The effect of grape seed extract on cardiovascular risk markers: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Recent animal studies have suggested that grape seed extract has beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. Randomized trials in human beings have yielded conflicting results. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the effect of grape seed extract on changes in blood pressure, heart rate, lipid levels, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. We searched MEDLINE (January 1, 1950, through October 31, 2010), Agricola (January 1, 1970, through October 31, 2010), Scopus (January 1, 1996, through October 31, 2010), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (through October 31, 2010) for randomized controlled trials in human beings of grape seed extract reporting efficacy data on at least one of the following end points: systolic or diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, total cholesterol, low-density or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, or CRP. A manual search of references from primary and review articles was performed to identify additional relevant trials. For all endpoints except CRP, the mean change in each parameter from baseline was treated as a continuous variable and the effect size was calculated as the weighted mean difference between the means in the grape seed extract and control groups. Data on CRP were pooled as a standardized mean difference. Nine randomized, controlled trials (N=390) met the inclusion criteria, and a meta-analysis was conducted. Upon meta-analysis, grape seed extract significantly lowered systolic blood pressure (weighted mean difference −1.54 mm Hg (95% confidence interval −2.85 to −0.22, P=0.02]), and heart rate (weighted mean difference −1.42 bpm (95% confidence interval −2.50 to −0.34, P=0.01]). No significant effect on diastolic blood pressure, lipid levels, or CRP was found. No statistical heterogeneity was observed for any analysis (I²<39% for all). Egger's weighted regression statistic suggested low likelihood of publication bias in all analysis (P>0.05 for all), except for the effect on diastolic blood pressure (P=0.046). Based on the currently available literature, grape seed extract appears to significantly lower systolic blood pressure and heart rate, with no effect on lipid or CRP levels. Larger randomized, double-blinded trials evaluating different dosages of grape seed extract and for longer follow-up durations are needed.     

Correlation between Levels of Vitamins D3 and E in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case-Control Study in Serdang,Selangor, Malaysia

An overview of vitamins D₃ and E suggests micronutrient deficiency contributes to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A case-control study was conducted to determine the status of plasma vitamins D₃ and E isomers amongst diabetic Malaysians. Two groups were recruited for participation, one comprising fifty diabetic subjects (DM) and one comprising fifty non-diabetic (non-DM) subjects, in order to assess their plasma vitamin D₃, calcium and vitamin E status. Glycaemic status (haemoglobin A1c, HbA1c; fasting blood glucose, FBG; C-Peptide) and lipid profiles (total cholesterol, TC; triglycerides, TG; low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, LDL-C; high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, HDL-C) were assessed, followed by anthropometric measurements. The Mann–Whitney U-test, Kruskal–Wallis and Spearman’s correlation coefficient were used to elucidate the association between levels of plasma vitamins D₃ and E and T2DM. The vitamin D₃ deficiency group (<20 ng/mL) showed a significant correlation (p < 0.05) with glycaemic status (HbA1c and FBG) and lipid profiles (HDL-C, LDL and TC). Spearman’s correlation demonstrated that vitamin D₃ status is strongly correlated with HDL levels (p < 0.05). Similarly, plasma total vitamin E levels >4.9 μg/mL revealed significantly different FBG, HbA1c, C-Peptide, LDL, HDL and TC levels across both groups. Moreover, family history, smoking, waist circumference and HbA1c levels demonstrated a significant association (p < 0.05) with levels of vitamins D and E but not FBG and lipid profiles. This could be because the pre-diabetic status among the non-DM group influenced the outcomes of this study.     

Effect of red wine and red grape extract on blood lipids, haemostatic factors, and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease

