Risk In Men Research Articles

Physical activity and dietary considerations for prostate cancer patients: future research directions.

This review considers current evidence on physical activity and dietary behaviours in the context of prostate cancer prevention and survivorship outcomes. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer amongst men, with over 1⋅4 million newly diagnosed cases globally each year. Due to earlier detection via screening and advances in treatments, survival rates are amongst the highest of all cancer populations. However, hormone treatments (i.e. androgen deprivation therapy) can lead to undesirable body composition changes, increased fatigue and reduced health-related quality of life, which can impair the overall wellbeing of men living with and beyond prostate cancer. Existing research has only provided limited evidence that physical activity and nutrition can impact a man's risk of prostate cancer but cohort studies suggest they can influence survival outcomes after diagnosis. Additionally, data from observational and intervention studies suggest that habitual physical activity (or structured exercise) and healthy diets can help to ameliorate hormone-related treatment side-effects. Current physical activity guidelines state that prostate cancer patients should complete at least three sessions of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, along with two resistance exercise sessions, but dietary guidelines for prostate cancer patients are less well defined. In conclusion, regular physical activity and nutritional interventions may improve survival outcomes and attenuate some adverse side-effects of hormone treatments in men with prostate cancer. However, further research is required to improve our understanding of the health impacts of physical activity (including structured exercise) and nutrition in relation to prostate cancer prevention and survivorship.

Association between trunk-to-peripheral fat ratio and renal function in elderly Japanese men: baseline data from the Fujiwara-kyo Osteoporosis Risk in Men (FORMEN) study.

Central obesity as measured by waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR) has been reported to be associated with renal hemodynamics and function. However, the adipose component of WHR, which is a composite measure of fat mass and fat-free mass, is small, particularly in nonobese subjects. Trunk-to-peripheral fat ratio as measured using dual-energy absorptiometry (DXA) is a more precise method for evaluating central fat distribution than WHR. The present study investigated the cross-sectional association between DXA-measured trunk-to-peripheral fat ratio and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in community-dwelling elderly Japanese men. Participants were 575 men aged ≥65 years at the time of the baseline survey of the second Fujiwara-kyo Osteoporosis Risk in Men (FORMEN) cohort study. Trunk-to-appendicular fat ratio (TAR) was calculated as trunk fat divided by appendicular fat (sum of arm and leg fat), and trunk-to-leg fat ratio (TLR) as trunk fat divided by leg fat. eGFR values significantly decreased from the lowest to the highest quintile of TAR/TLR. After adjusting for potential confounding factors including whole-body fat, the highest quintile of both TAR and TLR showed statistically significant odds ratios for the risk of eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2, relative to the lowest quintile. In addition, a significant decreasing trend was observed for eGFR values from the lowest to the highest quintile of TAR/TLR after adjusting for confounding factors including whole-body fat. Elderly men with a large trunk-to-peripheral fat ratio tended to have a lower eGFR. This association occurred independently of that between whole-body fat and eGFR.

Special Symposium, Collective Vigilantism in Global Comparative Perspective Gender Gaps in Support for Vigilante Violence

Mob vigilantism—the punishment of alleged criminals by groups of citizens is widespread throughout the developing world. Drawing on surveys with more than 13,000 respondents from Uganda, Tanzania, and South Africa, this article shows women are more likely than men to support mob vigilantism. Qualitative evidence, a vignette experiment, and survey measures suggest men and women differ in their beliefs about mob vigilantism. Men are more convinced that mob vigilantism creates risks of false accusation for those who do not commit crime. I trace this divergence in beliefs to differences in men's and women's personal risk of being accused of a crime that they did not commit. The results speak against the notion that women are inherently more opposed to violence than men.

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibition Benefits in Cardiorenal Risk in Men and Women.

