Male Obesity Research Articles

Do the Activity Indices Used in Axial Spondyloarthritis Capture the Relationships Between Obesity, Smoking and Disease Activity in the Same Way?

Background/Objectives: Obesity and smoking have been related to increased disease activity in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), but these associations might vary depending on the composite index chosen to assess disease activity. We aimed to check this possibility. Methods: Three hundred and thirty consecutive patients were recruited from the monographic axSpA unit of a university center. To assess disease activity, BASDAI and ASDAS-CRP measurements were collected. The factors associated with the different disease activity thresholds of these instruments were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Results: This study included 127 women and 203 men, with a mean age of 47.6 (SD 12.9) years, median disease duration of 8 years [IQR: 4–16], and 63% on biologic therapies. Most patients met the therapeutic goals, with a BASDAI < 4 in 187 (56.7%) and ASDAS inactive/low category in 182 (55.2%). Being male was associated with BASDAI remission (OR 2.63), but smoking reduced this likelihood (OR 0.28). Similar findings were found for ASDAS inactive disease (male: OR 2.09; smoking: OR 0.39). The variables associated with BASDAI ≥ 4 in the multivariate logistic model were the male gender (OR 0.36), age (OR 1.02), smoking (OR 2.39), and obesity (OR 2.94), whereas those associated with active/very active ASDAS categories were the male gender (OR 0.49), age (OR 1.02), and smoking (OR 2.34). However, obesity was not associated with these higher ASDAS categories (p = 0.183). Conclusions: While the association between smoking and increased disease activity was consistent across all composite activity indices, the obesity–activity relationship was only apparent through the BASDAI.

Progress in understanding the genetic underpinning of coronary artery disease: from genotype to phenotype

Abstract Background The functional dissection of genetic risk opens the door to strategies for pharmacological manipulation of molecular and cellular processes implicated in human diseases, including coronary artery disease (CAD). Aim To assess the relationship between a set of single nucleotide polymorphisms previously associated with CAD and coronary artery calcium (CAC) score in an asymptomatic population from Portugal. Methods Prospective study in a cohort of 1,284 subjects aged 59.3±8.9 years, 73.6% males without apparent CAD. The CAC score was performed by cardiac computed tomography and reported as Agatston units according to the Hoff nomogram. Anthropometric, conventional, and biochemical risk factors were evaluated. Thirty-three single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped by TaqMan real-time PCR. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis estimated variables associated with the CAC score. Results After bivariate analysis, PHACTR1 rs1332844 C>T, a downstream regulator of the endothelin-1 gene, showed a significant association with CAC score (p=0.015), together with CDKN2B-AS1 variants rs4977574 A>G in the locus 9p21.3 (p=0.002) and rs1333049 G>C (p=0.010). MTHFD1L gene encodes a mitochondrial enzyme responsible for homocysteine remethylating in methionine, and rs6922269 G>A showed protection against artery calcification (p=0.013). After multivariate logistic regression, PHACTR1 rs1332844 (CT+TT) (p=0.009) and CDKN2B-AS1 rs4977574 A>G (GG) (p=0.002) remained in the equation as independently associated with arterial calcification, together with male sex (p=0.039), age (p<0.0001), hypertension (p=0.001), diabetes (p<0.0001), smoking status (p<0.0001) and obesity (p=0.020). MTHFD1L rs6922269 AA also remained as significant protection from arterial calcification (p=0.027). Conclusion The present work showed two genetic variants, PHACTR1 and CDKN2B-AS1, linked to arterial wall calcification, herewith clinical and environmental risk factors. MTHFD1L showed protection. Understanding the genetic basis of vessel calcification can enable lifestyle changes or pharmacologic therapy to attenuate risk before the disease becomes clinic. More research in this field is critical to understanding the genetic basis of CAD through an intermediate phenotype, coronary arterial wall calcification.

