Prevention Of Chronic Degenerative Diseases Research Articles

Optimization of Phenolic Compounds Extraction from Aerial Parts of Fabiana punensis S. C. Arroyo by Ultrasound- and Microwave-Assisted Extraction.

Fabiana punensis S. C. Arroyo is a subshrub or shrub that is indigenous to the arid and semiarid region of northern Argentina and is known to possess several medicinal properties. The objective of this study was to optimize the extraction conditions so as to maximize the yield of bioactive total phenolic compound (TPC) and flavonoids (F) of F. punensis' aerial parts by using non-conventional extraction methods, namely ultrasound-assisted extraction, UAE, and microwave-assisted extraction, MAE, and to compare the biological activities and toxicity of optimized extracts vs. conventional extracts, i.e., those gained by maceration. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to apply factorial designs to optimize the parameters of extraction: solid-to-liquid ratio, extraction time, ultrasound amplitude, and microwave power. The experimental values for TPC and F and antioxidant activity under the optimal extraction conditions were not significantly different from the predicted values, demonstrating the accuracy of the mathematical models. Similar HPLC-DAD patterns were found between conventional and UAE- and MAE-optimized extracts. The main constituents of the extracts correspond to phenolic compounds (flavonoids and phenolic acids) and apigenin was identified. All extracts showed high scavenger capacity on ABTS•+, O2•- and H2O2, enabling the inhibition of the pro-inflammatory enzymes xanthine oxidase (XO) and lipoxygenase (LOX). They also showed an antimutagenic effect in Salmonella Typhimurium assay and cytotoxic/anti-proliferative activity on human melanoma cells (SKMEL-28). Toxicological evaluation indicates its safety. The results of this work are important in the development of efficient and sustainable methods for obtaining bioactive compounds from F. punensis for the prevention of chronic degenerative diseases associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage.

Modulation of miR-146b Expression during Aging and the Impact of Physical Activity on Its Expression and Chondrogenic Progenitors.

The finding of molecules associated with aging is important for the prevention of chronic degenerative diseases and for longevity strategies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are post-transcriptional regulators involved in many biological processes and miR-146b-5p has been shown to be involved in different degenerative diseases. However, miR-146b-5p modulation has not been evaluated in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) commitment or during aging. Therefore, the modulation of miR-146b-5p in the commitment and differentiation of mesenchymal cells as well as during maturation and aging in zebrafish model were analyzed. In addition, circulating miR-146b-5p was evaluated in human subjects at different age ranges. Thus, the role of physical activity in the modulation of miR-146b-5p was also investigated. To achieve these aims, RT (real-time)-PCR, Western blot, cell transfections, and three-dimensional (3D) culture techniques were applied. Our findings show that miR-146b-5p expression drives MSCs to adipogenic differentiation and increases during zebrafish maturation and aging. In addition, miR-146b-5p expression is higher in females compared to males and it is associated with the aging in humans. Interestingly, we also observed that the physical activity of walking downregulates circulating miR-146b-5p levels in human females and increases the number of chondroprogenitors. In conclusion, miR-146b-5p can be considered an age-related marker and can represent a useful marker for identifying strategies, such as physical activity, aimed at counteracting the degenerative processes of aging.

Formulation and phytochemical analysis of a potentially functional beverage from combining a leaf extract and pulp of Annona muricata (Annonaceae)

Background and Aims: Annona muricata beverages are widely used in traditional medicine to treat different ailments; however, they have been little characterized phytochemically and are consumed as sugary beverages, and may contribute to non-communicable diseases, including obesity. The objective of this work was to obtain and characterize a sensorially acceptable beverage from an extract of A. muricata leaves and pulp. Methods: A mixture design was used to formulate nine beverages by combining different ratios of the aqueous extract of A. muricata leaves and pulp. These beverages were subjected to physicochemical and sensory evaluation. Based on these results, one beverage was selected to be characterized by spectrophotometry and compared with an infused and commercial beverage. In addition, the selected beverage was further analyzed for its phytochemical composition by ultra-high-performance chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a photodiode array detector. Key results: The selected beverage was formulated with 25% pulp, 50% leaf extract, and 25% water; it also displayed a 7.63 °Brix, pH 3.42, and 0.40% acidity. This beverage was up to three times higher in bioactive compounds than infused and commercial beverages. Fourteen phenolic compounds and two acetogenins were quantified, while two alkaloids (coclaurine and reticuline) and fifteen acetogenins were tentatively identified. Conclusions: The combination of A. muricata leaf extract and pulp is a vital alternative to obtain a sensorially acceptable beverage that contains bioactive compounds with a potential medicinal action since the phenolic compounds, alkaloids, and acetogenins present in the beverage could have efficient biological activities in the prevention of chronic degenerative diseases.

