Population structure of modern-day Italians reveals patterns of ancient and archaic ancestries in Southern Europe.

European populations display low genetic differentiation as the result of long-term blending of their ancient founding ancestries. However, it is unclear how the combination of ancient ancestries related to early foragers, Neolithic farmers, and Bronze Age nomadic pastoralists can explain the distribution of genetic variation across Europe. Populations in natural crossroads like the Italian peninsula are expected to recapitulate the continental diversity, but have been systematically understudied. Here, we characterize the ancestry profiles of Italian populations using a genome-wide dataset representative of modern and ancient samples from across Italy, Europe, and the rest of the world. Italian genomes capture several ancient signatures, including a non-steppe contribution derived ultimately from the Caucasus. Differences in ancestry composition, as the result of migration and admixture, have generated in Italy the largest degree of population structure detected so far in the continent, as well as shaping the amount of Neanderthal DNA in modern-day populations.

Activity of the novel BCR kinase inhibitor IQS019 in preclinical models of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacological inhibition of B cell receptor (BCR) signaling has recently emerged as an effective approach in a wide range of B lymphoid neoplasms. However, despite promising clinical activity of the first Bruton's kinase (Btk) and spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) inhibitors, a small fraction of patients tend to develop progressive disease after initial response to these agents. METHODS: We evaluated the antitumor activity of IQS019, a new BCR kinase inhibitor with increased affinity for Btk, Syk, and Lck/Yes novel tyrosine kinase (Lyn), in a set of 34 B lymphoid cell lines and primary cultures, including samples with acquired resistance to the first-in-class Btk inhibitor ibrutinib. Safety and efficacy of the compound were then evaluated in two xenograft mouse models of B cell lymphoma. RESULTS: IQS019 simultaneously engaged a rapid and dose-dependent de-phosphorylation of both constitutive and IgM-activated Syk, Lyn, and Btk, leading to impaired cell proliferation, reduced CXCL12-dependent cell migration, and induction of caspase-dependent apoptosis. Accordingly, B cell lymphoma-bearing mice receiving IQS019 presented a reduced tumor outgrowth characterized by a decreased mitotic index and a lower infiltration of malignant cells in the spleen, in tight correlation with downregulation of phospho-Syk, phospho-Lyn, and phospho-Btk. More interestingly, IQS019 showed improved efficacy in vitro and in vivo when compared to the first-in-class Btk inhibitor ibrutinib, and was active in cells with acquired resistance to this latest. CONCLUSIONS: These results define IQS019 as a potential drug candidate for a variety of B lymphoid neoplasms, including cases with acquired resistance to current BCR-targeting therapies.

Consumption of Dairy Products and Cognitive Functioning: Findings from the SU.VI.MAX 2 Study.

OBJECTIVES: Research concerning the link between dairy product intake and cognition is scant while experimental studies suggest links through various biological mechanisms. This study's objective was to examine the cross-time associations of total and specific dairy product consumption with cognitive performance in aging adults. We also explored compliance with dairy intake recommendations in France. DESIGN: The study was based on the «Supplémentation en Vitamines et Minéraux Antioxydants¼ randomized trial (SU.VI.MAX, 1994-2002) and the SU.VI.MAX 2 observational follow-up study (2007-2009). SETTING: A general-population cohort in France. PARTICIPANTS: N=3,076 participants included in both the SU.VI.MAX and SU.VI.MAX 2 studies. MEASUREMENTS: Dairy product consumption was estimated using repeated 24h records (1994-1996; mean=10 records, SD=3). Cognitive performance was assessed by neuropsychologists after an average of 13 years post-baseline via a battery of six validated tests. Mean age at the time of the cognitive function evaluation was 65.5 (SD=4.6) years. Principal component analysis revealed factors for verbal memory and working memory. Associations of energy-adjusted dairy product consumption and compliance with the respective dietary guidelines with subsequent cognitive impairment were examined using ANCOVA, providing mean differences (95% confidence intervals, CI) according to tertiles (T), adjusted for confounders including overall dietary patterns. RESULTS: Total dairy product consumption was not associated with cognitive function. However, milk intake was negatively associated with verbal memory performance: mean difference T3 versus T1= -0.99 (-1.83, -0.15). Among women, consuming more than the recommended amount of dairy was negatively associated with working memory performance: excess versus adequate = -1.52 (-2.93, -0.11). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that dairy products consumption and especially compliance with dietary guidelines regarding dairy product intake are differentially associated with performance in specific cognitive domains after a comprehensive adjustment for lifestyle factors, health status markers and dietary patterns. Further longitudinal research is needed given the limited data available.

