Alcohol Intake Research Articles

Bergenin inhibits hepatic fat deposition by activating the AMPK signaling pathway, thereby attenuating alcoholic liver disease

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a prevalent liver condition that arises from prolonged and excessive alcohol intake. Bergenin (BER) is an effective phytotherapeutic agent that exhibits pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. To establish an in vivo model of ALD, C57BL/6 mice were continuously fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and administered alcohol gavage for 8 weeks, while concurrently administering BER and evaluated for therapeutic effects. After modeling, the therapeutic effects of BER were evaluated by observing histopathological changes and the detection of relevant biochemical indicators in mice. In addition, RNA sequencing of liver tissues was performed to analyze differentially expressed genes and to investigate the associated signaling pathways in order to elucidate the protective mechanisms of BER. These differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in lipid metabolism pathways and the cytochrome P450 metabolism of exogenous substances. Subsequently, HepG2 was co-treated with sodium oleate (NaOA) and ethanol to establish an in vitro model, and the specific mechanism by which BER ameliorates ALD was further analyzed in depth. AMPK inhibitor, Compound C (CC), was demonstrated to significantly inhibit the regulation of lipid metabolism by BER in vitro. Finally, the differentially expressed genes selected were validated through qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Collectively, our findings revealed that BER effectively alleviated liver injury caused by alcohol and HFD in mice, significantly suppressing lipid deposition in ALD, enhancing alcohol metabolism, and mitigating oxidative stress.

Risk of self-harm ideation in mothers of children with orofacial cleft defects: the Japan environment and children's study.

Cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P), the most prevalent congenital anomaly, has been associated with higher rates of child maltreatment. In particular, the presence of cleft lip has more of an impact on external appearance and may increase the risks of negative health outcomes such as parental postpartum depression; however, this concept remains controversial. Item #10 of the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale is the assessment of parental self-harm ideation, and its presence in postpartum mothers merits risk assessments as an emergent issue that may affect the health of both mothers and infants. This study focused on the impact of CL/P on maternal self-harm ideation. Of 100,300 live births from a nationwide birth cohort in Japan, 238 mothers of infants with CL/P [186 children born with cleft lip (CL ± P) and 52 born with isolated cleft palate (CP)] were included in the analyses. The prospective association of children with CL/P and maternal self-harm ideation, which were acquired using item #10 in the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale at 1 and 6 months postpartum, was examined using binomial logistic regression analyses after multiple imputations and with adjustments for several maternal (age at delivery, smoking habit, and alcohol intake) and child-related (sex and prevalence of other congenital diseases) variables. The prevalence of self-harm ideation in 238 mothers of infants with CL/P at 1 and 6 months were 14.7% (35/238) and 18.8% (45/238) [8.2% (8,185/100,062) and 12.9% (12,875/100,062) in the control group], respectively. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for maternal self-harm ideation increased with CL/P prevalence [1.80 (1.22-2.65) and 1.47 (0.98-2.18)] at 1 and 6 months of age, respectively. After stratified by the prevalence of cleft lip, we found significant differences in the CL ± P group but not in the CP group. Furthermore, persistent self-harming ideation was associated with a higher risk in the CL ± P group [2.36 (1.43-3.89)]. CL/P, particularly cleft lip, which is more noticeable externally, was associated with an increased prevalence of maternal self-harm ideation. The findings in this study indicate some potential benefits of increasing support for mothers who have infants with CL/P.

Restriction of salt, alcohol and coffee intake and Ménière's disease: insight from Mendelian randomization study.

Restricting salt, caffeine, and alcohol intake is commonly recommended as a first-line treatment for patients with Ménière's disease (MD). However, it remains unclear whether these interventions effectively improve symptoms of MD. Therefore, we conducted a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to evaluate the relationship between these dietary modifications and MD. Summary statistics for salt added to food, alcohol consumption, coffee consumption, and MD were sourced from the United Kingdom Biobank, GSCAN, and the FinnGen study, involving up to 941,280 participants. The main analyses were performed using the random-effects inverse-variance weighted (IVW) approach and were complemented by four additional methods. Multiple sensitivity analyses were performed to validate the findings, and both forward and reverse MR analyses were employed to address potential reverse causality bias. The primary MR results using the IVW method revealed that salt added to food (OR = 0.719, 95% CI: 0.429-1.206; p = 0.211), alcohol consumption (OR = 0.834, 95% CI: 0.427-1.628; p = 0.595), and coffee consumption (OR = 0.852, 95% CI: 0.555-1.306; p = 0.461) were not significantly correlated with MD. In reverse analysis, no evidence of significant effect was found from MD to salt added to food (OR = 1.000, 95% CI: 0.993-1.007; p = 0.957), alcohol consumption (OR = 0.998, 95% CI: 0.987-1.008; p = 0.682), and coffee consumption (OR = 0.998, 95% CI: 0.985-1.011; p = 0.72). This MR analysis did not identify convincing evidence to support the idea that restricting salt, caffeine, and alcohol intake is beneficial for the treatment of MD.

