Plasma Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 Levels Correlated with the Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index in Long-Term Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

The circulating levels of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂ (Lp-PLA₂) can be a simple, but practical and useful marker of cardiovascular disease (CVD). As limited studies are available in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), further studies are needed to establish the clinical application of Lp-PLA₂ in DM practice. The present study investigated the correlation between Lp-PLA₂ and the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), a recent marker of arterial stiffness, in DM patients according to their diabetes duration. Clinical data, including the plasma Lp-PLA₂ mass and CAVI values, were collected from CVD-free type 2 DM female patients (n = 65, mean age 62 years, mean hemoglobin A1c 7.0%). The Lp-PLA₂ level of patients with a diabetes duration of <10 years (n = 40:20.2 IU/mL) was not significantly different from that of patients with a diabetes duration of ≥10 years (n = 25:20.5 IU/mL), while the CAVI level was significantly higher in patients with ≥10 years (9.0) than in those with <10 years (8.1; p < 0.05). A stepwise multiple regression analysis found a positive correlation between the Lp-PLA₂ and CAVI levels (β = 0.43, p < 0.01) in patients with a diabetes duration of ≥10 years. This correlation between Lp-PLA₂ and CVAI suggests the possible use of Lp-PLA₂ in DM patients with long-term disease. Further studies on Lp-PLA₂ are warranted in DM practice in relation to the disease duration.     

Association of Metabolic Syndrome and Albuminuria with Cardiovascular Risk in Occupational Drivers

Background and Aim

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and albuminuria increase cardiovascular risk. However, in occupational drivers, the clinical significance of albuminuria and its association with MetS remain unclear. We investigated the prevalence of MetS, albuminuria and cardiovascular risk, and its associated risk factors in occupational drivers;

Methods

441 occupational drivers and 432 age- and sex-stratified matched counterpart controls were enrolled. MetS was defined using Adult Treatment Panel III for Asians. Albuminuria was defined as urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥ 30 mg/g. Cardiovascular disease risk was evaluated by Framingham Risk Score (FRS);

Results

A significantly higher prevalence of MetS (43.1% vs. 25.5%, p < 0.001), albuminuria (12.0% vs. 5.6%, p = 0.001) and high FRS risk ≥ 10% of 10-year risk (46.9% vs. 35.2%, p < 0.001) was found in occupational drivers compared with their counterpart controls. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that old age, a history of diabetes, gout and betel nut chewing, less exercise and albuminuria (odds ratio [OR], 2.75; p = 0.01) were risk factors for MetS, while a history of renal disease, diabetes and hypertension, and MetS (OR, 2.28; p = 0.01) were risk factors for albuminuria in occupational drivers;

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that MetS and albuminuria were public health problems in occupational drivers. An education program for promoting healthy lifestyle and a regular occupational health visit for early detection and interventions should be established.     

Dairy intake revisited – associations between dairy intake and lifestyle related cardio-metabolic risk factors in a high milk consuming population

Background

The association between milk and dairy intake and the incidence of cardiometabolic diseases, cancer and mortality has been evaluated in many studies, but these studies have had conflicting results with no clear conclusion on causal or confounding associations. The present study aims to further address this association by cross-sectional and longitudinal evaluation of the associations between exposure to various types of dairy products and metabolic risk markers among inhabitants in northern Sweden while taking other lifestyle factors into account.

Methods

Respondents in the Västerbotten Intervention Programme with complete and plausible diet data between 1991 and 2016 were included, yielding 124,934 observations from 90,512 unique subjects. For longitudinal analysis, 27,682 participants with a visit 8–12?years after the first visit were identified. All participants completed a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire. Metabolic risk markers, including body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, serum (S) cholesterol and triglycerides, and blood glucose, were measured. Participants were categorized into quintiles by intake of dairy products, and risk (odds ratios, OR) of undesirable levels of metabolic risk markers was assessed in multivariable logistic regression analyses. In longitudinal analyses, intake quintiles were related to desirable levels of metabolic risk markers at both visits or deterioration at follow-up using Cox regression analyses.

