Leg fat might be more protective than arm fat in relation to lipid profile

Purpose

The objective of this study was to determine the independent relationships of trunk fat, leg fat and arm fat to cardiovascular (CVD) risk factors, after controlling for relevant confounders such as fat mass index, cardiorespiratory fitness and objectively measured physical activity.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study involving 683 university students, aged 18–30 years. Total and regional body fat distribution was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The associations of trunk, leg and arm fat with CVD risk factors (triglycerides-TG-, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol-HDL-c-, TG/HDL-c ratio, HOMA_IR, mean arterial pressure, C-reactive protein) were examined using regression linear models, controlling for age, sex, fat mass index [total body fat(kg)/height(m²)], maximal oxygen consumption and physical activity by accelerometer.

Results

After controlling for fat mass index, and other confounders, higher levels of trunk fat were found to be associated with a poorer lipid profile, while higher levels of leg fat were found to be associated with a better lipid profile. We did not find any association between arm fat and lipid profile after controlling for total fatness and other confounders. Neither trunk, leg or arm fat was found to be related to insulin resistance, blood pressure or inflammation markers.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the region where fat is accumulated might have a differential effect on lipid profile: trunk fat has an adverse effect, leg fat has a protective effect, and arm fat has no effect. The differences observed between upper- and lower-body peripheral fat depots should be further explored.     

Milk-derived fatty acids are associated with a more favorable LDL particle size distribution in healthy men

A predominance of small dense LDL (sdLDL) particles is a well-established component of the atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype associated with insulin resistance and increased risk for coronary heart disease. However, the influence of diet on LDL particle size distribution is not clear. We investigated (cross-sectionally) the relations between LDL profile and dietary fatty acids (FAs) in 291 healthy men (62-64 y old) with a range of insulin sensitivities. Individuals completed a 7-d dietary record, and fasting plasma insulin, lipid, and lipoprotein concentrations as well as serum and adipose tissue FA composition were determined. The LDL profile was examined by polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis, protein-staining, and quantitative scanning, giving LDL peak particle size and the percentage distribution of LDL in 4 subfractions. The men were divided into tertiles of percentage distribution of sdLDL. Small dense LDL was positively related to plasma triacylglycerol and fasting insulin concentrations (both P < 0.0001) and inversely related to HDL cholesterol (P < 0.0001). No strong relations were found between sdLDL and the reported intake of SFA, monounsaturated fatty acids, or PUFA. However, individual FAs typically found in milk products were associated with a more favorable LDL profile (i.e., fewer sdLDL particles). This was shown for 4:0-10:0 and 14:0 in the diet (both P < 0.05), 15:0 and 17:0 in serum phospholipids (both P < 0.05), and 15:0 in serum nonesterified FAs (P < 0.01). Furthermore, 20:3(n-6) in adipose tissue and serum phospholipids was positively related to sdLDL. Therefore, LDL particle size distribution appears to be modified by dietary factors with an apparently beneficial effect of milk products.     

A monounsaturated fatty acid-rich pecan-enriched diet favorably alters the serum lipid profile of healthy men and women

Frequent consumption of nuts is associated with decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. We investigated the effect of pecans rich in monounsaturated fat as an alternative to the Step 1 diet in modifying serum lipids and lipoproteins in men and women with normal to moderately high serum cholesterol. In a single-blind, randomized, controlled, crossover feeding study, we assigned 23 subjects (mean age: 38 y; 9 women, 14 men) to follow two diets, each for 4 wk: a Step I diet and a pecan-enriched diet (accomplished by proportionately reducing all food items in a Step I diet by one fifth for a 20% isoenergetic replacement with pecans). The percentage of energy from fat in the two diets was 28.3 and 39.6%, respectively. Both diets improved the lipid profile; however, the pecan-enriched diet decreased both serum total and LDL cholesterol by 0.32 mmol/L (6.7 and 10.4%, respectively) and triglyceride by 0.14 mmol/L (11.1%) beyond the Step I diet, while increasing HDL cholesterol by 0.06 mmol/L (2.5 mg/dL). Serum apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein(a) decreased by 11.6 and 11.1%, respectively, and apolipoprotein A1 increased by 2.2% when subjects consumed the pecan compared with the Step I diet. These differences were all significant (P < 0.05). A 20% isoenergetic replacement of a Step I diet with pecans favorably altered the serum lipid profile beyond the Step I diet, without increasing body weight. Nuts such as pecans that are rich in monounsaturated fat may therefore be recommended as part of prescribed cholesterol-lowering diet of patients or habitual diet of healthy individuals.     

