Association between peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha, -delta and -gamma gene (PPARA, PPARD, PPARG) polymorphisms and overweight parameters in physically active men.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) have unique functions in energy metabolism regulation but are also involved in regulation of the inflammatory process and obesity. The aim of this study was to analyse potential associations between polymorphisms of PPARA (rs1800206), PPARD (rs1053049; rs2267668) and PPARG (rs1801282) and overweight parameters. One hundred and sixty-six males, unrelated Caucasian military professionals, were recruited in the genetic case-control study conducted in the period 2016-2019. All the participants were aged 21-41 and had similar levels of physical activity. Body mass, height and body composition were measured. The participants were divided into two groups depending on their BMI (body mass index) and FMI (fat mass index). The control group consisted of people with BMI between 20.0 and 25.0 or FMI values ≤ 6, while the overweight group consisted of people with BMI of ≥ 25.0 or FMI values > 6. Genomic DNA was isolated from extracted buccal cells. All samples were genotyped using real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR). It was found that two polymorphisms rs2267668 and rs1053049 of the PPARD gene were significantly associated with BMI: SNP rs2267668 for the dominant (OR = 2.04, 95%CI 1.01-4.11, p-value = 0.04) model (A/G-G/G vs A/A). The likelihood of being overweight was over 2 times smaller for allele A. A relationship between the polymorphism of PPARG (rs1801282) and BMI was found for the overdominant (OR = 2.03, 95%CI 1.03-4.00, p-value = 0.04) model (C/G vs C/C-G/G). Significant associations were found in different models for PPARD, PPARG and PPARA genes with BMI. In SNP rs2267668 for the codominant genetic model (G/G vs A/A) (p-value = 0.04) and in SNP rs1053049 for the codominant (C/C vs T/T) (p-value = 0.01) and the recessive genetic model (C/C vs T/T-C/T) (p-value = 0.004) all polymorphisms were associated with BMI. In conclusion, it was found that three of the four polymorphisms (rs1053049, rs2267668, rs1801282) selected are associated with the risk of being overweight. Having said that, one has to bear in mind that DNA variants do not fully explain the reasons for being overweight. Therefore more research is needed to make a thorough assessment using the latest genomic methods in sequencing and genotyping, combined with epigenomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics.

Fat Mass Index and dietary behaviours of the Polish Border Guard officers

Background: Due to specific requirements of service, Border Guard officers should be characterized by good health. Whereas there is lack of studies assessing nutritional status as well as dietary behaviours among Polish Border Guard officers. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of dietary behaviours of the Polish Border Guard officers on the Fat Mass Index. Material and methods: The study was carried out with participation of 250 Border Guard officers (187 men and 63 women), aged 37±6; years of service: 12±6. Nutritional status was determined with the electrical bioimpedance method using the TANITA MC-780 analyzer. According to the calculated Fat Mass Index value each person was qualified to one of the following groups: fat deficit, normal fat or excess fat. The Border Guard officers were asked to fill in the original questionnaire containing questions about nutritional behaviours in line with the recommendations of the Swiss Food Pyramid for Athletes in the basic version. Results: The excessive amount of fat in every third officer of the Border Guard and numerous irregularities in eating behaviours were found. According to the food pyramid the smallest scale of rational dietary choices (especially regularity of meals, fruit and vegetable consumption) was characteristic of officers with excess fat. In addition, officers from the excess fat group obtained, on average, a lower sum of points for compliance of nutritional behaviours with the recommendations of the Swiss Food Pyramid than those from other groups (49% vs. 59% and 56%, p=0.002). Conclusions: There is a need for nutritional education and further monitoring of both the nutritional status and dietary behaviours of Border Guard officers.

