Vascular Effects of Triglyceride-rich Lipoproteins

Unravelling the Mechanisms of Vascular Protection by n3-PUFAs to Optimise and Support Their Use as Bioactives by the Food Industry

Many types of cardiovascular disease begin when the layer of cells lining blood vessels (endothelial cells) start to function abnormally. This causes white blood cells (monocytes) to enter the blood vessel wall and eventually form lesions. Fats from foods we consume are carried in the blood for 3-8 hours after a fatty meal in small particles known as chylomicrons (CM) and chylomicron remnants (CMR). The overall aim of this project is to investigate the idea that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) protect against heart disease by modifying the effect of CMR on endothelial cells and monocytes. We hypothesize that n3-PUFA carried in CMR reduce detrimental events which promote blood vessel damage and activate protective mechanisms to improve the function of arteries.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy males
• Non-smokers
• Aged 35-70 years
• Fasting TAG concentrations ≥1.2 mmol/L.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Reported history of CVD (myocardial infarction, angina, venous thrombosis, stroke), impaired fasting glucose/uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (or fasting glucose ≥ 6.1 mmol/L), cancer, kidney, liver or bowel disease.
• Presence of gastrointestinal disorder or use of drug, which is likely to alter gastrointestinal motility or nutrient absorption.
• History of substance abuse or alcoholism (previous weekly alcohol intake >60 units/men)
• Current self-reported weekly alcohol intake exceeding 28 units
• Allergy or intolerance to any component of test meals
• Unwilling to restrict consumption of any source of fish oil for the length of the study
• Weight change of >3kg in preceding 2 months
• Body Mass Index <20 and >35 kg/m2
• Fasting blood cholesterol > 7.8 mmol/L
• Current cigarette smoker.
• Current use of lipid lowering medication