Abstract
Circulating microvesicles (cMV) are small phospholipid-rich blebs shed from the membrane of activated vascular cells that contribute to vascular disease progression. We aimed to investigate whether the quality of the Nordic diet is associated with the degree of blood and vascular cell activation measured by MV shedding in elderly patients after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). One-hundred and seventy-four patients aged 70–82 years were included in this cross-sectional study. Fasting blood samples were taken within 2 to 8 weeks after an AMI. Annexin V (AV)+ cMV derived from blood and vascular cells were measured through flow cytometry. A patient’s usual diet was recorded with the SmartDiet® questionnaire. Patients with higher adherence to the Nordic diet (highest diet score) had lower levels of total AV+ and platelet-derived (CD61+/AV+ and CD31+/AV+) cMV. Dietary habits influence cellular activation. A high adherence to the Nordic diet (assessed by the SmartDiet® score) in elderly post-AMI patients was associated with lower levels of platelet activation, which was reflected by a lesser release of MV carrying platelet-derived epitopes, potentially contributing to an explanation of the cardioprotective effects of the Nordic diet.
Highlights
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the main causes of death worldwide
This dietary pattern has been the object of increasing interest because it has been associated with decreased overall and cancer mortality, controversial results have been observed in terms of CVD mortality [3]
Patients were divided into three categories according to the SmartDiet score, which was based on the usual intake of the different food groups included in the SmartDiet questionnaire
Summary
The Nordic diet is characterized by a high intake of foods produced locally, such as salmon and herring (fatty fish); cod; tubercles; pulses; wholegrain cereals such as barley, oats, and rye; berries (which are very rich in polyphenols); and other fruits. This diet is especially rich in long-chain omega 3 fatty acids, accompanied by a moderate-to-high intake of fiber, minerals, and antioxidants, and has been shown to improve endothelial function and alleviate proinflammatory states [2]. This dietary pattern has been the object of increasing interest because it has been associated with decreased overall and cancer mortality, controversial results have been observed in terms of CVD mortality [3].
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