Women living with HIV: identifying and managing their menopause, age-related, and psychosocial health needs in a metropolitan sexual health service in Sydney, Australia.

Background Aging women living with HIV are significantly affected by menopause and comorbidities, yet international and Australian HIV guidance on the management of women is scarce. This study aimed to identify gaps in clinical management of menopause, age-related comorbidities, and psychosocial health of women living with HIV attending our metropolitan sexual health service. Methods A clinical audit of all cisgender women who attended Sydney Local Health District Department of Sexual Health Medicine for ongoing routine HIV care between 1 January 2021 and 1 January 2023 was undertaken. Results Twenty-seven patient files were examined. Half (13/27, 48.1%) of women were age 45years and older, of whom 6/13 (46.2%) were postmenopausal and 4/13 (30.8%) did not have menopause status recorded. In the prior 12months, most women had their blood pressure (19/27, 70.4%), total cholesterol (21/27, 77.8%), glycated haemoglobin (21/27, 77.8%), estimated glomerular filtration rate (27/27, 96.3%), and liver function tests (26/27, 96.3%) measured. Smoking and alcohol intake was documented for less than half of women (13/27, 48.1%; and 12/27, 44.4%; respectively). In women aged 45years and older, absolute cardiovascular disease risk was calculated in 2/13 (15.4%), and none had a Fracture Risk Assessment Tool score or cognitive screen performed in the prior 12months. One-fifth (5/27, 18.5%) had a documented history of depression or anxiety. Of those screened, half (4/8, 50.0%) disclosed past intimate partner violence. Conclusions Our service has now implemented a reference tool to guide routine monitoring of women living with HIV, with sections dedicated to reproductive health and psychological wellbeing. Australian HIV management guidelines would benefit from specific guidance for women.

Risk Factors and Prevention of Stomach Cancer, Excluding Helicobacter pylori

Gastric cancer is a significant health problem owing to its high incidence and mortality rate. The risk factors for gastric cancer include both uncontrollable (e.g., age, sex, and genetic predisposition) and controllable factors (e.g., <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> infection, smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and high-salt diets). Although treatment of <i>H. pylori</i> infections has been implemented as a primary preventive measure, the risk of gastric cancer may persist, highlighting the need for additional preventive measures. This review discusses various risks and protective factors associated with gastric cancer, studies conducted on these factors, and chemoprevention. Smoking is a risk factor for this disease; thus, is not recommended and current smokers are encouraged to quit because cessation can reduce the risk of gastric cancer. Excessive alcohol intake has been reported to increase the risk of gastric cancer as has the consumption of high-salt foods that can damage the gastric mucosa. Additionally, increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables, known for their protective effects against gastric cancer, can aid in its prevention. Studies on chemopreventive agents, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., aspirin), statins, and metformin, have been reported; however, evidence of their effectiveness remains insufficient to recommend these agents as preventive treatments. Additional well-planned studies on preventive medications and dietary approaches are necessary.

Alcohol-associated liver disease - a current overview.

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) remains a major and increasingly pressing concern in hepatology. ALD includes spectrum of conditions, each with unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Excessive alcohol intake is a leading preventable cause of physical harm, including ALD. The pathogenesis of ALD involves oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid metabolism disruptions, with genetic predispositions playing a major role. ALD progresses from hepatic steatosis to steatohepatitis, and finally liver cirrhosis, which is marked by severe fibrosis and impaired liver function. Advanced ALD stages, particularly alcoholic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis, are characterized by high mortality rates. Management of ALD primarily involves strict abstinence from alcohol, which can reverse early-stage disease or halt progression. Nutritional support, vitamin supplementation, and symptomatic treatment are also essential. Liver transplantation is the only definitive treatment for alcoholic liver cirrhosis, but it is difficult for patients with a history of alcohol abuse to qualify for the procedure. Epidemiological data indicate a growing burden of ALD, especially among younger populations, exacerbated by increased alcohol consumption trends and the COVID-19 pandemic's influence on drinking behaviors. Despite ALD's significant impact, current therapies are limited, highlight- ing the need for innovative treatments and comprehensive patient management strategies. Individualized care, enhanced epidemiological research, and new therapeutic approaches are crucial to improving outcomes for ALD patients.

