Cholesterol In Men Research Articles

Visceral-to-peripheral adiposity ratio: a critical determinant of sex and ethnic differences in cardiovascular risks among Asian Indians and African Creoles in Mauritius

Background/AimsCoronary heart disease morbidity and mortality are higher in people of South Asian origin than in those of African origin. We investigated whether as young adults without diabetes, people in Mauritius of South Asian descent (Indians) would show a more adverse cardiovascular risk profile that those of predominantly African descent (Creoles), and whether this could be explained by ethnic differences in visceral adiposity or other fat distribution patterns.MethodsThe study was conducted in 189 young non-physically active adults, with the following measurements conducted after an overnight fast: anthropometry (weight, height, waist circumference), whole-body and regional body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, blood pressure, and blood assays for glycemic (glucose and HbA1c) and lipid profile (triglycerides and cholesterols).ResultsThe results indicate higher serum triglycerides and lower HDL cholesterol in men than in women, and in Indians than in Creoles (p < 0.001). No significant differences due to sex or ethnicity are observed in body mass index and waist circumference, but indices of visceral adiposity (visceral/android, visceral/subcutaneous) and visceral-to-peripheral adiposity ratio (visceral/gynoid, visceral/limb) were significantly higher in men than in women, and in Indians than in Creoles. The significant effects of sex and ethnicity on blood lipid profile were either completely abolished or reduced to a greater extent after adjusting for the ratio of visceral-to-peripheral adiposity than for visceral adiposity per se.ConclusionsIn young adults in Mauritius, Indians show a more adverse pattern of body fat distribution and blood lipid risk profile than Creoles. Differences in their fat distribution patterns, however, only partially explain their differential atherogenic lipid risk profile, amid a greater impact of visceral-to-peripheral adiposity ratio than that of visceral adiposity per se on sex and ethnic differences in cardiovascular risks; the former possibly reflecting the ratio of hazardous (visceral) adiposity and protective (peripheral) superficial subcutaneous adiposity.

Finasteride delays atherosclerosis progression in mice and is associated with a reduction in plasma cholesterol in men

Finasteride is commonly prescribed to treat benign prostate hyperplasia and male-pattern baldness in cis men and, more recently, trans individuals. However, the effect of finasteride on cardiovascular disease remains elusive. We evaluated the role of finasteride on atherosclerosis using low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-deficient (Ldlr−/−) mice. Next, we examined the relevance to humans by analyzing the data deposited between 2009 and 2016 in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We show that finasteride reduces total plasma cholesterol and delays the development of atherosclerosis in Ldlr−/− mice. Finasteride reduced monocytosis, monocyte recruitment to the lesion, macrophage lesion content, and necrotic core area, the latter of which is an indicator of plaque vulnerability in humans. RNA sequencing analysis revealed a downregulation of inflammatory pathways and an upregulation of bile acid metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and cholesterol pathways in the liver of mice taking finasteride. Men reporting the use of finasteride showed lower plasma levels of cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol than those not taking the drug. Our data unveil finasteride as a potential treatment to delay cardiovascular disease in people by improving the plasma lipid profile.

Association between Dietary Patterns and Serum Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Japanese Women and Men: The Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort (J-MICC) Study.

The association between dietary patterns and serum low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol would be changing in recent dietary habits in Japan. We investigated the relationship between dietary patterns and serum LDL cholesterol in a large general population. From the baseline survey of Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort Study between 2005 and 2013, 27,237 participants (13,994 were women) aged 35-69 years were cross-sectionally analyzed. Using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, five major sex-specific dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis. We assessed serum LDL cholesterol by quintiles of dietary pattern factor score. We identified dietary patterns; "vegetable rich pattern" , "meat and fried food rich pattern" and "high bread and low rice pattern" in women and men; "fish and shellfish rich pattern" and "high confectioneries and low alcohol pattern" in men; "healthy Japanese diet pattern" and "high alcohol and low rice pattern" in women. Serum LDL cholesterol in men was associated with "high bread and low rice pattern" score (Q5 was 4.2 mg/dL higher than Q1, p for trend ＜0.001) and "high confectioneries and low alcohol pattern" scores (Q5 was 9.5 mg/dL higher than Q1, p for trend ＜0.001). In women, serum LDL cholesterol was associated with "high bread and low rice pattern" score (Q5 was 7.1 mg/dL higher than Q1, p for trend ＜0.001). Some recent dietary patterns in Japan were associated with serum LDL cholesterol. Serum LDL cholesterol was associated with high bread and low rice pattern in both sex, and high confectioneries and low alcohol pattern in men.