Seed Priming with Carbon Nanomaterials Improves the Bioactive Compounds of Tomato Plants under Saline Stress.

The consumption of food with a high content of bioactive compounds is correlated with the prevention of chronic degenerative diseases. Tomato is a food with exceptional nutraceutical value; however, saline stress severely affects the yield, the quality of fruits, and the agricultural productivity of this crop. Recent studies have shown that seed priming can mitigate or alleviate the negative effects caused by this type of stress. However, the use of carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) in this technique has not been tested for this purpose. In the present study, the effects of tomato seed priming with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene (GP) (50, 250, and 500 mg L−1) and two controls (not sonicated and sonicated) were evaluated based on the content of photosynthetic pigments in the leaves; the physicochemical parameters of the fruits; and the presence of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant compounds, carotenoids, and stress biomarkers such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the leaves and fruits of tomato plants without saline stress and with saline stress (50 mM NaCl). The results show that saline stress in combination with CNTs and GP increased the content of chlorophylls (9.1–21.7%), ascorbic acid (19.5%), glutathione (≈13%), proteins (9.9–11.9%), and phenols (14.2%) on the leaves. The addition of CNTs and GP increased the activity of enzymes (CAT, APX, GPX, and PAL). Likewise, there was also a slight increase in the content of H2O2 (by 20.5%) and MDA (3.7%) in the leaves. Salinity affected the quality of tomato fruits. The physico-chemical parameters and bioactive compounds in both the stressed and non-stressed tomato plants were modified with the addition of CNTs and GP. Higher contents of total soluble solids (25.9%), phenols (up to 144.85%), flavonoids (up to 37.63%), ascorbic acid (≈28%), and lycopene (12.4–36.2%) were observed. The addition of carbon nanomaterials by seed priming in tomato plants subjected to saline stress modifies the content of bioactive compounds in tomato fruits and improves the antioxidant defense system, suggesting possible protection of the plant from the negative impacts of stress by salinity. However, analysis of the mechanism of action of CNMs through seed priming, in greater depth is suggested, perhaps with the use of omics sciences.

Evaluation of biopolymers in the encapsulation by electrospraying of polyphenolic compounds extracted from blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) variety Biloxi

The Blueberry cv. Biloxi is characterized by its high phenolic compounds content, mainly anthocyanins, which are relevant for their application in the prevention of chronic degenerative diseases. In this study, we have demonstrated that the encapsulation of blueberry extracts is feasible using as a matrix a combination of biopolymers through the electrohydrodynamic process from aqueous solutions. Corn prolamin zein, whey protein concentrate and high polymerization grade agave fructans were used as polymers. The properties of the solution and the capacity of atomization with high voltage were evaluated by adding glycerol as an adjuvant. The results of this investigation showed that most of the solutions were within the recommended ranges to be electrospun. However, not all exhibited stability when the blueberry polyphenolic extract was added. The morphology of structures was characterized and then related to the properties of the solution. The corn prolamin zein was able to obtain capsules loaded with encapsulation efficiency of 52.65% of polyphenolic extract by electrospraying process with homogeneous morphology and smooth, as well as continuous nanofibers by electrospinning process.

Biological Activities of Chickpea in Human Health (Cicer arietinum L.). A Review.

Chickpea is one of the most consumed legumes worldwide. Among their benefits are the high protein concentration that reflects not only at the nutritional level but also on the supply of active peptides; besides, it presents different metabolites with pharmacological activities. Some biological activities identified in the different compounds of chickpea are antioxidant, antihypertensive, hypocholesterolemic, and anticancer. Although most reports are based on the effects of the proteins and their hydrolysates, alcoholic extracts have also been proven that contain phenolic compounds, saponins, phytates, among others; therefore, their consumption has been dubbed as an alternative for the prevention of chronic degenerative diseases. In the present review, we summarize the nutritional composition of the chickpea and describe the main biological activities reported for this legume, revealing some of its beneficial effects on health, of which there is still much to be elucidated.

