Health Examination Participants Research Articles

Protocol for the combined cardiometabolic deep phenotyping and registry-based 20-year follow-up study of the Inter99 cohort

IntroductionThe population-based Inter99 cohort has contributed extensively to our understanding of effects of a systematic screening and lifestyle intervention, as well as the multifactorial aetiology of type 2 diabetes (T2D)...

이주민 취업자의 건강검진 참여와 인구사회학적 및 건강관련 특성과의 관계

Health examinations facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of diseases, contributing to the improvement of individuals’ health and the reduction of the burden on the nation's healthcare services. The purpose of this study was to identify the sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with participation in health examinations among migrant workers in South Korea. This study was a secondary data analysis study using data from the 2022 Gwangju city migrant health status survey. In this study, 243 employed migrants aged 20 years or older were selected as the study subjects. We used 18 variables and conducted logistic regression analyses to identify predictors for participation in health examinations. A total of 66.3% of the subjects participated in health examinations. The factors that influenced health examination participation were industry type (OR=3.99, 95% CI 1.50-10.63), monthly income (OR=4.09, 95% CI 1.48-11.32), and interest in health information (OR=3.27, 95% CI 1.26-8.50). Migrants who worked in agricultural, fishery, and construction industries, had a monthly income of less than 1.5 million won, and had low interest in health information were more likely to not participate in health examinations. To protect the health of migrant workers, institutional improvement is needed to supplement industrial safety regulations and supervision for small businesses in the agricultural, fishery, and construction industries, where migrants are concentrated. In addition, to raise the awareness of migrant workers about the importance of preventive health care, it is necessary to develop and utilize health information that is appropriate for their language and culture.

Serum carotenoid levels are positively associated with DNA methylation of thioredoxin-interacting protein.

Background: Carotenoids have been reported to exert protective effects against age-related diseases via changes in DNA methylation. Although lower thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) DNA methylation is associated with age-related diseases, only a few studies have investigated the factors influencing TXNIP DNA methylation. Carotenoids may be a factor linking TXNIP to specific pathophysiological functions. The aim of this study was to examine whether serum carotenoid levels are associated with TXNIP DNA methylation levels. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using 376 health examination participants (169 men). DNA methylation levels were determined using a pyrosequencing assay. Serum carotenoid levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between TXNIP DNA methylation levels and serum carotenoid levels with adjustment for age, BMI, HbA1c, CRP, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, exercise habits, and percentage of neutrophils. Results: Multiple linear regression analyses showed that TXNIP DNA methylation levels were positively associated with serum levels of zeaxanthin/lutein (β [95%CI]: 1.935 [0.184, 3.685]), β-cryptoxanthin (1.447 [0.324, 2.570]), α-carotene (1.061 [0.044, 2.077]), β-carotene (1.272 [0.319, 2.226]), total carotenes (1.255 [0.040, 2.469]), total xanthophylls (2.133 [0.315, 3.951]), provitamin A (1.460 [0.402, 2.519]), and total carotenoids (1.972 [0.261, 3.683]) in men (all p<0.05). Of these, provitamin A showed the stronger association (standardized β=0.216). No significant association of TXNIP DNA methylation and serum carotenoid was observed in women. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that carotenoid intake may protect against age-related diseases by altering TXNIP DNA methylation status in men.

Correlation between diabetic retinopathy and Helicobacter pylori infection: a cross-sectional retrospective study.

To explore the correlation between diabetic retinopathy (DR) and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection, based on data from a physical examination population. This cross-sectional retrospective analysis included data of 73 824 health examination participants from December 2018 to December 2019. Participants were divided into the diabetic group and non-diabetic group, non-diabetic retinopathy (NDR) group, non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) group, proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) group, and Hp infection group. Gender, age, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and Hp data were recorded to compare the degree of DR lesions and Hp infection. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between DR and Hp infection. There was a statistically significant difference between the diabetic and non-diabetic group (χ2=94.17, P<0.0001). Logistic regression analysis showed that male sex, age, BMI, SBP, TG, LDL-C, and Hp infection were independent risk factors for DR. There was no correlation between the degree of DR lesions and Hp infection (ρ=-0.00339, P=0.7753). Age [odds ratio (OR)=1.035, 95%CI: 1.024, 1.046, P<0.0001] and SBP (OR=1.009, 95%CI: 1.004, 1.015, P=0.0013) were independent risk factors for the degree of DR. There is a significant correlation between DR and Hp infection in the physical examination population. Hp infection is a risk factor for DR, and there is no significant difference between Hp infection and DR of different pathological degrees. Actively eradicating Hp may be of help to prevent DR.

