Benefits Of Mediterranean Diet Research Articles

Children's diet assessed with the Mediterranean Diet Index: the finding of new eating habits and their impact on a cohort of Italian children.

Mediterranean Diet (MD) has been inversely associated with many diseases: it reduces total mortality and lowers cardiovascular risk. Despite the known benefits of MD, variations of dietary habits have occurred in recent years especially in young people. The aim of our study is to evaluate MD adherence in a cohort of Italian children and adolescents living in Southern Italy. Adherence to MD was evaluated with the Mediterranean Diet Index (KIDMED). Sex, age, and anthropometric measures were recorded on a population of 132 children; of those 71.2% showed poor adherence to MD, 26.5% average adherence and only 2.3% good adherence. Higher prevalence of poor adherence was recorded in obese children and there was statistically significant inverse correlation between age and adherence score. Our results highlight low adherence to MD in a cohort of Italian children. These findings support the importance of monitoring dietary habits, especially in adolescents.

Cigarette smoking abolishes the mediterranean diet benefit on exercise capacity, coronary physiology and target organ damage in hypertensive males with erectile dysfunction

Abstract Background Erectile dysfunction (ED) often coexists impairing quality of life in the hypertensive aging male population. The Mediterranean diet (Med-diet) benefits cardiovascular health. Coronary flow reserve (CFR) displays the ability of the coronary circulation to increase flow. Central vascular stiffness and microalbuminuria (UMALb) represent hypertension-related target organ damage (TOD). Purpose To investigate cigarette smoking adverse effects on the Med-diet benefit in exercise capacity, coronary physiology and TOD in hypertensive males with ED. Methods We enrolled 290 hypertensive ED males (mean age: 57 yo) with no history of diabetes mellitus or overt cardiovascular disease. 121 (42%) were current cigarette smokers. Intensity of smoking referred in packs/year. All underwent a treadmill stress test (Bruce protocol), exercise capacity was validated as metabolic equivalents (METs). We measured the CFR of the LAD artery (2D echo) by performing an adenosine protocol (max dose 140μg/Kg/min over 6 min). PW Doppler measurements were achieved at the middle/distal LAD (color Doppler flow mapping). CFR was validated as ratio between peak diastolic flow velocity following drug infusion and rest. Ratios ≥ 2 indicate macro and microvascular coronary integrity. Participants were screened for the presence of UMALb (urinary albumin loss 30 – 300 mg /24 h urine volume collection). Finally a non-invasive evaluation of the carotid – femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), estimation of central pressures and augmentation index (AIx) a parameter of wave reflection amplification were performed (Sphygmocor device). ED severity and the Med-diet adherence were assessed by the SHIM-5 (range:0-25) and the Med-diet (range:0-55) scores. Higher values indicate a better erectile ability and Med-diet compliance respectively. Results In bivariate analysis the Med-diet score was positively associated with METs, CFR and the SHIM-5 score and negatively with PWV, AIx and UMALb (p< 0,05). CFR, METs and the SHIM-5 score were also positively related (p< 0,03). In linear regression analysis the Med-diet relation remained significant after correction for age, BMI, LDL, total cholesterol and systolic blood pressure. However introducing cigarette smoking as a cofounder abolished the above relations. Packs/year were positively related to AIx, UMALb and negatively to the SHIM-5 score (p< 0,05). We also divided our population according to the mean Med-diet score (27) in high and low Med-diet groups .The high score group had higher METs and SHIM-5 score and lower PWV. Smokers had higher AIx and lower SHIM-5 score (pictures). Conclusion Cigarette smoking influences microvascular physiology and peripheral wave reflection and so abolishes Med-diet benefit on exercise capacity, coronary physiology, target organ damage and erectile ability in hypertensive males with ED. It is of vital importance consult this population avoiding smoking to restore cardiovascular health and quality of life.

Positive Effects of a Mediterranean Diet Supplemented with Almonds on Female Adipose Tissue Biology in Severe Obesity.

