Kalliopi Karatzi | Harokopio University (original) (raw)

Papers by Kalliopi Karatzi

Hellenic journal of cardiology : HJC = Hellēnikē kardiologikē epitheōrēsē

Although several cardiovascular adaptations in response to different types of exercise are alread... more Although several cardiovascular adaptations in response to different types of exercise are already known, data comparing the effects of the type of exercise training on early markers of atherosclerosis are limited. Forty-nine tennis players, 28 weightlifters and 20 non-trained healthy volunteers were recruited for the study. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and intima-media thickness (IMT) in the carotid and femoral arteries were measured in all volunteers for assessment of endothelial function and vascular remodelling, respectively. Systolic blood pressure (BP) differed significantly among the three study groups (p=0.002) independently of age, body mass index (BMI), frequency, duration and intensity of exercise (p=0.033). FMD was significantly lower in weightlifters than tennis players (p=0.002), while mean carotid IMT was significantly higher in weightlifters as compared to tennis players (p=0.009) and the control group (p=0.003). Although the differences found in FMD were not indep...

European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 2012

American Journal of Hypertension, 2005

To investigate red wine's acute effects on aortic pressures and arterial stiffness in patients wi... more To investigate red wine's acute effects on aortic pressures and arterial stiffness in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Public Health Nutrition, 2015

Objective: To investigate the magnitude and country-specific differences in underestimation of ch... more Objective: To investigate the magnitude and country-specific differences in underestimation of children's weight status by children and their parents in Europe and to further explore its associations with family characteristics and sociodemographic factors. Design: Children's weight and height were objectively measured. Parental anthropometric and sociodemographic data were self-reported. Children and their parents were asked to comment on children's weight status based on five-point Likert-type scales, ranging from 'I am much too thin' to 'I am much too fat' (children) and 'My child's weight is way too little' to 'My child's weight is way too much' (parents). These data were combined with children's actual weight status, in order to assess underestimation of children's weight status by children themselves and by their parents, respectively. Chi-square tests and multilevel logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the aims of the current study. Setting: Eight European countries participating in the ENERGY (EuropeaN Energy balance Research to prevent excessive weight Gain among Youth) project. Subjects: A school-based survey among 6113 children aged 10-12 years and their parents. Results: In the total sample, 42·9 % of overweight/obese children and 27·6 % of parents of overweight/obese children underestimated their and their children's weight status, respectively. A higher likelihood for this underestimation of weight status by children and their parents was observed in Eastern and Southern compared with Central/Northern countries. Overweight or obese parents (OR = 1·81; 95 % CI 1·39, 2·35 and OR = 1·78, 95 % CI 1·22, 2·60), parents of boys (OR = 1·32; 95 % CI 1·05, 1·67) and children from overweight/obese (OR = 1·60; 95 % CI 1·29, 1·98 and OR = 1·76; 95 % CI 1·29, 2·41) or unemployed parents (OR = 1·53; 95 % CI 1·22, 1·92) were more likely to underestimate children's weight status. Conclusions: Children of overweight or obese parents, those from Eastern and Southern Europe, boys, younger children and children with unemployed parents were more likely to underestimate their actual weight status. Overweight or obese parents and parents of boys were more likely to underestimate the actual weight status of their children. In obesity prevention such underestimation may be a barrier for behavioural change.

Korean Circulation Journal, 2005

Caffeine is considered to be the most widely consumed pharmacologic substance in the world. Sever... more Caffeine is considered to be the most widely consumed pharmacologic substance in the world. Several recent sources of evidence suggest that caffeine, besides its wellestablished pressor effects, provokes further alterations in arterial stiffness, wave reflections, and especially aortic blood pressures, which are often overlooked. The increasing evidence regarding the prognostic value of the latter cardiovascular factors prompted us to seek additional information concerning the relationship of aortic blood pressures to caffeine consumption. The main purpose of the present review was to evaluate the acute influence of caffeine on arterial stiffness, wave reflections, and central systolic pressures, which are involved in the pathogenesis and prognosis of cardiovascular diseases. Current evidence supports the hypothesis that caffeine influences the cardiovascular system at least acutely, not only through a peripheral blood pressure elevation but also through an increase in arterial stiffness and an enhancement of arterial wave reflections. Moreover, it seems that peripheral pressure measurements might have underestimated caffeine pressor effects, as a significantly greater response is observed in aortic pressures.

