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Background: For infants with severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) stabilized with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), early repair on ECMO improves outcome; however when compared to operative repair after ECMO, repair on ECMO is associated with increase bleeding risk and need for blood product transfusions. Methods: A retrospective review of 54 patients with CDH placed on ECMO prior to CDH repair was performed. For the subset of patients repaired on ECMO, analysis comparing those repaired early (within 48 h of cannulation) and late (beyond 48 h) on ECMO was performed. Outcomes of interest included survival to discharge, days on ECMO, and postoperative blood product utilization. Results: When compared to those patients repaired prior to 48 h of ECMO initiation, 57.7% of patients survived versus 40.9% of late repair patients. For those repaired early, blood product utilization was significantly less. Early repair patients received a median of 72 mL/kg packed red blood cells (PRBC) and 75 mL/kg platelets compared to 151.9 mL/kg and 98.7 mL/kg, respectively (p < 0.05 respectively). There was no difference in median days on ECMO (p = 0.38). Conclusion: Our data supports prior reports of improved outcome with repair with 48 h of ECMO initiation and suggests early repair on ECMO is associated with less bleeding and decreased blood product requirement in the postoperative period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the albumin-binding compound 111In-C4-DTPA as an imaging agent for the detection of endogenous albumin accumulation in tumors. Methods: 111In-C4-DTPA was injected in healthy nude mice for pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies (10 min, 1, 6, 24, and 48 h, n = 4) and subsequently in tumor-bearing mice for single-photon emission computed tomography/X-ray-computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging studies. Four different human tumor xenograft models (LXFL529, OVXF899, MAXFTN401, and CXF2081) were implanted subcutaneously unilaterally or bilaterally (n = 4–8). After intravenous administration of 111In-C4-DTPA, SPECT/CT images were collected over 72 h at 4–6 time points. Additionally, gamma counting was performed for the blood, plasma, lungs, heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, muscle, and tumors at 72 h post-injection. Results: 111In-C4-DTPA bound rapidly to circulating albumin upon injection, and the radiolabeled albumin conjugate thus formed was stable in murine and human serum. SPECT/CT images demonstrated a time-dependent uptake with a maximum of 2.7–3.8% ID/cm3 in the tumors at approximately 24 h post-injection and mean tumor/muscle ratios in the range of 3.2–6.2 between 24 and 72 h post-injection. The kidneys and bladder were the predominant elimination organs. Gamma counting at 72 h post-injection showed 1.3–2.5% ID/g in the tumors and mean tumor/muscle ratios in the range of 4.9–9.4. Conclusion: 111In-C4-DTPA bound rapidly to circulating albumin upon injection and showed time-dependent uptake in the tumors demonstrating a potential for clinical application as a companion imaging diagnostic for albumin-binding anticancer drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Knowledge about moderation of the association between hearing loss and depression is scant. We investigated dyslipidemia as a potential moderator of the association between hearing/hearing loss and depressive symptoms. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: General population-based cohort in France (SU.VI.MAX 2; 2007-2009). Participants: N= 4,307 adults (mean age = 61.5 ± 6.1 y; 59.6% women). Measurements: A score ≥ 16 on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale defined presence of depressive symptoms. Mean hearing level for each ear was defined as the pure-tone average of the following thresholds: 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 kHz; the value for the better hearing ear was retained for analysis. Hearing loss was defined as inability to hear at thresholds ≥ 25 dB in both ears. A subjective measure of perceived hearing loss was also used. Serum triglyceride, total-, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol concentrations were assessed in fasting blood samples and established cutoffs were used in multivariable logistic regression models. The interaction between hearing/hearing loss (independent variables) and each of the four lipid parameters was tested. Results: Even though the interaction tests regarding LDL-, HDL- cholesterol, and triglyceride status were statistically significant, the subgroup analyses revealed few significant and somewhat unexpected findings. In fact, among individuals with low LDL-cholesterol, unlike their counterparts with high LDL-cholesterol, there was an inverse association between hearing level in the better hearing ear and depressive symptoms (OR= 0.94; 95% CI: 0.89- 0.99). Regarding the subjective measure of hearing, a few of the dyslipidemia-moderated associations were statistically significant, albeit not all in the predicted direction. Conclusions: The findings provide some support for moderation of the association between hearing/hearing loss and depressive symptoms by dyslipidemia, with important lipid-specific and hearing measure-specific differences. The results could serve as impetus for future investigations in order to identify and target population subgroups with increased vulnerability to depression in the context of both sensory disability and aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flow-mediated vasodilation and endothelial function in Mexican patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, a cross-sectional study in western Mexico. Introduction: Mexico is a country with high mortality due to diabetes complications (1); constant hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes leads to endothelial damage, which is the main risk factor for the development of macro and microvascular complications, leading to an increased risk of mortality (2). Flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) is one of the most widely used techniques for the evaluation of endothelial function and can be used as predictor of cardiovascular risk (3,4). Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the FMD values and hemodynamic characteristics in Mexican patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in western Mexico. Methods: FMD were measured with a high-resolution semi-automatic ultrasound UNEX-EF 38G (UNEX Co. Ltd Nagoya Japan). Measurement of arterial tension were made with an OMRON electronic digital sphygmomanometer (HEM 907 XL). Results: 65 patients, (28 men and 37 women) with a mean age of 52.46 ± 11.71, we found a difference between the basal and final diameters and blood flow between men and women (4.67 ± 0.76 vs 3.42 ± 0.69 p 0.001; 4.96 ± 0.76 vs 3.66 ± 0.70 p 0.001; (10.5 ± 8.05 vs 4.59 ± 3.56 p 0.020); an inverse correlation was found between FMD and SBP (r = - 0.265 p 0.33). Conclusion: We found a lower FMD in women than in men, it is also noteworthy the differences found in the flow and bIMT between the individuals in the study, the above can be explained by the inherent hormonal effects of each sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Estimation of dietary intake of polyphenols is difficult, due to limited availability of food composition data and bias inherent to dietary assessment methods. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether we could detect polyphenols and their metabolites in a spot urine sample in a free-living human population and whether it was related to those observed in 24-h urine samples, for potential use as a biomarkers of polyphenol intake.Subjects: Four 24-h urine samples and two spot urine samples were collected from 154 participants of the SU.VI.MAX cohort (a randomized primary-prevention trial evaluating the effect of daily antioxidant supplementation on chronic diseases) in two separate studies over, respectively, a 7- and 2-day periods. Thirteen polyphenols and metabolites (chlorogenic acid (CGA), caffeic acid (CA), m-coumaric acid (mCOU), gallic acid (GA), 4-O-methylgallic acid (MeGA), quercetin (Q), isorhamnetin (MeQ), kaempferol (K), hesperetin (HESP), naringenin (NAR), phloretin (PHLOR), enterolactone (ENL) and enterodiol (END) were measured using HPLC-ESI-MS-MS.Results: Correlations between the urinary excretion levels were observed. The most significant were explained by metabolic filiations (CGA/CA, CA/mCOU, GA/MeGA, Q/MeQ, NAR/PHLOR, ENL/END) or co-occurrence in a same food source (NAR/HESP). Concentrations in spot samples correlated with those in 24-h urine sample (P<0.02, except for CA and for MeQ). Intra-individual variations were smaller than inter-individual variations for all polyphenols (P<0.01) except for MeGA and for PHLOR.Conclusion: These results show that these polyphenols and metabolites are useful biomarkers for polyphenol intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Research concerning the link between dairy product intake and cognition is scant while experimental studies suggest links through various biological mechanisms. This study's objective was to examine the cross-time associations of total and specific dairy product consumption with cognitive performance in aging adults. We also explored compliance with dairy intake recommendations in France. Design: The study was based on the «Supplémentation en Vitamines et Minéraux Antioxydants» randomized trial (SU.VI.MAX, 1994-2002) and the SU.VI.MAX 2 observational follow-up study (2007-2009). Setting: A general-population cohort in France. Participants: N=3,076 participants included in both the SU.VI.MAX and SU.VI.MAX 2 studies. Measurements: Dairy product consumption was estimated using repeated 24h records (1994-1996; mean=10 records, SD=3). Cognitive performance was assessed by neuropsychologists after an average of 13 years post-baseline via a battery of six validated tests. Mean age at the time of the cognitive function evaluation was 65.5 (SD=4.6) years. Principal component analysis revealed factors for verbal memory and working memory. Associations of energy-adjusted dairy product consumption and compliance with the respective dietary guidelines with subsequent cognitive impairment were examined using ANCOVA, providing mean differences (95% confidence intervals, CI) according to tertiles (T), adjusted for confounders including overall dietary patterns. Results: Total dairy product consumption was not associated with cognitive function. However, milk intake was negatively associated with verbal memory performance: mean difference T3 versus T1= -0.99 (-1.83, -0.15). Among women, consuming more than the recommended amount of dairy was negatively associated with working memory performance: excess versus adequate = -1.52 (-2.93, -0.11). Conclusion: Our results indicate that dairy products consumption and especially compliance with dietary guidelines regarding dairy product intake are differentially associated with performance in specific cognitive domains after a comprehensive adjustment for lifestyle factors, health status markers and dietary patterns. Further longitudinal research is needed given the limited data available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood pressure (BP) variability is associated with several cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. Is BP variability measurement of any additive value, in terms of CV risk assessment strategies? To answer this question, we analyzed data from the SU.FOL.OM3 secondary prevention trial that included 2501 patients with background of CV disease history (coronary or cerebrovascular disease). BP was measured every year allowing calculation of variability of BP, expressed as s.d. and coefficient of variability (s.d./mean systolic BP) in 2157 patients. We found that systolic BP variability was associated with several CV risk factors: principally hypertension, age, and diabetes. Furthermore, all antihypertensives were positively associated with variability. Logistic regression analysis revealed that three factors were independent predictors of major CV event: coefficient of variability of systolic BP (OR=1.23 per s.d., 95% CI: 1.04-1.46, P=0.016), current smoking (OR=1.94, 95% CI: 1.03-3.66, P=0.039), and inclusion for cerebrovascular disease (OR=1.92, 95% CI: 1.29-2.87, P=0.001). Finally, when comparing logistic regression models characteristics without, and then with, inclusion of BP variability, there was a modest but statistically significant improvement (P=0.04). In conclusion, age, BP and diabetes were the major determinants of BP variability. Furthermore, BP variability has an independent prognostic value in the prediction of major CV events; but improvement in the prediction model was quite modest. This last finding is more in favor of BP variability acting as an integrator of CV risk than acting as a robust independent CV risk factor in this high-risk population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The scientific literature supports a link between midlife adiposity and cognitive function or decline but most studies to-date have investigated only overall adiposity, often omitting important confounders from the analyses. We investigated in a cross-time design the relationships between two different midlife adiposity markers and subsequent cognitive function, testing midlife dietary patterns as a potential confounder of the associations. Design: The study was based on the «Supplémentation en Vitamines et Minéraux Antioxydants» randomized trial (SU.VI.MAX, 1994-2002) and the SU.VI.MAX 2 observational follow-up study (2007-2009). Setting: A general-population cohort in France. Participants: N=2,817 individuals (1,493 men and 1,324 women) included in both the SU.VI.MAX and SU.VI.MAX 2 studies. Measurements: The cognitive performance of 2,817 middle-aged adults participating in the SU.VI.MAX (Supplémentation en Vitamines et Minéraux Antioxydant) study was assessed in 2007-2009 using 6 neuropsychological tests. Principal component analysis was used to derive specific cognitive scores. A composite cognitive score was also computed. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were measured 13 years earlier (1994). Associations between midlife adiposity and cognitive functioning were estimated through covariance analyses. Results: After adjustment for obesity-related cardio-metabolic parameters, higher BMI and larger WC at midlife predicted lower executive function. For example, the adjusted mean difference (95% confidence interval) for 1 SD increase in WC was −0.48 (−0.97, 0.00). Obese participants in midlife showed an adjusted mean difference (95% confidence interval) of −1.68 (−3.15, −0.22) compared with non-obese. Further adjustment for midlife dietary patterns slightly attenuated these associations. No relationships were observed with verbal memory or global cognitive function. Conclusion: Midlife overall and abdominal adiposity were similarly associated with lower executive functioning scores. Dietary patterns may partly explain such a relationship, arguing for the importance of controlling for lifestyle confounders in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives:Lower-income subgroups consume fewer servings of fruit and vegetables (FVs) compared with their more advantaged counterparts. To overcome financial barriers, FV voucher delivery has been proposed.Subjects/Methods:In a 12-month trial, 302 low-income adults 18-60 years old (defined by evaluation of deprivation and inequalities in health examination centers, a specific deprivation score) were randomized into two groups: dietary advice alone ('advice'), or dietary advice plus FV vouchers ('FV vouchers') (10-40 euros/month) exchangeable for fresh fruits and vegetables. Self-reported data were collected on FV consumption and socioeconomic status at baseline, 3, 9 and 12 months. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were conducted at these periods, as well as blood samples obtained for determination of vitamins. Descriptive analyses, multiple linear regression and logistic regression were performed to evaluate the impact of FV.Results:Between baseline and 3-month follow-up, mean FV consumption increased significantly in both the 'advice' (0.62±1.29 times/day, P=0.0004) and 'FV vouchers' groups (0.74±1.90, P=0.002), with no difference between groups. Subjects in the FV vouchers group had significantly decreased risk of low FV consumption (<1 time/day) compared with those in the advice group (P=0.008). No change was noted in vitamin levels (vitamin C and β-carotene). The high number of lost-to-follow-up cases did not permit analysis at 9 or 12 months.Conclusion:In the low-income population, FV voucher delivery decreased the proportion of low FV consumers at 3 months. Longer-term studies are needed to assess their impact on nutritional status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives:Nutritional recommendations are widely disseminated, but assessment of their predictive value for risk of chronic diseases and mortality is essential for ensuring their validity. We evaluated, in a large population-based study, the association between the French Programme National Nutrition Santé (PNNS) Guideline Score (GS) (maximum score of 15 points), an a priori-based score, and the incidences of cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and overall mortality.Subjects/Methods:Subjects included in this analysis (n=5823) were participants in the Supplémentation en Vitamines et Minéraux AntioXydants study, with available data for estimating the PNNS-GS. Hazards ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for outcomes (cancer, CVD and death) were estimated across quartiles of PNNS-GS using Cox proportional hazards models.Results:A total of 734 major events were recorded during an average 11.6-year follow-up (maximum 13 years): 423 cancers, 193 ischemic diseases and 118 deaths. In the fully adjusted model, a significant reduction in CVD risk between the first and fourth PNNS-GS quartiles (HR=0.65, 95% CI=0.41, 1.00, P for trend=0.04) was observed. No significant overall association with risk of cancer or death was detected.Conclusions:These observations support the role of nutritional guidelines in prevention of CVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Because of their structural, anti-inflammatory and antithrombic properties, longchain n-3 fatty acids may be key factors in the aging process. We sought to elucidate the association between intake of long-chain n-3 fatty acids and/or fish and cognitive function evaluated 13 years after dietary assessment. Design: Prospective population-based study. Participants/Setting: 3,294 adults from the SU.VI.MAX study (Supplementat ion with Antioxidant Vitamins and Minerals study). Measurements/Statistical analysis: Subjects underwent a standardized clinical examination which included cognitive tests and self-reported cognitive difficulties scale (2007-2009). Poor scores were defined using percentiles as cut-off. Dietary data were assessed through repeated 24-h dietary records. Odd ratio (OR), comparing the fourth (Q4) to the first quartile (Q1), of having a poor score were calculated using adjusted logistic regression. Results: Self-reported cognitive difficulties were less frequent among subjects with higher intakes of total n-3 long chain fatty acids (OR = 0.72, CI 95%=0.56-0.92) and eicosapentaenoic acid (OR Q4 versus Q1 = 0.74, CI 95%=0.58-0.95), even after adjustment for depressive symptoms. A borderline significant association was also found with high fish consumption (OR Q4 versus Q1 = 0.80, CI 95%=0.63−1.01). Conclusion: Cognitive complaints, which may be an early indicator of cognitive decline, are less frequent among the elderly who have a high long-chain n-3 acids intake, as assessed 13 years earlier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives:Few studies have investigated dietary patterns among French adults. We aimed to identify dietary patterns and their relation with nutrient intakes, sociodemographic, lifestyle and other health indicators in a large population of middle-aged subjects living in France.Subjects/Methods:Dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis in 5194 women and men aged 45–60 years enrolled in the SU.VI.MAX (Supplémentation en Vitamines et Minéraux Antioxydants) study. Dietary data were based on repeated 24-h dietary records (at least six records during 2 years).Results:Four patterns were identified: (1) ‘alcohol and meat products’; (2) ‘prudent diet’; (3) ‘convenience foods’; and (4) ‘starch, sauces, and vegetables’. The first pattern was positively associated with low education, smoking and overweight in both genders, as well as with abdominal obesity in women and treated hyperlipidaemia and/or hypertension in men. The second pattern was positively correlated with high education and being older than 55 years and negatively correlated with current smoking. This pattern was also associated with overweight and low waist circumference in women and with hyperlipidaemia treatment in men. The third pattern was inversely related to age and positively related to higher education in both genders. In men, higher scores were related to living alone and an urban residence. The fourth pattern was associated with high education and an urban residence in men only.Conclusions:Our study identified four dietary patterns in this population of French middle-aged adults. Associations with sociodemographic, behavioural and health-related factors were found to differ according to dietary patterns. Sex-specific relationships were also found.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2009) 63, 521–528; doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602978; published online 23 January 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To measure the correlations between habitual intakes of individual n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and their percentages in total plasma fatty acids in a population of adult men and women.Subjects/Methods:Two hundred and seventy-six men and 257 women aged 45–60 (men) or 35–60 (women) at baseline, volunteers of the French SU.VI.MAX cohort. Fifteen 24-h record questionnaires were used to estimate the habitual intake of energy, total fat and linoleic, α-linolenic acid, arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic (EPA), n-3 docosapentaenoic (DPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. Fatty acid composition of fasting plasma total lipids has been determined at baseline.Results:Dietary intakes of linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, EPA and DHA were weakly but significantly correlated (0.16

Plasma aldosterone and renin levels have been associated with blood pressure increase and 3–4 year incidence of hypertension in a middle-aged North American community in Framingham. To confirm these findings in a different population, a nested case–control study was performed in a national sample of 1984 French non-hypertensive volunteers aged 45–64 year and followed for 5 years. Cases and controls (individuals becoming hypertensive or remaining non-hypertensive on follow-up) were individually matched on sex, diastolic and systolic pressures at baseline. Multivariable regression models show that plasma aldosterone and renin are respectively positively and negatively associated with the increase in systolic pressure (P=0.01 and 0.001) and the risk of hypertension (22% increase and 16% decrease per s.d. increment in the log, P=0.04 and 0.07). These associations are mostly observed in the lowest tertiles of dietary sodium and potassium intakes where plasma aldosterone is positively associated with the increase in systolic pressure (P=0.01 and 0.08) and the risk of hypertension (59 and 69% increase per s.d. increment in the log, P=0.02 and 0.01), whereas plasma renin is negatively associated with the increase in systolic pressure (P=0.0004 and 0.004) and the risk of hypertension (31 and 28% decrease per s.d. increment in the log, P=0.03 and 0.05). These results reinforce the hypothesis that high plasma aldosterone and low plasma renin levels precede blood pressure increase and the occurrence of hypertension in middle-aged Caucasian populations.Journal of Human Hypertension (2008) 22, 550–558; doi:10.1038/jhh.2008.27; published online 1 May 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Adiponectin expression and plasma concentrations are decreased in human and animal models of obesity. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the adiponectin gene are known to influence the plasmatic concentration of the encoded protein. Some of these adiponectin polymorphisms have been associated with BMI in cross-sectional studies.Objective:The aim of our study was to examine the longitudinal relationships between adiponectin gene polymorphisms and anthropometric indices.Design:Two adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) SNPs, −11391G>A and −11377C>G, were genotyped in 837 French Caucasian subjects from the SUpplémentation en VItamines et Minéraux Anti-oXydants (SU.VI.MAX) cohort. Anthropometric scores were measured at three clinical examinations over a 7-year period.Results:For −11391G>A as well as for −11377C>G, we detected no association between the variant allele and anthropometric measurements at baseline. Considering longitudinal effects, we detected moderately higher waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) changes for the carriers of the −11391A (P=0.02) and −11377C (P=0.03) allele over the follow-up of the study. −11391G>A and −11377C>G define haplotypes associated also with WHR measurements and their changes over the follow-up of the study. Diploid configurations that combine −11391A and −11377C were associated with significantly higher WHR changes (ΔCE: P=0.02) compared to other haplotypes. In addition, higher adiponectin levels were observed in AC/AC diplotypes compared to GG/GG carriers (P<0.0001).Conclusion:In the SU.VI.MAX study, genetic variations in the adiponectin gene affect abdominal fat gain over life span.International Journal of Obesity (2008) 32, 669–675; doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0803773; published online 11 December 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:Weight gain is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome (MS). However, it is not known whether weight fluctuations (WF) have a deleterious effect upon MS risk. In the present study, we investigated this association in subjects participating in the SU.VI.MAX cohort.Methods:MS status was assessed at baseline (1994/1995) and at the end of follow-up (2001/2002) using the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. WF were estimated with four weight measures during follow-up. Odds ratio (OR, 95% confidence interval (CI)) for incident MS cases was evaluated according to four WF groups (no WF and tertiles of WF) in 3553 middle-aged subjects.Results:The OR (95% CI) for MS was 2.06 (1.20–3.52) for the third WF tertile compared to the first tertile. This association was independent of confounding variables, especially relative weight change during follow-up. Subjects without WF had a 2.72-fold increase (1.64–4.53) for MS risk compared to the first tertile of WF. For MS components taken separately, similar associations were found for raised blood pressure, low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and increased waist circumference.Conclusion:Our results showed that WF was an independent risk factor for MS after 7 years of follow-up. Moreover, subjects without WF were also at risk for MS, due to the highest weight gain during follow-up. These results support the benefits of weight stability and emphasize the importance of weight gain prevention starting from early adulthood.International Journal of Obesity (2008) 32, 315–321; doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0803739; published online 30 October 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:A number of potential health effects have lately been accorded to tea consumption. It is, however, not clear whether an increase in tea consumption increases the risk of iron depletion in a normal apparently healthy adult population. We have therefore evaluated this.Design:Cross-sectional study.Subjects:A total of 954 men (aged 52–68 years) and 1639 women (aged 42–68 years), who were participants of SU.VI.MAX Study, completed a detailed questionnaire on tea consumption. To determine the iron status of the participants, a venous blood sample was drawn and serum-ferritin was measured. Iron depletion was defined as a serum ferritin concentration <16 μg/l. Three 1-day food records were used to estimate the intake of other dietary enhancing or inhibiting factors of iron absorption, which were included in the logistic regression models.Results:The mean serum-ferritin concentration was not related to black, green and herbal tea consumption in men, pre- or postmenopausal women. Also the risk of iron depletion was in the multivariate model not related to any kind of tea drinking or to the strength of tea, the infusion time or the time of tea drinking.Conclusions:The data suggest that normal apparently healthy adults are not at risk of iron depletion owing to any kind of tea drinking.Sponsorship:The SU.VI.M.AX project received financial support from public and private sectors. Special support was received from Unilever Bestfoods France (UBF) and to the ‘Centre d’Information Scientifique Thé & Santé de Lipton’, UBF.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2007) 61, 1174–1179; doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602634; published online 7 February 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Few studies suggest that the combined increase in plasma triglycerides (TG) and in waist circumference (WC), termed ‘hypertriglyceridemic waist’ (HTGW), is an interesting marker of risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD).Objective:Using cutoffs used for defining HTGW, we examined the prospective association of HTGW with CVD risk in a French cohort of men.Design:Men were participants in the SU.VI.MAX study, an intervention trial testing the impact of an antioxidant supplementation on chronic diseases. Data were collected in 1994–1996 in 3430 men followed up for 7.5 years. Cutoffs used for defining HTGW were WC 90 cm and TG 2 mmol/l. We assessed the relative risk (RR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) of CVD in groups defined according to both WC and TG levels.Results:In this population, 41.2% of the subjects were classified as low WC/low TG, 43.2% as high WC/low TG, 3.5% as low WC/high TG and 12.1% as HTGW. During follow-up, 122 subjects had a CVD event. In this group, HTGW prevalence was 26.2%. After adjustment for age, RR (95% CI) for CVD for the HTGW group showed the highest association with CVD risk: 2.13 (1.21–3.76), using low WC/ low TG as the reference group.Conclusion:HTGW was associated with the risk of CVD after 7.5 years of follow-up in a low-risk middle-aged men population. This marker may be used as a useful clinical tool to screen for men at risk of CVD.International Journal of Obesity (2007) 31, 791–796. doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0803477; published online 17 October 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive impairment can be influenced by a number of factors. The potential effect of nutrition has become a topic of increasing scientific and public interest. In particular, there are arguments that nutrients (food and/or supplements) such as vitamins, trace minerals, lipids, can affect the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, especially in frail elderly people at risk of deficiencies. Our objective in this paper is to review data relating diet to risk of cognitive decline and dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease (AD). We chose to focus our statements on homocysteine-related vitamins (B-vitamins), antioxidant nutrients (vitamins E and C, carotenoids, flavonoids, enzymatic cofactors) and dietary lipids. Results of epidemiological studies may sometimes appeared conflicting; however, certain associations are frequently found. High intake of saturated and trans-unsaturated (hydrogenated) fats were positively associated with increased risk of AD, whereas intake of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats were protective against cognitive decline in the elderly in prospective studies. Fish consumption has been associated with lower risk