It has been suggested that weight-loss-independent Mediterranean diet benefits on cardiometabolic health and diabetes prevention may be mediated, at least in part, through the modulation of white adipose tissue (WAT) biology. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term effects of a dietary intervention based on the Mediterranean diet supplemented with almonds (MDSA) on the main features of obesity-associated WAT dysfunction. A total of 38 women with obesity were randomly assigned to a 3-month intervention with MDSA versus continuation of their usual dietary pattern. Subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) biopsies were obtained before and after the dietary intervention, and at the end of the study period, respectively. MDSA favored the abundance of small adipocytes in WAT. In SAT, the expression of angiogenesis genes increased after MDSA intervention. In VAT, the expression of genes implicated in adipogenesis, angiogenesis, autophagy and fatty acid usage was upregulated. In addition, a higher immunofluorescence staining for PPARG, CD31+ cells and M2-like macrophages and increased ADRB1 and UCP2 protein contents were found compared to controls. Changes in WAT correlated with a significant reduction in circulating inflammatory markers and LDL-cholesterol levels. These results support a protective effect of a Mediterranean diet supplemented with almonds on obesity-related WAT dysfunction.

Mediterranean diet and breast cancer risk: a narrative review.

Breast cancer is the second most frequent type of cancer worldwide and the most commonly occurring malignancy in women, and its incidence is increasing in most developed and developing countries. There is growing evidence that lifestyle factors, in particular diet may be associated with higher breast cancer risk. Some evidence exists regarding the benefit of Mediterranean diet on reduced risk of breast cancer in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. The protective effect of the Mediterranean diet against the risk of breast cancer, is primarily due to principal foods of this nutritional pattern. The principal components of the Mediterranean diet, such as fruits and vegetables, olive oil, fish and red wine have important antioxidants properties due to their high content of substances like polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids and fibers, along with a favorable fatty acid profile, that in turn could reduce the risk of breast cancer. Considering the severity of breast cancer and the increasing incidence in the world, there is an increasing interest in promoting prevention strategies in order to reduce the incidence. The aim of this paper is to provide a general overview of the current evidence on the relationship between breast cancer and Mediterranean diet, in premenopausal and postmenopausal women, and to emphasize the potential role of Mediterranean Diet as an effective tool in primary prevention. The possible molecular mechanisms underlying this association will be also pointed out.

Mediterranean Diet and its Effects on Silent Brain Infarcts in a Cohort of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

The benefits of Mediterranean Diet (MeDiet) in prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in general and ischemic stroke (IS) have been extensively studied and reported. We hypothesize that the consumption of nutrients typical of MeDiet would also reduce the rate of silent brain infarcts (SBI) among AF patients. Patients with a history of AF who scored 0 to 1 in the CHADS2 score, ⩾50 years and with absence of neurological symptoms were selected from Seville urban area using the Andalusian electronic healthcare database. A 3T brain MRI was performed to all participants. Demographic and clinical data and food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) were collected. Of the 443 scanned patients, 66 presented SBI. Of them 52 accepted to be scheduled for a clinical visit and were included in the diet sub study and 41 controls were matched per age and sex. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics. After logistic regression analysis, we found that a higher consumption of fiber from fruit was independently associated with a lower risk of SBI, while a higher consumption of high glycemic load (GL) foods was associated with a higher risk of SBI in a population with AF. Our findings support that MeDiet could be suggested as a prevention strategy for SBI in patients with AF.

