Nutrients

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4 pages, 188 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Nutrition, Lipoproteins and Cardiovascular Diseases

by Abdelouahed Khalil

Nutrients 2024, 16(15), 2530; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152530 - 2 Aug 2024

Viewed by 930

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent the leading cause of mortality worldwide, despite the significant advancements that have been made in terms of primary and secondary prevention strategies over the past decades [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Lipoproteins and Cardiovascular Diseases)

Research

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10 pages, 643 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutritional Status and Recurrent Major Cardiovascular Events Following Acute Myocardial Infarction—A Follow-Up Study in a Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Center

by Maria Czinege, Vasile-Bogdan Halațiu, Victoria Nyulas, Liliana-Oana Cojocariu, Bianca Ion, Violeta Mașca, Constantin Țolescu and Theodora Benedek

Nutrients 2024, 16(7), 1088; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16071088 - 8 Apr 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1416

Abstract

Background: Acute myocardial infarction is often accompanied by malnutrition, which is associated with an imbalance between catabolic and anabolic processes. This ultimately leads to cardiac cachexia, which worsens the patient’s prognosis. We aimed to assess the correlation between nutritional status, assessed using the [...] Read more.

Background: Acute myocardial infarction is often accompanied by malnutrition, which is associated with an imbalance between catabolic and anabolic processes. This ultimately leads to cardiac cachexia, which worsens the patient’s prognosis. We aimed to assess the correlation between nutritional status, assessed using the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score, and the rate of major cardiovascular adverse events (MACE). Methods: The present investigation was a non-randomized, prospective, observational study in which 108 patients with acute myocardial infarction were included. Nutritional status was assessed using the CONUT score. Based on the CONUT score, the patients were divided as follows: Group 1—normal or mild nutritional status (CONUT < 3 points, n = 76), and Group 2—moderate to severe nutritional deficiency (CONUT ≥ 3 points, n = 32). Demographic, echocardiographic, and laboratory parameters were obtained for all patients, as well as the MACE rate at 1 and 3 months of follow-up. Results: The MACE occurred more frequently in patients with impaired nutritional status at both 1-month follow-up (46.9% versus 9.2%; p < 0.0001) and 3-month follow-up (68.8% versus 10.5%; p < 0.0001). In terms of cardiovascular events, patients with poor nutritional status, with a CONUT score ≥ 3, presented more frequent non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, revascularization procedure, and ventricular arrhythmia. Also, the number of cardiovascular deaths was higher in the undernourished group. Conclusions: This study found that patients with poor nutritional status experienced inflammatory status, frailty, and cardiovascular events more often than those with normal nutritional status at 1-month and 3-month follow-up after an acute myocardial infarction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Lipoproteins and Cardiovascular Diseases)

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11 pages, 2524 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Taurine Prevents Angiotensin II-Induced Human Endocardial Endothelium Morphological Remodeling and the Increase in Cytosolic and Nuclear Calcium and ROS

by Danielle Jacques and Ghassan Bkaily

Nutrients 2024, 16(5), 745; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16050745 - 5 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1219

Abstract

Endocardial endothelium (EE) is a layer of cells covering the cardiac cavities and modulates cardiomyocyte function. This cell type releases several cardioactive factors, including Angiotensin II (Ang II). This octopeptide is known to induce cardiac hypertrophy. However, whether this circulating factor also induces [...] Read more.

Endocardial endothelium (EE) is a layer of cells covering the cardiac cavities and modulates cardiomyocyte function. This cell type releases several cardioactive factors, including Angiotensin II (Ang II). This octopeptide is known to induce cardiac hypertrophy. However, whether this circulating factor also induces EE hypertrophy is not known. Taurine is known to prevent cardiac hypertrophy. Whether this endogenous antioxidant prevents the effect of Ang II on human EE (hEE) will be verified. Using quantitative fluorescent probe imaging for calcium and reactive oxygen species (ROS), our results show that Ang II induces (10⁻⁷ M, 48 h treatment) an increase in hEE cell (hEEC) volume and its nucleus. Pretreatment with 20 mM of taurine prevents morphological remodeling and increases intracellular calcium and ROS. These results suggest that the reported Ang II induces cardiac hypertrophy is associated with hEEC hypertrophy. This later effect is prevented by taurine by reducing intracellular calcium and ROS overloads. Thus, taurine could be an excellent tool for preventing Ang II-induced remodeling of hEECs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Lipoproteins and Cardiovascular Diseases)

