Assessment of Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant Potential, Antimicrobial Properties, and Antidiabetic Activity in Extracts Obtained from Schinus molle L. Leaves and Fruits

Higher oxidative balance score is associated with increased plaque stability in patients with coronary heart disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Current evidence underscores that oxidative stress (OS) is a pivotal factor in the formation of vulnerable plaques in individuals with coronary heart disease (CHD). The Oxidative Balance Score (OBS), a comprehensive measure of systemic OS, consists of 15 antioxidants and 5 pro-oxidants, with higher scores indicating greater antioxidant activity. We hypothesized that a high OBS would be associated with improved coronary plaque stability in CHD patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 635 patients diagnosed with CHD were included in this study. After accounting for confounding variables, we found a significant inverse association between higher OBS and the formation of thin-capped fibroatheroma (TCFA) (OR = 0.933, 95 % CI: 0.913, 0.953). This relationship exhibited a nonlinear pattern, plateauing at an OBS score of 18.1. Mediation analysis revealed that OBS significantly mediates the relationship between food intake (soy, grains, vegetables, fruits) and plaque stability (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that a higher OBS is inversely associated with the presence of vulnerable plaques. Adopting a diet rich in antioxidants, characterized by increased consumption of soy, grains, vegetables, and fruits, along with an antioxidant-focused lifestyle, may serve as an effective preventive strategy to enhance plaque stability in CHD patients.