Acute effects of post-absorptive and postprandial moderate exercise on markers of inflammation in hyperglycemic individuals.

PURPOSE: Systemic inflammation is involved in the development of several diseases, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. It is known that vigorous exercise affects systemic inflammation, but less is known about exercise at lower intensities. Hyperglycemia can also entail pro-inflammatory responses; however, postprandial hyperglycemia is blunted if the meal is followed by exercise. Hypotheses were: (1) moderate physical exercise acutely affects levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1) in hyperglycemic individuals and (2) the effect depends on whether the activity is performed in a post-absorptive or postprandial state. METHODS: Twelve participants diagnosed with hyperglycemia, but not using anti-diabetic medication, underwent three test days in a randomized cross-over study; 1 control day without exercise, 1 day with 60 min of treadmill walking ending 30 min before breakfast, and 1 day with an identical bout of activity 30 min after the start of breakfast. Food intake was strictly standardized and venous blood for CRP, and sVCAM-1 analysis was sampled at standardized timepoints during the first 3.5 h after breakfast and once 24 h later. RESULTS: Merged data from the two exercise days showed that sVCAM-1 increased from baseline (4 ± 16 ng/mL) compared to the control condition (-28 ± 47 ng/mL, ES = 0.7, p = 0.024). There was no statistically significant difference in changes in sVCAM-1 levels between the two exercise test days. Exercise did not affect CRP values. CONCLUSION: Moderate exercise increases sVCAM-1 in hyperglycemic individuals, whereas it does not affect CRP.

Effects of Exercise in the Fasted and Postprandial State on Interstitial Glucose in Hyperglycemic Individuals.

The purpose of the present study was to test if one bout of moderate exercise performed in either the fasted or the postprandial state affects glucose values measured over 22 hours. Twelve participants diagnosed with hyperglycemia not using antidiabetic medications underwent 3 test days in a randomized cross-over design encompassing one test day without exercise, one test day with 60 min of treadmill walking prior to breakfast, and one test day with an identical bout of exercise 30 min after the start of breakfast. Continuous glucose monitoring was performed until the next morning (>22 hours). There was no significant effect of type of test day on the area under the glucose curve for the entire 22 hours period (p = 0.111). None of the exercise interventions had a significant effect on the area under the glucose curve after breakfast, lunch or dinner. However, the postprandial exercise bout tended to decrease the area under the glucose curve after the evening meal compared to the fasted exercise bout (24.2 ± 6.2 vs. 27.6 ± 6.0 mmol·hour·L-1, p = 0.031). Furthermore, the postprandial exercise decreased the mean of the 10 highest glucose values measured in each individual (8.6 ± 1.9 mmol·L-1) over 22 hours compared to both the control day (9.3 ± 2.1 mmol.L-1) and the day with fasted exercise (9.6 ± 1.7 mmol·L-1, p = 0.012 and 0.009 respectively). Postprandial exercise also decreased the glycemic variability compared to the control day (1.22 ± 0.49 vs. 1.58 ± 0.52 mmol·L-1, p = 0.015). We conclude that performing moderate exercise in the postprandial state after breakfast, but not in the fasted state, decreases glucose excursions during the subsequent 22 hours period in hyperglycemic individuals not using antidiabetic medications.

N-3 fatty acid intake altered fat content and fatty acid distribution in chicken breast muscle, but did not influence mRNA expression of lipid-related enzymes.

