The Mediterranean diet displays an immunomodulatory effect that correlates with beneficial changes in carotid atherosclerosis

Abstract

The Mediterranean Diet (MeDiet), a healthy, plant-based dietary pattern, is recommended by international scientific organizations for its potential in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention.1 However, its underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood.2 Increased carotid intimamedia thickness (CIMT), plaque height and inflammation are recognized as indicators of cardiovascular risk.3,4 Results of previous studies indicate that following the MeDiet may slow CIMT and carotid plaque progression5 and improve vascular inflammation.6 However, to our knowledge, no published studies have assessed whether changes in inflammatory biomarkers resulting from long-term MeDiet intervention correlate with changes in CIMT and plaque height. We hypothesize that MeDiet’s beneficial impact on atherosclerosis—through improving CIMT and plaque height— correlates with its immunomodulatory effects on inflammation and plaque stability-related molecule