Associations Between Intakes of Carotenoids and Tocopherols with Risk of Pancreatic Cancer in a Population-Based Case-Control Study

Objective Experimental studies suggest that carotenoids and tocopherols modulate pancreatic carcinogenesis because they have antioxidant and other functions. We investigated the associations between intakes of these compounds and the risk of pancreatic cancer in a case-control study conducted in 1994–1998. Methods The present analysis included 150 cases of pancreatic cancer recruited from all hospitals in the metropolitan area of the Twin Cities and Mayo Clinic and 459 controls randomly selected from the general population and frequency matched to cases by age, sex, and race. The intakes of carotenoids and tocopherols were assessed with a validated food frequency questionnaire. Unconditional logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the associations of interest. Results The energy-adjusted intake of lutein/zeaxanthin was significantly lower in cases (2410 µg/day) than in controls (3020 µg/day). After adjustment for confounders, persons in the fourth quartile of lutein/zeaxanthin intake had a reduced risk of pancreatic cancer compared with those in the first quartile [odds ratio (OR) (95% CI): 0.40 (0.17-0.91)]. There were no significant associations with intakes of other carotenoids and tocopherols considered and with a composite score created from all individual carotenoids examined. We did not detect any significant interactions of intakes of carotenoids and tocopherols with age, sex, cigarette smoking, or alcohol intake in relation to pancreatic cancer risk. Conclusion The present study suggests an inverse association between lutein/zeaxanthin intake and pancreatic cancer risk, but a potential beneficial effect was not observed for other carotenoids and tocopherols.

Germline polygenic risk scores are associated with immune gene expression signature and immune cell infiltration in breast cancer

The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) plays key roles in tumor progression and response to immunotherapy. Previous studies have identified individual germline variants associated with differences in TIME. Here, we hypothesize that common variants associated with breast cancer risk or cancer-related traits, represented by polygenic risk scores (PRSs), may jointly influence immune features in TIME. We derived 154 immune traits from bulk gene expression profiles of 764 breast tumors and 598 adjacent normal tissue samples from 825 individuals with breast cancer in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and NHSII. Immunohistochemical staining of four immune cell markers were available for a subset of 205 individuals. Germline PRSs were calculated for 16 different traits including breast cancer, autoimmune diseases, type 2 diabetes, ages at menarche and menopause, body mass index (BMI), BMI-adjusted waist-to-hip ratio, alcohol intake, and tobacco smoking. Overall, we identified 44 associations between germline PRSs and immune traits at false discovery rate q<0.25, including 3 associations with q<0.05. We observed consistent inverse associations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Crohn disease (CD) PRSs with interferon signaling and STAT1 scores in breast tumor and adjacent normal tissue; these associations were replicated in a Norwegian cohort. Inverse associations were also consistently observed for IBD PRS and B cell abundance in normal tissue. We also observed positive associations between CD PRS and endothelial cell abundance in tumor. Our findings suggest that the genetic mechanisms that influence immune-related diseases are also associated with TIME in breast cancer.

Neuromedin U Neurons in the Edinger–Westphal Nucleus Respond to Alcohol Without Interfering with the Urocortin 1 Response

