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Wang X, Wang Q, Li M, Zhao Y, Song Q, Fu C, Hao W, Zhu D. Life course weight transitions from birth to childhood to midlife and risk of cardiovascular diseases and its subtypes. Prev Med 2024; 185:108060. [PMID: 38969023 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2024.108060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Evidence on weight transitions across life stages and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is limited. We aimed to explore weight transition patterns from birth to childhood to midlife and risk of incident CVDs. METHODS A total of 193,905 participants from the UK Biobank were included. Weight at birth, childhood, and midlife were collected at baseline (2006-2010). CVD outcomes were collected at year 2022. We constructed 27 transition patterns from birth to age 10 years to midlife. Cox proportional hazard models yielded hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) between weight transition patterns and CVDs. Mediation analyses were performed. Rate advancement periods (RAP) were also calculated. RESULTS Several weight transition patterns were clearly linked to risk of CVDs, including "Low birth weight → high weight at age 10 years → obesity at midlife" (HR 2.64, 95% CI 2.24-3.11), "Low birth weight → low weight at age 10 years → obesity at midlife" (2.27, 1.93-2.66), "High birth weight → low weight at age 10 years → obesity at midlife" (2.29, 1.96-2.67), and "High birth weight → high weight at age 10 years → obesity at midlife" (2.14, 1.89-2.42), which showed even stronger association with HF. RAPs of these patterns were 8.3-10.6 years for CVD and 10.0-13.1 for HF. 50% of the association between birth weight and CVDs was mediated by weight at midlife. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the importance of weight management throughout the life course in reducing the risk of CVDs, especially maintaining a heathy weight at midlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Meiling Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Yanqing Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Qixiang Song
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Chunying Fu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Wenting Hao
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Dongshan Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China; Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China.
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Stalling I, Gruber M, Bammann K. Sex differences in physical functioning among older adults: cross-sectional results from the OUTDOOR ACTIVE study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1766. [PMID: 38956507 PMCID: PMC11221023 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19218-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maintaining good functional ability is a key component of healthy ageing and a basic requirement for carrying out activities of daily living, staying independent, and delaying admission to a nursing home. Even though women have a higher life expectancy and slower age-related muscle mass loss than men, they often show a higher prevalence of limitations in physical functioning. However, the reasons behind these sex differences are still unclear. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate sex differences among older adults regarding physical functioning and to study which factors are explaining these sex differences. METHODS Cross-sectional data from participants of the OUTDOOR ACTIVE study residing in Bremen, Germany, aged 65 to 75 years, were included in the analyses. Physical functioning was assessed via a self-administered questionnaire using the SF-36 10-item Physical Functioning Scale. Social, lifestyle, and health-related factors were also assessed using the questionnaire. Physical activity was measured objectively using wrist-worn accelerometers over seven consecutive days. Descriptive analyses with absolute and relative frequencies, means and standard deviations, as well as T-tests and chi-square tests were carried out. To test for associations between sex, physical functioning, and several individual factors, linear regressions were performed. RESULTS Data of 2 141 participants (52.1% female) were included in the study. Women and men showed statistically significant differences in physical functioning, with men perceiving fewer limitations than women. On average, women had a physical functioning score of 81.4 ± 19.3 and men 86.7 ± 17.0. Linear regression showed a statistically significant negative association between physical functioning score and sex (β: -0.15, 95% CL: -0.19, -0.10). The association remained statistically significant when adding individual factors to the model. All factors together were only able to explain 51% of the physical functioning-sex association with health indicators and the presence of chronic diseases being the most influential factors. CONCLUSIONS We found sex differences in physical functioning, with older women having more limitations than older men. The results showed that health-related factors and chronic diseases played the biggest roles in the different physical functioning scores of women and men. These findings contribute to future longitudinal, more in-depth research. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00015117 (Date of registration 17-07-2018).
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Affiliation(s)
- Imke Stalling
- Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research (IPP), University of Bremen, Grazer Straße 2a, 28359, Bremen, Germany.
| | - Martin Gruber
- Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research (IPP), University of Bremen, Grazer Straße 2a, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Karin Bammann
- Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research (IPP), University of Bremen, Grazer Straße 2a, 28359, Bremen, Germany
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Timkova V, Minarikova D, Fabryova L, Buckova J, Minarik P, Katreniakova Z, Nagyova I. Facilitators and barriers to behavior change in overweight and obesity management using the COM-B model. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1280071. [PMID: 38455118 PMCID: PMC10919221 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1280071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Increasing overweight and obesity rates represent one of the global public health challenges. COM-B is a theoretical model used to identify areas to target to achieve behavior change. It identifies three factors that are needed for any behavior to occur: capability, opportunity, and motivation. We aimed to assess the potential facilitators and barriers to behavior change in weight management using the COM-B. Methods The study included 139 people with overweight and obesity (mean age 48.81 ± 14.49 years; 64.5% female; body mass index 32.64 ± 6.51 kg/m2; waist-to-height ratio 0.62 ± 0.10) from primary care settings. All participants completed the Brief Measure of Behavior Change (COM-B), the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSE), and the Overall Evaluation of Health (OEH). Multiple linear regression was performed to analyse the data. Results The associations between sociodemographic and clinical variables and COM-B domains attenuated or were no longer significant when psychological resources were added to the regression models. Self-efficacy was identified as a stronger facilitator of health behavior change (p < 0.001) when compared to self-esteem (p < 0.05). No associations between automatic motivation and psychological resources were identified, however. Automatic motivation was found to be associated with higher age, being in a relationship, and better health. Discussion Behavioral interventions for weight management should specifically target different components of COM-B. Self-efficacy and self-esteem may play a significant role in individual capabilities, opportunities, and reflective motivation and should be included in tailored public health interventions. Health programs targeting younger and single people, and people with chronic conditions may help to promote sustainable behavior change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimira Timkova
- Department of Social and Behavioural Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef (PJ) Safarik University in Kosice, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Daniela Minarikova
- Department of Organisation and Management of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lubomira Fabryova
- Biomedical Research Centre of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Institute for Prevention and Intervention, St. Elisabeth University of Health and Social Work, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Faculty of Nursing and Medical Professional Studies, Slovak Health University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jana Buckova
