A quart of the of the adult population worldwide have metabolic syndrome. A sedentary lifestyle, low physical activity, combined with wrong eating habits, stress, smoking and psychosocial factors, are the main causes of development of the metabolic syndrome. The purpose of the literature review was to illuminate the physical activity in persons who have the metabolic syndrome, and what sort of advice a nurse use in the promotion of physical activity. The study was conducted as a literature review, including 15 scientific quantitative articles. In ten articles, the focus was on physical activity at the metabolic syndrome, and five articles focused on various forms of counselling for physical activity. The results showed that there is a strong correlation between level of physical activity and risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Increased physical activity reduces the risk of developing metabolic syndrome and has positive effects on metabolic risk factors. Physical activity may be crucial for the prevention of metabolic syndrome. Advice via telephone, e-mail and physical activity on prescription is effective method for the promotion of physical activity. This study also showed that the nurse has an important role in promoting physical activity. Promotion of physical activity should be given a clearer place in health care.

Mit dem Beginn der Industrialisierung stieg in den westlichen Kulturen rasant die Prävalenz von Krankheitsbildern wie Adipositas, arterieller Hypertonie, Typ-2-Diabetes Mellitus und Hyperlipidämie, die als Cluster eines multifaktoriellen Krankheitsbildes namens „Metabolisches Syndrom“ (MTS) verstanden werden. Tierstudien, in denen durch die Inhibition der Fettsäuresynthase (FASN) ein rapider Abfall des Körpergewichts in Mäusen erzeilt wurden, bestätigen zunehmend genetische Prädispositionen als ursächlich für die Ausbildung des MTS. Um herauszufinden ob und in welchem Ausmaß das FASN-Gen mit humanen Merkmalen des MTS assoziiert ist, wurde das Gen in 48 nicht verwandten ostdeutschen Probanden sequenziert. Acht repräsentative tagging-SNPs wurden dabei identifiziert, anschließend in 1311 deutschen Probanden (Erwachsene) genotypisiert und in Fall-Kontroll-Studien zwischen 389 schlanken Probanden (BMI ≤ 25kg/m²) vs. 446 adipösen Teilnehmern (BMI ≥ 30kg/m²) sowie zwischen 502 glukosetoleranten Probanden (NGT) vs. 640 Probanden mit Typ-2-Diabetes (T2D) miteinader verglichen. Für den Polymorphismus rs2229422 (P = 1.3x10-5 adjustiert auf Alter, Geschlecht und Diabetes-status) konnten die stärksten Assoziationen mit BMI und weiteren Merkmalen der Fettleibigkeit identifiziert werden (adjustiert P < 0.05). Des Weiteren wurde der zuvor in der Literatur beschriebene protektive Einfluss der Val1483Ile Substitution (rs2228305) gegenüber Adipositas, sowie der geschlechts-spezifische Effekt auf den BMI bestätigt (adjustiert, P = 0.03).

This thesis evaluated supplementation with two components of flaxseed during exercise training on inflammation in older adults.<P>Experiment 1: This experiment assessed secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) supplementation during aerobic exercise training on inflammation in older adults. Methods: One hundred subjects aged 50y or older were randomized to receive either SDG or placebo before completing a 6-month walking program. Fasting concentrations of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-á, glucose, triacylglycerol (TAG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol as well as leukocyte cell count were measured every two months while body composition, resting blood pressure, and a composite Z-score of six metabolic syndrome risk factors were assessed at baseline and 6 months. Results: Men on placebo increased metabolic syndrome composite Z-score (p<0.05). TAG increased (p=0.017) in men on placebo relative to men on SDG and men on SDG decreased (p=0.045) DBP relative to men on placebo. Conclusions: SDG had no effect on inflammation while it is effective in attenuating risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome in older males but not females.<p>Experiment 2: This experiment evaluated alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) supplementation during strength exercise training on inflammation in older adults. Methods: Fifty-one healthy older adults (65.4±0.8y) were randomized to receive ALA or a placebo before completing a 12 wk strength training program. Subjects were evaluated at baseline and 12 weeks for TNF-á and IL-6, muscle strength, body composition, and muscle thickness. Results: Males supplementing with ALA decreased IL-6 concentration (p=0.003). The female placebo and male ALA group had a significant increase in knee flexor thickness (p<0.05). Chest and leg press strength, lean tissue mass, and muscle thickness significantly increased, while percent fat and total body mass decreased with training (p<0.05), with no difference between ALA and placebo. Conclusions: ALA lowers IL-6 in older men, but has minimal effect on muscle mass and strength during resistance training.<p>General Conclusion: A composite score of metabolic syndrome is attenuated in males supplementing with SDG. ALA reduces IL-6 in older men. Older men, but not older women, derive specific health benefits from increased consumption of components of flaxseed consumed during an exercise program.

