The Influence of Plants from the Alliaceae Family on Morphological Parameters of the Intestine in Atherogenic Rats.

Bulbs from the Alliaceae family have been well-known and valued spices for thousands of years, not only for their unique flavor and aroma features, but also for their high nutritional and health-promoting values. Long-term or excessive consumption of these vegetables, especially raw garlic, can have side effects in the body (including in the digestive tract), causing a number of pathological changes in the intestinal wall; these changes lead, in turn, to its damage, dysfunction, and disorder development. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the addition of freeze-dried vegetables from the Alliaceae family, i.e., garlic (Allium sativum L.), white onion, and red onion (Allium cepa L.) on the morphometric parameters (intestinal villi length, crypt depth, thickness of tunica mucosa, and the thickness of tunica muscle) of the jejunum of rats fed a semi-synthetic atherogenic diet (1% dietary cholesterol). In freeze-dried vegetables administered to rats, the contents of selected bioactive ingredients and their antioxidant potentials were determined. The effect of the onion vegetable supplements on growth parameters, serum lipid profile, plasma antioxidant potential, and the intestinal morphological parameters of rats loaded with cholesterol was determined. In an animal experiment, 30 male Wistar rats were divided into 5 diet groups, diet consumption and FER were studied. Supplementation of the atherogenic diet with vegetables improved the blood plasma lipid profiles and atherogenic indices, in a manner that was dependent on the type of supplementation used, with the best hypolipidemic and anti-atherosclerotic effects found in garlic use. The atherogenic diet, as well as the supplementation of this diet with the tested vegetables from the Alliaceae family, influenced the histological changes in the epithelium of the jejunum of rats. The damage to the intestinal mucosa was the greatest in animals fed an atherogenic diet supplemented with garlic. Bearing in mind that the desired beneficial therapeutic or prophylactic effects of onion vegetables (in particular garlic) in the course of various metabolic ailments (including atherosclerosis) are achieved during long-term supplementation, it is important to remember their possible cytotoxic effects (e.g., on the digestive tract) in order to achieve real benefits related to the supplementation with vegetables from the Alliaceae family.

Starchy Vegetables and Metabolic Syndrome in Costa Rica.

Only a few studies primarily examined the associations between starchy vegetables (other than potatoes) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). We aimed to evaluate the association between starchy vegetables consumption and MetS in a population-based sample of Costa Rican adults. We hypothesized that a higher overall intake of starchy vegetables would not be associated with higher MetS prevalence. In this cross-sectional study, log-binomial regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) of MetS across quintiles of total, unhealthy, healthy starchy vegetables, and individual starchy vegetables (potatoes, purple sweet potatoes, etc.), among 1881 Costa Rican adults. Least square means and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from linear regression models were estimated for each MetS component by categories of starchy vegetable variables. Higher intakes of starchy vegetables were associated with a higher prevalence of MetS in crude models, but no significant trends were observed after adjusting for confounders. A significant inverse association was observed between total starchy and healthy starchy vegetables consumption and fasting blood glucose. In this population, starchy vegetables might be part of a healthy dietary pattern.

Habitual fish intake negatively correlates with prevalence of frailty among patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Frailty is a geriatric syndrome characterized by anabolic-catabolic imbalance and multisystem dysregulation resulting in increased adverse health outcomes, and is closely related with dietary habits in the general population. Although chronic inflammatory diseases are thought to accelerate development of frailty, correlations between rheumatoid arthritis (RA), frailty and dietary habits have not been examined. We performed a cross-sectional study using our cohort database (KURAMA cohort), and classified 306 participants into three groups (robust, prefrail and frail) according to the Study of Osteoporotic Fracture (SOF) criteria. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that the presence of frailty/prefrailty was significantly correlated with the disease activity score (DAS28-ESR) (OR 1.70 (1.30-2.22), p < 0.0001). Additional analyses of frailty and food intake showed that 5 foods (fish, meat, milk, vegetables and fruits) of 20 groups on the questionnaire were inversely associated with the prevalence of frail/prefrail categories. In multivariate analysis with the five nutrients, fish intake (> two times a week) was an independent covariate negatively correlated with frailty/prefrailty (OR 0.35 (0.19-0.63), p = 0.00060). In conclusion, habitual fish intake may play a key role in nutritional intervention to prevent progression of frailty and RA.

