Vegetarian diet and cholesterol and TAG levels by gender

AbstractObjectiveThe present study assessed the effects of vegetarian and omnivorous diets on HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), TAG and the ratio of HDL-C to total cholesterol (TC) by gender.DesignHDL-C, LDL-C, TAG and HDL-C:TC were compared among three diet groups (vegan, ovo-lacto vegetarian and omnivorous). Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to examine factors significantly and independently associated with vegetarian status and to estimate the β value of lipid profiles for the diet groups.SettingsA cross-sectional study. Data were obtained from the Taiwanese Survey on the Prevalence of Hyperglycemia, Hyperlipidemia and Hypertension (TwSHHH).SubjectsThe study comprised included 3257 men and 3551 women.ResultsAfter adjusting for confounders, vegan and ovo-lacto vegetarian diets lowered LDL-C levels (β=−10·98, P=0·005 and β=−7·12, P=0·025, respectively) in men compared with omnivorous diet. There was a significant association between HDL-C and vegan diet (β=−6·53, P=0·004). In females, the β values of HDL-C, TAG and HDL-C:TC were −5·72 (P<0·0001), 16·51 (P=0·011) and −0·02 (P=0·012) for vegan diet, and −4·86 (P=0·002), 15·09 (P=0·008) and −0·01 (P=0·026) for ovo-lacto vegetarian diet, when compared with omnivorous diet.ConclusionsVegan diet was associated with lower HDL-C concentrations in both males and females. Because the ovo-lacto vegetarian diet was effective in lowering LDL-C, it may be more appropriate for males.

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The relationship between the atherogenic index of plasma and arterial stiffness in essential hypertensive patients from China: a cross-sectional study

BMC Cardiovascular Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12872-021-02049-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Juan Yin ◽

Minghui Li ◽

Lingling Yu ◽

Feng Hu ◽

Yu Yu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Essential Hypertension ◽

Arterial Stiffness ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Atherogenic Index ◽

Chinese Patients ◽

Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Atherogenic Index Of Plasma

Abstract Background The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) always remains in a potential association with arterial stiffness, however, this association has not been fully discovered and needs to be studied in depth in large hypertensive patient populations. The present analysis thus sought to further explore the association that exists between AIP and arterial stiffness in Chinese patients diagnosed with arterial hypertension. Methods This cross-sectional study analyzed 4744 Chinese individuals with essential hypertension. AIP was defined as the base 10 logarithm of the ratio of plasma of triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels indicated in molar concentrations. Measurement of arterial stiffness was carried out via brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Results Data were adjusted for potential confounding variables, and multivariate linear regression analysis revealed AIP to be positively correlated with baPWV (β = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.96 to 1.72, P < 0.001). When AIP was instead treated as a categorical variable divided into quartiles, the same relationship was observed (P for trend < 0.001). We additionally found AIP and baPWV had a stronger positive association in individuals with a body mass index (BMI) < 24 kg/m2 (P for interaction < 0.05). Conclusion AIP and arterial stiffness were positively correlated in essential hypertension patients in China, especially in those with a BMI < 24 kg/m2. Clinical trial registration ChiCTR1800017274.

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Sex Dependent Association of Vitamin D with Insulin Resistance

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism ◽

10.1210/clinem/dgab213 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Xin Chen ◽

Chang Chu ◽

Cornelia Doebis ◽

Volker von Baehr ◽

Berthold Hocher

Keyword(s):

Insulin Resistance ◽

Vitamin D ◽

Vitamin D Deficiency ◽

Animal Studies ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Double Blind ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Entire Study