Abstract P334: Demographic, Risk Factors and Knowledge Profile of the Participants From a Vascular Disease Prevention Campaign - Red September

Introduction: Studies have suggested beneficial effect of the continuous educational work in the prevention of chronic degenerative diseases. Objective: To describe the demographic, risk factors (RF) profile and knowledge of the participants of a Vascular Disease (VD) Prevention Campaign - Red September. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive analysis of data collected through a form with questions about RF associated with VD and the subject’s knowledgement about them. Results: In a total of 572 subjects (55% female), with a mean age of 43.7±16.4 years, the prevalence of RF for women and men respectively, was 29.1% x 28.3% for arterial hypertension (AH); 11.2% x 8.3% for diabetes mellitus; 15.5% x 13.3% for dyslipidemia; 55% x 65.1% for self-reports of anxiety and/or depression (A/D); 26.8% x 33.1% for family history of early VD and 7.6% x 6.7% of previous cardiovascular (CV) event. Dividing women by age group, the prevalence of AH, spontaneous report of A/D and insufficient physical activity found was, respectively, 5%, 36% and 63% for the group between 18-50 y/o; 50%, 52% and 65.5% for 51-70 y/o group, and 82.4%, 76.5% and 88.2% for women above 71 y/o. The participants' knowledge results reveal that 72% had a satisfactory answer on "what is an artery?", only 25% knew the doctor specialized in the care of VD, and 70.5% of the women and 84.4% of the men are unaware that fatigue may be a symptom. When questioned about which RFs are most related to VD, the first, second and third responses were, respectively: fatty diet (36.9%), inadequate diet (18.1 %) and sedentarism (19.3%). Despite of the knowledge of the causality of VD and CV presence, these RFs are significantly present in this population. Conclusion: The need for better strategies to reduce the discrepancy found in this sample is notorious, aimed at reducing the high percentage of modifiable RF that were evidenced in the analyzed population and have been already seen and published in previous studies.

El potasio en la calidad nutracéutica de frutos de pepino hidropónico

El incremento de la concentración de compuestos fitoquímicos con propiedades antioxidantes en los cultivos hortofrutícolas es una práctica agronómica que recientemente ha tomado importancia debido a que el consumo de compuestos bioactivos antioxidantes está relacionada con la reducción y prevención de enfermedades crónicas degenerativas. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar el efecto de concentración de potasio (7, 9, 11, 13 y 15 mM) en la solución nutritiva sobre el contenido nutracéutico de frutos de pepino desarrollado en condiciones hidropónicas. La calidad nutracéutica del fruto fue determinada mediante el contenido de compuestos fenólicos y flavonoides totales, y la capacidad antioxidante in vitro. La mejor calidad nutraceutica en frutos de pepino fue obtenida con la mayor dosis de potasio en la solución nutritiva. La calidad nutracéutica de frutos de pepino hidropónico es factible de mejorarse mediante el incremento del aporte de potasio proporcionado en la solución nutritiva. Esta práctica agronómica representa una alternativa para aumentar el contenido fitoquimico y calidad nutraceutica de frutos de pepino.

Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Potential of One Hundred Medicinal Plants.

Reactive species are produced in biological system because of redox reactions. The imbalance in pro-oxidant and antioxidant homeostasis leads to the production of toxic reactive oxygen and nitrogen species like hydrogen peroxide, organic peroxides, hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anion and nitric oxide. Inactivation of metabolic enzymes, oxidation of biomolecules and cellular damage are some of the prominent characteristics of reactive species. Similarly, oxidative stress has been associated with more than one hundred (100) pathologies such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, pancreatic and liver diseases, joint disorders, cardiac fibrosis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, neurological diseases (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disorder, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease), ageing and cancer etc. The toxicity of reactive species is balanced by the integrated antioxidant systems, which include enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Antioxidant therapies or defenses protect the biological sites by removing or quenching the free radicals (prooxidants). Medicinal plants can not only protect the oxidative damage, but also play a vital role in health maintenance and prevention of chronic degenerative diseases. This review will provide a valuable discussion of one hundred (100) well known medicinal plants, which may add to the optimization of antioxidants rank. Besides, some of the antioxidant evaluation techniques or mechanisms via which medicinal plants act as antioxidants are also described.

