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Frontiers in Immunology 2023The influence of environmental factors on the development of autoimmune disease is being broadly investigated to better understand the multifactorial nature of... (Review)
Review
The influence of environmental factors on the development of autoimmune disease is being broadly investigated to better understand the multifactorial nature of autoimmune pathogenesis and to identify potential areas of intervention. Areas of particular interest include the influence of lifestyle, nutrition, and vitamin deficiencies on autoimmunity and chronic inflammation. In this review, we discuss how particular lifestyles and dietary patterns may contribute to or modulate autoimmunity. We explored this concept through a spectrum of several autoimmune diseases including Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Alopecia Areata (AA) affecting the central nervous system, whole body, and the hair follicles, respectively. A clear commonality between the autoimmune conditions of interest here is low Vitamin D, a well-researched hormone in the context of autoimmunity with pleiotropic immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. While low levels are often correlated with disease activity and progression in MS and AA, the relationship is less clear in SLE. Despite strong associations with autoimmunity, we lack conclusive evidence which elucidates its role in contributing to pathogenesis or simply as a result of chronic inflammation. In a similar vein, other vitamins impacting the development and course of these diseases are explored in this review, and overall diet and lifestyle. Recent work exploring the effects of dietary interventions on MS showed that a balanced diet was linked to improvement in clinical parameters, comorbid conditions, and overall quality of life for patients. In patients with MS, SLE and AA, certain diets and supplements are linked to lower incidence and improved symptoms. Conversely, obesity during adolescence was linked with higher incidence of MS while in SLE it was associated with organ damage. Autoimmunity is thought to emerge from the complex interplay between environmental factors and genetic background. Although the scope of this review focuses on environmental factors, it is imperative to elaborate the interaction between genetic susceptibility and environment due to the multifactorial origin of these disease. Here, we offer a comprehensive review about the influence of recent environmental and lifestyle factors on these autoimmune diseases and potential translation into therapeutic interventions.
Topics: Autoimmunity; Autoimmune Diseases; Humans; Animals; Longevity; Diet; Microbiota; Vitamin D
PubMed: 37283765
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1147447 -
Nutrients Feb 2023Emerging studies in the literature describe an association between high-fat, low-carbohydrate diets and severe hypercholesterolemia consistent with the levels observed... (Review)
Review
Emerging studies in the literature describe an association between high-fat, low-carbohydrate diets and severe hypercholesterolemia consistent with the levels observed in patients with (homozygous) familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). High levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) may result from the reduced clearance of LDL particles from the circulation, the increased production of their precursor, or a combination of both. The increased intake of (saturated) fat and cholesterol, combined with limited to no intake of carbohydrates and fiber, are the main features of diets linked to hypercholesterolemia. However, several observations in previous studies, together with our observations from our lipid clinic, do not provide a definitive pathophysiological explanation for severe hypercholesterolemia. Therefore, we review these findings and possible pathophysiological explanations as well as opportunities for future research. Altogether, clinicians should rule out high-fat, low-carbohydrate diets as a possible cause for hypercholesterolemia in patients presenting with clinical FH in whom no mutation is found and discuss dietary modifications to durably reduce LDL-C levels and cardiovascular disease risk.
Topics: Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Cholesterol, LDL; Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II; Cholesterol; Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted; Fatty Acids; Dyslipidemias; Hyperlipidemias; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fats
PubMed: 36839320
DOI: 10.3390/nu15040962 -
Nutrients May 2022Dietary cholesterol has been a topic of debate since the 1960s when the first dietary guidelines that limited cholesterol intake to no more than 300 mg/day were set.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Dietary cholesterol has been a topic of debate since the 1960s when the first dietary guidelines that limited cholesterol intake to no more than 300 mg/day were set. These recommendations were followed for several years, and it was not until the late 1990s when they were finally challenged by the newer information derived from epidemiological studies and meta-analysis, which confirmed the lack of correlation between dietary and blood cholesterol. Further, dietary interventions in which challenges of cholesterol intake were evaluated in diverse populations not only confirmed these findings but also reported beneficial effects on plasma lipoprotein subfractions and size as well as increases in HDL cholesterol and in the functionality of HDL. In this review, we evaluate the evidence from recent epidemiological analysis and meta-analysis as well as clinical trials to have a better understanding of the lack of correlation between dietary and blood cholesterol.
