Postprandial Activation of P53-Dependent DNA Repair Is Modified by Mediterranean Diet Supplemented With Coenzyme Q10 in Elderly Subjects

Alterations in the expression levels of genes and proteins involved in oxidative stress and DNA damage response underlie the phenotypic changes associated with aging. We have investigated whether the quality of dietary fat alters postprandial gene expression and protein levels involved in p53-dependent DNA repair and whether the supplementation with Coenzyme Q(10) improves this situation in an elderly population. Twenty participants were randomized to receive three isocaloric diets each for 4 weeks: Mediterranean diet supplemented with Coenzyme Q(10), Mediterranean diet, saturated fatty acid-rich diet. After a 12-hour fast, volunteers consumed a breakfast with a fat composition similar to that consumed in each of the diets. Gadd45a, Gadd45b, OGG1, APE-1/Ref-1, DNApol beta, and XPC gene expression and nuclear Gadd45a, APE-1/Ref-1, and DNApol beta protein levels were determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Mediterranean diet and Mediterranean diet supplemented with Coenzyme Q(10)diets downregulated Gadd45a protein levels compared with the saturated fatty acid-rich diet. Moreover, Mediterranean diet supplemented with Coenzyme Q(10)diet evoked lower postprandial Gadd45a, Gadd45b, XPC, DNApol beta and OGG1 gene expression and lower APE-1/Ref-1 and DNApol beta protein levels than the saturated fatty acid-rich diet. Our results support a beneficial effect of Mediterranean diet and Mediterranean diet supplemented with Coenzyme Q(10) on DNA damage as compared to the detrimental action of a saturated fatty acid-rich diet, which triggers the p53-dependent DNA repair machinery.