BACKGROUND: The conversions of the n-3 and n-6 fatty acid of plant origin to the C20 and C22 very long chain fatty acids (LCPUFAs) is regulated by several cellular enzymes such as elongases and desaturases. METHODS: Sixty-five male one-day old chickens (Ross 308) were randomly divided into four groups and given one of four diets; with or without linseed oil (LO), (the diets contained equal amounts of fat) and with low or high selenium (Se). Final body weight, amount of Se and fat in breast muscle, fatty acid profile, and gene expression for fatty acid desaturases (Fads1, Fads2, Fads9), HMG-CoA reductase, Acyl-CoA oxidase (Acox), carnitine palmitoyl transferase1 (Cpt1), superoxide dismutase (Sod) and glutathione peroxidase4 (Gpx4) were analyzed in all animals, and Gpx activity in whole blood was determined. RESULTS: mRNA expression of elongases and desaturases in chicken breast muscle was not affected by feed rich in C18:3n-3. The highly positive correlation between amount of fat in breast muscle and the product/precursor indices of monounsaturated fatty acid synthesis, and the negative correlation between muscle fat and indices of LCPUFA synthesis should be further studied. CONCLUSION: mRNA expression in chicken breast muscle of elongases and desaturases was not affected by feed rich in C18:3n-3. The highly positive correlation between amount of fat in breast muscle and the product/precursor indices of monounsaturated fatty acid synthesis, and the negative correlation between muscle fat and indices of LCPUFA synthesis should be further studied.

Increased EPA levels in serum phospholipids of humans after four weeks daily ingestion of one portion chicken fed linseed and rapeseed oil.

Since the amounts of arachidonic acid (AA) and EPA in food may have implications for human health, we investigated whether a small change in chicken feed influenced the blood lipid concentration in humans ingesting the chicken. Forty-six young healthy volunteers (age 20-29) were randomly allocated into two groups in a double-blind dietary intervention trial, involving ingestion of about 160 g chicken meat per day for 4 weeks. The ingested meat was either from chickens given a feed concentrate resembling the commercial chicken feed, containing 4% soybean oil (SO), or the meat was from chickens given a feed where the soybean oil had been replaced by 2% rapeseed oil plus 2% linseed oil (RLO).Serum total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol, triacylglycerols, serum phospholipid fatty acid concentration, blood pressure, body weight and C-reactive protein were determined at baseline and post-intervention. In subjects consuming chicken meat from the RLO group there was a significantly (p < 0.001) increased concentration of EPA in serum phospholipids, and a reduced ratio between AA and EPA. The participants that had a low% of EPA + DHA in serum phospholipids (less than 4.6%), all increased their% of EPA + DHA after the four week intervention period when consuming the RLO chicken. No significant response differences in cholesterol, triacylglycerol, C-reactive protein, body weight or blood pressure were observed between the groups. This trial demonstrates that a simple change in chicken feed can have beneficial effects on amount of EPA and the AA/EPA ratio in human serum phospholipids.

The Oslo health study: cheese intake was negatively associated with the metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: We previously reported that the frequency of cheese intake (FCI) was negatively associated with serum triglycerides and positively associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), both components of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). We therefore wanted to study whether FCI is associated with MetS. METHODS: The Oslo Health Study (18,770 subjects), obtained data from 7815 men and 9685 women on cheese intake and risk factors for MetS, except for fasting glucose. MetS requires central obesity and at least 2 of the following: increased triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, increased systolic or diastolic blood pressure, and elevated fasting blood glucose. We calculated the index SumRisk, providing the number of MetS factors present, and MetSRisk to reflect the combined levels of many MetS factors. The association between FCI and MetSRisk (SumRisk) was studied using regression analyses. RESULTS: In young (30 years), middle-aged (40 and 45 years), seniors (59-60), and old (75-76 years) subjects, there was an inverse association between FCI and MetSRisk (p ≤ 0.005, except in old men). Using regression, we found a consistent negative association (p < 0.001) between FCI and MetSRisk, SumRisk, single MetS components, and the complete MetS, prevailing after controlling for sex, age, time since last meal, intake of fruit/berries, fruit juice, fatty fish, coffee, alcohol, smoking, leisure time physical activity, years at school, and birthplace. FCI was also negatively associated with body mass index (p < 0.02), except in old women. CONCLUSION: Cheese intake can be negatively and independently associated with (1) an index including the level of many risk factors for MetS, (2) the number of MetS requirements present, (3) single MetS components, and (4) the complete MetS.

