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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemicals and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2021) | Viewed by 37261

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Nicola Ferri

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Guest Editor

Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
Interests: atherosclerosis; cholesterol; lipids; PCSK9; pharmacology

Dr. Maria Pia Adorni

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Guest Editor

Department of Medicine and Surgery, Neuroscience Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
Interests: cholesterol; lipids; macrophage; lipoprotein function
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Dear Colleagues,

Dietary factors influence the development of cardiovascular diseases either directly or through their action on traditional risk factors, such as plasma lipids, blood pressure, inflammation, or glucose levels. However, many discordant results have been observed due to both methodological problems (particularly inadequate sample sizes or short study durations) and the difficulties of evaluating the impact of a single dietary factor independent of any other changes in the diet. To overcome, at least in part, these problems, in recent years, nutrition research has focused on the relationship between atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease on the one hand, and foods and dietary patterns—rather than single nutrients—on the other.

Thus, despite the results of intervention studies with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease endpoints that support a healthy lifestyle for cardiovascular disease prevention, randomized controlled trials cannot represent the sole grounds on which dietary recommendations should be based. They also need to rely on the combination of large observational cohort studies and relatively short-term randomized trials with intermediate risk factors (such as blood lipids, blood pressure, inflammatory markers and glucose levels) as outcomes.

The present Special Issue aims to embrace updated research on nutritional intervention, including nutraceuticals and functional food, for preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or modifying risk factors, such as low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), high sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP), blood pressure and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c).

The authors of original articles, opinion papers, as well as narrative and systematic reviews showcasing research are welcomed for submission.

Keywords

Nutrition
Cholesterol
Inflammation
Blood pressure
Glucose
Cardiovascular diseases

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 509 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Nutrition Intervention and Cardiovascular Disease

by Maria Pia Adorni and Nicola Ferri

Nutrients 2022, 14(7), 1435; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14071435 - 30 Mar 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2394

Abstract

Dietary factors influence the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) either directly or through their action on traditional risk factors, such as plasma lipids, blood pressure, inflammation, or glucose levels [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Intervention and Cardiovascular Disease)

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Research

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14 pages, 668 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Strawberries Improve Cardiometabolic Risks in Adults with Obesity and Elevated Serum LDL Cholesterol in a Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial

by Arpita Basu, Kenneth Izuora, Nancy M. Betts, Jefferson W. Kinney, Arnold M. Salazar, Jeffrey L. Ebersole and R. Hal Scofield

Nutrients 2021, 13(5), 1421; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13051421 - 23 Apr 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 12048

Abstract

Background and aims: Dietary berries, such as strawberries, are rich in bioactive compounds and have been shown to lower cardiometabolic risk. We examined the effects of two dietary achievable doses of strawberries on glycemic control and lipid profiles in obese adults with elevated serum LDL cholesterol (LDL-C). Methods: In this 14-week randomized controlled crossover study, participants were assigned to one of the three arms for four weeks separated by a one-week washout period: control powder, one serving (low dose: 13 g strawberry powder/day), or two-and-a -half servings (high dose: 32 g strawberry powder/day). Participants were instructed to follow their usual diet and lifestyle while refraining from consuming other berries and related products throughout the study interval. Blood samples, anthropometric measures, blood pressure, and dietary and physical activity data were collected at baseline and at the end of each four-week phase of intervention. Results: In total, 33 participants completed all three phases of the trial [(mean ± SD): Age: 53 ± 13 y; BMI: 33 ± 3.0 kg/m²). Findings revealed significant reductions in fasting insulin (p = 0.0002) and homeostatic model of assessment of insulin resistance (p = 0.0003) following the high dose strawberry phase when compared to the low dose strawberry and control phases. Glucose and conventional lipid profiles did not differ among the phases. Nuclear magnetic resonance-determined particle concentrations of total VLDL and chylomicrons, small VLDL, and total and small LDL were significantly decreased after the high dose strawberry phase, compared to control and low dose phases (all p < 0.0001). Among the biomarkers of inflammation and adipokines measured, only serum PAI-1 showed a decrease after the high dose strawberry phase (p = 0.002). Conclusions: These data suggest that consuming strawberries at two-and-a-half servings for four weeks significantly improves insulin resistance, lipid particle profiles, and serum PAI-1 in obese adults with elevated serum LDL-C. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Intervention and Cardiovascular Disease)

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14 pages, 1845 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Possible Reduction of Cardiac Risk after Supplementation with Epigallocatechin Gallate and Increase of Ketone Bodies in the Blood in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. A Pilot Study

by María Benlloch, María Cuerda Ballester, Eraci Drehmer, Jose Luis Platero, Sandra Carrera-Juliá, María Mar López-Rodríguez, Jose Joaquin Ceron, Asta Tvarijonaviciute, Marí Ángeles Navarro, Mari Luz Moreno and Jose Enrique de la Rubia Ortí

Nutrients 2020, 12(12), 3792; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12123792 - 10 Dec 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3273

