Effect of a Mediterranean-Style Diet on Endothelial Dysfunction and Markers of Vascular Inflammation in the Metabolic Syndrome

We studied endothelial function by assessing the vascular responses to L-arginine, the natural precursor of nitric oxide

Katherine Esposito; Raffaele Marfella; Miryam Ciotola; Carmen Di Palo; Francesco Giugliano; Giovanni Giugliano; Massimo D'Armiento; Francesco D'Andrea; Dario Giugliano

2004

Scholarcy highlights

  • THE METABOLIC SYNDROME CONsists of a constellation of factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes
  • A Mediterranean-style diet might be effective in reducing the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its associated cardiovascular risk
  • Aspects of diet have been linked to individual features of the metabolic syndrome, the role of diet in the etiology of the syndrome is poorly understood and limited to only a few observational studies
  • There was an increase in high-sensitivity Creactive protein levels and homeostasis model assessment scores as the number of components of the metabolic syndrome increased; by contrast, there was an inverse relation between the number of components of the metabolic syndrome and the endothelial function score
  • Because the results were adjusted for body weight changes, our findings suggest that, largely independent of concomitant changes in body weight, a Mediterranean-style diet might play a role in reducing the inflammatory state and endothelial dysfunction associated with the metabolic syndrome
  • 1 point was attributed for a response less than 2.5%, 2 points for a response between 2.5% and 5%, 3 points for a response between 5% and 7.5%, 4 points for a response between 7.5% and 10%, and 5 points for a response greater than 10%
  • Our results show a linear increment in hs-CRP levels and a linear impairment of endothelial function score associated with increase in the number of components of the metabolic syndrome
  • Aspects of diet have been linked to individual features of the metabolic syndrome, the role of diet in the etiology of the syndrome is poorly understood and limited to only a few observational studies. The Adult Treatment Panel III recommendations for patients with the metabolic syndrome are consistent with general dietary recommendations. Recently, the scientific advisory committee of the American Heart Association has stated that a Mediterranean-style diet has impressive effects on the progression of cardiovascular disease

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