Reduction Of Cardiovascular Risk Factors Research Articles

Cardiovascular health in pediatric patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia under two years of burosumab therapy

IntroductionX-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is caused by an inactivating mutation in the phosphate-regulating endopeptidase X-linked (PHEX) gene whose defective product fails to control phosphatonin fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) serum levels. Although elevated FGF23 levels have been linked with detrimental cardiac effects, the cardiologic outcomes in XLH patients have been subject to debate. Our study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and severity of cardiovascular morbidity in pediatric XLH patients before, during, and after a 2-year treatment period with burosumab, a recombinant anti-FGF23 antibodyMethodsThis prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary medical center, and included 13 individuals with XLH (age range 0.6–16.2 years) who received burosumab every 2 weeks. Clinical assessment at treatment initiation and after .5, 1, and 2 years of uninterrupted treatment included anthropometric measurements and cardiologic evaluations (blood pressure [BP], electrocardiogram, conventional echocardiography, and myocardial strain imaging).ResultsThe linear growth of all patients improved significantly (mean height z-score: from -1.70 ± 0.80 to -0.96 ± 1.08, P=0.03). Other favorable effects were decline in overweight/obesity rates (from 46.2% to 23.1%) and decreased rates of elevated BP (systolic BP from 38.5% to 15.4%; diastolic BP from 38.5% to 23.1%). Electrocardiograms revealed no significant abnormality throughout the study period. Cardiac dimensions and myocardial strain parameters were within the normative range for age at baseline and remained unchanged during the study period.ConclusionCardiologic evaluations provided reassurance that 2 years of burosumab therapy did not cause cardiac morbidity. The beneficial effect of this treatment was a reduction in cardiovascular risk factors, as evidenced by the lower prevalence of both overweight/obesity and elevated BP.

Role of nutritional therapy on dietary habits and glycemic control in insulin-treated kidney transplant patients with diabetes

AimsTo evaluate the effect of nutritional therapy on glycemic compensation and key cardio-renal risk markers in patients with diabetes and kidney transplant, on insulin treatment by Multiple Daily Injection (MDI) or Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII). Methods34 patients with diabetes on insulin treatment and kidney transplant recipients were enrolled;12 participated in the structured nutritional program (intervention group), 22 patients (control group) did not receive nutritional protocol. Both groups were then divided into subgroups according to the method of insulin administration (MDI and CSII). ResultsStatistically significant reduction in fasting blood glucose values, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and glycosuria were observed in both groups at the end of the study. The intervention group, significantly reduced total cholesterolemia and the glycemic index, together with reduced dietary intake of lipids, cholesterol, soluble carbohydrates and increased consumption of carbohydrates and fiber. These improvements were even more pronounced in patients treated with CSII. ConclusionsA proper nutritional approach optimize glycometabolic outcomes and contribute significantly to the reduction of the major cardiovascular risk factors in renal transplant patients.

Abstract TMP26: Density of Physical Activity Resources is Associated With Post-Stroke Physical Activity

Background: Exercise post-stroke can improve health-related quality of life and promote physical fitness, walking, and balance. Physical activity (PA) is important in post-stroke rehabilitation and recovery through the reduction of cardiovascular risk factors and lowering the risk of recurrent stroke and mortality. Objective: To assess if area PA resources influence the change in PA 12-months post-stroke. Methods: Addresses of 546 mild stroke survivors from the Discharge Educational Strategies for Reduction of Vascular Events (DESERVE) study were geocoded to the census tract level and merged with the density of physical activity resources from the National Neighborhood Data Archive (NaNDA). We modeled the odds of perceived change in PA at 12-months post-stroke (more active vs. about the same vs. less active) and number of fitness and recreational sports centers per square mile using multinomial logistic regression. Selection bias due to loss-to-follow-up was accounted for using stablized inverse probability weights with robust standard errors. Models were adjusted for age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, insurance, BMI, and intervention. Results: A total of 333 participants had 12-month PA data with 17.2% reporting being more physically active and 48.0% being about the same at 12 months. The adjusted odds of being more active compared to less active were 1.57 times larger when comparing the 90 th percentile of PA resources to the 10 th percentile (range: 58 resources; 95% CI: 0.99, 2.48). Similarly, adjusted odds of reporting the same level of PA compared to less active were 1.47 times larger when the 90 th and 10 th percentiles of PA resources are compared (95% CI: 0.99, 2.17). Conclusion: Stroke survivors report higher odds of both maintaining the same level of PA and being more physically active when there are more PA resources in the area. This study demonstrates the potentially important role of the physical and built environment on physical fitness post-stroke.