Assessment of differences in nutrients consumption in women diagnosed with osteoporosis as compared to a healthy control group

Background: Osteoporosis is a condition that has been much more frequent for women, which is related to menopause and to their lower bone mineral density (BMD). Inappropriate diet is among the development factors of the disease. Objective: To assess differences in consumption of particular nutrients among women with and without osteoporosis diagnosed. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in 2013 in a group of 100 women aged 51-70, using a questionnaire, including a 24-hour recall related to a participant's nutrients consumptions. Results: Women suffering from osteoporosis were found to consume significantly lower amounts of fat (by 16%) and energy (by 13%), as well as vitamins: A (by 16%), E (by 20%), B6 (by 20%), niacin (by 16%) and C (by 19%). Differences in the consumption of minerals have been observed in the cases of calcium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium. The women with osteoporosis were fund to consume lower amounts of those elements, by 14%, 13%, 21% and 19% respectively. On the average, participants of the study in both groups consumed amounts of calcium at a half of the recommended level, and substantially exceeded the recommended values of phosphorus, as well as displaying an inappropriate calcium to phosphorus ratio (0.5:1). As little as 8% of the participants with osteoporosis declared a considerable change in their diet, with increased consumption of dairy products. Conclusions: The observed nutrition deficiencies in osteoporosis patients may be conducive to a worsened condition, and may lead to an onset of the disease in participants from the control group.

Adherence to nutrition guidelines in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) as a secondary prevention

Background: The appropriate nutrition is an important component of the secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate if the patients with cardiovascular disease were informed of the role of appropriate nutrition in prevention or received nutrition guidelines and to assess the dietary intake compared to recommendations for patients with cardiovascular disease who received or not nutrition guidelines Material and Methods: The study was conducted among patients with cardiovascular disease (n = 127) of cardiological hospital clinic, aged 62 ± 11. The questionnaire was used to obtain personal and anthropometric details, information if patients had received nutrition guidelines. The method of 3-day food records was used for dietary assessment Results: 20% of subjects had not received nutrition guidelines and almost 40% of subjects did not recognize the nutrition effect on cardiovascular disease development. Compared to the diets of the subjects who had not received nutrition guidelines, the diets of those who had received them were of significantly lower intake of: energy from saturated fatty acids (15%, p = 0.006), cholesterol (21%, p = 0.012) and higher intake (14-26%) of potassium (p = 0,003), sodium (p = 0.013), phosphorus (p = 0.044), magnesium (p = 0.003), iron (p = 0.005), copper (p = 0.001), zinc (p = 0.046). Among the patients who had received nutrition guidelines, percentage of the subjects whose intake of nutrients was consistent with recommendations was higher Conclusions: Not all subjects had received nutrition guidelines. Diets of those who had received them were more balanced, but in neither group nutrition guidelines were complied with

Evaluating adult dietary intakes of nitrate and nitrite in Polish households during 2006-2012.

INTRODUCTION: Nitrates and nitrites commonly occur throughout nature as well as in foodstuffs. Their excess consumption can however pose health risks, for example, arising from methaemoglobinaemia or from the formation of N-nitrosamines. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the levels of domestic nitrate and nitrite consumption are safe in Polish households during 2006-2012. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Appropriate consumption data was obtained from the Central Statistical Office in Poland (GUS), whilst nitrate and nitrite intakes were estimated from nationally available data on foodstuff content taken from the literature. RESULTS: Mean nitrate and nitrite intakes were respectively 147 mg NaNO3 and 3.26 mg NaNO2/per person/day, corresponding to 41% and 45% of the ADI (acceptable daily intake). Statistically significant differences in intakes were observed between types of households, with the highest seen in those of retired subjects; however the ADIs were not exceeded. CONCLUSIONS: Domestic intakes of nitrates and nitrites were found to be at safe levels; nevertheless control over their intake should be maintained because of potentially adverse health threats.

Estimated dietary intakes of nitrates in vegetarians compared to a traditional diet in Poland and acceptable daily intakes: is there a risk?

