Food Compass Score predicts incident cardiovascular disease: The ATTICA cohort study (2002-2022).

BACKGROUND: The Food Compass Score (FCS) is a novel nutrient profiling system, which evaluates food and diet quality. The present study aimed to prospectively assess the relationship of FCS with short-term (10 years) and long-term (20 years) cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and to explore whether this relationship is modified by long-term adherence to a Mediterranean type diet (MTD). METHODS: Volunteers of the ATTICA cohort study, with complete data for the calculation of FCS and incident CVD were included (n = 759). Development of CVD was determined at 10 and 20 years after baseline. Dietary intake was assessed through a validated food frequency questionnaire. The FCS was calculated for each participant based on the published algorithm. Long-term adherence to a MTD was evaluated through MedDietScore. RESULTS: FCS was inversely associated with CVD incidence (hazard ratio [HR] for 20-year follow-up = 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.95-0.99; HR for 10-year follow-up = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.96-1.01) in the total sample, as well as in those with a high baseline adherence to a MTD (HR for 20-year follow-up = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.93-0.99; HR for 10-year follow-up = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.95-1.02). FCS was also inversely associated with CVD risk in those who went away from the MTD (HR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.96-0.99). CONCLUSIONS: FCS, a novel tool for assessing overall diet quality, was also found to be useful in identifying potential CVD candidates in a long-term period, even in populations with good background dietary habits, such as those following a MTD.

Cancer, Phase Angle and Sarcopenia: The Role of Diet in Connection with Lung Cancer Prognosis.

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death and is associated with malnutrition and sarcopenia. The detection of sarcopenia and conduction of simple body composition measurements, such as the phase angle (PhA) deriving from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), can help to early identify, monitor, prevent and treat malnutrition. The present review aims to clarify the relationship between PhA and sarcopenia with the pathophysiology, clinical outcomes, and therapeutic aspects of lung cancer. PhA and sarcopenia are connected to lung cancer prognosis through various mechanisms including inflammation and oxidative stress, although more research is needed to identify the critical thresholds for increased mortality risk. Moreover, emphasis is given on the role of dietary interventions (oral nutritional supplementation, and dietary counseling) to manage sarcopenia and related variables in patients with lung cancer. Oral nutritional supplements and/or those containing n - 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may have a positive effect on physical strength measures and muscle mass if administered at the beginning of chemotherapy. Data on sole dietary counseling or multimodal interventions are less promising so far. In the future, sophisticated body composition phenotypes deriving from the described methods along with artificial intelligence techniques could be used to design personalized nutrition interventions and timely treat these patients.

Is food compass score useful for menu planning in the hospital setting?

Background: The novel food compass score (FCS) may ease food choices and policy actions. Aim: To assess the correlations of FCS with key nutrients in hospital meals. Methods: A 14-day hospital menu was recorded and analyzed with the USDA database and published FCS values. Results: The menu FCS was 40.6 ± 3.7 (mean ± standard deviation). Fish, vegetable, chicken, and egg-based meals had the highest FCS, while pork/beef meals had the lowest FCS. The FCS was positively related to vitamins (vitamin C, thiamine, B6, folate, pantothenic acid, vitamin E, vitamin D, vitamin A, carotenoids), choline and minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, copper, and manganese) and negatively associated with zinc, niacin, and animal protein. Moreover, the FCS was positively related to portions of cheese, fish, vegetables, and eggs and negatively to portions of poultry, refined grains, and margarine. Conclusion: The FCS may help in designing healthier nutrient-dense hospital menus.

Changes in Body Weight, Body Composition, Phase Angle, and Resting Metabolic Rate in Male Patients with Stage IV Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Undergoing Therapy.