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes anthropometric changes characterised by functional disability, increase in fat mass, and decrease in lean mass. All these variables are related to a greater cardiac risk. The polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and an increase in ketone bodies in the blood have been shown to have beneficial effects on anthropometric and biochemical variables related to cardiovascular activity. The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of the intervention with EGCG and ketone bodies on cardiac risk in MS patients. A population of 51 MS patients were randomly assigned to a control group and an intervention group (daily dose of 800 mg of EGCG and 60 mL of coconut oil). Both groups followed an isocaloric diet for 4 months. Levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), albumin, paraoxonase 1 (PON1) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in serum before and after the intervention, as well as determining functional ability, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), fat percentage and muscle percentage. After 4 months, in the intervention group there was a significant increase in BHB, PON1 and albumin, while CRP did not vary; a significant decrease in cardiac risk associated with a significant decline in WHR; as well as a significant increase in muscle percentage. By contrast, these changes were not observed in the control group. Finally, results from analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant time–condition interaction effect, observing that WHtR and fat mass decreased in the intervention group, while they increased in the control group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Intervention and Cardiovascular Disease)

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Review

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27 pages, 2159 KiB

Open AccessReview

Impact of Dietary Lipids on the Reverse Cholesterol Transport: What We Learned from Animal Studies

by Bianca Papotti, Joan Carles Escolà-Gil, Josep Julve, Francesco Potì and Ilaria Zanotti

Nutrients 2021, 13(8), 2643; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082643 - 30 Jul 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 7567

Abstract

Reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) is a physiological mechanism protecting cells from an excessive accumulation of cholesterol. When this process begins in vascular macrophages, it acquires antiatherogenic properties, as has been widely demonstrated in animal models. Dietary lipids, despite representing a fundamental source of energy and exerting multiple biological functions, may induce detrimental effects on cardiovascular health. In the present review we summarize the current knowledge on the mechanisms of action of the most relevant classes of dietary lipids, such as fatty acids, sterols and liposoluble vitamins, with effects on different steps of RCT. We also provide a critical analysis of data obtained from experimental models which can serve as a valuable tool to clarify the effects of dietary lipids on cardiovascular disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Intervention and Cardiovascular Disease)

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18 pages, 754 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Emerging Role of Nutraceuticals in Cardiovascular Calcification: Evidence from Preclinical and Clinical Studies

by Maristella Donato, Elisabetta Faggin, Francesco Cinetto, Carla Felice, Maria Giovanna Lupo, Nicola Ferri and Marcello Rattazzi

Nutrients 2021, 13(8), 2603; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082603 - 28 Jul 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4238

Abstract

Cardiovascular calcification is the ectopic deposition of calcium-phosphate crystals within the arterial wall and the aortic valve leaflets. This pathological process leads to increased vascular stiffness, reduced arterial elasticity, and aortic valve stenosis, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Although cardiovascular calcification is an increasing health care burden, to date no medical therapies have been approved for treating or preventing it. Considering the current lack of therapeutic strategies and the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular calcification, the investigation of some nutraceuticals to prevent this pathological condition has become prevalent in recent years. Recent preclinical and clinical studies evaluated the potential anti-calcific role of nutraceuticals (including magnesium, zinc, iron, vitamin K, and phytate) in the progression of vascular calcification, providing evidence for their dietary supplementation, especially in high-risk populations. The present review summarizes the current knowledge and latest advances for nutraceuticals with the most relevant preclinical and clinical data, including magnesium, zinc, iron, vitamin K, and phytate. Their supplementation might be recommended as a cost-effective strategy to avoid nutritional deficiency and to prevent or treat cardiovascular calcification. However, the optimal dose of nutraceuticals has not been identified and large interventional trials are warranted to support their protective effects on cardiovascular disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Intervention and Cardiovascular Disease)

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19 pages, 906 KiB

Open AccessReview

Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Risk. Evidence, Lack of Evidence, and Diligence

by Francesco Visioli and Andrea Poli

Nutrients 2020, 12(12), 3782; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12123782 - 9 Dec 2020

Cited by 63 | Viewed by 6936

Abstract

One of the most controversial areas of nutrition research relates to fats, particularly essential fatty acids, in the context of cardiovascular disease risk. A critical feature of dietary fatty acids is that they incorporate into the plasma membrane, modifying fluidity and key physiological functions. Importantly, they can reshape the bioavailability of eicosanoids and other lipid mediators, which direct cellular responses to external stimuli, such as inflammation and chronic stress conditions. This paper provides an overview of the most recent evidence, as well as historical controversies, linking fat consumption with human health and disease. We underscore current pitfalls in the area of fatty acid research and critically frame fatty acid intake in the larger context of diet and behavior. We conclude that fundamental research on fatty acids and lipids is appropriate in certain areas, but the rigor and reproducibility are lacking in others. The pros and cons are highlighted throughout the review, seeking to guide future research on the important area of nutrition, fat intake, and cardiovascular disease risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Intervention and Cardiovascular Disease)

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