Urinary sodium and potassium excretion, mortality, and cardiovascular events.

BACKGROUND: The optimal range of sodium intake for cardiovascular health is controversial. METHODS: We obtained morning fasting urine samples from 101,945 persons in 17 countries and estimated 24-hour sodium and potassium excretion (used as a surrogate for intake). We examined the association between estimated urinary sodium and potassium excretion and the composite outcome of death and major cardiovascular events. RESULTS: The mean estimated sodium and potassium excretion was 4.93 g per day and 2.12 g per day, respectively. With a mean follow-up of 3.7 years, the composite outcome occurred in 3317 participants (3.3%). As compared with an estimated sodium excretion of 4.00 to 5.99 g per day (reference range), a higher estimated sodium excretion (≥ 7.00 g per day) was associated with an increased risk of the composite outcome (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02 to 1.30), as well as increased risks of death and major cardiovascular events considered separately. The association between a high estimated sodium excretion and the composite outcome was strongest among participants with hypertension (P=0.02 for interaction), with an increased risk at an estimated sodium excretion of 6.00 g or more per day. As compared with the reference range, an estimated sodium excretion that was below 3.00 g per day was also associated with an increased risk of the composite outcome (odds ratio, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.44). As compared with an estimated potassium excretion that was less than 1.50 g per day, higher potassium excretion was associated with a reduced risk of the composite outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In this study in which sodium intake was estimated on the basis of measured urinary excretion, an estimated sodium intake between 3 g per day and 6 g per day was associated with a lower risk of death and cardiovascular events than was either a higher or lower estimated level of intake. As compared with an estimated potassium excretion that was less than 1.50 g per day, higher potassium excretion was associated with a lower risk of death and cardiovascular events. (Funded by the Population Health Research Institute and others.).

Prevalence of Diet Atherogenicity and Coexistence of Lipid Disorders and Arterial Hypertension among 50-year-old Inhabitants of Wroclaw, Poland.

OBJECTIVE: The incorrect composition of a diet, its atherogenicity, is conducive to the occurrence of lipid disorders, arterial hypertension (HTN), diabetes, and metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of incorrect anthropometric and biochemical parameters as well as diet atherogenicity. METHODS: The study group included 1,520 adults (880 women, 640 men). The nutritional status evaluation was based on respondents' BMI and waist circumference. The diet atherogenicity was estimated using Keys Index (KI) and P/S ratio. Total cholesterol (TCh), LDL cholesterol as well as triglycerides (TG) concentration in blood serum were also evaluated. RESULTS: In 56.8% of women and 60.8% of men waist circumference exceeded referential values. The diets of 71.4% of women and 87.3% of men were atherogenic. HTN was observed in 64.1% of the study population. Hypercholesterolaemia was found in approximately 72% of the respondents. The increased LDL cholesterol concentration were found in 57.5% of women and 64.5% of men. Abnormal concentration of HDL cholesterol occurred among approximately 20% of respondents. Hypertriglyceridaemia was recognised in 26% of women and 44% of men. In the group of women and men with HTN, mean values, i.e. BMI, waist circumference and TG (with TCh concentration additionally noted in men) were found as significant. Normal lipid profile and arterial pressure values were observed in 6.6% of the population. CONCLUSIONS: In the diets of men with HTN were observed higher values of KI compared to group without HTN. No significant differences were found in the frequency of occurrence of the analysed parameters either among the group of women with HTN or without it. In the group of men with HTN, the abnormal BMI, waist circumference and TG occurred more frequently.

Dietary habits of Wroclaw Medical University students (Poland)

Background: The World Health Organization considers an unhealthy diet to be related to the risk of cardiovascular diseases development. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate dietary habits among Wroclaw Medical University students with a view towards the nutritional risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Material and Methods: The study was conducted between the years 2004-2012. The study group consisted of 892 women and 276 men. The respondents were asked to complete a questionnaire based on the principles outlined in "The Polish food-based dietary guidelines". Results: There were numerous eating habits not in compliance with the recommendations. Men failed to take ≥ 3 meals/ day (10.1% vs 6.3%) at a significantly higher frequency than women. Food products exhibiting a high glycaemic index (GI) were preferred over low GI, especially among men. About 62% of women and 75% of men failed to consume ≥ 5 portions of fruits and vegetables per day. Women chose low-fat dairy products and meat significantly more frequently than men. 73% of women and 67% of men declared that they consumed vegetable oils on an irregular basis. About 8% of women and 11% of men used salt without restrictions, while 58% and 64% respectively, used sugar to sweeten beverages. Conclusions: Improper nutritional habits were observed in a high part of the studied students, especially among men. It is therefore strongly suggested that the rules of proper nutrition be promoted among this group.

