Nutrition
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It remains unsettled whether dietary patterns play a role in insulin resistance. We assessed the association of major dietary patterns with C-peptide concentrations in a Japanese working population. ⋯ The Westernized breakfast pattern may be associated with a lower insulin resistance in Japanese women.
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Diets rich in protein are often used for weight loss in obese patients, but their long-term effects are not fully understood. Homocysteine (Hcy) is considered to be a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and its levels are influenced by diet, particularly the protein and fat content. We studied the effect of diets with varying fat/protein content on body weight and composition, food intake, Hcy, B vitamins, leptin, and several pro-inflammatory cytokines. ⋯ These data confirm the beneficial effects of HP diets on body weight but bring attention to the control of folate allowance to limit the adverse effects of elevated Hcy. Ingestion of folate-rich foods or even folate supplementation should be considered when using these HP diets over the long term for weight loss.
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We investigated factors leading to a reduction in enteral nutrition (EN) prescribed by a nutritional support team (NST) at a general hospital in Brazil. ⋯ Major reasons for inadequate EN intake are (in decreasing order) operational logistical problems, gastric stasis, accidental loss of enteral feeding tube, and interference by an external physician (not an NST member). Cardiologic patients and ICU patients are at a higher risk for inadequacy than neurologic patients.
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Oxidative stress and inflammation seem to mediate the cardiovascular risks associated with salt sensitivity. Because hydroxymethyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors decrease oxidation and increase nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, we examined the effects of atorvastatin (ator) on tissue injury in rats with a reduced renal mass produced by 5/6 nephrectomy. This salt-sensitive hypertension model causes kidney and cardiovascular injuries. ⋯ Atorvastatin exerts beneficial effects on renal function, injury, and salt sensitivity in rats with a reduced renal mass on an NNaD. The HNaD hampers these beneficial effects.
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Argan oil has been shown to inhibit in vitro and ex vivo platelet aggregation without extending bleeding time. In this report, we examined in vivo the antithrombotic activity of argan oil in an experimental thrombosis model in mice: acute pulmonary thromboembolism and in vitro its effect in a coagulation assay. ⋯ We suggest that argan oil might be an interesting natural dietary source for the nutritional prevention of hemostasis and cardiovascular disorders. Clinical trials would be necessary and relevant to confirm this hypothesis.