Prospective association between the dietary inflammatory index and metabolic syndrome: findings from the SU.VI.MAX study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The prevention of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) is of major concern and nutrition has been shown to modulate at least partly MetS risk. Our objective was to investigate whether a pro-inflammatory diet was associated with a higher risk of MetS and its components in a large cohort of French adults. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 3726 participants from the Supplémentation en Vitamines et Minéraux AntioXydants (SU.VI.MAX) cohort were included in this study. The MetS status was identified at baseline and after 13 years of follow-up using self-reported medication, data from clinical investigations and biological measurements. The dietary inflammatory index (DII) was computed using repeated 24 h-dietary records (n = 10.1 ± 3.1). Logistic and linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the prospective association of the DII (as Q, quartiles) with the incidence of MetS and with the traits contributing to the MetS-definition (blood pressure, glycaemia, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, waist circumference). A diet with pro-inflammatory properties, as expressed by higher DII scores, was significantly associated with a higher risk of developing the MetS (OR comparing Q4 to Q1: 1.39, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.92, P = 0.047). Moreover, higher DII scores were associated with higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure (Ptrend across quartiles = 0.03 and 0.05, respectively) and triglycerides (Ptrend = 0.01), and with lower HDL-cholesterol (Ptrend = 0.03). CONCLUSION: A higher DII score was prospectively associated with a higher risk of MetS, with associations with blood pressure, triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol. Promotion of a healthy diet exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties may contribute to prevent cardio-metabolic disorders.

Overall and abdominal adiposity in midlife and subsequent cognitive function.

OBJECTIVES: The scientific literature supports a link between midlife adiposity and cognitive function or decline but most studies to-date have investigated only overall adiposity, often omitting important confounders from the analyses. We investigated in a cross-time design the relationships between two different midlife adiposity markers and subsequent cognitive function, testing midlife dietary patterns as a potential confounder of the associations. DESIGN: The study was based on the «Supplémentation en Vitamines et Minéraux Antioxydants¼ randomized trial (SU.VI.MAX, 1994-2002) and the SU.VI.MAX 2 observational follow-up study (2007-2009). SETTING: A general-population cohort in France. PARTICIPANTS: N=2,817 individuals (1,493 men and 1,324 women) included in both the SU.VI.MAX and SU.VI.MAX 2 studies. MEASUREMENTS: The cognitive performance of 2,817 middle-aged adults participating in the SU.VI.MAX (Supplémentation en Vitamines et Minéraux Antioxydant) study was assessed in 2007-2009 using 6 neuropsychological tests. Principal component analysis was used to derive specific cognitive scores. A composite cognitive score was also computed. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were measured 13 years earlier (1994). Associations between midlife adiposity and cognitive functioning were estimated through covariance analyses. RESULTS: After adjustment for obesity-related cardio-metabolic parameters, higher BMI and larger WC at midlife predicted lower executive function. For example, the adjusted mean difference (95% confidence interval) for 1 SD increase in WC was -0.48 (-0.97, 0.00). Obese participants in midlife showed an adjusted mean difference (95% confidence interval) of -1.68 (-3.15, -0.22) compared with non-obese. Further adjustment for midlife dietary patterns slightly attenuated these associations. No relationships were observed with verbal memory or global cognitive function. CONCLUSION: Midlife overall and abdominal adiposity were similarly associated with lower executive functioning scores. Dietary patterns may partly explain such a relationship, arguing for the importance of controlling for lifestyle confounders in future studies.