In addition to their antihyperglycemic action, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are used in patients with type 2 diabetes due to their cardioprotective effects. Meta-analyses of large clinical trials have reported mixed results when examining sex differences in their cardioprotective effects. For example, some studies reported that, compared to women, men had a greater reduction in cardiovascular risk with SGLT2 inhibition. Taking advantage of several recently completed large-scale randomized controlled clinical trials, we tested the hypothesis that women have an attenuated response in primary cardiorenal outcomes to SGLT2 inhibition compared to men. We performed a systematic search using PubMed and the Cochrane Library to find completed large-scale, prospective, randomized controlled Phase III clinical trials with primary outcomes testing cardiovascular or renal benefit. Studies had to include at least 1000 participants and report data about sex differences in their primary cardiovascular or renal outcomes. The present meta-analysis confirmed that SGLT2 inhibition decreased adverse cardiorenal outcomes in a pooled sex analysis using 13 large-scale clinical trials. SGLT2 inhibition exhibited similar reduction in hazard ratios for both men (0.79, 95% CI, 0.73-0.85) and women (0.78, 95% CI, 0.72-0.84) for adverse cardiorenal outcomes. In contrast to previous findings, our updated meta-analysis suggests that women and men experience similar cardiorenal benefit in response to SGLT2 inhibition. These findings strongly suggest that SGLT2 inhibition therapy should be considered in patients with high risk for cardiovascular disease irrespective of the patient sex.

Lung Cancer Risk in Men and Compliance with the 2018 WCRF/AICR Cancer Prevention Recommendations.

Lung cancer is the most common and deadly form of cancer worldwide, especially in men. The 2018 World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) updated cancer prevention recommendations, and a standard scoring system (2018 WCRF/AICR Score) was published. The purpose of this study was to develop the adapted version of the 2018 WCRF/AICR Score with respect to lung cancer prevention recommendation (Ad-LC WCRF/AICR Score) and to examine the association between lung cancer risk in men and the Ad-LC WCRF/AICR Score as well as its single components. A case–control study was conducted among 439 men aged 45–80 years (187 controls, 252 primary lung cancer cases). Lifestyle and dietary data were collected with a questionnaire including the 62-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ-6®). The Ad-LC WCRF/AICR Score was used as a categorized and continuous variable. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for lung cancer risk were calculated with the partly and fully adjusted model. One component of the score was independently associated with a lower risk of lung cancer in men, regardless of the set of confounders used. In the fully adjusted model following the recommendation “Limit smoking” was associated with a lower risk of lung cancer—in the never smokers by 87% (OR: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.04–0.37; p = 0.0002) and in the moderate smokers by 45% (OR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.33–0.91; p = 0.0189) compared with the heavy smokers as a reference. By adding the single components making up the Ad-LC WCRF/AICR Score, the combination of three components or more, reducing the risk of lung cancer compared to lower compliance as a reference by 45% to 78% and by 39% to 66% for intermediate compliance (except two models out of seven) and higher compliance, respectively. In the fully adjusted model, the risk of lung cancer for the total Ad-LC WCRF/AICR Score was lower by 47% (OR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.32–0.88; p = 0.0129) in higher compliance with the score compared to those with the lower compliance. Each one-point increase in the Ad-LC WCRF/AICR Score reduced lung cancer risk by 34% (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.45–0.95; p = 0.0267). The results support previous evidence that limiting smoking reduces the risk of lung cancer in men. It also provides an insight into cancer research by showing that following the combined 2018 cancer prevention recommendations related to diet, lifestyle and body fatness was associated with a lower risk of lung cancer in men.

남성 화장품 관련 연구 동향 분석을 통한 코로나19 펜데믹 이후 소비시장 변화 대응 방안

This study analyzes the research trends related to male cosmetics conducted from 2000 to 2022. The purpose is to suggest countermeasures in the men's cosmetics market in the future based on changes in the consumer market brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Among a total of 230 papers on men's cosmetics from 2000 to 2022, 39 papers, excluding 191 papers that are not provided online, papers that are not related to the subject of this study, and papers extracted in duplicate, were collected. While analyzing the paper, women's risk perception and changes in the cosmetics consumption culture are frequently discussed, studies on men's risk perception and cosmetics consumption patterns are insufficient. As a result of the analysis, the cosmetics market is changing from offline to online, and the proportion of online distribution channels is expected to increase rapidly due to COVID-19, so it is required to revitalize the cosmetics industry through online channel diversification. In addition, it is required to develop functional cosmetics and provide information so that men can manage their appearance more easily by providing information on men's skin types and identifying the motives and purposes of men's appearance management behavior.

