Monounsaturated fatty acids might be key factors in the Mediterranean diet that suppress rheumatoid arthritis disease activity: The TOMORROW study

What do we know about dietary perceptions and beliefs of patients with rheumatoid arthritis? A scoping review

Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating inflammatory condition which has a high disease burden. While there is emerging evidence that certain foods and diets could have anti-inflammatory properties and there are published 'anti-inflammatory' diets, there is very little understanding of patient beliefs and perceptions about the impact of diet on symptom management or attitudes to particular dietary interventions. This scoping review aims to summarize the existing literature around the beliefs that patients with rheumatoid arthritis hold regarding the impact of diet on disease activity and joint pain. It also examines the current state of evidence regarding the impact of specific dietary interventions on patient reported and objective parameters of RA disease activity. A search was conducted across seven databases for studies which included reporting on dietary beliefs related to disease management or investigations on the effect of particular diets on disease activity or joint pain. Articles were excluded if they examined extracted compounds or individual dietary supplements. Included studies were synthesized narratively. We retrieved 25,585 papers from which 68 were included in this review: 7 assessed dietary beliefs, 61 explored dietary interventions. The available literature on patient beliefs has been largely limited to quantitative studies with limited qualitative exploration. The Mediterranean, fasting and vegan diets appear to have the most benefit with regards to rheumatoid arthritis outcomes for patients. Research which examines RA patient's beliefs and attitudes about the impact of diet on their RA symptoms and disease is currently lacking.

Effects of a telehealth-delivered Mediterranean diet intervention in adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis (MEDRA): a randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) versus the Irish Healthy Eating Guidelines (HEG) on physical function and quality of life in adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Ireland.

METHODS

Forty-four adults with RA were randomised (1:1) to the MedDiet or HEG for 12 weeks. The intervention included three video teleconsultations and two follow-up telephone calls facilitated by a Registered Dietitian (RD). Changes in physical function by Health Assessment Questionnaire- Disability Index (HAQ-DI) and quality of life by Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RAQoL) were the primary outcomes measured. Secondary outcomes included changes in dietary adherence, physical activity by Yale Physical Activity survey (YPAS), patient-perceived pain and general health, and anthropometric measures. All measurements were administered at baseline and repeated at 6 and 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Forty participants completed the study. Participants were primarily females (87.5%), mean age was 47.5 ± 10.9 years. At the end of the intervention, participants in the MedDiet group reported significantly better physical function (p = 0.006) and quality of life (p = 0.037) compared to HEG group. From baseline to 12 weeks, physical function significantly improved in both diet groups, MedDiet (0.9 ± 0.5 to 0.5 ± 0.4 units, p < 0.001) and HEG (1.4 ± 0.7 to 1.0 ± 0.6 units, p < 0.001). Quality of life also significantly improved in the MedDiet (10.1 ± 7.5 to 4.0 ± 4.7 units, p < 0.001) and HEG group (11.25 ± 7.2 to 7.9 ± 6.4 units, p = 0.048). Physical activity improved significantly in the MedDiet (56.7 ± 28.6 to 70.6 ± 33.5 points, p = 0.01) but not within the HEG group despite similar recommendations.

CONCLUSION

Adhering to the MedDiet and Irish Healthy Eating Guidelines resulted in improvements in RA patient-reported outcomes. The changes observed in both diet groups are likely due to the improvement in overall diet quality irrespective of dietary prescription.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04262505.

Casual relationships between circulating metabolites and rheumatoid arthritis: A mendelian randomization study

Background

Blood metabolites serve as pivotal indicators in identifying and predicting the course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, empirical substantiation of a direct causal link between these serum biomarkers and the development of RA is still lacking comprehensive support.

Method

In pursuit of a thorough exploration of the causal links between circulating blood metabolites and RA, we deployed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach during our initial investigative phase. This method was utilized to examine the potential connections between 249 distinct circulating metabolites and the prevalence of RA. In the validation phase, we conducted replication analyses with a new metabolic dataset consisting of 123 metabolites. Furthermore, we employed the Mendelian randomization based on Bayesian model averaging (MR-BMA) technique to pinpoint key metabolic characteristics that have significant causal implications.

Results

In our primary analysis, we found that acetate, acetoacetate and pyruvate exhibited a consistent protective causal association with rheumatoid arthritis, while lactate demonstrated a positive correlation with rheumatoid arthritis risk. It is also noteworthy that a substantial subset of traits related to both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids showed causal influences. Subsequent secondary analyses substantiated these observations, revealing that traits associated with the average number of methylene groups in a fatty acid chain exhibited protective effects. Ultimately, our MR-BMA analyses unveiled that the ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to total fatty acids assumes a paramount role in increasing the susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis.

Conclusions

By employing systemic MR analyses, our study has successfully generated an all-encompassing atlas elucidating the intricate connections between circulating metabolites and the susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis. Our results indicate the high unsaturation degree is a dominant risk factors correlated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Association between Mediterranean-dietary approaches to stop hypertension intervention for neurodegenerative delay diet and biomarkers of oxidative stress, metabolic factors, disease severity, and odds of disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients

This research aimed to examine the association between the following Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) dietary pattern and oxidative stress indicators, metabolic factors, disease activity, and the odds of disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this cross-sectional study, we included 101 patients with RA and 101 healthy individuals. The MIND diet score was measured using a semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) with 147 food items. Total capacity antioxidant (TCA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and malondialdehyde (MDA) serum concentrations were evaluated by ELISA, and the disease severity was measured regarding the disease activity score 28 (DAS-28) criteria. The average score of the MIND diet was substantially lower in the RA subjects than in the healthy people (p < .001). Individuals with a higher MIND diet score had lower odds of RA than those with a low score (p < .001). There was no remarkable link between the MIND diet and oxidative stress factors (p > .05). A reverse association was found between the MIND diet score and disease activity (p < .05). The MIND diet was significantly and negatively correlated with triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, and hemoglobin A1C. There was a positive association between the diet and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The findings indicate that following the MIND diet may decrease disease activity and the odds of RA. Also, high adherence to the MIND diet may improve the lipid profile and blood glucose status in RA patients.

Impact of adding Mediterranean diet to aerobic and strengthening exercise program on pain, inflammation, and muscle performance in females with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) frequently use dietary interventions such as Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and exercises to complement pharmacotherapy.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of adding MedDiet to a designed exercise program on quadriceps and hamstrings muscles performance, pain, C-reactive protein (CRP), handgrip strength, bodyweight, and function in females with RA.