The Edinger–Westphal nucleus (EW) is a midbrain nucleus composed of a preganglionic, cholinergic subpopulation and a densely clustered peptidergic subpopulation (EWcp). The EWcp is one of the few brain regions that show consistent induction of FOS following voluntary alcohol intake. Previous results in rodents point to urocortin 1 (UCN1) as one of the peptides most involved in the control of ethanol intake and preference. Notably, the functions described for UCN1, such as reward processing, stress coping or the regulation of feeding behavior are similar to those described for the neuropeptide neuromedin U (NMU). Interestingly, NMU has been recently associated with the modulation of alcohol-related behaviors. However, little is known about the expression and functionality of NMU neurons in alcohol-responsive areas. In this study, we used the recently developed Nmu-Cre knock-in mouse model to examine the expression of NMU in the subaqueductal paramedian zone comprising the EWcp. We delved into the characterization and co-expression of NMU with other markers already described in the EWcp. Moreover, using FOS as a marker of neuronal activity, we tested whether NMU neurons were sensitive to acute alcohol administration. Overall, we provided novel insights on NMU expression and functionality in the EW region. We showed the presence of NMU within a subpopulation of UCN1 neurons in the EWcp and demonstrated that this partial co-expression does not interfere with the responsivity of UCN1-containing cells to alcohol. Moreover, we proposed that the UCN1 content in these neurons may be influenced by sex.

Assesment of Pain Management in Chronic Pancreatitis after Lateral Pancreatico Jejunostomy

Background: The main symptom of chronic pancreatitis is pain, which is treated via lateral pancreaticojejunostomy (LPJ) to relieve symptoms. Patients with dilated pancreatic ducts and excruciating pain are treated with it. Slowing the disease's course and providing optimal pain relief can be accomplished through surgical decompression of the duct and ductal drainage. Objective: The aim of this study is to assessment of pain management in chronic pancreatitis after lateral pancreatico jejunostomy. Methods: The cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the department of Surgery, Avicenna hospital limited, Sirajganj, Bangladesh, from October 2022 to September 2023. A total of 90 patients who underwent lateral pancreatico jejunostomy for patients with chronic pancreatitis were included in the study. The questionnaire was pretested, corrected and finalized. Data were collected by face-to-face interview and analyzed by appropriate computer based programmed software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 24. Results: In this study, with a range from 20 to 70 years, maximum 36 (40.0%) of the patients were within the age group of 31 - 40 years and minimum 5 (5.6%) of the patients were in the age 61 - 70 years and most of the patients 56 (62.20%) were male and 34 (37.80%) patients were female. Most of the patients 46 (51.1%) came from middle-income families. The majority of respondents had history of smoking 53 (58.90%) and 37 (41.10%) were nonsmoker. The majority of respondents had no history of alcohol intake 66 (73.30%) and 24 (26.70%) were alcoholic. Among total population 58 (64.40%) had diabetes mellitus and 32 (35.6%) did not had diabetes mellitus. Majority of the respondents had upper abdominal pain (100%) followed in decreasing order by nausea/vomiting 68 (75.6%), history of weight loss 61 (67.80%), fatigue 47 (52.2%), fever 37(41.10%), steatorrhoea 35(38.90%), diarrhoea 29(32.20%) and shortness of breath 21(23.30%). Majority of the ..

Analysis of the impact of underlying diseases in the elderly on postoperative re-fractures after osteoporotic compression fractures

BackgroundPostoperative refracture of osteoporotic compression fractures in the elderly due to underlying illnesses is a complicated matter involving several variables. A multidisciplinary approach involving orthopedics, geriatrics, endocrinology, and rehabilitation medicine is necessary for an investigation of these issues. investigating the impact of older patients’ underlying medical conditions on the refracture of osteoporotic compression fractures following surgery.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 2383 patients between August 2013 and August 2023. 550 patients with comorbid geriatric underlying diseases were screened, 183 patients underwent refractories, and 367 patients were classified as non-refractories. The patients were then divided into two groups: those undergoing refractories and those not, and the underlying diseases of the patients in both groups were examined using ROC curves and unifactorial and multifactorial logistic regression analyses.ResultsAmong the patients gathered, the frequency of re-fracture was 33.3%. A statistically significant difference was observed when re-fracture was linked to patients with long-term alcohol consumption, operated vertebrae ≤ 1, hypertension, COPD, diabetes mellitus, stroke sequelae, conservative treatment of coronary heart disease, trauma, mental abnormality, scoliosis, and chronic renal disease. Having hypertension decreased the risk of re-fracture (P = 0.018, OR = 0.548), while alcohol intake ≥ 10years (P = 0.003, OR = 2.165), mental abnormality (P < 0.001, OR = 4.093), scoliosis (P < 0.001, OR = 6.243), chronic kidney disease (P = 0.002, OR = 2.208), and traumatic injuries (P = 0.029, OR = 3.512) were the risk factors examined in a binary logistic regression analysis. The results of multiple linear stepwise regression analysis indicated that re-fracture was more influenced by scoliosis.ConclusionsHypertensive disorders were protective factors against the formation of re-fracture, while alcohol intake usage for more than ten years, psychological abnormalities, scoliosis, chronic kidney disease, and trauma were risk factors. Scoliosis had the highest influence on re-fracture.

