Effect of meat replacement by tofu on CHD risk factors including copper induced LDL oxidation

Soy intake and chronic disease risk: findings from prospective cohort studies in Japan

There has been much interest in the potential role of soy in reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Soy foods are uniquely rich in isoflavones, a fact that has triggered much research including intervention studies. However, there have been few long-term prospective observational studies that include disease itself as an outcome. High intake of soy foods is intrinsic to the Japanese diet, which can be advantageous for conducting such studies in Japan. The present report reviews the findings from Japanese prospective cohort studies on soy intake and the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, menopausal symptoms, and dementia. The results suggest a beneficial role of soy in several chronic diseases, but they are not without controversy. Discrepancies have been observed in the findings of studies of Japanese or other Asians as compared to those of non Asians. This review discusses the issues to be explored in future studies.

The Antioxidant Role of Soy and Soy Foods in Human Health

Oxidative stress seems to play a role in many chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and some cancers. Research is always looking for effective approaches in the prevention and treatment of these pathologies with safe strategies. Given the central role of nutrition, the identification of beneficial healthy foods can be the best key to having a safe and at the same time effective approach. Soy has always aroused great scientific interest but often this attention is galvanized by the interaction with estrogen receptors and related consequences on health. However, soy, soy foods, and soy bioactive substances seem to have antioxidant properties, suggesting their role in quenching reactive oxygen species, although it was frequently mentioned but not studied in depth. The purpose of this review is to summarize the scientific evidence of the antioxidant properties of soy by identifying the human clinical trials available in the literature. A total of 58 manuscripts were individuated through the literature search for the final synthesis. Soy bioactive substances involved in redox processes appear to be multiple and their use seems promising. Other larger clinical trials with adequate standardization and adequate choice of biomarkers will fill the gap currently existing on the suggestive role of soy in antioxidant mechanisms.

Low-density lipoprotein oxidation biomarkers in human health and disease and effects of bioactive compounds

Based on the significance of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in health and disease, this review focuses on human studies addressing oxidation of LDL, including three lines of biomarkers, (i) ex vivo LDL resistance to oxidation, a "challenge test" model, (ii) circulating oxidized LDL, indicating the "current in vivo status", and (iii) autoantibodies against oxidized LDL as fingerprints of an immune response to oxidized LDL, along with circulating oxysterols and 4-hydroxynonenal as biomarkers of lipid peroxidation. Lipid peroxidation and oxidized LDL are hallmarks in the development of various metabolic, cardiovascular and other diseases. Changes further occur across life stages from infancy to older age as well as in athletes and smokers. Given their responsiveness to targeted nutritional interventions, markers of LDL oxidation have been employed in a rapidly growing number of human studies for more than 2 decades. There is growing interest in foods, which, besides providing energy and nutrients, exert beneficial effects on human health, such as protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage. Any health claim, however, needs to be substantiated by supportive evidence derived from human studies, using reliable biomarkers to demonstrate such beneficial effects. A large body of evidence has accumulated, demonstrating protection of LDL from oxidation by bioactive food compounds, including vitamins, other micronutrients and secondary plant ingredients, which will facilitate the selection of oxidation biomarkers for future human intervention studies and health claim support.

Designing Dietary Recommendations Using System Level Interactomics Analysis and Network-Based Inference

Background: A range of computational methods that rely on the analysis of genome-wide expression datasets have been developed and successfully used for drug repositioning. The success of these methods is based on the hypothesis that introducing a factor (in this case, a drug molecule) that could reverse the disease gene expression signature will lead to a therapeutic effect. However, it has also been shown that globally reversing the disease expression signature is not a prerequisite for drug activity. On the other hand, the basic idea of significant anti-correlation in expression profiles could have great value for establishing diet-disease associations and could provide new insights into the role of dietary interventions in disease. Methods: We performed an integrated analysis of publicly available gene expression profiles for foods, diseases and drugs, by calculating pairwise similarity scores for diet and disease gene expression signatures and characterizing their topological features in protein-protein interaction networks. Results: We identified 485 diet-disease pairs where diet could positively influence disease development and 472 pairs where specific diets should be avoided in a disease state. Multiple evidence suggests that orange, whey and coconut fat could be beneficial for psoriasis, lung adenocarcinoma and macular degeneration, respectively. On the other hand, fructose-rich diet should be restricted in patients with chronic intermittent hypoxia and ovarian cancer. Since humans normally do not consume foods in isolation, we also applied different algorithms to predict synergism; as a result, 58 food pairs were predicted. Interestingly, the diets identified as anti-correlated with diseases showed a topological proximity to the disease proteins similar to that of the corresponding drugs. Conclusions: In conclusion, we provide a computational framework for establishing diet-disease associations and additional information on the role of diet in disease development. Due to the complexity of analyzing the food composition and eating patterns of individuals our in silico analysis, using large-scale gene expression datasets and network-based topological features, may serve as a proof-of-concept in nutritional systems biology for identifying diet-disease relationships and subsequently designing dietary recommendations.