Effects of moderate-fat (from monounsaturated fat) and low-fat weight-loss diets on the serum lipid profile in overweight and obese men and women

BACKGROUND: Little evidence of the effects of moderate-fat (from monounsaturated fat) weight-loss diets on risk factors for cardiovascular disease exists because low-fat diets are typically recommended. Previous studies in weight-stable persons showed that a moderate-fat diet results in a more favorable lipid and lipoprotein profile (ie, lower serum triacylglycerol and higher HDL cholesterol) than does a low-fat diet. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effects of energy-controlled, low-fat and moderate-fat diets on changes in lipids and lipoproteins during weight loss and subsequent weight maintenance. DESIGN: We conducted a parallel-arm study design in overweight and obese [body mass index (in kg/m(2)): 29.8 +/- 2.4] healthy men and women (n = 53) assigned to consume a low-fat (18% of energy) or moderate-fat (33% of energy) diet for 6 wk to achieve weight loss, which was followed by 4 wk of weight maintenance. All foods were provided and body weight was monitored to ensure equal weight loss between groups. RESULTS: The moderate-fat diet elicited favorable changes in the lipoprotein profile. Compared with baseline, HDL cholesterol was unchanged, whereas triacylglycerol and the ratios of total and non-HDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol were lower at the end of the weight-maintenance period in the moderate-fat diet group. Despite similar weight loss, triacylglycerol rebounded, HDL cholesterol decreased, and the ratios of total and non-HDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol did not change during the 10-wk interval in the low-fat diet group. CONCLUSIONS: A moderate-fat weight-loss and weight-maintenance diet improves the cardiovascular disease risk profile on the basis of favorable changes in lipids and lipoproteins. There is merit in recommending a moderate-fat weight-loss diet.     

Changes in smoking status affect women more than men: results of the Lung Health Study

Lung Health Study participants were smokers aged 35-60 years with mild lung function impairment who participated in a 5-year, 10-center (nine in the United States, one in Canada) clinical trial in 1986-1994. The authors compared the relation of randomized treatment assignments and of smoking history during the study with changes in lung function between men and women. Spirometry was performed annually, and 3,348 men and 1,998 women attended the follow-up clinic visit that included spirometry at year 5. This paper reports on an analysis of changes in lung function by gender, treatment group, and three smoking history categories: sustained quitters, intermittent quitters, and continuing smokers. Among participants who quit smoking in the first year, mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) expressed as a percentage of the predicted value of FEV(1 )given the person's age, height, gender, and race (FEV(1)%) increased more in women (3.7% of predicted) than in men (1.6% of predicted) (p < 0.001). Across the 5-year follow-up period, among sustained quitters, women gained more in FEV(1)% of predicted than did men. Methacholine reactivity was more strongly related to rates of decline in women than in men (p < 0.001). Therefore, among persons at risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, smoking cessation has an even clearer advantage for women than it does for men.     

Effects of high-fat and low-fat diets rich in monounsaturated fatty acids on serum lipids,LDL size and indices of lipid peroxidation in healthy non-obese men and women when consumed under controlled conditions

Objective  

To study the effects of the dietary fat content on cardiovascular disease risk factors in humans when the fatty acid composition and types of carbohydrates are kept constant.     