Oral allergy syndrome by fruit and vegetable PR-10 allergy: Accuracy of in vivo diagnosis.

Routine diagnostic methods for allergies to plant-derived foods are based on skin prick test (SPT) with commercial extracts, prick-by-prick (PbP) with fresh food, serum-specific IgE measurement, and oral food challenge.We discuss the possibility and the advantages of performing, in patients with oral allergy syndrome (OAS) by fruit and vegetables (excluding nuts) PR-10 allergy, component-resolved diagnosis (CRD) by SPT and PbP with raw and cooked vegetables, rather than performing a CRD with in vitro tests by drawing blood.Based on our clinical experience and the studies published in the literature, we believe that, at least for the OAS by fruit and vegetables (excluding nuts) PR-10 allergy, the search for sensitizing allergens and related cross-reactive allergens with SPT and PbP can be performed routinely in clinical practice, even at the primary-care level.

Pitfalls in the Diagnosis of Hereditary Fructose Intolerance.

Establishing the diagnosis of hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) remains difficult despite the availability of specific molecular genetic testing of the ALDOB gene. This is attributable, at least in part, to the lack of a specific and practical biomarker. We report the incidental diagnosis of HFI as a consequence of nontargeted genetic testing ordered for alternative indications in 5 patients, including 3 children and 2 adults. Two of the children were diagnosed with HFI after extensive evaluations that ultimately involved clinical or research exome sequencing. The third child was diagnosed with HFI during subsequent genetic testing of at-risk family members. Both adults learned to avoid fructose and remained asymptomatic of HFI before diagnosis. One was diagnosed with HFI during preconception, nontargeted expanded carrier screening. For the other, concern for HFI was initially raised by indeterminate direct-to-consumer genetic testing results. None of these patients presented with infantile acute liver failure or other acute decompensation. Our findings suggest that the emphasis of classic teaching on infantile liver failure after first exposure to fructose may be inadvertently increasing the likelihood of missing cases of HFI characterized by other manifestations. HFI is likely underdiagnosed and should be considered for patients with nonspecific findings as well as for individuals with significant aversion to sweets.

Co-exposure risks of pesticides residues and bacterial contamination in fresh fruits and vegetables under smallholder horticultural production systems in Tanzania.

This study was carried out to investigate the risks of simultaneous exposure to pesticide residues and bacteria contaminants in locally produced fresh vegetables and vegetables in Tanzania. A total of 613 samples were analyzed for pesticide residues, out of which 250 were also analyzed for bacterial contamination. Overall, 47.5% had pesticide residues, 74.2% exceeded Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs). Organophosphorus (95.2%), organochlorines (24.0%), pyrethroids (17.3%), and carbamates (9.2%) residues dominated. MRL values were mostly exceeded in tomatoes, onions, watermelons, cucumbers, Chinese cabbage, and sweet paper. Tetramethrin (0.0329-1.3733 mg/kg), pirimiphos-methyl (0.0003-1.4093 mg/kg), permethrin (0.0009-2.4537 mg/kg), endosulfan (beta) (0.0008-2.3416 mg/kg), carbaryl (0.0215-1.5068 mg/kg), profenofos (0.0176-2.1377 mg/kg), chlorpyrifos (0.0004-1.2549 mg/kg) and dieldrin (0.0011-0.5271 mg/kg) exceeded MRLs. The prevalence of bacteria contamination was high (63.2%). Enterobacter (55.6%) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (32.4%), E. coli (28.2%), Citrobacter (26.8%), Klebsiella oxytoca (14.8%), and Salmonella (7.7%) were isolated. Furthermore, 46.4% tested positive for both pesticide residues and bacterial contaminants. Vegetables from farms (60.7%) contained more dual contaminants than market-based vegetables (41.8%). This may have resulted from excessive pesticide use and unhygienic handling of fresh fruits and vegetables at production level. Binary logistic regression showed that fresh fruits and vegetables with pesticide residues were 2.231 times more likely to have bacteria contaminants (OR: 2.231; 95% CI: 0.501, 8.802). The contamination levels of pesticide residues and bacterial contaminants could be perceived as a serious problem as most fresh fruits and vegetables recorded values of pesticide residues far above the MRLs with pathogenic bacteria isolated in higher proportions. MRLs was higher in most vegetables consumed raw or semi-cooked such as watermelons, carrots, cucumber, tomatoes, onion and sweet paper. There is an urgent need to develop pesticide monitoring and surveillance systems at farmer level, educating farmers and promoting the use of greener pesticides to mitigate the health effects of pesticides and bacterial contaminants.

