Biomedical subjects

A Kafatos

Publications and source records attributed to A Kafatos.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

Apolipoprotein E serum concentration and polymorphism in six European countries: the ApoEurope Project.

As part of the ApoEurope Project, the apolipoprotein E (apo E) serum concentration and polymorphism were determined in 6934 healthy subjects aged 25-64 years recruited in six European countries: Finland; France; Greece; Northern Ireland; Portugal and Spain. Age and sex influenced apo E concentration with concentrations being significantly higher in men than in women for those aged between 25 and 44 years. The age effect differed between the sexes after the age of 44 years, displaying a linear increase in women and a plateau in men. As expected, the serum apo E concentration was highest in varepsilon2 carriers and lowest in varepsilon4 carriers in each country with a significantly higher frequency of the varepsilon4 allele in the northern regions. The main finding of this study was a clear increasing North-South gradient in serum apo E concentration independent of age, sex and apo E genotype. In subjects aged <45 years and with the varepsilon3/varepsilon3 genotype, apo E concentration was higher in the South-East (Greece) as compared to the North by 20% for men and 32% for women. In addition to the genetic polymorphism, the geographical area is an important factor to take into account when studying serum apo E concentration in multicentre studies and defining reference values.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Association between trans fatty acid intake and cardiovascular risk factors in Europe: the TRANSFAIR study.

BACKGROUND: High intakes of trans fatty acids (TFA) have been found to exert an undesirable effect on serum lipid profiles, and thus may increase the risk for cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVES: Investigation of the association between TFA intake and serum lipids. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study in eight European countries (Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden) among 327 men and 299 women (50-65 y). Using a dietary history method, food consumption was assessed and TFA intake was calculated with recent figures on TFA levels of foods, collected in the TRANSFAIR study. RESULTS: Mean (+/-s.d.) TFA intake was 2.40+/-1.53 g/day for men and 1.98+/-1.49 g/day for women (0.87+/-0.48% and 0. 95+/-0.55% of energy, respectively), with the highest consumption in Iceland and the lowest in the Mediterranean countries. No associations were found between total TFA intake and LDL, HDL or LDL/HDL ratio after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. Additional adjustment for other fatty acid clusters resulted in a significant inverse trend between total TFA intake and total cholesterol (Ptrend<0.03). The most abundantly occurring TFA isomer, C18:1 t, contributed substantially to this inverse association. The TFA isomers C14:1 t9, C16:1 t9 and C22:1 t were not associated or were positively associated with LDL or total cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: From this study we conclude that at the current European intake levels of trans fatty acids they are not associated with an unfavourable serum lipid profile. SPONSORSHIP: Unilever Research Laboratorium, the Dutch Dairy Foundation on Nutrition and Health, Cargill BV, the Institute of Food Research Norwich Laboratory, the Nutrition Branch of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the International Fishmeal and Oil Manufacturers' Association, Kraft Foods, NV Vandemoortele Coordination Center, Danone Group, McDonalds Deutschland Inc, Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, Valio Ltd, Raisio Group. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2000) 54, 126-135

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2000

Obesity indices in a cohort of primary school children in Crete: a six year prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and sum of skinfolds in a cohort of Cretan children and identify the factors associated with these indices. DESIGN: The present study was a follow-up study. Children were measured prospectively at ages 6, 9 and 12. SUBJECTS: Pupils came from 40 schools randomly selected from the 541 primary schools in three different provinces of Crete. 1046 pupils were examined at age 6. At age 9, a representative sample from the original cohort (n=579) was randomly selected for re-evaluation. At the age of 12, a sample of 831 pupils was re-examined, following similar procedures. MEASUREMENTS: Both during baseline and each subsequent follow-up, data were obtained on pupils' anthropometry, serum lipids, dietary intake, physical fitness and physical activity as well as their dietary and their health knowledge. Data on parents' anthropometry, age, occupation, educational level, and issues relating to health habits, attitudes and knowledge were also collected. RESULTS: Half of the obese children at age 6 were also obese at age 12. Cretan children had higher mean BMI than similar American cohorts. Compared to their American counterparts, Cretans had higher proportions of overweight in both genders across all ages tested. The endurance run test (ERT), an index of physical fitness, was positively associated with obesity indices. Sum of skinfolds related positively to serum LDL-C. Children from urban areas had higher skinfold sums than children from rural areas. Parental health-related hedonism related positively to children's BMI. CONCLUSION: It appears that these findings offer some support to the reported increasing prevalence of obesity among Greek children. Higher ERT, presumably reflecting higher physical activity, is associated with lower obesity. The relationship between degree of fatness and LDL-C appears to be evidenced at an early age in life. This relationship may relate to the reported VLDL and cholesteryl ester transfer protein elevations in obesity. The parental attitude of health-related hedonism appears to be linked with children's adiposity.