Background and Objectives: Cancer treatments can adversely influence body weight status, body composition, phase angle (PhA), and resting metabolic rate (RMR), which could possibly affect disease course. Τhe aim was to assess differences in body composition, PhA, RMR, and related parameters in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients after treatment. Methods: The sample consisted of 82 NSCLC (stage IV) male patients (chemotherapy (C) 15.7%; immunotherapy (I) 13.3%; C + I 25.3%; (C) + radiotherapy (R) 22.9 %; and other 15.5%). Body weight and body composition, PhA, RMR, oxygen consumption (VO2), ventilation rate, and diet were assessed at baseline and at 3 months after initiation of therapy. Results: Reductions in PhA, RMR, VO2, ventilation rate, and intracellular water were observed at follow up. Weight loss was evident for 45% of patients who also had a reduction in lean body mass. In the group under C, lean mass was reduced at follow up (55.3 ± 11.53 vs. 52.4 ± 12.6, p = 0.04) without significant weight changes. In subjects with a low adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDietScore < 30), RMR (1940 ± 485 vs. 1730 ± 338 Kcal, p = 0.001), VO2 (277.1 ± 70.2 vs. 247 ± 49.1 mL/min, p = 0.001), and ventilation rate (10.1 ± 2.28 vs. 9. ± 2 2.2 L/min, p = 0.03) were significantly reduced. The changes in body weight were positively related to % of change in fat mass (rho = 0.322, p = 0.003) and absolute lean mass change (rho = 0.534, p < 0.001) and negatively associated with % of change in total body water (rho = −0.314, p = 0.004) (Spearman correlation coefficients). Conclusions: In conclusion, cancer therapy related to reductions in PhA and RMR, while lean mass reduction may be related to the type of treatment. Our results emphasize the importance of a more holistic nutritional and body composition assessment beyond body weight, to better address patients' needs in clinical practice.

Gastrointestinal bleeding after high intake of omega-3 fatty acids, cortisone and antibiotic therapy: a case study.

Omega-3 fatty acids exert a plethora of physiological actions including triglycerides lowering, reduction of inflammatory indices, immunomodulation, anti- thrombotic effects and possibly promotion of exercise performance. Their use is widespread and for commonly ingested doses their side- effects are minimal. We report a case of a 60 y amateur athlete who consumed about 20 g omega-3 fatty acids daily from supplements and natural sources for a year. After the intake of cortisone and antibiotics he presented duodenum ulcer and bleeding although he had no previous history of gastrointestinal problems. Although several animal data support gastro-protective effects of omega-3 fatty acids in the present case they were not able to prevent ulcer generation. The present observation may be explained by (i) the high dose of omega-3 fatty acids and their effect on bleeding, (ii) the fact that cortisone increases their oxidation and may render them proinflammatory, (iii) other antithrombotic microconstituents included in the consumed cod-oil and/or the diet of the subject and (iv) the differences in the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems of well- trained subjects. Further studies are needed to substantiate any possible interaction of cortisone and omega-3 fatty acids in wide ranges of intake.

Eating Attitudes, Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Dietetic Students and Association with Body Mass Index and Body Fat Percent: A Cross-Sectional Study.

University students face challenges impacting psychology and dietary choices. The present work examined the association between eating attitudes, stress, anxiety, and depression to body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage in Dietetics students. Respondents completed the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS), a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire, and the Hellenic Physical Activity Questionnaire (HPAQ). Anthropometry and a bioimpedance analysis were performed. The EAT-26 score was 11 (8-16) and the DASS score was 20 (11-36) (medians and interquartile ranges). Disordered eating was detected in 20% of men and 15% of women. Depressive symptomatology was detected in 30% of males and 23% of females, anxiety in 35% of males and 40% of females, and stress in 29% of males and 35% of females. EAT-26 and DASS scores were highly correlated (r = 0. 0.221, p = 0.001). The EAT-26 oral control subscale (B = 0.430, SE = 0.184, p = 0.026) was positively correlated with BMI in men in the models, adjusted for age, physical activity, and Mediterranean Diet Score, while no association was documented for % body fat. The DASS depression score was not related to BMI in multi-adjusted models. In conclusion, disordered eating, depression, stress, and anxiety are present in this sample of university students. The relationship between disordered eating and BMI needs consideration in programs targeting overweight or underweight in Dietetics students.

Diagnostic Criteria and Measurement Techniques of Sarcopenia: A Critical Evaluation of the Up-to-Date Evidence.