- Department of Social and Behavioural Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef (PJ) Safarik University in Kosice, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Peter Minarik
- Biomedical Research Centre of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Institute for Prevention and Intervention, St. Elisabeth University of Health and Social Work, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Katreniakova
- Department of Social and Behavioural Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef (PJ) Safarik University in Kosice, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Iveta Nagyova
- Department of Social and Behavioural Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef (PJ) Safarik University in Kosice, Kosice, Slovakia
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Bernardino G, Sepúlveda-Martínez Á, Rodríguez-López M, Prat-González S, Pajuelo C, Perea RJ, Caralt MT, Crovetto F, González Ballester MA, Sitges M, Bijnens B, Crispi F. Association of central obesity with unique cardiac remodelling in young adults born small for gestational age. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2023:6986711. [PMID: 36644919 DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jeac262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Being born small for gestational age (SGA, 10% of all births) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular mortality in adulthood together with lower exercise tolerance, but mechanistic pathways are unclear. Central obesity is known to worsen cardiovascular outcomes, but it is uncertain how it affects the heart in adults born SGA. We aimed to assess whether central obesity makes young adults born SGA more susceptible to cardiac remodelling and dysfunction. METHODS AND RESULTS A perinatal cohort from a tertiary university hospital in Spain of young adults (30-40 years) randomly selected, 80 born SGA (birth weight below 10th centile) and 75 with normal birth weight (controls) was recruited. We studied the associations between SGA and central obesity (measured via the hip-to-waist ratio and used as a continuous variable) and cardiac regional structure and function, assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance using statistical shape analysis. Both SGA and waist-to-hip were highly associated to cardiac shape (F = 3.94, P < 0.001; F = 5.18, P < 0.001 respectively) with a statistically significant interaction (F = 2.29, P = 0.02). While controls tend to increase left ventricular end-diastolic volumes, mass and stroke volume with increasing waist-to-hip ratio, young adults born SGA showed a unique response with inability to increase cardiac dimensions or mass resulting in reduced stroke volume and exercise capacity. CONCLUSION SGA young adults show a unique cardiac adaptation to central obesity. These results support considering SGA as a risk factor that may benefit from preventive strategies to reduce cardiometabolic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Bernardino
- CREATIS, UMR 5220, U1294, University Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSA-Lyon, CNRS, Inserm, 21 Av. Jean Capelle O, Villeurbanne 69621, France
| | - Álvaro Sepúlveda-Martínez
- BCNatal-Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu), Institut Clínic de Ginecologia Obstetricia i Neonatologia, Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Universitat de Barcelona, 1 Sabino Arana, Barcelona 08028, Spain.,Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile, 999 Dr. Carlos Lorca Tobar, Independencia, Región Metropolitana, Santiago de Chile 13108, Chile
| | - Mérida Rodríguez-López
- BCNatal-Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu), Institut Clínic de Ginecologia Obstetricia i Neonatologia, Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Universitat de Barcelona, 1 Sabino Arana, Barcelona 08028, Spain.,Public Health and Epidemiology Department & Clinical Specialties Department, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Seccional Cali, Cl. 18 #118-250, Barrio Pance, Cali, Valle del Cauca 760031, Colombia
| | - Susanna Prat-González
- Institut Clínic Cardiovascular, Hospital Clínic, Centre for Biomedical Research on CardioVascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Universitat de Barcelona, 170 Villarroel, Barcelona 08036, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, 149 Roselló, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Carolina Pajuelo
- Centre de Diagnòstic per la Imatge, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, 170 Villarroel, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Rosario J Perea
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, 149 Roselló, Barcelona 08036, Spain.,Centre de Diagnòstic per la Imatge, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, 170 Villarroel, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Maria T Caralt
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, 149 Roselló, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Francesca Crovetto
- BCNatal-Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu), Institut Clínic de Ginecologia Obstetricia i Neonatologia, Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Universitat de Barcelona, 1 Sabino Arana, Barcelona 08028, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, 149 Roselló, Barcelona 08036, Spain.,Public Health and Epidemiology Department & Clinical Specialties Department, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Seccional Cali, Cl. 18 #118-250, Barrio Pance, Cali, Valle del Cauca 760031, Colombia
| | - Miguel A González Ballester
- BCN Medtech, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 122 Tànger, Barcelona 08018, Spain.,ICREA, 23 Passeig de Lluís Companys, Barcelona 08010, Spain
| | - Marta Sitges
- Institut Clínic Cardiovascular, Hospital Clínic, Centre for Biomedical Research on CardioVascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Universitat de Barcelona, 170 Villarroel, Barcelona 08036, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, 149 Roselló, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Bart Bijnens
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, 149 Roselló, Barcelona 08036, Spain.,ICREA, 23 Passeig de Lluís Companys, Barcelona 08010, Spain
| | - Fàtima Crispi
- BCNatal-Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu), Institut Clínic de Ginecologia Obstetricia i Neonatologia, Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Universitat de Barcelona, 1 Sabino Arana, Barcelona 08028, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, 149 Roselló, Barcelona 08036, Spain
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Sialino LD, Picavet HSJ, Wijnhoven HAH, Loyen A, Verschuren WMM, Visser M, Schaap LS, van Oostrom SH. Exploring the difference between men and women in physical functioning: How do sociodemographic, lifestyle- and health-related determinants contribute? BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:610. [PMID: 35864451 PMCID: PMC9306105 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03216-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To explore whether differences between men and women in the sensitivity to (strength of the association) and/or in the exposure to determinants (prevalence) contribute to the difference in physical functioning, with women reporting more limitations. Methods Data of the Doetinchem Cohort Study was used (n = 5856, initial ages 26–70 years), with follow-up measurements every 5 years (up to 20). Physical functioning (subscale SF-36, range:0–100), sex (men or women) and a number of socio-demographic, lifestyle- and health-related determinants were assessed. Mixed-model multivariable analysis was used to investigate differences between men and women in sensitivity (interaction term with sex) and in exposure (change of the sex difference when adjusting) to determinants of physical functioning. Results The physical functioning score among women was 6.55 (95%CI:5.48,7.61) points lower than among men. In general, men and women had similar determinants, but pain was more strongly associated with physical functioning (higher sensitivity), and also more prevalent among women (higher exposure). The higher exposure to low educational level and not having a paid job also contributed to the lower physical functioning score among women. In contrast, current smoking, mental health problems and a low educational level were more strongly associated with a lower physical functioning score among men and lower physical activity and higher BMI were more prevalent among men. Conclusions Although important for physical functioning among both men and women, our findings provide no indications for reducing the difference in physical functioning by promoting a healthy lifestyle but stress the importance of differences in pain, work and education.