Consumption of wholemeal rye bread increases serum concentrations and urinary excretion of enterolactone compared with consumption of white wheat bread in healthy Finnish men and women

Rye is an important source of plant lignans in Finland. In the present crossover trial we wanted to study the effect of rye bread as part of the usual diet on serum and urine enterolactone (ENL) concentrations in healthy volunteers. Eighteen men aged 43 (sem 2.0) years and twenty-one women aged 43 (sem 1.6) years consumed wholemeal rye bread and white wheat bread in random order for 4 weeks. The bread periods were separated by a 4 week wash-out period. The breads provided at least 20% of the daily energy intake. The mean intakes of rye bread were 219 (sem 14.6) and 162 (sem 5.3) g/d and those of wheat bread were 200 (sem 9.6) and 153 (sem 5.8) g/d for men and women respectively. Blood samples were collected from all subjects and three 24 h urine samples were collected from ten men and twelve women at the end of both bread periods for the determination of serum concentration and urinary excretion of ENL. The mean serum ENL concentrations in both men and women at the beginning of baseline period and at the end of the rye-bread period remained constant and were significantly higher than those at the end of the wheat-bread period. Correspondingly, daily urinary ENL excretion increased significantly during the rye-bread period compared with the wheat-bread period and was 5- and 10-fold higher in men and women respectively in comparison with the amount of plant lignan precursors measured in the rye bread. These data indicate the presence of other precursors for ENL in rye which are not detected by the current method of measuring plant lignans in food. The possible role of fibre in enhancement of the formation of mammalian lignans from their plant precursors in the gut also remains to be determined.     

Serum lipid profiles in Japanese women and men during consumption of walnuts

OBJECTIVE: To determine the serum cholesterol, apolipoproteins and LDL oxidizability in young Japanese women and men during walnut consumption and to evaluate its active principle. DESIGN: Experimental study with a randomized design. SUBJECTS: Twenty healthy women and 20 healthy men. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects were randomly assigned to consume each of two mixed natural diets for 4 weeks in a cross-over design. Reference and walnut diets were designed and the walnut diet had 12.5% of the energy derived from walnuts (44-58 g/day). RESULTS: The total cholesterol and serum apolipoprotein B concentrations, and the ratio of LDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol was significantly lowered in women and men when fed on the walnut diet, than when on the reference diet (P相似文献   

Consumption of a functional oil rich in phytosterols and medium-chain triglyceride oil improves plasma lipid profiles in men

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) have been proposed as weight-lowering agents, although there is some concern regarding their hyperlipidemic effect. This study evaluates the effects of a combination of MCT oil, phytosterols and flaxseed oil [functional oil (FctO)] on plasma lipid concentrations and LDL particle size. Twenty-four healthy overweight men (body mass index 28.2 +/- 0.4 kg/m(2)) consumed controlled diets designed to maintain weight for two periods of 29 d each. Diets contained 40% of energy as fat, 75% of which was added fat, either FctO or olive oil (OL). Body composition and blood samples were analyzed at the baseline and the endpoint of each period. Total cholesterol concentration decreased 12.5% (-0.68 mmol/L; P < 0.05) when subjects consumed FctO and 4.7% when they consumed OL. Similarly, FctO consumption lowered LDL cholesterol concentrations by 13.9%, whereas OL consumption did not. There was no difference in absolute change in LDL-cholesterol between FctO and OL consumption. Peak LDL particle size was greater in those who consumed FctO than in those who consumed OL (P < 0.05), with no effect of diet on proportion of large, medium or small particles. We conclude that those who consume a diet containing FctO have a better lipid profile than those who consume a diet rich in OL, which also leads to a larger lipoprotein particle size. Functional oil consumption can therefore help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.     

Effects of consumption of whole grain foods rich in lignans in healthy postmenopausal women with moderate serum cholesterol: a pilot study

This study aims at investigating the effect of an experimental period of intake of whole grain foods rich in lignans as part of an habitual diet on the plasma and urinary excretion of enterolignans, the biomarkers of lipid metabolism and the immunological and antioxidant status in a group of postmenopausal women with moderate serum cholesterol. A randomized double-blind crossover study was completed on 13 subjects in 12-weeks after protocol approval of an ethical committee. The subjects consumed whole grain foods high in lignans (30?g/d of breakfast cereals or biscuits, etc., 80?g/d of whole grain pasta) or refined grain foods for 4 weeks, separated by a 2-weeks wash-out period. A modest hypocholesterolemic effect (p?p?相似文献   

Improved lipid profile and increased serum antioxidant capacity in healthy volunteers after Sambucus ebulus L. fruit infusion consumption