Sex-Specific Models to Predict Insulin Secretion and Sensitivity in Subjects with Overweight and Obesity

Sex-specific differences exist in insulin secretion (ISec) and sensitivity (IS) in humans. However, current fasting indices used to estimate them, such as HOMA and QUICKI, are not sex-specific. We aimed to develop sex-specific models to improve the prediction of ISec and IS by fasting measures in adults with overweight/obesity. A post hoc analysis was conducted on baseline data of two clinical trials completed between 2010 and 2020 (37 men and 61 postmenopausal women, 45-73 years, BMI > 25 kg/m2, without chronic disease). Glucose-induced insulin or C-peptide secretions and IS were measured using gold-standard Botnia-clamps, which is a 1 h intravenous glucose tolerance test followed by a 3 h hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. Stepwise regression analysis using anthropometric and fasting plasma glucose, insulin, and lipoprotein-related measures was used to predict ISec and IS. First-phase, second-phase and total glucose-induced ISec were predicted by a combination of fasting plasma insulin and apoB without or with plasma glucose, triglyceride, and waist circumference in women (R2 = 0.58-0.69), and by plasma insulin and glucose without or with BMI and cholesterol in men (R2 = 0.41-0.83). Plasma C-peptide, alone in men or followed by glucose in women, predicted C-peptide secretion. IS was predicted by plasma insulin and waist circumference, followed by HDL-C in women (R2 = 0.57) or by glucose in men (R2 = 0.67). The sex-specific models agreed with the Botnia-clamp measurements of ISec and IS more than with HOMA or QUICKI. Sex-specific models incorporating anthropometric and lipoprotein-related parameters allowed better prediction of ISec and IS in subjects with overweight or obesity than current indices that rely on glucose and insulin alone.

Serum Acetate:Propionate Ratio Is Related to Serum Cholesterol in Men but Not Women

Acetic and propionic acids, produced by colonic fermentation of unabsorbed carbohydrates, may influence systemic lipid metabolism. To determine whether the ratio of the concentrations of acetate to propionate in peripheral serum of fasting humans was related to serum cholesterol, we studied 62 men [age 45 ± 17 y (mean ± SD), range 19–74 y; body mass index 25.0 ± 2.8 kg/m2] and 69 women [43 ± 18 y, (range, 18–77 y); body mass index 23.0 ± 3.1 kg/m2] with normal serum lipid concentrations. The concentrations of serum acetate, propionate and buty-rate (means ± SD) were similar in men (98 ± 33, 3.8 ± 1.5 and 2.3 ± 1.5 µmol/L, respectively) and women (92 ± 38, 3.9 ± 1.9 and 2.3 ± 1.6 µmol/L). There were significant positive relationships between the serum acetate:propionate ratio and total cholesterol (r = 0.466, P = 0.0002) and LDL cholesterol (r = 0.384, P = 0.0023) in men, but in women the relationships were not significant (R = 0.174, P = 0.15 and r = 0.135, P = 0.27, respectively). The relationships in men remained significant after adjustment for age and body mass index. These data support the hypothesis that, at least in men, colonic short-chain fatty acids influence systemic lipid metabolism. The relationships among the factors influencing colonic short-chain fatty acid production, the enterohepatic circulation of endogenous estrogens, dietary phytoestrogens and blood lipids in women, however, need further clarification.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk and small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in men, women, African Americans and non-African Americans: The pooling project

Background and aimsElevated small dense low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (sdLDL-C) has been reported to be associated with increased atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. Our aims were to determine whether direct and calculated sdLDL-C were significant independent ASCVD risk factors in sex and race subgroups. MethodsIn a total of 15,933 participants free of ASCVD at baseline (median age 62 years, 56.7% female, 19.7% African American) fasting plasma lipids and sdLDL-C were measured by standardized automated methods. All subjects were followed for 10 years for incident ASCVD, which developed in 9.7% of subjects. SdLDL-C values were also calculated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to assess for independent associations with incident ASCVD after adjustment for all standard risk factors. ResultsAll standard risk factors were significantly associated with incident ASCVD on univariate analysis, as were direct and calculated sdLDL-C. These latter parameters were also significant when added to the pooled cohort risk equation. However, associations were significantly stronger for direct sdLDL-C and were not significant for calculated values once direct values were in the model. In contrast to calculated values, top quartile direct sdLDL-C was significantly independently associated with incident ASCVD versus bottom quartile values in all subjects and subgroups, except African Americans (hazard ratios ≥1.50, p < 0.01). Subjects with direct values ≥ 50 mg/dL versus <25 mg/dL had significantly higher independent ASCVD risk in all groups (hazard ratios >1.49, all p < 0.01). ConclusionsHaving a direct small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol value ≥ 50 mg/dL is a significant independent ASCVD risk-enhancer.