Sarcopenia, a geriatric syndrome characterized by progressive skeletal muscle mass and function decline, poses a significant health risk among the elderly, contributing to frailty, falls, hospitalization, loss of independence and mortality. The prevalence of sarcopenia varies significantly based on various factors, such as living status, demographics, measurement techniques and diagnostic criteria. Although the overall prevalence is reported at 10% in individuals aged 60 and above, disparities exist across settings, with higher rates in nursing homes and hospitals. Additionally, the differences in prevalence between Asian and non-Asian countries highlight the impact of cultural and ethnic factors, and variations in diagnostic criteria, cut-off values and assessment methods contribute to the observed heterogeneity in reported rates. This review outlines diverse diagnostic criteria and several measurement techniques supporting decision making in clinical practice. Moreover, it facilitates the selection of appropriate tools to assess sarcopenia, emphasizing its multifactorial nature. Various scientific groups, including the European Working Group of Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP), the International Working Group on Sarcopenia (IWGS), the Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia (AWGS), the American Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) and the Sarcopenia Definition and Outcomes Consortium (SDOC), have published consensus papers outlining diverse definitions of sarcopenia. The choice of diagnostic criteria should be aligned with the specific objectives of the study or clinical practice, considering the characteristics of the study population and available resources.

Platelet activating factor in heart failure: potential role in disease progression and novel target for therapy.

Heart failure (HF) is a complex syndrome with cardiac, renal, neurohormonal and sympathetic nervous system's manifestations, the pathogenesis of which among others is connected to inflammation. PAF has local and systemic effects pertaining to HF progression since it causes a negative inotropic effect, it induces arrhythmias, it induces apoptosis and it is involved in inflammation and atherosclerosis. In the present review the role of PAF in HF will be thoroughly presented along with the relevant data on PAF enzymes and the potential role of PAF metabolic circuit as a novel pharmacological target.

Associations of phase angle with platelet-activating factor metabolism and related dietary factors in healthy volunteers.

Introduction: Phase angle (PA) is derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). It reflects cell membrane function and decreases in disease. It is affected by inflammation, oxidative stress, and diet. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent inflammatory lipid mediator. Its levels, along with the activity of its metabolic enzymes, including CDP-choline:1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol-cholinephosphotransferase, acetyl-CoA:lyso-PAF-acetyltransferases, and PAF-AH/Lp-PLA2 are also related to dietary factors, such as the dietary antioxidant capacity (DAC). The aim of the study was to estimate whether the PAF metabolic circuit and related dietary factors are associated with PA in healthy volunteers. Methods: In healthy subjects, PAF, its metabolic enzyme activity, and erythrocyte fatty acids were measured, while desaturases were estimated. Food-frequency questionnaires and recalls were used, and food groups, macronutrient intake, MedDietScore, and DAC were assessed. Lifestyle and biochemical variables were collected. DXA and BIA measurements were performed. Results: Lp-PLA2 activity was positively associated with PA (rho = 0.651, p < 0.001, total population; rho = 0.780, p < 0.001, women), while PAF levels were negatively associated with PA only in men (partial rho = -0.627, p = 0.012) and inversely related to DAC. Estimated desaturase 6 was inversely associated with PA (rho = -0.404, p = 0.01, total sample). Moreover, the DAC correlated positively with PA (rho = 0.513, p = 0.03, women). All correlations were adjusted for age, body mass index, and sex (if applicable). Conclusion: PA is associated with PAF levels and Lp-PLA2 activity in a gender-dependent fashion, indicating the involvement of PAF in cell membrane impairment. The relationship of PA with DAC suggests a protective effect of antioxidants on cellular health, considering that antioxidants may inhibit PAF generation.

Relation of Minimally Processed Foods and Ultra-Processed Foods with the Mediterranean Diet Score, Time-Related Meal Patterns and Waist Circumference: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study in University Students.

