Interaction Between Diet and the Physiological Mechanisms Limiting Atherogenesis

Abstract

Populational Studies Suggest That A Mediterranean Diet Rich In Fruits And Vegetables, Olive Oil, Fish Oil And Goat Cheese May Protect Against Atherogenesis. However, The Mechanisms Involved Are Not Completely Elucidated. Evidence Was Nevertheless Provided That Synthetic Phospholipids Including Medium Chain Fatty Acids (Caproic, Caprilic, Capric) Inhibit Platelet Aggregation. It Was Also Reported That Fatty Acids Such As Naturally Found In Goat Cheese Are More Readily Metabolized. It Was Also Repeatedly Reported That Fish Oil Including The Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (Eicosapentaenoic And Docosahexaenoic) Are Important For The Development Of Brain And Exert Hypolipemic, Antioxidant And Antiinflammatory Activities. Loading Of Ldl Particles With Oxidized Lipids As Well As An Excessively Increased Lysolecithin, Mainly Produced During The Reaction Of Cholesterol Esterification In Plasma, May Exert Toxic Effects On The Arterial Wall Cells, This Deleterious Action Being Prevented By The Hydrolytic Activity Of Paraoxonase, An Enzyme Synthetized By The Liver And Included Into Hdl Particles. Paraoxonase Synthesis And Activity May Be Decreased By An Atherogenic Diet And By An Inflammatory Process And Clinical Data Are Supporting An Atherogenic Role Of Paraoxonase Deficiency.