Physical activity status among adolescents in Southern Ethiopia: A mixed methods study.

Adolescents physical activity is associated with current and future health benefits, reduction of cardio-vascular risk factors, improved bone mineral density, and mental health. The aim of the current study is to assess physical activity status and its factors among adolescents in Arba Minch and Jinka towns, Southern Ethiopia. The study was conducted on 1255 randomly selected schools adolescents of Arba Minch and Jinka town by employing a mixed method. The qualitative data was obtained by Focus Group Discussion. Multiple linear regressions were done to identify factors affecting physical activity. Codes, sub-categories, and main categories were derived from the transcripts and presented in narrative ways to describe adolescent student's perception on physical activity, its barriers and facilitators by comparing with quantitative findings. The mean physical activity level was 2.08 (95% CI: 2.04-2.12). A student's self-perception about being physically active, being a member of a sport or fitness team, and engaging in after-school activity to earn money, being older, sex, a self-perception of being healthy, higher levels of vegetable and fruit consumption, having someone who encouraged physical activity, perceiving one's family as being active, self-perception of not being overweight and attending schools that have a sports/playground were factors associated with physical activity. The qualitative finding showed a related finding. Poor awareness on the recommended physical activity, benefits of physical activity, lack of interest, restrictions from family members, peers and the community, uncomfortable environment were barriers to physical activity. The physical activity level of adolescents was low. Age, sex, a positive self-perception about PA and general health, and perception about one's family PA, healthy eating practice, and the presence of role model were associated factors. Lack of self-motivation, interest and family restrictions were barriers to physical activity. PA promotion should be made by incorporating PA into school health programs and strengthening the existing school curriculum.

Regular nutrition consultations reduced risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in adults

ObjectivesThis study investigated the effects of regular nutrition consultations on reducing risk factors, including body mass index, body composition, blood pressure, blood lipid profile, blood glucose–related markers, and inflammatory factors for cardiovascular diseases. MethodsData were collected from participants (n = 129) who completed eight dietary consultations and were divided into two groups according to the regularity of the consultations: an irregular group (with irregular consultation intervals; n = 39) and a regular group (accepted consultation once every 3 wk; n = 90). ResultsCompared with the irregular group, the regular group had more significant reductions in cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as body mass index, body fat, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and insulin levels. Moreover, participants with a body mass index ≥ 27 kg/m2 presented significantly obvious improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, such as body weight; body mass index; visceral fat weight; and triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glycated hemoglobin, and insulin levels. ConclusionThere is a proven benefit to regular nutrition consultation for adults with risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, particularly those who are obese.

Assessing the Effectiveness of mHealth Interventions for Diabetes and Hypertension Management in Africa: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Mobile health (mHealth) interventions are effective in improving chronic disease management, mainly in high-income countries. However, less is known about the efficacy of mHealth interventions for the reduction of cardiovascular risk factors, including for hypertension and diabetes, which are rapidly increasing in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of mHealth interventions for diabetes and hypertension management in Africa. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, African Journals Online, and Web of Science for relevant studies published from inception to July 2022. The main outcomes of interest were changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. The random or fixed effect model was used for the meta-analysis, and the I2 statistic was used to gauge study heterogeneity. Z tests and P values were used to evaluate the effect of mHealth interventions on HbA1c and blood pressure levels. This review included 7 studies (randomized controlled trials) with a total of 2249 participants. Two studies assessed the effect of mHealth on glycemic control, and 5 studies assessed the effect of mHealth on blood pressure control. The use of mHealth interventions was not associated with significant reductions in HbA1c levels (weighted mean difference [WMD] 0.20, 95% CI -0.40 to 0.80; P=.51) among patients with diabetes and systolic blood pressure (WMD -1.39, 95% CI -4.46 to 1.68; P=.37) and diastolic blood pressure (WMD 0.36, 95% CI -1.37 to 2.05; P=.69) among patients with hypertension. After conducting sensitivity analyses using the leave-one-out method, the Kingue et al study had an impact on the intervention, resulting in a 2 mm Hg reduction in systolic blood pressure (WMD -2.22, 95% CI -3.94 to -0.60; P=.01) but was nonsignificant for diastolic blood pressure and HbA1c levels after omitting the study. Our review provided no conclusive evidence for the effectiveness of mHealth interventions in reducing blood pressure and glycemic control in Africa among persons with diabetes and hypertension. To confirm these findings, larger randomized controlled trials are required.