OBJECTIVE: Some epidemiological studies found a lower risk of cardiovascular disease among wine drinkers than among drinkers of other types of ethanol. This difference might be due to an effect of nonalcohol compounds in wine on important cardiovascular risk factors. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of red wine, nonalcohol compounds of red wine and placebo on established cardiovascular risk factors. DESIGN: A parallel, four-armed intervention study. SUBJECTS: A total of 69 healthy 38-74-y-old men and women. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects were randomised to either 1: red wine (males: 300 ml/day, 38.3 g alcohol/day, female subjects: 200 ml/day, 25.5 g alcohol/day), 2: water + red grape extract tablets (wine-equivalent dose), 3: water + red grape extract tablets (half dose), or 4: water + placebo tablets for a period of 4 weeks. No other sources of alcohol or anthocyanin were allowed. Plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-C/LDL-C-ratio, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, fibrinogen, factor VII coagulant activity (FVIIc), blood pressure, and body weight were determined before and after intervention. RESULTS: Wine consumption was associated with a significant 11-16% increase in fasting HDL-C and 8-15% decrease in fasting fibrinogen relative to not drinking wine. There were no significant treatment effects on fasting LDL-C, HDL-C/LDL-C-ratio, VLDL-triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, FVIIc, or blood pressure. Drinking wine was associated with relative body weight increments closely corresponding to the energy contributed by the alcohol component. CONCLUSION: Moderate red wine consumption for 4 weeks is associated with desirable changes in HDL-C and fibrinogen compared with drinking water with or without red grape extract. The impact of wine on the measured cardiovascular risk factors thus seems primarily explained by an alcohol effect. Our finding suggests that the putative difference in cardiac risk associated with wine vs other alcoholic beverages might be rather explained by other life-style confounders than by red wine contents of nonalcohol components.     

糖尿病人膳食结构及疾病相关危险因素分析

目的比较糖尿病人 (DM)、空腹血糖受损者 (IFG)与正常人群 (NFG)膳食结构、体检及生化指标的差异 ,探讨糖尿病社区干预的措施。方法横断面调查。内容包括问卷、体检及生化检查。结果检出率 :本次参加调查的 94 3人中共检出糖尿病人 16 8例 (17.8% )、空腹血糖受损者 15 0名 (15 .9% )。血糖异常知晓率 :DM组为 75 .6 % ,IFG组 9.8%。膳食 :DM、IFG和 NFG组总能量平均摄入量分别为 2 2 72、2 5 10和 2 4 70 kcal;脂肪供能比分别为 34%、33.0 %和 33.2 %。体检及生化检查 :DM组和 IFG组血压、血脂水平显著高于正常组 (P<0 .0 5 ) ;肥胖的检出率均显著高于正常组。相关分析显示空腹血糖水平与体质指数、腰围、收缩压、舒张压、血清总胆固醇和甘油三酯呈显著正相关。结论对确诊糖尿病人应加强膳食指导 ,在控制总能量的同时强调降低膳食脂肪摄入量。同时 ,为了降低糖尿病发病率 ,应将 IFG作为重点人群 ,提高 IFG知晓率 ,并积极进行干预。     

Standardized capsule of Camellia sinensis lowers cardiovascular risk factors in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies examining the effect of tea drinking on cardiovascular health have produced mixed results due to their observational nature and qualitatively and quantitatively imprecise definitions of active tea components. The objective of this study was to determine if a standardized and defined decaffeinated green tea (Camellia sinensis) product lowers blood pressure, serum lipids, oxidative stress, and markers of chronic inflammation. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study on 111 healthy adult volunteers 21-70 y old was performed. We administered a standardized capsule of Camellia sinensis compounds (CSC) twice a day. Before and after 3 wk, blood pressure, serum lipids, serum amyloid-alpha (a marker of chronic inflammation), and serum malondialdehyde (a marker of oxidative stress) were measured. RESULTS: After 3 wk, CSC lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressures by 5 and 4 mmHg, respectively. After 3 mo, systolic blood pressure remained significantly lower. CSC lowered serum amyloid-alpha by 42% and lowered malondialdehyde by 11.9%. In men, there were 10- and 9-mg/dL reductions in total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, respectively. In all subjects with a baseline LDL cholesterol level >99 mg/dL, there was 9 mg/dL lowering of total and LDL cholesterol. Adverse effects were mild and few and not different from placebo. CONCLUSION: CSC was effective for decreasing, in as quickly as 3 wk, blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, oxidative stress, and a marker of chronic inflammation, all independent cardiovascular risk factors.     