Higher adherence to French dietary guidelines and chronic diseases in the prospective SU.VI.MAX cohort.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Nutritional recommendations are widely disseminated, but assessment of their predictive value for risk of chronic diseases and mortality is essential for ensuring their validity. We evaluated, in a large population-based study, the association between the French Programme National Nutrition Santé (PNNS) Guideline Score (GS) (maximum score of 15 points), an a priori-based score, and the incidences of cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and overall mortality. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Subjects included in this analysis (n=5823) were participants in the Supplémentation en Vitamines et Minéraux AntioXydants study, with available data for estimating the PNNS-GS. Hazards ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for outcomes (cancer, CVD and death) were estimated across quartiles of PNNS-GS using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: A total of 734 major events were recorded during an average 11.6-year follow-up (maximum 13 years): 423 cancers, 193 ischemic diseases and 118 deaths. In the fully adjusted model, a significant reduction in CVD risk between the first and fourth PNNS-GS quartiles (HR=0.65, 95% CI=0.41, 1.00, P for trend=0.04) was observed. No significant overall association with risk of cancer or death was detected. CONCLUSIONS: These observations support the role of nutritional guidelines in prevention of CVD.

Thirteen-year prospective study between fish consumption, long-chain n-3 fatty acids intakes and cognitive function.

OBJECTIVES: Because of their structural, anti-inflammatory and antithrombic properties, long-chain n-3 fatty acids may be key factors in the aging process. We sought to elucidate the association between intake of long-chain n-3 fatty acids and/or fish and cognitive function evaluated 13 years after dietary assessment. DESIGN: Prospective population-based study. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: 3,294 adults from the SU.VI.MAX study (Supplementation with Antioxidant Vitamins and Minerals study). MEASUREMENTS/STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Subjects underwent a standardized clinical examination which included cognitive tests and self-reported cognitive difficulties scale (2007-2009). Poor scores were defined using percentiles as cut-off. Dietary data were assessed through repeated 24-h dietary records. Odd ratio (OR), comparing the fourth (Q4) to the first quartile (Q1), of having a poor score were calculated using adjusted logistic regression. RESULTS: Self-reported cognitive difficulties were less frequent among subjects with higher intakes of total n-3 long chain fatty acids (OR = 0.72, CI 95%=0.56-0.92) and eicosapentaenoic acid (OR Q4 versus Q1 = 0.74, CI 95%=0.58-0.95), even after adjustment for depressive symptoms. A borderline significant association was also found with high fish consumption (OR Q4 versus Q1 = 0.80, CI 95%=0.63-1.01). CONCLUSION: Cognitive complaints, which may be an early indicator of cognitive decline, are less frequent among the elderly who have a high long-chain n-3 acids intake, as assessed 13 years earlier.

Determinants of serum zinc concentrations in a population of French middle-age subjects (SU.VI.MAX cohort).

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Few studies have been conducted on determinants of serum zinc concentration, especially in France. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between serum zinc concentrations, and age, education, living area and life style in a large sample cohort of French adults. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Blood samples were collected after 12-h fasting in French adults (7448 women, 35-65 years old and 4926 men, 45-65 years old) participating to the SUpplementation in AntioXidant VItamins and Minerals cohort at enrolment. Serum zinc was determined by flame atomic absorption. RESULTS: Serum zinc concentration was lower in women (mean: 12.9 µmol/l, 95% confidence interval: 9.2-16.6 µmol/l) compared with men (mean: 13.4 µmol/l, 95% confidence interval: 9.7-17.1 µmol/l, P<0.0001). In total, 10% of the women showed serum zinc values <10.7 µmol/l and 10% of the men showed serum zinc values <11.3 µmol/l. Age was negatively associated with serum zinc only in men (P=0.001). In women, a positive association between smoking and serum zinc concentration (P=0.0003), and a negative relationship between highest education level and serum zinc concentration (P=0.01) were observed. With regard to geographical areas, the highest serum zinc concentrations were found in the Center, and the lowest in the Southwest of France for both men and women. The association between serum zinc concentrations and food categories or macronutrient intake disappeared after stratifying by gender. CONCLUSIONS: Age, gender and geographic area seem the main determinants of serum zinc concentrations in this study.

