[Epidemiology of lipid profile of the Spanish elderly population: the EPICARDIAN study]

The effect of physical activity on total homocysteine concentrations and cardiovascular risk in older Brazilian adults with type 2 diabetes

A low level of physical activity has a potential association with high levels of homocysteine, which implies an increased chance of older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the effects of physical activity on homocysteine levels have been poorly explored in the literature. Therefore, this study compared homocysteine levels and cardiovascular risk among physically active and inactive older women with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Fifty-nine women with type 2 diabetes mellitus, between 60 and 91 years old, were evaluated. The level of physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) long version to identify active and inactive older women. Blood samples were collected and anthropometric, body composition, and blood pressure measurements were performed to determine homocysteine levels and cardiovascular risk. The results demonstrated that active older women with type 2 diabetes mellitus have lower homocysteine values (F = 17.79, p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.238), cardiovascular risk scores (F = 15.84, p = p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.217), and waist circumferences (F = 2.95, p = 0.013, ηp² = 0.049) when compared with inactive older women. It was concluded that there was a difference in the levels of homocysteine, cardiovascular risk, and waist circumference between active and inactive older women with type 2 diabetes. Active older women are less likely to have cardiovascular risk than inactive older women.

The effect of aerobic vs. resistance training on plasma homocysteine in individuals with type 2 diabetes

Elevated plasma homocysteine concentration is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which seems to be the main cause of increased mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes. Previous studies have demonstrated the effect of exercise on homocysteine levels and the magnitude of these benefits seems to depend on the type, mode and frequency of training. The present study aimed to compare the effects of aerobic and resistance training on plasma homocysteine in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The study included 15 individuals undergoing aerobic training, 14 subjects undergoing resistance training, and 18 individuals in the control group. Homocysteine, total cholesterol and fractions, glucose, and anthropometric measurements were conducted. The training program lasted 16 weeks. Aerobic training was performed twice a week and lasted 75 min, and resistance training was performed twice a week and lasted 75 min. Homocysteine levels were not significantly different between before and after training. High-density lipoprotein levels increased in both training groups and decreased in the control group. Glucose levels decreased after aerobic and resistance training. Body fat mass (percentage and total) decreased in both training group, but with more expression in the aerobic group. We conclude that 16-week aerobic and resistance training programs did not significantly affect plasma homocysteine levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Nevertheless, these training programs yielded positive results in HDL control, plasma glucose, and body composition.

Diet, lifestyle factors and hypercholesterolemia in elderly men and women from Cyprus

BACKGROUND

We sought to investigate the single and combined effect of Mediterranean diet, being physically active, moderate alcohol use, and non-smoking on clinical status of 150 elderly people from Cyprus.

METHODS

The study comprises individuals enrolled in surveys from Greece and Cyprus. This work includes 53 apparently men and 97 women, aged 65 to 100 years, from various areas of Cyprus. The cohort study was conducted between 2004 and 2005. A diet score that assesses the inherent characteristics of the Mediterranean diet was developed (range 0-55) and then a healthy index was calculated that evaluated four lifestyle habits (range 0-4), i.e. non-smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (i.e. above the median of the score).

RESULTS

65% participants had hypercholesterolemia (total serum cholesterol > 200 mg/dl or use of lipid lowering agents). Moreover, 32% of the participants reported physically active, 5% reported smoking habits and 4% that they have stopped smoking during the past decade, while 8% reported alcohol drinking. A positive association was observed between prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and smoking habits (odds ratio = 4.3, p = 0.03), while an inverse association was observed between hypercholesterolemia, alcohol drinking (odds ratio = 0.3, p = 0.04) and adherence to a Mediterranean diet (odds ratio = 0.77, p = 0.02), controlled for age, sex, and other factors.

CONCLUSION

Adherence to a Mediterranean diet and healthful lifestyle is associated with reduced odds of having hypercholesterolemia among elderly people.