Ultra-processed foods are associated with chronic diseases, cardiometabolic factors and obesity. According to the NOVA system, foods are classified into four categories (from 1 = unprocessed to 4 = ultra-processed foods). The purpose of the present study was to assess the consumption of minimally processed foods (MPF) and ultra-processed foods (UPF) in university students and their relationship with obesity, Mediterranean diet adherence and meal patterns. In total, 346 students (269 women) of the University of Peloponnese participated. A food frequency questionnaire was used, and the MedDietScore was calculated. The % energy contribution of MPF and UPF was calculated. The identification of meal patterns was performed via principal component analysis. Both multivariate regression and Spearman's correlations were used to measure the association of UPF/MPF consumption with anthropometric indices (body mass index, BMI and waist circumference, WC), Mediterranean diet adherence and early/late meal patterns. UPF and MPF provided 40.7 ± 13.6% and 44.3 ± 11.9% (mean ± standard deviation) of energy intake, respectively. In multi-adjusted linear regression models UPF consumption (% energy) was positively associated with WC in men but it was not related to BMI (total sample, men, women). UPF consumption was negatively related to the MedDietScore (Spearman rho = -0.214, p < 0.001) and an "early eating" pattern (Spearman rho = -0.120, p = 0.029) and positively associated with a "late eating" meal pattern (Spearman rho = 0.190, p = 0.001). MPF consumption was positively associated with the MedDietScore (Spearman rho = 0.309, p < 0.001) and an "early eating" pattern (Spearman rho = 0.240, p < 0.001). In conclusion, UPF consumption was positively related to WC in male university students. Nutritional and sociodemographic correlates of UPF consumption, such as low Mediterranean diet adherence and having a "late eating" pattern serve as a basis to better understand the UPF consumption-central obesity relation in young adults and should be considered in nutrition education programs for young adults.

Dietary acid load is associated with waist circumference in university students with low adherence to the Mediterranean diet: The potential role of ultra-processed foods.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Dietary acid load (DAL), as expressed by potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net acid production (NEAP), is connected to cardiometabolic disorders and obesity. Mediterranean diet relates to lower, while western diets to higher DAL values. The present study aimed to assess the association of PRAL and NEAP with adiposity measures in young adults (19.61 ± 3.15 years, mean ± standard deviation) and explore the implication of Mediterranean diet adherence and ultra-processed foods (UPF) intake in this relation. METHODS: 346 students (269 women) participated. Anthropometry was performed, and a food frequency questionnaire was administered. The MedDietScore was calculated, UPF consumption was calculated based on the NOVA classification and PRAL/NEAP was estimated from published equations. Waist Circumference (WC) was transformed to WC-1 (1/WC) in order to achieve normality and run linear regression models. RESULTS: In subjects with MedDietScore ≤ 28.00, PRAL and NEAP were negatively associated with 1/WC (B = -1.594 × 10-5± 8 × 10-6, p = 0.044 for PRAL and B = -2.84 × 10-5 ± 1 × 10-5, p = 0.048 for NEAP). Moreover, in this subgroup, subjects with medium to high UPF intake i.e., in the 2nd or 3rd tertile of UPF intake representing more than 34.16% of energy, PRAL (2nd tertile B = -0.00007, SE = 0.00003, p = 0.018; 3rd tertile B = -0.00002, SE = 0.00001, p = 0.024) and NEAP (2nd tertile B = -0.00004, SE = 0.00002, p = 0.040; 3rd tertile B = -0.00007, SE = 0.00004, p = 0.055) were connected to central obesity. In similar models, PRAL and NEAP were not significant predictors of BMI. CONCLUSION: The DAL may be related to central obesity, especially in individuals with worse dietary quality, as reflected by lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and high intake of UPF. Nutrition guidance aiming at the reduction of DAL may be useful in the reduction of central obesity in these subgroups.