Results

The OR of being classified with an undesirable BMI decreased with increasing quintiles of total dairy, cheese and butter intake but increased with increasing non-fermented milk intake. The OR of being classified with an undesirable S-cholesterol level increased with increasing intake of total dairy, butter and high fat (3%) non-fermented milk, whereas an undesirable S-triglyceride level was inversely associated with cheese and butter intake in women. In longitudinal analyses, increasing butter intake was associated with deterioration of S-cholesterol and blood glucose levels, whereas increasing cheese intake was associated with a lower risk of deterioration of S-triglycerides.

Conclusions

Confounding factors likely contribute to the demonstrated association between dairy intake and mortality, and other medical conditions and analyses should be stratified by dairy type.

     

Alterations in the High Density Lipoprotein Phenotype and HDL-Associated Enzymes in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome

Patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) usually have low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. We determined the HDL distribution profile as well as the HDL-related lipoprotein associated phospholipase A₂ (HDL-LpPLA₂) and paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activities in subjects with MetS (n = 189) but otherwise healthy. Age and sex-matched individuals (n = 166) without MetS served as controls. The lower HDL-C concentration in MetS patients was due to a reduction in both large and small HDL subclasses (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). As the number of MetS components increased, the HDL phenotype comprised of a greater percentage of small HDL-3 and less large HDL-2 subclasses, resulting in a decreased HDL-2/HDL-3 ratio (P < 0.001 for all trends). Multivariate analysis revealed that HDL-2 levels and the HDL-2/HDL-3 ratio significantly and independently correlated with HDL-C (positively) and TG (negatively) levels. HDL-3 concentration significantly and independently positively correlated with HDL-C and TG levels. HDL-LpPLA₂ activity was decreased in MetS patients (P < 0.01), a phenomenon that may contribute to the defective antiatherogenic activity of HDL in MetS. PON1 activity did not differ between groups. We conclude that MetS, in addition to the decrease in HDL-C concentration, is associated with alterations in the HDL phenotype, which is comprised of a greater percentage of small HDL subclasses. Furthermore, HDL-LpPLA₂ activity is decreased in MetS patients.     

Leptospirosis is Associated with Markedly Increased Triglycerides and Small Dense Low-Density Lipoprotein and Decreased High-Density Lipoprotein

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of acute infection with Leptospira interrogans on lipids, lipoproteins and associated enzymes. Fasting serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), apolipoproteins (apo) A-Ι, B, E, C-II, C-III and lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] were determined in patients with Leptospirosis on diagnosis and 4 months after recovery as well as in age- and sex-matched controls. Activities of cholesteryl-ester transfer protein (CETP) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂ (Lp-PLA₂) as well as paraoxonase 1 (PON1) hydrolysing activity and levels of cytokines were determined. LDL subclass analysis was performed with Lipoprint LDL System. Eleven patients (10 men, mean age 49.5 ± 8.4 years) and 11 controls were included. TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, apoA-I, apoB and Lp(a) levels were lower at baseline, whereas TG and apoE levels were elevated compared with 4 months later. At baseline, higher levels of cytokines and cholesterol concentration of small dense LDL particles (sdLDL-C) were noticed, whereas LDL particle size was lower compared with follow-up. Activities of plasma Lp-PLA₂ and HDL-associated Lp-PLA₂ were lower at baseline compared with post treatment values, whereas PON1 activity was similar at baseline and 4 months later. 4 months after recovery, the levels of all lipid parameters evaluated did not differ compared with controls, except for HDL-C which remained lower. PON1 activity both at baseline and 4 months later was lower in patients compared with controls. Leptospirosis is associated with atherogenic changes of lipids, lipoproteins and associated enzymes.     

