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Introduction: Background: the aim of this study was to investigate the association between birthweight, cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, and depression in young Mexican adults. Methods: birthweight reports, family history of CVD and diabetes-related diseases, anthropometrics, serum lipid profile (total cholesterol [TC], triglycerides [TG], high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDL-C], low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [LDL-C], and very-low density lipoprotein-cholesterol [VLDL-C]), and depressive symptoms were measured in 778 subjects of the UP-AMIGOS cohort study. To investigate the association between birthweight categories and CVD risk factors and depression, a one-way analysis of variance with post-hoc test was performed of quantitative variables, and 2 test for qualitative variables. Results: mean age was 17.8 years and 469 (60.3 %) of patients were female (n = 469, 60.3 %). The percentage of patients with low birthweight (LBW) was 8.1 % (n = 63), and 3.3 % (n = 26) reported high birthweight (HBW). Young adults with HBW were associated with elevated diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and high weight and body mass index (BMI) when compared to LBW subjects, the difference being statically significant (p < 0.05). Birthweight had no significant association with depression (p > 0.67). Conclusion: the findings from this population-based study revealed a positive relation between birthweight categories and some CVD risk factors. Depression was not related to birthweight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Front of Pack Labels are effective tools to fight obesity and associated disease. • Relation between FoPL and determinants of choice in diet habits is investigated. • We simulate choice prediction probabilities for key groups to validate the model. Abstract The introduction of an effective Front of Pack food labelling (FoPL) system is at the forefront of the food policy debate. Nutritional information is seen as an effective tool to help fight obesity and its associated co-morbidities, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, for which unhealthy diet represent a major preventable risk factor. This paper explores the influence of FoPL formats on consumer's stated choice of weekly food baskets using data from a discrete choice experiment carried out in Northern Ireland in 2011. Two of the three baskets were experimentally designed while the third represented the respondent's actual current food choice (or status-quo basket). Four nutritional attributes were used: (i) total fat, (ii) saturated fat, (iii) salt, and (iv) sugar. Baskets were portrayed at different price levels to elicit the sensitivity of choice to price and to derive marginal willingness to pay estimates. Results from random utility models with various forms of heterogeneity reject the null of no association between preference classes and healthier food baskets and also the null of no effect of the nutritional information described. We find that the influence of the FoPL format used to convey nutritional information combines with selected socio-demographic covariates to determine membership to preference classes. A sensitivity analysis is used to validate the preferred model and the response sensitivity of selection probabilities to potential policy levers, such as a more realistic appreciation of self-body image and the habit of reading labels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence suggests that low levels of Vitamin D may adversely affect the cardiovascular (CV) system. Several studies have been done regarding the relation and possible causative role of Vitamin D in CV disorders and its well-known risk factors; however, there are limited studies in this part of the world. The aims were as follows: (1) To study the relation between serum Vitamin D level between nonhypertensive and hypertensive patients. (2) To study the relation of serum Vitamin D levels in patients with isolated systolic hypertension (ISH), isolated diastolic hypertension, systolo-diastolic hypertension, and their comparison vis-à-vis nonhypertensives. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 154 patients attending medicine outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital of North Bengal from June 2012 to May 2013. The Vitamin D was measured by direct ELISA method. Blood pressure (BP) measurements were done. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS 16.0 for Windows. Results: The Vitamin D level in the hypertensive group was 22.36 ± 12.64; ISH Group was 22.04 ± 14.26; the isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH) Group was 18.82 ± 0.00; and the systolo-diastolic hypertensives (SDH) Group was 22.67 ± 12.51. Then, the mean value of Vitamin D in nonhypertensive Group (27.47 ± 13.43) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than IDH, SDH, and the hypertensive as a whole groups. The relation with ISH Group also reached near significance (P = 0.074). There was a negative correlation with BP and serum Vitamin D. This remained statistically significant (P = 0.044) for systolic BP (SBP) and near significant (P = 0.075) for mean arterial pressure. In population having serum Vitamin D <30 ng/ml (deficient or insufficient), the negative correlation relationship between SBP and serum Vitamin D remains statistically significant (P = 0.010). Conclusion: Among the hypertensives, SDH shows significantly lower levels of serum Vitamin D. The patients with ISH show a trend, though not statistically significant, toward a lower level of Vitamin D compared to the nonhypertensive population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of disability and morbidity in many countries. Considering the significance of education in correcting unhealthy eating habits and improving nutritional behaviors that prevents cardiovascular diseases, the current study has been carried out to investigate the impacts of Beliefs, Attitude, Subjective Norms, Enabling Factors (BASNEF)-based educational program on the employees' nutritional behaviors. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out on 120 randomly selected employees of Water and Wastewater Organization of Kermanshah. Individuals were divided into the control and intervention groups. Questionnaires devised based on BASNEF model and food frequency questionnaires were collected preintervention and 3-month postintervention. Educational program was performed in four training sessions. Results: Significant differences between mean scores of knowledge and other items of BASNEF model as well as nutritional improvements were observed in the intervention group after 3 months (P < 0.01). Conclusion: BASNEF educational model positively affected nutritional behaviors of the employees to reducing cardiovascular risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In France, the implementation of a front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition label–the 5-Colour Nutrition Label (5-CNL) is currently under consideration as a strategic tool to allow consumers making healthier food choices. This FOP label is based on the British Food Standards Agency Nutrient Profiling System (FSA-NPS), reflecting the overall nutritional quality of foods. At the individual level, an energy-weighted mean of all FSA-NPS scores of foods usually consumed has been elaborated (FSA-NPS DI). Our objective was to investigate the prospective association between the FSA-NPS DI and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Methods 75,801 participants to the NutriNet-Santé cohort, who completed at least three 24 h dietary records during the first 2 y of the follow-up, were followed between 2009 and 2016. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to characterize the associations between FSA-NPS DI and the incidence of CVDs. Results 509 major cardiovascular events were diagnosed (262 coronary heart diseases and 247 strokes). A higher FSA-NPS DI, characterizing lower dietary quality, was associated with increased CVD risk (HR for a 1-point increment = 1.08 (1.03–1.13); HR Q4vs.Q1 = 1.40 (1.06–1.84), P trend Q4-Q1 = 0.01). This association tended to be stronger in overweight subjects (HR for a 1-point increment = 1.12 (1.04–1.19); P interaction = 0.003). Conclusions These results suggest that lower dietary quality, as reflected by a higher FSA-NPS DI, may be associated with a significant increase in cardiovascular risk, especially in at-risk individuals (overweight population). They support the public health relevance of developing a front-of-pack nutrition label based on this score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential cardiovascular benefits of several trending foods and dietary patterns are still incompletely understood, and nutritional science continues to evolve. However, in the meantime, a number of controversial dietary patterns, foods, and nutrients have received significant media exposure and are mired by hype. This review addresses some of the more popular foods and dietary patterns that are promoted for cardiovascular health to provide clinicians with accurate information for patient discussions in the clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective South Asians have higher rates of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease compared to most other racial/ethnic groups. Increased hepatic de novo lipogenesis ( DNL) in response to dietary sugar may accelerate the development of these chronic diseases in this population. Study design Hepatic DNL in response to a calorically sweetened beverage was measured in an outpatient setting in 15 South Asians and 15 Caucasians with similar and normal body mass indexes, waist circumferences, glucose tolerance and lipid profiles. Blood was sampled before and hourly for 4 h after the ingestion of a single beverage made with glucose (1·5 g/kg) and fructose (1·5 g/kg). The main outcome, DNL, was measured as the increase in %palmitate (16:0) in very low-density lipoprotein ( VLDL) triglyceride ( TG) over 4 h. Results After the sugar dose, the increase in %16:0 in VLDL TG was significantly greater in South Asians vs Caucasians ( P = 0·01). VLDL and total TG also increased to a significantly greater extent in South Asians ( P = 0·04 and <0·001, respectively). Although the fasting and postsugar levels of insulin and glucose did not differ between groups, the DNL response significantly correlated with the insulin response to sugar in South Asians ( r = 0·56, P = 0·03). Conclusions Hepatic DNL in response to a sugar challenge was greater in healthy, young South Asians compared to Caucasians despite normal indices of insulin sensitivity, and it correlated with the insulin response. These findings suggest an early, insulin-related, gene-nutrient interaction contributing to the high prevalence of diabetes and coronary disease in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies have indicated that consumption of vegetables and fruits are positively related to lower incidence of several chronic noncommunicable diseases. Although composition of fruit and vegetable juices is different from that of the edible portion of fruits and vegetables, they contain polyphenols and vitamins from fruits and vegetables. Drinking vegetable and fruit juices is very popular in many countries, and also an efficient way to improve consumption of fruits and vegetables. The studies showed that fruit and vegetable juices affect cardiovascular risk factors, such as lowering blood pressure and improving blood lipid profiles. The main mechanisms of action included antioxidant effects, improvement of the aspects of the cardiovascular system, inhibition of platelet aggregation, anti-inflammatory effects, and prevention of hyperhomocysteinemia. Drinking juices might be a potential way to improve cardiovascular health, especially mixtures of juices because they contain a variety of polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals from different fruits and vegetables. This review summarizes recent studies on the effects of fruit and vegetable juices on indicators of cardiovascular disease, and special attention is paid to the mechanisms of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Dietary changes play major risk roles in oxidative stress and cardiovascular disease and modulate normal metabolic function. The present study was designed to investigate the ameliorative potential of different extracts of Hemidesmus indicus to experimental high-fat diet in wistar rats, and their possible mechanism of action. Materials and Methods: Male wistar rats were divided into 6 groups (n=6/group) and fed with a standard diet (control), high-fat diet (HFD), high-fat diet supplemented with different extracts and positive control for 9 weeks. High-fat diet induced changes in average body weight and oxidative stress and elevated levels of plasma lipid profile in rats. Results: Oral administration of methanolic extract of H. indicus (200 mg/kg) offered a significant dose-dependent protection against HFD-induced oxidative stress, as reflected in the levels of catalase (p<0.001 in the aorta, heart and liver), superoxide dismutase (p<0.001 in the aorta, heart and liver), and glutathione peroxidase (p<0.001 in the aorta, heart and liver). Hyperlipidemia condition assessed in terms of body weight, total cholesterol, free cholesterol, ester cholesterol, phospholipids, triglycerides, and atherogenic index and the results showed significant differences between HFD and non-HFD fed rats (p<0.001). High-fat diet treated rats showed changes in hepatic tissue architecture such as micro and macrovascular steatosis, increased fatty infiltration, and inflammation. Conclusion: The present study revealed that the methanolic extract of H. indicus protects against oxidative stress, hyperlipidemia and liver damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Several evidences suggest that it will be possible to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by modifying its risk factors. Current study designed for identifying some social determinant factors and their relationship with nutritional pattern in cardiovascular patients after hospital discharge. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 385 cardiovascular discharged patients from an university specialized heart educational hospital. Patients were included by simple sampling methods. Data collected via interview and a preset questionnaire with two different sections; demographic and nutrition evaluation section one. Collected data was analyzed by SPSS 20 software. Results: The results showed a significant relationship between nutritional patterns and age, location, job, marital and educational status. There was no significant relationship between nutritional pattern and sex, income, and housekeeping status. Conclusion: Some social factors are effective on nutritional pattern in patients with cardiovascular diseases that they can be used in different fields for investment, including nursing education and management services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over one billion Muslims worldwide fast during the month of Ramadan. Ramadan fasting brings about some changes in the daily lives of practicing Muslims, especially in their diet and sleep patterns, which are associated with the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Over the years, many original studies have made the effort to identify the possible impact of the Ramadan fast on cardiovascular diseases. This systematic review and meta-analysis is an attempt to present the summary of key findings from those articles and an appraisal of selected literature. A systematic search using keywords of "Ramadan fasting" and "cardiovascular diseases" was conducted in primary research article and gray-literature repositories, in combination with hand searching and snow balling. Fifteen studies were finally selected for data extraction on the outcomes of stroke, myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure. The analysis revealed that the incidence of cardiovascular events during the Ramadan fast was similar to the nonfasting period. Ramadan fast is not associated with any change in incidence of acute cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While some dietary patterns are associated with the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), the relationship between dietary pattern and risk factors for CVD in patients with T2DM remains to be clarified. The aim of this study was to identify dietary patterns and investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and potential risk factors for CVD in patients with T2DM.Methods: The study participants comprised 726 Japanese T2DM outpatients free of history of CVD. Life styles were analyzed using self-reported questionnaires. The relationship between dietary patterns, identified by factor analysis, and potential risk factors for CVD was investigated by linear and logistic regression analyses.Results: Six dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis. Especially, three dietary patterns were associated with risk factors for CVD. The "Seaweeds, Vegetables, Soy products and Mushrooms" pattern, characterized by high consumption of seaweeds, soy products and mushrooms, was associated with lower use of diabetes medication and healthier lifestyles. The "Noodle and Soup" pattern, characterized by high consumption of noodle and soup was associated with higher body mass index, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and triglyceride levels. The "Fruit, Dairy products and Sweets" pattern was associated with lower γ-glutamyl transpeptidase levels, blood pressure, albuminuria