2型糖尿病患者社区干预效果分析

目的通过对2型糖尿病病因、合理用药、常见并发症的认识等宣教效果的分析探讨社区自我控制糖尿病的效果。方法对社区内确诊的126例糖尿病患者科学的干预,量化干预结果。定期监测空腹血糖、餐后2小时血糖、糖化血红蛋白、甘油三脂、总胆固醇。所有结果以PSSA软件进行统计学处理。结果接受6个月社区干预的2型糖尿病患者糖尿病基本知识掌握正确度明显提高(P<0.05),空腹血糖、餐后2小时血糖、糖化血红蛋白明显降低(P<0.05);甘油三脂、总胆固醇降低不明显(P>0.05),统计学显示无意义。结论①2型糖尿病患者通过科学的社区干预,糖尿病基本知识正确掌握度明显提高,空腹血糖、餐后2小时血糖、糖化血红蛋白明显降低。②由于多重原因,甘油三脂、总胆固醇降低不明显,调脂工作仍需加强。     

Closing the gap between literature and practice: evaluation of a teaching programme (in the absence of a structured treatment) on both type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Athough education is considered an integral part of diabetes management, it remains low in the practical priorities of clinicians. We performed the first structured educational intervention in a diabetic outpatient department, where patients were controlled with no provider autonomy support available. We recruited 77 Type 1 (T1DM) and 154 Type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients as well as 87 matched control subjects. Baseline evaluation included: medical interview; questionnaires concerning diabetes knowledge, diabetes quality of life, state-trait anxiety, depression and general perceived self-efficacy; biochemical examination (fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, lipids, uric acid, urinary glucose and albumin excretion). Of the 231 diabetic patients, 154 agreed to attend an educational course, yet only 101 patients (37 T1DM and 64 T2DM) completed it (intervention group) due to organisational barriers. Intervention and reference (non-participant patients) groups received identical medical care, except that the educational group met with the educator during five teaching sessions. Three to six months after the completion of the course, they underwent a final assessment. Prospective results were: 1) in T1DM, a reduction in HbA1c levels and an increase in plasma HDL cholesterol with no change in drug treatment (the reference group showed no change in HbA1c values despite an increased insulin dose), improved technical skill, knowledge, quality of life and self-efficacy; 2) in T2DM, a reduction in fasting plasma glucose and an improvement in knowledge and quality of life. Analysis of the cross-sectional data at baseline evidenced: 3) the same levels of anxiety, depression and general self-efficacy in diabetic patients compared with healthy control subjects; 4) lower diabetes-specific quality of life associated with established insulin treatment in T2DM; 5) significant gender differences among healthy as well as diabetic subjects in degree of psychological distress. Education by itself is more than simply offering information to people (even in a troubled context) and its infrequent incorporation in practice really contradicts resource efficiency.     

Improvement in lipid and glycated hemoglobin control among black adults with diabetes--Raleigh and Greensboro, North Carolina, 1997-2004

Previous studies have indicated that, in the United States, black persons with diabetes have lower levels of glycemic and lipid control and are at increased risk for diabetes-related complications than white persons with the disease. Clinical trials have demonstrated that glycemic and lipid control can reduce the risk for microvascular and macrovascular complications among adults. In addition, recent studies of national survey data have indicated a secular trend of gradual improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and smoking rates among U.S. persons with diabetes. These studies have demonstrated an increase in the proportion of persons who meet recommended levels for blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and cholesterol. Whether black persons in the United States have benefited from these overall improvements is unclear. Surveys conducted among black adults in Raleigh and Greensboro, North Carolina, as part of Project DIRECT (Diabetes Intervention Reaching and Educating Communities Together), provided an opportunity to examine trends in diabetes control and risk for complications. Project DIRECT is a community-based intervention aimed at improving self-care, access to care, and quality of care for residents with diabetes. The analyses described in this report examined whether glycemic and lipid control improved in both communities from 1997 to 2004, a period of rapid advances in clinical understanding of how to control diabetes and its complications. This report summarizes the results of those analyses, which indicated improvements in the proportion of black adults with diabetes who reported that they were meeting recommended levels of HbA1c, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. However, a substantial number of these persons smoked and were above recommended glycemic and lipid levels at follow-up. Therefore, continued education of the public is important in improving quality of care and reducing risk factors for persons at high risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.     