Associations of long-term exposure to air pollution with prevalence of pulmonary nodules: A cross-sectional study in Shijiazhuang, China

A complete understanding of the associations of ambient air pollution with prevalence of pulmonary nodule is lacking. We aimed to investigate the associations of ambient air pollutants with prevalence of pulmonary nodule. A total of 9991 health examination participants was enrolled and 3166 was elected in the final in Shijiazhuang between April 1st, 2018, and December 31st, 2018. 107 participants were diagnosed in pulmonary nodule while 3059 participants were diagnosed in non-pulmonary (named control). The individual exposure of participants was evaluation by Empirical Bayesian Kriging model according to their residential or work addresses. The pulmonary nodules were found and diagnosed by health examination through chest x-ray detection. Our results suggested that there were positive associations between prevalence of pulmonary nodules and PM2.5 (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.11) as well as O3 (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.35, 1.66) levels. The platelet count (PLT) acted as the mediator of pulmonary nodules related with the PM2.5 exposure, while the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as well as platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were the mediators of pulmonary nodules related with the O3 exposure. This study suggests that long-term exposure to PM2.5 and O3 may significantly associated with prevalence of pulmonary nodules, and the above associations are mediated by PLT, NLR and PLR.

The Effect of Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test on Radiation Risk Estimate for Prostate Cancer Incidence among Atomic-Bomb Survivors.

Following our previous report on the radiation dose-response for prostate cancer incidence rates in the Life Span Study (LSS) cohort of atomic bomb survivors, we reevaluated the radiation-related risk adjusting for differences in baseline cancer incidence rates among three subsets of the LSS cohort defined by the timing of their first participation in biennial health examinations offered to the Adult Health Study (AHS) sub-cohort members and prostate-specific-antigen (PSA) testing status for AHS participants: 1. non-AHS participants, 2. AHS participants before receiving PSA test, and 3. AHS participants after receiving PSA test. We found a 2.9-fold increase in the baseline incidence rates among AHS participants after receiving PSA test. After adjusting for the PSA-testing-status effects on the baseline rates the estimated excess relative risk (ERR) per Gy was 0.54 (95% CI: 0.15, 1.05), which was almost identical to the previously reported unadjusted ERR estimate (0.57, 95% CI: 0.21, 1.00). The current results confirmed that, while the PSA testing among AHS participants increased the baseline incidence rates, it did not impact the radiation risk estimate, strengthening the previously reported dose-response relationship for prostate cancer incidence in the LSS. As the use of PSA tests continue in screening and medical settings, analyses of possible effects of PSA testing should be an important aspect of future epidemiological studies of the association between radiation exposure and prostate cancer.

Do preventive child examinations in general practice reduce the risk of overweight and obesity?

Abstract Background The prevalence of children with overweight and obesity is increasing. General practitioners in Denmark follow children throughout early childhood via the preventive child health examinations. These examinations are offered to all children from birth to the age of five. Thus, the general practitioners have a unique opportunity for early tracing and identification of overweight and obesity, but the impact of the examinations are not examined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the association between attending preventive child health examinations and the risk of overweight and obesity at the age of six both for the total pediatric population and within groups of vulnerable children such as children of parents with low educational level or low household income. Methods A population-based birth cohort study was conducted including all Danish children born from 2000-2012 using the Danish nationwide registers. Data included information on child participation in preventive health examinations at general practice, height and weight at the age of six, and parental information on socioeconomic factors. Results The analyses included 801,444 children. Attending preventive child health examinations were not associated with a lower risk of overweight at the age of six. A lower risk of obesity was seen in children attending the examinations, both in the general population (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.66-0.76) and within vulnerable groups (low level of maternal education: RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.72-0.89), low household income (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.72-0.87). The risk of obesity was greater in the vulnerable groups than in the not-vulnerable groups. Conclusions Attending preventive child health examinations were associated with a lower risk of obesity at the age of six, but not overweight. This was seen for both the general pediatric population and within vulnerable groups. The lowest risk of obesity was seen in the not-vulnerable groups. Key messages • The results indicated that attending preventive child health examinations in general practice reduced the risk of obesity at the age of six, but not the risk of overweight. • The lowest risk of obesity was seen in the not-vulnerable groups attending the preventive child health examinations in general practice.

