Cardiometabolic conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are associated with adverse health outcomes, including increased rates of hospitalization and deaths in patients who are diagnosed with COVID-19. However, little to no evidence is known currently on the cardiometabolic conditions before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study utilizes a nationally representative sample of adults in the United States (U.S.) to estimate the prevalence of cardiometabolic conditions, focusing on diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, and determine their prevalence and absolute and relative rates before and during COVID-19 pandemic declaration. Furthermore, the study aims to determine the association between these cardiometabolic conditions and physical activity, tobacco use, anxiety/depression, and sociodemographic characteristics among U.S. adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from the 2019 (N = 5359) and 2020 (N = 3830) Health Information National Trends Surveys (HINTS) on adults were utilized. Dependent variable was cardiometabolic conditions and the main explanatory variable was response before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted weighted descriptive and multivariable logistic regression controlling for confounders such as age, sex, and intensity of physical activity. While there was a slight increase in the prevalence of cardiometabolic conditions during the pandemic (56.09%) compared to before (54.96%), there was only a slight increase in the prevalence of diabetes (18.10% vs 17.28%) and obesity (34.68% vs 34.18%) and a slight decrease in the prevalence of hypertension (36.38% vs 36.36%). Results showed an increase in the prevalence of cardiometabolic conditions among former smokers (67.91% vs 63.86%), and current cigarette smokers (59.39% vs 55.43%), current e-cigarette users (37.24% vs 28.66%), individuals with mild (59.62% vs 55.43%), or moderate (61.98% vs 57.83%) anxiety/depression, sexual minority (53.50% vs 51.12%) and heterosexual (56.45% vs 54.96%) individuals during the pandemic, compared to before the pandemic. Additionally, people with mild anxiety/depression had higher odds of cardiometabolic conditions during the pandemic (AOR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.01, 2.38), compared to before (AOR = 1.52, 95% CI =1.06, 2.19), relative to those without anxiety/depression. Similarly, former smokers had higher odds of cardiometabolic outcomes before and during the pandemic (AOR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.87 vs AOR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.10, 2.25), when compared to never smokers. Odds were lower for current e-cigarette users (AOR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.23, 0.85) compared to never e-cigarette users before the pandemic. There were no significant differences in odds of cardiometabolic conditions between sexual minorities and heterosexual individuals before and during the pandemic. In conclusion, increased risk for adverse cardiometabolic conditions was higher for individuals with cigarette use and mental health diagnoses during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting the critical need for smoking cessation and programs to support behavioral health.

Un nombre croissant d’études suggèrent que le rôle des facteurs psychologiques dans le risque cardio-métabolique pourrait différer selon la position socio-économique des individus.Les travaux de cette thèse ont utilisé les données du Centre d'Investigations Préventives et Cliniques, de l'Etude Prospective Parisienne 3 et de la cohorte CONSTANCES pour examiner le rôle modérateur de la profession et catégorie socioprofessionnelle (PCS) sur les relations entre stress ou dépression et différents marqueurs du risque cardio-métabolique.Les résultats montrent que la PCS était un facteur modérateur de l'association du stress perçu avec la PA élevée chez les femmes (étude no 1), le diabète (étude no 2) et l'athérosclérose préclinique (étude no 3), de telle sorte que les individus des PCS les moins favorisées étaient les plus à risque. Cela semblait également être le cas pour l'association entre la dépression et le risque de maladie coronarienne à 10 ans chez les hommes (étude no 4).Ces résultats montrent l'importance de prendre systématiquement en compte le rôle modérateur des inégalités socioprofessionnelles dans la relation entre facteurs psychologiques et risque cardio-métabolique, aussi bien dans les études épidémiologiques