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-022-03216-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Dirkje Sialino
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Centre for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands.
| | - H Susan J Picavet
- Centre for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Hanneke A H Wijnhoven
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Loyen
- Centre for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - W M Monique Verschuren
- Centre for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands.,Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Visser
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laura S Schaap
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra H van Oostrom
- Centre for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
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Haapanen MJ, Jylhävä J, Kortelainen L, Mikkola TM, Salonen M, Wasenius NS, Kajantie E, Eriksson JG, von Bonsdorff MB. Early life factors as predictors of age-associated deficit accumulation across 17 years from midlife into old age. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2022; 77:2281-2287. [PMID: 35018457 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glac007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early life exposures have been associated with the risk of frailty in old age. We investigated whether early life exposures predict the level and rate of change in a frailty index (FI) from midlife into old age. METHODS A linear mixed model analysis was performed using data from three measurement occasions over 17 years in participants from the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study (n=2000) aged 57-84 years. A 41-item FI was calculated on each occasion. Information on birth size, maternal body mass index (BMI), growth in infancy and childhood, childhood socioeconomic status (SES), and early life stress (wartime separation from both parents), was obtained from registers and healthcare records. RESULTS At age 57 years the mean FI level was 0.186 and the FI levels increased by 0.34 percent/year from midlife into old age. Larger body size at birth associated with a slower increase in FI levels from midlife into old age. Per 1kg greater birth weight the increase in FI levels per year was -0.087 percentage points slower (95% CI=-0.163, -0.011; p=0.026). Higher maternal BMI was associated with a higher offspring FI level in midlife and a slower increase in FI levels into old age. Larger size, faster growth from infancy to childhood, and low SES in childhood were all associated with a lower FI level in midlife but not with its rate of change. CONCLUSIONS Early life factors seem to contribute to disparities in frailty from midlife into old age. Early life factors may identify groups that could benefit from frailty prevention, optimally initiated early in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus J Haapanen
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Juulia Jylhävä
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Faculty of Social Sciences (Health Sciences) and Gerontology Research Center, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Tuija M Mikkola
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland.,Clinicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Minna Salonen
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Population Health Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Niko S Wasenius
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eero Kajantie
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Population Health Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland.,PEDEGO Research Unit, Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Johan G Eriksson
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Department of obstetrics and gynecology and Human Potential Translational Research Programme, National University Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Mikaela B von Bonsdorff
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland.,Gerontology Research Center and Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Early Life Influences on Hearing in Adulthood: a Systematic Review and Two-Step Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. Ear Hear 2021; 43:722-732. [PMID: 34882620 PMCID: PMC9007099 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000001163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Adverse prenatal and early childhood development may increase susceptibility of hearing loss in adulthood. The objective was to assess whether indices of early development are associated with adult-onset hearing loss in adults ≥18 years. Design: In a systematic review and meta-analysis, four electronic databases were searched for studies reporting associations between indices of early development (birth weight and adult height) and adult-onset hearing loss in adults ≥18 years. We screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Authors were contacted to provide adjusted odds ratios from a logistic regression model for relationships between birth weight/adult height and normal/impaired hearing enabling a two-step individual patient data random-effects meta-analysis to be carried out. The study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020152214. Results: Four studies of birth weight and seven of adult height were identified. Three studies reported smaller birth weight associated with poorer adult hearing. Six studies reported shorter height associated with poorer hearing. Risk of bias was low to moderate. Four studies provided data for two-step individual patient data random-effects meta-analysis. Odds of hearing impairment were 13.5% lower for every 1 kg increase in birth weight [OR: 0.865 (95% confidence interval: 0.824 to 0.909)] in adulthood over two studies (N=81,289). Every 1 cm increase in height was associated with a 3% reduction in the odds of hearing impairment [OR: 0.970 (95% confidence interval: 0.968 to 0.971)] over four studies (N=156,740). Conclusions: Emerging evidence suggests that adverse early development increases the likelihood of hearing impairment in adulthood. Research and public health attention should focus on the potential for prevention of hearing impairment by optimizing development in early life.
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Rogers NT, Power C, Pinto Pereira SM. Birthweight, lifetime obesity and physical functioning in mid-adulthood: a nationwide birth cohort study. Int J Epidemiol 2021; 49:657-665. [PMID: 31218351 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyz120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence is scant on long-term implications of childhood obesity and body mass index (BMI) gains over the life-course for poor physical functioning (PF). The objective was to establish whether (i) birthweight and BMI across the life-course, (ii) BMI gains at specific life-stages and (iii) age of obesity onset were associated with PF at 50 y. METHODS In the 1958 British birth cohort (n = 8674), BMI (kg/m2) was calculated using height and weight [measured (7, 11, 16, 33 and 45 y); self-reported (23 and 50 y)]. PF was assessed at 50 y using the validated PF subscale of the Short-form 36 survey; the bottom (gender-specific) 10% was classified as poor PF. Missing data were imputed via multiple imputation. Associations were examined using logistic regression, adjusting for health and social factors. RESULTS Birthweight was not associated with PF. At each adult age, odds of poor PF were highest for obese (vs normal), e.g. for 23 y obesity the odds ratio (OR)adjusted for poor PF was 2.28 (1.34, 3.91) and 2.67 (1.72, 4.14) in males and females respectively. BMI gains were associated with poor PF, e.g. for females, ORadjusted per standard deviation (SD) in BMI gain 16-23 y was 1.28 (1.13, 1.46); for BMI gains 45-50 y it was 1.36 (1.11, 1.65). Longer duration of obesity was associated with poor PF, e.g. in males, ORadjusted was 2.32 (1.26, 4.29) for childhood obesity onset and 1.50 (1.16, 1.96) for mid-adulthood onset (vs never obese, P-trend < 0.001). CONCLUSION Obesity, BMI gains, and earlier obesity onset were associated with poor PF in mid-adulthood, reinforcing the importance of preventing and delaying obesity onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Trivedy Rogers
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, UCL, London, UK.,UCL Research Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, London, UK
| | - Chris Power
- Population, Policy and Practice, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Snehal M Pinto Pereira
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, UCL, London, UK.,UCL Research Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, London, UK
