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Content archived on 2024-05-30

Characterizing the effects of the Mediterannean diet on endothelial dysfunction

Objective

It is well established that death rates from cardiovascular disease are substantially lower in Mediterranean countries, which has been attributed the consumption of an unique collection of foods referred to as the Mediterranean diet. Although the mechanisms underlying the effects of the Mediterranean diet on cardiovascular disease remain largely unclear, a important role for polyphenols and monounsaturated fatty acids, which are abundantly present in olive oil, is suspected. Endothelial dysfunction is a hallmark for the initial stage of vascular dysfunction and has been associated with cardiovascular disease. Consumption of high fat meals result in an impaired postprandial endothelial function as measured by flow-mediated dilatation, markers of inflammation and markers of oxidative stress. However, the mechanism that mediate the effects of high fat meals on endothelial function remains unclear. The aim of the present project is to uncover the mechanisms that underlie the preventive effects of the Mediterranean diet on development of cardiovascular diseases, with a focus on endothelial dysfunction and the specific impact of monounsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols. To that end, we will perform whole genome expression profiling on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells collected from 20 healthy young Caucasian men that received a milkshake containing 55 grams of SFA enriched or MUFA enriched fat as part of a single-blind cross-over dietary intervention trial. In addition, we will expose freshly isolated HUVEC and PBMC with specific dietary fatty acids and polyphenols for analysis of gene expression and protein secretion of specific markers of endothelial activation, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Characterizing the activity and mechanism of action of these dietary components may lead to the identification of valuable new targets in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Keywords

Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)

Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Call for proposal

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FP7-PEOPLE-IEF-2008
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF)

Coordinator

WAGENINGEN UNIVERSITY
EU contribution
€ 161 162,47
Address
DROEVENDAALSESTEEG 4
6708 PB Wageningen
Netherlands

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Region
Oost-Nederland Gelderland Veluwe
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

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