Benefits of sea buckthorn juice consumption in women of productive age with hypercholesterolemia.

Background: Sea buckthorn contains almost 200 nutrients and bioactive substances, including phenolic compounds such as flavonoids, vitamins, proteins, amino acids, minerals, alkaloids, chlorophyll derivatives, amines, organic acids, fatty acids and phytosterols. Human and animal studies suggest that sea buckthorn may have a variety of beneficial effects: cardioprotective, antiatherogenic, antioxidant, anticancer, immunomodulatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antiinflammatory. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of regular consumption of 100% sea buckthorn juice on the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases in women of productive age with hypercholesterolemia. Material and Methods: A clinical study involved 19 women with a mean age of 54.06 ±2.97 years who consumed 50 mL of sea buckthorn juice daily for 8 weeks. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters in blood serum were monitored before the start of sea buckthorn consumption and after 8 weeks of consumption. Body composition was determined using an multifrequency analyzer InBody720. Routine biochemical analyzes were performed by standard methods in an accredited laboratory of the University Hospital by automatic biochemical analyzer BioMajesty JCA-BM6010/C. Statistical comparison between individual measurements was performed using a paired t-test, using Statistica Cz version 10 (TIBCO Software, Inc., Palo Alto, CA, USA). Results: We observed significant decrease of body weight, body mass index (P<0.05), body fat and visceral fat (P<0.001) after 8 weeks of consumption of 100% sea buckthorn juice. In this intervention study, we observed a significant decrease in low-density cholesterol (P˂0.05) and a significant increase in high-density cholesterol (P˂0.001). The level of triglycerides was similar at the end of the study (P>0.05). After the intervention, we observed decrease of orosomucoid, immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M (P<0.001) and C-reactive protein (P<0.01). Conclusions: The obtained results support the hypothesis that the daily consumption of sea buckthorn juice for eight weeks could contribute to the beneficial effects of reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as the reduction of body and visceral fat, LDL-C, CRP and the increase of HDL-C.

Modulation of Lipid Profile and Lipoprotein Subfractions in Overweight/Obese Women at Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases through the Consumption of Apple/Berry Juice.

Polyphenol-rich foods protect the cellular systems of the human body from oxidative damage, thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). We investigated the effect of phenolic-rich apple/berry juice (chokeberry, blueberry, and cranberry) on lipidemic profiles in overweight/obese women. The 6 week single-arm pre-post intervention study involved 20 women (mean age 52.95 ± 5.8 years, body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, and ≥1 CVD risk factors) consuming 300 mL/day of the apple/berry juice. Lipid profile, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) subfractions assessed using Lipoprint® electrophoresis, and other parameters related to cardiovascular risk (C-reactive protein, glucose, blood pressure) were analyzed before and again after the intervention in the monitored group of women. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased from 1.30 ± 0.29 to 1.55 ± 0.32, magnesium from 0.85 ± 0.03 to 0.90 ± 0.05, and total antioxidant status from 1.68 ± 0.08 to 1.81 ± 0.10. The LDL/HDL ratio significantly decreased from 3.40 ± 0.99 to 2.66 ± 0.63 mmol/L, and the glucose from 5.50 ± 0.72 to 5.24 ± 0.74 mmol/L. However, the hs-CRP did not change significantly. Women with atherogenic subfractions LDL3-7 at baseline (n = 6) showed a significant reduction from 0.45 ± 0.19 to 0.09 ± 0.07 mmol/L. Overweight/obese women may benefit from apple/berry juice as part of a healthy lifestyle to improve their lipid profile, and thus, contribute to cardiovascular health.

Effect of short-term consumption of pork supplemented by organic selenium on selenium concentration, antioxidant status, and lipid parameters of consumers.

The aim of the research was to evaluate the impact of consumption of pork enriched with selenium on selenium concentration, antioxidant status and lipid parameters of consumers. The research involved 59 probands in four experiments from the general population of Slovakia. The probands consumed 200 g of enriched meat with organic selenium from pork fed with selenized yeast three times a week during one month. Probands of exp.1 consumed freshly prepared lunch and probands of exp. 2-4 consumed sterilized meat. During the experiment, three blood collections were carried out. After short-term consumption of enriched pork with selenium, concentration of selenium in the blood serum of probands increased significantly in exp. 1 and 4 (P < 0.05). TAS increased significantly after 28 days in exp. 2, 3 and 4 (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001). The level of T-C and TG significantly decreased in exp. 2 and 4 (P < 0.05). HDL-C levels non-significantly increased (P > 0.05) in exp. 1, 3, and 4. The levels of LDL-C significantly decreased in exp. 2 (P < 0.05). These results demonstrated that pork appears to be a suitable component for increase the selenium intake of consumers.