The potential impact of animal protein intake on global and abdominal obesity: evidence from the Observation of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Luxembourg (ORISCAV-LUX) study

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association of total animal protein intake and protein derived from different dietary sources (meat; fish and shellfish; eggs; milk products) with global and abdominal obesity among adults in Luxembourg.

DESIGN

Binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between animal protein intake (as a percentage of total energy intake) and global obesity (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m(2)) and abdominal obesity (waist circumference ≥ 102 cm for men and ≥ 88 cm for women), after controlling for potential confounders.

SETTING

Observation of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Luxembourg (ORISCAV-LUX) study.

SUBJECTS

The study population was derived from a national cross-sectional stratified sample of 1152 individuals aged 18-69 years, recruited between November 2007 and January 2009.

RESULTS

There was an independent positive association between total animal protein intake and both global (OR = 1.18; 95% CI 1.12, 1.25) and abdominal obesity (OR = 1.14; 95% CI 1.08, 1.20) after adjustment for age, gender, education, smoking, physical activity and intakes of total fat, carbohydrate, fibre, and fruit and vegetables. Protein intakes from meat, fish and shellfish were positively associated with global and abdominal obesity with further adjustment for vegetal protein and other sources of animal-derived protein (all P < 0.01). Protein derived from eggs or milk products was unrelated to global or abdominal obesity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that protein derived from animal sources, in particular from meat, fish and shellfish, may be associated with increased risk of both global and abdominal obesity among presumably healthy adults in Luxembourg. These findings suggest that lower animal protein intakes may be important for maintenance of healthy body weight.

Therapeutic effects of fermented soycrud on phenotypes of atopic dermatitis induced by phthalic anhydride

Atopic dermatitis (AD), which is known as the most common pruritic skin disease, is caused by epidermal barrier dysfunction, allergies, microwave radiation, histamine intolerance, and genetic defects. To investigate the therapeutic effects of fermented soycrud (FSC) on AD pathology, alteration of AD phenotypes induced by phthalic anhydride (PA) treatment was assessed by ear thickness analysis, measurement of immune-related organ weights, ELISA, and histological and pathological analyses of ICR mice after FSC treatment for 2 weeks. Except for water content, the concentrations of most major components were lower in FSC compared to common tofu (CMT). Thymus and lymph node weights were significantly reduced in ICR mice treated with PA+CMT or PA+FSC, whereas spleen and body weights were maintained. Elevation of ear thickness induced by PA treatment was rapidly diminished in the CMT- and FSC-treated groups, although there was no significant difference between the two groups. Furthermore, significant reduction of epidermal thickness was detected in both the PA+CMT- and PA+FSC-treated groups. However, IgE concentration and dermal thickness were reduced only by PA+FSC treatment, whereas PA+CMT treatment maintained levels comparable to PA+vehicle treatment. The number of infiltrated mast cells was higher in the PA+vehicle-treated group compared to the untreated control. Following CMT or FSC treatment, mast cell infiltration was slightly reduced, although the CMT-treated group showed greater cell numbers. These results indicate that FSC may significantly relieve the phenotypes of AD induced by PA treatment and should be considered as a potential candidate for AD therapy.

