Asociación de la actividad física con la funcionalidad de las lipoproteínas de alta densidad en una cohorte de base poblacional: el estudio REGICOR / Association of physical activity with high-density lipoprotein functionality in a population-based cohort: the REGICOR study

Introducción y objetivos Determinar la relación dosis-respuesta entre la actividad física en el tiempo libre (AFTL) actual y pasada, total y según su intensidad, y la funcionalidad de las lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDL). Métodos Se seleccionó a 642 participantes de un estudio poblacional: la edad media era de 63,2 años y el 51,1% eran mujeres. Se incluyeron datos de la visita inicial y de un seguimiento a 4 años. La AFTL se evaluó mediante cuestionarios validados. Se determinó la capacidad de eflujo de colesterol y antioxidante en el seguimiento. Se utilizaron modelos de regresión lineal y aditivos para evaluar la relación dosis-respuesta. Resultados Se observó una relación inversa y lineal entre la AFTL total actual (entre 0-400 MET x min/día) y la capacidad antioxidante de HDL (coeficiente de regresión [beta]: -0,022; IC95%, -0,030; -0,013), con una meseta por encima de este umbral. Se observaron resultados similares para la AFTL de intensidad moderada (beta: -0,028; IC95%, -0,049; -0,007) y vigorosa (beta: -0,025; IC95%, -0,043; -0,007), pero no para AFTL de intensidad ligera. La AFTL en el seguimiento no se asoció con la capacidad de eflujo de colesterol. La AFTL basal no se asoció con la funcionalidad de HDL. Conclusiones La AFTL de intensidad moderada-vigorosa actual se asocia de forma no lineal con una mayor capacidad antioxidante de las partículas de HDL. Se observa un beneficio máximo con dosis intermedias-bajas de AFTL (0-400 MET x min/día). Nuestros resultados concuerdan con las recomendaciones de práctica de AFTL y sugieren una asociación con la funcionalidad de HDL (AU)

Introduction and objectives To determine the dose-response association between current and past leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), total and at different intensities, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) functionality parameters. Methods Study participants (n=642) were randomly drawn from a large population-based survey. Mean age of the participants was 63.2 years and 51.1% were women. The analysis included data from a baseline and a follow-up visit (median follow-up, 4 years). LTPA was assessed using validated questionnaires at both visits. Two main HDL functions were assessed: cholesterol efflux capacity and HDL antioxidant capacity, at the follow-up visit. Linear regression and linear additive models were used to assess the linear and nonlinear association between LTPA and HDL functionality. Results Total LTPA at follow-up showed an inverse and linear relationship between 0 and 400 METs x min/d with HDL antioxidant capacity (regression coefficient [beta]: −0.022; 95%CI, −0.030, −0.013), with a plateau above this threshold. The results were similar for moderate (beta: −0.028; 95%CI, −0.049, −0.007) and vigorous (beta: −0.025; 95%CI, −0.043, −0.007), but not for light-intensity LTPA. LTPA at follow-up was not associated with cholesterol efflux capacity. Baseline LTPA was not associated with any of the HDL functionality parameters analyzed. Conclusions Current moderate and vigorous LTPA showed a nonlinear association with higher HDL antioxidant capacity. Maximal benefit was observed with low-intermediate doses of total LTPA (up to 400 METs x min/d). Our results agree with current recommendations for moderate-vigorous LTPA practice and suggest an association between PA and HDL functionality in the general population (AU)

Association of physical activity with high-density lipoprotein functionality in a population-based cohort: the REGICOR study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the dose-response association between current and past leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), total and at different intensities, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) functionality parameters. METHODS: Study participants (n=642) were randomly drawn from a large population-based survey. Mean age of the participants was 63.2 years and 51.1% were women. The analysis included data from a baseline and a follow-up visit (median follow-up, 4 years). LTPA was assessed using validated questionnaires at both visits. Two main HDL functions were assessed: cholesterol efflux capacity and HDL antioxidant capacity, at the follow-up visit. Linear regression and linear additive models were used to assess the linear and nonlinear association between LTPA and HDL functionality. RESULTS: Total LTPA at follow-up showed an inverse and linear relationship between 0 and 400 METs x min/d with HDL antioxidant capacity (regression coefficient [beta]: -0.022; 95%CI, -0.030, -0.013), with a plateau above this threshold. The results were similar for moderate (beta: -0.028; 95%CI, -0.049, -0.007) and vigorous (beta: -0.025; 95%CI, -0.043, -0.007), but not for light-intensity LTPA. LTPA at follow-up was not associated with cholesterol efflux capacity. Baseline LTPA was not associated with any of the HDL functionality parameters analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Current moderate and vigorous LTPA showed a nonlinear association with higher HDL antioxidant capacity. Maximal benefit was observed with low-intermediate doses of total LTPA (up to 400 METs x min/d). Our results agree with current recommendations for moderate-vigorous LTPA practice and suggest an association between PA and HDL functionality in the general population.

