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Members, friends and families enjoyed a sunny Sunday afternoon bowling in aid of the above charity, followed by an excellent buffet tea.
The club's special events organiser, Warwick Pople, is shown in the photograph presenting a cheque for £800 to the Fundraising Manager, Leicestershire and Rutland, Ms. Jo-Anne Wilson.
Jo-Anne gave an interesting short speech in response, outlining the many activities provided by the charity in their efforts to give nursing, communal and financial assistance to cancer sufferers and their families.
Echo readers considering running a charity event can contact Jo-Anne by email on 'email@example.com' or tel. 0300 1000 200.


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You can download unlimited , by purchasing a subscription.
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CSVI is an import and export component for the Joomla Content Management System. CSVI enables you can import and export data into and from different Joomla components. Every component features its own import and export types to allow control over every part of the component.
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subset: commoncrawl


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♠ Posted by Emmanuel in Americana at 6/09/2015 01:30:00 AM
|American firms don't dare invest in America...so why should you?
Data show a broad array of companies have been plowing more cash into dividends and stock buybacks, while spending less on investments such as new factories and research and development...
Laurence Fink, chief executive of BlackRock Inc., the world's largest money manager, argued as much in a March 31 letter to S&P 500 CEOs. "More and more corporate leaders have responded with actions that can deliver immediate returns to shareholders, such as buybacks or dividend increases, while underinvesting in innovation, skilled workforces or essential capital expenditures necessary to sustain long-term growth..."
An analysis conducted for The Wall Street Journal by Standard & Poors Capital IQ shows that companies in the S&P 500 index sharply increased their spending on dividends and buybacks to a median 36% of operating cash flow in 2013, from 18% in 2003. Over that same decade, those companies cut spending on plants and equipment to 29% of operating cash flow, from 33% in 2003.So firms are using cash like it's game over for America. How will this play out in the future?
It is it too early to know how—or whether—the shift will affect the overall economy. Some economists predict an investment reduction will mean less growth and fewer jobs. "If investment falls, then you're losing demand in the economy, you're losing expenditures, you're losing economic stimulus," says Steven Fazzari, an economist at Washington University. "That's hurting jobs."People in America used to dream about the future. I guess not anymore.


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The American Institute for Cancer Research is one of the best resources for accurate, fact-based information about diet, food, and lowering your cancer risk. Click on the "Diet and Cancer" tab near the top and you'll find recipes, research findings, and news about foods that my fight cancer: www.aicr.org
Another highly reliable site for information about cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, is the American Cancer Society website at: www.cancer.org You'll also find a useful section on this site called "Rumors, Myths, and Truths". It is located under the "Press Room" section.


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Exhibition World | Country Focus THE MAGAZINE FOR THE GLOBAL EXHIBITION COMMUNITY WWW. EXHIBITION- WORLD. NET| April 2010| 25 Year of the tiger A s great swathes of Europe, Asia and America suffered economic recession, China continued its growth, with its GDP closing in on Japan's to become the world's second largest economy. It has already passed Germany to become the world's largest exporter. China's rapid economic ascent even led The Times newspaper in the UK to speculate that the new model of capitalism could be a variant of the authoritarian state- led capitalism favoured in China, Russia and other emerging economies, rather than a reformed version of the Western democratic system. It is a market that can be both intriguing and confusing. It clearly takes patience and local partnerships to unlock China's trade potential for foreign partners. One example of this can be seen in the battle between the US software giants; while Microsoft prospers in this market, Google has been forced to consider its position amid allegations of political censorship. The exhibition market in China has matured in the last few years. The proliferation of events in key exhibition cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou has died down. The demand from both exhibitors and visitors on professional and quality events has driven sub- standard events away and created a more professional environment. The total number of events from 2005- 2009 was recorded at 950, 864, 924, 866 and 837 respectively. President and CEO of UBM Asia, Jime Essink, says the global economic crisis in 2008 contributed a sharp watershed. " Though there was a drop in the number, the scale of the leading exhibitions in China, the consumer goods exhibitions in particularly, grew due to the China Government's determined policy to boost domestic demand and consumption to make up for the decline in foreign trade." The company's furniture and maritime events in Shanghai grew in the second half of the year by 13 and 40 per cent As Beijing builds on its Olympic legacy for business tourism and Shanghai readies for the US$ 45bn World Expo 2010, EWinvestigates whether this really is the year of the tiger for Chinese exhibitions respectively, and its Guangzhou International Beauty and Cosmetic Import- Export Expo also grew by 30 per cent. Though there is the bottleneck exhibition space issue in such prime exhibition city as Shanghai, Essink says " the transformation of part of the World Expo pavilions into exhibition halls shows that the government and the industry note the importance of sufficient and professional exhibition space in the development of the exhibition industry." Trade fair or cultural revolution? The World Expo 2010, in Shanghai, is undoubtedly the country's grandest international showcase. For Shanghai the potential for business is greater still, with a global audience of exhibitions and events planners now eyeing its new transportation, hotel and venue infrastructure. UBM Asia's Jime EssinkThe China National Convention Centre The Shanghai World Expo runs from May to October 2010 and will be worth US$ 45bn
Country Focus | Exhibition World 26| April 2010| A new convention centre is also planned, able to accommodate 10,000. And once the Expo itself is over, many buildings will be turned into exhibition and conference venues. The China Pavilion has already been earmarked as the official World Expo Museum. It should also be a big draw to the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, which has committed to increasing its capacity of 126,500sqm to 200,000sqm by December 2010. " After the Olympics 2008 and the World Expo 2010, which has and will put China further in the world's limelight, I'm confident the potential for further growth is tremendous," says MD of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Cliff Wallace. " With the economy in China growing at a significant rate, associations and corporations from all over the world recognise the marketing and educational value of holding their exhibitions and conferences in China." Of course there are issues that still need attention before international organisers wholeheartedly embrace China as an events destination. The visa issue is a particularly thorny one. For the Shanghai World Expo, China is pledging to accelerate the visa application process for event organisers and visitors, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has instructed Chinese embassies and consulates around the world to use an easy process for granting visas throughout the event's life. Overseas visitors are expected to comprise around five per cent of the 70 million visitors expected to attend the event from 1 May to 31 October. Officials are also making preparations to ensure easy transportation between Shanghai and nearby cities in order for visitors to get from their hotels to the event. The knock- on effect is that the service suppliers, including venue management and event production companies, acquire more and more valuable experience for future events held in China. Building a legacy Senior director of sales and marketing at the China National Convention Centre, Beijing, Jennifer Salsbury, says the venue is building on the Olympic legacy: " We have had a tremendous response since we opened on 21 October last year. The location on the Olympic Green is important," she says. " The venue layout enables several events to run simultaneously and, in the first two months of the centre's reopening, 107 events were staged. A further 100 were operated in the first weeks of 2010. The centre was an important element in the overall plan for the 2008 Games, serving as the main press centre as well as home to the fencing and pistol- shooting events. This year it plays host to events including AchemAsia 2010, the exhibition and convention for chemical engineering and biotechnology in June, and the China Composites Expo 2010 in September. Although some of its largest recent coups have been on the conference side. Reed Travel Exhibitions' China ' IBTM' director Graeme Barnett says China's heritage and culture makes it a compelling destination for international events. " CIBTM 2009 was the biggest ever, 35 per cent larger than the previous 2007 edition," notes Barnett, " and there will be a 2010 China Meetings Week to run alongside CIBTM, 31 August to 2 September 2010." It is projected that the China exhibition industry will achieve 10 per cent growth in 2010, and Essink shares in the forecasters' optimism. " Due to the economic crisis, the world's major markets have been shifted from the West to the East. We actually saw how the leading events in China had benefitted last year from the economic downturn," he says. Exhibitors, both local and overseas, find China attractive and increasingly important. With a huge population and a growing middle class, there is a stronger demand for consumer goods shows and the Chinese exhibition market is therefore no longer as dependent on global developments as in the past. And with China's exhibition market accounting for only 0.025 per cent of GDP, lower than most other markets: Germany ( 0.06%), Hong Kong ( 1.7%), there is tremendous growth potential, and abundant available venue space in most cities. With its booming economy, the Olympics behind it and the World Expo underway, China has the world watching, and with that its exhibition market appears to have roared to life. THE MAGAZINE FOR THE GLOBAL EXHIBITION COMMUNITY WWW. EXHIBITION- WORLD. NET NEW ORDER Asian cities are challenging the old financial centre order. The City of London Corporation's Global Financial Centre's index of competitive cities puts Shanghai, Hong Kong and Shenzhen in the Top 10. TOP 10 FINANCIAL CENTRES Source: City of London Corporation " After the Olympics 2008 and the World Expo 2010, which has and will put China further in the world's limelight, I'm confident the potential for further growth is tremendous," Cliff Wallace 1. London 2. New York 3. Hong Kong 4. Singapore 5. Shenzhen 6. Zurich 7. Tokyo 8. Chicago 9. Geneva 10. Shanghai


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Someone to the post Almost Aborted wrote, "Be a round Korean, learn Korean and serve in the Korean Army."
Korea sent me to a white community where there were no Asians.
A community where I was mocked, bullied and threatened for my slant eyes.
I was called "The Chinese" or "La Chinoise" if not "la sale Chinoise (the dirty Chinese)" by everyone around me, even by the few black people.
Korea sold me to white people who taught me that to be an Asian was a shameful thing, that to be Asian = to be a geisha.
Koreans sent me to a foreign land where there were no Koreans around me.
As I mentioned in the post "Almost Aborted", Koreans crossed off the date of bearer's return on my visa to ensure I wouldn't go back to Korea for a long time.
