Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder which is associated with airway inflammation. Environmental factors, in association with genetic susceptibility, play a critical role in asthma pathophysiology. Inhaled allergens, smoke exposure, indoor and outdoor air pollution are common triggers of asthma symptoms. Although the role of diet has clearly established mechanisms in diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, it is not commonly identified as a causal factor in asthma. However, some dietary patterns, such as the Western diet, which includes a high intake of refined grains, processed and red meats, and desserts, have pro-inflammatory effects. On the contrary, the Mediterranean diet, with high intake of fruits and vegetables has anti-inflammatory properties. The influence of food on asthma outcomes is of growing interest, but dietary habits of asthma patients are not commonly investigated in clinical practice. In this review, we focus on the impact of diet on asthma risk and asthma control. We also detail the influence of diet on obese patients with asthma.

Background:The endothelial glycocalyx extends into the arterial lumen and experiences shear forces from blood flow. Results:The loss of syndecan-1 results in a pro-inflammatory phenotype in endothelial cells with an altered response to atheroprotective flow. Conclusion: Syndecan-1 plays an important role in maintaining healthy endothelial phenotype. Significance: Therapies that retain syndecan-1 on endothelial cells may have the potential to reduce the progression of vascular disease.

There is considerable scope for the improvement of prescribing practices in the elderly, and particularly those with dementia. Importantly, level 1 anticholinergics have been identified as major contributors to the anticholinergic load in people with dementia. Longitudinal studies are required to determine the effects of increased and decreased anticholinergic load on cognitive function and other clinical outcomes for people with dementia.

The NLRP3 inflammasome is a potential therapeutic target in asthmatic patients. Behavioral interventions that reduce fatty acid exposure, such as weight loss and dietary saturated fat restriction, warrant further exploration.