METHODS

Sixty females were allocated randomly to the MedDiet plus exercise program (n = 30) or exercise program only (n = 30). The interventions continued for 6 months followed by 6 months of follow-up with no intervention. The primary outcome was the quadriceps and hamstrings muscles performance (agonist-antagonist ratio). The secondary outcomes were visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, CRP blood marker for inflammation, handheld dynamometer for handgrip strength, Health AssessmentQuestionnaire disability index (HAQ-DI) for function, and body weight. All outcomes were measured at baseline, 6-month post-intervention, and 12 months from baseline as a follow-up.

RESULTS

The MedDiet group showed statistically significant improvements in all the measured outcomes than the control group (p < .05) after 6 and 12 months. After 6 months of intervention, the mean±SD for agonist-antagonist ratio, pain, and HAQ-DI were 84.59 ± 5.33 and 69.92 ± 5.56 (p < .001, ƞ2 = 0.65), 42.33 ± 8.98 and 54.33 ± 10.06 (p < .001, ƞ2 = 0.3), 1.13 ± 0.48 and 1.9 ± 0.59 (p < .001, ƞ2 = 0.34) in the MedDiet and control groups, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Adding MedDiet to aerobic and strengthening exercise program improved quadriceps and hamstrings muscles performance, pain, functional ability, CRP, handgrip strength, and body weight. Consequently, Mediterranean diet should be considered as adjunctive therapy in treating females with RA.

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Italian Patients With Systemic Sclerosis: An Epidemiologic Survey

OBJECTIVE

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an orphan disease that can lead to severe involvement of the gastrointestinal tract with a significant impact on patients' quality of life (QoL). The Mediterranean diet (MD) was consistently demonstrated to have beneficial effects on chronic diseases based on biological bases. We aimed to evaluate the adherence to the MD of Italian patients with SSc to preliminarily assess its association with gastrointestinal symptoms and other disease features, mood, and QoL.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, adherence to the MD was measured in 387 patients from four SSc Italian referral centers through the 14-item Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (14-MEDAS) questionnaire. We also registered patients' reported outcomes related to the QoL and mood.

RESULTS

Overall, an optimal adherence to MD was observed in 14.7% of patients with SSc, a moderate adherence in 71.3%, and a low adherence in 14.0%. In univariate analysis, poor adherence to the MD was associated with a more prominent depressive mood, time missed at work, and perception of more severe Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ulcers, whereas the 14-MEDAS score inversely correlated with depression score and reflux.

CONCLUSION

In our cohort of patients with SSc, overall adherence to MD was moderate. Patients with lower adherence to MD also reported worse outcomes related to QoL and mood. Administration of the 14-MEDAS could be a reasonable choice to assess adherence to the MD in patients with SSc. Future initiatives to study the role of MD in the management of patients with SSc are warranted.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with a reduced DAS28 index among patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Case study from KRRD

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, autoimmune disease that mostly affects the synovial joints. It has been hypothesized that dietary and other environmental and lifestyle factors contribute to the development of RA and its severity.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aims to measure the effect of the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) on the disease activity scores (DAS28) among patients with RA.

METHODS

Adult patients who satisfied the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for RA from major hospitals in Kuwait were evaluated. A cross-sectional study conducted on 754 RA patients visits aged (21-79) years. Patients were evaluated using the DAS28. Patients' levels of adherence to the MedDiet are assessed using a validated 14-item Questionnaire (paper or web-based). The data was analyzed using both multivariate and univariate statistics. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the statistical relationship between MedDiet and RA disease activity.

RESULTS

The finding suggests that a MedDiet can have a positive impact on DAS28 among patients with RA. In the DAS28 cohort (DAS28 < 3.2, DAS28 ≥ 3.2), several Mediterranean survey components showed statistically significant differences. Patients with a Mediterranean score ≤ 5 was more likely to have hazard effects for DAS28 than those with a Mediterranean score of ≥10 (HR = 0.17, CI [0.08-0.37], p < .001). The finding shows that, Mediterranean levels ≤5, on biologics treatment, CRP, and patient global assessment were significantly associated with overall survival. Additionally, the MedDiet was found to be a significant predictor of DAS28 in the random forest decision tree plot, along with tender, RF, and creatinine. MedDiet patients had a lower DAS28 score than others.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that optimal drug treatment and a restrictive diet can help to improve DAS28 score for patients with RA. More patients in the cohort DAS28 <3.2 used olive oil, servings of vegetables, fruits, and legumes. In contrast, more patients in the cohort DAS28 ≥ 3.2 consumed red meat, butter, sweetened or soft drinks, cakes, cookies, or biscuits, and tomato sauce.

Does Pizza Consumption Favor an Improved Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis?

To our knowledge, no studies so far have investigated the role of pizza and its ingredients in modulating disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We assessed this question via a recent cross-sectional study including 365 participants from Italy, the birthplace of pizza. Multiple robust linear and logistic regression models were fitted with the tertile consumption categories of each available pizza-related food item/group (i.e., pizza, refined grains, mozzarella cheese, and olive oil) as independent variables, and each available RA activity measure (i.e., the Disease Activity Score on 28 joints with C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP), and the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI)) as the dependent variable. Stratified analyses were carried out according to the disease severity or duration. Participants eating half a pizza >1 time/week (vs. ≤2 times/month) reported beneficial effects on disease activity, with the significant reductions of ~70% (overall analysis), and 80% (the more severe stratum), and the significant beta coefficients of -0.70 for the DAS28-CRP, and -3.6 for the SDAI (overall analysis) and of -1.10 and -5.30 (in long-standing and more severe RA, respectively). Among the pizza-related food items/groups, mozzarella cheese and olive oil showed beneficial effects, especially in the more severe stratum. Future cohort studies are needed to confirm this beneficial effect of pizza and related food items/groups on RA disease activity.

Severity of Liver Fibrosis Is Associated with the Japanese Diet Pattern and Skeletal Muscle Mass in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

It is not fully clear as to which dietary patterns are associated with the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Asia. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 136 consecutively recruited patients with NAFLD (49% female, median age 60 years). Severity of liver fibrosis was assessed using the Agile 3+ score, a recently proposed system based on vibration-controlled transient elastography. Dietary status was assessed using the 12-component modified Japanese diet pattern index (mJDI12). Skeletal muscle mass was assessed by bioelectrical impedance. Factors associated with intermediate-high-risk Agile 3+ scores and skeletal muscle mass (75th percentile or higher) were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression. After adjustment for confounders, such as age and sex, the mJDI12 (OR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.61, 0.99) and skeletal muscle mass (75th percentile or higher) (OR: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.77) were significantly associated with intermediate-high-risk Agile 3+ scores. Soybeans and soybean foods were significantly associated with skeletal muscle mass (75th percentile or higher) (OR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.04). In conclusion, the Japanese diet pattern was associated with the severity of liver fibrosis in Japanese patients with NAFLD. Skeletal muscle mass was also associated with the severity of liver fibrosis, and intake of soybeans and soybean foods.