Dietary habits of lung cancer patients from the Lower Silesia region of Poland.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Assessment of lung cancer patients' dietary habits before treatment enable medical staff to provide more individual, precise and complex care to patients, taking into consideration their nutritional status. The aim of this study was, therefore, to evaluate dietary habits related to lung cancer risk of lung cancer patients in comparison with controls from the Lower Silesia region of Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Assessments of dietary habits, based on a validated questionnaire related to lung cancer risk were performed on 92 lung cancer patients and compared with the results obtained in 157 controls. Dietary patterns were evaluated concerning on eating frequency of high- and low- glycemic index products, vegetables and fruits, vegetable and fruit juices, green tea, liquid dairy products, meat and fried products over the previous year. Alcohol consumption was assessed on a dichotomous scale (yes or no). RESULTS: Majority of patients had inappropriate dietary habits, such as low consumption of low GI cereal products, vegetables, fruit and green tea, and a high consumption frequency of fried products. CONCLUSIONS: Reported dietary mistakes indicate the need for dietary education among people at lung cancer risk and with newly diagnosed disease, to enhance their nutritional status.

[The role of Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917 in the gastro-intestinal diseases]. / Rola bakterii Escherichia coli szczep Nissle 1917 w chorobach przewodu pokarmowego.

In this paper a review of the researches on the role of Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917 (EcN) in gastrointestinal diseases was presented. EcN is a non-pathogenic strain of the Enterobacteriaceae family, which has probiotic properties. In a number of studies conducted among humans and  experimental animals the application of EcN in treatment of gastrointestinal diseases was observed. Most studies about EcN has been devoted to this organism efficacy in ulcerative colitis treatment. Comparable results were obtained, by citied authors, in the treatment (sustaining remission) of EcN and mesalazine in ulcerative colitis. Moreover, this probiotic therapy, compared to placebo, contributes to obtaining a faster remission and improvement of intestinal histopathology. The use of EcN in Crohn's disease has not been the subject of as many studies as in the case of ulcerative colitis. Assessing the importance of EcN in treatment of other gastrointestinal disorders, authors of the studies observed, that in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, who receiving this probiotic there was a pain, nausea and bloating reduction. In studies conducted among children a positive impact of EcN in prevention and treatment of diarrhea was demonstrated. Similar results were obtained in studies conducted in experimental animals. Based on the presented review it can be concluded that the strain of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 is useful in treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, especially in treatment of ulcerative colitis. This probiotic may constitute a part of treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea. The effectiveness of this strain in treatment of Crohn's disease is not clearly established and further research are require.

Prevalence of a healthy lifestyle among individuals with cardiovascular disease in high-, middle- and low-income countries: The Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study.

