Bioactive Compounds for the Management of Hypertriglyceridemia: Evidence From Clinical Trials and Putative Action Targets

Abstract

Hypertriglyceridemia refers to the presence of elevated concentrations of triglycerides (TG) in the bloodstream (TG >200 mg/dL). This lipid alteration is known to be associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, contributing overall to the onset of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). Guidelines for the management of hypertriglyceridemia are based on both lifestyle intervention and pharmacological treatment, but poor adherence, medication-related costs and side effects can limit the success of these interventions. For this reason, the search for natural alternative approaches to reduce plasma TG levels currently represents a hot research field. This review article summarizes the most relevant clinical trials reporting the TG-reducing effect of different food-derived bioactive compounds. Furthermore, based on the evidence obtained from in vitro studies, we provide a description and classification of putative targets of action through which several bioactive compounds can exert a TG-lowering effect. Future research may lead to investigations of the efficacy of novel nutraceutical formulations consisting in a combination of bioactive compounds which contribute to the management of plasma TG levels through different action targets.

Beneficial Contribution to Glucose Homeostasis by an Agro-Food Waste Product Rich in Abscisic Acid: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…As reported in scientific studies, polyphenols can positively influence cholesterol metabolism, especially regarding the B2 class of dimeric procyanidins [ 35 ]. Moreover, the decrease in TG levels observed in the TN treatment groups may be justified both by the reported beneficial effects exerted by polyphenols on the management of hypertriglyceridemia [ 36 ] and by the positive response of plasma TG levels resulting from improved glycemic control, as described by scientific evidence [ 37 ]. In agreement with this hypothesis, our characterization of the TN polyphenolic profile performed by a validated HPLC-DAD method [ 38 ] highlights the high potential of this matrix in terms of polyphenol content [ 22 ].…”