Effects of phenol-enriched virgin olive oils on HDL functionality in hypercholesterolemic subjects

Identifier:  TDX:2584

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX2584

Authors:  Fernández Castillejo, Sara

Abstract:
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels are inversely related to cardiovascular disease development. However, data from gene association and intervention studies lead to consider the functional quality of HDL as a more important parameter than the quantity of HDL. Phenolic compounds (PCs) from virgin olive oil (VOO) have been reported to hold atheroprotective functions. Therefore, the tailoring of functional VOOs (FVOO) enriched with PCs has been postulated as an interesting strategy to increase the daily PCs intake without increasing the caloric intake. The aim of the present thesis is that the sustained intake of FVOOs enriched with its own PCs or with them plus complementary ones from thyme may modify the physicochemical properties of HDL particles, and may promote changes in HDL subclasses distribution leading to the consequent enhancement of HDL functionality in hypercholesterolemic subjects. Two randomized, controlled, double-blind, and crossover interventions were conducted within the frame of the “Virgin Olive Oil and HDL Functionality” study. In an acute-intake intervention, participants ingested a single dose of FVOOs enriched with their own PCs but differing in the phenolic content (250-750 ppm of PCs). In a sustained-intake intervention, hypercholesterolemic participants ingested VOOs differing in PCs source and content (80-500 ppm of PCs from olive oil or combined with those from thyme) for three weeks. The results revealed that these FVOOs improve HDL subclasses profile and their associated atherogenic ratios, increase antioxidants content in HDL, exert a beneficial impact on paraoxonases family, and increase cholesterol efflux, according to PCs content and source in the FVOOs tested. Therefore, the tailoring of FVOOs could be a good nutraceutical to enhance the functionality of HDL and a complementary tool for the management of hypercholesterolemic individuals.