Parents' Participation in School Health Examinations for Their Adolescent Children in Finland.

Engaging parents in school health examinations can promote adolescents' well-being. We examined parents' participation in universal school health examinations in Finland reported by adolescents in school surveys (14 to 16-year-olds, N = 58,232). Further we studied variation between service providers and schools, and student and school-level factors in participation. National data were analyzed using multilevel logistic regression models. Less than half of the adolescents reported parents' participation. The variation between service providers and schools was large. Non-participation was associated with mother's low education, students' immigrant background, daily health complaints, heavy drinking, and discussion difficulties with parents. Boys and those who did not live with both mother and father had a higher risk for parents' non-participation. Adolescents with a long-term illness or being bullied reported participation more often. Inviting parents and the school health nurse resource were not associated with participation. Our results raise the question of barriers to participation in health examinations.

Reminder system for health screening in early childhood \u2013 an analysis regarding different social circumstances

BackgroundChildren with a low socio-economic position (SEP) participate in prevention and health examinations less often. In order to increase participation, reminder systems have been implemented in Germany since 2009. The aim of the study is to investigate whether this implementation is associated with an increased participation in health examination in early childhood for children in disadvantaged social circumstances.MethodsWe used data from the school enrolment examination from 2002 to 2017 from the city of Duesseldorf (n = 64,883 children). With a trend analysis we observed health examination over time and we compared rates of children after implementation of the reminder system (2010 or later) to those who were not exposed to the programme (earlier than 2010). Health examination was measured by participation in the last examination before school entry (“U9”) documented by paediatricians. Social circumstances included neighbourhood deprivation (very high to very low), migration background (foreign first language vs. German) and family status (one-parent vs. two-parent families). Poisson regression estimated adjusted Prevalence Ratios (PR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of U9 participation by reminder system exposure, both for the total population and within groups of social circumstances. Based on that, we calculated adjusted participation rates (predictive margins) by reminder system exposure for the different social circumstances.ResultsParticipation rates increased slightly, but gradually over time. The probability of U9 participation for children exposed to the reminder system is 1.04-fold (1.03–1.04 CI) compared to children who were not exposed to it. The association of the reminder system and U9 participation differs according to social circumstances. Adjusted prevalences increased the most in the group of children from very deprived neighbourhoods, ranging from 84.3 to 91.4% (PR = 1.07; 1.03–1.10 CI); in all language groups; more in children from one-parent families ranging from 82.4 to 88.9% (PR = 1.07; 1.05–1.09 CI).ConclusionOur results suggest that reminder systems have a moderate impact on the participation in health examinations in early childhood in the general population. In vulnerable groups, however, they could make a difference. Reminder systems should be combined with further activities of tailored prevention.

A Proposal for Practical Diagnosis of Renal Hypouricemia: Evidenced from Genetic Studies of Nonfunctional Variants of URAT1/SLC22A12 among 30,685 Japanese Individuals.

Background: Renal hypouricemia (RHUC) is characterized by a low serum uric acid (SUA) level and high fractional excretion of uric acid (FEUA). Further studies on FEUA in hypouricemic individuals are needed for a more accurate diagnosis of RHUC. Methods: In 30,685 Japanese health-examination participants, we genotyped the two most common nonfunctional variants of URAT1 (NFV-URAT1), W258X (rs121907892) and R90H (rs121907896), in 1040 hypouricemic individuals (SUA ≤ 3.0 mg/dL) and 2240 individuals with FEUA data. The effects of NFV-URAT1 on FEUA and SUA were also investigated using linear and multiple regression analyses. Results: Frequency of hypouricemic individuals (SUA ≤ 3.0 mg/dL) was 0.97% (male) and 6.94% (female) among 30,685 participants. High frequencies of those having at least one allele of NFV-URAT1 were observed in 1040 hypouricemic individuals. Furthermore, NFV-URAT1 significantly increased FEUA and decreased SUA, enabling FEUA and SUA levels to be estimated. Conversely, FEUA and SUA data of hypouricemic individuals are revealed to be useful to predict the number of NFV-URAT1. Conclusions: Our findings reveal that specific patterns of FEUA and SUA data assist with predicting the number of nonfunctional variants of causative genes for RHUC, and can also be useful for practical diagnosis of RHUC even before genetic tests.