Masked hypertension is highly prevalent among patients with high-normal office blood pressure - based on the results of the Hungarian ABPM Registry

Abstract Background Current European guidelines recommend initiating antihypertensive treatment for patients with high-normal office blood pressure (HNOBP) if their cardiovascular (CV) risk is very high.1 Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is a recommended tool to identify whitecoat- (WCH) and masked hypertension (MH), and both conditions can be present in patients with HNOBP. Purpose The purpose of our study was to assess the prevalence of white-coat and masked hypertension in patients with HNOBP, the proportion of very high CV risk, and to identify the predictors of WCH and MH. Methods We collected data from the Hungarian ABPM Registry, which is an ongoing, multicenter, open-label, observational study including 38720 adult patients. ABPMs were performed with validated Meditech ABPM-06 monitors. We analyzed the ABPM curves of 4389 HNOBP patients. In the diagnosis of hypertension, 24 hour-, daytime- and nighttime mean BP values were each considered separately. OBP measurements and ABPMs were performed by GPs, internists and cardiologists. 89 patients were excluded due to missing data. Results ABPM recordings confirmed MH in 67.4%(n=2899) of the cases, while WCH in 15.3%(n=659). In 17.3%(n=742) BP was in HN category both in the office and with ABPM (apparent high-normal blood pressure /appHNBP/). WCH patients (57.11±17.47) were older, than appHNBP (54.54±16.9), and MH patients (53.38±16.70)(p<0.001). WCH (19.4%, n=489) and appHNBP (19.4%, n=488) were more frequent among females, than in males (14.3%, n=254; 9.6%, n=170, respectively, p<0.001). However, MH was more prevalent in males compared to females (76.2%(n=1355) vs 61.2%(n=1544), respectively, p<0.001). Snoring, obesity and diabetes mellitus were more frequent in MH than in appHNBP and WHC patients (Snoring: 30.6%(n=887) vs. 25.7%(n=191) vs. 20.8%(n=137), p<0.001; Obesity: 22.9%(n=663) vs. 16.0%(n=119) vs. 13.4%(n=88), p<0.001;Diabetes mellitus: 12.1%(n=350) vs. 8.9%(n=66) vs. 9.9%(n=65), respectively, p=0.025). Independent predictors of WCH were age (OR=1.01[1.003;1.02]), female sex (OR=1.50[1.19;1.89]) and snoring (OR=0.76[0.59;0.97]). Independent predictors of MH were male sex (OR=1.69[1.43;2.00]), snoring (OR=1.27[1.06;1.53]) and obesity (OR=1.55[1.25;1.92]). 76% of all patients received antihypertensive treatment irrespective of the BP groups (WCH: 76.2%(n=502), appHNBP: 76.3%(n=566), MH: 76.5%(n=2217), p=NS). 11.7%(n=502) of all patients had very high CV risk and only 2.5%(n=25) did not receive antihypertensive treatment. Similar results were found among WCH, appHNBP and MH patients (very high CV risk: 13.8%(n=91) vs. 11.2%(n=83) vs.11.7%(n=328), p=NS; no treatment: 1.9%(n=3) vs. 1.7%(n=3) vs. 2.8%(n=19), p=NS). Conclusions In patients with HNOBP, MH is highly prevalent. MH might be suspected in young, obese, male patients with diabetes mellitus and snoring. WCH was more frequent in older females. Based on our data, the majority of patients with HNOBP and very high CV risk are treated.

Thyroid function status in patients with hypothyroidism on thyroxine replacement and associated factors: a retrospective cohort study in primary care

