Fish consumption and early atherosclerosis in middle-aged men

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Nutritional Epidemiology
• Atherosclerosis Research

Background:

• Early atherosclerosis, a precursor to cardiovascular disease, is a growing concern in middle-aged populations.
• Dietary factors, particularly fish consumption, are increasingly recognized for their potential impact on cardiovascular health.
• Understanding the relationship between diet and subclinical atherosclerosis is crucial for preventive strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between the frequency of fish consumption and average intima-media thickness (AveIMT) in middle-aged Japanese men.
• To explore the potential protective role of fish intake against early signs of atherosclerosis.
• To investigate the influence of confounding factors and biomarkers on this relationship.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 250 community-based Japanese men aged 40-49 years without prior cardiovascular disease history.
• Carotid ultrasound was used to measure average intima-media thickness (AveIMT).
• A self-administered questionnaire assessed lifestyle factors, including fish consumption frequency, alongside clinical and biochemical data.

Main Results:

• Men consuming fish 4 or more times per week exhibited significantly lower AveIMT compared to those consuming fish less than 4 times per week (P=.03).
• This association remained significant after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
• However, the difference in AveIMT between high and low fish consumption groups disappeared after further adjustment for lipid profiles and C-reactive protein.

Conclusions:

• Fish consumption may offer a protective effect against early atherosclerosis in middle-aged men.
• This protective effect might be mediated through beneficial impacts on inflammation and lipid metabolism.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying fish consumption's role in cardiovascular prevention.