Hyperlipidemias: Volpe R

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.

Volpe R, Niittynen L, Korpela R, Sirtori C, Bucci A, Fraone N, Pazzucconi F. · Institute of Systematic Medical Theraphy, University of Rome 'La Sapienza', Rome, Italy. · Br J Nutr. · Pubmed #11502237 No free full text.

Abstract: The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of consumption of a yoghurt-based drink enriched with 1-2 g plant sterols/d on serum lipids, transaminases, vitamins and hormone status in patients with primary moderate hypercholesterolaemia. Thirty patients were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: a low-fat low-lactose yoghurt-based drink enriched with 1 g plant sterol extracted from soyabean/d v. a low-fat low-lactose yoghurt, for a period of 4 weeks. After a 2-week wash-out period, patients were crossed over for an additional 4-week period. Second, after a 4-week wash-out period, eleven patients were treated with 2 g plant sterols/d in a second open part of the study for a period of 8 weeks. The yoghurt enriched with plant sterols significantly reduced, in a dose-dependent manner, serum total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels and LDL-cholesterol:HDL-cholesterol (P<0.001), whereas no changes were observed in HDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels, either in the first or the second part of the study. There were only slight, not statistically significant, differences in serum transaminase, vitamin and hormone levels. To conclude, a low-fat yoghurt-based drink moderately enriched with plant sterols may lower total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol effectively in patients with primary moderate hypercholesterolaemia.

Mancia G, Volpe R, Boros S, Ilardi M, Giannattasio C. · Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milano. · J Hypertens. · Pubmed #15106794 No free full text.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Information on the association between high hypertension and metabolic risk factors in Italy is limited. Furthermore, data on the rate of blood pressure control in the Italian hypertensive population are restricted to some Italian regions only, and refer usually to surveys performed, in most instances, several years ago. METHODS: In the present study, a total of 4059 essential hypertensive patients were examined consecutively from March to June 2000 by 450 cardiovascular specialists (cardiologists, internists and diabetologists) operating throughout the Italian territory. Analysable data were obtained in 3812 patients. RESULTS: Blood pressure control by treatment (< 140/90 mmHg) was infrequent (11.9%), this being particularly the case for systolic as compared to diastolic blood pressure (15.1 versus 33.7%). Hypertension was the only risk factor in only 13.7% of the patients, the association with diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia or obesity characterizing the remaining cases. About 60% of the patients fell into the high or very high cardiovascular risk category of the World Health Organization/International Society of Hypertension (WHO/ISH) Guidelines. Compared to low or moderate cardiovascular risk, multiple antihypertensive drug treatment was more frequently used in individuals at high or very high risk. These conditions were frequently underdiagnosed by physicians. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, in Italy, hypertension continues to be a poorly controlled condition. Despite being a Mediterranean country, the occurrence of hypertension is commonly associated with metabolic risk factors and often with a high or very high cardiovascular risk profile. This is not properly identified by specialist physicians.

Masella R, Giovannini C, Varì R, Di Benedetto R, Coni E, Volpe R, Fraone N, Bucci A. · Department of Metabolism and Pathological Biochemistry, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy. · Lipids. · Pubmed #11795851 No free full text.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of the dietary intake of extra virgin olive oil on the oxidative susceptibility of low density lipoproteins (LDL) isolated from the plasma of hyperlipidemic patients. Ten patients with combined hyperlipidemia (mean plasma cholesterol 281 mg/dL, triglycerides 283 mg/dL) consumed a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet, with olive oil (20 g/d) as the only added fat, with no drug or vitamin supplementation for 6 wk. Then they were asked to replace the olive oil they usually consumed with extra virgin olive oil for 4 wk. LDL were isolated at the beginning, and after the 4 wk of dietary treatment. LDL susceptibility to CuSO4-mediated oxidation was evaluated by measuring the extent of lipid peroxidation. We also determined fatty acid composition and vitamin E in plasma and LDL and plasma phenolic content. Extra virgin olive oil intake did not affect fatty acid composition of LDL but significantly reduced the copper-induced formation of LDL hydroperoxides and lipoperoxidation end products as well as the depletion of LDL linoleic and arachidonic acid. A significant increase in the lag phase of conjugated diene formation was observed after dietary treatment. These differences are statistically correlated with the increase in plasma phenolic content observed at the end of the treatment with extra virgin olive oil; they are not correlated with LDL fatty acid composition or vitamin E content, which both remained unmodified after the added fat change. This report suggests that the daily intake of extra virgin olive oil in hyperlipidemic patients could reduce the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation, not only because of its high monounsaturated fatty acid content but probably also because of the antioxidative activity of its phenolic compounds.

Seripa D, Gravina C, Volpe R, Margaglione M, Papa S, Merla G, Parrella P, Di Minno G, Ricci G, Testa M, Fazio VM. · Laboratorio Patologia Molecolare e Terapia Genica, IRCCS H. Casa Sollievo Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy. · J Inherit Metab Dis. · Pubmed #10399102 No free full text.

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