IMPORTANCE: Little is known about adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviors among individuals with a coronary heart disease (CHD) or stroke event in communities across a range of countries worldwide. OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence of avoidance or cessation of smoking, eating a healthy diet, and undertaking regular physical activities by individuals with a CHD or stroke event. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) was a large, prospective cohort study that used an epidemiological survey of 153,996 adults, aged 35 to 70 years, from 628 urban and rural communities in 3 high-income countries (HIC), 7 upper-middle-income countries (UMIC), 3 lower-middle-income countries (LMIC), and 4 low-income countries (LIC), who were enrolled between January 2003 and December 2009. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Smoking status (current, former, never), level of exercise (low, <600 metabolic equivalent task [MET]-min/wk; moderate, 600-3000 MET-min/wk; high, >3000 MET-min/wk), and diet (classified by the Food Frequency Questionnaire and defined using the Alternative Healthy Eating Index). RESULTS: Among 7519 individuals with self-reported CHD (past event: median, 5.0 [interquartile range {IQR}, 2.0-10.0] years ago) or stroke (past event: median, 4.0 [IQR, 2.0-8.0] years ago), 18.5% (95% CI, 17.6%-19.4%) continued to smoke; only 35.1% (95% CI, 29.6%-41.0%) undertook high levels of work- or leisure-related physical activity, and 39.0% (95% CI, 30.0%-48.7%) had healthy diets; 14.3% (95% CI, 11.7%-17.3%) did not undertake any of the 3 healthy lifestyle behaviors and 4.3% (95% CI, 3.1%-5.8%) had all 3. Overall, 52.5% (95% CI, 50.7%-54.3%) quit smoking (by income country classification: 74.9% [95% CI, 71.1%-78.6%] in HIC; 56.5% [95% CI, 53.4%-58.6%] in UMIC; 42.6% [95% CI, 39.6%-45.6%] in LMIC; and 38.1% [95% CI, 33.1%-43.2%] in LIC). Levels of physical activity increased with increasing country income but this trend was not statistically significant. The lowest prevalence of eating healthy diets was in LIC (25.8%; 95% CI, 13.0%-44.8%) compared with LMIC (43.2%; 95% CI, 30.0%-57.4%), UMIC (45.1%, 95% CI, 30.9%-60.1%), and HIC (43.4%, 95% CI, 21.0%-68.7%). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: Among a sample of patients with a CHD or stroke event from countries with varying income levels, the prevalence of healthy lifestyle behaviors was low, with even lower levels in poorer countries.

Evaluation of fatty acids daily intake and diets atherogenicity of dietetics students of Wroclaw Medical University.

BACKGROUND: Dietary and lifestyle risk factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The excessive intake of products that could affect atherogenic effect and are rich sources of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and cholesterol conductive the occurrence of lipid metabolism disturbances in the body. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of fatty acids dietary intake and assessment of the students' diets atherogenicity in the aspect of the CVD risk. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in 2011-2012. The study group included 100 females, dietetic students of the Wroclaw Medical University. The average age of the students was 21 years. Dietary habits were evaluated by the 3-day diet record method including one weekend day. RESULTS: Average energy intake was 1673.9 kcal per day. The average daily total fat intake was 65.4 g and provided 34.5% of total energy intake. The percentage of energy from SFA in the diets of 82% students exceeded the recommended 10% and averaged 13.1%. The average percentage of energy from monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in the students diets was 12.9% and in the diets of 5% students did not exceeded recommended 10%. The average percentage of energy from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was 5.7% and in the diets of 66% students did not fulfilled the recommended 6-10%. About 80% of the students consumed less than recommended 2 g of C 18:3 per day. Insufficient intake of EPA and DHA was observed in 71% students' diets. The average n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio was 7.2 and in the 76% of female diets exceeded the recommended value of 4:1. The diets of 80% of students were considered as atherogenic, because of elevated value of Keys score. The ratio between PUFA and SFA in the female diets was incorrect and amounted to 0.52 (recommended value > 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: Incorrect energy intake from daily diet and improper dietary intake of selected fatty acids in the diets of students may contribute to the development of CVD.

Fatty acid profile of the fat in selected smoked marine fish.

BACKGROUND: Fish and marine animals fat is a source of unique long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA): eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosahexaenoic (DHA) and dipicolinic (DPA). These compounds have a beneficial influence on blood lipid profile and they reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis and disorders of central nervous system. The proper ratio of n-6/n-3 fatty acids in diet is necessary to maintain a balance between the effects of eicosanoids synthesized from these acids in the body. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was the evaluation of total fat and cholesterol content and percentage of fatty acids in selected commercial smoked marine fish. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The studied samples were smoked marine fish such as: halibut, mackerel, bloater and sprat. The percentage total fat content in edible muscles was evaluated via the Folch modified method. The fat was extracted via the Bligh-Dyer modified method. The enzymatic hydrolysis was used to assesses cholesterol content in samples. The content of fatty acids, expressed as methyl esters, was evaluated with gas chromatography. RESULTS: The average content of total fat in 100 g of fillet of halibut, mackerel, bloater and sprat amounted respectively to: 14.5 g, 25.7 g, 13.9 g and 13.9 g. The average content of cholesterol in 100 g of halibut, mackerel, bloater and sprat was respectively: 54.5 mg, 51.5 mg, 57.5 mg and 130.9 mg. The amount of saturated fatty acids (SFA) was about 1/4 of total fatty acids in the analyzed samples. The oleic acid (C18:1 n-9) was the major compound among monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and amounted to 44% of these fatty acids. The percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in halibut, mackerel, bloater and sprat was respectively: 31.9%, 45.4%, 40.8% and 37.0%. The percentage of n-3 PUFA in mackerel and bloater was 30.1% and 30.2%, while in halibut and sprat was lower and amounted to 22.5% and 25.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In terms of nutritional magnitude the meat of mackerel and herring, compared to the meat of sprat and halibut has a much better n-3 PUFA content, while relatively low content of cholesterol.

