Lifestyle, cardiometabolic disease, and multimorbidity in a prospective Chinese study

Associations of ambient air pollution with incidence and dynamic progression of atrial fibrillation

The influence of air pollution on dynamic changes in clinical state from healthy to atrial fibrillation (AF), further AF-related complications and ultimately, death are unclear. We aimed to investigate the relationships between air pollution and the occurrence and progression trajectories of AF. We retrieved 442,150 participants free of heart failure (HF), myocardial infarction (MI), stroke and dementia at baseline from UK Biobank. Exposures to air pollution for each transition stage were estimated at the geocoded residential address of each participant using the bilinear interpolation approach. The outcomes were incident AF, complications, and death. Multi-stage models were used to evaluate the associations between air pollution and dynamic progression of AF. Over a 12.6-year median follow-up, a total of 21,670 incident AF patients were identified, of whom, 4103 developed complications and 1331 died. PM2.5, PM10, NOx and NO2 were differentially positively associated, while O3 was negatively associated with risks of progression trajectories of AF. PM2.5 exposure was significantly associated with an increased risk of progression. The associations of PM2.5, PM10, NOx, and NO2 on incident AF were generally more pronounced compared to other transitions. The cumulative transition probabilities were generally higher in individuals with higher exposure levels of PM2.5, PM10, NOx, and NO2 and lower exposure to O3. Air pollution could potentially have a role in increasing the risk of both the occurrence and progression of AF, emphasizing the significance of air pollution interventions in both the primary prevention of AF and the management of AF-related outcomes.

Effects of socioeconomic status and regional inequality on the association between PM2.5 and its components and cardiometabolic multimorbidity: A multicenter population-based survey in eastern China

BACKGROUND

Despite evidence linking fine particulate matter (PM2.5) to cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM), the impact of its components remains unclear. Socioeconomic status (SES) and regional disparities may confound their association. We aim to evaluate the associations between PM2.5 components and CMM and explore how socioeconomic status and regional disparities affect these relationships.

METHODS

We recruited 108,941 participants aged 35-76 years from ten cities in eastern China. Individual exposure was assessed using Tracking Air Pollution in China (TAP) data, including PM2.5 and five components: ammonium (NH4+), black carbon (BC), nitrates (NO3-), organic matter (OM), and sulfates (SO42-). Generalized linear models and quantile g-computation models were employed to quantify the effects of PM2.5 components on CMM and to identify key components. Stratified analyses were performed to investigate the modifying effect of SES and regional disparities.

RESULTS

For each increase in interquartile range (IQR), BC (odds ratio [OR] 1.37, 95 % CI 1.29-1.47), OM (1.38, 1.29-1.48), NH4+ (1.31, 1.21-1.40), NO3- (1.34, 1.25-1.44), and SO42- (1.28, 1.20-1.38) were positively associated with CMM. Joint exposure to five components was significantly positively associated with CMM (OR: 1.27, 95 % CI: 1.21-1.33), with SO42- having the highest estimated weight, followed by NO3- and BC. These associations were stronger for participants from low socio-economic status and poor regions.

CONCLUSION

In summary, we found a stronger hazard effect of PM2.5 and its components on CMM, compared to those suffering from CMDs, particularly among participants with low socioeconomic status and in poor regions. SO42- may be a primary contributor to the association between PM2.5 components and CMM. These findings underscore the importance of prioritizing CMM and targeting SO42-related pollution sources in health policies, particularly amid China's aging population, reducing environmental health inequalities is critical.

Extreme temperature events, functional dependency, and cardiometabolic multimorbidity: Insights from a national cohort study in China

BACKGROUND

Extreme temperature events (ETEs), including heatwaves and cold spells, are attracting increasing attention because of their impacts on human health. However, the association between ETEs and cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) and the role of functional dependency in this relationship remain unclear.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was conducted using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) from 2011 to 2020, considering 12 definitions each for heatwaves and cold spells, and three levels of functional dependency. Mixed Cox models with time-varying variables were used to comprehensively assess the independent and combined effects of ETEs and functional dependency on CMM. Additionally, subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate whether the relationship between ETEs and CMM was modified by the baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

Heatwave and cold spell exposures were associated with an increased risk of CMM (HR range: 1.028-1.102 and 1.046-1.187, respectively). Compared to participants with normal functional abilities, the risk of CMM increased with higher levels of functional dependency (HR range: 1.938-2.185). ETEs exposure and functional dependency are jointly associated with CMM risk. Participants with high-intensity ETEs exposure and high functional dependency had the greatest risk of developing CMM. Participants aged 60 and above were more susceptible to the effects of ETEs on CMM. Additionally, urban residents and those in northern regions were more vulnerable to heatwaves.

CONCLUSION

Both ETEs exposure and functional dependency increase the risk of developing CMM. Participants with functional dependency exposed to high-intensity ETEs faced the highest risk of developing CMM. These findings highlight the significant impact of ETEs on CMM and the importance of protecting vulnerable populations during periods of extreme temperature.

Association of autosomal mosaic chromosomal alterations with risk of bladder cancer in Chinese adults: a prospective cohort study

Little is known about the prospective association between autosomal mosaic chromosomal alterations (mCAs), a group of large-scale somatic mutations on autosomes, and bladder cancer. Here we utilized data from 99,877 participants who were free of physician-diagnosed cancer at baseline (2004-2008) of the China Kadoorie Biobank to estimate the associations between autosomal mCAs and bladder cancer (ICD-10: C67). A total of 2874 autosomal mCAs events among 2612 carriers (2.6%) were detected. After a median follow-up of 12.4 years, we discovered that participants with all autosomal mCAs exhibited higher risks of bladder cancer, with a multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) of 2.60 (1.44, 4.70). The estimate of such association was even stronger for mosaic loss events (HR [95% CI]: 6.68 [2.92, 15.30]), while it was not significant for CN-LOH events. Both expanded (cell fraction ≥10%) and non-expanded autosomal mCAs, as well as mosaic loss, were associated with increased risks of bladder cancer. Of interest, physical activity (PA) significantly modified the associations of autosomal mCAs and mosaic loss (Pinteraction = 0.038 and 0.012, respectively) with bladder cancer. The increased risks of bladder cancer were only observed with mCAs and mosaic loss among participants with a lower level of PA (HR [95% CI]: 5.11 [2.36, 11.09] and 16.30 [6.06, 43.81]), but not among participants with a higher level of PA. Our findings suggest that peripheral leukocyte autosomal mCAs may represent a novel risk factor for bladder cancer, and PA may serve as a potential intervention target for mCAs carriers.

The association of changes in the Chinese visceral adiposity index and cardiometabolic diseases: a cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The relationship between changes in Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI) and cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) in middle-aged and elderly individuals remains unclear. This study aimed to explore whether changes in the CVAI were associated with CMD incidence.

METHODS

This study included 3,243 individuals aged over 45 years from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. The exposures were changes in the CVAI and cumulative CVAI from 2012 to 2015. Changes in the CVAI were classified using K-means clustering analysis, and the cumulative CVAI was calculated as follows: (CVAI2012 + CVAI2015)/2 × time (2015-2012). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between different CVAI change classes and CMD incidence. Restricted cubic splines regression was used to assess the dose-response relationship between cumulative CVAI and CMD incidence. To investigate the relationship between combined exposure to each component of CAVI and CMD incidence, a weighted quantile sum regression analysis was employed.

RESULTS

During the 5 years of follow-up, 776 (24%) incident CMD cases were identified. Changes in CVAI and cumulative CVAI were independently and positively associated with CMD. After adjusting for potential confounders, compared with Class 1, the adjusted ORs (95% CIs) for incident CMD were 1.18 (0.90-1.57) for Class 2, 1.40 (1.03-1.92) for Class 3, and 1.56 (1.04-2.34) for Class 4. When cumulative CVAI was categorized into quartiles, compared with Q1, the adjusted ORs (95% CIs) for incident CMD were 1.30 (1.00-1.70) for Q2, 1.34 (1.01-1.79) for Q3, and 1.63 (1.15-2.31) for Q4. In addition, cumulative CVAI in the overall population exhibited a linear association with CMD (Poverall = 0.012, Pnon-linearity = 0.287), diabetes (Poverall = 0.022, Pnon-linearity = 0.188), and stroke (Poverall = 0.002, Pnon-linearity = 0.978), but showed no significant association with heart disease (Poverall = 0.619, Pnon-linearity = 0.442).

CONCLUSION

Participants with higher baseline CVAI level and a change of elevating CVAI level may suffer an increased incidence of CMD. Furthermore, our findings elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the CVAI by highlighting TG as the primary contributor to the observed associations. Long-term CVAI monitoring is of significant importance for early identification and prevention of CMD, with significant implications for clinical practice.

Remnant cholesterol is superior to other lipid-related parameters for the prediction of cardiometabolic disease risk in individuals with hypertension: The Kailuan study

BACKGROUND

It is uncertain which lipid-related parameter is most suitable for predicting the risk of cardiometabolic disease (CMD) in individuals with hypertension.

AIMS

To explore which lipid-related parameter is most suitable for predicting the risk of CMD.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We studied 30,378 patients with hypertension who completed the 2006-2007 Kailuan health examination and followed up until December 31, 2021. In the constructed model, the utilities of lipid-related parameters for the prediction of CMD were compared using the C-index, NRI, and IDI. The best predictor (remnant cholesterol, RC) was identified and the participants were grouped according to RC quartile. Cox proportional hazard analysis was then used to evaluate the relationship between RC and the risk of CMD. During a median follow-up period of 14.7 years (IQR 5.3-15.1), 9502 (31.27 %) participants with hypertension developed CMD. The C-index, NRI, and IDI values for RC were higher than those for the other lipid parameters. After adjustment for multiple potential confounding factors, compared with the quartile (Q)1 RC group, the adjusted hazard ratios for CMD of the Q2-Q4 groups were 1.09 (1.03-1.16), 1.17 (1.11-1.24), and 1.25 (1.18-1.33) (P < 0.0001). Restrictive cubic spline analysis revealed dose-dependent relationships of lipid parameters with the risk of CMD.

