Genevieve Asselin - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Genevieve Asselin

International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care

INTRODUCTION:Increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in open angle glaucoma (OAG) may lead to optic ... more INTRODUCTION:Increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in open angle glaucoma (OAG) may lead to optic nerve damage due to progressive obstruction of aqueous humor drainage. Among surgery options, trabecular micro-bypass stent (iStent®) was recently introduced. This Health Technology Assessment (HTA) aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of iStent®, combined or not with cataract surgery, in patients with mild-to-moderate OAG.METHODS:A systematic review (SR) was performed from 2000 to August 2016. Studies reporting data at three months or more on IOP and hypotensive medication use following iStent® implant were eligible. Governmental databases on safety issues were reviewed. The project involved an interdisciplinary group of experts.RESULTS:Two HTA reports, one SR, four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nine observational studies (OSs) were included. Compared to cataract surgery alone, implantation of iStent®combined with cataract surgery was associated with a decrease in IOP ...

International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care

IntroductionAntibiotics impregnated calcium sulfate (AI-CaSO4) is an innovative practice to ensur... more IntroductionAntibiotics impregnated calcium sulfate (AI-CaSO4) is an innovative practice to ensure local diffusion of antibiotics especially in the treatment of prosthesis or medical implants infections. A recent introduction of AI-CaSO4 at CHU de Québec-Université Laval (CHU de Québec) was followed by a rapid increase in use and costs. A hospital-based health technology assessment (HTA) was then requested to assess the clinical relevance of AI-CaSO4 in surgical site infection (SSI) management.MethodsA systematic review of the effectiveness and adverse effects of AI-CaSO4 was performed in indexed databases and grey literature. The local context analysis included different methodologies: 1) interviews with pharmacists, surgeons and operating room managers, 2) data extraction from electronic patient records (EPR), 3) procurement database on CaSO4, and 4) interdisciplinary working group including orthopedic and vascular surgeons, pharmacists, infectiologists, and hospital managers.Resu...

Maturitas, 2009

People with metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause... more People with metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in women in Canada. Emerging evidence suggests that pulses may have protective effects on components of metabolic syndrome by improving lipid profile and glycemia. Objectives: To investigate the effect of consumption of pulses on the components of metabolic syndrome and fat mass on women with abnormal metabolic profile, through a "real life" randomized controlled trial. Methods: Between February and September 2007, 134 participants were randomized to consume during 16 weeks: 1) 750 ml of pulses per week or 2) control meals without pulses. Primary components of the metabolic syndrome (HDL-C, TG, blood pressure, glycemia, waist circumference) and fat mass were measured at the weeks 0, 8, 16 and 24. Secondary components of the metabolic syndrome (insulin, apo A1, apo B, Lp (a), fibrinogen, CRP, IL-6, TNF-α) were measured at weeks 0 and 16. Results: A total of 132 participant were included in the analysis. At week 16, both pulse and control diet reduced significantly waist circumference (p<0.05), apo B and fibrinogen. Only in pulse diet, fat mass reduced significantly. Primary and secondary components of metabolic syndrome and fat mass did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusions: In a "real life" context, pulses consumption produced a favourable effect on dietary intakes and on anthropometric variables but the magnitude of the change achieved during 16 weeks is too modest to modify metabolic risk factors.

Menopause, 2009

To compare the effects of enriched ethyl-eicosapentaenoic acid (E-EPA) omega-3 fatty acid supplem... more To compare the effects of enriched ethyl-eicosapentaenoic acid (E-EPA) omega-3 fatty acid supplementation with those of placebo on hot flashes (HFs) and quality of life among middle-aged women. Women were considered for participation if they were between 40 and 55 years of age and had moderate to severe psychological distress. A total of 120 women were randomly assigned to E-EPA or placebo for 8 weeks. Only women with HFs were included in this analysis (E-EPA, n = 45; placebo, n = 46). Outcomes were changes from baseline to week 8 postintervention regarding hot flash (HF) frequency (number of HFs per day), intensity and score (frequency x intensity), and Menopause-specific Quality of Life questionnaire scores. At baseline, the average number of HFs was 2.8 per day. After 8 weeks, HF frequency and score decreased significantly in the E-EPA group compared with the placebo group. There was no difference in the change in HF intensity between groups. Frequency of HFs declined by a mean of 1.58 per day (95% CI, -2.18 to -0.98) in the E-EPA group and by 0.50 per day (95% CI, -1.20 to 0.20) in the placebo group. The odds of being a responder among those taking E-EPA were about three times greater than among those taking placebo (odds ratio, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.03-7.03; P = 0.04). Menopause-Specific Quality of Life scores improved significantly over time in both groups but no significant differences were noted between them. Supplementation with E-EPA omega-3 fatty acid reduced HF frequency and improved the HF score relative to placebo. These results need to be confirmed by a clinical trial specifically designed to evaluate HFs in more symptomatic women.

