Abstract
The Mediterranean diet has been proven to be highly effective in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) has been implicated in the development of those conditions, especially atherosclerosis. The present work describes a systematic review of current evidence supporting the influence of Mediterranean diet and its constituents on this enzyme. Despite the differential response of some genetic polymorphisms, the Mediterranean diet has been shown to exert a protective action on this enzyme. Extra virgin olive oil, the main source of fat, has been particularly effective in increasing PON1 activity, an action that could be due to low saturated fatty acid intake, oleic acid enrichment of phospholipids present in high-density lipoproteins that favor the activity, and increasing hepatic PON1 mRNA and protein expressions induced by minor components present in this oil. Other Mediterranean diet constituents, such as nuts, fruits and vegetables, have been effective in modulating the activity of the enzyme, pomegranate and its compounds being the best characterized items. Ongoing research on compounds isolated from all these natural products, mainly phenolic compounds and carotenoids, indicates that some of them are particularly effective, and this may enhance the use of nutraceuticals and functional foods capable of potentiating PON1 activity.
Highlights
Human serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1), primarily synthesized by the liver, is mainly associated with serum high-density lipoproteins (HDL) [1] and, in vitro, displays a wide range of esterase activities (Figure 1)
The importance of the lipid matrix has been observed when studying Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) using high-phenolic preparations of coconut oil [52]. These results indicate that minor components present in extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) may participate in the increase in PON1 activity, but show a special dependence on the triglyceride matrix present in olive oil
One of the key actions of the Mediterranean diet is the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, which can be promoted in part by increased PON1 activity
Summary
Human serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1), primarily synthesized by the liver, is mainly associated with serum high-density lipoproteins (HDL) [1] and, in vitro, displays a wide range of esterase activities (Figure 1). PON1 exerts a protective effect against oxidative damage of cells and modulates the susceptibility of HDL and LDL to atherogenic changes such as homocysteinylation [4]. It modulates the anti-inflammatory role of HDL [5]. Low PON1 activity has been found in numerous pathological conditions associated with atherosclerosis, including type 1 and 2 diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and metabolic syndrome, as well as in elderly populations [6,7,8]. It is, of interest to identify modulators of PON1 activity and concentration, and diet may be one of these factors [15]. X1 (Bld 2566, Thomson Reuters: New York, NY, USA, 2007). * Some references may appear in more than one section of the review
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
