2533 articles - 10.09.10
1: Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 Sep 8; [Epub ahead of print]
Anderson JS, Nettleton JA, Herrington DM, Johnson WC, Tsai MY, Siscovick D.
Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC.
BACKGROUND: The relation between dietary fish intake and brachial artery measures, including brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), has not been well established across sex and racial-ethnic groups. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that consumption of nonfried fish and plasma phospholipid measures of long-chain omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids would be positively associated with larger FMD in men and women across racial-ethnic groups. DESIGN: We investigated cross-sectional associations of brachial artery measures with fish intake (ascertained with a food-frequency questionnaire) and plasma phospholipid omega-3 concentrations in 3045 adults, aged 45-84 y, who were free of clinical cardiovascular disease. RESULTS: In overall multivariate-adjusted analyses, there were no significant associations between fish intake or any brachial artery measures. However, when stratified by sex, there was an association between the highest quartile of nonfried fish consumption and a 0.10-mm lower (1 SD) brachial artery diameter in men (P = 0.01) and a 0.27% smaller FMD in women (P = 0.02) compared with the lowest quartile of nonfried fish intake in each respective sex strata. When stratified by race-ethnicity and race-ethnicity by sex, additional heterogeneity was noted, but results were difficult to interpret because of small sample sizes. Plasma phospholipid omega-3 concentrations showed a similar directionality of association with brachial artery measures observed for nonfried fish consumption, although statistical significance was not achieved in fully adjusted models. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that the association between nonfried fish intake and baseline brachial artery size varies by sex, with suggestive evidence of sex differences in the association between nonfried fish intake and FMD.
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PMID: 20826628 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]2: Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2010 Sep 7; [Epub ahead of print]
Park K, Mozaffarian D.
Department of Food & Nutrition, Yeungnam University, 214-1 Dae-dong, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, 712-749, Republic of Korea, kypark@ynu.ac.kr.
Fish consumption is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Some fish species also contain methylmercury, which may increase cardiovascular risk, as well as selenium, a trace element that could counter the effects of methylmercury or have beneficial effects itself. These potentially conflicting effects have created public confusion about the risks and benefits of fish consumption in adults. We examined the evidence for cardiovascular effects of fish consumption, particularly effects of marine omega-3 fatty acids, methylmercury, and selenium. Compelling evidence indicates that modest fish consumption substantially reduces cardiovascular risk, in particular cardiac mortality, related at least partly to benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. In contrast, observational studies and (for selenium) clinical trials demonstrate mixed and inconclusive results for cardiovascular effects of methylmercury and selenium. Net health benefits of overall fish consumption in adults are clear. Quantitative risk-benefit analyses of cardiovascular effects of consuming specific fish species, based on joint contents of fatty acids, methylmercury, and selenium, cannot currently be performed until the cardiovascular effects of methylmercury and selenium are established.
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PMID: 20820953 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]3: Curr Cardiol Rep. 2010 Sep 1; [Epub ahead of print]
Harris WS.
Cardiovascular Health Research Center Sanford Research/USD, 2301 East 60th Street North, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104-0589, USA, bill.harris@sanfordhealth.org.
Red blood cell levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are a reflection of tissue levels and are determined by a complex interplay of metabolism and nutrition. Low levels of EPA+DHA in erythrocytes are associated with increased risk for sudden cardiac death. If levels of EPA+DHA in erythrocytes are determined using a strictly defined and standardized method, then the clinical significance of differing levels (previously defined in major research studies using this methodology) may be understood and applied in patient care. The Omega-3 Index, which is the EPA+DHA content of erythrocytes expressed as a percent of total identified fatty acids, was originally suggested as a marker of increased risk for death from coronary heart disease, but it can also be viewed as an actual risk factor, playing a pathophysiologic role in the disease. Optimal levels appear to be 8% or greater. At this stage of its development, the Omega-3 Index appears to fulfill many of the requirements for both a risk marker and a risk factor. Using the Omega-3 Index in the design of clinical studies might allow for a more efficient use of research resources.