Nutrition, 2013

Objective: Moderate consumption of beer is associated with lower cardiovascular (CV) risk. The go... more Objective: Moderate consumption of beer is associated with lower cardiovascular (CV) risk. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of beer consumption on CV risk. To explore the underlying mechanisms, we studied the acute effects of the constituents of beer (alcohol and antioxidants), on established predictors of CV risk: endothelial function, aortic stiffness, pressure wave reflections and aortic pressure. Methods: In a randomized, single-blind, crossover study, 17 healthy, non-smoking, men (ages 28.5 AE 5.2 y with body mass index 24.4 AE 2.5 kg/m 2 ) consumed on three separate occasions, at least 1 wk apart: 1. 400 mL of beer and 400 mL water, 2. 800 mL of dealcoholized beer (same amount of polyphenols as in the 400 mL of beer), and 3. 67 mL of vodka and 733 mL water (same amount of alcohol as in the 400 mL of beer). Each time aortic stiffness (pulse wave velocity), pressure wave reflections (AIx), aortic and brachial pressure (Sphygmocor device), and endothelial function (brachial flow mediated dilatation) were assessed at fast and 1 and 2 h postprandial. Results: Aortic stiffness was significantly and similarly reduced by all three interventions. However, endothelial function was significantly improved only after beer consumption (average 1.33%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.15-2.53). Although wave reflections were significantly reduced by all three interventions (average of beer: 9.1%, dealcoholized beer: 2.8%, vodka 8.5%, all CI within limits of significance), the reduction was higher after beer consumption compared with dealcoholized beer (P ¼ 0.018). Pulse pressure amplification (i.e., brachial/aortic) was increased by all three test drinks. Conclusions: Beer acutely improves parameters of arterial function and structure, in healthy nonsmokers. This benefit seems to be mediated by the additive or synergistic effects of alcohol and antioxidants and merits further investigation.

Atherosclerosis Supplements, 2001

American Journal of Hypertension - AMER J HYPERTENS, 2004

P-116Key Words: Coffee, Caffeine, Flow-Mediated Dilatation

Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 2008

Consumption of olive oil may cause postprandial impairment of endothelial function, while acute i... more Consumption of olive oil may cause postprandial impairment of endothelial function, while acute ingestion of red wine seems to improve it. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the combined postprandial effects of two essential components of the Mediterranean diet, red wine and olive oil, on endothelial function. Fifteen healthy subjects were enrolled in the study, which was comprised of 4 study days. Subjects were asked to consume a standard meal at each study day containing 50 gr of olive oil and 250 ml of wine. Two types of wine (red and white; rich and poor in antioxidants respectively) and two types of olive oil (green and refined; rich and poor in antioxidants respectively) were used in a 2*2 design. Endothelium dependent, flow mediated dilatation (FMD) was measured with a B-Mode ultrasound device at fast and 1, 2 and 3 hours postprandially. Combined consumption of red wine and green olive oil (both rich in antioxidants) improved FMD postprandially (p = 0.002, ANOVA for repeated measures), which remained significant 1 hour (p = 0.002) and 2 hours (0.037) following the meal compared to fasting levels. No other combination of wine and olive oil caused any significant alteration on FMD. Acute consumption of both red wine and green olive oil, rich in antioxidants, led to an improvement in the postprandial endothelial function in healthy subjects. These findings provide an additional favorable effect of components of the Mediterranean diet and of their antioxidant substances on endothelial function, at the postprandial state.

Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 2007

Acute smoking causes endothelial dysfunction through impairment of nitric oxide (NO) production, ... more Acute smoking causes endothelial dysfunction through impairment of nitric oxide (NO) production, or increased oxidative stress, but the exact mechanism still needs to be elucidated. In healthy non-smokers acute endothelial dysfunction caused by smoking one cigarette was counterbalanced by red wine's antioxidants. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether red wine's antioxidant substances could counteract the acute endothelial dysfunction induced by acute cigarette smoking in healthy smokers as well. Twenty healthy volunteers (12 males) participated in a double-blind, cross-over study, comprised of three study days. All subjects either smoked one cigarette, or smoked and drank 250 ml of red wine, or smoked and drank 250 ml of dealcoholized red wine in each one of the study days. Flow mediated dilatation (FMD) was measured at fast and 30, 60 and 90 minutes after each trial. Smoking one cigarette induced a significant decrease in FMD (p < 0.001), which remained significant 30 (p < 0.001), and 60 (p = 0.003) minutes after the end of smoking. FMD remained statistically unchanged after consumption of either regular red wine, or dealcoholized red wine together with smoking. The observed endothelial dysfunction following smoking of one cigarette was counterbalanced by consumption of either red wine or dealcoholized red wine in healthy smokers. It is possible that acute endothelial dysfunction caused by smoking could be attributed to increased oxidative stress and red wine's antioxidants counteract these acute effects of smoke on endothelium.

Journal of Hypertension, 2006

Red wine seems to improve haemodynamic variables, while smoking provokes adverse effects. The hae... more Red wine seems to improve haemodynamic variables, while smoking provokes adverse effects. The haemodynamic effects of their combined use is unknown. The purpose of the present study was to examine the acute effects of red wine and its constituents, in combination with the smoking of one cigarette, on haemodynamic parameters, such as blood pressure and wave reflections, in a group of smokers. Twenty smokers (12 males, eight females) participated in a double-blind, crossover study comprised of 3 study days. All subjects either smoked one cigarette, or smoked and drank 250 ml of red wine, or 250 ml of de-alcoholized red wine (containing the same type and similar concentration of antioxidants). Applanation tonometry and generalized transfer functions were used to estimate aortic pressure waveforms at baseline and 30, 60 and 90 min after each trial. The augmentation index (AIx) was used to express wave reflections. Smoking increased peripheral systolic blood pressure (P < 0.005) 30 min later, but simultaneous consumption of either type of red wine caused no such effect. Additionally, smoking caused no overall effect on AIx, while smoking and drinking either regular or de-alcoholized red wine reduced AIx (P < 0.001). The reduction of AIx after red wine consumption was significantly greater than the respective reduction after de-alcoholized red wine (P = 0.004). Antioxidant substances in red wine counteracted the smoking-induced increase in peripheral systolic blood pressure. Both alcohol and antioxidants in red wine decrease wave reflections in uncomplicated habitual smokers postprandially, indicating an additional favourable effect of red wine.

The Journal of Clinical Hypertension, 2012

Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2009

Red wine is considered to reduce cardiovascular risk and decrease peripheral systolic and diastol... more Red wine is considered to reduce cardiovascular risk and decrease peripheral systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Central aortic pressures are often more sensitive clinical and prognostic factors than peripheral pressures, while arterial stiffness is an independent prognostic factor for cardiovascular events.

Coronary Artery Disease, 2004

Several studies suggest that red wine is beneficial in coronary artery disease (CAD). Although th... more Several studies suggest that red wine is beneficial in coronary artery disease (CAD). Although the long-term effect of moderate red wine consumption on endothelial function is currently under investigation, there is little knowledge about its effect on postprandial endothelial function and haemostatic factors. The aim of the present study was to investigate the postprandial effects of alcohol content and the antioxidants of red wine on endothelial function and fibrinogen levels in CAD patients. Fifteen males with angiographically documented CAD were recruited for the study. All volunteers ingested 250 ml of either red wine or de-alcoholized red wine on two different days. Blood samples (for analysis of fibrinogen and blood lipids) were collected and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) was determined before and 30, 60 and 90 min following consumption of each beverage FMD was higher following the consumption of de-alcoholized red wine [type of wine effect, P=0.05 repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA)]. Furthermore, the pattern of the response was different between the two beverages, as FMD increased following the ingestion of de-alcoholized red wine, but it decreased after consumption of regular red wine (type of wine by time interaction effect, P=0.006 repeated measures ANOVA). Fibrinogen concentrations were unaltered Acute ingestion of red wine without alcohol led to higher FMD than ingestion of regular red wine in CAD patients. The acute effect of red wine on endothelial function may be different than its long-term effect and it could be attributed to its constituents other than alcohol.

Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, 2014

Microvascular dysfunction is suggested to be a marker of common pathophysiological mechanisms in ... more Microvascular dysfunction is suggested to be a marker of common pathophysiological mechanisms in the development of insulin resistance, cardiovascular diseases, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Given the established relationship of diet with the macrovascular disease, the aim of this study was to investigate for the first time the possible associations between dietary patterns and microcirculation. Two hundred ninety-one healthy men and women selected from the Supplementation en Vitamines et Mineraux Antioxydants 2' cohort were assessed for anthropometric, nutritional, biochemical, and microcirculation parameters using finger skin capillaroscopy. Dietary intake was assessed cross-sectionally using a food frequency questionnaire, and principal component analysis was used to identify dietary patterns from 40 food groups. Six dietary patterns were identified. A dietary pattern characterized by increased consumption of vegetable oils, poultry, and fish and seafood was positively associated with both functional and anatomic capillary density after adjusting for confounders (β=0.13, P=0.05 and β=0.20, P=0.00, respectively). A second dietary pattern with increased consumption of sweets was inversely associated with functional and anatomic capillary density in all multivariate models (β=-0.14, P=0.03 and β=-0.17, P=0.01). There were no associations between any of the derived dietary patterns and capillary recruitment. In healthy subjects, a dietary pattern characterized by an increased consumption of vegetable oils, poultry, and fish and seafood and low consumption of sweets was associated with better microvascular function. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the present association.

Public Health Nutrition, 2014

Objective: Insulin resistance is a significant cross-point for the manifestation of several chron... more Objective: Insulin resistance is a significant cross-point for the manifestation of several chronic diseases in children and adults. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible relationship of certain dietary patterns and breakfast consumption habits with insulin resistance in children.

Hellenic journal of cardiology : HJC = Hellēnikē kardiologikē epitheōrēsē

Although several cardiovascular adaptations in response to different types of exercise are alread... more Although several cardiovascular adaptations in response to different types of exercise are already known, data comparing the effects of the type of exercise training on early markers of atherosclerosis are limited. Forty-nine tennis players, 28 weightlifters and 20 non-trained healthy volunteers were recruited for the study. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and intima-media thickness (IMT) in the carotid and femoral arteries were measured in all volunteers for assessment of endothelial function and vascular remodelling, respectively. Systolic blood pressure (BP) differed significantly among the three study groups (p=0.002) independently of age, body mass index (BMI), frequency, duration and intensity of exercise (p=0.033). FMD was significantly lower in weightlifters than tennis players (p=0.002), while mean carotid IMT was significantly higher in weightlifters as compared to tennis players (p=0.009) and the control group (p=0.003). Although the differences found in FMD were not indep...

European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 2012

American Journal of Hypertension, 2005

To investigate red wine's acute effects on aortic pressures and arterial stiffness in patients wi... more To investigate red wine's acute effects on aortic pressures and arterial stiffness in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Public Health Nutrition, 2015

