Dietary components and risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality: a review of evidence from meta-analyses

AIMS: The optimal diet for cardiovascular health is controversial. The aim of this review is to summarize the highest level of evidence and rank the risk associated with each individual component of diet within its food group. METHODS AND RESULTS: A systematic search of PudMed was performed to identify the highest level of evidence available from systematic reviews or meta-analyses that evaluated different dietary components and their associated risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease. A total of 16 reviews were included for dietary food item and all-cause mortality and 17 reviews for cardiovascular disease. Carbohydrates were associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality (whole grain bread: relative risk (RR) 0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82-0.89; breakfast cereal: RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.83-0.92; oats/oatmeal: RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.83-0.92). Fish consumption was associated with a small benefit (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-1.00) and processed meat appeared to be harmful (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.07-1.45). Root vegetables (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.66-0.88), green leafy vegetables/salad (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.71-0.86), cooked vegetables (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.80-0.99) and cruciferous vegetables (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.85-0.95) were associated with reductions in all-cause mortality. Increased mortality was associated with the consumption of tinned fruit (RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.07-1.21). Nuts were associated with a reduced risk of mortality in a dose-response relationship (all nuts: RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.72-0.84; tree nuts: RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.75-0.90; and peanuts: RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.69-0.86). For cardiovascular disease, similar associations for benefit were observed for carbohydrates, nuts and fish, but red meat and processed meat were associated with harm. CONCLUSIONS: Many dietary components appear to be beneficial for cardiovascular disease and mortality, including grains, fish, nuts and vegetables, but processed meat and tinned fruit appear to be harmful

Associations of recreational and non-recreational physical activity with coronary artery calcium density vs. volume and cardiovascular disease events: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

AimsThe benefits of physical activity (PA) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) are well known. However, studies suggest PA is associated with coronary artery calcium (CAC), a subclinical marker of CVD. In this study, we evaluated the associations of self-reported recreational and non-recreational PA with CAC composition and incident CVD events. Prior studies suggest high CAC density may be protective for CVD events.Methods and resultsWe evaluated 3393 participants of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis with prevalent CAC. After adjusting for demographics, the highest quintile of recreational PA was associated with 0.07 (95% confidence interval 0.01-0.13) units greater CAC density but was not associated with CAC volume. In contrast, the highest quintile of non-recreational PA was associated with 0.08 (0.02-0.14) units lower CAC density and a trend toward 0.13 (-0.01 to 0.27) log-units higher CAC volume. There were 520 CVD events over a 13.7-year median follow-up. Recreational PA was associated with lower CVD risk (hazard ratio 0.88, 0.79-0.98, per standard deviation), with an effect size that was not changed with adjustment for CAC composition or across levels of prevalent CAC.ConclusionRecreational PA may be associated with a higher density but not a higher volume of CAC. Non-recreational PA may be associated with lower CAC density, suggesting these forms of PA may not have equivalent associations with this subclinical marker of CVD. While PA may affect the composition of CAC, the associations of PA with CVD risk appear to be independent of CAC

All-cause and cause-specific mortality in individuals with zero and minimal coronary artery calcium: A long-term, competing risk analysis in the Coronary Artery Calcium Consortium.

Background and aimsThe long-term associations between zero, minimal coronary artery calcium (CAC) and cause-specific mortality are currently unknown, particularly after accounting for competing risks with other causes of death.MethodsWe evaluated 66,363 individuals from the CAC Consortium (mean age 54 years, 33% women), a multi-center, retrospective cohort study of asymptomatic individuals undergoing CAC scoring for clinical risk assessment. Baseline evaluations occurred between 1991 and 2010.ResultsOver a mean of 12 years of follow-up, individuals with CAC = 0 (45% prevalence, mean age 45 years) had stable low rates of coronary heart disease (CHD) death, cardiovascular disease (CVD) death (ranging 0.32 to 0.43 per 1000 person-years), and all-cause death (1.38-1.62 per 1000 person-years). Cancer was the predominant cause of death in this group, yet rates were also very low (0.47-0.79 per 1000 person-years). Compared to CAC = 0, individuals with CAC 1-10 had an increased multivariable-adjusted risk of CVD death only under age 40. Individuals with CAC>10 had multivariable-adjusted increased risks of CHD death, CVD death and all-cause death at all ages, and a higher proportion of CVD deaths.ConclusionsCAC = 0 is a frequent finding among individuals undergoing CAC scanning for risk assessment and is associated with low rates of all-cause death at 12 years of follow-up. Our results support the emerging consensus that CAC = 0 represents a unique population with favorable all-cause prognosis who may be considered for more flexible treatment goals in primary prevention. Detection of any CAC in young adults could be used to trigger aggressive preventive interventions