The distribution of cardiovascular diseases in Tanzania: a spatio-temporal investigation.

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is currently the major challenge to people's health and the world's top cause of death. In Tanzania, deaths due to CVD account for about 13% of the total deaths caused by the non-communicable diseases. This study examined the spatio-temporal clustering of CVDs from 2010 to 2019 in Tanzania for retrospective spatio-temporal analysis using the Bernoulli probability model on data sampled from four selected hospitals. Spatial scan statistics was performed to identify CVD clusters and the effect of covariates on the CVD incidences was examined using multiple logistic regression. It was found that there was a comparatively high risk of CVD during 2011-2015 followed by a decline during 2015-2019. The spatio-temporal analysis detected two high-risk disease clusters in the coastal and lake zones from 2012 to 2016 (p<0.001), with similar results produced by purely spatial analysis. The multiple logistic model showed that sex, age, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), alcohol intake and smoking were significant predictors of CVD incidence.

Adverse childhood experiences and multimorbidity of internalising and cardiometabolic conditions in an older-age population.

BackgroundTackling multimorbidity (ICM-MM) of internalising conditions (IC) and cardiometabolic conditions (CM) is key to improving the future of healthcare. Early life factors such as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been linked to long term, poor mental and physical health conditions. AimsThis study investigated whether: 1) ACEs increase the risk of IC, CM and ICM-MM; 2) the effect of ACEs on risk of developing CM depends on the presence of IC and vice versa; 3) how risk differs by gender, socioeconomic status and ethnicity. MethodsIn UK Biobank, the Childhood Trauma Screener was used to identify 157,256 participants with ACE data. Electronic healthcare records (EHR) and interview data identified those with anxiety or depression (IC) and those with hypertension, obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia or chronic kidney disease (CM). Multivariate logistic regression models were employed to find associations between ACEs and IC, CM and ICM-MM. Covariates included age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, diet, alcohol intake, smoking behaviour and physical activity. ResultsAll ACEs significantly increase risk for IC (all ACEs, p = &lt;2e-16). Emotional neglect, physical neglect and emotional abuse increase risk of CM (e.g. physical neglect, OR = 1.43, CF = 1.30-1.58, p = 1.88e-13). ACEs appear to increase IC and CM risk independently. ConclusionsThe effects of ACEs last well into adulthood and confer risk for IC and, sometimes, CM. ACE history should be included in routine primary care and the development of therapeutic interventions tailored to older adults with ACEs is key to reducing poor health.

Prevalence and factors associated to calcium pyrophosphate arthritis in patients with gout

Aim: To ascertain the prevalence of calcium pyrophosphate arthritis (CPPA) at diagnosis and during follow-up of patients with gout. Methods: Inception cohort of patients with gout prospectively recruited and followed-up from 1994–2023. Gout-case was defined as crystal-proved tophus or arthritis, or the presence of tophus plus double contour with ultrasonography. CPPA was defined as the presence of intra-leukocyte calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) crystals in synovial fluid (SF) and neat chondrocalcinosis in plain radiographs. Age, gender, time from onset of symptoms, number of flares, joint distribution, previous and prescribed treatments, colchicine prophylaxis, comorbidities, alcohol intake, use of diuretics, renal function, and previous vascular disease were available for analysis. Results: A total of 1,544 patients with gout, with an average of 4-year follow-up, were available for analysis. CPPA was observed in 127/1,544 cases (8.2%). In 37/1,544 patients (2.4%) CPP and monosodium urate (MSU) crystals were observed in the same SF sample at gout diagnosis, and 90/1,544 (5.8%) showed CPP crystals apart from the diagnosis of gout. CPPA-gout cases had more flares per year, but no more frequent polyarticular distribution at baseline compared to non-CPPA-gout. CPPA-gout cases were older at baseline and showed lower renal function. Women, patients using diuretics, patients with hypertension, and those with previous vascular events showed CPPA more frequently. Multivariate analysis showed that only age and use of diuretics were independently associated with CPPA, as other variables apparently associated were dependent on aging. Interestingly, an analysis of the prevalence in the three decades available showed an increased CPPA diagnosis through time, probably associated with increased awareness of the association. Conclusions: (1) CPPA is not infrequent in patients with gout; (2) it is associated with aging and diuretic use; (3) awareness of this association may increase the rate of diagnosis.