Abstract Background Animal studies suggested that vitamin D might decrease insulin resistance. Estrogen increased insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in rodents. However, sex-specific association of vitamin D with insulin resistance in humans remains unclear. Objectives To investigate the sex-dependency of the association of insulin resistance and 25(OH)D in a large Caucasian population. Methods Cross-sectional study from out-patients’ blood samples with measurements of 25(OH)D and HOMA-IR drawn at exactly the same day (N=1887). This cohort was divided into three groups: i) group with vitamin D deficiency (n=1190), ii) group with vitamin D sufficiency (N=686)), iii) vitamin D excess groups (n=11), the vitamin D excess group was excluded from further analysis due to the small size. Results Analysis of the entire study population showed that serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was inversely associated with HOMA-IR (rs=-0.19, P<0.0001). When considering the vitamin D status, this association was only seen in the vitamin D deficiency group, but not in the vitamin D sufficient group. The correlation was sex-dependent: HOMA-IR was inversely correlated with vitamin D in women with vitamin D deficiency (rs=-0.26, P<0.0001) but not in men with vitamin D deficiency (rs=0.01, P=0.714). After multivariate linear regression analysis considering confounding factors, this relationship was again only seen in women. Conclusion Vitamin D was inversely and independently associated with insulin resistance only in women with vitamin D deficiency. Based on our data, we suggest that in particular vitamin D deficient women might benefit from vitamin D substitution by improving insulin resistance. This, however, needs to be proven in adequately designed double-blind placebo-controlled clinical studies.

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Serum paraoxonase-1 activity is associated with light to moderate alcohol consumption: the PREVEND cohort study

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition ◽

10.1093/ajcn/nqy217 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 108 (6) ◽

pp. 1283-1290 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Eke G Gruppen ◽

Stephan J L Bakker ◽

Richard W James ◽

Robin P F Dullaart

Keyword(s):

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Hdl Cholesterol ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Paraoxonase 1 ◽

Phenyl Acetate ◽

Cross Sectional

ABSTRACT Background Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) is a high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-associated enzyme with antioxidative properties, which may protect against the development of cardiovascular disease. Alcohol consumption increases HDL cholesterol, but the extent to which alcohol consumption gives rise to higher serum PON-1 activity is uncertain. Objective In a population-based study, we determined the relation of serum PON-1 activity with alcohol consumption when taking account of HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), its major apolipoprotein. Design A cross-sectional study was performed in 8224 participants of the Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-Stage Disease (PREVEND) cohort. Alcohol consumption was categorized as 1) no/rarely (25.3%); 2) 0.1–10 g/d (49.3%); 3) 10–30 g/d (20.1%); and 4) >30 g/d (5.2%) with 1 drink equivalent to 10 g alcohol. Serum PON-1 activity was measured as its arylesterase activity (phenyl acetate as substrate). Results Median serum PON-1 activity was 50.8, 53.1, 54.4, and 55.7 U/L in the 4 categories of alcohol consumption, respectively (P < 0.001). Its increase paralleled the increments in HDL cholesterol and apoA-I. Notably, there was no further increase in PON-1 activity, HDL cholesterol, and apoA-I when alcohol consumption was increased from 10–30 g/d to >30 g/d. Multivariable linear regression analysis demonstrated that PON-1 activity was related to alcohol consumption independently from clinical covariates, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, and lipid concentrations, including HDL cholesterol (P < 0.001 for each category of alcohol consumption with no alcohol consumption as the reference category). Notably, as inferred from standardized β-coefficients, there was no difference in PON-1 activity between 10–30 g alcohol/d and >30 g alcohol/d. Conclusions Alcohol consumption is associated with an increase in serum PON-1 activity, but its effect seems to reach a plateau with alcohol consumption of 10–30 g/d.

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Sources of psychological distress among primary care physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic’s first wave in Spain: a cross-sectional study

Primary Health Care Research & Development ◽

10.1017/s1463423621000566 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 ◽

Author(s):

Ana Cebrián-Cuenca ◽

José Joaquín Mira ◽

Elena Caride-Miana ◽

Antonio Fernández-Jiménez ◽

Domingo Orozco-Beltrán

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Primary Care Physicians ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Protective Measures