Objective: To investigate the magnitude and country-specific differences in underestimation of ch... more Objective: To investigate the magnitude and country-specific differences in underestimation of children's weight status by children and their parents in Europe and to further explore its associations with family characteristics and sociodemographic factors. Design: Children's weight and height were objectively measured. Parental anthropometric and sociodemographic data were self-reported. Children and their parents were asked to comment on children's weight status based on five-point Likert-type scales, ranging from 'I am much too thin' to 'I am much too fat' (children) and 'My child's weight is way too little' to 'My child's weight is way too much' (parents). These data were combined with children's actual weight status, in order to assess underestimation of children's weight status by children themselves and by their parents, respectively. Chi-square tests and multilevel logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the aims of the current study. Setting: Eight European countries participating in the ENERGY (EuropeaN Energy balance Research to prevent excessive weight Gain among Youth) project. Subjects: A school-based survey among 6113 children aged 10-12 years and their parents. Results: In the total sample, 42·9 % of overweight/obese children and 27·6 % of parents of overweight/obese children underestimated their and their children's weight status, respectively. A higher likelihood for this underestimation of weight status by children and their parents was observed in Eastern and Southern compared with Central/Northern countries. Overweight or obese parents (OR = 1·81; 95 % CI 1·39, 2·35 and OR = 1·78, 95 % CI 1·22, 2·60), parents of boys (OR = 1·32; 95 % CI 1·05, 1·67) and children from overweight/obese (OR = 1·60; 95 % CI 1·29, 1·98 and OR = 1·76; 95 % CI 1·29, 2·41) or unemployed parents (OR = 1·53; 95 % CI 1·22, 1·92) were more likely to underestimate children's weight status. Conclusions: Children of overweight or obese parents, those from Eastern and Southern Europe, boys, younger children and children with unemployed parents were more likely to underestimate their actual weight status. Overweight or obese parents and parents of boys were more likely to underestimate the actual weight status of their children. In obesity prevention such underestimation may be a barrier for behavioural change.

Korean Circulation Journal, 2005

Caffeine is considered to be the most widely consumed pharmacologic substance in the world. Sever... more Caffeine is considered to be the most widely consumed pharmacologic substance in the world. Several recent sources of evidence suggest that caffeine, besides its wellestablished pressor effects, provokes further alterations in arterial stiffness, wave reflections, and especially aortic blood pressures, which are often overlooked. The increasing evidence regarding the prognostic value of the latter cardiovascular factors prompted us to seek additional information concerning the relationship of aortic blood pressures to caffeine consumption. The main purpose of the present review was to evaluate the acute influence of caffeine on arterial stiffness, wave reflections, and central systolic pressures, which are involved in the pathogenesis and prognosis of cardiovascular diseases. Current evidence supports the hypothesis that caffeine influences the cardiovascular system at least acutely, not only through a peripheral blood pressure elevation but also through an increase in arterial stiffness and an enhancement of arterial wave reflections. Moreover, it seems that peripheral pressure measurements might have underestimated caffeine pressor effects, as a significantly greater response is observed in aortic pressures.

Nutrition, 2013

Objective: Moderate consumption of beer is associated with lower cardiovascular (CV) risk. The go... more Objective: Moderate consumption of beer is associated with lower cardiovascular (CV) risk. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of beer consumption on CV risk. To explore the underlying mechanisms, we studied the acute effects of the constituents of beer (alcohol and antioxidants), on established predictors of CV risk: endothelial function, aortic stiffness, pressure wave reflections and aortic pressure. Methods: In a randomized, single-blind, crossover study, 17 healthy, non-smoking, men (ages 28.5 AE 5.2 y with body mass index 24.4 AE 2.5 kg/m 2 ) consumed on three separate occasions, at least 1 wk apart: 1. 400 mL of beer and 400 mL water, 2. 800 mL of dealcoholized beer (same amount of polyphenols as in the 400 mL of beer), and 3. 67 mL of vodka and 733 mL water (same amount of alcohol as in the 400 mL of beer). Each time aortic stiffness (pulse wave velocity), pressure wave reflections (AIx), aortic and brachial pressure (Sphygmocor device), and endothelial function (brachial flow mediated dilatation) were assessed at fast and 1 and 2 h postprandial. Results: Aortic stiffness was significantly and similarly reduced by all three interventions. However, endothelial function was significantly improved only after beer consumption (average 1.33%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.15-2.53). Although wave reflections were significantly reduced by all three interventions (average of beer: 9.1%, dealcoholized beer: 2.8%, vodka 8.5%, all CI within limits of significance), the reduction was higher after beer consumption compared with dealcoholized beer (P ¼ 0.018). Pulse pressure amplification (i.e., brachial/aortic) was increased by all three test drinks. Conclusions: Beer acutely improves parameters of arterial function and structure, in healthy nonsmokers. This benefit seems to be mediated by the additive or synergistic effects of alcohol and antioxidants and merits further investigation.