Olive Oil and Nuts in Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity

Few observational studies investigated the relationship between single food groups and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Within a recent Italian cross-sectional study (365 patients, median age: 58.46 years, 78.63% females), we focused on two food groups, olive oil and nuts, representing vegetable sources of fatty acids. Disease activity was measured with Disease Activity Score on 28 joints based on C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) and the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI). Robust linear and logistic regression models included tertile-based consumption categories of each food group and several confounders. Stratified analyses were performed by disease severity or duration. Higher consumption of both food groups exerted a favorable effect on disease activity, significant only for olive oil (Beta: -0.33, p-value: 0.03) in the linear regression on the overall sample. This favorable effect was stronger in the more severe or long-standing forms of RA (p-value for heterogeneity <0.05, especially for disease severity). Significant ORs were as low as ~0.30 for both food groups, strata (i.e., more severe and long-standing RA), and disease activity measures. Mean DAS28-CRP significantly decreased by ~0.70 for olive oil and ~0.55 for nuts in the two strata; mean SDAI significantly decreased by 3.30 or more for olive oil in the two strata. Globally, the beta coefficients doubled, and the ORs halved (in absolute values) for both food groups, reaching significance in 12 of the 16 available models fitted to the more severe or long-standing RA strata. More compromised forms of RA may benefit from increasing consumption of olive oil, olives, and nuts.

Mediterranean Diet and Physical Activity Nudges versus Usual Care in Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results from the MADEIRA Randomized Controlled Trial

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), diet quality and nutritional status have been shown to impact the disease activity and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) has been suggested as an anti-inflammatory regime to improve disease status and reduce cardiovascular risk. The Mediterranean DiEt In Rheumatoid Arthritis (MADEIRA) was a single-blind (statistician), two-arm randomized clinical trial, investigating the effects of a 12-week lifestyle intervention, including a personalized isocaloric MD plan with the promotion of physical activity (PA), supported through a clinical decision support systems (CDSS) platform, versus usual care in women with RA. Forty adult women with RA on remission were randomly allocated (1:1 ratio) to either the intervention or the control arm. The intervention group received personalized MD plans and lifestyle consultation on improving PA levels, whereas the controls were given generic dietary and PA advice, based on the National Dietary Guidelines. The primary outcome was that the difference in the MD adherence and secondary outcomes included change in disease activity (DAS28), anthropometric indices (BodPod), dietary intake, PA, vitamin D concentrations, and blood lipid profiles after 12 weeks from the initiation of the trial. At 3 months post-baseline, participants in the MD arm exhibited greater adherence to the MD compared with the controls (p < 0.001), lower DAS28 (p < 0.001), favorable improvements in dietary intake (p = 0.001), PA (p = 0.002), body weight and body composition (p < 0.001), blood glucose (p = 0.005), and serum 1,25(OH)2D concentrations (p < 0.001). The delivery of the MD and PA promotion through CDSS nudges in women with RA in an intensive manner improves the MD adherence and is associated with beneficial results regarding disease activity and cardiometabolic-related outcomes, compared with the usual care.

Association between 19 dietary fatty acids intake and rheumatoid arthritis: Results of a nationwide survey

BACKGROUND

The relationship between dietary fatty acid intakes and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is unclear and the available studies have focused on only a few fatty acids. This study investigated the association between the intake of 19 dietary fatty acids and RA in U.S. adults.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study using nationally representative data from the 2010-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Multivariate linear regression model, multivariate logic regression models, smoothing curve fitting, and two-segment linear regression model were used to explore the relationships between 19 dietary fatty acids intakes with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) and RA risk.

RESULTS

A total of 16,530 participants were included (1053 participants with RA). Intake of hexadecanoic acid and octadecanoic acid were significantly associated with higher Hs-CRP levels, intake of hexadecenoic acid was significantly associated with higher RA risk, and intake of docosahexaenoic acid was significantly associated with lower RA risk. In addition, there was an inverted U-shaped relationship between total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) intake and RA risk, with the inflection point reached at 15.77% .

CONCLUSIONS

Among the 19 dietary fatty acids, only 4 subclasses were significantly associated with Hs-CRP or RA risk. The inverted U-shaped relationship between MUFAs and RA risk may provide insights to find potential prevention strategies for RA.

Impact of disease burden or inflammation on nutritional assessment by the GLIM criteria in female patients with rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

In 2018, the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) released a global standard for evaluating malnutrition. The etiologies of malnutrition in the GLIM criteria includes disease burden/inflammation, but how this view affects nutritional assessment remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of disease burden/inflammation on the proportion of malnourished patients defined by GLIM criteria, and how differences in methods for determining disease burden/inflammation in GLIM criteria affect existing nutritional indices among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We also investigated factors associated with malnutrition in RA patients.

METHODS

Data from 135 female RA patients (66.8 ± 12.6 years) were cross-sectionally analyzed. Among the etiologies of malnutrition, disease burden/inflammation was defined as: (1) moderate or higher disease activity score (disease activity score composite of the 28-joint score and erythrocyte sedimentation rate [DAS28-ESR] ≥ 3.2) [DAS-malnutrition (MN)]; (2) elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) ≥0.5 mg/dL (CRP-MN); and (3) presence of RA (RA-MN). In each of the three conditions, nutritional indicators between well-nourished and malnourished groups were compared by analysis of covariance. Factors associated with malnutrition were analyzed with logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The frequencies of malnutrition as defined by DAS-MN, CRP-MN, and RA-MN were 39%, 30%, and 71%, respectively. When malnutrition was defined by the DAS-MN and/or the CRP-MN, grip strength and serum ceruloplasmin, iron, and zinc levels showed significant differences between the well-nourished and malnourished groups (p < 0.05). The use of targeted synthetic or biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (ts-/b-DMARD) (OR = 0.29; 95% CI 0.11-0.82), grip strength (OR = 0.83; 95% CI 0.75-0.91), subjective reduction in walking speed (OR = 5.24; 1.85-14.86) were significantly associated with malnutrition as determined by DAS-MN.

CONCLUSION

Differences in disease burden/inflammation affect nutritional assessments. The number of malnourished patients with RA was negatively associated with the use of ts-/b-DMARDs and high physical function in women.