Aging↗

PubMed2000

Waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio are better predictors of cardiovascular disease risk factors in children than body mass index.

BACKGROUND: Visceral adipose tissue is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease risk factors and morbidity from cardiovascular diseases. Waist measurement and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) have been used as proxy measures of visceral adipose tissue, mainly in adults. OBJECTIVE: To validate body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and WHtR as predictors for the presence of cardiovascular disease risk factors in children of Greek-Cypriot origin. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 1,037 boys and 950 girls with mean age 11.4+/-0.4 y were evaluated. Dependent variables for the study were total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholestrol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure. RESULTS: When children were divided into two groups according to the 75th percentile for BMI, waist circumference and WHtR, all dependent variables had higher mean values in the highest percentile groups in WHtR groups and almost all variables in BMI and waist circumference groups. Adjusted odds ratios for predicting pathological values of cardiovascular disease risk factors were slightly higher for the highest WHtR group for predicting lipid and lipoprotein pathological values and for the highest BMI groups in predicting high blood pressure measurement. Using stepwise multiple regression analysis to explain the variance of the dependent variables, waist circumference was the most significant predictor for all variables both for boys and girls, whereas BMI had the lowest predictive value for the detection of cardiovascular disease risk factors. CONCLUSION: Waist circumference and WHtR are better predictors of cardiovascular disease risk factors in children than BMI. Further studies are necessary to determine the cutoff points for these indices for an accurate prediction of risk factors.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2000

Drug utilization and nutrition patterns among children from indigent and emigrant families in Crete, Greece.

AIM: To examine pharmaceutical needs, prescribed drugs, knowledge about pharmacotherapy and dietary patterns among indigent children. PATIENTS: 101 children (< or =18 y old), typically poor, from low-income families and emigrants coming back home from other countries, registered under Social Care in Chania, Crete. The control group comprised 81 Social Security insured children (< or =18 y old). The length of the study was from January 1995 to December 1997. RESULTS: The socio-demographic profile of the Social Care children reveals a no schooling rate of 9.7% vs 0% of the control group. The most common disease diagnosed in the indigent children was bronchitis (18.5%) compared with respiratory infection (14.6%) in the control group. Tuberculosis was diagnosed in 2.0% of the Social Care indigent children and in none of the insured children. The most frequently prescribed drug category in both groups as Defined Daily Doses (D.D.D.) was for the respiratory system (32.4% vs 21.2%), while antibiotics were the most expensive (41.6% in the indigent vs 54.9% in the control group). Only 27.4% of Social Care indigent patients, versus 51.2% of insured patients, understood the instructions regarding the proper use of their drugs. Regarding the dietary patterns, significant differences were found in the consumption of breakfast every day (73.7% vs 87.7%), red meat > or =4 per week (0% vs 6.3%) and fruits often (60.1% vs 75.0%). CONCLUSION: The present study emphasises the need for more information on drug use and the necessity for a continuing health educational intervention among indigent children.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Differences in glucose-dependent insulinotrophic polypeptide hormone and hepatic lipase in subjects of southern and northern Europe: implications for postprandial lipemia.

