Inverse Relationship between Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Serum Cystatin C Levels.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine serum cystatin C levels in association with the Mediterranean diet in a healthy Greek population.

Methods: Cystatin C together with basic clinical chemistry tests was measured in a total of 490 adults (46±16 years, 40% of males), who underwent an annual health check. Demographic, anthropometric and lifestyle characteristics were recorded, while adherence to the Mediterranean diet was evaluated through the MedDietScore (0-55).

Association of butyrylcholinesterase with cardiometabolic risk factors among apparently healthy adults.

Background: Although butyrylcholinesterase is widely distributed in different tissues of the human body, its physiological role has not yet been defined. This study aimed to explore the relationship between butyrylcholinesterase and lipids levels, among apparently healthy adults.

Methods: During 2009, 490 volunteers (46 ± 16 years, 40% men) who visited the outpatients' office of our hospital for routine examinations were consecutively enrolled in the study (participation rate 85%).

Influence of protein intake from haem and non-haem animals and plant origin on inflammatory biomarkers among apparently-healthy adults in Greece.

Intake of different types of protein may be associated with differences in biomarkers among various populations. This work investigated the influence of protein intake from haem and non-haem animals as well as protein from plants on haematological and biochemical parameters in inflammation among apparently-healthy adults living in Greece, a Mediterranean country. Four hundred and ninety apparently-healthy subjects (46 +/- 16 years, 40% men), who consecutively visited Polykliniki General Hospital for routine examinations, voluntarily agreed to participate in the study (participation rate 85%).

Neck circumference is correlated with triglycerides and inversely related with HDL cholesterol beyond BMI and waist circumference.

Background: Neck circumference, beyond a measure of obesity, is a unique fat depot with increasing significance. This study aimed to investigate the association between neck circumference and biomarkers, indicators of cardiovascular risk.

Methods: During 2009, 490 volunteers (46 ± 16 years, 40% men) were consecutively enrolled to the study (participation rate 85%).

Associations of acute-phase reactants with metabolic syndrome in middle-aged overweight or obese people.

Background: Metabolic syndrome, i.e. the clustering of visceral obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension, has become a major public-health challenge worldwide.

An inverse relationship between cumulating components of the metabolic syndrome and serum magnesium levels.

Metabolic syndrome has been defined as the presence of abdominal obesity combined with 2 of the following factors: hypertension, dyslipidemia, and impaired glucose tolerance, or diabetes mellitus. Magnesium is an essential cofactor for more than 300 enzymes involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. In this study, we enrolled 117 consecutive overweight and obese patients and we measured serum magnesium levels together with fasting serum glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triacylglycerols.