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Background: We studied the impact of lifestyle, body composition, different insulin sensitivity indices and the first insulin response in healthy pre- and post-menopausal women with a low cardiovascular risk profile (the EU-RISC study, ‘Relationship between Insulin Sensitivity and Cardiovascular Disease’ (n = 51, 47 ± 4 years, body mass index 23.6 ± 3.7 kg/m2, waist girth 79.2 ± 10.3 cm) on endothelial function (flow mediated arterial dilatation (FMD)), an early marker for atherosclerosis.Results: Waist circumference (p = 0.06), tobacco consumption (p = 0.02) and leucocyte count (p = 0.09) were inversely related with FMD in both pre- and post-menopausal women. Neither insulin sensitivity nor first insulin response indices were correlated with FMD. In pre-menopausal women (n = 24), waist (p < 0.02), waist-to-hip ratio (p < 0.02), HDL cholesterol (p < 0.01) and smoking habits (p < 0.03) were significantly correlated with endothelial function. In postmenopausal women (n = 27) age (r = −0.17, p = 0.04) was related with FMD.Conclusion: Smoking and waist circumference, a simple marker of visceral adiposity, were related with endothelial function in healthy pre- and post-menopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper reviews current knowledge on the role of the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n-3) and arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6), in maternal and term infant nutrition as well as infant development. Consensus recommendations and practice guidelines for health-care providers supported by the World Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Early Nutrition Academy, and the Child Health Foundation are provided. The fetus and neonate should receive LC-PUFA in amounts sufficient to support optimal visual and cognitive development. Moreover, the consumption of oils rich in n-3 LC-PUFA during pregnancy reduces the risk for early premature birth. Pregnant and lactating women should aim to achieve an average daily intake of at least 200 mg DHA. For healthy term infants, we recommend and fully endorse breastfeeding, which supplies preformed LC-PUFA, as the preferred method of feeding. When breastfeeding is not possible, we recommend use of an infant formula providing DHA at levels between 0.2 and 0.5 weight percent of total fat, and with the minimum amount of AA equivalent to the contents of DHA. Dietary LC-PUFA supply should continue after the first six months of life, but currently there is not sufficient information for quantitative recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) are considered conditionally essential nutrients for the infant born prematurely, and attempts are being made to match fatty acid profiles of formula and breast fed infants. In this double-blind, randomized study we investigated the effects of a formula enriched with both n-6 and n-3 LCP on plasma fatty acid profiles, antioxidant status and growth of premature infants. 29 infants received either a formula devoid of LCP or a LCP supplemented formula (0.5 g/100 g fat linoleic acid metabolites, 0.8 g/100 g fat α-linolenic acid metabolites). 17 breast fed infants served as a control group. At study entry as well as two and four weeks later, plasma and urine samples were collected, growth data obtained and food tolerance was documented. At the end of the four week study period, plasma docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels of supplemented infants were significantly higher than those of unsupplemented infants and similar to those of infants fed human milk. Plasma n-6 LCP concentrations including arachidonic acid (AA) were similar between groups. The plasma α-tocopherol levels of breast fed and supplemented infants were similar and tended to be lower than in infants fed the formula devoid of LCP. Urinary malondialdehyde (MDA) excretion of formula fed infants was significantly higher compared to infants fed human milk, but did not differ between the two formula groups. Parameters of growth and milk tolerance did not differ between groups. Our results demonstrate that plasma LCP levels similar to those of breast fed infants can be achieved with the LCP supplemented formula used in this trial, without evidence of adverse effects of the LCP enrichment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the case of an 11-year-old girl presenting with a 1.5- year history of swan neck-like deformed joint contractures of both hands. A possible diagnosis was sought in a wide range of rheumatological, metabolic, and neurological disorders. After detailed diagnostic procedures to exclude an organic pathology, steps were taken to establish a psychogenic origin. She showed symptoms that were incongruent with an organic neurological disorder, for example, a paroxysmal fluctuating course, reaction to placebo, and complete remission with psychotherapy and physiotherapy. The psychosomatic evaluation revealed a highly emotional conflict. This bizarre case demonstrates that secondary contractures are by no means an exclusion criterion for a psychogenic dystonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]