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14 pages, 2668 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Immunomodulatory Effects of a 6-Month Extra Virgin Olive Oil Intervention on Monocyte Cytokine Secretion and Plasma Cytokine Levels in Dyslipidemic and Post-Infarct Patients: A Clinical Pilot Study

by Adrien Zimmer, Alyann Otrante, Nada Zoubdane, Michel Nguyen, Tamàs Fülöp and Abdelouahed Khalil

Nutrients 2023, 15(17), 3819; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15173819 - 31 Aug 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1565

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is an immuno-inflammatory process underlying cardiovascular diseases. One of the main actors of this inflammation is monocytes, with the switch in their phenotypes and irregularities in their cytokine production. Objective: This study was aimed to investigate the nutraceutical potential of extra virgin [...] Read more.

Atherosclerosis is an immuno-inflammatory process underlying cardiovascular diseases. One of the main actors of this inflammation is monocytes, with the switch in their phenotypes and irregularities in their cytokine production. Objective: This study was aimed to investigate the nutraceutical potential of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on the inflammatory status of monocytes in participants showing different levels of cardiovascular risk. Methods: 43 participants 65–85 years old were recruited including 14 healthy, 12 dyslipidemic patients with hypercholesterolemia recently diagnosed, and 17 post-infarct patients. Participants from all groups were supplemented with EVOO (25 mL/day) for 6 months. IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α cytokine production, and monocyte phenotypes were investigated both at quiescent and at stimulated state by flow cytometry. Results: At the baseline (pre-intervention), dyslipidemic patients, compared to healthy and post-infarct participants, showed monocytes in an inflammatory state characterized by a significantly weaker IL-10 production. Our results do not show a significant modulation of the phenotype or IL-10, IL-6, and TNF-α production following a 6-month EVOO intake whether at quiescence or under stimulation. However, IL-1β is significantly increased by the intervention of EVOO in post-infarct patients. Paradoxically after the 6-month intervention, monocytes from dyslipidemic patients showed a significantly decreased secretion of IL-1β under LPS stimulation despite the increase observed at basal state. Conclusion: Our results show that 6-month EVOO intervention did not induce a monocyte phenotypic change or that this intervention significantly modifies cytokine production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Lipoproteins and Cardiovascular Diseases)

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17 pages, 2608 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary ω3 Fatty Acids and Phytosterols in the Modulation of the HDL Lipidome: A Longitudinal Crossover Clinical Study

by Teresa Padro, Anallely López-Yerena, Antonio Pérez, Gemma Vilahur and Lina Badimon

Nutrients 2023, 15(16), 3637; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15163637 - 18 Aug 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1572

Abstract

High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are complex particles composed of a wide range of lipids, proteins, hormones and vitamins that confer to the HDL particles multiple cardiovascular protective properties, mainly against the development of atherosclerosis. Among other factors, the HDL lipidome is affected by diet. [...] Read more.

High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are complex particles composed of a wide range of lipids, proteins, hormones and vitamins that confer to the HDL particles multiple cardiovascular protective properties, mainly against the development of atherosclerosis. Among other factors, the HDL lipidome is affected by diet. We hypothesized that diet supplementation with ω3 (docosahexaenoic acid: DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid: EPA) and phytosterols (PhyS) would improve the HDL lipid profile. Overweight subjects (n = 20) were enrolled in a two-arm longitudinal crossover study. Milk (250 mL/day), supplemented with either ω3 (EPA + DHA, 375 mg) or PhyS (1.6 g), was administered to the volunteers over two consecutive 28-day intervention periods, followed by HDL lipidomic analysis. The comprehensive lipid pattern revealed that the HDL lipidome is diet-dependent. ω3-milk supplementation produced more changes than PhyS, mainly in cholesteryl esters (CEs). After ω3-milk intake, levels of DHA and EPA within phosphatylcholines, triglycerides and CE lipids in HDLs increased (p < 0.05). The correlation between lipid species showed that lipid changes occur in a coordinated manner. Finally, our analysis revealed that the HDL lipidome is also sex-dependent. The HDL lipidome is affected by diet and sex, and the 4 weeks of ω3 supplementation induced HDL enrichment with EPA and DHA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Lipoproteins and Cardiovascular Diseases)