The Effects of Cruciferous Vegetable-Enriched Diets on Drug Metabolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Dietary Intervention Trials in Humans.

Relatively few studies exist in the literature that discuss the effects of diet on drug metabolism and how this can affect interindividual differences in systemic drug exposure. Several studies have investigated the effects of cruciferous vegetables (Cruciferae) or their constituents on drug-metabolizing activity, as these vegetables form an important part of many peoples' diets. In general, the ingestion of cruciferous vegetables is associated with induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2 activity in vivo; however, there is contention between reports, and the clinical significance of potential diet-drug interactions remains unclear. This study reports a systematic review, critical appraisal, and meta-analysis of the published literature in this area, and discusses the clinical significance of Cruciferae-enriched diets in the context of diet-drug interactions. Twenty-three dietary intervention trials with drug metabolism end points were identified across Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL). Cruciferous vegetables represented in the literature included broccoli, Brussels sprout, cabbage, cauliflower, radish, and watercress. A range of phase I and II drug-metabolizing enzymes and phenotyping metrics were represented in the literature. The meta-analyses performed demonstrated a significant effect on CYP1A2 and glutathione S-transferase-alpha (GST-α), with consumption of Cruciferae increasing the activities of these enzymes by 20-40% and 15-35%, respectively. The results herein suggest that patients undergoing pharmacotherapy with CYP1A2 or GST-α substrates could have altered drug exposure profiles if they regularly eat large or variable amounts of cruciferous vegetables. Recommendations regarding the design of future randomized, controlled trials to test hypotheses in this area are included.

Dietary vegetable intake is inversely associated with ATP-binding cassette protein A1 (ABCA1) DNA methylation levels among Japanese women.

OBJECTIVE: Dietary intake of vegetables is one of the key lifestyle factors associated with preventing cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although previous studies have provided evidence that dietary factors can alter global DNA methylation levels in humans, little work has been done on dietary factors influencing methylation levels of specific genes associated with CVD. The aim of this study was to examine whether dietary intake of vegetables was associated with adenosine triphosphate-binding membrane cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) DNA methylation levels in leukocytes in a Japanese population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 279 Japanese adults (125 men, 154 women) without any clinical history of cancer, stroke, or ischemic heart disease. ABCA1 DNA methylation levels in leukocytes were measured using a pyrosequencing method. Information on dietary vegetable intake was obtained from the validated food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: Mean ABCA1 DNA methylation levels in men and women were 35.6% ± 6.5% and 36.9% ± 6.7%, respectively. In women, multivariable linear regression analysis showed that the group with the highest dietary vegetable intake (carrot, broccoli, pumpkin, and all vegetables) showed significantly lower levels of ABCA1 DNA methylation than the lowest intake group (P = 0.04, <0.001, 0.001, and 0.02, respectively). No significant association was observed between dietary intake of vegetables and DNA methylation levels in men. CONCLUSIONS: High dietary intake of vegetables was associated with decreased ABCA1 DNA methylation levels in Japanese women. This may contribute to a better understanding of the protective effects of dietary vegetable intake on CVD.

No association between fruits or vegetables and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in middle-aged men and women.

OBJECTIVE: It has been hypothesized that fruit and vegetable intake is inversely associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD). However, some studies have speculated that fruit intake might be positively associated with NAFLD owing to the fructose content of the fruit. This might cause consumers to hesitate consuming fruit. The aim of this study was to assess the association between fruit and vegetable consumption and NAFLD. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 977 men and 1467 women, 40 to 69 y of age without current liver disease other than NAFLD and who did not report excess alcohol intake (i.e., ≥30 g/d in men and ≥20 g/d in women). Dietary intake was assessed using a validated diet history questionnaire. NAFLD was diagnosed from abdominal ultrasonography results. The association between quartiles of fruit or vegetable consumption and NAFLD prevalence was assessed using logistic regression analysis, with lowest category as reference. RESULTS: The prevalence of NAFLD was 34.9% in men and 11.7% in women. Adjusted for age and lifestyle factors, fruit intake was inversely associated with NAFLD in both sexes. However, these associations disappeared after further adjustment for body mass index. Consumption of total vegetables was not associated with NAFLD. In women, a linear inverse association was demonstrated between green and yellow vegetable intake and NAFLD in the final model (Ptrend = 0.04), but odds ratios for any intake category did not reach significance. CONCLUSIONS: No obesity-independent association was found between fruit or vegetable intake and NAFLD. According to the findings of this study, Japanese do not need to restrict fruit consumption to limit fructose intake as a means of preventing NAFLD.

