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This study aimed to assess the diagnosis of diabetes after detecting high blood glucose levels through screening among insured individuals in Gunma, Japan. Data for men and women 35 to 74 years of age were provided by Japan Health Insurance Association, and 4133 individuals with high blood glucose levels while not currently being treated for diabetes were included in the study. About 13% received a diagnosis of diabetes at a subsequent physician visit, and individuals who were under treatment for hypertension were less likely to receive the added diagnosis of diabetes compared with those not being treated for hypertension (odds ratio = 0.42 from a logistic regression model). Fasting blood glucose levels were significantly improved in the next year only among individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is uncertain whether the effects of health counselling programs differ depending on their intensity. This study compared the effectiveness of intensive health guidance (IHG) and less intensive motivation-enhancing guidance (MEG) on cardiovascular risk factors. A regression discontinuity design (RDD) was applied. In Japan's specific health checkup (SHC) and guidance program, those with a high risk of metabolic syndrome are assigned to IHG or MEG. An RDD was applied using an SHC results database. Four groups were created in which IHG or MEG assignment was solely determined by single cut-off values of the running variables of triglycerides (TGs), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting blood glucose (FBG), or haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measured during SHC. Outcomes were one year's changes in body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WCF), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, HDL-C, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, FBG, and HbA1c. A total of 541,809 observations among 225,115 people from 2008 to 2017 were analysed. Men assigned to IHG had a significantly but slightly lower BMI and WCF than those assigned to MEG the next year, only when TG or FBG was a running variable. There were no significant differences between IHG and MEG for women's BMI and WCF and other cardiovascular risk factors for both sexes. Since IHG has limited additional effects on cardiovascular risk factors compared with MEG, abolishing IHG may have little negative impact on the general public's health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Insulin resistance is a risk factor for sarcopenia. The triglycerides (TG)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio is an indirect indicator of insulin resistance. We aimed to assess the association between sarcopenia and the TG/HDL-C ratio in Japanese older adults. Methods: Older adults in Wakasa town, Fukui, Japan, were examined between June 2019 and November 2021. We collected data regarding age, sex, height, weight, body mass index, muscle mass, fat mass, muscle mass to fat mass ratio, appendicular lean muscle mass, skeletal muscle mass index, glycated haemoglobin, TG, HDL-C, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, TG/HDL-C ratio, 5-m gait speed, and grip strength (both sides). Sarcopenia was defined in accordance with the 2019 criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia via grip strength, gait speed, and skeletal muscle indices. Results: In total, 65 men and 93 women (mean age, 78 years) were classified as normal (n=114), pre-sarcopenic (n=35), or sarcopenic (n=9). Compared with the normal and pre-sarcopenia groups, the sarcopenia group had the lowest HDL-C level (p=0.013) and highest TG/HDL-C ratio (p=0.008). Risk factors associated with sarcopenia were age (odds ratio=1.35, p=0.002) and the TG/HDL-C ratio (odds ratio=1.62, p=0.008). Conclusions: Older age and an elevated TG/HDL-C ratio are risk factors for sarcopenia. An elevated TG/HDL-C ratio may indicate progression from pre-sarcopenia to sarcopenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio is considered an alternative marker for insulin resistance. This longitudinal retrospective study investigated the relationship between TG/HDL-C ratio and the risk of progression to prediabetes. Methods: We investigated 24,604 Japanese participants (14,609 men and 9,995 women) who underwent annual medical health checkups in 2017 (baseline) and 2022. All participants had no diabetes and prediabetes at baseline. No lipid-lowering medications were taken during the follow-up period. Participants were divided into four groups according to the quartiles of TG/HDL-C ratio at baseline. Multivariable-adjusted Cox regression analysis was conducted to examine hazard ratios (HRs) of progression to prediabetes. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine the optimal cutoff value of TG/HDL-C ratio for prediction of prediabetes. Results: Compared with the lowest TG/HDL-C ratio quartile (Q1) group, the adjusted HRs (95% confidence intervals (CI)) of progression to prediabetes in the Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups, respectively, were 1.17 (0.92–1.47), 1.26 (1.01–1.56), and 1.77 (1.41–2.23) for men and 1.07 (0.60–1.11), 1.19 (1.08–1.29), and 1.58 (1.18–2.31) for women. For every 1 unit increase in TG/HDL-C ratio, the adjusted HRs (95% CI) for progression to prediabetes was 1.09 (1.04–1.13) in men and 1.10 (1.04–1.15) in women. The optimal TG/HDL-C ratio cutoffs were 1.71 and 0.97 in men and women, respectively, but the area under the curve was > 0.70 in both sexes. Conclusion: High TG/HDL-C ratio is a risk factor for progression to prediabetes in Japanese men and women, but it had low discriminative ability in predicting prediabetes risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to elucidate the impact of periodontal therapy on glycaemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes and various baseline blood glucose levels using a large‐scale claims database from Japan. Materials and Methods: Using the JMDC Claims Database, we identified individuals with type 2 diabetes who underwent health check‐ups in the fiscal years 2018 or 2019 and were followed up until the next year's health check‐up. We conducted a weighted cohort analysis using stabilized inverse probability weights for treatment and censoring to estimate the effect of periodontal therapy on changes in haemoglobin A1c levels within a year. Analysis was done for different baseline haemoglobin A1c categories: 6.5%–6.9%, 7.0%–7.9% and ≥8.0%. Results: Of the 4279 insured persons included in the study, 957 received periodontal therapy. Overall, there was a tendency towards improved glycaemic control among those who received periodontal therapy. Participants with baseline haemoglobin A1c levels of 7.0%–7.9% who received periodontal therapy exhibited significantly better glycaemic control compared with those without dental visits (difference; −0.094 [95% confidence interval: −0.181 to −0.007]). Conclusions: Periodontal therapy may improve glycaemic control in individuals with diabetes, especially in those with haemoglobin A1c levels ≥7.0%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), consisting of triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is applied to estimate the cardiovascular disease risk. The evidence regarding the association between AIP and prehypertension or hypertension remains inconclusive. This study was conducted to investigate the association of AIP and prehypertension or hypertension in normoglycemic subjects in Japan. Methods: In the present cross-sectional study, 15,453 normoglycemic participants aged 18 years or older in Gifu, Japan, were evaluated. The selected participants were separated into four groups in the light of AIP quartiles, ranging from the lowest quartile (Q1) to the highest quartile (Q4). And the association between AIP and prehypertension or hypertension was explored with multivariate logistic regression by gradually adjusting model. Results: Among the 15,453 participants, aged of 43.7 ± 8.9 years, and of whom 45.5% were females, the prevalence rates of prehypertension or hypertension were 27.68% (4,278) and 6.23% (962) respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, participants in the highest AIP quartile had an increase risk in prehypertension and hypertension, compared with participants the lowest one, the odds ratios (OR) were 1.15 (95%CI: 1.00–1.13, P = 0.045) for prehypertension and 1.54 (95%CI:1.16–2.04, P = 0.003) for hypertension after adjusting confounders. In subgroup analyses, the high risk of hypertension was also observed for female participants in the highest AIP quartile (Q4) (OR = 2.19, 95%CI: 1.37–3.49, P = 0.001), especially between the ages of 40 and 60 years (OR = 2.20, 95%CI: 1.24–3.88, P = 0.007). Conclusions: Higher AIP is significantly and positively associated with the risk of prehypertension or hypertension in normoglycemic subjects in Gifu, Japan, which was more pronounced in the female population, especially between the years of 40 and 60. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Maternal triglyceride is important for fetal growth. • Higher maternal triglyceride levels in the second or third trimesters were associated with risks of LGA. • Lower maternal triglyceride levels in the second or third trimesters were associated with risks of SGA. Although maternal triglyceride (TG) is important for fetal growth, there are few large cohort studies investigating the relationships between maternal TG during pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. The objective of this study was to investigate the associations between maternal TG during the second and third trimesters and neonatal outcomes including preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA) and large for gestational age (LGA). This was a prospective birth cohort study using data of the Japan Environment and Children's Study included data of births from 2011–2014 in Japan including 79,519 pairs. Participants were divided into tertiles according to maternal TG in the second or third trimesters. Multiple logistic regression modeling was used to examine the risks of LBW, SGA, LGA and PTB in association with maternal TG levels in the second or third trimesters In the second trimester, compared with reference TG group (T2), women in higher TG group (T3) and lower TG group (T1) were also at increased risk of LGA (aOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.11–1.29) and SGA (aOR 1.25, 95% CI 1.10–1.41), respectively. In the third trimester, women in T3 and T1 were at increased risk of LGA (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.17–1.38) and SGA (aOR 1.17, 95% CI 1.02–1.34), respectively. In this study, higher maternal TG levels in the second or third trimesters were associated with risks of LGA, however, lower maternal TG levels in the second or third trimesters were conversely associated with risks of SGA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study examined the association between hemoglobin (Hb) levels and all-cause mortality in community-dwelling individuals in Japan. Methods: Participants were 1,243 males (62 ± 14 years old) and 1,754 females (64 ± 12 years old). The research was based on a follow-up study with 7- and 19-year intervals. Results: The follow-up survey revealed 448 male deaths (36.0% of male participants) and 419 female deaths (23.9% of female participants). Male participants' hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality was significantly higher for groups whose Hb level was < 11.0 g/dL (HR: 2.