I completely lost my language within two years of my arrival on this land for having nobody to talk to.
The loss of mother language was traumatic.
To be told to to be around Koreans, to learn Korean and to serve in the Korean army sounds sardonic to me.


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Major Change to Michigan Schools' Zero-Tolerance Policies Goes Into Effect
For years, Michigan schools have been restrained by "zero-tolerance" policies, orders from the government to expel any students involved in certain activities, including the possession of "dangerous weapons." For years, the State of Michigan placed restrictions on the discretion with which schools could handle their affairs. A new law, signed by the governor in December, changes that. Beginning this August, Michigan schools are no longer bound by the heavily restrictive "zero-tolerance" policies of the past and now have the authority to judge each student's behavior individually.
The Old Way
Until passage of this new law, immediate expulsion was required if a student brought a dangerous weapon to school, committed arson, assaulted a volunteer or member of the school's staff, or engaged in any criminal sexual conduct. For those students found responsible for any of the allegations above, there was little recourse against the policy. School administrators' hands were tied and they didn't have the power to use their judgment on a case-by-case basis.
The New Law
According to new legislation, much more control is placed back in the hands of the schools. Before expelling or suspending a student, the school must evaluate his or her circumstances based on seven factors:
- The student's age.
- The student's disciplinary history.
- Any disability from which the student suffers.
- The seriousness of the student's behavior.
- Whether or not the activity in question presented a risk to anyone's safety.
- Whether or not restorative practices have been used.
- Whether some action less than expulsion or suspension would correct the behavior.
What This Means For Your Child
This change in policy is good news for those students facing disciplinary action from their schools. It is, however, wise to bring legal counsel to assist in these matters. Because the change in the law is so recent, it's important to have a first-rate attorney with you to explain to the school administrators two key points. First, that they are now allowed to look at the bigger picture, to take into consideration the totality of your child's circumstances when deciding the best way to handle his or her case. Second, once the school understands the discretion they have, you need someone to help convince them why some punishment less than expulsion will achieve all the school's objectives and prevent against any future behavioral problems.
In today's increasingly competitive marketplace, you need to protect your child from any unnecessary blemishes on his or her record. An expulsion or suspension can wreak on havoc on a child's future, and studies show that expulsions and suspensions tend to lead young people down the wrong road. The "prison to pipeline" phenomenon is one of the main reasons this new law has been enacted. You and your child deserve an advocate who will both educate the educators and fight to ensure your child receives fair results. To speak with an attorney who has experience dealing with Michigan schools and fighting against expulsions, call (248) 263-6800 or complete a Request for Assistance Form. One of LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C.'s top defense lawyers will consult with you regarding your options. Expulsion is justified in only the most extreme cases. We can help your child start off a life free from the disadvantaging impact of an inappropriate and unnecessary expulsion.


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Stand Up to Racism meeting to be held this week
PUBLISHED: 16:17 20 January 2019
An anti-racism meeting is to be held this week in response to the "growing racist right."
Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft Stand Up to Racism will host the meeting at Great Yarmouth Unitarian Church, on Greyfriars Way, on Wednesday, January 23.
A spokesperson for the group said: "This meeting will declare that organised racists and the far-right are not welcome in our multicultural towns and cities.
"We oppose the racism at the heart of their message and defend the migrants, refugees and the Muslim Community they seek to scapegoat.
"The racist right is growing across Europe spreading racism, islamophobia, antisemitism and bigotry.
"There have been violent demonstrations in their support where anti-racists and police officers were attacked.
"We will not allow them to rebuild here in Britain. We will make sure their attitudes are not welcome wherever they seek to build their hate filled movement."
Starting at 7.30pm, the meeting will welcome speakers from the Labour and Green parties, the Great Yarmouth Trades Union council, and the Great Yarmouth Mosque, among others.
If you value what this story gives you, please consider supporting the Beccles and Bungay Journal. Click the link in the yellow box below for details.


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At Harbourside we look to your every need in providing quality linen and tableware, luxury toiletries and fluffy white towels. Kitchens all feature a full sized refrigerator, stove, microwave and all the utensils, pots and pans required to prepare a gourmet meal. The waterfront swimming pool and barbecue area is an idyllic spot for relaxing while absorbing the romance of the harbour activities. It also provides a delightful alternative for alfresco dining.
open daily 24 hours
** 1 Car per apartment
Get the latest news delivered to reception every morning
Free Wi-Fi for all direct bookings
Boat mooring facilities
Waterfront Swimming Pool and Barbecue Area (for in-house guests only)
Fitness First gym passes available to purchase
Mindspring therapies guided meditation vouchers available to purchase


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Have you noticed that concrete pots and planters are having a moment right now? Although their initial industrial and rather cold vibe turned me off, nowadays, after seeing them in actual home settings, I find them beautifully minimal and unfussy.
Here are a few I'm thinking about snatching: this one, those and these copper dipped beauties are lovely too, aren't they? But of course, you can also make them yourself. Thoughts?
P.S: Also, how about those quirky pots and let's not forget these too:)
P.P.S: The meaning of cacti...
(Photos by/via Concept by Anna, Medina Lind, SF Girl by Bay, Airows, The Future Kept, Paper and Stitch and Planete Deco)


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A healthy diet is important in the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Several risk factors, modifiable by diet, are involved in the development of CVD, e.g. hyperlipidaemia, hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance, obesity and hypertension. Little data however exist on diets composed of foods originating from the Nordic countries, and their potential to reduce CVD risk.
This thesis aimed to investigate whether an ad libitum healthy Nordic diet (ND), either provided as a whole diet, or as a prudent breakfast (PB) alone, could influence CVD risk factors in healthy, mildly hypercholesterolemic men and women. Another aim was to describe the nutrient and food composition of the ND, both by using self-reported data and serum biomarkers of dietary fat quality.
The primary clinical outcome measure was LDL-cholesterol, and other cardiometabolic risk factors were secondary outcomes.
Two parallel, randomised, controlled intervention studies were conducted in free-living subjects. Clinical and dietary assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of dietary interventions. All foods were provided to subjects randomised to ND, whereas only breakfast items were supplied to subjects randomised to PB. Control groups followed their habitual diet/breakfast.
Compared with controls, ND reduced body weight and improved several CVD risk factors including LDL-cholesterol, insulin sensitivity and blood pressure. Several, but not all effects were probably partly mediated by diet-induced weight loss. ND accorded with Nordic nutrition recommendations and was defined as "a plant-based diet, where animal products are used sparingly as side dishes". Compared with average Swedish diet, ND was high in dietary fibre, but low in sodium, meat, high-fat dairy products, sweets and alcohol. A decreased intake of saturated fat and increased intake of n-3 PUFA during ND was partly reflected in serum lipids. Eating a PB without other dietary changes did not improve lipid or glucose metabolism, but decreased markers of visceral fat and inflammation, without influencing body weight.
This thesis suggests that a whole ND, but not PB alone, promotes weight loss and improves multiple CVD risk factors in healthy subjects after 6 weeks. These results suggest that ND could have a potential role in the prevention of cardiometabolic diseases.
Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a healthy Nordic diet (ND) on cardiovascular risk factors. Design and subjects. In a randomized controlled trial (NORDIET) conducted in Sweden, 88 mildly hypercholesterolaemic subjects were randomly assigned to an ad libitum ND or control diet (subjects' usual Western diet) for 6 weeks. Participants in the ND group were provided with all meals and foods. Primary outcome measurements were low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and secondary outcomes were blood pressure (BP) and insulin sensitivity (fasting insulin and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance). The ND was rich in high-fibre plant foods, fruits, berries, vegetables, whole grains, rapeseed oil, nuts, fish and low-fat milk products, but low in salt, added sugars and saturated fats. Results. The ND contained 27%, 52%, 19% and 2% of energy from fat, carbohydrate, protein and alcohol, respectively. In total, 86 of 88 subjects randomly assigned to diet completed the study. Compared with controls, there was a decrease in plasma cholesterol (-16%, P < 0.001), LDL cholesterol (-21%, P < 0.001), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (-5%, P < 0.01), LDL/HDL (-14%, P < 0.01) and apolipoprotein (apo)B/apoA1 (-1%, P < 0.05) in the ND group. The ND reduced insulin (-9%, P = 0.01) and systolic BP by -6.6 +/- 13.2 mmHg (-5%, P < 0.05) compared with the control diet. Despite the ad libitum nature of the ND, body weight decreased after 6 weeks in the ND compared with the control group (-4%, P < 0.001). After adjustment for weight change, the significant differences between groups remained for blood lipids, but not for insulin sensitivity or BP. There were no significant differences in diastolic BP or triglyceride or glucose concentrations. Conclusions. A healthy ND improves blood lipid profile and insulin sensitivity and lowers blood pressure at clinically relevant levels in hypercholesterolaemic subjects.
Background: A healthy Nordic diet (ND), a diet based on foods originating from the Nordic countries, improves blood lipid profile and insulin sensitivity and lowers blood pressure and body weight in hypercholesterolemic subjects. Objective: To describe and compare food and nutrient composition of the ND in relation to the intake of a Swedish reference population (SRP) and the recommended intake (RI) and average requirement (AR), as described by the Nordic nutrition recommendations (NNR). Design: The analyses were based on an estimate of actual food and nutrient intake of 44 men and women (mean age 53 +/- 8 years, BMI 26 +/- 3), representing an intervention arm receiving ND for 6 weeks. Results: The main difference between ND and SRP was the higher intake of plant foods, fish, egg and vegetable fat and a lower intake of meat products, dairy products, sweets and desserts and alcoholic beverages during ND (p<0.001 for all food groups). Intake of cereals and seeds was similar between ND and SRP (p>0.3). The relative intake of protein, fat and carbohydrates during ND was in accordance with RI. Intake of all vitamins and minerals was above AR, whereas sodium intake was below RI. Conclusions: When compared with the food intake of an SRP, ND is primarily a plant-based diet. ND represents a balanced food intake that meets the current RI and AR of NNR 2004 and has a dietary pattern that is associated with decreased morbidity and mortality.
