Effect of the Mediterranean diet on the lipid-lipoprotein profile: is it influenced by the family history of dyslipidemia?

Background/aims: To examine whether a family history of dyslipidemia influences the lipid-lipoprotein response to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet).

Methods: We recruited 36 individuals with a positive family history of dyslipidemia (i.e. having at least one first-degree relative with a diagnosis of dyslipidemia) and 28 individuals with a negative family history of dyslipidemia, aged between 24 and 53 years, who had slightly elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations (3.4-4.9 mmol/l) or a total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio≥5.0. Variables related to the lipid-lipoprotein profile were measured before and after a 4-week isocaloric MedDiet during which all foods and drinks were provided to participants.

Results: A group by time interaction was noted for plasma total cholesterol concentrations (p=0.03), subjects with a negative family history of dyslipidemia having greater decreases than those with a positive family history of dyslipidemia (-11.3 vs. -5.1%, respectively). Decreases in LDL-C, HDL-C, total cholesterol to HDL-C ratio, LDL-C to HDL-C ratio, apo B, apo A-1, apo A-2 and apo B to apo A-1 ratio were noted, with no difference between groups (p for group by time interaction≥0.11).

Conclusions: Results highlight that inherited susceptibilities to dyslipidemia may explain at least in part the heterogeneity in the cholesterol-lowering effects of the MedDiet.