Polymorphisms in the LPL and CETP Genes and Haplotype in the ESR1 Gene Are Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in Women from Southwestern Mexico

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a combination of metabolic disorders associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Studies in women reported associations between polymorphisms in ESR1, LPL and CETP genes and MetS. Our aim was to evaluate the association between variants in ESR1, LPL and CETP genes with MetS and its components. Four hundred and eighty women were analyzed, anthropometric features and biochemical profiles were evaluated, and genotyping was performed by real-time PCR. We found an association with elevated glucose levels (odds ratio (OR) = 2.9; p = 0.013) in carrying the AA genotype of rs1884051 in the ESR1 gene compared with the GG genotype, and the CC genotype of rs328 in the LPL gene was associated with MetS compared to the CG or GG genotype (OR = 2.8; p = 0.04). Moreover, the GA genotype of rs708272 in the CETP gene is associated with MetS compared to the GG or AA genotype (OR = 1.8; p = 0.006). In addition the ACTCCG haplotype in the ESR1 gene is associated with a decrease in the risk of MetS (OR = 0.02; p < 0.001). In conclusion, our results show the involvement of the variants of ESR1, LPL and CETP genes in metabolic events related to MetS or some of its features.     

Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol/High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness: A Cohort Study in China

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C/HDL-C) ratio may carry additional information and has been suggested as a better predictor for atherosclerosis progression and cardiovascular disease (CVD) than LDL-C and HDL-C alone. Therefore, we aim to explore the association between LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and high carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) risk in a large Cohort in Beijing, China. This cohort study included 13,612 adults without high CIMT at first entry and who attended the baseline examination and at least one follow-up annual examination between 2009 and 2016. We used multivariable Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios (HR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and risk of high CIMT. During 37,912 person-years of follow-up, 1996 (1268 men and 728 women) developed high CIMT. Compared with the first quartile of LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, the risk of high CIMT was significantly increased for the fourth quartile of LDL-C/HDL-C ratio (HR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.29–1.78). We observed a significant association between LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and high CIMT risk comparing LDL-C/HDL-C ratio >2.78 with LDL-C/HDL-C ratio ≤2.78 and significant dose–response relationship between LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and risk of high CIMT. The restricted cubic spline showed a significant nonlinear association between LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and the risk of high CIMT (p_{non-linearity} = 0.009). We identify a significant association between LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and the risk of high CIMT in the Chinese Cohort study. Future studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of reducing LDL-C/HDL-C ratio treatment on the development of high CIMT.     

Fish consumption and blood lipids in three ethinic groups of Québec (canada)

The purpose of this study was to compare fish intake and plasma phospholipid concentrations of n−3 fatty acids, in particular of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), among representative population samples of Québecers, James Bay Cree, and Inuit of Nunavik (Canada). The relationships between these concentrations and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors were also investigated and compared in the three populations. In 1990–1992, the study subjects had participated in the extensive Santé Québec health surveys conducted in southern Québec, James Bay, and Nunavik. Significant differences in levels of CVD risk factors were found among these three populations. Globally, Inuit showed the lowest risk status for CVD compared with Cree and Québecers, despite the high prevalence of cigarette smoking and obesity. Daily fish intakes varied significantly among the three groups, averaging 13, 60, and 131 g for Québecers, Cree, and Inuit, respectively. Concentrations of EPA+DHA in plasma phospholipids were highest among Inuit (8.0%), second-highest among Cree (3.9%), and lowest among Québecers (1.8%). When the three populations were grouped together, there was a positive association between concentrations of EPA+DHA stratified into quartiles and HDL cholesterol, with a significant relation in quartile 4 (EPA+DHA ≥4.04%). An inverse relation was also found betwen EPA+DHA and triacylglycerols in quartile 4. Our results indicate that increased consumption of fish as a source of n−3 fatty acids is beneficially associated with levels of HDL cholesterol and triacylglycerols.     

Associations of MTHFR C677T and MTRR A66G Gene Polymorphisms with Metabolic Syndrome: A Case-Control Study in Northern China

Prior evidence indicates that homocysteine plays a role in the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) A66G polymorphisms are common genetic determinants of homocysteine levels. To investigate the associations of the MTHFR C677T and MTRR A66G polymorphisms with MetS, 692 Chinese Han subjects with MetS and 878 controls were recruited. The component traits of MetS and the MTHFR C677T and MTRR A66G genotypes were determined. A significant association was observed between the MTHFR 677T allele and increased risk of MetS, high fasting blood glucose, high waist circumference, and increasing number of MetS components. The MTRR A66G polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of MetS when combined with the MTHFR 677TT genotype, although there was no association found between MetS and MTRR A66G alone. Furthermore, the MTRR 66GG genotype was associated with high fasting blood glucose and triglycerides. Our data suggest that the MTHFR 677T allele may contribute to an increased risk of MetS in the northern Chinese Han population. The MTRR A66G polymorphism is not associated with MetS. However, it may exacerbate the effect of the MTHFR C677T variant alone. Further large prospective population-based studies are required to confirm our findings.     