Prevalence and risk factors of atrioventricular block among 15 million Chinese health examination participants in 2018: a nation-wide cross-sectional study

BackgroundNationwide data on the prevalence of atrioventricular (AV) block are currently unavailable in China. Thus, we aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of AV block among Chinese health examination adults.MethodsA total of 15,181,402 participants aged ≥ 18 years (mean age 41.5 ± 13.4 years, 53.2% men) who underwent an electrocardiogram as a part of routine health examination in 2018 were analyzed. AV block was diagnosed by physicians using 12-lead electrocardiogram. Overall and stratified prevalence (by age, sex, and city size) of all, first-, second- and third-degree AV block were calculated. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to explore risk factors associated with AV block.ResultsAV block was observed in 88,842 participants, including 86,153 with first-degree, 2249 with second-degree and 440 with third-degree AV block. The age- and sex-standardized prevalence rate [95% confidence interval (CI)] of all, first-, second- and third-degree AV block were 7.06‰ (7.01–7.11), 6.84‰ (6.79–6.89), 0.18‰ (0.17–0.18) and 0.04‰ (0.03–0.04) respectively. After multivariable adjustment, the risk of AV block was positively associated with older age, being male, lower heart rate, higher body mass index, hypertension, diabetes and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. High total cholesterol was associated with a lower risk of AV block.ConclusionFirst-degree AV block is relatively common while severe AV block is rare in health examination adults. Besides, AV block was highly prevalent among the elderly. The risk of AV block was associated with older age, being male and metabolic factors.

Urinary sodium/potassium ratio as a screening tool for hyperaldosteronism in men with hypertension

Among individuals with hypertension, the prevalence of secondary hypertension has been reported to be ≈10%. More than half of individuals with secondary hypertension have associated hyperaldosteronism. However, given the current clinical environment, these patients often remain undiagnosed. We hypothesized that the urinary sodium/potassium ratio (Na/K) could be used as a simple, low-cost method of screening for hyperaldosteronism among individuals with hypertension in primary care and health examination settings. We recruited hypertensive individuals aged 30–69 years old who were not taking any antihypertensive medications from among participants in health examinations. Urinary Na and K were measured using second morning urine samples, and the plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) was also measured. We evaluated the association of the second morning urine Na/K ratio (SMU Na/K) with a high PAC, defined as ≥90th percentile (24.3 ng/dL), using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Overall, 160 participants (108 men and 52 women) with a mean age of 54.3 years were eligible for this study. The area under the ROC curve for the relationship between SMU Na/K and high PAC was 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59–0.95) in men and 0.64 (95% CI: 0.36–0.93) in women. In men, SMU Na/K values <1.0 could detect hyperaldosteronism with a sensitivity of 45.5%, a specificity of 97.9%, a positive predictive value of 71.4%, and a negative predictive value of 94.1%. The use of the urinary Na/K ratio may be appropriate as a method of screening for hyperaldosteronism in hypertensive men.

Prevalence of dental caries and associated factors among school-aged children in Tripoli, Libya: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundIn many developing countries, the prevalence of dental caries has increased due to lifestyle changes, lack of preventive services, and inadequate access to dental care. In Arab countries, the increased prevalence of caries has correlated with economic growth over the past decades, resulting in greater access to unhealthy foods and higher consumption of sugar, particularly among children. However, few studies have assessed caries prevalence among pediatric populations in Arab countries. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of dental caries and factors associated with caries among children in Tripoli, Libya.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included a convenience sample of 1934 children in first grade (age 6–7 years, n = 1000) and seventh grade (age 11–12 years, n = 934). Four health centers in Tripoli were selected for screening based on location and participation in school-entry health examinations. Data were collected through self-administered parent surveys and visual dental screenings by trained examiners from September 24 to October 15, 2019. The survey comprised questions about socioeconomic characteristics and oral health behaviors, including toothbrushing, sugar consumption, and dental care history. During screenings, untreated decay, missing teeth, and filled teeth (DMFT or dmft) were recorded. Prevalence of tooth decay was calculated as the proportion of children with high DMFT/dmft scores. Binary logistic and negative binomial regression analyses (with significance at p ≤ 0.05) were used to assess factors associated with caries.ResultsAmong 1000 first-grade children, 78.0% had decay in their primary teeth, with a mean dmft of 3.7. Among 934 seventh-grade children, 48.2% had caries in their permanent teeth, with a mean DMFT of 1.7. The most significant factors associated with caries prevalence were socioeconomic, such as screening site (first grade, p = 0.02; seventh grade, p < 0.001) and maternal employment (seventh grade, p = 0.02), and behavioral, such as toothbrushing duration (seventh grade, p = 0.01), past dental treatment (both grades, p < 0.001), and past emergency visit (both grades, p < 0.001).ConclusionsCaries prevalence was associated with several behavioral and socioeconomic factors, including screening site, maternal employment, toothbrushing duration, past dental treatment, and past emergency visit. Efforts should be made to address these factors to minimize barriers and improve oral health behavior and care utilization. These findings can be used to evaluate current public health initiatives and inform future planning.

