Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Differential Effects of DHA and EPA on Inflammation
Metabolic SyndromeOverweight3 moreAccording to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number 1 cause of death globally. Systemic and local tissue inflammation is now recognized as a key etiological process leading to CVD. Hence, elevated blood levels of inflammation markers are classified among the well-established risk factors for the development of CVD. Among nutritional strategies to prevent and/or reduce chronic inflammation, long-chain omega 3 PUFA (LCn-3PUFA), notably eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have raised tremendous interest for their purported anti-inflammatory effects. Previous meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) substantiated the anti-inflammatory effect of LCn-3PUFA supplementation as evidenced by significant reductions in plasma concentrations of specific inflammation markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). However, it is stressed that almost all of the reported RCTs have used a mix of EPA and DHA in various ratios, as EPA and DHA occur concomitantly and naturally in food (fish oils) and in most dietary supplements. Yet, several recent RCTs have recently been undertaken to test the hypothesis that not all LCn-3PUFAs are equal, at least when it comes to their anti-inflammatory effects. Accordingly, there is increasing interest and evidence for potential distinctive effects of DHA compared to EPA on systemic inflammation, raising the question: Is DHA a more potent anti-inflammatory nutrient than EPA? To formally answer this question, we will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs to assess and compare the individual anti-inflammatory effects of DHA and of EPA. The present work will be a pairwise and network meta-analysis focusing on RCTs comparing the effects of EPA and DHA on surrogate markers of systemic inflammation. The findings generated by these analyses will provide invaluable and timely comparative information on the specific efficacy of DHA and EPA as one of the key nutritional modalities for the treatment of chronic inflammation in high-risk men and women. This is important considering that LCn-3PUFA supplements are increasingly being used by the population and an ever growing market in the dietary supplements' industry.
DELPHI in Subjects at Risk for Stroke and Dementia
StrokeHypertension10 moreThe DELPhi system is a software device that is used for the noninvasive evaluation of brain plasticity and connectivity. The DELPhi software uses EEG and TMS devices as accessories. Standard electro-physiological acquisition is performed using TMS to evoke regional neuronal potentials measured as EEG data. TMS-EEG data is analyzed with regards to conventional, well established characteristics of neuronal network plasticity and connectivity.
AMAZ-02 Effect on Exercise ToLerance in Healthy, Overweight Middle Aged Subjects (ATLAS Trial)
Muscle FunctionMitochondrial Function2 moreThis is a Phase 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolling 90 healthy, overweight, middle aged subjects (30 placebo, 30 low dose and 30 high dose AMAZ-02 intervention), 40-65 years of age, who are otherwise healthy. AMAZ-02, a food derived ingredient, will be given as a daily oral dose for 4 months.
Effect of Dietary Intervention on Gut Microbiome in Hong Kong Obese Population
OverweightModern way of life characterized by decreased physical activity and poor dietary habits seems to be an important trigger for the onset of metabolic disorders. Accumulating evidence indicates that the gut microbiota is involved in host metabolism by increasing energy extraction, immune system modulation, and altering lipid metabolism, which play an intricate role in metabolic disorders, such as obesity and diabetes. Diet has a major role in shaping the composition and activity of gut microbiota. Consumptions of whole-grain and polyunsaturated fatty acids are known to exert certain extent of impacts on gut microbial communities in terms of participants' richness and diversity. In this study, the investigators aim to evaluate the impact of dietary intervention on gut microbiome in Hong Kong obese population
Food-for-Families: Experimental Grocery Store Study
OverweightObesityThis is a study about how the price of foods affects buying choices at the grocery store. The price of foods can have a big impact on what people choose to buy and prices change over time. This study is being done to see how changes in food prices affect what mothers choose for their families.
Brain's Response to Chocolate
OverweightObesityThe purpose of this study is to test how the brain responds when individuals eat enjoyable foods such as chocolate. Eating certain foods can make one want to keep eating even when feeling full, caused by dopamine in the brain. The researchers believe this dopamine response can be measured by looking at the individual's eye.
Construct and Evaluate the Effectiveness of a Theory-based mHealth for Overweight and Obese Women...
Gestational Weight GainPhysical ActivityThis study was to construct and develop an application (APP) based on social-cognitive theory for overweight and obese women during pregnancy.
Effects of Exercise Intensity on Energy Intake, Appetite and Enjoyment in Overweight and Obese Females...
Overweight and ObesityInterval exercise involves short bouts of high intensity exercise interspersed with periods of lower intensity exercise. The benefit is that a shorter total duration of exercise may be required to achieve cardiovascular benefits similar to or even superior to traditional longer bouts of steady state endurance exercise. However how this type of exercise affects appetite and energy intake, particularly in overweight and obese females is not well known. This study involves two trials of exercise, one at high intensity and one at low intensity, followed by a buffet lunch, in overweight and obese females.
Short to Long Effects of Whole Body Cryostimulation on Insulin Sensitivity Among Overweight
CryotherapyTraining2 moreTherapeutic effectiveness of coldness in relieving pain and reducing inflammation has been known for many years now. Over that time, various coldness therapies have gained in popularity, including winter swimming, snow baths or whole body cryostimulation (WBC) . Recent researches have shown positive effects of WBC on metabolic profile, low-to-moderate chronic inflammation and related diseases (e.g., obesity). WBC could be, thus, intended as an adjuvant method in the treatment of dysmetabolic conditions, such as overweight or obesity. WBC is a cheap easily accessible practice, with a few well-defined contraindications and limited non severe possible adverse events, if performed in specialized centres. At the same time, in sport science appears data, which indicated on inhibition of adaptive changes induced by regular training. The primary aim is to define, through a randomized controlled approach, the relative effectiveness of up to 20 consecutive sessions of either WBC, high-intensity intermittent training (HIIT), or their combination (WBC and HIIT) in improving the metabolic status of overweight and obese subjects. The effects will be assessed, at different time-points, in terms of insulin sensitivity and modification in the profile of hormones regulating the energy metabolism (adipokines, myokines, bone-derived hormones) and the inter-organ cross-talk.
Th Effect of Ketogenic Metabolic Nutritional Pattern on High-frequency Episodic Migraine (EMIKETO)...
MigraineKetogenic Dieting3 moreThe study aims to investigate the impact of 2 nutritional patterns on high-frequency episodic migraine. Subjects enrolled will be randomized in two arms: a) very-low-calorie-ketogenic-diet (VLCKD), b) hypocaloric balanced non ketogenic-diet (HBD).