Effect of Chocolate and Yerba Mate Phenolic Compounds on Inflammatory and Oxidative Biomarkers in HIV/AIDS Individuals

Abstract

Flavonoids in cocoa and yerba mate have a beneficial role on inflammation and oxidative disorders. Their effect on HIV individuals has not been studied yet, despite the high cardiovascular risk of this population. This study investigated the role of cocoa and yerba mate consumption on oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers in HIV+ individuals. A cross-over, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted in 92 individuals on antiretroviral therapy for at least six months and at viral suppression. Participants were randomized to receive either 65 g of chocolate or chocolate-placebo or 3 g of yerba mate or mate-placebo for 15 days each, alternating by a washout period of 15 days. At baseline, and at the end of each intervention regimen, data regarding anthropometry, inflammatory, oxidative and immunological parameters were collected. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, lipid profile, white blood cell profile and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were assessed. There was a difference between mean concentrations of HDL-c (ANOVA; p ≤ 0.05) among the different regimens: dark chocolate, chocolate-placebo, yerba mate and mate-placebo. When a paired Student t-test was used for comparisons between mean HDL-c at baseline and after each regimen, the mean concentration of HDL-c was higher after supplementation with dark chocolate (p = 0.008).

Acute Effects of the Consumption of Passiflora setacea Juice on Metabolic Risk Factors and Gene Expression Profile in Humans

“…We also observed an increase of blood HDL concentrations after PS juice intake that was not detected within the PB condition. Recent nutrition intervention studies on polyphenol-rich foods such as olive oil [40] or dark chocolate [41] have been shown to positively affect HDL levels in humans. One possible explanation is that these polyphenol-rich foods may induce changes in the biochemical properties of the lipoprotein that contribute to its main biological function, particularly in the enhancement of the cholesterol efflux capacity [42].…”

Health Benefits of Bioactive Compounds from the Genus Ilex, a Source of Traditional Caffeinated Beverages

“…Preliminary evidence has shown that Yerba Mate consumption (3 g Yerba Mate diluted in 200 mL water once a day for sixty days) did not alter the inflammatory parameters like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), fibrinogen, and HDL-C levels in 92 HIV/AIDS-positive individuals. The discrepancy between basic research and clinical cases could be due to the amount of beverage offered, the concentration of bioactive compounds in Mate tea, and the metabolic conditions of specific populations [ 60 ].…”

Flavonoids, Inflammation and Immune System

“…This issue provides an opportunity to update current knowledge about some examples of the six subclasses of the flavonoid compounds and their effects—even at molecular level—on immunity and inflammation, but also in inflammatory-mediated diseases such as insulin-resistance obesity, cardiovascular disease and even in cancer. The Special Issue contains six review papers [13,14,15,16,17,18] and eight research papers [19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26] on the current knowledge in the field. Contributions are from countries in Africa (South Africa), America (Brazil), Asia (China, Korea, Japan and Taiwan) and Europe (Germany, Spain and Switzerland).…”

“…Nevertheless, these authors conclude that the evidence for the anti-inflammatory effects of cocoa is currently scarce, although cocoa consumption may prevent or even reduce vascular inflammation. Staying with the effects of cocoa and chocolate, this Special Issue also includes a research article [21] focused on a cross-over, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial conducted in 92 patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)—a population with a high cardiovascular risk. This study also includes another food rich in polyphenols—yerba mate.…”

“…This study also includes another food rich in polyphenols—yerba mate. The conclusion of this first clinical study to evaluate the effect of those flavonoids on the inflammatory profile of such patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy, indicates that 65 g dark chocolate is able to increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) concentrations [21]. A different effect of cocoa is shown by Camps-Bossacoma et al [22], who reported the tolerogenic effects of cocoa on a rat model of oral sensitization.…”