Effect of Resveratrol Content in Red Wine on Circulating Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin: Lessons from a Pilot Clinical Trial.

Low sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels are associated with higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Epidemiological studies have shown that red wine has beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease. In this work if resveratrol content in red wine increases SHBG levels is explored. A pilot study aims at testing the effect of drinking for 14 days two types of red wine with different resveratrol content is conducted in 26 healthy volunteers. SHBG levels and several biochemical parameters are measured at the beginning and the end of every period. Results show that consumption of both wines does not change body mass index or biochemical markers of liver injury. The low resveratrol wine does not modify the lipid profile or SHBG levels. By contrast, red wine with high resveratrol content significantly reduces total cholesterol in both men and women. Finally, red wine with high resveratrol content increases circulating SHBG in women but not in men. Red wine rich in resveratrol reduces total cholesterol in men and women and increases SHBG only in women. Further research aims at investigating the potential SHBG role enhancement mediated by resveratrol regarding cardiovascular protection that presents women in comparison with men seems warranted.

Abstract 9167: Relationship Between Dietary Vitamin D Intake, Obesity, and Twenty Lipoprotein Subclasses: Results from the Kyushu and Okinawa Population Study

Introduction: The correlation between serum vitamin D deficiency, obesity, and various diseases has been reported, however, there were few investigations on the role of dietary vitamin D intake on obesity and dyslipidemia. Objective: To examine whether dietary vitamin D intake affects obesity and dyslipidemia. Methods: Dietary vitamin D intake amounts calculated using obtained data of food frequency questionnaire and 20 lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides subclasses using gel permeation high performance liquid chromatography were analyzed in 945 men and women (mean age 58.3 years, free of thyroid or chronic liver diseases and off osteoporosis, cholesterol lowering, or adrenocorticosteroid medications). Univariate and multivariate regression, and partial correlation analyses were performed to examine the associations between dietary vitamin D intake, obesity, and lipoprotein subclasses. Results: Dietary vitamin D intake had a significant negative association with body mass index in both post- and pre-menopausal women groups ( r = -0.1053 and -0.1761, P = 0.02 and 0.04, respectively). Regarding 20 lipoprotein subclasses, dietary vitamin D intake were negatively associated with very low-density lipoprotein-3 cholesterol in premenopausal women ( r = -0.2099, P =0.02) and positively associated with total high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in men ( r = 0.1159, P = 0.04). In addition, dietary vitamin D intake also showed a marginally positive correlation with total HDL cholesterol in premenopausal women ( r = 0.1323, P = 0.13). Those association were also found in the frequency of fish intake, a major source of vitamin D in Japan. Conclusions: Our results indicate that proactive dietary vitamin D intake may help prevent or eliminate obesity and dyslipidemia.

Abstract 12521: Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Small Dense Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Men, Women, African Americans and Non-African Americans

