Physical activity and metabolic syndrome severity among older adults at cardiovascular risk: 1-Year trends.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Modifiable lifestyle factors, such as physical activity (PA) and Mediterranean diet (MD), decrease metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim was to assess 1-year changes of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), sedentary behavior, and diet quality according to MetS severity in older population at high cardiovascular risk. METHODS AND RESULTS: Prospective analysis of 55-75-year-old 4359 overweight/obese participants with MetS (PREDIMED-Plus trial) categorized in tertiles according to 1-year changes of a validated MetS severity score (MetSSS). Anthropometrics, visceral adiposity index, triglycerides and glucose index, dietary nutrient intake, biochemical marker levels, dietary inflammatory index, and depression symptoms were measured. Diet quality was assessed by 17-item MD questionnaire. PAs were self-reported using the Minnesota-REGICOR Short Physical Activity Questionnaire and 30-s chair stand test. Sedentary behaviors were measured using the Spanish version of the Nurses' Health Study questionnaire. After 1-year follow-up, decreasing MetSSS was associated with an anti-inflammatory dietary pattern, high intake of vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, whole grain cereals, white fish, and bluefish and low intake of refined cereals, red and processed meat, cookies/sweets, and snacks/ready-to-eat-meals. It resulted in high intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fiber, vitamins B1, B6, B9, C, D, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus and low glycemic index and saturated fatty acid, trans fatty acid, and carbohydrates intake. Regarding PA and sedentary behavior, decreasing MetSSS was associated with increased moderate-to-vigorous LTPA, chair stand test, and decreased sedentary and TV-viewing time. CONCLUSION: Decreasing MetSSS was associated with an anti-inflammatory dietary pattern, high LTPA, high MD adherence, low sedentary time, and low depression risk.

Consumption of caffeinated beverages and kidney function decline in an elderly Mediterranean population with metabolic syndrome.

It remains unclear whether caffeinated beverages could have deleterious renal effects in elderly population with underlying comorbid conditions. We investigated the associations between coffee, tea, or caffeine intake and 1-year changes in glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in a large Spanish cohort of overweight/obese elderly with metabolic syndrome (MetS). This prospective analysis includes 5851 overweight/obese adults (55-75 years) with MetS from the PREDIMED-Plus study. We assessed coffee, tea, and caffeine consumption from a validated food-frequency questionnaire and creatinine-based eGFR using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation. Multivariate-adjusted regression models were applied to test associations between baseline coffee, tea, or caffeine intake and 1-year eGFR changes. Caffeinated coffee (> 2 cups/day) and tea (at least 1 cup/day) drinkers had 0.88 and 0.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 greater eGFR decrease respectively, compared to those with less than 1 cup/day of coffee consumption or non-tea drinkers. Furthermore, caffeinated coffee consumption of > 2 cups/day was associated with 1.19-fold increased risk of rapid eGFR decline > 3 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95% CI 1.01-1.41). Similarly, individuals in the highest (median, 51.2 mg/day) tertile of caffeine intake had a 0.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 greater eGFR decrease. Decaffeinated coffee was not associated with eGFR changes. In conclusion, higher consumption of caffeinated coffee, tea, and caffeine was associated with a greater 1-year eGFR decline in overweight/obese adults with MetS.

Association between coffee consumption and total dietary caffeine intake with cognitive functioning: cross-sectional assessment in an elderly Mediterranean population.

