Zinc as a Biomarker of Cardiovascular Health

The importance of zinc (Zn) for cardiovascular health continuously gains recognition. As shown earlier, compromised Zn homeostasis and prolonged inflammation are common features in various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Similarly, Zn biochemistry alters several vascular processes, and Zn status is an important feature of cardiovascular health. Zn deficiency contributes to the development of CVDs; thus, Zn manipulations, including Zn supplementation, are beneficial for preventing and treating numerous cardiovascular (CV) disorders. Finally, additional long-term, well-designed studies, performed in various population groups, should be pursued to further clarify significant relationships between Zn and CVDs

Comparative assessment of erythrocyte sphingolipid levels as potential cardiovascular health markers in women from Libya and Serbia: a small-scale study

Aim: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent the major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide including Libya, where they account for 43% of all deaths. Sphingolipids are involved in the pathology of numerous diseases including cardiovascular diseases and are proposed as potential biomarkers of cardiovascular health that could be more effective compared to traditional clinical biomarkers. The aim of this study was to determine the sphingolipid content in the erythrocyte membrane of Libyan migrant and Serbian resident women. In addition, to examine if sphingolipid levels could be used as a novel indicator of cardiovascular risk, we evaluated possible correlations with some well-established biomarkers of cardiovascular health. Materials and Methods: A total of 13 Libyan and 15 Serbian healthy women participated in the study. The high-performance version thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) using the image analysis tool JustTLC was applied for quantification of erythrocytes’ sphingolipids. Results: Lower mean values of erythrocytes’ sphingolipids and cholesterol concentrations were found in the group of Libyan emigrants compared to Serbian resident women. Besides, in this group of apparently healthy women (n = 28), the sphingolipid content of erythrocytes was inversely related to the Omega-3 index (r =-0.492, p = 0.008) and directly linked to vitamin D status (r = 0.433, p = 0.021) and membrane cholesterol levels (r = 0.474, p = 0.011). Conclusion: The erythrocytes’ sphingolipid levels should be measured/assessed as an additional biomarker of CV health, by applying a simple and routine method. Still, further investigation in a larger population-specific context is warranted

Lactate content, total polyphenols and antioxidant activity of selected commercial yogurts from the Serbian market

One of the most popular dairy products worldwide is yogurt, which flavor is highly influenced by lactic acid content. Yogurts with fruit preparations contain polyphenols, secondary plant metabolites with proven antioxidant properties. As there is no data regarding neither lactate nor polyphenol content in commercial yogurts in Serbia, this study aimed to determine lactate and polyphenol levels, as well as antioxidant activity in selected yogurts. A total of 15 plain and 5 fruit yogurts with strawberry preparations were analyzed. Lactate contents were from 0.83 to 1.33%. Three plain yogurts in plastic containers differed in lactate content. There was no difference in lactate content among the same plain yogurts packed in plastic and Tetra Pack containers. Fruit yogurts with strawberry preparations differed in total polyphenol content in the range from 6.84 to 29.11mg GAE/100 g and antioxidant properties were determined by reducing power test (from 0.22 to 0.79) and DPPH assay (from 28.13 to 87.23%), while there was no difference regarding lactate. Our results provided new information about the levels of lactate, total polyphenols and antioxidant activity of selected commercial yogurts available on the Serbian market

Učinkovitost dijete za snižavanje lipida na ključne omjere masnih kiselina i omega-3 indeks kod osoba s hiperlipidemijama

Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) dietary intake, status and serum key fatty acid (FA) ratios may aid in cardiovascular disease-related risk assessment. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of lipid-lowering diet on key FA ratios in serum phospholipids and omega-3 index in erythrocyte phospholipids in moderately hyperlipidemic subjects. The study included 41 subjects, mean age 56±6 years. Nutritional habits were evaluated by food frequency questionnaire. Participants followed lipid lowering diet for 12 weeks. Energy intake of omega-6 and omega-3 FA was changed from 7.6% and 0.6% to 5.7% and 1.2%, respectively. Marked decrease in four FA ratios in serum phospholipids, i.e., omega-6/omega-3, arachidonic acid (AA)/eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), AA/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), AA/(EPA+DHA) and omega-3 index (EPA+DHA) was found in study subjects after lipid- lowering diet. Total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL)/ HDL and triacylglycerol/HDL-cholesterol ratios positively correlated with all FA ratios, and negatively correlated with total omega-3 levels in serum phospholipids and omega-3 index in erythrocytes. Total serum omega-3 levels showed strongest association with lipoprotein ratios and positive correlation with homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index. In conclusion, lipid-lowering diet resulted in decreased serum key FA ratios, increased omega-3 levels, and improved insulin sensitivity that may lead to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease in subjects with moderate hyperlipidemia.Prehrambeni unos polinezasićenih masnih kiselina (MK), status i ključni omjeri MK u serumu mogu biti od pomoći u procjeni rizika za kardiovaskularne bolesti. Cilj ove studije bio je istražiti učinke prehrane koja snižava lipide na ključne omjere MK u fosfolipidima (FL) seruma i omega-3 indeks u FL eritrocita kod osoba s umjerenom hiperlipidemijom. U istraživanju je sudjelovala 41 osoba prosječne dobi 56±6 godina. Prehrambene navike ocjenjivane su upitnikom o učestalosti konzumiranja hrane. Sudionici su 12 tjedana bili na dijeti. Unos energije iz omega-6 i omega-3 MK promijenjen je sa 7,6% i 0,6% na 5,7% i 1,2%. Nakon dijete smanjeni su omjeri MK u FL seruma: omega-6/omega-3, arahidonska kiselina (AA)/eikosapentaenska kiselina (EPA), AA/dokozaheksaenoinska kiselina (DHA), AA/(EPA+DHA) i omega-3 indeks (EPA+DHA). Omjer ukupnog kolesterola/HDL-a, LDL/HDL-a i triacilglicerola/HDL-kolesterola pozitivno je korelirao sa svim omjerima MK, a negativno s ukupnim razinama omega-3 u FL seruma i omega-3 indeksom u eritrocitima. Ukupne omega-3 u serumu pokazale su značajnu povezanost s omjerima lipoproteina i pozitivnu koleraciju s indeksom HOMA. U zaključku, dijeta sa smanjenim unosom lipida dovela je do smanjenja ključnih omjera MK u serumu, povišenja razine omega-3 i poboljšanja osjetljivosti na inzulin, što može dovesti do nižeg rizika za kardiovaskularne bolesti kod osoba s umjerenom hiperlipidemijom

Polinezasićene masne kiseline u zdravlju i bolesti

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are necessary for overall health. Two PUFAs families, n-6 and n-3 fatty acids, are physiologically and metabolically distinct. The proportion of PUFAs in serum and erythrocyte phospholipids, which depends on endogenous metabolism controlled by genetic polymorphisms and dietary intake, is an important determinant of both health and disease. Both n-3 and n-6 PUFAs are processed to powerful promoters of eicosanoids synthesis at the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase level. Evidence from observational and intervention studies suggest that n-3 PUFAs are cardio-protective, perhaps through their anti-inflammatory, anti-arrhythmic, lipid-low­ering and antihypertensive effects. In contrast, dietary n-6 PUFAs have pro-inflammatory effects. Low n-3 and elevated n-6 PUFAs levels were found in patients with cancer on different sites. The present review focuses on current knowledge related to PUFAs intake and status in health and disease, with reference to the Serbian population.Polinezasićene masne kiseline (PMK) su neophodne za normalno funkcionisanje organizma. Dve PMK familije, n-6 i n-3 masne kiseline se fiziološki i metabolički razlikuju. Udeo PMK u fosfolipidima seruma i eritrocita je važan pokazatelj zdravlja i bolesti, i zavisi od endogenog metabolizma, koji je kontrolisan genetskim polimorfizmom, i unosa hrane. I n-6 i n-3 PMK su prekursori za sintezu eikozanoida na ciklooksigenaznom i lipooksigenaznom nivou. Opservacione i interventne studije ukazuju da n-3 PMK imaju kardioprotektivni efekat, delujući anti-inflamatorno, anti-aritmogeno, hipolipidemično i antihipertenzivno. Nasuprot tome, smatra se da n-6 PMK imaju pro-inflamatorno dejstvo. Nizak nivo n-3 i povišen udeo n-6 PMK je pokazan kod pacijenata sa različitim tipovima maligniteta. U okviru ovog rada dat je pregled najnovijih saznanja o dijetarnom unosu i biomarkerima statusa PMK u promociji zdravlja i prevenciji bolesti, sa posebnim osvrtom na rezultate u našoj populaciji