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.28-4.47) or in the range 11.0-11.9 g/dL (2.11; 1.23-3.62) or 12.0-12.9 g/dL (1.66; 1.15-2.41) than for the reference group (14.0-14.9 g/dL). For female participants, the HR for all-cause mortality was significantly higher in groups whose Hb level was < 11.0 g/dL (1.91; 1.19-3.05), in the range 11.0-11.9 g/dL (1.44; 1.03-2.03), or ≥15.0 g/dL (1.77; 1.10-2.85) than for the reference group (13.0-13.9 g/dL). Conclusions: The study revealed a linear positive association between Hb levels and the risk of all-cause mortality for male participants. However, this association formed a J-shaped curve for female participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ratio of gamma-glutamyltransferase to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (GGT/HDL-C) has been highlighted in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by previous studies. However, there have been fewer investigations into the correlation between the GGT/HDL-C ratio and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) incidence. Our secondary analysis used published data from a Japanese population and aimed to investigate the role of the GGT/HDL-C ratio in the incidence of T2DM. Methods: The research was a longitudinal cohort study completed by Okamura, Takuro et al. We obtained the data from the DATADRYAD website and used it for secondary analysis only. The participants recruited from a medical program called the NAGALA database received regular medical examinations and standardized questionnaires to obtain the baseline variables. Abdominal ultrasound was used to diagnose fatty liver disease. The participants were followed up, and the duration and occurrence of T2DM were documented. The GGT/HDL-C ratio evaluated at baseline served as the independent variable, while the occurrence of diabetes served as the dependent variable. Results: A total of 15,453 cases (8,419 men and 7,034 women) were included in our study. After adjusting for age, sex, BMI, DBP, SBP, ALT, AST, TG, TC, HbA1C, FPG, drinking status, smoking status, exercise status, and fatty liver, we observed that the GGT/HDL-C ratio was positively associated with the incidence of T2DM (hazard ratio = 1.005, 95% confidence interval: 1.000 to 1.010, P = 0.0667). The results were consistent when the GGT/HDL-C quartile was used as a categorical variable (P for trend < 0.00396). A curvilinear relationship with a threshold effect was identified between the GGT/HDL-C ratio and the risk of incident T2DM. On the left of the point, a one-unit increase in the GGT/HDL-C ratio was associated with a 1.5-fold increase in the risk of incident T2DM (hazard ratio 2.57, 95% confidence interval 1.20 to 5.49). On the right of the point, when GGT/HDL-C was greater than 6.53, their relationship became saturated. Conclusion: The GGT/HDL-C ratio correlated with the incidence of T2DM in a curvilinear form with a threshold effect. Their positive relationship could be observed when GGT/HDL-C was less than 6.53. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The association of obesity with breast cancer is clear. Although body mass index (BMI) is used as an indicator of obesity, its accuracy remains questionable. Although, there factors for diagnosing metabolic syndrome are caused by obesity, the association with breast cancer has not been clarified. Methods: Women who underwent breast cancer screening with mammography and measurements of metabolic syndrome factors, including waist circumference, blood glucose, triglycerides, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels, and systolic and diastolic pressure, twice within a 2-year period were enrolled (n = 314), with a final sample size of 256. To determine the presence of mammary gland disease, 2 expert physicians interpreted radiogram findings, with category 3 or higher shown by mammography considered to indicate an abnormality. Results and Conclusions: Waist circumference at the initial measurement was marginally significant as a risk factor for onset of mammary gland disease (odds ratio [OR] = 1.036, P =.045) and thus was concluded to be a risk factor for disease onset. Although not significant, a 2-year increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure has been presumed to be risk factors (systolic: OR = 1.020, P =.085, diastolic: OR = 1.040, P =.065), while high levels of HDL cholesterol have been presumed to protect against the disease (OR = 0.982, P =.064). Based on these results, waist circumference and blood pressure are speculated to be related to development of mammary gland disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Olezarsen is a GalNAc 3 -conjugated, hepatic-targeted antisense oligonucleotide that lowers apolipoprotein C-III (apoC-III) and triglyceride levels. The efficacy and safety of olezarsen has not previously been studied in ethnically diverse American populations. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of olezarsen in healthy Japanese Americans., Methods: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase 1 study was performed in 28 healthy Japanese American participants treated with olezarsen in single-ascending doses (SAD; 30, 60, 90 mg) or multiple doses (MD; 60 mg every 4 weeks for 4 doses). The primary, secondary, and exploratory objectives were safety and tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and effects of olezarsen on fasting serum triglycerides and apoC-III, respectively., Results: There were 20 participants (16 active:4 placebo) in the SAD part of the study, and 8 participants (6 active:2 placebo) in the MD part of the study. For the primary endpoint, no serious adverse events or clinically relevant laboratory abnormalities were reported. The majority of olezarsen plasma exposure occurred within 24 h post-dose. In the SAD cohorts at Day 15 the percentage reduction in apoC-III/TG was - 39.4%/ - 17.8%, - 60.8%/ - 52.7%, and - 68.1%/ - 39.2% in the 30, 60 and 90 mg doses, respectively, vs 2.3%/44.5% increases in placebo. In the MD cohort, at Day 92 the percentage reduction in apoC-III/TG was - 81.6/ - 73.8% vs - 17.2/ - 40.8% reduction in placebo. Favorable changes were also present in VLDL-C, apoB and HDL-C., Conclusions: Single- and multiple-dose administration of olezarsen was safe, was well tolerated, and significantly reduced apoC-III and triglyceride levels in healthy Japanese Americans., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Health checkups are important in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is not easily accompanied by subjective symptoms. CKD can be caused or aggravated by factors that have not yet been identified., Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 7 483 patients who underwent specific annual health checkups at a medical institution in Tama City, did not have CKD in 2012, and continued to undergo checkups (aged 40-74 years). We examined the risk factors for new-onset CKD and 1.5-fold increase in serum creatinine levels among laboratory values from 2012 to 2020., Results: Age, body mass index (BMI), triglyceride levels, atrial fibrillation, and medication for hypertension (HT) and diabetes mellitus were independent risk factors for proteinuria, whereas current smoking, BMI, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and medication for HT were independent risk factors for estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . SBP, triglyceride levels and medication for HT were risk factors for a 1.5-fold increase in serum creatinine levels during course of the study. The cut-off values of BMI for eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 were 22.2 (men 24.7, women 22.1) kg/m 2 and fasting triglyceride levels for a 1.5-fold increase in serum creatinine level were 171 (men 247, women 170) mg/dL, respectively., Conclusions: Health checkups provide information to prevent new-onset CKD and worsening of renal function. It is necessary to increase the rate of health checkups and visits to medical institutions after health checkups as well as to use these results for health guidance., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Although the relationship between dyslipidaemia (DL) and coronary artery disease (CAD) or between trace minerals intake and CAD is well known separately, the exact nature of this relationship remains unknown. We hypothesize that the relationship between trace mineral intake and CAD may differ depending on whether or not the individual has DL. The present study analysed the relationships among trace mineral intake, DL, and CAD in middle-aged and older adults living in Shika town, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan. This study included 895 residents following the exclusion of those with genetic risk carriers for familial hypercholesterolemia. Trace mineral intake was evaluated using the brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Interactions were observed between DL and CAD with zinc ( p = 0.004), copper ( p = 0.010), and manganese intake ( p < 0.001) in a two-way analysis of covariance adjusted for covariates such as sex, age, body mass index, and current smokers and drinkers. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that zinc (odds ratio (OR): 0.752; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.606, 0.934; p = 0.010), copper (OR: 0.175; 95% CI: 0.042, 0.726; p = 0.016), and manganese (OR: 0.494; 95% CI: 0.291, 0.839; p = 0.009) were significant independent variables for CAD in the dyslipidaemic group. The present results suggest that DL with a low trace mineral intake is associated with CAD. Further longitudinal studies are required to confirm this relationship., Competing Interests: None., (© The Author(s) 2024.)