Background: The fatty acid (FA) composition of serum lipids is related to the quality of dietary fat. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a healthy Nordic diet (ND) on the FA composition of serum cholesterol esters (CE-FA) and assess the associations between changes in the serum CE-FA composition and blood lipoproteins during a controlled dietary intervention.
Methods: The NORDIET trial was a six-week randomised, controlled, parallel-group dietary intervention study that included 86 adults (53±8 years) with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol LDL-C. Serum CE-FA composition was measured using gas chromatography. Diet history interviews were conducted, and daily intake was assessed using checklists.
Results: Food and nutrient intake data indicated that there was a reduction in the fat intake from dairy and meat products and an increase in the consumption of fatty fish with the ND, decreasing the levels of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in the diet, slightly decreasing the levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and moderately increasing the levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Concomitantly, the levels of CE-SFA 14:0, 15:0 and 18:0, but not 16:0, decreased during the ND, and these changes differed from those observed in the control diet group (p<0.01). In contrast, serum 22:6n-3 increased during the ND compared with the control diet (p<0.01). The changes in CE-SFA 14:0, 15:0 and 18:0 during the intervention correlated positively with those in LDL-C, HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, ApoA1 and ApoB (p<0.01), whereas the changes in CE-PUFA 22:6n-3 were negatively correlated with changes in the corresponding serum lipids.
Conclusions: The decreased intake of saturated fat and increased intake of n-3 PUFA in a healthy Nordic diet are partly reflected by changes in the serum CE-FA composition, which are associated with an improved serum lipoprotein pattern.
Background & Aims: It is unclear whether advising a prudent breakfast alone is sufficient to improve blood lipids and cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight hypercholesterolemic subjects.
Methods: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether a prudent low-fat breakfast (PB) rich in dietary fiber lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and other cardiometabolic risk factors in subjects with elevated LDL-cholesterol levels. In a parallel, controlled, 12-week study, 79 healthy overweight subjects (all regular breakfast eaters) were randomly allocated to a group that received a PB based on Nordic foods provided ad libitum or a control group that consumed their usual breakfast. The PB was in accordance with national and Nordic nutrition recommendations and included oat bran porridge with low-fat milk or yogurt, bilberry or lingonberry jam, whole grain bread, low-fat spread, poultry or fatty fish, and fruit.
Results: No differences were found in LDL-C, blood lipids, body weight, or glucose metabolism, but SAD, plasma CRP, and TNF-R2 were lower during PB compared with controls (p<0.05). In the overall diet, PB increased dietary fiber and b-glucan compared with controls (p<0.05).
Conclusions: Advising a prudent breakfast for 3 months did not influence blood lipids, body weight, or glucose metabolism but reduced markers of visceral fat and inflammation.
It is unclear whether advising a prudent breakfast alone is sufficient to improve blood lipids and cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight hypercholesterolemic subjects. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a prudent low-fat breakfast (PB) rich in dietary fiber lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and other cardiometabolic risk factors in subjects with elevated LDL-cholesterol levels.
In a parallel, controlled, 12-week study, 79 healthy overweight subjects (all regular breakfast eaters) were randomly allocated to a group that received a PB based on Nordic foods provided ad libitum or a control group that consumed their usual breakfast. The primary outcome was plasma LDL-C. Secondary outcomes were other blood lipids, body weight, sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD), glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and inflammation markers (C-reactive protein [CRP] and tumor necrosis factor receptor-2 [TNF-R2]), and blood pressure. The PB was in accordance with national and Nordic nutrition recommendations and included oat bran porridge with low-fat milk or yogurt, bilberry or lingonberry jam, whole grain bread, low-fat spread, poultry or fatty fish, and fruit.
No differences were found in LDL-C, other blood lipids, body weight, or glucose metabolism, but SAD, plasma CRP, and TNF-R2 decreased more during PB compared with controls (p < 0.05). In the overall diet, PB increased dietary fiber and β-glucan compared with controls (p < 0.05).
Advising a prudent breakfast for 3 months did not influence blood lipids, body weight, or glucose metabolism but reduced markers of visceral fat and inflammation. The trial was registered in the Current Controlled Trials database (http://www.controlled-trials.com); International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN): 84550872.
Reduced bone mineral density (BMD) together with muscle wasting and dysfunction, that is sarcopenia, emerges as a risk factor for hip fracture. The aim of this study was to examine body composition and BMD and their relationship with trauma mechanisms in young and middle-aged patients with femoral neck fracture.
Materials and methods
Altogether, 185 patients with femoral neck fracture aged 20–69 were included. BMD, body composition and fat-free mass index (FFMI) were determined by dual-X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and trauma mechanisms were registered.
Ninety per cent of the whole study population had a femoral neck BMD below the mean for age. In the young patients (< 50 years), 27% had a Z-score of BMD ≤ −2 SD. More than half of the middle-aged patients (50–69 years) had osteopenia, that is T-score −1 to −2·5, and 35% had osteoporosis, that is T-score < −2·5, at the femoral neck. Patients with low-energy trauma, sport injury or high-energy trauma had a median standardised BMD of 0·702, 0·740 vs. 0·803 g/cm2 (P = 0·03), and a median FFMI of 15·9, 17·7 vs. 17·5 kg/m2 (P < 0·001), respectively. FFMI < 10th percentile of an age- and gender-matched reference population was observed in one-third.
A majority had low BMD at the femoral neck, and one-third had reduced FFMI (i.e. sarcopenia). Patients with fracture following low-energy trauma had significantly lower femoral neck BMD and FFMI than patients with other trauma mechanisms. DXA examination of both BMD and body composition could be of value especially in those with low-energy trauma.
Background Reduced bone mineral density (BMD) together with muscle wasting and dysfunction, that is sarcopenia, emerges as a risk factor for hip fracture. The aim of this study was to examine body composition and BMD and their relationship with trauma mechanisms in young and middle-aged patients with femoral neck fracture. Materials and methods Altogether, 185 patients with femoral neck fracture aged 20-69 were included. BMD, body composition and fat-free mass index (FFMI) were determined by dual-X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and trauma mechanisms were registered. Results Ninety per cent of the whole study population had a femoral neck BMD below the mean for age. In the young patients (<50years), 27% had a Z-score of BMD-2 SD. More than half of the middle-aged patients (50-69years) had osteopenia, that is T-score -1 to -25, and 35% had osteoporosis, that is T-score<-25, at the femoral neck. Patients with low-energy trauma, sport injury or high-energy trauma had a median standardised BMD of 0702, 0740 vs. 0803g/cm(2) (P=003), and a median FFMI of 159, 177 vs. 175kg/m(2) (P<0001), respectively. FFMI<10th percentile of an age- and gender-matched reference population was observed in one-third. Conclusions A majority had low BMD at the femoral neck, and one-third had reduced FFMI (i.e. sarcopenia). Patients with fracture following low-energy trauma had significantly lower femoral neck BMD and FFMI than patients with other trauma mechanisms. DXA examination of both BMD and body composition could be of value especially in those with low-energy trauma.
Objective: To identify factors associated with preserved walking ability and Katz activities of daily living (ADLs) index at 4-month and 12-month follow-up in cognitively impaired patients with femoral neck fracture. Design: Population-based cohort study. Setting: A multicenter study of the Stockholm Hip Fracture Group including 4 university hospitals. Participants: Consecutive patients (N=246) with femoral neck fracture, older than 65 years (mean, 84y; 72% women) with cognitive impairment (known dementia or low [0-2 points] score) in Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire [0-10 points]) and able to walk before the fracture. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure: Walking ability and ADLs index at 4-month and 12-month follow-up. Results: Significant predictors of preserved walking ability at 12-month follow-up were discharge to rehabilitation unit (odds ratio [OR]=2.83: confidence interval [CI], 1.1-7.26; P=.03) and walking ability before the fracture (OR=8.98; Cl, 3.52-22.93; P<.001), while type of surgery was not (P=.197). Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, fracture type, and surgical method. Corresponding predictors of preserved Katz ADLs index at 12-month follow-up, after adjustment for age and sex, were discharge to rehabilitation unit (OR=5.33; Cl, 1.44-19.65: P=.012) and ADLs index before fracture (OR=2.5; Cl. 1.8-3.5: P<.001), while type of surgery was not (P=.376). Conclusions: Discharge to rehabilitation unit, a factor we can influence, was associated with preserved walking ability and ADLs index in cognitively impaired patients with hip fracture.
