This study assesses the acute effects of dried Cabernet grape intake on vascular function and platelet reactivity in postmenopausal women. Previous studies from this lab and others have demonstrated acute effects on vascular function and platelet reactivity from phenolic-rich food sources. Postmenopausal women are suggested as the study group, as they are likely to have compromised vascular function due to the loss of protective estrogen, and have been the study group for past and present research projects in this lab.
The initiation and progression of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) is multifactorial in nature, and is currently thought of as a chronic inflammatory condition. To reduce the risk of CVD and its associated health care costs in California and elsewhere, nutrition and health recommendations strongly advocate the consumption of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Such recommendations are based largely on epidemiological data; the mechanisms underlying the putative positive effects of plant food-rich diets are poorly defined and an area of active debate. In addition to essential vitamins and minerals, fruits and vegetables contain a number of bioactive compounds that may be involved in vascular function. In this regard, epidemiological studies have noted a significant inverse relationship between the intake of plant foods rich in polyphenols and the risk of both all-cause mortality and CVD. For example, the "French paradox" refers to diet patterns that, despite being high in saturated fat, are associated with a relatively low cardiovascular risk, which may be due, in part, to a robust intake of polyphenols found in red wine, grapes, and other plant foods. Red wine contains an array of phytochemicals that have been proposed to improve cardiovascular health, with a great focus on polyphenols. However, grape products such as dried cabernet grapes also contain substantial amounts of polyphenols that may be vasculoprotective.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
20
Subjects will consume 3.2oz of dried Cabernet grapes during a single intervention time point.
Subjects will consume 95g of whole wheat bagel during a single intervention time point.
Ragle Human Nutrition Center
Davis, California, United States
Change in Postprandial Micro-vascular Function
To determine whether an acute intake of dried Cabernet grapes will improve vascular function, as measured using peripheral artery tonometry (PAT).
Time frame: Baseline and 2-hour measures on day 0 and day 7.
Platelet Aggregation
To determine whether an acute intake of dried Cabernet grapes will alter platelet reactivity, as measured by Chrono-log platelet aggregometer device.
Time frame: Baseline and 2-hour measures on day 0 and day 7.
Nitrate/Nitrite
Blood analysis to determine whether an acute intake of dried Cabernet grapes will affect plasma circulating nitrate and nitrite levels.
Time frame: Baseline and 2-hour measures on day 0 and day 7.
Baseline Complete Metabolic Panel
Blood analyses will include measurements of complete blood cell count, comprehensive metabolic panel, and lipid profile.
Time frame: Baseline measures on day 0 and day 7.
Postprandial Complete Metabolic Panel
Blood analyses will include measurements of complete blood cell count, comprehensive metabolic panel, and lipid profile.
Time frame: 2-hour measures on day 0 and day 7.
Body Weight
Body weight will be recorded at baseline on initial visit as well as visit one week after.
Time frame: Baseline measure on day 0 and day 7.
Blood Pressure
The office blood pressure measurement will be obtained (3 measurements 5 minutes apart after a 15 minute rest).
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Time frame: Baseline measure on day 0 and day 7.