Risk attitudes and household consumption behavior: Evidence from China.

Risk attitude is a vital component of public mental health. Thus, the public should be guided to fully comprehend risks to improve public mental health. Using panel data from China Household Finance Survey (CHFS) in 2017, this study examined the impact of risk attitudes on household consumption behavior by constructing a micro-econometric model. Results suggest that risk attitude can promote household consumption, with multiple robustness tests supporting this conclusion. In addition, after dividing the consumption types into subsistence consumption, development consumption, and enjoyment consumption, we show risk preference promotes all three types of consumption and has the greatest impact on enjoyment consumption. Concurrently, risk neutrality can promote household survival consumption, but its promotion effect is smaller than that of risk preference. Moreover, risk aversion has an inhibitory effect on total consumption behavior, but this inhibitory effect does not show heterogeneity for different consumption behaviors. Heterogeneity analysis found that for male households, risk attitude remains an important factor in consumption behavior. When men's risk attitude is more risk averse, it can promote more survival consumption, whereas women's risk attitude is more risk averse. With increasing age, risk attitude remains a crucial factor in the occurrence of consumer behavior. However, education level has no bearing on the effect of risk attitude on household consumption behavior. This research holds theoretical and practical significance for improving public mental health, optimizing residents' consumption structure, and achieving high-quality economic development.

Relationships between Women's and Men's Modifiable Preconception Risks and Health Behaviors and Maternal and Offspring Health Outcomes: An Umbrella Review.

Parental health before conception effects maternal and offspring health outcomes. Preconception care provides healthcare to prospective parents addressing modifiable preconception risks and health behaviors. This umbrella review aimed to consolidate evidence on women's and men's modifiable preconception risks or health behaviors associated with maternal and offspring health outcomes. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Maternity and Infant Care, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched from March 4, 2010, to March 4, 2020. Eligible studies were systematic reviews or meta-analyses of observational studies examining associations between modifiable preconception risks or health behaviors and maternal and offspring health outcomes. Screening, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment (AMSTAR 2) occurred independently by two reviewers. Degree of overlap was examined. Findings were summarized for evidence synthesis. Twenty-seven systematic reviews were included. Modifiable preconception risks and health behaviors were identified across categories: body composition (e.g., overweight, obesity), lifestyle behaviors (e.g., caffeine, smoking), nutrition (e.g., micronutrients), environmental exposures (e.g., radiation), and birth spacing (e.g., short interpregnancy intervals). Outcomes associated with exposures affected embryo (e.g., embryonic growth), maternal (e.g., gestational diabetes mellitus), fetal/neonate (e.g., preterm birth), and child (e.g., neurocognitive disorders) health. For real-world practice and policy relevance, evidence-based indicators for preconception care should include body composition, lifestyle, nutrition, environmental, and birth spacing.

Inroads for HIV prevention among men: findings from mixed methods research in the context of the DREAMS partnership in Southern Africa.

To assess trends in men's HIV risk factors and service use, and their experiences with prevention programming, during an intensive HIV response for adolescent girls and young women and their male partners. Independent cross-sectional surveys in 2016-2017 and 2018 with men in Eswatini (20-34 years-old, n = 1391) and Durban, South Africa (20-40 years-old; n = 1665), complemented by 74 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with men exposed to HIV services/prevention programming. Survey recruitment was primarily at hot-spot venues. We assessed Round 1-2 trends in HIV risk factors and service use, overall and by HIV risk profiles. IDI respondents were identified via survey responses or program partners. HIV risk factors were prevalent in both countries at each survey round, although there were reductions over time among the highest risk profiles in South Africa. Most men were engaged in HIV services (e.g. nearly two-thirds tested for HIV in the last year at round 2, with large increases in Eswatini). Qualitative data suggest HIV service uptake was facilitated by increased convenience and supportive information/messaging about HIV treatment efficacy. Men described eagerly receiving the information and support offered in HIV prevention programming, and effects on HIV risk reduction and newly engaging in HIV services. However, less than 15% of survey respondents reported being reached by such programming. Important inroads have been made to engage men in HIV services and prevention programming in the two countries, including among the high-risk profiles. Still, improving coverage of comprehensive HIV prevention programming is critical, particularly for men most at risk.