CONCLUSIONS

RC is superior to other lipid parameters for the prediction of the risk of CMD in individuals with hypertension. As the concentration of RC increases, the risk of CMD in such individuals also increases.

Life's essential 8 and cardiovascular diseases progression among adults in the United Kingdom

BACKGROUND

Recently, the American Heart Association introduced Life's Essential 8 (LE8) as a new cardiovascular health (CVH) metric, and studies have reported associations between LE8 and CVH outcomes. However, there is limited understanding of LE8's impact on the risk of transitions between different stages of CVH. The current study investigated whether adhering to LE8 during a healthy stage could mitigate the progression from hypertension (HT) to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and consequent death.

METHODS

The study included 107,682 participants in the UK Biobank who were initially free of HT and CVDs. CVH were evaluated using LE8 metrics (diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, sleep duration, body mass index, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure). Multistate models were used to analyse the impacts of LE8 on the progression of CVDs.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 12.2 years, 5727 participants developed HT, 7243 developed CVDs, and 1183 died afterwards. LE8 was negatively associated with the dynamic disease progression. A per-10 points increase of CVH scores was significantly associated with the reduced risk [Hazard ratios (95 % confidence intervals)] at 0.71 (0.69, 0.72), 0.83 (0.81, 0.85), 0.79 (0.77, 0.82), and 0.91 (0.86, 0.96) in the transition from healthy to HT, CVDs, death, and from CVDs to death, respectively. Mediation analyses indicated that HT significantly mediated LE8-reduced risks of CVDs and mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

This study offered evidence that LE8 may influence the stages of CVD progression. The findings underscore the significance of adhering to LE8 in health management and CVDs management.

Sarcopenic obesity is associated with cardiometabolic multimorbidity in Chinese middle-aged and older adults: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study

OBJECTIVES

Sarcopenic obesity (SO) has been found to increase the risk of metabolic disorders, however, its relationship with cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) remains unexplored. This study aims to investigate the potential association between SO and CMM in the middle-aged and older population.

METHODS

Our study subjects were from CHARLS. SO was defined as the combination of impaired grip strength (grip strength <28 kg for men and <18 kg for women) and increased body mass index (BMI ≥25 kg/m2). CMM was defined as having two or more cardiometabolic diseases, including diabetes mellitus, stroke, and heart disease. The participants were divided into four groups according to their sarcopenia and obesity status, and logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between SO and CMM.

RESULTS

A total of 15,252 study subjects were included in the cross-sectional study, with an average age of 60.6 years and a male proportion of 47.4%. In the cross-sectional analysis conducted in 2015, the prevalence of CMM was highest in the SO group (9.1%), followed by the obesity (3.7%) and sarcopenia (3.5%) group. After adjustment for confounding factors, SO [OR (95%CI): 2.453 (1.742-3.455)], sarcopenia [OR (95% CI): 1.601 (1.157-2.217)], obesity [OR (95% CI): 1.446 (1.107-1.888)] were all observed to be associated with CMM, with the strongest association in the SO group. Furthermore, in the longitudinal analysis, only the SO group demonstrated a significant risk for developing CMM [OR (95% CI): 2.302 (1.239-4.228)].

CONCLUSIONS

SO was independently and positively associated with CMM in middle-aged and older population.

Association of lifestyle with valvular heart disease progression and life expectancy among elderly people from different socioeconomic backgrounds

BACKGROUND

Current cardiovascular prevention strategies are based on studies that seldom include valvular heart disease (VHD). The role of modifiable lifestyle factors on VHD progression and life expectancy among the elderly with different socioeconomic statuses (SES) remains unknown.

METHODS

This cohort study included 164,775 UK Biobank participants aged 60 years and older. Lifestyle was determined using a five-factor scoring system covering smoking status, obesity, physical activity, diet, and sleep patterns. Based on this score, participants were then classified into "poor," "moderate," or "ideal" lifestyle groups. SES was classified as high or low based on the Townsend Deprivation Index. The association of lifestyle with major VHD progression was evaluated using a multistate mode. The life table method was employed to determine life expectancy with VHD and without VHD.

RESULTS

The UK Biobank documented 5132 incident VHD cases with a mean follow-up of 12.3 years and 1418 deaths following VHD with a mean follow-up of 6.0 years. Compared to those with a poor lifestyle, women and men followed an ideal lifestyle had lower hazard ratios for incident VHD (0.66 with 95% CI, 0.59-0.73 for women and 0.77 with 95% CI, 0.71-0.83 for men) and for post-VHD mortality (0.58 for women, 95% CI 0.46-0.74 and 0.62 for men, 95% CI 0.54-0.73). When lifestyle and SES were combined, the lower risk of incident VHD and mortality were observed among participants with an ideal lifestyle and high SES compared to participants with an unhealthy lifestyle and low SES. There was no significant interaction between lifestyle and SES in their correlation with the incidence and subsequent mortality of VHD. Among low SES populations, 60-year-old women and men with VHD who followed ideal lifestyles lived 4.2 years (95% CI, 3.8-4.7) and 5.1 years (95% CI, 4.5-5.6) longer, respectively, compared to those with poor lifestyles. In contrast, the life expectancy gain for those without VHD was 4.4 years (95% CI, 4.0-4.8) for women and 5.3 years (95% CI, 4.8-5.7) for men when adhering to an ideal lifestyle versus a poor one.

CONCLUSIONS

Adopting a healthier lifestyle can significantly slow down the progression from free of VHD to incident VHD and further to death and increase life expectancy for both individuals with and without VHD within diverse socioeconomic elderly populations.

Joint impact of polygenic risk score and lifestyles on early- and late-onset cardiovascular diseases

Understanding the interactions between genetic risk and lifestyles on different types and age onsets of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk can help identify individuals for whom lifestyle changes would be beneficial. Here we developed three polygenic risk scores, called MetaPRSs, for coronary artery disease, ischaemic stroke and intracerebral haemorrhage by combining PRSs for CVD and CVD-related risk factors in 96,400 participants from the prospective China Kadoorie Biobank. Genetic and lifestyle risks were categorized by the disease-specific MetaPRSs and the number of unfavourable lifestyles. High genetic risk and unfavourable lifestyles were found to be more strongly associated with early than late onset of CVD outcomes in men and women. Change from unfavourable to favourable lifestyles resulted in 14.7-, 2.5- and 2.6-fold greater reductions in incidence rates of early-onset coronary artery disease and ischaemic stroke and late-onset coronary artery disease in high than low genetic risk group. Young adults at high genetic risk may have larger benefits in preventing CVD from lifestyle improvements.

Multisource Data Framework for Prehospital Emergency Triage in Real-Time IoMT-Based Telemedicine Systems

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) has revolutionized telemedicine by enabling the remote monitoring and management of patient care. Nevertheless, the process of regeneration presents the difficulty of effectively prioritizing the information of emergency patients in light of the extensive amount of data generated by several integrated health care devices. The main goal of this study is to be improving the procedure of prioritizing emergency patients by implementing the Real-time Triage Optimization Framework (RTOF), an innovative method that utilizes diverse data from the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT).

METHODS

The study's methodology utilized a variety of Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) data, such as sensor data and texts derived from electronic medical records. Tier 1 supplies sensor and textual data, and Tier 3 imports textual data from electronic medical records. We employed our methodologies to handle and examine data from a sample of 100,000 patients afflicted with hypertension and heart disease, employing artificial intelligence algorithms. We utilized five machine-learning algorithms to enhance the accuracy of triage.

RESULTS

The RTOF approach has remarkable efficacy in a simulated telemedicine environment, with a triage accuracy rate of 98%. The Random Forest algorithm exhibited superior performance compared to the other approaches under scrutiny. The performance characteristics attained were an accuracy rate of 98%, a precision rate of 99%, a sensitivity rate of 98%, and a specificity rate of 100%. The findings show a significant improvement compared to the present triage methods.

CONCLUSIONS

The efficiency of RTOF surpasses that of existing triage frameworks, showcasing its significant ability to enhance the quality and efficacy of telemedicine solutions. This work showcases substantial enhancements compared to existing triage approaches, while also providing a scalable approach to tackle hospital congestion and optimize resource allocation in real-time. The results of our study emphasize the capacity of RTOF to mitigate hospital overcrowding, expedite medical intervention, and enable the creation of adaptable telemedicine networks. This study highlights potential avenues for further investigation into the integration of the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) with machine learning to develop cutting-edge medical technologies.

Role of lifestyle factors on the development and long-term prognosis of pneumonia and cardiovascular disease in the Chinese population

BACKGROUND

Whether adherence to a healthy lifestyle is associated with a lower risk of developing pneumonia and a better long-term prognosis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate associations of individual and combined lifestyle factors (LFs) with the incidence risk and long-term prognosis of pneumonia hospitalization.

METHODS

Using data from the China Kadoorie Biobank study, we used the multistate models to investigate the role of five high-risk LFs, including smoking, excessive alcohol drinking, unhealthy dietary habits, physical inactivity, and unhealthy body shape, alone or in combination in the transitions from a generally healthy state at baseline to pneumonia hospitalization or cardiovascular disease (CVD, regarded as a reference outcome), and subsequently to mortality.

RESULTS

Most of the five high-risk LFs were associated with increased risks of transitions from baseline to pneumonia and from pneumonia to death, but with different risk estimates. The greater the number of high-risk LFs, the higher the risk of developing pneumonia and long-term mortality risk after pneumonia, with the strength of associations comparable to that of LFs and CVD. Compared to participants with 0-1 high-risk LF, the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for transitions from baseline to pneumonia and from pneumonia to death in those with five high-risk LFs were 1.43 (1.28-1.60) and 1.98 (1.61-2.42), respectively. Correspondingly, the respective HRs (95% CIs) for transitions from baseline to CVD and from CVD to death were 2.00 (1.89-2.11) and 1.44 (1.30-1.59), respectively. The risk estimates changed slightly when further adjusting for the presence of major chronic diseases.

CONCLUSION

In this Chinese population, unhealthy LFs were associated with an increased incidence and long-term mortality risk of pneumonia.