BACKGROUND: Vegetarian diets, by definition, are rich in vegetables and so may have high levels of nitrates, that can elicit both positive or negative effects on the human body. Exposure to nitrates can thus be potentially higher for this population group. OBJECTIVE: To estimate dietary nitrates intakes in Polish vegetarians and compare these with the Polish average. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sample of 86 vegetarians were surveyed via a questionnaire to determine nitrate intake for those adopting a vegetarian diet. Nitrate intakes for the average Pole were obtained from the Central Statistical Office. RESULTS: The domestic intake of nitrate, per average person, during 2000-2009, ranged from 115.5 to 133.7 mg NaNO3 with a mean of 125 mg NaNO3 of which 35.4% constituted the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI). For vegetarians, the corresponding levels ranged from 37.3 to 2054.3 mg NaNO3 with a mean intake of 340.1 mg NaNO3 of which 95.8% represented the ADI. This was almost twice more than values obtained from calculating nitrate intakes of a typical 7-day vegetarian menu; 104.5 to 277.6 mg NaNO3, with a mean 175.9 mg NaNO3 with the 49.1% making up the ADI. CONCLUSIONS: The nitrate intakes in the tested vegetarians were 140 to 270% higher than ones for the average Pole, however in both cases the ADI was not exceeded. Nevertheless, the higher intake of nitrates so observed in vegetarians can be hazardous to some from this population group.

Nutritional assessment in Polish men with cardiovascular diseases.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death in Poland, where many factors have been found responsible such as obesity, smoking cigarettes and a lack of physical activity. Amongst these are also nutritional determinants, which principally include the amount and types of dietary fatty acids consumed, coupled with low intakes of antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables. OBJECTIVES: To assess nutrition in male subjects suffering from cardiovascular disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects were 95 men with cardiovascular disease aged 30-90 years. Nutrition was assessed by weighed food records over 3 days. The calorific dietary intake, as well as the proportions of calories derived from dietary protein, carbohydrates and fat were also calculated; this included vitamins and minerals. RESULTS: Only 18% subjects had a normal Body Mass Index (BMI); the rest falling into the overweight or obesity ranges. The average dietary calorific daily intakes were abnormally low at 1582 kcal/person, however the proportions of fat and protein making up this value were too high; respectively at 36% and 19%. The average daily consumption per person of cholesterol, fibre and vegetables were respectively 251 mg, 19 g and 608 g. A significant number were deficient in dietary minerals (eg. calcium, potassium and magnesium) as well as vitamins; especially A, B, and B2. CONCLUSIONS: Persons suffering from cardiovascular disease require a diet with sufficient calories for their body needs. It is also vital that the dietary sources of energy are properly balanced between protein, carbohydrates and fats as well as having appropriate intakes of both vitamins and minerals (eg. calcium, magnesium and potassium).

Association between Diet, Physical Activity and Nutritional Status of Male Border Guard Officers.

The main factors that determine the effectiveness and reliability of duties and tasks performed by border guard officers, are very good health and maintaining a high level of psychophysical fitness that depend mainly on adequate diet and physical activity and thus, nutritional status. The aim of the study was to verify the correlations between dietary habits, physical activity level and selected nutritional status indicators. One hundred and sixty-nine male border guard officers participated in the study. A 61-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess dietary habits and a long-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess physical activity. Fat mass was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and bone calcification was assessed by the dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Many correlations between dietary habits, as well as the physical activity of officers and body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI) and visceral fat level (VFL) were found, while bone mineral density (BMD T-score) negatively correlated only with two food groups and 6 out of 61 products but did not correlate with physical activity. The results also confirmed many poor dietary habits and abnormalities in nutritional status. Thus, there is a need for nutritional education and further monitoring of health-related behaviors, as well as monitoring the nutritional status of border guard officers.

Assessment of the Level of Physical Activity and Body Mass Index of Soldiers of the Polish Air Force.