Clinical Research on Antioxidant-Based Modalities in 2020

Clinical Research on Antioxidant-Based Modalities in 2020

Clinical Research on Antioxidant-Based Modalities in 2021

Being updated biweekly till the end of the year, this Education & Resources web page lists major clinical studies on antioxidant-based modalities or related entities in disease intervention and health promotion, which have been published in highly influential journals during 2021. It should be noted that this is not intended to be a complete list, but is rather to focus on rigorously designed and well conducted high-profile randomized controlled trials (RCTs) whose findings were reported in medical or bioscience journals of the highest impact. For more comprehensive information on antioxidant-based clinical trials, the reader may refer to the ClinicalTrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov), the largest clinical trials database, run by the US National Library of Medicine, that holds registrations from over 368,000 trials from 219 countries. 2021 LIST IN REVERSE CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER Xu et al. Edaravone dexborneol versus edaravone alone for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke: a phase III, randomized, double-blind, comparative trial. Stroke 2021 Mar; 52(3):772-780. doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.120.031197. Key finding: Edaravone dexborneol (a combination of edaravone and borneol) was superior to edaravone alone in improving the clinical outcomes of the acute ischemic stroke patients. Note: Edaravone, a synthetic free radical scavenger, was approved by the US FDA in 2017 for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Borneol is a phytochemical with diverse biological activities including antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Kim et al. Reactive oxygen species scavenger in acute intracerebral hemorrhage patients: a multicenter, randomized controlled trial. Stroke 2021 Feb 25; doi: https://doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.120.032266. Key finding: Giving N-acetylcysteine 2000 mg/day and selenium 1600 µg/day, intravenously, for 14 days significantly improved the clinical outcomes in the acute intracerebral hemorrhage patients. Note: N-Acetylcysteine is a precursor of glutathione (GSH). Selenium acts as an antioxidant element due, at least partly, to its essentialness for the function of various selenoproteins, including selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidases (GPx). Kalstad et al. Effects of n-3 fatty acid supplements in elderly patients after myocardial infarction: a randomized, controlled trial. Circulation 2021 Feb 9; 143(6):528-539. doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.120.052209. Key finding: Null Note: n-3 Fatty acids, also known as omega-3 fatty acids, possess potent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. Lynch et al. Safety and efficacy of omaveloxolone in Friedreich ataxia (MOXIe Study). Ann Neurol 2021 Feb; 89(2):212-225. doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ana.25934. Key finding: Omaveloxolone significantly improved neurological function compared to placebo and is well tolerated. Note: Omaveloxolone, a synthetic oleanane triterpenoid, is an activator of Nrf2, the chief regulator of cellular antioxidant and other cytoprotective genes. Meir et al. Effect of green-Mediterranean diet on intrahepatic fat: the DIRECT PLUS randomised controlled trial. Gut 2021 Jan 18; gutjnl-2020-323106. doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1136/gutjnl-2020-323106. Key finding: Green-Mediterranean diet enriched with green plants and polyphenols improved non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Note: Mediterranean diet and green plants (green tea) and nuts are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds and possess many health benefits, especially cardiovascular protection. However, the exact contribution of antioxidant components to the health benefits of Mediterranean diet remains to be established. Rinott et al. Effects of diet-modulated autologous fecal microbiota transplantation on weight regain. Gastroenterology 2021 Jan; 160(1):158-173.e10. doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2020.08.041. Key finding: Polyphenol-enriched diet-modulated autologous fecal microbiota transplantation attenuated weight regain and preserved glycemic control. Note: Dietary polyphenols possess antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and many other biological activities. Zheng et al. Plasma vitamin C and type 2 diabetes: genome-wide association study and Mendelian randomization analysis in European populations. Diabetes Care 2021 Jan; 44(1):98-106. doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.2337/dc20-1328. Key finding: Null; no evidence to support an efficacy of vitamin C supplement in type 2 diabetes prevention. Note: Vitamin C is a multitasking compound; it is an antioxidant, but also possesses many other biological functions. According to Dr Davey Smith, Mendelian randomization is a method of using measured variation in genes of known function to examine the causal effect of a modifiable exposure on disease in observational studies (from the US CDC website: https://cdc.gov). A positive finding in a Mendelian randomization study provides strong evidence for a causal relationship. Luo et al. Diet-derived circulating antioxidants and risk of coronary heart disease: a Mendelian randomization study. J Am Coll Cardiol 2021 Jan 5; 77(1):45-54. doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2020.10.048. Key finding: Null Note: According to Dr Davey Smith, Mendelian randomization is a method of using measured variation in genes of known function to examine the causal effect of a modifiable exposure on disease in observational studies (from the US CDC website: https://cdc.gov). A positive finding in a Mendelian randomization study provides strong evidence for a causal relationship.