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PMID: 20809235 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]4: Thromb Haemost. 2010 Aug 30;104(4) [Epub ahead of print]
Di Minno MN, Tremoli E, Tufano A, Russolillo A, Lupoli R, Di Minno G.
Matteo Nicola Dario Di Minno, via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy, Tel./Fax: +39 0 817462060, E-mail: dario.diminno@hotmail.it.
In the 1980s, observational retrospective studies showed an inverse relation between coronary heart disease (CHD) and consumption of fish containing fatty acids that belong to the omega (omega)-3 family. Large case-control studies and prospective intervention trials consistently showed that omega-3 fatty acids supplementation lowers fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and sudden cardiac death. By analysing the strengths of the results of individual studies and how the meta-analyses agree with them, putting together relevant backgrounds, and identifying open questions, the following findings/directions emerge. (i) Dietary and non-dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids reduces overall mortality, mortality due to MI, and sudden death in patients with CHD; (ii) Fish oil consumption directly or indirectly affects cardiac electrophysiology. Fish oil reduces heart rate, a major risk factor for sudden death; (iii) Among patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators, omega-3 fatty acids do not reduce the risk of ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation and may actually be pro-arrhythmic; (iv) The consumption of omega-3 fatty acids leads to a 10-33% net decrease of triglyceride levels. The effect is dose-dependent, larger in studies with higher mean baseline triglyceride levels, and consistent in different populations (healthy people, people with dyslipidaemia, diabetes, or known cardiovascular risk factors); (v) Outcomes for which a small beneficial effect omega-3 fatty acids is found include blood pressure (about 2 mmHg reduction), re-stenosis rates after coronary angioplasty (14% reduction), and exercise tolerance testing. Major experimental data provide strength (biological plausibility) for these findings, and define directions for newer clinical trials with omega-3 fatty acids.
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PMID: 20806105 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]5: Nutr Res. 2010 Jul;30(7):447-54.
Zhang J, Wang C, Li L, Man Q, Song P, Meng L, Du ZY, Froyland L.
Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
Although the beneficial effects of n-3 fatty acids on several physiologic functions have been widely reported, information about the effects of oily fish in the Asian diet on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is diminutive. We hypothesize that daily inclusion of oily fish for 8 weeks in the Chinese diet will elevate serum eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels and reduce CVD risk markers in dyslipidemic adult men, comparable with the effects generally observed by inclusion of oily fish in the Western diet. In this 8-week randomized, parallel-arm, food-based intervention study, lunches were prepared with 500 g pork/chicken/beef, typically consumed fish (hairtail and freshwater carp), or oily fish (salmon). Male subjects aged between 35 and 70 years with hyperlipidemia were randomly assigned to eat lunches with pork/chicken/beef (n = 30 subjects at 8 weeks), freshwater fish (n = 30), or oily fish (n = 32). Circulating markers were measured at baseline and at 8 weeks. In the oily fish diet, dietary EPA and DHA levels were significantly increased as compared with other diets; and the n-6:n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio was decreased (P < .05). Thus, the oily fish diet significantly elevated serum EPA and DHA concentrations (P < .01) and lowered serum n-6:n-3 ratio at 8 weeks (P < .05). Furthermore, oily fish intake significantly reduced serum levels of triglycerides (P < .05) and interleukin-6 (P < .01) and increased levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < .01). In conclusion, daily inclusion of oily fish as part of the Chinese diet for 8 weeks is sufficient to significantly increase the serum content of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and reduce levels of CVD risk markers in dyslipidemic adult men. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Types: Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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PMID: 20797476 [PubMed - in process]6: Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 Aug 25; [Epub ahead of print]
Lemke SL, Vicini JL, Su H, Goldstein DA, Nemeth MA, Krul ES, Harris WS.
Monsanto Company, St Louis, MO.
