It is the leading cause of death in the world, according to the World Health Organization (WHO): cardiovascular diseases. But certain habits can limit the risks and much scientific research has been published on the subject. In November, Inserm researchers estimated that improving at least one factor linked to sleep could limit the risks, while Italian researchers estimated that eating two portions of 150 grams of fish per week would be beneficial.
More recently, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine questioned the consequences of excess protein in the diet and published their results in the magazine Nature Metabolism. According to them, this could increase the risk of atherosclerosis, a disease that “characterized by the deposition of plaque essentially composed of lipids (we speak of atheroma) on the wall of the arteries” as Inserm explains. These plaque formations “can cause damage to the arterial wall (sclerosis), lead to obstruction of the vessel, or even rupture, with consequences”.
Excessive protein intake could increase the risk of atherosclerotic plaques
To arrive at these conclusions, the authors first based themselves on a panel of 23 people who consumed a meal or shakes (meals to drink) rich in protein after having fasted for 12 hours previously. The researchers analyzed their blood one hour and three hours later and noted that this caused an increase in the production of leucine, an amino acid responsible for poor activation of macrophages (responsible for removing cellular debris). Ultimately, specialists believe that this could increase the risk of atherosclerosis.
In a second experiment distinct from that carried out on the volunteers, the researchers administered to mice a 22% increased protein intake. According to the authors, nearly a quarter of the American population receives more than 22% of all daily calories from protein alone. The researchers therefore wanted to observe the consequences of this habit in mice. The authors of the study noted that such a contribution impact on macrophages And “led to theaccumulation of a ‘cemetery’ of these cells inside vessel walls”. Specialists point out that this causes atherosclerotic plaques to worsen over time.
Cardiovascular diseases: researchers recommend being vigilant about excessive protein intake
For the authors of the study, these results are “particularly relevant in hospital settings, where nutritionists often recommend protein-rich foods to sicker patients to preserve muscle mass and strength.” In a press release, professor of cardiology Babak Razani believes that“it is important to look at the diet as a whole and suggest balanced meals that will not inadvertently worsen cardiovascular disease, particularly in people at risk for heart disease and vascular disorders.”
However, it should be noted that this research has several limitations such as a limited panel of volunteers or the duration of the study. “More in-depth studies over a longer period of time will help us better understand how proteins affect our hearts,” underlines in the Daily Mail Dr Bryan Williams, doctor at the British Heart Foundation.
Sources:
- Identification of a leucine-mediated threshold effect governing macrophage mTOR signaling and cardiovascular risk – Nature Metabolism
- Eating Too Much Protein is Bad for Your Arteries, and This Amino Acid is to Blame (press release)
- Atherosclerosis A slow but sometimes dramatic progression – Inserm