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Tao T, Dai L, Ma J, Li Y, Guo Z. Association between early-life exposure to the Great Chinese Famine and poor physical function later in life: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e027450. [PMID: 31326928 PMCID: PMC6661887 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the association between early-life exposure to the Great Chinese Famine (1959-1961) and the prevalence of poor physical function in midlife. DESIGN A population-based historical prospective study was performed as part of a wider cross-sectional survey. Exposure to famine was defined by birthdate, and participants were divided into non-exposed group, fetal-exposed group and infant-exposed group. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS A total of 3595 subjects were enrolled into the study from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2015 based on random selection of households that had at least one member aged 45 years old and older in 28 provinces of mainland China. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Physical function status was assessed by a six-item self-report on the Barthel scale which rated basic activities of daily living (BADL). RESULTS 743 (20.7%) out of all participants were exposed to the Great Chinese Famine in their fetal periods, while 1550 (43.1%) participants were exposed at the age of an infant. The prevalence of poor physical function in the non-exposed group, fetal period-exposed group and infant period-exposed group were 12.3%, 15.5% and 17.0%, respectively. Among males, after stratification by gender and severity of famine, the prevalence of poor physical function in the fetal period was significantly higher (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.18 to 4.89, p=0.015) than the non-exposed group in severely affected areas, even after adjusting for the number of chronic diseases, place of residence, smoking and alcohol drinking habits, marital status, educational level and body mass index. A similar connection between prenatal and early postnatal exposure to the Great Chinese Famine and the prevalence of poor physical function in midlife, however, was not observed from female adults. CONCLUSIONS Males who were exposed to the Great Chinese Famine (1959-1961) present considerably decreased physical function in their later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Tao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingyan Dai
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - JinXiang Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yusi Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuoyuan Guo
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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10
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Infant and childhood growth and frailty in old age: the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study. Aging Clin Exp Res 2019; 31:717-721. [PMID: 30043315 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-018-1011-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/14/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence from life course studies highlights the importance of infant and childhood growth as risk factors for adulthood chronic diseases. METHODS In this sub-study of the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study, we studied 1078 individuals who had both information on body size from birth to 12 years of age and who were assessed for frailty according to the Fried criteria at the mean age of 71 years. RESULTS Greater BMI gain between 2 and 11 years in boys was associated with frailty in old age (age-adjusted RRR 2.36, 95% CI 1.21, 4.63). No similar associations were observed in girls. CONCLUSIONS Men who were frail in old age experienced accelerated BMI gain in childhood compared with those men who were not frail. This was not observed in women, which suggests that the patterns of early growth predisposing to frailty may vary by sex.
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11
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von Bonsdorff MB, Kokko K, Salonen M, von Bonsdorff ME, Poranen-Clark T, Alastalo H, Kajantie E, Osmond C, Eriksson JG. Association of childhood adversities and home atmosphere with functioning in old age: the Helsinki birth cohort study. Age Ageing 2019; 48:80-86. [PMID: 30272114 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afy153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective childhood adversities have been linked with adverse health outcomes, but less is known about the long-term consequences of childhood home atmosphere. We investigated whether childhood adversities and home atmosphere were associated with physical and mental functioning in older age. Methods in the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study 2003, participants born in the year 1934-44 had data available on nine childhood home atmosphere items, e.g. whether it was supportive and warm (sum score ranged between 0 and 36, higher score indicating better atmosphere), and nine childhood adversities, e.g. unemployment and divorce (sum score 0-9, coded into no; one; and two or more adversities) assessed in 2001-04. Of those, 835 had data on physical and mental functioning assessed using the Short Form 36 questionnaire in 2011-13. Results those who had experienced two or more childhood adversities were more likely to have poorer physical and mental functioning in older age compared to those with no adversities. A better home atmosphere score was associated with better mental functioning (per one unit higher score β 0.24, 95% CI 0.16-0.32, P < 0.001). In models including both childhood adversities and home atmosphere, a more favourable home atmosphere was associated with better mental functioning while the association for childhood adversities attenuated. There were no associations between childhood adversities or home atmosphere and physical functioning in the models that included both childhood exposures. Conclusions childhood adversities and home atmosphere have long-term associations with physical and mental functioning in older age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikaela B von Bonsdorff
- Gerontology Research Center and Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Katja Kokko
- Gerontology Research Center and Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Minna Salonen
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Division of Welfare and Health Promotion, Department of Chronic Disease Prevention, Diabetes Prevention Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Monika E von Bonsdorff
- Gerontology Research Center and Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Taina Poranen-Clark
- Gerontology Research Center and Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Hanna Alastalo
- Ageing, Disability and Functional Capacity Unit, Department of Welfare, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eero Kajantie
- Division of Welfare and Health Promotion, Department of Chronic Disease Prevention, Diabetes Prevention Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- PEDEGO Research Unit, MRC Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Clive Osmond
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Johan G Eriksson
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Division of Welfare and Health Promotion, Department of Chronic Disease Prevention, Diabetes Prevention Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki and Unit of General Practice, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Vasa Central Hospital, Vasa, Finland
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12
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Fuggle N, Shaw S, Dennison E, Cooper C. Sarcopenia. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2017; 31:218-242. [PMID: 29224698 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2017.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Sarcopenia is a condition that is characterized by loss of muscle mass, muscle strength and muscle functional impairment with ageing. The definition of sarcopenia has been through various permutations; however, an enormous recent breakthrough is the inclusion of the condition in the ICD-10 classification of diseases. This chapter covers the background issues regarding definition before describing the epidemiology of the disease according to human and environmental factors. It then provides a practical guide for the assessment of sarcopenia in a clinical setting and finishes with advice on present treatment and the exciting frontiers of future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Fuggle
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, Tremona Road, Southampton, UK.
| | - Sarah Shaw
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, Tremona Road, Southampton, UK.
| | - Elaine Dennison
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, Tremona Road, Southampton, UK.
| | - Cyrus Cooper
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, Tremona Road, Southampton, UK.