Mediterranean diet and breast cancer risk: a narrative review

Breast cancer is the second most frequent type of cancer worldwide and the most commonly occurring malignancy in women, and its incidence is increasing in most developed and developing countries. There is growing evidence that lifestyle factors, in particular diet may be associated with higher breast cancer risk. Some evidence exists regarding the benefit of Mediterranean diet on reduced risk of breast cancer in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. The protective effect of the Mediterranean diet against the risk of breast cancer, is primarily due to principal foods of this nutritional pattern. The principal components of the Mediterranean diet, such as fruits and vegetables, olive oil, fish and red wine have important antioxidants properties due to their high content of substances like polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids and fibers, along with a favorable fatty acid profile, that in turn could reduce the risk of breast cancer. Considering the severity of breast cancer and the increasing incidence in the world, there is an increasing interest in promoting prevention strategies in order to reduce the incidence. The aim of this paper is to provide a general overview of the current evidence on the relationship between breast cancer and Mediterranean diet, in premenopausal and postmenopausal women, and to emphasize the potential role of Mediterranean Diet as an effective tool in primary prevention. The possible molecular mechanisms underlying this association will be also pointed out.

MEDITERRANEAN DIET AND ADOLESCENTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

<p>The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the adoption of Mediterranean diet in adolescents with intellectual disabilities. The sample of the study consisted of 24 adolescents (8 boys and 16 girls) with intellectual disabilities who were studying at a secondary education school, with an average age of 17.63+2.018 years. For data collection, the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for Children and Adolescents (KIDMED) by Serra-Majem et al. (2004) was used. KIDMED is supported by specific principles sustaining traditional healthy Mediterranean dietary patterns. KIDMED is based on a 16-item food consumption log questionnaire that can be answered either self-administered or in interview. As for the pupils with intellectual disabilities, the answers were recorded in an individual interview. For the statistical analysis the Statistical Package for Social Sciences ver. 23.0 for windows was used. Data processing showed that over the 1/3 of adolescents with intellectual disabilities (37.5%) has a very low diet quality, while the proportion of adolescents following an optimal Mediterranean diet was zero. In addition, the diet of the adolescents with intellectual disabilities in a very large proportion (62.5%) needs improvement for the adaptation of the consumption / intake to Mediterranean patterns. The results show that adolescents with intellectual disabilities do not follow the Mediterranean diet. Therefore, priority should be given to the application and implementation of health educational programs on diet in general, and more specifically on the benefits of Mediterranean diet to adolescents with intellectual disabilities, in order to adopt the Mediterranean diet patterns aiming on the beneficial effects, both directly and long-term in their adult life.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0606/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Mediterranean Style Diet and Kidney Function Loss in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Despite improvement of short-term graft survival over recent years, long-term graft survival after kidney transplantation has not improved. Studies in the general population suggest the Mediterranean diet benefits kidney function preservation. We investigated whether adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with kidney outcomes in kidney transplant recipients. We included 632 adult kidney transplant recipients with a functioning graft for ≥1 year. Dietary intake was inquired using a 177-item validated food frequency questionnaire. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed using a nine-point Mediterranean Diet Score. Primary end point of the study was graft failure and secondary end points included kidney function decline (doubling of serum creatinine or graft failure) and graft loss (graft failure or death with a functioning graft). Cox regression analyses were used to prospectively study the associations of the Mediterranean Diet Score with study end points. During median follow-up of 5.4 (interquartile range, 4.9-6.0) years, 76 participants developed graft failure, 119 developed kidney function decline, and 181 developed graft loss. The Mediterranean Diet Score was inversely associated with all study end points (graft failure: hazard ratio [HR], 0.68; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.50 to 0.91; kidney function decline: HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.55 to 0.85; and graft loss: HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.63 to 0.88 per two-point increase in Mediterranean Diet Score) independent of potential confounders. We identified 24-hour urinary protein excretion and time since transplantation to be an effect modifier, with stronger inverse associations between the Mediterranean Diet Score and kidney outcomes observed in participants with higher urinary protein excretion and participants transplanted more recently. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with better kidney function outcomes in kidney transplant recipients.

