-
1.
Are eggs good again? A precision nutrition perspective on the effects of eggs on cardiovascular risk, taking into account plasma lipid profiles and TMAO.
Kang, JW, Zivkovic, AM
The Journal of nutritional biochemistry. 2022;:108906
Abstract
Although eggs are a nutrient dense food delivering high quality protein and micronutrients, given that eggs are also rich in cholesterol and choline, whether egg intake is contraindicated for individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains controversial. In this mini review, we provide a Precision Nutrition perspective, highlighting the importance of two factors: the effect of egg cholesterol on plasma cholesterol concentrations in most people and in cholesterol hyper-absorbers, and the effect of egg choline on plasma concentrations of trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), a microbe-host co-metabolite independently associated with increased CVD risk. We discuss recent evidence from intervention studies showing that in most individuals egg intake does not have a deleterious effect on plasma lipid profiles, but also highlight that some individuals are cholesterol hyper-absorbers or individuals who are not able to maintain cholesterol homeostasis by suppressing endogenous cholesterol synthesis, and that for these individuals the intake of eggs and other dietary sources of cholesterol would be contraindicated. We also discuss the complex relationship between dietary sources of choline vs. phosphatidylcholine, the gut microbiome, and plasma TMAO concentrations, highlighting the high inter-individual variability in TMAO production and gut microbiome profiles among healthy individuals and those with metabolic conditions. Precision Nutrition approaches that allow the clinician to stratify risk and improve dietary recommendations for individual patients are desirable for improving patient compliance and health outcomes. More clinical studies are needed to determine how to identify individuals at risk for CVD for whom egg intake is contraindicated vs. those for whom egg intake is not associated with negative effects on plasma lipid profiles nor plasma TMAO concentrations.
-
2.
Advanced Glycation End Products: A Sweet Flavor That Embitters Cardiovascular Disease.
Pinto, RS, Minanni, CA, de Araújo Lira, AL, Passarelli, M
International journal of molecular sciences. 2022;(5)
Abstract
Epidemiological studies demonstrate the role of early and intensive glycemic control in the prevention of micro and macrovascular disease in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Hyperglycemia elicits several pathways related to the etiopathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including the generation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). In this review, we revisit the role played by AGEs in CVD based in clinical trials and experimental evidence. Mechanistic aspects concerning the recognition of AGEs by the advanced glycosylation end product-specific receptor (AGER) and its counterpart, the dolichyl-diphosphooligosaccharide-protein glycosyltransferase (DDOST) and soluble AGER are discussed. A special focus is offered to the AGE-elicited pathways that promote cholesterol accumulation in the arterial wall by enhanced oxidative stress, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress and impairment in the reverse cholesterol transport (RCT).
-
3.
Lessons Learned From 10 Years of Preschool Intervention for Health Promotion: JACC State-of-the-Art Review.
Santos-Beneit, G, Fernández-Jiménez, R, de Cos-Gandoy, A, Rodríguez, C, Carral, V, Bodega, P, de Miguel, M, Orrit, X, Haro, D, Peñalvo, JL, et al
Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2022;(3):283-298
Abstract
Implementing a health promotion program for children is a complex endeavor. In this review, we outline the key lessons learned over 10 years of experience in implementing the SI! Program (Salud Integral-Comprehensive Health) for cardiovascular health promotion in preschool settings in 3 countries: Colombia (Bogotá), Spain (Madrid), and the United States (Harlem, New York). By matching rigorous efficacy studies with implementation science, we can help bridge the divide between science and educational practice. Achieving sustained lifestyle changes in preschool children through health promotion programs is likely to require the integration of several factors: 1) multidisciplinary teams; 2) multidimensional educational programs; 3) multilevel interventions; 4) local program coordination and community engagement; and 5) scientific evaluation through randomized controlled trials. Implementation of effective health promotion interventions early in life may induce long-lasting healthy behaviors that could help to curb the cardiovascular disease epidemic.
-
4.
Icariin and its metabolites as potential protective phytochemicals against cardiovascular disease: From effects to molecular mechanisms.
