Ramírez BCM, Román MMO

Language: Spanish
References: 0
Page: 417-456
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ABSTRACT

Measurement of lipid molecules circulating in plasma has become one of the most the accurate biochemical methods for assessing the risk of the onset of chronic diseases such as arteriosclerosis, blood hypertension, and cardio- and cerebro-vascular conditions, among others. Measurement of serum lipids comprises total cholesterol, tryglycerides, and high- and low-density lipoproteins. Alterations of any of the fractions comprising the blood lipid profile lead to dyslipidemias: one of the moelcular events underlying cardiovascular diseases (CVD) causing yearly 17 millions of deaths worldwide. Pharmacological therapies have been developed for the medical treatment of dyslipidemias. Nutritional alternatives have also been explored for treating dyslipidemias. Phytochemicals with hypolipidemic activity are among these alternatives able to reduce serum LDL concentrations while increasing those of HDL by several mechanisms. Diet fiber, mono- (such as oleic acid) and poly-unsaturated (specially those belonging to the 3 serie) fatty acids; phytosterols, and antioxidants (like polyphenols and flavonoids) are among these natural hypolipidemic agents. The present review explores the biochemical properties of several hypolipidemic agents cited in the consulted literature and possible mechanisms for their hypolipidemic actions. It is expected this review to contribute to a wider use of natural hypolipidemic agents, as well as a comprehensive assessment of the benefits resulting from their use.