Associations Between the Modified Food Standard Agency Nutrient Profiling System Dietary Index and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in an Elderly Population.

Background: Helping consumers to improve the nutritional quality of their diet is a key public health action to prevent cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The modified version of the Food Standard Agency Nutrient Profiling System Dietary Index (FSAm-NPS DI) underpinning the Nutri-Score front-of-pack label has been used in public health strategies to address the deleterious consequences of poor diets. This study aimed to assess the association between the FSAm-NPS DI and some CVD risk factors including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, plasma glucose levels, triglyceride levels, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and diastolic and systolic blood pressure. Materials and Methods: Dietary intake was assessed at baseline and after 1 year of follow-up using a 143-item validated semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Dietary indices based on FSAm-NPS applied at an individual level were computed to characterize the diet quality of 5,921 participants aged 55-75 years with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome from the PREDIMED-plus cohort. Associations between the FSAm-NPS DI and CVD risk factors were assessed using linear regression models. Results: Compared to participants with a higher nutritional quality of diet (measured by a lower FSAm-NPS DI at baseline or a decrease in FSAm-NPS DI after 1 year), those participants with a lower nutritional quality of diet (higher FSAm-NPS DI or an increase in score) showed a significant increase in the levels of plasma glucose, triglycerides, diastolic blood pressure, BMI, and waist circumference (ß coefficient [95% confidence interval]; P for trend) (1.67 [0.43, 2.90]; <0.001; 6.27 [2.46, 10.09]; <0.001; 0.56 [0.08, 1.05]; 0.001; 0.51 [0.41, 0.60]; <0.001; 1.19 [0.89, 1.50]; <0.001, respectively). No significant associations in relation to changes in HDL and LDL-cholesterol nor with systolic blood pressure were shown. Conclusion: This prospective cohort study suggests that the consumption of food items with a higher FSAm-NPS DI is associated with increased levels of several major risk factors for CVD including adiposity, fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, and diastolic blood pressure. However, results must be cautiously interpreted because no significant prospective associations were identified for critical CVD risk factors, such as HDL and LDL-cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure.

Nutritional adequacy according to carbohydrates and fat quality.

PURPOSE: To investigate the association between carbohydrate quality, fat quality or adherence to the Mediterranean diet and intake adequacy of 19 micronutrients in the PREDIMED (PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea) trial, a multicenter, randomized, controlled, parallel group and primary prevention trial conducted in Spain. METHODS: We assessed baseline dietary intake of 6,542 elderly subjects at high cardiovascular risk through a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and a validated 14-item Mediterranean diet (Med-diet) score. We used a multidimensional carbohydrate quality index (CQI) using four criteria and a fat quality index (FQI) according to the ratio (MUFA + PUFA)/(SFA + TFA). The probability of intake adequacy was calculated comparing the intakes to DRI, and also using the probabilistic approach. Absolute and adjusted probability of having inadequate intake for either ≥6 DRI or ≥8 DRI were estimated to assess nutritional adequacy according to quintiles of each index. RESULTS: The lowest prevalence of inadequate micronutrient intake (≥8 DRI) was found in the highest quintile of CQI or Med-diet score, and in the lowest quintile of FQI (adjusted fold risk: 1.4, 3.4 and 10.2 respectively in comparison with the lowest quintile). P for trend <0.001 in three multivariable models. A higher CQI or Med-Diet score and a lower FQI were significantly associated with a lower fold risk of unmet EAR values. CONCLUSIONS: A multidimensional assessment of CQI can be a useful tool to evaluate the quality of carbohydrates. This score and a 14-item Med-diet score were positively related to overall micronutrient adequacy in elderly participants.

Dietary habits in patients with ischemic stroke: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Diet appears to have some role in stroke development. The objective of our study was to describe the dietary habits in patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke and compare selected dietary components with healthy controls. Adherence to healthy diet behaviors was also assessed. METHODS: A case-control study of consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to the Neurology Department of Hospital del Mar from 2007 to 2010. Patients were matched by age and sex with control subjects. A previously validated nutritional survey was administered to patients and controls. Demographic data, vascular risk factors, caloric intake and dietary nutrients were evaluated. Intention to follow a healthy diet was also assessed in both groups. RESULTS: A total of 300 acute ischemic stroke patients and 300 controls with evaluation of dietary habits. No differences were observed in vascular risk factors, except smoking habit, diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Stroke patients reported a higher caloric intake: 2444.8(1736.8-3244.5) vs 2208.7(1753.1-2860.7) Kcal, p = 0.001. After adjusting for energy intake, patients had higher intake of proteins (p<0.001; OR 1.02), total cholesterol (p = 0.001; OR 1.04), and breaded foods (p = 0.001; OR 1.94) and lower consumption of probiotic yogurt (p = 0.002; OR 0.88). Compared to patients, control participants indicated greater intention to eat vegetables (p = 0.002; OR 1.5) and whole foods (p = 0.000; OR 2.4) and reduce their intake of salt (p = 0.002; OR 1.7), fat (p = 0.000; OR 3.7) and sweets (p = 0.004; OR 1.7) than patients. CONCLUSION: We observed different dietary patterns between stroke patients and controls. Stroke patients have a higher caloric intake and are less concerned about maintaining healthy nutritional habits.

