Long-term effect of mediterranean-style diet and calorie restriction on biomarkers of longevity and oxidative stress in overweight men.

We report the effects of a Mediterranean-style diet, with or without calorie restriction, on biomarkers of aging and oxidative stress in overweight men. 192 men were randomly assigned to either a Mediterranean-style diet or a conventional diet. The intervention program was based on implementation of a Mediterranean dietary pattern in the overweight group (MED diet group), associated with calorie restriction and increased physical activity in the obese group (lifestyle group).

Adherence to Mediterranean diet and sexual function in women with type 2 diabetes.

Introduction: There are no reported studies assessing the relation between diet and sexual function in women with diabetes.

Aim: In the present study, we explored the relation between consumption of a Mediterranean-type diet and sexual function in a population of type 2 diabetic women.

Methods: Patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled if they had a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes for at least six months but less than 10 years, age 35-70 years, body mass index (BMI) of 24 or higher, HbA1c of 6.

Dietary glycemic index and glycemic load are associated with metabolic control in type 2 diabetes: The CAPRI experience.

Background: The role of low-glycemic-index diets in the treatment of diabetes mellitus remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between the dietary glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) with metabolic control in type 2 diabetic patients.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis in 901 outpatients with type 2 diabetes attending diabetes clinics located in the area of the Campania County, South Italy, who provided complete home blood glucose profiles and centralized glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c).

Effects of a Mediterranean-style diet on the need for antihyperglycemic drug therapy in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: a randomized trial.

Background: Low-carbohydrate and low-fat calorie-restricted diets are recommended for weight loss in overweight and obese people with type 2 diabetes.

Objective: To compare the effects of a low-carbohydrate Mediterranean-style or a low-fat diet on the need for antihyperglycemic drug therapy in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

Design: Single-center, randomized trial.

Characterization of a novel polymorphism in PPARG regulatory region associated with type 2 diabetes and diabetic retinopathy in Italy.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma polymorphisms have been widely associated with type 2 diabetes, although their role in the pathogenesis of vascular complications is not yet demonstrated. In this study, a cohort of 211 type 2 diabetes, 205 obese, and 254 control individuals was genotyped for Pro12Ala, C1431T, C-2821T polymorphisms, and for a newly identified polymorphism (A-2819G). The above-mentioned polymorphisms were analyzed by gene-specific PCR and direct sequencing of all samples.

Effect of a mediterranean-style diet on endothelial dysfunction and markers of vascular inflammation in the metabolic syndrome: a randomized trial.

Context: The metabolic syndrome has been identified as a target for dietary therapies to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease; however, the role of diet in the etiology of the metabolic syndrome is poorly understood.

Objective: To assess the effect of a Mediterranean-style diet on endothelial function and vascular inflammatory markers in patients with the metabolic syndrome.

Design, Setting, And Patients: Randomized, single-blind trial conducted from June 2001 to January 2004 at a university hospital in Italy among 180 patients (99 men and 81 women) with the metabolic syndrome, as defined by the Adult Treatment Panel III.

Effect of lifestyle changes on erectile dysfunction in obese men: a randomized controlled trial.

Context: Healthy lifestyle factors are associated with maintenance of erectile function in men.

Objective: To determine the effect of weight loss and increased physical activity on erectile and endothelial functions in obese men.

Design, Setting, And Patients: Randomized, single-blind trial of 110 obese men (body mass index > or =30) aged 35 to 55 years, without diabetes, hypertension, or hyperlipidemia, who had erectile dysfunction that was determined by having a score of 21 or less on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF).

Effect of weight loss on cardiac synchronization and proinflammatory cytokines in premenopausal obese women.

Objective: Obesity is an important risk factor for heart failure in both women and men. Dyssynchrony between right and left ventricular contraction and relaxation has been identified as an independent predictor of heart failure. We examined the relationship of ventricular synchronization abnormalities with the concentration of proinflammatory cytokines in obese women at baseline and after sustained weight loss.

Meal modulation of circulating interleukin 18 and adiponectin concentrations in healthy subjects and in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: A single high-fat meal induces endothelial activation, which is associated with increased serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokines.

Objective: We compared the effect of 3 different meals on circulating concentrations of interleukin 8 (IL-8), interleukin 18 (IL-18), and adiponectin in healthy subjects and in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Design: Thirty patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and 30 matched, nondiabetic subjects received the following 3 isoenergetic (780 kcal) meals separated by 1-wk intervals: a high-fat meal; a high-carbohydrate, low-fiber (4.

Effect of weight loss and lifestyle changes on vascular inflammatory markers in obese women: a randomized trial.

Context: Obesity is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which may be mediated by increased secretion of proinflammatory cytokines by adipose tissue.

Objective: To determine the effect of a program of changes in lifestyle designed to obtain a sustained reduction of body weight on markers of systemic vascular inflammation and insulin resistance.

Design And Setting: Randomized single-blind trial conducted from February 1999 to February 2002 at a university hospital in Italy.

Weight loss reduces interleukin-18 levels in obese women.

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis, which may be mediated, at least in part, by increased secretion of proinflammatory cytokines by adipose tissue. We examined the hypothesis that circulating levels of IL-18 were elevated in obese women and would be reduced by weight loss. In a sample of 40 obese (body mass index, 36.