PURPOSE: Coffee is rich in compounds such as polyphenols, caffeine, diterpenes, melanoidins and trigonelline, which can stimulate brain activity. Therefore, the possible association of coffee consumption with cognition is of considerable research interest. In this paper, we assess the association of coffee consumption and total dietary caffeine intake with the risk of poor cognitive functioning in a population of elderly overweight/obese adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: PREDIMED-plus study participants who completed the Mini-Mental State Examination test (MMSE) (n = 6427; mean age = 65 ± 5 years) or a battery of neuropsychological tests were included in this cross-sectional analysis. Coffee consumption and total dietary caffeine intake were assessed at baseline using a food frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression models were fitted to evaluate the association between total, caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee consumption or total dietary caffeine intake and cognitive impairment. RESULTS: Total coffee consumers and caffeinated coffee consumers had better cognitive functioning than non-consumers when measured by the MMSE and after adjusting for potential confounders (OR 0.63; 95% CI 0.44-0.90 and OR 0.56; 95% CI 0.38-0.83, respectively). Results were similar when cognitive performance was measured using the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) and Trail Making Test B (TMT-B). These associations were not observed for decaffeinated coffee consumption. Participants in the highest tertile of total dietary caffeine intake had lower odds of poor cognitive functioning than those in the reference tertile when screened by the MMSE (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.47-0.87) or other neurophysiological tests evaluating a variety of cognitive domains (i.e., CDT and TMT-A). CONCLUSIONS: Coffee consumption and total dietary caffeine intake were associated with better cognitive functioning as measured by various neuropsychological tests in a Mediterranean cohort of elderly individuals with MetS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN89898870. Registration date: July 24, 2014.

Relationship between olive oil consumption and ankle-brachial pressure index in a population at high cardiovascular risk.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aim of this study was to ascertain the association between the consumption of different categories of edible olive oils (virgin olive oils and olive oil) and olive pomace oil and ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI) in participants in the PREDIMED-Plus study, a trial of lifestyle modification for weight and cardiovascular event reduction in individuals with overweight/obesity harboring the metabolic syndrome. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of the PREDIMED-Plus trial. Consumption of any category of olive oil and olive pomace oil was assessed through a validated food-frequency questionnaire. Multivariable linear regression models were fitted to assess associations between olive oil consumption and ABI. Additionally, ABI ≤1 was considered as the outcome in logistic models with different categories of olive oil and olive pomace oil as exposure. RESULTS: Among 4330 participants, the highest quintile of total olive oil consumption (sum of all categories of olive oil and olive pomace oil) was associated with higher mean values of ABI (beta coefficient: 0.014, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.002, 0.027) (p for trend = 0.010). Logistic models comparing the consumption of different categories of olive oils, olive pomace oil and ABI ≤1 values revealed an inverse association between virgin olive oils consumption and the likelihood of a low ABI (odds ratio [OR] 0.73, 95% CI [0.56, 0.97]), while consumption of olive pomace oil was positively associated with a low ABI (OR 1.22 95% CI [1.00, 1.48]). CONCLUSIONS: In a Mediterranean population at high cardiovascular risk, total olive oil consumption was associated with a higher mean ABI. These results suggest that olive oil consumption may be beneficial for peripheral artery disease prevention, but longitudinal studies are needed.

Dietary Polyphenol Intake is Associated with HDL-Cholesterol and A Better Profile of other Components of the Metabolic Syndrome: A PREDIMED-Plus Sub-Study.

Dietary polyphenol intake is associated with improvement of metabolic disturbances. The aims of the present study are to describe dietary polyphenol intake in a population with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and to examine the association between polyphenol intake and the components of MetS. This cross-sectional analysis involved 6633 men and women included in the PREDIMED (PREvención con DIeta MEDiterranea-Plus) study. The polyphenol content of foods was estimated from the Phenol-Explorer 3.6 database. The mean of total polyphenol intake was 846 ± 318 mg/day. Except for stilbenes, women had higher polyphenol intake than men. Total polyphenol intake was higher in older participants (>70 years of age) compared to their younger counterparts. Participants with body mass index (BMI) >35 kg/m2 reported lower total polyphenol, flavonoid, and stilbene intake than those with lower BMI. Total polyphenol intake was not associated with a better profile concerning MetS components, except for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), although stilbenes, lignans, and other polyphenols showed an inverse association with blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, and triglycerides. A direct association with HDL-c was found for all subclasses except lignans and phenolic acids. To conclude, in participants with MetS, higher intake of several polyphenol subclasses was associated with a better profile of MetS components, especially HDL-c.