Antihypercholesterolemic effect of Chinese black tea extract in human subjects with borderline hypercholesterolemia

A water-soluble extract of a traditional Chinese black tea (Pu-Ehr) has been shown to precipitate mixed bile salt micelles in foods. In addition, long-term ingestion of this black tea extract (BTE) significantly reduces blood cholesterol levels in rats. We investigated the effects of BTE tablets (a formula designed to enhance compliance) as a dietary supplement in a 3-month double-blind randomized group comparison study in borderline hypercholesterolemic human subjects (n = 47). All subjects ingested BTE tablets (333 mg) or placebo 3 times daily before meals for 3 months. In the BTE-treated group, the initial mean blood total (6.14 ± 0.14 mol/L) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (4.32 ± 0.14 mol/L) levels decreased with time and were significantly (P < .01) lower (total cholesterol, 5.62 ± 0.11; LDL cholesterol, 3.81 ± 0.13 mol/L) after 3 months of ingestion. Furthermore, the mean body weights (P < .05) and triacylglycerol levels (P < .01) were also significantly reduced after 3 months of BTE intake compared with the baseline levels. Significant improvements in the mean LDL cholesterol, body weight, and triacylglycerol values were not accompanied with undesirable changes in other biochemical parameters measured in the subjects. None of the subjects complained of any adverse effects (eg, abdominal distension). The results indicate that BTE intake elicited a significant antihypercholesterolemic effect and might be useful for improving blood cholesterol levels in subjects at risk for heart disease or obesity.     

葡萄籽油对高脂大鼠血脂水平的影响

葡萄籽油含有74％的亚油酸、多种维生素和微量元素。大鼠每日饲以葡萄籽油4ml/kg可使高脂血清总胆固醇降低,高密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平显著升高。高密度脂蛋白/总胆固醇比值升高。     

Lipid, lipoprotein, and hemostatic effects of fish vs fish-oil n-3 fatty acids in mildly hyperlipidemic males.

The effects of fish and fish oil on lipids, hemostasis, and blood pressure were compared in 25 mildly hyperlipidemic men who received 4.5 g eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) plus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) daily for 5 wk. Six additional subjects served as controls. Fish and fish oil lowered plasma triglycerides 20% and 28% and very-low-density-lipoprotein (VLDL) triglycerides 42% and 52%, respectively (all P less than 0.05 compared with control). High-density-lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increased by 10% and 9%, with 34% and 32% increases in the proportion of HDL2 particles for fish and fish oil, respectively. Changes in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and blood pressure with fish and fish oil were not significantly different from changes for the control diet. The fish lowered fibrinogen (15.7%) and thromboxane (10.5%) and increased bleeding time (10.8%) (P less than 0.05 compared with control). Eating fatty fish and fish oil produced comparable lipid and lipoprotein changes, but only the fish improved hemostatic factors.     

葡萄籽提取物对高脂家兔血脂的影响

为探讨葡萄籽提取物对高脂饲养家兔血脂水平的影响，实验设普通饲料对照组，高脂饲料模型对照组和三个高脂模型实验组，高脂模型实验组在饲喂高脂饲料的同时，分别每天添加低（5g),中，（10g)，高（15g)三个剂量的葡萄籽提取物，于实验0周，6周，12周，测定血清TC＜TG，LDL和HDL含量，结果表明，饲喂葡萄籽提取物的三个实验组的血清TC，TG，LDL升高的幅度较模型对照组少，而HDL升高的幅度较模型对照组大，提示葡萄籽提取物对家兔血脂升高有一定的阻抑作用。     

Soy isoflavones improve plasma lipids in normocholesterolemic, premenopausal women

BACKGROUND: Soy consumption is known to reduce plasma total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic subjects, but the responsible soy components and the effects in normocholesterolemic subjects remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: The effects of soy isoflavone consumption on plasma total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triacylglycerol, apolipoprotein A-I, apolipoprotein B, and lipoprotein(a) concentrations and on LDL peak particle diameter were examined in normocholesterolemic, premenopausal women. DESIGN: Thirteen healthy, normocholesterolemic, free-living, premenopausal female volunteers took part in this randomized, crossover-controlled trial. Each subject acted as her own control. Three soy isoflavone intakes (control: 10.0 +/- 1.1; low: 64.7 +/- 9.4; and high: 128.7 +/- 15.7 mg/d), provided as soy protein isolate, were consumed for 3 menstrual cycles each. Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triacylglycerol were measured over the menstrual cycle. Apolipoprotein A-I, apolipoprotein B, lipoprotein(a), and LDL peak particle diameter were evaluated in the midluteal phase. RESULTS: Total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol concentrations changed significantly across menstrual cycle phases (P < 0.005). During specific phases of the cycle, the high-isoflavone diet lowered LDL cholesterol by 7.6-10.0% (P < 0.05), the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol by 10.2% (P < 0.005), and the ratio of LDL to HDL cholesterol by 13.8% (P < 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Isoflavones significantly improved the lipid profile across the menstrual cycle in normocholesterolemic, premenopausal women. Although of small magnitude, these effects could contribute to a lower risk of developing coronary heart disease in healthy people who consume soy over many years.     

