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 .
Phenolic content of virgin olive oil improves ischemic reactive hyperemia in hypercholesterolemic patients.
OBJECTIVES The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of the phenolic content of virgin olive oil on endothelial reactivity . BACKGROUND Endothelial-dependent vasodilatation is impaired during the postpr and ial state , and oxidative stress could play a key role in its development . METHODS Twenty-one hypercholesterolemic volunteers received two breakfasts , using a r and omized sequential crossover design . Both arms received the same olive oil , but one had its phenolic acid content reduced from 400 to 80 ppm . Ischemic reactive hyperemia ( IRH ) was measured with a laser-Doppler procedure at baseline and 2 h and 4 h after oil intake . Postpr and ial plasma concentrations of lipid fractions , lipoperoxides ( LPO ) , 8-epi prostagl and in-F(2alpha ) , and nitrates/nitrites ( NO(x ) ) were obtained at baseline and after 2 h of the fat meal . RESULTS The intake of the polyphenol-rich breakfast was associated with an improvement in endothelial function , as well as a greater increase in concentrations of NO(x ) ( p < 0.001 ) and a lower increase in LPO ( p < 0.005 ) and 8-epi prostagl and in-F2alpha ( p < 0.001 ) than the ones induced by the low polyphenol fat meal . A positive correlation was found to exist between NO(x ) and enhanced endothelial function at the second hour ( r = 0.669 ; p < 0.01 ) . Furthermore , a negative correlation was found between IRH and LPO ( r = -0.203 ; p < 0.05 ) and 8-epi prostagl and in-F2alpha levels ( r = -0.440 ; p < 0.05 ) . CONCLUSIONS A meal containing high-phenolic virgin olive oil improves ischemic reactive hyperemia during the postpr and ial state . This phenomenon might be mediated via reduction in oxidative stress and the increase of nitric oxide metabolites
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 .