BackgroundLong-term management of patients with hypothyroidism on thyroxine replacement requires thyroid function test (TFT) monitoring once every six–12 months as recommended by clinical practice guidelines. This study determined their thyroid function status during two-year follow-up visits in primary care, and the factors influencing their thyroid status, and assessed the optimal interval for TFTs.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted on adults with a clinical diagnosis code for hypothyroidism in their electronic health records taken from a group of polyclinics in Singapore between July 2017 and June 2020. The follow-up thyroid status was categorized as under-replacement (TSH ≥ 3.70mIU/L), over-replacement (TSH ≤ 0.65mIU/L) or euthyroid (TSH 0.65–3.70mIU/L). The patients’ demographic, clinical and TFT data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests during the two-year follow-up. Stepwise logistic regression analysis identified the factors associated with suboptimal thyroid control. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to compare their thyroid function status in association with the interval between TFT monitoring.ResultsData from 5,749 eligible subjects (mean age 62.1 ± 13.29 years; 79% female; 79.7% Chinese) were analyzed. After a two-year follow-up, 61.9% (n = 3558) of all subjects were euthyroid, with 29.5% (n = 1694) being under-replaced and 8.6% (n = 497) over-replaced. However, thyroid status did not differ significantly with the various dose regimen (daily, segmented, or alternate days) (p = 0.193). Stepwise logistic regression showed that thyroxine under-replacement was significantly associated with the male gender (AOR = 1.25,95%CI = 1.03–1.51,p = 0.02) and obesity (AOR = 1.34,95%CI = 1.08–1.66,p = 0.008). Every unit (μg/kg body weight) increase in the mean daily thyroxine dose was associated with 2.72 times greater odds of over-replacement. When comparing thyroid function monitoring at intervals of 13-24 months, monitoring at shorter intervals (≤ 12 months) was less likely to detect thyroxine under-replacement (AOR = 0.57,95%CI = 0.44–0.74,p < 0.001) and over-replacement (AOR = 0.62,95%CI = 0.41–0.97,p = 0.033). Among the 3,312 adults who were euthyroid at baseline, 22.2%, 41.7% and 59.6% had suboptimal thyroid control at 6, 12 and 24 months respectively (Kaplan–Meier analysis).ConclusionAround six in ten patients were euthyroid with thyroxine replacement for hypothyroidism in primary care over two years. Thyroxine under-replacement was associated with male gender and obesity. The proportion of euthyroid patients developing abnormal thyroid function doubled with TFTs at six, 12 and 24-month intervals.

Roles of thyroid and leptin hormones and their crosstalk in male reproductive functions: an updated review.

This review aims to provide updated information regarding the role of thyroid and leptin hormones and their crosstalk in affecting the male reproductive function in hypothyroid and obesity conditions. A wide literature search was made using online search engines on published articles using keywords including thyroid hormone, hypothyroidism, leptin hormone, hyperleptinemia, obesity, the relationship between thyroid and leptin hormones and male reproduction, and hypothyroidism, obesity, and male reproduction. All information pertaining thyroid and leptin hormone effects on male reproduction, hypothyroidism, hyperleptinemia, and obesity effect on male fertility as well as the related molecular mechanisms are obtained. Thyroid and leptin hormones individually play a significant role in male reproduction. Alterations of these hormones' levels could adversely affect the male reproductive functions. PI3K/AKT signaling was found to be the major signaling pathway involved in mediating the effect of both hormones on male reproduction. Impaired crosstalk between the two hormones may occur in hypothyroidism with obesity which would contribute towards male reproductive dysfunction.

Is lifestyle different in male partners experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss compared to men fathering a live birth?

Recurrent pregnancy loss is characterized by three or more consecutive pregnancy losses. Although the causes of recurrent pregnancy loss are often unknown, chromosomal defects and fetal anomalies account for a significant proportion of cases. Previous research has primarily focused on maternal factors, but recent attention has shifted to the role of male lifestyle factors. This study examined how male lifestyle factors and chronic illnesses affect recurrent pregnancy loss in a Danish cohort. Objectives included analyzing demographic and clinical features, as well as assessing lifestyle factors and pregnancy outcomes. We included 741 males referred to the Danish recurrent pregnancy loss unit between 2009 and 2021, alongside a control group of 1173 males from the PREGCO study. Data on demography, clinical features, lifestyle factors, and pregnancy outcomes were collected and analyzed. The recurrent pregnancy loss group had a higher mean age compared to the controls. Although there was a trend suggesting a higher prevalence of obesity in the recurrent pregnancy loss group, statistical significance was not reached. The prevalence of chronic illnesses was similar in both groups. In the recurrent pregnancy loss group, a higher body mass index and history of previous or current smoking were associated with a lower pregnancy rate, and men who never smoked had an increased likelihood of achieving pregnancy. However, these associations lost significance after adjusting for potential confounders. The study suggests an association between male obesity and smoking, and decreased pregnancy rates after referral for recurrent pregnancy loss. However, further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and establish causality in this association. The study reveals potential associations between male smoking, male obesity, and reduced pregnancy rates in individuals referred for recurrent pregnancy loss. These findings emphasize the importance of considering male lifestyle factors in the evaluation and management of recurrent pregnancy loss.

