Concentrated Grape Powder Consumption Modulates Cholesterol Metabolism and Homeostasis in Healthy Subjects

ScopeFour weeks' of concentrated grape powder (GP) consumption reduces circulating cholesterol in healthy free-living subjects consuming a low-fiber/low-polyphenol diet. Here, the study aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms for cholesterol reduction by evaluating biomarkers of cholesterol de novo biosynthesis, intestinal absorption, miRNA involved in transcriptional regulation of cholesterol metabolism, as well as cholesterol oxidation.Methods and resultsFasting plasma samples collected from 19 healthy free-living subjects at baseline and week 4 of GP consumption are used in this study. Gas chromatography-mass (GC-MS) analysis of plasma samples shows that lathosterol, a precursor of cholesterol synthesis, is significantly decreased after GP consumption indicating reduced cholesterol de novo biosynthesis. Markers of intestinal absorption, campesterol, and & beta;-sitosterol are not changed. Realtime PCR shows that plasma exosomal miRNA-1 is increased after GP consumption. GC-MS also shows that GP consumption reduces the plasma cholesterol oxidation product 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-HC).ConclusionsThis study enhances the understanding of the mechanisms of the cholesterol lowering effects of GP, and provides new insights into the potential health benefits of grape consumption. Controlling cholesterol through dietary means is of great interest. The study reveals that consuming concentrated grape powder (GP) for 4 weeks lead to a reduction in circulating cholesterol levels by reducing cholesterol de novo biosynthesis in healthy individuals. Furthermore, consumption of GP results in a reduction in cholesterol oxidation, providing new insights into the potential health benefits of grape consumption. image

Automated summary

This study investigates the mechanisms of cholesterol reduction by evaluating biomarkers of cholesterol synthesis, intestinal absorption, and miRNA involved in transcriptional regulation, as well as cholesterol oxidation.