Validation of a literature-based adherence score to Mediterranean diet: the MEDI-LITE score

Numerous studies have demonstrated a relationship between adherence to Mediterranean diet and prevention of chronic degenerative diseases. The aim of this study was to validate a novel instrument to measure adherence to Mediterranean diet based on the literature (the MEDI-LITE score). Two-hundred-and-four clinically healthy subjects completed both the MEDI-LITE score and the validated MedDietScore (MDS). Significant positive correlation between the MEDI-LITE and the MDS scores was found in the study population (R = .70; p < .0001). Furthermore, statistically significant positive correlations were found for all the nine different food groups. According to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, MEDI-LITE evidenced a significant discriminative capacity between adherents and non-adherents to the Mediterranean diet pattern (optimal cut-off point = 8.50; sensitivity = 96%; specificity = 38%). In conclusion, our findings show that the MEDI-LITE score well correlate with MDS in both global score and in most of the items related to the specific food categories.

Nutrition and Prevention of Chronic-degenerative Diseases

Abstract Over the last years, numerous evidence on the existing relationship between nutrition and chronic degenerative diseases have led investigators to search for the optimal dietary pattern to maintain a good health status. It's well known, in fact, that nutrition is capable of substantially modifying the risk profile of a subject in primary and/or secondary prevention. Several models of diet have been imposed on public attention, but the one that got the most interest is certainly the Mediterranean diet. Recently, several studies have shown that a strict adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern is associated with a lower incidence of mortality and incidence of chronic degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Meta-analyses conducted by our group have revealed, in a population of over than 2 million of people, that adherence to Mediterranean diet determines a significant reduction on the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular accidents. To the best of the knowledge the most effective indications for an optimal therapeutic strategy in nutrition include: increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables up to the recommended 5 servings a day, prefer whole grains, replace saturated and trans fats with unsaturated fats, reduce the consumption of sugar and sweetened beverages, and limit salt intake. With these simple indications, together with recommendations of following the principles of the traditional Mediterranean diet, a substantial reduction of the risk of incidence and / or mortality from cardiovascular disease can be easily obtained.

Effect of olive oil phenols on the production of inflammatory mediators in freshly isolated human monocytes

Recent in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of extra virgin olive oil may be involved in the prevention of chronic degenerative diseases. In this study, the ability of olive oil phenols to influence the release of superoxide anions (O2−), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and the expression of cyclooxygenase2 (COX2) in human monocytes, freshly isolated from healthy donors, was investigated. O2− were measured by superoxide dismutase-inhibitable cytochrome c reduction and PGE2 and TNFα production were determined in culture medium with appropriate enzyme immunoassay kits. COX2 mRNA and protein were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western immunoblotting, respectively. Treatment of monocytes for 24 h with 100 μM of hydroxytyrosol (3,4-DHPEA), tyrosol (p-HPEA) and their secoiridoid derivatives (3,4-DHPEA and p-HPEA linked to the dialdehydic form of elenolic acid: 3,4-DHPEA-EDA and p-HPEA-EDA, respectively) significantly (P<.05) inhibited the production of O2− as follows: 3,4-DHPEA (40%,), p-HPEA (9%), 3,4-DHPEA-EDA (25%) and p-HPEA-EDA (36%). Hydroxytyrosol also considerably reduced the expression of COX2 at both the mRNA and protein level (P<.05) and caused a clear dose-dependent reduction of PGE2 released into the culture medium (45% and 71% at 50 and 100 μM, respectively, P<.05). The COX2 mRNA was also efficiently inhibited by the secoiridoids. Moreover, it was shown that hydroxytyrosol increased the monocytes TNFα production. In addition to other chemopreventive properties, these results suggest that the health effects of olive oil phenols may be related to their ability to modulate the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, a property common to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Development and acceptance of orange fiber-based breakfast cereal (Citrus sinensis L.).

&lt;p&gt;In recent years there has been a great consumer interest in foods containing fiber, due to its great potential for beneficial effects in the intestinal tract and prevention of chronic degenerative diseases. The aim of this study was to develop a breakfast cereal with dried orange pulp and evaluate its centesimal composition and its acceptability. Analyses were performed to determine moisture at 105 &amp;ordm;C, ashes, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, total dietary fiber, soluble and insoluble fractions and energy value, there were also carried out microbiological analyses. Sensory analysis was applied to assess attributes appearance, aroma, flavor, texture and overall impression, by affective test, using hedonic scale with nine points. The values found for total fiber characterized the product, according to Brazilian legislation, as a source of fiber, the levels found were above 3 %. From the microbiological analyses that were carried out, the product proved to be suitable for human consumption, according to current legal standards. There was a statistically significant difference in sensory evaluation of cereal with dried orange pulp, the attributes for appearance, aroma and texture, considering the sex of the tasters. The notes for these characteristics assigned by women were superior to men, being that the acceptability index was 77 %. The enrichment of foods, with the dried orange pulp, collaborates with the reduction of waste generated by the juice industry, in addition, add value to products, as source of fiber with proven beneficial effects to the health of the population.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14685/rebrapa.v2i2.64&lt;/p&gt;