Abstract Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting people worldwide. In Spain, the first wave was especially severe. Objectives: This study aimed to identify sources and levels of distress among Spanish primary care physicians (PCPs) during the first wave of the pandemic (April 2020). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a survey that included sociodemographic data, a description of working conditions related to distress [such as gaps in training in protective measures, cleaning, and hygiene procedures in work setting, unavailability of personal protective equipments (PPEs) and COVID-19 RT-PCR test, and lack of staff due to be infected] and a validated scale, the ‘Self-applied Acute Stress Scale’ (EASE). The survey was answered by a non-probability sampling of PCPs working in family healthcare centres from different regions of Spain. Analysis of variance and multivariate linear regression analysis were performed. Results: In all, out of 518 PCP participants, 123 (23.7%) obtained high psychological distress scores. Only half of them had received information about the appropriate use of PPE. PCP characteristics associated with higher levels of distress include female gender [1.69; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54, 2.84]; lack of training in protective measures (1.96; 95% CI 0.94, 2.99); unavailable COVID-19 RT-PCR for health care workers after quarantine or COVID-19 treatment (−0.77 (−1.52, −0.02). Reinforcing disinfection of the work environment (P < 0.05), availability of PPEs (P < 0.05), and no healthcare professional was infected (P < 0.05) were related to the lowest distress score. Conclusions: A better understanding of the sources of distress among PCPs could prevent its effect on future outbreaks.

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The Relationship Between the Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Arterial Stiffness in Essential Hypertensive Patients from China: A Cross-Sectional Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-215251/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Juan Yin ◽

Minghui Li ◽

Lingling Yu ◽

Feng Hu ◽

Yu Yu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Essential Hypertension ◽

Arterial Stiffness ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Atherogenic Index ◽

Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Atherogenic Index Of Plasma

Abstract Background: The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) always remains in a potential association with the arterial stiffness, however, in large hypertensive patient populations, this relation is not fully discovered and needs to be studied in depth. The present analysis thus sought to further explore the association that exists between AIP and arterial stiffness in patients diagnosed with arterial hypertension in China.Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed 4744 Chinese individuals with essential hypertension. AIP was defined as the base 10 logarithm of the ratio of plasma of triglycerides (TG) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels indicates as in molar concentrations. Measurement of arterial stiffness was carried out via brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV).Results: Data were adjusted for potential confounding variables, after which a multivariate linear regression analysis revealed AIP to be positively correlated with baPWV (β = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.96 to 1.72, P < 0.001). When AIP was instead treated as a categorical variable divided into quartiles, this same relationship was observed (P for trend < 0.001). We additionally found AIP and baPWV had a stronger positive association in individuals with a body mass index (BMI) < 24 kg/m2 (P for interaction < 0.05).Conclusion: AIP and arterial stiffness were positively correlated in essential hypertension patients in China, especially in those with a BMI < 24 kg/m2.

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Association of Vegetarian Diet with Chronic Kidney Disease

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11020279 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 279 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Hao-Wen Liu ◽

Wen-Hsin Tsai ◽

Jia-Sin Liu ◽

Ko-Lin Kuo

Keyword(s):

Chronic Kidney Disease ◽

Kidney Disease ◽

Vegetarian Diet ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Global Public Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Diet Patterns ◽

Strong Negative Association ◽

Vegetarian Diets

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its complications are major global public health issues. Vegetarian diets are associated with a more favorable profile of metabolic risk factors and lower blood pressure, but the protective effect in CKD is still unknown. We aim to assess the association between vegetarian diets and CKD. A cross-sectional study was based on subjects who received physical checkups at the Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital from 5 September 2005, to 31 December 2016. All subjects completed a questionnaire to assess their demographics, medical history, diet pattern, and lifestyles. The diet patterns were categorized into vegan, ovo-lacto vegetarian, or omnivore. CKD was defined as an estimated GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or the presence of proteinuria. We evaluated the association between vegetarian diets and CKD prevalence by using multivariate analysis. Our study recruited 55,113 subjects. CKD was significantly less common in the vegan group compared with the omnivore group (vegan 14.8%, ovo-lacto vegetarians 20%, and omnivores 16.2%, P < 0.001). The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that vegetarian diets including vegan and ovo-lacto vegetarian diets were possible protective factors [odds ratios = 0.87 (0.77–0.99), P = 0.041; 0.84 (0.78–0.90), P < 0.001]. Our study showed a strong negative association between vegetarian diets and prevalence of CKD. If such associations are causal, vegetarian diets could be helpful in reducing the occurrence of CKD.

