Maria Wołyniec

Comparison of intake of food groups between participants with normoglycemia, impaired fasting glucose, and type 2 diabetes in PURE Poland population

According to the World Health Organization, diabetes could be responsible for 1.5 mln deaths a year and prevalence of diabetes is still increasing. Improper diet is one of modifiable risk factors of type 2 diabetes. Because diabetes is a major health burden, research recognizing factors contributing to increased risk of type 2 diabetes is important. The aim of the study was conducting the comparison of intake of food groups between participants with normoglycemia, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and type 2 diabetes of Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology (PURE) Poland population. Assessment of intake of food groups was conducted with the use of validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) among 1654 participants of PURE Poland—baseline (2007–2009). Assessment of the differences between groups had been performed with the use of the Kruskal-Wallis test. The significance level was established to be p ≤ 0.05. Participants with IFG in comparison to participants with diabetes consumed significantly more fruit juices, beverages with added sugar, sweets, honey, and sugar. Participants with IFG in comparison with normoglycemic participants consumed significantly more refined grains, fruit juices, lean meat, and processed meat and less nuts and seeds. Participants with diabetes in comparison to normoglycemic participants consumed significantly more lean meat and processed meat and less tea and coffee, alcohol, dried fruit, honey, sugar, and nuts. Especially participants with IFG, who consumed more products of high glycemic index should be the subject of intensive counseling and other prophylactic measures to reduce the risk of progression to type 2 diabetes.

Serum Lipid Transfer Proteins in Hypothyreotic Patients Are Inversely Correlated with Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Levels.

Background Plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity is often decreased in patients with hypothyroidism, whereas less is known about the phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP). We aimed to evaluate simultaneously serum CETP and PLTP activity in patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Material/Methods The selection criteria for control group members (without thyroid dysfunction) in this case to case study were levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides similar to those in study group patients (101 patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism). Serum CETP and PLTP activities were measured by homogenous fluorometric assays using synthetic donor particle substrates. Results Serum CETP and PLTP activities in hypothyreotic patients were lower (p<0.001) compared with those in healthy subjects. This lowering was associated with significant changes in HDL-C subclasses: decrease in HDL2- and increase in HDL3 cholesterol levels. Multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking habits, and alcohol drinking showed a strong association between hypothyroidism and activity of lipid transfer proteins. A linear inverse relationship between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and CETP (r=−0.21; p<0.01) and between TSH and PLTP (r=−0.24; p<0.001) was shown. There also was a positive correlation (p<0.001) between CETP and HDL2 cholesterol (r=0.27) and between PLTP and HDL2 cholesterol (r=0.37). A negative correlation between CETP and HDL3 cholesterol (r=−0.22: p<0.01) and between PLTP and HDL3 cholesterol (r=−0.24; p<0.001) has been demonstrated as well. Conclusions The decreased HDL2 and increased HDL3 cholesterol levels in subjects with hypothyroidism are consequences of decreased activity of lipid transfer proteins. These changes are early symptoms of lipid disturbances in hypothyroidism.

Prevalence of hypertension in Polish population of PURE Poland study

Introduction: Hypertension is the most common risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is a significant predictor of premature death and cardiovascular disability. The aim of this cohort study was to evaluate prevalence of hypertension and cardiovascular risk factors in studied population of Lower Silesia province in Poland. Material and methods: Presented results are a part of PURE project. The study group included 2,044 inhabitants Lower Silesia province. Data collection included clinical history, anthropometric data, blood pressure, and serum glucose. Prevalence, awareness, and treatment of hypertension were evaluated. Results: 60.3% of studied population were hypertensive. Hypertension was more prevalent in studied men (70.63%) than in women (57.24%). Education had a significant impact on prevalence of hypertension and the highest prevalence of hypertension was observed in the least educated group. Hypertension was undiagnosed in 48.5% of studied population. Significantly, more men than women had undiagnosed hypertension (53.4 vs. 44.3). The prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension significantly increased with the education level. Conclusions: The studied group had high prevalence of hypertension (60.3%). Hypertension was less frequent and better diagnosed in studied women than in men. Level of education had significant impact on prevalence and awareness of hypertension.

Serum CETP and PLTP activity in middle-aged men living in urban or rural area of the Lower Silesia region. PURE Poland sub-study

Introduction The dependence of lipid transfer proteins on significant pro-atherogenic factors is unclear. The aim of the study was to evaluate serum cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) activity in relation to lipid disturbances in men living in an urban or rural area. Material and methods A group of 427 men, volunteers for the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) sub-study – 263 urban inhabitants (aged 51.9 ±6.0) and 164 residents of villages (aged 51.1 ±5.9) – were examined. In the multivariable linear regression model, the following factors were included as potential confounders: age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol consumption, hs-C-reactive protein reaction (hs-CRP) and co-existence of chronic diseases. Results In multiple linear regression models, site of residence (urban or rural area) was the most important independent and consistent predictor of CETP and PLTP activity; β coefficients (95% CI) for CETP (0.18) and PLTP (–0.29) were significant at levels of p < 0.001. Three-way analysis of variance showed no effect of smoking or moderate alcohol consumption on lipid transfer proteins; however, CETP activity showed an interaction effect between these risk factors. In the group of all men, CETP activity was significantly and positively correlated with total cholesterol (r = 0.24), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = 0.18), and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = 0.21), whereas PLTP activity was correlated with BMI (r = 0.12). Body mass index in rural men was higher than in the urban male population. Conclusions Increased PLTP activity, recognized as a pro-atherogenic factor, and decreased CETP activity, known as a protective factor, both observed in men living in rural areas, are probably conditioned by nutritional and/or genetic factors.