Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading global cause of mortality and disability, with significant disparities observed across countries. This is particularly true in Central and Eastern Europ Show more
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading global cause of mortality and disability, with significant disparities observed across countries. This is particularly true in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), where populations are primarily at high and very high CVD risk. Highlighting modifiable risk factors underscores the urgent need for effective prevention programs. This paper introduces the European Program for Prevention (EPP), an initiative by the International Lipid Expert Panel (ILEP), designed to address these challenges. The EPP aims to enhance awareness and knowledge of validated preventive healthcare solutions implemented in CEE countries, showcase the region's potential for innovative strategies, and evaluate the adaptability of successful programs for broader implementation. The EPP strongly supports the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan, as well as initiatives by the World Heart Federation (WHF) and World Health Organization (WHO), by promoting best practices, early detection, integrated prevention frameworks, training, cross-border cooperation, and policy development. It advocates shifting healthcare priorities towards pre-disease prevention, thus reducing reliance on resource-intensive treatments. The program proposes an optimal CVD prevention system that includes mandatory health education, screening programs for familial hypercholesterolemia and universal Lp(a) screening, and comprehensive check-ups, notably integrated, comprehensive care programs. By leveraging existing validated programs and fostering collaboration, the EPP seeks to reduce the burden of CVD, improve outcomes, and promote cardiovascular health across Europe and beyond. Show less
A Mediterranean diet increases intakes of n-3 and n-9 fatty acids and lowers intake of n-6 fatty acids. This can impact colon cancer risk as n-6 fatty acids are metabolized to proinflammatory eicosano Show more
A Mediterranean diet increases intakes of n-3 and n-9 fatty acids and lowers intake of n-6 fatty acids. This can impact colon cancer risk as n-6 fatty acids are metabolized to proinflammatory eicosanoids. The purpose of this study was to evaluate interactions of polymorphisms in the fatty acid desaturase (FADS) genes, FADS1 and FADS2, and changes in diet on fatty acid concentrations in serum and colon. A total of 108 individuals at increased risk of colon cancer were randomized to either a Mediterranean or a Healthy Eating diet. Fatty acids were measured in both serum and colonic mucosa at baseline and after six months. Each individual was genotyped for four single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the FADS gene cluster. Linear regression was used to evaluate the effects of diet, genotype, and the diet by genotype interaction on fatty acid concentrations in serum and colon. Genetic variation in the FADS genes was strongly associated with baseline serum arachidonic acid (n-6) but serum eicosapentaenoic acid (n-3) and colonic fatty acid concentrations were not significantly associated with genotype. After intervention, there was a significant diet by genotype interaction for arachidonic acid concentrations in colon. Subjects who had all major alleles for FADS1/2 and were following a Mediterranean diet had 16% lower arachidonic acid concentrations in the colon after six months of intervention than subjects following the Healthy Eating diet. These results indicate that FADS genotype could modify the effects of changes in dietary fat intakes on arachidonic acid concentrations in the colon. Show less