Association of dietary behavior patterns of middle-aged and older adults with their obesity metabolic phenotype: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Middle-aged and elderly individuals are the most susceptible groups for metabolic diseases, with their dietary behaviors being significant influencing factors. Exploring the association between overall dietary behaviors and obesity metabolic phenotypes is crucial for early prevention and control of chronic diseases, precision treatment and personalized interventions.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 15,160 middle-aged and older adults between June 2019 and August 2021 to collect information on their body mass index (BMI), biochemical indices and disease history. The population was classified into four categories by the criteria of obesity metabolic phenotypes: metabolically healthy non-obesity (MHNO), metabolically unhealthy non-obesity (MUNO), metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO). Scores were calculated based on compliance with healthy eating behavior patterns (appropriate or light dietary taste, moderately soft and hard food, slightly hot food temperature, medium or slow eating speed, daily intake of dietary supplements and eating with others), and the population was categorized into subgroups 0-2 (did not meet and met only 1 or 2), 3-4 (met 3 or 4), 5-6 (met 5 or 6). The relationship between dietary behavior patterns and different obesity metabolic phenotypes in middle-aged and elderly people were analyzed by multi-categorical logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Compared with the 5-6 subgroup, the dietary behavior patterns of 0-2 and 3-4 scores were risk factors for MUNO, MHO and MUO (P < 0.05), and the lower the scores of the dietary behavior patterns, the higher the multiplicity of the occurrence of MUNO, MHO and MUO, especially for females and adults between 45-60 years old. Appropriate or light dietary taste, moderately soft and hard food, and slightly hot food temperature were protective factors for MUNO and MUO (P < 0.05); medium or slow eating speed and daily intake of dietary supplements were protective factors for MUNO, MHO and MUO (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Dietary behavior patterns in middle-aged and older adults are associated with different obesity metabolic phenotypes, and healthy dietary behaviors may be beneficial for the prevention and control of MUNO, MHO and MUO.

Association between Dietary Patterns and Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity among Chinese Rural Older Adults

BACKGROUND

The global population is aging rapidly, leading to an increase in the prevalence of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM). This study aims to investigate the association between dietary patterns and CMM among Chinese rural older adults.

METHODS

The sample was selected using a multi-stage cluster random sampling method and a total of 3331 rural older adults were ultimately included. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between the latent dietary patterns and CMM.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CMM among rural older adults was 44.64%. This study identified four potential categories: "Low Consumption of All Foods Dietary Pattern (C1)", "High Dairy, Egg, and Red Meat Consumption, Low Vegetable and High-Salt Consumption Dietary Pattern (C2)", "High Egg, Vegetable, and Grain Consumption, Low Dairy and White Meat Consumption Dietary Pattern (C3)" and "High Meat and Fish Consumption, Low Dairy and High-Salt Consumption Dietary Pattern (C4)". Individuals with a C3 dietary pattern (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.66-0.98; p = 0.028) and a C4 dietary pattern (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.51-0.97; p = 0.034) significantly reduced the prevalence of CMM compared with the C1 dietary pattern.

CONCLUSIONS

Rural older adults have diverse dietary patterns, and healthy dietary patterns may reduce the risk of CMM.

Investigating the impact of extreme weather events and related indicators on cardiometabolic multimorbidity

BACKGROUND

The impact of weather on human health has been proven, but the impact of extreme weather events on cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) needs to be urgently explored.

OBJECTIVES

Investigating the impact of extreme temperature, relative humidity (RH), and laboratory testing parameters at admission on adverse events in CMM hospitalizations.

DESIGNS

Time-stratified case-crossover design.

METHODS

A distributional lag nonlinear model with a time-stratified case-crossover design was used to explore the nonlinear lagged association between environmental factors and CMM. Subsequently, unbalanced data were processed by 1:2 propensity score matching (PSM) and conditional logistic regression was employed to analyze the association between laboratory indicators and unplanned readmissions for CMM. Finally, the previously identified environmental factors and relevant laboratory indicators were incorporated into different machine learning models to predict the risk of unplanned readmission for CMM.

RESULTS

There are nonlinear associations and hysteresis effects between temperature, RH and hospital admissions for a variety of CMM. In addition, the risk of admission is higher under low temperature and high RH conditions with the addition of particulate matter (PM, PM2.5 and PM10) and O3_8h. The risk is greater for females and adults aged 65 and older. Compared with first quartile (Q1), the fourth quartile (Q4) had a higher association between serum calcium (HR = 1.3632, 95% CI: 1.0732 ~ 1.7334), serum creatinine (HR = 1.7987, 95% CI: 1.3528 ~ 2.3958), fasting plasma glucose (HR = 1.2579, 95% CI: 1.0839 ~ 1.4770), aspartate aminotransferase/ alanine aminotransferase ratio (HR = 2.3131, 95% CI: 1.9844 ~ 2.6418), alanine aminotransferase (HR = 1.7687, 95% CI: 1.2388 ~ 2.2986), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (HR = 1.4951, 95% CI: 1.2551 ~ 1.7351) were independently and positively associated with unplanned readmission for CMM. However, serum total bilirubin and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) showed negative correlations. After incorporating environmental factors and their lagged terms, eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) demonstrated a more prominent predictive performance for unplanned readmission of CMM patients, with an average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.767 (95% CI:0.7486 ~ 0.7854).

CONCLUSIONS

Extreme cold or wet weather is linked to worsened adverse health effects in female patients with CMM and in individuals aged 65 years and older. Moreover, meteorologic factors and environmental pollutants may elevate the likelihood of unplanned readmissions for CMM.

Lifestyle, air pollution, and risk of multimorbidity in a prospective analysis of the UK Biobank cohort

Background

Although associations between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and lifestyle factors or air pollution factors (referred as LAFs below) are well-established, it is unclear the influences of LAFs on the trajectory of IHD and COPD multimorbidity (referred as ICM below). Therefore, this study investigated the influences of LAFs on the trajectory of ICM from healthy to IHD or COPD, to ICM, and to all-cause death.

Methods

A cohort of 339,213 participants from the UK Biobank aged 37-73 who were free of IHD and COPD were included. A multi-state model was used to analyse the influences of high-risk factors including current smoking or quitting due to illness or physician's advice, current excessive alcohol drinking, physical inactivity, unhealthy body shape, and excessive air pollution with particulates matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) on ICM trajectory.

Results

During a median follow-up of 13.74 years, 46,398 participants developed IHD or COPD (referred as IOC below), 3949 developed ICM, and 35,691 died from any cause. All five high-risk factors played crucial but different roles in these transitions. The hazard ratios (95 % confidence intervals) per one-factor increase were 1.29 (1.27-1.3), 1.38 (1.33-1.44), and 1.69 (1.56-1.84) for transitions from baseline to IOC, from IOC to ICM, and from baseline to ICM and 1.19 (1.17-1.21), 1.18 (1.15-1.21), and 1.12 (1.05-1.19) for mortality risk from baseline to all-cause death, from IOC to all-cause death, and from ICM to all-cause death, respectively.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that LAFs have a stronger impact on morbidity outcomes than on morbidity outcomes. These findings provide evidence to develop strategies for managing the trajectory of ICM.

The correlation between healthy lifestyle habits and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in Guangxi

BACKGROUND

Adherence to healthy lifestyle habits has become a mainstream approach for lessening the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) during initial prevention efforts. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of four healthy lifestyle habits, the associated factors, and their impact on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among residents of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

METHODS

From 2015 to 2019, individuals between the ages of 35 and 75 from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region were recruited through the ChinaHeart Million Person Project. Our study examined four healthy lifestyle habits: not smoking, no or moderate amounts of alcohol, sufficient leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and a balanced diet.

RESULTS

Out of the 19,969 individuals involved, the majority, 77.3% did not smoke, while 96.7% had limited alcohol intake, 24.5% engaged in sufficient LTPA, 5.5% followed a balanced diet, and merely 1.7% adhered to all four healthy lifestyle habits. Participants who were women, older, nonfarmers, living in cities, with a high income or level of education, or had hypertension or diabetes were more likely to follow all four healthy lifestyle habits (p < 0.001). People who followed the three healthy lifestyle habits had reduced chances of death from all cause (HR 0.34[95% CI:0.15,0.76]) and cardiovascular-related death (HR 0.23 [95% CI: 0.07, 0.68]) (p < 0.01) over a median period of 3.5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

In Guangxi Province, the level of adherence to healthy lifestyle habits is very minimal. Therefore, population-specific health promotion strategies are urgently needed.

Associations of Diet and Lifestyle with Mortality and Stroke: The China Cardiometabolic Disease and Cancer Cohort (4C) Study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the individual and combined associations between dietary habits and lifestyle factors concerning all-cause mortality and stroke in Chinese adults.

METHOD

We conducted a nationwide, multicenter, prospective cohort study involving 10,008 participants, gathering baseline data on lifestyle, metabolic status, dietary habits, and living behaviors. Subsequently, a 10-year follow-up was performed, resulting in the inclusion of 7,612 participants in this study. We employed Spearman correlation analysis, restricted cubic spline regression, and Cox regression analysis to evaluate the connections between outcome events, dietary habits, and lifestyle.

RESULT

For each additional serving of pulses consumed per week, there was a slight decrease in the risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.83-0.99). The hazard ratios for stroke were 2.24 (1.48, 3.37) for current smokers, in comparison to individuals who had never smoked. Appropriate intake of specific dietary factors and certain lifestyle habits were associated with reduced stroke: fruit drinks at 0.51 (0.34, 0.87), and animal viscera at 0.58 (0.32, 1.04). Weekly consumption of at least 21 servings of vegetables (0.72, 0.53-0.98), 0-1 serving of fried food (0.58, 0.38-0.90), and at least 1 serving of carbonated beverages (0.51, 0.28-0.92) was associated with a reduced risk of stroke.

CONCLUSION

Smoking was found to be linked to an increased risk of stroke. A higher intake of fruit drinks and animal viscera was associated with a reduced risk of stroke. In contrast, a higher intake of beans was associated with a decreased risk of overall mortality. Consuming an appropriate amount of vegetables, fried foods, and carbonated drinks was found to potentially lower the risk of stroke. Collectively, these findings underscore the importance of developing tailored dietary interventions conducive to the Chinese populace's health.