and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity.Conclusions: The findings suggested that dietary patterns correlated with risk factors for CVD in T2DM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dietary intakes of betaine and choline may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease; however, epidemiologic evidence is limited. Seafood is a rich source of betaine and is a popular traditional food in Japan. Objective: We examined the associations of betaine and choline intakes with cardiovascular disease mortality in a population-based cohort study in Japan. Methods: Study subjects were 13,355 male and 15,724 female residents of Takayama City, Japan, who were aged ≥35 y and enrolled in 1992. Their diets were assessed by a validated food frequency questionnaire. Deaths from coronary heart disease and stroke were identified from death certificates over 16 y. Multivariable-adjusted HRs were computed by using Cox regression models. Results: During follow-up, we documented 308 deaths from coronary heart disease and 676 deaths from stroke (393 from ischemic and 153 from hemorrhagic strokes). Compared with the lowest quartile, the second, third, and highest quartiles of betaine intake were significantly associated with a decreased risk of mortality from coronary heart disease in men after controlling for covariates. The HRs were 0.58 (95% CI: 0.36, 0.93), 0.62 (95% CI: 0.39, 0.998), and 0.60 (95% CI: 0.37, 0.97), respectively. The trend was not statistically significant (P = 0.08). There was no significant association between betaine intake and the risk of mortality from ischemic stroke. In women, betaine intake was unrelated risk of mortality from coronary heart disease and stroke (P = 0.32 and 0.73, respectively, for interaction by sex). There was no significant association between choline intake and cardiovascular disease mortality risk in men or women. Conclusion: Overall, we found no clear evidence of significant associations between choline and betaine intakes and cardiovascular disease mortality risk in Japanese men and women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In utero exposure to excessive cholesterol has been shown to increase fetal plasma cholesterol concentration and predispose adult offspring to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Because lipid-lowering drugs are contraindicated during pregnancy, natural cholesterol-lowering compounds may be a safe and effective alternative to reduce CVD risk in offspring born to hypercholesterolemic mothers. Objective: This study used the hypercholesterolemic apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE-/-) mouse model to test the hypothesis that mothers supplemented with phytosterols during gestation and lactation would produce offspring with a more favorable lipid profile than offspring from unsupplemented mothers, despite having a genetic predisposition toward hypercholesterolemia. Methods: Sixteen female apoE-/- mice were randomly assigned to 2 diets fed throughout the gestation and lactation periods: a cholesterol-enriched diet (CH) (0.15%) or the cholesterol-enriched diet supplemented with phytosterols (CH/PS) (2%). Serum lipids and lipoproteins were measured by enzyme assay and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, respectively, and liver cholesterol was analyzed by GC. Results: Compared with the CH-fed dams at the end of lactation, phytosterol-supplemented dams displayed lower (P< 0.05) serum total cholesterol (-55%), non-HDL cholesterol (-56%), and LDL cholesterol (-47%), but no change (P> 0.05) in HDL cholesterol and triacylglycerol (TG) concentrations. Pups from phytosterol-fed dams demonstrated lower (P< 0.05) total cholesterol (-25%), non-HDL cholesterol (-25%), LDL cholesterol (-47%), and TGs (-41 %), without any change (P> 0.05) in HDL cholesterol compared with pups from CH-fed dams. Furthermore, compared with pups from CH-fed dams, pups from phytosterol-supplemented dams displayed a lower (P< 0.05) number of total LDL particles (-34%), VLDL particles (-31 %), and HDL particles (-30%). Conclusion: Our results in apoE-/- mice suggest that even under strong genetic predisposition to hypercholesterolemia, pups born to mothers supplemented with phytosterols during gestation and lactation exhibit favorable liver and serum lipid responses compared with pups from unsupplemented mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) show beneficial effects on cardiovascular health and cognitive functions, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not completely understood. Because of the fact that cytoskeleton dynamics affect almost every cellular process, the regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics could be a new pathway by which n-3 PUFAs exert their effects on cellular level. Methods: A 12-week open-label intervention study with 12 healthy men was conducted to determine the effects of 2.7 g/d n-3 PUFA on changes in mRNA expression of cytoskeleton-associated genes by quantitative real-time PCR in whole blood. Furthermore, the actin content in red blood cells was analyzed by immunofluorescence imaging. Results: N-3 PUFA supplementation resulted in a significant down-regulation of cytoskeleton-associated genes, in particular three GTPases (RAC1, RHOA, CDC42), three kinases (ROCK1, PAK2, LIMK), two Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome proteins (WASL, WASF2) as well as actin related protein 2/3 complex (ARPC2, ARPC3) and cofilin (CFL1). Variability in F-actin content between subjects was high; reduced actin content was only reduced within group evaluation. Conclusions: Reduced cytoskeleton-associated gene expression after n-3 PUFA supplementation suggests that regulation of cytoskeleton dynamics might be an additional way by which n-3 PUFAs exert their cellular effects. Concerning F-actin, this analysis did not reveal unmistakable results impeding a generalized conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dietary flaxseed lowers cholesterol in healthy subjects with mild biomarkers of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Objective: The aim was to investigate the effects of dietary flaxseed on plasma cholesterol in a patient population with clinically significant CVD and in those administered cholesterol-lowering medications (CLMs), primarily statins. Methods: This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial examined the effects of a diet supplemented for 12 mo with foods that contained either 30 g of milled flaxseed [milled flaxseed treatment (FX) group; n = 58] or 30 g of whole wheat [placebo (PL) group; n = 52] in a patient population with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Plasma lipids were measured at 0, 1, 6, and 12 mo. Results: Dietary flaxseed in PAD patients resulted in a 15% reduction in circulating LDL cholesterol as early as 1 mo into the trial (P = 0.05). The concentration in the FX group (2.1 ± 0.10 mmol/L) tended to be less than in the PL group (2.5 ± 0.2 mmol/L) at 6 mo (P = 0.12), but not at 12 mo (P = 0.33). Total cholesterol also tended to be lower in the FX group than in the PL group at 1 mo (11%, P= 0.05) and 6 mo (11%, P= 0.07), but not at 12 mo (P= 0.24). In a subgroup of patients taking flaxseed and CLM (n = 36), LDL-cholesterol concentrations were lowered by 8.5% ± 3.0% compared with baseline after 12 mo. This differed from the PL + CLM subgroup (n = 26), which increased by 3.0% ± 4.4% (P = 0.030) to a final concentration of 2.2 ± 0.1 mmol/L. Conclusions: Milled flaxseed lowers total and LDL cholesterol in patients with PAD and has additional LDL-cholesterol-lowering capabilities when used in conjunction with CLMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Associations of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) serum levels with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) have not been extensively studied in elderly Asian people. Methods: Relationships to CVD risk factors were examined in 202 freely-living elderly Japanese women. Results: By univariate analysis, log high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and non-HDL cholesterol were associated with serum Cu concentrations. An independent predictor of Cu was log hsCRP. Serum Zn concentrations decreased with age. After adjustment for age, serum albumin, HDL cholesterol and red blood cell (RBC) were positively and serum insulin and log hsCRP were inversely associated with serum Zn. In stepwise multiple regression analysis (model 1), serum albumin and HDL cholesterol were associated with serum Zn. In analysis excluding albumin from model 1 (model 2), independent determinants were log hsCRP (inverse) and the total number of RBC. In analysis including serum creatinine in model 2, creatinine has emerged as a determinant in addition to log hsCRP and RBC number. In analysis including estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) instead of creatinine and excluding age in model 2, eGFR has emerged as a determinant of serum Zn in addition to log hsCRP and RBC number. Conclusions: Systemic low-grade inflammation may contribute to elevated serum Cu and decreased serum Zn concentrations in the elderly, and may represent an important confounder of the relationship between the serum trace elements and mortality in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular diseases are a major public health problem. Different risk factors have been recognized as the main causes of the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Flaxseed is a source of dietary fiber, lignans, and alpha-linolenic acid. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of prolonged supplementation with flaxseed flour as preventive therapy on cardiovascular risk parameters in healthy Wistar rats. Material and Methods: Female Wistar rats were divided into two groups after giving birth and during lactation period: the control group was fed with diet based on casein and the flaxseed group was fed with diet based on casein containing 25% of flaxseed flour. At weaning, 10 male offspring from each group continued to receive the same diets from their mothers during 250 days. The body weight, visceral fat mass, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, VLDL, glucose and thickness of the aorta were analyzed. Results: The body weight, visceral fat mass, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, VLDL, glucose and thickness of the aorta values were statistically lower when compared to control group. Conclusion: The data suggest that flaxseed flour supplementation in healthy wistar rats for a prolonged period may decrease the thickness of the aorta and may be used as a preventive measure in modulating some modifiable risk factors related to cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Advances in information technology and data collection methods have enabled high-speed collection and storage of huge amounts of data. Data mining can be used to derive laws fromlargedata volumes and their characteristics (1). Similarly, fuzzy logic by facilitating the understanding of events is considered a suitable complement to scientific data mining. Method: The present study used clustering to identify the independent characteristics of data. Related fuzzy sets, linguistic variables, and data classifications were defined, and the index was introduced based on the characteristics extracted from useful results. By considering the disease risk factors, the results were analyzed. Results: Two factors contributing to the health improvement or deterioration were defined: 'age' and 'the appropriateness or inappropriateness between insulin level and blood sugar'. In addition, according to the results, fasting had a positive effect on fatty substances of the blood (cholesterol and triglycerides). Conclusion: The results can help us determine whether or not an individual with a cardiovascular disease should fast in the month of Ramadan. However, due to variations in some features such as blood pressure throughout the day, there are uncertainties in some input data; therefore, the results could be far from reality. If it is possible to generate fuzzy data, then we can obtain more accurate results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association of body mass index (BMI) with blood pressure may be stronger in Asian than non-Asian populations, however, longitudinal studies with direct comparisons between ethnicities are lacking. We compared the relationship of BMI with incident hypertension over approximately 9.5 years of follow-up in young (24-39 years) and middle-aged (45-64 years) Chinese Asians (n=5354), American Blacks (n=6076) and American Whites (n=13451). We estimated risk differences using logistic regression models and calculated adjusted incidences and incidence differences. To facilitate comparisons across ethnicities, standardized estimates were calculated using mean covariate values for age, sex, smoking, education and field center, and included the quadratic terms for BMI and age. Weighted least-squares regression models with were constructed to summarize ethnic-specific incidence differences across BMI. Wald statistics and p-values were calculated based on chi-square distributions. The association of BMI with the incidence difference for hypertension was steeper in Chinese (p<0.05) than in American populations during young and middle-adulthood. For example, at a BMI of 25 vs 21 kg/m² the adjusted incidence differences per 1000 persons (95% CI) in young adults with a BMI of 25 vs those with a BMI of 21 was 83 (36-130) for Chinese, 50 (26-74) for Blacks and 30 (12-48) for Whites; among middle-aged adults it was 137 (77-198) for Chinese, 49 (9-88) for Blacks and 54 (38-69) for Whites. Whether hypertension carries the same level of risk of stroke or cardiovascular disease across national or ethnic groups remains uncertain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes and diabetes-induced complications is a rising health concern in Northern Cyprus. Of the adult population in Northern Cyprus, 12.2% has diabetes and 90% of all individuals suffering from cardiovascular disease are people with diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate nutritional habits of people with diabetes in Northern Cyprus in order to make the necessary recommendations to improve their eating habits to prevent diabetes-induced complications. We used the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) to evaluate dietary quality of people with diabetes in Northern Cyprus based on their 24-hour food intake. A total of 200 participants with diabetes were selected randomly from the out-patient clinic of Dr. Burhan Nalbantoğlu central hospital in Nicosia. Individuals were asked to complete a questionnaire to determine their 24-hour food intake and frequency of intake of various food substances. The mean HEI score for the subjects with diabetes was 58.8. The HEI component scores for saturated fat, vegetables, dairy products and meat consumption were less than 5, whereas average scores for fat, cholesterol, fruits, grains, and sodium consumption were more than 5. The meat component of the HEI had the lowest mean score (3.3). There was statistical significance between male and female subjects regarding the HEI scores for meat and nutrient variety intake. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that subjects with diabetes in Northern Cyprus should improve their diet by decreasing their intake of saturated fat and by increasing their intake of vegetables, meat and milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Despite the marked increase in cardiovascular risk factors in Spain in recent years, the prevalence and incidence of cardiovascular diseases have not risen as expected. Our objective is to examine the association between consumption of olive oil and the presence of cardiometabolic risk factors in the context of a large study representative of the Spanish population.Subjects and methods:A population-based, cross-sectional, cluster sampling study was conducted. The target population was the whole Spanish population. A total of 4572 individuals aged 18 years in 100 clusters (health centers) were randomly selected with a probability proportional to population size. The main outcome measures were clinical and demographic structured survey, lifestyle survey, physical examination (weight, height, body mass index, waist, hip and blood pressure) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (75 g).Results:Around 90% of the Spanish population use olive oil, at least for dressing, and slightly fewer for cooking or frying. The preference for olive oil is related to age, educational level, alcohol intake, body mass index and serum glucose, insulin and lipids. People who consume olive oil (vs sunflower oil) had a lower risk of obesity (odds ratio (OR)=0.62 (95% confidence interval (CI)=0.41-0.93, P=0.02)), impaired glucose regulation (OR=0.49 (95% CI=0.28-0.86, P=0.04)), hypertriglyceridemia (OR=0.53 (95% CI=0.33-0.84, P=0.03)) and low HDL cholesterol levels (OR=0.40 (95% CI=0.26-0.59, P=0.0001)).Conclusions:The results show that consumption of olive oil has a beneficial effect on different cardiovascular risk factors, particularly in the presence of obesity, impaired glucose tolerance or a sedentary lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background--Dietary factors affecting the risk of developing abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) are scarcely investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of fruit and vegetable consumption with the risk to develop AAA. Methods and Results--The prospective Cohort of Swedish Men and the Swedish Mammography Cohort, consisting of 44317 men and 36 09 women, 46 to 84 years of age at the start of the 13-year follow-up (1998-2010), were used. Fruit and vegetable consumption was assessed at baseline with a 96-item food-frequency questionnaire. By linkage to the Swedish Inpatient Register and the Swedish Vascular Registry (Swedvasc), 1086 primary cases of AAA (222 ruptured) were identified. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Those in the highest quartile of fruit consumption (>2.0 servings/d), in comparison with those in the lowest quartile (<0.7 servings/d), had a 25% (95% CI, 9%-38%) lower risk of AAA, and a 43% (95% CI, 11%-64%) lower risk of ruptured AAA, specifically. Consumption of 2 fruits per day was associated with 31% (95% CI, 11%-47%) lower risk of nonruptured AAA, and 39% (95% CI, 1%-63%) lower risk of ruptured AAA, in comparison with no consumption of fruit. No association was observed between vegetable consumption and AAA risk. Conclusions--We observed an inverse association between consumption of fruit, but not vegetables, and the risk of AAA, with a more pronounced association with ruptured AAA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recently, some US cohorts have shown a moderate association between red and processed meat consumption and mortality supporting the results of previous studies among vegetarians. The aim of this study was to examine the association of red meat, processed meat, and poultry consumption with the risk of early death in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). Methods: Included in the analysis were 448,568 men and women without prevalent cancer, stroke, or myocardial infarction, and with complete information on diet, smoking, physical activity and body mass index, who were between 35 and 69 years old at baseline. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine the association of meat consumption with all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Results: As of June 2009, 26,344 deaths were observed. After multivariate adjustment, a high consumption of red meat was related to higher all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01 to 1.28, 160+ versus 10 to 19.9 g/day), and the association was stronger for processed meat (HR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.66, 160+ versus 10 to 19.9 g/day). After correction for measurement error, higher all-cause mortality remained significant only for processed meat (HR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.25, per 50 g/d). We estimated that 3.3% (95% CI 1.5% to 5.0%) of deaths could be prevented if all participants had a processed meat consumption of less than 20 g/day. Significant associations with processed meat intake were observed for cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and 'other causes of death'. The consumption of poultry was not related to all-cause mortality Conclusions: The results of our analysis support a moderate positive association between processed meat consumption and mortality, in particular due to cardiovascular diseases, but also to cancer [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nitric oxide (NO) is an endothelium-derived relaxing factor with several effects on vascular structure. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between serum leptin and nitric oxide concentrations in obese and control BALB/c mice. Methods: Twelve male BALB/C mice were allocated to control and obese groups. Obesity was induced by administration of a high fat diet (60% fat) for 20 weeks. The control group received normal diet during the study. After 20 weeks, blood samples were taken and serum NO and leptin concentrations were measured. Correlations between the measured factors and obesity were evaluated. Findings: Body weight of obese mice was significantly higher than controls. Serum NO concentration in obese animals was higher than the control group (17.62 ± 2.60 vs. 11.93 ± 2.40 ?mol/l; P < 0.05). Serum leptin was also higher in obese animals compared to the control group. There was also a positive correlation between serum leptin and NO concentrations (r = 0.78). Conclusion: Diet-induced obesity caused significant increases in serum NO and leptin concentrations. Moreover, a positive correlation between serum NO and leptin levels was detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Enhanced n-3 fatty acid intake benefits cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction. Increasing consumption at a population level may be better addressed by diet than through supplementation. However, limited data are available on the effect of the dose response to fish intake on plasma levels of n-3 fatty acids. To compare the effects of different doses of farmed Atlantic salmon on plasma phospholipid fatty acid proportions and CVD risk biomarkers (eg, glucose, insulin, homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6) in healthy subjects we performed a randomized three-period crossover-designed trial (4-week treatment, 4- to 8-week washout) to compare the effects of twice per week consumption of farmed Atlantic salmon at doses of 90, 180, and 270 g in 19 apparently healthy men and women (mean age 40 to 65 years) and a body mass index between 25 and 34.9. All study visits were conducted at the US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center. Eicosapentaenoic acid and total n-3 concentrations were increased (P<0.05) by all treatments in a dose–response manner, with total n-3 of 8.03%±0.26% and 9.21%±0.26% for 180- and 270-g doses, respectively. Linoleic acid did not change in response to treatment, whereas arachidonic acid (P<0.05) and total n-6 fatty acids decreased dose dependently (<0.0001). The addition of farmed Atlantic salmon to the diet twice per week for 4 weeks at portions of 180 g and 270 g modifies phospholipid fatty acid proportions of n-3 and n-6 in a level associated with decreased risk for CVD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The main proposal of this study was to evaluate in vivo whether flaxseed oils fortified with micronutrients would have beneficial effects on lipid profile and antioxidant status in high-fat fed rats. Male Wistar rats were fed synthetic diets containing 10% of flaxseed oil (FO), phytosterols (PS) fortified FO (PS-FO), vitamin E (VE) fortified FO (VE-FO), VE, and PS fortified FO (VE-PS-FO), respectively, for 4 wk. The results showed that VE fortified FO enhanced the enzymatic (SOD and GPX) and nonenzymatic (GSH and VE) antioxidant system, lowered the lipid peroxide (TBARS) concentration compared with FO ( P < 0.05). And FO fortified with PS significantly reduced the plasma TG, TC and LDL-C levels, and hepatic TG and TC levels of rats compared with FO ( P < 0.05), but had no significant effect on antioxidant defense capacities. Combined addition of VE and PS in FO had a synergetic effect. These results indicated that flaxseed oils fortified micronutrients VE and PS may contribute to reduce the risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by improving plasma antioxidant defenses and lipids profiles. Practical Application: Flaxseed oil usually contains greater than 50% of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and is a desire origin for n-3 PUFA. But consuming high dose of n-3 PUFA could lead to oxidative damage through free radical-chain reaction in cellular and subcellular membranes. Our studies showed that a regular intake of VE and PS fortified flaxseed oils increased antioxidant defenses and ameliorated lipids profile in high-fat fed rats, and these indicated that the flaxseed oil fortified with these micronutrients might reduce the incidence of CVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Red meat is long established as an important dietary source of protein and essential nutrients including iron, zinc and vitamin B12, yet recent reports that its consumption may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and colon cancer have led to a negative perception of the role of red meat in health. The aim of this paper is to review existing literature for both the risks and benefits of red meat consumption, focusing on case–control and prospective studies. Despite many studies reporting an association between red meat and the risk of CVD and colon cancer, several methodological limitations and inconsistencies were identified which may impact on the validity of their findings. Overall, there is no strong evidence to support the recent conclusion from the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) report that red meat has a convincing role to play in colon cancer. A substantial amount of evidence supports the role of lean red meat as a positive moderator of lipid profiles with recent studies identifying it as a dietary source of the anti-inflammatory long chain (LC) n−3 PUFAs and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). In conclusion, moderate consumption of lean red meat as part of a balanced diet is unlikely to increase risk for CVD or colon cancer, but may positively influence nutrient intakes and fatty acid profiles, thereby impacting positively on long-term health. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

