To investigate the association between plasma levels of phenylacetylglutamine (PAGln) and the risk of incident coronary heart disease (CHD) in women, and to assess the modifying effect of adherence to a plant-based diet.
Key Findings:
Higher plasma levels of PAGln were associated with an increased risk of CHD (P < .05).
PAGln levels correlated with higher red/processed meat intake and lower vegetable intake (P < .05).
A significant interaction was found between PAGln and adherence to a plant-based diet index (Pinteraction = .008).
In women with low adherence to plant-based diets, higher PAGln levels were linked to increased CHD risk (relative risk per 1 SD: 1.22 [95% CI: 1.05, 1.41]).
Interpretation:
Higher PAGln levels may contribute to CHD risk, particularly in women consuming more animal-based foods and fewer plant-based foods, suggesting that a plant-based diet may mitigate this risk.
Limitations:
The study population consisted solely of women from the Nurses’ Health Study, limiting generalizability.
Dietary intake was self-reported, which may introduce bias.
Conclusion:
Adherence to plant-based diets may reduce the adverse cardiovascular effects associated with high levels of the gut-derived metabolite PAGln.
by Yoriko Heianza, Saumya Tiwari, Xuan Wang, Jeramie D Watrous, Kathryn M Rexrode, Frank B Hu, Mona Alotaibi, Mohit Jain, Qi Sun, JoAnn E Manson, Lu Qi