American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 2001

In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that fish protein may represent a key constituent ... more In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that fish protein may represent a key constituent of fish with glucoregulatory activity. Three groups of rats were fed a high-fat diet in which the protein source was casein, fish (cod) protein, or soy protein; these groups were compared with a group of chow-fed controls. High-fat feeding led to severe whole body and skeletal muscle insulin resistance in casein- or soy protein-fed rats, as assessed by the euglycemic clamp technique coupled with measurements of 2-deoxy-D-[(3)H]glucose uptake rates by individual tissues. However, feeding cod protein fully prevented the development of insulin resistance in high fat-fed rats. These animals exhibited higher rates of insulin-mediated muscle glucose disposal that were comparable to those of chow-fed rats. The beneficial effects of cod protein occurred without any reductions in body weight gain, adipose tissue accretion, or expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in fat and muscle. Moreover, ...

Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, 2010

The objective of the study is to evaluate the effects of pulse consumption in women presenting at... more The objective of the study is to evaluate the effects of pulse consumption in women presenting at least two primary components of the metabolic syndrome (MS). One hundred and thirty-four women were randomly assigned to consume for a 16-week period either 750 ml of pulses weekly or control meals without pulses. Main outcomes measure were primary and secondary components of the MS and body fatness. A significant increase in dietary fibers and a significant decrease in dietary cholesterol were observed in the pulse group. For all components of the MS and body fatness, no significant differences were observed between the group consuming pulses or in the control group; however, plasma fibrinogen concentration decreased significantly only in the pulse group. In conclusion, a nutritional intervention providing 750 ml of pulses weekly had no effect on primary and secondary components of the MS and on body fatness.

Menopause, 2009

To compare the effects of enriched ethyl-eicosapentaenoic acid (E-EPA) omega-3 fatty acid supplem... more To compare the effects of enriched ethyl-eicosapentaenoic acid (E-EPA) omega-3 fatty acid supplementation with those of placebo on hot flashes (HFs) and quality of life among middle-aged women. Women were considered for participation if they were between 40 and 55 years of age and had moderate to severe psychological distress. A total of 120 women were randomly assigned to E-EPA or placebo for 8 weeks. Only women with HFs were included in this analysis (E-EPA, n = 45; placebo, n = 46). Outcomes were changes from baseline to week 8 postintervention regarding hot flash (HF) frequency (number of HFs per day), intensity and score (frequency x intensity), and Menopause-specific Quality of Life questionnaire scores. At baseline, the average number of HFs was 2.8 per day. After 8 weeks, HF frequency and score decreased significantly in the E-EPA group compared with the placebo group. There was no difference in the change in HF intensity between groups. Frequency of HFs declined by a mean of 1.58 per day (95% CI, -2.18 to -0.98) in the E-EPA group and by 0.50 per day (95% CI, -1.20 to 0.20) in the placebo group. The odds of being a responder among those taking E-EPA were about three times greater than among those taking placebo (odds ratio, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.03-7.03; P = 0.04). Menopause-Specific Quality of Life scores improved significantly over time in both groups but no significant differences were noted between them. Supplementation with E-EPA omega-3 fatty acid reduced HF frequency and improved the HF score relative to placebo. These results need to be confirmed by a clinical trial specifically designed to evaluate HFs in more symptomatic women.

Public Health Nutrition, 2010

ObjectiveTo quantify marine food product consumption and EPA + DHA intake among Quebecers, and to... more ObjectiveTo quantify marine food product consumption and EPA + DHA intake among Quebecers, and to compare the results with the most recent recommendations.DesignData were obtained from a representative cross-sectional telephone survey (June 2006). Intakes of marine food product species and EPA + DHA were estimated from a validated FFQ on the consumption of marine food products during the previous month. Prevalence of fish oil consumption in the last 6 months was also assessed.SettingProvince of Quebec (Canada).SubjectsA representative sample (n 1001) of adults in the province of Quebec. Of these, eight were excluded from the present analysis (n 993).ResultsMean and median EPA + DHA intakes for all participants were estimated to be 291 mg/d (sem 11) and 207 mg/d, respectively. 85·0 % (95 % CI 82·7, 87·3) of Quebecers had an EPA + DHA intake lower than 500 mg/d, which is the amount internationally recommended for the prevention of CVD. Mean and median DHA intakes among women of childb...