Mediterranean Diet Supplemented With Coenzyme Q10 Modulates the Postprandial Metabolism of Advanced Glycation End Products in Elderly Men and Women.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and oxidative stress are elevated with aging and dysmetabolic conditions. Because a Mediterranean (Med) diet reduces oxidative stress, serum AGEs levels, and gene expression related to AGEs metabolism in healthy elderly people, we studied whether supplementation with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ) was of further benefit. Twenty participants aged ≥ 65 (10 men and 10 women) were randomly assigned to each of three isocaloric diets for successive periods of 4 weeks in a crossover design: Med diet, Med + CoQ, and a Western high-saturated-fat diet (SFA diet). After a 12-hour fast, volunteers consumed a breakfast with a fat composition similar to the previous diet period. Analyses included dietary AGEs consumed, serum AGEs and AGE receptor-1 (AGER1), receptor for AGEs (RAGE), glyoxalase I (GloxI), and estrogen receptor α (ERα) mRNA levels. Med diet modulated redox-state parameters, reducing AGEs levels and increasing AGER1 and GloxI mRNA levels compared with the SFA diet. This benefit was accentuated by adding CoQ, in particular, in the postprandial state. Because elevated oxidative stress/inflammation and AGEs are associated with clinical disease in aging, the enhanced protection of a Med diet supplemented with CoQ should be assessed in a larger clinical trial in which clinical conditions in aging are measured.

Insulin resistance determines a differential response to changes in dietary fat modification on metabolic syndrome risk factors: the LIPGENE study.

BACKGROUND: Previous data support the benefits of reducing dietary saturated fatty acids (SFAs) on insulin resistance (IR) and other metabolic risk factors. However, whether the IR status of those suffering from metabolic syndrome (MetS) affects this response is not established. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine whether the degree of IR influences the effect of substituting high-saturated fatty acid (HSFA) diets by isoenergetic alterations in the quality and quantity of dietary fat on MetS risk factors. DESIGN: In this single-blind, parallel, controlled, dietary intervention study, MetS subjects (n = 472) from 8 European countries classified by different IR levels according to homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were randomly assigned to 4 diets: an HSFA diet; a high-monounsaturated fatty acid (HMUFA) diet; a low-fat, high-complex carbohydrate (LFHCC) diet supplemented with long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (1.2 g/d); or an LFHCC diet supplemented with placebo for 12 wk (control). Anthropometric, lipid, inflammatory, and IR markers were determined. RESULTS: Insulin-resistant MetS subjects with the highest HOMA-IR improved IR, with reduced insulin and HOMA-IR concentrations after consumption of the HMUFA and LFHCC n-3 diets (P < 0.05). In contrast, subjects with lower HOMA-IR showed reduced body mass index and waist circumference after consumption of the LFHCC control and LFHCC n-3 diets and increased HDL cholesterol concentrations after consumption of the HMUFA and HSFA diets (P < 0.05). MetS subjects with a low to medium HOMA-IR exhibited reduced blood pressure, triglyceride, and LDL cholesterol levels after the LFHCC n-3 diet and increased apolipoprotein A-I concentrations after consumption of the HMUFA and HSFA diets (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Insulin-resistant MetS subjects with more metabolic complications responded differently to dietary fat modification, being more susceptible to a health effect from the substitution of SFAs in the HMUFA and LFHCC n-3 diets. Conversely, MetS subjects without IR may be more sensitive to the detrimental effects of HSFA intake. The metabolic phenotype of subjects clearly determines response to the quantity and quality of dietary fat on MetS risk factors, which suggests that targeted and personalized dietary therapies may be of value for its different metabolic features. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00429195.

Effects of the Mediterranean diet supplemented with coenzyme q10 on metabolomic profiles in elderly men and women.

