Estudi del benefici de la ingesta de polifenols en una població d'edat avançada i amb risc cardiovascular = Study of the benefits of polyphenol intake in an elderly population at high cardiovascular risk
The thesis investigates the role of polyphenols in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and mortality. Polyphenols, a diverse group of compounds with health benefits, have been traditionally studied individually, limiting the understanding of their collective effects. This study aimed to estimate polyphenol intake in the Spanish PREDIMED population and assess its association with lower CVD risk. It utilized Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQ) and nutritional biomarkers to overcome limitations in estimating intake. Additionally, a novel method for urine polyphenol analysis was developed. The thesis also explored the impact of polyphenols on blood pressure (BP) reduction, mediated by increased plasma nitric oxide (NO) levels. Furthermore, it investigated the relationship between moderate wine consumption and metabolic syndrome, a combination of CVD risk factors. By addressing these aspects, the thesis contributes to a broader understanding of polyphenols’ role in cardiovascular health.
http://hdl.handle.net/10803/283986
2014
Efecto del aceite en la biodisponibilidad de los compuestos fenólicos del tomate
Tomatoes hold a prominent place in Spanish diets, with substantial economic impact. They are widely consumed both fresh and in various processed forms such as sauces, juices, and canned products. Rich in essential nutrients like carotenoids, vitamins, and phenolic compounds, tomatoes have been linked to a reduced risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. However, the bioavailability of these beneficial compounds can vary due to factors such as variety, agricultural practices, and processing methods. While it’s understood that processing and the presence of lipids can enhance the bioavailability of certain compounds like carotenoids, the effects on polyphenol content remain inconsistent. Limited research has investigated how different processing methods and the addition of oils affect the absorption and excretion of tomato polyphenols in humans, highlighting the need for further exploration in this area.
http://hdl.handle.net/10803/361096
2015
Estudios de absorción y disposición de naringenina y quercetina. Estudios preclínicos
The thesis investigates the role of tomato polyphenols, particularly flavonoids like naringenin and quercetin, in the context of the Mediterranean diet’s health benefits. While these compounds are associated with health advantages, their low oral bioavailability raises questions about their actual impact. The study delves into the permeability and metabolism of naringenin, using an intestinal perfusion model in mice to explore its journey through the gastrointestinal tract. Findings reveal the highest permeability in the small intestine, emphasizing the significance of intestinal metabolism over hepatic metabolism. The influence of colon microbiota and coadministration with quercetin is also examined, indicating a reduced permeability and altered metabolism when administered together. The coadministration enhances the enterohepatic cycle, prolonging the compounds’ residence time in the body. This research contributes to understanding the mechanisms behind the health benefits of tomato polyphenols within the Mediterranean diet.
http://hdl.handle.net/10803/396654
2016
Efecto del licopeno y los carotenoides del tomate en marcadores inflamatorios de la aterosclerosis en pacientes de riesgo cardiovascular
This study delves into the research of carotenoids present in tomatoes, highlighting especially lycopene, and its impact on the expression of inflammatory molecules associated with atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a chronic cardiovascular disease characterized by the deposition of lipid plaques in the arteries, leading to the obstruction of blood flow and increasing the risk of severe cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. Understanding how tomato carotenoids can modulate the inflammatory response associated with atherosclerosis is crucial for developing effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the health benefits associated with the consumption of tomatoes and their derived products, which could open new avenues for the design of dietary and nutritional interventions aimed at reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases in the population.
http://hdl.handle.net/10803/399325
2016
Effects of Total Polyphenol Intakes on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in an Elderly Population at High Cardiovascular Risk
This study examines the link between polyphenol intake from a Mediterranean diet and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in elderly individuals. Using urinary polyphenol excretion as a biomarker, it found significant associations between higher polyphenol intake and reduced plasma triglycerides, glucose levels, and diastolic blood pressure after a 5-year intervention. Additionally, higher polyphenol intake was associated with improved body weight management and a reduced risk of diabetes in this high-risk population. These findings suggest that a polyphenol-rich Mediterranean diet may help mitigate multiple risk factors for CVD.
