scholarly journals Sexual dysfunction and the Mediterranean diet

2006 ◽  
Vol 9 (8A) ◽  
pp. 1118-1120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dario Giugliano ◽  
Francesco Giugliano ◽  
Katherine Esposito

AbstractObjectivesTo discuss present knowledge about the relation between sexual dysfunction, metabolic factors and the Mediterranean-style diet.DesignReview of the literature and personal perspectives.Setting and resultsSexual problems appear to be widespread in society, influenced by both health-related and psychosocial factors, and are associated with impaired quality of life. Epidemiological studies suggest that modifiable health behaviours, including physical activity and leanness, are associated with a reduced risk for erectile dysfunction (ED) among men. Data from other surveys also indicate a higher prevalence of impotence in obese men. Obesity and the metabolic syndrome may be a risk factor for ED. The high prevalence of ED in patients with cardiovascular risk factors suggests that abnormalities of the vasodilator system of penile arteries play an important role in the pathophysiology of ED. We have shown that one-third of obese men with ED can regain their sexual activity after 2 years of adopting health behaviours, including a Mediterranean-style diet associated with regular exercise.ConclusionsWestern societies actually spend a huge part of their health care costs on chronic disease treatment and interventions for risk factors. The adoption of healthy lifestyles can reduce the prevalence of obesity and the metabolic syndrome, and hopefully the burden of sexual dysfunction.

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Johri ◽  
M F Hetu ◽  
D K Heyland ◽  
J E Herr ◽  
P Norman ◽  
...  

Abstract Background/Introduction L-carnitine (L-C) has been investigated as a potential therapy for cardiovascular (CV) disease, but its direct effects on human atherosclerosis are unknown. Epidemiological studies suggest a possible reduction of CV risk factors following treatment, whereas animal studies have shown that L-C may increase pro-atherogenic metabolites. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine whether L-C therapy led to atherosclerosis progression or regression by direct quantification of carotid atherosclerotic lesions in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods This study was a Phase 2, prospective, parallel, double blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, two-center trial. MetS was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation harmonized definition, where presence of any 3 of the 5 following risk factors constituted a diagnosis: elevated waist circumference; elevated triglycerides; reduced HDL or treated; elevated blood pressure or treated; elevated glucose or HbA1c or treated. Participants with a baseline carotid total plaque volume (TPV) ≥50 mm3 were randomized to placebo or 2 g L-C daily for 6 months. Plaque progression was quantified by 3D carotid ultrasound for change in TPV and reduction in vessel lumen area (% area stenosis, Fig. 1). Absolute differences were assessed on the raw scale, while percent change on the log scale. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to assess within- and between-arm differences. Results Of the 177 participants randomized, 157 completed the study (L-C n=76, placebo n=81). No statistically significant difference between arms was found in the primary outcome (TPV). However, there was progression of plaque stenosis in the treatment arm: the L-C group had an increase in stenosis of 9.8% (p=0.01) higher than the placebo arm, and a 2.7% (p=0.03) greater absolute change. Total cholesterol and LDL levels (0.10 mmol/L and 0.05 mmol/L, respectively) were higher in the intervention arm compared to the placebo arm (−0.06 mmol/L and −0.07 mmol/L). Figure 1 Conclusions We observed progression of atherosclerosis with L-C therapy compared to placebo in patients with MetS. The clear lack of benefit of L-C therapy in this population raises serious concerns for its further use as a potential therapy. Given its association with pro-atherogenic metabolites our study offers further understanding of the atherosclerotic process. Acknowledgement/Funding Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather A. LaGuardia ◽  
L. Lee Hamm ◽  
Jing Chen

Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a clustering of cardiovascular risk factors, including abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure and glucose concentrations, and dyslipidemia. The presence of this clinical entity is becoming more pervasive throughout the globe as the prevalence of obesity increases worldwide. Moreover, there is increased recognition of the complications and mortality related to this syndrome. This paper looks to examine the link between metabolic syndrome and the development of chronic kidney disease.


2009 ◽  
Vol 2009 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon Grimaldi ◽  
Ani Englund ◽  
Timo Partonen ◽  
Jari Haukka ◽  
Sami Pirkola ◽  
...  

We tested which environmental, social, lifestyle, and health related factors of the individual contribute to the seasonal variations in mood and behavior and whether these influence the risks of the metabolic syndrome and major depressive disorder, both conditions having a high prevalence in industrialized populations. 5480 individuals, representative of the general population aged 30 and over in Finland, were assessed for metabolic syndrome using the ATP-III criteria, gave a self-report of seasonal variations in mood and behavior, and were interviewed for mood, anxiety, and alcohol use disorders using the DSM-IV criteria. The seasonal variations in mood and behavior have a metabolic factor composed of weight and appetite, and greater loadings on this factor increased the risk of metabolic syndrome (odds ratio of 1.18, 95% confidence interval of 1.10 to 1.26). Self-reports of lighting experienced as poor at home contributed to scores on the metabolic factor (t=4.20,P<.0001). Lighting conditions and their dynamics may serve as a measure for intervention in order to influence the seasonal metabolic signals and in the end to prevent the metabolic syndrome.