Association Between Vitamin A Intake and Disease Severity in Early-Onset Heterotopic Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament of the Spine

STUDY DESIGN

A sex- and age-matched case-control study and a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE

In our previous study, patients with early-onset (<50 years of age) ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) had distinct features such as morbid obesity, a high prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases, and diffuse ossified lesions mainly affecting the thoracic spine. Our goals were to determine whether early-onset OPLL patients have unbalanced dietary habits and to identify nutritional factors associated with OPLL exacerbation.

METHODS

In Study 1, the simple brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ) was used to compare nutrient intake levels of early-onset OPLL patients (n = 13) with those of sex- and age-matched non-OPLL controls (n = 39) or with those of common OPLL (onset age ≥ 50 years, n = 62). In Study 2, serological validation was conducted for thoracic OPLL patients (n = 77) and non-OPLL controls (n = 101) in a nationwide multicenter study in Japan.

RESULTS

The BDHQ showed that the early-onset OPLL patients had significantly lower intakes of vitamins A and B6 than non-OPLL controls. These results were validated by lower serum vitamins A and B6 levels in the early-onset thoracic OPLL patients. The severity of OPLL negatively correlated with serum vitamin A levels in male early-onset OPLL patients. The multiple regression analysis revealed that the severity of thoracic OPLL had an association with onset age and serum vitamin A level.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin A deficiency resulting from unbalanced dietary habits is associated with exacerbation of male early-onset OPLL.

Therapeutic Properties and Use of Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Clinical Nutrition: A Narrative Review and Literature Update

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet (MedD). In this narrative review, we synthesize and illustrate the various characteristics and clinical applications of EVOO and its components—such as oleic acid, hydroxytyrosol, and oleuropein—in the field of clinical nutrition and dietetics. The evidence is split into diet therapy, oleic acid-based enteral nutrition formulations and oral supplementation formulations, oleic acid-based parenteral nutrition, and nutraceutical supplementation of minor components of EVOO. EVOO has diverse beneficial health properties, and current evidence supports the use of whole EVOO in diet therapy and the supplementation of its minor components to improve cardiovascular health, lipoprotein metabolism, and diabetes mellitus in clinical nutrition. Nevertheless, more intervention studies in humans are needed to chisel specific recommendations for its therapeutic use through different formulations in other specific diseases and clinical populations.

Synovial Fluid Fatty Acid Profiles Are Differently Altered by Inflammatory Joint Pathologies in the Shoulder and Knee Joints

Anomalies of fatty acid (FA) metabolism characterize osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the knee joint. No previous study has investigated the synovial fluid (SF) FA manifestations in these aging-related inflammatory diseases in the shoulder. The present experiment compared the FA alterations between the shoulder and knee joints in patients with end-stage OA or end-stage RA. SF samples were collected during glenohumeral or knee joint surgery from trauma controls and from OA and RA patients (n = 42). The FA composition of SF total lipids was analyzed by gas chromatography with flame ionization and mass spectrometric detection and compared across cohorts. The FA signatures of trauma controls were mostly uniform in both anatomical locations. RA shoulders were characterized by elevated percentages of 20:4n-6 and 22:6n-3 and with reduced proportions of 18:1n-9. The FA profiles of OA and RA knees were relatively uniform and displayed lower proportions of 18:2n-6, 22:6n-3 and total n-6 polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs). The results indicate location- and disease-dependent differences in the SF FA composition. These alterations in FA profiles and their potential implications for the production of PUFA-derived lipid mediators may affect joint lubrication, synovial inflammation and pannus formation as well as cartilage and bone degradation and contribute to the pathogeneses of inflammatory joint diseases.

Fatty Acids and Oxylipins in Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis-a Complex Field with Significant Potential for Future Treatments

Purpose of Review

Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are characterized by abnormal lipid metabolism manifested as altered fatty acid (FA) profiles of synovial fluid and tissues and in the way dietary FA supplements can influence the symptoms of especially RA. In addition to classic eicosanoids, the potential roles of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA)-derived specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPM) have become the focus of intensive research. Here, we summarize the current state of knowledge of the roles of FA and oxylipins in the degradation or protection of synovial joints.

Recent Findings

There exists discordance between the large body of literature from cell culture and animal experiments on the adverse and beneficial effects of individual FA and the lack of effective treatments for joint destruction in OA and RA patients. Saturated 16:0 and 18:0 induce mostly deleterious effects, while long-chain n-3 PUFA, especially 20:5n-3, have positive influence on joint health. The situation can be more complex for n-6 PUFA, such as 18:2n-6, 20:4n-6, and its derivative prostaglandin E₂, with a combination of potentially adverse and beneficial effects. SPM analogs have future potential as analgesics for arthritic pain.

Summary

Alterations in FA profiles and their potential implications in SPM production may affect joint lubrication, synovial inflammation, pannus formation, as well as cartilage and bone degradation and contribute to the pathogeneses of inflammatory joint diseases. Further research directions include high-quality randomized controlled trials on dietary FA supplements and investigations on the significance of lipid composition of microvesicle membrane and cargo in joint diseases.

Change in dietary inflammatory index score is associated with control of long-term rheumatoid arthritis disease activity in a Japanese cohort: the TOMORROW study

Background

The dietary inflammatory index (DII®), a quantitative measure of the inflammatory potential of daily food and nutrient intake, and associations between a variety of health outcomes have been reported. However, the association between DII score and disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is unclear. Therefore, this study was designed to test whether higher DII score contributes to disease activity and as a corollary, whether reducing DII score helps to achieve or maintain low disease activity or remission in patients with RA.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis using 6 years of data (from 2011 to 2017) in TOMORROW, a cohort study consisting of 208 RA patients and 205 gender- and age-matched controls started in 2010. Disease activity of RA patients was assessed annually using DAS28-ESR (disease activity score 28 joints and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate) as a composite measure based on arthritic symptoms in 28 joints plus global health assessment and ESR. Dietary data were collected in 2011 and 2017 using the brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ). Energy-adjusted DII (E-DII™) score was calculated using 26 nutrients derived from the BDHQ. Data were analyzed with two-group comparisons, correlation analysis, and multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

One hundred and seventy-seven RA patients and 183 controls, for whom clinical and dietary survey data were available, were analyzed. RA patients had significantly higher E-DII (pro-inflammatory) score compared to controls both in 2011 and 2017 (p < 0.05). In RA patients, E-DII score was not a factor associated with significant change in disease activity. However, anti-inflammatory change in E-DII score was associated maintaining low disease activity (DAS28-ESR ≤ 3.2) or less for 6 years (OR 3.46, 95% CI 0.33–8.98, p = 0.011).

