I Nyoman Ehrich Lister’s scientific contributions

A significant portion of fatalities stemming from acute myocardial infarction (AMI) occur suddenly and without warning. This can be prevented through early detection of coronary stenosis. In recent years, coronary artery calcium (CAC) and computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) have been utilized. For instance, a 55-year-old interventional cardiologist had a CAC of 58 with 50% stenosis involving his left anterior descending (LAD) artery. Despite possibly having vulnerable plaque, which carries significant future cardiovascular events, the patient followed a plant-based diet (PBD), took supplements, and continued optimal medical therapy (OMT). After three years, there was a significant regression in both CAC and stenosis. During our discussion, we emphasized the importance of food selection, quantification, and how food is processed (raw) to achieve maximal benefit in regressing atherosclerosis. Additionally, we highlighted the importance of identifying the possibility of vulnerable plaque and the mechanism stabilizing it. The case supported the guidelines set by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) for managing chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) by emphasizing OMT and lifestyle changes. We hope that in the future, more doctors and patients will take responsibility for implementing lifestyle changes rather than solely relying on medications and sophisticated medical technologies.

The potential advantages of plant-based interventions in decreasing the incidence and lessening the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 are yet to be widely acknowledged. Nevertheless, recent publications propose that these interventions could be effective. Our cardiology center conducted an interventional study in which we incorporated plant-based foods and provided supplementation to 3470 elderly COVID-19 patients with multiple comorbidities. We pay close attention to the precise selection of food items, the application of appropriate processing methods, and the provision of nourishing meals to our patients. Our outcome was highly successful as we achieved a zero mortality rate, and none of our patients experienced worsening conditions or required hospitalization. In this review article we present the mechanisms how plant-based and supplement interventions can mitigate COVID-19 disease severity and mortality. And experts have validated our hypotheses very recently. The measures and methods used to address the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic through plant-based interventions and supplements are effective and may help prevent or manage future pandemics.

The potential advantages of plant-based interventions in decreasing the incidence and lessening the severity and mortality of COVID-19 are yet to be widely acknowledged. Nevertheless, recent investigations propose that these interventions could be effective. Our recent publication (part one) features an interventional study in which we incorporated plant-based foods and provided supplementation to 3470 elderly COVID-19 patients with multiple comorbidities. We pay close attention to the precise selection of food items, the application of appropriate processing methods, and the provision of nourishing meals to our patients. Our outcome was highly successful as we achieved a zero mortality rate, and none of our patients experienced worsening conditions or required hospitalization. This second paper presents our theoretical framework on the mechanisms through which plant-based and supplement interventions can mitigate disease severity and mortality. However, only very recently have experts validated our hypotheses. The measures and methods used to address the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic through plant-based interventions and supplements are effective and may help prevent or manage future pandemics.

Introduction: In the Asian region, Indonesia has the second-highest COVID-19 death toll and the highest mortality rate, which provides the background for this study. The research is centered on the elderly cardiology population with multiple comorbidities, who have demonstrated a propensity for extended recovery periods, heightened severity, hospitalization, and mortality upon contracting the COVID-19 infection. Objective: This research distinguishes itself by employing a distinct strategy, assessing the efficacy of plant-based diets (PBDs) and supplement interventions in reducing the severity, hospitalization, recovery, and mortality rates of high-risk COVID-19 elderly cardiology patients. This innovative approach could potentially yield valuable information on the management of COVID-19 and facilitate better preparation for future pandemics. Methods: A longitudinal investigation was undertaken at an institutional level between April 2020 and June 2023. The study comprised 1,750 elderly cardiology patients who were put on PBDs and had their metabolic parameters managed before contracting COVID-19 infection. Throughout the course of COVID-19 treatment, these patients received rigorous PBDs and supplementations that aimed to enhance the PBDs' anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antithrombotic, and immunomodulatory effects against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The quality, amount, and processing of the PBDs were strictly monitored, and supplementation was incorporated to optimize the PBDs' effectiveness against the virus. Results: The findings were noteworthy. Our patients exhibited quicker recuperation times (12±1.4 days as opposed to 21±7 days), fewer instances of severe illness (2% compared to 10-20%), and a lower incidence of hospitalizations (0% versus 5-10%) and fatalities (0% as opposed to 15-17%) when contrasted with the general elderly COVID-19 population in Indonesia (GECPI). Conclusion: PBDs and supplement interventions have been demonstrated to effectively reduce COVID-19 recovery time, severity, hospitalization, and mortality among elderly cardiology patients with multiple comorbidities. Effective management of patient's metabolic and chronic inflammatory diseases before contracting COVID-19 is crucial to achieving optimal patient outcomes. It should be implemented for all patients to prepare them for future respiratory viral pandemics. Keywords: Plant-based diet; Supplement; COVID-19; Cardio-metabolic; Inflammation; Antioxidant; Immunomodulator; Antithrombotic.

A considerable proportion of fatalities resulting from acute myocardial infarction (AMI) occur suddenly in asymptomatic patients. Approximately 68% of AMIs are caused by coronary stenosis ≤ 50%, which is most likely due to the rupture of vulnerable plaques (VPs). A 55-year-old asymptomatic cardiologist who had been following preventive measures according to United States guidelines and had satisfactory metabolic-laboratory parameters underwent a cardiac check-up involving the use of coronary artery calcium (CAC) and computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA), which revealed the presence of VP causing 50% stenosis in his proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD). Recognizing that his previous preventive measures had failed to protect him from developing atherosclerosis, he chose to adopt a plant-based diet (PBD) while continuing on optimal medical therapy (OMT). After three years, there was a substantial regression in his CAC score and stenosis. The PBD program he adopted was specifically designed, taking into consideration the quality, quantity, and method of food processing, as well as the consumption of specific vitamins and minerals. This case report and review emphasize the importance of prevention to avoid the development of atherosclerosis or VP, especially in high-risk patients. Prevention should involve not only the application of OMT but also, most importantly, the modification of lifestyle, especially the adoption of a healthy, correct diet that is able to fight inflammation and offer regression and stabilization of VPs. The case also highlights CAC and CTCA as the most efficient, practical, reliable, safe, and economical methods for identifying VPs. The tests are widely accessible in most cardiac centers. Thus, we offer a novel, non-invasive diagnostic method for diagnosing VP and provide the most practical, efficient, and affordable approach to regress or stabilize VP. Therefore, we support current guidelines in managing chronic coronary syndrome (CCS), recommending patients with asymptomatic coronary stenosis should implement lifestyle modification and OMT rather than invasive procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of VP. Keywords: Plant-based diet, lifestyle, optimal medical therapy, vulnerable plaque, atherosclerosis, coronary artery calcification, and computed tomography coronary angiography

Atherosclerosis, a chronic systemic inflammatory process, is the leading cause of disease, disability, and mortality worldwide. While current management approaches can temporarily alleviate the problem, they do not address the root cause. This paper presents a novel approach, demonstrating that adopting a whole food plant-based diet (PBD) can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis-related conditions and cause atherosclerosis to regress. We will delve into the mechanisms by which PBDs can cause regression of atherosclerosis plaque, a crucial aspect in managing coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Despite the significant role of PBDs in managing CAD, the medical community has been slow to embrace this approach. By providing more information on the mechanism of action of PBDs, we aim to bridge the gap in knowledge and promote wider acceptance and implementation of PBDs by medical professionals. Keywords: plant-based diet; lifestyle; atherosclerosis; chronic inflammatory metabolic diseases