Autophagy induction as mechanism of action in cardiovascular disease prevention by olive polyphenols.

Atherosclerotic plaque rupture is the leading cause of acute cardiovascular syndromes and is responsible for 3.9 million deaths in Europe every year. Preventive strategies are greatly needed to reduce the health care burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Mediterranean diet results in a lower CVD risk, with virgin olive oil as its key element. Many of the health-promoting effects are ascribed to the olive polyphenols (OPs) and recently a link with autophagy induction was shown. Autophagy is a cellular housekeeping mechanism and autophagy deficiency is detrimental in the development of CVD. Thus, inducing autophagy is likely to be an effective preventive strategy. OPs were identified as natural autophagy inducers, but further research is needed to define the contribution of this mechanism to their atheroprotective effects. Therefore, we aim to elucidate the role of endothelial cell and vascular smooth muscle cell autophagy in the atheroprotective effects of OPs. The research objectives are divided in 3 work packages: (1) Selection of the most potent autophagy-inducing OP and the most therapeutically effective dose, (2) Investigation of the vasomotor effects of an OP and the role of autophagy and (3) Investigation of the atheroprotective effects of an OP and the role of autophagy. This project will give insight in the mechanism of action of OPs and is an important step towards the implementation of OP nutraceuticals for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Keywords:CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, AUTOPHAGY

Disciplines:Cardiac and vascular medicine

Project type:Collaboration project