Physical activity does not influence the effect of antioxidant supplementation at nutritional doses on the incidence of impaired fasting glucose: a 7.5 year post-hoc analysis from the SU.VI.MAX study.

Supplementation with high doses of antioxidant vitamins prevents the insulin-sensitizing effects of physical exercise. However, little is known whether antioxidant supplementation affects the incidence of impaired fasting glucose (IFG). Data from 8938 subjects included in a randomized controlled trial on supplementation with antioxidants vitamins and trace elements at nutritional doses (SU.VI.MAX) were used to examine the effects of antioxidants on incident IFG after 7.5 years of follow-up, with and without stratification for daily physical exercise. The odds-ratio (95% CI) for developing an IFG among study participants receiving antioxidant supplementation was 1.34 (0.90-1.97) (p=0.33), in comparison to placebo. This risk did not vary significantly according to physical activity level (p for homogeneity=0.10). Supplementation with trace elements and antioxidants at nutritional doses apparently does not affect the incidence of IFG irrespective of self-reported physical exercise habits.

Dietary patterns and their sociodemographic and behavioural correlates in French middle-aged adults from the SU.VI.MAX cohort.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Few studies have investigated dietary patterns among French adults. We aimed to identify dietary patterns and their relation with nutrient intakes, sociodemographic, lifestyle and other health indicators in a large population of middle-aged subjects living in France. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis in 5194 women and men aged 45-60 years enrolled in the SU.VI.MAX (Supplémentation en Vitamines et Minéraux Antioxydants) study. Dietary data were based on repeated 24-h dietary records (at least six records during 2 years). RESULTS: Four patterns were identified: (1) 'alcohol and meat products'; (2) 'prudent diet'; (3) 'convenience foods'; and (4) 'starch, sauces, and vegetables'. The first pattern was positively associated with low education, smoking and overweight in both genders, as well as with abdominal obesity in women and treated hyperlipidaemia and/or hypertension in men. The second pattern was positively correlated with high education and being older than 55 years and negatively correlated with current smoking. This pattern was also associated with overweight and low waist circumference in women and with hyperlipidaemia treatment in men. The third pattern was inversely related to age and positively related to higher education in both genders. In men, higher scores were related to living alone and an urban residence. The fourth pattern was associated with high education and an urban residence in men only. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified four dietary patterns in this population of French middle-aged adults. Associations with sociodemographic, behavioural and health-related factors were found to differ according to dietary patterns. Sex-specific relationships were also found.

Plasma n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids as biomarkers of their dietary intakes: a cross-sectional study within a cohort of middle-aged French men and women.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the correlations between habitual intakes of individual n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and their percentages in total plasma fatty acids in a population of adult men and women. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Two hundred and seventy-six men and 257 women aged 45-60 (men) or 35-60 (women) at baseline, volunteers of the French SU.VI.MAX cohort. Fifteen 24-h record questionnaires were used to estimate the habitual intake of energy, total fat and linoleic, alpha-linolenic acid, arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic (EPA), n-3 docosapentaenoic (DPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. Fatty acid composition of fasting plasma total lipids has been determined at baseline. RESULTS: Dietary intakes of linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, EPA and DHA were weakly but significantly correlated (0.16

Promoter adiponectin polymorphisms and waist/hip ratio variation in a prospective French adults study.

BACKGROUND: Adiponectin expression and plasma concentrations are decreased in human and animal models of obesity. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the adiponectin gene are known to influence the plasmatic concentration of the encoded protein. Some of these adiponectin polymorphisms have been associated with BMI in cross-sectional studies. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to examine the longitudinal relationships between adiponectin gene polymorphisms and anthropometric indices. DESIGN: Two adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) SNPs, -11391G>A and -11377C>G, were genotyped in 837 French Caucasian subjects from the SUpplémentation en VItamines et Minéraux Anti-oXydants (SU.VI.MAX) cohort. Anthropometric scores were measured at three clinical examinations over a 7-year period. RESULTS: For -11391G>A as well as for -11377C>G, we detected no association between the variant allele and anthropometric measurements at baseline. Considering longitudinal effects, we detected moderately higher waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) changes for the carriers of the -11391A (P=0.02) and -11377C (P=0.03) allele over the follow-up of the study. -11391G>A and -11377C>G define haplotypes associated also with WHR measurements and their changes over the follow-up of the study. Diploid configurations that combine -11391A and -11377C were associated with significantly higher WHR changes (DeltaCE: P=0.02) compared to other haplotypes. In addition, higher adiponectin levels were observed in AC/AC diplotypes compared to GG/GG carriers (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: In the SU.VI.MAX study, genetic variations in the adiponectin gene affect abdominal fat gain over life span.

