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Nutrients
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Plant-Based Diets in CVD Prevention: Molecular Mechanisms and Biochemical Insights
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Plant-Based Diets in CVD Prevention: Molecular Mechanisms and Biochemical Insights

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 September 2024) | Viewed by 17578

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Rami Salim Najjar

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
Interests: plant-based diets; cardiovascular disease; molecular biology; inflammation; oxidative stress
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Andrew Gewirtz

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
Interests: innate immunity; microbiome; intestinal inflammation; and obesity; diabetes

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Based on clinical and epidemiological data, plant-based diets have emerged as potentially efficacious therapies in the prevention and treatment of various cardiovascular diseases, including, atherosclerosis, hypertension and heart failure. The proposed efficacy of these diets are multifactorial, and include, but are not limited to, (1) the reduction of animal products, which contribute to increased serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and gut microbial synthesis of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO); (2) the increased intake of polyphenols, which have bioactive protective properties at the molecular level; and (3) increased fiber intake, allowing for improved gut microbial diversity and production of beneficial metabolites. However, a paucity of clinical trials and other related human studies have yet to make compelling mechanistic links tying physiological or clinical outcomes with molecular mechanisms. Thus, more research is urgently needed to expand our understanding of how plant-based diets could target CVDs at the molecular or biochemical level.

The purpose of this Special Issue entitled “Plant-based diets in CVD prevention: molecular mechanisms and biochemical insights” is to explore the mechanistic efficacy of plant-based diets in targeting CVD. This Special Issue welcomes articles with an emphasis on clinical research with human subjects. Epidemiological studies and comprehensive reviews are also welcome. While this Special Issue is focused on human research, animal and in vitro studies are also welcome if novel mechanisms are elucidated.

Dr. Rami Salim Najjar
Prof. Dr. Andrew Gewirtz
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • plant-based diet
  • gut microbiota
  • fiber
  • polyphenols
  • TMAO
  • cardiovascular disease
  • heart failure
  • hypertension
  • atherosclerosis
  • inflammation
  • oxidative stress
  • vegan
  • vegetarian

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 208 KiB  
Editorial
Plant-Based Diets: A Path to Ending CVD as We Know It?
by Rami Salim Najjar and Andrew T. Gewirtz
Nutrients 2023, 15(16), 3608; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15163608 - 17 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2537
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States, with roughly 700,000 CVD deaths every year [1]. [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Based Diets in CVD Prevention: Molecular Mechanisms and Biochemical Insights)

Research

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17 pages, 5180 KiB  
Article
Sulfur Amino Acid Restriction Mitigates High-Fat Diet-Induced Molecular Alterations in Cardiac Remodeling Primarily via FGF21-Independent Mechanisms
by Filipe Pinheiro, Hannah Lail, João Sérgio Neves, Rita Negrão and Desiree Wanders
Nutrients 2024, 16(24), 4347; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16244347 - 17 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1105
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Dietary sulfur amino acid restriction (SAAR) elicits various health benefits, some mediated by fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). However, research on SAAR’s effects on the heart is limited and presents mixed findings. This study aimed to evaluate SAAR-induced molecular alterations associated with [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Dietary sulfur amino acid restriction (SAAR) elicits various health benefits, some mediated by fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). However, research on SAAR’s effects on the heart is limited and presents mixed findings. This study aimed to evaluate SAAR-induced molecular alterations associated with cardiac remodeling and their dependence on FGF21. Methods: Male C57BL/6J wild-type and FGF21 knockout mice were randomized into four dietary regimens, including normal fat and high-fat diets (HFDs) with and without SAAR, over five weeks. Results: SAAR significantly reduced body weight and visceral adiposity while increasing serum FGF21 levels. In the heart, SAAR-induced molecular metabolic alterations are indicative of enhanced lipid utilization, glucose uptake, and mitochondrial biogenesis. SAAR also elicited opposing effects on the cardiac gene expression of FGF21 and adiponectin. Regarding cellular stress responses, SAAR mitigated the HFD-induced increase in the cardiac expression of genes involved in oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, while upregulating antioxidative genes. Structurally, SAAR did not induce alterations indicative of cardiac hypertrophy and it counteracted HFD-induced fibrotic gene expression. Overall, most alterations induced by SAAR were FGF21-independent, except for those related to lipid utilization and glucose uptake. Conclusions: Altogether, SAAR promotes cardiac alterations indicative of physiological rather than pathological remodeling, primarily through FGF21-independent mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Based Diets in CVD Prevention: Molecular Mechanisms and Biochemical Insights)
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16 pages, 444 KiB  
Article
Cardiovascular Health and Diet Quality among Vegetarians, Vegans and Omnivores: Insights from a Large Urban Population in Poland
by Oliwia Grygorczuk, Martyna Mrozik, Anna Lipert, Sylwia Kamińska, Adam Białas, Wojciech Drygas, Ewa Rębowska, Stanisław Łęgocki, Anna Jegier, Katarzyna Szmigielska and Magdalena Kwaśniewska
Nutrients 2024, 16(20), 3438; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16203438 - 10 Oct 2024
Viewed by 3354
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Dietary habits are among the most significant determinants of health. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional quality and cardiovascular profiles of individuals following plant-based diet. Methods: The study population comprised 199 individuals (136 women, 63 men; mean age [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Dietary habits are among the most significant determinants of health. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional quality and cardiovascular profiles of individuals following plant-based diet. Methods: The study population comprised 199 individuals (136 women, 63 men; mean age 33.9  ±  8.9 years) including vegans (VG; n = 50), vegetarians (VN; n = 101) and omnivores (OV; n = 48). In this analysis the following procedures were assessed: a questionnaire interview, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, and a blood sample collection. Dietary patterns were evaluated using the Food Frequency Questionnaire and a 24-h dietary recall. Results: Vegans exhibited the lowest protein intake relative to the other groups (p < 0.05) and a significantly higher intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids and lower intake of cholesterol compared to VN and OV (p < 0.05). Vegans had significantly lower levels of serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, fasting glucose and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (p < 0.05). No cases of overweight or obesity were observed among VN and VG participants. No instances of impaired fasting glucose or elevated blood pressure were noted among vegans. Hypercholesterolemia was identified in 56.2% of OV, 26.7% in VN and 16.0% in VG (p < 0.05), elevated blood pressure was recorded in one vegetarian and in 6.2% of OV participants. Conclusions: Our research indicates that plant-based diets are associated with a better cardiovascular profile compared to traditional diets. Moreover, suboptimal intake of essential nutrients, underscores the need for more effective public health interventions and improved nutrition education regardless of dietary patterns. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Based Diets in CVD Prevention: Molecular Mechanisms and Biochemical Insights)
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Review

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26 pages, 1115 KiB  
Review
Functional Lipids and Cardiovascular Disease Reduction: A Concise Review
by Deborah O. Omachi, Alberta N. A. Aryee and John O. Onuh
Nutrients 2024, 16(15), 2453; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152453 - 28 Jul 2024
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4821
Abstract
Functional lipids are dietary substances that may have an impact on human health by lowering the risk of chronic illnesses and enhancing the quality of life. Numerous functional lipids have been reported to have potential health benefits in the prevention, management, and treatment [...] Read more.
Functional lipids are dietary substances that may have an impact on human health by lowering the risk of chronic illnesses and enhancing the quality of life. Numerous functional lipids have been reported to have potential health benefits in the prevention, management, and treatment of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. However, there is still insufficient and contradictory information in the literature about their effectiveness and associated mechanisms of action. The objective of this review, therefore, is to evaluate available literature regarding these functional lipids and their health benefits. Various studies have been conducted to understand the links between functional lipids and the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. Recent studies on phytosterols have reported that CLA, medium-chain triglycerides, and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids have positive effects on human health. Also, eicosanoids, which are the metabolites of these fatty acids, are produced in relation to the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and may modulate disease conditions. These functional lipids are available either in dietary or supplement forms and have been proven to be efficient, accessible, and inexpensive to be included in the diet. However, further research is required to properly elucidate the dosages, dietary intake, effectiveness, and their mechanisms of action in addition to the development of valid disease biomarkers and long-term effects in humans. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Based Diets in CVD Prevention: Molecular Mechanisms and Biochemical Insights)
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15 pages, 850 KiB  
Review
Food Proteins as Functional Ingredients in the Management of Chronic Diseases: A Concise Review
by Thaniyath Shahnaz, Abosede O. Fawole, Adeyemi A. Adeyanju and John O. Onuh
Nutrients 2024, 16(14), 2323; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142323 - 19 Jul 2024
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4580
Abstract
Chronic diseases have emerged as a formidable global health concern, with their prevalence steadily rising over the years. Several approaches to addressing these concerns include the use of medications, which are often expensive, contain synthetic chemical substances, and have reported adverse effects. The [...] Read more.
Chronic diseases have emerged as a formidable global health concern, with their prevalence steadily rising over the years. Several approaches to addressing these concerns include the use of medications, which are often expensive, contain synthetic chemical substances, and have reported adverse effects. The use of foods, especially proteins, as an alternative approach to addressing chronic health concerns by treating and managing chronic diseases is increasing. This review evaluates the intriguing role of food proteins in mitigating chronic diseases and improving our understanding of the therapeutic potential of different protein types, including those derived from legumes, nuts, and seeds, dairy, fish, and numerous other sources. They have been reported to offer promising avenues for managing chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic inflammation, weight management, bone health, glycemic control, muscle preservation, and many other health benefits. Although the exact mechanisms for these actions are still not properly elucidated, it is, however, understood that food proteins exert these health-beneficial effects by their unique nutritional and bioactive profiles, especially their bioactive peptides and amino acids. Practical applications are also discussed, including dietary interventions that are tailored towards incorporating protein-rich foods and the development of functional foods for disease prevention and management. Food proteins are a promising approach to combating chronic diseases that can turn around public health practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Based Diets in CVD Prevention: Molecular Mechanisms and Biochemical Insights)
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