pour mieux caractériser ce risque, qu’en santé publique et pratique clinique pour mieux le prévenir. / A growing body of studies suggests that the association between psychological factors and cardiometabolic risk might depend upon individual's socio-economic status.Data of Centre d'Investigations Préventives et Cliniques, Paris Prospective Study 3 and CONSTANCES cohort were used to examine the moderating role of occupational status (OS) on the associations between stress or depression and cardiometabolic risk markers.OS was a moderating factor of the association between perceived stress and high blood pressure among women (study No. 1), diabetes(study No. 2) and subclinical atherosclerosis (study No. 3), with increased risk for the individuals of lower OS. Similar pattern of results were observed for the association between depression and 10-year coronary heart disease risk among men (study No. 4).These results highlight the importance to systematically take into account the moderating effect of occupational inequalities when examining the association between psychological factors and cardiometabolic risk in epidemiological studies to better characterize this risk but also in public health policies and clinical practice for a better prevention.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome, elevated blood pressure (BP), elevated cholesterol and type 2 diabetes mellitus are health conditions that increase cardiometabolic risk (CMR). Sleep, physical activity, diet, are modifiable risk factors for the prevention of cardiometabolic disorders. Dietary fiber which is associated with higher fruit and vegetable intakes is known to lower the effects of obesity-related health issues. Further, these foods have an abundance of beneficial vitamins and minerals as well as low energy density. There is controversial, however, regarding the effect of fruit juice intake on CMR, particularly due to its lower fiber content. The objectives of this research were to estimate the effect of intakes of whole fruit and fruit juice on CMR, including effects on Body Mass Index (BMI), overweight/obesity, hypertension/prehypertension, lipid, and blood glucose levels. METHODS: The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s National Growth and Health Study (NGHS) cohort of white and black girls ages 9-10 years at baseline participated in a 10-year longitudinal study. Cardiometabolic outcomes included repeated measures of adiposity (e.g., body mass index (BMI)), and blood pressure, as well as laboratory measures such as fasting glucose and lipid levels. Linear regression and logistic regression were used to assess the association of fruit intake and fruit juice intake on CMR, while adjusting for age, race, tv/video, total vegetables, lean meat, and % calories from fat. Statistical Analysis Software (SAS Institute 15.2) analysis of data was performed. Results were considered statistically significant when p-value was <0.05. RESULTS: For girls in NGHS, BMI at the end of adolescence (ages 17-20 years) averaged to 21.3 kg/m2 for those who ate ≥0.75 cups of fruit and 22.1 kg/m2 for girls who ate <0.25 cups fruit. Similarly, girls with higher fruit juice consumption (≥0.75 cup-equivalents of juice per day) had a statistically significantly lower BMI than those with the lowest juice intake (<0.25 cup-eq/day). For each additional cup of whole fruit consumed on average per day between the ages of 9-17 was associated with 0.18 kg/m2 lower BMI (p<0.0001), after adjusting for age, race, tv/video viewing, total vegetable, lean meat intake, and % calories from fat. Adolescent girls (17 years or older) who drank < 0.25 or 0.25 - < 0.5 cup equivalent fruit juice were 1.60 or 1.63 (respectively) times more likely to become overweight (p-value 0.0005). Neither fruit intake nor fruit juice was associated with elevated fasting glucose risk or with high LDL risk. Whole fruit consumption was associated with a beneficial effect on HDL-cholesterol. Those with low whole fruit intake had a 1.42-fold increased risk of low HDL. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that 100% fruit juice and whole fruit consumption are both associated with beneficial effects on BMI and blood pressure among adolescent girls, suggesting that these foods may aid in the prevention of obesity and hypertension in the early adult years. KEY WORDS: adolescents, adiposity, body mass index, blood pressure, cardiometabolic health, dietary fiber, dyslipidemia, juice, glucose, metabolic syndrome, obesity, fruit.