AbstractTo reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) by reducing circulating cholesterol concentrations, much attention has been focused on the search for dietary interventions for hypercholesterolemia. Corni Fructus is known to exhibit several biological activities. Therefore, in the present study, its protective effect on diet-induced hypercholesterolemia was studied using a rat model fed 1% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid. Corni Fructus extract was administered at an oral dose of 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg of body weight/day for 10 days. The administration inhibited the elevation of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In addition, it lowered serum total cholesterol levels with a decrease in esterified cholesterol. Moreover, the atherogenic index was decreased in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting its protective role against CVD through regulating cholesterol and lipoprotein levels. The hepatic levels of total and free cholesterol were also reduced by Corni Fructus. This implies that free cholesterol was used for catabolism or efflux. Consequently, the levels of total cholesterol and bile acid in feces were significantly increased. Our present results also showed that the administration of Corni Fructus decreased lipid peroxidation, suggesting a protective effect against oxidative stress induced by hypercholesterolemia. Furthermore, hypercholesterolemic control rats had significantly lower expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-2 protein without any difference in SREBP-1 protein expression. On the other hand, the protein expression of SREBP-2 was significantly up-regulated by Corni Fructus. Furthermore, the protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor αwas elevated, indicating that Corni Fructus would activate fatty acid oxidation. In conclusion, Corni Fructus may protect against CVD by regulating blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and expression of proteins related to lipid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe evolution of the human diet over the past 10,000 years from a Paleolithic diet to our current modern pattern of intake has resulted in profound changes in feeding behavior. Shifts have occurred from diets high in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and seafood to processed foods high in sodium and hydrogenated fats and low in fiber. These dietary changes have adversely affected dietary parameters known to be related to health, resulting in an increase in obesity and chronic disease, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, and cancer. Some intervention trials using Paleolithic dietary patterns have shown promising results with favorable changes in CVD and diabetes risk factors. However, such benefits may be offset by disadvantages of the Paleolithic diet, which is low in vitamin D and calcium and high in fish potentially containing environmental toxins. More advantageous would be promotion of foods and food ingredients from our ancestral era that have been shown to possess health benefits in the form of functional foods. Many studies have investigated the health benefits of various functional food ingredients, including ω-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, fiber, and plant sterols. These bioactive compounds may help to prevent and reduce incidence of chronic diseases, which in turn could lead to health cost savings ranging from $2 to $3 billion per year as estimated by case studies using ω-3 and plant sterols as examples. Thus, public health benefits should result from promotion of the positive components of Paleolithic diets as functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The Polymeal was first proposed as a ‘tastier and safer’ alternative to a polypharmacy approach to cardiovascular disease risk reduction. The present study aimed to examine the affordability of the Polymeal, and to propose modifications based on economic considerations, and the latest scientific evidence, to achieve consistency with current public health recommendations. Methods: Prices for each food component specified in the Polymeal were obtained from a major and independent supermarket chain in a representative middle socioeconomic demographic region of metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. Items included fish (114 g, four times/week), fruits and vegetables (400 g/day), dark chocolate (100 g/day), garlic (2.7 g/day), almonds (68 g/day) and red wine (150 mL/day). Prices were calculated using an average of the major brands, or the most commonly eaten fruits, vegetables or fish. Modifications of the Polymeal were proposed based on published research and public health recommendations since the Polymeal was first proposed. Results: Average price of the Polymeal was AU$11.89 per day falling to AU$8.46 if the cheapest food items were chosen. Modifications to the Polymeal included: consuming fish oil capsules instead of fish, reduction in the quantity of dark chocolate and removal of red wine. These modifications halved the cost of the Polymeal, while choosing the cheapest food items further lowered the cost to AU$3.49 per day. Modification of the Polymeal gave substantial reductions in both energy and saturated fat (51% and 84%, respectively). Conclusion: The modified Polymeal is a more affordable variation of the Polymeal, which takes into account current scientific evidence and public health recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavonoids, a group of phenolic compounds found in fruits and vegetables, are known to have antioxidant properties. They prevent low density lipoprotein oxidation in vitro and thus may play a role in the prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD). In 1986, in a prospective study of 34,492 postmenopausal women in Iowa, the authors examined the association of flavonoid intake with CHD and stroke mortality. Over 10 years of follow-up, 438 deaths from CHD and 131 deaths from stroke were documented. Total flavonoid intake was associated with a decreased risk of CHD death after adjusting for age and energy intake (p for trend = 0.04). This association was attenuated after multivariate adjustment. However, decreased risk was seen in each category of intake compared with the lowest. Relative risks and 95% confidence intervals of CHD death from lowest to highest intake category were 1.0, 0.67 (95% confidence interval (Cl) 0.49–0.92), 0.56 (95% Cl 0.39–0.79), 0.86 (95% Cl 0.63–1.18), and 0.62 (95% Cl 0.44–0.87).There was no association between total flavonoid intake and stroke mortality (p for trend = 0.83). Of the foods that contributed the most to flavonoid intake in this cohort, only broccoli was strongly associated with reduced risk of CHD death. The data of this study suggest that flavonoid intake may reduce risk of death from CHD in postmenopausal women. Am J Epidemiol 1999; 149:943–9. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: During the last decades, many basic and clinical research have pointed to the role of B vitamins (folate, vitamins B6 and B12) and n-3 fatty acids as nutritional factors that might have a protective effect on the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Methods/design: The SU.FOL.OM3 (SUpplementation with FOlate, vitamin B6 and B12 and/or OMega-3 fatty acids) trial is a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, secondary-prevention trial designed to test the efficacy of 5-methyl tetra-hydro-folates (5-MTHF) supplementation, in combination with vitamin B6 and B12 and/or n-3 fatty acids, at nutritional doses, on fatal and non fatal ischemic CVD in a 2 x 2 factorial design. A total of 2501 patients aged between 45 and 80 years who had a past history, in the previous year, of myocardial infarction (n = 1151) or instable angina pectoris (n = 711) or an ischemic stroke (n = 639) were included. Subjects have to be supplemented and followed up for five years. Daily supplementation comprised nutritional doses of 5-MTHF (560 µg), vitamin B6 (3 mg) and B12 (20 µg) and/or n-3 fatty acids (600 mg with an EPA:DHA ratio of 2:1). A factorial design 2 x 2 has been applied to investigate the separate effects of the B-vitamins, and the n-3 fatty acids, as well as their interaction as compared to the placebo. The primary endpoint is a combination of myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke and cardiovascular death. Secondary endpoints are events of the composite endpoint taken separately, total mortality, and other cardiovascular events such as acute coronary syndromes, coronary revascularization, cardiac failure, arrhythmia... Conclusion: Baseline socio-demographic and medical characteristics of participants are totally comparable in the four randomized groups. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN41926726 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyphenols are the most abundant antioxidants in the diet and are widespread constituents of fruits, vegetables, cereals, dry legumes, chocolate, and beverages, such as tea, coffee, or wine. Experimental studies on animals or cultured human cell lines support a role of polyphenols in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, or osteoporosis. However, it is very difficult to predict from these results the effects of polyphenol intake on disease prevention in humans. One of the reasons is that these studies have often been conducted at doses or concentrations far beyond those documented in humans. The few clinical studies on biomarkers of oxidative stress, cardiovascular disease risk factors, and tumor or bone resorption biomarkers have often led to contradictory results. Epidemiological studies have repeatedly shown an inverse association between the risk of myocardial infarction and the consumption of tea and wine or the intake level of some particular flavonoids, but no clear associations have been found between cancer risk and polyphenol consumption. More human studies are needed to provide clear evidence of their health protective effects and to better evaluate the risks possibly resulting from too high a polyphenol consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE:: To investigate whether the daily intake of red wine (RW) at a dose which inversely correlates with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk modulates immune functions in healthy men. DESIGN:: Randomized single-blind trial with four intervention periods. SETTING:: The Institute of Nutritional Physiology, Federal Research Centre for Nutrition, Karlsruhe, Germany. SUBJECTS:: A total of 24 healthy males with moderate alcohol consumption patterns were recruited and all completed the study. INTERVENTION:: Participants consumed 500?ml of RW (12% ethanol (ETOH)) or 500?ml of a 12% ETOH dilution per day for a period of 2 weeks. To control the potential effects of RW polyphenols, accordingly 500?ml/day of dealcoholized red wine (DRW) and of red grape juice (RGJ) were given. The following immune parameters were measured before beverage consumption and at 1 and 2 weeks following beverage consumption: phagocytic activity of neutrophils and monocytes, production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFa), interleukin-2 and -4, transforming growth factor-ß, TNFa mRNA, lymphocyte proliferation, lytic activity of natural killer cells, and percentage of apoptotic lymphocytes. RESULTS:: Consumption of a moderate volume of alcohol with RW and with a 12% ETOH dilution had no effect on immune functions in healthy males. Consumption of polyphenol-rich beverages (DRW and RGJ) did not affect immunity-related parameters. CONCLUSIONS:: Daily moderate consumption of alcohol and of RW for 2 weeks at doses which inversely correlate with CVD risk has no adverse effects on human immune cell functions. Polyphenol-rich beverages such as RGJ and DRW further do not suppress immune responses in healthy men. SPONSORSHIP:: The Federal Ministry of Consumer Protection, Food, and Agriculture, Germany.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2004) 58, 40-45. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601742 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertension, central obesity and dyslipidemia are associated with high cardiovascular risk. Estrogen therapy in women has beneficial effects on some of these metabolic cardiovascular risk factors. It is not known whether dietary estrogens have similar effects, especially in Western populations. We studied the association between dietary phytoestrogen intake and metabolic cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women. For this purpose, 939 postmenopausal women participating in the Framingham Offspring Study were included in this cross-sectional study. Mean blood pressure, waist-hip ratio (WHR) and lipoprotein levels were determined in quartile categories of dietary phytoestrogen (isoflavones and lignans) intake, determined by a food-frequency questionnaire. In addition, a metabolic syndrome score was defined according to WHO criteria (range 0-6). The WHR was lower in women in the highest quartile of intake of lignans compared with the lowest [-0.017; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.030 to -0.0016]. In the highest quartile of intake of isoflavones, plasma triglyceride levels were 0.16 mmol/L lower (95% CI, -0.30 to -0.02) compared with the lowest quartile of isoflavones; for lignan intake, this difference was 0.23 mmol/L (95% CI, -0.37 to -0.09). In the highest quartile of isoflavone intake, the mean cardiovascular risk factor metabolic score was 0.43 points lower (95% CI, -0.70 to -0.16) than the lowest quartile. The difference in this score between the extreme quartiles of intake of lignans was -0.55 points (95% CI, -0.82 to -0.28). In conclusion, high intake of phytoestrogens in postmenopausal women appears to be associated with a favorable metabolic cardiovascular risk profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term "Mediterranean diet," implying that all Mediterranean people have the same diet, is a misnomer. The countries around the Mediterranean basin have different diets, religions and cultures. Their diets differ in the amount of total fat, olive oil, type of meat and wine intake; milk vs. cheese; fruits and vegetables; and the rates of coronary heart disease and cancer, with the lower death rates and longer life expectancy occurring in Greece. Extensive studies on the traditional diet of Greece (the diet before 1960) indicate that the dietary pattern of Greeks consists of a high intake of fruits, vegetables (particularly wild plants), nuts and cereals mostly in the form of sourdough bread rather than pasta; more olive oil and olives; less milk but more cheese; more fish; less meat; and moderate amounts of wine, more so than other Mediterranean countries. Analyses of the dietary pattern of the diet of Crete shows a number of protective substances, such as selenium, glutathione, a balanced ratio of (n-6):(n-3) essential fatty acids (EFA), high amounts of fiber, antioxidants (especially resveratrol from wine and polyphenols from olive oil), vitamins E and C, some of which have been shown to be associated with lower risk of cancer, including cancer of the breast. These findings should serve as a strong incentive for the initiation of intervention trials that will test the effect of specific dietary patterns in the prevention and management of patients with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoestrogens, plant chemicals classified as isoflavones, coumestans and lignans, display estrogen-like activity because of their structural similarity to human estrogens and exhibit high affinity binding for the estrogen receptor β. They are common components of food items such as grains, beans, fruits and nuts. Isoflavones are primarily found in soybeans and foods made from soy. In particular, significant therapeutic properties have been generally attributed to soy isoflavones, but most of the claims have been poorly, or not at all, confirmed by well designed clinical trials. Such is the case of the purported role of soy isoflavones in reducing plasma cholesterol levels. This link is now not supported by many authors or by appropriately designed clinical studies. The role of isoflavones in cancer prevention, particularly of tumours under endocrine control (breast, prostate and others) is again only supported by weak to nonexisting clinical evidence. A similar case is that of the prevention/treatment of postmenopausal symptoms and osteoporosis. Disturbing data have been reported on potential negative effects of soy isoflavones on cognitive function in the aged, particularly relating to tofu intake. Recent studies have finally indicated a potential role for soy isoflavones in inducing chromosomal changes in cells exposed in vitro and potentiating chemical carcinogens. These findings may not, however, be extrapolated to clinical conditions. Available data do not appear to unequivocally support beneficial effects of soy isoflavones, and warn against their wide use, in the absence of satisfactory clinical findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compares the effect of alcohol-free Mediterranean-type diet and high-fat diet on plasma concentration of emergent hemostatic cardiovascular risk factors (HCVRF) and tests if red wine modifies HCVRF. Diet intervention design; Association between alcohol intake and fibrinogen levels; Effects of Mediterranean-type and high-fat diets with and without red wine on plasma concentration of hemostatic factors and C-reactive protein in young, healthy volunteers.