Circulating Sex Hormone Levels and Colon Cancer Risk in Men: A Nested Case-Control Study and Meta-Analysis.

Endogenous sex hormones may contribute to higher colorectal cancer incidence rates in men compared with women, but despite an increased number of studies, clear evidence is lacking. We conducted a comprehensive nested case-control study of circulating concentrations of sex hormones, sex hormone precursors, and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in relation to subsequent colon cancer risk in European men. Concentrations were measured using liquid LC/MS-MS in prospectively collected plasma samples from 690 cases and 690 matched controls from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) and the Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study (NSHDS) cohorts. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). In addition, we conducted a meta-analysis of previous studies on men. Circulating levels of testosterone (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.51-0.89) and SHBG (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.62-0.96) were inversely associated with colon cancer risk. For free testosterone, there was a nonsignificant inverse association (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.58-1.18). In a dose-response meta-analysis of endogenous sex hormone levels, inverse associations with colorectal/colon cancer risk were found for testosterone [relative risks (RR) per 100 ng/dL = 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96-1.00; I2 = 22%] and free testosterone (RR per 1 ng/dL = 0.98; 95% CI, 0.95-1.00; I2 = 0%). Our results provide suggestive evidence for the association between testosterone, SHBG, and male colon cancer development. Additional support for the involvement of sex hormones in male colon cancer.

Combined results of three physical performance tests predict incident fracture independently of aBMD in community-dwelling elderly Japanese men: Fujiwara-kyo Osteoporosis Risk in Men (FORMEN) Cohort Study

Several studies have examined the association between physical performance and fracture in women, but few such studies have targeted elderly men. This study aimed to determine whether the combined results of several physical performance tests can predict the subsequent incidence of fractures in elderly men after adjusting for confounding factors. Of the 2174 elderly men who participated in this study, 2012 completed the baseline study visit, including physical performance tests (walking speed, hand grip strength, and one-leg standing) and measurement of bone mineral density by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Follow-up study visits were conducted five and ten years later, during which incident fractures were identified by detailed interviews. We excluded 140 men with diseases or who took medications known to affect bone metabolism at baseline, 185 with missing values for predictors and potential confounding factors, and one who did not participate in any of the follow-up study visits. The remaining 1686 men were analyzed. Each physical performance test was analyzed by quartiles. Poor performance was defined as belonging to the worst quartile of performance. The association between physical performance and fracture was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models. We identified 175 clinical fractures (osteoporotic fracture: 77, major osteoporotic fracture: 48) in 1686 men during a mean follow-up period of 8.4years. After adjusting for potential confounding factors including bone mineral density, men who performed poorly on all three physical performance tests had a 3.7-fold higher risk of osteoporotic fracture and a 6.6-fold higher risk of major osteoporotic fracture than men who did not perform poorly on any of the tests. Japanese elderly men who performed poorly on all three physical performance tests had a significantly higher risk of incident osteoporotic fracture independently of bone mineral density. The combined results of several physical performance tests may be useful for predicting incident fractures in elderly men.

Abstract PR-16: Serum prostate-specific antigen levels and prostate cancer risk in a multiethnic population