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13
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Shaw SC, Dennison EM, Cooper C. Epidemiology of Sarcopenia: Determinants Throughout the Lifecourse. Calcif Tissue Int 2017; 101:229-247. [PMID: 28421264 PMCID: PMC5544114 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-017-0277-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Sarcopenia is an age-related syndrome characterised by progressive and generalised loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength; it is a major contributor to the risk of physical frailty, functional impairment in older people, poor health-related quality of life and premature death. Many different definitions have been used to describe sarcopenia and have resulted in varying estimates of prevalence of the condition. The most recent attempts of definitions have tried to integrate information on muscle mass, strength and physical function and provide a definition that is useful in both research and clinical settings. This review focuses on the epidemiology of the three distinct physiological components of sarcopenia, and highlights the similarities and differences between their patterns of variation with age, gender, geography and time and the individual risk factors that cluster selectively with muscle mass, strength and physical function. Methods used to measure muscle mass, strength and physical functioning and how differences in these approaches can contribute to the varying prevalence rates will also be described. The evidence for this review was gathered by undertaking a systematic search of the literature. The descriptive characteristics of muscle mass, strength and function described in this review point to the urgent need for a consensual definition of sarcopenia incorporating these parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Shaw
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, Southampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - E M Dennison
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, Southampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - C Cooper
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, Southampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.
- National Institute for Health Research Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LE, UK.
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14
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Relationship between physical activity and physical performance in later life in different birth weight groups. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2017; 9:95-101. [PMID: 28780911 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174417000575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
There is strong evidence that physical activity (PA) has an influence on physical performance in later life. Also, a small body size at birth has been associated with lower physical functioning in older age and both small and high birth weight have shown to be associated with lower leisure time physical activity. However, it is unknown whether size at birth modulates the association between PA and physical performance in old age. We examined 695 individuals from the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study born in Helsinki, Finland between 1934 and 1944. At a mean age of 70.7 years PA was objectively assessed with a multisensory activity monitor and physical performance with the Senior Fitness Test (SFT). Information on birth weight and gestational age was retrieved from hospital birth records. The study participants were divided in three birth weight groups, that is <3000 g, 3000-3499 g and ⩾3500 g. The volume of PA was significantly associated with the physical performance in all birth weight groups. However, the effect size of the association was large and significant only in men with a birth weight <3000 g (β 0.59; 95% confidence interval 0.37-0.81, P<0.001). Our study shows that the association between PA and physical performance is largest in men with low birth weight. Our results suggest that men with low birth weight might benefit most from engaging in PA in order to maintain a better physical performance.
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15
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Dennison EM, Sayer AA, Cooper C. Epidemiology of sarcopenia and insight into possible therapeutic targets. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2017; 13:340-347. [PMID: 28469267 DOI: 10.1038/nrrheum.2017.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Musculoskeletal ageing is a major public health concern owing to demographic shifts in the population. Sarcopenia, generally defined as the age-related loss of muscle mass and function, is associated with considerable risk of falls, loss of independence in older adults and hospitalization with poorer health outcomes. This condition is therefore associated with increased morbidity and health care costs. As with bone mass, muscle mass and strength increase during late adolescence and early adulthood, but begin to decline substantially from ∼50 years of age. Sarcopenia is characterized by many features, which include loss of muscle mass, altered muscle composition, infiltration with fat and fibrous tissue and alterations in innervation. A better understanding of these factors might help us to develop strategies that target these effects. To date, however, methodological challenges and controversies regarding how best to define the condition, in addition to uncertainty about what outcome measures to consider, have delayed research into possible therapeutic options. Most pharmacological agents investigated to date are hormonal, although new developments have seen the emergence of agents that target myostatin signalling to increase muscle mass. In this review we consider the current approaching for defining sarcopenia and discuss its epidemiology, pathogenesis, and potential therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine M Dennison
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.,School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn Parade, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
| | - Avan A Sayer
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.,NIHR Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.,Institute of Neuroscience, Henry Wellcome Building, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK.,NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle University, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, UK.,Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Freeman Hospital, Freeman Road, High Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN, UK
| | - Cyrus Cooper
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.,NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Windmill Road, Oxford OX3 7LD, UK
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16
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Spracklen CN, Ryckman KK, Robinson JG, Stefanick ML, Sarto GE, Anton SD, Wallace RB. Low Birth Weight and Risk of Later-Life Physical Disability in Women. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2017; 72:543-547. [PMID: 27440911 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glw134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is strong evidence that low and high birth weight due to in-utero programming results in elevated risk for adult diseases, though less research has been performed examining the influence of birth weight and physical disability later in life. Methods Baseline data from 76,055 postmenopausal women in the Women's Health Initiative, a large multi-ethnic cohort, were used to examine the association between self-reported birth weight category (<6 lbs, 6-7 lbs 15 oz, 8-9 lbs 15 oz, and ≥10 lbs) and the self-reported physical functioning score on the RAND 36-item Health Survey. Linear regression models were adjusted for age, education, race/ethnicity, body mass index, and a comorbidity score. Results Unadjusted models indicate that women born in the lowest and highest birth weight categories have significantly lower physical functioning scores as compared to women born in the normal weight category (β = -2.22, p < .0001 and β = -3.56, p < .0001, respectively). After adjustments, the relationship between the lowest birth weight category and physical functioning score remained significant (β = -1.52, p < .0001); however, the association with the highest birth weight category dissipated. Conclusions Preconception and prenatal interventions aimed at reducing the incidence of low birth weight infants may subsequently reduce the burden of later-life physical disability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kelli K Ryckman
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City
| | - Jennifer G Robinson
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City
| | | | - Gloria E Sarto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison
| | - Stephen D Anton
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Medicine, University of Florida, Gainsville
| | - Robert B Wallace
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City
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17
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Abstract
The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis proposes that several non-communicable diseases have their origins in prenatal life and in early childhood. This is believed to work through programming, an insult, taking place at a sensitive period of development, may have lifelong consequences, increasing and programming disease risk later in life. The Helsinki Birth Cohort Study (HBCS) has been focusing upon the importance of factors active during periods in early life and their influence on later health in 20,431 people born 1924-44. This review will focus upon findings from the HBCS over the past 20 years. Early growth patterns associated with coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes and other health outcomes are described. The long-term health impact of maternal adiposity is also discussed. Potential underlying mechanisms explaining the associations are discussed including epigenetic factors. Key messages Several non-communicable diseases - including coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes - have their origins in early life. Early life programming during sensitive periods of development may permanently program future health and disease risk. Optimizing the health and lifestyle of women of reproductive age will have positive health consequences for their offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan G Eriksson
- a Department of Chronic Disease Prevention , National Institute for Health and Welfare , Helsinki , Finland.,b Folkhälsan Research Center , Helsinki , Finland.,c Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital , Helsinki , Finland
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18