Topics: Cholesterol, Dietary; Cholesterol, HDL; Diet; Lipoproteins; Nutrition Policy
PubMed: 35631308
DOI: 10.3390/nu14102168 -
International Journal of Environmental... Sep 2022Lifestyle and dietary differences in urban and rural environments have different impacts on elderly health. We aimed to evaluate the nutritional intakes and metabolic...
Lifestyle and dietary differences in urban and rural environments have different impacts on elderly health. We aimed to evaluate the nutritional intakes and metabolic risks in the urban and rural elderly. We analyzed 3018 elderly individuals (1358 men, 1660 women) who were aged 65 years and older using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (2013-2016). Anthropometric data, blood pressure, and blood profiles were collected using health examinations. Daily dietary intakes were analyzed by the 24-h dietary recall method. Rural elderly women had significantly higher triglycerides (TG) levels and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol levels than urban elderly women ( = 0.014, = 0.005). The rural elderly had higher carbohydrate intake and percentage of carbohydrate energy intake and lower intakes of fat, vitamin A, vitamin B, and vitamin C and percentage of fat energy intake than the urban elderly for both men and women ( < 0.05). The odds of high TG and low HDL-cholesterol were 1.66 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23-2.23) and 1.33 (95% CI 1.01-1.77), respectively, in elderly women living in rural areas compared to their urban counterparts, after adjusting for confounding factors. Therefore, nutritional intervention might be needed to improve the nutritional status of the elderly in rural areas and to manage low HDL-cholesterol in rural women.
Topics: Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Carbohydrates; Cholesterol; Diet; Energy Intake; Female; Humans; Lipoproteins, HDL; Male; Nutrition Surveys; Triglycerides; Vitamin A; Vitamins
PubMed: 36141947
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811675 -
Nutrients Jan 2023Celiac disease is a rising disorder and is becoming frequently diagnosed in recent years. To date, the only available treatment is the gluten-free diet (GFD). The role... (Review)
Review
Celiac disease is a rising disorder and is becoming frequently diagnosed in recent years. To date, the only available treatment is the gluten-free diet (GFD). The role of gluten on components of metabolic syndrome and on related inflammatory response is still unclear due to controversial results. In recent years, scientific focus on this topic has been growing up, in particular regarding the role of the GFD on glycometabolic parameters and diabetes. In addition, studies on the remaining components showed discordant results, which was likely due to heterogeneous and large celiac disease populations and to the lack of prospective studies. Furthermore, knowledge about the role of the GFD on inflammatory cytokines and the relationship among vitamin D and celiac disease, metabolic syndrome (MS) and GFD is needed. In this narrative review, we provided evidence regarding the role of the GFD on glycometabolic parameters, cholesterol, triglycerides, waist circumference, blood pressure and inflammatory cascade, also evaluating the role of vitamin D, trying to summarize whether this nutritional pattern may be a value-added for subjects with dysmetabolic conditions. Finally, due to the limited findings and very low-certainty evidence, predominantly based on observational studies, the real effects of a GFD on different components of MS, however, are unclear; nevertheless, an improvement in HDL levels has been reported, although data on glycemic levels are discordant.
Topics: Humans; Diet, Gluten-Free; Metabolic Syndrome; Celiac Disease; Glutens; Vitamin D
PubMed: 36771334
DOI: 10.3390/nu15030627 -
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology... Jun 2023Ketogenic diets (KDs) and low-fat diets (LFD) result in similar weight loss, but have differential cardiometabolic effects on lipids and insulin. Generally, weight loss... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
CONTEXT
Ketogenic diets (KDs) and low-fat diets (LFD) result in similar weight loss, but have differential cardiometabolic effects on lipids and insulin. Generally, weight loss decreases renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activity.