Introduction: Increased small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-C) has been reported to be a significant atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk factor Hypothesis: SdLDL-C is an independent ASCVD risk factor in men, women, African Americans, and non-African Americans. Methods: A total of 15,933 participants (median age 62 years, 56.7% female, 19.7% African-American, free of inclusive ASCVD at baseline) pooled from three studies (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study, Framingham Offspring Study, and Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) were followed for 10 years for incident hard ASCVD and inclusive ASCVD (includes angioplasty and/or coronary artery bypass). These endpoints occurred in 6.1% and 9.7% of subjects, respectively. Information on all standard risk factors was obtained, and serum sdLDL-C levels were measured at baseline using automated analysis. The utility of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and sdLDL-C in 10-year hard and inclusive ASCVD risk was assessed-using univariate and multivariable regression analyses. Results: All standard risk factors were significant for hard and inclusive ASCVD in men, women, African-Americans and non-African-Americans on univariate statistical analysis. SdLDL-C was a significant risk factor when added to the pooled cohort equation for hard and inclusive ASCVD in all subjects, and for inclusive ASCVD in all subgroups, and significantly improved the C-Statistic and affected the net reclassification index for all subjects (p&lt;0.0001). When subjects with elevated sdLDL-C levels of &gt; 50 mg/dL were compared to those with optimal levels of &lt;25 mg/dL after adjustment for all standard risk factors, the hazard ratios (HR) and confidence intervals (CI) for incident inclusive ASCVD were all significant at p&lt;0.01: all subjects (HR 1.54, CI 1.30-1.83), men (HR 1.59, CI 1.27-1.99), women (HR 1.51, CI 1.05-1.27), non-African-Americans (HR 1.49, CI 1.24-1.80[CLA3] ), and African-Americans (HR 1.88, CI 1.23-2.89). Conclusions: An elevated sdLDL-C value &gt; 50 mg/dL was independently associated with a 50% increased 10-year inclusive ASCVD risk in all subjects regardless of sex or race[MD1] , and therefore is an important ASCVD risk enhancer.

Sex Differences in Cumulative Exposure to Metabolic Risk Factors Before Hypertension Onset: The Cohort of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study.

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown a sex difference in the association between hypertension and cardiovascular disease; however, the precise mechanism remains unclear. Because there are strong associations between metabolic risk factors (MRFs) and hypertension, a sex‐specific analysis of MRFs before hypertension onset could offer new insights and expand our understanding of sex differences in cardiovascular disease. We evaluated cumulative exposure to major MRFs and rate of change of those factors, including body mass index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol among individuals who did and did not develop hypertension at follow‐up.Methods and ResultsWe included 5374 participants (2191 men) initially without hypertension with age range of 20–50 years at baseline who participated in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, and had been examined at least 3 times during the study period (1999–2018). In both sexes, the cumulative exposure to all MRFs (except for fasting plasma glucose and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol in men) were higher in those who developed hypertension, compared with those who did not develop hypertension. However, women experienced greater cumulative exposure to major MRFs, compared with their male counterparts. Also, they experienced a faster increase in waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol than men. Furthermore, rapid increase in systolic blood pressure began earlier in women than men, at the age of 30 years. We also found that those men who developed hypertension experienced unfavorable change in major MRFs during young adulthood (<50 years of age).ConclusionsWomen exhibited more metabolic disturbances than men before onset of hypertension, which may explain the stronger impact of hypertension for major types of cardiovascular disease in women, compared with men.

Anti-Mullerian Hormone Protein-Altering Variants Are Associated With Hypertriglyceridemia in the General Population

We found 17 rare PCOS-specific functional protein-altering variants (PAVs) or mutations in the gene, AMH, that decrease the biologic activity of the encoded protein, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), in the heterozygous state. Approximately 3% of European ancestry PCOS cases in our cohort of ~700 were affected. Our preliminary studies found evidence for a metabolic phenotype in both PCOS as well as their male first-degree relatives who were heterozygous carriers of these AMH PAVs. We performed this study to test the hypothesis that AMH mutations are associated with metabolic abnormalities in the general population. The Mount Sinai BioMe Biobank is an electronic health record (EHR)-linked biobank, containing anonymized whole exome sequences from 30,813 participants of diverse ancestries. We interrogated the sequence data to identify individuals with PCOS-related AMH PAVs. IRB-approval was obtained to review the linked EHR. Outcomes were the presence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2), type 2 diabetes (hemoglobin A1C ≥ 6.5%), prediabetes (hemoglobin A1C 5.7% - 6.4%), elevated cholesterol (total cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dL), hypertriglyceridemia (TG ≥ 150 mg/dL), and hypertension (≥2 blood pressure values ≥140/90, or administration of antihypertensive medications). Control subjects were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey using propensity score matching (for sex, age, and BMI) with a 1:4 case:control ratio. A total of 292 individuals with AMH PAVs were identified, resulting in a combined 0.95% prevalence of AMH PAVs in an unselected population (1.07% in Europeans, 0.28% in African Americans, 0.54% in Hispanics, and 0.07% in Asians). After adjusting for age, BMI, and race/ethnicity, there was a statistically significant increased prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia in both women (OR 7.29, 95% CI 3.77-14.00) and men (OR 10.15, 95% CI 4.68-22.00) with AMHPAVs compared to sex-, age- and BMI-matched controls. There was also a statistically significant increased prevalence of elevated cholesterol in men with AMH PAVs compared to controls (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.15-5.34). There were no significant differences between individuals with AMH PAVs and matched controls with respect to the other outcomes. These findings suggest that decreased bioactivity of AMH is causally related to dyslipidemia in the general population. TG levels are elevated in both sexes, whereas increases in cholesterol are only seen in men. The mechanisms by which decreases in AMH bioactivity alter circulating lipid levels are of considerable interest since AMH has no known metabolic actions. It is possible that the putative metabolic effects of AMH are mediated by increases in circulating testosterone (T) levels that in turn alter lipid metabolism. Since T levels are not commonly available in EHR, future studies will be needed to investigate this hypothesis as well as to explore metabolic actions of AMH.