Nutrition, 2008

Due to its high content of lignans, ␣-linolenic acid and fiber, flaxseed may reduce cardiovascula... more Due to its high content of lignans, ␣-linolenic acid and fiber, flaxseed may reduce cardiovascular disease risk in humans. The present study evaluated the effect of flaxseed on markers of cardiovascular disease risk in healthy menopausal women. Methods: One hundred ninety-nine women were randomly assigned to consume 40 g daily of flaxseed or wheat germ placebo for 12 mo. Fatty acids, apolipoproteins A-1 and B, lipoprotein(a), low-density lipoprotein particle size, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, insulin, and glucose were measured at baseline and at 12 mo. Results: In total 179 women were available for the intention-to-treat analysis. Flaxseed increased plasma ␣-linolenic (P Ͻ 0.0001), docosapentaenoic (P ϭ 0.001), and total-3 fatty (P ϭ 0.0004) acids. Differences between flaxseed and wheat germ were observed for apolipoprotein A-1 (Ϫ0.10 Ϯ 0.26 g/L, P ϭ 0.011) and apolipoprotein B (Ϫ0.05 Ϯ 0.16 g/L, P ϭ 0.047). From baseline, flaxseed raised apolipoproteins A-1 and B by 4.4% (P ϭ 0.006) and 3% (P ϭ 0.054), whereas wheat germ increased these apolipoproteins by 11.6% (P Ͻ 0.0001) and 7% (P ϭ 0.0001), respectively. Both treatments increased lipoprotein(a) (P Ͻ 0.0001) and decreased low-density lipoprotein peak particle size (P Ͻ 0.0001). Conclusion: In this large, long-term, placebo-controlled trial in healthy menopausal women, flaxseed increased some-3 fatty acids in plasma and had a limited effect on apolipoprotein metabolism.

Maturitas, 2009

People with metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause... more People with metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in women in Canada. Emerging evidence suggests that pulses may have protective effects on components of metabolic syndrome by improving lipid profile and glycemia. Objectives: To investigate the effect of consumption of pulses on the components of metabolic syndrome and fat mass on women with abnormal metabolic profile, through a "real life" randomized controlled trial. Methods: Between February and September 2007, 134 participants were randomized to consume during 16 weeks: 1) 750 ml of pulses per week or 2) control meals without pulses. Primary components of the metabolic syndrome (HDL-C, TG, blood pressure, glycemia, waist circumference) and fat mass were measured at the weeks 0, 8, 16 and 24. Secondary components of the metabolic syndrome (insulin, apo A1, apo B, Lp (a), fibrinogen, CRP, IL-6, TNF-α) were measured at weeks 0 and 16. Results: A total of 132 participant were included in the analysis. At week 16, both pulse and control diet reduced significantly waist circumference (p<0.05), apo B and fibrinogen. Only in pulse diet, fat mass reduced significantly. Primary and secondary components of metabolic syndrome and fat mass did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusions: In a "real life" context, pulses consumption produced a favourable effect on dietary intakes and on anthropometric variables but the magnitude of the change achieved during 16 weeks is too modest to modify metabolic risk factors.

Lipids, 2004

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of three modified milk fats with... more The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of three modified milk fats with different melting profiles on fasting and postprandial lipid responses and on fecal fat content in guinea pigs. We hypothesized that the consumption of modified milk fat with a high m.p. results in reduced fasting and postprandial lipid responses compared with that of modified milk fat fractions with lower m.p. To test this hypothesis, male Hartley guinea pigs were fed isoenergetic diets containing 110 g of fat/kg, either from one of the three modified milk fats with high (HMF), medium (MMF), or low melting profiles (LMF), or from one of the two reference fats as whole milk fat (MF) or a fat blend similar to that of nonhydrogenated soft margarine (MA) for 28 d. Food intake (P < 0.05) and body weight gain (P < 0.05) were reduced in the animals fed the HMF diet compared with the other groups. In the fasting state, plasma LDL cholesterol was highest in animals fed the LMF diet, intermediary in those fed the MMF and MF diets, and lowest in those fed the HMF and MA diets (P < 0.05). Postprandially, the areas under the 0-to 3-h curves for the changes in plasma TG were lower in the HMF group than in the MA-and LMF-fed guinea pigs (P < 0.05). The fecal fat content was higher (P < 0.05) in the HMF group compared to the other milk fat groups. The present results suggest that modified milk fats can impact food intake, body weight gain, fasting cholesterolemia, and postprandial triglyceridemia, and these changes may be attributed to an altered fat absorption. Paper no. L9536 in Lipids 39, 985-992 (October 2004).

Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies, 2007

ABSTRACT Menopausal transition and early postmenopause are marked by intense hormonal changes (ho... more ABSTRACT Menopausal transition and early postmenopause are marked by intense hormonal changes (hot flashes, psychological disorders, mood disturbance and sleep problems). Although depression is a treatable illness that is twice as common among women than men, many people do not respond to or receive treatment. However, no treatment guidelines are available for less severe depressive disorders. Due to their lack of conviction in conventional therapies, a growing number of women are turning to alternative practices. Fish oil or omega-3 fatty acid supplements have grown in popularity in recent years. Our recent clinical trial among 120 middle-aged women indicated that eicosapentaenoic acid omega-3 supplementation could provide some benefits over placebo in psychological distress as well as mild depressive and vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause transition.

Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies, 2010

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2009

Background: Psychological distress (PD) and depressive symptoms are commonly observed during meno... more Background: Psychological distress (PD) and depressive symptoms are commonly observed during menopausal transition. Studies suggest that omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids may help alleviate depression. Objective: The objective was to compare enriched ethyleicosapentaenoic acid (E-EPA) supplementation with placebo for the treatment of PD and depressive symptoms in middle-aged women. Design: Women with moderate-to-severe PD (n ¼ 120) were randomly assigned to receive 1.05 g E-EPA /d plus 0.15 g ethyldocosahexaenoic acid/d (n ¼ 59) or placebo (n ¼ 61) for 8 wk. The main outcomes were 8-wk changes in PD scores [Psychological General Well-Being Schedule (PGWB)] and depressive scales [20-item Hopkins Symptom Checklist Depression Scale (HSCL-D-20) and the 21-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D-21)]. Results: At baseline, women with PD were mildly to moderately depressed, and 24% met the major depressive episode (MDE) criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition. After 8 wk, outcomes improved in both groups, but no significant differences were noted between them. Stratification analyses for MDE diagnosis at baseline indicated that differences in adjusted 8-wk changes between the E-EPA group without MDE (n ¼ 46) and the placebo group (n ¼ 45) were 8.0 (95% CI: 0.6, 15.3; P ¼ 0.034) for the PGWB, 20.2 (95% CI: 20.01, 20.4; P ¼ 0.040) for the HSCL-D-20, and 22.7 (95% CI: 20.3, 25.1; P ¼ 0.030) for the HAM-D-21. Differences in adjusted 8-wk changes between the E-EPA group with MDE (n ¼ 13) and the placebo group (n ¼ 16) were not significant. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first trial of n-3 supplementation in the treatment of PD and depressive symptoms in middle-aged women. In women with PD without MDE at baseline, the 8-wk changes in PD and depressive scales improved significantly more with E-EPA than with placebo. This trial was registered at http://www.controlled-trials.com as ISRCTN69617477.

Public health nutrition, 2009

To validate an FFQ for the assessment of dietary EPA and DHA against their relative concentration... more To validate an FFQ for the assessment of dietary EPA and DHA against their relative concentrations in red blood cells (RBC). Cross-sectional analysis of baseline data. Intakes of marine food products and EPA and DHA were estimated by FFQ on the basis of consumption of marine food products in the last month. Fatty acid composition of RBC membranes was quantified by GC. Saint-François d'Assise Hospital, Québec, Canada. A total of sixty-five middle-aged women who participated in a randomized clinical trial. Spearman's correlation coefficient between intake of EPA, DHA and EPA + DHA and their corresponding concentration in RBC was 0.46, 0.40 and 0.42, respectively (all P < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis of EPA+DHA intake and RBC EPA + DHA concentration indicated positive and significant correlations for oily fish (beta = 0.44, 95% CI 0.16, 0.72, P = 0.0027), total fish (beta = 0.42, 95% CI 0.19, 0.64, P = 0.0005) and marine food products (beta = 0.42, 95% CI 0.20, 0.64, ...

Protocols, 1996

... essentially equal frequency. The authors suggest that physicians are not clear on the advanta... more ... essentially equal frequency. The authors suggest that physicians are not clear on the advantages or disadvantages of integrative modali-ties such as acupuncture,bodywork, herbal approaches, and behav-ioral therapies. ...