of AD in longitudinal cohort studies. Moreover, epidemiologic data suggest a protective role of the B-vitamins, especially vitamins B9 and B12, on cognitive decline and dementia. Finally, the results on antioxidant nutrients may suggest the importance of having a balanced combination of several antioxidant nutrients to exert a significant effect on the prevention of cognitive decline and dementia, while taking into account the potential adverse effects of these nutrients. There is no lack of attractive hypotheses to support research on the relationships between nutrition and cognitive decline. It is important to stress the need to develop further prospective studies of sufficiently long duration, including subjects whose diet is monitored at a sufficiently early stage or at least before disease or cognitive decline exist. Meta-analyses should be developed, and on the basis of their results the most appropriate interventional studies can be planned. These studies must control for the greatest number of known confounding factors and take into account the impact of the standard social determinants of food habits, such as the regional cultures, social status, and educational level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives:The data was collected during the inclusion step of the SUpplémentation en VItamines et Minéraux AntioXydants (SU.VI.MAX) study. This article deals with the study's first stage before any supplementation. The collected data shows factors influencing blood vitamin concentrations and may reflect the vitamin status of volunteers.Material and methods:A total of 12 741 volunteers were enrolled in the SU.VI.MAX study 7713 women 35–60 years of age and 5028 men 50–60 years of age.The serum concentrations of retinol, α-tocopherol, and β-carotene were measured by HPLC, and vitamin C concentration was measured by spectrofluorimetry using a Technicon continuous flow analysis apparatus.The volunteers recorded their 24 h diet by means of a specific terminal that was connected to the main central computer of the SU.VI.MAX study. Volunteers recorded the food they consumed daily and estimated its quantity by comparing pictures of dishes.Results:Retinol concentration was significantly higher in older volunteers, and was higher in male than in female volunteers. Smoking had no effect on serum retinol, but the latter was higher in the autumn than in the winter. Serum retinol concentrations were higher in the Southwest region and lower in the Ile-de-France and East-Centre regions. Serum α-tocopherol was slightly higher in older volunteers and also higher in male volunteers. Serum α-tocopherol was significantly lower in smokers, and former smokers showed intermediate levels. Like retinol, serum α-tocopherol was higher in the autumn, and higher in the Southwest as compared to the East-Centre Serum β-carotene was slightly higher in younger volunteers, and concentrations were higher in female than in male volunteers. Tobacco smoking decreased serum β-carotene, which was higher in the autumn, and higher in the East, West, and North regions. Serum vitamin C was higher in female volunteers, and was not age related. Serum vitamin C was lower in smokers, was season-dependant, but contrary to fat-soluble vitamins, concentrations were higher in the winter and spring. Serum vitamin C was higher in the Southeast and East-Centre, but lower in the North region.Conclusion:These results suggest that serum retinol concentrations depend on gender, age, seasons, and location of residence. Similarly, serum α-tocopherol concentrations were slightly influenced by age, but more by tobacco smoking, seasons, dietary intake, and location of residence. Serum concentrations of β-carotene depend on gender, age, smoking status, dietary intake, and location of residence. Serum vitamin C concentrations depend on gender, age, smoking status, seasons, dietary intake, and location of residence. Contrary to β-carotene, retinol concentrations were higher in male than in female volunteers. Such a reversed relation suggests a higher β-carotene-retinol conversion in male volunteers.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2006) 60, 706–717. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602372; published online 4 January 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To assess relationships between energy, nutrient and food intakes, alcohol consumption, smoking status and body mass index (BMI), and serum concentrations of β-carotene, α-tocopherol, vitamin C, selenium and zinc.Methods:Data on health status, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, anthropometric data and biochemical measurements were obtained in 1821 women aged 35–60 y and 1307 men aged 45–60 y, participant to the SU.VI.MAX Study. Data on dietary intake were available on a subsample who reported six 24-h dietary records during the first 18 months of the study.Results:Women had higher baseline serum β-carotene and vitamin C concentrations and lower concentration for serum vitamin E, zinc and selenium than men. In women, younger age was associated with lowered mean concentration of serum β-carotene, vitamin E and selenium. In men, only differences were observed for serum zinc, which was lower in older men. Current smokers of both sexes had significantly lower concentrations of serum β-carotene, vitamin C and selenium, and, only in women, of vitamin E, than nonsmokers. Alcohol consumers had lower concentrations of serum β-carotene and higher selenium concentrations. Serum β-carotene and vitamin C concentrations were lower in obese subjects. There were positive associations of dietary β-carotene, vitamin C and E with their serum concentrations. Age, nutrient and alcohol intakes, serum cholesterol, BMI and smoking status explained 15.2% of the variance of serum β-carotene in men and 13.9% in women, and 10.8 and 10.0% for serum vitamin C, and 26.3 and 28.6% for serum vitamin E, respectively.Conclusion:Serum antioxidant nutrient concentrations are primarily influenced by sex, age, obesity, tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption and especially dietary intake of those antioxidant nutrients.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005) 59, 1181–1190. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602230; published online 20 July 2005 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate associations of body composition assessed by bioimpedance analysis and anthropometric indicators of fat repartition with carotid structure and function. Design: Cross-sectional epidemiological study. Subjects: A total of 1014 middle-aged apparently healthy adults participating in the SU.VI.MAX study. Measurements: Body composition (fat mass, fat-free mass) was assessed by bioimpedance analysis and anthropometric indicators of fat repartition (waist circumference (WC); waist-hip-ratio (WHR)) were simultaneously collected. Carotid ultrasound examination included measurements of intima-media thickness (IMT) at the common carotid arteries (CCA) and assessment of atherosclerotic plaques in extracranial carotid arteries. Carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity (PWV) was used as a marker of aortic stiffness. Results: In multivariate analyses adjusted for major known cardiovascular risk factors in addition to age, gender and height, fat-free mass, fat mass (FM), and WC were positively associated with CCA-IMT and lumen diameter. No significant association was found with occurrence of carotid plaques. PWV was only associated with WC. Associations of CCA-IMT and PWV with WC were not significant anymore after further adjustment on body mass index (BMI) or FM. Conclusion: WC was the only measurement positively associated with both early atherosclerosis markers such as CCA-IMT and arterial stiffness. Although this association depends on overall adiposity, as assessed by the BMI, it emphasizes the importance of WC in clinical practice and prevention programs as a screening tool for individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/hypothesis: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is common in type 2 diabetes. In DCM, insulin resistance may alter cardiac