The association between hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors among non-diabetic Saudis adults-A cross sectional study.

Population specific associations between cardiovascular disease with various risk factors including pre-hypertension and hypertension were reported. We aimed to investigate the association of higher than optimal blood pressure with measures of dysglycemia, dyslipidemia, and markers of inflammation in non-diabetic Saudi adults hoping to improve current Saudi guidelines to prevent cardiovascular disease. Volunteers were recruited randomly from public healthcare centers in Jeddah. Demographic information, blood pressure (BP), and anthropometric measurements were taken. Fasting blood samples were drawn, then again following 1-hour oral glucose tolerance test. Glycated hemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), lipid profile, highly sensitive C- reactive protein, gamma glutamyl transferase, and 1-hour plasma glucose were measured. Complete data was found for 742 men and 592 women. Pre-hypertension was found in 47.2% of men, and 24.7% of women, while 15.1% of men, and 14.6% of women were hypertensive. Means of measured variables differed significantly between normotensive, pre-hypertensive, and hypertensive groups of men and women in gender specific manner. Association between measured variables and elevated BP, and hypertension were assessed using logistic regression models. After adjustment for age, body mass index and waist circumference, elevated blood pressure was associated with elevated triglycerides in men, while hypertension was significantly associated with elevated fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein- cholesterol, and low high density lipoprotein- cholesterol in men, and elevated triglycerides, and total cholesterol in women. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to measure lipid profile, specifically TG, for all diagnosed pre-hypertensive and hypertensive patients in addition to FPG for men.

Lipid Metabolism in Urban Residents with Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases

The paper studies the lipid and lipoprotein spectrum in blood serum from Barnaul residents suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The authors examined 187 people (98 women and 89 men) with type 2 diabetes and CVD, aged 30-90. All subjects in the blood serum were tested for total cholesterol (TC), cholesterol of low-density lipoprotein (LDLC), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDLC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), and triglycerides (TG). The TC, LDLCl, VLDLC, HDLCl, and TG concentration were established on the Konelab automatic analyzer (manufactured by “Thermo Fisher Scientific Oy,” Finland). In the lipid spectrum of blood in women with CVD, the level of TC is above the reference values. A similar situation is observed with TG in the blood in patients with verified diabetes type 2 and CVD. The concentration of LDL cholesterol in the blood of women with cardiovascular pathologies exceeds the norm. The level of HDL cholesterol in men with type 2 diabetes, on the contrary, is below the reference values. There are significant differences in HDL cholesterol content in the blood between men and women with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, a significant difference in the level of TC and LDL-C is established in residents with both pathologies. Lipidogram indices are of prognostic value in CVD development in patients with type 2 diabetes and with cardiovascular pathologies.

Habitual Coffee and Tea Consumption and Cardiometabolic Biomarkers in the UK Biobank: The Role of Beverage Types and Genetic Variation

