Background: Inflammatory cytokine levels are associated with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and can be influenced by a person’s macronutrient profile. This work aims to evaluate the relationship ...between the compliance with the age-specific recommended protein intake and the levels of inflammatory markers related to the risk of NCDs. Methods: The study participants included 347 participants (119 men and 228 women), ages 18 to 86 years. Cardio-metabolic risk evaluations, including an assessment of the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome, were performed. Leptin, IL-15, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were measured. Results: The adequacy of the total protein (TP) intake was lower in old people compared to individuals aged <60 years, and only few volunteers consumed the suggested 50% plant protein (PP) for a healthy and sustainable diet. A lower risk of NCDs with a PP consumption above at least 40% was observed only in old individuals. A differential effect on TNF-α and IL-6 was observed for both TP and PP intake by gender and age class, whereas for leptin and IL-15 only significant interactions among sex and the class of age were found. Conclusion: Although our data suggest that consuming more than 40% of PP can reduce the risk of NCDs, the effect of gender differences on cytokine levels should be considered in larger studies.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Zinc is an essential component for all living organisms, representing the second most abundant trace element, after iron. This element is widely distributed in the tissues of a human body where it is ...involved in normal growth, reproduction and several biological functions including immunity, energy metabolism and antioxidant processes. Because of its essential role, zinc levels in the human body must remain constant, independently of dietary intake fluctuations. The homeostasis of zinc is a well-regulated cellular process and has been reported to be chiefly mediated by the expression and activity of zinc-binding proteins such as metallothioneins and zinc transporters. Genes encoding for these proteins are subjected to genetic variants.
We performed a multi-database electronic search to provide an overview on the relationship between specific polymorphisms (SNP) of genes encoding for metallothioneins and zinc transporters and their relationship with zinc status, immune function and some non-communicable diseases.
A number of SNP are implicated in a range of metabolic disease. Some SNP may affect the impact of zinc supplementation on immune function, diabetes, and obesity.
New studies are needed to clarify the interaction between individual genetic profile and zinc status. Moreover, there is a need for a better interaction between the scientific bodies and health professionals to allow better dietary and behavioural recommendations to promote human health, with particular concern to elderly people.
A large proportion of European children, adults and older adults do not engage in sufficient physical activity (PA). Understanding individual and contextual factors associated with PA behaviours is ...essential for the identification and implementation of effective preventative environments, policies, and programmes that can promote an active lifestyle across life course and can potentially improve health. The current paper intends to provide 1) a multi-disciplinary, Pan-European and life course view of key determinants of PA behaviours and 2) a proposal of how these factors may cluster.
After gathering a list of 183 potential PA behaviours-associated factors and a consensus meeting to unify/consolidate terminology, a concept mapping software was used to collate European experts' views of 106 identified factors for youth (<19 years), adults (19-64 years), and older adults (≥65 years). The analysis evaluated common trends in the clustering of factors and the ratings of the distinct factors' expected modifiability and population-level impact on PA behaviours across the life course. Priority for research was also assessed for each cluster.
The concept mapping resulted in six distinct clusters, broadly merged in two themes: 1) the 'Person', which included clusters 'Intra-Personal Context and Wellbeing' and 'Family and Social Economic Status' (42 % of all factors) and 2) the 'Society', which included the remaining four clusters 'Policy and Provision', 'Cultural Context and Media', 'Social Support and Modelling', and 'Supportive Environment' (58 % of all factors). Overall, 25 factors were rated as the most impactful on PA behaviours across the life course and being the most modifiable. They were mostly situated in the 'Intra-Personal Context and Wellbeing' cluster. Furthermore, 16 of them were rated as top priority for research.
The current framework provides a preliminary overview of factors which may account for PA behaviour across the life course and are most relevant to the European community. These insights could potentially be a foundation for future Pan-European research on how these factors might interact with each other, and assist policy makers to identify appropriate interventions to maximize PA behaviours and thus the health of European citizens.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Abstract Background/objective Increased physical activity (PA) and decreased sedentary behaviors (SBs) may have beneficial effects on cardio-metabolic risk in adolescents. The aim of this study was ...to examine the associations between independent/combined effects of PA and SB with individual/clustered cardio-metabolic risk factors. Methods A sample of 769 adolescents (12.5–17.5 years) from the HELENA cross-sectional study (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) and with valid data on metabolic risk factors were included. Results Concerning moderate-to-vigorous-PA (MVPA) and vigorous-PA (VPA), measured with accelerometers, girls tended to do more MVPA (36%) and VPA (114%) than boys. Unadjusted analyses show a positive association between “PA ≥ 60 min/d; SB ≥ 2 h” and the ratio TC/HDL-c (β = 0.27; 95%CI 0.01 to 0.52; p < 0.05), and a negative association between “MVPA ≥ 60 min/d; SB < 2 h” with the ∑ 4Skinfolds (β = − 0.32; 95%CI − 0.61 to − 0.02; p < 0.05). Moreover, “SB ≥ 2 h/d” was associated with increased cardio-metabolic risk (PR 1.59; 95%CI 1.05 to 2.39; p < 0.05), while “PA ≥ 60 min/d; SB < 2 h” had a protective effect against cardio-metabolic risk (PR 0.48; 95%CI 0.25 to 0.91; p < 0.05). After adjustment for potential confounders, a positive association between SB and ∑ 4Skinfolds was shown (β = 0.28; 95%CI 0.04 to 0.53; p < 0.05). Furthermore, VO2 max (mL/kg/min) tends to increase in those participants who do higher VPA and less SB (p = 0.042), and there was a protective effect of “VPA ≥ 30 min/d; SB < 2 h” against cardio-metabolic risk (PR 0.24; 95%CI 0.07 to 0.85; p < 0.05). Conclusion The current study suggests that adolescents should be encouraged to decrease sedentary lifestyle and increase physical activity, especially vigorous physical activity, in order to reduce cardio-metabolic risk.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the overall diet quality effects, mainly on antioxidant nutritional status and some cytokines related to the cellular immune response as well as oxidative ...stress in a healthy Italian population group.