A cost-effectiveness analysis of the Chronic Disease Management Program in patients with hypertension in Korea.

The Chronic Disease Management Program (CDMP) of Korea has been introduced to improve care continuity in patients with hypertension and diabetes. This study evaluated the cost effectiveness of the CDMP in patients with hypertension from the perspective of the healthcare payer. A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed based on a Markov simulation model. The cost and effect of the CDMP versus usual care was compared in individuals aged 40 years or above. The two strategies were presumed to result in a difference in the incidence of myocardial infarction, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. The model was analyzed over the lifetime of the cohort. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated by dividing the difference in lifetime costs by the difference in lifetime effects (quality adjusted life years, QALYs) between the two strategies. Costs were expressed in Korean Won (KRW). The ICER value of the CDMP participation strategy was -5 761 088 KRW/QALY compared to usual care. Similar tendencies were found when limiting the population to only clinic users (-3 843 355 KRW/QALY) and national health examination participants (-5 595 185 KRW/QALY). The CDMP was highly cost-effective in patients with hypertension aged 40 years or above. Implementing efficient policies that enhance care coordination and improve outcomes in patients with hypertension is important.

Penyuluhan dan Pemeriksaan Penyakit Diabetes di Desa Mulyoagung-dau Kabupaten Malang

The problem in community service that will be carried out is how to provide health education, especially for diabetes, acid and cholesterol to the community. The purpose of this idea or idea is to provide counseling and public health checks in Mulyoagung Village, Dau District. Malang especially RT 01 RW 03. In this service activity uses the following methods: 1. Coordinating with prospective participants of health education and examination. 2. Preparing counseling materials, health checks and designing activities. 3. Carry out counseling and health checks. 4. Evaluating counseling and health checks. 5. Observing counseling and health checks.&#x0D; Keywords: Counseling, Examination Diabetes, Health Education.

Blood gas analysis of healthy people in Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province

To investigate the reference value of blood gas analysis and related factors in healthy adults in Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province. From August 24, 2018 to August 11, 2020, healthy people between the ages of 18 and 70 years were observed at the Physical Examination Center of People's Hospital of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan province. Participant information and clinical characteristics were collected. Blood gas analyzer was used to measure PH value, arterial partial oxygen pressure (PaO2), arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), acidity (pH), actual bicarbonate (AB) and residual base (BE). The participants' basic and blood gas indicator data were analyzed, and the blood gas reference values and related factors were analyzed using chi-squared tests, Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon Test, and Spearman's correlation analysis. A total of 1,218 eligible health examination participants were included. They had an average age of 40 [31-47] years, and males accounted for 51.0%. In terms of blood gas reference values, the average pH value was moderate, and the values of PaO2, SaO2, PaCO2, AB, and BE were low. PaO2 was basically matched with the estimated value of the domestic model formula. These indexes were found to be correlated with social demographic characteristics such as sex, age, and smoking history. The correlations between the indexes and social demographic characteristics may be helpful in the prediction of blood gas analysis results in clinical practice. For men, middle-aged and elderly people, or adults with a history of active smoking/biofuel exposure, blood gas PaO2 and PaCO2 should be monitored to facilitate the early intervention of respiratory failure. The PaO2 data basically matched the estimated values of the domestic model formula, suggesting that other regions in the Prefecture could use comprehensive epidemiological data and model methods to guide clinical work.