http://hdl.handle.net/10803/399542
2017
Risk and benefits of beer and nonalcoholic beer moderate consumption on cardiovascular system
Beer is the most widely consumed alcoholic beverage globally. Moderate alcohol intake has been linked to reduced cardiovascular disease risk, with fermented beverages like red wine and beer potentially offering greater protective effects due to their higher polyphenolic content. Polyphenols, non-essential plant compounds, show promise in reducing chronic disease incidence long-term. Beer’s phenolic profile, derived mainly from malt and hops, contributes to its diverse health properties. However, assessing beer consumption often relies on self-reporting questionnaires, which may be biased. This thesis aims to evaluate the cardiovascular disease risk reduction associated with regular and moderate beer consumption, using reliable biomarkers. It includes a novel method to measure hops polyphenols and examines the effects of ethanol and beer phenolic compounds on cardiovascular risk factors through interventional trials. Additionally, a large-scale prospective study compares the associations of wine, beer, and spirits consumption with mortality and cardiovascular events.
http://hdl.handle.net/10803/404910
2018
Effect and Metabolism of lignans on gut microbiota and their impact on health
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, with over 17.7 million deaths in 2015 alone, mainly in low- and middle-income countries. Polyphenols, including lignans, have been associated with decreased CVD risk. Lignans, metabolized by gut microbiota, show potential in preventing chronic diseases like CVD, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. Additionally, they may act as prebiotics. Malnutrition contributes to child mortality and obesity rates are rising worldwide. Gut microbiota play a crucial role in malnutrition development. This thesis aims to investigate the effects of dietary lignans and yogurts on cardiovascular risk, lignans metabolism by gut microbiota, and their impact on health and malnutrition.
http://hdl.handle.net/2445/122411
2018
Mediterranean cuisine and health: A multiapproach exploring the sofrito technique
Cooking played a crucial role in human evolution by modifying our gastrointestinal system, reducing gut size, and enabling the emergence of a more energy-dependent brain. Different diets and culinary techniques evolved over time, leading to dietary patterns like the Mediterranean Diet, known for its health benefits in preventing cardiovascular and chronic diseases. However, reproducing these outcomes in non-Mediterranean populations has proven challenging due to cultural differences in gastronomic techniques. Traditional Mediterranean cuisine enhances the nutritional quality of food through cooking processes, yet the scientific exploration of how these techniques impact bioactive compounds related to health remains limited. Molecular gastronomy emerged in the 1980s to bridge gastronomy and science but has focused primarily on flavor, neglecting nutritional aspects. While some studies have examined how culinary techniques affect phytochemical content, they often overlook the complexity of dishes and the formation of new chemical products. This thesis aims to explore how traditional Mediterranean cuisine, particularly home-made preparations like sofrito, impacts bioactive compounds and promotes health. Methodological approaches including factorial designs and omics techniques were employed to unravel the effects of simple cooking techniques on complex food systems.
http://hdl.handle.net/10803/667431
2019
Efecto de la dieta mediterránea y sus compuestos bioactivos en la prevención y prognosis de enfermedades crónicas
The Mediterranean diet, abundant in phytochemicals like polyphenols and carotenoids found in fruits and vegetables, holds potential in reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases. However, factors such as food matrix, processing, and microbiota influence the bioavailability of these compounds. This research aimed to explore the effects of dietary phytochemicals on inflammation and vascular health, the impact of organic diets on phytochemical concentrations, interactions between plasma carotenes and microbiota-derived volatile fatty acids, and the association between fruit and vegetable consumption and cancer prognosis. Results revealed potential benefits, including reduced systemic inflammation with sofrito intake and higher phenolic compound concentrations in organically grown foods. Additionally, dietary carotenes may influence microbial metabolism and reduce total mortality in cancer survivors. In conclusion, diets rich in fruits and vegetables offer health benefits through their bioactive compounds.