Biological activity of Aronia melanocarpa antioxidants pre-screening in an intervention study design

The beneficial effects of black chokeberry fruits and juices in health promotion and prevention of chronic diseases shown in both epidemiological and dietary intervention studies are often connected with their antioxidant activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the total phenolics and anthocyanins content, chemical antioxidant activity (DPPH-assay), antioxidant protection in erythrocytes and anti-platelet activity in vitro of three different chokeberry products: commercial and fresh pure chokeberry juice and a crude lyophilized water-ethanol extract of chokeberry fruits, as part of their pre-clinical evaluation. The obtained results indicated differences in chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the investigated products. Cellular effects, including both in vitro anti-platelet and antioxidant effects, were not directly correlated with the chemical antioxidant activity and the results obtained in vitro for antiplatelet effects were only partially consistent with the results obtained in vivo, in a pilot intervention trial. In conclusion, chemical analyses and in vitro experiments on foods and their bioactive substances are a valuable pre-screening tool for the evaluation of their biological activity. However, extrapolation of the obtained results to the in vivo settings is often limited and influenced by the bioavailability and metabolism of native dietary compounds or interactions with differrent molecules within the human body

Professional training in nutrition in Central and Eastern Europe: current status and opportunities for capacity development

Objective: To examine the availability of academic programmes in nutrition and identify nutrition training needs in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Design: A questionnaire with close-ended and open-ended questions was distributed to the members of the United Nations University Standing Committee on Nutrition, Regional Network for Capacity Development in Nutrition in CEE (NCDN CEE). Setting: Participants' responses to the questionnaire including the comments of their colleagues from home institutions were obtained in group discussions during NCDN CEE meetings in 2010-2013. Subjects: Sixteen CEE countries' experts and their colleagues from home institutions involved in NCDN CEE activities 2007-2013. Results: The responses were obtained from fourteen out of sixteen participating countries; five countries have established Bachelor, Master and PhD studies in nutrition (Croatia, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovak Republic and Slovenia), whereas in Latvia and Republic of Macedonia only Bachelor and Master studies are set up. Seven countries have no Bachelor, Master or PhD studies: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Estonia, Lithuania, Montenegro, Romania and Serbia. Introduction to data analysis and Nutritional epidemiology are the most needed nutrition trainings that would increase working competence of nutritionists and nutrition-related professionals in CEE. Conclusions: Availability of academic programmes in nutrition in CEE countries is limited. Opportunities for improving the competence of existing and future nutrition-related professionals should be addressed at national and regional level; distance learning courses and creation of a regional centre for nutrition training were seen as opportunities for sustainable capacity development in nutrition in CEE

Is There a Link between Zinc Intake and Status with Plasma Fatty Acid Profile and Desaturase Activities in Dyslipidemic Subjects?