BACKGROUND: Characterization of the variations in the metabolomic profiles of elderly people is a necessary step to understand changes associated with aging. This study assessed whether diets with different fat quality and supplementation with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ) affect the metabolomic profile in urine analyzed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy from elderly people. METHODS: Ten participants received, in a cross-over design, four isocaloric diets for 4-week periods each: Mediterranean diet supplemented with CoQ (Med + CoQ diet); Mediterranean diet; Western diet rich in saturated fat diet; low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet enriched in n-3 polyunsaturated fat. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis showed differences between diets when comparing Med + CoQ diet and saturated fat diet, with greater hippurate urine levels after Med + CoQ diet and higher phenylacetylglycine levels after saturated fat diet in women. Following consumption of Med + CoQ, hippurate excretion was positively correlated with CoQ and ß-carotene plasma levels and inversely related to Nrf2, thioredoxin, superoxide dismutase 1, and gp91(phox) subunit of NADPH oxidase gene expression. After saturated fat diet consumption, phenylacetylglycine excretion was inversely related to CoQ plasma level and positively correlated with isoprostanes urinary level. CONCLUSIONS: The association between hippurate excretion and antioxidant biomarkers along with the relationship between phenylacetylglycine excretion and oxidant biomarkers suggests that the long-term consumption of a Med + CoQ diet could be beneficial for healthy aging and a promising challenge in the prevention of processes related to chronic oxidative stress, such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disease.

Effect of dietary fat modification on subcutaneous white adipose tissue insulin sensitivity in patients with metabolic syndrome.

SCOPE: To determine whether the insulin resistance that exists in metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients is modulated by dietary fat composition. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were randomly assigned to one of four diets for 12 wk: high-saturated fatty acids (HSFAs), high-MUFA (HMUFA), and two low-fat, high-complex carbohydrate (LFHCC) diets supplemented with long-chain n-3 (LFHCC n-3) PUFA or placebo. At the end of intervention, the LFHCC n-3 diet reduced plasma insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and nonsterified fatty acid concentration (p < 0.05) as compared to baseline Spanish habitual (BSH) diet. Subcutaneous white adipose tissue (WAT) analysis revealed decreased EH-domain containing-2 mRNA levels and increased cbl-associated protein gene expression with the LFHCC n-3 compared to HSFA and HMUFA diets, respectively (p < 0.05). Moreover, the LFHCC n-3 decreased gene expression of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase with respect to HMUFA and BSH diets (p < 0.05). Finally, proteomic characterization of subcutaneous WAT identified three proteins of glucose metabolism downregulated by the LFHCC n-3 diet, including annexin A2. RT-PCR analysis confirmed the decrease of annexin A2 (p = 0.027) after this diet. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the LFHCC n-3 diet reduces systemic insulin resistance and improves insulin signaling in subcutaneous WAT of MetS patients compared to HSFA and BSH diets consumption.

Postprandial activation of p53-dependent DNA repair is modified by Mediterranean diet supplemented with coenzyme Q10 in elderly subjects.

BACKGROUND: Alterations in the expression levels of genes and proteins involved in oxidative stress and DNA damage response underlie the phenotypic changes associated with aging. We have investigated whether the quality of dietary fat alters postprandial gene expression and protein levels involved in p53-dependent DNA repair and whether the supplementation with Coenzyme Q10 improves this situation in an elderly population. METHODS: Twenty participants were randomized to receive three isocaloric diets each for 4 weeks: Mediterranean diet supplemented with Coenzyme Q10, Mediterranean diet, saturated fatty acid-rich diet. After a 12-hour fast, volunteers consumed a breakfast with a fat composition similar to that consumed in each of the diets. Gadd45a, Gadd45b, OGG1, APE-1/Ref-1, DNApolß, and XPC gene expression and nuclear Gadd45a, APE-1/Ref-1, and DNApolß protein levels were determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. RESULTS: Mediterranean diet and Mediterranean diet supplemented with Coenzyme Q10diets downregulated Gadd45a protein levels compared with the saturated fatty acid-rich diet. Moreover, Mediterranean diet supplemented with Coenzyme Q10diet evoked lower postprandial Gadd45a, Gadd45b, XPC, DNApolß and OGG1 gene expression and lower APE-1/Ref-1 and DNApolß protein levels than the saturated fatty acid-rich diet. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support a beneficial effect of Mediterranean diet and Mediterranean diet supplemented with Coenzyme Q10 on DNA damage as compared to the detrimental action of a saturated fatty acid-rich diet, which triggers the p53-dependent DNA repair machinery.