Small High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Subclasses are Increased with Decreased Activity of HDL-Associated Phospholipase A2 in Subjects with Prediabetes

Alterations in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclass distribution, as well as in the activities of HDL-associated enzymes, have been associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. HDL subclass distribution and the activities of HDL-associated enzymes remain unknown in prediabetic patients, a condition also associated with increased CVD risk. The aim of the present study was to assess any differences in HDL subclass distribution (using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) and in activities of HDL-associated enzymes between prediabetic (impaired fasting glucose, IFG, n = 80) and non-prediabetic subjects (n = 105). Subjects with prediabetes had significantly increased waist circumference, blood pressure and triacylglycerol (TAG) levels compared with subjects with fasting glucose levels <100 mg/dL (all p < 0.05). The proportion of small HDL3 over HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly increased in prediabetic subjects compared with their controls (p < 0.05). The activity of the anti-atherogenic HDL-associated lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂ (HDL-LpPLA₂) was significantly lower in subjects with prediabetes (p < 0.05), whereas the activity of paraoxonase 1 (using both paraoxon and phenyl acetate as substrates) did not significantly differ between subjects with or without prediabetes. In a stepwise linear regression analysis, the proportion of small HDL3 over HDL-C concentration was independently associated with the presence of prediabetes and with total cholesterol and TAG concentration (positively), as well as with HDL-C levels (negatively). We also observed a trend of increased small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in prediabetic subjects compared with their controls. Subjects with IFG exhibit increased proportion of small HDL3 particles combined with decreased activity of the anti-atherogenic HDL-LpPLA₂.     

Hyperhomocysteinemia and Cardiovascular Disease: Is the Adenosinergic System the Missing Link?

The influence of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCy) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains unclear. HHCy is associated with inflammation and atherosclerosis, and it is an independent risk factor for CVD, stroke and myocardial infarction. However, homocysteine (HCy)-lowering therapy does not affect the inflammatory state of CVD patients, and it has little influence on cardiovascular risk. The HCy degradation product hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a cardioprotector. Previous research proposed a positive role of H₂S in the cardiovascular system, and we discuss some recent data suggesting that HHCy worsens CVD by increasing the production of H₂S, which decreases the expression of adenosine A_2A receptors on the surface of immune and cardiovascular cells to cause inflammation and ischemia, respectively.     

Dietary patterns are associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus among middle-aged adults in Zhejiang Province,China

Background

Although some studies have shown the associations between dietary patterns and the risk T2DM in a general population, the associations in middle-aged Chinese have been rarely studied to date. In this study, we aimed to characterize dietary patterns in Chinese adults aged 45-59y (n?=?1918) and to evaluate the relationship between dietary patterns and the risk of T2DM.

Methods

The study population was a part of the population-based the Nutrition and Health Study conducted in the city of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. Dietary intake was assessed by using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the associations between dietary patterns and the risk of T2DM, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Three major dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis, including the traditional southern Chinese, the Western, and the grains-vegetables patterns. After adjusting for the potential confounders, subjects in the highest quartile of the Western dietary pattern scores had greater odds ratio(OR) for T2DM(OR?=?1.28; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.103–1.697; P?=?0.02) than did those in the lowest quartile. Compared with those in the lowest quartile, subjects in the highest quartile of the grains-vegetables dietary pattern scores had a lower OR for T2DM (OR?=?0.72; 95% CI:0.596–0.952; P?=?0.04). Moreover, no significant association was found between the traditional southern Chinese dietary pattern and risk of developing T2DM.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that the Western dietary pattern was associated with an elevated risk, whereas the grains-vegetables dietary pattern was associated with a reduced risk of T2DM. Further researches are needed to confirm these findings.

