Beneficial effect of Mediterranean diet on disease activity and cardiovascular risk in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective To analyse the influence of the Mediterranean diet (Med Diet) on SLE activity, damage accrual and cardiovascular disease risk markers. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 280 patients with SLE [46.9 (12.85) years]. Med Diet adherence was assessed through a 14-item questionnaire on food consumption frequency and habits (total score from 0 to 14 points; higher score is greater adherence to the Med Diet). CRP, homocysteine, SLEDAI-2K (SLE disease activity), and SLICC/ACR and SDI (damage accrual) were measured. Obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and blood lipids, among others, were considered cardiovascular disease risk factors. Results Greater adherence to the Med Diet was significantly associated with better anthropometric profiles, fewer cardiovascular disease risk factors, and lower disease activity and damage accrual scores (P ≤ 0.001 for SLEDAI and SDI). An inverse relationship between the Med Diet score and SLEDAI (P ≥ 0.001; β = −0.380), SDI (P ≤ 0.001; β = −0.740) and hsCRP (P = 0.039; β = −0.055) was observed. The odds ratio for having active SLE (SLEDAI ≥5) or the presence of damage (SDI ≥1) was lower among patients whose Med Diet score was higher (P ≤ 0.001). Finally, greater consumption of Med Diet foods (olive oil, fruits, vegetables, fish, etc.) and abstaining from red meat and meat products, sugars and pastries was associated with less SLE clinical activity and damage. Conclusion Greater adherence to the Med Diet seems to exert a beneficial effect on disease activity and cardiovascular risk in SLE patients. To confirm these findings, further longitudinal studies would be of interest.

Impact of the Level of Adherence to Mediterranean Diet on the Parameters of Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

“…Not relevant to the topic examined studies, studies including population <18 years old, studies in which validated tool for assessment of MD were not used and in which the level of adherence was not clearly described were excluded. Overall, 58 studies were characterized as acceptable for the systematic review [ 39 , 40 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 49 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 , 79 , 80 , 81 , 82 , 83 , 84 , 85 , 86 , 87 , 88 , 89 , 90 , 91 , 92 , 93 , 94 , 95 , 96 , 97 , 98 , 99 ,…”

“…Five studies were characterized as unsatisfactory due to their ratings (2–4 stars) [ 43 , 67 , 75 , 80 , 107 ], whereas for 17 studies the quality was only satisfactory (5–6 stars) [ 39 , 49 , 61 , 63 , 71 , 86 , 92 , 93 , 94 , 96 , 97 , 100 , 104 , 105 ]. The majority of the included studies ( n = 28) [ 40 , 44 , 45 , 47 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 62 , 65 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 72 , 74 , 76 , 77 , 79 , 81 , 82 , 83 , 84 , 85 , 87 , 88 , 95 , 101 , 103 , 106 ] were good quality studies (7–8 stars), and eight studies were at the top of quality studies scoring 9 stars [ 46 , 64 , 66 ...…”

Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases: An Update on the Role of Atherogenic Electronegative LDL and Potential Therapeutic Strategies

“…Avoidance of intense aerobic exercise is recommended because it may increase the NEFA content of LDL (−) [ 114 ]. Considering that an atherogenic diet induces LDL (−)-related inflammation [ 107 ], replacing it with the Mediterranean diet may reduce ASCVD risk in patients with AIRDs [ 115 ].…”

Genetic Association of rs15672 and rs12640056 Polymorphisms with the Susceptibility of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a Chinese Population

“…[7] SLE disease activity in 567 patients was assessed by 2 experienced rheumatologists based on the SLEDAI-2K. [8] Patients with drug-induced SLE and without a complete medical history were excluded. Healthy female controls were selected from the health examination center of West China Hospital.…”