International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care

INTRODUCTION:Increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in open angle glaucoma (OAG) may lead to optic ... more INTRODUCTION:Increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in open angle glaucoma (OAG) may lead to optic nerve damage due to progressive obstruction of aqueous humor drainage. Among surgery options, trabecular micro-bypass stent (iStent®) was recently introduced. This Health Technology Assessment (HTA) aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of iStent®, combined or not with cataract surgery, in patients with mild-to-moderate OAG.METHODS:A systematic review (SR) was performed from 2000 to August 2016. Studies reporting data at three months or more on IOP and hypotensive medication use following iStent® implant were eligible. Governmental databases on safety issues were reviewed. The project involved an interdisciplinary group of experts.RESULTS:Two HTA reports, one SR, four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nine observational studies (OSs) were included. Compared to cataract surgery alone, implantation of iStent®combined with cataract surgery was associated with a decrease in IOP ...

International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care

IntroductionAntibiotics impregnated calcium sulfate (AI-CaSO4) is an innovative practice to ensur... more IntroductionAntibiotics impregnated calcium sulfate (AI-CaSO4) is an innovative practice to ensure local diffusion of antibiotics especially in the treatment of prosthesis or medical implants infections. A recent introduction of AI-CaSO4 at CHU de Québec-Université Laval (CHU de Québec) was followed by a rapid increase in use and costs. A hospital-based health technology assessment (HTA) was then requested to assess the clinical relevance of AI-CaSO4 in surgical site infection (SSI) management.MethodsA systematic review of the effectiveness and adverse effects of AI-CaSO4 was performed in indexed databases and grey literature. The local context analysis included different methodologies: 1) interviews with pharmacists, surgeons and operating room managers, 2) data extraction from electronic patient records (EPR), 3) procurement database on CaSO4, and 4) interdisciplinary working group including orthopedic and vascular surgeons, pharmacists, infectiologists, and hospital managers.Resu...

Maturitas, 2009

People with metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause... more People with metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in women in Canada. Emerging evidence suggests that pulses may have protective effects on components of metabolic syndrome by improving lipid profile and glycemia. Objectives: To investigate the effect of consumption of pulses on the components of metabolic syndrome and fat mass on women with abnormal metabolic profile, through a "real life" randomized controlled trial. Methods: Between February and September 2007, 134 participants were randomized to consume during 16 weeks: 1) 750 ml of pulses per week or 2) control meals without pulses. Primary components of the metabolic syndrome (HDL-C, TG, blood pressure, glycemia, waist circumference) and fat mass were measured at the weeks 0, 8, 16 and 24. Secondary components of the metabolic syndrome (insulin, apo A1, apo B, Lp (a), fibrinogen, CRP, IL-6, TNF-α) were measured at weeks 0 and 16. Results: A total of 132 participant were included in the analysis. At week 16, both pulse and control diet reduced significantly waist circumference (p<0.05), apo B and fibrinogen. Only in pulse diet, fat mass reduced significantly. Primary and secondary components of metabolic syndrome and fat mass did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusions: In a "real life" context, pulses consumption produced a favourable effect on dietary intakes and on anthropometric variables but the magnitude of the change achieved during 16 weeks is too modest to modify metabolic risk factors.

Menopause, 2009

To compare the effects of enriched ethyl-eicosapentaenoic acid (E-EPA) omega-3 fatty acid supplem... more To compare the effects of enriched ethyl-eicosapentaenoic acid (E-EPA) omega-3 fatty acid supplementation with those of placebo on hot flashes (HFs) and quality of life among middle-aged women. Women were considered for participation if they were between 40 and 55 years of age and had moderate to severe psychological distress. A total of 120 women were randomly assigned to E-EPA or placebo for 8 weeks. Only women with HFs were included in this analysis (E-EPA, n = 45; placebo, n = 46). Outcomes were changes from baseline to week 8 postintervention regarding hot flash (HF) frequency (number of HFs per day), intensity and score (frequency x intensity), and Menopause-specific Quality of Life questionnaire scores. At baseline, the average number of HFs was 2.8 per day. After 8 weeks, HF frequency and score decreased significantly in the E-EPA group compared with the placebo group. There was no difference in the change in HF intensity between groups. Frequency of HFs declined by a mean of 1.58 per day (95% CI, -2.18 to -0.98) in the E-EPA group and by 0.50 per day (95% CI, -1.20 to 0.20) in the placebo group. The odds of being a responder among those taking E-EPA were about three times greater than among those taking placebo (odds ratio, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.03-7.03; P = 0.04). Menopause-Specific Quality of Life scores improved significantly over time in both groups but no significant differences were noted between them. Supplementation with E-EPA omega-3 fatty acid reduced HF frequency and improved the HF score relative to placebo. These results need to be confirmed by a clinical trial specifically designed to evaluate HFs in more symptomatic women.

