Effect of a Mediterranean meal on postprandial carotenoids, paraoxonase activity and C-reactive protein levels

Background and Aim: Atherosclerosis involves oxidative and inflammatory mediators regulated by fat and antioxidants. Therefore, we studied the postprandial evolution of plasma lipids, carotenoids, C-reactive protein (CRP), and human serum paraoxanase activity (PON1) following two different fatty meals. Subjects and Methods: Eight healthy males consumed a 45% fat 1,000 Kcal Mediterranean-like (Med) meal (monounsaturated 61% of fat) compared to a Western-like (Wes) (saturated 57% of fat) meal. Blood was collected at baseline (time 0) 2, 4 and 7 h postprandial. Plasma lipids, glucose, insulin, total carotenoids, CRP, and PON1 were analyzed. Results: There was a marginal increase in cholesterol and glucose after both meals. Triglycerides increased modestly (to less than 200 mg/dl) and insulin increased (more in the Wes-like meal) but still within normal range, indicating a low glycemic index for both meals. Only the Med-like meal resulted in a significant increase in both PON1 activity (16%, p < 0.02) and carotenoids (74%, p < 0.02) with a 2-hour postprandial decrease in CRP (6%, p < 0.02). Conclusion: A postprandial monounsaturated fatty acid rich meal increases both plasma carotenoids and PON1 with a decrease in CRP levels, thus providing a novel potential explanation to the protective properties of a Mediterranean diet against atherogenesis.