Conclusions

The diets of RA patients had a higher inflammatory potential than controls. Although E-DII score was not a factor associated with significant disease activity change, anti-inflammatory change in E-DII score appeared to be associated with maintaining low disease activity in patients with RA.

Trial registration

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000003876. Registered 7 Aug 2010—retrospectively registered.

Structural and Functional Changes of Hands and Legs in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess if there are structural and functional changes of hands and legs already in early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA), compared with the population-based control group. Additionally, we aimed to identify if the changes are symmetrical in hands and legs and if there are factors that are associated with these changes. The study was conducted, and, thus far, the results have been controversial. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 83 consecutive patients with ERA and 321 control subjects. Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) machine was used to measure bone, lean and fat mass. Inflammation and bone markers, smoking and nutritional habits were assessed, to evaluate the effects of different factors. The 30-Second Chair Stand Test (30-CST) and the Handgrip Strength Test (HST) were used to estimate muscle strength. Results: The presence of ERA was associated with lower arm, leg lean mass and higher fat mass of arm, compared with control subjects. ERA was also associated with lower mean handgrip in HST and worse muscle strength of legs in the 30-CST. Bone mass changes were not so evident both in arms and legs. Smoking habits did not seem to have relevant effect on bone mass, muscle structural and functional changes, both on hands and legs. In ERA, lean mass of arm and leg was negatively associated with C-reactive protein (CRP). The intake of proteins in ERA was not associated with lean mass changes both in hands and legs. Conclusions: Structural and functional changes of hands and legs are different in ERA. ERA patients had higher fat mass of arm, lower lean mass of arm and leg and, accordingly, decreased muscle function. The lowering of lean mass of arm and leg in ERA was associated with the elevation of CRP.

Diet in Rheumatoid Arthritis versus Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Any Differences?

In recent years, an increasing interest in the influence of diet in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) led to the publication of several articles exploring the role of food/nutrients in both the risk of developing these conditions in normal subjects and the natural history of the disease in patients with established RMDs. Diet may be a possible facilitator of RMDs due to both the direct pro-inflammatory properties of some nutrients and the indirect action on insulin resistance, obesity and associated co-morbidities. A consistent body of research has been conducted in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), while studies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are scarce and have been conducted mainly on experimental models of the disease. This review article aims to outline similarities and differences between RA and SLE based on the existing literature.

Change in skeletal muscle mass is associated with lipid profiles in female rheumatoid arthritis patients -TOMORROW study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

To examine the relationship between changes in skeletal muscle mass and lipid metabolism and glycometabolism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Data were analyzed from 148 female RA patients and 145 age-matched non-RA (control) female subjects from a prospective cohort study (TOMORROW; TOtal Management Of Risk factors in Rheumatoid arthritis patients to lOWer morbidity and mortality study). Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was calculated as ASM divided by the square of height. The reference value for SMI in Asian women, 5.4 kg/m², was used to define low SMI. Data were assessed using cross-sectional (2010 baseline data) and longitudinal (change in value from 2010 to 2013) methods from the retrospective cohort.

RESULTS

At baseline in RA patients, the low SMI group showed significantly higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-chol) (p = 0.015), apolipoprotein (Apo)B (p = 0.046), and ApoB-to-A1 (ApoB/A1) (p = 0.025) than the normal SMI group. In multiple regression analysis of RA patients, sequential changes from 2010 to 2013 (Δ) in SMI and ApoB and ApoC2 showed significant negative relationships (β = -0.19, -0.18, respectively) even after adjusting for age, RA duration, exercise habits, medication for RA, disease severity, activities of daily living (ADL) and body fat mass. No significant relation was evident between ΔSMI and various glycometabolism parameters in RA patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Skeletal muscle mass might be related to lipid metabolism in RA patients. This relationship is independent of factors such as disease severity and body fat mass.

A Posteriori Dietary Patterns and Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity: A Beneficial Role of Vegetable and Animal Unsaturated Fatty Acids

To our knowledge, no studies have investigated the relationship between a posteriori dietary patterns (DPs)-representing current dietary behavior-and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We analyzed data from a recent Italian cross-sectional study including 365 RA patients (median age: 58.46 years, 78.63% females). Prevalent DPs were identified through principal component factor analysis on 33 nutrients. RA activity was measured according to the Disease Activity Score on 28 joints (DAS28) and the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI). Single DPs were related to disease activity through linear and logistic regression models, adjusted for the remaining DPs and confounders. We identified five DPs (~80% variance explained). Among them, Vegetable unsaturated fatty acids (VUFA) and Animal unsaturated fatty acids (AUFA) DPs were inversely related to DAS28 in the overall analysis, and in the more severe or long-standing RA subgroups; the highest score reductions (VUFA: 0.81, AUFA: 0.71) were reached for the long-standing RA. The SDAI was inversely related with these DPs in subgroups only. This Italian study shows that scoring high on DPs based on unsaturated fats from either source provides independent beneficial effects of clinical relevance on RA disease activity, thus strengthening evidence on the topic.

A Comparison of Gene Expression Changes in the Blood of Individuals Consuming Diets Supplemented with Olives, Nuts or Long-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Background: The Mediterranean diet, which is rich in olive oil, nuts, and fish, is considered healthy and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Methods: Here, we compared the transcriptome from the blood of subjects with diets supplemented with olives, nuts, or long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and identified the genes differentially expressed. The dietary genes obtained were subjected to network analysis to determine the main pathways, as well as the transcription factors and microRNA interaction networks to elucidate their regulation. Finally, a gene-associated disease interaction network was performed. Results: We identified several genes whose expression is altered after the intake of components of the Mediterranean diets compared to controls. These genes were associated with infection and inflammation. Transcription factors and miRNAs were identified as potential regulators of the dietary genes. Interestingly, caspase 1 and sialophorin are differentially expressed in the opposite direction after the intake of supplements compared to Alzheimer’s disease patients. In addition, ten transcription factors were identified that regulated gene expression in supplemented diets, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease. Conclusions: We identified genes whose expression is altered after the intake of the supplements as well as the transcription factors and miRNAs involved in their regulation. These genes are associated with schizophrenia, neoplasms, and rheumatic arthritis, suggesting that the Mediterranean diet may be beneficial in reducing these diseases. In addition, the results suggest that the Mediterranean diet may also be beneficial in reducing the risk of dementia.