Health Benefits of Mediterranean Diet

Growing evidence shows that a dietary pattern inspired by Mediterranean Diet (MD) principles is associated with numerous health benefits [...].

Adherence to Mediterranean Diet Pattern among Spanish Adults Attending a Medical Centre: Nondiabetic Subjects and Type 1 and 2 Diabetic Patients

Objective To identify adherence to Mediterranean diet among two groups of Spanish adults: diabetic patients and nondiabetic subjects. Methods Adherence to Mediterranean diet was measured by a 14-item screener (scale: 0–14; ≤5: low, 6–9: moderate, and ≥10: high) in 351 volunteers. Results Mean age was 50.97 ± 12.58 in nondiabetics (n = 154) and 59.50 ± 13.34 in diabetics (n = 197). The whole sample scored 8.77 ± 1.82. Score was 9.19 ± 1.84 in nondiabetic females (n = 58) and 8.15 ± 1.79 in diabetic females (n = 85) (p = 0.003), due to lower consumption of olive oil (p = 0.005) and nuts (p = 0.000). Type 2 diabetic males (n = 79; 8.76 ± 1.88) consumed less olive oil than healthy males (n = 28; 9.36 ± 1.59) (p = 0.046). Up to 30-year-old nondiabetics scored lower than more than 60-year-old nondiabetics (8.40 ± 1.5 versus 9.74 ± 2.03; p = 0.047). The youngest ate less olive oil (p = 0.002) and more pastries (p = 0.007). Conclusions The sample presented moderate adherence to Mediterranean diet in all subgroups. Scientific evidence about the benefits of Mediterranean diet, olive oil, and nuts supports the recommendation to increase consumption of olive oil and nuts in diabetic women and of daily olive oil in type 2 diabetic men, reducing consumption of red meat, butter, and pastries, and to promote Mediterranean diet among the youngest of the sample studied.

Short-term benefits of an unrestricted-calorie traditional Mediterranean diet, modified with a reduced consumption of carbohydrates at evening, in overweight-obese patients

The Mediterranean diet (MeD) is believed to promote health; nevertheless, changes in the nutritional patterns in the Mediterranean area (increased intake of refined carbohydrates/saturated fats; reduced fibers intake; main calorie load shifted to dinner) led to reduced MeD benefits in recent decades. We retrospectively investigated the effects of a MeD with a low intake of refined carbohydrates in the evening (“MeDLowC”) on body weight (BW) and metabolic profile of overweight/obese subjects. According to their adherence to MeDLowC, subjects were classified into 44 (41%) individuals with “excellent” adherence and 63 (59%) with “poor” adherence. Nutritional counseling induced an improvement in BW, glucose metabolism and liver transaminases in both groups, with an increased magnitude of these effects in the “Excellent” adherence group. “Excellent” adherence to MeDLowC improved insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism. In conclusion, MeD with a restriction of carbohydrates in the evening significantly ameliorates obesity and associated metabolic complications.

Neuroprotective effect of Picholine virgin olive oil and its hydroxycinnamic acids component against β-amyloid-induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y neurotypic cells.

