Endothelial Activation and Olive Oil

Atherosclerosis remains the leading cause of death in the developed countries and is expected to become the most common cause of disease-related disability and mortality worldwide in the near future due to its close association with the alarming pandemics of obesity and diabetes, two major cardiovascular risk factors. Nutritional factors have probably the most important role in the development of atherosclerosis. A consensus about their role has gradually emerged (Willet, 1994). On the one hand, diets high in saturated and trans-fatty acids are pro-atherogenic. On the other hand, a high intake of unsaturated fatty acid and/or antioxidant compounds (vitamins and non-vitamins) can reduce both pro-atherogenic risk factors and the onset and progression of the plaque