(11-12-10) Mediterranean diet reduces endothelial damage and improves the regenerative capacity of endothelium.

Marin C, Ramirez R, Delgado-Lista J, Yubero-Serrano EM, Perez-Martinez P,
Carracedo J, Garcia-Rios A, Rodriguez F, Gutierrez-Mariscal FM, Gomez P, Perez-
Jimenez F, Lopez-Miranda J.

Lipids and Atherosclerosis Unit, IMIBIC/Reina Sof??a University Hospital,
University of Cordoba and CIBER Fisiopatolog??a Obesidad y Nutrici??n, Instituto
de Salud Carlos III, C??rdoba, Spain.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction is a fundamental step in the
atherosclerotic disease process. Activation or injury of the endothelium leads
to a variety of inflammatory disorders, including the release of
microparticles. Endothelial progenitor cells may contribute to the maintenance
of the endothelium by replacing injured mature endothelial cells. Objective: We
studied the influence of dietary fat on the release of endothelial
microparticles (EMPs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in elderly
subjects. Design: Twenty healthy, elderly subjects (10 men and 10 women)
consumed 3 diets following a randomized crossover design, each for 4 wk: a
saturated fatty acid diet; a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet; and a
Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) enriched in monounsaturated fatty acids. We
investigated total microparticles, EMPs from activated endothelial cells
(activated EMPs), EMPs from apoptotic endothelial cells (apoptotic EMPs), EPCs,
oxidative stress variables, and ischemic reactive hyperemia (IRH). Results: The
MedDiet led to lower total microparticle, activated EMP, and apoptotic EMP
concentrations and higher EPC numbers than did the other diets (P < 0.001). We
detected lower superoxide dismutase activity (P < 0.001), a higher plasma ??-
carotene concentration (P < 0.001), and lower urinary isoprostane and plasma
nitrotyrosine concentrations after consumption of the MedDiet than after
consumption of the other 2 diets (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the occurrence of IRH
was higher after consumption of the MedDiet than after consumption of the other
2 diets (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Consumption of the MedDiet induces a reduction
in endothelial damage and dysfunction, which is associated with an improvement
in the regenerative capacity of the endothelium, in comparison with 2 other
diets.

Source: Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 Dec 1

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