BACKGROUND: The benefits of omega-3 (n-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids to heart health are well established. Stearidonic acid (SDA, 18:4n-3) may contribute to these benefits. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the ability of SDA-containing soybean oil to increase the omega-3 index [erythrocyte eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid, as a percentage of total fatty acids] and to affect other cardiovascular disease risk markers compared with EPA and regular soy oil (control). DESIGN: This was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind multicenter study in which 252 overweight subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments for 12 wk: 1 g encapsulated soybean oil/d plus 14.7 g liquid soybean oil/d to be mixed in food (control group), 1 g encapsulated EPA/d plus 14.7 g liquid soybean oil/d (EPA group), and 1 g encapsulated soybean oil/d plus 14.7 g liquid SDA-enriched soybean oil/d, providing 4.2 g SDA (SDA group). Subjects consumed treatment oils in exchange for other oils in their diet. RESULTS: The mean (+/-SE) baseline omega-3 index was similar between treatments, but after 12 wk of treatment values for this index were 4.15 +/- 0.12%, 4.84 +/- 0.13%, and 4.69 +/- 0.15% for control, EPA, and SDA groups, respectively. Values for the EPA and SDA groups were greater than those for control subjects in the intent-to-treat population (P < 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively). No adverse treatment-related effects of SDA-enriched soybean oil were reported. CONCLUSIONS: SDA-enriched soybean oil increased the omega-3 index by raising erythrocyte EPA concentrations. SDA-enriched soybean oil is a land-based n-3 fatty acid that is a sustainable approach to increasing tissue concentrations of long-chain polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acids.
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PMID: 20739419 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]7: J Biol Chem. 2010 Aug 23; [Epub ahead of print]
Arnold C, Markovic M, Blossey K, Wallukat G, Fischer R, Dechend R, Konkel A, von Schacky C, Luft FC, Muller DN, Rothe M, Schunck WH.
Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Germany;
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) protect against cardiovascular disease by largely unknown mechanisms. We tested the hypothesis that EPA and DHA may compete with arachidonic acid (AA) for the conversion by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes resulting in the formation of alternative, physiologically active, metabolites. Renal and hepatic microsomes, as well as various CYP-isoforms, displayed equal or elevated activities when metabolizing EPA or DHA instead of AA. CYP2C/2J-isoforms converting AA to epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) preferentially epoxidized the omega-3 double bond and thereby produced 17,18-epoxyeicosatetraenoic (17,18-EEQ) and 19,20-epoxydocosapentaenoic acid (19,20-EDP) from EPA and DHA. We found that these omega-3 epoxides are highly active as antiarrhythmic agents, suppressing Ca2+-induced increased rate of spontaneous beating of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, at low nanomolar concentrations. CYP4A/4F-isoforms omega-hydroxylating AA were less regioselective towards EPA and DHA, catalyzing predominantly omega- and omega minus-1 hydroxylation. Rats given dietary EPA/DHA supplementation exhibited substantial replacement of AA by EPA and DHA in membrane phospholipids in plasma, heart, kidney, liver, lung, and pancreas, with less pronounced changes in brain. The changes in fatty acids were accompanied by concomitant changes in endogenous CYP metabolite profiles (e.g. altering the EET:EEQ:EDP ratio from 87:0:13 to 27:18:55 in the heart). These results demonstrate that CYP-enzymes efficiently convert EPA and DHA to novel epoxy- and hydroxy-metabolites that could mediate some of the beneficial cardiovascular effects of dietary omega-3 fatty acids.
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PMID: 20732876 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]8: Psychosom Med. 2010 Aug 17; [Epub ahead of print]
Carney RM, Freedland KE, Stein PK, Steinmeyer BC, Harris WS, Rubin EH, Krone RJ, Rich MW.