Fiber, protein, and lupin-enriched foods: role for improving cardiovascular health

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death globally (World Health Organisation, 2011). Many of the risk factors for CVD are modifiable, including overweight and obesity. Numerous strategies have been proposed to fight CVD, with a special focus being placed on dietary interventions for weight management. The literature suggests that two nutrients, fiber and protein, may play significant roles in weight control and hence cardiovascular health. Increasing both protein and fiber in the diet can be difficult because popular low-carbohydrate and high-protein diets tend to have considerably low-fiber intakes (Slavin, 2005). One approach to obtain both is to develop functional foods using unique ingredients. Lupin flour is a novel food ingredient derived from the endosperm of lupin. It contains 40-45% protein, 25-30% fiber, and negligible sugar and starch (Petterson and Crosbie, 1990). Research conducted to date reveals that lupin-enriched foods, which are naturally high in protein and fiber, may have a significant effect on CVD risk factors. This review explores whether there is a role for fiber-, protein-, and lupin-enriched foods in improving cardiovascular health.

Plant and animal protein intake and its association with overweight and obesity among the Belgian population

The objective of the present study was to assess animal and plant protein intakes in the Belgian population and to examine their relationship with overweight and obesity (OB). The subjects participated in the Belgian National Food Consumption Survey conducted in 2004. Food consumption was assessed by using two non-consecutive 24 h dietary recalls. About 3083 participants ( ≥ 15 years of age; 1546 males, 1537 females) provided completed dietary information. Animal protein intake (47 g/d) contributed more to total protein intakes of 72 g/d than plant protein intake, which accounted for 25 g/d. Meat and meat products were the main contributors to total animal protein intakes (53 %), whereas cereals and cereal products contributed most to plant protein intake (54 %). Males had higher animal and plant protein intakes than females (P < 0·001). Legume and soya protein intakes were low in the whole population (0·101 and 0·174 g/d, respectively). In males, animal protein intake was positively associated with BMI (β = 0·013; P = 0·001) and waist circumference (WC; β = 0·041; P = 0·002). Both in males and females, plant protein intake was inversely associated with BMI (males: β = − 0·036; P < 0·001; females: β = − 0·046; P = 0·001) and WC (male: β = − 0·137; P < 0·001; female: β = − 0·096; P = 0·024). In conclusion, plant protein intakes were lower than animal protein intakes among a representative sample of the Belgian population and decreased with age. Associations with anthropometric data indicated that plant proteins could offer a protective effect in the prevention of overweight and OB in the Belgian population.

Effects of soy germ isoflavones and hormone therapy on nitric oxide derivatives, low-density lipoprotein oxidation, and vascular reactivity in hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of soy germ isoflavones and hormone therapy on vascular reactivity, the formation of nitric oxide derivatives, and lipid peroxidation in hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women.

DESIGN

Women were treated with soy germ, 17beta-estradiol or 17beta-estradiol + noretisterone acetate for 3 months after taking placebo for 1 month. The plasma concentrations of nitrite + nitrate and S-nitrosothiols were evaluated by gaseous phase chemiluminescence; nitrotyrosine, electronegative low-density lipoprotein, and estradiol levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; cholesterol oxides and isoflavones were determined by gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. Vascular reactivity was analyzed by high-resolution ultrasonography.

RESULTS

Soy germ isoflavones and hormone therapy induced a decrease in nitrite + nitrate, electronegative low-density lipoprotein, and cholesterol oxides, as well as an increase in S-nitrosothiols. Soy germ isoflavones lowered electronegative low-density lipoprotein, and cholesterol oxides more efficiently than did hormone therapy. Only soy isoflavones inhibited nitrotyrosine formation. A significant improvement of vascular reactivity was only seen in women treated with 17beta-estradiol.

CONCLUSIONS

The soy germ isoflavones and 17beta-estradiol, alone or associated with noretisterone acetate, in the doses and forms used here, have similar effects on the bioavailability of nitric oxide. Soy germ treatment inhibited lipid peroxidation more effectively than hormone therapy.

