Mediterranean Diet and Its Protective Mechanisms against Cardiovascular Disease: An Insight into Platelet Activating Factor (PAF) and Diet Interplay

Several prospective studies and clinical trials have shown a protective effect of the Mediterranean Diet (MD) against cardiovascular disease, even after assessing for hard clinical end-points. However, the exact mechanisms through which MD exerts its actions have not been fully elucidated. The aim of the present review is to clarify the potential bio-protective mechanisms of MD against cardiovascular disease, i.e. the role of macro- and micro- nutrients, antioxidants, polyphenols, the effects of MD on postprandial metabolism and endothelial function and nutrient- gene interactions. A special emphasis is given on Platelet Activating Factor (PAF), which plays a key role in atherosclerosis. Its inhibitors are abundant in Mediterranean foods and have an anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic action.