Diet quality and markers of endothelial function: the CARDIA study

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular disease research
• Nutritional epidemiology
• Molecular biology

Background:

• Cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs) play a role in vascular inflammation and disease.
• Dietary patterns are known to be associated with cardiovascular risk factors.
• Previous studies have shown cross-sectional associations between diet and CAMs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prospective associations between distinct dietary patterns and circulating levels of four key CAMs.
• To determine if specific dietary habits predict future levels of E-selectin, P-selectin, sICAM-1, and VCAM.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study.
• Dietary intake assessed at two time points (years 0 and 7).
• Circulating CAMs (E-selectin, P-selectin, sICAM-1, VCAM) measured at year 15.
• Dietary patterns derived using principal components analysis (PCA) and an "A Priori Diet Quality Score".

Main Results:

• The "meat" dietary pattern showed significant associations with increased E-selectin and P-selectin levels.
• The "A Priori Diet Quality Score" was associated with higher sICAM-1 and VCAM levels.
• The fruit and vegetables (FV) pattern was related to E-selectin and sICAM-1 but not P-selectin.

Conclusions:

• Dietary patterns are prospectively associated with circulating levels of cellular adhesion molecules.
• Specific dietary habits, such as high meat consumption or adherence to a high-quality diet, may influence vascular adhesion molecule expression.