Level of physical activity positively affects health condition, correlates highly with level of physical fitness and contributes to the efficient performance of military tasks. The aim of the study was to assess the level of physical activity and body mass index of the Polish Air Force soldiers. A total of 543 professional soldiers (men) doing military service in military units of the Polish Air Force underwent the examination. The average age of examined soldiers amounted to 34.8 ± 9.0 years. In order to carry out the research, the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used. Out of the total of 477 questionnaires that qualified for the analysis, a high level of physical activity was found among 81.1% of subjects, moderate 10.5% and low 8.4%. Average MET values were obtained in the following: job-related, relocation (transportation), housekeeping, recreation (leisure activities and sport). The average MET values were 4173 ± 5306 MET; 2371 ± 2725 MET; 2455 ± 4843 MET; 2421 ± 2802 MET, respectively. The average level of body mass index amounted to 25.98 ± 3.38 kg/m2. The tested Air Force soldiers were generally characterized by a high and moderate level of physical activity. Generally, there was no difference in the level of physical activity between the flight crew and the ground staff.

Assessment of Energy Expenditure of Police Officers Trained in Polish Police Schools and Police Training Centers.

Knowledge of the energy expenditure related to the training of policemen allows for assessment of the intensity of the work performed and is an indispensable element of planning and implementing nutrition. This study on energy expenditure comprised a total of 280 persons, students of two Polish police schools and two police training centers. The energy expenditure of policemen was determined based on measurements of the heart rate using Polar RC3 GPS heart rate monitors. The energy expenditure of policemen associated with the training process in the police schools and training centers ranged from 1793 to 3043 kcal/8 h and amounted to 2314 ± 945 kcal/8 h during training on average. The values of energy expenditure related to a typical training day in Polish institutions conducting police training are diverse and depend on the specificity and nature of the training. According to the criteria for assessing the burden of work, the work performed by police officers can be classified as hard work and very hard work.

The Influence of FTO, FABP2, LEP, LEPR, and MC4R Genes on Obesity Parameters in Physically Active Caucasian Men.

Obesity is a complex multifactorial abnormality that has a well-confirmed genetic basis. However, the problem still lies in identifying the polymorphisms linked to body mass and composition. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze associations between FTO (rs9939609), FABP2 (rs1799883), and LEP (rs2167270), LEPR (rs1137101), and MC4R (rs17782313) polymorphisms and obesity-related parameters. Unrelated Caucasian males (n = 165) were recruited. All participants had similar physical activity levels. The participants were divided into two groups depending on their body mass index (BMI) and fat mass index (FMI). All samples were genotyped using real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR). When tested individually, only one statistically significant result was found. The FTO A/T polymorphism was significantly associated with FMI (p = 0.01). The chance of having increased FMI was >2-fold higher for the FTO A allele carriers (p < 0.01). Gene−gene interaction analyses showed the additional influence of all investigated genes on BMI and FMI. In summary, it was demonstrated that harboring the FTO A allele might be a risk factor for elevated fat mass. Additionally, this study confirmed that all five polymorphisms are involved in the development of common obesity in the studied population and the genetic risk of obesity is linked to the accumulation of numerous variants.

Assessment of the Body Composition and Bone Calcification of Students of Police Schools and Police Training Centers in Poland-A Cross-Sectional Study.

The 21st century is considered the age of malnutrition resulting in the unprecedented frequency of civilization diseases. Among these disorders, obesity is particularly distinguished and considered an epidemic-scale disease. For this reason, conducting studies on obesity and counteracting this phenomenon is essential. Research from recent years indicates a problem of excessive body weight among officers of uniformed services, who should be characterized by good health and fitness level due to the specificity of the work. As the problem of obesity affects every fourth Pole, research in uniformed services seems to be essential from health and national security perspectives. The presented study aimed to determine the elements of nutritional status in 289 students of Polish police schools and police training centers. Body composition was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and bone calcification assessment was conducted by the DXA densitometric method. Based on BMI and body fat content, body weight disorders were found in 31.8% of all examined students. Densitometric test results showed changes in bone calcification of varying severity in 26.6% of the total number of respondents. The presence of obesity in students of police schools and training centers proves that the present nutrition model is energetically unbalanced, while the demonstrated disorders of bone calcification indicate an improper condition of mineral nutrition.

