Effect of Nuts on Anthropometric and Glycemic Indexes and Blood Pressure in Secondary Cardiovascular Prevention: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

CONTEXT: Nut-enriched diets have a positive impact on cardiovascular risk factors, such as body mass, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose. However, studies in individuals undergoing secondary cardiovascular prevention show controversial results. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review with meta-analysis assessed the effect of nut supplementation on anthropometric, glycemic, and blood pressure indices in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, as well as the frequency of adverse events. DATA SOURCES: Six databases were used for the search-PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, BVS (Biblioteca Virtual da Saude), Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov-until February 2023, with no language restrictions. DATA EXTRACTION: The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions methodology and the PICOS (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Setting/design) strategy were used. Seven independent reviewers were involved in data extraction and resolution of disagreements. Certainty of the evidence was evaluated using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system. DATA ANALYSIS: From 5187 records identified, 6 publications containing data referring to 5 randomized clinical trials (n = 436) were included in the final analyses. The nuts evaluated were almonds, pecans, Brazil nuts, and mixed nuts, with portions that varied between 5 g and 85 g (median: 30 g/day). The intervention period varied between 6 and 12 weeks. The nuts had no effect on fasting glucose and anthropometric indices, although the certainty of the evidence for most of these outcomes was low or very low. They also had no effect on systolic (mean difference [MD]: -1.16 mmHg [95% CI, -5.68 to 3.35], I2 = 0%-moderate certainty of evidence) or diastolic (MD: 0.10 mmHg [95% CI, -2.30 to 2.51], I2 = 0%-high certainty of evidence) blood pressure. It was not possible to aggregate data on adverse events. CONCLUSION: Nut supplementation had no effect on blood pressure, fasting glucose, or anthropometric profile in the context of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020163456.

Linking Adiposity to Interstitial Lung Disease: The Role of the Dysfunctional Adipocyte and Inflammation.

Adipose tissue has functions beyond its principal functions in energy storage, including endocrine and immune functions. When faced with a surplus of energy, the functions of adipose tissue expand by mechanisms that can be both adaptive and detrimental. These detrimental adipose tissue functions can alter normal hormonal signaling and promote local and systemic inflammation with wide-ranging consequences. Although the mechanisms by which adipose tissue triggers metabolic dysfunction and local inflammation have been well described, little is known about the relationship between adiposity and the pathogenesis of chronic lung conditions, such as interstitial lung disease (ILD). In this review, we detail the conditions and mechanisms by which adipose tissue becomes dysfunctional and relate this dysfunction to inflammatory changes observed in various forms of ILD. Finally, we review the existing basic and clinical science literature linking adiposity to ILD, highlighting the need for additional research on the mechanisms of adipocyte-mediated inflammation in ILD and its clinical implications.

Absolute and Relative Agreement between the Current and Modified Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional Program Dietary Index (BALANCE DI) and the American Heart Association Healthy Diet Score (AHA-DS) in Post Myocardial Infarction Patients.

The American Heart Association Diet Score (AHA-DS) defines the cardiovascular health, and the Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional Program Dietary Index (BALANCE DI) was designed to evaluate diet quality in secondary cardiovascular prevention settings. Our aim was to assess the absolute and relative agreement between both tools in Brazilian adults after a myocardial infarction (MI). In this cross-sectional study, 473 individuals were included and had their diet assessed by a 24 h food recall and a semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. The weighted Kappa between BALANCE DI and primary AHA-DS was 0.66 (95% CI: 0.08-0.21), and between BALANCE DI and total AHA-DS was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.20-0.32). To improve the agreement between the tools, modifications were made to the BALANCE DI scoring system. The weighted Kappa between New BALANCE DI and primary AHA-DS was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.36-0.48), and between BALANCE DI and total AHA-DS was 0.76 (95% CI: 0.34-0.46). The mean bias observed between the New BALANCE DI as compared to the primary and total AHA-DS was -16% (-51 to 19) and -8% (-41 to 24), respectively. Our results suggest that the New BALANCE DI may be a useful tool to evaluate diet quality in post MI patients.