Exploring socioeconomic status, lifestyle factors, and cardiometabolic disease outcomes in the United States: insights from a population-based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Cardiometabolic diseases are a major global health concern. This study aims to identify areas for targeted interventions and investigate the impact of socioeconomic status and lifestyle as a potential mediator in the context of the US.

METHODS

Our study analyzed data from the Health Information National Trends Survey 5, a nationwide survey by the National Cancer Institute. Using standardized scales and questions, we examined cardiometabolic disease outcomes, lifestyle factors, and socioeconomic status of non-institutionalized civilians aged 18 + in the US. We analyzed the data using structural equation modelling.

RESULTS

Our findings show that socioeconomic status and lifestyle significantly predict cardiometabolic disease outcomes. However, our analysis did not support lifestyle as the primary mediating factor in the association between socioeconomic status and cardiometabolic diseases, suggesting that other factors may significantly influence this relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiometabolic diseases require lifestyle and structural interventions addressing socioeconomic factors. Policymakers must consider multifaceted factors to prevent, detect, and manage these diseases effectively and equitably.

Daytime Napping, Incident Atrial Fibrillation, and Dynamic Transitions With Dementia

Background

Associations between napping and incident atrial fibrillation (AF) remain unknown, and few studies have accounted for dynamic transitions between AF and dementia.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate associations between napping with incident AF and the dynamic transitions of AF and dementia, as well as the mediation pathway of left ventricular (LV) size and function.

Methods

A total of 476,588 participants from UK Biobank were included. Napping frequency and other sleep behaviors were evaluated. Incident AF, dementia, and mortality were ascertained via linkage to external registry databases. LV size and function indices were obtained from cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging phenotypes. A multistate survival analysis was conducted to examine daytime napping in relation to dynamic transitions. Weighed AF genetic risk score was calculated.

Results

Frequent daytime napping, compared to never/rarely napping, was associated with a 1.17-fold AF risk (HR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.12-1.22), which persisted after controlling for other sleep behaviors. Genetic predisposition significantly modified associations between napping and AF (P for interaction <0.001), with stronger associations observed in those of low and moderate genetic risk. LV ejection fraction significantly mediated 26.2% (95% CI: 4.2%-74.1%) of associations between napping and AF. Frequent napping was also associated with a 1.27-fold risk of transition from AF to comorbidity of AF and dementia.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the potential importance of screening for napping in view of the association with incident AF and dementia. Routine evaluations of the LV ejection fraction could be warranted to timely identify early indications of AF onset among habitual nappers.

Impact of healthy lifestyle on the incidence and progression trajectory of mental disorders: A prospective study in the UK Biobank

BACKGROUND

Healthier lifestyle decreased the risk of mental disorders (MDs) such as depression and anxiety. However, research on the effects of a comprehensive healthy lifestyle on their progression is lacking.

METHODS

385,704 individuals without baseline MDs from the UK Biobank cohort were included. A composite healthy lifestyle score was computed by assessing alcohol intake, smoking status, television viewing time, physical activity, sleep duration, fruit and vegetable intake, oily fish intake, red meat intake, and processed meat intake. Follow-up utilized hospital and death register records. Multistate model was used to examine the role of healthy lifestyle on the progression of specific MDs, while a piecewise Cox regression model was utilized to assess the influence of healthy lifestyle across various phases of disease progression.

RESULTS

Higher lifestyle score reduced risks of transitions from baseline to anxiety and depression, as well as from anxiety and depression to comorbidity, with corresponding hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) of 0.94 (0.93, 0.95), 0.90 (0.89, 0.91), 0.94 (0.91, 0.98), and 0.95 (0.92, 0.98), respectively. Healthier lifestyle decreased the risk of transitioning from anxiety to comorbidity within 2 years post-diagnosis, with HR 0.93 (0.88, 0.98). Higher lifestyle scores at 2-4 years and 4-6 years post-depression onset were associated with reduced risk of comorbidity, with HR 0.93 (0.87, 0.99) and 0.92 (0.86, 0.99), respectively.

LIMITATION

The generalizability to other ethnic groups is limited.

CONCLUSION

This study observed a protective role of holistic healthy lifestyle in the trajectory of MDs and contributed to identifying critical progression windows.

Investigating the Molecular Mechanisms of Resveratrol in Treating Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity: A Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics Approach with Molecular Docking Validation

BACKGROUND

Resveratrol is a potent phytochemical known for its potential in treating cardiometabolic multimorbidity. However, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Our study systematically investigates the effects of resveratrol on cardiometabolic multimorbidity and elucidates its mechanisms using network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques.

METHODS

We screened cardiometabolic multimorbidity-related targets using the OMIM, GeneCards, and DisGeNET databases, and utilized the DSigDB drug characterization database to predict resveratrol's effects on cardiometabolic multimorbidity. Target identification for resveratrol was conducted using the TCMSP, SymMap, DrugBank, Swiss Target Prediction, CTD, and UniProt databases. SwissADME and ADMETlab 2.0 simulations were used to predict drug similarity and toxicity profiles of resveratrol. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed using Cytoscape 3.9.1 software. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analyses were performed via the DAVID online platform, and target-pathway networks were established. Molecular docking validated interactions between core targets and resveratrol, followed by molecular dynamics simulations on the optimal core proteins identified through docking. Differential analysis using the GEO dataset validated resveratrol as a core target in cardiometabolic multimorbidity.

RESULTS

A total of 585 cardiometabolic multimorbidity target genes were identified, and the predicted results indicated that the phytochemical resveratrol could be a major therapeutic agent for cardiometabolic multimorbidity. SwissADME simulations showed that resveratrol has potential drug-like activity with minimal toxicity. Additionally, 6703 targets of resveratrol were screened. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that the main biological processes involved included positive regulation of cell proliferation, positive regulation of gene expression, and response to estradiol. Significant pathways related to MAPK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways were also identified. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated strong interactions between resveratrol and core targets such as MAPK and EGFR.

CONCLUSIONS

This study predicts potential targets and pathways of resveratrol in treating cardiometabolic multimorbidity, offering a new research direction for understanding its molecular mechanisms. Additionally, it establishes a theoretical foundation for the clinical application of resveratrol.

Impact of obstructive sleep apnea on prognosis of patients with cardiometabolic multimorbidity

BACKGROUND

Cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) is a growing global health problem, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is recognized as an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, the impact of OSA on the prognosis of CMM patients remains unclear.

METHODS

This study was a sub-study of OSA-acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and included 1, 927 hospitalized ACS patients. Patients were divided into the CMM group and the non-CMM group. OSA was diagnosed using the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). The secondary endpoint included cardiac events, all-cause death and all repeat revascularizations.

RESULTS

This study enrolled 1, 927 patients hospitalized for ACS, with a median follow-up of 3 years. Among them, 723 patients (37.5%) had CMM, while 1, 204 patients (62.5%) did not have CMM. Over half of the patients in each group had OSA. OSA patients exhibited worse cardiometabolic profiles than their non-OSA counterparts, including higher body mass index (BMI), glycemic indices, lipids and inflammation. In the CMM group, OSA patients had a significantly higher incidence of MACCE than non-OSA patients (34.7% vs. 23.7%, p = 0.004). These results remained significant after adjustment, indicating that OSA substantially increased the risk of MACCE in the CMM group (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.432; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.017-2.016; p = 0.040). Conversely, the incidence of MACCE was similar between OSA and non-OSA subgroups within the non-CMM cohort. Subgroup analyses showed that OSA increased the risk of MACCE in CMM patients aged ≥ 60 years (adjusted HR: 1.642; 95% CI: 1.031-2.615; p = 0.037) and in those with specific clinical characteristics.

CONCLUSION

OSA significantly impacts the prognosis of CMM patients, highlighting the need for targeted OSA screening and management strategies to improve outcomes in this population potentially.

Association between dietary vitamin A intake and risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity

The association between vitamin A and single cardiometabolic diseases has been extensively studied, but the relationship between dietary vitamin A intake and the risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) has not been studied. Therefore, the present study was conducted to explore the association with CMM risk by analyzing different sources of vitamin A. This study utilized 13,603 subjects aged ≥ 18 years from 1997 to 2015 from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). Dietary intake was calculated from 3 consecutive 24-h dietary recalls combined with a house hold food inventory. CMM is defined as the development of at least two cardiometabolic diseases. After a median follow-up of 9.0 years, there were 1050 new cases of CMM. The risk of CMM was significantly lower in those with higher vitamin A intake (Q1 vs Q5 HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.54-0.81). β-carotene (Q1 vs Q5 HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.66-1.02) and retinol (Q1 vs Q5 HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.48-0.73) intake had a similarly negative correlation. Using restricted cubic spline found an L-shaped relationship between retinol intake and CMM (p non-linear < 0.001). Negative associations were also found in specific CMD groups (hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke and diabetes). Dietary intake of vitamin A was negatively associated with CMM risk, and this protective effect was more pronounced in patients with cardiovascular disease. There was an L-shaped association between retinol intake and CMM risk.

Lifestyle factors and their relative contributions to longitudinal progression of cardio-renal-metabolic multimorbidity: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The role of lifestyle factors and their relative contributions to the development and mortality of cardio-renal-metabolic multimorbidity (CRMM) remains unclear.