Mechanisms linking habitual consumption of coffee and tea to the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases remain unclear. We leveraged dietary, genetic, and biomarker data collected from the UK Biobank to investigate the role of different varieties of coffee and tea in cardiometabolic health. We included data from ≤447,794 participants aged 37-73 y in 2006-2010 who provided a blood sample and completed questionnaires regarding sociodemographic factors, medical history, diet, and lifestyle. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine the association between coffee or tea consumption and blood concentrations of glycated hemoglobin, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, fasting triglycerides (TGs), apoA-1, apoB, lipoprotein-a, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Lifestyle and genetic factors affecting caffeine metabolism, responses, or intake were tested for interactions with beverage intake in relation to biomarker concentrations. Compared with coffee nonconsumers, each additional cup of coffee was significantly associated with higher total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol concentrations and lower TG and CRP concentrations in both men and women (P-trend<0.002). Higher consumption of espresso coffee (≥2compared with 0 cups/d) was associated with higher LDL cholesterol in men (β: 0.110mmol/L; 95% CI: 0.058, 0.163 mmol/L) and women (β: 0.161mmol/L; 95% CI: 0.088, 0.234 mmol/L), whereas no substantial association was observed for instant coffee. Compared with tea nonconsumers, higher tea consumption was associated with lower total and LDL cholesterol and apoB and higher HDL cholesterol (P-trend<0.002); these associations were similar for black and green tea. Associations were not modified by genetics. In the UK Biobank, consumption of certain coffee brews such as espresso had unfavorable associations with blood lipids, whereas consumption of tea had favorable associations. Findings were not modified by genetic variants affecting caffeine metabolism, suggesting a role of noncaffeine constituents of these beverages in cardiometabolic health.

Association between standardized vitamin 25(OH)D and dyslipidemia: a community-based study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

BackgroundVitamin D deficiency associated with dyslipidemia can contribute towards cardiovascular diseases. Previous studies have found that Saudi Arabia has a high burden of vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular disease risk factors. We aimed to explore the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and dyslipidemia, including total cholesterol, low-density lipids, high-density lipids (HDL), and triglycerides (TG) in apparently healthy Saudi male and female participants aged 30–75 years.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 1717 apparently healthy Saudi participants from 18 primary health care centers in Riyadh. Data collectors conducted the interviews, took anthropometric measurements, and collected the blood samples. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were measured using an electrochemiluminescence assay method. Lipid panel was measured by a fully automated analyzer using enzymatic methods.ResultsMultivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the adjusted odds ratio (ORA) of low level of HDL cholesterol in association with 25(OH)D deficiency was 2.1 times higher in males (ORA = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.1, 3.9) and 1.3 times higher in females (ORA = 1.3; 95% CI = 0.9, 1.9). A significant excess odds ratio of high levels of TG in association with 25(OH) D deficiency was observed in females (ORA = 3.0; 95% CI = 1.1, 7.9) but not in males.ConclusionVitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in Saudi Arabia. Low levels of HDL cholesterol in men and high TG levels in women are associated with vitamin D deficiency. The results emphasize the importance of treating vitamin D deficiency in the general population.

A comparison of body mass index and body fat percentage for predicting cardiovascular disease risk

BackgroundAnthropometric indices such as body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat (PBF) are easily measurable and have been consistently reported to be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its risk factors. AimsWe aimed to compare the association of several CVD risk factors with BMI and PBF to determine which of these adiposity indices had the greater predictive value. Methods and materialsData were derived from the MASHAD cohort study. The cohort was categorised into 4 groups: group 1 (low or normal BMI and PBF, N = 1670), group 2 (low or normal BMI but high PBF, N = 992), group 3 (high BMI and low or normal PBF, N = 837), and group 4 (high BMI and PBF, N = 6245). The best cut-off points were defined by ROC analysis. ResultsBMI was more strongly correlated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum urate, serum hsCRP, fasting plasma glucose and TC/HDL-C ratio compared to PBF. But BMI was less strongly correlated with three lipid parameters (total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol), Logistic regression analysis showed that BMI was the best predictor for the majority of risk factors, apart from LDL-C in men and LDL-C, TC and non-HDL-C (NHC) in women. ROC analysis showed that BMI had a greater AUC for risk factors other than for SBP, HTN, DM, TC, LDL-C, impaired fasting glucose, non-HDL cholesterol in men and for TC, TG, TC, DBP, HTN, and non-HDL Cholesterol, among female subjects. ConclusionsThe results suggest that in our population from northeastern Iran, BMI may be a better predictor of several CVD risk factors compared to PBF.