Effects of supplementing a healthy diet with pecan nuts or extra-virgin olive oil on inflammatory profile of patients with stable coronary artery disease: a randomised clinical trial.

The consumption of nuts and extra-virgin olive oil has been associated with suppression of inflammatory pathways that contribute to atherosclerosis, but its role on the modulation of the inflammatory profile in patients with established coronary artery disease (CAD) is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of adding pecan nuts or extra-virgin olive oil to a healthy diet on inflammatory markers in patients with stable CAD. In this randomised clinical trial, 204 patients were enrolled to three study groups: sixty seven to control group (CG: healthy diet), sixty eight to pecan nuts group (PNG: 30 g/d of pecans + healthy diet) and sixty nine to extra-virgin olive oil group (OOG: 30 ml/d of extra-virgin olive oil + healthy diet). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP, in mg/l), fibrinogen (mg/dl), IL 2, 4, 6, 10 (pg/ml) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ, in pg/ml), IL-6/IL-10, IL-2/IL-4 and IFN-/γIL-4 ratios were evaluated at baseline and after the follow-up (12 weeks). As main results, after adjustment for sex, statin used and relative body weight variation, there were no differences between groups regarding inflammatory markers at the end of the study. IL-6 levels (primary outcome) were reduced in 12 weeks when compared with baseline in all study groups (CG: difference: -0·593 (se = 0·159) pg/dL; PNG: difference: -0·335 (se = 0·143) pg/dl; OOG: IL-6 difference: -0·325 (se = 0·143) pg/dl). In conclusion, there was no significant effect of including pecan nuts or extra virgin olive oil to a healthy diet on inflammatory markers in individuals with CAD.

Effects of a Brazilian cardioprotective diet and nuts on cardiometabolic parameters after myocardial infarction: study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Nut consumption has been related to improvements on cardiometabolic parameters and reduction in the severity of atherosclerosis mainly in primary cardiovascular prevention. The objective of this trial is to evaluate the effects of the Brazilian Cardioprotective Diet (DIeta CArdioprotetora Brasileira, DICA Br) based on consumption of inexpensive locally accessible foods supplemented or not with mixed nuts on cardiometabolic features in patients with previous myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: DICA-NUTS study is a national, multicenter, randomized 16-week follow-up clinical trial. Patients over 40 years old with diagnosis of previous MI in the last 2 to 6 months will be recruited (n = 388). A standardized questionnaire will be applied to data collection and blood samples will be obtained. Patients will be allocated in two groups: Group 1: DICA Br supplemented with 30 g/day of mixed nuts (10 g of peanuts, 10 g of cashew, 10 g of Brazil nuts); and Group 2: only DICA Br. The primary outcome will consist of LDL cholesterol means (in mg/dL) after 16 weeks of intervention. Secondary outcomes will consist of other markers of lipid profile, glycemic profile, and anthropometric data. DISCUSSION: It is expected that DICA Br supplemented with mixed nuts have superior beneficial effects on cardiometabolic parameters in patients after a MI, when compared to DICA Br. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03728127 . First register: November 1, 2018; Last update: June 16, 2021. World Health Organization Universal Trial Number (WHO-UTN): U1111-1259-8105.

Oxidative Stress Biomarkers, Nut-Related Antioxidants, and Cardiovascular Disease.

Atherosclerosis is related to fat accumulation in the arterial walls and vascular stiffening, and results in acute coronary syndrome which is commonly associated with acute myocardial infarction. Oxidative stress participates in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Thus, the inclusion of food sources of dietary antioxidants, such as different kinds of nuts, may improve biomarkers related to oxidative stress, contributing to a possible reduction in atherosclerosis progression. This article has briefly highlighted the interaction between oxidative stress, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease, in addition to the effect of the consumption of different nuts and related dietary antioxidants-like polyphenols and vitamin E-on biomarkers of oxidative stress in primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention. Studies in vitro suggest that nuts may exert antioxidant effects by DNA repair mechanisms, lipid peroxidation prevention, modulation of the signaling pathways, and inhibition of the MAPK pathways through the suppression of NF-κB and activation of the Nrf2 pathways. Studies conducted in animal models showed the ability of dietary nuts in improving biomarkers of oxidative stress, such as oxLDL and GPx. However, clinical trials in humans have not been conclusive, especially with regards to the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Adipokines and Adipose Tissue-Related Metabolites, Nuts and Cardiovascular Disease.

