On March 15, 2020, the Dutch Government implemented COVID-19 lockdown measures. Although self-quarantine and social-distancing measures were implemented, restrictions were less severe compared to ...several other countries. The aim of this study was to assess changes in eating behavior and food purchases among a representative adult sample in the Netherlands (n = 1030), five weeks into lockdown. The results show that most participants did not change their eating behaviors (83.0%) or food purchases (73.3%). However, socio-demographic differences were observed among those that reported changes during lockdown. For example, participants with overweight (OR = 2.26, 95%CI = 1.24–4.11) and obesity (OR = 4.21, 95%CI = 2.13–8.32) were more likely to indicate to eat unhealthier during lockdown compared to participants with a healthy weight. Those with a high educational level (OR = 2.25, 95%-CI = 1.03–4.93) were also more likely to indicate to eat unhealthier during lockdown compared to those with a low educational level. Older participants were more likely to indicate to experience no differences in their eating behaviors compared to those of younger age, who were more likely to indicate that they ate healthier (OR = 1.03, 95%CI = 1.01–1.04) as well as unhealthier (OR = 1.04, 95%CI = 1.02–1.06) during lockdown. Participants with obesity were more likely to indicate to purchase more chips/snacks (OR = 2.79, 95%CI = 1.43–5.45) and more nonalcoholic beverages (OR = 2.74, 95%CI = 1.36–5.50) during lockdown in comparison with those with a healthy weight. Of those that used meal delivery services before, 174 (29.5%) indicated to use meal delivery services more frequently during lockdown. Although the results confirm the persistence of dietary routines, profound socio-demographic differences were observed for those that did report changes. Especially for individuals with overweight and obesity, the lockdown has taken its toll on healthy dietary choices. Further research should unravel underlying mechanisms for these observations.
•PE complicated pregnancies and postpartum period show increased ANG-II sensitivity.•PE complicated pregnancies and postpartum period show elevated levels of IL-6 and TNF-α.•PE complicated ...pregnancies show elevated levels of TGs and FFAs.•PE postpartum period show elevated levels of LDL cholesterol and leptin.•PE postpartum period show decreased levels of adiponectin.
Preeclampsia (PE) is strongly associated with heart failure (HF) later in life. The aberrant cardiac remodelling is likely initiated or amplified during preeclamptic pregnancy. Aberrant remodelling often persists after delivery and is known to relate strongly to cardiac fibrosis. This review provides an overview of pro- and anti- fibrotic circulating effector molecules that are involved in cardiac fibrosis and their association with PE. Women with PE complicated pregnancies show increased ANG-II sensitivity and elevated levels of the pro-fibrotic factors IL-6, TNF-α, TGs and FFAs compared to uncomplicated pregnancies. In the postpartum period, PE pregnancies compared to uncomplicated pregnancies have increased ANG-II sensitivity, elevated levels of the pro-fibrotic factors IL-6, TNF-α, LDL cholesterol and leptin, as well as decreased levels of the anti-fibrotic factor adiponectin. The review revealed several profibrotic molecules that associate to cardiac fibrosis during and after PE. The role that these fibrotic factors have on the heart during and after PE may improve the understanding of the link between PE and HF. Furthermore they may provide insight into the pathways in which the relation between both diseases can be understood as potential mechanisms which interfere in the process of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Unravelling the molecular mechanism and pathways involved might bring the diagnostic and therapeutic abilities of those factors a step closer.
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