New method for stock-tank oil compositional analysis.

A new method for accurately determining stock-tank oil composition to normal pentatriacontane using gas chromatography is developed and validated. The new method addresses the potential errors associated with the traditional equipment and technique employed for extended hydrocarbon gas chromatography outside a controlled laboratory environment, such as on an offshore oil platform. In particular, the experimental measurement of stock-tank oil molecular weight with the freezing point depression technique and the use of an internal standard to find the unrecovered sample fraction are replaced with correlations for estimating these properties. The use of correlations reduces the number of necessary experimental steps in completing the required sample preparation and analysis, resulting in reduced uncertainty in the analysis.

Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors interfere in different ways with pentylenetetrazole seizures, kindling, and kindling-related learning deficits.

LY 367385 (mGluR1) and MPEP (mGluR5), which are group I metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) antagonists, were used to investigate their effects on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) seizures, kindling, and kindling-related learning deficits. Both substances showed anticonvulsant efficacy against seizures induced by lower doses of PTZ (40 mg/kg), but they were ineffective in counteracting seizures evoked by higher PTZ doses. When these substances were given in the course of kindling induction, LY significantly depressed the progression of kindled seizure severity. In contrast, MPEP was ineffective in this experiment. Treatment with either LY or MPEP did not modify the reaction to challenge dose of PTZ. Kindling results in a worsening of shuttle-box learning. LY improved shuttle-box learning when administered in the course of kindling development or when given prior to the learning experiment. This suggests protective and restorative effectiveness. In contrast, MPEP was only effective on the learning performance of kindled rats when given prior to the shuttle-box experiment, which demonstrates restorative effectiveness. Kindling is associated with an increase in glutamate binding. LY counteracted this increase whereas MPEP was ineffective. It was concluded that mGluR1 and mGluR5 play a specific role in the convulsive component of kindling. The beneficial action of the antagonists on kindling-induced impairments in shuttle-box learning may be associated with their effect on glutamatergic synaptic activity.

Ketamine-induced changes in rat behaviour: A possible animal model of schizophrenia.

It was investigated whether subchronic application of 30 mg/kg ketamine (Ket) induces reliable changes in behaviour and parameters of dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and serotonergic neurotransmissions, which might be the basis of an animal model in schizophrenia research. To test this, rats were injected with 30 mg/kg ip Ket daily for five consecutive days. In response to the first Ket injection, there was a decrease in activity time representing an acute Ket effect. Following the fifth injection, there were no differences between Ket- and saline (sal)-injected control rats in activity time, which might be a tolerance reaction. The following experiments were performed 2 or 4 weeks after Ket treatment. There were no effects on anxiety in either vehicle or Ket-treated rats using either low or high illumination levels in the elevated plus-maze. In the social interaction test, both groups of rats spent comparable times in social contact. The percentage of nonaggressive behaviour was decreased in Ket-treated rats. Two weeks after completion of the treatment, there was no effect on prepulse inhibition (PPI). Four weeks after the final Ket injection, latent inhibition (LI) was disrupted. There was no difference in the animals' activity in reaction to apomorphine (Apo) administration. Ket-treated rats injected with 0.1 mg/kg MK-801 showed an enhancement in locomotor activity. Ket treatment leads to an increase in D2 receptor binding in the hippocampus and a decrease in glutamate receptor binding in the frontal cortex. The authors did not find any changes in D1 receptor binding. The density of dopamine transporters was increased in the striatum. The density of 5-HT transporters was increased in the striatum, the hippocampus, and the frontal cortex. The results suggest that subchronic treatment with subanaesthetic doses of Ket induce schizophrenia-related alterations, which might be a useful animal model in the study of this disease.

Rewarding effects of ethanol and cocaine in mu opioid receptor-deficient mice.

To investigate the role of mu opioid receptors in the reinforcing effects of psychotropic drugs, the voluntary ethanol intake and ethanol- and cocaine-induced conditioned place preference in mu opioid receptor-deficient mice and their wild-type counterpartners was tested. Moreover, dopamine D1 and D2 receptor binding was measured. It was found that ethanol intake was significantly lower in deficient mice. Conditioned place preference in wild-type animals was induced with 5.0 mg/kg cocaine and this dose was ineffective in the knockouts. In this group conditioned place preference occurred after injection of 10.0 mg/kg cocaine. Cocaine induced a similar increase in locomotor activity in both groups of mice. There was no difference in dopamine D1 receptor binding, whereas dopamine D2 receptor binding was significantly lower in the hippocampus of deficient animals. This suggests that interaction between opioid systems and dopaminergic systems may account for the differences in responding to the drugs.