An observational study was conducted on 131 healthy free-living subjects. Dietary intake was assessed by dietary diary. Standardised procedures were used to make anthropometric measurements. On blood samples (serum, plasma and whole blood) were evaluated: antioxidant status by vitamin A, vitamin E, carotenoids, vitamin C, uric acid, SH groups, SOD and GPx activities; lipid blood profile by total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides; total antioxidant capacity by FRAP and TRAP; the immune status by TNF-α, and IL-10 cytokines; the levels of malondialdehyde in the erythrocytes as marker of lipid peroxidation.
The daily macronutrients intake (g/day) have shown a high lipids consumption and significant differences between the sexes with regard to daily micronutrients intake. On total sample mean Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) was 4.5 ± 1.6 and no significant differences between the sexes were present. A greater adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern increases the circulating plasma levels of carotenoids (lutein plus zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, α and β-carotene), vitamin A and vitamin E. The levels of endogenous antioxidants were also improved. We observed higher levels in anti-inflammatory effect cytokines (IL-10) in subjects with MDS ≥ 6, by contrast, subjects with MDS ≤ 3 show higher levels in sense of proinflammatory (TNF α P < 0.05). Lower levels of MDA were associated with MDS > 4. Our data suggest a protective role of vitamin A against chronic inflammatory conditions especially in subjects with the highest adherence to the Mediterranean-type dietary pattern.
Mediterranean dietary pattern is associated with significant amelioration of multiple risk factors, including a better cardiovascular risk profile, reduced oxidative stress and modulation of inflammation.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VSZLJ
Vicente-Rodríguez, G, Rey-López, JP, Ruíz, JR, Jiménez-Pavón, D, Bergman, P, Ciarapica, D, Heredia, JM, Molnar, D, Gutierrez, A, Moreno, LA, and Ortega, FB. Interrater reliability and time ...measurement validity of speed-agility field tests in adolescents. J Strength Cond Res 25(7)2059-2063, 2011—The aim of this study was to examine the interrater reliability (trained vs. untrained raters) and criterion-related validity (manual vs. automatic timing) of the 4 × 10-m shuttle run and 30-m running speed tests (times measured). The study comprised 85 adolescents (38 girls) aged 13.0-16.9 years from the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence study. The time required to complete the 4 × 10-m shuttle run and 30-m running tests was simultaneously measured (a) manually with a stopwatch by both trained and untrained raters (for interrater reliability analysis), and (b) by using photoelectric cells (for validity analysis). Systematic error, random error, and heteroscedasticity were studied with repeated-measured analysis of variance and Bland-Altman plots. The systematic error for untrained vs. trained raters and the untrained raters vs. photoelectric cells were in all cases ∼0.1 seconds (p < 0.01), that is, untrained raters recorded higher times. No systematic error was found between trained raters and photoelectric cells (p > 0.05). No heteroscedasticity was shown in any case (p > 0.05). The findings indicate that manual measurements by a trained rater, using a stopwatch, seem to be a valid method to assess speed and agility fitness testing in adolescents. Researchers must be trained to minimize the measurement error.
Background
Despite the large number of studies and reviews available, the evidence regarding the biological determinants of physical activity (PA) is inconclusive. In this umbrella review, we ...summarized the current evidence on the biological determinants of PA across the life course, by pooling the results of the available systematic literature reviews (SLRs) and meta-analyses (MAs).
Methods
We conducted an online search on MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus databases up to January 2018. SLRs and MAs of observational studies that investigated the association between biological determinants of PA and having PA as outcome were considered eligible. The extracted data were assessed based on the importance of the determinants, the strength of evidence, and the methodological quality.
Results
We identified 19 reviews of which most were of moderate methodological quality. Determinants that were studied most frequently among all ages and demonstrated evidence suggesting a positive association to PA were younger age, being male, higher health status, and higher physical fitness levels. Among adults, normal birth weight was found to be positively associated to PA with convincing strength of evidence, while findings among adolescents were inconsistent and with limited strength of evidence.
