Elena Bravo

Elena Bravo major work is on the metabolism and physiological effects of cholesterol and lipoproteins and how this influences cholesterol homeostasis in the body, with the aim of increasing the understanding of the fundamental processes underlying the development of atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases. Bravo's previous research work which focused on the metabolism of lipoproteins cholesterol led to significant advances in the understanding of the regulation of the catabolism of cholesterol to bile acids. These studies contributed to the knowledge about the mechanisms by which dietary saturated and unsaturated fats influence blood cholesterol levels, and consequently highlighted the role of lipoproteins of dietary origin on the risk of cardiovascular diseases development. In more recent years, interests focused on postprandial lipid metabolism in macrophages and foam cells formation as well as the inflammatory role of macrophage in atherosclerotic plaque development. Bravo research focuses on the atherogenic and antiatherogenic roles of lipoprotein and, in particular, of the dietary lipids carried by chylomicron remnants in the blood. In addition, Bravo involved in studying the roles of lipid soluble macronutrients and micronutrients derived from different natural sources present in the diet, including polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants. Particular attention has also been given to the regulatory role of lipids in inflammation process. Bravo's current research interests include the roles of dietary lipids, lipoproteins, and lipophilic nutriaceuticals on macrophage foam cell formation, cholesterol homeostasis in liver and macrophage, oxidative stress, and neutrophils functions.

Biography Updated on 23 April 2009

Scholarly Contributions [Data Provided by ]