Effects of Whey Protein Isolate on Body Composition, Muscle Mass, and Strength of Chronic Heart Failure Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Heart failure (HF) is associated with a reduction of skeletal muscle mass. Whey protein isolate (WPI) has been beneficial in increasing muscle mass and strength, in addition to improving body composition. The goal of this research was to evaluate the effect of WPI on the body composition, muscle mass, and strength of chronic HF patients. For this purpose, twenty-five patients of both genders with predominantly NYHA I functional class and a median age of 65.5 (60.5-71.0) years were used to conduct a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial and received 30 g per day of WPI for 12 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, body composition analysis, and biochemical exams were performed at the beginning and end of the study. An increase in skeletal muscle mass was observed in the intervention group after 12 weeks. A reduction in waist circumference, body fat percentage, and an increase in skeletal muscle index was observed when compared to the placebo group. No significant effect on muscle strength was observed after 12 weeks of intervention. These data demonstrate that WPI consumption contributed to the increase of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and reduction of body fat in HF patients.

Implementation of a Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional (BALANCE) Program for improvement on quality of diet and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events: A randomized, multicenter trial.

BACKGROUND: Appropriate dietary recommendations represent a key part of secondary prevention in cardiovascular disease (CVD). We evaluated the effectiveness of the implementation of a nutritional program on quality of diet, cardiovascular events, and death in patients with established CVD. METHODS: In this open-label, multicenter trial conducted in 35 sites in Brazil, we randomly assigned (1:1) patients aged 45 years or older to receive either the BALANCE Program (experimental group) or conventional nutrition advice (control group). The BALANCE Program included a unique nutritional education strategy to implement recommendations from guidelines, adapted to the use of affordable and regional foods. Adherence to diet was evaluated by the modified Alternative Healthy Eating Index. The primary end point was a composite of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, stroke, myocardial revascularization, amputation, or hospitalization for unstable angina. Secondary end points included biochemical and anthropometric data, and blood pressure levels. RESULTS: From March 5, 2013, to Abril 7, 2015, a total of 2534 eligible patients were randomly assigned to either the BALANCE Program group (n = 1,266) or the control group (n = 1,268) and were followed up for a median of 3.5 years. In total, 235 (9.3%) participants had been lost to follow-up. After 3 years of follow-up, mean modified Alternative Healthy Eating Index (scale 0-70) was only slightly higher in the BALANCE group versus the control group (26.2 ±â€¯8.4 vs 24.7 ±â€¯8.6, P < .01), mainly due to a 0.5-serving/d greater intake of fruits and of vegetables in the BALANCE group. Primary end point events occurred in 236 participants (18.8%) in the BALANCE group and in 207 participants (16.4%) in the control group (hazard ratio, 1.15; 95% CI 0.95-1.38; P = .15). Secondary end points did not differ between groups after follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The BALANCE Program only slightly improved adherence to a healthy diet in patients with established CVD and had no significant effect on the incidence of cardiovascular events or death.

Microvascular Function and Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Patients with Severe Hypercholesterolemia and the Familial Hypercholesterolemia Phenotype.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and systemic microvascular function in patients with severe hypercholesterolemia, comparing patients with the definite familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) phenotype (DFH) or probable/possible FH phenotype (PFH). There is a large spectrum of atherosclerotic disease between these two clinical phenotypes of FH, and to acquire further knowledge of the pathophysiology of vascular disease in both is desirable. METHODS: Subjects with severe hypercholesterolemia, defined as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) >190 mg/dL, were classified as DFH or PFH and underwent measurement of the number of EPCs by flow cytometry and evaluation of cutaneous microvascular reactivity using a laser speckle contrast-imaging system with iontophoresis of acethylcholine (ACh) or sodium nitroprusside. EPCs were defined as CD45- or CD45low, CD34+CD133+CD309+ cells. Categorical variables were compared using Fisher test and continuous variables with Student t test or Mann-Whitney test, and a value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Patients with DFH had higher LDL-C than those with PFH. There was no difference in the median number of EPCs between patients with DFH or PFH, but there was a significant reduction of endothelial-dependent, ACh-induced vasodilatation in the former. CONCLUSION: Patients with DFH have impaired microvascular endothelial-dependent vasodilatation compared to those with PFH, indicating more severe vascular disease in the former.

