Diet for visfatin-mediated disorders
Visfatin has been linked to diet-induced cardiovascular disorders such as atherosclerosis as well as inflammation, dyslipidaemia, obesity and metabolic disorders. Visfatin is a cytokine present in fat tissues that is also referred to as nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT). The VISFATIN project was initiated to study the effect of NAMPT expression in inflammation, dyslipidaemia, atherosclerosis, obesity and metabolic disorders such as diabetes. The scientists also assessed the health-promoting effects of consumption of olive oil, dietary fatty acids and vitamin B3. Studies revealed that patients suffering from atherosclerosis have increased levels of NAMPT with higher levels seen in more advanced forms of the disease. Experiments used chimeric mice lacking the low-density lipoprotein receptor and overexpring intracellular NAMPT (iNAMPT) levels in the bone marrow. Interestingly, iNAMPT overexpression in the bone marrow had a protective effect against high fat diet–induced atherosclerosis. This was achieved through increased retention of pro-inflammatory monocytes in connective tissue cells called stroma in the presence of peroxisome proliferator-activated gamma receptor (PPARG). PPARG is involved in fatty acid storage and glucose metabolism. This suggests that targeting iNAMPT and PPARG interaction could help treat atherosclerosis and related inflammatory as well as metabolic disorders. In vivo studies on humans assessed the effect of high fat diet on NAMPT expression, inflammation, atherosclerosis and metabolism. Effects of olive oil, fish oil or butter consumption along with vitamin B3 supplements were analysed by testing beta-cell function, insulin sensitivity and other factors. This has provided a better understanding of the interplay between NAMPT expression and dietary fatty acids and their effects on metabolism. In parallel, in vivo studies on mice tested the effect of different types of diet (with and without vitamin B3). Results could prove to be an eye-opener with regard to the use of dietary interventions and nutraceuticals to prevent obesity, diabetes, dyslipidaemia and atherosclerosis. Project activities will provide evidence-based dietary interventions to improve our health and prevent obesity as well as cardiovascular disease. Conclusive evidence on the benefits of olive oil would promote its consumption and also enhance EU economy — one of the major olive oil producers.