     

Atorvastatin Decreases Triacylglycerol-Associated Risk of Vascular Events in Coronary Heart Disease Patients

High triacylglycerol (TAG) levels may predict vascular risk. The effect of a statin-induced reduction in TAG levels, irrespective of HDL-C increase, on clinical outcome has not yet been addressed by an endpoint study in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). The GREACE study compared usual with structured care aimed at achieving LDL-C = 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L) by dose titration with atorvastatin. All patients had CHD and were followed for 3 years. This post hoc analysis of GREACE examines the effect of statins on TAG levels and their relation with cardiovascular disease (CVD) events in all patients and in the subgroup of patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Baseline TAG levels >150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L) were predictive of subsequent CVD events [cardiac mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), unstable angina (UA), revascularisation, congestive heart failure (CHF), and stroke] only in statin untreated patients. Stepwise regression analysis showed that with every 20% statin-related TAG reduction there was a decrease in CVD risk by 12% (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.75–0.95, P = 0.007) in the structured care group vs. the usual care group, by 8% (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.81–0.97, P = 0.02) in all statin treated patients vs. the untreated ones and by 15% (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.65–0.94, P = 0.005) in those with MetS treated with a statin vs. those untreated. Using the same analysis but only taking into consideration vascular events (cardiac mortality, non-fatal MI, UA, revascularisation, and stroke) there was a 18% (HR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.57–0.96, P = 0.03) decrease in risk in the MetS (+) patients treated with a statin vs. those not on a statin, and a decrease in risk by 16% (HR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.53–1.07, P = 0.08), when only hard vascular endpoints (cardiac mortality, non-fatal MI, and stroke) were considered. TAG levels are predictive of subsequent CVD events in statin untreated CHD patients. Statin (mainly atorvastatin)-induced decrease in TAG levels was related to a significant reduction in subsequent CVD events. This benefit was more pronounced in CHD MetS (+) patients.     

Overview of hemostatic factors involved in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Hemostatic factors associated with the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) include fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) antigen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and factor VII. Each SD increment of these increases the association by 24–30%. Most hemostatic factors are intercorrelated with inflammatory markers [e.g., C-reactive protein (CRP)] and LDL cholesterol. Fibrinogen seems the most fundamental hemostatic risk factor for CVD. The Framingham Study reaffirms the significant linear risk factor trends across fibrinogen tertiles (P<0.001) for age, body mass index, smoking, diabetes mellitus, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and TG in both sexes. Fibrinogen may also directly increase CVD risk because of its role in platelet aggregation, plasma viscosity, and fibrin formation. Fibrinogen is also an acute-phase reactant that is elevated in inflammatory states. Fibrinogen mediates the thrombogenic effect of other risk factors. Fibrinogen levels increase with the number of cigarettes smoked and quickly fall after smoking cessation. This rapid fibrinogen decline may be a mechanism for CVD risk reduction after smoking cessation. Weight loss is accompanied by reduced fibrinogen. The correlation between fibrinogen and LDL cholesterol suggests that lipidimposed CVD risk is mediated partly through fibrinogen. Hyperreactive platelets of diabetics may result in part from their increased fibrinogen. Elevated fibrinogen and CRP of unstable angina suggest an acute-phase reaction. Prevalence, case-control, angiographic, and echocardiogram investigations incriminate hemostatic and inflammatory markers as strong independent risk factors for initial and recurrent CVD. Framingham Study data indicate that each SD increase in fibrinogen imposes a 20% independent increment in risk. It may be concluded that fibrinogen and CRP determination may be useful screening tools to identify individuals at added risk for thrombotic complications of CVD.     