Glycemic optimization may reduce lipid peroxidation independent of weight and blood lipid changes in Type 2 diabetes mellitus

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of diet-therapy on lipid peroxidation in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Fifteen T2DM patients of both sexes, aged between 35-70 years, were given the diet suggested for patients with diabetes by the American Diabetic Association. This diet comprised 50-60% carbohydrate, 10-15% protein, 20-30% fat and about 35 g fiber was given for weight maintenance. Weight and body mass index did not change significantly during 8 weeks of study. Also, no statistically significant difference was observed in serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol from before to after dietary intervention. However, the levels of fasting blood sugar, HbA1c and malondialdehyde were lowered significantly after dietary intervention. It was concluded that glycemic optimization, independent of weight and blood lipid profile, through a well-designed diet is likely to be the most effective factor in reducing the process of oxidative stress in T2DM. This may have preventive implications for such diabetic complications as atherosclerosis.     

Beneficial effects of grape seed extract on malondialdehyde-modified LDL

Following consecutive 12-wk administration of tablets containing 0, 200 or 400 mg grape seed extract (calculated as proanthocyanidin) to 61 healthy subjects with LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) levels of 100 to 180 mg/dL, effects of such treatment compared to administration of placebo tablets on malondialdehyde-modified LDL (MDA-LDL), representing one oxidized type of LDL, were investigated by a single blind method. MDA-LDL level in the 200 mg (calculated as proanthocyanidin) group was significantly (p = 0.008) reduced compared to the basal level, 12 wk after the start of administration. In the 400 mg (calculated as proanthocyanidin) group, a significant decrease in MDA-LDL level compared to the basal level was found 6 and 12 wk after the start of administration (6 wk: p = 0.015, 12 wk: p = 0.009). Subjects with high levels of MDA-LDL/ApoB (MDA-LDL/ApoB > or = 100 mU/mL) in the 200 mg group showed significantly (p = 0.011) reduced MDA-LDL levels at 12 wk after the start of administration. In the 400 mg group, significant decreases in MDA-LDL level compared to the basal level were seen 6 and 12 wk after the start of administration (6 wk: p = 0.001, 12 wk: p < 0.001); and at week 6, significantly (p = 0.048) lower values were observed compared to those in patients who took placebo tablets (0 mg proanthocyanidin). In subjects demonstrating the least body weight changes during the test period (less than +/- 1.0 kg) in the 400 mg group, there was an increasing trend (p = 0.088) in adiponectin levels 12 wk after the start of treatment. These results suggested that tablets containing grape seed extract exerted reducing effects on oxidized LDL, and might be useful in preventing lifestyle-related diseases such as arteriosclerosis.     

Effects of kiwifruit consumption on serum lipid profiles and antioxidative status in hyperlipidemic subjects

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most important adult health problem in the world. Epidemiological studies and laboratory experiments have shown that fruit and vegetable consumption has protective effects against CVD. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of consumption of two kiwifruit per day on the lipid profile, antioxidants and markers of lipid peroxidation in hyperlipidemic adult men and women in Taiwan. Forty-three subjects who had hyperlipidemia, including 13 males and 30 females, participated in this study. They were asked to consume two kiwifruit per day for 8 weeks. Anthropometric measurements were made. Before the intervention and at 4 and 8 weeks of the intervention, fasting blood samples were analyzed for total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Additionally vitamin E and vitamin C, the malondialdehyde + 4-hydroxy-2(E)-nonenal concentration, and the lag time of LDL oxidation were determined. No significant differences from baseline to 8 weeks of the intervention were detected for triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, or LDL cholesterol. However, after 8 weeks of consumption of kiwifruit, the HDL-C concentration was significantly increased and the LDL cholesterol/HDL-C ratio and total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio were significantly decreased. Vitamin C and vitamin E also increased significantly. In addition, the lag time of LDL oxidation and malondialdehyde + 4-hydroxy-2(E)-nonenal had significantly changed at 4 and 8 weeks during the kiwifruit intervention. Regular consumption of kiwifruit might exert beneficial effects on the antioxidative status and the risk factors for CVD in hyperlipidemic subjects.     