Departments of Psychiatry (R.M.C., K.E.F., B.C.S., E.H.R.) and Medicine (P.K.S., R.J.K., M.W.R.), Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri; Cardiovascular Health Research Center (W.S.H.), Sanford Research, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Objective: To determine whether omega-3 fatty acid (FA) increases the natural log of very low frequency (lnVLF) power, an index of heart rate variability (HRV), and reduces 24-hour heart rate (HR) in depressed patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Low intake of omega-3 FAs is associated with depression and with low HRV, and all three are associated with an increased risk of death in patients with CHD. Methods: Thirty-six depressed patients with CHD randomized to receive 50 mg of sertraline and 2 g of omega-3/day, and 36 randomized to sertraline and a placebo, had 24-hour HRV measured at baseline and after 10 weeks of treatment. Results: There was a significant treatment x time interaction for covariate adjusted lnVLF (p = .009), for mean 24-hour HR (p = .03), and for 1-minute resting HR (p = .02). The interaction was not significant for three other measures of HRV. LnVLF did not change over time in the omega-3 arm but decreased in the placebo arm (p = .002), suggesting that omega-3 may have prevented or slowed deterioration in cardiac autonomic function. Conclusions: The effects of omega-3 FAs on lnVLF and HR, although modest, were detected after only 10 weeks of treatment with 2 g per day of omega-3. Whether a longer course of treatment or a higher dose of omega-3 would further decrease HR, improve other indices of HRV, or reduce mortality in depressed CHD patients should be investigated.
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PMID: 20716712 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]9: Eur J Nutr. 2010 Aug 13; [Epub ahead of print]
Nelson TL, Hokanson JE, Hickey MS.
Human Performance Clinical/Research Laboratory, Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, 220 Moby, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA, tnelson@cahs.colostate.edu.
PURPOSE: Lipoprotein associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) is a novel inflammatory factor that has been independently associated with stroke and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Omega-3 fats have been implicated in reducing inflammation associated with CVD. The aim of this study was to determine if an 8-week isocaloric diet supplemented with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) in the form of fish oil or alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in the form of flaxseed oil would alter Lp-PLA(2) among healthy adults ages 50 years and older. METHODS: Fifty-nine healthy adults (~75% female, average age 61 years) were randomized to one of three groups with equal amounts of total fat intake. All capsules contained ~1 g of fat. The control group (n = 19) consumed olive oil capsules (~11 g/day); the ALA group (n = 20) consumed flaxseed oil capsules (~11 g/day) and the EPA/DHA group (n = 20) consumed fish oil capsules (~2 g/day + 9 g/day of olive oil). Fasting blood samples were obtained before and after the 8-week intervention for determination of Lp-PLA(2) mass and activity as well as lipid values. RESULTS: We did not find any significant changes in Lp-PLA(2) mass or activity after the intervention in any of the groups; however, change in oxidized LDL was associated with change in Lp-PLA(2) mass (r = 0.37, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Supplementing the diet with omega-3 fatty acids for 8-weeks did not influence Lp-PLA(2) activity or mass among older adults; altering oxidized LDL may be necessary to see changes in Lp-PLA(2) levels.
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PMID: 20706728 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]10: Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2010 Aug 12; [Epub ahead of print]
Wan JB, Huang LL, Rong R, Tan R, Wang J, Kang JX.
Laboratory for Lipid Medicine and Technology, the Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston.
