2.4. Biochemical Variables
high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol
All variables were analyzed in the study population, at the beginning and at the end of the 12 weeks of uninterrupted consumption of the product.A venous blood extraction was performed from one of the forearm veins close to the elbow flexure after the subject had fasted for 12 h. Samples were collected in VacutainerRegarding the variables analyzed, the following were determined:Lipid profile: apolipoproteins (Apo) A1 and B were analyzed in serum by standardized methods in an automated immunoassay system Unicel Dxl 800 Access. TC, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol was measured in serum by enzymatic methods using the cholesterol oxidase-peroxidase technique in a BA 400 BioSystems analyzer. LDL-cholesterol was calculated using the Friedewal formula [Endothelial function biomarkers: MCP-1, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-Selectin and P-Selectin were measured in serum using commercial enzyme immunoassay kits (ELISA, R&D Systems, Abingdon, UK) and Nitric Oxide (NO) was determined through a colorimetric method, following the protocols [Safety parameters such as leukocyte series, blood count, thyroid hormones, and transaminases were also evaluated.