Therapeutic Carbohydrate Restriction as a Metabolic Modality for the Prevention and Treatment of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding.

Therapeutic carbohydrate restriction diets have been becoming increasingly popular over the years, resulting in dramatic weight loss and an improvement in metabolic disorders. Obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes are the risk factors for many gynecologic morbidities such as uterine leiomyoma, endometrial polyps, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. There is evidence suggesting that the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease is similar to that seen in many causes of abnormal uterine bleeding. We aim to explain how cardiovascular disease risk factor reduction with the use of therapeutic carbohydrate restriction may prevent and potentially treat these gynecologic disorders.

Association of Thyroid Hormone Medication Adherence With Risk of Dementia.

Recent studies suggest that hypothyroidism is a risk factor for dementia. Based on existing literature, it is unclear if treatment or compliance to treatment is associated with decreased dementia risk in hypothyroidism patients. To determine the association between thyroid hormone medication adherence and risk of dementia. A population-based cohort study following patients with newly diagnosed hypothyroidism until incidence of dementia, death, or December 31, 2020, whichever came earliest. The study comprised 41 554 older adults age 50 and above with newly diagnosed hypothyroidism between 2004 and 2008 who underwent health screening. Risk of dementia was evaluated using multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression. Among 5188 men (12.5%) and 36 366 (87.5%) women, 2120 cases of incident dementia were identified. After stratification of the participants according to the interquartile range of the medication possession ratio (MPR), the fourth quartile (highest adherence) showed a 14% lower risk of overall dementia compared with the first quartile (lowest adherence) (adjusted hazard ratio 0.86; 95% CI 0.76-0.97). No consistent association was observed between thyroid hormone medication adherence and vascular dementia. After a dichotomous stratification of the MPR, higher MPR (≥0.8) showed a lower risk of Alzheimer disease (adjusted hazard ratio 0.91; 95% CI 0.84-0.99) than lower MPR (<0.8). Better adherence to thyroid hormone medication may be beneficial in preventing incident dementia, especially Alzheimer disease, in older adults with newly diagnosed hypothyroidism. Along with the resolution of hypothyroid symptoms and the reduction of cardiovascular risk factors, the reduction of dementia risk may be another potential benefit of thyroid hormone medication.

Long term reduction of cardiovascular risk factors associated with three hour daily dialysis: A prospective, cohort study.

Daily hemodialysis (DHD) compared to conventional hemodialysis (CHD) leads to improvements in left ventricular hypertrophy and mineral metabolism at 1-year follow-up. However, there is no information from prospective studies on the long terms effects of DHD on these key cardiovascular risk factors. We conducted a 4 year, prospective cohort study of 26 DHD and 51 matched CHD patients on the effect of DHD (six sessions/week × 3 h) versus CHD (three sessions/week × 4 h), 15 DHD, and 26 CHD patients completed 4-years follow-up. Measures of left ventricular mass index (LVMI), blood pressures, hemoglobin, and mineral metabolism markers were performed. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly lower in the DHD group than the CHD group at 4-year follow-up, 128 mmHg (95% CI, 111-143) versus 148 mmHg (95% CI, 137-158) (p < 0.05) and 60 mmHg (95% CI, 56-63) versus 71 mmHg (95% CI, 64-76) (p < 0.05). DHD was associated with fewer patients taking any anti-hypertensive drug therapy than CHD, 50% versus 80% (p < 0.05). DHD was associated with improved attainment of mineral metabolism goals for phosphorus (adjusted HR 3.6, p = 0.002) and calcium × phosphorus product (adjusted HR 3.66, p = 0.001) at 4-years follow-up compared to CHD. At 4 years, there was a nonsignificant trend toward lower LVMI in the DHD than in the CHD group: 116 g/m2 (95% CI, 97-136) versus 138 g/m2 (95% CI, 115-172) (p = 0.23). Similarly, improvements in hemoglobin also persisted at 4 years follow-up. DHD is associated with long-term (4 year) improvements in key cardiovascular risk factors: blood pressure, mineral metabolism, and anemia with trends toward improved LVMI.