Effects of soy or milk protein durign a high-fat feeding challenge on oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipids in healthy men

Soy isoflavones may impede atherogenic processes associated with cardiovascular disease. Research suggests that the postprandial generation of TG-rich remnants contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. The purpose of the current study was to determine if 39 g soy (85 mg aglycone isoflavones, treatment) compared with 40 g milk protein (0 mg aglycone isoflavones, control) in combination with a high-fat meal can modify postprandial, atherogenic-associated events and biomarkers for oxidative stress, inflammation, and thrombosis. Fifteen healthy men (20-47 yr) participated in a double-blind cross-over meal-challenge study occurring on two nonconsecutive days. The study meals consisted of two high-fat apple muffins consumed with either a soy or milk shake (229 mL, 41% fat, 41% carbohydrate, and 18% protein). Blood samples were obtained at baseline (fasted) and hours two, four, and six postprandial. Plasma TG significantly increased in both treatment and control meal challenges compared with baseline. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between treatment (soy) and control (milk) for ex vivo copper-induced LDL oxidation, serum C-reactive protein, serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), serum fibrinogen, or plasma lipids (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, TG). IL-6-concentrations significantly decreased as a function of time during either meal challenge (P = 0.005). These data suggest that consumption of soy or milk protein in conjunction with a high-fat meal does not acutely modify postprandial oxidative stress, inflammation, or plasma lipid concentrations in young, healthy men.

Effect of a Soymilk Supplement Containing Isoflavones on Urinary F2 Isoprostane Levels in Premenopausal Women

Epidemiological studies have associated soy diets with reduced risk of breast and some other cancers, and oxidative cellular damage may contribute to the development of these and other diseases. We tested the effect of a soymilk supplement rich in isoflavones on a measure of cellular lipid peroxidation in a controlled feeding study. Eight premenopausal women consumed a constant diet that included soymilk containing 113-207 mg/day total isoflavones and 4 mo later a constant soy diet low (<5 mg/day) in isoflavones, both for a complete menstrual cycle. The average daily urinary excretions of daidzein and genistein were 24.6 +/- 10.1 and 9.2 +/- 6.1 mg/day, respectively, during the high-isoflavone soy diet and were below the detection limit during the low-isoflavone diet. F2 isoprostane 8-iso-PGF-2alpha excretion varied widely within and between subjects, and the group mean was not significantly different during the high- and low-isoflavone soy diet (7.67 +/- 1.13 and 8.65 +/- 1.18 nmol/12 h, mean +/- SD, respectively). However, individual changes in 8-iso-PGF-2alpha between the two soymilk drinks were significantly associated with age (r = -0.87; P = 0.006) and several measures of isoflavone exposure, namely, daidzein dose (r = 0.81; P = 0.015), combined daidzein and genistein dose (r = 0.77; P = 0.03), and total urinary excretion of isoflavones (daidzein, genistein, and equol) (r = 0.71; P = 0.05). The findings suggest that soy isoflavones may reduce lipid peroxidation in an age-dependent manner, with greater effects in older women, and with lower doses of isoflavones.

Dietary protein type and cardiovascular disease risk factors

Observational studies suggested a negative association between vegetable protein and cardiovascular disease risk, whereas intervention studies have been less consistent. The majority of interventional studies that have evaluated the effects of soy protein compared to animal protein have used casein. Relative to casein, the effect of soy protein on lipids and lipoprotein appears to be variable and less dramatic than originally reported. When compared to animal proteins other than casein, relatively large intakes of soy protein (>/=25 g/d) appear to have a consistent, albeit small ( asymptotically equal to 5%), hypocholesterolemic effect. When assessed, no consistent additional benefit of soy protein on other cardiovascular disease risk factors; Lp(a), inflammatory markers, biomarkers of oxidative stress and endothelial function, has been reported. The data available on the effect of dietary protein on plasma lipids, lipoprotein levels, and cardiovascular disease risk factors is difficult to interpret and insufficient to account for the discrepancy between the observational and interventional studies.

Meta-analysis of the effects of soy protein containing isoflavones on the lipid profile

BACKGROUND

Convincing evidence shows that soy protein intake has beneficial effects on lipid changes, but it is unclear which components of soy protein are responsible.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a meta-analysis to identify and quantify the effects of soy protein containing isoflavones on the lipid profile.

