Protection of LDL from oxidation by olive oil polyphenols is associated with a downregulation of CD40-ligand expression and its downstream products in vivo in humans

Summary

This 2012 randomised crossover trial in 18 healthy European volunteers compared the effects of low-polyphenol (2.7 mg/kg) versus high-polyphenol (366 mg/kg) olive oil on systemic LDL oxidation and atherosclerosis-related gene expression. High-polyphenol olive oil significantly reduced LDL oxidation, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and expression of multiple proatherogenic genes including CD40L, with gene expression changes correlating with decreases in LDL oxidation and increases in urinary polyphenol metabolites. The findings provide mechanistic evidence that polyphenol-rich olive oil confers cardiovascular benefits through antioxidant and immunomodulatory pathways involving downregulation of inflammatory gene networks.

Regional applicability

The study was conducted across European centres and enrolled healthy European volunteers, making the findings directly relevant to United Kingdom populations. The use of standardised olive oil interventions and European participant demographics supports applicability to UK dietary research and public health guidance, though the participants were selected as healthy and may not reflect the full spectrum of UK population health profiles.

Key measures

LDL oxidation, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, CD40 ligand (CD40L), IL-23α subunit p19 (IL23A), adrenergic β-2 receptor (ADRB2), oxidised LDL receptor 1 (OLR1), IL-8 receptor-α (IL8RA), intercellular adhesion molecule 1, tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol urinary concentrations

Outcomes reported

The study measured systemic LDL oxidation, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and expression of proatherogenic genes (CD40L, IL23A, ADRB2, OLR1, IL8RA) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells following consumption of low- versus high-polyphenol olive oil. High-polyphenol olive oil intake resulted in decreased LDL oxidation and downregulated expression of multiple atherosclerosis-related genes compared to low-polyphenol olive oil.

Topic tags