The health benefits of Mediterranean diet has long been reported and attributed to the consumption of virgin olive oil (VOO). Here, we evaluated the neuroprotective effect of VOO against Alzheimer's disease by determining its effect on β-amyloid (Aβ)-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress, and explored the possibility that its hydroxycinnamic acids (Hc acids) content contribute significantly to this effect. SH-SY5Y cells treated with or without Aβ and with VOO or Hc acids (mixture of p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, vanillic acid, and caffeic acid) were subjected to MTT assay and the results showed that both samples alleviated Aβ-induced cytotoxicity. Furthermore, both VOO and Hc acids decreased the reactive oxygen species level. Using western blot to determine the effect of these samples on Aβ-induced activation of pERK1/2, p38, and JNK MAPKs, results revealed that both VOO and Hc acids inhibited the activation of pERK1/2 and p-p38 MAPK, but not JNK. Moreover, VOO upregulated the glycolytic enzymes genes hexokinase (HK1), and phosphofructokinase (PFKM) expression which means that VOO enhanced the energy metabolism of the neurotypic cells, and therefore suggests another mechanism by which VOO could provide protection against Aβ-induced cytotoxicity. The findings in this study suggest that VOO has a neuroprotective effect, attributable to its hydroxycinnamic acids component, against Aβ-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress through the inhibition of the activation of MAPKs ERK and p38 and by enhancing the energy metabolism of the neurotypic cells.

Quantifying the benefits of Mediterranean diet in terms of survival.

Beneficial effects of Mediterranean diet (MD) have been consistently documented. However, to fully understand the public health implications of MD adherence, an informative step is to quantify these effects in terms of survival time differences. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of MD on survival, presenting results in terms of differences in median age at death. We used data from 71,333 participants from a large population-based cohort of Swedish men and women, followed-up between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2012. A total score of MD, ranging from 0 to 8, was calculated by including information on vegetables and fruits consumption, legumes and nuts, non-refined/high fiber grains, fermented dairy products, fish, red meat, use of olive oil/rapeseed oil, and moderate alcohol intake. Multivariable-adjusted differences in median age at death were estimated with Laplace regression and presented as a function of the MD score. During 15years of follow-up we documented 14,697 deaths. We observed a linear dose-response association between the MD score and median age at death, with higher score associated with longer survival. The difference in median age at death between participants with the extreme scores (0 vs 8) of MD was up to 2years (23months, 95% CI: 16-29). In this study we documented that adherence to MD may accrue benefits up to 2years of longer survival.

Healthy fats for healthy nutrition. An educational approach in the workplace to regulate food choices and improve prevention of non-communicable diseases.

An educational activity, aimed at highlighting the benefits of Mediterranean Diet, compared to less healthy eating patterns, can encourage the adoption and maintenance of a mindful approach to food choice. This is especially important when a progressive shift towards a non-Mediterranean dietary pattern can be observed, even in Mediterranean countries. To test a protocol aimed at increasing knowledge and motivation to embrace healthy eating habits and, engendering conscientious food choices, improve the prevention of non-communicable diseases. Employees were involved in educational activities focusing on a healthy Mediterranean diet and on the role played by extra-virgin olive oil, one of its key components. Food questionnaires were completed both before and after the educational and information activities, in order to assess changes in personal knowledge of and attitudes towards fat consumption. Answers on dietary guidelines and fat properties were more accurate after the seminars. The results showed increased understanding of the properties of extra-virgin olive oil versus seed oil and a stronger tendency towards healthy food choices. Implementing preventive information and training strategies and tools in the workplace, can motivate a more mindful approach to food choice with the long-term goal of contribute to reducing non-communicable diseases.

Effective Intervention Strategies Combining Mediterranean Diet and Exercise for Reducing Obesity, Metabolic and Cardiovascular Risks in High-Risk Populations: Mini Review

The global rise in obesity and cardiovascular disease is not showing any sign of slowing down, and effective health interventions may provide an important part of the solution. Whilst comprehensive evidence about the health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet (MD) continues to emerge for obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, the combined MD benefits with physical activity and exercise benefits remain under-investigated. Recent evidence suggests a cardio metabolic risk improvement through combining aerobic exercise with MD, though the problems related to dropout, remain critical. Many interventions conducted in populations at high Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk such as older patients, postmenopausal women, obese patients and those with metabolic syndrome have shown promising effects when combining exercise training strategies with MD, particularly in improving vascular endothelial function, markers of inflammation, glucose control and cardiorespiratory capacity. However, it is still unknown whether the specific benefits are attributable to exercise alone or to MD alone. Various physical activity and exercise training protocols including moderate aerobic, high-intensity interval training and strength training have shown effectiveness in reversing the cardiovascular risk in a variety of high-risk populations. Nonetheless, combining the exercise-dependent health effects with MD requires further investigation, particularly in considering the independent or joint changes in the CVD risk-biomarkers associated with either exercise training, MD compliance, or joint effectiveness on endothelial vascular function disease pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory biomarkers, and the identification of the most appropriate exercise training protocols in terms of mode, duration and intensity in high-risk populations.