This study aimed to establish the effect of Sambucus ebulus L. (SE) ripe fruit infusion on body weight, blood pressure, glucose levels, lipid profile and antioxidant markers in healthy volunteers in respect of its possible protective activity against cardiovascular diseases and other oxidative stress-related diseases. The study involved 21 healthy volunteers, aged between 20 and 59, BMI 23.12?±?1.31, who consumed 200?ml SE infusion/day for a period of 30?d. Blood samples were collected before and at the end of the intervention. Significant decrease in triglycerides (14.92%), total cholesterol (15.04%) and LDL-C (24.67%) was established at the end of the study. In addition, HDL-C/LDL-C ratio increased by 42.77%. Improved serum antioxidant capacity and total thiol levels were also established. The results presented in this first human intervention study with SE fruit infusion indicate the potential of the plant to improve lipid profile and serum antioxidant capacity in humans.     

Plasma amino acid concentrations in healthy elderly men and women

Postabsorptive plasma concentrations of the large neutral amino acids (LNAAs) were measured in 74 elderly (age 71 +/- 8 y) and 138 young (age 26 +/- 5 y) healthy subjects. Plasma concentrations of valine, leucine, and isoleucine were significantly lower in young females than in young males. This gender-related difference was not observed among elderly subjects because aging was associated with a significant rise in plasma LNAAs in females but not in males. Multiple-regression analysis of plasma amino acid concentrations from female subjects revealed a significant and positive effect of age on plasma valine, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, and tyrosine but not on plasma tryptophan or methionine. Tryptophan was the only amino acid to exhibit a significant response to age in males, consisting of a 14% decline in the elderly subjects. Percentile ranges are presented for young and elderly females and males for each of the amino acids.     

Comparative effects of a recommended lipid-lowering diet vs a diet rich in monounsaturated fatty acids on serum lipid profiles in healthy young adults.

This crossover study investigated the effects of two fat-reduced diets, one rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), the other rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), on serum lipid profiles in 38 healthy young adults initially on a typical western diet. After being randomly assigned to two groups, the subjects received the MUFA or PUFA diet for 3-wk and then the other diet for 3 wk. Both test diets led to significant reductions in serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol (P less than 0.001). Both reduced apolipoprotein B (P less than 0.001) and apolipoprotein A-I concentrations (P less than 0.01 for the MUFA, P less than 0.001 for the PUFA diet). Apolipoprotein A-I was significantly higher on the MUFA than on the PUFA diet. The ratio of apolipoprotein A-I to B significantly increased on both diets. Thus, a low-fat, MUFA-rich diet is as effective as a low-fat, PUFA-rich diet in lowering total and LDL cholesterol, but both also lowered HDL cholesterol concentrations. The MUFA-rich diet may be more advantageous than the PUFA-rich one because it does not lower apolipoprotein A-I concentrations as much as the PUFA-rich diet.     

Lowering dietary saturated fat and total fat reduces the oxidative susceptibility of LDL in healthy men and women

The present study examined the effects of reducing dietary total fat and saturated fat (SFA) on LDL oxidative susceptibility in 27 healthy men and women (age 24-65 y). Each subject consumed each of three diets for 8 wk: an average American diet (AAD, 34% energy from fat, 15% from SFA), a Step-1 diet (29% fat, 9% SFA) and a very low SFA diet (Low-Sat, 25% fat, 6% SFA). In vitro LDL oxidation was assessed by copper-mediated oxidation, as measured by the kinetics of conjugated diene formation and lipid peroxide formation. Compared with the AAD, plasma LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and HDL cholesterol levels were 8% lower (P: = 0.16 and P: = 0.11, respectively), in subjects when they consumed the Step-1 diet and 11% (P: < 0.03) and 14% (P: < 0.057) lower, respectively, when they consumed the Low-Sat diet. Conjugated diene production and oxidation rate were 7% (P: < 0. 05) and 9% (P: < 0.05) lower, respectively. The reduction of lipid peroxide formation was 9% (P: < 0.05) in subjects when they consumed the Low-Sat diet vs. the AAD. In addition, lipid peroxide and conjugated diene formation were positively correlated with plasma total and LDL-C and apolipoprotein B (apo B) levels (r = 0.5-0.6, P: < 0.001), suggesting that quantity of LDL is an important determinant of oxidative modification. Furthermore, at the same level of apo B or LDL-C, LDL from subjects when they consumed either Step-1 or Low-Sat diets was less susceptible (P: < 0.05) to oxidation than those when they consumed the AAD, suggesting that qualitative changes also affect LDL oxidative susceptibility. Therefore, the benefits of lowering dietary SFA may extend beyond decreasing LDL-C levels and include favorable qualitative changes in LDL that further decrease risk of coronary heart disease.     