METHODS

A study was conducted with 357,554 UK Biobank participants. CRMM was defined as the coexistence of two or three cardio-renal-metabolic diseases (CRMDs), including cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The prospective study examined the associations of individual and combined lifestyle scores (diet, alcohol consumption, smoking, physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep duration and social connection) with longitudinal progression from healthy to first cardio-renal-metabolic disease (FCRMD), then to CRMM, and ultimately to death, using a multistate model. Subsequently, quantile G-computation was employed to assess the relative contribution of each lifestyle factor.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 13.62 years, lifestyle played crucial role in all transitions from healthy to FCRMD, then to CRMM, and ultimately to death. The hazard ratios (95% CIs) per score increase were 0.91 (0.90, 0.91) and 0.90 (0.89, 0.91) for healthy to FCRMD, and for FCRMD to CRMM, and 0.84 (0.83, 0.86), 0.87 (0.86, 0.89), and 0.90 (0.88, 0.93) for mortality risk from healthy, FCRMD, and CRMM, respectively. Among the seven factors, smoking status contributed to high proportions for the whole disease progression, accounting for 19.88-38.10%. High-risk diet contributed the largest proportion to the risk of transition from FCRMD to CRMM, with 22.53%. Less-frequent social connection contributed the largest proportion to the risk of transition from FCRMD to death, with 28.81%. When we further consider the disease-specific transitions, we find that lifestyle scores had slightly stronger associations with development to T2D than to CVD or CKD.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates that a healthy lifestyle may have a protective effect throughout the longitudinal progression of CRMM, informing more effective management and treatment. Smoking status, diet, and social connection played pivotal roles in specific disease transitions.

Association of cigarette smoking, smoking cessation with the risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity in the UK Biobank

BACKGROUND

To investigate the association between cigarette smoking, smoking cessation and the trajectory of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM), and further to examine the association of age at smoking initiation and smoking cessation with CMM.

METHODS

This study included 298,984 UK Biobank participants without cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) (including type 2 diabetes, coronary heart diseases, stroke, and hypertension) at baseline. Smoking status was categorized into former, current, and never smokers, with age at smoking initiation and smoking cessation as a proxy for current and former smokers. The multi-state model was performed to evaluate the association between cigarette smoking, smoking cessation and CMM.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 13.2 years, 59,193 participants developed first cardiometabolic disease (FCMD), 14,090 further developed CMM, and 16,487 died. Compared to former smokers, current smokers had higher risk at all transitions, with hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) = 1.59 (1.55 ∼ 1.63) vs. 1.18 (1.16 ∼ 1.21) (P = 1.48 × 10- 118) from health to FCMD, 1.40 (1.33 ∼ 1.47) vs. 1.09 (1.05 ∼ 1.14) (P = 1.50 × 10- 18) from FCMD to CMM, and 2.87 (2.72 ∼ 3.03) vs. 1.38 (1.32 ∼ 1.45) (P < 0.001) from health, 2.16 (1.98 ∼ 2.35) vs. 1.25 (1.16 ∼ 1.34) (P = 1.18 × 10- 46) from FCMD, 2.02 (1.79 ∼ 2.28) vs. 1.22 (1.09 ∼ 1.35) (P = 3.93 × 10- 17) from CMM to death; whereas quitting smoking reduced the risk attributed to cigarette smoking by approximately 76.5% across all transitions. Reduced risks of smoking cessation were also identified when age at quitting smoking was used as a proxy for former smokers.

CONCLUSIONS

Cigarette smoking was associated with a higher risk of CMM across all transitions; however, smoking cessation, especially before the age of 35, was associated with a significant decrease in CMM risk attributed to cigarette smoking.

Interaction between Extreme Temperature Events and Fine Particulate Matter on Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity: Evidence from Four National Cohort Studies

Accumulating evidence linked extreme temperature events (ETEs) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) to cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM); however, it remained unknown if and how ETEs and PM2.5 interact to trigger CMM occurrence. Merging four Chinese national cohorts with 64,140 free-CMM adults, we provided strong evidence among ETEs, PM2.5 exposure, and CMM occurrence. Performing Cox hazards regression models along with additive interaction analyses, we found that the hazards ratio (HRs) of CMM occurrence associated with heatwave and cold spell were 1.006-1.019 and 1.063-1.091, respectively. Each 10 μg/m3 increment of PM2.5 concentration was associated with 17.9% (95% confidence interval: 13.9-22.0%) increased risk of CMM. Similar adverse effects were also found among PM2.5 constituents of nitrate, organic matter, sulfate, ammonium, and black carbon. We observed a synergetic interaction of heatwave and PM2.5 pollution on CMM occurrence with relative excess risk due to the interaction of 0.999 (0.663-1.334). Our study provides novel evidence that both ETEs and PM2.5 exposure were positively associated with CMM occurrence, and the heatwave interacts synergistically with PM2.5 to trigger CMM.

Socioeconomic disparity in the natural history of cutaneous melanoma: evidence from two large prospective cohorts

BACKGROUND

Previous studies on the associations between socioeconomic status (SES) and cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) failed to distinguish the effects of different SES factors under an individual-data-based prospective study design.

METHODS

Based on UK Biobank (UKB) and China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB), we estimated the effects of four SES factors on transitions from baseline to CMM in situ, subsequently to invasive CMM and further CMM mortality by applying multistate models. We further explored to which extent the associations between SES and CMM incidence could be explained by potential mediators including sun exposure, lifestyle and ageing in UKB.

RESULTS

In multistate analyses, good household income was independently associated with an increased risk of CMM in situ (HR=1.38, 95% CI: 1.21 to 1.58) and invasive CMM (HR=1.34, 95% CI: 1.22 to 1.48) in UKB. These findings were partly validated in CKB. Especially in UKB, we observed an increased risk of CMM in situ and invasive CMM among participants with good type of house; only good education was independently associated with lower risk of evolving to invasive CMM among patients with CMM in situ (HR=0.69, 95% CI: 0.52 to 0.92); only good household income was independently associated with lower risk of CMM mortality among patients with CMM (HR=0.65, 95% CI: 0.45 to 0.95). In mediation analysis, the proportions attributable to the mediating effect were <6% for all selected variables, including self-reported sun exposure-related factors.

CONCLUSION

SES factors have different effects on the incidence and progression of CMM. The association between SES and incident CMM is neither causal nor well explained by selected mediators.

Genome-wide association study of cardiometabolic multimorbidity in the UK Biobank

Considering the high prevalence and poor prognosis of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM), identifying causal factors and actively implementing preventive measures is crucial. However, Mendelian randomization (MR), a key method for identifying the causal factors of CMM, requires knowledge of the effects of SNPs on CMM, which remain unknown. We first analyzed the genetic overlap of single cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) using the latest genome-wide association study (GWAS) for evidential support and comparison. We observed strong positive genetic correlations and shared loci among all CMDs. Further, GWAS and post-GWAS analyses of CMM were performed in 407 949 European ancestry individuals from the UK Biobank. Eleven loci and 12 lead SNPs were identified. By comparison, we found these SNPs were a subset of SNPs associated with CMDs, including both shared and non-shared SNPs. Then, the polygenic risk score model predicted the risk of CMM (C-index = 0.62) and we identified candidate genes related to lipid metabolism and immune function. Finally, as an example, two-sample MR analysis based on the GWAS revealed potential causal effects of total cholesterol, serum urate, body mass index, and smoking on CMM. These results provide a basis for future MR research and inspire future studies on the mechanism and prevention of CMM.

Dietary Patterns and Cardiovascular Diseases in Asia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

With emerging Asian-derived diet quality indices and data-driven dietary patterns available, we aimed to synthesize the various dietary patterns and quantify its association with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) among Asian populations. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science for observational studies in South, Southeast, and East Asia. Dietary patterns were grouped "high-quality," which included high intakes of three or more of the following food groups: 1) fruits and vegetables, 2) whole grains, 3) healthy protein sources (legumes and nuts, fish and seafood, low-fat dairy, and lean meat and poultry), and 4) liquid plant oils. High-quality patterns were further subcategorized based on their derivation methods: non-Asian indices, Asian indices, data-driven patterns, and plant-based indices. Dietary patterns were grouped "low-quality," which included high intakes of two or more of the following: 5) ultraprocessed food, 6) beverages and foods with added sugars, 7) foods high in salt, and 8) alcoholic beverages. Data-driven dietary patterns characterized by animal food sources were labeled "animal-based," and studies using dietary diversity scores were labeled "diet diversity indices." Dietary patterns that could not be meaningfully categorized were summarized narratively. Study-specific effect estimates were pooled using a random-effects model. Forty-one studies were included in this review. Higher adherence to high-quality dietary patterns in the top compared with bottom tertile defined by non-Asian indices (RR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.69, 0.88; GRADE: moderate), Asian indices (RR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.79, 0.90; GRADE: low), and data-driven patterns (RR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.74, 0.89; GRADE: moderate) were associated with lower CVD risk. Plant-based, low-quality, animal-based, and diet diversity indices dietary patterns were not associated with CVD. Associations of Asian diet quality indices and CVD risk were weaker than those with non-Asian indices, highlighting the need for current Asian diet quality criteria to be updated to better capture the impact of diet on CVD. The systematic review and meta-analysis was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42021244318.

Early adulthood BMI and cardiovascular disease: a prospective cohort study from the China Kadoorie Biobank

BACKGROUND

The associations of early adulthood BMI with cardiovascular diseases have yet to be completely delineated. There is little reliable evidence about these associations among east Asian populations, that differ in fat distribution, disease patterns, and lifestyle factors from other populations. We aimed to study the associations between early adulthood BMI and cardiovascular diseases in a Chinese population, and the effect of midlife lifestyle factors on outcomes.

METHODS

In this prospective analysis, we used data from the China Kadoorie Biobank, a large and long-term cohort from five urban areas and five rural areas, using participants aged 35-70 years. The primary outcome was the incidence of cardiovascular diseases as a group, ischaemic heart disease, haemorrhagic stroke, and ischaemic stroke, which were obtained mainly through linkage to disease registries and the national database for health insurance claims. Early adulthood BMI was assessed through self-report at baseline survey. We used Cox proportional hazards regression models to examine the prospective associations. We also undertook multiplicative and additive interaction analyses to investigate the potential modification effect of midlife healthy lifestyle factors (a combined score covering smoking, drinking, physical activity, and diet).

