Betalain- and betacyanin-rich supplements’ impacts on the PBMC SIRT1 and LOX1 genes expression and Sirtuin-1 protein levels in coronary artery disease patients: A pilot crossover clinical trial

[Display omitted] •Betalain-/betacyanin-rich supplements increased levels of Sirtuin-1.•Betalains-/betacyanins-rich supplements decreased the expression levels of LOX1.•Betalain and betacyanin-rich extracts lowered plasma levels of hs-CRP in CAD patients. Activation of Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) is a considered candidate for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. SIRT1 as a longevity factor regulates human cell lifespan and influences aspects of age-dependent atherosclerosis. Betalains can significantly increase the lifespan ofCaenorhabditis elegans. This effect may be agreeable with activation of SIRT1. Thus, this study investigates the effects of betalains on SIRT1 and Lectin-like Oxidized LDL Receptor 1 (LOX1) expression in coronary artery disease patients. Participants received three treatments (a betalains-rich supplement of red beetroot, a betacyanins-rich supplement of Opuntia stricta and a placebo; daily for two weeks) on three occasions which separated by washout periods. A notable elevation in SIRT1 levels and a considerable decrease in the expression levels of LOX1 and plasma concentration of high sensitive C Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) were observed after both supplementations. In conclusion, it appears that betalains could be considered as the new candidates in studies about age-related diseases.