miRNA/Target Gene Profile of Endothelial Cells Treated with Human Triglyceride‐Rich Lipoproteins Obtained after a High‐Fat Meal with Extra‐Virgin Olive Oil or Sunflower Oil

Scope The effects of triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins (TRLs) on the miRNA expression of endothelial cells, which are very involved in atherosclerosis, according to the type of diet are not known. Methods and Results The differences between the effects of TRLs isolated from blood of subjects after a high‐fat meal with extra‐virgin olive oil (EVOO) and sunflower oil (SO) on the microRNA‐Seq profile related to atherosclerosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells are analyzed. 28 upregulated microRNAs with EVOO‐derived TRLs, which can regulate 22 genes related to atherosclerosis, are found. 21 upregulated microRNAs with SO‐derived TRLs, which can regulate 20 genes related to atherosclerosis, are found. These microRNAs are mainly involved in angiogenesis, with a predominance of an anti‐angiogenic effect with EVOO‐derived TRLs. Other microRNAs upregulated with SO‐derived TRLs are involved in cardiovascular diseases. Pathways for the target genes obtained from the upregulated microRNA with EVOO‐derived TRLs are involved in lipid metabolism and inflammatory and defense response, while those with SO‐derived TRLs are involved in lipid metabolic process. Conclusion EVOO‐derived TRLs seem to produce a more atheroprotective profile than SO‐derived TRLs. This study provides alternative mechanisms on the protective role of EVOO against the atherogenic process through microRNA regulation in endothelial cells. Triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins obtained after a high‐fat meal with extra‐virgin olive oil (EVOO) seem to produce a more atheroprotective miRNA profile than those obtained with sunflower oil (SO). Pathways for the target genes obtained from the upregulated miRNA with EVOO are involved in lipid metabolism and inflammatory and defense response, while those with SO are involved in lipid metabolic process.