Anti-Inflammatory Effects of the Mediterranean Diet in the Early and Late Stages of Atheroma Plaque Development

Identifier:  imarina:2828971

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina2828971

Authors:  Casas, Rosa; Urpi-Sarda, Mireia; Sacanella, Emilio; Arranz, Sara; Corella, Dolores; Castaner, Olga; Lamuela-Raventos, Rosa-Maria; Salas-Salvado, Jordi; Lapetra, Jose; Portillo, Maria P; Estruch, Ramon

Abstract:
Objective. To evaluate the long-term effects of a Mediterranean diet (MeDiet) intervention on the plasma concentrations of inflammatory and plaque stability-related molecules in elderly people at high risk for cardiovascular disease. Design and Setting. 66 participants from primary care centers affiliated with the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona were randomized into 3 groups: MeDiet plus extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) or nuts and a low-fat diet (LFD). At baseline and at 3 and 5 years, we evaluated the changes in the plasma concentrations of 24 inflammatory biomarkers related to the different stages of the atherosclerotic process by Luminex®. Results. At 3 and 5 years, both MeDiet groups showed a significant reduction of IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and MIP-1? (P < 0.05; all) compared to LFD. IL-1?, IL-5, IL-7, IL-12p70, IL-18, TNF-?, IFN-?, GCSF, GMCSF, and ENA78 (P < 0.05; all) only decreased in the MeDiet+EVOO group and E-selectin and sVCAM-1 (P < 0.05; both) in the MeDiet+nuts group. Conclusions. Long-term adherence to MeDiet decreases the plasma concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers related to different steps of atheroma plaque development in elderly persons at high cardiovascular risk.