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Poranen-Clark T, von Bonsdorff MB, Törmäkangas T, Lahti J, Wasenius N, Räikkönen K, Osmond C, Salonen MK, Rantanen T, Kajantie E, Eriksson JG. Intellectual ability in young adulthood as an antecedent of physical functioning in older age. Age Ageing 2016; 45:727-31. [PMID: 27189726 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afw087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES low cognitive ability is associated with subsequent functional disability. Whether this association extends across adult life has been little studied. The aim of this study was to examine the association between intellectual ability in young adulthood and physical functioning during a 10-year follow-up in older age. METHODS three hundred and sixty persons of the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study (HBCS) male members, born between 1934 and 1944 and residing in Finland in 1971, took part in The Finnish Defence Forces Basic Intellectual Ability Test during the first 2 weeks of their military service training between 1952 and 1972. Their physical functioning was assessed twice using the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire at average ages of 61 and 71 years. A longitudinal path model linking Intellectual Ability Test score to the physical functioning assessments was used to explore the effect of intellectual ability in young adulthood on physical functioning in older age. RESULTS after adjustments for age at measurement, childhood socioeconomic status and adult BMI (kg/m(2)), better intellectual ability total and arithmetic and verbal reasoning subtest scores in young adulthood predicted better physical functioning at age 61 years (P values <0.021). Intellectual ability total and arithmetic and verbal reasoning subtest scores in young adulthood had indirect effects on physical functioning at age 71 years (P values <0.022) through better physical functioning at age 61 years. Adjustment for main chronic diseases did not change the results materially. CONCLUSION better early-life intellectual ability helps in maintaining better physical functioning in older age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taina Poranen-Clark
- Gerontology Research Center and Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Mikaela B von Bonsdorff
- Gerontology Research Centre, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Timo Törmäkangas
- Gerontology Research Center and Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Jari Lahti
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland Institute of Behavioral Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Katri Räikkönen
- Institute of Behavioral Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Clive Osmond
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Minna K Salonen
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland Department of Health, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Taina Rantanen
- Gerontology Research Center and Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Eero Kajantie
- Department of Chronic Disease Prevention, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland Hospital of Children and Adolescents, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, MRC Oulu, Oulu Univercity Central Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Johan G Eriksson
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland Department of Health, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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19
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Bleker LS, de Rooij SR, Painter RC, van der Velde N, Roseboom TJ. Prenatal Undernutrition and Physical Function and Frailty at the Age of 68 Years: The Dutch Famine Birth Cohort Study. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2016; 71:1306-14. [PMID: 27146370 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glw081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence suggesting that the aging process has its origins in utero. We have previously shown that prenatal exposure to the Dutch famine is associated with chronic noncommunicable diseases and poorer cognitive function in men and women and increased mortality in women. We investigated whether prenatal undernutrition during early gestation is associated with decreased physical function in later life. METHODS Between November 2012 and September 2013, we have studied a random subsample of 150 members of the Dutch famine birth cohort at the age of 68 years, of which 49 were exposed to prenatal undernutrition. In this observational study, we measured indicators of physical function including grip strength and the short physical performance battery. We composed categories of frailty, according to the Fried frailty scale. We also assessed self-reported activity and self-perceived health. RESULTS Men, but not women, exposed to prenatal undernutrition had significantly lower grip strength (B = -4.2kg; 95% confidence interval: -8.2 to -0.3) and a lower physical performance score (B = -0.8 points; 95% confidence interval: -1.5 to 0.0) than unexposed men, independent of relevant confounders. There were no differences in frailty, self-reported activity, or self-perceived health between exposed and unexposed groups. CONCLUSIONS Our study results suggest that prenatal undernutrition is associated with decreased physical function in later life in men, but not in women. Our findings provide further evidence for the hypothesis that prenatal undernutrition may lead to an accelerated aging process in humans. We currently do not have sufficient power to detect effects on frailty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura S Bleker
- Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics,
| | | | | | - Nathalie van der Velde
- Internal Medicine, Section of Geriatrics, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tessa J Roseboom
- Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Obstetrics, Department of Gynaecology, and
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20
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Westberg AP, Salonen MK, von Bonsdorff M, Kajantie E, Eriksson JG. Maternal body mass index in pregnancy and offspring physical and psychosocial functioning in older age: findings from the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study (HBCS). Ann Med 2016; 48:268-74. [PMID: 27092976 DOI: 10.3109/07853890.2016.1164338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maternal obesity is associated with several adverse long-term health outcomes in the offspring. In this study, we examined the association between maternal body mass index (BMI) and offspring physical and psychosocial functioning in late adulthood. METHODS The study included 1759 men and women born during 1934-1944 and belonging to the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study. Data on maternal weight and height in late pregnancy and on offspring birth weight were retrieved from hospital birth records. Physical and psychosocial functioning was assessed using the Short Form 36 scale. RESULTS Maternal BMI was positively associated with poorer physical and psychosocial functioning among men, but not among women. This association was not mediated by birth weight. DISCUSSION The present study emphasizes the importance of preventing overweight and obesity among women of childbearing age. Key messages Maternal BMI is known to be associated with adverse health outcomes among adult offspring. We found that higher maternal BMI was associated with poorer physical and psychosocial functioning among male offspring in late adulthood. The association between maternal BMI and offspring physical and psychosocial functioning was not mediated by birth weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna P Westberg
- a Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care , University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital , Helsinki , Finland ;,b Folkhälsan Research Centre , Helsinki , Finland
| | - Minna K Salonen
- b Folkhälsan Research Centre , Helsinki , Finland ;,c Department of Chronic Disease Prevention , National Institute for Health and Welfare , Helsinki , Finland
| | - Mikaela von Bonsdorff
- b Folkhälsan Research Centre , Helsinki , Finland ;,d Gerontology Research Center, Department of Health Sciences , University of Jyväskylä , Jyväskylä , Finland
| | - Eero Kajantie
- c Department of Chronic Disease Prevention , National Institute for Health and Welfare , Helsinki , Finland ;,e Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki , Helsinki , Finland ;,f Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , MRC Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu , Oulu , Finland
| | - Johan G Eriksson
- a Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care , University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital , Helsinki , Finland ;,b Folkhälsan Research Centre , Helsinki , Finland ;,c Department of Chronic Disease Prevention , National Institute for Health and Welfare , Helsinki , Finland
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21
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Eriksson JG, Osmond C, Perälä MM, Salonen MK, Simonen M, Pohjolainen P, Kajantie E, Rantanen T, von Bonsdorff MB. Prenatal and childhood growth and physical performance in old age--findings from the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study 1934-1944. AGE (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2015; 37:108. [PMID: 26499818 PMCID: PMC5005845 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-015-9846-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Health in adulthood is in part a consequence of development and growth taking place during sensitive periods in early life. It has not been explored previously whether early growth is associated with physical performance in old age from a life course perspective taking into account health-related behavior, biological risk factors, and early life experiences. At a mean age of 71 years, physical performance was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) in 1078 individuals belonging to the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study. We used multiple linear regression analysis to assess the association between the SFT physical fitness scores and individual life course measurements. Several adult characteristics were associated with physical performance including socioeconomic status, lifestyle factors, and adult anthropometry. Higher birth weight and length were associated with better physical performance, even after adjusting for potential confounders (all p values <0.05). The strongest individual association between life course measurements and physical performance in old age was found for adult body fat percentage. However, prenatal growth was independently associated with physical performance seven decades later. These findings suggest that physical performance in old age is at least partly programmed in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan G Eriksson
- Chronic Disease Prevention Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland.