From risk to reward: Japan’s potential for health and economic improvements

This study examines the relationship between risky consumption behaviors, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and socioeconomic costs in Japan using the Preventable Risk Integrated ModEl (PRIME). We assess the potential impact of healthier lifestyle choices on NCD incidences and costs in 2019. Japan's rising healthcare expenditures threaten its economic future. Excessive intake of salt, tobacco, and alcohol, along with insufficient fiber and fruit consumption, significantly contribute to high NCD rates. Our analysis shows that healthier behaviors could have prevented 564,000 NCD cases, potentially saving $35 billion in health costs and economic losses in 2019. We consider scenarios where smokers switch to heated tobacco products (HTPs), applying conservative risk reduction estimates. Higher risk reduction levels could triple smoking-attributable savings. Projecting these savings over ten years would increase economic benefits tenfold. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive public health strategies promoting healthier lifestyles. Targeted interventions, such as stricter regulation of high-risk products and incentives for healthier alternatives, could reduce NCD incidences and healthcare costs. While PRIME provides valuable insights, further research is needed to refine our understanding of risk factor-disease relationships.

Contribution of Stroke to Long-Term All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality in Mexico City.

Stroke mortality is more common in low-income and middle-income nations such as Mexico. Prognosis data typically rely on short-term hospital follow-ups, revealing high mortality rates due to systemic complications and early recurrence. We aim to explore stroke's long-term impact by examining all-cause and cause-specific mortality. We analyzed data from the Mexico City Prospective Study (1998-2004) with known mortality outcomes until December 2022. Baseline variables were compared between participants who had stroke and nonstroke participants. Cox proportional hazard regression assessed each variable's contribution to overall mortality. Subsequent analysis within the stroke subgroup aimed to identify unique risk factors of mortality, using Cox regression models adjusted for age, sex, and time since stroke. Among 145,537 eligible participants, 1,492 (1.0%) had a history of stroke. Participants who had stroke were older (57.58 vs 50.16, p < 0.001); had lower mean weekly income ($108.24 vs $176.14, p < 0.001); had higher alcohol intake and smoking frequency; and had more frequent comorbidities such as hypertension (48.9 vs 19.3%, p < 0.001), diabetes (23.4 vs 12.9%, p < 0.001), and ischemic heart disease (5.4 vs 1.0%, p < 0.001). They had a significantly increased risk of death from any cause (hazard ratio [HR] 2.59, 95% CI 2.37-2.83, p < 0.001). Deceased participants with stroke were more likely to be male, with a higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and abnormal waist-hip index. Stroke increased the risk of death from cardiac (HR 3.56, 95% CI 3.02-4.19, p < 0.001), renal (HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.58-2.66, p < 0.001), and pulmonary (HR 2.29, 95% CI 1.79-2.92, p < 0.001) causes. This study confirms stroke's association with higher mortality rates, especially from cardiac, renal, and pulmonary causes in Mexico. It underscores the elevated prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities and adverse socioeconomic profiles among participants who had stroke and those who died with a history of stroke.

Alcohol Consumption and Cardiovascular Disease: A Narrative Review of Evolving Perspectives and Long-Term Implications.

Cardiovascular illnesses remain the primary cause of death, accounting for at least 17.9 million fatalities per year and posing a significant public health problem because of its extensive predominance and effect on healthcare systems. The etiology of cardiovascular disease is complex and involves several environmental and lifestyle factors. Alcohol use is a highly important determinant because of its dual-edged effect on cardiovascular health. Multiple studies indicate that moderate alcohol consumption may have certain advantages, such as slight enhancements in lipid profiles. Conversely, excessive alcohol intake is associated with serious negative consequences, including cardiomyopathy, hypertension, arrhythmias, and even mortality. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the several effects of alcohol on cardiovascular health and their understanding within the medical field over time. It uses an interpretative narrative review methodology and analyzes studies that focus on genetic risk factors, gender differences, and shifts in paradigms in recent years. This article highlights the need for obtaining a thorough understanding of the effects of alcohol on cardiovascular health to support public health guidelines and clinical practice, and it underscores the significance of including alcohol consumption into the broader context of cardiovascular risk management and identifies important subjects for further study.