Malaria and Malnutrition: Kwashiorkor Associated with Low Levels of Parasitaemia.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between protein energy malnutrition (PEM) and malaria is controversial. While most studies demonstrate that PEM is associated with greater malaria morbidity, some indicate that PEM may in fact have a protective effect. PEM is differentiated into three subgroups: kwashiorkor (marked protein deficiency), marasmus (calorie deficiency), and kwashiorkor/marasmus. None of the studies concerning PEM and malaria seem to distinguish between these subgroups, and significant differences in susceptibility to malaria between these subgroups may have been overlooked. Plasmodium parasites and malaria infected erythrocytes are sensitive to oxidative stress. Since kwashiorkor patients seem to display an excess of prooxidants and as serum albumin is an important antioxidant, we hypothesized that patients with different forms of PEM might have different levels of malaria parasitaemia. METHODS: 72 PEM children older than 6 months admitted to Kwale Family Life Training Programme (Kenya) were included in the study. RESULTS: Mean parasitaemia was significantly lower in the kwashiorkor group than in the marasmus group (p < 0,001). There was no correlation between serum albumin and parasitaemia. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests a protective effect of kwashiorkor against malaria, warranting further studies.

Self-rated health showed a consistent association with serum HDL-cholesterol in the cross-sectional Oslo Health Study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between serum HDL-cholesterol concentration (HDL-C) and self rated health (SRH) in several age groups of men and women. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: The study had a cross-sectional design and included 18,770 men and women of the Oslo Health Study aged 30; 40 and 45; 69-60; 75-76 years. RESULTS: In both sexes and all age groups, SRH (3 categories: poor, good, very good) was positively correlated with HDL-C. Logistic regression analysis on dichotomized values of SRH (i.e. poor vs. good health) in each age group of men and women showed that increasing HDL-C values were associated with increasing odds for reporting good health; the odds ratio (OR) was highest in young men, and was generally lower in women than in men. Odds ratios in the 4 age groups of men were 4.94 (2.63-9.29), 2.25 (1.63-3.09), 2.12 (1.58-2.86), 1.87 (1.37-2.54); and in women: 3.58 (2.46-5.21), 2.81 (2.23-3.53), 2.28 (1.84-2.82), 1.61 (1.31-1.99). In the whole material, 1 mmol/L increase in HDL-C increased the odds for reporting good health by 2.27 (2.06-2.50; p<0.001), when adjusting for sex, age group, time since food intake and use of cholesterol lowering drugs. Chronic diseases, pain, psychological distress, smoking, alcohol, length of education, and dietary items did not have any major influence on the pattern of the HDL-C vs. SRH association. CONCLUSION: There was a consistent positive association between HDL-C and SRH, in both men and women in four different age groups, with the strongest association in young people.

Bovine milk in human nutrition--a review.

Milk and milk products are nutritious food items containing numerous essential nutrients, but in the western societies the consumption of milk has decreased partly due to claimed negative health effects. The content of oleic acid, conjugated linoleic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, short- and medium chain fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds may promote positive health effects. Full-fat milk has been shown to increase the mean gastric emptying time compared to half-skimmed milk, thereby increasing the gastrointestinal transit time. Also the low pH in fermented milk may delay the gastric emptying. Hence, it may be suggested that ingesting full-fat milk or fermented milk might be favourable for glycaemic (and appetite?) regulation. For some persons milk proteins, fat and milk sugar may be of health concern. The interaction between carbohydrates (both natural milk sugar and added sugar) and protein in milk exposed to heat may give products, whose effects on health should be further studied, and the increasing use of sweetened milk products should be questioned. The concentration in milk of several nutrients can be manipulated through feeding regimes. There is no evidence that moderate intake of milk fat gives increased risk of diseases.

[Milk and health]. / Melk og helse.