代谢综合征患者综合干预效果研究

目的 探索以合理膳食、加强体育锻炼、戒烟限酒为核心的综合干预措施对于代谢综合征（metabolic syndrome,MS）患者的干预效果及可行性。方法 根据国际糖尿病联盟诊断标准,以被诊断为MS的机关事业单位人员作为研究对象,进行12个月的干预。对照组患者每2个月接受1次MS相关防治知识讲座。在对照组的基础上,应用自我管理的方法对干预组患者开展以合理膳食、加强体育锻炼、戒烟限酒为核心的综合干预。于干预前、干预6个月及干预12个月后对研究对象进行体格检查和生化指标检测。通过问卷调查比较干预前后患者相关知识的知晓率变化情况。结果 干预12个月后干预组患者相关知识的知晓率高于对照组。干预组患者体重指数、腰围、收缩压、舒张压、甘油三酯、总胆固醇、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇、空腹血糖水平下降幅度及高密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平上升幅度均大于对照组（均有P<0.05）。结论 以合理膳食、增加体育运动、戒烟限酒为主要内容的综合干预对MS患者是一种有效的干预措施。     

LDL cholesterol-lowering effects of grape extract used as a dietary supplement on healthy volunteers

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Eminol®, the polyphenol-rich grape extract supplement (700 mg), on cardiovascular risk and oxidant stress indicators in a sample of volunteers. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed over 56 days and included 60 volunteers. Thirty volunteers took 700 mg of the grape extract, Eminol® (E), and 30 took the placebo (P). On comparison of the results, a decrease in total cholesterol (E: 213.77 ± 4.1 mg/dl and P: 245.57 ± 4.1 mg/dl; p = 0.01) and LDL cholesterol (E: 142.17 ± 3.1 mg/dl and P: 165.13 ± 3.1 mg/dl; p = 0.02) levels as well as an increase in antioxidant capacity (E: 65.63 ± 5.8 μmol TE/mg and P: 57.80 ± 7.7 μmol TE/mg; p < 0.01) and vitamin E (E: 11.46 ± 0.5 μg/ml and P: 9.06 ± 0.5 μg/ml; p = 0.018) was observed. This result indicates that the grape extract Eminol® modulated the lipid profile in terms of cardiovascular risk indicators, lowering total blood cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.     

Effect of an odor-modified garlic preparation on blood lipids

The effect of an odor-modified liquid garlic extract on blood lipids was evaluated in human subjects over a six month period. Lowering of cholesterol, triglycerides, low density and very low density lipoproteins (LDL, VLDL) with rise of high density lipoprotein (HDL) was observed in the majority of subjects who took garlic extract; the effect was clearly more significant than with subjects taking placebo. Garlic extract did not significantly influence the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in subjects whose initial cholesterol levels were relatively low. Of special interest was the initial rise of cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL/VLDL with garlic supplementation, suggesting possible mobilization of tissue lipids into the circulation during this phase of garlic ingestion. This study confirms previous reports of lowering cholesterol and triglycerides using various garlic preparations. Furthermore, it suggests that odor-modified garlic extract may be used in conjunction with dietary modification for control of hyperlipidemia.     

Smoking cessation and change in diastolic blood pressure, body weight, and plasma lipids. MRFIT Research Group.

Cigarette smoking cessation was examined for its impact on diastolic blood pressure, weight, and plasma lipids in 3,470 special intervention males in the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial. Change in smoking status (quitters vs nonquitters) was not independently associated with change in diastolic blood pressure or the subsequent use of antihypertensive medication for smokers who were normotensive at entry. More quitters (35%) became hypertensive than nonquitters (27%, P less than 0.01), although the groups had similar baseline diastolic blood pressure levels. Weight gain subsequent to cessation probably contributed to this excess incidence of hypertension in quitters. Stepped-care antihypertensive therapy lowered diastolic blood pressure similarly for hypertensive quitters and nonquitters. Weight increases of 6 lb or more by the 72-month visit occurred in 47% of quitters vs 25% of nonquitters (P less than 0.01); quitters did not differ from nonquitters in their change in total kilocalories from baseline to the 72-month visit. Quitters who gained 6 lb or more tended to be less obese at baseline, be less physically active, and smoke more cigarettes per day than those who did not gain this amount. Finally, quitters relative to nonquitters experienced an adjusted increase of 2.4 mg/dl high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, but no difference in total or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The implications for intervention are discussed as they relate to the common, but not inevitable, increase in weight subsequent to cessation.