OBJECTIVE
Investigate the effects of KDs with varying sodium content vs LFD on RAAS in overweight and obese adults.
METHODS
Twenty-eight participants were randomized 1:1 to a KD + ketone salt supplement (KD + KS) or a KD + placebo (KD + PL) arm with prepared hypocaloric meals. Twelve participants were enrolled in a post hoc LFD arm. Serum renin, aldosterone, and anthropometric and metabolic biomarkers were assessed at 0, 2, 4, and 6 weeks. Linear mixed models with random intercepts were used to compare between group differences controlling for sex and body mass index.
RESULTS
Participants had a median age of 33 years, 51% female, weighed 91.3 kg, with body mass index 30.6 kg/m2. At 6 weeks, weight decreased by 6, 8, and 7 kg on average in the KD + KS, KD + PL, and LFD groups, respectively (P < .05). Aldosterone increased by 88% and 144% in the KD + PL and KD + KS groups, respectively, but did not change in the LFD after 6 weeks while renin decreased across groups. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure did not change in the KD + PL and KD + KS groups. Log ketones were positively associated with aldosterone (P < .001). Aldosterone was not associated with cardiovascular measures including blood pressure and ejection fraction (P > .05).
CONCLUSION
KD reduced weight and increased aldosterone without worsening cardiometabolic risk factors. Future KD studies are needed to elucidate mechanistic connections between ketones and aldosterone.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Female; Male; Ketones; Renin; Aldosterone; Diet, Fat-Restricted; Ketone Bodies; Diet, Ketogenic; Weight Loss
PubMed: 36629058
DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad009 -
Nutrients Jan 2022Population studies have demonstrated an association between sodium and potassium intake and blood pressure levels and lipids. The aim of this study was to describe the...
Population studies have demonstrated an association between sodium and potassium intake and blood pressure levels and lipids. The aim of this study was to describe the dietary intake and contribution of sodium and potassium to the Mexican diet, and to describe its association with nutrition status and clinical characteristics. We analyzed a national survey with 4219 participants. Dietary information was obtained with a 24-h recall. Foods and beverages were classified according to level of processing. The mean intake (mg/d) of Na was 1512 in preschool children, 2844 in school-age children, 3743 in adolescents, and 3132 in adults. The mean intake (mg/d) of K was 1616 in preschool children, 2256 in school-age children, 2967 in adolescents, and 3401 in adults. Processed and ultra-processed foods (UPF) contribute 49% of Na intake in preschool children, 50% in school-age children, 47% in adolescents, and 39% in adults. Adults with high Na intake had lower serum concentrations of cholesterol, HDL-c, and LDL-c. A significant proportion of the Mexican population has a high intake of Na (64-82%) and low K (58-73%). Strategies to reduce Na and increase K intake need to reduce the possibility of having high BP and serum lipid disturbances.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Blood Pressure; Child; Child, Preschool; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Diet; Dyslipidemias; Eating; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Lipids; Male; Mexico; Nutrition Surveys; Nutritional Status; Potassium, Dietary; Sodium, Dietary; Young Adult
PubMed: 35057461
DOI: 10.3390/nu14020281 -
The British Journal of Nutrition Jun 2022The association between a dietary pattern characterised by high alcohol intake and dyslipidaemia has not been fully investigated. Therefore, the present study aimed to...
The association between a dietary pattern characterised by high alcohol intake and dyslipidaemia has not been fully investigated. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the association between alcohol dietary patterns and the prevalence of dyslipidaemia and its components. This cross-sectional study enrolled 2171 men and women aged ≥40 years who were alumni of a Japanese university. To identify dietary patterns, a principal component analysis was performed based on the energy-adjusted food intake estimated by a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Three dietary patterns were identified, the second of which was named the alcohol dietary pattern and was characterised by a high intake of alcoholic beverages, liver, chicken and fish. This alcohol dietary pattern was associated with reduced LDL-cholesterol levels. The fully adjusted OR (95 % CI) of high LDL-cholesterol for the lowest through highest quartile of alcohol dietary pattern score were 1·00 (reference), 0·83 (0·64, 1·08), 0·84 (0·64, 1·10) and 0·68 (0·49, 0·94), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that the alcohol dietary pattern was inversely associated with the prevalence of dyslipidaemia in women, whereas it was positively associated with high TAG levels in men. In conclusion, the alcohol dietary pattern, characterised by a high intake of alcoholic beverages, liver, chicken and fish, was associated with the prevalence of dyslipidaemia and its components. This finding provides useful information for the prevention and treatment of dyslipidaemia by modifying the diet.
