Nutrition
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Evidence on the relation of saturated fatty acids (SFA) with inflammatory markers and adipokines is scarce and inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the association of the intake of total SFA, their subtypes (lauric, myristic, palmitic, and stearic acids), and SFA to polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ratio (SFA/PUFA ratio) with serum concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), adiponectin, and leptin among Portuguese adults. ⋯ A detrimental role of lauric and myristic acids and of high SFA/PUFA ratio is suggested by their association with elevated hs-CRP concentrations in men. Our findings may be helpful in the planning of dietary modifications aimed at the modulation of inflammatory activity that could be an intermediate step to coronary events.
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The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of conjugated linolenic acid (CLnA), present in vegetable oils against arsenite-induced renal oxidative stress. ⋯ CLnA isomers caused amelioration of renal oxidative stress and the isomers showed synergistic activity.
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Previous studies have associated low serum albumin levels with poor outcome in ischemic stroke. Animal studies also demonstrated neuroprotective effects of serum albumin in focal ischemia. However, there are very limited studies on the association of serum albumin levels with stroke outcome in ischemic stroke divided into subtypes. The present study was carried out to investigate the association of serum albumin levels with outcome in ischemic stroke and its subtypes. ⋯ Relatively high serum albumin levels in acute stroke decrease poor outcome.
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The berries of blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.), including an edible Kamchatka variety (var. kamtschatica Sevast.), are a potential but relatively unknown source of anthocyanins, which are thought to have favorable effects on diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to examine whether the dietary addition of a Kamchatka honeysuckle berry extract (KHBE, 327 mg anthocyanins/g) is able to limit the disorders related to these diseases induced by a high-fructose diet in rats. ⋯ An anthocyanin-rich Kamchatka honeysuckle berry extract supplemented to an unbalanced diet is able to ameliorate the disturbances in lipid and glucose metabolism that are the fundamental risk factors for CVD and diabetes. Moreover, the extract stimulates enzymatic activity within the gut that seems to be related to the metabolism of polyphenols.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Short-term folinic acid supplementation improves vascular reactivity in HIV-infected individuals: a randomized trial.
HIV-infected individuals present a cluster of conditions that activate or injure the vascular endothelium. The administration of folates may exert beneficial effects on endothelial function in different populations at risk for cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of 4 wk of folinic acid supplementation on forearm vascular responses during reactive hyperemia in HIV-infected patients under highly active antiretroviral therapy. ⋯ Short-term folinic acid supplementation improved vascular reactivity in HIV-infected individuals enrolled in the studied. As folate supplementation is safe and relatively inexpensive, long-term clinical trials should be conducted.