Obesity, smoking status and their relationships in selected population groups.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. Obesity is associated with many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and recently the role of overweight and obesity in lung disease has received new interest. Chronic obstructive lung disease is the third-leading cause of death globally, and both obesity and diet appear to play roles in its pathophysiology. Cross-sectional studies have demonstrated an inverse association between obesity and the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). OBJECTIVE: Objective. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between smoking, lipid profile and obesity (body composition changes) in a selected groups of population (30 non-smokers, 30 smokers and 60 COPD patients). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated fat mass, fat free mass, body mass index and lipid profile in a group of 120 randomly selected probands (60 COPD patients; 30 smokers without COPD; 30 non-smokers without COPD) to identify possible negative relationships of smoking to body composition. To the measurement of fat mass (FM) and fat free mass (FFM) was used a device Bodystat Quadscan 4000 (Bodystat Ltd, British Isles). The device works by using four-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis. Laboratory parameters as total cholesterol (T-C), high-density cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density cholesterol (LDL-C) and triacylglycerols (TG) were investigated by automated clinical chemistry analyzer LISA 200th. The measured values were statistically processed and evaluated in a statistical program STATISTICA Cz. Version 7.1. (Kruskall-Wallis test). RESULTS: A comparison of the mean fat mass we found statistically highly significant differences between the group of COPD patients and non-smokers (P <0.001) and insignificant differences (P ≥ 0.05) between the other groups of our experiment. A comparison of the mean fat mass values of all three groups of the experiment shows a steady increase in fat from non-smokers (17.66 ± 10.04 kg) to COPD patients with the highest mean value (25.08 ± 10.14 kg). In the group of COPD patients we recorded the lowest average value of FFM (51.76 ± 13.84 kg), in group of smokers the middle (56.06 ± 10.76 kg) and in non-smokers the highest average value of FFM (59.91 ± 9.90 kg) at relatively the same body weight in the groups. Based on calculated body mass index (BMI), we found in group of COPD patients overweight in 15 cases (25%), obesity in 7 patients (11.67%), severe obesity in 14 patients (23.3%) and morbid obesity in 2 patients (3.33%); in the group of smokers overweight in 16 cases (53.33%), obesity in 5 cases (16.6%) and severe obesity in 1 case (3.33%); in non-smokers we recording overweight in 14 cases (46.67%), obesity in 5 cases (16.67%) and severe obesity in 2 cases (6.67%). In the lipid profile of the monitored groups of probands, we observed statistically significant differences only for LDL cholesterol (LDL-C). There was a statistically significant difference (P <0.001) between the group with COPD and smokers, as well as between the group of smokers and non-smokers (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the vast majority of patients with COPD, the lung damage that leads to COPD is caused by long-term cigarette smoking. The presence and absence of risk factors such as smoking, inappropriate lipid profile and obesity (amount of fat mass) in selected population groups were observed. Additional studies to explore both the quantitative and qualitative changes in body composition with disease process of COPD are required.

Comparison of selected parameters of body composition in a group of sporting and non-sporting women

Background: Physical activity is bodily movement produced by skeletal muscle that requires energy expenditure and promotes health benefits. Appropriate physical activity is important in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, metabolic syndrome, breast cancer, and others. Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the body composition of the selected group of women in relation to physical activity (group of sporting women (S) versus group of non-sporting women (N-S) using an InBody 230 instrument based on the principle of bioelectric impedance. Material and Methods: The group consisted of 140 women (nS = 70 vs nN-S = 70) aged 20-63 years (the average age of women doing sport was 41.1 ± 11.9 and 42.3 ± 10.87 for non-sporting women). Anthropometric measurements were made using the InBody 230 (Biospace Co. Ltd., Seoul, Republic of Korea). The Lookin'Body 3.0 software to process the results was used. The collected data concerning the anthropometric measurements were evaluated statistically and graphically in Microsoft Office Excel 2010 (Los Angeles, CA, USA). Results: The average value of BMI (Body Mass Index) of sporting women was 24.20 ± 3.54 kg.m-2 and non-sporting women 27.30 ± 5.97 kg.m-2 (P<0.5). Average values of WHR (Waist hip ratio) were higher than 0.85 for both groups. Average BMR (Basal metabolic rate) values of women doing sport ranged from 1364-1585 kcal. The higher percentage of TBW (Total body water), ICW (Intracellular water) and ECW (Extracellular water) from the average body weight was achieved by the group of women doing sport, where the average TBW was 51.51% of body weight, ICW 31.93% and ECW 19.58% of body weight. Higher values of FFM (Fat free mass) were achieved by a group of sporting women. The average BFM in the group of women doing sport was 20.10 ± 6.73 kg, in the non-sporting group 27.60 ± 12.73 kg. The minimum PBF in the sporting group of women was 16.40% and a maximum of 43.30%; the minimum value in the group of women doing not sport was 19.30% and a maximum of 50.40% (p <0.01). The average VFA (Visceral fat area) in the group of women doing sport was 86.70 ± 28.79 cm2 and in the group of non-sporting women 113.90 ± 44.95 cm2 (p<0.01). Conclusions: The results of the measurements show the positive influence of physical activity on components of body composition in all age categories. Physical activity, along with rational nutrition, should be part of a healthy lifestyle for each individual.