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16 pages, 4049 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Lipoprotein Lipase Activity Does Not Differ in the Serum Environment of Vegans and Omnivores

by Natjan-Naatan Seeba, Robert Risti and Aivar Lõokene

Nutrients 2023, 15(12), 2755; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15122755 - 15 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2059

Abstract

Although vegan diets have been reported to be associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, it was not known whether this might be partly due to vegan diets’ effects on plasma triglyceride metabolism. This study aimed to investigate if there are differences [...] Read more.

Although vegan diets have been reported to be associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, it was not known whether this might be partly due to vegan diets’ effects on plasma triglyceride metabolism. This study aimed to investigate if there are differences in the activity of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), an enzyme that functions at the vascular endothelium and is responsible for triglyceride breakdown, in sera obtained from vegans and omnivores. LPL activity was assessed using isothermal titration calorimetry, which allows measurements in undiluted serum samples, mimicking physiological conditions. Fasted sera from 31 healthy participants (12F 2M vegans, 11F 6M omnivores) were analyzed. The results indicated no significant differences in average LPL activity between the vegan and omnivore groups. Interestingly, despite similar triglyceride levels, there were considerable variations in LPL activity and total very-low-density lipoprotein triglyceride breakdowns between individuals within both groups. Biomarker analysis showed that vegans had lower total cholesterol and LDL-C levels compared to omnivores. These findings suggest that the lipid-related benefits of a vegan diet, in terms of atherogenic risk, may primarily stem from cholesterol reduction rather than affecting serum as a medium for LPL-mediated triglyceride breakdown. In healthy individuals, lipid-related changes in serum composition in response to a vegan diet are likely overshadowed by genetic or other lifestyle factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Lipoproteins and Cardiovascular Diseases)

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14 pages, 1748 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High-Risk Lipoprotein(a) Levels in Saudi Women and Its Relationship to Menopause and Adiposity

by Nouf Aljawini, Lateefa O. Aldakhil and Syed Shahid Habib

Nutrients 2023, 15(3), 693; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15030693 - 30 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2801

Abstract

Lipoprotein(a) is an inherent CVD risk biomarker that varies by race, and the levels of Lp(a) in Saudi women are relatively unexplored. We aimed to examine the effect of age and menopause on Lp(a) and explore the correlation between adiposity and cardiometabolic risk [...] Read more.

Lipoprotein(a) is an inherent CVD risk biomarker that varies by race, and the levels of Lp(a) in Saudi women are relatively unexplored. We aimed to examine the effect of age and menopause on Lp(a) and explore the correlation between adiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors with Lp(a) in Saudi women. The third aim was to determine the predictors of elevated Lp(a) in this population. In this cross-sectional study of 229 women, we compared Lp(a) serum levels, adiposity indices, and lipid and glycemic profiles between menopausal groups. We used immunoturbidimetry to measure serum Lp(a) and BIA to assess body composition. We evaluated the relationship between Lp(a) and our parameters using ANOVA and Spearman’s correlations. Regression was used to determine the predictors of high-risk Lp(a) levels. The mean of Lp(a) was 28.37 mg/dL, and the concentration increased significantly in postmenopausal (premenopausal 20.98 ± 12.30; perimenopausal 29.92 ± 9.53; postmenopausal 32.49 ± 9.83 mg/dL; p < 0.001. High-risk levels were 57.1% in postmenopausal and 19.1% in premenopausal. The magnitude of Lp(a) increased significantly after age 50. Lp(a) was significantly associated with age and cholesterol and negatively associated with % FFM. Lp(a) increased by 0.41 units for every year of age, indicating the strongest correlation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Lipoproteins and Cardiovascular Diseases)