Conclusions
Different social or behavioral factors may contribute to the decrease of PA with age and among females versus males, and creating programmes targeted at diverse ages, female population, and adults with abnormal birth weight is recommended. Future studies should use prospective study designs, standardized definitions of PA, and objective measurement methods of PA assessment.
This paper analyses the relationship between food system dynamics with consumer behaviors, in population within a protected mountain area in Italy. In order to obtain socioeconomic and nutritional ...data, a combination of qualitative and quantitative research was employed to group farmers, local authorities, and inhabitants. Our research highlighted the close relationship between local food productive sector with consumption habits of local communities. The experience of the Majella National Park can be taken as an example of promoting environmentally friendly agriculture that enhances food quality, increases resource management and preserves local cultural heritage.
Oxygen consumption volume (VO
2) and resting energy expenditure are increased in emphysema because of impaired respiratory function and mechanics, with greater oxygen cost of breathing and altered ...metabolism. We hypothesized that lung volume reduction surgery may improve energy expenditure and metabolism.
In this 1-year prospective study, 30 patients with moderate-to-severe emphysema underwent bilateral lung volume reduction surgery; 28 similar patients, who refused operation, followed a standard respiratory rehabilitation program. Oxygen consumption volume and resting energy expenditure, both corrected for fat-free mass, VO
2 proportion of respiratory muscles (%VO
2Resp), respiratory quotient, and energy substrate oxidation were determined by using a calorimetric chamber with indirect methods.
Only after surgery significant improvements resulted in 1-second forced expiratory volume (+20.4%,
p = 0.009), residual volume (−24.8%,
p = 0.001), diffusion-lung carbon-monoxide (+18.4%,
p = 0.008), body mass index (+5.5%,
p = 0.01), resting energy expenditure (−8.2%,
p = 0.006), and %VO
2Resp (−44.1%,
p = 0.0008) with increase in respiratory quotient (0.79 versus 0.84,
p = 0.03) and conversion from prevalent lipid (44.6% versus 34.3%,
p = 0.0007) to prevalent carbohydrate (25.2% versus 42.2%,
p = 0.0006) metabolism. Thirteen operated on patients discontinued oral steroids, showing the most significant improvements. The remaining 17 experienced significant changes compared with the rehabilitation group despite oral steroids (resting energy expenditure −7.0% versus +4.1%, and %VO
2Resp −34.0% versus +0.7%,
p = 0.001). Decrease of resting energy expenditure and %VO
2Resp correlated with reduction of residual volume (
p = 0.02 and
p = 0.001) and increment of body mass index (
p = 0.03 and
p = 0.004).
Lung volume reduction surgery significantly decreased %VO
2Resp and resting energy expenditure over respiratory rehabilitation and despite oral steroid therapy. Substrate oxidation changed from prevalent lipid to prevalent carbohydrate. Correlations with residual volume and nutritional status suggest that restoration of respiratory mechanics reduces energy expenditure and approximates metabolism to normal.
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the overall diet quality of an Italian population through the use of the Mediterranean Diet Serving Score (MDSS) and its relation to clinical ...and biochemical nutritional markers.
The study was conducted on healthy participants ages 18 to 86 y living in central Italy. Adherence to the Mediterranean food pattern was evaluated by a semiquantitative food frequency, using the MDSS. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical analyses of nutritional interest were performed according to the standardized procedure.
The sample included a total of 349 participants (121 men and 228 women) with an average age of 54 ± 15 y and a body mass index of 27.4 ± 4.8 kg/m2, underlining an overweight status in both men and women. The mean educational level was medium-high in both sexes, whereas the occupation level was higher in women than in men (P = 0.001). The mean MDSS score was 14.4 ± 4.1 out of a total of 24 points. The adherence was higher in women (score 14.7 ± 3.9) than men (score 13.9 ± 4.4), although there were no significant differences (P = 0.25). No statistical differences in MDSS were found in relation to body mass index and educational level, whereas a higher MDSS score was observed in the older age group (P < 0.05). A positive correlation among MDSS, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and vitamin C has been found (P < 0.05), whereas there was a negative correlation with uric acid and triacylglycerols (P < 0.05). A logistic regression analysis highlighted smoking habit as the only predictive factor for a high adherence to MDSS (P < 0.05).
MDSS has a low adherence to the Mediterranean diet, particularly in the youngest age group and smokers. The index shows a correlation with some parameters of nutritional interest and further larger cohorts studies are needed to confirm our findings.
•The Italian sample had a low adherence to Mediterranean diet.•A higher Mediterranean Diet Serving Score was identified only in the older age group.•Mediterranean Diet Serving Score is positively correlated with HDL cholesterol and vitamin C.•Mediterranean Diet Serving Score is negatively correlated with uric acid and triacylglycerols.•Smoking habit is a predictive factor for a high adherence to Mediterranean diet.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
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