Food Compass Score and its association with inflammatory markers and homocysteine in cardiovascular disease-free adults: a cross-sectional analysis of the ATTICA epidemiological study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Several nutrient profiling systems have been developed to assist in food choices and policy. Food Compass Score (FCS) is a novel holistic food score assessing 54 parameters. The aim was to assess the relation of FCS with inflammatory and lipid markers in cardiovascular disease-free volunteers. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Information from the ATTICA epidemiological study participants, with complete data on lipid, inflammatory markers and dietary intake were studied (n = 1018). C-reactive protein (CRP) and amyloid A were determined by immunonephelometry, fibrinogen by nephelometry, homocysteine by fluorometry, while tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), interleukin-6 (IL-6), adiponectin and leptin were determined by ELISA in fasting blood samples. Dietary intake was assessed through a semi-quantitative validated food frequency questionnaire. Each food was assigned a FCS value from the published values and then individual's FCS values were calculated. RESULTS: Mean FCS was 56 (standard deviation: 5.7) and it was similar in men and women. FCS was inversely correlated with age (r = -0.06, p = 0.03). In multiple linear regression models, FCS was inversely associated with CRP (-0.03, 0.01), TNF-a (-0.04, 0.01), amyloid A (-0.10, 0.04) and homocysteine (-0.09, 0.04) (b coefficients, standard errors, all p < 0.05) and was not associated with IL-6, fibrinogen, adiponectin, leptin, or lipids levels (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The inverse correlations of the FCS with inflammatory markers suggest that a diet containing foods with high FCS might be protective against inflammation process. Our results support the usefulness of the FCS, but future studies should evaluate its relation to cardiovascular and other inflammation-related chronic diseases.

Vitamin D and Calcium in Osteoporosis, and the Role of Bone Turnover Markers: A Narrative Review of Recent Data from RCTs.

Osteoporosis is a common disease, defined primarily by a low measured bone density, which is associated with an increased risk of fragility fractures. Low calcium intake and vitamin D deficiency seem to be positively correlated with the prevalence of osteoporosis. Although they are not suitable for the diagnosis of osteoporosis, the biochemical markers of bone turnover can be measured in serum and/or urine, enabling the assessment of the dynamic bone activity and the short-term effectiveness of the osteoporosis treatment. Calcium and vitamin D are essential for maintaining bone health. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the effects of vitamin D and calcium supplementation separately and in combination, on bone density and circulating serum and blood plasma vitamin D, calcium, parathyroid hormone levels, markers of bone metabolism concentrations, and clinical outcomes, such as falls and osteoporotic fractures. We searched the PubMed online database to find clinical trials from the last five years (2016-April 2022). A total of 26 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included in this review. The present reviewed evidence suggests that vitamin D alone or in combination with calcium increases circulating 25(OH)D. Calcium with concomitant vitamin D supplementation, but not vitamin D alone, leads to an increase in BMD. In addition, most studies did not detect significant changes in circulating levels of plasma bone metabolism markers, nor in the incidence of falls. Instead, there was a decrease in blood serum PTH levels in the groups receiving vitamin D and/or Ca supplementation. The plasma vitamin D levels at the beginning of the intervention, and the dosing regimen followed, may play a role in the observed parameters. However, further study is needed to determine an appropriate dosing regimen for the treatment of osteoporosis and the role of bone metabolism markers.

Relation of Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) with Cancer: A Systematic Review with a Focus on Disease Outcome on Twelve Types of Cancer.

Inflammatory proteins activate platelets, which have been observed to be directly related to cancer progression and development. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the possible association between Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) and cancer (diagnostic capacity of MPV, relation to survival, the severity of the disease, and metastasis). A literature review was performed in the online database PubMed and Google Scholar for the period of 2010-2022. In total, 83 studies including 21,034 participants with 12 different types of cancer (i.e., gastric cancer, colon cancer, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, renal cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, thyroid cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer, gallbladder cancer, and multiple myeloma) were identified. The role of MPV has been extensively investigated in several types of cancer, such as gastric, colon, breast, and lung cancer, while few data exist for other types, such as renal, gallbladder cancer, and multiple myeloma. Most studies in gastric, breast, endometrium, thyroid, and lung cancer documented an elevated MPV in cancer patients. Data were less clear-cut for esophageal, ovarian, and colon cancer, while reduced MPV was observed in renal cell carcinoma and gallbladder cancer. Several studies on colon cancer (4 out of 6) and fewer on lung cancer (4 out of 10) indicated an unfavorable role of increased MPV regarding mortality. As far as other cancer types are concerned, fewer studies were conducted. MPV can be used as a potential biomarker in cancer diagnosis and could be a useful tool for the optimization of treatment strategies. Possible underlying mechanisms between cancer and MPV are discussed. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the exact role of MPV in cancer progression and metastasis.