BACKGROUND: Milk has been an important part of Norwegian nutrition for generations. The article is a review of literature concerning research on milk and health. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Relevant literature with results that were confirmed by others were chosen from acknowledged journals from Pubmed in the period 1977-2006, by using the search words milk, fat, atherosclerosis, omega-3, omega-6, cancer, allergy, trace elements, iodine and selenium. RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION: Milk and milk products contain many essential nutrients. The content of oleic acid, conjugated linoleic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, short- and medium chain fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds may promote positive health effects. Certain studies indicate that a moderate intake of milk fat reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, possibly through reduced formation of small dense LDL-particles, despite of its inherent tendency to increase total cholesterol. For individuals with genetic metabolic defects, milk proteins, fat and milk sugar may cause health problems. The low pH in fermented milk and the formation of substances during the fermentation process may have a beneficial effect. Full-fat milk and fermented milk lead to delayed gastric emptying, and thereby to reduced glycaemia and reduced appetite. Harmful substances may be formed when proteins react with sugar, especially at a high temperature; a fact that should be considered with an increasing use of sweetened milk products. The cow's diet affects the milk's content of many nutrients as for example fatty acids, iodine and selenium. The composition of milk for commercial use should be investigated.

Effect of a cheese rich in angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibiting peptides (Gamalost(®)) and a Gouda-type cheese on blood pressure: results of a randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: High blood pressure (BP) is the leading risk factor for global disease burden, contributing to 7% of global disability adjusted life years. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibiting bioactive peptides have the potential to reduce BP in humans. These peptides have been identified in many dairy products and have been associated with significant reductions in BP. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this trial was to examine whether a cheese rich in ACE-inhibiting peptides (Gamalost(®)), or a standard Gouda-type cheese could lower BP. DESIGN: A total of 153 healthy participants were randomised to one of three parallel arms: Gamalost(®) (n=53, 50 g/day for 8 weeks), Gouda-type cheese (n=50, 80 g/day for 8 weeks), and control (n=50). BP and anthropometric measurements were taken at the baseline and at the end, with an additional BP measurement midway. Based on BP at baseline, participants were categorised as having optimal BP (<120/<80 mmHg), normal-high BP (120-139/80-89 mmHg), or being hypertensive (>140/>90 mmHg). Questionnaires about lifestyle, health, and dietary habits were completed at baseline, midway and end. RESULTS: In total, 148 participants (mean age 43, 52% female) completed the intervention. There were no differences among the three groups in relevant baseline characteristics. BP was reduced in the entire study population, but the cheese groups did not differ from control. However, in a subgroup of participants with slightly elevated BP, BP at 4 weeks of intervention seemed to be borderline significantly more reduced in the Gamalost(®) group compared with the control group (Dunnett test: diastolic BP -3.5 mmHg, 95% confidence interval (CI) -7.3, 0.4, systolic BP: -4.3 mmHg, 95% CI -9.8, 1.1). CONCLUSION: An intention-to-treat analysis of the data showed no cheese effect upon BP compared to control, but Gamalost(®) seemed to have a small, non-significant lowering effect on diastolic BP after 4 weeks in people with a normal-high BP.

Serum albumin and blood pressure: a population-based, cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Information about the association between serum albumin and blood pressure is limited. The purpose of the present paper was to investigate this relationship in different age groups in males and females. METHODS: In the cross-sectional Norwegian Oslo Health Study, the concentration of serum albumin and blood pressure was determined in 5071 men and women 30-75 years of age. The albumin-blood pressure relationship was studied using multiple regression. RESULTS: In general, men had higher albumin values than women, and young subjects had higher albumin values than old. Within all age groups and in both sexes, systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased with increasing albumin concentration within the physiological range. An increase in the albumin concentration over the physiological range from approximately 40 to 50 g/l was associated with an increase in the systolic blood pressure between 5 and 11 mmHg in males, depending on age, and between 6 and 17 mmHg in females. Corresponding increases in diastolic blood pressure were between 3 and 7 mmHg in males, and 4 to 9 mmHg in females. Per one SD increment in the albumin concentration the blood pressure increase was 1-3 mmHg. CONCLUSION: Within the different age groups, irrespective of sex and age, a positive association was found between serum albumin and blood pressure. Since albumin, in contrast to high blood pressure, is considered to be cardioprotective, the two variables probably affect cardiovascular risk by unrelated mechanisms.