Assessment of atherogenicity of students daily diets of Wroclaw Medical University.

BACKGROUND: Results of the research indicate that excessive consumption of products that are a rich source of the saturated fatty acids (SFA) and cholesterol, and disturbed balance in the monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) intake could affect the development of atherosclerotic lesions since the childhood. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the atherogenicity of the students diets, based on the content of various fatty acids (FA), their relative proportions, and the content of cholesterol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group included 127 students (female-100, male-27) of Wroclaw Medical University. Dietary habits in the study group were evaluated by the method of the three-day diet record including one weekend day. In total 381 dietary interviews: 300 from female and 81 from male were analyzed. RESULTS: The percentage of energy from SFA was higher than recommended 10%. The average percentage of energy from SFA in the diets of male and female was 14.3% and 15.6%. The average percentage of energy from MUFA in the diets of female and male was respectively 12.8% and 15.3%. The recommended average percentage of energy from MUFA is > or = 14% of daily energy requirements. The daily intake of cholesterol should be less than 300 mg/day. The average content of cholesterol in the diets of female was 278.7 mg/day, and male 428.1 mg/day. The Keys atherogenic score assessed in the diets of female was on average 49.2 with recommended values of 30.1-35.5, and 52.3 in the diets of male at the recommended values of 28.4-33.8. Atherogenicity estimated by P/S ratio in both students groups was 0.4 at the recommended values of > or =1. The recommended daily percentage of energy from PUFA is 6-10%. The percentage of energy from PUFA in the average diet of female was 5.3%, and 6.0% in the male diets. The sum of EPA and DHA in the female diets was average 0.1 g/day, and the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio was 5.8:1 (recommended 4:1). The sum of EPA and DHA in the male diets was 0.2 g/day, and the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio was 6.1:1. CONCLUSIONS: It was shown that studied students diets may promote the development of atherosclerotic lesions.

[Assessment of fruit and vegetable intake among the 50-year-old population of Wroclaw]. / Ocena spozycia warzyw i owoców w grupie 50-letnich mieszkanców Wroclawia.

Intake of fruit and vegetable among 50-year-old population of Wroclaw and the impact of education level on the consumption of fruits and vegetables was assessed. The study group was 50-year-old, 1520 inhabitants of Wroclaw (879 women and 641 men), who participated in 2008 in the Cardiovascular Diseases Prevention Program organized by the Health Division of the Municipal Office in Wroclaw. To assess fruit and vegetable intake Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used. The mean daily intake of vegetables and fruit was 289,4 g for women and 209,1 g for men. Women consumed significantly more vegetables, fruits, and the amounts of fruits and vegetables compared with men. The impact of educational level on fruit and vegetable consumption in the study group was found.

[Assessment of sociodemographic and nutritional status of lung cancer patients]. / Ocena statusu socjodemograficznego i stanu odzywienia chorych z rakiem pluca.

Low sociodemographic status positively correlates with the risk of lung cancer. Nutritional status assessed during diagnosis of cancer may be a useful predictive factor for response to therapy and influences the quality of life and life expectancy after oncological therapy. The aim of this study was to assess the sociodemographic and nutritional status of patients. Lower Silesian Centre of Lung Diseases, diagnosed with lung cancer. 81 cases and 125 subjects formed the control group were included in this study. The questionnaire about sociodemographic status was performed among all respondents as well as MNA questionnaire and anthropometric measurements for evaluating nutritional status. Lower level of education, lower employment status and more frequent tobacco addiction was found in patient group then in control individuals. Nutritional status of patients was worse than the control group, which has been demonstrated mainly through a MNA questionnaire and arm circumference measurements. The risk of malnutrition or diagnosed malnutrition found in most patients assessed by MNA test may increase the likelihood of complications during treatment.