Nutritional Risk and Sarcopenia Features in Patients with Crohn's Disease: Relation to Body Composition, Physical Performance, Nutritional Questionnaires and Biomarkers.

Patients with Crohn's disease (CD) face malnutrition risk, which, combined with inflammation, can lead to sarcopenia, associated with a worse prognosis. The purpose of the present study was to assess malnutrition and sarcopenia in patients with CD. Fifty-three patients (26 women) participated (38.1 ± 10.9 years, 79% in remission). Body composition, physical performance, nutritional questionnaires, and biomarkers were performed. Malnutrition was screened with the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and the Malnutrition Inflammation Risk Tool (MIRT) and was assessed with the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) tool using etiologic along with three different phenotypic criteria: low Body Mass Index (BMI), low Calf Circumference (CC), and low Fat-Free Mass Index (FFMI). To find cases and evaluate sarcopenia, the Sarcopenia Questionnaire (SARC-F) and European Working Group on Sarcopenia2 (EWGSOP2) criteria were used. Malnutrition rates were 11.3% (n = 6), 7.5% (n = 4), and 5.6% (n = 3) based on low FFMI, CC, and BMI, correspondingly. Four (7%) patients had low Hand-Grip Strength (HGS), n = 8 (14.8%) had low Appendicular Lean Mass (ALM), and n = 3 (5.6%) had low gait speed. No-one had sarcopenia. A high albumin and triceps skinfold pattern, identified by principal component analysis, was related to reduced C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels (B = -0.180, SE = 0.085, p = 0.045). In conclusion, based on the studied anthropometric, nutritional, and functional variables, CD patients were not diagnosed with sarcopenia in the present study. Body composition patterns were related to the inflammatory burden, underlying the interplay of inflammation and malnutrition, even in remission states. Further studies on older populations and during disease exacerbation are necessary to explore the potential link between CD, inflammation, and sarcopenia.

Selenium, Selenoproteins and 10-year Cardiovascular Risk: Results from the ATTICA Study.

BACKGROUND: Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element that is involved in several pathophysiological functions. The relationship of Se with cardiovascular disease remains inconclusive, especially regarding the role of different selenospecies. OBJECTIVE: The present study assessed the levels of Se distribution in plasma selenoproteins, namely glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3), selenoprotein P (SelP) and selenoalbumin (SeAlb) and total Se in selenoproteins in relation to 10-year cardiovascular risk in the ATTICA prospective study. METHODS: A sub-sample from the ATTICA Study's database, consisting of 278 subjects (114 women and 164 men) with data on Se and selenoproteins levels, was considered. SeGPx3, SelP, and SeAlb in human plasma were simultaneously determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) at baseline. The duration of the follow-up was 8.74 ±2.36 years (mean± standard deviation) and cardiovascular outcomes were recorded. Cox proportional hazards models were applied with total Se or selenoprotein Se as independent variables adjusted for several covariates. RESULTS: Total Se in selenoproteins was positively related to 10-year relative risk of cardiovascular disease (Hazard Ratios of 3rd vs 2nd tertile 10.02, 95% CI:1.15, 92.34). Subjects with high Se but low SeGPx3, as identified by discordant percentiles in the distribution of SeGPx3 and Se, had a higher cardiovascular risk. CONCLUSION: The differentiated effects of circulating selenoproteins on cardiovascular disease risk in the present study, suggest the importance of redox regulation by specific selenoproteins.

Mediterranean Diet and Sarcopenia Features in Apparently Healthy Adults over 65 Years: A Systematic Review.