Abstract Purpose: While prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is the most commonly used biomarker for prostate cancer (PCa) screening, multiple studies in the U.S. and Europe have shown that PSA levels in midlife, many years before a PCa diagnosis, are associated with increased risk of PCa later in life. However, limited information is available on the relationship between PSA levels measured years before diagnosis and risk of PCa in non-White populations. Methods: We examined whether a PSA level in older adult men measured up to 10+ years before a PCa diagnosis is associated with risk of overall PCa and aggressive PCa (Gleason score&amp;gt;7, non-localized disease, or death from PCa) in a nested case-control study of African American (AA), Latino (LA), Japanese (JP), Native Hawaiian (NH), and Non-Hispanic White (WH) men in the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC). Pre-diagnostic blood levels of total PSA were measured among 2,245 incident PCa cases and 2,203 age and ancestry matched controls. We also assessed the discriminative ability of PSA, years before diagnosis, relative to a polygenic risk score (PRS) for PCa. Results: The mean age at blood draw when PSA was measured for cases and controls was 68 (range: 47-86) and 69 (47-87), respectively. Among cases, the average duration between blood draw and a PCa diagnosis was 4.9 years (range: &amp;lt;1 year to 18 years). Compared to men with PSA below the median, men with PSA above the median had odds ratios (ORs) (95% CIs) for total PCa of 26.15 (16.73-40.87), 7.56 (5.60-10.22) and 3.67 (2.40-5.61), when measured &amp;lt;5, 5-10, and 10+ years before a PCa diagnosis, respectively. The magnitude of the associations were similar for aggressive disease. In men with PSA measured &amp;lt;5, 5-10 and 10+ years before a diagnosis, 95%, 89% and 75% of total PCa cases, respectively, were found to occur among men with a PSA level above the median, while 58%, 28% and 19% of cases, respectively, occurred among men with a PSA level in the top 10th percentile. By race/ethnicity group, the percentages of cases occurred among men with a PSA level above the median measured &amp;lt;5, 5-10 and 10+ years before a diagnosis were: 98%, 89%, 76% in AA; 93%, 90%, 80% in LA; 95%, 91%, 80% in JP; 96%, 95%, 69% in NH, and; 95%, 82%, 65% in WH, respectively. In analysis of the PRS, 25% of cases occurred among those in the top 10th percentile of the PRS distribution. At 10+ years, the independent effect of PSA on total PCa (OR per SD increase: 1.88, CI: 1.45-2.46) was comparable to the independent effect of the PRS (OR per SD increase: 2.12, CI: 1.55-2.93) in a model that mutually adjusted the effects of both PSA and PRS. Conclusions: Our findings in this study among older men suggest that PSA is informative as a marker of risk within 10 years of diagnosis, whereas the PRS can be used to define a man's risk earlier in life. Citation Format: Alisha Chou, Burcu F. Darst, Lynne R. Wilkens, Loïc Le Marchand, Hans G. Lilja, David V. Conti, Christopher A. Haiman. Serum prostate-specific antigen levels and prostate cancer risk in a multiethnic population [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2021 Oct 6-8. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr PR-16.

Sex differences in mortality in stable patients undergoing vasodilator stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance

Abstract Introduction The prognostic value and therapeutic implications of ischemia as derived from vasodilator stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) could differ in men and women, but it has not been stablished. Purpose We assessed the influence of the ischemic burden as derived from CMR on the risk of death and the effect of revascularization across sex. Methods We evaluated 6,237 consecutive patients with known or suspected chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). Extensive ischemia was defined as &amp;gt;5 segments with perfusion deficit. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used. Results A total of 2,371 (38.0%) patients were women and 583 (9.3%) underwent CMR-related revascularization. During a median follow-up of 5.13 years, 687 (11.0%) deaths were reported. We found an adjusted differential effect of CMR-derived ischemic burden across sex (p-value for interaction=0.039). Women exhibited an adjusted lower risk of death along most of the continuous ischemic burden but equalled men's risk when extensive ischemia was present. Likewise, CMR-related revascularization was shown to be differentially associated with the risk of mortality across sex (p-value for interaction=0.025). In patients with non-extensive ischemia, revascularization was related to a higher risk of death, with a greater extent in women. At higher ischemic burden, revascularization was associated with a lower risk in men, with more uncertain results in women. Conclusions CMR-derived ischemic burden allows predicting the risk of death and gives insight into the potential effect of revascularization in men and women with CCS. Compared to men, women with nonextensive ischemia displayed a lower risk and a similar risk with a higher ischemic burden. The impact of CMR-related revascularization on mortality risk was also significantly different according to ischemic burden and sex. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): This study was supported by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III and cofunded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Longitudinal associations between childhood sexual abuse-related PTSD symptoms and passive and active suicidal ideation among sexual minority men

