Impact of Phenol-Enriched Virgin Olive Oils on the Postprandial Levels of Circulating microRNAs Related to Cardiovascular Disease

Mol Nutr Food Res. 2020 Aug;64(15):e2000049. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.202000049. Epub 2020 Jul 1.

Abstract

Scope: We investigate the postprandial modulation of cardiovascular-related microRNAs elicited by extra virgin olive oil (EVOOs) containing different levels of their own polyphenols.

Methods and results: It is randomized, postprandial, parallel, double-blind study. Twelve healthy participants consumed 30 mL of EVOO containing low (L-EVOO; 250 mg total phenols kg-1 of oil), medium (M-EVOO; 500 mg total phenols kg-1 of oil), and high (H-EVOO; 750 mg total phenols kg-1 of oil) enriched EVOOs. Postprandial plasma microRNAs levels are analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR. The results show that L-EVOO intake is associated with decreased let-7e-5p and miR-328a-3p levels and increased miR-17-5p and miR-20a-5p, concentrations. M-EVOO decreases plasma let-7e-5p and increases miR-17-5p, miR-20a-5p, and miR-192-5p levels. Finally, H-EVOO decreases let-7e-5p, miR-10a-5p, miR-21-5p, and miR-26b-5p levels.

Conclusion: During the postprandial state, the levels of let-7e-5p decrease with EVOO regardless of polyphenol content suggesting a general response to the fatty acid composition of EVOO or/and the presence of at least 250 mg polyphenol kg-1 olive oil. Moreover, the miR-17-92 cluster increases by low and medium polyphenol content suggesting a role in fatty acid metabolism and nutrient sensing. Thus, postprandial modulation of circulating microRNAs levels could be a potential mechanism for the cardiovascular benefits associated with EVOO intake.

Keywords: biomarkers; cardiovascular disease; extra virgin olive oil; mediterranean diet; microRNAs.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Glucose / analysis
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / genetics*
  • Cell-Free Nucleic Acids / blood*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiology
  • Female
  • Food, Fortified
  • Humans
  • Lipids / blood
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / blood*
  • Middle Aged
  • Olive Oil / chemistry
  • Olive Oil / pharmacology*
  • Phenols / chemistry
  • Phenols / pharmacology*
  • Postprandial Period

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Cell-Free Nucleic Acids
  • Lipids
  • MicroRNAs
  • Olive Oil
  • Phenols