Consumption of foods rich in flavonoids is related to a decreased cardiovascular risk in apparently healthy French women

A high consumption of flavonoids may lower cardiovascular risk through their antioxidant capacity. This study evaluated the relation between consumption of foods rich in flavonoids and estimated cardiovascular risk. A cross-sectional analysis was performed in 1286 women and 1005 men of the SU.VI.MAX Study (an 8-y trial evaluating the effect of antioxidant supplementation on the incidence of major chronic diseases). Dietary intakes were estimated using six 24-h dietary records collected during the year between the clinical measurement of blood pressure, weight and height and the biological measurement of total serum cholesterol and fasting plasma glucose. The relation between flavonoid rich food consumption and cardiovascular risk factors was evaluated with analyses of covariance and the effect on cardiovascular risk with logistic regression analyses. In women, flavonoid-rich food consumption was inversely related to systolic blood pressure (P = 0.005). No relation between risk factors and flavonoid-rich food consumption was seen in men. Women in the highest tertile of flavonoid-rich food consumption were at lower risk for cardiovascular disease [odds ratio (OR): 0.31; 95%CI: 0.14, 0.68], whereas a positive tendency was seen in men (OR: 1.38; 95%CI: 0.96, 2.00). These results indicate that in women, a high consumption of flavonoid-rich foods may prevent cardiovascular disease.     

Horse meat consumption affects iron status,lipid profile and fatty acid composition of red blood cells in healthy volunteers

This study investigated the effect of moderate consumption of horse meat on iron status, lipid profile and fatty acid composition of red blood cells in healthy male volunteers. Fifty-two subjects were randomly assigned to two groups of 26 subjects each: a test group consuming two portions of 175 g/week of horse meat, and a control group that abstained from eating horse meat during the 90 days trial. Before and after 90 days, blood samples were collected for analysis. Horse meat consumption significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced serum levels of total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( ? 6.2% and ? 9.1%, respectively) and transferrin ( ? 4.6%). Total n ? 3, long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids n ? 3 and docosahexeanoic acid content in erythrocytes increased (p ≤ 0.05) by about 7.8%, 8% and 11%, respectively. In conclusion, the regular consumption of horse meat may contribute to the dietary intake of n ? 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and may improve lipid profile and iron status in healthy subjects.     

Effect of consumption of tomato juice enriched with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the lipid profile, antioxidant biomarker status, and cardiovascular disease risk in healthy women

Purpose

We compared the effects of consumption of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)-enriched tomato juice versus plain tomato juice on the serum lipid profile and levels of biomarkers related to antioxidant status and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in women.

Methods

Eighteen healthy women participated in a 2-week intervention trial involving the daily intake of 500?mL of n-3 PUFA-enriched juice (n?=?11) or plain tomato juice (n?=?7). Each serving of enriched juice provided 250?mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) plus docosahexanoic acid (DHA). Both juices provided natural antioxidant compounds such as phenolics (181?mg) and lycopene (26.5?mg).

Results

Intervention with the enriched juice had no effect on the lipid profile, and serum levels of triglycerides and cholesterol (total, LDL, and HDL) remained unchanged. The serum antioxidant status improved following juice intake, as revealed by an increase in total antioxidant capacity and a slight decrease in lipid peroxidation. The serum levels of homocysteine, a cardiovascular risk factor, decreased following n-3 PUFA-enriched juice consumption. A decrease in vascular adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) levels was also noted after intake of either plain or enriched tomato juice, whereas intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) levels only decreased following intake of the enriched juice.

Conclusions

Overall, stronger positive amelioration of CVD risk factors was observed following the intake of n-3 PUFA-enriched juice than after plain tomato juice consumption, which suggested a possible synergistic action between n-3 PUFAs and tomato antioxidants.