DESIGN

Twenty-three eligible randomized controlled trials published from 1995 to 2002 were identified from the PUBMED database (National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD). Weighted mean effect sizes were calculated for net changes in serum lipid concentrations by using fixed-effect or random-effect models. Pre-specified subgroup analyses were performed to explore the influence of covariates on net lipid change.

RESULTS

Soy protein with isoflavones intact was associated with significant decreases in serum total cholesterol (by 0.22 mmol/L, or 3.77%), LDL cholesterol (by 0.21 mmol/L, or 5.25%), and triacylglycerols (by 0.10 mmol/L, or 7.27%) and significant increases in serum HDL cholesterol (by 0.04 mmol/L, or 3.03%). The reductions in total and LDL cholesterol were larger in men than in women. Initial total cholesterol concentrations had a powerful effect on changes in total and HDL cholesterol, especially in subjects with hypercholesterolemia. Studies with intakes >80 mg showed better effects on the lipid profile. The strongest lowering effects of soy protein containing isoflavones on total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triacylglycerol occurred within the short initial period of intervention, whereas improvements in HDL cholesterol were only observed in studies of >12 wk duration. Tablets containing extracted soy isoflavones did not have a significant effect on total cholesterol reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

Soy protein containing isoflavones significantly reduced serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triacylglycerol and significantly increased HDL cholesterol, but the changes were related to the level and duration of intake and the sex and initial serum lipid concentrations of the subjects.

Plasma antioxidant capacity in response to diets high in soy or animal protein with or without isoflavones

BACKGROUND

Several clinical trials have suggested that soy intake decreases oxidative stress. Soy isoflavones have antioxidant properties in vitro, but results of supplementation in clinical trials are inconclusive.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to evaluate the independent effects of soy protein and soy-derived isoflavones on plasma antioxidant capacity and biomarkers of oxidative stress.

DESIGN

Forty-two hypercholesterolemic (LDL cholesterol > 3.36 mmol/L) subjects aged >50 y were provided with each of 4 diets in random order in a crossover design. Diets varied in protein source (10% of energy, soy or animal) and isoflavone content (trace or 50 mg/1000 kcal) and were consumed for 42 d each. Plasma antioxidants, protein carbonyls, malondialdehyde, total antioxidant performance, LDL oxidizability, and urinary F(2)-isoprostanes were measured at the end of each dietary phase.

RESULTS

Plasma antioxidant concentrations were not significantly different, regardless of dietary treatment, except for isoflavones, which were higher after isoflavone supplementation (P = 0.0001). Although plasma total antioxidant performance was 10% higher with soy protein intake, regardless of dietary isoflavones (P = 0.0003), soy protein did not significantly affect most individual markers of oxidative stress (LDL oxidizability, urinary F(2)-isoprostanes, malondialdehyde, or protein carbonyls in native plasma). However, soy protein was associated with modestly lower concentrations of protein carbonyls in oxidized plasma. There was no significant effect of isoflavones on LDL oxidation, urinary F(2)-isoprostanes, or protein carbonyl groups, although, paradoxically, the plasma malondialdehyde concentration was significantly higher after the isoflavone-rich diets (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Diets relatively high in soy protein or soy-derived isoflavones have little effect on plasma antioxidant capacity and biomarkers of oxidative stress.

Modest protective effects of isoflavones from a red clover-derived dietary supplement on cardiovascular disease risk factors in perimenopausal women, and evidence of an interaction with ApoE genotype in 49-65 year-old women

