Inhibition of circulating immune cell activation: a molecular antiinflammatory effect of the Mediterranean diet.
BACKGROUND
Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (Med-Diet) is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the molecular mechanisms involved are not fully understood.


OBJECTIVE
The objective was to compare the effects of 2 Med-Diets with those of a low-fat diet on immune cell activation and soluble inflammatory biomarkers related to atherogenesis in subjects at high risk of CVD.


METHODS
In a controlled study, we randomly assigned 112 older subjects with diabetes or > or =3 CVD risk factors to 3 dietary intervention groups: Med-Diet with supplemental virgin olive oil (VOO), Med-Diet with supplemental nuts, and low-fat diet. Changes from baseline in cellular and serum inflammatory biomarkers were assessed at 3 mo.


RESULTS
One hundred six participants (43% women; average age: 68 y) completed the study. At 3 mo, monocyte expression of CD49d, an adhesion molecule crucial for leukocyte homing, and of CD40, a proinflammatory ligand, decreased (P < 0.05) after both Med-Diets but not after the low-fat diet. Serum interleukin-6 and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, inflammatory mediators crucial in firm adhesion of leukocytes to endothelial surfaces, decreased (P < 0.05) in both Med-Diet groups. Soluble vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 and C-reactive protein decreased only after the Med-Diet with VOO (P < 0.05), whereas interleukin-6, soluble vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 increased (P < 0.05) after the low-fat diet.


CONCLUSIONS
Med-Diets supplemented with VOO or nuts down-regulate cellular and circulating inflammatory biomarkers related to atherogenesis in subjects at high risk of CVD. The results support the recommendation of the Med-Diet as a useful tool against CVD.
Mena
Mari-Pau
MP
Department of Internal Medicine, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain.
Sacanella
Emilio
E
Vazquez-Agell
Mónica
M
Morales
Mercedes
M
Fitó
Montserrat
M
Escoda
Rosa
R
Serrano-Martínez
Manuel
M
Salas-Salvadó
Jordi
J
Benages
Neus
N
Casas
Rosa
R
Lamuela-Raventós
Rosa M
RM
Masanes
Ferran
F
Ros
Emilio
E
Estruch
Ramon
R
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood; D018752:Diet, Fat-Restricted; D038441:Diet, Mediterranean; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007249:Inflammation / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology*; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / Q000097:blood; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009754:Nuts; D000069463:Olive Oil; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012307:Risk Factors; D019010:Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 / Q000097:blood
D015415:Biomarkers; D016207:Cytokines; D000069463:Olive Oil; D010938:Plant Oils; D019010:Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; D002097:C-Reactive Protein