Hypercholesterolemia: Riccardi G

Poli A, Marangoni F, Paoletti R, Mannarino E, Lupattelli G, Notarbartolo A, Aureli P, Bernini F, Cicero A, Gaddi A, Catapano A, Cricelli C, Gattone M, Marrocco W, Porrini M, Stella R, Vanotti A, Volpe M, Volpe R, Cannella C, Pinto A, Del Toma E, La Vecchia C, Tavani A, Manzato E, Riccardi G, Sirtori C, Zambon A, Anonymous00119. · Nutrition Foundation of Italy, Italy. · Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. · Pubmed #18258418 No free full text.

Abstract: The importance of non-pharmacological control of plasma cholesterol levels in the population is increasing, along with the number of subjects whose plasma lipid levels are non-optimal, or frankly elevated, according to international guidelines. In this context, a panel of experts, organized and coordinated by the Nutrition Foundation of Italy, has evaluated the nutritional and lifestyle interventions to be adopted in the control of plasma cholesterol levels (and specifically of LDL cholesterol levels). This Consensus document summarizes the view of the panel on this topic, with the aim to provide an updated support to clinicians and other health professionals involved in cardiovascular prevention.

Giacco R, Clemente G, Luongo D, Lasorella G, Fiume I, Brouns F, Bornet F, Patti L, Cipriano P, Rivellese AA, Riccardi G. · Institute of Food Science and Technology of National Research Council, Avellino, Italy. · Clin Nutr. · Pubmed #15158296 No free full text.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The intake of 10 g/day of short-chain-fructo-oligosaccharides (sc-FOS) has been shown to increase significantly bifidus counts and to produce high amounts of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), presumed to influence glucose and lipid metabolism. AIM: To evaluate the effects of moderate intake of sc-FOS on glucose and lipid metabolism in individuals with mild hypercholesterolaemia. Design: A randomized double-blind sequential cross-over study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty subjects of both genders (20 M/10 F), mean age 45.5+/-9.9 years (M+/-SD), BMI 26.6+/-2.2 kg/m(2), with plasma cholesterol >5.17 and <7.76 mmol/l and plasma triglycerides <3.45 mmol/l, participated in the study. The study was performed after a wash-out period of 1 month and a run-in period of 1 month to stabilize patients on a standard diet (CHO 50%, fat 30%, protein 20%, fibre 20 g/day) plus placebo (maltodextrine plus aspartame 15 g/day). At the end of run-in, subjects were randomly assigned to receive sc-FOS (Actilight) (10.6g/day) or placebo (maltodextrine plus aspartame 15 g/day) with tea and/or coffee for a duration of 2 months and thereafter switched to the other treatment for additional 2 months. Plasma glucose, total and lipoprotein (VLDL, LDL, HDL) cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were measured in the fasting state at the end of run-in and of each treatment period. At the end of the two treatment periods, patients consumed a standard test meal (protein 15%, carbohydrate 34%, fat 51%, kJ 3988) 1h after the administration of 5.3g of sc-FOS or placebo; plasma glucose, insulin, free fatty acid (FFA) and triglyceride responses to the test meal were evaluated. RESULTS: No significant difference in fasting parameters was detected between the two treatments. After sc-FOS and placebo plasma cholesterol levels were, respectively, 6.47+/-0.70 and 6.44+/-0.78 mmol/l (n.s.) and plasma triglycerides were 1.53+/-0.71 and 1.56+/-0.53 mmol/l (n.s.). No significant differences were observed in cholesterol and triglyceride content of VLDL, LDL and HDL and in plasma Apo A1 levels; conversely, fasting plasma Lp(a) concentrations were significantly increased after sc-FOS (37+/-38 vs. 33+/-35 mg/dl; P<0.005). Postprandial responses of glucose, FFA and triglycerides were not significantly different between sc-FOS and placebo, while postprandial insulin response (incremental area) was significantly reduced after sc-FOS compared to placebo (14,490+/-7416 vs. 17,760+/-7710 pmol/l x 300 min; P<0.02). CONCLUSIONS: A moderate intake of sc-FOS has no major effects on lipid metabolism, both in the fasting and in the postprandial period, in individuals with mild hypercholesterolaemia. A small but significant increase of Lp(a) concentrations was observed with sc-FOS consumption together with a reduction of the postprandial insulin response; however, the clinical relevance of these small effects is unclear.

Lindi V, Schwab U, Louheranta A, Vessby B, Hermansen K, Tapsell L, Riccardi G, Rivellese AA, Laakso M, Uusitupa MI, Anonymous00118. · University of Kuopio, Department of Clinical Nutrition, P.O. Box 1627, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland. · Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. · Pubmed #17327141 No free full text.

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hepatic lipase (HL) catalyzes the hydrolysis of triglycerides and phospholipids from lipoproteins, and promotes the hepatic uptake of lipoproteins. A common G-250A polymorphism in the promoter of the hepatic lipase gene (LIPC) has been described. The aim was to study the effects of the G-250A polymorphism on HL activity, serum lipid profile and insulin sensitivity. METHODS AND RESULTS: Altogether 151 healthy subjects (age 49+/-8 years, BMI 26.5+/-3.0kg/m(2)) were randomly assigned for 3 months to an isoenergetic diet containing either a high proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFA diet) or monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA diet). Within groups there was a second random assignment to supplements with fish oil (3.6g n-3 FA/day) or placebo. At baseline, the A-250A genotype was associated with high serum LDL cholesterol concentration (P=0.030 among three genotypes). On the MUFA diet carriers of the A-250A genotype presented a greater decrease in LDL cholesterol concentration than subjects with other genotypes (P=0.007 among three genotypes). The rare -250A allele was related to low HL activity (P<0.001 among three genotypes). The diet did not affect the levels of HL activity among the genotypes. CONCLUSION: The A-250A genotype of the LIPC gene was associated with high LDL cholesterol concentration, but the MUFA-enriched diet reduced serum LDL cholesterol concentration especially in subjects with the A-250A genotype.