OBJECTIVE: To use the fat-1 transgenic mouse model to determine the role of tissue n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio in atherosclerotic plaque formation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Although it has been suggested that a low ratio of n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is more desirable in reducing the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, the role of tissue n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio in atherosclerosis has not been sufficiently tested in a well-controlled experimental system. The fat-1 transgenic mouse model, expressing an n-3 fatty acid desaturase, is capable of producing n-3 PUFAs from n-6 PUFAs and thereby has a ratio of n-6/n-3 fatty acids close to 1:1 in tissues and organs. To generate apolipoprotein E-deficient plus fat-1 transgenic mice (apoE(-/-)/fat-1), we crossed heterozygous fat-1 mice with apoE(-/-) mice. After 14 weeks of a Western-type diet rich in n-6 PUFAs, the apoE(-/-)/fat-1 mice showed a lower ratio of n-6/n-3 fatty acids than the apoE(-/-) mice in all organs and tissues tested. The aortic lesion area in apoE(-/-)/fat-1 mice was significantly reduced when compared with that of apoE(-/-) littermates (7.14+/-0.54% versus 13.49+/-1.61%). There were no differences in plasma cholesterol or high- and low-density lipoprotein levels between the 2 groups, except for a higher triglyceride level in the apoE(-/-)/fat-1 mice. A significant reduction of interleukin 6 and prostaglandin E2 in both plasma and aorta culture medium was observed in apoE(-/-)/fat-1 mice. RT-PCR analysis also indicated that the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interleukin 6, and cyclooxygenase-2 was lower in the aortas and the circulating monocytes from apoE(-/-)/fat-1 mice. In addition, the expression of nuclear factor kappaB/p65 in the aorta and the recruitment of macrophages into atherosclerotic plaques were reduced in apoE(-/-)/fat-1 mice, compared with apoE(-/-) mice. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study to provide direct evidence for the role of tissue n-6/n-3 ratio in atherosclerosis using the fat-1 transgenic mouse model. Our findings demonstrate that a decreased n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio reduces atherosclerotic lesions in apoE(-/-) mice. This protective effect may be attributed to the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids, rather than their lipid-lowering effect.
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PMID: 20705919 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]11: Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2010 Aug 11; [Epub ahead of print]
Matesanz N, Park G, McAllister H, Leahey W, Devine A, McVeigh GE, Gardiner TA, McDonald DM.
Vision & Vascular Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.
Purpose - Disturbances to the cellular production of nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide (O(2)(-)) can have deleterious effects on retinal vascular integrity and angiogenic signaling. Dietary agents which could modulate the production of these signaling molecules from their likely enzymatic sources, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and NADPH oxidase, would therefore have a major benefical effect on retinal vascular disease. Here we investigated the effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on angiogenic signaling and NO/superoxide production in retinal microvascular endothelial cells (RMEC). Methods - Primary RMEC were treated with the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) for 48h. RMEC migration was determined by scratch-wound assay, proliferation by the incorporation of BrdU and angiogenic sprouting using a 3-dimensional model of in vitro angiogenesis. NO production was quantified by Griess assay and phospho-eNOS accumulation and superoxide measured using the fluorescent probe dihydroethidine (DHE). eNOS localization to caveolin-rich microdomains was determined by Western blotting following sub-fractionation on a linear sucrose gradient. Results - DHA treatment increased nitrite and decreased superoxide production which correlated with the displacement of eNOS from caveolar subdomains and co-localisation with the negative regulator caveolin-1. In addition, both omega-3 PUFAs demonstrated a reduced responsiveness to VEGF stimulated superoxide and nitrite release and significantly impaired endothelial wound healing, proliferation and angiogenic sprout formation. Conclusions - DHA improves NO bioavailability, decreases O(2)(-) production and blunts VEGF mediated angiogenic signalling. These findings suggest a role for omega-3 PUFAs, particularly DHA, in maintaining vascular integrity while also reducing pathological retinal neovascularistaion.
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PMID: 20702831 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]12: Cardiol Rev. 2010 Sep-Oct;18(5):258-63.
Weitz D, Weintraub H, Fisher E, Schwartzbard AZ.
Department of Medicine, Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA. Weitz@nyumc.org
Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found abundantly in fish oil, are increasingly being used in the management of cardiovascular disease. It is clear that fish oil, in clinically used doses (typically 4 g/d of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) reduce high triglycerides. However, the role of omega-3 fatty acids in reducing mortality, sudden death, arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, and heart failure has not yet been established. This review will focus on the current clinical uses of fish oil and provide an update on their effects on triglycerides, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmia. We will explore the dietary sources of fish oil as compared with drug therapy, and discuss the use of fish oil products in combination with other commonly used lipid-lowering agents. We will examine the underlying mechanism of fish oil's action on triglyceride reduction, plaque stability, and effect in diabetes, and review the newly discovered anti-inflammatory effects of fish oil. Finally, we will examine the limitations of current data and suggest recommendations for fish oil use.
