Mediterranean diet- and exercise-induced improvement in age-dependent vascular activity

Abstract

The aging effect on microvascular integrity, marked by endothelial dysfunction and reduction in exercise tolerance, is a major cause of CVD (cardiovascular disease). Improved dietary habits, known to reduce morbidity and mortality, are also known to attenuate those aging effects. The present study investigated the effects of combined MD (Mediterranean diet) and exercise intervention on lower- and upper-limb cutaneous microvascular functions in an older healthy population. A total of 22 sedentary healthy participants (age, 55±4 years) underwent cardiopulmonary exercise tolerance test, and were assessed for their upper- and lower-limb vascular endothelial CVC (cutaneous vascular conductance) using LDF (laser Doppler fluximetry) with endothelium-dependent [ACh (acetylcholine chloride)] and -independent [SNP (sodium nitroprusside)] vasodilation. Participants were then randomized into two groups: MD and non-MD, and followed an 8-week intervention programme, which included discontinuous treadmill running based on each individual's exertion, twice per week. Exercise training improved CVC in both groups (e.g. 0.42±0.19 compared with 1.50±1.05 and 0.47±0.26 compared with 1.15±0.59 at 1000 μCb for MD and non-MD respectively; P<0.001). This was also combined by improvement in the exercise tolerance indicated by increased VT (ventilatory threshold) in both groups [12.2±2.8 compared with 14.8±2.8 ml·(kg of body weight)(-1)·min(-1) and 11.7±2.7 compared with 14.6±3.2 ml·(kg of body weight)(-1)·min(-1) for MD and non-MD groups respectively; P<0.05]. However, the MD group showed greater improvement in endothelium-dependent vasodilation than non-MD [ANCOVA (analyses of co-variance), P=0.02]. The results of the present study suggest that compliance with MD, combined with regular moderate exercise, improves age-provoked microcirculatory endothelial dysfunction and increases exercise tolerance, both responsible for reducing cardiovascular risk in this age group.

Implementing a Mediterranean diet intervention into a RCT: Lessons learned from a non-Mediterranean based country

“…This study has contributed to the development of appropriate MD interventions with nonMediterranean based populations, particularly those that reside in Western Europe. The ability to consistently support dietary change for a sustained period of time in a non-Mediterranean country is an apparent challenge and something in which the limited intervention studies in non-Mediterranean regions have yet to investigate despite promising health benefits (9,10,26). …”

“…A purposive sample (n=11) of adult participants, who had previously enrolled on an 8-week MD intervention study (9), was approached by email invitation. The invitation outlined the opportunity to discuss the experience of attempting the MD with other participants involved in the original study, in a University location at a mutually convenient time.…”

“…food availability, cost, personal preferences and preparation) has remained unexplored. This study addresses this gap and highlights the barriers and facilitators to eating the MD, based on a small sample of British citizens who had participated in an experimental study in the north-east of England (9,10). The previous study investigated the combined effects of the MD and an exercise intervention on lower-and upper-limb cutaneous microvascular function in a healthy middle-aged population.…”

Exploring barriers and facilitators to eating the Mediterranean diet in England: a qualitative study

“…Little is known on the pragmatic and cultural perspectives of adopting the MD in the UK. This study aimed to highlight the barriers and facilitators to eating the MD from a sample of participants who had recently attempted to implement the diet in the north-east of England.The investigation recruited a sample (n 11) of adult (50-65yrs) participants (n 8) that had previously enrolled on an 8-week MD intervention study (2) . They were encouraged to attend this investigation with their co-habiting partner (n 3).…”

“…The investigation recruited a sample (n 11) of adult (50-65yrs) participants (n 8) that had previously enrolled on an 8-week MD intervention study (2) . They were encouraged to attend this investigation with their co-habiting partner (n 3).…”