Atherosclerosis Supplements, 2001

American Journal of Hypertension - AMER J HYPERTENS, 2004

P-116Key Words: Coffee, Caffeine, Flow-Mediated Dilatation

Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 2008

Consumption of olive oil may cause postprandial impairment of endothelial function, while acute i... more Consumption of olive oil may cause postprandial impairment of endothelial function, while acute ingestion of red wine seems to improve it. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the combined postprandial effects of two essential components of the Mediterranean diet, red wine and olive oil, on endothelial function. Fifteen healthy subjects were enrolled in the study, which was comprised of 4 study days. Subjects were asked to consume a standard meal at each study day containing 50 gr of olive oil and 250 ml of wine. Two types of wine (red and white; rich and poor in antioxidants respectively) and two types of olive oil (green and refined; rich and poor in antioxidants respectively) were used in a 2*2 design. Endothelium dependent, flow mediated dilatation (FMD) was measured with a B-Mode ultrasound device at fast and 1, 2 and 3 hours postprandially. Combined consumption of red wine and green olive oil (both rich in antioxidants) improved FMD postprandially (p = 0.002, ANOVA for repeated measures), which remained significant 1 hour (p = 0.002) and 2 hours (0.037) following the meal compared to fasting levels. No other combination of wine and olive oil caused any significant alteration on FMD. Acute consumption of both red wine and green olive oil, rich in antioxidants, led to an improvement in the postprandial endothelial function in healthy subjects. These findings provide an additional favorable effect of components of the Mediterranean diet and of their antioxidant substances on endothelial function, at the postprandial state.

Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 2007

Acute smoking causes endothelial dysfunction through impairment of nitric oxide (NO) production, ... more Acute smoking causes endothelial dysfunction through impairment of nitric oxide (NO) production, or increased oxidative stress, but the exact mechanism still needs to be elucidated. In healthy non-smokers acute endothelial dysfunction caused by smoking one cigarette was counterbalanced by red wine's antioxidants. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether red wine's antioxidant substances could counteract the acute endothelial dysfunction induced by acute cigarette smoking in healthy smokers as well. Twenty healthy volunteers (12 males) participated in a double-blind, cross-over study, comprised of three study days. All subjects either smoked one cigarette, or smoked and drank 250 ml of red wine, or smoked and drank 250 ml of dealcoholized red wine in each one of the study days. Flow mediated dilatation (FMD) was measured at fast and 30, 60 and 90 minutes after each trial. Smoking one cigarette induced a significant decrease in FMD (p < 0.001), which remained significant 30 (p < 0.001), and 60 (p = 0.003) minutes after the end of smoking. FMD remained statistically unchanged after consumption of either regular red wine, or dealcoholized red wine together with smoking. The observed endothelial dysfunction following smoking of one cigarette was counterbalanced by consumption of either red wine or dealcoholized red wine in healthy smokers. It is possible that acute endothelial dysfunction caused by smoking could be attributed to increased oxidative stress and red wine's antioxidants counteract these acute effects of smoke on endothelium.

Journal of Hypertension, 2006

Red wine seems to improve haemodynamic variables, while smoking provokes adverse effects. The hae... more Red wine seems to improve haemodynamic variables, while smoking provokes adverse effects. The haemodynamic effects of their combined use is unknown. The purpose of the present study was to examine the acute effects of red wine and its constituents, in combination with the smoking of one cigarette, on haemodynamic parameters, such as blood pressure and wave reflections, in a group of smokers. Twenty smokers (12 males, eight females) participated in a double-blind, crossover study comprised of 3 study days. All subjects either smoked one cigarette, or smoked and drank 250 ml of red wine, or 250 ml of de-alcoholized red wine (containing the same type and similar concentration of antioxidants). Applanation tonometry and generalized transfer functions were used to estimate aortic pressure waveforms at baseline and 30, 60 and 90 min after each trial. The augmentation index (AIx) was used to express wave reflections. Smoking increased peripheral systolic blood pressure (P < 0.005) 30 min later, but simultaneous consumption of either type of red wine caused no such effect. Additionally, smoking caused no overall effect on AIx, while smoking and drinking either regular or de-alcoholized red wine reduced AIx (P < 0.001). The reduction of AIx after red wine consumption was significantly greater than the respective reduction after de-alcoholized red wine (P = 0.004). Antioxidant substances in red wine counteracted the smoking-induced increase in peripheral systolic blood pressure. Both alcohol and antioxidants in red wine decrease wave reflections in uncomplicated habitual smokers postprandially, indicating an additional favourable effect of red wine.