Author(s):  
M Saraei ◽  
A Najafi ◽  
E Heidarbagi ◽  
A Rahimi-Golkhandan

Introduction: Screening of risk factors for metabolic syndrome among commercial and train drivers that are considered safety sensitive jobs, is an important issue in safety of transportation system. Metabolic syndrome is consisted of disturbed lipid profile, high blood pressure, and high waist circumference. It can lead to decrease the quality of life and higher health associated costs for these patients. This study aimed to assess risk factors for metabolic syndrome among train drivers. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 281 train drivers referred to their annual health examinations to Occupational Medicine Clinic of Baharloo Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Demographic characteristics of participants were recorded. Blood pressure, body mass index and waist circumference of drivers were measured. Participants’ blood sample for fasting blood sugar, triglyceride, high and low density lipoproteins were collected. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the NCEP ATP III criteria. Results: All of the participants were males.  Their mean age and BMI was 43±10 year and 26.60±3.67 Kg/m2, respectively. Fifty three (21%) of the participants were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. The more frequent risk factor for metabolic syndrome was triglyceride more than 150mg/dl. Conclusion: Findings of the present study revealed high prevalence of metabolic syndrome among train drivers. Further studies are needed for screening the metabolic syndrome in this occupational group as it is a sensitive occupation.


2009 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy B. Jowett ◽  
Vincent P. Diego ◽  
Navaratnam Kotea ◽  
Sudhir Kowlessur ◽  
Pierrot Chitson ◽  
...  

AbstractEpidemiological studies report a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome in the island nation of Mauritius. The Mauritius Family Study was initiated to examine heritable factors that contribute to these high rates of prevalence and consists of 400 individuals in 24 large extended multigenerational pedigrees. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements relating to the metabolic syndrome were undertaken in addition to family and lifestyle based information for each individual. Variance components methods were used to determine the heritability of the type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome related quantitative traits. The cohort was made up of 218 females (55%) and 182 males with 22% diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and a further 30% having impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose. Notably BMI was not significantly increased in those with type 2 diabetes (P= .12), however a significant increase in waist circumference was observed in these groups (P= .02). The heritable proportion of trait variance was substantial and greater than values previously published for hip circumference, LDL and total cholesterol, diastolic and systolic blood pressure and serum creatinine. Height, weight and BMI heritabilities were all in the upper range of those previously reported. The phenotypic characteristics of the Mauritius family cohort are similar to those previously reported in the Mauritian population with a high observed prevalence rate of type 2 diabetes. A high heritability for key type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome related phenotypes (range 0.23 to 0.68), suggest the cohort will have utility in identifying genes that influence these quantitative traits.


2007 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 55-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sinead O'Brien ◽  
Enda Devitt ◽  
Mohamed Ahmed ◽  
Colm McDonald

AbstractObjective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of risk factors for physical illness in a long stay psychiatric unit, where all care (both psychiatric and physical) is provided by the psychiatric team.Method: All patients in the long-stay ward had a full physical examination including calculation of BMI. All patients had blood sampling including FBC, U&E, LFTs, TFTs, lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL), glucose, HbA1c, and prolactin. ATP111 criteria were used to determine the presence of the metabolic syndrome.Results: We found the mean number of comorbid medical diagnosis was 2.7. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 40.7% (44.4% of females and 24.1% of males). The prevalence of obesity was 51%, and 51% also had a total cholesterols in excess of 5.0mmol/l. Prolactin was elevated in two-thirds of female patients.Conclusion: We conclude that the annual physical examination is of limited value in long-stay psychiatric unit. The high prevalence of physical illness and physical risk factors warrants primary care involvement in screening and treatment of long-stay psychiatric patients.


2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (12) ◽  
pp. 1556-1564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inez Wens ◽  
Ulrik Dalgas ◽  
Egon Stenager ◽  
Bert O Eijnde

Despite many epidemiological studies examining comorbidity in people with multiple sclerosis (pMS), there are conflicting opinions on whether pMS are at more or less risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the metabolic syndrome compared with the general population. As pMS can now expect longer survival, this as an important question both at an individual and public health level. This study aimed to systematically review the literature linking MS to CVD risks and to the risk factors constituting the metabolic syndrome. This systematic review is based on a comprehensive literature search of six databases (Swemed+, Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane, PEDro and CINAHL). In total 34 studies were identified. Despite the high number of identified papers, only limited and inconsistent data exist on the risk factors of the metabolic syndrome and MS. Overall, the data suggest an increased CVD risk in pMS. From the existing studies it is not clear whether the increased risk of CVD is related to an increased risk of obesity or changes in body composition, hypertension, dyslipidemia or type II diabetes in pMS, indicating the need for future research in the field, if we are to advise pMS adequately in avoiding preventable comorbidity.


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