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This thesis sought to advance our understanding of the physiological and health-related adaptations to low-volume interval training. Three separate studies were conducted in previously sedentary adults who trained three times per week. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) involved ten, 60-second cycling efforts at an intensity that elicited ~90% of maximal heart rate, interspersed with 60 seconds of recovery, whereas sprint interval training (SIT) involved three, 20-second ‘all-out’ cycling efforts interspersed with 2 minutes of recovery. Both protocols involved a brief warm-up and cool-down, resulting in 25- and 10-minute sessions for HIIT and SIT, respectively. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), skeletal muscle mitochondrial content as reflected by the maximal activity and protein content of mitochondrial enzymes, and glycemic control based on oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs), intravenous glucose tolerance tests (IVGTTs) or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), were determined before and after training. Study 1 found that 6 weeks of HIIT in the fed or fasted state increased VO2peak and mitochondrial content in women, but insulin sensitivity based on OGTTs was unchanged. Study 2 showed that 6 weeks of SIT increased VO2peak and mitochondrial content in men and women, whereas mean 24-hour glucose based on CGM was reduced in men only. Study 3 directly compared 12 weeks of SIT to traditional moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) in men. The two protocols elicited similar improvements in VO2peak, mitochondrial content and insulin sensitivity based on IVGTTs, despite SIT involving a five-fold lower exercise volume and time commitment. This work advances our understanding of the potency of brief, intense exercise training to induce physiological remodeling and improve cardiometabolic health. It also highlights potential sex-specific adaptations to interval training that warrant clarification. Further investigation into the mechanisms of physiological remodeling to HIIT and SIT is needed, as are large-scale randomized clinical trials that compare these protocols to MICT. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / This thesis examined physiological and health-related adaptations to interval training, which involves brief bouts of intense exercise interspersed with recovery periods. One protocol involved alternating 60-second hard and easy cycling efforts for 20 minutes; the other involved three, 20-second ‘all-out’ sprints interspersed with 2 minutes of recovery. Both protocols improved indices of cardiometabolic health in previously inactive adults who trained three times per week for 6 weeks, even though the amount of exercise performed was lower than typically recommended in public health guidelines. When the latter protocol was directly compared against traditional endurance training, the improvement in cardiometabolic health after 12 weeks was the same, despite a five-fold difference in the total amount of exercise performed. Our findings highlight the effectiveness of short bursts of high-intensity exercise for improving health. These results may appeal to individuals who cite “lack of time” as a barrier to exercise.

Introduction: The homeostatic role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is mediated through the actions of endocannabinoids. Intake of exogenous cannabinoids found in Cannabis sativa alter the function of the ECS which may then impact other organ systems. Use of cannabis has been inconsistently linked to adverse cardiometabolic outcomes. Rates of cannabis use are high among patients with psychiatric conditions who are already at higher risk of cardiometabolic diseases when compared to the general population. Cannabis use patterns and cardiometabolic risk variables in this population need further study to clarify the links between use and outcomes. Methods: Patients with psychiatric conditions from the St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton Hospital were enrolled into the Cannabis and Physical Health study. Sociodemographic data, medical history, cigarette use, and cannabis use patterns were collected. In addition, cardiometabolic profile data were collected including body mass index, blood pressure, lipids, and HbA1c. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted, and a Bonferroni correction applied. Results: This cross-sectional study enrolled 200 patients (female: n=86, 43.0%), 18 years of age and older. Among 79 cannabis users (female: n=34, 43.0%), the majority (n=53, 67.1%) consumed cannabis daily and had a diagnosis of a moderate cannabis use disorder (CUD; n=57, 72.2%, CUD score = 4.3 ± 3.4). Use of cannabis was initiated on average at 15.2 ± 3.5 years of age and used for an average of 13.5 ± 11.0 years. There was no association between cannabis use and cardiometabolic risk factors when adjusted for age, sex, psychiatric diagnosis, antipsychotic medication use, and cigarette smoking (P>0.006 for all outcomes). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that in this sample of patients with psychiatric diagnoses, patients who use cannabis had a similar cardiometabolic profile to non-users. Patterns of cannabis use highlight the importance of reducing cannabis consumption and preventing or slowing the progression of CUD in this population, as well as limiting adolescent exposure to cannabis. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc) / The endocannabinoid system regulates several processes in the body via endocannabinoid signaling, and cannabinoids found in cannabis can change endocannabinoid system function. Cardiovascular events and changes in appetite have been noted with cannabis use, and this is especially important in some vulnerable populations at risk of increased cannabis use; one of these groups include patients with psychiatric conditions who tend to use cannabis but also already have an increased cardiometabolic risk. In this thesis, the relationship between cannabis use and cardiometabolic risk was examined in 200 patients, and patterns and determinants of cannabis use explored. Our results demonstrated that of the 79 cannabis users, most consumed cannabis daily, and had a moderate cannabis use disorder. On average, users began cannabis consumption at 15 years of age and for an average duration of 14 years. Moderate cannabis use was not related to cardiometabolic risk in these patients. Our data demonstrate the need to prevent or slow the progression of cannabis use disorder in these patients and the importance of reducing early exposure of adolescents to cannabis.