Effects of exercise training and Mediterranean diet on vascular risk reduction in post-menopausal women

This study tested the potential risk-reduction benefits of Mediterranean Diet (MD) and regular exercise training on microvascular activity and cardiorespiratory capacity in postmenopausal women. Fifteen sedentary postmenopausal participants (age = 54.6 ± 3.6) were randomised into either exercise training or exercise combined with following MD for eight-weeks, and were assessed for their cardiorespiratory capacity, and upper- and lower-limb endothelial cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) test using Laser Doppler Fluximetry (LDF), coupled with measuring endothelium-dependent Acetylcholine Chloride (Ach) and -dependent Sodium Nitropurruside (SNP) vasodilators. Exercise training improved cardiorespiratory capacity as indicated by ventilatory threshold (11.5 ± 2.1 vs. 14.0 ± 3.0 ml·kg-1·min-1, p < 0.05) and improved the microcirculatory perfusion results of CVC for both vasodilators Ach (p < 0.001, d = 0.65) and SNP (p = 0.003, d = 0.53) in the lower-limb and ACh (p = 0.01, d = 0.41) and SNP (p = 0.03, d = 0.48) in the upper-limb, all (p < 0.05). However, combining exercise with MD showed a stronger improvement in Ach (p = 0.02, d = 0.36) of the lower limb, than in exercise alone group. The results suggest that regular moderate exercise improves microcirculatory vascular function and increases exercise tolerance, both are responsible for reducing cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women. However, combining MD with exercise suggests additional microvascular vasodialiatory improvement, suggesting an effective strategy for further cardiovascular risk-reduction in this high-risk group.

EDITORIAL: Is the Beneficial Effect of Mediterranean Diet on Cardiovascular Risk Partly Mediated through Better Blood Pressure Control?

1 Endocrinology Clinic, Hippocration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece; 2 Department of Internal Medicine, Military Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; 3 Second Prop. Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece; 4 Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Agios Pavlos Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece

Influence of Mediterranean Diet on Asthma Symptoms, Lung Function, and Systemic Inflammation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective. The rapidly increasing prevalence of asthma in developed countries suggests an environmental cause. The benefits of Mediterranean diet (MD) in cardiovascular disease have been tentatively attributed to its anti-inflammatory properties. Asthma is an inflammatory disease and MD is associated with reduced asthma risk in epidemiological studies, but there are no reported interventional studies of MD in asthma. Methods. In this 12-week open-label randomized trial, 38 adults with symptomatic asthma were allocated to high-intervention (HI), low-intervention (LI), and control groups. The first two groups were encouraged to adopt an MD and received multiple consultation sessions with a nutritionist, written advice, and vouchers for the purchase of appropriate foods. Food frequency questionnaires, asthma control questionnaires, asthma-related quality of life questionnaires (AQLQs), and spirometry were completed at the beginning and at the end of the study. Results: The MDt score increased in the HI group (p < .001), indicating successful alteration of dietary behavior. Statistically, nonsignificant improvements were seen in spirometry and several AQLQ subdomains in the two intervention groups. No changes were seen in the asthma control or in inflammatory markers. Conclusions: The trial intervention has successfully altered the dietary behavior among adults with asthma. Small but consistent improvements were seen in quality of life and spirometry among the intervention group. The use of the MD to treat asthma is feasible and warrants evaluation in a larger study, powered to examine clinical endpoints.