BackgroundSexual minority men report high rates of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and adulthood suicidality. However, mechanisms (e.g., PTSD symptoms) through which CSA might drive suicidality remain unknown. ObjectiveIn a prospective cohort of sexual minority men, we examined: (1) associations between CSA and suicidal thoughts and behaviors; (2) prospective associations between CSA-related PTSD symptoms and suicidal ideation; and (3) interpersonal moderators of these associations. Participants and settingParticipants included 6305 sexual minority men (Mage = 33.2, SD = 11.5; 82.0% gay; 53.5% White) who completed baseline and one-year follow-up at-home online surveys. MethodsBivariate analyses were used to assess baseline demographic and suicidality differences between CSA-exposed participants and non-CSA-exposed participants. Among CSA-exposed participants, multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to regress passive and active suicidal ideation at one-year follow-up on CSA-related PTSD symptoms at baseline. Interactions were examined between CSA-related PTSD symptoms and interpersonal difficulties. ResultsCSA-exposed sexual minority men reported two-and-a-half times the odds of suicide attempt history compared to non-CSA-exposed men (95% CI = 2.15–2.88; p < 0.001). Among CSA-exposed sexual minority men, CSA-related PTSD symptoms were prospectively associated with passive suicidal ideation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.38; 95% CI = 1.19; 1.61). Regardless of CSA-related PTSD symptom severity, those with lower social support and greater loneliness were at elevated risk of active suicidal ideation at one-year follow-up. ConclusionsCSA-related PTSD symptom severity represents a psychological mechanism contributing to CSA-exposed sexual minority men's elevated suicide risk, particularly among those who lack social support and report loneliness.

Indifferent, ambiguous, or proactive? Young men's discourses on health service utilization for Chlamydia trachomatis detection in Stockholm, Sweden: A qualitative study.

Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) infection is the most commonly reported sexually transmitted infection in Sweden and globally. C. trachomatis is often asymptomatic and if left untreated, could cause severe reproductive health issues. In Sweden, men test for C. trachomatis to a lesser extent than women. To explore factors facilitating and constraining Swedish young men's health care utilization for C. trachomatis detection and treatment. A qualitative situational analysis study including data from 18 semi-structured interviews with men (21-30 years). Data collection took place in Stockholm County during 2018. A situational map was constructed to articulate the positions taken in the data within two continuums of variation representing men's risk perception and strategies to test for C. trachomatis. Based on the informants' risk perception, strategies adopted to test and the role of social support, three different discourses and behaviours towards C. trachomatis testing were identified ranging from a) being indifferent about C. trachomatis -not testing, b) being ambivalent towards testing, to c) being proactive and testing regularly to assure disease free status. Several factors influenced young men's health care utilization for C. trachomatis detection, where the role of health services and the social support emerged as important factors to facilitate C. trachomatis testing for young men. In addition, endorsing traditional masculinity domains such as leaning on self-reliance, beliefs on invulnerability and framing men as more carefree with their sexual health than women delayed or hindered testing. Testing must be promoted among those young men with indifferent or ambivalent discourses. Health systems aiming to increase testing among those at risk should take into consideration the positive role that young men's social support have, especially the level of social support coming from their peers. Additionally, endorsement of traditional masculinity values may delay or hinder testing.