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland.
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health, Care and Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 20, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Clive Osmond
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - Mia-Maria Perälä
- Chronic Disease Prevention Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Minna K Salonen
- Chronic Disease Prevention Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mika Simonen
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Social Research, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Eero Kajantie
- Chronic Disease Prevention Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MRC Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Taina Rantanen
- Gerontology Research Center and Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Mikaela B von Bonsdorff
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Gerontology Research Center and Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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22
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von Bondorff MB, Törmäkangas T, Salonen M, von Bonsdorff ME, Osmond C, Kajantie E, Eriksson JG. Early life origins of all-cause and cause-specific disability pension: findings from the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0122134. [PMID: 25849578 PMCID: PMC4388659 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0122134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is some evidence linking sub-optimal prenatal development to an increased risk of disability pension (DP). Our aim was to investigate whether body size at birth was associated with transitioning into all-cause and cause-specific DP during the adult work career. Methods 10 682 people born in 1934–44 belonging to the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study had data on birth weight extracted from birth records, and on time, type and reason of retirement between 1971 and 2011 extracted from the Finnish Centre for Pensions. Results Altogether 21.3% transitioned into DP during the 40-year follow-up, mainly due to mental disorders, musculoskeletal disorders and cardiovascular disease. Average age of transitioning into DP was 51.3 (SD 8.4) for men and 52.2 (SD 7.6) for women. Cohort members who did not transition into DP retired 10 years later on average. Among men, higher birth weight was associated with a lower hazard of transitioning into DP, adjusted hazard ratio (HR) being 0.94 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.88–0.99 for 1 SD increase in birth weight). For DP due to mental disorders the adjusted HR was 0.90, 95% CI 0.81, 0.99. A similar but non-significant trend was found for DP due to cardiovascular disease. Among women there were no associations between body size at birth and all-cause DP (p for interaction gender*birth weight on DP p = 0.007). Conclusions Among men disability pension, particularly due to mental disorders, may have its origins in prenatal development. Given that those who retire due to mental health problems are relatively young, the loss to the workforce is substantial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikaela B. von Bondorff
- Gerontology Research Center and Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyvaskyla, Jyväskylä, Finland
- * E-mail:
| | - Timo Törmäkangas
- Gerontology Research Center and Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyvaskyla, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Minna Salonen
- Division of Welfare and Health Promotion, Department of Chronic Disease Prevention, Diabetes Prevention Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Centre, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Monika E. von Bonsdorff
- Gerontology Research Center and Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyvaskyla, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Clive Osmond
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Eero Kajantie
- Division of Welfare and Health Promotion, Department of Chronic Disease Prevention, Diabetes Prevention Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Johan G. Eriksson
- Division of Welfare and Health Promotion, Department of Chronic Disease Prevention, Diabetes Prevention Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Centre, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Unit of General Practice, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Vasa Central Hospital, Vasa, Finland
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23
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von Bonsdorff MB, Törmäkangas T, Rantanen T, Salonen MK, Osmond C, Kajantie E, Eriksson JG. Early life body mass trajectories and mortality in older age: findings from the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study. Ann Med 2015; 47:34-9. [PMID: 25307361 DOI: 10.3109/07853890.2014.963664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overweight and obesity in childhood have been linked to an increased risk of adult mortality, but evidence is still scarce. METHODS We identified trajectories of body mass index (BMI) development in early life and investigated their mortality risk. Data come from the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study, in which 4943 individuals, born 1934-1944, had serial measures of weight and height from birth to 11 years extracted from health care records, weight and height data in adulthood, and register-based mortality data for 2000-2010. RESULTS Three early BMI trajectories (increasing, average, and average-to-low for men and increasing, average, and low-to-high BMI for women) were identified. Women with an increasing or low-to-high BMI (BMI lower in early childhood, later exceeded average) trajectory had an increased risk of all-cause mortality compared to those with an average BMI trajectory (HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.07-2.23; and HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.04-2.37, respectively). Similar associations were observed for cancer mortality. Among men, BMI trajectories were not associated with all-cause mortality, but those with average-to-low BMI (BMI first similar then dropped below average) had an increased risk of cancer mortality. CONCLUSIONS An increasing BMI in early life may shorten the lifespan of maturing cohorts as they age, particularly among women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikaela B von Bonsdorff
- Gerontology Research Center and Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä , Jyväskylä , Finland
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24
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Marcil-Ferland D, Festa-Bianchet M, Martin AM, Pelletier F. Despite catch-up, prolonged growth has detrimental fitness consequences in a long-lived vertebrate. Am Nat 2013; 182:775-85. [PMID: 24231538 DOI: 10.1086/673534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Individuals experiencing poor growth early in life may later make up their size deficit. Compensatory growth or growth prolongation may lead to such catch-up, involving different life-history trade-offs under natural conditions. Frequent recaptures and detailed monitoring of animals surviving to asymptotic size are required to compare growth tactics and their fitness consequences. No study to date has obtained such detailed information for wild animals. We used repeated mass measurements (mean 11.6/animal) spanning the lifetime of 104 bighorn ewes (Ovis canadensis) to quantify growth tactics and identify the determinants and life-history costs of these tactics. Growth prolongation, not compensatory growth, led to partial catch-up: mass difference at age 7 was reduced to 4%, for two groups that differed by nearly 20% as yearlings. Ewes that had been light as yearlings prolonged their growth regardless of density or age of primiparity. Growth prolongation did not affect fecundity or longevity. Ewes that experienced poor early growth prolonged growth at the expense of reproductive fitness, weaning a smaller proportion of their lambs. By tracking multiyear growth patterns and comparing events at different life-history stages, we quantified a trade-off between growth and reproduction that would be overlooked if only the adult phenotype was considered. Compensatory growth in long-lived animals appears unlikely when early growth restrictions are mostly density dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Marcil-Ferland
- Département de biologie et Centre d'Études Nordiques, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 boulevard de l'Université, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1K 2R1, Canada