Low muscle mass combined with changes in physical function and muscle quality is defined as sarcopenia. In people > 60 years, sarcopenia reaches 10% and tends to increase with age. Individual nutrients, such as protein, may have a protective role against sarcopenia, but recent evidence suggests that protein alone has been ineffective in increasing muscle strength. Dietary patterns, instead, with a high "anti-inflammatory" potential, such as the Mediterranean dietary pattern, have been considered as an emerging dietary remedy against sarcopenia. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the evidence of the role of Mediterranean diet in sarcopenia prevention and/or improvement, including recent data, in healthy elders. We searched published studies about sarcopenia and the Mediterranean diet until December 2022 in Pubmed, Cochrane, Scopus search engine and grey literature. In total, ten articles were identified as relevant: four cross-sectional studies and six prospective. No clinical trial was identified. Only three studies assessed sarcopenia presence and four measured muscle mass, which is an essential criterion in sarcopenia diagnosis. Mediterranean diet adherence had, in general, a positive role in muscle mass and muscle function, while the results were less clear with regard to muscle strength. Additionally, there was no evidence of a positive effect of the Mediterranean diet on sarcopenia. There is a need for conduction of clinical trials in order to reach cause-effects conclusions regarding the importance of the Mediterranean diet in sarcopenia prevention and management in Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean populations.

PAF and its metabolic enzymes in healthy volunteers: interrelations and correlations with basic characteristics.

PAF (1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine), a potent inflammatory mediator, is synthesized via the remodeling and the de novo route, key enzymes of which are acetyl-CoA:lyso-PAF acetyltransferase (lyso-PAF-AT) and DTT-insensitive CDP-choline:1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol cholinephosphotransferase (PAF-CPT), respectively. PAF-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) and its extracellular isoform lipoprotein-associated phospholipase-A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) catabolize PAF. This study evaluated PAF levels together with leukocyte PAF-CPT, lyso-PAF-AT, PAF-AH and Lp-PLA(2) activities in 106 healthy volunteers. Men had lower PAF levels and higher activity of both catabolic enzymes and lyso-PAF-AT than women (P-values <0.05). Age was inversely correlated with PAF levels in men (r=-0.279, P=0.06) and lyso-PAF-AT in women (r=-0.280, P=0.05). In contrast, Lp-PLA(2) was positively correlated with age (r=0.201, P=0.04). Moreover, PAF-CPT was positively correlated with glucose (r=0.430, P=0.002) in women. In addition, Principal Component Analysis revealed three PAF metabolic patterns: (i) increased activities of PAF-CPT and PAF-AH, (ii) increased activities of PAF-CPT and lyso-PAF-AT and (iii) increased activity of Lp-PLA(2). The present study underlines the complexity of PAF's metabolism determinants.

COVID-19 and Nutrition: Summary of Official Recommendations.

Medical nutrition therapy may have a key role in the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the spread of misinformation, the present review organizes and summarizes nutrition recommendations regarding COVID-19, serving as a reference guide for health professionals. Nineteen official recommendations were included of international, US, Asian, European, Canadian, and Australian origin on (i) lactation, (ii) nutrition during quarantine, (iii) nutrition in high-risk groups, (iv) nutrition for recovery at home, and (v) nutrition in hospital. Breastfeeding is encouraged, and the role of hydration and the adoption of a healthy diet during quarantine are emphasized. Older people and/or people with comorbidities should be checked for malnutrition and follow a healthy diet. For patients recovering at home, hydration, protein, and energy intake should be ensured. For hospitalized patients, early feeding with a priority on enteral route is recommended.

Mediterranean Diet, a Posteriori Dietary Patterns, Time-Related Meal Patterns and Adiposity: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study in University Students.

The transition to university is connected to potentially obesogenic dietary changes. Our aim was to assess the relation of Mediterranean diet adherence, and a posteriori dietary and meal patterns with adiposity in Greek students at the University of the Peloponnese. A total of 346 students (269 women) participated. Anthropometry was performed, and a food frequency questionnaire was administered. The MedDietScore was higher in women and was not linearly related to adiposity. Principal component analysis revealed six patterns: (1) legumes/vegetables/fruits/tea/dairy/whole grains, (2) juice/sodas/liquid calories, (3) olive oil/fats, (4) meat/poultry/fish, (5) alcohol/eggs/dairy and (6) fast foods/sweets. Patterns 4 and 6 were related to overweight/obesity probability (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 0.995-2.538 and OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.07-6.06, respectively) and higher waist circumference (men). Men "early eaters" (breakfast/morning/afternoon snack) had a higher MedDietScore and lower overweight probability (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.220-1.020). Poor meal and dietary patterns relate to overweight and central obesity, which is important for targeted health promotion programs.