Abdominal obesity is a key contributor of metabolic disease. Recent trials suggest that dietary fat quality affects abdominal fat content, where palmitic acid and linoleic acid influence abdominal obesity differently, while effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are less studied. Also, fatty acid desaturation may be altered in abdominal obesity. We aimed to investigate cross-sectional associations of serum fatty acids and desaturases with abdominal obesity prevalence in a population-based cohort study. Serum cholesteryl ester fatty acids composition was measured by gas chromatography in 60-year old men (n = 1883) and women (n = 2015). Cross-sectional associations of fatty acids with abdominal obesity prevalence and anthropometric measures (e.g., sagittal abdominal diameter) were evaluated in multivariable-adjusted logistic and linear regression models, respectively. Similar models were employed to investigate relations between desaturase activities (estimated by fatty acid ratios) and abdominal obesity. In logistic regression analyses, palmitic acid, stearoyl-CoA- desaturase and Delta 6-desaturase indices were associated with abdominal obesity; multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for highest versus lowest quartiles were 1.45 (1.19-1.76), 4.06 (3.27-5.05), and 3.07 (2.51-3.75), respectively. Linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, docohexaenoic acid, and Delta 5-desaturase were inversely associated with abdominal obesity; multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals): 0.39 (0.32-0.48), 0.74 (0.61-0.89), 0.76 (0.62-0.93), and 0.40 (0.33-0.49), respectively. Eicosapentaenoic acid was not associated with abdominal obesity. Similar results were obtained from linear regression models evaluating associations with different anthropometric measures. Sex-specific and linear associations were mainly observed for n3-polyunsaturated fatty acids, while associations of the other exposures were generally non-linear and similar across sexes. In accordance with findings from short-term trials, abdominal obesity was more common among individuals with relatively high proportions of palmitic acid, whilst the contrary was true for linoleic acid. Further trials should examine the potential role of linoleic acid and its main dietary source, vegetable oils, in abdominal obesity prevention.
High intakes of whole grain foods are inversely related to the incidence of coronary heart diseases and type 2 diabetes, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of a diet rich in whole grains compared with a diet containing the same amount of refined grains on insulin sensitivity and markers of lipid peroxidation and inflammation. In a randomized crossover study, 22 women and 8 men (BMI 28 +/- 2) were given either whole-grain or refined-grain products (3 bread slices, 2 crisp bread slices, 1 portion muesli, and 1 portion pasta) to include in their habitual daily diet for two 6-wk periods. Peripheral insulin sensitivity was determined by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp tests. 8-Iso-prostaglandin F(2alpha) (8-iso PGF(2alpha)), an F(2)-isoprostane, was measured in the urine as a marker of lipid peroxidation, and highly sensitive C-reactive protein and IL-6 were analyzed in plasma as markers of inflammation. Peripheral insulin sensitivity [mg glucose . kg body wt(-1) . min(-1) per unit plasma insulin (mU/L) x 100] did not improve when subjects consumed whole-grain products (6.8 +/- 3.0 at baseline and 6.5 +/- 2.7 after 6 wk) or refined products (6.4 +/- 2.9 and 6.9 +/- 3.2, respectively) and there were no differences between the 2 periods. Whole-grain consumption also did not affect 8-iso-PGF(2alpha) in urine, IL-6 and C-reactive protein in plasma, blood pressure, or serum lipid concentrations. In conclusion, substitution of whole grains (mainly based on milled wheat) for refined-grain products in the habitual daily diet of healthy moderately overweight adults for 6-wk did not affect insulin sensitivity or markers of lipid peroxidation and inflammation.
Background & aims: Accumulation of visceral adipose tissue is associated with insulin resistance and cardio-vascular disease. The aim of this study was to elucidate whether removal of a large amount of visceral fat by omentectomy in conjunction with Roux en-Y gastric bypass operation (RYGB) results in enhanced improvement of insulin sensitivity compared to gastric bypass surgery alone. Methods: Eighty-one obese women scheduled for RYGB were included in the study. They were randomized to RYGB or RYGB in conjunction with omentectomy. Insulin sensitivity was measured by hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp before operation and sixty-two women were also reexamined 2 years post-operatively. The primary outcome measure was insulin sensitivity and secondary outcome measures included cardio-metabolic risk factors. Results: Two-year weight loss was profound but unaffected by omentectomy. Before intervention, there were no clinical or metabolic differences between the two groups. The difference in primary outcome measure, insulin sensitivity, was not significant between the non-omentectomy (6.7 +/- 1.6 mg/kg body weight/minute) and omentectomy groups (6.6 +/- 1.5 mg/kg body weight/minute) after 2 years. Nor did any of the cardio-metabolic risk factors that were secondary outcome measures differ significantly. Conclusion: Addition of omentectomy to gastric bypass operation does not give an incremental effect on long term insulin sensitivity or cardio-metabolic risk factors. The clinical usefulness of omentectomy in addition to gastric bypass operation is highly questionable.
BACKGROUND: In recent randomised prospective studies, lifestyle intervention induced a weight loss of approximately 5%. OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate a 2-year on-going group intervention program in clinical practice in terms of weight loss and changes in metabolic risk factors, i.e. sagital abdominal diameter (SAD), triglycerides, fasting blood glucose and blood pressure. DESIGN: The aim of the intervention program was to motivate lifestyle changes concerning food intake and physical activity. The emphasis was on lifestyle modification, followed up at regular visits during 2 years. Subjects evaluated were 100 women with mean BMI 37.6 kg/m(2) and 26 men with mean BMI 36.5 kg/m(2). RESULTS: One hundred of 151 enrolled women and 26 of 36 men completed the program. Mean weight decreased by 3.8 kg in women (from 103.5 to 99.7, p<0.001) and 4.4 kg in men (from 116.5 to 112.1, p<0.05), respectively. SAD decreased by 5% (p=0.001 in women, p=0.01 in men), and triglycerides by 16% in women (p=0.01) and 24% in men (p=0.001), however systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased slightly but significantly. CONCLUSION: It is possible to perform a clinical lifestyle intervention program for outpatients on an ongoing basis with weight loss, lowered SAD and triglycerides, and a similar or lower dropout rate compared to clinical trials.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) have immunomodulating properties and have been suggested to protect against endothelial injury, for example myocardial infarction and reperfusion injury. We tested whether two ACEi (captopril and enalapril), differing in a thiol group, protected human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) from cytotoxicity induced by polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) in vitro, when cells were activated by tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα) or the arachidonate derivative lipoxin-A4 (LXA4), using separate cytotoxicity pathways. When 51Cr labelled HUVEC were treated with captopril (0–500 μm) or enalapril (0–100 μm) for 2 h and then activated by TNFα (100 ng/ml) for 24 h, a significant, dose-dependent reduction of 51Cr release was observed. Similarly, captopril reduced 51Cr release when LXA4 (0.1 μm) was used to stimulate PMN for 4 h. Among previously defined mechanisms of significance for the cytotoxic reaction, expression of ICAM-1, but not intracellular Ca2+ changes in PMN or PMN adherence to HUVEC, were reduced by ACEi treatment. Moreover, both ACEi inhibited HUVEC surface expression of TNFα receptor I (but not II). Thus, these ACEi, particularly captopril, interfere with PMN-induced cytotoxicity for endothelial cells by modulating pro-inflammatory surface receptors, which is a novel effect that might be explored for further therapeutic approaches.
Trans fatty acids (TFA) comprise a variety of positional isomers, mainly with 18 carbon atoms and one double bond (C18:1). They are found in foods of ruminant animal origin and in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. The isomeric composition of TFA in animal and vegetable foods differs, but no definite differences have been documented between the metabolic and health effects of the different isomers. In the Nordic countries the intake of TFA has declined during the past 1015 years, mainly through reduced use of partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. TFA are mainly found in foods that contain far higher amounts of saturated fatty acids (SFA). The proportion of SFA plus TFA should be kept to one-third of total dietary fatty acids. The problem of excessive consumption of these unfavourable fatty acids should be managed with food-based dietary guidelines in agreement with the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations.
Current dietary recommendations advise reducing the intake of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) to reduce coronary heart disease (CHD) risk, but recent findings question the role of SFAs. This expert panel reviewed the evidence and reached the following conclusions: the evidence from epidemiologic, clinical, and mechanistic studies is consistent in finding that the risk of CHD is reduced when SFAs are replaced with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). In populations who consume a Western diet, the replacement of 1% of energy from SFAs with PUFAs lowers LDL cholesterol and is likely to produce a reduction in CHD incidence of >= 2-3%. No clear benefit of substituting carbohydrates for SFAs has been shown, although there might be a benefit if the carbohydrate is unrefined and has a low glycemic index. Insufficient evidence exists to judge the effect on CHD risk of replacing SFAs with MUFAs. No clear association between SFA intake relative to refined carbohydrates and the risk of insulin resistance and diabetes has been shown. The effect of diet on a single biomarker is insufficient evidence to assess CHD risk. The combination of multiple biomarkers and the use of clinical end-points could help substantiate the effects on CHD. Furthermore, the effect of particular foods on CHD cannot be predicted solely by their content of total SFAs because individual SFAs may have different cardiovascular effects and major SFA food sources contain other constituents that could influence CHD risk. Research is needed to clarify the role of SFAs compared with specific forms of carbohydrates in CHD risk and to compare specific foods with appropriate alternatives.
We eat foods not nutrients. What is more, we eat them in combinations. Consequently, capturing our complex food habits is likely an advantage in nutrition research. The overall aim of this doctoral thesis was therefore to investigate dietary patterns in the Swedish population –nutrient intakes, nutritional biomarkers and health aspects.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the developed world. However, the impact of dietary factors on disease risk is largely unknown. In Study I we investigated the association between a Mediterranean- and a Low-carbohydrate-high-protein dietary pattern and prostate cancer risk, in a cohort of elderly Swedish men. The latter (but not the former) was associated, inversely, with prostate cancer risk when taking validity in food records into account.
Diet is one of our main exposure routes to environmental contaminants. Hence, such exposure could act as a mediating factor in the relation between diet and health. In Study II we investigated the association between; a Mediterranean- and a Low-carbohydrate-high-protein dietary pattern, as well as the official dietary recommendations, and circulating levels of environmental contaminants, in an elderly Swedish population. The first two patterns were positively related to levels of both persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals, whilst the dietary recommendations were inversely associated to dioxin and lead.