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25
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Robinson SM, Jameson KA, Syddall HE, Dennison EM, Cooper C, Aihie Sayer A. Clustering of lifestyle risk factors and poor physical function in older adults: the Hertfordshire cohort study. J Am Geriatr Soc 2013; 61:1684-91. [PMID: 24083502 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.12457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the relationship between number of lifestyle risk factors (out of low physical activity, poor diet, obesity, smoking) and physical function in older community-dwelling men and women. DESIGN Cross-sectional study, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom. PARTICIPANTS Men (n = 1,682) and women (n = 1,540) aged 59 to 73. MEASUREMENTS Physical activity was assessed using an administered questionnaire with a score from 0 to 100; low activity was defined as a score of 50 or less. Diet was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire; diet quality was assessed according to a score for a principal component analysis-defined "healthy" dietary pattern. Poor diet was categorized as a dietary pattern score in the lowest quarter of the distribution. Obesity was defined as a body mass index of 30.0 kg/m(2) or more. Physical function was assessed according to self-report (SF-36); poor function was defined as a score in lowest quarter of the distribution. A subgroup of participants had objective assessments of physical function (Timed Up-and-Go Test, timed 3-m walk, chair rises, one-legged standing balance). RESULTS There was a graded increase in prevalence of poor self-reported physical function in men and women with increasing number of risk factors (men, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for 3 or 4 risk factors vs none = 3.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.31-6.21; women, AOR = 5.37, 95% CI = 2.66-10.84). With the exception of balance, the objective assessments also showed graded relationships with number of risk factors, such that more risk factors was associated with poorer physical function. CONCLUSION These modifiable lifestyle risk factors are linked to marked differences in risk of poorer physical function in older adults. Efforts to encourage healthy lifestyles have the potential to improve physical function and to promote healthier ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siân M Robinson
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
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26
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Abstract
Over the past 250 years, human life expectancy has increased dramatically and continues to do so in most countries worldwide. Genetic factors account for about one third of variation in life expectancy so that most inter-individual variation in lifespan is explained by stochastic and environmental factors. The ageing process is plastic and is driven by the accumulation of molecular damage causing the changes in cell and tissue function which characterise the ageing phenotype. Early life exposures mark the developing embryo, foetus and child with potentially profound implications for the individual's ageing trajectory. Maternal factors including age, smoking, socioeconomic status, infections, nutritional status and season of birth influence offspring life expectancy and the development of age-related diseases. Although the mechanistic processes responsible are poorly understood, many of these factors appear to affect foetal growth directly or via effects on placental development. Those born relatively small i.e. which did not achieve their genetic potential in utero, appear to be at greatest disadvantage especially if they become overweight or obese in childhood. Early life events and exposures which enhance ageing are likely to contribute to molecular damage and/or reduce the repair of such damage. Such molecular damage may produce immediate defects in cellular or tissue function that are retained into later life. In addition, there is growing evidence that early life exposures produce aberrant patterns of epigenetic marks that are sustained across the life-course and result in down-regulation of cell defence mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A S Langie
- Centre for Brain Ageing and Vitality, Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle on Tyne, UK.
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Oksanen TA, Koivula M, Koskela E, Mappes T, Soulsbury CD. Interactive effects of past and present environments on overwintering success-a reciprocal transplant experiment. Ecol Evol 2012; 2:899-907. [PMID: 22837835 PMCID: PMC3399156 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2011] [Revised: 10/28/2011] [Accepted: 10/31/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Life-history traits are influenced by environmental factors throughout the lifespan of an individual. The relative importance of past versus present environment on individual fitness, therefore, is a relevant question in populations that face the challenge of temporally varying environment. We studied the interacting effects of past and present density on body mass, condition, and survival in enclosure populations of the bank vole (Myodes glareolus) using a reciprocal transplant design. In connection with the cyclic dynamics of natural vole populations, our hypothesis was that individuals born in low-density enclosures would do better overwintering in low-density enclosures than in high-density enclosures and vice versa. Our results show that the effect of summer (past) density was strong especially on survival and body mass. The response of body mass to summer density was negative in both winter (present) density groups, whereas the response of survival probability was nonlinear and differed between the winter density groups. In particular, our data show a trend for higher overwintering success of individuals originating from the lowest summer densities in low winter density and vice versa. We therefore conclude that the capacity of individuals to respond to a change in density was constrained by the delayed density-dependent effects of environment experienced in the past. These effects have the potential to contribute to vole population dynamics. Possible mechanisms mediating the effects of past environment into present performance include both intrinsic and environmental factors.
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28
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Childhood growth, IQ and education as predictors of white blood cell telomere length at age 49-51 years: the Newcastle Thousand Families Study. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40116. [PMID: 22792222 PMCID: PMC3391235 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Accepted: 06/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Telomere length is emerging as a potential factor in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. We investigated whether birth weight, infant growth, childhood cognition and adult height, as well as a range of lifestyle, socio-economic and educational factors, were associated with white blood cell telomere length at age 49–51 years. Methods The study included 318 members of the Newcastle Thousand Families Study, a prospectively followed birth cohort which includes all individuals born in Newcastle, England in May and June 1947, who attended for clinical examination at age 49–51 years, and had telomere length successfully measured using real-time PCR analyses of DNA extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Results No association was found between birth weight and later telomere length. However, associations were seen with other factors from early life. Education level was the only predictor in males, while telomere length in females was associated with gestational age at birth, childhood growth and childhood IQ. Conclusions While these findings may be due to chance, in particular where differing associations were seen between males and females, they do provide evidence of early life associations with telomere length much later in life. Our findings of sex differences in the education association may reflect the sex differences in achieved education levels in this generation where few women went to university regardless of their intelligence. Our findings do not support the concept of telomere length being on the pathway between very early growth and later disease risk.
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