Eleni Andreou

Role of diet on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: An updated narrative review

The purpose of this article review is to update what is known about the role of diet on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the developed world and is considered to be a spectrum, ranging from fatty infiltration of the liver alone (steatosis), which may lead to fatty infiltration with inflammation known as non alcoholic steatohepatitis While the majority of individuals with risk factors like obesity and insulin resistance have steatosis, only few people may develop steatohepatitis. Current treatment relies on weight loss and exercise, although various insulin-sensitizing medications appear promising. Weight loss alone by dietary changes has been shown to lead to histological improvement in fatty liver making nutrition therapy to become a cornerstone of treatment for NAFLD. Supplementation of vitamin E, C and omega 3 fatty acids are under consideration with some conflicting data. Moreover, research has been showed that saturated fat, trans-fatty acid, carbohydrate, and simple sugars (fructose and sucrose) may play significant role in the intrahepatic fat accumulation. However, true associations with specific nutrients yet to be clarified.

Effects of an intervention and maintenance weight loss diet with and without exercise on anthropometric indices in overweight and obese healthy women.

Background and Aims: There is growing evidence that excess body weight and body fat levels may lead to various diseases. A low-calorie diet has been found to reduce body weight and fat; however, 95% of patients regain the weight within a short period of time. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a reduced-calorie diet with and without exercise on body composition profile as well as to evaluate maintenance of weight loss 18 weeks after the intervention had concluded. Methods: Two hundred and six overweight and/or obese women were randomized by a computer to either diet only (DO) or diet and exercise (DE) for an 18-week intervention period and 18 weeks of maintenance. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Body mass index (BMI) was reduced by 5.1 in the DE group compared to 3.2 in the DO group 18 weeks after the intervention period had ended; waist circumference (WC) was 14.2 cm lower in the exercise group and 8 cm lower in the diet alone group, and body fat was reduced by 15.5% in the DE group, while no changes were observed in the DO group. Conclusion: A combination of a reduced-calorie diet with exercise may successfully reduce weight, BMI, WC and body fat levels.

Type 2 diabetes and its correlates in a first nationwide study among Cypriot adults.

Obesity rates in Cyprus are very high and epidemiological information on type 2 diabetes mellitus is limited. The correlates of type 2 diabetes among adults remain unknown in the Cypriot population. Thus, the purpose of this study is to provide the first national estimate of the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and investigate its correlates. A randomly stratified nationally sample of 1001 adults aged 18-80 participated in the study. Only 950 subjects completed the study. All subjects were free of any diseases (known diabetes, kidney, liver), medication and supplementation. The overall prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes based on WHO criteria was 9.2% and 16.3%, respectively. After adjusting for age, energy intake, smoking and physical activity participants with obesity (BMI) (OR=2.00, P<0.001), waist circumference (WC) (OR=2.08, P<0.001), hypertension (HT) (OR=1.99, P<0.001) and hypercholesterolemia (HC) (OR=2.07, P<0.007) were most likely to develop T2DM compared with the normal ones. The odds of having diabetes were also found significant between subjects with high levels of triglycerides (TG) (OR=1.49, P<0.007), compared with the normal ones and between subjects with low levels of HDL (OR=1.44, P<0.008) compared with the ones with high levels of HDL. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Cyprus is relatively medium-high. However, the pre-diabetes rates are very high showing a promising increase toward total rates of type 2 diabetes. Obesity, HT, WC, TG, HC and low HDL are all strong correlates of type 2 diabetes. Healthy education programs should be initiated for young and older-aged people and those with described abnormal risk factors.

Obese Children with Metabolic Syndrome Have 3 Times Higher Risk to Have Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Compared with Those without Metabolic Syndrome

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MS) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in obese children. One hundred and twenty-five subjects aged 11-12 years old participated in the study. Methods Anthropometric and biochemical indices were measured, including lipid and liver profile, blood glucose, serum insulin, and liver ultrasound. Results Forty-four children (58.6%) were found to have MS. Insulin resistance was present in 78 (62.4%) children. Patients with MS were more likely to have NAFLD (P < 0.001). Children with NAFLD had significantly higher body mass index, waist circumference, triglycerides, fasting insulin, and lower high-density lipoprotein compared to patients with normal livers (P < 0.001). Insulin resistance was significantly higher in children with NAFLD (P < 0.001). Obese children presenting with MS were 3.01 (2.87–3.57, P < 0.002) times more likely to develop NAFLD compared to those without metabolic syndrome after adjustment of cofounders. Conclusions Obese children with MS have a higher risk of developing NAFLD. Weight management and early prevention should be the first line of treatment to prevent any possible health issues later on.