substrate supply and utilisation leading to changes in myocardial metabolism and cardiac function. In rats, exposure to excessive alimentary fat, inducing a type 2 diabetic phenotype, may result in myocardial insulin resistance and cardiac functional changes resembling DCM. Materials and methods: Rats received high-fat (HFD) or low-fat (LFD) diets for 7 weeks. Prior to killing, insulin or saline was injected i.p. Contractile function and insulin signalling were assessed in papillary muscles and ventricular lysates, respectively. Results: Fasting and post-load blood glucose levels were increased in HFD- vs LFD-rats (all p <0.02). Mean heart weight, but not body weight, was increased in HFD-rats (p <0.01). HFD-hearts showed structural changes and triglyceride accumulation. HFD-muscles developed higher baseline and maximum forces, but showed impaired recovery from higher workloads. Insulin-associated modulation of Ca2+-induced force augmentation was abolished in HFD-muscles. HFD reduced insulin-stimulated IRS1-associated phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase activity and phosphorylation of protein kinase B, glycogen synthase kinase-3β, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and forkhead transcription factors by 40-60% (all p <0.05). Insulin- mediated phosphorylation of phospholamban, a critical regulator of myocardial contractility, was decreased in HFD-hearts (p < 0.05). Conclusions/interpretation: HFD induced a hypertrophy-like cardiac phenotype, characterized by a higher basal contractile force, an impaired recovery from increased workloads and decreased insulin-mediated protection against Ca2+ overload. Cardiac dysfunction was associated with myocardial insulin resistance and phospholamban hypophosphorylation. Our data suggest that myocardial insulin resistance, resulting from exposure to excessive alimentary fat, may contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetes-related heart disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND:: Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCY) is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). HHCY may interact with hypertension (HTEN) and an unfavorable cholesterol profile (UNFAVCHOL) to alter the risk of CVD. OBJECTIVES:: To estimate the prevalences of HHCY (1) isolated and (2) in combination with UNFAVCHOL and/or HTEN in different age categories. To provide information that may improve the screening and treatment of subjects at risk of CVD. DESIGN:: Cross-sectional data on 12?541 men and 12?948 women aged 20+?y were used from nine European studies. RESULTS:: The prevalence of isolated HHCY was 8.5%in subjects aged 20-40?y, 4.7%in subjects aged 40-60?y and 5.9%in subjects aged over 60?y. When combining all age groups, 5.3%had isolated HHCY and an additional 5.6%had HHCY in combination with HTEN and/or UNFAVCHOL. The combinations of risk factors increased with age and, except for HHCY&UNFAVCHOL, were more prevalent than predicted by chance. Of the young subjects (20-40?y), 24%suffered from one or more of the investigated CVD risk factors. This figure was 75.1%in the old subjects (60+years). CONCLUSIONS:: A substantial number of subjects in selected European populations have HHCY (10.9%). In half of these cases, subjects suffer also from other CVD risk factors like UNFAVCHOL and HTEN. Older people in particular tend to have more than one risk factor. Healthcare professionals should be aware of this when screening and treating older people not only for the conventional CVD risk factors like UNFAVCHOL and HTEN but also HHCY, as this can easily be reduced through increased intake of folic acid via supplement or foods fortified with folic acid.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005) 59, 480-488. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602097 Published online 19 January 2005 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/hypothesis. The development of insulin resistance may contribute to the occurrence and progression of the metabolic syndrome associated with obesity. Components contributing to the insulin pathway and its regulation are good candidates for the molecular study of metabolic syndrome pathogenesis. Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP 1B) is an important negative regulator of insulin. We investigated whether PTP 1B SNPs are associated with obesity and obesity-related traits as well as global metabolic syndrome in morbidly obese subjects. Methods. Untranslated and coding regions of the PTP 1B gene were screened in groups of non-diabetic and diabetic obese subjects and in non-obese subjects. Unrelated morbidly obese (n=711) and non-obese (n=427) French Caucasian subjects were genotyped for a case-control study. Results. Six SNPs were identified: two rare variants were located in 5′UTR (-109 C>T and -69 C>T), two in the intronic regions (IVS3+38 G>T and IVS5+3666delT) and two have been described previously (P303P in exon 8 and P387L in exon 9). A case-control study showed an association between the frequent IVS5+3666delT SNP and obesity (p=0.02). In the obese group, associations between PTP 1B SNPs and features of dyslipidaemia were found. P303P was associated with lower apolipoprotein A1 levels (p=0.05) whereas P387L was associated with higher triglyceride (p=0.0003), apolipoprotein B (p=0.09) and lipoprotein a concentrations (p=0.006). Conclusions/interpretation. Our results support the hypothesis that the PTP 1B gene contributes to the polygenic basis of obesity. PTP 1B SNPs may interact with environmental factors to induce more severe phenotypes, e.g. atherogenic dyslipidaemia, in morbidly obese subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of dietary intervention trials favor the hypothesis that higher intakes of B-vitamins (folate, vitamin B6 and B12), and subsequently lower total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations, are causally associated with a decreased risk of vascular disease in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The same is true for a higher intake of omega-3 fish fatty acids. Yet, the lack of hard end points and/or appropriate study designs precludes a definitive conclusion about causality. In the future, intervention trials with hard end points and randomized double-blind placebo-controlled designs should be able to elucidate the causality problem. There are several pathways by which B-vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids may exert their protective effect on CVD, a common pathway is a beneficial effect on the endothelial function and hemostasis. With respect to synergy between B-vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids, there is no evidence that fish oils have a tHcy-lowering effect beyond the effect of the B-vitamins. Nevertheless, animal studies clearly illustrate that vitamin B6- as well as folate-metabolism are linked with those of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Furthermore, a human study indicated synergistic effects of folic acid (synthetic form of folate) and vitamin B6 together with omega-3 fatty acids on the atherogenic index and the fibrinogen concentration. Although these results are promising, they were produced in very small selective study populations. Thus, confirmation in large well-designed intervention trials is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the consequences of single iron depletion on health in menstruating women, a common but rarely investigated situation in industrialized countries. Design: We studied data issued from the SU.VI.MAX. cohort via a transversal and a longitudinal (2-y follow-up) approach. Subjects and methods: Iron-depleted menstruating women (ferritin <15 µg/l, n=472) were compared with iron-sufficient (ferritin 30-80 µg/l, n = 393) menstruating women (aged 35-51 y) in terms of health variables and quality of life (DUKE score) using logistic regression and analysis of variance. Results: The risk of any infection or of specific types of infections was not increased by iron deficiency. Regarding the DUKE health profile, no specific score was significantly different between the two groups: only the scores reflecting 'physical