Assessment of dietary intake of patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

The dietary intake of patients with irritable bowel syndrome was assessed using 24-h dietary recall. The energy value and nutrient contents in the daily food rations were calculated by Nutritionist IV computer program with the Polish database. Differentiations in the Polish RDA coverage for energy and nutrients were observed in the studied group. Fat, saturated fatty acid, phosphorus and also vitamin A, E and C contents were above the RDA in the patients' daily food ration. The majority of IBS individuals did not meet recommendations for carbohydrate intake. Calcium and cooper intake was below the Polish RDA. The insufficient vitamin B2 intake and excessive Fe supply have been shown in the male patients.

[Assessment of dietary intake of lower secondary school students from Olesnica]. / Ocena sposobu zywienia gimnazjalistów z Olesnicy.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the dietary intake of lower secondary school students. The study group involved 133 students from lower secondary school in Olesnica, including 65 girls and 48 boys. The study was performed by means of 3-day food records. Daily Food Ration (DFR) in the investigated girls were found not to fulfill the daily requirement for monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, calcium, iron, copper as well as thiamin and niacin. Average DFR of the investigated boys filled the daily requirements for nutrients. The percentage of energy from fats and carbohydrates in the average DFR of the investigated subjects was incompatible with the requirements. The daily requirements for energy were fulfilled in too high percentage by the intake of fats while the percentage of energy coming from carbohydrates was too low. The composition of fatty acids in mean DFR of girls and boys was wrong. Both study groups revealed too high intake of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol.

Assessment of fruit and vegetable intake among the population of junior high school students from Olesnica.

The aim of this study was to assess fruit and vegetable intake among the population of junior high school students. 113 students from Junior High School No. 2 in Olesnica participated in the research. In order to assess the intake of fruit and vegetables, the method of food frequency questionnaire was used. It was stated that vegetables appearing most frequently in the diet of girls were: tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers and fresh vegetable salads, and in the meals of boys were: tomatoes, fresh vegetable salads, cucumbers and vegetable salads. Boys and girls declared that the most often consumed fruits were: apples, oranges, mandarins and bananas. The mean daily total consumption of fruit and vegetables by the junior high school students was 358.5 g/day. Compared with current dietary recommendations, intakes of fruit and vegetables were too low.

Prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors among pharmacy students from Wroclaw Medical University (Poland).

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerotic processes begin in childhood and their development worsens during adolescence. Early prevention of CVD risk factors may have an important impact on the future health of young people. It can be also helpful in reducing the costs of treating CVD later in life. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of selected cardiovascular disease risk factors among pharmacy students. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 1,168 pharmacy students (892 women and 276 men) from Wroclaw Medical University. The average age was 22.9 years among women and 23.2 years among men. This cross-sectional study was conducted between 2004-2012. RESULTS: 27.5% of men and 7.1% of women were found to be overweight, while visceral obesity was found in 15.2% and in 10.1% of students, respectively. Hypertension was diagnosed in 27.2% of men and in 7.8% of women. Low physical activity was declared by 41.9% of women and by 31.9% of men. There were 22.1% of men and 10% of women who were current smokers. The majority of the study group did not consume enough fruits and vegetables (women 61.8%, men 75%). Body mass index (BMI) was positively associated with waist and hip measurements, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and body fat percentage, while blood pressure was positively associated with BMI and waist circumference. It was found that men with high physical activity had lower BMIs, body fat percentage, waist and hip circumferences, WHR, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate than those who declared low physical activity. Comparing women with high physical activity to those with low physical activity, only lower heart rate was observed. CONCLUSIONS: A higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was found more often among men than women. Preventive actions which promote proper nutrition, more physical activity, smoking cessation and regular blood pressure checks and lipid profile tests should be implemented for the students.

[Evaluation of energy and nutritive value of meals for nursery school children]. / Ocena wartosci energetycznej i odzywczej posilków przedszkolnych.