Adipose tissue is a complex structure responsible for fat storage and releasing polypeptides (adipokines) and metabolites, with systemic actions including body weight balance, appetite regulation, glucose homeostasis, and blood pressure control. Signals sent from different tissues are generated and integrated in adipose tissue; thus, there is a close connection between this endocrine organ and different organs and systems such as the gut and the cardiovascular system. It is known that functional foods, especially different nuts, may be related to a net of molecular mechanisms contributing to cardiometabolic health. Despite being energy-dense foods, nut consumption has been associated with no weight gain, weight loss, and lower risk of becoming overweight or obese. Several studies have reported beneficial effects after nut consumption on glucose control, appetite suppression, metabolites related to adipose tissue and gut microbiota, and on adipokines due to their fatty acid profile, vegetable proteins, l-arginine, dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals, and phytosterols. The aim of this review is to briefly describe possible mechanisms implicated in weight homeostasis related to different nuts, as well as studies that have evaluated the effects of nut consumption on adipokines and metabolites related to adipose tissue and gut microbiota in animal models, healthy individuals, and primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention.

Correlação entre a Espessura do Músculo Adutor do Polegar e o Estado Nutricional / Correlation Between the Adductor Pollicis Muscle Thickness and the Nutritional Status / Correlación entre el Espesor del Músculo Adductor Pollicis y el Estado Nutricional

Introdução: A desnutrição é altamente prevalente na população oncológica e aumenta a morbidade e mortalidade nos estágios avançados da doença. A espessura do músculo adutor do polegar (EMAP) parece ser uma variável importante para avaliar o compartimento muscular. Objetivo: Estabelecer um ponto de corte da EMAP para desnutrição entre pacientes oncológicos hospitalizados. Método: Estudo transversal, entre 100 pacientes oncológicos internados em um hospital geral de Porto Alegre ­ RS, com idade ≥20 anos, admitidos nas enfermarias e avaliados nas primeiras 72 horas de admissão hospitalar. Foi realizada a avaliação subjetiva global (ASG), mensurados peso, altura, circunferência de braço (CB), prega cutânea triciptal (PCT), circunferência da panturrilha (CP) e a EMAP da mão dominante (EMAPD) e não dominante (EMAPND); calculada a circunferência muscular do braço (CMB) e o índice de massa corporal (IMC). Resultados: Conforme a ASG, 31% e 33% eram, respectivamente, moderadamente e gravemente desnutridos. Pacientes desnutridos apresentaram significativamente menores valores de IMC, CB, PCT, CMB, CP, EMAPD e EMAPND, bem como maior tempo de internação e óbito. O melhor ponto de corte da EMAPD para o desfecho desnutrição foi 13,2 mm (sensibilidade 65% e especificidade 75%) e, para EMAPND, foi 13,3 mm (sensibilidade de 65% e especificidade 77%). Conclusão: O melhor ponto de corte da EMAPD para o desfecho desnutrição, proposto neste estudo, foi 13,2 mm e, para EMAPND, foi 13,3 mm. No entanto, mais estudos são necessários para confirmar estes achados.