health' (P=0.09) and 'perceived health' (P=0.12) showed a trend toward a lower level, while the best score for 'mental health' (P=0.11) was found in the group of iron-depleted women. The only significant difference between iron-depleted and ironsufficient women concerned memory disorders, which were significantly less common in iron-depleted women, Odds ratio = 0.7 (0.6-0.9; P = 0.03). Conclusion: There is no conclusive evidence that an absence of iron stores has negative consequences; however, we must consider that in the case of a worsening of the iron balance, it may lead to a rapid decrease in the level of functional compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have evaluated the role of caspases and the mitochondrial apoptosis inducing-factor (AIF) in apoptosis induced by cladribine (2CdA), in vitro, in cells from patients of B-CLL and in peripheral blood lymphocytes from normal donors, in sensitive BCLL cells, apoptosis was characterized by cell shrinking, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ[sub m]), phosphatidyiserine exposure, activation of caspases 3, 7, 8 and 9, reduction of Mcl-1 levels, translocation of AIF from mitochondria to nucleus and chromatin condensation. No significant variations in the levels of Bcl-2, Bax and Bak proteins were noticed upon treatment with 2CdA. Co-treatment of cells with the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-fmk attenuated some morphological and biochemical characteristics of apoptosis and delayed 2CdAinduced ΔΨ[sub m] lOSS, but did not prevent cell death. Z-VAD-fmk did not prevent 2CdA-induced AIF translocation but in this case apoptotic cells displayed only peripheral chromatin condensation, characteristic of AIF action. Reduced or negligible caspase 3 expression did not prevent 2CdA toxicity in cells from four patients. Cells from three patients that responded poorly to 2CdA lacked expression of caspases 9 or 3. Cells from another patient resistant to 2CdA expressed caspases 3, 7, 8 and 9 but they were not activated by treatment. These results indicate that execution of apoptosis is carried out independently by AIF and caspases, which are responsible for the development of apoptotic phenotype in response to 2CdA. Although caspases can also collaborate in ΔΨ[sub m] loss, proapoptotic proteins from the Bcl-2 superfamily may be the key inducers of ΔΨ[sub m] loss and apoptosis in B-CLL cells sensitive to 2CdA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which examined the number of 25-hour dietary recalls necessary for an accurate estimation of nutrient intake in French adults. Review of related literature; Characteristics of the subjects; Data and methods used; Results and conclusions.

Although the effects of individual foods or nutrients on the development of diseases and their risk factors have been investigated in many studies, little attention has been given to the effect of overall dietary patterns. The main objectives of this study were to identify dietary patterns and groups of subjects with similar food consumption habits, i.e. ‘dietary profiles’, using multiple correspondence analysis and cluster analysis. A food frequency questionnaire was sent to a large population-based sample (2923 women and 2180 men), recruited among the ‘SUpplémentation en VItamines et Minéraux AntioXydants’ (SU.VI.MAX.) cohort participants in France. The food items were dichotomised in order to focus the study on the highest levels of consumption. Multiple correspondence analysis allows the construction of principal components, which optimally summarise the data, and enables the construction of graphical displays. An interesting property of these graphical displays is that associations between food items can be observed on various projection planes, each category of each food item being located at the centre of gravity of the subjects corresponding to this category. An ascending hierarchical classification was unsuccessfully tried in order to determine clusters from these principal components. Therefore, a ‘dissection’ of the cloud of points was performed according to the orientation of the axes, providing a readily interpretable eight-dietary profiles typology for each sex. This statistical approach allows identification of particular dietary patterns and dietary profiles, which might be more appropriate in studies of diet-disease associations than the single food or nutrient approach that has dominated past epidemiological research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pregnant women constitute a high-risk group for iron deficiency. This may be explained by the high iron requirements during gestation. Although iron deficiency is mainly a problem in developing countries, dietary iron intakes, even in developed countries, are too low to meet iron needs during pregnancy. Indeed, most pregnant women start their gestation with low or totally depleted iron stores. Existing data suggest that maternal iron deficiency, and particularly iron-deficiency anaemias, may be associated with detrimental effects on maternal and infant function, and particularly with a higher risk of preterm delivery and delivery of low birthweight neonates. Although further research on the consequences of maternal iron deficiency for maternal and infant health is warranted, current evidence suggests that a major effort is needed to prevent iron deficiency and anaemia during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The determinants of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) were studied in a cohort of recently postmenopausal women participating, in France, in a nutritional study (SU.VI.MAX Study). Analysis was performed-analysis on 592 women aged 45 years or more, who had undergone natural menopause which appeared in the 2 previous years. No differences were observed in education level, socio-professional categories, marital status, geographic residence, smoking habits, physical activity, or past contraceptive practice. Past regular gynecologic follow-up appeared to be the strongest determinant of HRT use (odds ratio [OR]: 3.18). Women who reported having had at least one of the studied pathologies (past history of breast cancer, phlebitis, anger, uterine fibroma, hypertension, diabetes or hypercholesterolemia), past abundant menstrual blood losses, and with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 were less likely to be taking HRT than women free of pathology, with no history of past abundant menstrual blood losses and with low BMI (OR respectively of 0.40, 0.64, 0.62). Women over 51.3 years of age were less likely to use HRT than younger women (OR: 0.92). Finally, in our population, while socio-economic level was not a major determinant of HRT use, the regularity of gynecological follow-up before menopause, overweight, and the existence of a definite or possible contra-indication were strong determinants of HRT use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine and describe the extent to which European dietary data collected in disparate surveys can be meaningfully compared.Design: Seven independent population-based surveys from six European countries were initially included. Differences in study designs and methodological approaches were examined. Risk factor data for 31,289 adults aged 40-59 y were harmonized and pooled in a common, centralized database.Results: Direct comparisons of dietary measures across studies were not deemed appropriate due to methodological heterogeneity. Nonetheless, comparisons of intra-population contrasts by gender across sites were considered valid. Women consumed fruit and vegetables more often than men. Age-standardized gender differences in the prevalence of low fruit and vegetable consumption ranged from 7 to 18% and 5 to 15%, respectively. Data on energy intake showed good agreement across study populations. The proportion of total energy from macronutrients was similar for women and men. Gender differences for relative intakes of saturated fatty acids (percentage energy) were small and only in France were they significant. Dietary fibre density was significantly higher in women than in men. Overall, the participating Southern European populations from Italy and Spain exhibited more healthful food composition patterns.Conclusions: Contrasts in dietary patterns by gender across populations may provide the basis for health promotion campaigns. The most favourable patterns observed may serve as attainable goals for other populations. An international risk factor surveillance programme based upon locally run, good quality studies has the potential to provide the needed data.Sponsorship: European Community (DG V), project 96CVVF3-446-0; Swiss Federal Office for Education and Science, OFES 96.0089. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the impact of a daily oral iron supplementation on hematological status, cell-mediated immunity and susceptibility to infections in children living in an environment where iron deficiency, malaria and other infections are frequent.Design: Randomized, double-blind iron supplementation including a placebo group.Setting: A village in Togo, West Africa.Subjects: Of the 229 6-36-month-old children of both sexes recruited, 197 with hemoglobin concentration >/=80 g/l were included and 163 completed the study.Intervention: Children received daily a placebo (n=79) or a dose of 2-3 mg of elemental iron per kg of body weight (n=84) for 3 months. Hematological, nutritional and immune status were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the supplementation period, and 6 months later. Morbidity was recorded throughout the study.Results: Iron supplementation had a significant and positive effect on iron status of children and no impact on the incidence of infections, especially malaria. Its probable effect on immune status was masked by interference of infections and their treatment, which contributed to improve hematological and immune status in both groups.Conclusion: According to the negative consequences of anemia and iron deficiency on global child development, control of iron deficiency by oral iron supplementation in young children has to be conducted, associated with prophylaxis and treatment of malaria and repeated deworming.Sponsorship: Program supported by IRD. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2000) 54, 29-35 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The iron status of a national sample of adults living in France and participating in the SU.VI.MAX cohort, was assessed using serum ferritin and hemoglobin concentrations. Complete data were obtained for 6648 women 35-60 y old and for 3283 men 45-60 y old. Assessment of iron dietary intakes was realized on a subsample of 3111 women and 2337 men who reported six 24 h dietary records during a one-year period; 22.7% of menstruating women and 5.3% of post-menopausal women presented a total depletion of iron stores (serum ferritin < 15 microg/l). Iron-deficient anemias were found in, respectively, 4.4% and less than 1% of these women. Three-quarters of the anemias were related to iron deficiency in menstruating women. In men, iron depletion and iron deficiency anemia were very rare. Post-menopausal women had much higher serum ferritin levels than menstruating women. In menstruating women, those using intrauterine devices had significantly lower serum ferritin levels than those without contraception, and much lower than those using oral contraception. The frequency of iron depletion reached 28.1% in women using intrauterine devices, but only 13.6% in those using oral contraceptives. The mean iron intake was 16.7 +/- 5.7 mg/d in men and 12.3 +/- 3.4 mg/d in women. Heme iron represented respectively, 11.1 and 10.4% of iron intake. Ninety-three percent of menstruating women had dietary iron intakes lower than recommended dietary allowances (RDA); 52.6% consumed less than two thirds of these RDA. In post-menopausal women and men, respectively 27.7% and 3.6% had dietary intakes lower than RDA. Serum ferritin was positively correlated with meat, fish and total iron intake, and negatively correlated with dietary products consumption, calcium and fiber intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of iron deficiency on immunity remain controversial. This study was designed to assess the impact of iron supplementation on the immune status, in 81 children aged 6 months-3 years, at high risk for iron deficiency, using a longitudinal double blind randomised and placebo-controlled study. Lymphocytes of iron-deficient children produced less interleukin-2 in vitro. Iron supplementation for 2 months increased mean corpuscular volume, serum ferritin and serum transferrin, but had no effect on the parameters of T-cell mediated immunity. The lower interleukin-2 levels in iron-deficient suggest that cell-mediated immunity may be impaired in iron deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vitamin D status of a general adult urban population was estimated between November and April in 1569 subjects selected from 20 French cities grouped in nine geographical regions (between latitude 43° and 51° N). Major differences in 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration were found between regions, the lowest values being seen in the North and the greatest in the South, with a significant ‘sun’ effect ( r = 0.72; p = 0.03) and latitude effect ( r = -0.79; p = 0.01). In this healthy adult population, 14% of subjects exhibited 25(OH)D values ≤ 30 nmol/l (12 ng/ml), which represents the lower limit (< 2 SD) for a normal adult population measured in winter with the same method (RIA Incstar). A significant negative correlation was found between serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and serum 25(OH)D values ( p < 0.01). Serum iPTH held a stable plateau level at 36 pg/ml as long as serum 25(OH)D values were higher than 78 nmol/l (31 ng/ml), but increased when the serum 25(OH)D value fell below this. When the 25(OH)D concentration became equal to or lower than 11.3 nmol/l (4.6 ng/ml), the PTH values reached the upper limit of normal values (55 pg/ml) found in vitamin D replete subjects. These results showed that in French normal adults living in an urban environment with a lack of direct exposure to sunshine, diet failed to provide an adequate amount of vitamin D. It is important to pay attention to this rather high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in the general adult population and to discuss the clinical utility of winter supplementation with low doses of vitamin D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article investigates the incidence of hypertension in middle-aged French adults between 1996 and 2001. Results reveal that the prevalence of hypertension at baseline and the percentage of hypertensive individuals taking antihypertensive drugs were low compared with the figures observed in randomly selected individuals. The percentages of controlled individuals among treated or hypertensive individuals were high from lower exposure of volunteers to hypertension risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: Peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors γ (PPARγ), is a key regulator of adipocyte differentiation and energy balance. Two naturally occurring mutations in the PPAR γ gene, Pro115GIn and Pro12Ala, have recently been shown to impair the function of the PPARγ2 isoform of the receptor and to be associated with obesity or diabetesrelated phenotypes in different populations. SUBJECTS: We studied the occurrence and possible associations of the Pro115GIn and Pro12Ala in the PPAR γ2 gene with several clinical and metabolic phenotypes in three independent large populations of non-obese non-diabetic, type 2 diabetic, and morbidly obese French Caucasians. RESULTS: The Pro115GIn mutation was not found in any of the 1069 subjects screened including 626 obese patients. The frequency of the Pro12Ala mutation was similar in all groups (0.08, 0.11,0.09) and was not associated with BMI or any of the clinical parameters tested. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the Pro115GIn mutation is not a frequent cause of morbid obesity in Caucasians and that the Pro12Ala mutation is not associated with clinically significant changes in these populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]