Finally, although dietary patterns are likely to influence health, little is known about current dietary patterns in Sweden. In Study III we used a data-reduction method to identify dietary patterns in a nationwide sample of the Swedish population. Two major patterns were derived; a Healthy pattern of foods generally considered healthy (e.g. vegetables, fruits, fish and vegetable-oils) and a Swedish traditional pattern (with e.g. meats, potatoes, sauces, non-Keyhole milk-products, sweet-bakery products and margarine). Derived patterns were associated to population characteristics and the Healthy dietary pattern was inversely associated to anthropometric variables in Study IV. Dietary characteristics of the patterns were well reflected in correlations to nutrient intake and (to a lesser extent) in nutritional biomarkers.
In conclusion dietary patterns for overall health should be considered, as well as other lifestyle-factors, when interpreting results in nutrition epidemiology and establishing dietary recommendations.
Dietary pattern analyses have increased the possibilities to detect associations between diet and disease. However, studies on dietary pattern and prostate cancer are scarce. Food intake data in the Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Adult Men cohort was determined by 7-day food records. Adherence to a modified Mediterranean Diet Score (mMDS) and a low carbohydrate-high protein (LCHP) score were grouped as low, medium, or high in the whole study population (n = 1,044) and in those identified as adequate reporters of energy intake (n = 566), respectively. Prostate cancer risk was analyzed with Cox proportional hazard regression (median follow-up 13years) and competing risk of death was considered. There were no associations between dietary patterns and prostate cancer (n = 133) in the whole study population. Among adequate reporters the mMDS was not associated with prostate cancer (n = 72). The LCHP score was inversely related to prostate cancer in adequate reporters, adjusted hazard ratios; 0.55 (0.32-0.96) for medium and 0.47 (0.21-1.04) for high compared to low adherent participants (P-for-trend 0.04). Risk relations were not attributable to competing risk of death. In this study, a LCHP diet was associated with lower prostate cancer incidence. Relations emerged in adequate reporters, underscoring the importance of high-quality dietary data.
BACKGROUND: Food intake contributes substantially to our exposure to environmental contaminants. Still, little is known about our dietary habits' contribution to exposure variability.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess circulating levels of environmental contaminants in relation to predefined dietary patterns in an elderly Swedish population.
METHODS: Dietary data and serum concentrations of environmental contaminants were obtained from 844 70-year-old Swedish subjects (50% women) in the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) study. Dietary data from 7-day food records was used to assess adherence to a Mediterranean-like diet, a low carbohydrate-high protein diet and the WHO dietary recommendations. Circulating levels of 6 polychlorinated biphenyl markers, 3 organochlorine pesticides, 1 dioxin and 1 polybrominated diphenyl ether, the metals cadmium, lead, mercury and aluminum and serum levels of bisphenol A and 4 phthalate metabolites were investigated in relation to dietary patterns in multivariate linear regression models.
RESULTS: A Mediterranean-like diet was positively associated with levels of several polychlorinated biphenyls (118, 126, 153, and 209), trans-nonachlor and mercury. A low carbohydrate-high protein diet was positively associated with polychlorinated biphenyls 118 and 153, trans-nonachlor, hexachlorobenzene and p, p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, mercury and lead. The WHO recommended diet was negatively related to levels of dioxin and lead, and borderline positively to polychlorinated biphenyl 118 and trans-nonachlor.
CONCLUSION: Dietary patterns were associated in diverse manners with circulating levels of environmental contaminants in this elderly Swedish population. Following the WHO dietary recommendations seems to be associated with a lower burden of environmental contaminants.
Dietary patterns derived by statistical procedures is a way to identify overall dietary habits in specific populations. The aim of this study was to identify and characterise dietary patterns in Swedish adults using data from the national dietary survey Riksmaten adults 2010–11 (952 women, 788 men). Principal component analyses were used and two patterns were identified in both sexes: a healthy pattern loading positively on vegetables, fruits, fish and seafood, and vegetable oils, and negatively on refined bread and fast food, and a Swedish traditional pattern loading positively on potatoes, meat and processed meat, full-fat milk products, sweet bakery products, sweet condiments and margarine. In addition, a light-meal pattern was identified in women with positive loadings on fibre-rich bread, cheese, rice, pasta and food grain dishes, substitute products for meat and dairy products, candies and tea. The healthy pattern was positively correlated to dietary fibre (r 0·51–0·58) and n-3 (r 0·25–0·31) (all P<0·0001), and had a higher nutrient density of folate, vitamin D and Se. The Swedish traditional and the light-meal pattern were positively correlated to added sugar (r 0·20–0·25) and the Swedish traditional also to SFA (r 0·13–0·21) (all P<0·0001); both patterns were in general negatively correlated to micronutrients. Dietary pattern scores were associated with, for example, age, physical activity, education and income. In conclusion, we identified three major dietary patterns among Swedish adults. The patterns can be further used for examining the association between whole diet and health outcomes.
Growing evidence underscores the important role of glycemic control in health and recovery from illness. Carbohydrate ingestion in the diet or administration in nutritional support is mandatory, but carbohydrate intake can adversely affect major body organs and tissues if resulting plasma glucose becomes too high, too low, or highly variable. Plasma glucose control is especially important for patients with conditions such as diabetes or metabolic stress resulting from critical illness or surgery. These patients are particularly in need of glycemic management to help lessen glycemic variability and its negative health consequences when nutritional support is administered. Here we report on recent findings and emerging trends in the field based on an ESPEN workshop held in Venice, Italy, 8-9 November 2015. Evidence was discussed on pathophysiology, clinical impact, and nutritional recommendations for carbohydrate utilization and management in nutritional support. The main conclusions were: a) excess glucose and fructose availability may exacerbate metabolic complications in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and liver and can result in negative clinical impact; b) low-glycemic index and high-fiber diets, including specialty products for nutritional support, may provide metabolic and clinical benefits in individuals with obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes; c) in acute conditions such as surgery and critical illness, insulin resistance and elevated circulating glucose levels have a negative impact on patient outcomes and should be prevented through nutritional and/or pharmacological intervention. In such acute settings, efforts should be implemented towards defining optimal plasma glucose targets, avoiding excessive plasma glucose variability, and optimizing glucose control relative to nutritional support.
The prevalence of overweight and obesity has reached epidemic proportions worldwide due to increasingly pervasive obesogenic lifestyle changes. Obesity poses unprecedented individual, social, and multidisciplinary medical challenges by increasing the risk for metabolic diseases, chronic organ failures, and cancer as well as complication rates in the presence of acute disease conditions. Whereas reducing excess adiposity remains the fundamental pathogenic treatment for obese individuals, complex metabolic and lifestyle abnormalities as well as weight reduction therapies per se may also compromise the ability to preserve muscle function and mass, especially when chronic disease co-exists with obesity. Emerging evidence indicates that low muscle mass and quality have a strong negative prognostic impact in obese individuals and may lead to frailty, disability, and increased morbidity and mortality. Awareness of the importance of skeletal muscle maintenance in obesity is however low among clinicians and scientists. The term 'sarcopenic obesity' has been proposed to identify obesity with low skeletal muscle function and mass, but its utilization is largely limited to the aging patient population, and consensus on its definition and diagnostic criteria remains insufficient. Knowledge on prevalence of sarcopenic obesity in various clinical conditions and patient subgroups, on its clinical impacts in patient risk stratification, and on effective prevention and treatment strategies remain therefore dramatically inadequate. In particular, optimal dietary options and medical nutritional support strategies to preserve muscle mass in obese individuals remain largely undefined. The European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) and the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) recognize and indicate obesity with altered body composition due to low skeletal muscle function and mass (sarcopenic obesity) as a scientific and clinical priority for researchers and clinicians. ESPEN and EASO therefore call for coordinated action aimed at reaching consensus on its definition, diagnostic criteria, and optimal treatment with particular regard to nutritional therapy. We are convinced that achievement of these goals has a strong potential to reduce the burden of morbidity and mortality in the rapidly increasing obese patient population.
F2-isoprostanes, non-enzymatic free radical mediated products of arachidonic acid, have shown to form during various oxidant stress status and have potent biological effects. This study investigates to what extent 8-iso-PGF2α (a major F2-isoprostane), a bioactive product of lipid peroxidation can modify endogenous prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) formation since prostaglandins are inflammatory as well as potent vasoregulatory substances that modulate diverse important physiological functions, and also form during acute and chronic inflammation. An immediate appearance and disappearance of 8-iso-PGF2α was seen in both plasma and urine within a short interval after i.v. administration of 43 μg/kg of 8-iso-PGF2α to the rabbits. A successive but differential formation of PGF2α resulted in a rapid and pulsatile increase of plasma 15-keto-dihydro-PGF2α, a major metabolite of primary PGF2α. Later, this compound was excreted efficiently as intact compound into the urine during the 3 h of experiment. A 8-fold increase of PGF2α metabolite in plasma at 10 min and 12-fold increase in the urine at 30–60 after the i.v. administration of 8-iso-PGF2α was observed which continued throughout the 3 h of experiment. This observation suggests that pharmacologically administered or endogenously produced 8-iso-PGF2α during oxidant stress induces prostaglandin formation presumbly through the classical cyclooxygenase-catalysed arachidonic acid oxidation which might be inflammatory itself to the cells and exerts further vasoconstrictive effects.
