Abstract
Background and PurposeSqualene, the main hydrocarbon in the unsaponifiable fraction of virgin olive oil, is involved in cholesterol synthesis and it has been reported to own antiatherosclerotic and antiesteatosic effects. However, the squalene's role on lipid plasma parameters and the influence of genotype on this effect need to be addressed.Experimental ApproachesThree male mouse models (wild-type, Apoa1- and Apoe- deficient) were fed chow semisynthetic diets enriched in squalene to provide a dose of 1 g/kg during 11 weeks. After this period, their plasma parameters and lipoprotein profiles were analyzed.Key ResultsSqualene administration at a dose of 1 g/kg showed decreased reactive oxygen species in lipoprotein fractions independently of the animal background and caused an specific increase in high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol levels, accompanied by an increase in phosphatidylcholine and paraoxonase 1 and no changes in apolipoproteins A1 and A4 in wild-type mice. In these mice, the cholesterol increase was due to its esterified form and associated with an increased hepatic expression of Lcat. These effects were not observed in absence of apolipoprotein A1. The increases in HDL- paraoxonase 1 were translated into decreased plasma malondialdehyde levels depending on the presence of Apolipoprotein A1.Conclusions and ImplicationsDietary squalene promotes changes in HDL- cholesterol and paraoxonase 1 and decreases reactive oxygen species in lipoproteins and plasma malondialdehyde levels, providing new benefits of its intake that might contribute to explain the properties of virgin olive oil, although the phenotype related to apolipoproteins A1 and E may be particularly relevant.
Highlights
Virgin olive oil is the main source of fat in the Mediterranean dietary pattern, and it was shown an important relationship between olive oil intake and the reduced cardiovascular risk [1], [2], [3], and even cardiovascular mortality [4]
Dietary squalene promotes changes in high density lipoprotein (HDL)- cholesterol and paraoxonase 1 and decreases reactive oxygen species in lipoproteins and plasma malondialdehyde levels, providing new benefits of its intake that might contribute to explain the properties of virgin olive oil, the phenotype related to apolipoproteins A1 and E may be relevant
No significant changes were observed for liver weight, with the exception of a slight significant increase of this parameter in WT mice consuming the diet enriched in squalene that was not translated into changes of hepatic fat content measured as lipid droplet extent
Summary
Virgin olive oil is the main source of fat in the Mediterranean dietary pattern, and it was shown an important relationship between olive oil intake and the reduced cardiovascular risk [1], [2], [3], and even cardiovascular mortality [4]. Squalene content in extra virgin olive oil is especially high, up to 0.7% (7 g/kg), compared to other oils and human dietary fats [10], [11] In vitro, it is a highly effective oxygen scavenging agent [12] and stable in virgin olive oil heated at 180uC for 36 h [13]. Experimental Approaches: Three male mouse models (wild-type, Apoa1- and Apoe- deficient) were fed chow semisynthetic diets enriched in squalene to provide a dose of 1 g/kg during 11 weeks After this period, their plasma parameters and lipoprotein profiles were analyzed
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