The energy value and content of nutritive components in nursery school meals have been evaluated by analytical method and calculated by Nutritionist IV computer program with Polish data base. A significant correlation between analysed and calculated values has been observed. An average nursery school meal covered recommended intake of iron, calcium, zinc, vit. B1 and % of energy from proteins, fats and carbohydrates. An average nursery school meal covered above recommended intake of total energy and % of energy from saturated fatty acids, proteins, fats, cholesterol, carbohydrates, fiber, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, copper and vitamins A, E, C, B2 i B6. Only the average content of vit. PP and % of energy from mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids in analysed nursery school meals has been below the recommended intake. The results indicate that there is a tendency to supply energy and some of nutritive components in nursery school meals above the recommended intake.

Lipid pattern in middle-aged inhabitants of the Lower Silesian region of Poland. The PURE Poland sub-study.

INTRODUCTION: A decreased serum high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) is a strong predictor of cardiovascular risk. However, total HDL is a very dynamic, changeable fraction, and does not perform the function of atherosclerosis markers. In the presented study, the pattern of serum lipids, including HDL-C subclasses (HDL2- and HDL3-cholesterol), in a middle- aged Polish Lower Silesia population was defined. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A group of 746 males and 1,298 females, aged 35-70, were investigated. All subjects were participants in the PURE study. Mean serum lipid levels were determined for groups selected on the basis of gender, age, cigarette smoking, drinking alcohol and place of residence (urban/rural area). The data were analyzed using STATISTICA 6.0 PL. RESULTS: In multiple linear regression models, age was the most important independent and consistent predictor of total cholesterol (TC) and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C). The prevalence of low HDL-C (threshold 40 mg/dL in males, 50 mg/dL in females) was 16.5% for males and 22.6% for females. This gender-conditioned difference in the prevalence of low HDL-C was greater in rural (20.0% vs. 30.9%, respectively, in males and females) in comparison to urban (14.4% vs. 17.1%) areas. The lipid pattern was significantly worse in rural than in urban females. Female rural inhabitants showed higher triglycerides (TG) and lower HDL cholesterol (total and contained in subclasses HDL2 and HDL3). Simultaneously, a higher BMI, higher percent of smokers and drinkers and lower age of smoking female rural inhabitants in comparison to urban females were estimated. In the total population, cigarette smoking or drinking alcohol were associated with significant increases in TC, LDL-C and TG, also with decreased HDL-C (smoking) or HDL2-C (drinking). Two-way analysis of variance showed the existence of interaction between these risk factors in their influence on HDL-C and HDL3-C. CONCLUSION: In the middle-aged population of the Lower Silesian region in Poland the place of residence (urban/rural area) had a significant impact on the lipid pattern. This pattern is more atherogenic in rural women than in urban women.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among 40- and 50-year-old inhabitants of Wroclaw, Poland.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been discussed for many years, but there is no doubt that those who have confirmed the presence of risk factors comprising the MetS had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of MetS among 40- and 50-year-old (y.o.) inhabitants of Wroclaw, Poland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group included Wroclaw inhabitants who were recruited between 2001-2004 into the Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Programme. The study group consisted of 18,583 participants (females: 40 y.o.--5,248 and 50 y.o.--5,329; males: 40 y.o.--4,229 and 50 y.o.--3,777). The MetS was defined by IDF/NHLBI/AHA (2009) criteria. RESULTS: MetS was found in 12.7% of 40 y.o. and in 33.1% of 50 y.o. females, while in males, respectively, in 30.4% and 42.1%. Overall, MetS occurred in 28.5% of the study group. MetS occurred significantly more frequent among the older than the younger groups, both in females and males. MetS was found significantly more frequent among males than females from Wroclaw, in both 40- and in 50 y.o. participants. Among those females with MetS, the most frequently (more than 90% in both age groups) occurred excessive waist circumference (WC), followed by elevated blood pressure-BP (72.1% of 40 y.o., 86.8% of 50 y.o.). Excessive WC, elevated BP and triglycerides-TG was found in more than 80% of males aged 40 and with diagnosed MetS. Among the older group of males with MetS, the most frequently occurred elevated BP (90.4%), followed by excessive WC (87%) and elevated TG (78.5%). CONCLUSION: MetS was diagnosed more frequent in males than females of Wroclaw. Prevalence of MetS increased with age. The most significant impact on reducing the prevalence of MetS in the study group would be the lowering of BP and WC to recommended values.

