These results provide evidence that olive oil might exert beneficial effects on endothelial function as well as markers of inflammation and endothelial function , thus representing a key ingredient contributing to the cardiovascular-protective effects of a Mediterranean diet .
The aim of the present systematic review was to synthesize data from r and omized controlled trials investigating the effects of olive oil on markers of inflammation or endothelial function .
Inhibition of circulating immune cell activation: a molecular antiinflammatory effect of the Mediterranean diet.
BACKGROUND Adherence to the Mediterranean diet ( Med-Diet ) is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) . However , the molecular mechanisms involved are not fully understood . OBJECTIVE The objective was to compare the effects of 2 Med-Diets with those of a low-fat diet on immune cell activation and soluble inflammatory biomarkers related to atherogenesis in subjects at high risk of CVD . DESIGN In a controlled study , we r and omly assigned 112 older subjects with diabetes or > or =3 CVD risk factors to 3 dietary intervention groups : Med-Diet with supplemental virgin olive oil ( VOO ) , Med-Diet with supplemental nuts , and low-fat diet . Changes from baseline in cellular and serum inflammatory biomarkers were assessed at 3 mo . RESULTS One hundred six participants ( 43 % women ; average age : 68 y ) completed the study . At 3 mo , monocyte expression of CD49d , an adhesion molecule crucial for leukocyte homing , and of CD40 , a proinflammatory lig and , decreased ( P < 0.05 ) after both Med-Diets but not after the low-fat diet . Serum interleukin-6 and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 , inflammatory mediators crucial in firm adhesion of leukocytes to endothelial surfaces , decreased ( P < 0.05 ) in both Med-Diet groups . Soluble vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 and C-reactive protein decreased only after the Med-Diet with VOO ( P < 0.05 ) , whereas interleukin-6 , soluble vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 , and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 increased ( P < 0.05 ) after the low-fat diet . CONCLUSIONS Med-Diets supplemented with VOO or nuts down-regulate cellular and circulating inflammatory biomarkers related to atherogenesis in subjects at high risk of CVD . The results support the recommendation of the Med-Diet as a useful tool against CVD
These results provide evidence that olive oil might exert beneficial effects on endothelial function as well as markers of inflammation and endothelial function , thus representing a key ingredient contributing to the cardiovascular-protective effects of a Mediterranean diet .
The aim of the present systematic review was to synthesize data from r and omized controlled trials investigating the effects of olive oil on markers of inflammation or endothelial function .