Effect of intensive acupuncture on pain-related social and psychological variables for women with chronic neck and shoulder pain--an RCT with six month and three year follow up.

OBJECTIVES: This study examines whether intensive acupuncture treatment can improve several social and psychological variables for women with chronic pain in the neck and shoulders, and whether possible effects are long-lasting. The effects on pain have been reported elsewhere. METHODS: Twenty-four female office workers (47 +/- 9 years old, mean +/- SD) who had had neck and shoulder pain for 12 +/- 9 years, were randomly assigned to a test group or a control group. Acupuncture was applied 10 times during three to four weeks either at presumed acupuncture points for pain (test group) or at sham points (control group). In addition, acupressure was given to patients between treatments, at either real or sham points. Questionnaires for social and psychological variables were completed before each treatment, just after the course, and six months and three years later. RESULTS: The pain-related activity impairment at work was significantly less in the test group than the controls by the end of treatment (P < 0.04). Also there were significant differences between the groups for quality of sleep, anxiety, depression and satisfaction with life (P < 0.05). At six months and three years follow ups the acupuncture group showed further improvements in most variables and was again significantly different from the control group. CONCLUSION: Intensive acupuncture treatment may improve activity at work and several relevant social and psychological variables for women with chronic pain in the neck and shoulders. The effect may last for at least three years.

Effect of acupuncture treatment on chronic neck and shoulder pain in sedentary female workers: a 6-month and 3-year follow-up study.

The study was carried out to examine whether acupuncture treatment can reduce chronic pain in the neck and shoulders and related headache, and also to examine whether possible effects are long-lasting. Therefore, 24 female office workers (47+/-9 years old, mean+/-SD) who had had neck and shoulder pain for 12+/-9 years were randomly assigned to a test group (TG) or a control group (CG). Acupuncture was applied 10 times during 3-4 weeks either at presumed anti-pain acupoints (TG) or at placebo-points (CG). A physician measured the pain threshold (PPT) in the neck and shoulder regions with algometry before the first treatment, and after the last one and six months after the treatments. Questionnaires on muscle pain and headache were answered at the same occasions and again 3 years after the last treatment. The intensity and frequency of pain fell more for TG than for CG (Pb < or = 0.04) during the treatment period. Three years after the treatments TG still reported less pain than before the treatments (Pw < 0.001) contrary to what CG did (Pb < 0.04) The degree of headache fell during the treatment period for both groups, but more for TG than for CG (Pb=0.02) Three years after the treatments the effect still lasted for TG (Pw < 0.01) while the degree of headache for CG was back to the pre-treatment level (Pb < 0.001) PPT of some muscles rose during the treatments for TG and remained higher 6 months after the treatments (Pw < 0.05) which contrasts the situation for CG. Adequate acupuncture treatment may reduce chronic pain in the neck and shoulders and related headache. The effect lasted for 3 years.

[Lipid balance and cardiovascular risk in patients in a psychiatric long-term facility]. / Lipidbalanse og risiko for hjerte- og karsykdom hos langtidspsykiatriske pasienter.

UNLABELLED: Increase in weight and changes in lipid and glucose metabolism often occur in severe mental illness. It is established that this may hinge on the mental illness as such, and on lifestyle, resident living in institutions and on medication. We performed an explorative study of these factors in a general psychiatric long-term facility. MATERIAL: 30 resident patients gave fasting blood samples that were analysed for lipid and glucose variables. Body mass index, blood pressure and smoking habits were noted, as was medication history of neuroleptics. Patients were asked about family risk of coronary heart disease and diabetes. RESULTS: Body mass index was > 25 in 80% and > 30 in 40% of patients. Four patients had diabetes. Total cholesterol was > 6 mmol/l in 10 patients. The ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol was > 5 in 60%. An atherogenic index containing apolipoprotein measurements was above cut-off in 11 patients. The patients had experience with the use of a mean of 4.1 (SD = 2.1) different neuroleptics. 9 out of 12 patients who had used clozapin and/or olanzapin had a body mass index > 30. 25 patients smoked a mean of 17 cigarettes a day. INTERPRETATION: Most of our patients carry a high risk of coronary heart disease and diabetes. Even if this risk may partly be due to the mental illness itself, risk is also attributable to a combination of an unhealthy life style, medication and smoking. It is of utmost importance that health professionals, leisure time therapists and catering personnel do their best in order to reduce organisationally induced risk, as these patients cannot be expected to respond adequately to advice.