American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 2001

In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that fish protein may represent a key constituent ... more In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that fish protein may represent a key constituent of fish with glucoregulatory activity. Three groups of rats were fed a high-fat diet in which the protein source was casein, fish (cod) protein, or soy protein; these groups were compared with a group of chow-fed controls. High-fat feeding led to severe whole body and skeletal muscle insulin resistance in casein- or soy protein-fed rats, as assessed by the euglycemic clamp technique coupled with measurements of 2-deoxy-D-[(3)H]glucose uptake rates by individual tissues. However, feeding cod protein fully prevented the development of insulin resistance in high fat-fed rats. These animals exhibited higher rates of insulin-mediated muscle glucose disposal that were comparable to those of chow-fed rats. The beneficial effects of cod protein occurred without any reductions in body weight gain, adipose tissue accretion, or expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in fat and muscle. Moreover, ...

Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, 2010

The objective of the study is to evaluate the effects of pulse consumption in women presenting at... more The objective of the study is to evaluate the effects of pulse consumption in women presenting at least two primary components of the metabolic syndrome (MS). One hundred and thirty-four women were randomly assigned to consume for a 16-week period either 750 ml of pulses weekly or control meals without pulses. Main outcomes measure were primary and secondary components of the MS and body fatness. A significant increase in dietary fibers and a significant decrease in dietary cholesterol were observed in the pulse group. For all components of the MS and body fatness, no significant differences were observed between the group consuming pulses or in the control group; however, plasma fibrinogen concentration decreased significantly only in the pulse group. In conclusion, a nutritional intervention providing 750 ml of pulses weekly had no effect on primary and secondary components of the MS and on body fatness.

Menopause, 2009

To compare the effects of enriched ethyl-eicosapentaenoic acid (E-EPA) omega-3 fatty acid supplem... more To compare the effects of enriched ethyl-eicosapentaenoic acid (E-EPA) omega-3 fatty acid supplementation with those of placebo on hot flashes (HFs) and quality of life among middle-aged women. Women were considered for participation if they were between 40 and 55 years of age and had moderate to severe psychological distress. A total of 120 women were randomly assigned to E-EPA or placebo for 8 weeks. Only women with HFs were included in this analysis (E-EPA, n = 45; placebo, n = 46). Outcomes were changes from baseline to week 8 postintervention regarding hot flash (HF) frequency (number of HFs per day), intensity and score (frequency x intensity), and Menopause-specific Quality of Life questionnaire scores. At baseline, the average number of HFs was 2.8 per day. After 8 weeks, HF frequency and score decreased significantly in the E-EPA group compared with the placebo group. There was no difference in the change in HF intensity between groups. Frequency of HFs declined by a mean of 1.58 per day (95% CI, -2.18 to -0.98) in the E-EPA group and by 0.50 per day (95% CI, -1.20 to 0.20) in the placebo group. The odds of being a responder among those taking E-EPA were about three times greater than among those taking placebo (odds ratio, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.03-7.03; P = 0.04). Menopause-Specific Quality of Life scores improved significantly over time in both groups but no significant differences were noted between them. Supplementation with E-EPA omega-3 fatty acid reduced HF frequency and improved the HF score relative to placebo. These results need to be confirmed by a clinical trial specifically designed to evaluate HFs in more symptomatic women.

Public Health Nutrition, 2010

ObjectiveTo quantify marine food product consumption and EPA + DHA intake among Quebecers, and to... more ObjectiveTo quantify marine food product consumption and EPA + DHA intake among Quebecers, and to compare the results with the most recent recommendations.DesignData were obtained from a representative cross-sectional telephone survey (June 2006). Intakes of marine food product species and EPA + DHA were estimated from a validated FFQ on the consumption of marine food products during the previous month. Prevalence of fish oil consumption in the last 6 months was also assessed.SettingProvince of Quebec (Canada).SubjectsA representative sample (n 1001) of adults in the province of Quebec. Of these, eight were excluded from the present analysis (n 993).ResultsMean and median EPA + DHA intakes for all participants were estimated to be 291 mg/d (sem 11) and 207 mg/d, respectively. 85·0 % (95 % CI 82·7, 87·3) of Quebecers had an EPA + DHA intake lower than 500 mg/d, which is the amount internationally recommended for the prevention of CVD. Mean and median DHA intakes among women of childb...