The beneficial and deleterious role of dietary polyphenols on chronic degenerative diseases by regulating gene expression.

Dietary polyphenols, a natural component in many kinds of foods such as fruits and vegetables, play essential roles in a wide range of plant functions. Importantly, the discovery of the functions of polyphenols including anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory has been appealing to researchers' attentions. Dietary polyphenols have shown protective effects on chronic degenerative diseases (CDD) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and neurodegenerative diseases by regulating gene expression. Dietary polyphenols also affect the composition and activity of gut microbiota, in reverse, gut microbiota influences the bioavailability and physiological activity of dietary polyphenols. However, not all kinds of dietary polyphenols are beneficial for human health. The potential deleterious effects of several dietary polyphenols have been reported by inducing DNA damage and gene mutants. This review summarizes the potential therapeutic effects of dietary polyphenols on chronic degeneration diseases, the polyphenols-gut microbiota interactions, and the potential dangers of individual dietary polyphenols on human health.

Salmonella spp. em pontos críticos da cadeia de produção de hortaliças orgânicas no Estado de São Paulo: contribuição para avaliação de risco / Salmonella spp. at critical points in organic vegetables production chain in the state of São Paulo: contribution for risk assessment

Dados de vigilância epidemiológica apontam uma crescente associação entre o consumo de hortaliças e surtos de origem alimentar. São inúmeras as fontes de contaminação aos quais os vegetais estão sujeitos ao longo da cadeia produtiva. Estudos sugerem que práticas agrícolas, como o uso de adubo constituído por esterco animal e água de irrigação não tratada, podem aumentar o risco de contaminação por micro-organismos patogênicos. Com as restrições ao uso de pesticidas sintéticos no sistema orgânico de produção agrícola, agentes de controle biológico, como Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) desempenham um importante papel para a garantia da produtividade. No entanto, recentemente, a segurança do uso de Bt passou a ser questionada em função da possibilidade de produzir enterotoxinas. Este estudo teve por objetivos levantar dados sobre práticas adotadas no cultivo de hortaliças orgânicas no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil e sobre as características microbiológicas de fertilizantes, água de irrigação, água de lavagem e alfaces nas etapas pré e pós-colheita, assim como avaliar a persistência e interações entre Bt e Salmonella em hortaliças, visando contribuir para avaliações de risco microbiológico mais adequadas. Na primeira parte do estudo, dez propriedades de cultivo orgânico certificadas foram visitadas para a obtenção de dados sobre práticas adotadas e para a coleta de amostras para análise microbiológica. As amostras foram submetidas à enumeração e identificação (gênero e espécie) de Enterobacteriaceae; pesquisa de Salmonella spp. por método convencional e qPCR; e enumeração de coliformes totais e Escherichia coli nas amostras de água. Na segunda fase da pesquisa, avaliou-se a persistência e as interações entre Bt e Salmonella Montevideo no pré e pós-colheita de espinafres. Por fim, bactérias epifíticas isoladas de hortaliças foram testadas quanto a capacidade de inibir bactérias do grupo Bacillus cereus e cepas de Salmonella enterica. As contagens de Enterobacteriaceae variaram de <1 a 7,2 ± 0,1 log UFC/g nos fertilizantes, de 4,1 ± 0,3 a 5,6 ± 0,3 log UFC/g nas alfaces coletadas nos canteiros, de 2,9 ± 0,6 a 5,3 ± 0,5 log UFC/g nas alfaces lavadas, de <1 a 3,5 ± 0,1 log UFC/mL nas amostras de água de irrigação e de <1 a 3,0 ± 0,3 log UFC/mL nas amostras de água de lavagem. Salmonella não foi isolada por cultivo em placa, mas foi detectada por qPCR em uma amostra de alface orgânica lavada. Utilizando MALDI-TOF MS, 45 espécies pertencentes a 24 gêneros bacterianos foram identificadas na cadeia produtiva de hortaliças orgânicas. Bt foi capaz de persistir nas folhas de espinafre nas etapas pré e pós-colheita e afetou a persistência de Salmonella durante o cultivo, mas não durante o armazenamento pós-colheita a 12 ºC. Não foi observada tendência de germinação dos esporos de Bt após a aplicação nos espinafres, reduzindo assim a possibilidade de multiplicação e produção de enterotoxinas. A bactéria epifítica Pseudomonas chlororaphis, isolada de hortaliça, foi capaz de inibir membros do grupo Bacillus cereus, incluindo cepas patogênicas e Bt em testes in vitro, sugerindo uma barreira biológica para o controle da multiplicação destes micro-organismos. Este estudo traz importantes informações sobre a segurança microbiológica de hortaliças orgânicas e de práticas agrícolas, evidenciando a importância de boas práticas para a promoção do alimento seguro. Os resultados constituem uma importante contribuição para o desenvolvimento de modelos de avaliação de risco microbiológico e prevenção de surtos de origem alimentar

