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Purpose: To investigate the association between pro-inflammatory markers platelet-activating factor (PAF), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), hsCRP, and intake of core food groups including fruit, cruciferous and other vegetables, grains, meat and poultry, fish and seafood, nuts and legumes, and dairy. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. 100 adults (49 ± 13 years, 31% male) with variable cardiovascular disease risk were recruited. Data were collected in 2021 and 2022. Fasting PAF, Lp-PLA2 activity, hsCRP and usual dietary intake (via a validated food frequency questionnaire) were measured. Intake of foods were converted into serves and classified into food groups. Correlations and multiple regressions were performed with adjustment for confounders. Results: A one-serve increase in cruciferous vegetables per day was associated with 20–24% lower PAF levels. An increase of one serve per day of nuts and legumes was associated with 40% lower hsCRP levels. There were small correlations with PAF and Lp-PLA2 and cheese, however, these were not significant at the Bonferroni-adjusted P < 0.005 level. Conclusion: The lack of associations between PAF and Lp-PLA2 and other healthy foods 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 food groups. Future research should aim to examine the relationship with these novel markers and healthy food groups in a non-pandemic setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk has been assessed through blood lipids and inflammatory marker C‐reactive protein (hsCRP). Recent clinical interest in novel pro‐inflammatory markers platelet‐activating factor (PAF) and lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 (Lp‐PLA2) recognizes that vascular damage can exist in the absence of traditional risk factors. This cross‐sectional study investigated the potential relationship between circulating PAF, Lp‐PLA2, hsCRP, and traditional risk factors for CVD. One hundred adults (49 ± 13 years, 31% male) with variable CVD risk were recruited. Fasting inflammatory markers PAF, Lp‐PLA2 and hsCRP and total, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured. Blood pressure, body mass index, and waist circumference were measured. Medical and physical activity data were self‐reported. Linear and multiple regressions were performed. PAF, Lp‐PLA2, and hsCRP independently correlated with several CVD risk factors. PAF was correlated significantly with risk factors in an unexpected way; there was a medium positive correlation between PAF and HDL cholesterol (r = 0.394, p < 0.001) and medium negative correlations with Total:HDL cholesterol; (r = −0.436, p < 0.001) systolic blood pressure; (r = −0.307, p = 0.001); BMI (r = −0.381, p < 0.001); and waist circumference (r = −0.404, p < 0.001). There were large positive correlations between Lp‐PLA2 and LDL (r = 0.525, p < 0.001) and non‐HDL cholesterol (r = 0.508, p < 0.001). There were large positive correlations between hsCRP and Total:HDL cholesterol (r = 0.524, p < 0.001); BMI (r = 0.668, p < 0.001); and waist circumference (r = 0.676, p < 0.001). PAF, Lp‐PLA2, and hsCRP are implicated in the pathophysiology of inflammation in CVD; however, the relationships between each marker and traditional risk factors were different suggesting they may be involved in different atherogenic pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Atherosclerosis is a disease of chronic inflammation. Recent research has identified 2 novel inflammatory biomarkers: platelet-activating factor (PAF) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2). 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-PLA2. 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-PLA2. 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-PLA2. 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk has been assessed through blood lipids and inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (hsCRP). Recent clinical interest in novel pro-inflammatory markers platelet-activating factor (PAF) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A 2 (Lp-PLA 2 ) recognizes that vascular damage can exist in the absence of traditional risk factors. This cross-sectional study investigated the potential relationship between circulating PAF, Lp-PLA 2 , hsCRP, and traditional risk factors for CVD. One hundred adults (49 ± 13 years, 31% male) with variable CVD risk were recruited. Fasting inflammatory markers PAF, Lp-PLA 2 and hsCRP and total, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured. Blood pressure, body mass index, and waist circumference were measured. Medical and physical activity data were self-reported. Linear and multiple regressions were performed. PAF, Lp-PLA 2 , and hsCRP independently correlated with several CVD risk factors. PAF was correlated significantly with risk factors in an unexpected way; there was a medium positive correlation between PAF and HDL cholesterol (r = 0.394, p < 0.001) and medium negative correlations with Total:HDL cholesterol; (r = -0.436, p < 0.001) systolic blood pressure; (r = -0.307, p = 0.001); BMI (r = -0.381, p < 0.001); and waist circumference (r = -0.404, p < 0.001). There were large positive correlations between Lp-PLA 2 and LDL (r = 0.525, p < 0.001) and non-HDL cholesterol (r = 0.508, p < 0.001). There were large positive correlations between hsCRP and Total:HDL cholesterol (r = 0.524, p < 0.001); BMI (r = 0.668, p < 0.001); and waist circumference (r = 0.676, p < 0.001). PAF, Lp-PLA 2 , and hsCRP are implicated in the pathophysiology of inflammation in CVD; however, the relationships between each marker and traditional risk factors were different suggesting they may be involved in different atherogenic pathways., (© 2022 The Authors. BioFactors published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.)