Relevance: Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Observational and experimental evidence has shown that fruits high in polyphenols can reduce morbidity and mortality of heart disease. Introduction: This systematic review meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the current evidence for anthocyanin-rich fruit supplementation amelioration of hypertension. Methods: Articles were identified, collected, screened, then data were analyzed via CMAv.2 for overall effect on blood pressure, nitric oxide, flow mediated dilation and pulse wave velocity. Results: The analysis showed a small, significant effect on diastolic blood pressure. No moderator groups had significant effects, though some individual subcategories showed significant effects. Conclusion: Diastolic blood pressure in humans can be beneficially influenced by consumption of anthocyanin-rich fruit.

Problématique : Les enfants ayant survécu à un cancer présentent un risque accru de développer des complications cardiométaboliques à long terme par rapport à leurs pairs. Cette étude vise à évaluer la faisabilité et l’impact du volet nutritionnel de l’intervention multidisciplinaire VIE (Valorisation, Implication, Éducation) pendant le traitement du cancer pédiatrique sur les apports alimentaires et la santé cardiométabolique des enfants après la fin de leur traitement. L’aspect multidisciplinaire de cette intervention impliquait également l’activité physique et la psychologie. Méthodologie : La faisabilité de l’étude, évaluée un an après le début de l’intervention, a inclus le taux de rétention, de participation, d’assiduité, d’achèvement des mesures de l’étude et d’engagement des participants. Suite à l’intervention, les participants qui ont été exposés à VIE ont fait l’objet d’une évaluation de fin d’étude, tandis que les participants d’un groupe contrôle ont fait l’objet d’une évaluation unique. Les données ont été recueillies 1,3 ± 0,8 an après la fin du traitement dans le groupe d’intervention et 1,4 ± 0,8 an dans le groupe de contrôle. Des mesures nutritionnelles (journal alimentaire de 3 jours et rappel de 24 heures), anthropométriques (poids, taille, tour de taille, tour brachial, pli cutané), biochimiques (profil lipidique, HbA1c, vitamine D) et de pression artérielle ont été recueillies. Résultats : Après un an d’intervention, le taux de rétention était de 72,6 %, 258 rencontres ont été menées sur 362 planifiées (taux de présence 71,6 %) et la moitié des participants (50,8 %) avaient participé à au moins 4 rencontres de suivi. À l’évaluation de fin d’étude, 45 participants de l’étude VIE (10,2 ± 4,5 ans) ont été comparés à 77 contrôles (12,0 ± 5,6 ans). Par rapport aux contrôles, les participants à l’étude VIE consommaient moins de calories (1997 ± 669 vs. 1759 ± 513, p=0,042) et avaient des apports en calcium ajustés à l’énergie plus élevés (548 ± 240 mg/1000 kcal vs. 432 ± 197 mg/1000 kcal, p=0,005). Les participants à l’étude VIE avaient également tendance à consommer davantage de fibres totales (9,2 ± 3,4 g/1000 kcal contre 8,4 ± 2,8 g/1000 kcal, p=0,188) et de vitamine D (2,6 ± 2,0 g/1000 kcal contre 2,2 ± 2,0 g/1000 kcal, p=0,311) que les contrôles. Aucune différence entre les groupes n’a été constatée en ce qui concerne les résultats anthropométriques ou cardiométaboliques. Conclusion : Cette étude montre que le volet nutritionnel d’une intervention multidisciplinaire, mise en œuvre rapidement après le diagnostic de cancer, est faisable et peut avoir un impact positif sur le régime alimentaire des enfants et des adolescents. Une implantation multicentrique avec le projet VIE-Québec permettra d’augmenter l’étendue des retombées positives. / Background : Children who have survived cancer have an increased risk of developing long-term cardiometabolic complications compared to their peers. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility and impact of the nutritional component of the multidisciplinary VIE (Valorisation, Implication, Éducation) intervention during pediatric cancer treatment on children's dietary intake and cardiometabolic health after the end of their treatment. The multidisciplinary aspect of this intervention involved also physical activity and psychology. Methods: Study feasibility, assessed one year after the start of the intervention, included retention, participation, attendance, completion of study measures and participant engagement. Following the intervention, participants who had been exposed to VIE underwent an end-of-study assessment, while participants in a control group underwent a one-off assessment. Data were collected 1.3 ± 0.8 years after the end of treatment in the intervention group and 1.4 ± 0.8 years in the control group. Nutritional (3-day food diary and 24-hour recall), anthropometric (weight, height, waist circumference, brachial circumference, skin fold), biochemical (lipid profile, HbA1c, vitamin D) and blood pressure measurements were collected. Results: After one year of intervention, the retention rate was 72.6%, 258 appointments were conducted out of 362 planned (71.6% attendance rate) and half of the participants (50.8%) had attended at least 4 follow-up appointment. At the end-of-study assessment, 45 VIE participants (10.2 ± 4.5 years) were compared with 77 controls (12.0 ± 5.6 years). Compared to controls, VIE participants consumed fewer calories (1997 ± 669 vs. 1759 ± 513, p=0.042) and had higher energy-adjusted calcium intakes (548 ± 240 mg/1000 kcal vs. 432 ± 197 mg/1000 kcal, p=0.005). VIE participants also tended to consume more total fiber (9,2 ± 3,4 g/1000 kcal vs. 8,4 ± 2,8 g/1000 kcal, p=0.188) and vitamin D (2,6 ± 2,0 g/1000 kcal vs. 2,2 ± 2,0 g/1000 kcal, p=0.311) than controls. There were no differences between the groups in terms of anthropometric or cardiometabolic outcomes. Conclusions : This study shows that the nutritional component of a multidisciplinary intervention, implemented rapidly after cancer diagnosis, is feasible and can have a positive impact on the diet of children and adolescents. A multicenter implementation via the VIE-Québec project will increase the extent of the positive impact.

La déficience partielle en lipoprotéine lipase (LPLD) est associée à une augmentation du risque cardiométabolique chez les hommes et les femmes. L’adiponectine, le syndrome métabolique et la ménopause sont des modulateurs importants de ce risque. L’objectif de cette étude était d’évaluer la contribution de l’adiponectine au profil de risque cardiométabolique de femmes porteuses de variants dans le gène LPL connus pour être associés avec la LPLD. L'échantillon étudié comprenait 568 femmes d'origine canadienne-française, dont 127 avec une LPLD et 441 non LPLD (contrôles). L'influence de l'adiponectine sur le risque associé à la LPLD a été évaluée en utilisant des analyses de régression multiples prenant en compte l’influence du statut ménopausique, des variables anthropométriques, du bilan lipidique, de la glycémie à jeun et du tabagisme. Les résultats montrent que les niveaux d'adiponectine étaient significativement plus faibles dans les groupes LPLD. La contribution des valeurs faibles d’adiponectine au profil de risque cardiométabolique des sujets LPLD était indépendante du statut ménopausique et de toutes les autres covariables étudiées. Cela suggère que l'adiponectine contribue au profil de risque cardiométabolique chez les femmes porteuses d’une mutation connue pour être associée avec la LPLD. / The cardiovascular risk significantly increases after menopause. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is a key enzyme in the metabolism of triglyceride (TG)-rich lipoproteins which contributes to cardiometabolic homeostasis. Adiponectin is an adipocytokine which also influences the cardiometabolic status. The objective of this study was to evaluate the contribution of plasma adiponectin to the cardiometabolic status of women carrying loss-of-function LPL gene variants (LPLD). A total of 568 French Canadian women (127 LPLD and 441 controls) were included. The association of plasma adiponectin with LPLD was assessed using multiple regression models. Cardiometabolic covariates included anthropometrics, lipids (TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, apo B), fasting glucose and smoking. Mean plasma adiponectin concentration was significantly lower in women with LPLD. Women carrying loss-of function LPL gene mutations also presented a significantly higher risk of coronary artery disease. In conclusion, these results suggest that low plasma adiponectin significantly contributes to the cardiometabolic risk profile of postmenopausal women carrying loss-of-function LPL gene mutations, independently of anthropometrics, lipids and other covariates.