BACKGROUND: The association of obesity with breast cancer is clear. Although body mass index (BMI) is used as an indicator of obesity, its accuracy remains questionable. Although, there factors for diagnosing metabolic syndrome are caused by obesity, the association with breast cancer has not been clarified. METHODS: Women who underwent breast cancer screening with mammography and measurements of metabolic syndrome factors, including waist circumference, blood glucose, triglycerides, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels, and systolic and diastolic pressure, twice within a 2-year period were enrolled (n = 314), with a final sample size of 256. To determine the presence of mammary gland disease, 2 expert physicians interpreted radiogram findings, with category 3 or higher shown by mammography considered to indicate an abnormality. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Waist circumference at the initial measurement was marginally significant as a risk factor for onset of mammary gland disease (odds ratio [OR] = 1.036, P = .045) and thus was concluded to be a risk factor for disease onset. Although not significant, a 2-year increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure has been presumed to be risk factors (systolic: OR = 1.020, P= .085, diastolic: OR = 1.040, P = .065), while high levels of HDL cholesterol have been presumed to protect against the disease (OR = 0.982, P= .064). Based on these results, waist circumference and blood pressure are speculated to be related to development of mammary gland disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A rapid infusion rate for intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) can cause adverse effects; therefore, safe and efficient infusion rates are desired. This study aimed to develop a triglyceride (TG) kinetic model after soybean oil-based ILE (SO-ILE) administration and individualize the infusion rate via a population pharmacokinetic approach.Methods: Eighty-three inpatients were enrolled in this prospective observational study. A TG kinetic model was applied to the observations based on population pharmacokinetics using a nonlinear mixed-effect model. The patients' characteristics and laboratory parameters were evaluated to identify predictors of TG kinetics, and the maximum acceptable infusion rate was defined as that for which the maximum TG concentration did not exceed 400 mg/dl in 90% of patients.Results: No adverse events associated with SO-ILE administration were observed. The developed TG kinetic model explained the observed TG concentrations and identified the baseline TG concentration and body weight as predictors of TG kinetics. The estimated maximum acceptable infusion rates greatly varied among individuals, ranging from <0.01 to 0.3 g/kg/h.Conclusion: The present study suggested the necessity and demonstrated the feasibility of individualizing the infusion rates of SO-ILE, using a population pharmacokinetic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ayu-narezushi, a traditional Japanese fermented food, comprises abundant levels of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and free amino acids. This study aimed to examine the potential beneficial effects of ayu-narezushi and investigated whether ayu-narezushi led to improvements in the Tsumura Suzuki obese diabetes (TSOD) mice model of spontaneous metabolic syndrome because useful LAB are known as probiotics that regulate intestinal function. In the present study, the increased body weight of the TSOD mice was attenuated in those fed the ayu-narezushi-comprised chow (ayu-narezushi group) compared with those fed the normal rodent chow (control group). Serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the Ayu-narezushi group than in the control group at 24 weeks of age. Furthermore, hepatic mRNA levels of carnitine-palmitoyl transferase 1 and acyl-CoA oxidase, which related to fatty acid oxidation, were significantly increased in the ayu-narezushi group than in the control group at 24 weeks of age. In conclusion, these results suggested that continuous feeding with ayu-narezushi improved obesity and dyslipidemia in the TSOD mice and that the activation of fatty acid oxidation in the liver might contribute to these improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although accumulating evidence suggests the benefits of cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular fitness, little knowledge exists on how other physical fitness (PF) components are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk markers in children. Additionally, much of the relevant evidence is from longitudinal studies with CVD risk markers at a single time point (i.e., baseline) rather than changes in PF. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether initial 1-year changes in different performance measures of PF (i.e., endurance performance, muscular strength/endurance, flexibility, agility, and speed) can predict the subsequent changes (2-year change) in blood lipid concentrations in children. This 2-year longitudinal study included a total of 251 Japanese children (mean age 9.2 ± 0.4). PF tests were performed to comprehensively evaluate the participant's fitness levels (handgrip strength [upper body muscular strength], bent-leg situps [muscular endurance], sit-and-reach [flexibility], side-step [agility], 20-meter shuttle run [endurance performance], 50-meter sprint [speed], standing long jump [lower body muscular strength], and softball throw [explosive arm strength and throwing ability]). Fasting lipid profile was assayed for triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and non-HDL-C concentration. Multilevel linear regressions were used to examine the associations between the preceding changes (over 1-year) in PF and subsequent changes (over 2-years) in blood lipid concentrations. We also examined the simultaneous associations between 2-year changes in PF and 2-year changes in blood lipid concentrations. For boys, preceding improvement in handgrip strength was negatively associated with TG concentration (β = -0.260, p = 0.030); improvements in bent-leg sit-ups were negatively associated with clustered lipid scores (β = -0.301, p = 0.038) and non-HDL-C (β = -0.310, p = 0.044); and improvements in 50m sprinting were associated with subsequent changes in non-HDL-C (β = 0.348, p = 0.006) and LDL-C (β = 0.408, p = 0.001). For girls, improvements in handgrip strength was negatively associated with TG concentration (β = -0.306, p = 0.017); and improvements in standing long jump were negatively associated with non-HDL-C (β = -0.269, p = 0.021) and LDL-C (β = -0.275, p = 0.019). For boys and girls, there were no significant simultaneous associations between 2-year changes in PF and 2-year changes in blood lipid concentrations. In conclusion, preceding change in physical fitness in relation to change in blood lipid concentration likely reflect a physiological adaptation to growth and maturation since these associations diminished in the subsequent year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity in children is a public health concern in Japan. To evaluate the current state of the obesity problem and inform future directions, we aimed to provide an updated account of secular trends in the percentage of overweight (POW) children by gender and school grade, and evaluate changes in POW after participation in the obesity health screening. Methods: The current study utilized aggregated data from the Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, public elementary and middle school populations from 2009 to 2018. Data on the percentage of overweight ≥ 30% (POW‐30) and percentage of abnormal blood test results were examined by year, gender, and school grade level. Individual‐level data from 2015 to 2017 in children who participated in a follow‐up obesity health screening were evaluated for changes in median POW. Results: A decreasing trend in students with a POW‐30 was observed from 2009 to 2011, with rates stabilizing thereafter. The highest proportions of POW‐30 were observed in 2010 (4.8% in middle school boys; 2.8% in middle school girls). From third grade, the difference in percentage by gender appeared to get increasingly larger until the beginning of middle school. Among obesity health screening participants, abnormal blood tests for total cholesterol and triglycerides showed a slightly increasing trend over time, and changes in POW after screening were greatest for middle school students. Conclusions: Increases in obesity were not observed in Setagaya Ward public school students since 2010, but disparities exist by gender and grade level, suggesting that tailored intervention strategies may be useful to optimize aspects of the obesity health screening program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We monitored fatty acid compositions of the triacylglycerol (TAG) fractions in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) seeds cultivated in pots with different seeding dates and nitrogen (N) fertilizing conditions in a temperate region Wakayama, Japan. Five flax cultivars were seeded in early and late December 2017, and in late January 2018, and matured in May, June and July in the order of planting. Three types of N fertilizer were applied for plants seeded in January. Fatty acid profiles in seed TAG fractions were varied among the cultivation conditions. A cluster analysis dissected the fatty acid profiles of the same