A COCONUT EXTRA VIRGIN OIL-RICH DIET INCREASES HDL CHOLESTEROL AND DECREASES WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE AND BODY MASS IN CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE PATIENTS.

INTRODUCTION: saturated fat restriction has been recommended for coronary arterial disease, but the role of coconut oil (Cocos nucifera L.) extra virgin, lauric acid source in the management of lipid profile remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the effect of nutritional treatment associated with the consumption of extra virgin coconut oil in anthropometric parameters and lipid profile. METHODS: we conducted a longitudinal study of 116 adults of both sexes presenting CAD. Patients were followed in two stages: the first stage (basal-3 months), intensive nutritional treatment. In the second stage (3-6 months), the subjects were divided into two groups: diet group associated with extra virgin coconut oil consumption (GDOC) and diet group (DG). Held monthly anthropometric measurements: body mass, waist circumference (WC), neck circumference (PP), body mass index (BMI). Gauged to collected blood pressure and blood samples were fasted for 12 hours, for total cholesterol analysis and fractions apoproteins (Apo A-1 and B), glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), insulin (I). Comparing the averages at the beginning and end of the study employing the paired Student t-independent. And set the diastolic blood pressure by BMI using ANOVA. Analyses were performed using the SPSS statistical package, being significant p < 0.05. RESULTS: the mean age of the population was 62.4 ± 7.7 years, 63.2% male, 70% elderly, 77.6% infarcted, 52.6% with angina, hypertension and dyslipidemia 100%. In the first stage the nutritional treatment reduced body weight, WC, BMI and PP and insulin concentrations, HbA1C, HOMA-IR and QUICK, without changing the other parameters. In the second stage of the study, it was observed that the GDOC maintained the reduction of body mass, BMI, WC, with a significant difference between groups for DC (-2.1 ± 2,7 cm; p < 0.01). In addition, there was an increase in HDL-C concentrations, Apo A, with significant difference in GD, only for HDL-C (3.1 ± 7.4 mg/dL; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: it was observed that the nutritional treatment associated with extra virgin coconut oil consumption reduced the CC and increased HDL-C levels in patients with CAD.

Introducción: el aceite de coco (Cocos nucifera L.) virgen extra contiene una alta proporción de ácidos grasos de cadena media que parecen contribuir a la reducción del peso y podría ayudar en la prevención secundaria de la enfermedad arterial coronaria (EAC). Objetivo: evaluar el efecto del tratamiento nutricional asociado con el consumo de aceite de coco virgen extra en los parámetros antropométricos y el perfil lipídico. Métodos: se realizó un estudio longitudinal de 116 adultos de ambos sexos que presentan CAD. Los pacientes fueron seguidos en dos etapas: en la primera etapa (basal-3 meses), se llevo a cabo un tratamiento nutricional intensivo. En la segunda etapa (3-6 días), los sujetos fueron divididos en dos grupos: grupo asociado con el consumo de aceite extra virgen de coco (GDOC) y el grupo de dieta (GD). Se realizaron mediciones mensuales antropométricas: peso, circunferencia de la cintura (CC), circunferencia del cuello (PP) e índice de masa corporal (IMC). Se tomó la presión arterial y muestras de sangre recogidas en ayunas durante 12 horas para el análisis de colesterol total y lipoproteínas, apoproteínas (Apo A-1 y B), glucosa, hemoglobina glucosilada (HbA1c) e insulina (I). Se compararon los promedios al principio y al final del estudio mediante el test t de Student-independiente. Se ajustó la presión arterial diastólica por el IMC mediante ANOVA. Los análisis se realizaron con el paquete estadístico SPSS, siendo significativa p < 0.05. Resultados: la edad media de la población fue de 62,4 ± 7,7 años, el 63,2% hombres, 70% mayores, el 77,6% con infarto de miocardio, el 52,6% con angina de pecho y el 100% con hipertensión arterial y dislipidemia. En la primera etapa del tratamiento nutricional se redujeron las concentraciones de insulina, peso, WC, IMC y PP, HbA1C, HOMA-IR y rápido, sin cambiar otros parámetros. En la segunda etapa del estudio se observó que la GDOC mantiene la reducción del peso, BMI, WC, con una diferencia significativa entre los grupos para DC (-2,1 ± 2,7 cm; p < 0,01). Además, se produjo un aumento en las concentraciones de HDL-C, Apo A, con una diferencia significativa en GD, solo para HDL-C (3,1 ± 7,4 mg/dl; p = 0,02). Conclusión: se observó que el tratamiento nutricional asociado con el consumo de aceite de coco virgen extra redujo la CC e incrementó los niveles de HDL-C en pacientes con CAD.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Brazil Nuts on Microvascular Endothelial Function in Hypertensive and Dyslipidemic Patients: A Randomized Crossover Placebo-Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with GBNs on microvascular endothelial function in hypertensive and dyslipidemic patients. METHODS: Ninety-one patients of both sexes aged 62.1 ± 9.3 years received 13 g/day of GBNs or a placebo for three months with a washout period of one month between treatments. Microvascular endothelial function was assessed using LSCI coupled with iontophoresis of ACh and PORH. We also used skin video capillaroscopy to measure capillary density and recruitment at rest and during PORH. Plasma concentrations of NOx were also measured as a marker of nitric oxide bioavailability. RESULTS: Supplementation with GBNs significantly increased the plasma levels of Se (p < 0.05) and NOx (p < 0.05). However, we did not observe any effects of GBN consumption on microvascular vasodilator responses to ACh or PORH (p > 0.05), and GBNs did not improve capillary density at baseline or recruitment during PORH (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with GBNs induced significant increases in the plasma Se concentration and systemic bioavailability of nitric oxide. Nevertheless, GBN supplementation did not lead to any improvement in systemic microvascular reactivity or density in patients with arterial hypertension and dyslipidemia who were undergoing multiple drug therapies.