The prevalence of obesity and dyslipidemia has increased worldwide. The role of trace elements in the pathogenesis of these conditions is not well understood. This study examines the relationship between dietary zinc (Zn) intake and plasma concentrations of Zn, copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) with lipid profile indicators, fatty acid composition in plasma phospholipids and desaturase enzyme activities in a dyslipidemic population. The role of the newly proposed biomarker of Zn status, the linoleic:dihomo-gama-linolenic acid (LA:DGLA) ratio, in predicting Zn status of dyslipidemic subjects has been explored. The study included 27 dyslipidemic adults, 39-72 years old. Trace elements were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry and fatty acid composition by a liquid gas chromatography. Desaturase activities were calculated from product-precursor fatty acid ratios. Dietary data were obtained using 24 h recall questionnaires. Insufficient dietary intake of Zn, low plasma Zn concentrations and an altered Cu:Zn ratio is related to modified fatty acid profile in subjects with dyslipidemia. Plasma Zn status was associated with obesity. There was no correlation between dietary Zn intake and plasma Zn status. The LA:DGLA ratio was inversely linked to dietary Zn intake. Cu, in addition to Zn, may directly or indirectly, affect the activity of desaturase enzymes

Evaluation of Dietary Intake and Anthropometric Status in 1–9-Year-Old Children Living in Serbia: National Food Consumption Survey according to the EU Menu Methodology

The Serbian Food Consumption Survey among 1–9-year-old-children was conceptualized and conducted in compliance with the principles, established protocols, and guidelines of the EU Menu project between 2017 and 2021. Valid data were collected for 576 individuals (290 1–3-year-old toddlers and 276 3–9-year-old children). Regardless of age and gender category, the majority (68.80%) of children had normal weights according to the Body Mass Index-for-age classification system. The median daily energy intake was 1406.71 kcal with no differences between the settlement types. The overall median contributions of carbohydrates, protein, and fat to the total energy intake were 47.54%, 14.06%, and 37.88%, respectively. The proportions of the macronutrient intake deviated from the dietary reference values with compliance to the recommendations being particularly poor for fat and fiber. The consumption of energy-dense food groups such as meat and meat products, fat and oil, sugar, and confections was more pronounced among older children. The survey results provide a valuable insight into the nutritional status and dietary habits of toddlers and children 1–9 years old living in Serbia. They may serve as an evidence platform for public health programs, a valuable asset for decision-makers, and a reliable reference to guide nutritional policies, diet monitoring, and interventions targeting this population group in the future

The influence of food consumption and socio-economic factors on the relationship between zinc and iron intake and status in a healthy population

Objective: To examine Zn and Fe nutritional status of a healthy population by means of anthropometric, dietary and biochemical measurements and to investigate the relationship of usual Zn and Fe dietary intakes to Zn and Fe status. In addition, to examine the impact of food choices and socio-economic factors on Fe and Zn dietary intakes and status with the aim to identify groups at risk of dietary deficiency and suggest factors that may influence the status of these nutrients. Design: Food consumption was assessed by 24 h recall questionnaires. Twenty biochemical parameters were measured, of which Hb, haematocrit, erythrocyte count and plasma concentrations of Fe and Zn were directly related to Fe and Zn nutrition. The prevalence of study participants with inadequate micronutrient intakes was calculated using the Estimated Average Requirement cut-point method. Setting: Serbia, Europe. Subjects: Apparently healthy adults (25-65 years of age). Results: Mean daily Zn and Fe intakes were 9.1mg and 11.6 mg for males and 7.3 mg and 9.4 mg for females, respectively. Five per cent of the study population had inadequate dietary Fe intake and 15-25% had inadequate Zn intake. Lower Hb concentrations were measured in women with lower Zn intakes. No differences in Fe and Zn intakes and status among various socio-economic groups were observed, except for Fe intake between the low-income and affluent groups. Conclusions: Regular follow-ups are needed to ensure that potential deficiencies of Zn and Fe do get recognized and addressed in a timely manner