Burden of disability in type 2 diabetes mellitus and the moderating effects of physical activity

The growing diabetic epidemic has created a substantial burden, not only on the people with diabetes but also on society at large. This mini-review discussed the limitations and patterns of disability in type 2 diabetes mellitus and put forward a case for the moderating effects of physical activity (PA) in the management of diabetes. The limitations and impairments associated with diabetes include vascular, neurological, cardiac, and renal impairments. Moreover, individuals participate less in their daily lives and in their instrumental activities of daily living, which negatively impacts the quality of life of individuals with diabetes. This often leads to a loss of quality of life due to disabilities, resulting in an increased rate of disability-adjusted life years among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Moreover, there are psychosocial sequelae of diabetes mellitus. This necessitates looking for moderating factors that may reduce the burden of the disease. PA has been shown to be one of the factors that can mitigate these burdens. PA does this in several ways, including through the benefits it confers, such as a reduction of hemoglobin A1c, a reduction of excess fat in the liver and pancreas, and the reduction of cardiovascular risk factors, all of which favorably affect glycemic parameters. Specifically, PA regulates or moderates diabetes disability through two mechanisms: The regulation of glucolipid metabolism disorders and the optimization of body mass index and systemic conditions. Therefore, efforts should be directed at PA uptake through identified strategies. This will not only prevent diabetes or diabetes complications but will reduce its burden.

Retro walking treadmill training reduces C-reactive protein levels in overweight and obese young adults: A randomized comparative study.

Retro walking has been shown to acquire a greater metabolic cost, placing a higher cardiopulmonary demand on the body, when compared with forward walking at a similar speed. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of retro walking with that of forward walking on C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) and to understand the influence of independent factors namely systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and BMI on CRP in untrained overweight and obese young adults. This was a randomised controlled trial whereby 106participants underwent either retro walking (n = 53) or forward walking (n = 53) treadmill training four times a week for 12 weeks before and after which CRP, BMI, and BP levels were measured. Comparison of the measured values before and after intervention and between the groups was done and influence of BMI and BP on CRP levels was determined. Both groups recorded a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in CRP, BMI, and BP levels postintervention. The participants who underwent retro walking training showed a significantly (p < 0.001) higher decrease in all the outcomes as compared with the forward walking group. C-reactive protein levels were seen to be influenced by BMI and DBP. Retro-walking training leads to greater decrease in CRP, BMI, and BP when compared with forward walking, andCRP levels are influenced by BMI and DBP. Retro walking treadmill training can be used preferentially to bring about reduction in cardiovascular risk factors.

Patient perceived barriers to phase II cardiac rehabilitation in patients with and without percutaneous coronary angioplasty

Context: Cardiac Rehabilitation is an accepted standard of care after any cardiac event and is considered a class ɪ indication following myocardial infarction or revascularisation procedures. It aims at the reduction of cardiovascular risk factors and improves quality of Life by promoting healthy behavior and an active lifestyle. However, despite its proven benefits and need, it is highly underutilized. Hence this study aims to explore the barriers perceived by patients who were conservatively treated and with percutaneous coronary intervention to attend outdoor cardiac rehabilitation services. Settings and Design: Observational study at the cardiology unit of a tertiary health care hospital. Methods and Material: The barriers perceived by the patients were studied using the interview method using Cardiac Rehabilitation Barrier Scale (CRBS). A complete enumeration sampling technique was used for the enrolment of subjects. The primary outcome measure was to analyse the sub-questions of all four domains of CRBS and compare the difference in the distribution of barriers between conservatively managed and PCI using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: 216 patients were enrolled, out of which 123 were managed conservatively and 93 underwent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention. Lack of awareness about CR was found in 128 patients (59.25%), Distance and transportation problems were found in 117 patients (54.16%) in the conservative group, and 101 patients in PCI (46.75%). Work time conflict was observed in 117 patients (53.74%) in conservative and 93 patients (43.05%) in PCI. 84 patients (38.8%) had low energy levels and 44 patients (20.36%) found exercising tiring and painful. Patients with PCI had greater referral issues, cost issues, and low energy levels and found exercise tiring and painful (p&lt; 0.005) than conservatively managed. Conclusions: Referral, Knowledge of CR, access to healthcare resources, and Work Time conflicts are perceived as major barriers to Cardiac Rehabilitation. Additionally, higher Cost issues, Low Energy levels, and fear of exercising were observed more in patients with PCI than in conservatively managed.

