Identifying atheroprotective fruits and vegetables by Mendelian Randomization analysis

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Epidemiology
• Cardiovascular Disease Research
• Genetic Epidemiology

Background:

• Fruits and vegetables (FVs) are thought to reduce atherosclerosis (AS) risk, but specific causal links are unclear.
• Atherosclerosis is a major cardiovascular disease with complex risk factors.
• Understanding FV-AS relationships is crucial for public health and dietary guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal relationships between the intake of 28 FVs and atherosclerosis risk factors.
• To apply Mendelian Randomization (MR) to infer causality between FV consumption and AS.
• To identify specific FVs with significant atheroprotective effects.

Main Methods:

• Two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis was employed.
• Genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for FVs, AS, LDL-C, TG, and CRP were utilized.
• Sensitivity analyses including heterogeneity and pleiotropy assessments were performed.

Main Results:

• Total fruit intake causally reduced LDL-C and CRP levels.
• Total vegetable intake causally reduced CRP levels.
• Garlic intake showed the strongest causal link to reduced AS risk, lower LDL-C, and TG; berries and potatoes were linked to lower TG; peaches/nectarines to lower CRP.

Conclusions:

• This is the first MR study to systematically examine FV causality with AS.
• Findings support the atheroprotective role of various FVs, particularly garlic.
• Results underscore the importance of personalized nutrition for AS prevention.