genotype with different seeding dates. Principal component analyses revealed inverse correlations between saturated and unsaturated fatty acid contents, which could be affected by temperature, N fertilization, and genotypic factors. The highest correlation was observed between α-linolenic and oleic acid contents, which showed a strong inverse relationship across genotypes (r= 0.964, n = 15). The ratio of α-linolenic acid content to that of oleic acid in seeds from plants seeded in early December were higher than those seeded on the other two dates across genotypes. We suppose that seeding date and N supply might be crucial determinants of flax lipid quality in temperate regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The high risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been well described. However, the efficacy of fibrates on the risk of MACE in patients with CKD remains unclear., Methods: We conducted a nested case-control study using data from a large administrative database that included more than 1.5 million Japanese patients. We defined cases as CKD patients with incidences of MACE and matched them with controls based on age, sex, calendar year of cohort entry and CKD stage. Fibrate exposure timing was categorized as current, recent or past. A conditional logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between fibrate use and the risk of MACE., Results: Our study included 47 490 patients with CKD, with 15 830 MACE identified during a median follow-up of 9.4 months. The numbers of fibrates used during the study period were 556 (3.5%) in the case group and 1109 (3.5%) in the control group. Fibrate use was significantly associated with a decreased risk of MACE [odds ratio (OR) 0.84; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.75-0.94], particularly for current (OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.68-0.97) and recent use (OR 0.65; 95% CI 0.48-0.90). Regarding the class effect of fibrates, pemafibrate use, but not bezafibrate or fenofibrate use, was significantly associated with a decreased risk of MACE (OR 0.73; 95% CI 0.528-0.997)., Conclusion: Recent and current fibrate use, especially pemafibrate use, was associated with a reduced risk of MACE in patients with CKD. This suggests the potential benefits of continuous fibrate therapy and the possible superiority of pemafibrate over other fibrates. However, further investigations in different populations are required to confirm the generalizability of these findings., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the ERA.)

Aims: The aim of the present study is to estimate insulin resistance (IR) using clinically available parameters except for serum insulin or C-peptide concentration to overcome the limitation of homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR), which has been widely used in clinical practice. Patients and Methods: Fifty-two admitted patients with type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance were enrolled, and steady state plasma glucose (SSPG) method and cookie meal tolerance test were performed together with fasting blood sampling and anthropometric measurements. Insulin sensitivity measured by SSPG was estimated as glucose clearance corrected by the excretion of glucose into urine (C-GC). Results: Log-transformed (C-GC) was negatively correlated with fasting plasma glucose (FPG), log (Fasting triglyceride: TG), log (Fasting TG/Fasting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol: HDLC), and their area under the curves (AUCs). Fasting and AUC-HDLC was positively and fasting free fatty acid (FFA) was negatively correlated with log (C-GC). Body fat (%) was negatively correlated with log (C-GC). Multiple regression analysis on log (C-GC) as an outcome variable revealed that FPG, log (AUC-TG/AUC-HDLC), body fat (%), and fasting FFA were selected as significant predictive variables and contributed to log (C-GC) by 60% (adjusted R 2 ). Replacing log (AUC-TG/AUC-HDLC) with its fasting value, log (Fasting TG/Fasting HDLC), this model still showed a strong contribution to log (C-GC) by 57% (adjusted R 2 ). These contributions were stronger than those in log (HOMA-IR) (52.5%), log (Fasting C-peptide) (45.7%) to log (C-GC). Conclusions: It is plausible that our estimation for IR without the inclusion of plasma insulin concentration can be applied in Japanese patients whose HOMA-IR is not appropriately available. The model using fasting values is less complicated and could be the best way for the estimation of IR.

Background and Aims: Few data exist regarding the gender differences in the relationship between triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio and cardiometabolic risk leading to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). We investigated, by gender, the association between the TG/HDL-C ratio and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in the Japanese, who are less obese than their Western counterparts., Methods and Results: A population consisting of 10,373 participants (average age, 47.6 ± 12.6 years, 60.9 % men) at the Health Planning Center of Nihon University Hospital between April 2019 and March 2020 was studied using a cross-sectional study method. The TG/HDL-C ratio and proportion of visceral obesity increased approximately parallelly with age in women; however, these parameters did not change proportionally with age in men. Accordingly, receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed the accuracy of the TG/HDL-C ratio as a predictor of visceral obesity based on the Japanese MetS criteria (women vs. men: area under the curve, 0.797 vs. 0.712, p < 0.0001; sensitivity, 82.4 % vs. 59.9 %; specificity, 61.1 % vs. 71.1 %; cutoff value, 1.075 vs. 1.933, respectively). Furthermore, a higher TG/HDL-C ratio in women reflected the status of MetS and its components compared with men in multi-logistic regression analysis., Conclusion: An increased TG/HDL-C ratio in women may be involved in MetS and its components compared to men. We may pay attention to visceral obesity and increased TG/HDL-C ratio to prevent ASCVD risk in women, even in the Japanese population, which generally contains a lower proportion of obesity than in Western populations., (Copyright © 2024 The Italian Diabetes Society, the Italian Society for the Study of Atherosclerosis, the Italian Society of Human Nutrition and the Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: The association between the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and arterial stiffness in individuals with normoglycaemia remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between the TyG index and arterial stiffness in Japanese individuals with normoglycaemia, providing additional evidence for predicting early arterial stiffness., Methods: This study included 15,453 adults who participated in the NAGALA Physical Examination Project of the Murakami Memorial Hospital in Gifu, Japan, from 2004 to 2015. Data on clinical demographic characteristics and serum biomarker levels were collected. The TyG index was calculated from the logarithmic transformation of fasting triglycerides multiplied by fasting glucose, and arterial stiffness was measured using the estimated pulse wave velocity calculated based on age and mean blood pressure. The association between the TyG index and arterial stiffness was analysed using a logistic regression model., Results: The prevalence of arterial stiffness was 3.2% (500/15,453). After adjusting for all covariates, the TyG index was positively associated with arterial stiffness as a continuous variable (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.86; 95% Confidence Interval = 1.45-2.39; P<0.001). Using the quartile as the cutoff point, a regression analysis was performed for arterial stiffness when the TyG index was converted into a categorical variable. After adjusting for all covariates, the OR showed an upward trend; the trend test was P<0.001. Subgroup analysis revealed a positive association between the TyG index and arterial stiffness in Japanese individuals with normoglycaemia and different characteristics., Conclusion: The TyG index in Japanese individuals with normoglycaemia is significantly correlated with arterial stiffness, and the TyG index may be a predictor of early arterial stiffness., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index) is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but research on this relationship is limited in Japan. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between TyG index and the risk of T2DM in the Japanese population. Here, 12732 participants were selected from the NAGALA study (NAfld in the Gifu Area, Longitudinal Analysis) conducted between 2004 and 2015 for a retrospective cohort analysis. The association between TyG index and T2DM was assessed using the Cox proportional-hazard model. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to age, sex, smoking status, alcohol consumption, waist circumference, BMI, and follow-up duration. The formula for TyG index was expressed as ln fasting triglyceride level mg / dL × fasting plasma glucose level mg / dL / 2 . After follow-up, 150 (1.18%) patients developed T2DM. After adjusting for potential confounders, a linear relationship was observed between TyG and the risk of T2DM. After adjusting for age, sex, BMI, waist circumference, HDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, regular exercise, smoking status, and alcohol consumption, TyG index, as a continuous variable, was associated with an increased risk of T2DM (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 1.79; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.25-2.57). Compared with the first quartile of TyG index, subjects in the fourth quartile were 2.33-fold more likely to develop T2DM (aHR 2.33, 95% CI 1.09-4.96; P for trend 0.0224). Subgroup analyses showed that the association between TyG index and incident T2DM stably existed in different subgroups according to the variables tested. Therefore, TyG index was linearly related to the risk of incident T2DM in the Japanese population and may be used as a monitoring tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This is a cross-sectional study of relation between metabolic syndrome and cognitive function in community-dwelling non-demented older adults in Japan. We examine the effect of metabolic syndrome and its components on global cognitive function. We also aim to clarify differences of specific cognitive domains between the subjects with and without metabolic syndrome. Methods: We studied 2150 subjects aged between 60 and 90 years whose scores on mini mental state examination (MMSE) were over 23 points. We analyzed difference in MMSE scores between the subjects with and without metabolic syndrome. Logistic regression analysis was performed with MMSE score as the dependent variable and metabolic syndrome components as the independent variable adjusted with age. We also examined differences in attention, logical memory, and verbal and category fluency between the subjects with and without metabolic syndrome. Results: MMSE scores were not significantly different between subjects with and without metabolic syndrome. In logistic regression analysis, the score of MMSE was significantly negatively associated with triglycerides in males and significantly negatively associated with abdominal circumference in females. Subjects with metabolic syndrome showed significantly lower performance of attention tasks compared to subjects without metabolic syndrome. Conclusions: Our results suggest that in community-dwelling non-demented Japanese older adults, attention but not global cognitive function may be impaired by metabolic syndrome. Inverted association between some components of metabolic syndrome and global cognitive function indicate necessity of further studies on the relation between undernutrition and cognitive function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC), which is related with insulin resistance, is a one of the most common cancers. Triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index) was made for a marker of insulin resistance. We conducted the investigation of association between TyG index and incident CRC. Methods: We examined the affect of TyG index on incident CRC in this historical cohort study of 27,944 (16,454 men and 11,490 women) participants. TyG index was calculated as ln [fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting plasma glucose (mg/dL)/2]. The impact of TyG index on incident CRC was investigated using Cox proportional hazard models, adjusting for sex, age, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol consumption, exercise, systolic blood pressure and creatinine. The covariate-adjusted receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve calculated the area under the curve (AUC) and cut-off value of TyG index for the incidence of CRC. Results: During the median 4.4-year follow-up, 116 participants were diagnosed as CRC. The cumulative incidence rate of CRC were 0.4%. In Cox proportional hazard model, the HRs of TyG index were 1.38 (95% Confidence interval (CI), 1.00–1.91, p = 0.049) after adjusting for covariates. In the covariate-adjusted ROC curve analysis, the cut-off value of TyG index for incident CRC was 8.272 (AUC 0.687 (95%CI, 0.637–737, sensitivity = 0.620, specificity = 0.668, p < 0.001)). Conclusions: TyG index can predict the onset of CRC. For early detection of CRC, we should encourage people with high TyG index to undergo screening for CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objectives of this study were to determine the longer‐term trends in childhood obesity and hyperlipidemia among residents of Fukushima Prefecture 5 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Methods: We evaluated the changes in height, weight, body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score (BMI‐SDS), low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐CHO), high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (HDL‐CHO), and triglyceride (TG) in residents aged 7–15 years who had lived in the evacuation zone between 2011 and 2015. Results: (i) the mean BMI SDS in all residents in 2011 was 0.113, and the mean BMI‐SDS in all residents gradually decreased from 2011 to 2015; (ii) serum LDL‐CHO levels and TG levels in all residents with a BMI value ≧ 2SD in 2011 were higher than those in residents with a BMI value <2SD; (iii) the frequency of residents with an LDL‐CHO level ≥ 140 mg/dl in 2012, 2013, and 2014 did not decrease in comparison with that in 2011, whereas the frequency of residents with an LDL‐CHO level of ≥ 140 mg/dl in 2015 was lower than that in 2011. The frequency of residents with a TG level ≥ 120 mg/dl increased over the 5 years. Conclusions: These results suggest that a number of pediatric residents suffered from obesity and hyperlipidemia. Furthermore, the long‐term observation indicated an improvement in obesity, although the improvement in lipid abnormalities was delayed compared with that in obesity. Thus, it is necessary to continue with health checks for these residents with obesity and/or hyperlipidemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chlorophyte microalga Lobosphaera incisa was isolated from the snowy slopes of Mt. Tateyama in Japan. This microalga stores exceptionally high amounts of the omega‐6 LC‐PUFA arachidonic acid in triacylglycerols, and therefore represents a potent photosynthetic source for this essential LC‐PUFA. Assuming that freezing tolerance may play a role in adaptation of L. incisa to specific ecological niches, we examined the capability of L. incisa to tolerate extreme sub‐zero temperatures. We report here, that the vegetative cells of L. incisa survived freezing at −20°C and −80°C (over 1 month), without cryoprotective agents or prior treatments. Cells successfully recovered upon thawing and proliferated under optimal growth conditions (25°C). However, cells frozen at −80°C showed better recovery and lower cellular ROS generation upon thawing, compared to those preserved at −20°C. Photosynthetic yield of PSII, estimated by Fv/Fm, temporarily decreased at day 1 post freezing and resumed to the original level at day 3. Interestingly, the thawed algal cultures produced a higher level of chlorophylls, exceeding the control culture. The polar metabolome of the vegetative cells comprised a range of compatible solutes, dominated by glutamate, sucrose, and proline. We posit that the presence of endogenous cryoprotectants, a rigid multilayer cell wall, the high LC‐PUFA content in membrane lipids, and putative cold‐responsive proteins may contribute to the retention of functionality upon recovery from the frozen state, and therefore for the survival under cryospheric conditions. From the applied perspective, this beneficial property holds promise for the cryopreservation of starter cultures for research and commercial purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The present study was carried out to determine the reference ranges of 43 frequently used blood tests in daily practice for physically independent patients of advanced age. Methods: We identified all patients aged ≥20 years who underwent groin hernia repair at Itoigawa General Hospital in Niigata, Japan. The patients' characteristics, preoperative data and prescribed medications were obtained by reviewing the electronic medical records. Results: Of 284 patients, 266 with independence in activities of daily life were included in the present study: 72 were assigned to the younger adult group (age 20–64 years), 86 were assigned to the older adult group (age 65–74 years) and 108 were assigned to the advanced age group (age ≥75 years). Patients in the advanced age group had a lower body mass index, less alcohol consumption, more hypertension, lower respiratory function and higher frequency of multidrug therapy. The multiple regression analysis showed significant differences in albumin, gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase, cholinesterase, estimated glomerular filtration rate, uric acid, triglyceride, calcium, phosphate, magnesium and peripheral blood cell counts between the advanced age group and the other two age groups. Conclusions: We identified age‐dependent changes in several blood tests among physically independent adults. These results will help to guide accurate interpretation of laboratory results and properly manage patients in geriatric medicine. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 780–785. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the current meta-analysis, we aimed to systematically review and summarize the eligible studies evaluating the association between dietary acid load in terms of potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net-endogenous acid production (NEAP) with anthropometric parameters and serum lipids in adult population. Methods: In a systematic search from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences and Cochrane electronic databases up to December 2018, relevant studies were included. Cross-sectional, case control or cohort studies evaluating the association between PRAL and NEAP with the mean values of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), low and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL, HDL), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and the prevalence of obesity were included. Results: According to our results, having higher dietary acid load content in terms of high PRAL scores was associated with higher triglyceride concentrations (weighted mean difference (WMD): 3.468; confidence interval (CI): -0.231, 7.166, P = 0.04) and higher obesity prevalence (30% and 27% in highest versus lowest categories). Accordingly, being in the highest category of NEAP was associated with higher prevalence of obesity (25% and 22% in highest versus lowest category). In subgroup analysis, higher PRAL scores was associated with higher BMI in women (WMD: 0.122; CI: -0.001, 0.245; P = 0.049) and higher NEAP in men (WMD: 0.890; CI: 0.430, 1.350; P < 0.001). There was no association between dietary acid load and other studied parameters. Conclusions: In the current meta-analysis, high dietary acid load content was associated with higher serum triglyceride concentrations and higher obesity prevalence. Reducing dietary acid load content might be a useful preventive strategy against obesity and metabolic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) extract, eritadenine, has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels, and its hypocholesterolemic actions are involved in the metabolism of methionine. However, the mechanisms by which eritadenine affects cholesterol metabolism in animals fed a high-fat diet containing different sources of lipids have not yet been elucidated in detail. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of shiitake supplementation on serum lipid concentrations in rats fed a diet including a high amount of a plant oil (HO [high oil] and HOS [high oil with shiitake] groups), animal fat (HF [high fat] and HFS [high fat with shiitake] groups), or MCT- (medium-chain triglyceride-) rich plant oil (HM [high MCT] and HMS [high MCT with shiitake] groups). Rats in the HOS, HFS, and HMS groups were fed shiitake. When rats were fed a diet containing shiitake, serum triglyceride, cholesterol levels, and LCAT (lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase) activities were lower in rats given MCT-rich plant oil than in those that consumed lard. The lipid type in the diet with shiitake also affected serum cholesterol levels and LCAT activities. The diet containing MCT-rich plant oil showed the greatest rates of decrease in all serum lipid profiles and LCAT activities. These results suggest that shiitake and MCT-rich plant oil work together to reduce lipid profiles and LCAT activity in serum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the associations between cord serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG)levels and perinatal factors and determine the reference levels of cord blood TC and TG in Japanese neonates. This was a prospective birth cohort study using data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study, which included data on births from 2011 to 2014 in Japan. TC and TG levels were determined in cord blood samples. A total of 70,535 pairs of neonates (male: 36,001, female: 34,524) and mothers were included. The mean cord blood TC and TG levels were 72.2 mg/dL and 24.4 mg/dL, respectively. Multiple regression analyses revealed that gestational age and birth weight were significantly associated with cord blood TC (coefficient -2.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] -2.40 - -2.22 and coefficient 0.002, 95% CI 0.002-0.003, respectively) and TG (coefficient 3.09, 95% CI 3.01-3.17 and coefficient - 0.009, 95% CI - 0.009-0.008, respectively) levels. Mean cord blood TG and TC levels decreased over the preterm period; however, these parameters increased during the term. Furthermore, the mean cord blood TC and TG levels decreased over the entire range of birth weight categories.    Conclusion: Mean cord blood TG and TC levels decreased over the preterm period; however, these parameters increased during the term. Furthermore, the mean cord blood TC and TG levels decreased over the entire range of birth weight categories in Japanese newborns. Maternal complications such as maternal parity, HDP, PROM, maternal obesity and income level were associated with cord TC and TG levels. What is Known: • No studies have ascertained the reference levels of cord blood lipid levels in Japan. What is New: • Mean cord blood TG and TC levels decreased over the preterm period; however, these parameters increased during the term., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Dyslipidemia is exemplified by high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and represents a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and requires therapeutic intervention. Several experimental studies suggest that bitter melon (Momordica charantia) improves lipid metabolism in animal models of dyslipidemia and diabetes. This study evaluated the effects of bitter melon extracts on lipid metabolism following a 30-day treatment period in Japanese adults. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 43 adult volunteers who received either 100 mg of hot-water extracts of bitter melon (n = 23) or a placebo (n = 20) three times daily for 30 days. The body weight, blood pressure, and levels of LDL-C and other blood parameters of each subject were measured before and after the study period. The results showed that the intervention group exhibited significantly lower LDL-C levels (P = 0.02) as compared with the control group, and there were no significant changes in either group in terms of body weight, body mass index, systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, or blood glucose. These results suggested that bitter melon extracts might effectively lower LDL-C levels in humans and exhibit potential therapeutic value for the management of dyslipidemic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Previous reports suggest that several serum biomarkers play roles in the pathogenesis, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress in periodontitis caused by bacterial infections, linking chronic periodontitis to atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD). The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate, in a Japanese cross‐sectional community survey, potential serum biomarkers of periodontitis that are associated with ASVD and chronic periodontitis. Material and Methods: The study cohort included a total of 108 male subjects who underwent annual health examinations. Serum biomarkers (high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein [hs‐CRP], proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 [PCSK9], interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α, soluble CD14, myeloperoxidase, matrix metalloproteinase‐3, adiponectin, total bilirubin [TBIL], and serum lipids) were analyzed to determine their association (if any) with periodontal parameters. Aortic stiffness was evaluated using the brachial‐ankle aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) index and the cardio‐ankle vascular index (CAVI). Results: The concentrations of PCSK9 and hs‐CRP were increased (P = .001 and .042, respectively), and the concentration of TBIL was decreased (P = .046), in subjects with periodontal disease (determined as a probing depth of ≥4 mm in at least one site) compared with periodontally healthy subjects. The ratio of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) to high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and the concentrations of triglycerides, remnant‐like particles‐cholesterol, and oxidized LDL were elevated in subjects with periodontal disease compared with periodontally healthy subjects (P = .038, .007, .002, and .049, respectively). Multivariate regression analyses indicated that the number of sites with a pocket depth of ≥4 mm was associated with the concentration of PCSK9 and inversely associated with the concentration of TBIL independently (standardized β = .243, P = .040; standardized β = −.443, P = .0002; respectively). Analysis of receiver operating characteristic curves of PCSK9 indicated moderate accuracy for predicting the presence of disease sites (probing depth ≥ 4 mm) (area under the curve = 0.740). No significance in the values of PWV and CAVI was observed between subjects with periodontal disease and periodontally healthy subjects. Conclusion: In Japanese male subjects, the concentrations of serum PCSK9 and TBIL were correlated with periodontal parameters. Moreover, PCSK9 could be a candidate biomarker for diagnosing chronic periodontitis, and may also have potential to evaluate the risk for periodontitis to cause ASVD. Longitudinal studies of larger populations are necessary to confirm the exact association of periodontitis with increased serum PCSK9 and decreased TBIL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Angiopoietin-like protein 8 (ANGPTL8) is considered to be metabolically multifunctional. One notable function still to be elucidated definitively is a betatrophic role in protecting and preserving pancreatic beta-cell function. There is, however, a paucity of data regarding the role of ANGPTL8 in