Effect of iron oxide and silver nanoparticles on boar semen CASA motility and kinetics

ΔΕΝ ΔΙΑΤΙΘΕΤΑΙ ΠΕΡΙΛΗΨΗThe objective of the study was to investigate the potential toxic effect of iron oxide (Fe3O4) and silver (Ag/Fe) spherical nanoparticles (NPs) as alternative antimicrobial compounds on boar semen. The NPs’ minimum inhibitory concentration was determined applying the in vitro antimicrobial activity evaluation test and included in the experiment. Totally, 9 ejaculates (3 boars; 3 ejaculates/boar) were extended in BTS without antibiotics at 30×106 spermatozoa/mL and divided in 3 aliquots corresponding to the following groups: 1) Control group (C): extended semen without treatment; 2) Iron oxide group (Fe): extended semen with Fe3O4 NPs of diameter 40 nm (0.192 mg/mL semen); and 3) Silver group (Ag): extended semen with Ag/Fe NPs of diameter 30 nm, consisted of Ag and a 5% of zero-valent Fe (0.128 mg/mL semen). Semen samples of all groups were incubated at 17o C for 30 min following NPs’ removal through a magnetic field. All post treated samples were stored at 17o C for 48 h. Total motility (TM) and kinetics (progressive motility PM; rapid/medium/slow movement spermatozoa; static spermatozoa; VCL; VSL; VAP; LIN; STR; WOB; ALH; BCF; hyperactive spermatozoa) were evaluated by CASA system at 0, 24 and 48 h post treatment. Data were analyzed with a repeated measures mixed model. Group Fe did not differ from group C at any time point. TM and PM were lower at 24 h of storage in group Ag compared to groups C and Fe (all P<0.001). By 48 h of storage spermatozoa of group Ag were totally immotile and thus excluded from analysis. The comparison within groups and between storage time points showed that the values of TM, PM, VCL, VAP, ALH and BCF decreased after 24 h of storage in group Ag (all P<0.05), but not in groups C and Fe, while no significant differences were observed for the remaining parameters between successive time points within any group (P>0.05). In conclusion, Ag/Fe NPs demonstrated a harmful effect on boar spermatozoa, while the used concentration of the examined Fe3O4 NPs did not affect boar sperm CASA motility parameters enhancing further research about their application on semen handling

Proper use and impact of ‘Computer Assisted Semen Analysis’ technique on semen evaluation of farm animals

Σκοπός της παρούσας ανασκόπησης είναι η παρουσίαση της λειτουργίας του αυτόματου αναλυτή σπέρματος υποβοηθούμενου από ηλεκτρονικό υπολογιστή (CASA) και των εφαρμογών του στον τομέα της αναπαραγωγής των παραγωγικών ζώων, ώστε να γίνει ευρέως αντιληπτή η συμβολή του ως εργαλείο πρόγνωσης της γονιμότητας των αρσενικών ζώων Παρατίθενται οι προϋποθέσεις ορθής λειτουργίας του αναλυτή, οι παράγοντες που επηρεάζουν αυτήν και η αξιολόγηση των εκτιμούμενων παραμέτρων, με ιδιαίτερη έμφαση στην κινητικότητα των σπερματοζωαρίων. Ο αναλυτής CASA αποτελεί σημαντικό εφόδιο για τους ασχολούμενους με τη διαχείριση υγείας των παραγωγικών ζώων, ωστόσο απαιτείται τήρηση των κανόνων για ορθή εκτίμηση των δειγμάτων και για αξιοπιστία και δυνατότητα σύγκρισης των αποτελεσμάτων.Objective of this review is to present the use of ‘Computer Assisted Semen Analysis’ technique application in farm animal health management, in particular the steps for accurate semen evaluation and the impact of the method in predicting male animal fertility under field conditions. Requirements for proper use of the equipment, factors affecting the evaluation process and the role of the estimated parametres for fertility under field conditions are described. Special reference is made in sperm motility evaluation. It is concluded that the method is an effective and efficient tool for semen evaluation, provided good practices are strictly applied and adhered to, by means of which valid results may be obtained

Evaluation of common in vitro used chemicals' effect on motility and chromatin stability of boar spermatozoa

