long-Term Simvastatin Treatment
Background —Postpr and ial hypertriglyceridemia and hyperglycemia are considered risk factors for cardiovascular disease . Evidence suggests that postpr and ial hypertriglyceridemia and hyperglycemia induce endothelial dysfunction through oxidative stress ; however , the distinct role of these two factors is a matter of debate . Methods and Results —Thirty type 2 diabetic patients and 20 normal subjects ate 3 different meals : a high-fat meal ; 75 g glucose alone ; and high-fat meal plus glucose .  Glycemia , triglyceridemia , nitrotyrosine , and endothelial function were assayed during the tests . Subsequently , diabetics took 40 mg/d simvastatin or placebo for 12 weeks . The 3 tests were performed again at baseline , between 3 to 6 days after the start , and at the end of each study . High-fat load and glucose alone produced a decrease of endothelial function and an increase of nitrotyrosine in normal and diabetic subjects . These effects were more pronounced when high fat and glucose were combined . Short-term simvastatin treatment had no effect on lipid parameters but reduced the effect on endothelial function and nitrotyrosine observed during each different test . Long-term simvastatin treatment was accompanied by a lower increase in postpr and ial triglycerides , which was followed by smaller variations of endothelial function and nitrotyrosine during the tests . Conclusions —This study shows an independent and cumulative effect of postpr and ial hypertriglyceridemia and hyperglycemia on endothelial function , suggesting oxidative stress as common mediator of such effect . Simvastatin shows a beneficial effect on oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction , which may be ascribed to a direct effect as well as the lipid-lowering action of the drug
Conclusions In the context of low SFAs , high-MUFA diets in isocaloric substitution for high-CHO diets did not affect blood pressure in individuals with and without hypertension .
Context Current dietary guidelines for cardiovascular disease risk management recommend restricting intake of saturated fatty acids ( SFAs ) .
However , the optimal macronutrient profile , in the context of a low-SFA diet , remains controversial .
The blood-pressure effect of replacing SFAs in diets with monounsaturated fatty acids ( MUFAs ) compared with carbohydrate has not been quantified to date .