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Longer shared parental leave is associated with longer duration of breastfeeding: a cross-sectional study among Swedish mothers and their partners

BMC Pediatrics ◽

10.1186/s12887-020-02065-1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Maria Grandahl ◽

Jenny Stern ◽

Eva-Lotta Funkquist

Keyword(s):

Linear Regression ◽

Parental Leave ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vaginal Birth ◽

Breastfeeding Duration ◽

Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Duration Of Breastfeeding

Abstract Background Breastfeeding is associated with health benefits for both the mother and infant and is therefore important to support; moreover, parental leave is a beneficial factor for breastfeeding. The Swedish parental leave is generous, allowing each parent to take 90 days; additionally, a further 300 days can be taken by either parent. Generally, mothers take 70% of the parental leave days, mainly during the first year. However, breastfeeding duration has declined in the last decade, and it is not known how shared parental leave is associated with the duration of breastfeeding. Aim To investigate how parental leave is associated with the duration of exclusive and partial breastfeeding of the infant during the first 12 months after birth. An additional aim was to describe infants’ and parents’ characteristics and mode of birth in association with the duration of exclusive and partial breastfeeding. Methods This cross-sectional study was part of the Swedish Pregnancy Planning Study, conducted in Sweden in 2012–2015. The parents were recruited at 153 antenatal clinics in nine counties. In total, 813 couples completed a follow-up questionnaire 1 year after birth. Linear regression models were used to analyse the association between parental leave and the duration of breastfeeding. Results Infants were exclusively breastfed for, on average, 2.5 months (range 0–12 months) and partially breastfed, on average, 7 months (range 0–12 months). Most of the parental leave was taken by the mother (mean = 10.9 months) during the infant’s first 12 months, while the partner took 3 months, on average. The parental leave (used and planned) during the infant’s first 24 months were, on average, 21 months. In the multivariate linear regression analysis, mothers’ and partners’ high level of education (p < 0.001, p = 0.044, respectively), mothers’ higher age (p = 0.049), non-instrumental vaginal birth (p = 0.004) and longer parental leave for the first 24 months (p < 0.001) were associated with longer duration of partial breastfeeding. Conclusion The duration of partial breastfeeding was associated with higher parental educational level, higher age, non-instrumental vaginal birth and longer parental leave.

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Structural and Biomechanical Corneal Differences between Type 2 Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients

Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1155/2019/3764878 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

João N. Beato ◽

João Esteves-Leandro ◽

David Reis ◽

Manuel Falcão ◽

Vítor Rosas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Linear Regression ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Corneal Thickness ◽

Biomechanical Properties ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Applanation Tonometry ◽

Multivariate Linear Regression ◽

Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional

Purpose. To analyze and compare corneal structural and biomechanical properties, characterized by corneal hysteresis (CH) and resistance factor (CRF), between patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), and determine the main ocular variables that influence them. Methods. Sixty diabetic and 48 age- and sex-matched non-DM patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The DM group was analyzed according to DM duration (<or ≥ 10 years), HbA1c levels (<or ≥ 7%), and presence of retinopathy. CH and CRF were evaluated using the Ocular Response Analyzer® (ORA). Central corneal thickness (CCT) was determined by Scheimpflug tomography (Pentacam® HR). Intraocular pressure was obtained with ORA (IOPcc) and Goldmann applanation tonometry (IOP-GAT). Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between demographical, clinical, and ocular variables with the biomechanical properties. Results. There were no statistically significant differences in the CH and the CRF between DM and non-DM groups (p=0.637 and p=0.439, respectively). Also, there was no statistical difference between groups for the CCT, IOPcc, or IOP-GAT. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that CH was positively associated with CCT (p<0.001) and negatively associated with IOPcc (p<0.001), while CRF was positively associated with CCT (p<0.001) and IOPcc (p=0.014). Conclusion. The CCT and IOPcc were found to be the main parameters that affect corneal biomechanical properties both in diabetics and controls. In this study, there was no significant effect of DM type 2 on corneal biomechanics.