Intake of up to 3 Eggs/Day Increases HDL Cholesterol and Plasma Choline While Plasma Trimethylamine-<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-oxide is Unchanged in a Healthy Population

Eggs are a source of cholesterol and choline and may impact plasma lipids and trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) concentrations, which are biomarkers for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Therefore, the effects of increasing egg intake (0, 1, 2, and 3 eggs/day) on these and other CVD risk biomarkers were evaluated in a young, healthy population. Thirty-eight subjects [19 men/19 women, 24.1 ± 2.2 years, body mass index (BMI) 24.3 ± 2.5 kg/m²] participated in this 14-week crossover intervention. Participants underwent a 2-week washout with no egg consumption, followed by intake of 1, 2, and 3 eggs/day for 4 weeks each. Anthropometric data, blood pressure (BP), dietary records, and plasma biomarkers (lipids, glucose, choline, and TMAO) were measured during each intervention phase. BMI, waist circumference, systolic BP, plasma glucose, and plasma triacylglycerol did not change throughout the intervention. Diastolic BP decreased with egg intake (P < 0.05). Compared to 0 eggs/day, intake of 1 egg/day increased HDL cholesterol (HDL-c) (P < 0.05), and decreased LDL cholesterol (LDL-c) (P < 0.05) and the LDL-c/HDL-c ratio (P < 0.01). With intake of 2–3 eggs/day, these changes were maintained. Plasma choline increased dose-dependently with egg intake (P < 0.0001) while fasting plasma TMAO was unchanged. These results indicate that in a healthy population, consuming up to 3 eggs/day results in an overall beneficial effect on biomarkers associated with CVD risk, as documented by increased HDL-c, a reduced LDL-c/HDL-c ratio, and increased plasma choline in combination with no change in plasma LDL-c or TMAO concentrations.     

No Association between HMOX1 and Risk of Colorectal Cancer and No Interaction with Diet and Lifestyle Factors in a Prospective Danish Case-Cohort Study

Red meat is a risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC). We wanted to evaluate whether a functional polymorphism in the HMOX1 gene encoding heme oxygenase modifies risk of CRC or interacts with diet or lifestyle factors because this would identify heme or heme iron as a risk factor of CRC. The HMOX1 A-413T (rs2071746) was assessed in relation to risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) and interactions with diet (red meat, fish, fiber, cereals, fruit and vegetables) and lifestyle (use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and smoking status) were assessed in a case-cohort study of 928 CRC cases and a comparison group of 1726 randomly selected participants from a prospective study of 57,053 persons. No association between HMOX1 A-413T and CRC risk was found (TT vs. AA + TA; IRR = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.98–1.36, p = 0.10 for the adjusted estimate). No interactions were found between diet or lifestyle and HMOX1 A-413T. HMOX1 A-413T was not associated with CRC risk and no interactions with diet or lifestyle were identified in this large, prospective cohort with high meat intake. The results reproduced the previous findings from the same cohort and did not support a link between heme or heme iron and colorectal cancer. These results should be sought and replicated in other well-characterized cohorts with high meat intake.     

Hospital Diet Enriched With Rapeseed or Sunflower Oils Is Associated With a Decrease in Plasma 16:1n‐7 and Some Metabolic Disorders in the Elderly

We recently demonstrated that the prevalence of dysglycemia was high among hospitalized elderly people who were fed a low fat diet (27.7% of energy) and was positively associated with plasma 16:1n‐7, an indicator of de novo lipogenesis (DNL). Fatty acids in the DNL pathway have been shown to be associated with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential beneficial effects of fat enrichment (up to 34.1%en) of the hospital diet in 111 patients (30 men and 81 women, 84 ± 7 years) during 6 weeks. Based on gender, they were randomly given a diet supplemented either with rapeseed oil (RO) or with sunflower oil (SO). Fatty acids of cholesteryl esters and erythrocyte phospholipids and markers of metabolic disorders were evaluated before and after dietary intervention. Both enriched diets significantly, and to a similar extent, decreased (1) the overall prevalence of dysglycemia (by 25–33%) and MetS (by 31–43%) and (2) plasma 16:1n‐7 mol% in men and women. Dysglycemia prevalence adjusted by the diets was reduced in men versus baseline; no change was found in women. Enrichment of the diet with RO or SO resulted in a difference in fatty acid compositions, that is, EPA (mol%) and the omega‐3 index increased with RO, while proportions of 18:1n‐7, 18:1n‐9, and EPA decreased with SO. These findings highlight the need for adequate fat intake in the elderly. For supplementation of the hospital diet, RO, which led to a higher proportion of circulating n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and is known to be beneficial, may be preferred to SO.     