Publication Types: Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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PMID: 20699674 [PubMed - in process]13: Eur J Clin Nutr. 2010 Aug 4; [Epub ahead of print]
Oya J, Nakagami T, Sasaki S, Jimba S, Murakami K, Kasahara T, Wasada T, Sekiguchi H, Hasegawa M, Endo Y, Iwamoto Y.
Department of Internal Medicine, Diabetes Center, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Background/Objectives:Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common condition, in which abnormal amounts of triglycerides accumulate in hepatocytes and is closely related to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Dietary fats contribute 15% of fat accumulation in the liver and regulate hepatic lipid metabolism. The supplementation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) improves NAFLD. The aim of this study is to assess the cross-sectional association between dietary n-3 PUFAs and NAFLD in Japanese men and women.Subjects/Methods:Participants were middle-aged, apparently healthy, 296 men and 496 women, who did not drink alcohol and who participated in a general health check-up program. Dietary information from the previous month was obtained by the brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. NAFLD was diagnosed if abdominal ultrasonography revealed the presence of fatty liver.Results:The prevalence of NAFLD was 45.3% in men and 17.5% in women. In comparison with the first tertile, multivariate adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for the presence of NAFLD in the second and third tertiles for men taking eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were 0.59 (0.31-1.14) and 0.45 (0.23-0.90), respectively, (P for linear trend=0.024), and the multivariate adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for the presence of NAFLD in the second and third tertiles for men taking EPA+docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were 0.44 (0.23-0.86) and 0.48 (0.24-0.95), respectively, (P for linear trend=0.035). However, there was no significant relation between NAFLD and each of these nutrients in women.Conclusions:Dietary EPA and EPA+DHA may be independent and preventive nutrients for NAFLD in Japanese men.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition advance online publication, 4 August 2010; doi:10.1038/ejcn.2010.139.
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PMID: 20683463 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]14: Sci Total Environ. 2010 Sep 15;408(20):4532-41. Epub 2010 Jul 31.
Loring PA, Duffy LK, Murray MS.
Center for Cross Cultural Studies, University of Alaska Fairbanks, PO Box 756730, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA. ploring@alaska.edu
Northern peoples face a difficult decision of whether or not to consume wild fish, which may contain dangerous levels of contaminants such as methylmercury (MeHg), but which also offer a number of positive health benefits, and play an important role in rural household economies. Here, new methods for developing consumption advice are applied to an existing data-set for methylmercury (MeHg) levels in Alaskan fish. We apply a quantitative risk-benefit analysis for eight freshwater, saltwater and anadromous fish species, using dose-response relationships to weigh the risks of MeHg bioaccumulation against the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) toward cardiovascular and neurodevelopmental health endpoints. Findings suggests that consumption of many of the fish species reviewed here, including northern pike, Pacific Halibut, and arctic grayling, may lead to increased risk of coronary heart disease and declines in infant visual recognition memory. However, we also identify significant variation among regions, among studies within the same region, and also within studies, which make it difficult to craft consistent consumption advice. Whereas salmon consistently shows a net-benefit, for instance, data for arctic grayling, pike, sablefish, and some halibut are all too imprecise to provide consistent recommendations. We argue for more detailed local-scale monitoring, and identification of possible thresholds for increased risk in the future. We caution that MeHg and omega-3 FA are just two variables in a complicated calculus for weighing the risks and benefits of locally-available and culturally-significant foods, and argue for future work that takes both a place-based and plate-based approach to diet and contamination. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Publication Types: Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
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PMID: 20673961 [PubMed - in process]15: J Small Anim Pract. 2010 Jul 29; [Epub ahead of print]
Freeman LM.
Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, USA.
There is a large body of evidence supporting beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids for both primary and secondary prevention of cardiac disease in people. However, evidence is increasing for the use of omega-3 fatty acids in dogs with cardiac disease as well. Omega-3 fatty acids' anti-inflammatory and anti-arrhythmic effects may be beneficial in managing the loss of lean body mass and arrhythmias that are common in heart failure. However, omega-3 fatty acids also may have positive effects on myocardial energy metabolism, endothelial function, heart rate and blood pressure, and immune function. Additional research is needed to determine optimal indications, doses and formulations for dogs and cats with cardiac disease.