the etiology of type 2 diabetes (T2D), but some findings of human research have suggested the potential for significant involvement. Objective To examine the frequency of T2D and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in Japanese subjects with the ANGPTL8 R59W variant. Methods ANGPTL8 R59W (Rs2278426, c.194C > T) was determined by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism using the restriction enzyme FokI in 797 consecutive Japanese individuals. Subjects with triglyceride levels greater than or equal to 150 mg/dL were considered to be hypertriglyceridemic. Results Genotype frequencies of ANGPTL8 R59W were as follows: wild-type RR (C/C) 53.5%, RW (C/T) 36.6%, and WW (T/T) 9.9%. T2D and IGT were significantly prevalent in WW and RW subjects relative to RR among all 797 subjects ( P = .0138) and also in hypertriglyceridemic subjects ( P = .0015). In multiple logistic regression models for the existence of T2D and IGT in hypertriglyceridemic subjects, the odds ratio for heterozygote RW and homozygote WW genotypes to wild-type RR was 2.406 ( P = .0017) after controlling the risk factors of age, gender, and body mass index as covariates. Conclusions The frequency of ANGPTL8 R59W is significantly higher in Japanese subjects than in other ethnic groups. The rates of T2D and IGT were greater in subjects with the R59W variant. These findings indicate that ANGPTL8 is a participant in diabetes and a potential therapeutic target for T2D prevention, especially in East Asians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reduced serum phosphorus (SP) levels are reported to be associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, there have been a few gender- specific studies although SP levels are substantially different between men and women. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. A total of 16,041 subjects (9,076 men and 6,965 women) were analyzed. The subjects were divided into 3 groups of gender-specific tertiles based on phosphorus levels: the lowest (T 1 ), middle (T 2 ), and the highest (T 3 ). Results: SP levels were significantly lower in subjects with MetS than in those without MetS in men but not in women. Waist circumference and fasting plasma glucose were negatively and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was positively correlated with SP levels both in men and women. Blood pressure (BP) and triglycerides (TG) were negatively correlated with SP levels in men, while they were positively correlated with SP levels in women. Lower SP levels were associated with the prevalence of MetS in men (T 1 ; 19.9%, T 2 ; 16.9%, and T 3 ; 14.3%; p < 0.001) but not in women (T 1 ; 14.1%, T 2 ; 16.6%, and T 3 ; 15.3%; p = 0.282). Conclusion: BP and TG were unexpectedly positively correlated with SP levels in women. Reduced SP levels were associated with MetS in men but not in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Arterial stiffness is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and it is considered to be affected by dietary intake. However, few studies have examined the relationship between major dietary patterns and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) among Japanese middle-aged subjects. We studied whether major dietary patterns were associated with baPWV in this population.Methods and Study Design: Between 2009 and 2012, 70 Japanese middle-aged subjects (39 men and 31 women) with no history of stroke, coronary heart disease, or cancer were studied. Dietary intake was documented using a validated food-frequency questionnaire, and dietary patterns were generated using factor analysis. Correlational analyses were performed between baPWV and identified dietary patterns and between baPWV and individual risk factors (total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], non- HDL-C, LDL/HDL ratio, and augmentation index).Results: Two dietary patterns were identified: a rice-rich pattern (high in rice, breads, oils and fats, meats, and confectionery) and a vegetable-rich pattern (high in vegetables, fruit, fish, and seaweed). The rice-rich pattern was not associated with baPWVor other risk factors. A significant inverse correlation was found between baPWV and the vegetable-rich dietary pattern (p<0.05).Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a dietary pattern characterized by high consumption of vegetables, seafood, seaweed, fruit, and pulse is inversely associated with arterial stiffness measured by baPWV. This diet offers an additional nutritional approach to the prevention and treatment of arterial stiffness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Objectives The purpose of the present study was to examine the association of body mass index (BMI) or obesity with various clinical parameters and conditions in a longitudinal population-based epidemiological study in Japan. Methods Study subjects comprised 6027 community-dwelling individuals who were recruited to the Inabe Health and Longevity Study, a longitudinal genetic epidemiological study of atherosclerotic, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥25 kg/m 2 . Results Longitudinal analysis with the generalised linear mixed-effect model after adjustment for age showed that for men, BMI was significantly ( P < 0.0008) related to systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure and serum concentrations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol. For women, BMI was also significantly related to serum concentrations of triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol. Longitudinal analysis with the generalised estimating equation with adjustment for age showed that in men, BMI was significantly ( P < 0.0012) associated with the prevalence of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, hypo-HDL-cholesterolemia, decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate, and hyperuricemia. In women, BMI was also significantly associated with the prevalence of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperuricemia. Conclusion Obesity has detrimental effects on various clinical parameters and conditions, resulting in increased risk of hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperuricemia, and chronic kidney disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Age-adjusted cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence rates are significantly lower in Japan than in the United States. Objective Our aim was to compare CVD risk in participants in Fukuoka and Framingham. Methods We measured glucose, insulin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), small dense LDL-C, and triglycerides in men and women from Fukuoka ( n = 1108), and age (median, 53 years) and gender-matched subjects from Framingham ( n = 1101). Blood pressure, body mass index, use of medications, and history of CVD were also assessed. Results CVD prevalence rates were more than 6-fold higher in Framingham men and women than their Fukuoka counterparts ( P < .001). Median body mass index, LDL-C, insulin levels, and insulin resistance assessment in Fukuoka men and women were significantly ( P < .01) lower than in Framingham; however, diabetes prevalence in Fukuoka men was significantly ( P < .01) higher than in Framingham men, whereas female rates were similar, as were levels of systolic blood pressure. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and surprisingly small dense LDL-C levels were significantly ( P < .001) higher in Fukuoka than in Framingham. Standard risk factors do not account for the large differences in CVD prevalence rates between the 2 populations, and population differences in insulin resistance may explain some of these differences. Conclusions Our data are consistent with the concept that the CVD prevalence rate in a Japanese population is much lower than those observed in the United States, and that these differences cannot be explained by standard CVD risk factors, but may relate to marked population differences in insulin resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Insulin Resistance (IR) are associated with Hypertension (HTN). Triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI) is a readily available and clinically significant indicator of IR. This study aimed to investigate whether TyG-BMI is independently associated with HTN., Methods: A total of 15,464 patients with normal blood glucose from 2004 to 2016 participated in this study. Participants were divided into four groups using the quartile method: TyG-BMI below 153.1, between 153.1 and 174.2, between 174.2 and 199.3, and over 199.3. The covariates included age, sex, BMI, WC, HDL-C, TC, TG, HbA1c, FPG, ALT, AST, GGT, SBP, DBP, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and exercise habits., Results: The average age was 43.7 ± 8.9 years, and 45.4% were men. The prevalence of HTN was 6.2% (964/15464) of the population. TyG-BMI remained significantly associated with HTN after multivariate adjustment for TyG-BMI as a continuous variable (adjusted OR = 2.87, 95% CI: 1.90-4.34). Each 10-unit rise in TyG-BMI (continuous variable) was linked to a 31% increase in the prevalence of HTN (adjusted OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.25-1.37). In the subgroup analysis stratified by age, sex, waist circumference, and smoking status, the association between TyG-BMI and HTN were stable., Conclusion: In this study, TyG-BMI was highly correlated with HTN, but more experiments and different populations are needed to verify this.

