Inhibition of circulating immune cell activation a molecular.pdfVIP

Inhibition of circulating immune cell activation: a molecular antiinflammatory effect of the Mediterranean diet1–3 ´ ´ Mari-Pau Mena, Emilio Sacanella, Monica Vazquez-Agell, Mercedes Morales, Montserrat Fito, Rosa Escoda, ´ ´ ´ Manuel Serrano-Martınez, Jordi Salas-Salvado, Neus Benages, Rosa Casas, Rosa M Lamuela-Raventos, Ferran Masanes, Emilio Ros, and Ramon Estruch ABSTRACT wine, and a low intake of meat and dairy and industrial bakery Background: Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (Med-Diet) is products (3). The cardioprotective effect of the Med-Diet has been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). How- attributed to its ability to improve conventional risk factors, such ever, the molecular mechanisms involved are not fully understood. as adiposity, blood pressure, serum lipids, and insulin resistance Objective: The objective was to compare the effects of 2 Med-Diets (4–8). However, alternative mechanisms, such as an antiinflam- D o with those of a low-fat diet on immune cell activation and soluble matory effect of the Med-Diet, have also been postulated (9).