Epidemiological surveillance data indicate a growing association between vegetable consumption and food-borne outbreaks. There are numerous sources of contamination to which plants are subjected throughout the production chain. Studies suggest that agricultural practices such as the use of manure fertilizer and untreated irrigation water may increase the risk of contamination by pathogenic microorganisms. With the restrictions on the use of synthetic pesticides in the organic farming system, biological control agents such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), play an important role in ensuring productivity. However, the safety of Bt has recently been questioned due to the possibility of producing enterotoxins. This study aimed to gather information about the agricultural practices employed in the organic vegetables production fields and the microbiological characteristics of fertilizer, irrigation water, wash water, and lettuces in pre and post-harvest stages, and to evaluate the persistence and interactions between Bt and Salmonella on leafy greens, aiming to contribute for more adequate microbiological risk assessments. In the first part of the study, ten certified organic farms were visited to collect data on the farming practices and for collection of samples for microbiological evaluations. The samples were submitted to Enterobacteriaceae enumeration and identification (genus and species); Salmonella spp. by conventional method and qPCR; and enumeration of total coliforms and Escherichia coli in water samples. In the second part of the study, the persistence and interaction between Bacillus thuringiensis subsp Aizawai (Bt) and Salmonella Montevideo in the pre and post-harvest of spinach were evaluated. Finally, epiphytic bacteria isolated from vegetables were tested for their ability to inhibit growth of Bacillus cereus group members and Salmonella strains. Enterobacteriaceae counts ranged from <1 to 7.2 ± 0.1 log CFU/g in fertilizers, from 4.1 ± 0.3 to 5.6 ± 0.3 log CFU/g in lettuces collected from the fields, from 2.9 ± 0.6 to 5.3 ± 0.5 log CFU/g in washed lettuces, <1 to 3.5 ± 0.1 log CFU/mL in irrigation water and <1 to 3.0 ± 0.3 log CFU/mL in wash water. Salmonella was not isolated by plating but it was detected by qPCR in one sample of washed organic lettuce. Using MALDI-TOF MS, 45 species belonging to 24 bacterial genera were identified in the organic vegetable production chain. Bt was able to persist on pre and post-harvest of spinach and affected Salmonella persistence during cultivation, but not during the storage at 12 ºC. Bt spores showed no tendency to germinate during pre-harvest of spinach, thus reducing the probability of growth and production of enterotoxins. The epiphytic bacterium Pseudomonas chlororaphis isolated from one vegetable sample was able to inhibit members of the Bacillus cereus group, including pathogenic strains and Bt in in vitro tests, suggesting a biological barrier to control the multiplication of these microorganisms. These studies provide important information about the microbiological safety of organic vegetables and agricultural practices, highlighting the importance of good practices for the promotion of safe food. These data are fundamental for the development of microbiological risk assessment models and prevention of foodborne outbreaks