Emerging Roles of Propolis: Antioxidant, Cardioprotective, and Antiangiogenic Actions

Propolis has attracted attention in recent years due to its beneficial effects, which make it a potential preventive and therapeutic agent as well as a useful additive in food and cosmetics. The aim of this review is to discuss the growing evidence that propolis may, via a diverse array of biological actions, assist in the prevention of some inflammation-mediated pathologies including cardiovascular disease. The active components of propolis that have been identified so far include polyphenols and flavonoids. These compounds have cardioprotective, vasoprotective, antioxidant, antiatherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic actions. Many studies have been undertaken to elucidate the mechanism(s) by which propolis acts, which involve cellular signaling targets and interactions at the genomic level. This review will highlight the effects of propolis that may assist in the prevention of chronic degenerative diseases, such as cardiovascular disease.

Reading and interpreting nutritional labels: correlation between schooling and social class

Introduction : Healthy nutrition is one of the pillars for the promotion of health and the prevention of chronic-degenerative diseases and therefore it is of fundamental importance to read and interpret the nutritional labels of the foods consumed. The objective of the present study was to assess the reading habits and the ability to interpret the nutritional labels of the population of a large city in the state of Santa Catarina . Methods: An interview consisting of 13 multiple-choice questions and two open questions was held with shoppers at two large supermarkets in Joinville – SC. Results: Ninety-three percent of the interviewees stated that they consider it important to read the nutritional labels, with 71% of them habitually reading them and 49% having avoided to buy a product based on the nutritional information. Those who were best able to interpret the terms were males (p=0.05), individuals with complete higher education (p=0.3), and upper class individuals (p<0.05). We emphasize that most of the interviewees had difficulty in defining the terms “light” and “diet”. Conclusion: The economic and cultural elite has the habit of regularly reading nutritional labels, in addition to being better able to interpret correctly the information contained in them.

Cholesterol Metabolism Is Modulated by Quercetin in Rats

Quercetin has attracted much attention recently because of its antioxidant capacity and potential in the prevention of chronic degenerative diseases. However, its actions and the mechanisms involved are not completely understood. In this study, male Wistar rats were fed a diet containing 0.5% quercetin for 14 days. Serum samples were collected at the end of the experiment, and the overall serum metabolic profile was investigated by (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomic analysis. Remarkable changes in the serum metabolic profile were manifested with the relative increase in the levels of lactate and low-density lipoprotein/very low-density lipoprotein (LDL/VLDL) and reduction in glucose, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and some amino acids after quercetin exposure. Biochemical measurements confirmed that the serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level was increased significantly after quercetin treatment. Our current findings indicate that quercetin can induce a remarkable change in cholesterol metabolism. Further studies are needed to investigate the molecular mechanisms and the possible links to the health effects or toxic actions of quercetin.

Predictive diagnostics and personalized medicine for the prevention of chronic degenerative diseases

Progressive increase of mean age and life expectancy in both industrialized and emerging societies parallels an increment of chronic degenerative diseases (CDD) such as cancer, cardiovascular, autoimmune or neurodegenerative diseases among the elderly. CDD are of complex diagnosis, difficult to treat and absorbing an increasing proportion in the health care budgets worldwide. However, recent development in modern medicine especially in genetics, proteomics, and informatics is leading to the discovery of biomarkers associated with different CDD that can be used as indicator of disease’s risk in healthy subjects. Therefore, predictive medicine is merging and medical doctors may for the first time anticipate the deleterious effect of CDD and use markers to identify persons with high risk of developing a given CDD before the clinical manifestation of the diseases. This innovative approach may offer substantial advantages, since the promise of personalized medicine is to preserve individual health in people with high risk by starting early treatment or prevention protocols. The pathway is now open, however the road to an effective personalized medicine is still long, several (diagnostic) predictive instruments for different CDD are under development, some ethical issues have to be solved. Operative proposals for the heath care systems are now needed to verify potential benefits of predictive medicine in the clinical practice. In fact, predictive diagnostics, personalized medicine and personalized therapy have the potential of changing classical approaches of modern medicine to CDD.