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PMID: 20673293 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]16: Cardiol Res Pract. 2010;2010:824938. Epub 2010 Jun 29.
Singh RB, Demeester F, Wilczynska A.
Tsim Tsoum Institute, Ul. Golebia 2, 31-007 Krakow, Poland.
The Tsim Tsoum Concept means that humans evolved on a diet in which nature recommends to ingest fatty acids in a balanced ratio (polyunsaturated(P) : saturated(S) =w-6 : w-3 = 1 : 1)as part of dietary lipid pattern where monounsaturated fatty acids(MUFA) is the major fatty acid(P : M : S = 1 : 6 : 1) in the background of other dietary factors; antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber as well as physical activity and low mental stress. Several hundred years ago, our diet included natural foods; fruits, vegetables, green vegetables, seeds, eggs and honey. Fish, and wild meat were also available to pre-agricultural humans which shaped modern human genetic nutritional requirement. Cereal grains (refined), and vegetable oils that are rich in w-6 fatty acids are relatively recent addition to the human diet that represent dramatic departure from those foods to which we are adapted. Excess of linoleic acid, trans fatty acids (TFA), saturated and total fat as well as refined starches and sugar are proinflammatory. Low dietary MUFA and n-3 fatty acids and other long chain polyunsarurated fatty acids (LCPUFA) are important in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. Increased sympathetic activity with greater secretion of neurotransmitters in conjunction of underlying long chain PUFA deficiency, and excess of proinflammatory nutrients, may damage the neurons via proinflammatory cytokines, in the ventromedial hypothalamus and insulin receptors in the brain.Since, 30-50% of the fatty acids in the brain are LCPUFA, especially omega-3 fatty acids, which are incorporated in the cell membrane phospholipids, it is possible that their supplementation may be protective.Blood lipid composition does reflect one's health status: (a) circulating serum lipoproteins and their ratio provide information on their atherogenicity to blood vessels and (b) circulating plasma fatty acids, such as w-6/w-3 fatty acid ratio, give indication on proinflammatory status of blood vessels, cardiomyocytes, liver cells and neurones; (a) and (b) are phenotype-related and depend on genetic, environmental and developmental factors. As such, they appear as universal markers for holistic health and these may be important in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and cancer, which is the main consideration of Tsim Tsoum concept.
Links http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=20671994&dopt=ExternalLink
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PMID: 20671994 [PubMed - in process]17: Pharmacotherapy. 2010 Aug;30(8):823-9.
Marrs JC, Saseen JJ.
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. joel.marrs@ucdenver.edu
In the general population, dyslipidemia is an established independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), comorbid cardiovascular disease is present at alarming rates, and those who require hemodialysis and have cardiovascular disease continue to have a high mortality rate. Lipid abnormalities associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) vary depending on the stage of disease (stages 1-5), but low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) has been established as the primary lipid treatment target. Guidelines support an LDL level of less than 100 mg/dl in patients with all stages of CKD, except when the triglyceride level is above 500 mg/dl. As patients progress to stage 5 CKD (ESRD with hemodialysis), the high triglyceride, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and increased lipoprotein(a) levels of the early stages become more pronounced, with increases in small dense LDL particles; however, total cholesterol and LDL values remain normal or decrease. In patients undergoing hemodialysis, lipid abnormalities are driven by an increase in hepatic secretion and delayed catabolism of very low-density lipoproteins, as well as a reduction in lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase. Epidemiologic data support the role of cholesterol lowering as a means to lower cardiovascular events in the hemodialysis population. We conducted a literature search of various databases (1966-September 2009) to identify relevant clinical trials that evaluated the efficacy and safety of multiple lipid-lowering agents for the treatment of dyslipidemia in patients with ESRD requiring hemodialysis. Only those trials that used clinical primary end points of coronary heart disease (e.g., cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke) were included in this review. Evidence demonstrates that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor (statin) therapy (i.e., atorvastatin and rosuvastatin) significantly reduces surrogate cardiovascular markers, particularly LDL, in patients with ESRD requiring hemodialysis; however, no statin has proved to reduce cardiovascular morbidity or mortality in this population. Trials evaluating omega-3 fatty acids did not show significant reductions in LDL or cardiovascular events in this population. Clinicians should appreciate these limitations when deciding whether to continue lipid-lowering pharmacotherapy in these patients, depending on their overall cardiovascular risk assessment.
