1.
Dietary linoleic acid and human health: Focus on cardiovascular and cardiometabolic effects.
Marangoni, F, Agostoni, C, Borghi, C, Catapano, AL, Cena, H, Ghiselli, A, La Vecchia, C, Lercker, G, Manzato, E, Pirillo, A, et al
Atherosclerosis. 2020;:90-98
Abstract
This narrative review aims to discuss the more relevant evidence on the role of linoleic acid (LA), a n-6 essential fatty acid that constitutes the predominant proportion of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), in cardiovascular health. Although LA can be metabolized into Arachidonic Acid (AA), a 20 carbon PUFA which is the precursor of eicosanoids, including some with proinflammatory or prothrombotic-vasoconstrictor action, the large majority of experimental and clinical studies have assessed the potential benefit of increasing dietary intake of LA. Overall, data from clinical studies and meta-analyses suggest an association between high dietary intakes or tissue levels of n-6 PUFA, and specifically LA, and the improvement of cardiovascular risk (mainly of the plasma lipid profile), as well as long-term glycaemic control and insulin resistance. Most observational data show that elevated/increased dietary intake or tissue levels of LA is associated with a reduced incidence of cardiovascular diseases (mainly coronary artery diseases) and of new onset metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes. The effects of LA (or n-6 PUFA) in other physio-pathological areas are less clear. High quality clinical trials are needed to assess both the actual amplitude and the underlying mechanisms of the health effects related to dietary intake of this essential fatty acid.
2.
[The heart-friendly diet].
Poli, A, Marangoni, F, Visioli, F
Giornale italiano di cardiologia (2006). 2015;(9):485-92
Abstract
The importance of proper diet in primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention is now quite clear: several recent studies, e.g. on fat and saturated fat intake, on sodium, and on dietary cholesterol, are being discussed by the lay press and by professionals. This paper reviews the most solid published evidence on diet and cardiovascular risk, to provide clinicians (namely, cardiologists) with a useful tool to be discussed with patients. Where evidence was strong enough, we discussed the cardiovascular actions of specific nutrients and of dietary patterns. Particular attention was paid to dietary fat, carbohydrates (in terms of glycemic index), and functional, polyphenol-rich foods. Of note, we critically review the available evidence in light of the Italian dietary patterns, to draw practical conclusions applicable to this country.
3.
Modulation of inflammation by nutritional interventions.
Visioli, F, Poli, A, Richard, D, Paoletti, R
Current atherosclerosis reports. 2008;(6):451-3