A Pilot Study: The Reduction in Fecal Acetate in Obese Patients after Probiotic Administration and Percutaneous Electrical Neurostimulation

Previous data suggested that anti-obesity interventions, such as percutaneous electric neurostimulation and probiotics, could reduce body weight and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors by attenuation of microbiota alterations. However, potential mechanisms of action have not been unveiled, and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) might be involved in these responses. This pilot study included two groups of class-I obese patients (N = 10, each) who underwent anti-obesity therapy by percutaneous electric neurostimulations (PENS) and a hypocaloric diet (Diet), with/without the administration of the multi-strain probiotic (Lactobacillus plantarum LP115, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA14, and Bifidobacterium breve B3), for ten weeks. Fecal samples were used for SCFA quantification (by HPLC-MS) in relation to microbiota and anthropometric and clinical variables. In these patients, we previously described a further reduction in obesity and CV risk factors (hyperglycemia, dyslipemia) after PENS-Diet+Prob compared to PENS-Diet alone. Herein, we observed that the administration of probiotics decreased fecal acetate concentrations, and this effect may be linked to the enrichment of Prevotella, Bifidobacterium spp., and Akkermansia muciniphila. Additionally, fecal acetate, propionate, and butyrate are associated with each other, suggesting an additional benefit in colonic absorption. In conclusion, probiotics could help anti-obesity interventions by promoting weight loss and reducing CV risk factors. Likely, modification of microbiota and related SCFA, such as acetate, could improve environmental conditions and permeability in the gut.

Effects of multidomain lifestyle interventions on cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease prevention: A literature review and future recommendations.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with an increasing incidence and currently without a cure. It is speculated that targeting multiple modifiable risk factors (MRFs) could be a beneficial strategy for the prevention of cognitive decline and AD. This study provides an overview and discusses the existing literature on multidomain lifestyle interventions in relation to cognitive decline and the prevention of AD. A literature search was performed in PubMed and Scopus, for studies published in English up to 31 May 2021. We identified nine relevant studies on the effect of multidomain lifestyle interventions on cognition (n=8) and/or AD incidence or risk scores (n=4). The studies included a combination of the separate intervention components diet (n=8), physical activity (n=9), cognitive activity (n=6), metabolic or cardiovascular risk factor reduction strategies (n=8), social activity (n=2), medication (n=2), and/or supplementation (n=1). Global cognition was improved significantly in four of the eight studies that had global cognition as the outcome. Moreover, significant improvements were shown for cognitive domains in two of the three studies with specific cognitive domains as an outcome. No effect on AD incidence was observed, although positive results were shown for AD risk scores. The results suggest that multidomain lifestyle intervention studies may be partially effective in preventing cognitive decline. However, studies were heterogeneous and limited in follow-up. Future research on the effect of multidomain lifestyle interventions on cognitive decline and AD incidence must be conducted with a longer follow-up period.

Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Implications of the Main Bioactive Peptides: A Review

Bioactive peptides (BPs) are a heterogeneous class of molecules found in a wide range of plant and animal sources. BPs have a number of different industrial applications including pharmacology (nutraceuticals), food, cosmetology, and pet food. Though BPs were initially used mainly as food additives, today the estimated peptide-based product market is around US $40 billion per year, highlighting consumer demand. The nutraceutical field is one of the most interesting applications for BPs, however there are some limitations to the efficacy of BPs in nutraceutical treatments, including low bioaccessibility and bioavailability. Thus, new extraction and isolation techniques have been developed, using both vegetable and animal sources, to obtain BPs with specific activities and improve the bioactivity and the bioavailability. Randomized clinical trials show a possible relationship between the administration of BPs and the reduction of several cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and hyperglycaemia. In addition, BPs exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer potential, but long-term clinical studies are still needed. The aim of this review is to give a general introduction of BPs, describe their production and application methods, present data regarding bioactivity and bioavailability, and finally highlight the future prospects of this class of molecules in clinical practice.

