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Resistance vessel endothelial function in healthy humans during transient postprandial hypertriglyceridemia
G S Gudmundsson1, C A Sinkey, C A Chenard
1Department of Internal Medicine, General Clinical Research Center, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City 52242, USA.
The American Journal of Cardiology
|November 15, 2000
Summary
A high-fat meal transiently increases triglycerides but does not impair resistance vessel endothelial function in healthy individuals. This contrasts with conduit vessels, suggesting different mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Endothelial Function Research
Background:
- Conduit vessel endothelial function is impaired by high-fat meals.
- The effect of high-fat meals on resistance vessel endothelial function is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if transient hypertriglyceridemia from a high-fat meal impairs forearm resistance vessel endothelial function.
- To compare the effects of high-fat versus low-fat meals on endothelial function.
Main Methods:
- Healthy participants consumed high- and low-fat meals.
- Forearm resistance vessel endothelial function was assessed via blood flow responses to vasodilators.
- Serum triglyceride levels were measured post-meal.
Main Results:
- High-fat meals significantly increased serum triglycerides compared to low-fat meals.
- No significant differences in vasodilation were observed for endothelium-dependent or independent agents between meal types.
- Resistance vessel endothelial function remained unimpaired after the high-fat meal.
Conclusions:
- Transient hypertriglyceridemia induced by a high-fat meal does not impair forearm resistance vessel endothelial function.
- Findings suggest that mechanisms impairing conduit vessel endothelial function are not active in resistance vessels.
- High-fat intake may contribute to atherosclerosis but not hypertension/ischemia via resistance vessel dysfunction.