Intake of partially defatted Brazil nut flour reduces serum cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic patients--a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Thyroid hormones can lower levels of atherogenic lipoproteins, and selenium is important in thyroid hormone homeostasis. We aimed to investigate the effects of a healthy diet associated with the Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) in dyslipidemic and hypertensive patients. METHODS: This study was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Seventy-seven dyslipidemic and hypertensive patients already receiving lipid-lowering drugs received either a dietary treatment associated with partially defatted Brazil nut flour (13 g/day providing 227,5 µg of selenium/day),or with dyed cassava flour as a placebo. All patients received a personalized dietary guideline with nutritional recommendations for dyslipidemia and hypertension and were followed for 90 days. RESULTS: The Brazil nut group showed reductions in total cholesterol (-20.5 ± 61.2 mg/dL, P = 0.02), non HDL-cholesterol (-19.5 ± 61.2 mg/dL, P = 0.02) and Apo A-1 (-10.2 ± 26.7 mg/dL, P = 0.03) without significant alterations in the Apo B/Apo A-1 ratio. The placebo group showed a reduction in FT3 levels (-0.1 ± 0.4, P = 0.03) and increased Lp(a) levels (5.9 ± 18.0 mg/dL, P = 0.02). There were no statistical differences in blood pressure and serum lipids between Brazil nut and placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with Brazil nuts seems to favor the maintenance of FT3 levels and contributes to lipemia reduction in hypercholesterolemic and euthyroid patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01990391.