BACKGROUND: This study was an extension of a previous study that showed different lipemic responses to standard test meals in subjects from southern and northern Europe. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to determine in 32 healthy young men from northern and southern Europe whether differences in the secretion of insulin and glucose-dependent insulinotrophic polypeptide (GIP) might explain these findings through the actions of these hormones on lipoprotein lipase. DESIGN: We investigated in a randomized, single-blind, crossover study the effects of 2 test meals of identical macronutrient composition but different saturated fatty acid (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) contents on postprandial GIP, insulin, the ratio of incremental triacylglycerol to apolipoprotein B-48 (a marker of chylomicron size), and the activity of postheparin lipases. RESULTS: Fasting and postprandial GIP concentrations and postheparin hepatic lipase activities were significantly higher in the southern Europeans (P < 0.001 and P < 0.02, respectively). Lipoprotein lipase activity after the SFA-rich meal was significantly higher in the northern Europeans (P < 0.01). HL activity 9 h after the SFA-rich meal and the area under the curve (AUC) for the postprandial insulin response correlated with the AUC for the postprandial GIP response [r = 0.44 (P < 0.04) and r = 0.46 (P < 0.05), respectively]. There were no significant differences in chylomicron size between the 2 groups for either meal, but when the groups were combined there was a significant difference in chylomicron size between the SFA- and MUFA-rich meals (P < 0.05), which could be due to the formation of larger chylomicrons after the MUFA-rich meal. CONCLUSION: The significantly higher GIP and insulin responses and HL activities in southern Europeans may provide an explanation for our previous report of attenuated postprandial triacylglycerol and apolipoprotein B-48 responses in them.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Drug utilization and health behaviours among indigent elderly patients in Crete, Greece.

AIM: To examine pharmaceutical needs, prescribed drugs, knowledge about pharmacotherapy and health behaviours among Social Care indigent elderly patients. PATIENTS: There were a total of 551 Social Care indigent patients registers in Chania, Crete, Greece at the time of the study (1995-97), of whom 89 (40 men and 49 women) were elderly patients (> or =65 years old). The control group comprised 171 (81 men and 90 women) Social Security insured elderly patients (> or =65 years old). RESULTS: The socio-demographic profile of the indigent elderly patients reveals an unemployment rate of 99% (versus 5% in the control group, P<0.05) and an illiteracy rate of 38% (versus 5%, P<0.05). The most commonly prescribed defined daily doses (DDD) of medications were cardiovascular drugs (45.0% indigent versus 48.3%) and nervous system drugs (14.4% versus 8.8%). The most frequently prescribed drug, as a percentage of DDD, was nitroglycerin (14.5% versus 26.0%) and the most expensive drug, expressed as a percentage of the total cost of drugs, was omeprazole (6.5% versus 4.6%). The most common disease was hypertension (42.1% versus 23.2%, P<0.05). There were also significant differences between the two groups of patients (P<0.05) in the understanding of drug usage instructions (35.4% versus 68.6%), in asking the pharmacist for advice (44.6% versus 71.5%) and in understanding special diet instructions (18.7% versus 34.7%). Regarding the health behavior patterns, significant differences (P<0.05) were found in the consumption of sausages (38.6% versus 15.6%), salt (29.8% versus 12.0%), more than one glass per day of alcoholic drinks (13.8% versus 4.3%) and in daily smoking cigarettes (48.8% indigent versus 12.8% control). CONCLUSION: The present study emphasizes the need for more information on drug use and the necessity for a continuing health educational intervention among Social Care indigent elderly patients.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1999

Evaluation of a health and nutrition education program in primary school children of Crete over a three-year period.

BACKGROUND: No national policy for health education in schools exists to date in Greece. The first attempt to apply a school-based health education intervention program was launched in 1992 on all 4,171 pupils registered in the first grade in two counties of Crete. The 1,510 pupils registered in a third county served as controls. METHODS: The school-based intervention and the seminars organized for parents were primarily aimed at improving children's diet, fitness, and physical activity. Pupils in the first grade in a representative sample of 40 schools were examined prior to the intervention program on a variety of health knowledge, dietary, physical activity, fitness, anthropometric, and biochemical indices. The same measurements were taken after 3 years of the program on 288 intervention group and 183 control group pupils. RESULTS: Positive serum lipid level changes occurred to a greater extent in the intervention group than the control group. BMI increased less in the intervention group than for controls. The increase in health knowledge and physical activity and fitness levels occurred to a higher extent in the intervention group compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: The short-term changes observed in the present study are markedly encouraging and indicate great potential for progressive improvement. Continuation and expansion of such a program may prove to be beneficial in initiating long-term changes.