An Oat β-Glucan Beverage Reduces LDL Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Men and Women with Borderline High Cholesterol: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial

BackgroundHigh-molecular-weight (MW) oat β-glucan (OBG), consumed at 3–4 g/d, in solid foods reduces LDL cholesterol by a median of ∼6.5%. ObjectivesWe evaluated the effect of a beverage providing 3 g/d high-MW OBG on reduction of LDL cholesterol (primary endpoint) when compared with placebo. MethodsWe performed a parallel-design, randomized clinical trial at a contract research organization; participants, caregivers, and outcome assessors were blinded to treatment allocation. Participants with LDL cholesterol between 3.0 and 5.0 mmol/L, inclusive [n = 538 screened, n = 260 ineligible, n = 23 lost, n = 48 withdrawn (product safety); n = 207 randomly assigned, n = 7 dropped out, n = 9 withdrawn (protocol violation); n = 191 analyzed; n = 72 (37.7%) male, mean ± SD age: 43.3 ± 14.3 y, BMI: 29.7 ± 5.2 kg/m2], were randomly assigned to consume, 3 times daily for 4 wk, 1 g OBG (n = 104, n = 96 analyzed) or rice powder (Control, n = 103, n = 95 analyzed) mixed into 250 mL water. Treatment effects were assessed as change from baseline and differences analyzed using a 2-sided t test via ANOVA with baseline characteristics as covariates. ResultsAfter 4 wk, change from baseline least-squares-mean LDL cholesterol on OBG (−0.195 mmol/L) was less than on Control (0.012 mmol/L) by mean: 0.207 mmol/L (95% CI: 0.318, 0.096 mmol/L; P = 0.0003); the following secondary endpoints were also reduced as follows: total cholesterol (TC) (0.226 mmol/L; 95% CI: 0.361, 0.091 mmol/L; P = 0.001), TC:HDL cholesterol ratio (0.147; 95% CI: 0.284, 0.010; P = 0.036), non-HDL cholesterol (0.194 mmol/L; 95% CI: 0.314, 0.073 mmol/L; P = 0.002), and Framingham cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk (0.474; 95% CI: 0.900, 0.049, P = 0.029). Changes in HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and insulin did not differ between treatment groups (P > 0.05). Lipid treatment effects were not significantly modified by age, sex, BMI, or hypertension treatment. There were no major adverse events, but both treatments transiently increased gastrointestinal symptoms. ConclusionsConsuming a beverage containing 1 g high-MW OBG 3 times daily for 4 wk significantly reduced LDL cholesterol by ∼6% and CVD risk by ∼8% in healthy adults with LDL cholesterol between 3 and 5 mmol/L.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03911427.

Plant-Based Diet Index and Metabolic Risk in Men: Exploring the Role of the Gut Microbiome

BackgroundHealthy plant-based diet index (hPDI) is associated with a lower risk of cardiometabolic conditions, but its association as well as interactions with microbiome have not been elucidated. ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate the interrelations between hPDI, gut microbiome, and cardiometabolic risk markers. MethodshPDI was derived from dietary assessments by a validated FFQ and was examined in relation to metagenomic profiles of 911 fecal samples collected from 303 men aged 71 ± 4 y with an average BMI (in kg/m2) of 25.2 ± 3.6 in the Men's Lifestyle Validation Study. Principal coordinate (PCo) analysis based on Bray–Curtis dissimilarity was conducted, and interactions between hPDI and PCo were examined by using a metabolic risk score composed of blood lipids, BMI, and glycated hemoglobin. ResultsAfter multivariable adjustment, hPDI was significantly associated with the relative abundance of 7 species and 9 pathways. In particular, higher hPDI was significantly associated with a higher relative abundance of Bacteroides cellulosilyticus and Eubacterium eligens, amino acid biosynthesis pathways (l-isoleucine biosynthesis I and III and l-valine biosynthesis), and the pathway of pyruvate fermentation to isobutanol. A favorable association between hPDI and the metabolic risk score was more pronounced among men with a higher PCo characterized by higher abundance of Bacteroides uniformis and lower abundance of Prevotella copri. At the individual species level, a similar interaction was also observed between hPDI and P. copri, as well as with Clostridium clostridioforme or Blautia hydrogenotrophica (all P-interaction < 0.01). ConclusionA greater adherence to a healthy plant-based diet by older men was associated with a microbial profile characterized by a higher abundance of multiple species, including B. cellulosilyticus and E. eligens, as well as pathways in amino acid metabolism and pyruvate fermentation. In addition, inverse associations between healthy plant-based diet and human metabolic risk may partially depend on microbial compositions.