Normalization of Cardiac Function After Bariatric Surgery Is Related to Autonomic Function and Vitamin D

PurposeSubclinical cardiac dysfunction is common in patients with obesity. Bariatric surgery is associated with normalization of subclinical cardiac function in 50% of the patients with obesity. The aim of this study was to identify predictors for a lack of improvement of subclinical cardiac dysfunction 1-year post-bariatric surgery.MethodsPatients who were referred for bariatric surgery were enrolled in a longitudinal study. Inclusion criteria were age 35–65 years and BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2. Patients with a suspicion of or known cardiovascular disease were excluded. Conventional and advanced echocardiography, Holter monitoring, and blood tests were performed pre- and 1-year post-bariatric surgery. Subclinical cardiac dysfunction was defined as either a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, decreased global longitudinal strain (GLS), diastolic dysfunction, arrhythmia, or an increased BNP or hs Troponin I.ResultsA total of 99 patients were included of whom 59 patients had cardiac dysfunction at baseline. Seventy-two patients completed the 1-year follow-up after bariatric surgery. There was a significant reduction in weight and cardiovascular risk factors. Parameters of cardiac function, such as GLS, improved. However, in 20 patients cardiac dysfunction persisted. Multivariate analysis identified a decreased heart rate variability (which is a measure of autonomic function), and a decreased vitamin D pre-surgery as predictors for subclinical cardiac dysfunction after bariatric surgery.ConclusionAlthough there was an overall improvement of cardiac function 1-year post-bariatric surgery, autonomic dysfunction and a decreased vitamin D pre-bariatric surgery were predictors for a lack of improvement of subclinical cardiac dysfunction.Graphical abstract

Dietary Acid Load Associated with Hypertension and Diabetes in the Elderly.

Diet can affect the body's acid-base balance due to its content of acid or base precursors. There is conflicting evidence for the role of metabolic acidosis in the development of cardiometabolic disorders, hypertension (HT), and insulin resistance (IR). We hypothesized that dietary acid load (DAL) is associated with adverse metabolic risk factors and aimed to investigate this in the elderly. A total of 114 elderly participants were included in the study. The participants were divided into four groups, such as HT, diabetes (DM), both HT and DM, and healthy controls. Anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical findings were recorded. Potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP) results were obtained for three days, 24-hour dietary records via a nutrient database program (BeBiS software program). The groups were matched for age, gender, and BMI. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups regarding NEAP (p =0.01) and no significant difference for PRAL ( p = 0.086). The lowest NEAP and PRAL levels were seen in the control group while the highest in the HT group. Both NEAP and PRAL were correlated with waist circumference (r = 0,325, p = 0.001; r=0,231, p =0,016, respectively). Our data confirmed that subjects with HT and DM had diets with greater acid-forming potential. High NEAP may be a risk factor for chronic metabolic diseases, particularly HT. PRAL could not be shown as a significantly different marker in all participants. Dietary content has a significant contribution to the reduction of cardiovascular risk factors, such as HT, DM, and obesity.

A Comprehensive Literature Review on Cardioprotective Effects of Bioactive Compounds Present in Fruits of Aristotelia chilensis Stuntz (Maqui).

Some fruits and vegetables, rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, may inhibit platelet activation pathways and therefore reduce the risk of suffering from CVD when consumed regularly. Aristotelia chilensis Stuntz (Maqui) is a shrub or tree native to Chile with outstanding antioxidant activity, associated with its high content in anthocyanins, polyphenols, and flavonoids. Previous studies reveal different pharmacological properties for this berry, but its cardioprotective potential has been little studied. Despite having an abundant composition, and being rich in bioactive products with an antiplatelet role, there are few studies linking this berry with antiplatelet activity. This review summarizes and discusses relevant information on the cardioprotective potential of Maqui, based on its composition of bioactive compounds, mainly as a nutraceutical antiplatelet agent. Articles published between 2000 and 2022 in the following bibliographic databases were selected: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Our search revealed that Maqui is a promising cardiovascular target since extracts from this berry have direct effects on the reduction in cardiovascular risk factors (glucose index, obesity, diabetes, among others). Although studies on antiplatelet activity in this fruit are recent, its rich chemical composition clearly shows that the presence of chemical compounds (anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, among others) with high antiplatelet potential can provide this berry with antiplatelet properties. These bioactive compounds have antiplatelet effects with multiple targets in the platelet, particularly, they have been related to the inhibition of thromboxane, thrombin, ADP, and GPVI receptors, or through the pathways by which these receptors stimulate platelet aggregation. Detailed studies are needed to clarify this gap in the literature, as well as to specifically evaluate the mechanism of action of Maqui extracts, due to the presence of phenolic compounds.