In depth analysis of risk factors for coeliac disease amongst children under 18 years Old in the Gaza strip. A cross sectional study

Fish consumption and intake of omega-3 fatty acids from fish are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. However, a prospective study from northern Sweden showed that high consumption of fish is associated with an increased risk of stroke in men, but not in women. The current study aimed to determine if fish consumption is differently related to lifestyle in men compared with women in northern Sweden. Lifestyle information on 32,782 men and 34,866 women (aged 30–60 years) was collected between 1992 and 2006 within the Västerbotten Intervention Programme (a health intervention in northern Sweden). Spearman correlations coefficients (Rs) were calculated between self-reported consumption of fish and other food items. Lifestyle variables were compared between fish consumption categories. Fish consumption was positively associated with other foods considered healthy (e.g., root vegetables, lettuce/cabbage/spinach/broccoli, chicken, and berries; Rs = 0.21-0.30), as well as with other healthy lifestyle factors (e.g., exercise and not smoking) and a higher educational level, in both men and women. The only gender difference found, concerned the association between fish consumption and alcohol consumption. Men who were high consumers of fish had a higher intake of all types of alcohol compared with low to moderate fish consumers. For women, this was true only for wine. Except for alcohol, the association between fish consumption and healthy lifestyle did not differ between men and women in northern Sweden. It is important to adjust for other lifestyle variables and socioeconomic variables in studies concerning the effect of fish consumption on disease outcome.     

Preparation, crystal structure, and photocatalytic activity of TiO2 films by chemical vapor deposition

Photocatalytic activities of TiO₂ films were experimentally studied. TiO₂ films with different crystal structures (amorphous, anatase, rutile) were prepared by a Low Pressure Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (LPMOCVD) at different reaction temperatures and also by a Sol-Gel method using TTIP (Titanium Tetra Iso-Pro-poxyde). The Effect of CVD preparation method, CVD reaction conditions, crystal structure and wave-length of UV light on the photocatalytic decomposition rate of methylene blue in aqueous solution were studied. First, the characteristics of CVD preparation of TiO₂ films, such as the CVD film growth rate, crystal structure and morphology of the grown TiO₂ films, were experimentally studied as a function of CVD reaction temperature. Secondly, photocatalytic activities of TiO₂ films were evaluated by using two types of photo-reactors. The results indicated that TiO₂ films prepared by CVD exhibit higher photocatalytic activity than a catalyst prepared by the Sol-Gel method. Among the CVD grown TiO₂ films, anatase and rutile showed high photocatalytic activities. However, amorphous TiO₂ films showed lower activities. The activity of the photocatalysts of anatase films was excellent under all types of UV-lamps. The activity of CVD-prepared anatase films was four to seven times higher than that of photocatalyst films prepared by the Sol-Gel method.     

Telomere Attrition and Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential in Cardiovascular Disease

Clinical evidence suggests that conventional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors cannot explain all CVD incidences. Recent studies have shown that telomere attrition, clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), and atherosclerosis (telomere–CHIP–atherosclerosis, TCA) evolve to play a crucial role in CVD. Telomere dynamics and telomerase have an important relationship with age-related CVD. Telomere attrition is associated with CHIP. CHIP is commonly observed in elderly patients. It is characterized by an increase in blood cell clones with somatic mutations, resulting in an increased risk of hematological cancer and atherosclerotic CVD. The most common gene mutations are DNA methyltransferase 3 alpha (DNMT3A), Tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (TET2), and additional sex combs-like 1 (ASXL1). Telomeres, CHIP, and atherosclerosis increase chronic inflammation and proinflammatory cytokine expression. Currently, their epidemiology and detailed mechanisms related to the TCA axis remain incompletely understood. In this article, we reviewed recent research results regarding the development of telomeres and CHIP and their relationship with atherosclerotic CVD.