Oxidative stress is implicated as one of the major underlying mechanisms behind many acute and chronic diseases, and involved in normal aging. However, the measurement of free radicals or their end products is complicated. Thus, proof of association of free radicals in pathologic conditions has been absent. Isoprostanes are prostaglandin-like bioactive compounds that are biosynthesized in vivo independent of cyclooxygenases, principally through free-radical catalyzation of arachidonic acid. Isoprostanes are now considered to be reliable biomarkers of oxidative stress, as evidenced by an autonomous study organized recently by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States. A number of these compounds have potent biologic activities such as vasoconstrictive and certain inflammatory properties. Isoprostanes are involved in many human diseases. Additionally, elevated levels of F2-isoprostanes have been seen in normal human pregnancy and after intake of some fatty acids, but their physiologic assignments have not yet been distinctive. This evidence indicates that measurement of bioactive F2-isoprostanes in body fluids offers a unique noninvasive analytic utensil to study the role of free radicals in physiology, oxidative stress–related diseases, experimental acute or chronic inflammatory conditions, and also in the assessment of various antioxidants, radical scavengers, and drugs.
Prostaglandin F2 (PGF2), a foremost stable vasoactive cyclooxygenase (COX)-catalyzed prostaglandin, regulates a number of key physiological functions such as luteolysis, ovarian function, luteal maintenance of pregnancy, and parturition as a constitutive part of ongoing reproductive processes of the body. It has recently been implicated in the regulation of intricate pathophysiological processes, such as acute and chronic inflammation, cardiovascular and rheumatic diseases. Since the discovery of a second isoform of COXs, it has been shown that PGF2 can be formed in vivo from arachidonic acid through both isoforms of COXs, namely cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Being synthesized in various parts of the body, it metabolizes instantly to a number of rather inactive metabolites mainly in the lungs, liver, kidney, and efficiently excretes into the urine. 15-Keto-dihydro-PGF2, a major stable metabolite of PGF2 that reflects in vivo PGF2 biosynthesis, is found in larger quantities than its parent compound in the circulation and urine in basal physiological conditions, with short-lived pulses during luteolysis, induced termination of pregnancy and parturition, and is increased in tissues and various body fluids during acute, sub-chronic, and severe chronic inflammation. Further, the close relationship of PGF2 with a number of risk factors for atherosclerosis indicates its major role in inflammation pathology. This review addresses multiple aspects of PGF2 in addition to its emerging role in physiology to inflammation.
Recovery of neurological function in patients following cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a complex event. Free radical induced oxidative stress is supposed to be involved in this process. We studied levels of 8-iso-PGF2alpha (indicating oxidative injury) and 15-keto-dihydro-PGF2alpha (indicating inflammatory response) in venous plasma obtained from the jugular bulb in a porcine model of experimental cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) where 2, 5, 8, 10 or 12 min of ventricular fibrillation (VF) was followed by 5 or 8 min of closed-chest CPR. A significant increase of 8-iso-PGF2alpha was observed immediately following restoration of spontaneous circulation in all experiments of various duration of VF and CPR. No such increase was seen in a control group. When compared between the groups there was a duration-dependent maximum increase of 8-iso-PGF2alpha which was greatest in animals subjected to the longest period (VF12 min + CPR8 min) of no or low blood flow. In contrast, the greatest increase of 15-keto-dihydro-PGF2alpha was observed in the 13 min group (VF8 min + CPR5 min). Thus, a time-dependent cerebral oxidative injury occurs in conjunction which cardiac arrest and CPR.
New evidence shows that older adults need more dietary protein than do younger adults to support good health, promote recovery from illness, and maintain functionality. Older people need to make up for age-related changes in protein metabolism, such as high splanchnic extraction and declining anabolic responses to ingested protein. They also need more protein to offset inflammatory and catabolic conditions associated with chronic and acute diseases that occur commonly with aging. With the goal of developing updated, evidence-based recommendations for optimal protein intake by older people, the European Union Geriatric Medicine Society (EUGMS), in cooperation with other scientific organizations, appointed an international study group to review dietary protein needs with aging (PROT-AGE Study Group). To help older people (>65 years) maintain and regain lean body mass and function, the PROT-AGE study group recommends average daily intake at least in the range of 1.0 to 1.2 g protein per kilogram of body weight per day. Both endurance-and resistance-type exercises are recommended at individualized levels that are safe and tolerated, and higher protein intake (ie, >= 1.2 g/kg body weight/d) is advised for those who are exercising and otherwise active. Most older adults who have acute or chronic diseases need even more dietary protein (ie, 1.2-1.5 g/kg body weight/d). Older people with severe kidney disease (ie, estimated GFR <30 mL/min/1.73m(2)), but who are not on dialysis, are an exception to this rule; these individuals may need to limit protein intake. Protein quality, timing of ingestion, and intake of other nutritional supplements may be relevant, but evidence is not yet sufficient to support specific recommendations. Older people are vulnerable to losses in physical function capacity, and such losses predict loss of independence, falls, and even mortality. Thus, future studies aimed at pinpointing optimal protein intake in specific populations of older people need to include measures of physical function.
Background: Age-related losses of muscle mass, strength, and function (sarcopenia) pose significant threats to physical performance, independence, and quality of life. Nutritional supplementation could positively influence aspects of sarcopenia and thereby prevent mobility disability. Objective: To test the hypothesis that a specific oral nutritional supplement can result in improvements in measures of sarcopenia. Design: A multicenter, randomized, controlled, double-blind, 2 parallel-group trial among 380 sarcopenic primarily independent-living older adults with Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB; 0-12) scores between 4 and 9, and a low skeletal muscle mass index. The active group (n = 184) received a vitamin D and leucine-enriched whey protein nutritional supplement to consume twice daily for 13 weeks. The control group (n = 196) received an iso-caloric control product to consume twice daily for 13 weeks. Primary outcomes of handgrip strength and SPPB score, and secondary outcomes of chair-stand test, gait speed, balance score, and appendicular muscle mass (by DXA) were measured at baseline, week 7, and week 13 of the intervention. Results: Handgrip strength and SPPB improved in both groups without significant between-group differences. The active group improved more in the chair-stand test compared with the control group, between-group effect (95% confidence interval): -1.01 seconds (-1.77 to -0.19), P = .018. The active group gained more appendicular muscle mass than the control group, between-group effect: 0.17 kg (0.004-0.338), P = .045. Conclusions: This 13-week intervention of a vitamin D and leucine-enriched whey protein oral nutritional supplement resulted in improvements in muscle mass and lower-extremity function among sarcopenic older adults. This study shows proof-of-principle that specific nutritional supplementation alone might benefit geriatric patients, especially relevant for those who are unable to exercise. These results warrant further investigations into the role of a specific nutritional supplement as part of a multimodal approach to prevent adverse outcomes among older adults at risk for disability.
Göran Berglund och Livsmedelsverket landar i samma kostråd, trots olika utgångspunkter.
Ökat intag av frukt och grönt och kostfibrer med samtidig energibalans innebär en fördelning mellan fett, protein och kolhydrater som anges i nuvarande näringsrekommendationer.
Nya välgjorda studier visar att sambanden mellan fettintag, intag av olika fettsyror och hjärt–kärlsjukdom är mer komplexa än vad tidigare studier kunnat visa.
Livsmedelsverkets inställning är att den kommande revideringen av rekommendationerna bör ske på ett än mer öppet, transparent och systematiskt sätt för att säkerställa kvaliteten.
The dietary intake of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and biphenyls (PCBs) in terms of toxic equivalents (TEQs) was investigated in Swedish children and young adults. Exposure was estimated from concentration data of six groups of individual food commodities (meat, fish, dairy products, egg, edible fats and other foodstuff) combined with food intake data from a 7-day record book obtained from 670 individuals aged 1-24 years. The results showed that Swedish boys and girls, up to the age of ten, had a median TEQ intake that exceeded the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 2 pg TEQ/kg body weight. Children exceeding the TDI varied from almost all individuals among the youngest children to about 20% among young men and women. Dairy and fish products were the main sources of exposure for the average child, accounting for 59% of the total TEQ intake. The individuals most highly exposed were, on the other hand, characterized by a high consumption of fish. Since children constitute a vulnerable group, results obtained from the present study show that it is essential to perform age specific dietary intake assessments of pollutants and more carefully consider sensitive and/or highly exposed groups in the population in the risk management processes.
Aims: Weight loss is recommended for myocardial infarction (MI) patients with overweight or obesity. It has, however, been suggested that obese patients have better prognosis than normal-weight patients have, but also that central obesity is harmful. The aim of this study was to examine associations between repeated measures of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), and all-cause mortality.
Methods and results: A total of 14,224 MI patients aged <75 years in Sweden between the years 2004 and 2013 had measurements of risk factors at hospital discharge. The patients' BMI and WC were recorded in secondary prevention clinics two months and one year after hospital discharge. We collected mortality data up to 8.3 years after the last visit. There were 721 deaths. We used anthropometric measures at the two-month visit and the change from the two-month to the one-year visit. With adjustments for risk factors and the other anthropometric measure the hazard ratio (HR) per standard deviation in a Cox proportional hazard regression model for mortality was 0.64 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56-0.74) for BMI and 1.55 (95% CI 1.34-1.79) for WC, and 1.43 (95% CI 1.17-1.74) for a BMI decrease from month two to one year of more than 0.6 kg/m(2). Low BMI and high WC were associated with the highest mortality.
Conclusion: High WC is harmful regardless of BMI in MI patients. Reduced BMI during the first year after MI is, however, associated with higher mortality, potentially being an indicator of deteriorated health.