Effects of controlled dehydration on sleep quality and quantity: A polysomnographic study in healthy young adults

Dehydration is associated with several alternations in body homeostasis involving both physiological and mental aspects. In addition some studies have reported a negative effect of dehydration on subjectively assessed sleep‐related parameters. The aim of the current study was to examine for the first time the effect of controlled dehydration on sleep quality and quantity using the gold‐standard method of polysomnography. Twelve healthy male volunteers participated in this study (23.4 ± 0.8 years). Participants performed an in‐house full polysomnographic assessment in two different occasions taking place in random order: (i) in a dehydrated state; and (ii) in a euhydrated state. In the dehydration scenario, the participants were allowed to consume only 1.25 L of non‐caffeinated fluids, while during the euhydrated state participants had to drink at least 3 L of non‐caffeinated fluids during the last 24 hr before the polysomnographic study. Urine specific gravity was assessed by refractrometry on collection day in order to assess hydration status. Participants who did not fulfil the hydration criteria were rescheduled. All participants successfully completed the two polysomnographic studies without any complaints or adverse effects reported. No significant differences were found in any of the examined indices of sleep quality and quantity between the dehydration and euhydration scenarios (p > .05). This is the first study to show that controlled mild dehydration does not seem to affect sleep quality and quantity in young healthy adults. More research is necessary to further verify these conclusions and assess whether other parameters are involved in the manifestation of sleep disturbances.

Caffeine effect on exercise performance and disease issues: an updated mini review

Purpose – The paper aims to describe the effects of caffeine intake on exercise performance as well on diabetes, cirrhosis and asthma.Design/methodology/approach – The review includes the most updated studies found in Pub‐Med all of which are in relation to caffeine and exercise performance as well as its effects on disease issues.Findings – The majority of studies show that caffeine ingestion of about 6 mg of body weight mass may have a positive effect on endurance and anaerobic exercise performance. In addition, if it is consumed together with carbohydrates, it may also improve post‐recovery glycogen synthesis. Intake of caffeine was also found to have a positive effect on the prevention of liver cirrhosis, reducing asthma attacks and lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes.Originality/value – The paper gives information to nutritionists, clinical dietitians and sports nutritionists on the newest data about the effects of caffeine on exercise performance and disease issues.

Dietary intakes and anthropometric indices of 337 adults from Cyprus

Purpose – There is increasing evidence that diets high in energy, saturated fatty acids, cholesterol and low in fiber and antioxidants may lead to cardiovascular disease, hypertension and cancer. The purpose of this paper is to investigate, for the first time, the anthropometric measurements and dietary intakes of a randomly selected and representative sample of men and women from Cyprus and compare them with the recent recommended dietary guidelines for adults.Design/methodology/approach – A sample of 337 individuals was selected using the method of stratified random sampling, with proportional percentage of women (51.5 per cent) and men (48.5 per cent). Anthropometric and dietary characteristics were recorded for all subjects.Findings – Males were found to have significantly (p<0.001) higher levels of weight, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, basal metabolic rate, as well as lean body mass and lower body fat levels, compared to females. Both genders were found to ha...

Contents Vol. 59, 2011

A. Astrup, Copenhagen A. Berg, Freiburg Z.A. Bhutta, Karachi S.C. Bischoff , Stuttgart F. Branca, Rome R. Brigelius-Flohé, Nuthetal P.C. Calder, Southampton S. Carlson, Kansas City, Kan. I. Cetin, Milan R.J. Deckelbaum, New York, N.Y. T. Decsi, Pécs C.J. Field, Edmonton K. Godfrey, Southampton R. Hakkak, Little Rock, Ark. W.S. Harris, Sioux Falls, S. Dak. H. Hauner, Munich M. Hernández-Triana, Havana H. Heseker, Paderborn J. Kopecky, Prague M. Krawinkel, Giessen M. Lamprecht, Graz W. Langhans, Zurich J. Linseisen, Heidelberg O. Ljungqvist, Örebro J.A. Martinez, Pamplona H.J. McArdle, Aberdeen Y. Naito, Kyoto P.W. Nathanielsz, San Antonio, Tex. H. Oberritter, Bonn R. Saff ery, Parkville, Vic. W.H.M. Saris, Maastricht L. Serra-Majem, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria C. Sieber, Nürnberg A.P. Simopoulos, Washington, D.C. P. Singer, Petah Tikva N.W. Solomons, Guatemala City P. Stehle, Bonn I. Th orsdottir, Reykjavik K. Tontisirin, Nakhon Pathom R. Uauy, Santiago S. Villalpando, Cuernavaca Morelos T. Yoshikawa, Kyoto A. Zittermann, Bad Oeynhausen Founded 1959 as ‘Nutritio et Dieta’ by E. Azerad, H. Kapp and J. Trémolières. Continued by A. Wretlind (1961–1969). Continued by N. Zöllner (1970–1990) as ‘Nutrition and Metabolism’ (1970–1980), since 1980 integrating ‘Annales de la Nutrition et de l’Alimentation’, continued as ‘Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism’. Continued by G. Wolfram (1991–1999), Continued by I. Elmadfa (2000–2010) An Official Journal of International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS) Federation of European Nutrition Societies (FENS) European Neutraceutical Association (ENA) Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung (DGE)