Biomedical subjects

C Coudray

Publications and source records attributed to C Coudray.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Effect of daily versus twice weekly long-term iron supplementation on iron absorption and status in iron-deficient women: a stable isotope study.

OBJECTIVES: This work aims at studying the effect of daily versus twice weekly long-term Fe supplementation on Fe absorption and status in Fe-deficient women. DESIGN AND METHODS: The study design is a randomized controlled open study carried out in the Internal Medicine Department, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, France. Twenty-four young women participated in this study and were randomized into two groups: Group 1 received 50 mg Fe daily, and group 2 received 50 mg Fe twice weekly for 3 months. On day 10 (D10) and on day 90 (D90) of Fe supplementation, blood samples were obtained, and women received orally about 5 mg of 57Fe, and blood was sampled at different times over 24 h. The 57Fe absorption was evaluated by calculating the areas under the curves (AUC). Fe and oxidative stress status were also assessed. RESULTS: 57Fe absorption was similar in both groups on D10 but was greatly decreased in Group 1 and remained high in Group 2 on D90. Fe status was more improved in Group 1 than in Group 2. Oxidative stress status remained statistically unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that daily Fe supplementation is able to correct an Fe deficiency much more than twice weekly Fe supplementation in young women.

Absorption↗

PubMed2006

Study of GM immunoglobulin allotypic system in Berbers and Arabs from Morocco.

The GM immunoglobulin allotype polymorphism was investigated in four Moroccan populations: three Berber groups from Khenifra (Middle Atlas), Amizmiz (High Atlas), and Bouhria (Beni Snassen) and one Arabic-speaking sample from the Doukkala area (Abda, Chaouia, Doukkali, and Tadla districts in south-central Morocco). In order to characterize the genetic relationships between the populations, our results were compared with those obtained for other North African groups (from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Niger) and for Middle-East Africans, sub-Saharans, and Southwest Europeans. Based on GM haplotype frequencies, Factorial Correspondence Analyses, F(ST) significance testing, and hierarchical analyses of variance were performed. Our results reveal that Moroccan populations have heterogeneous GM profiles with high frequencies of GM haplotypes in Europeans (from 76% for Doukkala to 88% for Bouhria) and relatively high frequencies of GM haplotypes in sub-Saharans (from 11% for Bouhria to 23% for Amizmiz). The genetic diversity observed among Moroccans is not significantly correlated with either geographic or linguistic differentiation. In spite of their cultural and historical differentiation, we did not discover any significant genetic differences between Berbers and Arabic-speakers from Morocco. However, when large geographical areas are considered, our population samples are integrated in the North African GM variation, significantly distant from sub-Saharan groups but with a close relationship with Southwest European populations.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2005

Erythrocyte magnesium fluxes in mice with nutritionally and genetically low magnesium status.

Low intracellular magnesium (Mg) contents may be observed in case of severe Mg insufficient intake or because of genetic regulation. This work was conducted to investigate the influence of intracellular Mg content on erythrocyte Mg(2+) influx and efflux in mice with low nutritionally and genetically (MGL and MGH mice) Mg status. C57BL6 mice were fed for 2 wks a diet containing 1000 mg Mg/kg diet Mg (control group), 100 mg Mg/kg diet (Mg-marginal group) or 30 mg Mg/kg diet (Mg deficient group), while mice with low (MGL) and high (MGH) Mg levels were fed a control diet for 2 wks. The quantification of erythrocyte Mg(2+) influx and efflux was performed using a stable isotope of Mg. Our results showed that erythrocyte Mg(2+) influx and efflux were respectively increased and decreased in nutritional Mg deficiency; while in genetically determined Mg status Mg(2+) fluxes were lower in MGL mice compared to MGH mice. Moreover Mg(2+) efflux was significantly correlated to Mg level in erythrocytes in all the mice studied (p < 0.001). In conclusion, erythrocyte Mg(2+) influx and efflux are modulated by low Mg status, namely decreased Mg(2+) efflux compensate for nutritional Mg deficiency, while the genetic regulation of erythrocyte Mg(2+) content depends on modification of Mg(2+) influx.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Importance of zinc in the elderly: the ZENITH study.

The elderly are at nutritional risk as a result of multiple physiological, social, psychological, and economic factors. Physiological functions naturally decline with age, which may influence absorption and metabolism. Social and economic conditions can adversely affect dietary choices and eating patterns. However, at the same time, the nutrient needs of the elderly for certain nutrient (such as vitamins, minerals, proteins) is higher than for younger adults. This article reviews the importance of zinc (Zn) in elderly people, particularly for behavioural and mental function, micronutrient status, immune and antioxidant system, and bone metabolism.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Screening and recruitment procedure of late-middle aged and older subjects: the ZENITH study.

OBJECTIVE: To report the rational, design, recruitment, baseline characteristics and preliminary overview of volunteers in the ZENITH study. DESIGN: A multicentre prospective intervention study employing a randomised double-blind design. SETTING: Clermont-Ferrand, Theix (France), Coleraine (Northern Ireland), Grenoble (France), Rome (Italy). PARTICIPANTS: Healthy men and women middle-aged (55-70 y) and older volunteers (70-87 y). INTERVENTIONS: At baseline (prior to zinc (Zn) supplementation), all volunteers underwent a full clinical examination, anthropometric measurements, health and lifestyle questionnaire, Mini Mental State Examination, Geriatric Depression Scale, and biochemistry profile. RESULTS: In total, 842 volunteers (378 men and 464 women) were invited to take part in the study. A total of 49% of these volunteers were excluded on the basis of inclusion/exclusion criteria. In total, 433 participants were admitted to the Zn supplementation for 6 months. During this period, about 10% of volunteers dropped out from the study. CONCLUSIONS: A total of 387 subjects (197 male and 190 female subjects) successfully completed the supplementation phase of the ZENITH study.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Health and lifestyle characteristics of older European adults: the ZENITH study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe health and lifestyle factors of participants in the ZENITH study. DESIGN: A prospective multicentre intervention study employing a randomised double-blind design. PARTICIPANTS: Community dwelling older adults (n = 387), aged 55-87 y were recruited from regions in France, Italy and the UK. INTERVENTION: A self-report questionnaire comprising socio-demographic variables, dietary habits, physical activity in the home, at work and recreation. RESULTS: Participants differed with regards dietary habits and physical activity for each region. Recreational activity was higher in France and women generally tend to perform less hours of recreational activity per week than men. CONCLUSIONS: The differences found for these regions of Europe in relation to lifestyle factors will affect health and well-being within these countries and may mediate the impact of zinc supplementation on various biological and psychological parameters.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Positive and negative mood in the elderly: the ZENITH study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of positive and negative affect (mood) in an ageing European sample. BACKGROUND: Mood quality has important implications for both physical and mental wellbeing. Poor quality moods are associated with deficits in the diverse areas of cognitive function, health, and social relationships. The ageing process presents a number of potential challenges to successful mood regulation that could have wider implications. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: The current study examines the quality of positive and negative affect in 387 healthy participants from three European countries. Moods were measured four times a day for 4-7 d with the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) mood scales. Measures of zinc (Zn) status were taken also. SETTING: Two centres concentrated on 55-70 yr olds (Coleraine, N.Ireland, n = 93 and Clermont-Ferrand, France, n = 95), and two centres concentrated on 70-87 yr olds (Rome, Italy, n = 108, and Grenoble, France, n = 91). RESULTS: Positive affect scores for the centre in Rome were significantly (P < 0.01) lower than for the other three centres, and the Grenoble centre had significantly (P < 0.05) higher scores on negative affect than the other three centres. Mood was not related to measures of zinc status (all Ps > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The two centres with the oldest participants showed deficits in mood quality that may have implications for broader well-being.

Affect↗

PubMed2005

Cognitive function in healthy older European adults: the ZENITH study.

OBJECTIVE: Baseline data are reported from a study of the effects of zinc supplementation on cognitive function in older adults as assessed by the CANTAB computerised test battery. DESIGN: This is a multicentre prospective intervention study employing a randomised double-blind design. SETTING: European community-based study. PARTICIPANTS: There are 387 healthy adults aged 55-87 y from centres in France, Italy and Northern Ireland. INTERVENTIONS: Measures of visual memory, working memory and attention were obtained at baseline (prior to supplementation). RESULTS: Younger adults (<70 y) performed significantly better than older adults (>70 y) on all tests, with minimal differences between centres. In addition, men outperformed women on tests of spatial span, pattern recognition memory and reaction times, although these gender differences varied somewhat between centres. CONCLUSIONS: The results are generally consistent with previous age- and gender-related effects on cognitive functioning.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2005

Zinc status and taste acuity in older Europeans: the ZENITH study.

BACKGROUND: Age-related decline in taste acuity may be both a cause and an effect of depleted zinc and/or increased zinc requirement. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore associations between zinc status and taste acuity in healthy older European adults aged 55-90 y. SAMPLE: Volunteers were recruited within Italy (n = 108 aged 70-90 y), the United Kingdom (UK) (n = 93 aged 55-70) and two regions of France (n = 186), Grenoble (aged 70-90 y) and Clermont-Ferrand (aged 55-70 y). METHODS: A signal detection theory approach was adopted, employing a three-alternative, forced-choice procedure. The data were converted to R-indices and bivariate correlations were computed to explore relationships between serum zinc, erythrocyte zinc and taste acuity. ANOVA was undertaken to determine regional differences in zinc status. RESULTS: Higher erythrocyte zinc status was associated with better acuity for salt (sodium chloride) taste in the sample as a whole (P = 0.012) (n = 385). Higher serum zinc levels were associated with greater sensitivity to sour taste (citric acid) (P = 0.015) only in the older groups (aged 70-90 y). There were no apparent associations between serum or erythrocyte zinc status and acuity for bitter (quinine) or sweet (sucrose) tastes irrespective of age. CONCLUSION: These results agree with those previously suggesting that age-related detriment in sensitivity for salt taste may be associated with depleted zinc.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2005

Zinc intake and status in middle-aged and older European subjects: the ZENITH study.

OBJECTIVE: Inadequate intakes of micronutrients in elderly negatively affect the nutritional status. Zinc is an essential micronutrient in the elderly, especially in relation to its impact on immune function, bone mass, cognitive function and oxidative stress. However, data are lacking on zinc intake and status during normal ageing. In this study, we evaluate the intake and status of zinc in late middle-aged and older free-living subjects. DESIGN: Dietary zinc intake and zinc status in 188 middle-aged subjects from Clermont-Ferrand (Fr) and Coleraine (UK), and in 199 older subjects from Grenoble (Fr) and Roma (It) were assessed at the entry in the ZENITH study. RESULTS: In relation to the zinc RDA for people older than 55 y, zinc intakes in most of the middle-aged and older subjects (more than 96%) in the present study were adequate. Older people had significantly lower (P < 0.01) energy intakes as compared to middle-aged. Zinc intake expressed per MJ was also significantly (P < 0.01) higher in older people compared to middle-aged. Erythrocyte and urinary zinc concentrations were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in middle-aged subjects compared to older ones. The prevalence of biological Zn deficiency in free-living ageing European people was low (<5%). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed a relatively low prevalence of zinc deficiencies in healthy free-living late middle-age and older subjects. These results should be useful for health professionals to have reference data on zinc intake and status for a healthy ageing.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2005

Estimation of intake and status of vitamin A, vitamin E and folate in older European adults: the ZENITH.

OBJECTIVE: To report selected dietary intake and vitamin status at baseline of volunteers participating in the ZENITH study and the correlation of vitamin status with zinc. DESIGN: A multicentre prospective intervention study employing a randomised double-blind design. SETTING: Clermont-Ferrand, Theix (France), Coleraine (Northern Ireland), Grenoble (France), Rome (Italy). PARTICIPANTS: In total, 387 healthy middle-aged (55-70 y) and older (70-87 y) men and women participated in the study. METHODS: Dietary intake was assessed by means of a validated 4-d recall record. Fasting blood samples were simultaneously analysed for retinol and alpha-tocopherol by the HLPC method. Erythrocyte folates were measured by a competitive immunoassay with direct chemiluminescence detection on an automatised immunoanalyser. RESULTS: In all centres, men had a significantly (P < 0.0001) higher mean nutrient intake than women. Comparison between age-groups showed that older individuals had significantly lower intakes of macro- and selected micronutrients than middle-aged subjects (P < 0.0001). A high fat intake (from 36 to 40% of total energy) was observed in all examined groups. In relation to biochemical measures of vitamin status, all parameters were above their respective cut-off values for normality and, thus, none of the subjects had biochemical evidence of deficiency of these selected vitamins. A moderate correlation was found with plasma vitamin A and serum zinc (r = 0.12, P < 0.05) or red blood cell zinc (r = 0.12, P < 0.01) and with erythrocyte folates and red blood cell zinc (r = 0.11, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There were only moderate differences in the nutrient intake of the ZENITH study volunteers among the four European centres. Their biochemical status for retinol, alpha-tocopherol and folate appeared adequate.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2005

Impact of micronutrient dietary intake and status on intestinal zinc absorption in late middle-aged men: the ZENITH study.

BACKGROUND: Adjustments in intestinal absorption and losses of zinc (Zn) are thought to maintain Zn homeostasis when dietary intake levels are altered. Zn status may also influence efficiency of intestinal Zn absorption. OBJECTIVES: To determine the impact of dietary intake and status of some micronutrients on Zn absorption in late middle-aged men. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: Dietary intake and status of Zn, Cu, Fe, vitamin A, C and fibre, and absorption of Zn were measured in 48 men, aged 58-68 y, confined to a metabolic unit and consuming a typical French diet. Dietary intake was estimated using 4-day food-intake records (including the weekend) and the GENI program. To assess Zn status, serum, erythrocyte, urine Zn levels and serum alkaline phosphatase activity were determined. Zn absorption was determined using the isotope double-labelling method. Zn stable isotopic ratios were measured in plasma samples collected before and 48 h after isotope administration using ICP/MS. RESULTS: Zn intake within the group of men varied from 5.7 to 20.5 mg/day and averaged 12.9 mg/day. Serum Zn level varied from 10 to 18 micromol/l and averaged 12.9 micromol/l. Zn absorption varied from 12 to 46% and averaged 29.7%. Zn absorption was not significantly (P > 0.05) correlated with Zn intake or with any of the Zn status parameters. Zn absorption was only slightly negatively correlated with serum and erythrocyte Zn levels and with serum Fe and ferritin levels in this study. CONCLUSION: Zn dietary intake and Zn absorption were satisfactory and led to an adequate Zn status in this population.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Basal metabolic rate and thyroid hormones of late-middle-aged and older human subjects: the ZENITH study.

OBJECTIVE: This paper describes baseline data on basal metabolic rate (BMR), thyroid hormone levels and body composition of middle-aged and older people participating in the ZENITH project and the correlation of thyroid hormone levels with zinc status. DESIGN: A multicentre prospective intervention study employing a randomised double blind design. SETTING: Clermont-Ferrand, Theix (France), Coleraine (Northern Ireland), Grenoble (France), Rome (Italy). INTERVENTIONS: BMR has been measured on a subsample of 70 middle-aged volunteers (35 men and 35 women recruited in Clermont-Ferrand, France, aged 55-70 y) and 108 older volunteers (56 men and 52 women recruited in Rome, Italy, aged 70-85 y). Thyroid hormone levels were evaluated in the entire group of ZENITH volunteers (n = 387). BMR was measured by indirect calorimetry. Fat-free mass (FFM) was derived by four skinfold thicknesses using Durnin and Womersley's equations. Concentrations of thyroid hormones (total T3 and T4) were measured using a competitive immunoassay with an enhanced chemiluminescence end point. RESULTS: Italian older volunteers had a significantly lower FFM than middle-aged French volunteers (-7% P < 0.01). A negative correlation between BMR and age (men, r = -0.64; women, r = -0.62; both P < 0.0001) was observed: BMR was significantly (P < 0.000001) lower in Italian elderly volunteers (4.03+/-0.46 kJ/min and 3.29+/-0.42 kJ/min for men and women, respectively) than in middle-aged French volunteers (4.84+/-0.45 kJ/min and 3.87+/-0.38 kJ/min for men and women, respectively), even after adjustment for FFM (-12%). No correlation has been observed between BMR and thyroid hormones both in French and Italian subjects. Total T4 (TT4) concentrations were lowest in middle-aged population (-10%, P < 0.0001). A moderate negative correlation has been found with TT4 and red blood cell zinc (r = -0.12, P < 0.02, slope -0.026). CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm an age-related decline in BMR not entirely explained by body composition or thyroid hormones differences.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2005

Age-related oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters in middle-aged and older European subjects: the ZENITH study.

OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress has been reported to increase with ageing. However, the data in healthy humans remain controversial and studies in free-living elderly people are scarce. The objective of the present study was to compare age-related oxidative stress in late middle-aged and older free-living subjects. DESIGN: The effect of ageing on oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters was investigated in 188 middle-aged subjects from Clermont-Ferrand (France) and Coleraine (UK), and in 199 older subjects from Grenoble (France) and Roma (Italy). Plasma thiol (SH) groups, define definition (TBAR's) and total glutathione (GSH), define definition (FRAP), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured at baseline of the ZENITH study. RESULTS: Plasma SH groups and FRAP and, surprisingly, TBAR's were significantly lower in free-living older subjects compared to younger subjects (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.01, respectively), but there was no significant differences in GSH levels. CONCLUSION: European free-living healthy older do not appear to be exposed to an acute oxidative stress. However, the highly significant positive correlation between plasma SH group oxidation or decreased FRAP and ageing is predictive of an increased risk of oxidative stress in older subjects. Moreover, the comparison between middle-aged and older subjects regarding oxidative stress parameters suggests also a progressive and slow decline of antioxidant status in healthy free-living older elderly and underline the impact on life-style factors on successful ageing.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2005

Zinc status and age-related changes in peripheral blood leukocyte subpopulations in healthy men and women aged 55-70 y: the ZENITH study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine zinc status and age-related changes in the immune function of healthy late-middle-aged men and women (aged 55-70 y). DESIGN: Observational study. SETTING: Population of Northern Ireland. SUBJECTS: Apparently healthy, free-living individuals (45 men, 48 women) aged 55-70 y. INTERVENTION: Zinc status markers were analysed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry and commercially available kits. Immune function was assessed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Serum and erythrocyte zinc concentrations were 13.0 (s.d. 1.40) micromol/l and 222 (s.d. 48.2) micromol/l, respectively. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentrations were 76.8 (s.d. 16.1) U/l; women showed significantly higher concentrations of ALP (P = 0.011). Women demonstrated (1) a significant inverse correlation in naive T lymphocytes, specifically naive T-helper lymphocytes (% expression, r = -0.364, P = 0.007 and absolute count, r = -0.275, P = 0.036) with age and (2) a significant positive correlation between late activation of T lymphocytes (% expression, r = 0.299, P = 0.019 and absolute count, r = 0.260, P = 0.039) with advancing age. Men demonstrated a significant positive correlation in the % expression of (CD3-/CD16+/CD56+) natural killer (NK) cells with age (r = 0.316, P = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Between the ages of 55 and 70 y, healthy individuals experience significant alterations in immune function; however, such changes appear largely sex specific. Given the reported importance of adequate zinc status in maintaining optimal immune function, further studies are required to explore the effect of enhanced zinc status on emerging immune deficiencies in cell-mediated immunity in healthy 55-70 y olds.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2005

Immune response in relation to zinc status, sex and antioxidant defence in Italian elderly population: the ZENITH study.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of some immune markers in Italian elderly population in relation to zinc status, gender and antioxidant defence. DESIGN: Observational study. SETTING: Italian population. SUBJECTS: Apparently healthy, free-living subjects, 56 men and 52 women, aged 70-85 y, enrolled in Italy. METHODS: Lymphocytes were unstimulated or stimulated with the mitogen phytohemoagglutinin (PHA). The proliferative capacity was measured as incorporation of [3H]-thymidine and reported as stimulation index (SI). Cytokine secretion by lymphocytes was determined by ELISA. The antioxidant enzyme activities were measured using commercial kits. RESULTS: Dietary zinc intake, as well as zinc in serum, red blood cells and urine were on the normal range of values and did not show any difference between men and women. The proliferative response showed a high variability without significant differences between men and women. The amount of secreted pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was similar in men and women. No differences were found in the activity of antioxidant enzymes in lymphocytes, namely superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase, between men and women. An association between SI and serum zinc level in men was found. SI resulted negatively correlated with interleukin (IL)-1beta (R2 = 0.036 and P = 0.012) and IL-10 (R2 = 0.34 and P = 0.040) only in men. IL-10 of PHA-stimulated lymphocytes was negatively correlated with red blood zinc in men (R2 = 0.41 and P = 0.008), while IL-10 of unstimulated and PHA-stimulated lymphocytes were negatively correlated with serum zinc in women (R2 = 0.38 and P = 0.020; R2 = 0.31 and P = 0.040, respectively). No correlation was observed between immune markers and antioxidant enzyme activities. CONCLUSIONS: Only weak differences on immune response between men and women were observed. However, zinc status appears to have more influence on the ability of lymphocytes to proliferate in men than in women.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

The relationship between the zinc nutritive status and biochemical markers of bone turnover in older European adults: the ZENITH study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between indices of zinc nutritive status and biochemical markers of bone turnover in older adult European subjects. DESIGN: Use of baseline data from a multicentre prospective zinc intervention (ZENITH) study. SETTING: Centres in France, Italy and Northern Ireland. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 387 healthy adults, aged 55-87 y. METHODS: Zinc intake was assessed by 4-day recall records. Circulating and urinary biochemical zinc status measures were assessed by atomic absorption spectrophometry. Serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin were assessed by ELISA and urinary pyridinoline (Pyr) and deoxypyridinoline (Dpyr) by HPLC. RESULTS: Zinc intake was negatively correlated with urinary Pyr and Dpyr (r = -0.298 and -0.304, respectively; P < 0.0001), but was not correlated with bone formation markers. There was a tendency for serum zinc to be negatively correlated with urinary Dpyr (r = -0.211; P = 0.080). Erythrocyte zinc was negatively correlated with serum osteocalcin (r = -0.090; P < 0.0001). None of the other correlations were significant. After adjustment for confounder (age, gender and research centre) the only significant association that remained was between serum osteocalcin and erythrocyte zinc (beta = -0.124; P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: There was some, albeit inconsistent, evidence of a relationship between zinc nutritive status and bone turnover in the older adult participants of the ZENITH study.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Introduction to the ZENITH study and summary of baseline results.

Zinc is known to be essential for a great number of biochemical activities and physiological and cognitive functions. The objective of Zenith study was to investigate the effects of Zn, as a nutritional supplement, on psychological and behavioural factors and on surrogate markers that are indicative of trends towards better health in order to evaluate the need for dietary recommendations specific to the studied population. We report in this paper the summary of baseline results obtained before Zn supplementation.

Aged↗