Data suggest that soy protein, a source of isoflavones, may have favorable effects on cardiovascular risk factors. Women (n = 205), ages 49-65 y, were randomized into this double blind, placebo-controlled trial of 43.5 mg red clover-derived isoflavones/d. A total of 177 women completed the trial. There were no differences between treatments for changes from baseline to 12 mo in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, fibrinogen, and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) (P >/= 0.1). Interactions between treatment and menopausal status were significant for changes in triglycerides and PAI-1 (P = 0.02 and P = 0.01), and changes were significant among perimenopausal women. In the isoflavone and placebo groups, changes in triglycerides were -0.2 +/- 0.6 and 0.4 +/- 0.6 mmol/L, P = 0.02, and changes in PAI-1 were -3.06 +/- 5.88 and 4.95 +/- 6.25 IU/L, P = 0.004, respectively. Interactions between apolipoprotein E (apoE) genotype and treatment tended to be significant for changes in total and LDL cholesterol (P = 0.06 and P = 0.05), and differences between treatments were significant in E2/E3 women. In the isoflavone and placebo groups, changes in total cholesterol were -0.61 +/- 0.79 and 0.18 +/- 0.79 mmol/L, P = 0.03, and changes in LDL cholesterol were -0.84 +/- 0.79 and -0.04 +/- 0.69 mmol/L, P = 0.02, respectively. Although there were potentially beneficial changes in triglycerides and PAI-1 among perimenopausal women consuming isoflavones, this study suggests that isoflavones alone are not responsible for the well-documented effects of soy protein on blood lipids. A larger study is required to confirm the effect modification by apoE genotype.

Effects of Dietary Intake of Soy Protein and Isoflavones on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in High Risk, Middle-Aged Men in Scotland

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of soy protein and isoflavones on blood pressure (BP) and cholesterol levels among high risk middle-aged Scottish men.

DESIGN

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group dietary intervention study

SETTING

Inhabitants on Isles of Lewis and Harris in Scotland

SUBJECTS

Sixty-one men with relatively higher BP and/or total cholesterol (TC) levels aged 45 to 59 went through the dietary intervention.

INTERVENTION

Diets containing at least 20 g of soy protein and 80 mg of isoflavones were compared to the placebo diets. Intervention period was 5 weeks duration.

RESULTS

Significant difference was found in 24-hour urinary isoflavone excretion between the two groups after intervention. Significant reductions from the baselines were observed in systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP), TC and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) in the soy-containing diet group, but not in the olive oil containing active placebo group. Significant increases in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were observed in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Dietary intakes of soy protein (at least 20 g) and isoflavones (at least 80 mg) for 5 weeks would be effective in reducing CHD risk among high-risk, middle-aged men.

The cardiovascular effects of soy products

In human clinical intervention trials, soy product consumption reduced levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). In October 1999, the US Food and Drug Administration approved a health claim for the relationship between consumption of soy protein and reduced risk of coronary heart disease. This article provides an overview of the cardiovascular effects of various soy products, including their effects on blood lipids, LDL-C oxidation, blood pressure, and vascular reactivity. Potential mechanisms of effect are discussed, emphasizing human clinical intervention trials. Soy consumption improves plasma lipids, although this effect appears to be more pronounced in individuals with elevated cholesterol. Soy and its associated isoflavones also reduce LDL oxidation and improve vascular reactivity.

Effects of monounsaturated enriched sunflower oil on CHD risk factors including LDL size and copper-induced LDL oxidation

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of a diet high in monounsaturated enriched sunflower oil and a low fat diet on CHD risk factors including in vitro Cu-induced LDL oxidation and LDL size, lipids, lipoproteins, glucose and insulin.

DESIGN

A randomized crossover dietary intervention.

SETTING

Free living individuals.

SUBJECTS

Fourteen healthy males 35 to 55 years of age and 14 healthy postmenopausal women 50 to 60 years of age completed the dietary intervention. Two subjects did not complete the study, and their data were not included.

INTERVENTIONS

A low fat, high carbohydrate diet (22% to 25% of energy from total fat, 7% to 8% of energy from monounsaturated fat and 55% to 60% of energy from carbohydrate) was compared to a monounsatutated enriched sunflower oil (MO) diet (40% to 42% of energy from fat, with 26% to 28% from monounsaturated fat and 40% to 45% of energy from carbohydrate) in an isocaloric substitution. Each dietary period was one month.

RESULTS

Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose were not significantly different between the two diets. HDL cholesterol, HDL3 cholesterol and insulin were significantly higher on the MO diet, mean 7%, 7% and 17% higher respectively. Copper-induced LDL oxidation lag phase was significantly longer (mean 18%) after the MO diet compared to the low fat, high carbohydrate diet. LDL particle size was not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS

The significant increase in LDL oxidation lag phase and the significantly higher HDL cholesterol on the MO diet would be expected to be associated with a decrease in CHD risk.