Obesity and Breast Cancer Risk in Men: A National Case-Control Study in England and Wales.

BackgroundBreast cancer is rare in men, and information on its causes is very limited from studies that have generally been small. Adult obesity has been shown as a risk factor, but more detailed anthropometric relations have not been investigated.MethodsWe conducted an interview population-based case-control study of breast cancer in men in England and Wales including 1998 cases incident during 2005-2017 at ages younger than 80 years and 1597 male controls, with questions asked about a range of anthropometric variables at several ages. All tests of statistical significance were 2-sided.ResultsRisk of breast cancer statistically significantly increased with increasing body mass index (BMI) at ages 20 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02 to 1.12 per 2-unit change in BMI), 40 (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.07 to 1.16), and 60 (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.09 to 1.19) years, but there was also an indication of raised risk for the lowest BMIs. Large waist circumference 5 years before interview was more strongly associated than was BMI with risk, and each showed independent associations. Associations were similar for invasive and in situ tumors separately and stronger for HER2-positive than HER2-negative tumors. Of the tumors, 99% were estrogen receptor positive.ConclusionsObesity at all adult ages, particularly recent abdominal obesity, is associated with raised risk of breast cancer in men, probably because of the conversion of testosterone to estrogen by aromatase in adipose tissue. The association is particularly strong for HER2-expressing tumors.

Face Mask Use Conditionally Decreases Compliance With Physical Distancing Rules Against COVID-19: Gender Differences in Risk Compensation Pattern.

In the context of the COVID-19 emergency, the concern has been raised that people may compensate the reduction in risk ensured by mask use with an increase in risk induced by lower adherence to physical distancing rules. The paper investigates if people compensate risk in this manner when their interaction partner wears a face mask, examining if risk compensation further depends on gender, signaled social status and perceived race. An experiment was conducted in two waves (June, n = 1396 and September 2020, n = 1326) in front of the traffic lights of four busy roads in Paris. A confederate asked a randomly selected pedestrian for directions following a script and keeping the recommended distance. Confederates were locally recognizable as Blacks or Whites and alternatively presented themselves with a costume indicative of high or low social status. An observer recorded whether the pedestrian kept the recommended distance. Both in June and September, men are less likely to comply with the distancing rule when the confederate wears the face mask, and particularly so when the confederate signals high status. When the confederate wears the mask, female pedestrians observe less the one-meter rule in September than in June. Men's risk compensatory behavior is constant over time. In contrast, women's depends on the time period.

Serum Glycine Levels Are Associated With Cortical Bone Properties and Fracture Risk in Men.

In a recent study a pattern of 27 metabolites, including serum glycine, associated with bone mineral density (BMD). To investigate associations for serum and urinary glycine levels with BMD, bone microstructure, and fracture risk in men. In the population-based Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Sweden study (men, 69-81 years) serum glycine and BMD were measured at baseline (n = 965) and 5-year follow-up (n = 546). Cortical and trabecular bone parameters of the distal tibia were measured at follow-up using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Urinary (n = 2682) glycine was analyzed at baseline. X-ray-validated fractures (n = 594) were ascertained during a median follow-up of 9.6 years. Associations were evaluated using linear regression (bone parameters) or Cox regression (fractures). Circulating glycine levels were inversely associated with femoral neck (FN)-BMD. A meta-analysis (n = 7543) combining MrOS Sweden data with data from 3 other cohorts confirmed a robust inverse association between serum glycine levels and FN-BMD (P = 7.7 × 10-9). Serum glycine was inversely associated with the bone strength parameter failure load in the distal tibia (P = 0.002), mainly as a consequence of an inverse association with cortical cross-sectional area and a direct association with cortical porosity. Both serum and urinary glycine levels predicted major osteoporotic fractures (serum: hazard ratio [HR] per SD increase = 1.22, 95% CI, 1.05-1.43; urine: HR = 1.13, 95% CI, 1.02-1.24). These fracture associations were only marginally reduced in models adjusted by FRAX with BMD. Serum and urinary glycine are indirectly associated with FN-BMD and cortical bone strength, and directly associated with fracture risk in men.