Anthropometry↗

PubMed1999

Prevalence of chronic idiopathic neutropenia of adults among an apparently healthy population living on the island of Crete.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of chronic idiopathic neutropenia of adults (CINA) among an apparently healthy population born and living on the island of Crete. The study was carried out with 778 subjects, 392 men aged 16-78 years (median 43 years) and 386 women aged 15-79 years (median 40 years). All were employees of the Medical School or the adjacent University hospital and members of their families. Among these there were 64 subjects (8.23%) who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of CINA applied in our department. Mild neutropenia (neutrophils 1700-2499/microl) accounted for 6.81% and moderate neutropenia (neutrophils 600-1699/microl) for the remaining 1.41%. No cases of CINA with severe neutropenia (neutrophils below 600/microl) were found. CINA was more frequent in women, with a women to men ratio of about 3:2. Approximately two thirds of the cases appeared in patients aged 30-59 years. Concomitant thrombocytopenia was found in three of the 64 subjects with CINA. Neutropenic subjects had chronic (perennial) rhinitis 3.4 times more frequently than non-neutropenics. No influence of occupation, use of insecticides and pesticides, contact with industrial chemicals, or administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on the development of CINA was documented. We conclude that, despite the biased character of the study (population not randomly selected), our data provide a valuable estimation of the prevalence of CINA in the general population, given that our sample was sufficiently large, was derived from all major regions of the island, and was composed of subjects of both genders and of all age-groups from 15 to 79 years.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Food and nutrient intakes of Greek (Cretan) adults. Recent data for food-based dietary guidelines in Greece.

The present study aimed to estimate current nutrient intake levels and food group consumption patterns in Greece using cut-off levels derived from the results of dietary recall interviews with 470 Cretan adults. It was found that the present-day Greek diet contains, in the main, adequate levels of fibre. In comparison with the traditional diet, however, the levels of saturated fat in the diet have greatly increased, particularly in younger adults. An association was found between low fruit and vegetable and low fibre intake and a fat intake that was mainly in the form of saturated fat, this being particularly evident in female subjects. Given the wide availability of olive oil, fish, fresh fruit and vegetables in Greece, the development of national dietary guidelines would be of great potential benefit, particularly to the younger generations.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Regional, demographic and national influences on attitudes and beliefs with regard to physical activity, body weight and health in a nationally representative sample in the European Union.

INTRODUCTION: Although the benefits of physical activity regarding body-weight gain and health in general are now widely accepted, physical activity levels remain low among citizens in the western world. This could be attributed to certain attitudes and beliefs about physical activity. Identifying and understanding these parameters would be the first step in an attempt to increase the levels of physical activity in populations generally characterized as having a sedentary lifestyle. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to identify the attitudes and beliefs regarding physical activity, body weight and health in a nationally representative sample in the EU and in particular to explore the demographic and national (cultural) influences on attitudes towards physical activity. DESIGN: In each member state of the EU, approximately 1000 adults aged 15 years and over, were selected to complete an interviewer-assisted face-to-face questionnaire. Overall, a sample of 15,239 individuals in the EU participated in the study. Subject selection was quota-controlled to ensure samples in each country were nationally representative. RESULTS: On a European level wide variations were observed regarding the levels, beliefs and attitudes towards physical activity. More positive beliefs were observed among Finns, while less positive beliefs were observed among southern Europeans. A similar pattern was observed for attitudes, with the Portuguese having the highest percentage feeling that they do not need to be more physically active than they already are. However, most southern Europeans felt that a campaign would encourage them to become more active than they already are. On a demographic level, the youngest, more educated and most physically active subjects had more positive attitudes and beliefs towards physical activity and the health benefits derived from it; while for the overweight, beliefs and attitudes toward physical activity were related primarily to the benefits related to weight control. CONCLUSIONS: Lower levels of physical activity, an unwillingness to become active among non-participants and confusion regarding the weight gain benefits and general health benefits of exercise were reported more frequently among southern Europeans and older and less educated subjects. The Finns scored highest in all these parameters, possibly due to the programmes implemented and the beliefs and behaviour changes observed in this country during the last few years. The actions taken in Finland and their benefits could be employed appropriately in the other European states.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Variables independently associated with self-reported obesity in the European Union.