Dietary iron intake and serum ferritin in relation to 7.5 years structure and function of large arteries in the SUVIMAX cohort.

AIM: Few studies have investigated the relationship between iron stores and measures of atherosclerosis. Most of these studies were cross-sectional and yielded conflicting results. We aimed to assess the relationship between serum ferritin concentrations and dietary iron intake measured at baseline and 7.5 year pulse wave velocity (PWV), intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaques in a group of 824 men and women without known CVD, cancer or hemochromatosis. METHODS: The SUVIMAX study is a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled primary prevention trial designed to test the effect of antioxidant supplementation in reducing ischemic cardiovascular diseases and cancer. RESULTS: In multivariate analyses, no association was found between baseline serum ferritin levels and IMT 7 years later (beta (95% CI)=0.003 (-0.005;0.011) in men; -0.005 (-0.013;0.004) and -0.001 (-0.011;0.009) in women, before and after menopause, respectively), plaques (OR (95% CI)=1.09 (0.88;1.34) in men; 0.93 (0.66;1.31) and 0.95 (0.70;1.29) in women, before and after menopause, respectively) or PWV (beta (95% CI)=0.078 (-0.154;0.310) in men; -0.018 (-0266;0.231) in women before and after menopause). Results for dietary iron intake were similar. CONCLUSION: Our results do not support the hypothesis that dietary iron intake and body iron stores are deleterious to the structure and function of large arteries in subjects free of CVD, cancer or hemochromatosis.

IANA task force on nutrition and cognitive decline with aging.

Cognitive impairment can be influenced by a number of factors. The potential effect of nutrition has become a topic of increasing scientific and public interest. In particular, there are arguments that nutrients (food and/or supplements) such as vitamins, trace minerals, lipids, can affect the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, especially in frail elderly people at risk of deficiencies. Our objective in this paper is to review data relating diet to risk of cognitive decline and dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease (AD). We chose to focus our statements on homocysteine-related vitamins (B-vitamins), antioxidant nutrients (vitamins E and C, carotenoids, flavonoids, enzymatic cofactors) and dietary lipids. Results of epidemiological studies may sometimes appeared conflicting; however, certain associations are frequently found. High intake of saturated and trans-unsaturated (hydrogenated) fats were positively associated with increased risk of AD, whereas intake of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats were protective against cognitive decline in the elderly in prospective studies. Fish consumption has been associated with lower risk of AD in longitudinal cohort studies. Moreover, epidemiologic data suggest a protective role of the B-vitamins, especially vitamins B9 and B12, on cognitive decline and dementia. Finally, the results on antioxidant nutrients may suggest the importance of having a balanced combination of several antioxidant nutrients to exert a significant effect on the prevention of cognitive decline and dementia, while taking into account the potential adverse effects of these nutrients. There is no lack of attractive hypotheses to support research on the relationships between nutrition and cognitive decline. It is important to stress the need to develop further prospective studies of sufficiently long duration, including subjects whose diet is monitored at a sufficiently early stage or at least before disease or cognitive decline exist. Meta analyses should be developed, and on the basis of their results the most appropriate interventional studies can be planned. These studies must control for the greatest number of known confounding factors and take into account the impact of the standard social determinants of food habits, such as the regional cultures, social status, and educational level.

Consumption of black, green and herbal tea and iron status in French adults.