Nutraceuticals and coronary heart disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Although many reviews have focused on diet as a determinant of coronary heart disease (CHD), little is known about the use of specific nutrients or food products. The aim of this review was to examine the role of several functional foods, or nutraceuticals, in the prevention or treatment of CHD. RECENT FINDINGS: CHD continues to be one of the main causes of death in modern societies. Far from diminishing, its prevalence and incidence continue to grow and are probably linked to the increase in metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Numerous preventive measures and treatments are being considered for these metabolic diseases. In this context, nutraceuticals and functional foods are seen as powerful tools for maintaining health and fighting against cardiometabolic risk factors. For example, the association between saturated fat and the development of CHD has been clearly established. However, the consumption of other sources of fat, such as olive oil enriched in monounsaturated fatty acids, has been associated with beneficial cardiovascular effects. SUMMARY: Nutraceuticals have demonstrated physiological effects that have a positive influence on the development of atherosclerosis and therefore of CHD.

Postprandial antioxidant gene expression is modified by Mediterranean diet supplemented with coenzyme Q(10) in elderly men and women.

Postprandial oxidative stress is characterized by an increased susceptibility of the organism towards oxidative damage after consumption of a meal rich in lipids and/or carbohydrates. We have investigated whether the quality of dietary fat alters postprandial gene expression and protein levels involved in oxidative stress and whether the supplementation with coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ) improves this situation in an elderly population. Twenty participants were randomized to receive three isocaloric diets each for 4 weeks: Mediterranean diet supplemented with CoQ (Med + CoQ diet), Mediterranean diet (Med diet), saturated fatty acid-rich diet (SFA diet). After 12-h fast, volunteers consumed a breakfast with a fat composition similar to that consumed in each of the diets. Nrf2, p22(phox) and p47(phox), superoxide dismutase 1 and 2 (SOD1 and SOD2), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1), thiorredoxin reductase (TrxR) gene expression and Kelch-like ECH associating protein 1 (Keap-1) and citoplasmic and nuclear Nrf2 protein levels were determined. Med and Med + CoQ diets induced lower Nrf2, p22(phox), p47(phox), SOD1, SOD2 and TrxR gene expression and higher cytoplasmic Nrf2 and Keap-1 protein levels compared to the SFA diet. Moreover, Med + CoQ diet produced lower postprandial Nrf2 gene expression and lower nuclear Nrf2 protein levels compared to the other diets and lower GPx1 gene expression than the SFA diet. Our results support the antioxidant effect of a Med diet and that exogenous CoQ supplementation has a protective effects against free radical overgeneration through the lowering of postprandial oxidative stress modifying the postprandial antioxidant protein levels and reducing the postprandial expression of antioxidant genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Gene-nutrient interactions on the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase influence insulin sensitivity in metabolic syndrome subjects.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Genetic background may interact with habitual dietary fat composition, and affect development of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). The phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene (PCK1) plays a significant role regulating glucose metabolism, and fatty acids are key metabolic regulators, which interact with transcription factors and influence glucose metabolism. We explored genetic variability at the PCK1 gene locus in relation to degree of insulin resistance and plasma fatty acid levels in MetS subjects. Moreover, we analyzed the PCK1 gene expression in the adipose tissue of a subgroup of MetS subjects according to the PCK1 genetic variants. METHODS: Insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, glucose effectiveness, plasma concentrations of C-peptide, fatty acid composition and three PCK1 tag-single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were determined in 443 MetS participants in the LIPGENE cohort. RESULTS: The rs2179706 SNP interacted with plasma concentration of n - 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n - 3 PUFA), which were significantly associated with plasma concentrations of fasting insulin, peptide C, and HOMA-IR. Among subjects with n - 3 PUFA levels above the population median, carriers of the C/C genotype exhibited lower plasma concentrations of fasting insulin (P = 0.036) and HOMA-IR (P = 0.019) as compared with C/C carriers with n - 3 PUFA below the median. Moreover, homozygous C/C subjects with n - 3 PUFA levels above the median showed lower plasma concentrations of peptide C as compared to individuals with the T-allele (P = 0.006). Subjects carrying the T-allele showed a lower gene PCK1 expression as compared with carriers of the C/C genotype (P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: The PCK1 rs2179706 polymorphism interacts with plasma concentration of n - 3 PUFA levels modulating insulin resistance in MetS subjects.