Incidence of Tibial Tubercle Fractures in Patients With and Without Osgood-Schlatter Disease.

Patients with Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) may be at increased risk of tibial tubercle fractures due to an underlying weakness of the tibial tubercle apophysis relative to the patellar tendon as a result of repetitive microtrauma. The purpose of this study is to analyze the incidence of tibial tubercle fractures in patients with and without Osgood-Schlatter disease. We hypothesized that the incidence of tibial tubercle fractures would be higher in patients with Osgood-Schlatter disease. A retrospective cohort analysis of the PearlDiver database was performed by querying all patients diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter disease between January 2010 and October 2022. An OSD cohort of 146,672 patients was captured using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9), Tenth Revision (ICD-10) billing codes, and age as inclusion/exclusion criteria. The Student t test and the χ 2 analyses were used to compare the demographics and obesity between the OSD and control cohorts. Multivariable logistic regressions, controlling for residual differences in age, sex, and obesity, were used to compare rates of tibial tubercle fractures. Patients with a recent history of OSD were found to have higher rates of tibial tubercle fractures than the control group at all measured time points ( P <0.001). The 1-year rate of tibial tubercle fractures was 0.62% in the OSD group. The incidence of tibial tubercle fractures in the OSD group was 627.3 cases per 100,000 person-years compared with 42.7 cases per 100,000 person-years in the control group ( P <0.001). Male sex and obesity were also associated with an increased risk of sustaining a tibial tubercle fracture within these patient populations ( P <0.001). We report a significantly higher incidence of tibial tubercle fractures among patients with OSD compared with controls. This increase was most significant at 1 month following OSD diagnosis, however, held true for all measured time points. In addition, male patients and those with obesity were also noted to have increased incidence of tibial tubercle fractures regardless of an OSD diagnosis.

Male infertility and obesity.

The increasing rate of obesity is having an adverse impact on male reproduction. The negative effect of reactive oxygen species on male reproductive tissues and the age of onset of obesity are new areas of research on male infertility. This review highlights how obesity impairs male reproduction through complex mechanisms, including metabolic syndrome, lipotoxicity, sexual dysfunction, hormonal and adipokine alterations as well as epigenetic changes, and how new management strategies may improve the reproductive health of men throughout life.

Correlates of sleep-disordered breathing and Cheyne-Stokes respiration in patients with atrial fibrillation who have undergone pulmonary vein isolation.

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is a common comorbidity in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for AF have a high prevalence of SDB. In previous studies, some patients with AF had Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR). The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of SDB and the correlates of SDB severity and CSR in AF patients who have undergone PVI. The study was conducted using a single-center observational design. All participants underwent a home sleep apnea test (ApneaLink Air, ResMed, Australia), which could determine the severity of SDB as assessed by the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and the percentage of CSR (%CSR) pattern. 139 AF patients who underwent PVI were included in the study. Overall, 38 (27.3%) patients had no SDB (AHI < 5), 53 (38.1%) had mild SDB (5 ≤ AHI < 15), 33 (23.7%) had moderate SDB (15 ≤ AHI < 30), and 15 (10.8%) had severe SDB (AHI ≥ 30). Correlates of the increased AHI included male sex (β = 0.23, p = 0.004), age (β = 0.19, p = 0.020), high body mass index (β = 0.31, p < 0.001), and β blockers usage (β = 0.18, p = 0.024). Conversely, correlates with the %CSR rate included male sex (β = 0.18, p = 0.020), age (β = 0.19, p = 0.015), non-paroxysmal AF (β = 0.22, p = 0.008), and high glycohemoglobin A1c (β = 0.36, p < 0.001) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (β = 0.24, p = 0.005) levels. SDB is prevalent in patients with AF who have undergone PVI; predisposing factors for SDB include male sex, older age, and obesity. CSR occurs in patients with AF who have undergone PVI; predisposing factors for CSR include male sex, older age, high left ventricular filling pressure, and abnormal blood glucose level.