The Mediterranean diet revisited: evidence of its effectiveness grows

The optimal dietary strategy for the prevention of chronic degenerative diseases remains a challenging and a highly relevant preventive health issue. In recent years, there have been ongoing investigations of the effectiveness of the Mediterranean diet in preventing the development of cardiovascular and other chronic diseases. Initial research suggested that the consumption of diets high in vegetable oil, fish, and complex grains and carbohydrates conferred a benefit in reducing the prevalence of cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this review is to examine the evidence in support of the effectiveness of the Mediterranean diet in reducing the prevalence of cardiovascular and chronic disease and their associated risk factors. Recent studies intended to evaluate the Mediterranean diet in the primary or secondary prevention of cardiovascular and other chronic degenerative diseases have been focused on examining the impact of a whole dietary approach rather than on isolating single nutrients; it is recognized that analyses of single nutrients ignore the important and complex interactions between components of a diet and, more importantly, because people do not eat isolated nutrients. Therefore, dietary scores estimating the adherence to a Mediterranean diet within a population have been developed. Consumption of a Mediterranean diet has been found to be associated with a reduction of overall mortality and a reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease. The Mediterranean diet has been consistently shown to be associated with favourable health outcomes and a better quality of life. The findings suggest that significant health gains can be expected in a general population whose diet reflects the nutritional principles reflected in a Mediterranean diet.

Implications of gene–drug interactions in smoking cessation for improving the prevention of chronic degenerative diseases

Tobacco smoking continues to be the major preventable cause of premature morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Recent research strongly suggests that genetic background is associated with several aspects of smoking (e.g. initiation, maintenance, cessation, number of cigarettes smoked, indicators of nicotine dependence (ND) and nicotine withdrawal). Variations in two broad classes of genes have been shown to influence smoking: (1) genes that may influence the response to nicotine (e.g. nicotine metabolism, nicotinic receptors) and (2) genes that may predispose to addictive behaviour via their effects on key neurotransmitter pathways (e.g. dopamine, serotonin and opioid). Since these genetic variants might also influence the response to smoking cessation pharmacotherapies, smoking cessation rates might be increased by determining which treatment would be most effective based on the smoker's genetic background. This is expected to result in a more efficient use of smoking cessation therapies, increased cessation rates and ultimately, in reduced deaths from smoking. Until now, most research on the influence of genetic variation on smoking cessation pharmacotherapy has been directed to the two most widely accepted and licensed forms of smoking cessation therapy: nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and the antidepressant bupropion. Overall, genotypes associated with increased dopamine availability seem to predict a better response to bupropion, while smokers with genotypes associated with reduced dopamine levels probably achieve better quit rates with NRT. A decreased metabolism for the drug used (e.g. bupropion or NRT), results in increased cessation rates as well. Furthermore, smokers with reduced dopaminergic and nicotinic receptor activity variants may experience greater benefit from nicotine spray, while smokers with increased activity variants in the opioid receptor may have greater success with transdermal patches. Thus it seems that genetic information may give directions in determining which treatment would be most effective for an individual smoker. However, several challenges will still have to be overcome before genetically tailored smoking cessation therapy can be implemented in standard clinical practice.

Evaluation of Easy-to-read Information Material on Healthy Life-styles Written with the Help of Citizens’ Collaboration through Networking

The objective of this study was to evaluate if easy-to-read information material on the prevention of chronic-degenerative diseases through healthy lifestyle co-written by communicators, educators, physicians and citizens -using a networking strategy- could be judged comprehensible. Readability scores were computed. The survey involved 100 individuals attending our centralized booking centre for medical appointments during an "index week". They filled out an anonymous questionnaire, just before and after they had read the material. Readability and comprehensibility frequencies were calculated. The participants had a mean age of 59.1+/-15.1 (SD) years (range 19-81yrs), 62% were females. Twenty-six percent of them had received no education, 30% "primary", 28% "secondary", and 14% had a "degree". According to readability scores, the booklet was "readable" by all persons who had finished primary school. Of the 100 participants, 40 percent found the booklet's language to be "easy" or "very easy", 46% "sufficiently easy", and 14% "difficult" for laypersons to understand. Ninety-four percent of them found no unintelligible words in the text. Education levels showed no differences. Readers' answers were more correct after they had read the booklet. The pre-test showed that 61+/-26% of the readers answered the comprehensibility items correctly. After reading the booklet, 81+/-17% of them gave correct answers. The after-minus-before net increase in knowledge was +20% (95% CIs +8 to +32%). The booklet was designed and written using a networking strategy with the help of the local population. It was found to be easy to read and quite clear.