Effects of pistachios on cardiovascular disease risk factors and potential mechanisms of action: a dose-response study.
BACKGROUND
Nut consumption lowers cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Studies are lacking about the effects of pistachios, a nutrient-dense nut, on CVD risk factors, dose-response relations, and lipid-lowering mechanisms.


OBJECTIVE
We evaluated the effects of 2 doses of pistachios, added to a lower-fat diet, on lipids and lipoproteins, apolipoprotein (apo)-defined lipoprotein subclasses, and plasma fatty acids. To investigate the mechanisms of action, we measured cholesteryl ester transfer protein and indexes of plasma stearoyl-CoA desaturase activity (SCD).


METHODS
In a randomized crossover controlled-feeding study, 28 individuals with LDL cholesterol > or = 2.86 mmol/L consumed 3 isoenergetic diets for 4 wk each. Baseline measures were assessed after 2 wk of a typical Western diet. The experimental diets included a lower-fat control diet with no pistachios [25% total fat; 8% saturated fatty acids (SFAs), 9% monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and 5% polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)], 1 serving/d of a pistachio diet (1 PD; 10% of energy from pistachios; 30% total fat; 8% SFAs, 12% MUFAs, and 6% PUFAs), and 2 servings/d of a pistachio diet (2 PD; 20% of energy from pistachios; 34% total fat; 8% SFAs, 15% MUFAs, and 8% PUFAs).


RESULTS
The 2 PD decreased (P < 0.05 compared with the control diet) total cholesterol (-8%), LDL cholesterol (-11.6%), non-HDL cholesterol (-11%), apo B (-4%), apo B/apo A-I (-4%), and plasma SCD activity (-1%). The 1 PD and 2 PD, respectively, elicited a dose-dependent lowering (P < 0.05) of total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol (-1% and -8%), LDL cholesterol/HDL cholesterol (-3% and -11%), and non-HDL cholesterol/HDL cholesterol (-2% and -10%).


CONCLUSIONS
Inclusion of pistachios in a healthy diet beneficially affects CVD risk factors in a dose-dependent manner, which may reflect effects on SCD.
Gebauer
Sarah K
SK
Integrative Biosciences and Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
West
Sheila G
SG
Kay
Colin D
CD
Alaupovic
Petar
P
Bagshaw
Deborah
D
Kris-Etherton
Penny M
PM
D001053:Apolipoproteins / Q000097:blood; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D018752:Diet, Fat-Restricted; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000188:drug therapy; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D027927:Pistacia; D013230:Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase / Q000097:blood* / Q000187:drug effects
D001053:Apolipoproteins; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; D008074:Lipoproteins; D013230:Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase