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Biomedical subjects

J Marrugat

Publications and source records attributed to J Marrugat.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Amount and intensity of physical activity, fitness, and serum lipids in pre-menopausal women.

The aim of the study was to determine the association between the amount and the intensity of physical activity (PA) and lipid profile and fitness in pre-menopausal women. A cross-sectional study was conducted, sampling was stratified according to two age groups and two levels of PA, as assessed by the Minnesota Leisure Time PA Questionnaire. Serum lipid profile and sex hormones were measured. The study included 403 women. Total energy expenditure on PA was directly associated with HDL-cholesterol and inversely with atherogenic index. When intensity was analyzed, only moderate PA was associated with a desirable lipid profile. A decrease of 1.59 mg/dL (standard error [SE] = 0.77) and 0.07 units (SE = 0.02) in LDL-cholesterol and atherogenic index, respectively, and an increase of 1.02 mg/dL (SE = 0.34) in HDL-cholesterol were observed per each 100 MET . min/day spent in moderate PA. After adjusting for body fat mass, the association between moderate PA and LDL-cholesterol was no longer statistically significant (regression coefficient = - 1.21; SE = 0.81) whereas the association between moderate PA and atherogenic index (regression coefficient = - 0.05; SE = 0.02) and HDL-cholesterol (regression coefficient = 0.98; SE = 0.35) remained statistically significant. Only vigorous PA was associated with VO2max. VO2max increased 2.35 mL/kg (SE = 0.39) per each 100 MET . min/day spent in vigorous PA. Only moderate PA is associated with a lower LDL-cholesterol and atherogenic index, and higher HDL-cholesterol. The association between PA and LDL is dependent on body fat mass, but the association between PA and HDL is independent of it. Only vigorous intensity PA is associated with fitness.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Magnitude and consequences of undertreatment of high-risk patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes: insights from the DESCARTES Registry.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse intensity of treatment of high-risk patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTEACS) included in the DESCARTES (Descripción del Estado de los Sindromes Coronarios Agudos en un Registro Temporal Español) registry. PATIENTS AND SETTING: Patients with NSTEACS (n = 1877) admitted to 45 randomly selected Spanish hospitals in April and May 2002 were studied. DESIGN: Patients with ST segment depression and troponin rise were considered high risk (n = 478) and were compared with non-high risk patients (n = 1399). RESULTS: 46.9% of high-risk patients versus 39.5% of non-high-risk patients underwent angiography (p = 0.005), 23.2% versus 18.8% (p = 0.038) underwent percutaneous revascularisation, and 24.9% versus 7.4% (p < 0.001) were given glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor. In-hospital and six-month mortality were 7.5% versus 1.1% and 17% versus 4.6% (p < 0.001), respectively. A treatment score (> or = 4, 2-3 and < 2) was defined according to the number of class I interventions recommended in clinical guidelines: aspirin, clopidogrel, beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, statins and revascularisation. Independent predictors of six-month mortality were age (odds ratio (OR) 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04 to 1.10, p < 0.001), diabetes (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.14 to 3.22, p = 0.014), previous cardiovascular disease (OR 4.17, 95% CI 1.63 to 10.68, p = 0.003), high risk (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.30 to 3.71, p = 0.003) and treatment score < 2 versus > or = 4 (OR 2.87, 95% CI 1.27 to 6.52, p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Class I recommended treatments were underused in high-risk patients in the DESCARTES registry. This undertreatment was an independent predictor of death of patients with an acute coronary syndrome.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

High monetary costs of dietary patterns associated with lower body mass index: a population-based study.

INTRODUCTION: Food choice is strongly influenced through economic constraints. The monetary costs for foods, especially those foods associated with a lower risk of obesity, have considerably increased during the last years. The purpose of this study was to determine the cost differences between low and high adherence to two dietary patterns which have been inversely associated with body mass index (BMI) and obesity. METHODS: The subjects were Spanish men (n=1547) and women (n=1615) aged 25-74 years who were examined in 1999-2000, in a population-based cross-sectional survey in the northeast of Spain (Girona). Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Two dietary quality indices, namely the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) and the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), were created. Average food prices were calculated. Anthropometric variables were measured. RESULTS: Adjusted linear regression analysis revealed that an increase in 1 Euro (1.25$) of monetary diet costs per day was associated with a change of 0.46 units (P<0.001) and 2.03 units (P<0.001) in the MDS and HEI, respectively. The magnitude of the association was similar for both scores after standardization. Subjects who closely adhered to the MDS and HEI paid daily 1.2 Euro (1.50$) (P<0.001) and 1.4 Euro (1.75$) (P<0.001) more for food consumption, respectively, than those who weakly adhered to these dietary patterns. Multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for several confounders showed an inverse association of the MDS (P=0.011) and the HEI (P<0.001) with BMI. The risk of obesity (BMI> or =30) significantly decreased across quartile distribution of MDS (P=0.004) and HEI (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: Data showed that a high adherence to the MDS and HEI, both inversely associated with BMI and obesity, led to higher monetary costs as compared to a low adherence. This might be of importance for public health policies in an effort to develop strategies to promote healthy diets preventing weight gain.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Antioxidant effect of virgin olive oil in patients with stable coronary heart disease: a randomized, crossover, controlled, clinical trial.

The Mediterranean diet, in which olive oil is the main source of fat, has been associated with a reduced incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and low blood pressure levels. Virgin olive oil (VOO), besides containing monounsaturated fat, is rich in phenolic compounds (PC) with antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to examine the antioxidant and anti-hypertensive effect of two similar olive oils, but with differences in their PC (refined: 14.7 mg/kg versus virgin: 161.0 mg/kg), in 40 males with stable CHD. The study was a placebo controlled, crossover, randomized trial. A raw daily dose of 50 mL of VOO and refined olive oil (ROO) were sequentially administered over two periods of 3 weeks, preceded by 2-week washout periods in which ROO was used. Lower plasma oxidized LDL (p < 0.001) and lipid peroxide levels (p = 0.003), together with higher activities of glutathione peroxidase (p = 0.033), were observed after VOO intervention. Systolic blood pressure decreased after intake of VOO (p = 0.001) in hypertensive patients. No changes were observed in diastolic blood pressure, glucose, lipids, and antibodies against oxidized LDL. Consumption of VOO, rich in PC, could provide beneficial effects in CHD patients as an additional and complementary intervention to the pharmacological treatment.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Early diagnosis of candidiasis in non-neutropenic critically ill patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine a method for the early diagnosis of candidiasis in non-neutropenic critically ill patients in order to reduce mortality. METHODS: A prospective study in non-neutropenic critically patients in whom Candida spp. were detected, was made in an intensive care unit (ICU) during an 8-year period from 3389 patients admitted. A diagnostic and therapeutic protocol was designed. Invasive candidiasis was defined according to dissemination and multifocality. RESULTS: Candida spp. were found in 145 cases (4.3%): 120 (83%) were considered as invasive candidiasis and 25 as colonisation (17%). The hospital mortality was 46% (67/145). A post-mortem study was carried out in 54% (36/67) of hospital deaths. Candida albicans was the most frequently isolated species (87%), followed by Candida glabrata (18%). There were 24 candidemias and three cases of endophtalmitis. Digestive and respiratory samples and non-C. albicans yeasts were risk factors for invasive candidiasis. The mortality rate was related statistically to invasive candidiasis and inversely to the appropriate antifungal treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Invasive candidiasis is related to digestive and respiratory samples and to the presence of non-C. albicans species. A simpler definition of invasive candidiasis in non-neutropenic critically ill patients will permit more rapid and accurate specific antifungal therapy.

Antifungal Agents↗
PubMed2004

Population dietary habits and physical activity modification with age.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to analyse the relation between age and both dietary habits and leisure-time physical activity, and to determine nutrient inadequacy of aged groups in our population. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: A random sample of the 25-74-y-old population of Gerona, Spain. SUBJECTS: A total of 838 men and 910 women were selected from among the general population according to the 1991 census. OUTCOME MEASURES: Analysis of dietary habits, including amount and type of alcohol consumption, and detailed evaluation of leisure-time physical activity. RESULTS: Nutrient densities of carbohydrates, vitamin B(1), vitamin B(12), vitamin C, vitamin E, folate, potassium, iron, magnesium, copper, and dietary fiber increased significantly (P<0.05) with age in both genders, whereas an inverse trend was observed for total fat, saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, and sodium. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a direct association of healthy dietary habits, characterized through a composite dietary score, with age after adjusting for several confounders both in men and women (P<0.001). This score was composed of folate, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, dietary fibre, cholesterol, saturated fatty acids, and sodium. In all, 29 and 10% of male and female subjects aged 65-74 y, respectively, reported inadequate intakes of six or more of 16 nutrients. Total leisure-time physical activity increased with age in men (P<0.002), and was not different among female age groups. CONCLUSION: Dietary behaviours and levels of physical activity spent during leisure time indicate a healthy lifestyle of the aged men and women in the present population. Nutrient inadequacy observed in some aged men and women, however, deserves particular intervention of health-care programmes for this growing part of our society.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Response of oxidative stress biomarkers to a 16-week aerobic physical activity program, and to acute physical activity, in healthy young men and women.

Physical activity (PA) is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease, and may favorably modify the antioxidant-prooxidant balance. This study assessed the effects of aerobic PA training on antioxidant enzyme activity, oxidized LDL concentration, and LDL resistance to oxidation, as well as the effect of acute PA on antioxidant enzyme activity before and after the training period. Seventeen sedentary healthy young men and women were recruited for 16 weeks of training. The activity of superoxide dismutase in erythrocytes (E-SOD), glutathione peroxidase in whole blood (GSH-Px), and glutathione reductase in plasma (P-GR), and the oxidized LDL concentration and LDL composition, diameter, and resistance to oxidation were determined before and after training. Shortly before and after this training period they also performed a bout of aerobic PA for 30 min. The antioxidant enzyme activity was also determined at 0 min, 30 min, 60 min, 120 min, and 24 h after both bouts of PA. Training induces an increase in GSH-Px (27.7%), P-GR (17.6%), and LDL resistance to oxidation, and a decrease in oxidized LDL (-15.9%). After the bout of PA, an increase in E-SOD and GSH-Px was observed at 0 min, with a posterior decrease in enzyme activity until 30-60 min, and a tendency to recover the basal values at 120 min and 24 h. Training did not modify this global response pattern. Regular PA increases endogenous antioxidant activity and LDL resistance to oxidation, and decreases oxidized LDL concentration; 30 min of aerobic PA decreases P-GR and B-GSH-Px activity in the first 30-60 min with a posterior recovery.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol are absorbed from moderate and sustained doses of virgin olive oil in humans.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the absorption of tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol from moderate and sustained doses of virgin olive oil consumption. The study also aimed to investigate whether these phenolic compounds could be used as biomarkers of virgin olive oil intake. DESIGN AND INTERVENTIONS: Ingestion of a single dose of virgin olive oil (50 ml). Thereafter, for a week, participants followed their usual diet which included 25 ml/day of the same virgin olive oil as the source of raw fat. SETTING: Unitat de Recerca en Farmacologia. Institut Municipal d'Investigació Mèdica (IMIM). SUBJECTS: Seven healthy volunteers. RESULTS: An increase in 24 h urine of tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol, after both a single-dose ingestion (50 ml) and short-term consumption (one week, 25 ml/day) of virgin olive oil (P<0.05) was observed. Urinary recoveries for tyrosol were similar after a single dose and after sustained doses of virgin olive oil. Mean recovery values for hydroxytyrosol after sustained doses were 1.5-fold those obtained after a single 50 ml dose. CONCLUSIONS: Tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol are absorbed from realistic doses of virgin olive oil. With regard to the dose-effect relationship, 24 h urinary tyrosol seems to be a better biomarker of sustained and moderate doses of virgin olive oil consumption than hydroxytyrosol.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

The relationship of physical activity with dietary cancer-protective nutrients and cancer-related biological and lifestyle factors.

The aim of the present study was to analyse the relationships among different intensities of leisure-time physical activity (PA) and cancer-protective dietary components, cancer-related biological (general and central obesity) and lifestyle factors (heavy smoking and excessive alcohol consumption). The present population-based cross-sectional study (765 men and 812 women from the general population of Gerona, Spain) included measurement of anthropometrical data, dietary intake, and alcohol and cigarette consumption and furthermore detailed evaluation of total leisure-time physical activity, including measurement of different intensities. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for several confounders was used to analyse the relationships among variables. A composite variable composed of dietary fibre, vitamin C, alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene and folate was directly associated with higher levels of leisure-time PA in both genders, after further adjusting for energy intake [odds ratio (OR) of low versus second tertile of total leisure-time PA was 1.98 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22-3.23) for men and OR of low versus top tertile of total leisure-time PA was 1.75 (95% CI 1.07-2.84) for women]. Low to moderate- but not high-intensity leisure-time PA was directly related to higher intakes of these nutrients. Heavy smoking was inversely associated with higher levels of total leisure-time PA in men. With the exception of central obesity in women, there was no significant relationship between the cancer-related biological and lifestyle factors, and low to moderate-intensity leisure-time PA in both genders. In contrast, central obesity (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.16-0.63) and heavy smoking (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.16-0.96) were significantly related to high-intensity but not to total or low to moderate-intensity leisure-time PA in men and women, respectively. The observed relationships between leisure-time PA and several of the studied cancer-associated variables might partially account for the protective effect of physical activity against cancer observed in the literature. However, different intensities of leisure-time PA were distinctly associated with the mentioned cancer-related dietary, biological and lifestyle factors. Most importantly, although some of these variables were not associated with total leisure-time PA a significant relationship was observed for intensities of leisure-time PA. This should be considered when analysing the relationship between leisure-time PA and cancer.

Alcohol Drinking↗
PubMed2003

An adaptation of the Framingham coronary heart disease risk function to European Mediterranean areas.

AIM: To determine whether the Framingham function accurately predicts the 10 year risk of coronary disease and to adapt this predictive method to the characteristics of a Spanish population. METHOD AND RESULTS: A Framingham function for predicting 10 year coronary deaths and non-fatal myocardial infarction was applied to the population of the province of Gerona, Spain, where the cumulated incidence rate of myocardial infarction has been determined since 1988 by a specific registry. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in this region of Spain was established in 1995 by a cross sectional study on a representative sample of 1748 people. The number of cases estimated by the Framingham function for 10 year coronary deaths and non-fatal myocardial infarction was compared with that observed. The Framingham function estimated 2425 coronary heart disease cases in women and 1181 were observed. In men, 9919 were estimated and 3706 were observed. Recalibrating the Framingham equations to the event rate and the prevalence of the risk factors in Gerona led to estimates very close to the number of cases observed in Gerona men and women. CONCLUSIONS: The Framingham function estimates more than doubled the actual risk of coronary disease observed in north east Spain. After calibration, the Framingham function became an effective method of estimating the risk in this region with low coronary heart disease incidence.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Bioavailability of tyrosol, an antioxidant phenolic compound present in wine and olive oil, in humans.

Tyrosol is a phenolic compound present in two of the traditional components of the Mediterranean diet: wine and virgin olive oil. The presence of tyrosol has been described in red and white wines. Tyrosol is also present in vermouth and beer. Tyrosol has been shown to be able to exert antioxidant activity in in vitro studies. Oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) appears to occur predominantly in arterial intima in microdomains sequestered from antioxidants of plasma. The antioxidant content of the LDL particle is critical for its protection. Thus, phenolics, which are able to bind LDL, could be effective in preventing lipid peroxidation and atherosclerotic processes. The ability of tyrosol to bind human LDL has been reported. We have demonstrated the bioavailability of tyrosol in humans from virgin olive oil in its natural form. Urinary tyrosol increased, reaching a peak at 0-4 h after virgin olive oil administration. Men and women showed a different pattern of urinary excretion of tyrosol. Moreover, tyrosol is absorbed in a dose-dependent manner after sustained and moderate doses of virgin olive oil. In summary, our results suggest that tyrosol from wine or virgin olive oil could exert beneficial effects on human health in vivo if its biological properties are confirmed in in vivo studies.

Antioxidants↗
PubMed2002

Relationship between diet and blood pressure in a representative Mediterranean population.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is strongly associated with cardiovascular and renal disease. However, despite the efforts made to control hypertension via drug treatment, prevalence of controlled hypertension could be considered low. AIM OF THE STUDY: We performed the present study to investigate dietary habits among groups with different blood pressure status (normotensive, non-medicated hypertensive, medicated hypertensive) and to analyze the association between blood pressure and intakes of selected nutrients in normotensive and non-medicated hypertensive subjects (n = 1357), and furthermore in those undergoing hypertension drug treatment (n = 210; controlled and non-controlled). METHODS: The present cross-sectional, population-based survey (Gerona, Spain) included cardiovascular risk measurements and analysis of dietary intake with corresponding questionnaires. RESULTS: Nutrient intake was similar among groups of different blood pressure status after adjusting for sex, age and energy consumption. Multiple linear regression analysis, after adjustment for several confounders, showed that dietary intake of sodium was directly related to blood pressure. The same was seen for the sodium to potassium ratio and both were independent of hypertension drug treatment. In contrast, an inverse association was observed between blood pressure and dietary calcium intake. Moderate sodium (< 2400 mg Na/d) intake reduced the risk of hypertension by 30 % and 52 % (Odds ratio 0.70; 95 % CI 0.52-0.94, respectively) in normotensive and non-medicated hypertensive subjects. Furthermore, moderate sodium in combination with a calcium intake of more than 800 mg/d reduced the risk of inadequate blood pressure control, by 52 % (Odds ratio 0.48; 95 % CI 0.24-0.95) in subjects undergoing hypertension drug treatment. Controlled hypertension subjects have a significantly higher calcium intake than non-controlled. CONCLUSION: These results emphasize the importance of diet and overall of sodium intake as non-pharmacological approach in the prevention and treatment of hypertension.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Long-lasting sport practice and lone atrial fibrillation.

AIMS: To analyse whether the proportion of patients with lone atrial fibrillation engaged in chronic sport practice was higher than that observed in the general population. METHODS AND RESULTS: The records of 1160 patients, seen at the arrhythmia outpatient clinic, were reviewed. A total of 70 patients (6%) suffered lone atrial fibrillation and were younger than 65 years. Thirty two of them had been engaged in long-term sport practice. All patients in the sport group were men as compared to only 50% in the sedentary group (P<0 x 0001). To avoid the confounding effect of sex distribution, women were excluded. Sportsmen started their episodes of atrial fibrillation at a younger age, they had a lower incidence of mild hypertension and their episodes of atrial fibrillation were predominantly vagal in contrast to the sedentary patients. The echocardiographic parameters were similar to those observed in the sedentary patients, but when compared with 20 healthy controls, they showed greater atrial and ventricular dimensions and a higher ventricular mass. The proportion of sportsmen among patients with lone atrial fibrillation is much higher than that reported in the general population of Catalonia: 63% vs 15% (P<0 x 05). CONCLUSION: Long-term vigorous exercise may predispose to atrial fibrillation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Scientific aspects that justify the benefits of the Mediterranean diet: mild-to-moderate versus heavy drinking.

The Mediterranean diet is now recognized as being both limited in toxicity and abundant in nutrient and non-nutrient protective factors. A large body of basic, clinical and epidemiological studies have been developed in recent years to provide evidence of the benefits of the Mediterranean diet or its components on health. Evidence-based medicine ranks randomized controlled clinical trials as providing the highest level of evidence and expert opinions the lowest. On the basis of these criteria, the current state of knowledge about Mediterranean diet in primary and secondary prevention of disease and mortality and morbidity as functions of the amount of alcoholic beverage consumption, is reviewed. Efficacy versus effectiveness, the role of basic and animal research, and bioavailability studies providing evidence is also discussed.

Alcohol Drinking↗
PubMed2002

Short-term mortality of myocardial infarction patients with diabetes or hyperglycaemia during admission.

AIM: The hypothesis that patients with hyperglycaemia during admission, regardless of previous diagnosis of diabetes, have worse prognosis than those with normal glucose values is controversial. The objective was to assess the role of hyperglycaemia on short-term mortality after myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS AND RESULTS: A cohort study nested in a prospective registry of MI patients in the reference hospital of Gerona, Spain was performed. All consecutive MI patients under 75 were registered between 1993 and 1996. Patient and clinical characteristics, including previous diagnosis of diabetes, glycaemia on admission and in the next four days, were recorded. Patients with glycaemia on admission or four day mean glycaemia >6.67 mmol/l were considered hyperglycaemic. The main outcome measure was mortality at 28 days. Of 662 patients with MI included, 195 (29.7%) had previously known diabetes mellitus, but 457 (69.0%) had glycaemia >6.67 mmol/l on admission. Patients with hyperglycaemia on admission were older, more often female, more frequently had a previous diagnosis of diabetes, developed more complications, and had higher 28 day mortality. The effect of admission glycaemia >6.67 mmol/l on 28 day mortality was independent of major confounding factors, particularly previous diagnosis of diabetes (OR=4.20, 95% confidence intervals 1.18 to 14.96). CONCLUSIONS: Higher 28 day mortality was observed among MI patients with glycaemia on admission >6.67 mmol/l compared with patients with lower levels, independently of major confounding variables and, particularly, previous diagnosis of diabetes. This early, simple, and inexpensive marker of bad prognosis after MI should prompt the application of more aggressive treatment of MI and risk factors and, probably, of glycaemia during admission.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Interaction between the Gln-Arg 192 variants of the paraoxonase gene and oleic acid intake as a determinant of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and paraoxonase activity.

Olive oil, rich in oleic acid, could play a particular beneficial role in the anti-atherogenic effects attributed to the Mediterranean diet. Paraoxonase (PON1) has emerged as the component of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) most likely to explain its ability to attenuate the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins. We hypothesised that oleic acid intake might be associated with changes in PON1-HDL associated particles, and investigated the impact, if any, on this association of the PON1-192 polymorphism, a common polymorphism that strongly modulates PON1 activity. Six hundred and fifty-four men randomly selected from the census were studied. Oleic acid intake was calculated from a 72-h recall questionnaire with specific software. Oleic acid intake groups (low vs. high) were created by stratifying the population according the median value as a cut-point. After adjusting for confounding variables, high oleic acid intake was associated with increased HDL cholesterol levels and PON1 activity only in subjects with the QR and the RR genotypes, respectively. Analyses of the variance showed a statistically significant interaction between PON1-192 genotypes and oleic acid intake for log PON1 activity (P=0.005) and a marginally significant interaction for HDL cholesterol (P=0.066). These results suggest that the beneficial effect of increasing oleic acid intake on HDL and PON1 activity at population level is especially observed in subjects carrying the R allele of the PON1-192 polymorphism.

Adult↗