An Attempt to Utilize the Body Composition Analyzer and the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) Test to Determine Injury Risk in Soldiers.

INTRODUCTION: Injuries are the most significant health problem of military services. Military medical surveillance data are useful for determining the magnitude and causes of the injury problem, identifying possible prevention targets and monitoring trends among military personnel. Soldiers serving in the Polish Armed Forces took part in the research. The aim of the study was to identify the most common injuries of the musculoskeletal system and to analyze causes of injuries. An additional goal was to examine whether there is a relationship between selected values of body composition indexes, the result of the functional movement screen (FMS) test and occurrence of an injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Polish Armed Forces soldiers serving in the land forces, military police, air forces took part in the research. The first stage was to complete the questionnaire regarding injuries in the last 5 years, their reasons, and the circumstances of their occurrence. After completing the survey, subjects were measured and weighed on the body composition analyzer. The next step was to perform a FMS to evaluate the locomotor system. RESULTS: In the groups of examined Polish soldiers, the most frequent injuries concerned lower limbs and, above all, a knee joint. The leading causes of injuries were activities resulting from the service as well as playing football and volleyball. CONCLUSIONS: Parameters from the body composition analyzer such as body mass index, muscle mass distribution on lower limbs as well as evaluation in the FMS test may be helpful for the initial assessment of predisposition to injury.

Association Between Diet, Physical Activity and Body Mass Index, Fat Mass Index and Bone Mineral Density of Soldiers of the Polish Air Cavalry Units.

Research from recent years indicates a problem of excessive body weight among soldiers, who, due to the kind of work carried out, should possess good health and fitness levels. The aim of the study was to determine the association between diet and physical activity and the nutritional status of soldiers of the Polish Air Cavalry Units. One hundred and twenty male soldiers (aged 28 ± 5 years) completed a questionnaire (food frequency questionnaire, long-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire). Body composition was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and bone calcification of the forearm was assessed by the DXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) densitometric method. This study confirmed the association between both the diet and physical activity and body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI), and bone mineral density (BMD) expressed as T-score. Significant negative correlations were found between BMI and the frequency of consumption of cereal products, meat products and fish, and nonalcoholic beverages, between FMI and cereal products, and between BMD T-score and meat products and fish, fat, nuts, and grains, sweets and snacks, and nonalcoholic beverages. Physical activity expressed as metabolic equivalent (MET-minutes/week) negatively correlated with FMI (but not BMI) and positively correlated with the BMD T-score. This study confirmed numerous irregularities in eating behavior and in nutritional status indices; therefore, there is a need for nutritional education and further monitoring of both dietary behaviors and nutritional status of soldiers.

Rapid Weight Loss and Dietary Inadequacies among Martial Arts Practitioners from Poland.

Healthy nutrition and maintaining a normal body weight are very important for reducing the risk of various diseases not only among the general population, but also among athletes, especially combat sport athletes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of rapid weight loss (RWL) and to indicate eventual dietary inadequacies among professional martial arts practitioners. Sixty-two male athletes (aged: 23 ± 4) completed a questionnaire (i.e., frequency of food group consumption, questions about training and RWL) and single 24-h dietary recall. This study confirmed the high prevalence of RWL in athletes (58%) for two to three days before the competition, which allowed for reduction of 3.4 ± 1.0 kg (4.3 ± 1.5%) of their body weight. Many dietary inaccuracies were found such as: lower than recommended by nutrition experts, level of consumption of dairy products, grain products, fruit, and vegetables, and insufficient intake of energy, carbohydrates, minerals (especially iodine, potassium, calcium) and vitamins (especially D, folate, C, E) during the training day. Adequate nutrition is a natural support for the whole training process, and may allow for regulation of body weight in a longer period and in a safer manner; thus, there is a need for nutrition education dedicated to athletes and their trainers.