Assessment of dietary flavonoid intake among 50-year-old inhabitants of Wroclaw in 2008.

BACKGROUND: In much epidemiological research, a positive impact of flavonoid intake on human health has been observed. The role of flavonoids in heart diseases and cancer prevention was described. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess dietary flavonoid intake among 50-year-old inhabitants of Wroclaw in 2008. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group included 1520 inhabitants of Wroclaw (879 women, 641 men) who participated in the Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Program in 2008, which was organized by the Health Division of the Municipal Office in Wroclaw. The mean age of the women was 49.9 +/- 0.3 year old and of the men 50.0 +/- 0.2. To assess dietary flavonoid intake, the consumption of fruits, vegetables, tea, wine and chocolate was evaluated. To assess daily food intake, a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used. The dietary flavonoid intake was evaluated using the database from 2007 "U.S. Department of Agriculture Database for the Flavonoid Content of Selected Foods, Release 2.1". RESULTS: The flavonoid intake from fruits and vegetables in women amounted respectively to 13.64 mg/day and 8.59 mg/day. The flavonoid intake from these products in men was respectively 9.56 mg/day and 6.54 mg/day. Fruits and vegetables provided respectively 2.2%, 1.4% of daily flavonoid intake in women and respectively 1.6%, 1.1% in men. The flavonoid intake provided by fruit juices amounted to 4.57 mg/day in women and 4.97 mg/day in men. Chocolate, in both women and men, was a source of 0.80 mg/day of total flavonoids. Fruit juices and chocolate provided respectively 0.7% and 0.1% of daily flavonoid intake in women and respectively 0.8% and 0.1% in men. Tea provided, in both women and men, 595 mg/day of total flavonoids (respectively 95.6% and 96.5% of daily total flavonoid intake). Total daily flavonoid intake in the investigated group amounted to 622.60 mg in women and 616.87 mg in men. CONCLUSIONS: This study assessed a higher dietary flavonoid intake in the investigated group in comparison with other studies results. The major source of these compounds, especially flavan-3-ols, was tea consumption. The authors concluded that increased fruit and vegetable consumption in the investigated group would increase anthocyanidin, flavanone and flavonol intake.

Dietary intake and adipose tissue level of specific fatty acids in a selected group from the Lower Silesia population.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess the content of specific fatty acids in the diet and adipose tissue in a selected group of inhabitants of Lower Silesia in Poland. METHODS: The study group consisted of 95 inhabitants of Wroclaw and surrounding villages (22 men and 23 women from the urban area, 23 men and 27 women from the rural area). Fatty acid content in subcutaneous fat samples was assessed by gas-chromatography. Dietary assessment was carried out using food frequency questionnaire. Dietary intake was analyzed using computer programme The Food Processor SQL 10.5.2 produced by ESHA Research USA, with a Polish database. RESULTS: Mean daily energy and fatty acids intake was significantly higher among rural than urban inhabitants. Intake of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), mainly from rapeseed oil, in urban inhabitants was 1.5 g/day in men and 1.6 g/day in women, and in rural inhabitants 2.6 g/day and 2.1 g/day, respectively. Dietary n-6 to n-3 ratio was higher among urban compared to rural inhabitants (6.7 vs. 5.5 among men and 6.4 vs. 5.5 among women, respectively). Content of ALA in adipose tissue was higher in rural women than in urban men (1.08% vs. 0.92% of total fat). Content of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in adipose tissue in rural men (0.04% of total fat) and women (0.05% of total fat) was higher than in urban men (0.01% of total fat). The positive correlation (r=0.43) between the level of EPA in adipose tissue and percentage of energy from dietary EPA was observed among rural men. Overall, positive correlations were found between saturated (SFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) n-3 level in adipose tissue and percentage of energy from these fatty acids in a diet (r=0.20 and r=0.22, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Mean daily n-3 fatty acid intake in urban inhabitants was lower than the recommended daily consumption in Poland. The positive correlation between fatty acids level in adipose tissue and dietary fatty acid intake was observed only for EPA among rural men, and in the all-study population for SFA and PUFA n-3. A high n-6 to n-3 ratio in the study group was observed.