The association between dietary patterns and the novel inflammatory markers platelet-activating factor and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2: a systematic review

CONTEXT: Atherosclerosis is a disease of chronic inflammation. Recent research has identified 2 novel inflammatory biomarkers: platelet-activating factor (PAF) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)). Diet has been proposed as a mediator of inflammation, but to date, the focus for these novel biomarkers has been on individual foods and nutrients rather than overall dietary patterns. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the literature on the association between dietary patterns and PAF and Lp-PLA(2). DATA SOURCES: The PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane CENTRAL literature databases were searched. DATA ANALYSIS: Study quality was evaluated using the Quality Criteria Checklist. Sixteen studies (n = 4 observational and n = 12 interventional) were included and assessed for associations between dietary patterns and PAF and Lp-PLA(2). CONCLUSION: Study quality varied from neutral (n = 10) to positive (n = 6). Mediterranean, heart healthy, and vegetarian dietary patterns were associated with improved levels of PAF and Lp-PLA(2). Conversely, Western dietary patterns were less favorable. A range of well-established, healthier dietary patterns may lower inflammation and the risk of atherosclerosis. More well-designed studies are needed to confirm these findings and identify other dietary patterns that improve inflammation

Can 3D printing & cheminformatics enhance student understanding in biochemistry?

PROBLEM Students often approach biochemistry with a degree of trepidation with many considering it one of the more difficult subjects. This is, in part, due to the necessity of making visual images of submicroscopic concepts. Molecular interactions underpin most biological processes therefore mastering these concepts is essential. Understanding the forces and mechanisms that underpin protein-ligand interactions is a key learning goal to mastering the protein structure function relationship. AIM We aimed to implement a prospective cohort study and a student-focused approach to compare 3D technologies in their effectiveness in enhancing student understanding of protein structure-function relationship. DESIGN AND METHOD The activities involved incorporating 3D printed proteins and cheminformatics which had the advantage of targeting students’ visual-spatial ability. Learning activities, conducted in small groups, were specifically designed to enhance understanding of the protein structure-function relationship through a detailed analysis of molecular level interactions between proteins and ligands. Here we describe the methodology for preparation of the learning tools and how they were incorporated in the learning exercises in the form of both formative and summative assessments. We compared their perceived effectiveness via student feedback surveys conducted over three consecutive cohorts. In addition, we compared final grade outcomes across the cohorts to compare overall extent of student gains. RESULTS Results showed students were positively engaged with these technologies with a slight preference for cheminformatics and overwhelming support for 3D technologies. Sample written feedback included comments such as “There should be more 3D teaching in chemistry generally - half the battle is trying to visualise atomic structures” and “the computational model helped me to understand the physical/chemical property of the molecule”. From an instructor’s perspective, we found significantly improved overall grade averages for the subjects following implementation of the assignments which may suggest these tools contributed to enhanced understanding CONCLUSIONS Student perceptions of the benefits of these technologies to aid in understanding the protein structure-function relationship supported their continued incorporation into the curriculum. Feedback obtained will inform future curriculum development

The association between dietary quality scores with C-reactive protein and novel biomarkers of inflammation platelet-activating factor and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Healthy dietary patterns are associated with lower inflammation and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and adherence can be measured using diet quality scores. Inflammation is traditionally measured with C-reactive protein (hsCRP), however there is interest in novel pro-inflammatory markers platelet-activating factor (PAF) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) that are specifically involved in endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between PAF, Lp-PLA2, hsCRP, and six diet scores. One hundred adults (49 ± 13 years, 31% male) with variable CVD risk were recruited. Fasting PAF, Lp-PLA2 and hsCRP and usual dietary intake were measured. Adherence to Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), Dairy-adjusted DASH, Vegetarian Lifestyle Index, Healthy Eating Index for Australians (HEIFA), Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and PREDIMED-Plus (erMedDiet) scores were calculated. Correlations and multiple regressions were performed. hsCRP, but not PAF, independently correlated with several diet scores. Lp-PLA2 independently correlated with Vegetarian Lifestyle Index only in unadjusted models. A one-point increase in adherence to the DASH Index, the Dairy-adjusted DASH Index and the Vegetarian Lifestyle Index was associated with a 30%, 30%, and 33% reduction in hsCRP levels, respectively. Smaller effects were seen with the other diet scores with a one-point increase in adherence resulting in a 19%, 22% and 16% reduction in hsCRP with HEIFA, MEDAS, erMedDiet scores, respectively. The lack of stronger associations between the novel markers of inflammation and diet scores may be due to confounding by COVID-19 infection and vaccination programs, which prevents any firm conclusion on the relationship between PAF, Lp-PLA2 and healthy dietary patterns. Future research should aim to examine the relationship with these novel markers and healthy dietary patterns in a non-pandemic setting