Improvement of antioxidant status after Brazil nut intake in hypertensive and dyslipidemic subjects.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of partially defatted Granulated Brazil nut (GBN) on biomarkers of oxidative stress and antioxidant status of hypertensive and dyslipidemic patients on nutrition and drug approaches. METHODS: Ninety one hypertensive and dyslipidemic subjects of both genders (51.6 % men), mean age 62.1 ± 9.3 years, performed a randomized crossover trial, double-blind, placebo controlled. Subjects received a diet and partially defatted GBN 13 g per day (≈227.5 µg/day of selenium) or placebo for twelve weeks with four-week washout interval. Anthropometric, laboratory and clinic characteristics were investigated at baseline. Plasma selenium (Se), plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPx3) activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), 8-epi PGF2α and oxidized LDL were evaluated at the beginning and in the end of each intervention. RESULTS: GBN intake significantly increased plasma Se from 87.0 ± 16.8 to 180.6 ± 67.1 µg/L, increased GPx3 activity in 24,8% (from 112.66 ± 40.09 to 128.32 ± 38.31 nmol/min/mL, p < 0,05), and reduced 3.25% of oxidized-LDL levels (from 66.31 ± 23.59 to 60.68 ± 20.88 U/L, p < 0.05). An inverse association between GPx3 and oxidized LDL levels was observed after supplementation with GBN by simple model (ß -0.232, p = 0.032) and after adjustment for gender, age, diabetes and BMI (ß -0.298, p = 0.008). There wasn't association between GPx3 and 8-epi PGF2α (ß -0.209, p = 0.052) by simple model. CONCLUSION: The partially defatted GBN intake has a potential benefit to increase plasma selenium, increase enzymatic antioxidant activity of GPx3 and to reduction oxidation in LDL in hypertensive and dyslipidemic patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01990391; November 20, 2013.

The association of selenium status with thyroid hormones and anthropometric values in dyslipidemic patients.

BACKGROUND: Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient that performs physiological functions in the metabolism of thyroid hormone and may have an association with anthropometric variables relevant to cardiovascular disease. AIM: To study the associations between Se status, thyroid hormones and anthropometric variables in dyslipidemic patients. METHODS: Eighty-three patients were assessed in a cross-sectional study. Blood samples were analyzed for Se and thyroid hormones. Anthropometric measurements were taken, and dietary Se intake was investigated. RESULTS: Mean plasma Se concentrations were low in the patients, at 88.7 ± 16.7 µg/L. Patients with plasma Se ≥ 95 µg/L were found to have a higher body mass index (BMI) (30.74 ± 4.31 vs 27.68 ± 5.63 kg/m2, P = 0.02) and waist-to-height ratio (0.65 ± 0.05 vs 0.59 ± 0.07, P = 0.003) when compared to those with concentrations between 80 and 94 µg/L. Se intake associated positively with T3L/T4L ratio (r = 0.273; P= 0.03), BMI (r= 0.257, P= 0.04) and WC (r= 0.299, P= 0.02). CONCLUSION: The patients with the highest normal plasma Se concentrations were found to have increases in the anthropometric variables we investigated. There is a need for further study in order to elucidate these findings. Furthermore, we found a positive association between Se intake and the most metabolically active form of the thyroid hormones.

Contexto: El selenio (Se) es un micronutriente esencial que realiza las funciones fisiológicas en el metabolismo de la hormona tiroidea y pueden tener una asociación con las variables antropométricas pertinentes a la enfermedad cardiovascular. Objetivo: Estudiar la asociación entre el estado de Se, hormonas tiroideas y las variables antropométricas en pacientes con dislipidemia. Métodos: Ochenta y tres pacientes fueron evaluados en un estudio transversal. Se analizaron muestras de sangre para Se y hormonas tiroideas. Las medidas antropométricas fueron tomadas, y la ingesta de la dieta Se fue investigado. Resultados: La media de las concentraciones de Se en plasma fueron bajas en los pacientes, a 88,7 ± 16,7 mg / l. Se encontró que los pacientes con niveles plasmáticos de Se ≥ 95 mg / L de tener un índice de masa corporal (IMC) (30.74 ± 4.31 vs 27.68 ± 5.63 kg / m 2, P = 0,02) y la relación cintura-estatura (0,65 ± 0,05 vs 0,59 ± 0,07, P = 0,003) en comparación con aquellos con concentraciones entre 80 y 94 g / l. Ingesta de Se asoció positivamente con relación T3L / T4L (r = 0,273, p = 0,03), índice de masa corporal (r = 0,257, P = 0,04) y WC (r = 0,299, P = 0,02). Conclusión: Se encontró que los pacientes con las más altas concentraciones de Se en plasma normal tener incrementos en las variables antropométricas que investigamos. Hay una necesidad de un mayor estudio para dilucidar estos hallazgos. Además, se encontró una asociación positiva entre el consumo de Se y la forma más metabólicamente activa de las hormonas tiroideas.