FINDINGS

Participants were recruited for baseline survey between June, 2004, and July, 2008. During a median follow-up of 12·0 years (IQR 11·3-13·1), we documented 57 203 (15·9%) of incident cardiovascular diseases in 360 855 participants. After adjustment for potential confounders, monotonic dose-response associations were observed between higher early adulthood BMI and increased risks of incident cardiovascular diseases. Compared with an early adulthood BMI of 20·5-22·4 kg/m2 (the reference group), the hazard ratios for a BMI of less than 18·5 kg/m2 was 0·97 (95% CI 0·94-1·00), 18·5-20·4 kg/m2 was 0·97 (0·95-0·99), 22·5-23·9 kg/m2 was 1·04 (1·02-1·07), 24·0-25·9 kg/m2 was 1·12 (1·09-1·15), 26·0-27·9 kg/m2 was 1·19 (1·14-1·24), 28·0-29·9 kg/m2 was 1·34 (1·25-1·44), and ≥30·0 kg/m2 was 1·58 (1·42-1·75). Except for haemorrhagic stroke, lower early adulthood BMI (<20·5 kg/m2) was associated with decreased incident cardiovascular disease risks. No significant interaction was found between midlife healthy lifestyle factors and early adulthood BMI on cardiovascular disease risks.

INTERPRETATION

Increased risks of cardiovascular disease incidence were found among participants with high early adulthood adiposity, including ischaemic heart disease, haemorrhagic stroke, and ischaemic stroke. Our findings suggest early adulthood as an important time to focus on weight management and obesity prevention for cardiovascular health later in life.

FUNDING

National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Key Research and Development Program of China, Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, Kadoorie Charitable Foundation, and the Wellcome Trust.

Influence of cognitive reserve on risk of depression and subsequent dementia: A large community-based longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Cognitive reserve (CR) has been linked to dementia, yet its influence on the risk of depression and related outcomes remains unknown. We aimed to examine the association of CR with depression and subsequent dementia or death, and to assess the extent to which CR is related to depression-free survival.

METHODS

Within the UK Biobank, 436,232 participants free of depression and dementia were followed. A comprehensive CR indicator (low, moderate, and high) was created using latent class analysis based on information on education, occupation, mentally passive sedentary behavior, social connection, confiding with others, and leisure activities. Depression, dementia, and survival status were ascertained through self-reported medical history and/or linkages to medical records. Data were analyzed using multi-state Markov model and Laplace regression.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up of 12.96 years, 16,560 individuals developed depression (including 617 with subsequent dementia) and 28,655 died. In multivariable multi-state models, compared with low CR, high CR was associated with lower risk of depression (hazard ratio 0.53 [95% confidence interval 0.51-0.56]) and lower risk of post-depression dementia (0.55 [0.34-0.88]) or death (0.69 [0.55-0.88]) in middle-aged adults (aged <60 years). In Laplace regression, the depression-free survival time was prolonged by 2.77 (2.58-2.96) years in participants with high compared to low CR.

CONCLUSIONS

High CR is associated with lower risks of depression and subsequent transitions to dementia and death, particularly in middle age. High CR may prolong depression-free survival. Our findings highlight the importance of enhancing CR in the prevention and prognosis of depression.

Study on the Impact of Dietary Patterns on Cardiovascular Metabolic Comorbidities among Adults

Background

The prevalence of cardiovascular metabolic comorbidities (CMM) among adults is relatively high, imposing a heavy burden on individuals, families, and society. Dietary patterns play a significant role in the occurrence and development of CMM. This study aimed to identify the combined types of CMM in adult populations and investigate the impact of dietary patterns on CMM.

Methods

Participants in this study were from the sixth wave of the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). Dietary intake was assessed using a three-day 24-hour dietary recall method among 4,963 participants. Latent profile analysis was used to determine dietary pattern types. Two-step cluster analysis was performed to identify the combined types of CMM based on the participants' conditions of hyperuricemia, dyslipidemia, diabetes, renal dysfunction, hypertension, and stroke. Logistic regression analysis with robust standard errors was used to determine the impact of dietary patterns on CMM.

Results

Participants were clustered into three dietary patterns (Pattern 1 to 3) and five CMM types (Class I to V). Class I combined six diseases, with a low proportion of diabetes. Class II also combined six diseases but with a high proportion of diabetes. Class III combined four diseases, with a high proportion of hypertension. Class IV combined three diseases, with the highest proportions of hyperuricemia, diabetes, and renal dysfunction. Class V combined two diseases, with high proportions of dyslipidemia and renal dysfunction. Patients with Class III CMM had a significantly higher average age than the other four classes (P ≤ 0.05). Compared to those with isolated dyslipidemia, individuals with a low-grain, high-fruit, milk, and egg (LCHFM) dietary pattern had a higher risk of developing dyslipidemia combined with renal dysfunction (Class V CMM) with an odds ratio of 2.001 (95% CI 1.011-3.960, P≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

For individuals with isolated dyslipidemia, avoiding a low-grain, high-fruit, milk, and egg (LCHFM) dietary pattern may help reduce the risk of developing dyslipidemia combined with renal dysfunction (Class V CMM).

Association of lifestyles and multimorbidity with mortality among individuals aged 60 years or older: Two prospective cohort studies

Lifestyles are associated with all-cause mortality, yet limited research has explored the association in the elderly population with multimorbidity. We aim to investigate the impact of adopting a healthy lifestyle on reducing the risk of all-cause mortality in older individuals with or without multimorbidity in both China and UK. This prospective study included 29,451 and 173,503 older adults aged 60 and over from Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) and UK Biobank. Lifestyles and multimorbidity were categorized into three groups, respectively. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the Hazard Ratios (HRs), 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), and dose-response for all-cause mortality in relation to lifestyles and multimorbidity, as well as the combination of both factors. During a mean follow-up period of 4.7 years in CLHLS and 12.14 years in UK Biobank, we observed 21,540 and 20,720 deaths, respectively. For participants with two or more conditions, compared to those with an unhealthy lifestyle, adopting a healthy lifestyle was associated with a 27%-41% and 22%-42% reduction in mortality risk in the CLHLS and UK Biobank, respectively; Similarly, for individuals without multimorbidity, this reduction ranged from 18% to 41%. Among participants with multimorbidity, individuals with an unhealthy lifestyle had a higher mortality risk compared to those maintaining a healthy lifestyle, with HRs of 1.15 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.32) and 1.27 (95% CI: 1.16, 1.39) for two conditions, and 1.24 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.45) and 1.73 (95% CI: 1.56, 1.91) for three or more conditions in CLHLS and UK Biobank, respectively. Adherence to a healthy lifestyle can yield comparable mortality benefits for older individuals, regardless of their multimorbidity status. Furthermore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can alleviate the mortality risks linked to a higher number of diseases.

Association of the CUN-BAE body adiposity estimator and other obesity indicators with cardiometabolic multimorbidity: a cross-sectional study

Cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CM), defined as the coexistence of two or three cardiometabolic disorders, is one of the most common and deleterious multimorbidities. This study aimed to investigate the association of Clínica Universidad de Navarra-Body Adiposity Estimator (CUN-BAE), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) with the prevalence of CM. The data were obtained from the 2021 health checkup database for residents of the Electronic Health Management Center in Xinzheng, Henan Province, China. 81,532 participants aged ≥ 60 years were included in this study. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CUN-BAE, BMI, WC, and WHtR in CM. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to compare the discriminatory ability of different anthropometric indicators for CM. The multivariable-adjusted ORs (95% CIs) (per 1 SD increase) of CM were 1.799 (1.710-1.893) for CUN-BAE, 1.329 (1.295-1.364) for BMI, 1.343 (1.308-1.378) for WC, and 1.314 (1.280-1.349) for WHtR, respectively. Compared with BMI, WC and WHtR, CUN-BAE had the highest AUC in both males and females (AUC: 0.642; 95% CI 0.630-0.653 for males, AUC: 0.614; 95% CI 0.630-0.653 for females). CUN-BAE may be a better measure of the adverse effect of adiposity on the prevalence of CM than BMI, WC, and WHtR.

Increased Risk of Cardiometabolic Disease in Ideal Weight Adults With History of Overweight/Obesity in China: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Overweight and obesity represent critical modifiable determinants in the prevention of cardiometabolic disease (CMD). However, the long-term impact of prior overweight/obesity on the risk of CMD in later life remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between longitudinal transition of body mass index (BMI) status and incident CMD.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This prospective cohort study included 57 493 CMD-free Chinese adults from the Kailuan Study. BMI change patterns were categorized according to the BMI measurements obtained during the 2006 and 2012 surveys. The primary end point was a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Cox regression models were used to evaluate the associations of transitions in BMI with overall CMD events and subtypes, with covariates selected on the basis of the directed acyclic graph. During a median follow-up of 7.62 years, 8412 participants developed CMD. After considering potential confounders, weight gain pattern (hazard ratio [HR], 1.34 [95% CI, 1.23-1.46]), stable overweight/obesity (HR, 2.12 [95% CI, 2.00-2.24]), and past overweight/obesity (HR, 1.73 [95% CI, 1.59-1.89]) were associated with the incidence of CMD. Similar results were observed in cardiometabolic multimorbidity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, triglyceride and systolic blood pressure explained 8.05% (95% CI, 5.87-10.22) and 12.10% (95% CI, 9.19-15.02) of the association between past overweight/obesity and incident CMD, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A history of overweight/obesity was associated with an increased risk of CMD, even in the absence of current BMI abnormalities. These findings emphasize the necessity for future public health guidelines to include preventive interventions for CMD in individuals with past overweight/obesity.

Gender differences in the association between changes in the atherogenic index of plasma and cardiometabolic diseases: a cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The relationship between changes in Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) and cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) in middle-aged and elderly individuals remains unclear. This study aims to explore the association between changes in AIP and CMD.

METHODS

This study included 3,791 individuals aged over 45 years from CHARLS. Participants were divided into four groups using the K-Means clustering method. Cumulative AIP was used as a quantitative indicator reflecting changes in AIP. Differences in baseline data and CMD incidence rates among these four groups were compared. Multifactorial logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between changes in AIP and CMD, and subgroup analysis and interaction tests were conducted to evaluate potential relationships between changes in AIP and CMD across different subgroups. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to assess the dose-response relationship between cumulative AIP and CMD.

RESULTS

Changes in AIP were independently and positively associated with CMD. In males, the risk significantly increased in class4 compared to class1 (OR 1.75, 95%CI 1.12-2.73). In females, changes in AIP were not significantly associated with CMD. Cumulative AIP was positively correlated with CMD (OR 1.15, 95%CI 1.01-1.30), with significant gender differences in males (OR 1.29, 95%CI 1.07-1.55) and females (OR 1.03, 95%CI 0.87-1.23) (p for interaction = 0.042). In addition, a linear relationship was observed between cumulative AIP and CMD in male.

