2.4. Sample Collection, Biochemical Analyses, and Further Measurements
erythrocyte fatty acid, peripheral venous blood
BLOOD, CREST
Parameters measured as part of the study were biochemical parameters (fasting lipid profile, high-sensitivity c-reactive protein (CRP), apolipoproteins A1 and B, lipoprotein(a), homocysteine, fasting glucose and insulin, glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)), erythrocyte fatty acid distribution, anthropometric parameters (body weight and composition, blood pressures, heart rate), and micronutrient status (vitamins, minerals, trace elements) (Blood was taken by venipuncture between 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM after at least 12 h overnight fasting. Furthermore, consumption of alcohol and excessive physical activity was not allowed on the day before and on the morning before the venipuncture.Fasting peripheral venous blood samples were centrifuged (10 min, 2.762 g, 4 °C) to separate plasma and serum. Study parameters were analyzed immediately after blood sampling or by using serum and plasma aliquots stored at –80 °C until the analysis. Samples were prepared according to standard operation procedures. Many of the study parameters were analyzed at the Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, Jena University Hospital using an Abbott Architect CI 16200 analyzer (Abbott, Wiesbaden, Germany), HPLC (Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan) or with regard to HbA1c using the Tosoh HLC-723G11 (Sysmex, Norderstedt, Germany) according to the manufacturer’s recommendations (The same trained nurse always performed the anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, and heart rate measurements with participants barefoot and in light clothing (single measurement). Body weight was measured in kilograms to the first decimal place and height and waist circumferences to the nearest half centimeter. Waist circumference was measured midway between the lower rib margin and the iliac crest (a thumb’s breadth above the navel). Arterial blood pressure was measured with the subject in a sitting position using the upper arm after the subject had been seated for at least 10 min.Calibrated instruments were used (scale with integrated stadiometer: seca813; Hamburg, Germany; ergonomic tape measure: seca212; Hamburg, Germany; automatic blood pressure device: boso-medicus uno; BOSCH + SOHN, Jungingen, Germany). Body composition was assessed by a Body Impedance Analyzer (Data Input, Pöcking, Germany; exactness of measurement: 0.5% of measurement value (reactance)/±2.0% of measurement value (resistance)).