OBJECTIVE: A number of potential health effects have lately been accorded to tea consumption. It is, however, not clear whether an increase in tea consumption increases the risk of iron depletion in a normal apparently healthy adult population. We have therefore evaluated this. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: A total of 954 men (aged 52-68 years) and 1639 women (aged 42-68 years), who were participants of SU.VI.MAX Study, completed a detailed questionnaire on tea consumption. To determine the iron status of the participants, a venous blood sample was drawn and serum-ferritin was measured. Iron depletion was defined as a serum ferritin concentration <16 microg/l. Three 1-day food records were used to estimate the intake of other dietary enhancing or inhibiting factors of iron absorption, which were included in the logistic regression models. RESULTS: The mean serum-ferritin concentration was not related to black, green and herbal tea consumption in men, pre- or postmenopausal women. Also the risk of iron depletion was in the multivariate model not related to any kind of tea drinking or to the strength of tea, the infusion time or the time of tea drinking. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that normal apparently healthy adults are not at risk of iron depletion owing to any kind of tea drinking.

[Antioxidant supplements and risk of hypertension in the SU.VI.MAX trial: relationship to plasma antioxidants]. / Supplementation en antioxydants et risque d'hypertension artérielle dans l'étude SU.VI.MAX: relations avec les antioxydants plasmatiques.

The object of this work was to determine the risk of hypertension after 6.5 years'- follow-up of supplementation in vitamins and antioxidant minerals at nutritional doses in the SU.VI.MAX trial. The authors also studied the association with plasma concentrations of antioxidants at inclusion and at long term. This was a randomised nutritional primary prevention study including 5086 adults of the SU.VI.MAX trial. After 6.5 years' follow-up, no effect of supplementation on the risk of developing hypertension could be shown compared with the placebo group: odds ratios (OR IC 95%): 1.04 (0.87-1.23) in men and 1.10 (0.95-1.29) in women. Besides, in the male 2nd and 3rd tertiles of serum beta-carotene levels at inclusion the risk of hypertension was lower [multivariate OR: 0.70 (0.44-1.12) and 0.53 (0.33-0.86) for placebo, and 0.59 (0.37-0.94) and 0.67 (0.42-1.07) for the supplemented groups]. The authors conclude that, despite a reverse relationship in men between the plasma concentrations of beta-carotene and the risk of hypertension, supplementation in antioxidants at nutritional doses had no effect on the risk of developing hypertension after 6.5 years' follow-up.

Self-reported skin sensitivity in a general adult population in France: data of the SU.VI.MAX cohort.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the frequency of self-assessed facial skin sensitivity and its different patterns, and the relationship with gender and sun sensitivity in a general adult population. METHODS: A standardized 11-item questionnaire investigating reactions experienced during the past year was developed. The questions explored different patterns of skin sensitivity: pattern I (blushing related to vascular reactivity), pattern II (skin reactions to certain environmental conditions), pattern III (skin reactions after substance contact), and for women pattern IV ('breakout of spots' related to menstrual cycle). Additional items were addressed for women and men, including sun sensitivity. The questionnaire was administered to a large middle-aged population involved in the 'Supplément en Vitamines et Minéraux Antioxydants' (SU.VI.MAX) cohort. RESULTS: Sensitive facial skin was reported by 61% of the women (n = 5074) and 32% of the men (n = 3448), and the frequency decreased with age. The frequency of patterns I, II and III was greater for women (78, 72 and 58%, respectively) than for men (56, 48 and 28%) of comparable classes of age. The frequency of pattern IV was reported by 49% of premenopausal women, and skin reactions after shaving by 41% of the men. Sun sensitivity was found to be a major component of skin sensitivity. Factor analysis showed that individuals with fair phototype frequently evoked reactions associated with pattern I, and skin redness and burning sensations were related to certain environmental conditions (pattern II). CONCLUSION: Skin sensitivity is a common concern that declines with age and is relevant for men as well as for women.