Dietary fat modifies the postprandial inflammatory state in subjects with metabolic syndrome: the LIPGENE study.

SCOPE: Our aim was to investigate whether the inflammatory state associated to metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients is affected by diets with different fat quality and quantity. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventy-five subjects from LIPGENE cohort were included in this feeding trial and randomly assigned to one of four diets: high saturated fatty acids (HSFA); high monounsaturated fatty acids (HMUFA) and two low-fat, high complex carbohydrate (LFHCC) diets, supplemented with long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LFHCC n-3) or placebo (LFHCC), for 12 weeks each. A postprandial fat challenge, reflecting the intervention dietary fat composition, was conducted post-intervention. The HMUFA diet significantly reduced postprandial nuclear transcription factor-kappaB (NF-kB) activity and the nuclear p65 protein levels relative to fasting values (p < 0.05). Furthermore, we observed a postprandial decrease in this protein with the HMUFA diet compared with the HSFA and LFHCC diets (p < 0.05). The postprandial response of inhibitory molecule from NF-kB mRNA levels increased with the HMUFA diet compared with the HSFA and LFHCC n-3 diets (p < 0.05). Postprandial tumor necrosis factor-α and Metalloproteinase 9 mRNA levels were also reduced after the HMUFA diet compared with the HSFA diet (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the long-term consumption of a healthy diet model with HMUFA attenuates the postprandial inflammatory state associated with MetS.

Insulin receptor substrate-2 gene variants in subjects with metabolic syndrome: association with plasma monounsaturated and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid levels and insulin resistance.

SCOPE: Several insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2) polymorphisms have been studied in relation to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. To examine whether the genetic variability at the IRS-2 gene locus was associated with the degree of insulin resistance and plasma fatty acid levels in metabolic syndrome (MetS) subjects. METHODS AND RESULTS: Insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, glucose effectiveness, plasma fatty acid composition and three IRS-2 tag-single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were determined in 452 MetS subjects. Among subjects with the lowest level of monounsaturated (MUFA) (below the median), the rs2289046 A/A genotype was associated with lower glucose effectiveness (p<0.038), higher fasting insulin concentrations (p<0.028) and higher HOMA IR (p<0.038) as compared to subjects carrying the minor G-allele (A/G and G/G). In contrast, among subjects with the highest level of MUFA (above the median), the A/A genotype was associated with lower fasting insulin concentrations and HOMA-IR, whereas individuals carrying the G allele and with the highest level of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (above the median) showed lower fasting insulin (p<0.01) and HOMA-IR (p<0.02) as compared with A/A subjects. CONCLUSION: The rs2289046 polymorphism at the IRS2 gene locus may influence insulin sensitivity by interacting with certain plasma fatty acids in MetS subjects.

Glucokinase regulatory protein genetic variant interacts with omega-3 PUFA to influence insulin resistance and inflammation in metabolic syndrome.

UNLABELLED: Glucokinase Regulatory Protein (GCKR) plays a central role regulating both hepatic triglyceride and glucose metabolism. Fatty acids are key metabolic regulators, which interact with genetic factors and influence glucose metabolism and other metabolic traits. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) have been of considerable interest, due to their potential to reduce metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether genetic variability at the GCKR gene locus was associated with the degree of insulin resistance, plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and n-3 PUFA in MetS subjects. DESIGN: Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), HOMA-B, plasma concentrations of C-peptide, CRP, fatty acid composition and the GCKR rs1260326-P446L polymorphism, were determined in a cross-sectional analysis of 379 subjects with MetS participating in the LIPGENE dietary cohort. RESULTS: Among subjects with n-3 PUFA levels below the population median, carriers of the common C/C genotype had higher plasma concentrations of fasting insulin (P = 0.019), C-peptide (P = 0.004), HOMA-IR (P = 0.008) and CRP (P = 0.032) as compared with subjects carrying the minor T-allele (Leu446). In contrast, homozygous C/C carriers with n-3 PUFA levels above the median showed lower plasma concentrations of fasting insulin, peptide C, HOMA-IR and CRP, as compared with individuals with the T-allele. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated a significant interaction between the GCKR rs1260326-P446L polymorphism and plasma n-3 PUFA levels modulating insulin resistance and inflammatory markers in MetS subjects. Further studies are needed to confirm this gene-diet interaction in the general population and whether targeted dietary recommendations can prevent MetS in genetically susceptible individuals. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00429195.

Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil and obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus.

After decades of epidemiological, clinical and experimental research, it has become clear that consumption of Mediterranean dietary patterns rich in olive oil has a profound influence on health outcomes, including obesity, metabolic syndrome (MetS) and diabetes mellitus. Traditionally, many beneficial properties associated with this oil have been ascribed to its high oleic acid content. Olive oil, however, is a functional food that, besides having high-monounsaturated (MUFA) content, contains other minor components with biological properties. In this line, phenolic compounds have shown antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties, prevent lipoperoxidation, induce favorable changes of lipid profile, improve endothelial function, and disclose antithrombotic properties. Research into the pharmacological properties of the minor components of olive oil is very active and could lead to the formulation of functional food and nutraceuticals. Although more data are mandatory the Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil does not contribute to obesity and appears to be a useful tool in the lifestyle management of the MetS. Moreover there is good scientific support for MUFA diets, especially those based on olive oil, as an alternative approach to low-fat diets for the medical nutritional therapy in diabetes. The objective of this review is to present evidence illustrating the relationship between Mediterranean diet, olive oil and metabolic diseases, including obesity, MetS and diabetes mellitus and to discuss potential mechanisms by which this food can help in disease prevention and treatment.

Olive oil and haemostasis: platelet function, thrombogenesis and fibrinolysis.

Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest nutritional models used in developed countries. The actual interest in this dietary model is based in two main premises. First, the high palatability for the consumer, which aids to the adherence to the model on a life-long basis, and second, the mounting evidence on the beneficial properties that its consumption provokes in cardiovascular risk factors, cancer and cognitive age associated decline. Olive oil is the principal component of Mediterranean diet, both by its predominant position as the main energy source, and its presence in almost all cooked and/or seasoned food. The influence of the olive oil on the beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet is well known. Albeit an initial stage in which monounsaturated fatty acids (mainly oleic acid) were studied as the sole player of these effects, the knowledge about the micronutrients has evolved to a much more complex model in which the processing of the oil and the content in some minor contents of the virgin olive oil play a fundamental role. In this article we will review the current evidences that relate olive oil with the haemostatic system.

Postprandial antioxidant effect of the Mediterranean diet supplemented with coenzyme Q10 in elderly men and women.

Postprandial oxidative stress is characterized by an increased susceptibility of the organism towards oxidative damage after consumption of a meal rich in lipids and/or carbohydrates. We have investigated whether the quality of dietary fat alters postprandial cellular oxidative stress and whether the supplementation with coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ) lowers postprandial oxidative stress in an elderly population. In this randomized crossover study, 20 participants were assigned to receive three isocaloric diets for periods of 4 week each: (1) Mediterranean diet supplemented with CoQ (Med+CoQ diet), (2) Mediterranean diet (Med diet), and (3) saturated fatty acid-rich diet (SFA diet). After a 12-h fast, the volunteers consumed a breakfast with a fat composition similar to that consumed in each of the diets. CoQ, lipid peroxides (LPO), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), protein carbonyl (PC), total nitrite, nitrotyrosine plasma levels, catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and ischemic reactive hyperaemia (IRH) were determined. Med diet produced a lower postprandial GPx activity and a lower decrease in total nitrite level compared to the SFA diet. Med and Med+CoQ diets induced a higher postprandial increase in IRH and a lower postprandial LPO, oxLDL, and nitrotyrosine plasma levels than the SFA diet. Moreover, the Med+CoQ diet produced a lower postprandial decrease in total nitrite and a greater decrease in PC levels compared to the other two diets and lower SOD, CAT, and GPx activities than the SFA diet.In conclusion, Med diet reduces postprandial oxidative stress by reducing processes of cellular oxidation and increases the action of the antioxidant system in elderly persons and the administration of CoQ further improves this redox balance.