DASH diet decreases CXCL4 plasma concentration in patients diagnosed with coronary atherosclerotic lesions

Background and aims: Aim of this study involved assessment of the intensive intervention concerning lifestyle based on the DASH diet model on plasma concentration of CXCL4 chemokine among patients with coronary atherosclerosis. Methods and results: The Dietary Intervention to Stop Coronary Atherosclerosis in Computed Tomography Study randomized patients with stable CAD to an interventional group (n = 41), where DASH diet was implemented and the control group (n = 40) without dietary intervention. Dietary counselling was provided to DASH group during all 6 control visits within 6 months of observation. During the study, body weight and body composition were controlled using the bio-impedance method. CXCL4 concentration was determined with the use of ELISA test. Within the DASH group, a significant decrease in body weight, a decrease in high sensitivity C-reactive protein concentration (-0.32 +/- 2.8 mg/l; p < 0.05), as well as a decrease in CXCL4 concentration (-3.35 +/- 3.4 ng/ml; p < 0.0001) were observed. Occurring changes were not statistically significant within the control group. Conclusions: DASH diet lessens CXCL4 concentration among patients with a stable CAD, however, further research is necessary in order to confirm aforementioned results and evaluate the impact on atherosclerotic plaque. (C) 2019 The Italian Society of Diabetology, the Italian Society for the Study of Atherosclerosis, the Italian Society of Human Nutrition, and the Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.