Dear Colleagues,

Based on clinical and epidemiological data, plant-based diets have emerged as potentially efficacious therapies in the prevention and treatment of various cardiovascular diseases, including, atherosclerosis, hypertension and heart failure. The proposed efficacy of these diets are multifactorial, and include, but are not limited to, (1) the reduction of animal products, which contribute to increased serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and gut microbial synthesis of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO); (2) the increased intake of polyphenols, which have bioactive protective properties at the molecular level; and (3) increased fiber intake, allowing for improved gut microbial diversity and production of beneficial metabolites. However, a paucity of clinical trials and other related human studies have yet to make compelling mechanistic links tying physiological or clinical outcomes with molecular mechanisms. Thus, more research is urgently needed to expand our understanding of how plant-based diets could target CVDs at the molecular or biochemical level.

The purpose of this Special Issue entitled “Plant-based diets in CVD prevention: molecular mechanisms and biochemical insights” is to explore the mechanistic efficacy of plant-based diets in targeting CVD. This Special Issue welcomes articles with an emphasis on clinical research with human subjects. Epidemiological studies and comprehensive reviews are also welcome. While this Special Issue is focused on human research, animal and in vitro studies are also welcome if novel mechanisms are elucidated.

Dr. Rami Salim Najjar
Prof. Dr. Andrew Gewirtz
Guest Editors

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• plant-based diet
• gut microbiota
• fiber
• polyphenols
• TMAO
• cardiovascular disease
• heart failure
• hypertension
• atherosclerosis
• inflammation
• oxidative stress
• vegan
• vegetarian