Χημικές ουσίες όπως η ηπαρίνη, το ιοντοφόρο ασβέστιο (Α23187) και το διμεθυλοσουλφοξείδιο (DMSO)χρησιμοποιούνται ευρέως κατά την εφαρμογή in vitro δοκιμών εκτίμησης της λειτουργικότητας των σπερματοζωαρίων, μεταξύτων οποίων η ενεργοποίηση και η πρόκληση της αντίδρασης του ακροσώματος. To DMSO, πέραν της διαδεδομένης χρήσηςτου ως κρυοπροστατευτικό, χρησιμοποιείται επιπλέον ως διαλύτης πλήθους χημικών ενώσεων σε vitro πειραματισμούς. Σύνηθες φαινόμενο είναι η τροποποίηση των πρωτοκόλλων των διαγνωστικών δοκιμών μέσω της αλλαγής της συγκέντρωσης των προαναφερόμενωνχημικών ουσιών. Οι μεταβολές αυτές θα μπορούσαν να επηρεάσουν χαρακτηριστικά του σπέρματος που σχετίζονται άμεσα με τη γονιμοποιητική του ικανότητα. Σκοπός της παρούσας εργασίας ήταν ηδιερεύνηση της in vitroεπίδρασης διαφόρων συγκεντρώσεων α) ηπαρίνης (2, 4, 6, 8 και 10 μg/ml), β) ιοντοφόρου ασβεστίου Α23187 (10, 20, 30 μΜ) και γ) DMSO (1, 2, 3 % ο/ο), στην κινητικότητα και την ακεραιότητα της χρωματίνης των σπερματοζωαρίων του κάπρου. Επιλέχτηκανκαι χρησιμοποιήθηκαν 8 σπερματοδότες κάπροι και εξετάστηκαν 20 εκσπερματίσματα σε χρονικό διάστημα 5 μηνών (Οκτώβριο με Φεβρουάριο). Η εκτίμηση της κινητικότητας του σπέρματος έγινε με τη χρήση μικροσκοπίου με θερμαινόμενηεπιφάνεια, ενώ η κατάσταση της χρωματίνης του πυρήνα των σπερματοζωαρίων μελετήθηκε με την εφαρμογή της δοκιμήςπορτοκαλόχρουν της ακριδίνης. Τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας έδειξαν ότι η προσθήκη ηπαρίνης, Α23187 και DMSO σε συγκεντρώσεις 8 - 10 μg/ml, 10 μΜ και 1%, αντίστοιχα, είναι ασφαλής για την in vitro μεταχείριση του σπέρματος του κάπρου,δίχως κίνδυνο υποβάθμισης της κινητικότητας και της ποιότητας της χρωματίνης του πυρήνα των σπερματοζωαρίων.Chemicals such as heparin, calcium ionophore and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) have been used in sperm's function evaluation assays, since they are facilitating the sperm capacitation and the induction of acrosome reaction. Many researchers modified porcine in vitro protocols purposing the improvement and validation of in vitro assays. The modification of the above mentioned chemicals' concentration could have a detrimental effect on sperm characteristics, relative to normal sperm function and fertilizing ability. The present study aimed to investigate in vitro effect of various concentrations of, a) heparin (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 μg/ml), b) calcium ionophore A23187 (10, 20, 30 μΜ) and c) DMSO (1, 2, 3 % v/v), that have been used in sperm evaluation techniques, on chromatin instability and total motility of boar spermatozoa. Eight boars were used as semen donors, providing 20 ejaculates. Acridine orange test and subjective evaluation of semen by a microscope equipped with a heated plate were performed in order to evaluate chromatin integrity and motility, respectively. The results of this study showed that the addition of heparin, A23187 and DMSO at concentrations of 8 - 10 μ^πιΐ, 10 μΜ and 1%, respectively, can be used for in vitro handling of boar spermatozoa without reduction of their motility and chromatin quality

Evaluation of common in vitro used chemicals' effect on motility and chromatin stability of boar spermatozoa

