Association between food patterns and biomarkers of endothelial function: a systematic review

DEFAGÓ MD, ELORRIAGA N, IRAZOLA VE, RUBINSTEIN AL

Granada

Congreso; 20 Congreso de la IUNS (International Union of Nutritional Sciences); 2013

International Union of Nutritional Sciences

Background and objectives: It has been suggested that dietary factors could be involved in endothelial dysfunction, condition implicated in cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this review summarizes the findings on the associations of food patterns (FPs) on endothelial biomarkers. Methods: An electronic literature search from 1990-2012 in Medline, Embase, Lilacs, Google Scholar, reference lists and consulting experts was conducted. We combined search terms related to the exposure (for example, food pattern, diet) and outcomes of interest (endothelial markers, cardiovascular diseases, endothelium). Studies without dietary intervention such as cohort studies, case-control studies, case series, surveillance, and cross-sectional studies without language restrictions were considered. PRISMA guidelines were employed. Methodological quality, e.g. study design, sample size, bias, and statistical analysis, was assessed by STROBE. Results: 532 references were identified, of which 10 were finally included. Four articles were about cross-sectional cohort studies, two cohorts studies, one nested case-control, and three cross-sectional studies. FPs was defined usual consumption of food combinations in individuals and groups. In the 90% of the articles, usual dietary intake was determined by food frequency questionnaire, and FPs were identified by factor analysis. Several FPs were identified. All articles presented some grade to association between several markers and FPs. Healthy FPs (such as Olive oil and vegetables, Whole grains and fruits, and Prudent) had a beneficial impact on endothelial function as estimated by circulating levels of biomarkers such as CRP, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin, molecules related to endothelial dysfunction. Westernized patterns (e.g. High-fat and processed meat, Western) were positively associated to inflammation molecules and atherogenic promoters. Conclusions: Major FPs are associated with markers of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. The study of FPs in relation to endothelial function contributes to the development of dietary recommendations and lifestyle in general, to promote improved cardiovascular health.