Dietary factors and risk of gout and hyperuricemia: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the associations of dietary factors and the risk of gout and hyperuricemia. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: PubMed and Embase databases were searched from inception to June 2017 for eligible studies. Nineteen prospective cohort or cross-sectional studies with adequate sample sizes are included, all involving red meat, seafoods, alcohol, fructose, dairy products, soy foods, high-purine vegetables and coffee. RESULTS: Meta-analysis revealed several dietary associations with gout risk: red meat: OR 1.29 (95% CI 1.16-1.44); seafoods: OR 1.31 (95% CI 1.01-1.68); alcohol: OR 2.58 (95% CI 1.81-3.66); fructose: OR 2.14 (95% CI 1.65- 2.78); dairy products: OR 0.56 (95% CI 0.44-0.70); soy foods: OR 0.85 (95% CI 0.76-0.96); high-purine vegetables: OR 0.86 (95% CI 0.75-0.98); coffee: OR 0.47 (95% CI 0.37-0.59).Dietary association with hyperuricemia risk (red meat: OR 1.24 (95% CI 1.04-1.48); seafoods: OR 1.47 (95% CI 1.16-1.86); alcohol: OR 2.06 (95% CI 1.60-2.67); fructose: OR 1.85 (95% CI 1.66-2.07); dairy products: OR 0.50 (95% CI 0.37-0.66); soy foods: OR 0.70 (95% CI 0.56-0.88); high-purine vegetables ingestion: OR 1.10 (95% CI 0.88-1.39), P=0.39; coffee:OR0.76 in men (95% CI 0.55-1.06), OR 1.58 in women (95% CI 1.16-2.16). CONCLUSION: The risk of hyperuricemia and gout is positively correlated with the intake of red meat, seafoods, alcohol or fructose, and negatively with dairy products or soy foods. High-purine vegetables showed no association with hyperuricemia, but negative association with gout. Coffee intake is negatively associated with gout risk, whereas it may be associated with increased hyperuricemia risk in women but decreased risk in men.

Pre-diagnosis consumption of preserved vegetables and prognosis of invasive oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a prospective cohort study in one high-risk area in China.

Objective To investigate the prognostic effect of pre-diagnosis preserved vegetable consumption on oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in Yanting County, China. Methods This prospective cohort study enrolled consecutive patients with ESCC. The pre-diagnosis diet consumption data were collected using a food frequency questionnaire at baseline. Preserved vegetable consumption was categorized into two groups: < 1/week and ≥1/week. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis with a log-rank test and a Cox proportional hazard regression model analysis were undertaken to compare the two consumption groups. Results The study enrolled 185 patients (121 males and 64 females) with ESCC. Patients consuming preserved vegetables ≥1/week had a median survival time of 41 months, but patients consuming preserved vegetables <1/week did not achieve a median survival time. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for an intake of ≥1/week was 1.58 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01, 2.47). Among 'ever smokers', the HR increased to 2.04 (95% CI 1.10, 3.77) and among 'ever alcohol drinkers', the HR increased to 2.50 (95% CI 1.33, 4.73). Among 'never smokers' or 'never alcohol drinkers', no significant association was observed. Conclusion A high consumption of preserved vegetables was associated with a poorer prognosis among patients with ESCC.

Dietary Patterns and Retinal Vessel Caliber in the Irish Nun Eye Study.

BACKGROUND: Retinal vessel abnormalities are associated with cardiovascular disease risk. Widening of retinal venules is associated with increased risk of stroke while narrowing of retinal arterioles independently predicts incident hypertension, coronary heart disease and diabetes. Dietary factors are known to play an important role in cardiovascular health. However, few studies have examined the association between dietary patterns (DPs) and retinal microvascular health. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between 'a posteriori'-derived DPs and retinal vascular caliber (RVC) in older women with a restricted lifestyle. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 1233 participants (mean age: 76.3 years) from the Irish Nun Eye Study (INES). Computer-assisted software was used to measure RVC from digital eye images using standardized protocols. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). DP analysis was performed using principal component analysis from completed FFQs. Regression models were used to assess associations between DPs and retinal vessel diameters, adjusting for age, body mass index, refraction, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular accident and fellow eye RVC. RESULTS: Two DPs were identified: a 'healthy' pattern with high factor loadings for fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and oily fish and an 'unhealthy' pattern with high factor loadings for sugar and sweets, chips, high fat dairy products and French fries. Adjusted linear regression analysis revealed that those who adhered most closely to the unhealthy DP had wider central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE) (p=0.03) and narrower central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE) (p=0.01) compared to the least unhealthy DP. No independent relationship was observed between the healthy DP and RVC. CONCLUSION: In this cohort of older women with a restricted lifestyle, an unhealthy DP was independently associated with an unfavorable retinal profile, namely a widening of retinal venules and narrowing of retinal arterioles.