Zeng, Y, Xiong, Y, Yang, T, Wang, Y, Zeng, J, Zhou, S, Luo, Y, Li, L
Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie. 2022;:112642
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among all types of diseases in the world, affecting many millions of individuals every year. CVD includes hypertension, atherosclerosis, pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, coronary heart disease, etc., which are involved in complex etiology, pathogenesis and many risk factors. Modern pharmacological studies have revealed that Epimedium possesses a variety of beneficial effects in regulating cardiovascular inflammation and other biological activities, which provides a therapeutic value for the prevention and treatment of these cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we discuss the cardiovascular protective effects of icariin, an active component from Epimedium, and its metabolites. We summarize a range of studies showing that the modes of action of icariin on CVD relate to its inhibition of myocardial apoptosis and prevention of inflammation on endothelial cell injury, emphasizing the multiple effects of icariin and its metabolites in the repair of common heart failure and myocardial infarction, as well as the formation of neointima. In particular, an emphasis is placed on the discussion of the action mechanism of icariin in combination with new advances in the understanding of the pathology of CVD with potential application of icariin in the treatment of this human disorder.
-
5.
Cardiovascular complications in cystic fibrosis: A review of the literature.
Poore, TS, Taylor-Cousar, JL, Zemanick, ET
Journal of cystic fibrosis : official journal of the European Cystic Fibrosis Society. 2022;(1):18-25
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, leading to dysfunction of the CFTR protein. CFTR dysfunction leads to disease in the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. Disorders of the cardiovascular system in individuals with CF are usually attributed to secondary effects from progressive lung disease. However, CFTR has been localized to vascular endothelium and smooth muscle, suggesting that CFTR dysfunction may directly impact cardiovascular function. As treatments for CF improve and life-expectancy increases, the risk of vascular disease may increase in prevalence related to primary and secondary CFTR dysfunction, chronic systemic inflammation, nutritional health and hyperglycemia in individuals with CF related diabetes. Here we review the available literature on CF and the cardiovascular system, examining the secondary effects and evidence for direct CFTR dysfunction in the heart, aorta, pulmonary vessels, and vasculature, as well as future directions and treatment options.
-
6.
Vitamin D, Calcium Supplements, and Implications for Cardiovascular Health: JACC Focus Seminar.
Michos, ED, Cainzos-Achirica, M, Heravi, AS, Appel, LJ
Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2021;(4):437-449
Abstract
Vitamin D and calcium supplements are commonly used, often together, to optimize bone health. Multiple observational studies have linked low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations with increased cardiovascular risk. However, subsequent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) failed to demonstrate cardiovascular benefit with vitamin D supplementation. Although vitamin D supplements do not appear to be harmful for cardiovascular health, the lack of benefit in RCTs should discourage their use for this purpose, favoring optimizing vitamin D status through healthy lifestyles such as specific foods and modest sunlight exposure. Furthermore, some (but not all) observational and RCT studies of calcium supplementation have suggested potential for cardiovascular harm. Therefore, calcium supplementation should be used cautiously, striving for recommended intake of calcium predominantly from food sources. In this review, the authors examine the currently available evidence investigating whether vitamin D and calcium supplements are helpful, harmful, or neutral for cardiovascular health.
-
7.
Fat, Sugar or Gut Microbiota in Reducing Cardiometabolic Risk: Does Diet Type Really Matter?
Nabrdalik, K, Krzyżak, K, Hajzler, W, Drożdż, K, Kwiendacz, H, Gumprecht, J, Lip, GYH
Nutrients. 2021;(2)
Abstract
The incidence of cardiometabolic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, is constantly rising. Successful lifestyle changes may limit their incidence, which is why researchers focus on the role of nutrition in this context. The outcomes of studies carried out in past decades have influenced dietary guidelines, which primarily recommend reducing saturated fat as a therapeutic approach for cardiovascular disease prevention, while limiting the role of sugar due to its harmful effects. On the other hand, a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) as a method of treatment remains controversial. A number of studies on the effect of LCDs on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus proved that it is a safe and effective method of dietary management. As for the risk of cardiovascular diseases, the source of carbohydrates and fats corresponds with the mortality rate and protective effect of plant-derived components. Additionally, some recent studies have focused on the gut microbiota in relation to cardiometabolic diseases and diet as one of the leading factors affecting microbiota composition. Unfortunately, there is still no precise answer to the question of which a single nutrient plays the most important role in reducing cardiometabolic risk, and this review article presents the current state of the knowledge in this field.
