Diet and CHD Flashcards
Definition of atherosclerosis
Focal chronic inflammatory disease of large and medium arteries which is induced by lipid products and characterised by intimal thickening and lipid deposition
How does diabetes change the risk of cardiovascular disease
triples risk
What does ‘the metabolic syndrome’ consist of
Syndrome including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease consisting of:
- Insulin resistance
- Abdominal obesity
- Dyslipidaemia
- Hypertension
What transporter transports excess fatty acids from blood lipids?
CD36
Where in the cell are fatty acids usually metabolised
In the mitochondria
What happens to saturated fatty acids in the cell?
Metabolised into toxic products like ceramide
What is the effect of the products of saturated fatty acids in the cell
Blocks the insulin receptor (eg excess fats can induce insulin resistance)
What is more important to regulate: total calorie intake or saturated fat intake
Total calorie intake
What are saturated fatty acids
Fatty acids with no double bonds between the carbon atoms of fatty acids chain
How many C=C double bonds to essential fatty acids contain
At least 2
Why is arachidonic acid know n as C20:4(n-6)
20 carbons
4 double bonds
6= number of carbons the double bond is away from end of chain
What is arachidonic acid incorporated into
Membrane phospholipids
What happens during inflammation in terms of w6 arachidonic acid
- w6 is released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2 enzyme
- Potent inflammatory mediators such as prostaglainds, leukotrienes are synthesised from it
What are omega-3 fatty acids metabolised into
Anti-inflammatory eicosanoids
Omega-3 FA are anti-inflamamtory and anti-atherogenic
How do aspirin and statins act on w3 and w6 FA
Enhance anti-inflammatory mediators from them
Is melting temp higher or lower in trans saturated fat? Why?
Higher because the trans configuration results in much more stable chains that are difficult to break or transport
How are trans saturated fats produced in the food industry
Hydrogenation of poly unsaturated fatty acids (breaking of double bonds)
Is regulating dietary cholesterol important in reducing risk of cardiovascular disease
Little important
What are flavonoids
Pigmented polyphenol plant compounds involved in photosynthesis and protection from UV light
Where are flavonoids found
Fruit, vegetables, chocolate, wine, olive oil
Do flavonoids have a beneficial or non beneficial effect on MI and strokes
beneficial
How do flavonoids act in the body
Inhibit multiple enzymes including NADPH oxidation that generates damaging reactive oxygen intermediates
Does a mediterranean diet have a minor or major effect in terms of preventing cardiovascular disease
Major
What is the effect of b12 or b9 in terms of CHD
Can cause low methionine and high blood homocysteine
Homocysteine is spontaneously converted to thiolactone which damages endothelial cells
What features of atheroscleorosis can be seen in cross section of coronary artery
Massive deposits of cholesterol in thickened artery wall
What are the health implications of a diet with high total fat and high saturated fat intake
Obesity
High hepatic cholesterol synthesis
Hypercholesterolaemia
High LDL
What are the health implication of a diet with high refined carbohydrate
Obesity
Metabolic syndrome
T2D
What are the health implications of a diet with high salt intake
Hypertension
What are the health implications of a diet with low folate/ b6/ b12
Homocysteinaemia
What are the health implication of a lifestyle with low levels of physical activity
Low HDL
Low NO in arterial wall
What dietary/ lifestyles factors contribute to hypertension
- Obesity
- Excess sodium
- High alcohol intake
- Smoking >15 a day
What dietary/ lifestyle factors can protect from hypertension
- Potassium
- Smoking <15 a day