Nutrition, 2008

Due to its high content of lignans, ␣-linolenic acid and fiber, flaxseed may reduce cardiovascula... more Due to its high content of lignans, ␣-linolenic acid and fiber, flaxseed may reduce cardiovascular disease risk in humans. The present study evaluated the effect of flaxseed on markers of cardiovascular disease risk in healthy menopausal women. Methods: One hundred ninety-nine women were randomly assigned to consume 40 g daily of flaxseed or wheat germ placebo for 12 mo. Fatty acids, apolipoproteins A-1 and B, lipoprotein(a), low-density lipoprotein particle size, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, insulin, and glucose were measured at baseline and at 12 mo. Results: In total 179 women were available for the intention-to-treat analysis. Flaxseed increased plasma ␣-linolenic (P Ͻ 0.0001), docosapentaenoic (P ϭ 0.001), and total-3 fatty (P ϭ 0.0004) acids. Differences between flaxseed and wheat germ were observed for apolipoprotein A-1 (Ϫ0.10 Ϯ 0.26 g/L, P ϭ 0.011) and apolipoprotein B (Ϫ0.05 Ϯ 0.16 g/L, P ϭ 0.047). From baseline, flaxseed raised apolipoproteins A-1 and B by 4.4% (P ϭ 0.006) and 3% (P ϭ 0.054), whereas wheat germ increased these apolipoproteins by 11.6% (P Ͻ 0.0001) and 7% (P ϭ 0.0001), respectively. Both treatments increased lipoprotein(a) (P Ͻ 0.0001) and decreased low-density lipoprotein peak particle size (P Ͻ 0.0001). Conclusion: In this large, long-term, placebo-controlled trial in healthy menopausal women, flaxseed increased some-3 fatty acids in plasma and had a limited effect on apolipoprotein metabolism.

Maturitas, 2009

People with metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause... more People with metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in women in Canada. Emerging evidence suggests that pulses may have protective effects on components of metabolic syndrome by improving lipid profile and glycemia. Objectives: To investigate the effect of consumption of pulses on the components of metabolic syndrome and fat mass on women with abnormal metabolic profile, through a "real life" randomized controlled trial. Methods: Between February and September 2007, 134 participants were randomized to consume during 16 weeks: 1) 750 ml of pulses per week or 2) control meals without pulses. Primary components of the metabolic syndrome (HDL-C, TG, blood pressure, glycemia, waist circumference) and fat mass were measured at the weeks 0, 8, 16 and 24. Secondary components of the metabolic syndrome (insulin, apo A1, apo B, Lp (a), fibrinogen, CRP, IL-6, TNF-α) were measured at weeks 0 and 16. Results: A total of 132 participant were included in the analysis. At week 16, both pulse and control diet reduced significantly waist circumference (p<0.05), apo B and fibrinogen. Only in pulse diet, fat mass reduced significantly. Primary and secondary components of metabolic syndrome and fat mass did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusions: In a "real life" context, pulses consumption produced a favourable effect on dietary intakes and on anthropometric variables but the magnitude of the change achieved during 16 weeks is too modest to modify metabolic risk factors.

Lipids, 2004

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of three modified milk fats with... more The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of three modified milk fats with different melting profiles on fasting and postprandial lipid responses and on fecal fat content in guinea pigs. We hypothesized that the consumption of modified milk fat with a high m.p. results in reduced fasting and postprandial lipid responses compared with that of modified milk fat fractions with lower m.p. To test this hypothesis, male Hartley guinea pigs were fed isoenergetic diets containing 110 g of fat/kg, either from one of the three modified milk fats with high (HMF), medium (MMF), or low melting profiles (LMF), or from one of the two reference fats as whole milk fat (MF) or a fat blend similar to that of nonhydrogenated soft margarine (MA) for 28 d. Food intake (P < 0.05) and body weight gain (P < 0.05) were reduced in the animals fed the HMF diet compared with the other groups. In the fasting state, plasma LDL cholesterol was highest in animals fed the LMF diet, intermediary in those fed the MMF and MF diets, and lowest in those fed the HMF and MA diets (P < 0.05). Postprandially, the areas under the 0-to 3-h curves for the changes in plasma TG were lower in the HMF group than in the MA-and LMF-fed guinea pigs (P < 0.05). The fecal fat content was higher (P < 0.05) in the HMF group compared to the other milk fat groups. The present results suggest that modified milk fats can impact food intake, body weight gain, fasting cholesterolemia, and postprandial triglyceridemia, and these changes may be attributed to an altered fat absorption. Paper no. L9536 in Lipids 39, 985-992 (October 2004).

Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies, 2007

ABSTRACT Menopausal transition and early postmenopause are marked by intense hormonal changes (ho... more ABSTRACT Menopausal transition and early postmenopause are marked by intense hormonal changes (hot flashes, psychological disorders, mood disturbance and sleep problems). Although depression is a treatable illness that is twice as common among women than men, many people do not respond to or receive treatment. However, no treatment guidelines are available for less severe depressive disorders. Due to their lack of conviction in conventional therapies, a growing number of women are turning to alternative practices. Fish oil or omega-3 fatty acid supplements have grown in popularity in recent years. Our recent clinical trial among 120 middle-aged women indicated that eicosapentaenoic acid omega-3 supplementation could provide some benefits over placebo in psychological distress as well as mild depressive and vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause transition.

Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies, 2010

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2009

Background: Psychological distress (PD) and depressive symptoms are commonly observed during meno... more Background: Psychological distress (PD) and depressive symptoms are commonly observed during menopausal transition. Studies suggest that omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids may help alleviate depression. Objective: The objective was to compare enriched ethyleicosapentaenoic acid (E-EPA) supplementation with placebo for the treatment of PD and depressive symptoms in middle-aged women. Design: Women with moderate-to-severe PD (n ¼ 120) were randomly assigned to receive 1.05 g E-EPA /d plus 0.15 g ethyldocosahexaenoic acid/d (n ¼ 59) or placebo (n ¼ 61) for 8 wk. The main outcomes were 8-wk changes in PD scores [Psychological General Well-Being Schedule (PGWB)] and depressive scales [20-item Hopkins Symptom Checklist Depression Scale (HSCL-D-20) and the 21-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D-21)]. Results: At baseline, women with PD were mildly to moderately depressed, and 24% met the major depressive episode (MDE) criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition. After 8 wk, outcomes improved in both groups, but no significant differences were noted between them. Stratification analyses for MDE diagnosis at baseline indicated that differences in adjusted 8-wk changes between the E-EPA group without MDE (n ¼ 46) and the placebo group (n ¼ 45) were 8.0 (95% CI: 0.6, 15.3; P ¼ 0.034) for the PGWB, 20.2 (95% CI: 20.01, 20.4; P ¼ 0.040) for the HSCL-D-20, and 22.7 (95% CI: 20.3, 25.1; P ¼ 0.030) for the HAM-D-21. Differences in adjusted 8-wk changes between the E-EPA group with MDE (n ¼ 13) and the placebo group (n ¼ 16) were not significant. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first trial of n-3 supplementation in the treatment of PD and depressive symptoms in middle-aged women. In women with PD without MDE at baseline, the 8-wk changes in PD and depressive scales improved significantly more with E-EPA than with placebo. This trial was registered at http://www.controlled-trials.com as ISRCTN69617477.

Public health nutrition, 2009

To validate an FFQ for the assessment of dietary EPA and DHA against their relative concentration... more To validate an FFQ for the assessment of dietary EPA and DHA against their relative concentrations in red blood cells (RBC). Cross-sectional analysis of baseline data. Intakes of marine food products and EPA and DHA were estimated by FFQ on the basis of consumption of marine food products in the last month. Fatty acid composition of RBC membranes was quantified by GC. Saint-François d'Assise Hospital, Québec, Canada. A total of sixty-five middle-aged women who participated in a randomized clinical trial. Spearman's correlation coefficient between intake of EPA, DHA and EPA + DHA and their corresponding concentration in RBC was 0.46, 0.40 and 0.42, respectively (all P < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis of EPA+DHA intake and RBC EPA + DHA concentration indicated positive and significant correlations for oily fish (beta = 0.44, 95% CI 0.16, 0.72, P = 0.0027), total fish (beta = 0.42, 95% CI 0.19, 0.64, P = 0.0005) and marine food products (beta = 0.42, 95% CI 0.20, 0.64, ...

Protocols, 1996

... essentially equal frequency. The authors suggest that physicians are not clear on the advanta... more ... essentially equal frequency. The authors suggest that physicians are not clear on the advantages or disadvantages of integrative modali-ties such as acupuncture,bodywork, herbal approaches, and behav-ioral therapies. ...