Introduction: Malnutrition is highly prevalent in the oncologic population and is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in the advanced stages of the disease. The adductor pollicis muscle thickness (APMT) seems to be an important variable to assess muscle compartment. Objective: To establish cutoff point for malnutrition from APMT among hospitalized oncologic patients. Method: Cross-sectional study with 100 oncologic patients hospitalized in a general hospital in Porto Alegre ­ RS, aged ≥20 years, admitted at the outpatient and evaluated within the first 72 hours of hospital admission. Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) was performed; weight, height, arm circumference (AC), tricipital skinfold (TSF), calf circumference (CC), APMT of the dominant (APMTDH) and non-dominant hand (APMTNDH) were measured; arm muscle circumference (AMC) and body mass index (BMI) were calculated. Results: According to the SGA, 31% of the sample was moderately malnourished and 33%, severely malnourished. Malnourished patients had significantly lower values of BMI, AC, TSF, CC, APMTDH and APMTNDH, as well as, longer hospital stay and death. The best cutoff point for APMTDH for the malnutrition outcome was 13.2 mm, (sensitivity of 65% and specificity of 75%) and for APMTNDH, 13.3 mm, with a sensitivity of 65% and specificity of 77%. Conclusion: The best cutoff point proposed in this study for APMTDH for the outcome malnutrition was 13.2 mm and 13.3 mm for APMTNDH. However, further studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Introducción: La desnutrición es altamente prevalente en la población con cáncer y aumenta la morbilidad y la mortalidad en las etapas avanzadas de la enfermedad. El espesor del músculo adductor pollicis (EMAP) parece ser una variable importante para evaluar el compartimento muscular. Objetivo:Establecer un punto de corte EMAP para la desnutrición en pacientes con cáncer hospitalizados. Método: Estudio transversal entre 100 pacientes con cáncer ingresados en un hospital general en Porto Alegre ­ RS, edad ≥20 años y evaluados dentro de las primeras 72 horas de ingreso hospitalario. Se realizó una evaluación global subjetiva (EGS), se midió el peso, la altura, la circunferencia del brazo (CB), el pliegue cutáneo tricipital (PCT), la circunferencia de la pantorrilla (CP) y la EMAP de las manos dominantes (EMAPD) y no dominantes (EMAPND). Se calcularon la circunferencia muscular del brazo (CMB) y el índice de masa corporal (IMC). Resultados: Según la EGS, el 31% y el 33% estaban desnutridos moderada y severamente, respectivamente. Los pacientes desnutridos tuvieron valores significativamente más bajos de IMC, CB, PCT, CMB, CP, EMAPD y EMAPND, así como una mayor estadía hospitalaria y muerte. El mejor punto de corte para EMAPD para el resultado de desnutrición fue 13.2 mm (sensibilidad 65% y especificidad 75%), y para EMAPND fue 13.3 mm (sensibilidad 65% y especificidad 77%). Conclusión: El mejor punto de corte para EMAPD para el resultado de desnutrición fue de 13.2 mm y para EMAPND fue de 13.3 mm. Sin embargo, se necesitan más estudios para confirmar nuestros hallazgos.

Enlarged waist combined with elevated triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype) and HDL-cholesterol in patients with heart failure.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE:: The association of serum triglycerides plus waist circumference seems to be a good marker of cardiovascular risk and has been named the "hypertriglyceridemic waist" phenotype. The aim of our study was to investigate the association between the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype and HDL-cholesterol among patients with heart failure. DESIGN AND SETTING:: Cross-sectional study in a tertiary-level hospital in southern Brazil. METHODS:: We included patients with heart failure aged > 40 years. Anthropometric assessment (weight, height, waist and hip circumferences) was performed; body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio were calculated and lipid measurements (serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides) were collected. In men and women, respectively, waist circumference ≥ 94 cm and ≥ 80 cm, and triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dl were considered abnormal and were used to identify the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype. Analyses of covariance were used to evaluate possible associations between levels of HDL-cholesterol and the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype, according to sex. RESULTS:: 112 participants were included, of whom 62.5% were men. The mean age was 61.8 ± 12.3 years and the mean ejection fraction was 40.1 ± 14.7%. Men and woman presented mean HDL-cholesterol of 40.5 ± 14.6 and 40.9 ± 12.7 mg/dl, respectively. The prevalence of the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype was 25%. There was a significant difference in mean HDL-cholesterol between men with and without the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype (32.8 ± 14.2 versus 42.1 ± 13.7 mg/dl respectively; P = 0.04), even after adjustment for age, body mass index, type 2 diabetes mellitus, use of statins and heart failure etiology. CONCLUSIONS:: The hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype is significantly associated with lower HDL-cholesterol levels in men with heart failure.

Enlarged waist combined with elevated triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype) and HDL-cholesterol in patients with heart failure / Cintura aumentada combinada a triglicerídeos elevados (fenótipo da cintura hipertrigliceridêmica) e HDL-colesterol elevado em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: The association of serum triglycerides plus waist circumference seems to be a good marker of cardiovascular risk and has been named the “hypertriglyceridemic waist” phenotype. The aim of our study was to investigate the association between the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype and HDL-cholesterol among patients with heart failure. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study in a tertiary-level hospital in southern Brazil. METHODS: We included patients with heart failure aged > 40 years. Anthropometric assessment (weight, height, waist and hip circumferences) was performed; body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio were calculated and lipid measurements (serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides) were collected. In men and women, respectively, waist circumference ≥ 94 cm and ≥ 80 cm, and triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dl were considered abnormal and were used to identify the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype. Analyses of covariance were used to evaluate possible associations between levels of HDL-cholesterol and the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype, according to sex. RESULTS: 112 participants were included, of whom 62.5% were men. The mean age was 61.8 ± 12.3 years and the mean ejection fraction was 40.1 ± 14.7%. Men and woman presented mean HDL-cholesterol of 40.5 ± 14.6 and 40.9 ± 12.7 mg/dl, respectively. The prevalence of the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype was 25%. There was a significant difference in mean HDL-cholesterol between men with and without the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype (32.8 ± 14.2 versus 42.1 ± 13.7 mg/dl respectively; P = 0.04), even after adjustment for age, body mass index, type 2 diabetes mellitus, use of statins and heart failure etiology. CONCLUSIONS: The hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype is significantly associated with lower HDL-cholesterol levels in men with heart failure.

RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: A associação de triglicerídeos séricos e circunferência da cintura parece ser um bom marcador de risco cardiovascular e é denominada fenótipo da cintura hipertrigliceridêmica. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a associação entre o fenótipo da cintura hipertrigliceridêmica e o HDL-colesterol em pacientes portadores de insuficiência cardíaca. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal em um hospital terciário no sul do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos indivíduos com insuficiência cardíaca com idade > 40 anos. Foram realizadas as medidas antropométricas (peso, estatura, circunferência da cintura e do quadril) e calculados índice de massa corporal e relação cintura quadril, e foi avaliado o perfil lipídico (colesterol total, LDL-colesterol, HDL-colesterol e triglicerídeos séricos). Em homens e mulheres, respectivamente, circunferência da cintura ≥ 94 cm e ≥ 80 cm e triglicerídeos ≥ 150 mg/dl foram considerados anormais e usados para identificação do fenótipo da cintura hipertrigliceridêmica. Análises de covariância foram usadas para avaliar possíveis associações entre níveis de ­HDL-colesterol e o fenótipo da cintura hipertrigliceridêmica de acordo com o sexo. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 112 participantes e 62,5% eram homens. A média de idade foi de 61,8 ± 12,3 anos e a fração de ejeção média foi 40,1 ± 14,7%. Homens e mulheres apresentaram médias de HDL-colesterol 40,5 ± 14,6 e 40,9 ± 12,7 mg/dl, respectivamente. A prevalência do fenótipo da cintura hipertrigliceridêmica na amostra foi de 25%. Observou-se diferença significativa entre as médias de ­HDL-colesterol entre homens com e sem o fenótipo da cintura hipertrigliceridêmica (32,8 ±14,2 versus 42,1 ± 13,7 mg/dl, P = 0,04), mesmo após ajuste para idade, índice de massa corporal, diabetes mellitus tipo 2, uso de estatinas e etiologia da insuficiência cardíaca. CONCLUSÕES: O fenótipo da cintura hipertrigliceridêmica está associado significativamente com menores níveis de HDL-colesterol em homens com insuficiência cardíaca.