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Purpose: Previous studies have shown the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of phenolic compounds of virgin olive oil (VOO). However, the effect of bioavailable phenolic compounds on the vascular endothelium is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the effect of the consumption of virgin olive oil rich in phenolic compounds on the vascular endothelium. Methods: We treated HUVEC with human serum obtained in fasting state and after the intake of a breakfast prepared with VOO with a high or low content of phenolic compounds. Results: Treatment of HUVEC with serum obtained 2 h after the intake of the high-phenol VOO-based breakfast decreased p65 and MCP- 1 gene expression ( p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively) and increased MT- CYB, SDHA and SOD1 gene expression ( p = 0.004, p = 0.012 and p = 0.001, respectively), as compared with the treatment of HUVEC with the serum obtained 2 h after the intake of the low-phenol VOO-based breakfast. The treatment with serum obtained 4 h after the intake of the high-phenol VOO-based breakfast decreased MCP- 1 and CAT gene expression ( p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively) and increased MT- CYB gene expression ( p < 0.001), as compared to the treatment with serum obtained 4 h after the intake of the low-phenol VOO-based breakfast. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the consumption of virgin olive oil rich in phenolic compounds may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis development by decreasing inflammation and improving the antioxidant profile in the vascular endothelium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nutrients can exert healthy effects through nutrigenomic modulation. Data are scarce concerning the in vivo effect of a sustained traditional Mediterranean diet (TMD) pattern on the whole transcriptomic response. Objective: We explored the overall nutrigenomic effect associated with a TMD. Design: We focused on biological pathways related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a subsample (n = 34) of the Prevención Con Dieta Mediterránea (PREDIMED) study, which was a large, parallel-group, multicenter, randomized controlled trial that aimed to assess the effects of TMD on the primary prevention of CVD in individuals with high cardiovascular risk. Participants were randomly assigned to a low-fat diet control group or TMD intervention groups [traditional Mediterranean diet supplemented with virgin olive oil (TMD+VOO) or traditional Mediterranean diet supplemented with nuts (TMD+Nuts)] in equal proportions. Three-month changes in whole genome peripheral blood mononuclear cells were assessed by using whole transcriptome microarray analyses. Results: A functional annotation analysis was performed on 241 selected responder genes after the TMD+VOO (139 upregulated and 102 downregulated genes), 312 selected responder genes after the TMD+Nuts (165 upregulated and 147 downregulated genes), and 145 selected responder genes after the low-fat (100 upregulated and 45 downregulated genes) diets. Of 18 cardiovascular canonical pathway analyses, 12 pathways were differentially expressed, and 43% of pathways were modulated by both TMDs; the most prevalent pathways were related to atherosclerosis and hypertension. After simultaneous testing adjustment, 9 pathways were modulated by the TMD+VOO diet, and 4 pathways were modulated by the TMD+Nuts diet. Conclusion: One of the mechanisms by which TMD, particularly if supplemented with virgin olive oil, can exert health benefits is through changes in the transcriptomic response of genes related to cardiovascular risk. This trial was registered at the London-based Current Controlled Trials register as ISRCTN35739639. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Numerous studies have analyzed changes in biochemical blood parameters in ultra-endurance events but never in an ultra-endurance relay race. Research question: The aim of this study is to analyze the biochemical changes in blood during and after a 24-hour ultra-endurance relay event. Type of study: Descriptive field study. Methods: The study was carried out at the Reto de la Plata 2008 sports race in Spain. Eight subjects (33±6.9 years; 172.6±3 cm; 69.3±8.7 kg) had to cover 340km in less than 24h in 20-minute relays. Each runner recovered while the others were running their legs. Blood concentration measurements of creatine kinase (CK), urea, triglycerides, glucose and lactate were taken immediately before the event started (T0) and at three other times: after the first leg (T1), after a relay in the middle of the race (T2) and, finally, during each subject's last but one leg (T3). Results: A statistically significant increase (p<0.05) was observed in the parameters of creatine kinase and glucose after the first stage of the event. However, the triglycerides, urea and lactate variables revealed no significant differences. Conclusions: Results demonstrated an increase in muscle damage as shown in the high CK values from the repeated 20-minute relays in the 24-hour ultra-endurance event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]