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Parameters Associated with Elevated Systolic Blood Pressure Levels in Greek Military Pilots

The Open Hypertension Journal ◽

10.2174/1876526201406010027 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 27-31

Author(s):

G. Platsas ◽

G. Kourianidis ◽

P. Toutouzas ◽

C. Stefanadis ◽

G. Vyssoulis

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Medical Monitoring ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Elevated Systolic Blood Pressure ◽

Life Style Changes ◽

Military Pilots

Background: Elevated blood pressure levels (BP) continue to comprise one of the most important public health problems worldwide. Hypertension is among the most serious risk factors that relates to myocardial infarction, stroke and kidney failure. The purpose of the study was to examine factors that may contribute to presentation of hypertension in military jet pilots. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 300 jet pilots of Greek Air-Force. Several data were retrieved from medical files. Participants filled in a questionnaire about demographics, dietary habits and lifestyle factors. Arterial BP was also measured. Spearman’s r was used for correlations. Also, multivariate linear regression analysis was performed. Results: All pilots presented systolic and diastolic BP within normal range (mean: 117.5 mmHg and 77.0 mmHg, respectively). 200 pilots presented optimal BP, 80 normal BP and 20 had marginally normal BP. Most pilots were exercising up to two times weekly (66.9%), however, some reported they didn’t exercise at all (12%) and mentioned exercising for a mean period of 12.0 (±7.6) years, mainly (62.1%) outdoors with aerobic (52.4%), anaerobic exercises (5.6%) or both (42%). Factors that influenced systolic BP levels were body mass index, flight hours, HDL values and exercise intensity. Conclusion: Pilots’ medical monitoring seems adequate since there weren’t any abnormal BP values. Emphasis should be placed on the continuation of programs already in place with further refinement according to specific needs. Smoking cessation interventions are needed as well as promotion of measures that can effectively lead to long standing life-style changes and dietary modifications.

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Knowledge of Health Professionals Regarding Vegetarian Diets from Pregnancy to Adolescence: An Observational Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11051149 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 1149 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Maria Enrica Bettinelli ◽

Elena Bezze ◽

Laura Morasca ◽

Laura Plevani ◽

Gabriele Sorrentino ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Service Learning ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Vegetarian Diet ◽

Life Cycles ◽

Vegan Diet ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Correct Definition ◽

Vegetarian Diets

The number of people adopting vegetarian diets is constantly increasing, and many among them are young parents who decide to share their diet with their children. The aim of this study was to investigate health professionals’ knowledge regarding the adoption of vegetarian diets from pregnancy to adolescence. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. The administered questionnaire, which was based on the recommendations of the most up-to-date guidelines, included two macro areas: The first investigated the sociodemographic and professional profile of the interviewees and the second addressed the knowledge of the participants regarding vegetarian diets. A total of 418 health professionals in Italy were interviewed, of whom 65.8% were nursing staff. Among the participants, 79.9% had not attended a nutrition course in the previous five years. A correct definition of a vegetarian/vegan diet was provided by 34.1% of the participants. The answers regarding knowledge of nutrients were correct in 20% of cases, whereas correct answers to questions assessing knowledge of the risk and benefits of a vegetarian diet and the adoption of a vegetarian diet throughout the life cycle were given by 45% and 39.4% of the participants, respectively. A significant correlation between the items of the second macro area that investigated the knowledge and dietary habits of the participants was found for seven items. The results of the study indicate that health professionals do not have complete and exhaustive knowledge about vegetarian diets and lack information on health outcomes and the adoption of a vegetarian diet throughout the different life cycles and nutrients. Improving pre- and in-service learning opportunities in vegetarian nutrition for health professionals is strongly advisable.

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