CONCLUSION

Substantial changes in AIP may increase the risk of CMD in middle-aged and elderly Chinese males. Dynamic monitoring of AIP is of significant importance for the prevention and treatment of CMD.

Behavior-related risk factors and time to death among persons with alcohol consumption versus persons without: A general population study with mortality follow-up after 20 years

BACKGROUND

Evidence shows that low to moderate alcohol consumers seem to live longer than abstainers. Insufficient consideration of subgroups among abstainers and of further behavior-related risk factors for death might be reasons. The aim of this study was to compare alcohol lifetime abstainers, former drinkers, and current consumers with regard to mortality considering tobacco smoking, body overweight, and physical inactivity.

METHODS

A general adult population sample of residents aged 18 to 64 had been drawn at random in northern Germany. Among eligible persons, 4093 (70.2%) participated. Assessments included alcohol consumption by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test Consumption in addition to lifetime alcohol abstinence and former drinking. A score of behavior-related risk factors was built from tobacco smoking, body overweight, and physical inactivity. Twenty years later, a mortality follow-up was conducted. Data of 4028 study participants were analyzed.

RESULTS

At baseline, former alcohol consumers but not current low to moderate alcohol drinkers had more behavior-related risk factors than lifetime abstainers. At follow-up, former alcohol drinkers with two or more behavior-related risk factors had a shorter time to death than lifetime abstainers with 0 or one behavior-related risk factor (hazard ratio 3.43, 95% confidence interval: 1.63-7.20). Low to moderate alcohol drinkers did not survive longer than lifetime alcohol abstainers with 0 or one behavior-related risk factor.

CONCLUSION

The results provide evidence against the assumption that alcohol consumption has a beneficial effect on health and longevity.

Association of body mass index with risk of cardiometabolic disease, multimorbidity and mortality: a multi-state analysis based on the Kailuan cohort

PURPOSE

To evaluate the association of body mass index (BMI) with risk of first cardiometabolic disease (FCMD), cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) and death.

METHODS

87,512 participants free of CMD were included from the Kailuan cohort, which was established during 2006-2007 and followed up until 2020. BMI was classified as underweight ( < 18.5 kg/m2), healthy weight (18.5-23.9 kg/m2), overweight (24.0-27.9 kg/m2), mildly obese (28.0-31.9 kg/m2), and severely obese ( ≥ 32.0 kg/m2). FCMD was defined as the first onset of diabetes, heart disease, or stroke, and CMM as the coexistence of at least two CMD. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were estimated with multi-state models.

RESULTS

20,577 participants developed FCMD, 2232 developed CMM afterwards, and 10,191 died. Individuals with higher BMI was more likely to develop FCMD and CMM. Compared with healthy weight, the HR (95%CI) of severe obesity for transition from health to FCMD and from FCMD to CMM was 3.12 (2.91, 3.34) and 1.92 (1.60, 2.31), respectively. On the other hand, underweight was consistently associated with higher mortality risk regardless of initial status, whereas severe obesity was only related to increased risk for transition from health to death (HR: 1.36; 95%CI: 1.17, 1.56) but not for transition from FCMD (HR: 0.70; 95%CI: 0.57, 0.87) or CMM (HR: 0.80; 95%CI: 0.54, 1.19) to death.

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlighted the importance of maintaining healthy weight for primary and secondary prevention of CMD and reflected the demand for more accurate measurement and comprehensive management of obesity for CMD patients.

Lifestyle behaviors and risk of cardiovascular disease and prognosis among individuals with cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 71 prospective cohort studies

BACKGROUND

Healthy lifestyle behaviors (LBs) have been widely recommended for the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite a large number of studies exploring the association between combined LBs and CVD, a notable gap exists in integration of relevant literatures. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies to analyze the correlation between combined LBs and the occurrence of CVD, as well as to estimate the risk of various health complications in individuals already diagnosed with CVD.

METHODS

Articles published up to February 10, 2023 were sourced through PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science. Eligible prospective cohort studies that reported the relations of combined LBs with pre-determined outcomes were included. Summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using either a fixed or random-effects model. Subgroup analysis, meta-regression, publication bias, and sensitivity analysis were as well performed.

RESULTS

In the general population, individuals with the healthiest combination of LBs exhibited a significant risk reduction of 58% for CVD and 55% for CVD mortality. For individuals diagnosed with CVD, adherence to the healthiest combination of LBs corresponded to a significant risk reduction of 62% for CVD recurrence and 67% for all-cause mortality, when compared to those with the least-healthy combination of LBs. In the analysis of dose-response relationship, for each increment of 1 healthy LB, there was a corresponding decrease in risk of 17% for CVD and 19% for CVD mortality within the general population. Similarly, among individuals diagnosed with CVD, each additional healthy LB was associated with a risk reduction of 27% for CVD recurrence and 27% for all-cause mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Adopting healthy LBs is associated with substantial risk reduction in CVD, CVD mortality, and adverse outcomes among individuals diagnosed with CVD. Rather than focusing solely on individual healthy LB, it is advisable to advocate for the adoption of multiple LBs for the prevention and management of CVD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO: CRD42023431731.

Social isolation and loneliness with risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity: A prospective cohort study from UK Biobank

The pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 resulted in an increased prevalence of social isolation and loneliness. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to test the association between social isolation/loneliness, multiple cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) and cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM). In the multivariable adjusted models, compared with the least isolated, the most isolated had independently associated with CMD (HR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.11) and CMM (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.36) in stage I, and CMM in stage II (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.23). Compared with those with the least loneliness, those who with most loneliness had about 20% increased risk of CMD and 29% increased risk of CMM in stage I. Those with the most loneliness were also significantly associated with increased CMM risk (HR 1.30, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.42) in stage II. This study revealed the associations of social isolation/loneliness with CMD and CMM.

Temporal change in multimorbidity prevalence, clustering patterns, and the association with mortality: findings from the China Kadoorie Biobank study in Jiangsu Province

Objectives

The characteristics of multimorbidity in the Chinese population are currently unclear. We aimed to determine the temporal change in multimorbidity prevalence, clustering patterns, and the association of multimorbidity with mortality from all causes and four major chronic diseases.

Methods

This study analyzed data from the China Kadoorie Biobank study performed in Wuzhong District, Jiangsu Province. A total of 53,269 participants aged 30-79 years were recruited between 2004 and 2008. New diagnoses of 15 chronic diseases and death events were collected during the mean follow-up of 10.9 years. Yule's Q cluster analysis method was used to determine the clustering patterns of multimorbidity. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the associations of multimorbidity with mortalities.

Results

The overall multimorbidity prevalence rate was 21.1% at baseline and 27.7% at the end of follow-up. Multimorbidity increased more rapidly during the follow-up in individuals who had a higher risk at baseline. Three main multimorbidity patterns were identified: (i) cardiometabolic multimorbidity (diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, and hypertension), (ii) respiratory multimorbidity (tuberculosis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and (iii) mental, kidney and arthritis multimorbidity (neurasthenia, psychiatric disorders, chronic kidney disease, and rheumatoid arthritis). There were 3,433 deaths during the follow-up. The mortality risk increased by 24% with each additional disease [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.20-1.29]. Compared with those without multimorbidity at baseline, both cardiometabolic multimorbidity and respiratory multimorbidity were associated with increased mortality from all causes and four major chronic diseases. Cardiometabolic multimorbidity was additionally associated with mortality from cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, with HRs of 2.64 (95% CI = 2.19-3.19) and 28.19 (95% CI = 14.85-53.51), respectively. Respiratory multimorbidity was associated with respiratory disease mortality, with an HR of 9.76 (95% CI = 6.22-15.31).

Conclusion

The prevalence of multimorbidity has increased substantially over the past decade. This study has revealed that cardiometabolic multimorbidity and respiratory multimorbidity have significantly increased mortality rates. These findings indicate the need to consider high-risk populations and to provide local evidence for intervention strategies and health management in economically developed regions.

Smartphone app-based interventions on physical activity behaviors and psychological correlates in healthy young adults: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The issue of low physical activity (PA) levels among the youth is a longstanding concern. Smartphone applications offer a promising avenue for delivering interventions that are both accessible and engaging. Up to now, there appears to be a gap in the literature, with no systematic reviews assessing the efficacy of smartphone apps in encouraging increased physical activity among healthy young adults.

OBJECTIVE

To synthesize the effects of a smartphone app-based intervention on PA and PA-related psychological correlates in healthy young adults (18-35 years old).

METHODS

A search was conducted on eighteen databases: PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Communication and Mass Media Complete, Article First, Biomed Central, BioOne, EBSCOHost, JSTOR, ProQuest, SAGE Reference Online, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Taylor&Francis, and Wiley Online. The search covered the period up until December 2023. This research included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effectiveness of smartphone app-based interventions on PA and PA related psychological outcomes in healthy young adults. The overall impact was determined by vote counting based on the direction of effect and aggregating p values. The quality of the evidence was evaluated using an 8-item scale. This study has been registered in the PROSPERO database with the identification number CRD42023390033.

RESULTS

A total of 8403 articles were retrieved, and based on the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven articles were selected for inclusion. Among these articles, four high-quality RCTs were identified, and the results of vote counting and combining p values methods suggested that smartphone-based app interventions did not demonstrate significant effectiveness in improving PA and PA-related psychological outcomes. However, some improvements were observed. The analysis results, which were categorized into fitness apps and health apps based on the characteristics of the interventions, also failed to demonstrate significant intervention effects.

CONCLUSION

The findings indicate that, currently, there are no significant effects of smartphone app interventions on improving PA and PA-related psychological outcomes in healthy young adults aged 18-35 years. It is important to note that these findings should be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of included studies. Future research should focus on employing high-quality study designs to determine the true effects of interventions and analyze various smartphone app interventions. These analyses should encompass different app characteristics (e.g., fitness app and health app), various combinations (e.g., fitness app alone and fitness app in combination with other interventions), diverse intervention goals (e.g., PA and PA along with other outcomes), and multiple intervention characteristics (e.g., frequency and duration).