Skeletal muscle is the most abundant body tissue accounting for many physiological functions. However, muscle mass and functions are not routinely assessed. Sarcopenia is defined as skeletal muscle loss and dysfunction in aging and chronic diseases. Inactivity, inflammation, age-related factors, anorexia and unbalanced nutrition affect changes in skeletal muscle. Mechanisms are difficult to distinguish in individual subjects due to the multifactorial character of the condition. Sarcopenia includes both muscle loss and dysfunction which induce contractile impairment and metabolic and endocrine abnormalities, affecting whole-body metabolism and immune/inflammatory response. There are different metabolic trajectories for muscle loss versus fat changes in aging and chronic diseases. Appetite regulation and physical activity affect energy balance and changes in body fat mass. Appetite regulation by inflammatory mediators is poorly understood. In some patients, inflammation induces anorexia and fat loss in combination with sarcopenia. In others, appetite is maintained, despite activation of systemic inflammation, leading to sarcopenia with normal or increased BMI. Inactivity contributes to sarcopenia and increased fat tissue in aging and diseases. At the end of the metabolic trajectories, cachexia and sarcopenic obesity are paradigms of the two patient categories. Pre-cachexia and cachexia are observed in patients with cancer, chronic heart failure or liver cirrhosis. Sarcopenic obesity and sarcopenia with normal/increased BMI are observed in rheumatoid arthritis, breast cancer patients with adjuvant chemotherapy and in most of patients with COPD or chronic kidney disease. In these conditions, sarcopenia is a powerful prognostic factor for morbidity and mortality, independent of BMI.
Overnutrition and sedentary lifestyle result in overweight or obesity defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. According to the WHO, the worldwide prevalence of obesity nearly doubled between 1980 and 2008. In 2008, over 50% of both men and women in the WHO European Region were overweight, and approximately 23% of women and 20% of men were obese. Comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic approaches should include nutritional treatment to favor the best metabolic and nutritional outcome, as well as to induce potential disease-specific benefits from selected nutritional regimens. Obesity is usually accompanied by an increased muscle mass. This might explain why obesity, under particular circumstances such as cancer or high age, might have protective effects, a phenomenon named the 'obesity paradox'. However, loss of muscle mass or function can also occur, which is associated with poor prognosis and termed 'sarcopenic obesity'. Therefore, treatment recommendations may need to be individualized and adapted to co-morbidities. Since obesity is a chronic systemic disease it requires a multidisciplinary approach, both at the level of prevention and therapy including weight loss and maintenance. In the present personal review and position paper, authors from different disciplines including endocrinology, gastroenterology, nephrology, pediatrics, surgery, geriatrics, intensive care medicine, psychology and psychiatry, sports medicine and rheumatology, both at the basic science and clinical level, present their view on the topic and underline the necessity to provide a multidisciplinary approach, to address this epidemic.
The ESPEN Guideline standard operating procedures (SOP) is based on the methodology provided by the Association of Scientific Medical Societies of Germany (AWMF), the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), and the Centre for Evidence-based Medicine at the University of Oxford. The SOP is valid and obligatory for all future ESPEN-sponsored guideline projects aiming to generate high-quality guidelines on a regular basis. The SOP aims to facilitate the preparation of guideline projects, to streamline the consensus process, to ensure quality and transparency, and to facilitate the dissemination and publication of ESPEN guidelines. To achieve this goal, the ESPEN Guidelines Editorial board (GEB) has been established headed by two chairmen. The GEB will support and supervise the guideline processes and is responsible for the strategic planning of ESPEN guideline activities. Key elements of the SOP are the generation of well-built clinical questions according to the PICO system, a systemic literature search, a classification of the selected literature according to the SIGN evidence levels providing an evidence table, and a clear and straight-forward consensus procedure consisting of online voting's and a consensus conference. Only experts who meet the obligation to disclosure any potential conflict of interests and who are not employed by the Industry can participate in the guideline process. All recommendations will be graded according to the SIGN grading and novel outcome models besides biomedical endpoints. This approach will further extent the leadership of ESPEN in creating up-to-date and suitable for implementation guidelines and in sharing knowledge on malnutrition and clinical nutrition.
Background: Studies that use dietary biomarkers to investigate the association between whole-grain intake and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) are lacking. Objective: We examined the association between plasma total alkylresorcinols and the alkylresorcinol C17:0-to-C21:0 ratio, biomarkers of whole-grain wheat and rye intake and relative whole grain rye over whole-grain wheat intake, respectively, and the risk of T2D among Scandinavian men and women. Design: A nested case-control study was established within the Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study and the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health cohort. Alkylresorcinol concentrations and the ratios of C17:0 to C21:0 were determined in plasma samples from 931 case-control pairs. ORs for T2D were calculated for plasma total alkylresorcinol concentration or C17:0-to-C21:0 ratio in quartiles with the use of conditional logistic regression that was adjusted for potential confounders. Additional analyses with whole-grain wheat and rye intake estimated from food-frequency questionnaires (FFQs) as exposures were also performed. Results: The plasma total alkylresorcinol concentration was not associated with T2D risk (OR: 1.34; 95% CI: 0.95, 1.88) for the highest compared with the lowest quartiles in multivariable adjusted models. However, the C17:0-to-C21:0 ratio was associated with a lower diabetes risk (OR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.37, 0.78). Analyses with whole-grain intake estimated from FFQs yielded similar results. Conclusions: Total whole-grain wheat and rye intake, reflected by alkylresorcinols in plasma, was not associated with a lower risk of T2D in a population with high whole-grain intake. In contrast, the proportion of whole-grain rye to whole-grain wheat intake, indicated by the plasma C17:0-to-C21:0 ratio, was inversely associated with T2D. This suggests that whole-grain intake dominated by rye may be favorable for T2D prevention.
Dietary fat quality influences the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A low-grade inflammation is suggested to contribute to the disease development, often accompanied by obesity. Whereas n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have been considered anti-inflammatory, n-6 PUFA have been proposed to act pro-inflammatory. Saturated fatty acids (SFA) act pro-inflammatory in vitro.
This thesis aimed to investigate effects of different fatty acids on low-grade inflammation in observational and interventional studies. In Paper I and II, fatty acid composition in serum cholesterol esters was used as objective marker of dietary fat quality and related to serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and other circulating inflammatory markers in two population-based cohorts, conducted in middle-aged men and elderly men and women, respectively. In Paper III and IV, the impact of diets differing in fat quality on inflammation and oxidative stress was investigated in randomised controlled studies, in subjects with metabolic syndrome and abdominal obesity.
In Paper I and II, a low proportion of linoleic acid (18:2 n-6) in serum was associated with higher CRP concentrations, indicating that a low intake of vegetable fats may be related to low-grade inflammation. High CRP concentrations were also associated with high proportions of palmitoleic (16:1) and oleic (18:1) acids and high stearoyl coenzymeA desaturase index, possibly reflecting altered fat metabolism and/or high SFA intake in this population. When comparing two high-fat diets rich in either saturated or monounsaturated fat, and two low-fat diets with or without long-chain n-3 PUFA supplementation during 12 weeks (Paper III), no differences in inflammation or oxidative stress markers were observed. Moreover, a 10-week intervention (Paper IV) with high linoleic acid intake showed no adverse effects on inflammation or oxidative stress. Instead, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and tumor necrosis factor receptor-2 decreased after linoleic acid intake compared with a diet high in SFA.
The results in this thesis indicate that dietary n-6 PUFA found in vegetable fats is associated with lower inflammation marker levels, and to some extent reduces systemic inflammation when compared with SFA. Supplementation of n-3 PUFA did not exert any systemic anti-inflammatory effects, maybe due to a relatively low dose.
Altered fatty acid (FA) composition is related to insulin resistance and CVD. One possible mediator may be inflammation, but longitudinal data relating FA composition to inflammation taking insulin resistance into account are limited. We investigated the long-term association between FA composition and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in a large population-based cohort study in 767 men followed for 20 years. The association between FA composition in serum cholesteryl esters at age 50 and CRP concentrations at age 70 was investigated using linear regression. In addition, desaturase activities (stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1), Delta 5- and Delta 6-desaturase) were estimated using FA product-to-precursor ratios. Insulin resistance was measured directly at follow-up by euglycaemic clamp. After adjusting for confounders (smoking, physical activity, alcohol intake, obesity and erythrocyte sedimentation rate) CRP concentrations were inversely associated with the proportion of 18:2n-6 (P=0.002) and positively associated with 16:1n-7 (P=0.008), 18: 1n-9 (P=0.0003), 20:5n-3 (P=0.04) and estimated SCD-1 (P=0.005) and Delta 6-desaturase (P=0.02) activities. After adding insulin resistance to the model, 18: 1n-9, 18:2n-6 and SCD-1 remained significant predictors of CRP. A FA composition indicating low intake of 18:2n-6, high intake of SFA and high SCD-1 activity is, in a Swedish population of middle-aged men, associated with CRP concentrations 20 years later, even independently of obesity and insulin resistance.
BACKGROUND: Fatty acid (FA) composition in serum has been associated with C-reactive protein (CRP), but associations with other markers of inflammation and endothelial function, e.g. adhesion molecules are unknown. We recently suggested a possible role of the lipogenic enzyme stearoyl coenzymeA desaturase-1 (SCD-1) in inflammation. This study investigates the associations between serum FA composition, including SCD-1 index, and various inflammatory and endothelial function markers. METHODS: 264 Swedish men and women aged 70 years participated in this cross-sectional population-based study. FA composition was measured in serum cholesteryl esters and was correlated to inflammatory markers (CRP, interleukin [IL]-2, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha, vascular cellular adhesion molecule [VCAM]-1, intercellular adhesion molecule [ICAM]-1, E-selectin, P-selectin, L-selectin, interferon-gamma, and monocyte chemoattractant protein [MCP]-1), using linear regression analysis. SCD-1 activity was estimated by FA product-to-precursor ratio (16:1/16:0). RESULTS: Serum FA composition was significantly associated with CRP and E-selectin but not with other inflammatory markers. After adjusting for BMI, smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption and lipid-lowering therapy, the proportion of palmitoleic acid and SCD-1 index were positively correlated with CRP concentrations (P=0.003 and P=0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: A FA composition reflecting high intake of saturated fat and a high SCD-1 index is independently related to CRP concentrations, but not to other markers of inflammation and endothelial function in this population of elderly men and women. Given the absent association between FA composition and the other markers, CRP may be the preferable marker to use when investigating potential relationships between FAs and low-grade inflammation.