Aim Metabolic syndrome is associated with periodontal disease and dental caries; however, little attention has been given to the association between metabolic syndrome and tooth loss, which is the endpoint of these two diseases. This study examined this association in middle-aged adults over a 5-year period. Methods A retrospective study was performed in 2107 participants (1718 males and 389 females) aged 35-60 years who underwent annual dental check-ups, to evaluate tooth loss and metabolic components, including obesity, elevated triglycerides, blood pressure, fasting glucose, and reduced high-density lipoprotein. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between metabolic syndrome (≥3 components) at the baseline examination and tooth loss. Results Over a 5-year period, 10.8% of the participants lost at least one tooth. Compared to those with no metabolic components, participants with ≥3 components had an increased risk of tooth loss (odds ratio = 1.54; 95% confidence interval: 1.01-2.37), adjusting for age, gender, dental caries experience, attachment loss, oral hygiene status, number of teeth, tooth brushing frequency, smoking, and occupational status. Conclusions Metabolic syndrome was associated with the incidence of tooth loss among middle-aged adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Recent studies suggest that nutritional status during developmental periods is associated with subsequent development of metabolic abnormalities. In this study, we examined whether malnutrition by fasting for 3 days during the suckling-weaning transient period induces subsequent development of metabolic abnormalities in rats. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fasted for 3 days during the suckling-weaning transient period. They are subsequently fed a high-fat, high-sucrose (HF) or low-fat, high-starch (LF) diet for 14 weeks from 17 weeks of age, and the liver and blood samples were collected for measuring mRNA and protein levels of metabolic genes and blood concentrations of glucose and insulin, respectively. Results: Fasting for 3 days during the suckling-weaning transient period induced impaired glucose tolerance in rats fed the LF diet in adulthood. Liver triglycerides in rats fed the HF diet in adulthood increased to 140 % in rats fasted for 3 days during the suckling-weaning transient period compared with those non-fasted. Furthermore, liver expression of FBP1 and ACCα genes in adult rats fed the LF diet increased to 125 and 145 %, respectively, in rats fasted for 3 days during the suckling-weaning transient period compared to non-fasted rats. PEPCK1 protein expression levels in rats fed the LF diet were higher in rats fasted for 3 days during the suckling-weaning transient period than in non-fasted rats. Conclusion: Fasting for 3 days in rats during the suckling-weaning transient period enhances metabolic abnormalities in animals fed a HF or LF diet in adulthood by confounding metabolism of lipid and sugar in the liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although heavy drinking is known to lead to liver injury, some recent studies have reported that light alcohol consumption (LAC) may play a protective role against fatty liver in the general population, and may even play a protective role against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in males with metabolic syndrome (MS). However, the association between LAC and fatty liver with liver enzyme elevation in females with MS is unclear.Methods: Participants of this study were 20,853 females who underwent a regular health check-up between April 2008 and March 2012 at our hospital. Enrolled subjects were 1141 females with MS, who underwent all necessary tests and drank less than 20 g/day of alcohol. We investigated the presence of fatty liver with liver enzyme elevation, defined in this study as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels ≧31 IU/I, and the association between LAC and fatty liver with ALT elevation.Results: There was no significant difference in the prevalence of fatty liver and ALT between light drinkers and non-drinkers. The prevalence of individuals receiving a treatment for dyslipidemia and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was significantly lower in light drinkers than in non-drinkers. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), triglyceride (TG), uric acid (UA), IGT, and visceral fat type MS (V-type MS) were significant predictors of the prevalence of fatty liver with ALT elevation in logistic regression analysis. The odds ratio [OR] (95 % confidence interval [CI], p value) for fatty liver with ALT elevation were as follows: BMI, 2.181 (1.445-3.293, p <0.001); WC, 1.853 (1.280-2.684, p <0.01); DBP, 1.604 (1.120-2.298, p <0.05); TG, 2.202 (1.562-3.105, p <0.001); UA, 2.959 (1.537-5.698, p <0.01); IGT, 1.692 (1.143-2.506, p <0.01); and V-type MS, 3.708 (2.529-5.437, p <0.001).Conclusions: There was no significant difference in the prevalence of fatty liver with ALT elevation in females with MS between light drinkers and non-drinkers, suggesting that other factors such as BMI, WC, V-type MS, and lifestyle-related disease may be more important than LAC for the prevalence of fatty liver with ALT elevation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While some dietary patterns are associated with the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), the relationship between dietary pattern and risk factors for CVD in patients with T2DM remains to be clarified. The aim of this study was to identify dietary patterns and investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and potential risk factors for CVD in patients with T2DM.Methods: The study participants comprised 726 Japanese T2DM outpatients free of history of CVD. Life styles were analyzed using self-reported questionnaires. The relationship between dietary patterns, identified by factor analysis, and potential risk factors for CVD was investigated by linear and logistic regression analyses.Results: Six dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis. Especially, three dietary patterns were associated with risk factors for CVD. The "Seaweeds, Vegetables, Soy products and Mushrooms" pattern, characterized by high consumption of seaweeds, soy products and mushrooms, was associated with lower use of diabetes medication and healthier lifestyles. The "Noodle and Soup" pattern, characterized by high consumption of noodle and soup was associated with higher body mass index, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and triglyceride levels. The "Fruit, Dairy products and Sweets" pattern was associated with lower γ-glutamyl transpeptidase levels, blood pressure, albuminuria and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity.Conclusions: The findings suggested that dietary patterns correlated with risk factors for CVD in T2DM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Few epidemiological studies have assessed the relationship between the traditional Japanese dietary pattern and longitudinal changes in cardiovascular disease risk factors among Japanese people. We designed a 3-year longitudinal study of 980 subjects living in Japan to evaluate how the Japanese dietary pattern is related to longitudinal changes in well-recognized risk factors for cardiovascular disease among apparently healthy Japanese adults. Methods: Dietary consumption was assessed via a validated food frequency questionnaire. Principal component analysis was used to derive three major dietary patterns-'Japanese,' 'sweets-fruits-cooked wheaten food,' and 'Izakaya (Japanese Pub)' from 39 food groups. Results: After adjustment for potential confounders, the mean (95 % confidence interval) for the change per year in diastolic blood pressure for men, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure for women related to the 'Japanese' dietary pattern factor score tertiles were 0.89 (0.10, 1.68), 2.25 (0.19, 4.31), and 0.75 (−1.00, 2.50) for the lowest tertile, 0.77 (−0.02, 1.56), 1.01 (−1.13, 3.15), and 0.44 (−1.38, 2.26) for the middle tertile and − 0.04 (−0.81, 0.72), −0.48 (−2.52, 1.56), and −0.77 (−2.51, 0.96) for the highest tertile (trend P value = 0.03, <0.01, and 0.04, respectively). A significant detrimental relationship was found between the 'Izakaya (Japanese Pub)' pattern factor score tertiles and the longitudinal change in serum triglyceride concentration only in men (trend P value = 0.02). Conclusions: Greater adherence to a traditional Japanese diet was independently related to a decreased change every year in diastolic blood pressure in men and women and in systolic blood pressure in women over a 3-year follow-up period. The findings suggest that the 'Japanese' dietary pattern appeared to be related to a fall in blood pressure, which might have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular disease. A randomized trial is required to clarify the underlying mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Growing evidence has shown that lack of organizational justice (i.e., procedural justice and interactional justice) is associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) while biological mechanisms underlying this association have not yet been fully clarified. Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the cross-sectional association of organizational justice with physiological CHD risk factors (i.e., blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol, and triglyceride) in Japanese employees. Methods: Overall, 3598 male and 901 female employees from two manufacturing companies in Japan completed self-administered questionnaires measuring organizational justice, demographic characteristics, and lifestyle factors. They completed health checkup, which included blood pressure and serum lipid measurements. Multiple logistic regression analyses and trend tests were conducted. Results: Among male employees, multiple logistic regression analyses and trend tests showed significant associations of low procedural justice and low interactional justice with high triglyceride (defined as 150 mg/dL or greater) after adjusting for demographic characteristics and lifestyle factors. Among female employees, trend tests showed significant dose-response relationship between low interactional justice and high LDL cholesterol (defined as 140 mg/dL or greater) while multiple logistic regression analysis showed only marginally significant or insignificant odds ratio of high LDL cholesterol among the low interactional justice group. Neither procedural justice nor interactional justice was associated with blood pressure or HDL cholesterol. Conclusion: Organizational justice may be an important psychosocial factor associated with increased triglyceride at least among Japanese male employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Non-fasting triglyceride (TG) concentrations are useful for predicting various diseases, but most epidemiological studies investigated the association between fasting TG concentrations and chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to examine the association between casual (fasting or non-fasting) serum TG concentrations and new-onset CKD in the general Japanese population., Methods: We conducted a population-based, retrospective cohort study using annual health checkup data of residents of Iki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. Between 2008 and 2019, participants without CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate &lt;60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and/or proteinuria) at baseline were included. Casual serum TG concentrations were classified by sex as tertile 1 (men: &lt;0.95 mmol/L; women: &lt;0.86 mmol/L), tertile 2 (0.95-1.49 mmol/L; 0.86-1.25 mmol/L), and tertile 3 (≥1.50 mmol/L; ≥1.26 mmol/L). The outcome was incident CKD. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model., Results: 4,946 participants (2,236 [45%] men and 2,710 [55%] women; 3,666 [74%] fasting and 1,182 [24%] non-fasting) were included in the present analysis. During an average follow-up of 5.2 years, 934 participants (434 men and 509 women) developed CKD. In men, the incidence rate (per 1,000 person-years) of CKD increased with an elevation in TG concentrations (tertile 1: 29.4, tertile 2: 42.2, and tertile 3: 43.3). This association was significant, even after adjustment for other risk factors of age, current smoking habits, current alcohol intake, exercise habits, obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyper-low-density-lipoprotein cholesterolemia, and use of lipid-lowering therapy (p = 0.003 for trend). In contrast, in women, TG concentrations were not associated with incident CKD (p = 0.547 for trend)., Conclusion: Casual serum TG concentrations are significantly associated with new-onset CKD in Japanese men in the general population., (© 2023 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.)