OBJECTIVE: The rapid increase in obesity rates over recent years suggest that cultural and societal influences are affecting the adjustment in the energy balance equation in addition to other physiopathological or genetic determinants. Therefore, a pan-EU study was carried out to explore the influence of sociodemographic factors as well as some attitudes (smoking and exercise) on the prevalence of obesity in the adult population of all 15 member states of the EU. DESIGN: Overall, a sample of 15,239 individuals aged 15 years and upwards in the EU completed the questionnaire. Subject selection was quota-controlled to make the sample nationally representative following a multistage stratified cluster sampling. Self-reported height and weight were used to calculate body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: From the EU average results, it can be seen that only about half of the EU population (48%) is within the normal weight range, while the obesity (BMI > or = 30 kg m(-2)) prevalence was about 10% in the EU and the overweight prevalence was 36.6% and 25.6% among men and women, respectively. UK subjects had the highest prevalence of obesity (12%), while Italians, French and Swedes had the lowest levels of obesity (about 7%). Concerning age and social class interactions, logistic regression analysis showed that high social class and younger individuals in all groups had a lower odds ratio for obesity prevalence. People with a higher level of education are less likely to be obese, while the interaction between educational levels and obesity was different for men and women. A low participation in various leisure-time physical activities, the lack of interest (precontemplation) in being involved in exercise/physical activity and the increasing number of hours sitting down at work appear to be predictors of obesity. Single individuals were less prone to become obese than couples or widowed/divorced people. Finally, smoking status was statistically linked to the prevalence of obesity, since non-smokers or ex-smokers for more than 1 year presented a higher tendency for a BMI > 30. CONCLUSIONS: This survey confirms that a priority area for health intervention aimed at preventing the development of obesity should be to increase levels of physical activity, although the approach will depend on the population, especially with respect to educational and socioeconomic aspects.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Nutrition and diet for healthy lifestyles in Europe: the 'Eurodiet' Project.

The aims of this project are to formulate a strategy and action plan for developing and implementing European dietary guidelines. The project is supported by DGV/F/3 and was initiated in October 1998. The work plan has entailed the formation of Working Parties composed of prominent experts from the member states to prepare consensus documents on the state of the art in Europe and the added value of European population-based guidelines. These groups are addressing 4 inter-linked components of the project: (1) evaluation of the role of diet and lifestyles in health & disease patterns in Europe; (2) the feasibility of developing an EU-wide framework for food-based dietary guidelines; (3) public health nutrition strategies for implementing FBDGs and for enhancing physically active lifestyles in Europe and (4) an evaluation of policy, trade, economic and technological aspects to improving nutritional status and lifestyles in the EU. Stakeholders from the spectrum of interests involved are invited to assess and debate the science and policy implications of these documents, which will be presented at a European Conference in May 2000. Recommendations in the form of a practical, evidence based policy document will be presented to the European Commission, the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament.

Diet↗

PubMed1999

Physical activity and nutrition in older adults.

Physical activity and nutrient intake are important determinants of health throughout life. Many of the alterations in physiological structure and function that occur with age may result from disuse and disability as well as from diets deficient in energy, protein or other specific nutrients. Although a healthy diet can provide significant health benefits, diet alone, is not sufficient to provide optimal health, nor protect us from the hazards of sedentary habits. Nor is physical activity alone. The ideal combines sufficient exercise and a healthy diet.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1999

Health and nutrition education in elementary schools: changes in health knowledge, nutrient intakes and physical activity over a six year period.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of a health and nutrition intervention, implemented in primary schools of Crete, on health knowledge, nutrient intakes and physical activity of the intervention population. METHODS: The intervention group consisted of 24 schools while the control group consisted of 16 schools. The overall duration of the intervention was six years, while the topics of the intervention primarily focused on children' dietary habits, physical activity and fitness. RESULTS: After the completion of the intervention period, the changes observed in health knowledge, nutrient intakes and physical activity were in favour of the intervention group pupils. CONCLUSION: The encouraging findings of the study indicate the potential of the programme in health promotion and disease prevention without involving substantial new school resources and time.

Child↗

PubMed1999

Microsatellite DNA instability in COPD.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Cigarette smoking is the prime cause of COPD; however, only a few smokers develop the disease. In a previous study, we demonstrated that microsatellite DNA instability (MSI) is a detectable phenomenon in sputum cells of COPD patients. Therefore, we hypothesize that this genetic alteration may indicate susceptibility to COPD. DESIGN: In order to investigate this hypothesis, we compared smokers who developed COPD with smokers who did not develop COPD (referred to as non-COPD smokers). SETTING: Seven highly polymorphic microsatellite markers were targeted on the DNA of sputum cells and of WBCs. PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS: We studied 60 non-COPD smokers and 59 severe COPD patients with a similar smoking history (mean +/- SD) of 48+/-25 and 54+/-33 pack-years, respectively (p = 0.77). Non-COPD smokers were tested once; COPD smokers were tested twice, with an interval of 24 months between tests. RESULTS: MSI was detected in 14 COPD patients (24%) but in none of the non-COPD smokers. In 10 COPD patients, MSI was exhibited by one microsatellite marker; in the remaining 4 COPD patients, MSI was exhibited by two different alleles. The most commonly affected marker was THRA1 on chromosome 17 (43%). No significant differences were found between MSI-positive and MSI-negative COPD patients for clinical or laboratory parameters, survival, and development of lung cancer. No change in the microsatellite alleles was found between the tests performed with a 24-month interval. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that MSI was found exclusively in the sputum cells of smokers with COPD. The results support the hypothesis that MSI could be part of the complex genetic basis of COPD, and it could be a marker of the genetic alteration caused by smoking that allows COPD to develop.

Case-Control Studies↗

PubMed1999

Gender differences in physical activity and physical fitness in young children in Crete.

BACKGROUND: To assess physical activity and physiological fitness parameters among six year old children and to determine whether there were any significant gender differences. METHODS DESIGN & SETTING: comparative study of a representative sample of boys and girls in school and at home. PARTICIPANTS: 569 children (305 boys and 264 girls) selected randomly from a total of 6153 registered in the 1st grade in 1992 on the island of Crete. MEASURES: assessment of physical activity was based on observational methods involving teachers and parents. Cardiorespiratory fitness was estimated by performance on the 20 meter Shuttle Run Test (20mSRT). BMI, skinfold thickness, Midarm Muscle Circumference (MMC) and hemoglobin were also measured. RESULTS: Both sexes were found to spend a very small proportion of their leisure time in Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activities (MVPA). More boys engaged in MVPA than girls at school and at home, but more girls were involved in physical activity-related lessons and classes out of school. Among the physiological fitness parameters, significant gender differences were found only for MMC. No significant gender difference was found in performance on the 20mSRT. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that in this culture stereotypic sex preferences in physical activity begin at a very young age, and that this differentiation cannot be attributed to gender differences in cardiorespiratory fitness. The social, environmental and possibly psychological parameters involved have implications for Health Educators and Physical Education Instructors in the appropriate targeting of physical activity promotion programs among young children.

Anthropometry↗

PubMed1998

Differences in postprandial lipaemic response between Northern and Southern Europeans.

Postprandial lipaemic responses to two test meals were investigated in 30 Northern (15 British and 15 Irish), and 30 Southern (Greeks from Crete) healthy male Europeans. The meals were a saturated fatty acid (SFA) meal, which resembled the fatty acid composition of an average UK diet, and a monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) meal in which the fat consisted of olive oil. Habitual diets of the two groups differed, with higher total fat, (P < 0.03) and MUFA (P < 0.0001) and lower polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (P < 0.0001) intakes in Southern than Northern Europeans. Levels of total MUFA (P < 0.02) and oleic acid (P < 0.004) were also higher in adipose tissue of Southern in comparison to Northern Europeans. In both European groups there were no significant differences in postprandial triglyceride response between the two meal types, SFA or MUFA. However, Northern and Southern Europeans showed significant differences in their patterns of postprandial response in plasma triglycerides (P < 0.0001), apolipoprotein B-48 (P < 0.0001), NEFA (P < 0.0001), insulin (P < 0.0007), and factor VII activity (P-0.03). In the case of NEFA, areas under the response curve were higher following the SFA than the MUFA meal for both groups, (P < 0.003) and were greater in Southern than Northern Europeans (P < 0.002) and apo B-48 responses were lower (P < 0.005). Some of these differences may reflect differences in fasting levels since fasting apolipoprotein B-48 levels were lower (P < 0.01) and fasting NEFA (P < 0.02) and insulin (P < 0.005) were higher in the Southern than in the Northern Europeans. In addition, 9 h postprandial post-heparin lipoprotein lipase activity was lower in the Southern than in the Northern Europeans (P < 0.0006). This is the first report of differences in postprandial lipid, factor VII and insulin responses in Southern and Northern Europeans which may be of importance in explaining the different susceptibilities of these two populations to risk of coronary artery disease.

Adipose Tissue↗