AB0198 EXPLORING THE PROTECTIVE INFLUENCE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET ON INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS: INSIGHTS FROM A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: S. Katechis, P. Tzanis, K. Klavdianou, A. Lazarini, I. I. Giannakopoulou, L. Athanassiou, G. Migka, E. Kalavri, E. Theotikos, A. Elezoglou
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2024)

<h3>Background:</h3> It has been suggested that Mediterranean diet might have a protective effect against the onset and/or advancement of inflammatory arthritis, influencing both patient health and quality of life [1]. Adherence to this diet can be assessed through the utilization of the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) [2]. <h3>Objectives:</h3> To explore the effects of Mediterranean diet on disease activity and self-reported health and disability scores, across patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). <h3>Methods:</h3> Cross-sectional study of RA, AS and PsA patients who visited the Rheumatology department of "Asklepieion" General Hospital in Athens, Greece (January 2023 – July 2023). Participants completed MEDAS, Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) and Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) forms. At the same visit, baseline characteristics, rheumatic disease comorbidity index (RDCI) and disease activity scores were captured [Disease Activity Score 28 CRP (DAS28-CRP), Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score with CRP (ASDAS-CRP) and Disease Activity Index in Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA), respectively]. The relationship between MEDAS score and the various outcomes was explored through uni- and multi-variate linear regression models. <h3>Results:</h3> A total of 190 patients were included in this study; 103 with RA, 40 with AS and 47 with PsA, with mean (SD) age of 61 (15), 53 (12) and 58 (12) years, respectively (Table 1). The median MEDAS score was 6 (IQR: 5-8) and did not significantly differ across the three groups. After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), RDCI and disease duration, higher MEDAS score was independently associated with lower DAS28-CRP(β = -0.12, p &lt; 0.05), lower DAPSA (β = -4.12, p &lt; 0.01), lower HAQ (β = -0.07, p &lt; 0.001) and greater SF-36 physical (β = 2.26, p &lt; 0.01) and mental (β = 2.50, p &lt; 0.01) components (Figure 1). No significant associations were identified with AS. <h3>Conclusion:</h3> Our study reveals a noteworthy correlation between adherence to the Mediterranean diet, as assessed by the MEDAS score, and improved outcomes among patients with RA and PsA. Additionally, a beneficial effect was observed on physical and mental well-being (SF-36 components) and quality of life (HAQ-DI). <h3>REFERENCES:</h3> [1] Bäcklund R, Drake I, Bergström U, Compagno M, Sonestedt E, Turesson C. Diet and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis - A systematic literature review. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2023; 58:152118. doi: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2022.152118. [2] García-Conesa MT, Philippou E, Pafilas C, et al. Exploring the Validity of the 14-Item Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS): A Cross-National Study in Seven European Countries around the Mediterranean Region. Nutrients. 2020;12(10):2960. Published 2020 Sep 27. doi:10.3390/nu12102960. <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Disclosure of Interests:</h3> <b>None declared.</b>