Χημικές ουσίες όπως η ηπαρίνη, το ιοντοφόρο ασβέστιο (Α23187) και το διμεθυλοσουλφοξείδιο (DMSO)χρησιμοποιούνται ευρέως κατά την εφαρμογή in vitro δοκιμών εκτίμησης της λειτουργικότητας των σπερματοζωαρίων, μεταξύτων οποίων η ενεργοποίηση και η πρόκληση της αντίδρασης του ακροσώματος. To DMSO, πέραν της διαδεδομένης χρήσηςτου ως κρυοπροστατευτικό, χρησιμοποιείται επιπλέον ως διαλύτης πλήθους χημικών ενώσεων σε vitro πειραματισμούς. Σύνηθες φαινόμενο είναι η τροποποίηση των πρωτοκόλλων των διαγνωστικών δοκιμών μέσω της αλλαγής της συγκέντρωσης των προαναφερόμενωνχημικών ουσιών. Οι μεταβολές αυτές θα μπορούσαν να επηρεάσουν χαρακτηριστικά του σπέρματος που σχετίζονται άμεσα με τη γονιμοποιητική του ικανότητα. Σκοπός της παρούσας εργασίας ήταν ηδιερεύνηση της in vitroεπίδρασης διαφόρων συγκεντρώσεων α) ηπαρίνης (2, 4, 6, 8 και 10 μg/ml), β) ιοντοφόρου ασβεστίου Α23187 (10, 20, 30 μΜ) και γ) DMSO (1, 2, 3 % ο/ο), στην κινητικότητα και την ακεραιότητα της χρωματίνης των σπερματοζωαρίων του κάπρου. Επιλέχτηκανκαι χρησιμοποιήθηκαν 8 σπερματοδότες κάπροι και εξετάστηκαν 20 εκσπερματίσματα σε χρονικό διάστημα 5 μηνών (Οκτώβριο με Φεβρουάριο). Η εκτίμηση της κινητικότητας του σπέρματος έγινε με τη χρήση μικροσκοπίου με θερμαινόμενηεπιφάνεια, ενώ η κατάσταση της χρωματίνης του πυρήνα των σπερματοζωαρίων μελετήθηκε με την εφαρμογή της δοκιμήςπορτοκαλόχρουν της ακριδίνης. Τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας έδειξαν ότι η προσθήκη ηπαρίνης, Α23187 και DMSO σε συγκεντρώσεις 8 - 10 μg/ml, 10 μΜ και 1%, αντίστοιχα, είναι ασφαλής για την in vitro μεταχείριση του σπέρματος του κάπρου,δίχως κίνδυνο υποβάθμισης της κινητικότητας και της ποιότητας της χρωματίνης του πυρήνα των σπερματοζωαρίων.Chemicals such as heparin, calcium ionophore and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) have been used in sperm's function evaluation assays, since they are facilitating the sperm capacitation and the induction of acrosome reaction. Many researchers modified porcine in vitro protocols purposing the improvement and validation of in vitro assays. The modification of the above mentioned chemicals' concentration could have a detrimental effect on sperm characteristics, relative to normal sperm function and fertilizing ability. The present study aimed to investigate in vitro effect of various concentrations of, a) heparin (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 μg/ml), b) calcium ionophore A23187 (10, 20, 30 μΜ) and c) DMSO (1, 2, 3 % v/v), that have been used in sperm evaluation techniques, on chromatin instability and total motility of boar spermatozoa. Eight boars were used as semen donors, providing 20 ejaculates. Acridine orange test and subjective evaluation of semen by a microscope equipped with a heated plate were performed in order to evaluate chromatin integrity and motility, respectively. The results of this study showed that the addition of heparin, A23187 and DMSO at concentrations of 8 - 10 μ^πιΐ, 10 μΜ and 1%, respectively, can be used for in vitro handling of boar spermatozoa without reduction of their motility and chromatin quality

Deletion of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 from the Peri-Wolffian Duct Stroma Leads to Ureteric Induction Abnormalities and Vesicoureteral Reflux

Purpose: Pax3cre-mediated deletion of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (Fgfr2) broadly in renal and urinary tract mesenchyme led to ureteric bud (UB) induction defects and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), although the mechanisms were unclear. Here, we investigated whether Fgfr2 acts specifically in peri-Wolffian duct stroma (ST) to regulate UB induction and development of VUR and the mechanisms of Fgfr2 activity. Methods: We conditionally deleted Fgfr2 in ST (Fgfr2 ST-/- ) using Tbx18cre mice. To look for ureteric bud induction defects in young embryos, we assessed length and apoptosis of common nephric ducts (CNDs). We performed 3D reconstructions and histological analyses of urinary tracts of embryos and postnatal mice and cystograms in postnatal mice to test for VUR. We performed in situ hybridization and real-time PCR in young embryos to determine mechanisms underlying UB induction defects. Results: We confirmed that Fgfr2 is expressed in ST and that Fgfr2 was efficiently deleted in this tissue in Fgfr2 ST-/- mice at embryonic day (E) 10.5. E11.5 Fgfr2 ST-/- mice had randomized UB induction sites with approximately 1/3 arising too high and 1/3 too low from the Wolffian duct; however, apoptosis was unaltered in E12.5 mutant CNDs. While ureters were histologically normal, E15.5 Fgfr2 ST-/- mice exhibit improper ureteral insertion sites into the bladder, consistent with the ureteric induction defects. While ureter and bladder histology appeared normal, postnatal day (P) 1 mutants had high rates of VUR versus controls (75% versus 3%, p = 0.001) and occasionally other defects including renal hypoplasia and duplex systems. P1 mutant mice also had improper ureteral bladder insertion sites and shortened intravesicular tunnel lengths that correlated with VUR. E10.5 Fgfr2 ST-/- mice had decreases in Bmp4 mRNA in stromal tissues, suggesting a mechanism underlying the ureteric induction and VUR phenotypes. Conclusion: Mutations in FGFR2 could possibly cause VUR in humans. © 2013 Walker et al