The aim of this study was to assess the relative validity of a 159-item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for use among adult Singaporeans. This FFQ should be able to classify intakes of energy, total fat, saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, monounsaturated fat and cholesterol into quintiles of intakes for purposes of epidemiological studies. A total of 126 subjects (84 women and 42 men) took part in the study which included an interview using the newly developed FFQ (assess past month's intake) and three 24-h (24 h) recalls (reference method, collected over a period of 1 month). Subjects also collected two 24 h urinary samples for urea from which total nitrogen excretion was assessed to validate protein intake. When compared to the reference method, the FFQ slighty overestimated the intakes of energy, total fat and types of fat as reflected by the difference in means and the ratio of FFQ to 24 h intakes. The overestimation ranged from 1 to 11% of the reference method. Dietary cholesterol was underestimated by 17% by the FFQ. These differences were however, not statistically significant. Pearson's correlation coefficients (95% confidence intervals (CI)) between intakes assessed by FFQ and reference method varied from 0.58 (0.45, 0.69) for total fat to 0.39 (0.23, 0.53) for polyunsaturated fat. Cross-classification into quintiles resulted in correct classification into the same or adjacent quintiles in 70% of subjects, with only one or two subjects being grossly misclassified. Nitrogen (N) intake from the 24 h recalls did not differ significantly from that estimated from the urinary nitrogen excretion. The mean (± SD) difference was 0.0 ± 0.4 g and the Pearson correlation coefficient (95% CI) was 0.55 (0.31, 0.72). It is concluded that the newly developed FFQ is an adequate tool for classifying individuals' intakes into quintiles for epidemiological studies among Singaporean adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deals with a study on the effect of tea and tea polyphenols on cardiovascular risk indicators of the inflammatory system and on haemostasis and edothelial proteins with an acute phase behavior. Subjects and methods of the study; Relation between baseline inflammation, haemostasis and antioxidant variables; Discussion of results.

Abstract Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and disability in the United States, and an elevated low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level is one risk factor. The primary nonpharmacological approach to reducing LDL-cholesterol levels is to restrict dietary saturated fat and cholesterol. Adjunct strategies are frequently superimposed as well. One newer approach is to substitute foods containing plant sterol/stanol esters for conventional foods such as margarines and salad dressings. Daily consumption of 2–3 g of plant sterol/stanol esters has been reported to reduce LDL-cholesterol levels by 9% to 20%, with considerable individual variability. This cholesterol lowering appears additive to that achieved with saturated fat and cholesterol restriction or use of hydroxymethylgluteryl-CoA-reductase inhibitors. The hypocholesterolemic effect of plant sterol/stanol esters is thought to be mediated primarily by decreasing intestinal cholesterol absorption. Few adverse effects have been reported for short- and long-term use of sterol/stanol ester-containing foods. However, declines in plasma carotenoids and tocopherol levels have been reported. The clinical significance of this observation is unknown but needs further evaluation. Plant sterol/stanol ester-containing foods can be used to augment a low-saturated-fat and low-cholesterol diet; however, patients should be cautioned that use beyond the manufacturer-recommended levels will not result in greater LDL-cholesterol lowering. If a patient decides to use plant sterol/stanol ester-containing foods, they should be substituted, not added, to the diet to avoid increasing caloric intake. Additionally, there is no evidence that use of sterol/stanol ester-containing foods in normocholesterolemic individuals will prevent the onset of elevated cholesterol levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents abstracts of papers related to nutrition and dietetics. Role of dietary factors in ethnic differences in early risk of cardiovascular disease; Effect of tea drinking on bone mineral density in older women; Association between postnatal catch-up growth and obesity in childhood.

Presents study findings that consumption of trans fatty acids, such as those found in stick margarine and shortening, have negative effects on lipoprotein profiles that are comparable to those of saturated fatty acids. Recommendation to reduce intakes of saturated and fatty acids in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Discusses the potential impact of soy protein and various biologically active components associated with soy protein on cardiovascular disease, menopausal symptoms and cancer. Major protein source and dietary staple of many Asian cuisines; Protein quality; Potential for incorporating soy foods into the American diet.

Evaluates two studies that offer evidence for a protective effect of vitamin C against cardiovascular disease. Increased risk of vitamin C-deficient men for myocardial infarction; Role of vitamin C in preventing manifestations of existing coronary artery disease.

Presents information on a study which evaluated a cardiovascular nutrition education package designed for African American adults with elevated cholesterol level or blood pressure. Rationale for Cardiovascular Dietary Education System (CARDES) approach; Results of the approach; Analysis on the study findings.

Offers the results of a study on the intake of dietary fiber and its effect on weight gain and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in young adults. How dietary composition may affect insulin secretion which in turn increases the risk for CVD; Context; Objective; Design and setting; Participants; Main outcome measures; Results; Conclusions.

Reports that dietary substitution of vegetable fats for animal fats reduces the risk of cardiovascular heart disease (CHD). Consumption of hydrogenated rather than unhydrogenated vegetable oils may negatively influence plasma lipids and risk of CHD; Positive correlation of saturated fat and cholesterol intake with plasma cholesterol concentration and risk of CHD.

Overall there is good evidence that alcohol consumption induces oxidative stress, and leads to lipid peroxidation, effects which have been linked to alcohol-related toxicity and disease and may be relevant to alcoholatherosclerosis interrelationships. On the other hand, a protective effect of light to moderate alcohol consumption against cardiovascular disease is well recognized, with the further hypothesis that red wine offers extra cardiovascular protection due to its rich content of antioxidant phenolic compounds. Although this hypothesis is given some credence from in vitro data, controlled studies in humans have produced conflicting results. Clearly, the equally well described pro-oxidant effects of alcohol and its metabolism have been insufficiently considered in the pursuit of what to many is an intuitively attractive hypothesis. Further studies are required to determine if red wine phenolics are actually absorbed from the gut and whether they offer any overall antioxidant protection in vivo. The hypothesis that red wine offers extra cardiovascular protection compared to other alcoholic beverages is not proven and must await the outcome of studies in which the full spectrum of the pro-oxidant and antioxidant effects of alcoholic beverages are duly considered. In the absence of such studies, there are no grounds at present for the promotion of the consumption of alcoholic beverages on the basis of their putative "antioxidant" properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]