How alcohol and/or tobacco use and raised glycemia are associated with oral hygiene practices among Burkinabè adults: Evidence from the first national non-communicable disease risk factors survey

Socio-demographic correlates with oral hygiene practices are commonly investigated. The present study aimed to determine whether alcohol and/or tobacco use and hyperglycemia were associated with oral hygiene practices among Burkinabè adults. This descriptive, cross-sectional study included 4550 adults selected through multistage cluster sampling performed during the first WHO STEPS survey conducted in 2013 in Burkina Faso. The practices we considered were the frequencies of tooth cleaning, the fluoridated toothpaste use and the dentist visit within the past-six months. We collected data on self-reported alcohol and tobacco use and measured fasting blood glucose (FBG). About 82.8% of respondent reported they cleaned their teeth at least once a day, 31.5% cleaned them at least twice a day, 25.4% used fluoridated toothpaste, 2.2% had visited a dentist in the past six months, 38.8% used either alcohol or tobacco and 8.4% had raised FBG. After adjusting for socio-demographic factors, alcohol and/or tobacco use was an unfavorable factor for tooth cleaning at least once a day [aOR = 0.7 (0.6–0.8) p < 0.001], or at least twice a day [aOR = 0.6 (0.5–0.7) p < 0.001]. Moreover, raised FBG was negatively associated with cleaning tooth at least twice a day [aOR = 0.7 (0.5–0.9) p < 0.01] or the use of fluoridated toothpaste [aOR = 0.7 (0.6–0.9) p < 0.05]. Oral health education in addition to cardiovascular risk factor reduction should be efficiently integrated in the behavioral lifestyle interventions’ strategies for the non-communicable diseases’ prevention.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and breastfeeding practices: A secondary analysis of data from the All Our Families Cohort.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy occur in approximately 7%-10% of pregnancies and are associated with adverse maternal cardiovascular health outcomes across the lifespan. In contrast, breastfeeding has been associated with a reduction in cardiovascular risk factors in a dose-dependent manner. Despite the potential protective effects of lactation on cardiovascular risk, how hypertensive disorders of pregnancy relate to breastfeeding practices and experiences is not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and breastfeeding outcomes in the first year postpartum. We conducted a secondary analysis of prospective data from the All Our Families Cohort, a population-based study conducted in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Women with a singleton pregnancy (n=1418) who completed self-report questionnaires at <25 weeks and 34-36 weeks of gestation, and 4 months and 12 months postpartum, and provided consent to link to electronic medical records that identified diagnoses of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (n=122). Logistic and multiple linear regression analyses were used to model associations between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and breastfeeding outcomes. Outcomes included breastfeeding intention, intended duration, exclusive breastfeeding at 4 months, breastfeeding duration at 12 months and breastfeeding difficulties. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were not associated with breastfeeding intention (odds ration [OR] 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47-3.03, P =0.57), intended breastfeeding duration (b=-3.28, 95% CI -7.04 to 0.48, P =0.09), or initiation (OR=0.64, 95% CI 0.29- 1.65, P =0.32), but were associated with an increase in the odds of non-exclusive breastfeeding at 4 months postpartum (OR=2.11, 95% CI 1.39-3.22, P < 0.001). Women with hypertensive disorders breastfed for 6.26 (95% CI -10.00 to -2.51, P < 0.001) weeks less over 12 months postpartum, had significantly higher odds of reporting insufficient milk supply (OR=1.75, 95% CI 1.19-2.46, P < 0.05) and had lower odds of breast and/or nipple pain (OR=0.66, 95% CI 0.44-0.92, P < 0.05) compared with those without hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are associated with altered breastfeeding practices and experiences during the first year postpartum. Further research is needed to examine biopsychosocial mechanisms through which hypertensive disorders associate with shorter breastfeeding duration, and to examine whether greater breastfeeding duration, intensity or exclusivity reduces short- or long-term maternal cardiovascular risk.