What Model of Nutrition Can Be Recommended to People Ending Their Professional Sports Career? An Analysis of the Mediterranean Diet and the CRON Diet in the Context of Former Athletes

Athletes who retire from their sporting career face an increase in body weight, leading to overweight or obesity. Simultaneously, a significant number of these athletes meet the criteria of metabolic syndrome. The available literature does not offer clearly defined standards of nutrition for the discussed group of people. In this situation, it seems advisable to develop different standards of dietary behavior typical of athletes finishing their sports careers. For this purpose, the study analyzed two types of diets: the Mediterranean diet and the Calorie Restriction with Optimal Nutrition (CRON) diet based on significant calorie restrictions. Both diets seem to meet the requirements of this group of people.

Diet as a Modulator of Intestinal Microbiota in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic immune-driven inflammatory disease characterised by synovial inflammation, leading to progressive cartilage and bone destruction, impacting patients' functional capacity and quality of life. Patients with RA have significant differences in gut microbiota composition when compared to controls. Intestinal dysbiosis influences the intestinal barrier strength, integrity and function, and diet is considered the main environmental factor impacting gut microbiota. Over the last few years, researchers have focused on the influence of single components of the diet in the modulation of intestinal microbiota in RA rather than whole dietary patterns. In this review, we focus on how the Mediterranean diet (MD), a whole dietary pattern, could possibly act as an adjuvant therapeutic approach, modulating intestinal microbiota and intestinal barrier function in order to improve RA-related outcomes. We also review the potential effects of particular components of the MD, such as n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), polyphenols and fibre.

Beverages in Rheumatoid Arthritis: What to Prefer or to Avoid

Background: The role of nutrition in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), has gained increasing attention in recent years. A growing number of studies have focussed on the diverse nutritional contents of beverages, and their possible role in the development and progression of RA. Main body: We aimed to summarise the current knowledge on the role of a range of beverages in the context of RA. Beverages have a key role within the mosaic of autoimmunity in RA and potential to alter the microbiome, leading to downstream effects on inflammatory pathways. The molecular contents of beverages, including coffee, tea, and wine, have similarly been found to interfere with immune signalling pathways, some beneficial for disease progression and others less so. Finally, we consider beverages in the context of wider dietary patterns, and how this growing body of evidence may be harnessed by the multidisciplinary team in patient management. Conclusions: While there is increasing work focussing on the role of beverages in RA, integration of discussions around diet and lifestyle in our management of patients remains sparse. Nutrition in RA remains a controversial topic, but future studies, especially on the role of beverages, are likely to shed further light on this in coming years.

Let Food Be Thy Medicine: The Case of The Mediterranean Diet in Rheumatoid Arthritis

The role of diet in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been the topic of extensive research. The present review aimed to present and appraise the studies assessing adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and the primary/secondary prevention of rheumatoid arthritis. Based on the available studies, the evidence appears low and adherence to the MD does not appear to affect RA indices.

New and traditional foods in a modernized Mediterranean diet model

Mediterranean diet is definitely one of the healthiest dietary models. Next questions are: is the traditional Mediterranean diet adapted to the modern environmental and existential conditions? Could and/or should it be "modernized" to adapt to the various geographical, environmental, ethnic, and religious characteristics? If "modernization" is required, which traditional Mediterranean foods should be imperatively conserved as they are? Alternatively, which "new" foods-not traditional or not Mediterranean-could be introduced to help people to still respect the basic healthy Mediterranean diet principles? The present article intends to help solving these new questions.

Dietary Habits and Nutrition in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Can Diet Influence Disease Development and Clinical Manifestations?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic, autoimmune disease characterized by joint involvement, with progressive cartilage and bone destruction. Genetic and environmental factors determine RA susceptibility. In recent years, an increasing number of studies suggested that diet has a central role in disease risk and progression. Several nutrients, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, present anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, featuring a protective role for RA development, while others such as red meat and salt have a harmful effect. Gut microbiota alteration and body composition modifications are indirect mechanisms of how diet influences RA onset and progression. Possible protective effects of some dietary patterns and supplements, such as the Mediterranean Diet (MD), vitamin D and probiotics, could be a possible future adjunctive therapy to standard RA treatment. Therefore, a healthy lifestyle and nutrition have to be encouraged in patients with RA.

Nutrition in RMDs: is it really food for thought? Focus on rheumatoid arthritis

Background

The relationship between food and health is known since the antiquity and in the field of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), mainly rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a large number of studies has been published over the last 50 years encompassing different aspects of nutrition. This led to postulate a role of nutrients for both primary prevention of RMDs in the general population and secondary prevention of disease flares and complications in patients with an established RMD.

Main body of abstract

We aimed to summarise and critically discuss current evidence on the role of different nutrients and dietary regimens in RMDs with a focus on RA. Over the last years, some seminal papers proved that some compounds, such as salt, can directly modulate the immune system and large epidemiological studies have been linking dietary patters with the risk to develop RMDs. However, physicians' knowledge about the role of diet in disease prevention and treatment is often poor and ultimately diet is rarely perceived as a companion of pharmacological treatment.

Conclusions

Based on the currently available evidence, we are not (yet?) in the phase of putting diet on the same level as pharmacological treatment in RMDs and in particular, RA, but future studies will likely shed additional light on this controversial topic and at least might suggest a value as dietary prevention of risk factors.

Intake frequency of vegetables or seafoods negatively correlates with disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis

Objective

To clarify the relationship between dietary habit and disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

This study enrolled RA patients who met the ACR/EULAR 2010 classification criteria from Kyoto University Rheumatoid Arthritis Management Alliance (KURAMA) cohort in 2015. 22-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was taken for the measurement of dietary habit in a single-institution cohort of RA (Kyoto University Rheumatoid Arthritis Management Alliance: KURAMA) in 2015. The disease activities of RA using the Disease Activity Score calculated based on the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR), Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and serum matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) level, the use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), disease duration, rheumatoid factor, anti-cyclic citrullinated antibody, and body mass index were also examined. All of them were combined and statistically analyzed.

Results

441 RA patients (81% women; mean age 65 years; mean disease duration 15 years) were enrolled from the KURAMA cohort. Average Disease Activity Score-28 using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) was 2.7. Univariate analysis showed that intake frequency of vegetables had a statistically significant negative correlation with disease activity markers, such as DAS28-ESR (ρ = −0.11, p<0.01), Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) (ρ = −0.16, p<0.001), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) (ρ = −0.21, p<0.0001), and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) (ρ = −0.13, p<0.01). Factor analysis with varimax rotation was done to simplify the relevance of disease activity to various food items. 22 foods were categorized into five dietary patterns: “seafoods”, “vegetables/fruits”, “meats/fried foods”, “snacks”, and “processed foods”. The multivariate analysis adjusted for clinically significant confounders showed that “seafoods” had statistically significant negative correlations with DAS28-ESR (β = −0.15, p<0.01), SDAI (β = −0.18, p<0.001), MMP-3 (β = −0.15, p<0.01), and HAQ (β = −0.24, p<0.0001). “Vegetables/fruits” had statistically significant negative correlations with SDAI (β = −0.11 p<0.05), MMP-3 (β = −0.12, p<0.01), and HAQ (β = −0.11, p<0.05)

Conclusions

These results suggest that high intake frequency of vegetables/fruits and/or seafoods might correlate with low disease activity.