Links http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=20653359&dopt=ExternalLink
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PMID: 20653359 [PubMed - in process]18: Lancet. 2010 Aug 14;376(9740):540-50. Epub 2010 Jul 15.
Saravanan P, Davidson NC, Schmidt EB, Calder PC.
Cardiovascular Research Group, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. drplsuk@yahoo.co.uk
Much evidence shows that the marine omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid have beneficial effects in various cardiac disorders, and their use is recommended in guidelines for management of patients after myocardial infarction. However, questions have been raised about their usefulness alongside optimum medical therapies with agents proven to reduce risk of cardiac events in high-risk patients. Additionally, there is some evidence for a possible pro-arrhythmic effect in subsets of cardiac patients. Some uncertainly exists about the optimum dose needed to obtain beneficial effects and the relative merit of dietary intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids versus supplements. We review evidence for the effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on various cardiac disorders and the risk factors for cardiac disease. We also assess areas of uncertainty needing further research. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication Types: Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Review
Links http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=20638121&dopt=ExternalLink
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PMID: 20638121 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]19: Mar Pollut Bull. 2010 Sep;60(9):1615-8. Epub 2010 Jul 14.
Smith KL, Guentzel JL.
Coastal Carolina University, Department of Marine Science, Conway, SC 29528-6054, USA.
The consumption of fish and shrimp containing omega-3 fatty acids can result in protective health effects including a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes. These protective effects may be decreased by the presence of mercury in the muscle tissue of fish and shellfish. Mercury can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems and impede neurological development. The objective of this project was to determine appropriate consumption amounts of selected fish species and shrimp based on mercury levels and recommended intake levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Species that are high in omega-3s and low in mercury include salmon, trout, and shrimp. Species with both high levels of mercury and omega-3 fatty acids include tuna, shark, and halibut, swordfish, and sea bass. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication Types: Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Links http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=20633905&dopt=ExternalLink
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PMID: 20633905 [PubMed - in process]20: Cardiovasc Ther. 2010 Aug;28(4):216-26.
Davi G, Santilli F, Patrono C.
Center of Excellence on Aging, G. d'Annunzio University Foundation, Chieti, Italy.
Metabolic syndrome represents a clustering of risk factors related to an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Occurrence of both metabolic syndrome and diabetes and their vascular complications share several pathogenetic features including subclinical, low-grade inflammation, altered oxidative/antioxidant status, and persistent platelet activation. Despite the availability of multiple interventions to counteract these metabolic changes, including appropriate diet, regular exercise, weight control and drugs, epidemiological data are witnessing the growing trend of the problem, reflecting both the multifactorial nature of these diseases as well as the scarce compliance of patients to established strategies. Several nutraceuticals used in clinical practice have been shown to target the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome and their complications and to favorably modulate a number of biochemical and clinical endpoints. These compounds include antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamins C and E, flavonoids, vitamin D, conjugated linoleic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals such as chromium and magnesium, alpha-lipoic acid, phytoestrogens, and dietary fibers. Several areas of concern exist regarding the use of dietary supplements and nutraceuticals in this setting, including product standardization, definition of optimal dosing regimen, potential side effects, drug interactions, and need for evidence-based indications.
Links http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=20633024&dopt=ExternalLink
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PMID: 20633024 [PubMed - in process]