http://hdl.handle.net/10803/667842
2019
Health-promoting phenolic compounds in extra virgin olive oil an integrated study of their concentration and bioavailability
The health benefits of the traditional Mediterranean diet, largely attributed to Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), stem from its rich content of phenolic compounds (PCs). Among these, secoiridoids (SECs) like oleocanthal (OLC) and oleacein (OLEA) are notable for their sensory characteristics and well-studied health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Understanding the concentration and metabolism of these compounds in EVOO is crucial for determining their health effects. This thesis explores factors influencing PC concentration in EVOO and investigates the bioavailability and tissue distribution of SECs after EVOO consumption, shedding light on the biological effects associated with following a Mediterranean diet.
http://hdl.handle.net/2445/185401
2021
Producción y encapsulación de un extracto de sarmientos (Vitis vinífera L.) rico en compuestos fenólicos y su caracterización por espectrometria de masas de alta resolución (LC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS)
The wine industry generates significant by-products, notably grape canes, rich in various phenolic compounds linked to health benefits. However, understanding the phenolic profile’s changes during extraction and encapsulation is crucial for industrial scalability and product stability. This PhD research focuses on studying these changes using liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS), a powerful tool for compound identification. Results enhance understanding of grape cane extract phenolic profiles, extraction scalability, and encapsulation in cyclodextrins, paving the way for high-value products with potential applications in food and pharmaceutical industries.
http://hdl.handle.net/10803/674135
2021
New insights into the association between carotenoids, polyphenols and vitamin A, and highly prevalent diseases
This dissertation aims to enhance understanding of the role of bioactive compounds like carotenoids, polyphenols, and vitamin A in chronic and communicable diseases, particularly focusing on their bodily levels. It addresses gaps in literature regarding the association between carotenoid intake, fat intake, and plasma concentrations of these compounds. Additionally, it explores the relationship between dietary intake and actual circulating or excreted concentrations of carotenoids and polyphenols. Moreover, it delves into the cell biology of vitamin A in the lungs, highlighting its potential role in responding to external injuries. The findings suggest that these compounds may serve as early markers of disease risk or prognosis.
http://hdl.handle.net/10803/687239
2021
Cooking with extra-virgin olive oil: a study to mantain its health properties
This thesis investigates the impact of cooking on extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) and its health effects. It begins by developing an analytical method to quantify key secoiridoids in EVOO. Then, it evaluates the effect of sautéing on the phenolic profile, finding that moderate temperatures maintain health benefits. Next, various cooking techniques are compared, with innovative methods preserving EVOO better than traditional ones. Lastly, the differently cooked EVOOs are tested on Caco-2 cells, revealing distinct cellular responses, particularly in samples cooked using innovative methods, suggesting potential redox-mediated cell stress.
http://hdl.handle.net/10803/687197
2022
Dietary (poly)phenols intake and cardiometabolic health in adolescents from Spain
This thesis examines the impact of dietary (poly)phenols on cardiometabolic health parameters in adolescents. Conducted on a cohort of 1326 adolescents aged 11 to 14 years, the study utilized various approaches to estimate (poly)phenol intake. Findings indicated that higher dietary (poly)phenol intake, as measured by food frequency questionnaires and urinary markers, was associated with improved cardiometabolic health parameters, including blood pressure, lipid profile, and adiposity. Additionally, a novel analytical method identified specific phenolic metabolites linked to whole grains and nuts intake, suggesting their potential role as biomarkers for cardiometabolic health. Overall, the study underscores the beneficial effects of (poly)phenols on adolescent health.
http://hdl.handle.net/10803/687545
2023
Effect of moderate beer consumption on post-menopausal women's health. New insights towards more comprehensive nutritional research and a personalitzed nutrition perspective
This dissertation explores the impact of moderate daily beer consumption on post-menopausal women’s health, integrating new nutrition research approaches and advocating personalized nutrition. A parallel controlled clinical trial was conducted, assessing changes in menopausal symptoms and sex-hormone profile at 6 months, and bone tissue and cardiovascular health at 2 years. Results suggest that moderate daily beer consumption may improve post-menopausal women’s quality of life and mitigate cardiometabolic alterations but not bone health. Additionally, the study examines taste sensitivity in young adults and the study cohort, revealing correlations between taste acuity, aging, sex, and metabolic factors. A systematic review on biomarkers of alcohol intake highlights promising options for accurate assessment of beer and wine consumption. Overall, the dissertation expands understanding of the effects of moderate beer intake on post-menopausal women’s health and underscores the need for well-designed clinical trials in specific populations.