Design of an anti-inflammatory diet (ITIS diet) for patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease that affects synovial joints, leading to inflammation, joint destruction, loss of function, and disability. Although recent pharmaceutical advances have improved treatment of RA, patients with RA often inquire about dietary interventions to improve RA symptoms, as they perceive rapid changes in their symptoms after consumption of certain foods. There is evidence that some ingredients have pro- or anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, recent literature has shown a link between diet and microbiome changes. Both diet and the gut microbiome are linked to circulating metabolites that may modulate inflammation. However, evidence of the effects of an anti-inflammatory and probiotic-rich diet in patients with RA is scarce. There is also a need for biological data to support its anti-inflammatory effects.

Methods

The main goal of this study is to delineate the design process for a diet tailored to our RA population. To achieve this goal, we collected information on diet, supplements, cooking methods, and intake of different ingredients for each patient. Different groups were interviewed, and their feedback was assessed to design a diet that incorporates suggested anti-inflammatory ingredients in a manner that was easy for patients to adopt based on their lifestyles and backgrounds.

Results

We designed a diet that includes a high intake of potential anti-inflammatory ingredients. Feedback from highly motivated patients was critical in constructing an anti-inflammatory diet (ITIS diet) with elevated adherence.

Conclusion

In order to tailor our diet, we surveyed our patients on several different parameters. We obtained important feedback on how feasible our ITIS diet is for RA patients. Using this feedback, we made minor improvements and finalized the design of the ITIS diet. This diet is being used in an on-going pilot study to determine their anti-inflammatory effect in pain and joint swelling in RA patients.

Trial registration

Not applicable.

Association Between Mediterranean Anti-inflammatory Dietary Profile and Severity of Psoriasis: Results From the NutriNet-Santé Cohort

Importance

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease. The Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce chronic inflammation and has a positive effect on the risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular events. Thus, we hypothesized a positive effect on the onset and/or severity of psoriasis.

Objective

To assess the association between a score that reflects the adhesion to a Mediterranean diet (MEDI-LITE) and the onset and/or severity of psoriasis.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The NutriNet-Santé program is an ongoing, observational, web-based questionnaire cohort study launched in France in May 2009. The present study was performed within the framework of the NutriNet-Santé program, with data collected and analyzed between April 2017 and June 2017. Patients with psoriasis were identified via a validated online self-completed questionnaire and then categorized by disease severity: severe psoriasis, nonsevere psoriasis, and psoriasis-free. Data on dietary intake (including alcohol) were gathered during the first 2 years of participation in the cohort to calculate the MEDI-LITE score (ranging from 0 for no adherence to 18 for maximum adherence). Potentially confounding variables (eg, age, sex, physical activity, body mass index, tobacco use, and a history of cardiovascular disease) were also recorded. Analyses used adjusted multinomial logistic regression to estimate the risk of having severe psoriasis or nonsevere psoriasis compared with being psoriasis-free.

Results

Of the 158 361 total NutriNet-Santé participants, 35 735 (23%) replied to the psoriasis questionnaire. The mean (SD) age of the respondents was 47.5 (14.0) years; 27 220 (76%) of the respondents were women. Of these 35 735 respondents, 3557 (10%) individuals reported having psoriasis. The condition was severe in 878 cases (24.7%), and 299 (8.4%) incident cases were recorded (those arising more than 2 years after participant inclusion in the cohort). After adjustment for confounding factors, a significant inverse relationship was found between the MEDI-LITE score and having severe psoriasis: odds ratio (OR), 0.71; 95% CI, 0.55-0.92 for the MEDI-LITE score's second tertile (score of 8 to 9); and OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.59-1.01 for the third tertile (score of 10 to 18).

Conclusions and Relevance

Patients with severe psoriasis displayed low levels of adherence to the Mediterranean diet; this finding supports the hypothesis that the Mediterranean diet may slow the progression of psoriasis. If these findings are confirmed, adherence to a Mediterranean diet should be integrated into the routine management of moderate to severe psoriasis.

Comparison of five international indices of adherence to the Mediterranean diet among healthy adults: similarities and differences

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To compare five indices of adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) among adults living in the Mediterranean region.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

A total of 100 healthy Lebanese adults aged between 18 and 65 years. Face-to-face interviews to collect sociodemographic and medical information, to take anthropometric measurements, and to fill a validated, culturally adapted, food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The score for each item was calculated following the recommendations for each corresponding index. The five MD indices were Mediterranean Diet Scale (MDScale), Mediterranean Food Pattern (MFP), MD Score (MDS), Short Mediterranean Diet Questionnaire (SMDQ), and the MedDiet score.

RESULTS

Significant correlations were detected between items with P-values < 0.001. Minimal agreement was seen between MDScale and MedDiet score and maximal agreement between MDS and MedDiet score. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that MDS and MedDiet scores had significant correlations with fiber and olive oil intake, main components of the MD. MDScale showed a significant correlation with waist-to-hip ratio and with total energy intake but none of the five indices was correlated to body mass index (BMI).

CONCLUSIONS

The indices that showed the highest correlation with variables related to the MD are the MDScale and the MedDiet score; therefore, they can be used to assess our future study populations. Based on the current results, more than half of the study population was non-adherent to the MD and adherence to this diet did not appear to protect against being overweight (BMI ≥ 30).

Interactions between microbiota, diet/nutrients and immune/inflammatory response in rheumatic diseases: focus on rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) are chronic systemic immune/inflammatory conditions characterized by the interaction between gene predisposition, autoimmunity and environmental factors. A growing scientific interest has focused on the role of diet in RMDs, suggesting its significant contribution to the pathogenesis and prognosis of these diseases. It is now clear that diet can directly modulate the immune response by providing a wide range of nutrients, which interfere with multiple pathways at both the gastro-intestinal and systemic level. Moreover, diet critically shapes the human gut microbiota, which is recognized to have a central role in the modulation of the immune response and in RMD pathogenesis. We hereby provide an in-depth analysis on the role of the microbiota in RMDs and on nutritional intervention as an integral part of a multidisciplinary approach. Particular attention will be given to the Mediterranean diet, as the only diet proven to support substantial benefits in RMD management.