Topics: Animals; Female; Prevalence; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Dyslipidemias; Cholesterol; Japan
PubMed: 34256880
DOI: 10.1017/S0007114521002671 -
Nature Communications Oct 2023Identifying oncological applications for drugs that are already approved for other medical indications is considered a possible solution for the increasing costs of...
Identifying oncological applications for drugs that are already approved for other medical indications is considered a possible solution for the increasing costs of cancer treatment. Under the hypothesis that nutritional stress through fasting might enhance the antitumour properties of at least some non-oncological agents, by screening drug libraries, we find that cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitors (CBIs), including simvastatin, have increased activity against cancers of different histology under fasting conditions. We show fasting's ability to increase CBIs' antitumour effects to depend on the reduction in circulating insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 and leptin, which blunts the expression of enzymes from the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway and enhances cholesterol efflux from cancer cells. Ultimately, low cholesterol levels through combined fasting and CBIs reduce AKT and STAT3 activity, oxidative phosphorylation and energy stores in the tumour. Our results support further studies of CBIs in combination with fasting-based dietary regimens in cancer treatment and highlight the value of fasting for drug repurposing in oncology.
Topics: Simvastatin; Fasting; Diet; Insulin; Cholesterol
PubMed: 37907500
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42652-1 -
The Journal of Nutrition Sep 2022The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2020 DGA) recommend 3 dietary patterns for Americans, including a Healthy Vegetarian Dietary Pattern (HVDP).
BACKGROUND
The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2020 DGA) recommend 3 dietary patterns for Americans, including a Healthy Vegetarian Dietary Pattern (HVDP).
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this study was to assess whether nutritionally adequate dairy-free and vegan adaptations to the HVDP can be modeled with foods already in the DGA.
METHODS
Using similar food pattern modeling procedures as the 2020 DGA, the nutrient composition of 2 alternative models-dairy-free and vegan-of the 1800-, 2000-, 2200-, and 2400-kcal/d HVDPs was assessed. The dairy food group was replaced with a dairy alternative group comprised of soy milk and soy yogurt fortified with calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D. For the vegan model, eggs were replaced with equal proportions of vegetarian protein foods.
RESULTS
Dairy-free and vegan models required minimal changes to the HVDP. Cup-equivalents and/or ounce-equivalents of vegetables, fruits, grains, oils, and discretionary calories remained unchanged. Content of total fat, polyunsaturated fat, linoleic acid (18:2n-6), linolenic acid, iron, copper, vitamin D, riboflavin, vitamin B-12, and vitamin K increased in both models by ≥10% (all comparisons relative to the original HVDP). Choline increased ≥25% in the dairy-free models. Protein decreased 11% in both 1800-kcal/d models and 10% in both 2000-kcal/d models. Sodium, cholesterol, zinc, and phosphorus decreased across all energy levels in both models, and selenium decreased in the vegan model. Carbohydrate, fiber, saturated fat, EPA, DHA, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, thiamin, folate, and vitamin B-6 changed ≤10%. Both models contained adequate nutrients to meet Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for most age and sex groups for which 1800-, 2000-, 2200-, and 2400-kcal/d diets are appropriate. Zinc was the only nutrient below the DRI for males.
CONCLUSIONS
The dairy-free and vegan HVDP models could help adults who do not consume dairy foods and/or other animal products to meet nutrition recommendations.
Topics: Calcium; Calcium, Dietary; Diet; Diet, Vegetarian; Humans; Male; United States; United States Department of Agriculture; Vegans; Vitamin A; Vitamin D; Vitamins; Zinc
PubMed: 35485767
DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxac100