Individuals with dementia and neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) often suffer from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Neuroinflammation driven by conditions involved in CVDs is linked to disruptions in the central nervous system triggering immune reactions, perpetuating an “inflammatory-like” environment. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has been proposed as a key factor to attenuate these risks. Blood nuclear cell samples were collected from 134 participants of the PREDIMED trial, which randomized participants to three diets: one supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil (MedDiet-EVOO), another with nuts (MedDiet-Nuts), and a low-fat control diet. These samples were analyzed at baseline and 12-month follow-up to assess the impact of these dietary interventions on gene expression markers. We first selected target genes by analyzing intersections between NDD and CVD associations. Significant gene expression changes from baseline to 12 months were observed in the participants allocated to the MedDiet-EVOO, particularly in CDKN2A, IFNG, NLRP3, PIK3CB, and TGFB2. Additionally, TGFB2 expression changed over time in the MedDiet-Nuts group. Comparative analyses showed significant differences in TGFB2 between MedDiet-EVOO and control, and in NAMPT between MedDiet-Nuts and control. Longitudinal models adjusted for different covariates also revealed significant effects for TGFB2 and NAMPT. In conclusion, our results suggest that one year of traditional MedDiet, especially MedDiet-EVOO, modulates gene expression associated with CVD risk and NDDs in older adults at high CV risk.

Purpose of the review Despite reductions in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDLc), residual cardiovascular risk remains due to factors beyond lipoprotein levels, such as LDL particle count, size, electronegativity and modifications. Technological advances allow detailed profiling of LDL particles, offering potential biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this review is to provide an updated overview of the state of knowledge in the field of LDL atherosclerotic role, which is evolving rapidly due to technological advances in biomarker measurement and applications. Recent findings While small dense LDL has been linked to increased CVD risk, current approaches favor a comprehensive evaluation of all lipoprotein subtypes, as this is a more feasible and standardized method. The atherogenic potential of circulating oxidized LDL (oxLDL) may be the key factor in the onset and progression of atherosclerosis. Thus, elevated oxLDL levels are recognized as a marker of increased CVD risk in both general and high-risk populations, although further research is needed to clarify some conflicting findings. The oxidized LDL receptor 1 (LOX-1) has emerged as a promising target for immunotherapy and innovative drug delivery strategies to modulate atherosclerosis. Summary A panel of biomarkers related to LDL atherogenicity may help predict future ischemic events. An atheroprotective diet and increased physical activity could improve LDL oxidation. OxLDL has become a target for immunomodulatory antiatherosclerosis therapy and delivering LDL-based nanocarriers holds promise for both imaging and therapeutics. Export

The Mediterranean diet, featuring sourdough bread, shows promise in managing metabolic syndrome. This study explored the effects of two sourdough breads, with differing fermentation times but similar nutritional profiles, on inflammation, satiety, and gut microbiota composition in adults with metabolic syndrome. In a double-blind clinical trial, participants were randomized to consume either Elias Boulanger^® long-fermentation (48 h) sourdough bread (EBLong) or Elias Boulanger^® short-fermentation (2 h) sourdough bread (EBShort) over a two-month period. We assessed clinical parameters, inflammatory biomarkers, satiety-related hormones, and the richness and abundance of gut microbiota at baseline and follow-up. The participants included 31 individuals (mean age, 67, 51.6% female). EBShort was associated with reduced levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM), and all participants, regardless of the intervention, exhibited a decrease in sICAM and diastolic pressure from baseline (p < 0.017). At follow-up, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels were lower in EBShort (−744 pg/mL; 95%CI: −282 to −1210 pg/mL) compared to EBLong. No differences in microbiota richness or abundance were observed. EBShort bread was effective in reducing some inflammation markers. The consumption of sourdough bread may offer potential benefits in reducing inflammation markers in individuals with metabolic syndrome; however, longer fermentation times did not show additional benefits.

Background: Bariatric surgery (BS) is the most effective intervention for severe obesity, leading to sustained weight loss, reduced obesity-related comorbidities, and cardiovascular mortality.Aim: To assess changes in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) functions [cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) and anti-inflammatory capacity] at different follow-up times in patients with severe obesity undergoing BS.Methods: A prospective observational study within a cohort of consecutively enrolled patients with severe obesity scheduled to undergo BS. In total, 62 participants (77% women), with a mean age of 42.1 years (SD 9.33 years) underwent BS. Regarding the surgical procedure, 27 (43.5%) underwent sleeve gastrectomy and 35 (56.5%) Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery.Results: A decrease in body mass index and an improvement in the systemic lipid profile, indicated by reductions in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), and remnant cholesterol, and an increase in HDL cholesterol (HDLc) was observed (all p trend < 0.001). Time-series comparisons vs. baseline showed that, in general, anthropometric measures, glycemia, total cholesterol, LDLc, and remnant cholesterol decreased at all follow-ups, whereas HDLc and triglyceride concentrations significantly improved vs. baseline from 6 months, reaching at 12 months the highest HDLc levels (29.6%, p < 0.001) and the lowest circulating triglycerides (−30%, p < 0.001). Although HDL's anti-inflammatory ability worsens after surgery, the HDL-mediated CEC linearly increased after surgery (for both p trend < 0.013).Conclusion: BS improves the lipid profile both quantitatively and qualitatively after 1 year, specifically enhancing HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux capacity, which may contribute to a reduced cardiovascular risk in individuals with severe obesity.

Mediterranean diet, featuring sourdough bread, shows promise in managing metabolic syndrome. This study explored the effects of two sourdough breads with differing fermentation times but similar nutritional profiles on inflammation, satiety, and gut microbiota composition in adults with metabolic syndrome. The double-blind clinical trial randomized participants to consume over two-months Elias Boulanger® long fermentation (48h) sourdough bread (EBLong) or Elias Boulanger® short fermentation (2h) sourdough bread (EBShort). We assessed clinical parameters, inflammatory- and satiety-related biomarkers; and richness and abundance of gut microbiota at baseline and follow-up. 31 individuals (mean age: 67, 55.7% female) participated. EBShort was associated with reduced soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM) levels, and irrespective of the adjudicated intervention, all participants had a decrease in sICAM and diastolic pressure relative to baseline (p<0.017). At follow-up, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels were lower in EBShort (-744 pg/mL; 95%CI: -282 to -1210 pg/mL) compared to EBLong. High-quality sourdough bread may offer mild benefits in blood pressure and inflammation for those with metabolic syndrome, however, only EBLong was associated to reduced Enterobacteriaceae abundance. Further research is needed to understand potential benefits and mechanisms of sourdough bread in managing metabolic syndrome and improving cardiovascular health.