Dysregulation of mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy are involved in high-fat diet-induced steroidogenesis inhibition

Male obesity is a pandemic health issue and can disrupt testicular steroidogenesis. Here, we explored the mechanism by which a high-fat diet (HFD) induced steroidogenic inhibition. As expected, HFD induced lipid droplet accumulation and reduced the expression of StAR, P450scc, and 3β-HSD, three steroidogenic enzymes, in mouse testes. Palmitic acid (PA), a saturated fatty acid usually used to trigger lipotoxicity in vitro, induced greater accumulation of lipid droplets and the downregulation of steroidogenic enzymes in TM3 cells. Mechanistically, both HFD and PA disturbed mitochondrial fusion/fission dynamics and then induced mitochondrial dysfunction and mitophagy inhibition in mouse Leydig cells. Additionally, mitochondrial fusion promoter M1 attenuated PA-induced imbalance of mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy inhibition, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and mitochondrial dysfunction in TM3 cells. Mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) knock-down further aggravated the PA-induced imbalance of mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondrial ROS production, and mitochondrial dysfunction in TM3 cells. Importantly, M1 rescued PA-induced downregulation of steroidogenic enzymes, whereas Mfn2 knock-down further aggravated PA-induced downregulation of steroidogenic enzymes in TM3 cells. Overall, our results provide laboratory evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction and mitophagy inhibition caused by dysregulation of mitochondrial fusion may be involved in HFD-induced steroidogenesis inhibition in mouse Leydig cells.

Effect of paternal overweight or obesity on semen parameters, clinical pregnancy and live birth outcomes in men treated with intrauterine insemination (IUI).

Overweight and obese individuals are steadily increasing in recent years. Male overweight or obesity has adverse impact on reproductive functions. The study aimed to evaluate the potential impact of paternal overweight or obesity on sperm quality and clinical pregnancy outcome in patients undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment. This retrospective study included 1,036 couples from our reproductive center between July 2019 and August 2022. All males were categorized into normal weight, overweight, or obese groups according to their body mass index (BMI). Baseline characteristics and reproductive hormones were analyzed. Semen parameters, clinical pregnancy and live birth outcomes were compared among the different BMI groups. There were no significant differences in sperm concentration, total sperm motility, progressive sperm motility, normal sperm morphology and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) among the three groups. However, the obese group exhibited a significantly decreased semen volume compared to the other two groups (P<0.01). No differences were found in clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), abortion rate (AR) and live birth rate (LBR) among the groups (P>0.05). Slight higher ARs were observed in overweight and obese groups compared to normal group (13.64%, 21.05% vs. 11.11%, P=0.49). These data suggest that male obesity leads to a significant decrease in semen volume. It is thus recommended that male BMI should be regarded as one of the predictors for IUI treatment to avoid a decrease in semen volume.

Función pulmonar en post COVID-19

Introduction: Infection by SARS-CoV-2 affects multiple organs, but the lung is the most affected organ and can have sequelae. The diagnosis of sequelae includes: medical history, physical examination, chest radiography and/or tomography, and pulmonary function tests (spirometry, carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, 6-minute walk test, and lung volumes). The objective of this study was to describe lung function in post COVID-19 patients at the Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Diseases CEDITER. Methodology: We conducted a descriptive, retrospective, and cross-sectional study of patients over 18 years of age, with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, who had undergone any pulmonary function tests and were found in the CEDITER database, from March 2020 to December 2021. Results: 246 cases were included, of which 57.7% were male and 43.3% were female. The mean age was 50.8 years with a standard deviation of 13.2. 46.1% had a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 39.9, classified as obesity. 207 spirometries were analyzed, of which 34.3% were abnormal. Out of the 236 carbon monoxide diffusion tests, 53% showed mild to moderate decreases. Conclusions: The pulmonary function test that was most affected was carbon monoxide diffusion (DLCO), in a predominantly male population, with overweight or obesity, and with a mean age of 50 years.

Key influences on dysglycemia across Fujian's urban-rural divide.