Gender difference in colorectal cancer indicators for exercise interventions: the National Health Insurance Sharing Service-Derived Big Data Analysis

We aimed to examine various characterized features and effects of gender-associated different parameters including exercise on the prevalence of colorectal cancer by using data from the National Health Insurance Sharing Service Database (NHISS DB). Data from NHISS were collected on Koreans aged from 40 to 85 years and were subjected to thematic analysis. The colorectal cancer codes (C19, C20, D011, and D012) from Korean Standard Classification of Disease and Causes of Death selected a target study group, and t-test and logistic regression were used. As results, the age was higher for men who had colorectal cancer than the noncancer group; however, high and low blood pressure, hemoglobin, and age had lower values for the cancer group compared to their counterparts in women. Only total cholesterol in men and waist size in women between cancer and noncancer groups were shown to have significant differences. Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase and alanine aminotransaminase (SGPT_ALT) showed significant differences for both sexes. In exercise-related parameter, the response number 2 (1–2 times/wk, 0.535 for odd ratio) in women and response number 3 (3–4 times/wk, 0.466 for odd ratio) in men were associated with a reduced incidence of colon cancer. There was a difference in parameters in colorectal cancer patients over 40 years old for both sexes, but not in SGPT_ALT. Regular physical activity might be one of strong factors affecting or predicting colorectal cancer incidence.

Vitamin D binding protein is related to cardiac autonomic function and metabolic status in prediabetes

A putative causal relationship between vitamin D status and glucose metabolism and a direct effect of vitamin D on cardiac autonomic function (CAF) have been suggested. We hypothesized that vitamin D binding protein (DBP), as a transporter of vitamin D, might also influence CAF and the overall metabolic risk. The present study aims to assess the relationship between DBP and CAF and metabolic status in a high-risk population with prediabetes. A total of 174 subjects (mean age 49.1±12.9 years, mean body mass index 30.2±6.2 kg/m2) were divided into 2 groups according to glucose tolerance: 48 with normal glucose tolerance and 126 with prediabetes. Glucose tolerance was assessed during oral glucose tolerance test, applying 2006 World Health Organization criteria. Fasting and postload glucose and immunoreactive insulin were measured (homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and homeostatic model assessment of β-cell function were calculated). Anthropometric indexes, blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, creatinine, lipids, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, total 25-hydroxyvitamin D, DBP (free 25-hydroxyvitamin D was calculated), and intact parathormone were measured. Body composition was estimated by impedance analysis (InBody 720), whereas tissue advanced glycation end products were assessed by skin autofluorescence (AGE Reader, DiagnOptics, the Netherlands). CAF was evaluated by АNX-3.0 system, applying standard autonomic tests. DBP was found to be elevated in women, as well as in the presence of cardiac autonomic dysfunction and metabolic syndrome. DBP was related to parasympathetic activity in both sexes and in prediabetes; to body fat in women and in prediabetes; and to age and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in men. Vitamin D deficiency was established in 40.8% of the studied cohort. These results support the hypothesis that DBP is associated with CAF and some metabolic parameters in prediabetes.

Community pharmacies help weight loss and fall in cholesterol in men with prostate cancer, study finds

Community pharmacies help weight loss and fall in cholesterol in men with prostate cancer, study finds

Dietary pattern and its association with blood pressure and blood lipid profiles among Japanese adults in the 2012 Japan National Health and Nutrition Survey.

Little is known about the association between dietary patterns and cardiovascular disease risk factors among Japanese adults based on nationally representative data. This study aimed to explore the association between dietary patterns and hypertension or blood lipid profiles among Japanese people. De-identified Japan National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHNS) 2012 data with a total of 8721 subjects (3524 men and 5197 women) aged 40-74 years were used. Dietary patterns were derived by principal component analysis (PCA). Generalized linear models and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to assess the relationship between dietary patterns and blood pressure or lipid profiles. We identified four dietary patterns: (a) traditional Japanese, (b) bread-dairy, (c) meat-fat, and (d) noodle patterns. Among these, the traditional Japanese pattern was significantly related to lower blood pressure, lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol in men and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol in women. Bread-dairy pattern was associated with high total cholesterol in women and higher LDL cholesterol in both men and women. Noodle pattern was associated with higher total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol in men. No significant association was observed between meat-fat pattern and blood pressure or lipid profiles. Our study showed that the traditional Japanese pattern with high intake of miso, soy-sauce, vegetables, beans, potatoes and mushroom conferred benefits on blood pressure. Our findings have indicated clearly that it is possible to provide useful information on healthy dietary pattern for health promotion from the one-day dietary records of the NHNS.