Causal inference of the effect of plasma proteins on the incidence of oral cancer: two-sample Mendelian randomization

ObjectiveThis study is aimed to investigate the causal relationship between plasma proteins and oral cancer risk using two-sample MR (Mendelian randomization).MethodsSummary-level GWAS (genome-wide association study) data on plasma protein levels (4,907 proteins) and oral cancer (6,034 cases, 6,585 controls) of European ancestry were utilized. SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) associated with proteins at genome-wide significance were selected as instrumental variables. Multiple MR methods including IVW (inverse-variance weighted), MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode and weighted mode were applied to estimate causal effects. Sensitivity analyses were conducted.ResultsEight plasma proteins (CCDC167, MID2, NDRG4, PEAR1, PIAS4, RCAN1, SAMHD1 and TNMD) were identified to have significant causal associations with oral cancer risk. NDRG4, RCAN1, SAMHD1 and TNMD were associated with increased oral cancer risk while PEAR1 was associated with decreased risk. The causal estimates were consistent across different methods. Sensitivity analyses indicated the results were robust without significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy. Multivariable MR adjusting for smoking, alcohol intake and periodontal disease showed CCDC167, MID2, NDRG4, PEAR1, PIAS4 and SAMHD1 still had direct effects on oral cancer.ConclusionThis two-sample MR study provides evidence for potentially causal effects of several plasma proteins on oral cancer risk. The identified proteins may serve as biomarkers and shed light on biological mechanisms underlying oral carcinogenesis. Further research is warranted to validate and extend these findings.

Sex-Specific Roles of Hypocretin Receptor Signaling in CRF Neurons on Alcohol Drinking, Anxiety, and BNST Neuronal Excitability.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by compulsive alcohol consumption and negative emotional states during withdrawal, often perpetuating a cycle of addiction through arousal dysfunction. The hypocretin/orexin (Hcrt) neuropeptide system, a key regulator of arousal, has been implicated in these processes, particularly in its interactions with corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neurons within the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). We investigated the role of Hcrt receptor signaling in CRF neurons in modulating alcohol intake, anxiety behaviors, and BNST excitability, with a focus on sex-specific differences. Using CRF-specific genetic deletion of HcrtR1 and/or HcrtR2 receptors in mice, we found that deletion of HcrtR1 significantly reduced alcohol intake, with sex-specific effects on BNST excitability. CRF-specific HcrtR2 deletion, while not affecting alcohol consumption, decreased baseline anxiety-like behaviors in males relative to females. Moreover, the double deletion of both Hcrt receptors from CRF neurons led to reduced alcohol drinking in males and dampened anxiety behaviors and BNST excitability in both sexes during protracted withdrawal. These findings suggest that Hcrt signaling in CRF neurons plays a critical role in the persistence of excessive alcohol consumption and the development of negative affective states, with distinct contributions from HcrtR1 and HcrtR2. The observed sex-specific differences underscore the need for tailored therapeutic approaches targeting the Hcrt system in the treatment of AUD.

Association between plant-based diets and risk of metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease in Korean adults: A prospective cohort study

ObjectivesFew studies have investigated the correlation between plant-based diet indices (PDIs) and the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in the Korean population. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between PDIs and the risk of MASLD in Korean adults. MethodsThis cohort study utilized data from the Health Examinees Study conducted in the South Korean population. Dietary and nutrient intake were assessed at baseline and follow-up using a food frequency questionnaire and the Korean Food Consumption Table. Food items were categorized into overall PDI, healthy PDI (hPDI), and unhealthy PDI (uPDI), with MASLD defined using the fatty liver index. Baseline characteristics and food intake groups were evaluated based on PDI quintiles and stratified by sex. Further analyses involved stratification by age, body mass index, alcohol intake, and physical activity in men and women. ResultsOver a median follow-up period of 4.2 y, MASLD occurred in 1532 participants. Both men and women in the highest hPDI quintile had a reduced risk of MASLD (men: HR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.55–0.91, p = 0.0031; women: HR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.48–0.78, p < 0.0001). Conversely, the highest uPDI quintile was associated with a higher risk of MASLD. ConclusionsThis cohort study revealed an association of the overall PDI and hPDI with a lower risk of MASLD, highlighting the importance of adhering to these types of plant-based diets to prevent MASLD among Korean adults.