[Phototype, vitamin D status and bone mineral density among women at risk of osteoporosis]. / Phototype, statut en vitamine D et densité minérale osseuse chez des femmes à risque d'ostéoporose.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to test the influence of phototype and vitamin D status feature on the bone mineral density (BMD) of the femoral neck in a group of middle-aged women considered at risk of osteoporosis (low levels of vitamin D [25(OH)D3<78 nmol/L] and hyperparathyroidism [parathormone level>36 pg/mL]). METHODS: This two-step study was conducted on 122 French women enrolled in the SUVIMAX (supplémentation en vitamines et minéraux antioxydants: antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplementation) cohort. The impact of various variables on BMD, including age, body mass index (BMI), vitamin D status, alcohol intake, sun exposure intensity and phototype was investigated using regression models. RESULTS: No statistical link was found between BMD and the variables documenting vitamin D status and parathormone levels, nor phototype. Nevertheless, fair phototypes tended to be associated with lower BMD values. However, BMD decreased with age and increased with BMI and physical activity level. CONCLUSIONS: Whatever their phototype, adult women concerned about precarious vitamin D status should undergo a vitamin D supplementation in combination with an adequate calcium intake all year long and a proper sun protection. Moreover, a physical activity maintenance should provide an additional benefit for prevention of osteoporosis.

Dairy products, calcium and phosphorus intake, and the risk of prostate cancer: results of the French prospective SU.VI.MAX (Supplémentation en Vitamines et Minéraux Antioxydants) study.

Although dairy products have been found to be associated with an elevated risk of prostate cancer, studies investigating the potential effect of Ca are limited, and findings are inconsistent. The objective of the present study was to test the relationship between the risk of prostate cancer and consumption of dairy products and Ca. The analysis included 2776 men from the French SU.VI.MAX (Supplementation en Vitamines et Minéraux Antioxydants) prospective study, among whom sixty-nine developed prostate cancer during the follow-up period (median: 7.7 years). Food consumption was assessed at inclusion from repeated 24 h records and nutrient intake was calculated using a food composition table. A higher risk of prostate cancer was observed among subjects with higher dairy product (relative risk (RR; 95 % CI), 4th quartile v. 1st: 1.35 (1.02, 1.78), P = 0.04) and Ca intake (RR (95 % CI), 4th quartile v. 1st: 2.43 (1.05, 5.62), P = 0.04). Nevertheless, we identified a harmful effect of yoghurt consumption upon the risk of prostate cancer (RR (95 % CI), increment 125 g/d: 1.61 (1.07, 2.43), P = 0.02) independently of the Ca content. Our data support the hypothesis that dairy products have a harmful effect with respect to the risk of prostate cancer, largely related to Ca content. The higher risk of prostate cancer with linear increasing yoghurt consumption seems to be independent of Ca and may be related to some other component.

Serum selenium determinants in French adults: the SU.VI.M.AX study.

The objective of the present work was to assess the relationship between serum Se concentrations and environmental determinants (i.e. lifestyle, social activity, geographic region, urban status, education, familial status, physical activity, BMI, tobacco, and food and alcohol consumption). Baseline results from 13 017 subjects (7876 women aged 35-60 and 5141 men aged 45-60) who participated in the SU.VI.M.AX (Supplémentation en Vitamines et Minéraux Antioxydants) study were analysed. Fewer than 2 % of the volunteers had a serum Se status under 0.75 micromol/l, which has been quoted as the cut-off of biological Se sub-deficiency. Women had significantly lower serum Se concentrations than men (1.09 (sd 0.19) micromol/l (n 7423) and 1.14 (sd 0.20) micromol/l (n 4915), P<0.0001, respectively). Significant differences in serum Se concentrations were observed between geographic areas. In both sexes, the serum Se concentration increased with alcohol, meat and fish consumption, and decreased with smoking. In premenopausal women, the serum Se concentration was higher in contraceptive-pill users than in non-users. In women only, age was associated with increased serum Se concentrations, and obesity (BMI> or =30 kg/m2) was associated with decreased serum Se levels. In men, we observed a decrease in serum Se concentrations with increased consumption of vegetables and fruits. In conclusion, though few of the volunteers participating in the SU.VI.M.AX study had Se status in the sub-deficiency range, 83 % of women and 75 % of men had serum concentrations below the value considered optimal for glutathione peroxidase activity. The largest Se associations in both sexes were found with regions, smoking, alcohol, meat and fish consumption. Further studies are needed to understand the difference in Se status between genders.