Screening and treatment of dysglycemia (prediabetes and diabetes) represent significant challenges in advancing the Healthy China initiative. Identifying the crucial factors contributing to dysglycemia in urban-rural areas is essential for the implementation of targeted, precise interventions. Data for 26,157 adults in Fujian Province, China, were collected using the Social Factors Special Survey Form through a multi-stage random sampling method, wherein 18 variables contributing to dysglycemia were analyzed with logistic regression and the random forest model. Investigating urban-rural differences and critical factors in dysglycemia prevalence in Fujian, China, with the simultaneous development of separate predictive models for urban and rural areas. The detection rate of dysglycemia among adults was 35.26%, with rates of 34.1% in urban areas and 35.8% in rural areas. Common factors influencing dysglycemia included education, age, BMI, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. For rural residents, higher income (OR = 0.80, 95% CI [0.74, 0.87]), average sleep quality (OR = 0.89, 95% CI [0.80, 0.99]), good sleep quality (OR = 0.89, 95% CI [0.80, 1.00]), and high physical activity (PA) (OR = 0.87, 95% CI [0.79, 0.96]) emerged as protective factors. Conversely, a daily sleep duration over 8 hours (OR = 1.46, 95% CI [1.03, 1.28]) and middle income (OR = 1.12, 95% CI [1.03, 1.22]) were specific risk factors. In urban areas, being male (OR = 1.14, 95% CI [1.02, 1.26]), cohabitation (OR = 1.18, 95% CI [1.02, 1.37]), and central obesity (OR = 1.35, 95% CI [1.19, 1.53]) were identified as unique risk factors. Using logistic regression outcomes, a random forest model was developed to predict dysglycemia, achieving accuracies of 75.35% (rural) and 76.95% (urban) with ROC areas of 0.77 (rural) and 0.75 (urban). This study identifies key factors affecting dysglycemia in urban and rural Fujian residents, including common factors such as education, age, BMI, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Notably, rural-specific protective factors are higher income and good sleep quality, while urban-specific risk factors include being male and central obesity. These findings support the development of targeted prevention and intervention strategies for dysglycemia, tailored to the unique characteristics of urban and rural populations.

Apigenin improves testosterone synthesis by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress

Obesity is a growing epidemic among reproductive-age men, which can cause and exacerbate male infertility by means of associated comorbidities, endocrine abnormalities, and direct effects on the fidelity and throughput of spermatogenesis. A prominent consequence of male obesity is a reduction in testosterone levels. Natural products have shown tremendous potential anti-obesity effects in metabolic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the potential of apigenin (AP) to alleviate testicular dysfunction induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and to investigate the underlying mechanisms, focusing on endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and testosterone synthesis. A murine model of obesity was established using HFD-fed mice. The effects of AP on obesity, lipid metabolism, testicular dysfunction, and ERS were assessed through various physiological, histological, and molecular techniques. Administration of AP (10 mg/kg) ameliorated HFD-induced obesity and testicular dysfunction in a mouse model, as evidenced by decreased body weight, improved lipid profiles and testicular pathology, and restored protein levels related to testosterone. Furthermore, in vitro studies demonstrated that AP relieved ERS and recovered testosterone synthesis in murine Leydig cells (TM3) treated with free fatty acids (FFAs). It was also observed that AP rescued testosterone synthesis enzymes in TM3 cells, similar to that observed with the inhibitor of the PERK pathway (GSK2606414). In addition, ChIP, qPCR, and gene silencing showed that the C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) bound directly to the promoter region of steroidogenic STAR and negatively modulated its expression. Collectively, AP has remarkable potential to alleviate HFD-induced obesity and testicular dysfunction. Its protective effects are attributable partly to mitigating ERS and restoring testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells.