Cross-Sectional Analysis of Overall Dietary Intake and Mediterranean Dietary Pattern in Patients with Crohn's Disease

The primary objective of this study was to explore the macro- and micro-nutrient intakes and dietary patterns of patients with Crohn's disease (CD). Secondary objectives were to (a) compare the micronutrient intakes of CD patients with a representative sample of individuals, (b) describe the macro- and micronutrient intakes of male and female CD patients, and (c) describe Mediterranean diet scores (P-MDS) of male and female CD patients in remission that were recruited from an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) clinic in Calgary, AB. Consecutive patients with ileal and/or colonic CD in endoscopic remission were recruited for participation in this cross-sectional study. Sixty-seven patients were enrolled with a mean age of 45, and a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 25. Compared with the representative sample, patients with CD had similar energy, protein, carbohydrate, and total fat intake. However, polyunsaturated fats (PUFA), omega-6 and 3, and monounsaturated fats (MUFA) were lower in CD patients and dietary fiber intake was higher (p < 0.05). Vitamins C, D, thiamin, niacin, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and potassium were all significantly lower in all CD patients when compared to the representative sample (p < 0.05). Few patients with CD met the P-MDS criteria and overall scores were low (mean 4.5, Standard Deviation (SD) = 1.1 in males and 4.7, SD = 1.8 in females). The CD patients in this study had suboptimal dietary intakes and patterns and these data may be used to inform future dietary interventions in this population to improve intake.

Fatty oil from Securidaca inappendiculata exerted therapeutic effects on adjuvant-induced arthritis in mice via suppression on fibroblast-like synoviocyte

Securidaca inappendiculata Hassk. (SI) is a medicinal plant used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in South China. A substantial amount of fatty oil was isolated from SI (SIF), however little knowledge about its chemical composition and medicinal potentials was obtained. In this study, we analyzed its chemical composition with methyl esterification based GC-MS method, and investigated the therapeutic potentials on adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA) in mice. MTT and western-blot methods were employed to investigate its effects on proliferation rate and protein expressions in MH7A cells, respectively. It was revealed SIF was mainly comprised of saturated and monosaturated fatty acids, and the two predominant compounds were palmitic acid (36.89%) and oleic acid (31.12%). Treatment with SIF at 100 mg/kg resulted in significant alleviation of AA severity in mice, together with reduced synovial hyperplasia and inflammatory infiltration in joints, and decreased levels of sialic acid, malondialdehyde and alkaline phosphatase in serum. Results from immunohistochemical assays hinted the protective effects of SIF on joints were associated to the inhibition on production of some pathological factors in synovium, including IL-1β, TNF-α and MMP-9. SIF inhibited the proliferation of MH7A cells in a concentration dependent manner, and abrogated phosphorylation of p65 in vitro. These evidences collectively suggested SIF could suppress the pathological functions of fibroblast-like synoviocyte, and protect joints from destruction under AA conditions.

Are we really what we eat? Nutrition and its role in the onset of rheumatoid arthritis

Accumulating research evidence suggests that individual dietary factors and dietary patterns might be implicated in the risk of development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This narrative review aims to present this evidence and provide nutritional recommendations for reducing RA risk in susceptible individuals. Overall, a 'Western' type diet rich in energy intake, total and saturated fat, an unbalanced ratio of n-3 to n-6 fatty acids, high in refined carbohydrates and sugar and low in fiber and antioxidants might increase the risk of RA both directly through increasing inflammation and indirectly through increasing insulin resistance and obesity, with the latter being a known risk factor for RA. On the contrary, consumption of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, derived from fish and fish oil, is associated with a reduced risk of RA probably due to their anti-inflammatory properties. The Mediterranean diet (MD), rich in plant-based foods such as wholegrains, legumes, fruit, vegetables, extra-virgin olive oil and low in red meat consumption, might have the potential to reduce the risk of RA. Based on current research evidence, it is suggested that adherence to the MD enhanced with an increased consumption of fatty fish, reduced consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks and maintenance of a normal body weight, contributes to reducing the risk of RA. Further research on RA susceptibility will allow for more specific dietary recommendations to be made.

The role of diet in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic connective tissue disease which develops in the course of an autoimmune inflammatory process triggered by environmental factors in a genetically predisposed person. One of the environmental factors is the diet. RA patients' adherence to a healthy diet remains low, despite plentiful data confirming positive effects of some foods, e.g. fish rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), as well as the negative influence of unhealthy eating patterns, such as high consumption of fats and sugars, on RA incidence, activity and treatment response. In this review, we present current knowledge on the role of diet in rheumatoid arthritis, including dietary factors' preventive/promoting influence on RA development, as well as their impact on RA activity. We hope this article will aid and encourage clinicians to recommend a relevant dietary intervention to their RA patients.

The impact of nutrition and generally available products such as nicotine and alcohol on rheumatoid arthritis - review of the literature

Nutrition habits and diet may influence disease development and course. There are no specific recommendations related to rheumatic diseases for a diet that would facilitate treatment. However, some research results suggest that various nutrients may affect the health of patients, especially in the case of inflammatory rheumatic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Scientists have been trying to find a relation between inflammatory rheumatic diseases and diet but have never come up with any firm conclusions that would help in determining the model of a diet for such patients. Nevertheless, there are some consistent results that refer to the influence of nutritional behaviours on symptoms of RA. The article presents a review of the research showing that certain nutrients may be beneficial for the course of disease among some RA patients.

Role of Diet in Influencing Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity

BACKGROUND

Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) frequently ask their doctors about which diets to follow, and even in the absence of advice from their physicians, many patients are undertaking various dietary interventions.

DISCUSSION

However, the role of dietary modifications in RA is not well understood. Several studies have tried to address these gaps in our understanding. Intestinal microbial modifications are being studied for the prevention and management of RA. Some benefits of vegan diet may be explained by antioxidant constituents, lactobacilli and fibre, and by potential changes in intestinal flora. Similarly, Mediterranean diet shows anti-inflammatory effects due to protective properties of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamins, but also by influencing the gut microbiome. Gluten-free and elemental diets have been associated with some benefits in RA though the existing evidence is limited. Long-term intake of fish and other sources of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are protective for development of RA. The benefits of fasting, anti-oxidant supplementation, flavanoids, and probiotics in RA are not clear. Vitamin D has been shown to influence autoimmunity and specifically decrease RA disease activity. The role of supplements such as fish oils and vitamin D should be explored in future trials to gain new insights in disease pathogenesis and develop RA-specific dietary recommendations.

CONCLUSION

Specifically more research is needed to explore the association of diet and the gut microbiome and how this can influence RA disease activity.