Protective role of oleic acid against cardiovascular insulin resistance and in the early and late cellular atherosclerotic process

Abstract

BackgroundSeveral translational studies have identified the differential role between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids at cardiovascular level. However, the molecular mechanisms that support the protective role of oleate in cardiovascular cells are poorly known. For these reasons, we studied the protective role of oleate in the insulin resistance and in the atherosclerotic process at cellular level such as in cardiomyocytes (CMs), vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs).MethodsThe effect of oleate in the cardiovascular insulin resistance, vascular dysfunction, inflammation, proliferation and apoptosis of VSMCs were analyzed by Western blot, qRT-PCR, BrdU incorporation and cell cycle analysis.ResultsPalmitate induced insulin resistance. However, oleate not only did not induce cardiovascular insulin resistance but also had a protective effect against insulin resistance induced by palmitate or TNFα. One mechanism involved might be the prevention by oleate of JNK-1/2 or NF-κB activation in response to TNF-α or palmitate. Oleate reduced MCP-1 and ICAM-1 and increased eNOS expression induced by proinflammatory cytokines in ECs. Furthermore, oleate impaired the proliferation induced by TNF-α, angiotensin II or palmitate and the apoptosis induced by TNF-α or thapsigargin in VSMCs.ConclusionsOur data suggest a differential role between oleate and palmitate and support the concept of the cardioprotector role of oleate as the main lipid component of virgin olive oil. Thus, oleate protects against cardiovascular insulin resistance, improves endothelial dysfunction in response to proinflammatory signals and finally, reduces proliferation and apoptosis in VSMCs that may contribute to an ameliorated atherosclerotic process and plaque stability.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12933-015-0237-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Supplementation with Docosahexaenoic Acid and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Prevents Liver Steatosis Induced by a High‐Fat Diet in Mice through PPAR‐α and Nrf2 Upregulation with Concomitant SREBP‐1c and NF‐kB Downregulation

“…In fact, EVOO is capable of reducing oxidative stress, through attenuation of the expression and DNA binding activity of pro‐lipogenic sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP‐1c) transcription factor, probably due to its higher antioxidant properties ascribed to tocopherols and polyphenols . The beneficial properties of EVOO polyphenols are also related to decreased levels of triacylglycerides (TAG), LDL‐cholesterol, and blood pressure, with concomitant enhancement in those of HDL‐cholesterol, GSH, and in the antioxidant capacity …”

Erythrocyte linoleic acid, but not oleic acid, is associated with improvements in body composition in men and women

“…Our primary goal was to determine the relationship of LA status in nonsupplemented individuals with aspects of body composition, insulin resistance, and inflammation. Additionally, we tested for possible relationships of two other fatty acid groups, oleic acid (OA) and the sum of long‐chain omega three fatty acids (LC‐Ω3‐SUM), also purported to contribute to cardiometabolic health , on body composition, insulin resistance, and inflammatory markers.…”

Modifications of expression of genes and proteins involved in DNA repair and nitric oxide metabolism by carbatonides [disodium-2,6-dimethyl-1,4-dihydropyridine- 3,5-bis(carbonyloxyacetate) derivatives] in intact and diabetic rats

“…To heal the complications, the uncoupling should be pharmacologically reduced (21) but eNOS protein expression should be stimulated; its activity should be increased (22,23). Up-regulation of eNOS favours sensitivity to insulin (24). Recent data indicate an important role of the regulation of eNOS expression in many processes, despite its "constitutive" nature (25).…”