Chronic low-grade inflammation is associated the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and may contribute to its development. A diet high in saturated fat (SFA) has been associated with increased inflammation and development of the MetS. SFAs have been shown to elicit pro-inflammatory signaling through proteins of innate immunity, TLR4 and Nods 1 and 2. We determined whether common polymorphisms in the genes of these proteins could modify the association between fat intake and biomarkers of the MetS. Fat intake was measured using a food frequency questionnaire and genotyping was completed using real-time PCR. The TLR4 Asp299Gly (rs4986790) polymorphism was associated with decreased insulin sensitivity while an intronic polymorphism (rs5030728) modified the association between dietary SFA and HDL-cholesterol. The Nod1 Glu266Lys polymorphism modified the association between dietary SFA and HOMA-IR. These results suggest a role for innate immunity in mediating some of the effects of dietary SFAs on factors associated with the MetS.

Chronic low-grade inflammation is associated the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and may contribute to its development. A diet high in saturated fat (SFA) has been associated with increased inflammation and development of the MetS. SFAs have been shown to elicit pro-inflammatory signaling through proteins of innate immunity, TLR4 and Nods 1 and 2. We determined whether common polymorphisms in the genes of these proteins could modify the association between fat intake and biomarkers of the MetS. Fat intake was measured using a food frequency questionnaire and genotyping was completed using real-time PCR. The TLR4 Asp299Gly (rs4986790) polymorphism was associated with decreased insulin sensitivity while an intronic polymorphism (rs5030728) modified the association between dietary SFA and HDL-cholesterol. The Nod1 Glu266Lys polymorphism modified the association between dietary SFA and HOMA-IR. These results suggest a role for innate immunity in mediating some of the effects of dietary SFAs on factors associated with the MetS.

Vitamins are readily available in the modern diet due to liberalized fortification and supplementation policies. This research tested the hypothesis that high multi-vitamin intake by Wistar rats during pregnancy leads to the development of obesity and characteristics of the metabolic syndrome in the offspring. Pregnant Wistar rats were fed the AIN-93G diet containing either the recommended (RV) or 10-fold increase (HV) in vitamin content. Pups were weaned to the RV diet (Study 1), an obesogenic liquid diet (Ob, Study 2), low vitamin diets (1/3RV or 1/6RV, Study 3), or a nutrient selection paradigm (NSP) with 10% and 60% casein diets (Study 4). Body weight (BW), food intake (FI), glucose and insulin responses, appetite hormones, abdominal fat pad mass (FPM) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured. Expressions of mRNA for hypothalamic serotonin (5-HT) receptors and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) were measured in Study 4. Males, but not females, born to HV dams had higher post-weaning BW and FI when weaned to the RV or 1/3RV diet, and exhibited components of metabolic syndrome, including higher FPM, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and elevated SBP compared with those born to RV dams. The Ob diet led to exaggerated weight gain and expressions of components of metabolic syndrome in both sexes born to dams fed the HV diet. Female pups on the 1/6RV diet from HV dams had two-fold higher glucose response and lower insulin response, but no difference in post-weaning BW and daily FI compared to those from RV dams. In contrast to the pups born to HV dams and fed a single diet, those from the HV dams and on the NSP gained less weight and ate less, and had lower hypothalamic mRNA expressions of 5-HT receptors and POMC. In conclusion, high multi-vitamin intake during pregnancy may lead to obesity, and result in a higher risk of developing characteristics of metabolic syndrome in the offspring. However, sex, weaning diet composition, and the presence of diet choice alter the outcomes.

The hypothesis that source of protein in a nutritionally adequate diet during gestation, lactation and weaning alters food intake and characteristics of metabolic syndrome in the offspring was investigated. Pregnant Wistar rats were randomized to either the AIN 93-G casein (C) or soy protein (S) diets (n=12/group) during gestation only or during gestation and lactation. Male offspring in each dams’ diet group were weaned to either C or S diets (n=12/group). Food intake, body weight (BW), fat pad mass, systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, and plasma homocysteine (p<0.05) were higher in offspring born to dams fed the S diet. Fasting blood glucose (BG), BG in response to a glucose gavage and Homeostatic Model of Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) index were higher only in male offspring born to dams fed the S diet. Moreover, gene expression of Agouti Related Protein (AgRP) was higher in offspring born to dams fed the S diet at weaning. Extending the dams’ diet during gestation and lactation magnified the effect of the gestational S diet on BW and composition and glucose metabolism in male offspring. Although composition of the weaning diets interacted with that of the dams’ diets, the latter was the dominant factor in determining metabolic outcomes in the offspring. In conclusion, the soy protein diet, compared to the casein diet when consumed during gestation or throughout gestation and lactation increased food intake and the presence of characteristics of metabolic syndrome in the offspring.