Prevalence and related factors of nephrolithiasis among medical staff in Qingdao, China: a retrospective cross-sectional study

BackgroundCertain occupations may predispose individuals to urolithiasis, a multi-factorial disease. The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and related factors of nephrolithiasis in medical staff in Qingdao, China.MethodsPhysical examination results of 5115 in-service medical staff aged 22–60 years old were retrospectively analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis and stratified analyses by age and gender were applied to explore the related factors of nephrolithiasis in these medical staff.ResultsThe overall nephrolithiasis prevalence in medical staff in Qingdao, China was 4.65%. Doctors were more prone to nephrolithiasis than nurses (5.63% vs. 3.96%, P = 0.013) and the peak prevalence (6.69%) was observed in medical staff working in the emergency department (ED). Male gender (OR = 1.615, 95% CI = 1.123–2.323, P = 0.010), overweight or obesity (OR = 1.674, 95% CI = 1.266–2.214, P < 0.001), work seniority ≥ 10 years (OR = 2.489, 95%CI = 1.675–3.699, P < 0.001) and working in the ED (OR = 1.815, 95% CI = 1.202–2.742, P = 0.005) were independent predictors for nephrolithiasis in medical staff based on the results of multivariate logistic regression analysis. The associations between overweight or obesity and nephrolithiasis risk as well as between work seniority ≥ 10 years and nephrolithiasis risk in medical staff were independent of age or gender in stratified analysis.ConclusionsNephrolithiasis prevalence in medical staff in Qingdao, China seemed not to be higher than that in the general population. Medical staff with work seniority ≥ 10 years and working in the ED should pay abundant attention to take measures to modify their nephrolithiasis risk.

Effect of moringa flower extract on liver function and histopathology appearance of obesity model rat's liver

This study aims to test and analyze the effectiveness of moringa flower extract on the liver function of male wistar strain white rats obesity model and how the histopathological picture. This research is a type of experimental quantitative research using post-test only group design. This study used test animals in the form of male white wistar rats with a body weight of 200-300 gr aged 2-3 months. The test animals were divided into 4 groups, the control group was only given regular food and distilled water, the treatment group was given high-fat food and Moringa flower extract at different doses, namely 200 mg / kgBB, 400 mg / kgBB, and 600 mg / kgBB. The results of the phytochemical test showed that moringa flower extract contains secondary metabolites in the form of saponins, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and steroids. The administration of moringa flower extract at a dose of 600 mg/KgBB is effective in improving liver function in obese Wistar white rats. This improvement can be seen through the levels of ALT, AST, and histological structure of the liver that has improved. The results of histopathological observations of liver tissue in treatment group 3, namely moringa flower extract at a dose of 600 mg/KgBB, experienced the most significant improvement and approached the control group compared to other groups.

Prevalence of multiple non-communicable diseases risk factors among self-reported healthy older adults living in community dwelling in India: Evidence from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India

IntroductionNoncommunicable disease (NCDs) risk factor clustering multiplies the risk especially in aging populations. The study objective was to estimate the prevalence and determinants of multiple NCD risk factors amongst older adults in India using the Community-Based Assessment Checklist (CBAC). MethodsA secondary analysis was undertaken using the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) data wave-I having 40,510 participants aged ≥ 45 years without a history of diabetes or hypertension. The CBAC recommended by the national program consists of assesses six NCD risk factors: age, tobacco use, alcohol use, waist circumference, physical activity, and family history. ResultsThe prevalence of individuals at high-risk for NCDs defined as a CBAC score ≥ 4 was 55.2 % (95 % CI: 54.1, 56.29). Male gender, widowhood, obesity, and unemployment were independently associated with higher odds of having a high NCD risk factor status. Geographically, Northeastern and Southern states had higher burden of individuals at high-risk for NCDs. Furthermore, 28.44 % of patients at high-risk for NCDs were also having undiagnosed hypertension detected on screening. ConclusionMore than one in two older adults aged ≥ 45 years in India without an established history of diabetes or hypertension have four or more NCD related risk factors that accentuate their NCD risk.