Analysis of visceral fat in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking is a major public health problem, which leads to the formation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is one of the main causes of avoidable death and disability worldwide. OBJECTIVE: The aim of study was analysis and comparison of the visceral fat in the body of the three groups of subjects (non-smokers, smokers and COPD patients) by Tanita Viscan 140. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The control group was composed of: (1) non-smokers (n=30), consisted of 13 males (43.4%) and 17 women (56.6%) - the average age was 52 ± 6.51 years and (2) smokers (n=30), consisted of 12 men (40%) and 18 women (60%) - the average age 46.53 ± 9.22 years. Study group consisted of patients with COPD (n=60), which consisted of 48 men (80%) and 12 women (20%). Mean age was 69.25 ± 9.90 years. The measurement of visceral fat by Tanita Viscan device 140, which uses bioelectrical impedance analysis to measure fat in the abdomen of the patient in the supine position. RESULTS: High levels of visceral fat (women from 36.9% to 52.3% and more, men from 27.1% to 40.3% or more) were observed in 19 patients (3 women and 16 men), with 19 smokers (10 women and 9 men) and non-smokers in 22 subjects (10 women and 12 men). The average value of waist circumference measured with a Tanita Viscan 140 was in the group of patients 96.38 ± 12.27 cm, in the group of smokers 95.23 ± 10.12 cm and in group of non-smokers 96.86 ± 10.88 cm. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our work are of great importance for the health assessment not only among patients with COPD but also in the group of smokers. Therefore it would be appropriate to remind the general public, eg. by campaign for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and its serious complications and reduce the life quality of these patients and thus help protect human health and in particular young people from the harmful effects of tobacco products.

Hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy as a possible factor of breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is a disease with an increasing incidence, and it originates from several factors. Risk factors of this disease represent a diverse group of parameters, which also include hormonal influences. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine if there is a relationship between hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy in patients with diagnosed most common types of breast cancer taking into account the age at which the disease was diagnosed in selected sonographic clinic in the district of Nitra, Slovak Republic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: As a part of an ongoing retrospective study from 2005, a cohort of 300 randomly selected patients aged 25-87 years with diagnosed breast cancer have been monitored in 2012. The age at which breast cancer was diagnosed, and relationship to hormone therapy were analysed based on medical documentation. RESULTS: Among 300 randomly selected patients with a confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer the group at the age of 40-59 was the most numerous (mean age was 53.06±11.25 years). The mean age of 45 patients who were given hormonal con- traceptives (HC) was 46.44±7.34 years, whereas the mean age of 82 patients who were subjected to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was 53.63±6.67 years. In women who took hormonal treatment, breast cancer was diagnosed at the mean age of 50.60±7.56 years, while women who never took HRT or HC, were diagnosed around the age of 53.92±12.35 years. The most common types of cancer were the infiltrating ductal carcinoma and lobular carcinoma. From all patients, the relapse occurred among 14 of them, about 4.86 years later. Only 2 patients had breast cancer on both diagnosed breast. After a surgery, the cancer was observed in 7 patients. The positive family history was confirmed with 34 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Nowadays, the breast cancer treatment, especially at early stages, is successful, however, the malignant breast neoplasm remains the most common oncological disease causing the death amongst women. In the assessment of the impact of HC and HRT on breast cancer, it is not possible to provide a clear conclusion, because their influence on the tumour is difficult to verify.