http://hdl.handle.net/10803/688143
2023
Salud cardiometabólica y estrés oxidativo en adolescentes del programa Salud Integral
Adolescence plays a pivotal role in shaping lifelong habits and quality of life. Understanding the interplay between cardiometabolic health and mental well-being during this critical period is essential. Programs like the SI! Program Secondary offer insights into adolescent health while promoting well-being. Cardiometabolic diseases often stem from oxidative stress triggered by lifestyle factors like obesity, hyperglycemia, and hypertension. Reducing oxidative stress through healthy habits, including balanced nutrition, physical activity, and mental wellness, is crucial. Conversely, tobacco use, obesity, and poor education can exacerbate cardiometabolic risks. Research confirms that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables boosts urine polyphenols, enhancing nitric oxide levels and improving endothelial function, ultimately lowering blood pressure. Conversely, diets high in refined cereals and low in fish, along with emotional eating, correlate with elevated oxidative stress markers and LDL cholesterol levels. These findings underscore the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle choices during adolescence to mitigate cardiometabolic risks and promote overall well-being.
http://hdl.handle.net/10803/689473
2023
Potential health benefits from peanut and peanut butter-derived bioactive compounds and microbiota metabolites
Peanuts are a widely enjoyed snack globally, prized for their taste and nutritional benefits. Rich in polyphenols, these compounds offer potential health advantages, but their efficacy depends on accessibility and absorption. When bound to dietary fiber, polyphenols may pass through the small intestine and reach the colon, where they are metabolized by gut bacteria, yielding microbial phenolic metabolites (MPMs) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that benefit health. In our study, we aimed to i) assess how crushing peanuts affects the availability of bioactive compounds; ii) explore the impact of regular peanut and peanut butter consumption on vascular health; and iii) examine their effects on cognitive function, mood, and stress response in young adults. Through a randomized trial, participants consumed skin-roasted peanuts or peanut butter daily for six months, while controls ingested a peanut oil-based control. Results indicated that crushing peanuts enhanced bioavailability, while peanut products positively impacted vascular health markers and cognitive function. Furthermore, peanut consumption correlated with improved mood and stress responses, likely due to the presence of bioactive compounds and their metabolites. These findings highlight the potential of peanuts as a beneficial dietary component for overall health and well-being.
http://hdl.handle.net/2445/204101
2023
Phenolic compounds and other constituents of extra virgin olive oil: Exploring the impact of cultivar, ripeness, malaxation, and high hydrostatic pressure
Olive oil, particularly extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), holds significant economic and nutritional importance in Spain and Catalonia due to its high quality and health properties. Its composition, rich in oleic acid and antioxidant bioactive compounds like phenolic compounds, vitamin E, and carotenoids, contributes to its stability and health benefits. In this thesis, we aimed to enhance the phenolic compound content, particularly secoiridoids, in EVOO by studying factors like olive cultivar, ripeness, malaxation, and high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) technology. Results revealed that genetic variations in enzyme metabolism during fruit development influence secoiridoid content. Cultivar choice and malaxation temperature impacted oleacein and oleocanthal levels, with ‘Corbella’ showing a strong correlation between these secoiridoids and oxidative stability. Additionally, ‘Corbella’ olives exhibited reduced phenolic content during early maturation stages. However, HHP did not significantly impact secoiridoid synthesis in ‘Arbequina’ EVOO. These findings shed light on optimizing EVOO composition through various cultivation and processing techniques.
2024
The influence of fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and vitamin B12 on health in an older Mediterranean population
2024