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Review

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27 pages, 1660 KiB

Open AccessReview

High-Density Lipoprotein Metabolism and Function in Cardiovascular Diseases: What about Aging and Diet Effects?

by Mojgan Morvaridzadeh, Nada Zoubdane, Javad Heshmati, Mehdi Alami, Hicham Berrougui and Abdelouahed Khalil

Nutrients 2024, 16(5), 653; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16050653 - 26 Feb 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4435

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have become the leading global cause of mortality, prompting a heightened focus on identifying precise indicators for their assessment and treatment. In this perspective, the plasma levels of HDL have emerged as a pivotal focus, given the demonstrable correlation between [...] Read more.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have become the leading global cause of mortality, prompting a heightened focus on identifying precise indicators for their assessment and treatment. In this perspective, the plasma levels of HDL have emerged as a pivotal focus, given the demonstrable correlation between plasma levels and cardiovascular events, rendering them a noteworthy biomarker. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that HDLs, while intricate, are not presently a direct therapeutic target, necessitating a more nuanced understanding of their dynamic remodeling throughout their life cycle. HDLs exhibit several anti-atherosclerotic properties that define their functionality. This functionality of HDLs, which is independent of their concentration, may be impaired in certain risk factors for CVD. Moreover, because HDLs are dynamic parameters, in which HDL particles present different atheroprotective properties, it remains difficult to interpret the association between HDL level and CVD risk. Besides the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of HDLs, their capacity to mediate cholesterol efflux, a key metric of HDL functionality, represents the main anti-atherosclerotic property of HDL. In this review, we will discuss the HDL components and HDL structure that may affect their functionality and we will review the mechanism by which HDL mediates cholesterol efflux. We will give a brief examination of the effects of aging and diet on HDL structure and function. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Lipoproteins and Cardiovascular Diseases)

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23 pages, 3765 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Modulatory Bioeffects of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Polyphenols on Metabolic Disorders: Understanding Their Preventive Role against Metabolic Syndrome

by Mehdi Alami, Kaoutar Boumezough, Abdelouahed Khalil, Mhamed Ramchoun, Samira Boulbaroud, Tamas Fulop, Mojgan Morvaridzadeh and Hicham Berrougui

Nutrients 2023, 15(23), 4879; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15234879 - 22 Nov 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4832

Abstract

Modern research achievements support the health-promoting effects of natural products and diets rich in polyphenols. Pomegranate (PG) (Punica granatum L.) contains a considerable number of bioactive compounds that exert a broad spectrum of beneficial biological activities, including antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antiobesity, and atheroprotective [...] Read more.

Modern research achievements support the health-promoting effects of natural products and diets rich in polyphenols. Pomegranate (PG) (Punica granatum L.) contains a considerable number of bioactive compounds that exert a broad spectrum of beneficial biological activities, including antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antiobesity, and atheroprotective properties. In this context, the reviewed literature shows that PG intake might reduce insulin resistance, cytokine levels, redox gene expression, blood pressure elevation, vascular injuries, and lipoprotein oxidative modifications. The lipid parameter corrective capabilities of PG-ellagitannins have also been extensively reported to be significantly effective in reducing hyperlipidemia (TC, LDL-C, VLDL-C, and TAGs), while increasing plasma HDL-C concentrations and improving the TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratios. The health benefits of pomegranate consumption seem to be acheived through the amelioration of adipose tissue endocrine function, fatty acid utilization, GLUT receptor expression, paraoxonase activity enhancement, and the modulation of PPAR and NF-κB. While the results from animal experiments are promising, human findings published in this field are inconsistent and are still limited in several aspects. The present review aims to discuss and provide a critical analysis of PG’s bioeffects on the components of metabolic syndrome, type-2 diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia, as well as on certain cardiovascular-related diseases. Additionally, a brief overview of the pharmacokinetic properties, safety, and bioavailability of PG-ellagitannins is included. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Lipoproteins and Cardiovascular Diseases)

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