Intervention effects on physical activity and insulin levels in men of Pakistani origin living in Oslo: a randomised controlled trial.

High prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is seen in some immigrant groups in Western countries, particularly in those from the Indian subcontinent. Our aims were to increase the physical activity (PA) level in a group of Pakistani immigrant men, and to see whether any increase was associated with reduced serum glucose and insulin concentrations. The intervention was developed in collaboration with the Pakistani community. It used a social cognitive theory framework and consisted of structured supervised group exercises, group lectures, individual counselling and telephone follow-up. One- hundred and fifty physically inactive Pakistani immigrant men living in Oslo, Norway, were randomised to either a control group or an intervention group. The 5-month intervention focused on increasing levels of PA, which were assessed by use of accelerometer (Actigraph MTI 7164) recordings. Risk of diabetes was assessed by serum glucose and insulin concentrations determined in a fasted state, and after an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). ANCOVA was used to assess differences between groups. There was a mean difference in PA between the two groups of 49 counts per minute per day, representing a 15 % (95 % CI = 8.7-21.2; P = 0.01) higher increase in total PA level in the intervention group than in the control group. Insulin values taken 2 h after an OGTT were reduced in the intervention group by 27 % (95 % CI = 18.9-35.0; P = 0.02) more than those in the control group. There were no differences in fasting or postprandial glucose values between the groups at the follow-up test. This type of intervention can increase PA and reduce serum insulin in Pakistani immigrant men, thereby presumably reducing their risk of T2D.

Cheese can reduce indexes that estimate fatty acid desaturation. Results from the Oslo Health Study and from experiments with human hepatoma cells.

Previously, cheese intake was shown to be inversely related to serum triglycerides, raising the possibility that cheese might inhibit triglyceride synthesis, which is governed by fatty acid desaturases. Therefore, analyses were done to study whether cheese intake was associated with indexes that reflect fatty acid desaturation in 121 healthy ethnic Norwegians aged 40-45 years, a subsample from the Oslo Health Study (N = 18 777). Experiments with human hepatoma cells (HepG2) were done to clarify whether cheese might have a causal effect on desaturases. Fatty acid distribution in lipids of human sera and HepG2 cells was determined by gas chromatography. Δ9-Desaturase was estimated by the (16:1,n-7)/(16:0) and (18:1,n-9)/(18:0) ratios, abbreviated ds9_1 and ds9_2, and Δ5-desaturase (ds5) by the (20:4,n-6)/(18:2,n-6) ratio. Correlation, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression models were used to study associations. Oslo Health Study: Subjects with cheese intake >4-6 times per week had 33% lower ds9_1 and 16% lower ds5 than subjects with intake ≤ 4-6 times per week. The cheese intake vs. ds5 association prevailed when adjusting for sex, time since last meal, fatty fish, vegetables, fruit-berries, fruit juice, cod liver oil, coffee, alcohol, body mass index, physical activity, length of education, and smoking. HepG2 cells: An ethanol extract of Jarlsberg cheese lowered the desaturase indexes. Inhibition of ds9_1 increased with increasing amount cheese extract added. Thus, cheese may contain inhibitors of desaturases, thereby providing an explanation for the previously reported negative association between cheese intake and triglycerides.

Slow post meal walking reduces the blood glucose response: an exploratory study in female Pakistani immigrants.