Vitamins are readily available in the modern diet due to liberalized fortification and supplementation policies. This research tested the hypothesis that high multi-vitamin intake by Wistar rats during pregnancy leads to the development of obesity and characteristics of the metabolic syndrome in the offspring. Pregnant Wistar rats were fed the AIN-93G diet containing either the recommended (RV) or 10-fold increase (HV) in vitamin content. Pups were weaned to the RV diet (Study 1), an obesogenic liquid diet (Ob, Study 2), low vitamin diets (1/3RV or 1/6RV, Study 3), or a nutrient selection paradigm (NSP) with 10% and 60% casein diets (Study 4). Body weight (BW), food intake (FI), glucose and insulin responses, appetite hormones, abdominal fat pad mass (FPM) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured. Expressions of mRNA for hypothalamic serotonin (5-HT) receptors and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) were measured in Study 4. Males, but not females, born to HV dams had higher post-weaning BW and FI when weaned to the RV or 1/3RV diet, and exhibited components of metabolic syndrome, including higher FPM, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and elevated SBP compared with those born to RV dams. The Ob diet led to exaggerated weight gain and expressions of components of metabolic syndrome in both sexes born to dams fed the HV diet. Female pups on the 1/6RV diet from HV dams had two-fold higher glucose response and lower insulin response, but no difference in post-weaning BW and daily FI compared to those from RV dams. In contrast to the pups born to HV dams and fed a single diet, those from the HV dams and on the NSP gained less weight and ate less, and had lower hypothalamic mRNA expressions of 5-HT receptors and POMC. In conclusion, high multi-vitamin intake during pregnancy may lead to obesity, and result in a higher risk of developing characteristics of metabolic syndrome in the offspring. However, sex, weaning diet composition, and the presence of diet choice alter the outcomes.

The hypothesis that source of protein in a nutritionally adequate diet during gestation, lactation and weaning alters food intake and characteristics of metabolic syndrome in the offspring was investigated. Pregnant Wistar rats were randomized to either the AIN 93-G casein (C) or soy protein (S) diets (n=12/group) during gestation only or during gestation and lactation. Male offspring in each dams’ diet group were weaned to either C or S diets (n=12/group). Food intake, body weight (BW), fat pad mass, systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, and plasma homocysteine (p<0.05) were higher in offspring born to dams fed the S diet. Fasting blood glucose (BG), BG in response to a glucose gavage and Homeostatic Model of Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) index were higher only in male offspring born to dams fed the S diet. Moreover, gene expression of Agouti Related Protein (AgRP) was higher in offspring born to dams fed the S diet at weaning. Extending the dams’ diet during gestation and lactation magnified the effect of the gestational S diet on BW and composition and glucose metabolism in male offspring. Although composition of the weaning diets interacted with that of the dams’ diets, the latter was the dominant factor in determining metabolic outcomes in the offspring. In conclusion, the soy protein diet, compared to the casein diet when consumed during gestation or throughout gestation and lactation increased food intake and the presence of characteristics of metabolic syndrome in the offspring.

Significance: Morbidity and mortality related to CVD among women in the U.S. and most developed countries surpasses that of all cancers combined (AHA, 2008). Yet, CVD in women remains understudied, yielding low awareness among women and healthcare providers. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the relationship between health beliefs related to perceived cardiovascular disease (CVD) severity and health promoting behaviors were different in women with high self perception of CVD susceptibility versus women with low self perception of CVD susceptibility. Methods: This study used a descriptive, correlational design. A convenience sample (N = 220) included female registered nurses (RNs), 23-66 years old (M = 48; SD = 9.7), mostly white (N = 143; 65%), who had worked in nursing an average of 21 years (SD = 11.3) and reported their job as stressful/very stressful (N = 129; 59%). Nurses were recruited from five acute care hospital systems in a large southeastern city. Data were collected using standard questionnaires that measured perceived CVD severity and susceptibility, social support, depression, stress, exercise and nutrition. Participants completed data collection via an online survey method. Results: Data were analyzed using MANCOVA. For every standardized unit increase in perceived severity of CVD, participants had a 1.26 (95% CI: 0.02, 2.50) unit reduction in their healthy food choice score (lower scores = healthier food choices), and a 0.12 increase in their physical activity score (higher scores = more physical activity) (90% CI: 0.01, 0.23) unit. For every standardized unit increase in perceived CVD susceptibility there was an increase in the healthy food choice score by 2.37 (95% CI: 1.09, 3.65) units, and a reduction in the physical activity score by 0.27 (95% CI: 0.12, 0.41) unit. Greater age (p = 0.01) and greater depression (p = 0.001) were statistically significant predictors of lower physical activity. CVD susceptibility did not moderate the effect of CVD severity on nutrition or physical activity. Conclusions: Higher perceived CVD severity was associated with increased likelihood for healthy food choices and physical activity. In contrast, higher perceived CVD susceptibility was associated with decreased likelihood for healthy food choices and physical activity. More research is needed to understand how susceptibility beliefs around CVD are formed in women and how to better engage women in risk reduction behavior.