Antonina Mattina

Glycaemic variability using continuous glucose monitoring and endothelial function in the metabolic syndrome and in Type 2 diabetes.

Diabet. Med. 27, 872–878 (2010)

Dose-dependent effects of decaffeinated coffee on endothelial function in healthy subjects

Background/Objectives:Coffee is known to contain antioxidant substances whose effects may be blunted because of caffeine that may unfavorably affect the cardiovascular system. This study was designed to investigate the acute dose-dependent effects of decaffeinated coffee (DC) on endothelial function measured by the brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD).Subjects/Methods:A total of 15 (8 men and 7 women) healthy nonobese subjects underwent a single-blind, crossover study. Subjects ingested one and two cups of decaffeinated Italian espresso coffee in random order at 5- to 7-day intervals.Results:In the hour following the ingestion of two cups of DC, FMD increased (mean±s.e.m.): 0 min, 7.4±0.7%; 30 min, 8.0±0.6%; 60 min, 10.8±0.8%; P<0.001) as compared to consumption of one cup of DC (0 min, 6.9±0.7%; 30 min, 8.4±1.2%; 60 min, 8.5±1.1%; 3 × 2 repeated-measures analysis of variance: P=0.037 for time × treatment effect). Blood pressure did not differ between groups, and basal heart rate was lower in the two-cup group at baseline and 60 min.Conclusions:The present study demonstrated a significant acute favorable dose-dependent effect of decaffeinated espresso coffee on endothelial function. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of chronic use of DC especially with respect to caffeinated coffee and in subjects with cardiovascular diseases.

A low reported energy intake is associated with metabolic syndrome.

Background and aims: Metabolic syndrome (MS) may be associated with the presence of an energy-sparing metabolism that predisposes to the excess accumulation of body fat. This study examined the relationship between reported energy intake and obesity in individuals with and without MS. Methods and results: Ninety consecutive non-diabetic obese subjects were divided into 2 groups based on the presence (MS+: no.=50) or absence (MS−: no.=40) of MS. The study design was cross-sectional. The 3-day food record method was used to assess the subjects’ usual energy intake and the Diet Readiness Test (DRT) was also administered. Compared to the MS− group, the MS+ group had a significantly higher body weight, body mass index (mean±SEM: 39.1 ±1.3 vs 31.5±0.9, p<0.001) and fat mass. The absolute energy intake of the MS+ group (8629±331 kJ/24h) did not differ from that of the MS− group (8571±515 kJ/24h; p=ns). The daily energy intake normalized for the fat-free mass (FFM) size was higher in the MS− group (163±8 kJ/kg-FFM·24h) than in the MS+ group (138±4 kJ/kg-FFM·24h; p<0.03). The DRT test results were similar in both groups except that section 6 (exercise patterns and attitudes) score was lower in the MS+ group (10.0±0.5) than in the MS− group (11.9±0.5; p<0.01). Conclusion: The results of this study support the hypothesis that subjects with MS have an energy-sparing metabolism.