Postprandial physical activity may blunt the blood glucose response. In diabetes prone female immigrants only slow walking is regularly performed raising the question of whether also this type of physical activity can attenuate their post meal blood glucose elevation. Using a cross over design, 11 female Pakistani immigrants living in Oslo were recruited to participate in three experiments where their blood glucose concentration was measured every 15 min for 2 h after intake of a high glycemic food, either while resting after the meal or doing very light post meal walking of two durations. Postprandial blood glucose peak value and incremental area under the 2 h blood glucose curve decreased with increasing duration of slow post meal walking. Also the blood pressure was lowered. Post meal walking can strongly attenuate the glycemic response to carbohydrates and reduce blood pressure in a high risk group of immigrants.

Effect of a physical activity intervention on the metabolic syndrome in Pakistani immigrant men: a randomized controlled trial.

Physical activity (PA) is thought to prevent the metabolic syndrome (MetS), which is prevalent among south Asian immigrants in Western countries. The purpose of this study was to explore whether increasing PA improves the MetS and associated components in a group of Pakistani immigrant men living in Norway. One- hundred and fifty physically inactive Pakistani immigrant men were randomized to either a control group (CG) or an intervention group (IG). The 5 months intervention focused on increasing PA level, which was assessed using accelerometer recordings. Total PA level (counts min(-1)) increased significantly more in the IG than in the CG. The mean difference between the two groups was 49 counts min(-1), which translates into a 15% (95% CI = 8.7% to 21.2%; P = 0.01) greater increase in total PA level in the IG than in the CG. Serum insulin concentration and waist circumference decreased more in the IG compared with the CG. Other MetS related factors and the prevalence of the MetS did not differ between the groups after the intervention. A five- month intervention program can increase PA level and cardiorespiratory fitness, and reduce insulin concentration and waist circumference. However this intervention program may not lower the prevalence of the complete MetS in Pakistani immigrant men.

Daily intake of cod or salmon for 2 weeks decreases the 18:1n-9/18:0 ratio and serum triacylglycerols in healthy subjects.

Intake of fish and omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids is associated with a reduced concentration of plasma triacylglycerols (TAG) but the mechanisms are not fully clarified. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1) activity, governing TAG synthesis, is affected by n-3 fatty acids. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) display expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism. The aim of the present study was to estimate whether intake of lean and fatty fish would influence n-3 fatty acids composition in plasma phospholipids (PL), serum TAG, 18:1n-9/18:0 ratio in plasma PL, as well as PBMC gene expression of SCD1 and fatty acid synthase (FAS). Healthy males and females (n = 30), aged 20-40, consumed either 150 g of cod, salmon, or potato (control) daily for 15 days. During intervention docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) increased in the cod group (P < 0.05), while TAG concentration decreased (P < 0.05). In the salmon group both eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and DHA increased (P < 0.05) whereas TAG concentration and the 18:1n-9/18:0 ratio decreased (P < 0.05). Reduction of the 18:1n-9/18:0 ratio was associated with a corresponding lowering of TAG (P < 0.05) and an increase in EPA and DHA (P < 0.05). The mRNA levels of SCD1 and FAS in PBMC were not significantly altered after intake of cod or salmon when compared with the control group. In conclusion, both lean and fatty fish may lower TAG, possibly by reducing the 18:1n-9/18:0 ratio related to allosteric inhibition of SCD1 activity, rather than by influencing the synthesis of enzyme protein.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes among female Pakistani immigrants: the InvaDiab-DEPLAN study on Pakistani immigrant women living in Oslo, Norway.

The risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Pakistani immigrants is high. The aim of this study was to provide an update of the risk of T2D and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in female Pakistani immigrants living in Oslo, Norway. Female Pakistani immigrants (n = 198, age 25-63) were interviewed, and data related to T2D, including anthropometric measurements, blood data, heart rate, and level of physical activity, were determined. Ninety-eight percentage had body mass index (BMI > 23 kg m(-2)) and 39% were obese (BMI ≥ 30). Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was found in 37%, MetS in 41%, and T2D in 13%, using fasting glucose. By score evaluation, approximately 90% had risk of T2D. The participants had low energy expenditure, despite acceptable number of steps walked during a day. The risk of T2D is very high in female Pakistani immigrants in Oslo.