Subjects with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) have enhanced oxidative stress and inflammation. Dietary fat quality has been proposed to be implicated in these conditions. We investigated the impact of four diets distinct in fat quantity and quality on 8-iso-PGF2α (a major F2-isoprostane and oxidative stress indicator), 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGF2α (15-keto-dihydro-PGF2α, a major PGF2α metabolite and marker of cyclooxygenase-mediated inflammation) and C-reactive protein (CRP). In a 12-week parallel multicentre dietary intervention study (LIPGENE), 417 volunteers with the MetS were randomly assigned to one of the four diets: two high-fat diets (38 % energy (%E)) rich in SFA or MUFA and two low-fat high-complex carbohydrate diets (28 %E) with (LFHCC n-3) or without (LFHCC) 1·24 g/d of very long chain n-3 fatty acid supplementation. Urinary levels of 8-iso-PGF2α and 15-keto-dihydro-PGF2α were determined by RIA and adjusted for urinary creatinine levels. Serum concentration of CRP was measured by ELISA. Neither concentrations of 8-iso-PGF2α and 15-keto-dihydro-PGF2α nor those of CRP differed between diet groups at baseline (P>0·07) or at the end of the study (P>0·44). Also, no differences in changes of the markers were observed between the diet groups (8-iso-PGF2α, P = 0·83; 15-keto-dihydro-PGF2α, P = 0·45; and CRP, P = 0·97). In conclusion, a 12-week dietary fat modification did not affect the investigated markers of oxidative stress and inflammation among subjects with the MetS in the LIPGENE study.
Replacing SFAs with vegetable PUFAs has cardiometabolic benefits, but the effects on liver fat are unknown. Increased dietary n-6 PUFAs have, however, also been proposed to promote inflammation-a yet unproven theory.
We investigated the effects of PUFAs on liver fat, systemic inflammation, and metabolic disorders.
We randomly assigned 67 abdominally obese subjects (15% had type 2 diabetes) to a 10-wk isocaloric diet high in vegetable n-6 PUFA (PUFA diet) or SFA mainly from butter (SFA diet), without altering the macronutrient intake. Liver fat was assessed by MRI and magnetic resonance proton (1H) spectroscopy (MRS). Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK9, a hepatic LDL-receptor regulator), inflammation, and adipose tissue expression of inflammatory and lipogenic genes were determined.
A total of 61 subjects completed the study. Body weight modestly increased but was not different between groups. Liver fat was lower during the PUFA diet than during the SFA diet [between-group difference in relative change from baseline; 16% (MRI; P < 0.001), 34% (MRS; P = 0.02)]. PCSK9 (P = 0.001), TNF receptor-2 (P < 0.01), and IL-1 receptor antagonist (P = 0.02) concentrations were lower during the PUFA diet, whereas insulin (P = 0.06) tended to be higher during the SFA diet. In compliant subjects (defined as change in serum linoleic acid), insulin, total/HDL-cholesterol ratio, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides were lower during the PUFA diet than during the SFA diet (P < 0.05). Adipose tissue gene expression was unchanged.
Compared with SFA intake, n-6 PUFAs reduce liver fat and modestly improve metabolic status, without weight loss. A high n-6 PUFA intake does not cause any signs of inflammation or oxidative stress. Downregulation of PCSK9 could be a novel mechanism behind the cholesterol-lowering effects of PUFAs.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to address the latest research on hepatic desaturases and metabolic disorders, with focus on stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1) indices in observational studies. RECENT FINDINGS: In animal studies, SCD-1 inhibition protects against features of the metabolic syndrome and is associated with improved hepatic insulin resistance and decreased steatosis. In human observational studies, higher estimated hepatic SCD-1 and Δ6-desaturase activities predict the metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and mortality whereas Δ5-desaturase index is often inversely related. However, because the desaturase activities in the liver and adipose tissue may not be regulated in parallel, it is important to define used lipid fractions when comparing studies. It is also important to take the background diets of the populations into account when comparing studies. Moreover, there may be a divergence in desaturase regulation depending on glycaemic control among individuals. SUMMARY: Increased SCD-1 indices reflecting liver desaturase activity have been associated with insulin resistance, fatty liver, the metabolic syndrome and mortality. However, it remains to be determined if high hepatic SCD-1 activity plays a direct role in the development of metabolic disorders or rather is a marker for an unfavourable diet or hepatic insulin resistance.
At northern latitudes, vitamin D is not synthesized endogenously during winter, causing low plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of a healthy Nordic diet based on Nordic nutrition recommendations (NNR) on plasma 25(OH)D and explored its dietary predictors. In a Nordic multi-centre trial, subjects (n = 213) with metabolic syndrome were randomized to a control or a healthy Nordic diet favouring fish (a parts per thousand yen300 g/week, including a parts per thousand yen200 g/week fatty fish), whole-grain products, berries, fruits, vegetables, rapeseed oil and low-fat dairy products. Plasma 25(OH)D and parathyroid hormone were analysed before and after 18- to 24-week intervention. At baseline, 45 % had vitamin D inadequacy (< 50 nmol/l), whereas 8 % had deficiency (< 25 nmol/l). Dietary vitamin D intake was increased by the healthy Nordic diet (P < 0.001). The healthy Nordic and the control diet reduced the prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy by 42 % (P < 0.001) and 19 % (P = 0.002), respectively, without between-group difference (P = 0.142). Compared with control, plasma 25(OH)D (P = 0.208) and parathyroid hormone (P = 0.207) were not altered by the healthy Nordic diet. Predictors for 25(OH)D were intake of vitamin D, eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA), docosahexaenoic acids (DHA), vitamin D supplement, plasma EPA and plasma DHA. Nevertheless, only vitamin D intake and season predicted the 25(OH)D changes. Consuming a healthy Nordic diet based on NNR increased vitamin D intake but not plasma 25(OH)D concentration. The reason why fish consumption did not improve vitamin D status might be that many fish are farmed and might contain little vitamin D or that frying fish may result in vitamin D extraction. Additional ways to improve vitamin D status in Nordic countries may be needed.
Few studies have examined energy metabolism during prolonged, strenuous exercise. We wanted therefore to investigate energy metabolic consequences of a prolonged period of continuous strenuous work with very high energy expenditure. Twelve endurance-trained athletes (6 males and 6 females) were recruited. They performed a 7-h bike race on high work-load intensity. Physiological, biochemical, endocrinological, and anthropometric muscular compartment variables were monitored before, during, and after the race. The energy expenditure was high, being 5557 kcal. Work-load intensity (% of VO2 peak) was higher in females (77.7%) than in men (69.9%). Muscular glycogen utilization was pronounced, especially in type I fibres (>90%). Additionally, muscular triglyceride lipolysis was considerably accelerated. Plasma glucose levels were increased concomitantly with an unchanged serum insulin concentration which might reflect an insulin resistance state in addition to proteolytic glyconeogenesis. Increased reactive oxygen species (malondialdehyde (MDA)) were additional signs of metabolic stress. MDA levels correlated with glycogen utilization rate. A relative deficiency of energy substrate on a cellular level was indicated by increased intracellular water of the leg muscle concomitantly with increased extracellular levels of the osmoregulatory amino acid taurine. A kindred nature of a presumed insulin-resistant state with less intracellular availability of glucose for erythrocytes was also indicated by the findings of decreased MCV together with increased MCHC (haemoconcentration) after the race. This strenuous energy-demanding work created a metabolic stress-like condition including signs of insulin resistance and deteriorated intracellular glucose availability leading to compromised fuelling of ion pumps, culminating in a disturbed cellular osmoregulation indicated by taurine efflux and cellular swelling.
BACKGROUND AND AIM: The sympathetic nervous system may be involved in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance and metabolic cardiovascular syndrome in young men. The aim was to study the effects of long-term stress on different features of the metabolic syndrome (MES) in formerly non-obese healthy young males during 5 months of defined conditions. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixteen healthy male sailors (mean age 36.5 (SD)+/-7 years) participating in a sailing race around the world were recruited for the study. Investigations were done before the start and at stop overs after finishing laps 1, 2 and 4 (1, 2(1/2) and 5 months, respectively). Anthropometric and blood pressure data as well as biochemical data associated with MES were substantiated. Food intake and exercise were chartered and largely controlled. A mean weight loss of 4.5+/-2 kg (P<0.005), comprising both fat and lean body mass, was recorded during the first lap. Subsequently after 5 months, a weight gain, mainly consisting of 1.2+/-1.1 kg body fat (P<0.05), took place, concomitantly with a protein mass drop of 0.6+/-1.1 kg (P<0.05). The body fat gain accumulated on the abdominal region. Elevated blood levels of HbA1c, insulin and the triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein ratio were also observed during the race. Likewise heart rate and systolic blood pressure increased slightly but to a statistically significant extent. CONCLUSIONS: Non-obese healthy young men exposed to long-term stress developed abdominal obesity and signs of a metabolic syndrome in embryo, also emphasized by biochemical and blood pressure alterations. It is suggested that long-term and sustained stress activation might be an additional risk factor for the development of MES, even after control of dietary and exercise habits.


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The Magic of Ile St Marie
Ile St Marie is one of the last truly unspoilt island paradises to be found on the planet. The tropical island with crystal clear waters that was once a pirate haven now boasts deserted palm-fringed beaches, impressive whale watching, and pure bliss. This hidden gem off the east coast of Madagascar has the perfect mix … Read more The Magic of Ile St Marie