Dietary sugar kelp consumption inhibits adipose tissue inflammation and fibrosis in male mouse model of diet-induced obesity

We previously demonstrated that consumption of U.S.-grown sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) prohibits inflammation and fibrosis in the liver and white adipose tissue in male diet-induced obesity (DIO) mice. This study investigated whether sugar kelp can elicit similar benefits in female DIO mice. Male and female C57BL/6J mice were fed a low-fat (LF) control, a high-fat/high-sucrose/high-cholesterol (HF) control, or HF containing 6% sugar kelp (HF-Kelp) for 16 weeks. Body weight gain, serum triglyceride and total lipids, and glucose intolerance were decreased in male HF-Kelp compared with HF control. Furthermore, sugar kelp decreased gonadal white adipose tissue (gWAT) weight with smaller adipocytes and total body fat in males. In gWAT, male HF-Kelp exhibited less inflammation and fibrosis than the HF control, confirmed by histological analysis. Moreover, HF-Kelp increased physical activity only in males. Gut microbiome analysis showed sugar kelp elevated observed species and altered beta diversity in both males and females, suggesting changes in the gut microbiome may contribute to the effects of sugar kelp on gWAT inflammation and fibrosis. Therefore, our results demonstrate that sugar kelp consumption prevents obesity-induced inflammation and fibrosis in WAT in male mice, which is attributed, at least in part, to modest increases in metabolic rates, energy expenditure, and physical activity, and also modulating the gut microbiota.

Where do obesity and male infertility collide?

The parallel rise in obesity and male infertility in modern societies necessitates the identification of susceptibility genes underlying these interconnected health issues. In our study, we conducted a comprehensive search in the OMIM database to identify genes commonly associated with male infertility and obesity. Subsequently, we performed an insilico analysis using the REVEL algorithm to detect pathogenic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the coding region of these candidate genes. To validate our findings in vivo, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of SNPs and gene expression of candidate genes in 200 obese infertile subjects and 240 obese fertile individuals using ARMS-PCR. Additionally, we analyzed 20 fertile and 22 infertile obese individuals using Realtime-qPCR. By removing duplicated queries, we obtained 197 obesity-related genes and 102 male infertility-related genes from the OMIM database. Interestingly, the APOB gene was found in common between the two datasets. REVEL identified the rs13306194 variant as potentially pathogenic with a calculated score of 0.524. The study identified a significant association between the AA (P value = 0.001) genotype and A allele (P value = 0.003) of the APOB rs13306194 variant and infertility in obese men. APOB expression levels were significantly lower in obese infertile men compared to obese fertile controls (p < 0.01). Moreover, the AA genotype of rs13306194 APOB was associated with a significant decrease in APOB gene expression in obese infertile men (p = 0.05). There is a significant association between the Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) and LH with infertility in the obese infertile group. These results are likely to contribute to a better understanding of the causes of male infertility and its association with obesity.

Association between the triglyceride glucose index and obstructive sleep apnea and its symptoms: results from the NHANES

BackgroundCertain studies have indicated a link between obstructive sleep apnea and insulin resistance in specific populations. To gain more clarity, extensive research involving a broad sample of the overall population is essential. The primary objective of this study was to investigate this correlation by utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database.MethodsThe analysis incorporated data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database spanning the time periods from 2005 to 2008 and from 2015 to 2018, with a focus on American adults aged 18 years and older after applying weight adjustments. Key variables such as obstructive sleep apnea, triglyceride glucose index, and various confounding factors were considered. A generalized linear logistic regression model was used to investigate the association between obstructive sleep apnea and the triglyceride glucose index, with additional exploration of the consistency of the results through hierarchical analysis and other techniques.ResultsThe study included participants aged between 18 and 90 years, with an average age of 46.75 years. Among the total sample, 50.76% were male. The triglyceride glucose index demonstrated a diagnostic capability for obstructive sleep apnea, with an AUC of 0.701 (95% CI: 0.6619–0.688). According to the fully adjusted model, individuals in the fourth quartile of the triglyceride glucose index showed an increased likelihood of having obstructive sleep apnea compared to those in the first quartile (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.02–2.06; P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis indicated that male sex (OR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.76–2.45; P < 0.05), younger age (OR: 2.83; 95% CI: 2.02–3.96; P < 0.05), white ethnicity (OR: 2.29; 95% CI: 1.93–2.73; P < 0.05), and obesity (OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.28–1.85; P < 0.05) were correlated with an elevated risk of OSA.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated a strong association between an elevated TG index and OSA. Additionally, the triglyceride glucose index could serve as an independent predictor of obstructive sleep apnea.