Mushroom consumption and cardiometabolic health outcomes in the general population: a systematic review

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Mushroom consumption, rich in diverse nutrients and bioactive compounds, is suggested as a potential significant contributor to preventing cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs). This systematic review aimed to explore the association between mushrooms and cardiometabolic health outcomes, utilizing data from prospective cohort studies and clinical trials focusing on the general population, with mushrooms themselves as a major exposure.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

All original articles, published in English until July 2023, were identified through searches on PubMed, Ovid-Embase, and google scholar. Of 1,328 studies, we finally selected 5 prospective cohort studies and 4 clinical trials.

RESULTS

Existing research is limited, typically consisting of 1 to 2 studies for each CMD and cardiometabolic condition. Examination of articles revealed suggestive associations in some cardiometabolic conditions including blood glucose (both fasting and postprandial), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol related indices, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and obesity indices (body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference). However, mushroom consumption showed no association with the mortality and morbidity of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, although there was a potentially beneficial connection with all cause-mortality, hyperuricemia, and metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSION

Due to the scarcity of available studies, drawing definitive conclusions is premature. Further comprehensive investigations are needed to clarify the precise nature and extent of this relationship before making conclusive recommendations for the general population.

Cardiometabolic disease, cognitive decline, and brain structure in middle and older age

INTRODUCTION

The presence of multiple cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) has been linked to increased dementia risk, but the combined influence of CMDs on cognition and brain structure across the life course is unclear.

METHODS

In the UK Biobank, 46,562 dementia-free participants completed a cognitive test battery at baseline and a follow-up visit 9 years later, at which point 39,306 also underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging. CMDs (diabetes, heart disease, and stroke) were ascertained from medical records. Data were analyzed using age-stratified (middle age [< 60] versus older [≥ 60]) mixed-effects models and linear regression.

RESULTS

A higher number of CMDs was associated with significantly steeper global cognitive decline in older (β = -0.008; 95% confidence interval: -0.012, -0.005) but not middle age. Additionally, the presence of multiple CMDs was related to smaller total brain volume, gray matter volume, white matter volume, and hippocampal volume and larger white matter hyperintensity volume, even in middle age.

DISCUSSION

CMDs are associated with cognitive decline in older age and poorer brain structural health beginning already in middle age.

Highlights

We explored the association of CMDs with cognitive decline and brain MRI measures.CMDs accelerated cognitive decline in older (≥60y) but not middle (<60) age.CMDs were associated with poorer brain MRI parameters in both middle and older age.Results highlight the connection between CMDs and cognitive/brain aging.

Association of a low-inflammatory diet with survival among adults: The role of cardiometabolic diseases and lifestyle

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Evidence on the association between dietary inflammation and longevity is limited. We aimed to examine the association of a low-inflammatory diet with mortality and longevity, and to explore whether cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) and lifestyle factors may play a role in this association.

METHODS

Within the UK Biobank, 188,443 participants aged 39-72 years (mean 56.07) were followed for up to 16 years to detect survival status from the death registry. At baseline, dietary intake was assessed with a 24-h dietary record. An inflammatory diet index (IDI) was calculated as weighted sum of 31 food groups (including 14 anti-inflammatory and 17 pro-inflammatory) based on plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, and tertiled as low, moderate, and high IDI scores. Baseline lifestyle beyond diet was assessed by summing the number of healthy lifestyle factors (i.e., never smoking, regular physical activity, and normal BMI) and categorized as unfavorable (≤1) and favorable (≥2). Presence of CMDs was defined as having any one of type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and stroke. Data were analyzed using Cox regression, Laplace regression, and generalized structural equation modelling.

RESULTS

During the follow-up (median 9.79 years, interquartile range: 9.68-10.57 years), 9178 (4.9%) participants died. In multi-adjusted Cox regression models, a low-inflammatory diet (i.e. low IDI score) was associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.78 to 0.86]. Laplace regression analysis showed that the multi-adjusted 10th percentile difference (10th PD, 95% CI) of death time was delayed by 0.80 (0.55, 1.06; P < 0.001) years for participants with a low IDI score compared to those with a high IDI score. In mediation analysis, 21.48% of the association between IDI and mortality was mediated by CMDs. In joint effect analysis, participants with a low IDI score and favorable lifestyle had a 42% lower risk of death (HR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.54, 0.62) compared to those with a high IDI score and unfavorable lifestyle. There was a significant additive interaction between low IDI score and favorable lifestyle on decreased mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

A low-inflammatory diet is associated with a lower risk of death and could prolong survival time. CMDs may partially mediate the IDI-mortality association. A favorable lifestyle beyond diet may augment the positive effect of a low-inflammatory diet on longevity.

Roles of general and central adiposity in cardiometabolic multimorbidity: revisiting the obesity paradox using a multistate model

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the associations of general and central obesity with risk of first cardiometabolic disease (FCMD), cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM), and death.

METHODS

A total of 86,169 participants who were CMD-free were included from the Kailuan cohort and categorized into four groups by quartiles of BMI, waist to hip ratio (WHR), weight-adjusted waist index, and waist to height ratio. We defined FCMD as the first onset of diabetes, stroke, or myocardial infarction and CMM as co-occurrence of at least two CMDs. Multistate models were used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% CI.

RESULTS

A total of 18,461 participants developed FCMD, of whom 1476 progressed to CMM, and 10,009 died during follow-ups. Both general and central adiposity indices increased the risk of transition from baseline to FCMD and from FCMD to CMM. However, compared with the first quartile, the hazard ratio (95% CI) of the fourth quartile of BMI was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.80-0.91) for transition from health to death and 0.66 (95% CI: 0.59-0.74) from FCMD to death, whereas the corresponding estimates of WHR were 1.22 (95% CI: 1.14-1.31) and 1.16 (95% CI: 1.02-1.32), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Central adiposity indices such as WHR were associated with an increased risk of CMD and mortality, showing no evidence for the obesity paradox and thereby supporting a shift of public focus from BMI only to both general obesity and adiposity distribution.

Elevated blood remnant cholesterol and triglycerides are causally related to the risks of cardiometabolic multimorbidity

The connection between triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and cardiometabolic multimorbidity, characterized by the concurrence of at least two of type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and stroke, has not been definitively established. We aim to examine the prospective associations between serum remnant cholesterol, triglycerides, and the risks of progression from first cardiometabolic disease to multimorbidity via multistate modeling in the UK Biobank. We also evaluate the causality of these associations via Mendelian randomization using 13 biologically relevant SNPs as the genetic instruments. Here we show that elevated remnant cholesterol and triglycerides are significantly associated with gradually higher risks of cardiometabolic multimorbidity, particularly the progression of ischemic heart disease to the multimorbidity of ischemic heart disease and type 2 diabetes. These results advocate for effective management of remnant cholesterol and triglycerides as a potential strategy in mitigating the risks of cardiometabolic multimorbidity.

Causal association between snoring and stroke: a Mendelian randomization study in a Chinese population

Background

Previous observational studies established a positive relationship between snoring and stroke. We aimed to investigate the causal effect of snoring on stroke.

Methods

Based on 82,339 unrelated individuals with qualified genotyping data of Asian descent from the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB), we conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis of snoring and stroke. Genetic variants identified in the genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) of snoring in CKB and UK Biobank (UKB) were selected for constructing genetic risk scores (GRS). A two-stage method was applied to estimate the associations of the genetically predicted snoring with stroke and its subtypes. Besides, MR analysis among the non-obese group (body mass index, BMI <24.0 kg/m2), as well as multivariable MR (MVMR), were performed to control for potential pleiotropy from BMI. In addition, the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was applied to estimate the causal association with genetic variants identified in CKB GWAS.

Findings

Positive associations were found between snoring and total stroke, hemorrhagic stroke (HS), and ischemic stroke (IS). With GRS of CKB, the corresponding HRs (95% CIs) were 1.56 (1.15, 2.12), 1.50 (0.84, 2.69), 2.02 (1.36, 3.01), and the corresponding HRs (95% CIs) using GRS of UKB were 1.78 (1.30, 2.43), 1.94 (1.07, 3.52), and 1.74 (1.16, 2.61). The associations remained stable in the MR among the non-obese group, MVMR analysis, and MR analysis using the IVW method.

Interpretation

This study suggests that, among Chinese adults, genetically predicted snoring could increase the risk of total stroke, IS, and HS, and the causal effect was independent of BMI.

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China, Kadoorie Charitable Foundation Hong Kong, UK Wellcome Trust, National Key R&D Program of China, Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology.

Parental cardiometabolic multimorbidity and subsequent cardiovascular incidence in middle-aged adults: A prospective cohort study

Background

The prevalence of cardiometabolic multimorbidity, defined as the coexistence of two or three cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs), including coronary heart disease (CHD), diabetes, and stroke, has increased rapidly in recent years, but the additive association between parental cardiometabolic multimorbidity and cardiovascular incidence in middle-aged adults remains unclear.

Methods

All the data analysed in this study were derived from the UK Biobank, and a total of 71,923 participants aged 40-55 years old without CVD were included in the main analyses. A weighted score was developed and grouped participants into four parental CMDs patterns: non-CMD, low burden, middle burden, and high burden. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the associations between parental CMDs pattern and CVD incidence before 65 years old. Improvement in CVD risk prediction by adding parental CMDs pattern to a basic model was evaluated.

Results

Among the 71,923 participants, 3070 CVD events were observed during a median 12.04 years of follow-up. Compared to non-CMD groups, adults in high burden group had a 94% (73-117%) increased risk of CVD. The restricted cubic spline analysis revealed an exposure-response association between parental CMDs burden and risk of CVD (Pnonlinear = 0.24). Additionally, models involving parental CMDs pattern showed slightly improvements in CVD risk prediction, especially for CHD.

Conclusion

An increased burden of parental CMDs was associated with an increased risk of CVD incidence in middle-aged adults. Parental CMDs pattern may provide valuable information in primary prevention of CVD in middle-aged adults.