Intakes of apples or apple polyphenols decease plasma values for oxidized low-density lipoprotein/beta2-glycoprotein I complex

Many dietary modifications have been proposed to reduce cardiovascular disease risk, but often, these modifications require substantial effort. In contrast, in healthy middle aged adults, consumption of just one apple/day for 4 weeks drastically lowered plasma concentrations of oxidized low-density lipoprotein/beta(2)-glycoprotein I complex (oxLDL-beta(2)GPI), a proposed contributor to atherosclerosis. OxLDL-beta(2)GPI values were also lowered by capsules of apple polyphenol extract, though not as much as with whole apples. Placebo capsules had no effect. The decrease in OxLDL-beta(2)GPI concentrations in response to intake of apples or apple polyphenol extract were not accompanied by increased erythrocyte activities of superoxide dismutase 1, an antioxidant enzyme that can inhibit lipoprotein oxidation. In summary, an easily accomplished dietary intervention had a major effect on an atherosclerosis risk factor, in part via polyphenols, but not necessarily via superoxide dismutase. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.