Finding prodromal frailty in a community-dwelling healthy older cohort by survey of BDNF or hand grip strength classified by BMI

Introduction : Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which is involved in neurogenesis, phenotypic differentiation, and neuronal survival is gaining traction in the field of gerontology research as a relevant factor in cognition and vitality in the older population. Frailty which is losing body weight or lean body mass, experiencing fatigue and loss of strength or endurance, may easily fall and fracture bones, thus becoming hospitalized and bedridden. We studied a distribution of mean BDNF levels or hand grip strengths in the classified BMI, and found the lowest BMI class of thin category has significantly (p&lt;0.01) lower mean BDNF level or mean hand grip strength than in the normal or obese 1 category of BMI. Therefore we defined the lowest BMI category “thin” as “prodromal frailty”, but not pre-frailty. We will report the findings of “prodromal frailty” and discuss how to prevent this stage from advancing to frailty. Methods : We measured serum BDNF concentrations, BMI and various health parameters in 805 elderly (aged 65–84) regional health examination participants from the Tokyo area. Their serum BDNF levels and grip strengths were divided according to BMI classification. Results : The mean serum BDNF levels increased linearly according to BMI categorization from thin (&lt;18.4 kg/m 2 ) to obese2 (30–34.9 kg/m 2 ) and decreased in the obese3 group (35–39.9 kg/m 2 ). The mean serum BDNF level in the thin category was significantly lower than that in the normal category (p&lt;0.01). The BDNF levels in the obese1 and obese2 categories did not differ significantly from that in the normal category. Mean hand grip strength (kg) was also similarly distributed to the mean BDNF level distribution in the classified BMIs. Conclusions : Elderly people in the thin BMI category had significantly lower serum BDNF levels and weaker hand grip strength than those in the normal or slightly obese categories and the people in this category is so called “prodromal frailty” but not pre-frailty. Keywords: Frailty, body mass index, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, health examination, hand grip strength

Association between circulating vascular-related microRNAs and an increase in blood pressure: a 5-year longitudinal population-based study.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression and play essential roles in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Previous cross-sectional studies showed that the levels of several circulating miRNA are associated with hypertension, but there are no prospective longitudinal studies using a general population. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of circulating vascular-related miRNA (miR-126, miR-221, and miR-222) on changes in blood pressure and new-onset hypertension in a Japanese population. We conducted a 5-year longitudinal study using 192 health examination participants (87 men and 105 women). Serum miRNAs were measured using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Information regarding lifestyle and health condition was obtained using a self-administered questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for new-onset hypertension in the 5-year period between the low and high group of serum miRNAs. Serum levels of miR-126, miR-221, and miR-222 were significantly and negatively associated with changes in SBP and the rate of change of SBP. Serum miR-126, miR-221, and miR-222 levels were significantly lower in new-onset hypertensive patients compared with normotensive individuals. The confounding factors adjusted odds ratios of each 1 increment in serum miR-126, miR-221, and miR-222 levels were 0.82 (95% confidence interval: 0.69-0.98), 0.79 (0.68-0.91), and 0.61 (0.46-0.81) for new-onset hypertension, respectively. Low serum levels of miR-126, miR-221, and miR-222 were associated with increased blood pressure and new-onset of hypertension. These circulating miRNAs are potential candidate biomarkers for the prediction of hypertension.

Association of mean arterial pressure with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in young adults

BackgroundMean arterial pressure (MAP) is a predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in middle-aged population and elderly, but less evidence has been shown in young adults.ObjectivesWe examined the...

Adults with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and pre-diabetes have increased levels of QuantiFERON interferon-gamma responses

BackgroundDiabetes is associated with increased prevalence of TB infection in the US. We assessed associations between diabetes and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) TB antigen response among adults with TB infection using US representative data. MethodsNational Health and Nutrition Examination (NHANES) participants >19 years from 2011 to 2012 with positive QuantiFERON®-TB Gold-In-Tube (QFT) results were eligible. Diabetes was defined by combination of self-report and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Quantitative IFN-γ TB antigen was classified as high (≥10 IU/mL), intermediate (1.01–9.99 IU/mL), or low (0.35–1.00 IU/mL). Analyses accounted for NHANES weighted design. ResultsAmong NHANES participants >19 years, n = 513 had positive QFT (5.9%). Among those with positive QFT, diabetes prevalence was 22.2% and pre-diabetes was 25.9%. Overall, 16.7% of positive QFT participants had high IFN-γ TB antigen levels including 21.7% among those with diabetes, 20.8% among those with pre-diabetes, and 12.6% among euglycemic participants. In adjusted analyses, high IFN-γ TB antigen response was more common among those with pre-diabetes (aOR 1.9, 95%CI 1.0, 3.6) compared to euglycemic participants. ConclusionHigher antigen responses may reflect immunopathy consistent with an exaggerated inflammatory but ineffectual response to TB or a reflection of more Mtb replication in participants with pre-diabetes or diabetes.