The Journal of Clinical Hypertension, 2012

Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2009

Red wine is considered to reduce cardiovascular risk and decrease peripheral systolic and diastol... more Red wine is considered to reduce cardiovascular risk and decrease peripheral systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Central aortic pressures are often more sensitive clinical and prognostic factors than peripheral pressures, while arterial stiffness is an independent prognostic factor for cardiovascular events.

Coronary Artery Disease, 2004

Several studies suggest that red wine is beneficial in coronary artery disease (CAD). Although th... more Several studies suggest that red wine is beneficial in coronary artery disease (CAD). Although the long-term effect of moderate red wine consumption on endothelial function is currently under investigation, there is little knowledge about its effect on postprandial endothelial function and haemostatic factors. The aim of the present study was to investigate the postprandial effects of alcohol content and the antioxidants of red wine on endothelial function and fibrinogen levels in CAD patients. Fifteen males with angiographically documented CAD were recruited for the study. All volunteers ingested 250 ml of either red wine or de-alcoholized red wine on two different days. Blood samples (for analysis of fibrinogen and blood lipids) were collected and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) was determined before and 30, 60 and 90 min following consumption of each beverage FMD was higher following the consumption of de-alcoholized red wine [type of wine effect, P=0.05 repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA)]. Furthermore, the pattern of the response was different between the two beverages, as FMD increased following the ingestion of de-alcoholized red wine, but it decreased after consumption of regular red wine (type of wine by time interaction effect, P=0.006 repeated measures ANOVA). Fibrinogen concentrations were unaltered Acute ingestion of red wine without alcohol led to higher FMD than ingestion of regular red wine in CAD patients. The acute effect of red wine on endothelial function may be different than its long-term effect and it could be attributed to its constituents other than alcohol.

Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, 2014

Microvascular dysfunction is suggested to be a marker of common pathophysiological mechanisms in ... more Microvascular dysfunction is suggested to be a marker of common pathophysiological mechanisms in the development of insulin resistance, cardiovascular diseases, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Given the established relationship of diet with the macrovascular disease, the aim of this study was to investigate for the first time the possible associations between dietary patterns and microcirculation. Two hundred ninety-one healthy men and women selected from the Supplementation en Vitamines et Mineraux Antioxydants 2' cohort were assessed for anthropometric, nutritional, biochemical, and microcirculation parameters using finger skin capillaroscopy. Dietary intake was assessed cross-sectionally using a food frequency questionnaire, and principal component analysis was used to identify dietary patterns from 40 food groups. Six dietary patterns were identified. A dietary pattern characterized by increased consumption of vegetable oils, poultry, and fish and seafood was positively associated with both functional and anatomic capillary density after adjusting for confounders (β=0.13, P=0.05 and β=0.20, P=0.00, respectively). A second dietary pattern with increased consumption of sweets was inversely associated with functional and anatomic capillary density in all multivariate models (β=-0.14, P=0.03 and β=-0.17, P=0.01). There were no associations between any of the derived dietary patterns and capillary recruitment. In healthy subjects, a dietary pattern characterized by an increased consumption of vegetable oils, poultry, and fish and seafood and low consumption of sweets was associated with better microvascular function. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the present association.

Public Health Nutrition, 2014

Objective: Insulin resistance is a significant cross-point for the manifestation of several chron... more Objective: Insulin resistance is a significant cross-point for the manifestation of several chronic diseases in children and adults. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible relationship of certain dietary patterns and breakfast consumption habits with insulin resistance in children.