-
8.
How Are Epigenetic Modifications Related to Cardiovascular Disease in Older Adults?
Gharipour, M, Mani, A, Amini Baghbahadorani, M, de Souza Cardoso, CK, Jahanfar, S, Sarrafzadegan, N, de Oliveira, C, Silveira, EA
International journal of molecular sciences. 2021;(18)
Abstract
The rate of aging has increased globally during recent decades and has led to a rising burden of age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). At the molecular level, epigenetic modifications have been shown recently to alter gene expression during the life course and impair cellular function. In this regard, several CVD risk factors, such as lifestyle and environmental factors, have emerged as key factors in epigenetic modifications within the cardiovascular system. In this study, we attempted to summarized recent evidence related to epigenetic modification, inflammation response, and CVD in older adults as well as the effect of lifestyle modification as a preventive strategy in this age group. Recent evidence showed that lifestyle and environmental factors may affect epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and miRNA expression. Several substances or nutrients such as selenium, magnesium, curcumin, and caffeine (present in coffee and some teas) could regulate epigenetics. Similarly, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, air pollutants, psychological stress, and shift working are well-known modifiers of epigenetic patterns. Understanding the exact ways that lifestyle and environmental factors could affect the expression of genes could help to influence the time of incidence and severity of aging-associated diseases. This review highlighted that a healthy lifestyle throughout the life course, such as a healthy diet rich in fibers, vitamins, and essential elements, and specific fatty acids, adequate physical activity and sleep, smoking cessation, and stress control, could be useful tools in preventing epigenetic changes that lead to impaired cardiovascular function.
-
9.
Berry-Derived Polyphenols in Cardiovascular Pathologies: Mechanisms of Disease and the Role of Diet and Sex.
Najjar, RS, Turner, CG, Wong, BJ, Feresin, RG
Nutrients. 2021;(2)
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence, pathogenesis, and manifestation is differentially influenced by biological sex. Berry polyphenols target several signaling pathways pertinent to CVD development, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and cardiac and vascular remodeling, and there are innate differences in these pathways that also vary by sex. There is limited research systematically investigating sex differences in berry polyphenol effects on these pathways, but there are fundamental findings at this time that suggest a sex-specific effect. This review will detail mechanisms within these pathological pathways, how they differ by sex, and how they may be individually targeted by berry polyphenols in a sex-specific manner. Because of the substantial polyphenolic profile of berries, berry consumption represents a promising interventional tool in the treatment and prevention of CVD in both sexes, but the mechanisms in which they function within each sex may vary.
-
10.
The Potential Role of Creatine in Vascular Health.
Clarke, H, Hickner, RC, Ormsbee, MJ
Nutrients. 2021;(3)
Abstract
Creatine is an organic compound, consumed exogenously in the diet and synthesized endogenously via an intricate inter-organ process. Functioning in conjunction with creatine kinase, creatine has long been known for its pivotal role in cellular energy provision and energy shuttling. In addition to the abundance of evidence supporting the ergogenic benefits of creatine supplementation, recent evidence suggests a far broader application for creatine within various myopathies, neurodegenerative diseases, and other pathologies. Furthermore, creatine has been found to exhibit non-energy related properties, contributing as a possible direct and in-direct antioxidant and eliciting anti-inflammatory effects. In spite of the new clinical success of supplemental creatine, there is little scientific insight into the potential effects of creatine on cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of mortality. Taking into consideration the non-energy related actions of creatine, highlighted in this review, it can be speculated that creatine supplementation may serve as an adjuvant therapy for the management of vascular health in at-risk populations. This review, therefore, not only aims to summarize the current literature surrounding creatine and vascular health, but to also shed light onto the potential mechanisms in which creatine may be able to serve as a beneficial supplement capable of imparting vascular-protective properties and promoting vascular health.