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Effect of cocoa powder on the modulation of inflammatory biomarkers in patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 09/24/09

Monagas M et al. – These results suggest that the intake of cocoa polyphenols may modulate inflammatory mediators in patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease. These antiinflammatory effects may contribute to the overall benefits of cocoa consumption against atherosclerosis.

Methods

Forty–two high–risk volunteers were included in a randomized crossover feeding trial.
All subjects received 40 g cocoa powder with 500 mL skim milk/d (C+M) or only 500 mL skim milk/d (M) for 4 wk.
Before and after each intervention period, cellular and serum inflammatory biomarkers related to atherosclerosis were evaluated.

Results

Adherence to the dietary protocol was excellent.
No significant changes in the expression of adhesion molecules on T lymphocyte surfaces were found between the C+M and M groups.
However, in monocytes, the expression of VLA–4, CD40, and CD36 was significantly lower after C+M intake than after M intake.
In addition, serum concentrations of the soluble endothelium–derived adhesion molecules P–selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule–1 were significantly lower after C+M intake than after M intake.

Exclusive Author Commentary
Ramon Estruch, 10/02/09

Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death worldwide at the turn of the XXI century and it is generally due to atherosclerosis. This disease is nowadays considered as a low-grade inflammatory disease of the arteries. Diet and exercise are the first step in the prevention and treatment of this disease. In this study, we demonstrate that regular intake of cocoa modulate inflammatory mediators related to atherosclerosis in human subjects at high risk of coronary heart disease

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