Prevalence of Hyperhomocysteinaemia and Associated Factors among Ethiopian Adult Population in a 2015 National Survey

High paternal homocysteine causes ventricular septal defects in mouse offspring

Maternal hyperhomocysteinemia is widely considered as an independent risk of congenital heart disease (CHD). However, whether high paternal homocysteine causes CHD remains unknown. Here, we showed that increased homocysteine levels of male mice caused decreased sperm count, sperm motility defect and ventricular septal defect of the offspring. Moreover, high levels of paternal homocysteine decrease sperm DNMT3A/3B, accompanied with changes in DNA methylation levels in the promoter regions of CHD-related genes. Folic acid supplement could decrease the occurrence of VSD in high homocysteine male mice. This study reveals that increased paternal homocysteine level increases VSD risk in the offspring, indicating that decreasing paternal homocysteine may be an intervening target of CHD.

The Global Diet Quality Score predicts diet quality of women of reproductive age in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Improving diet quality is recognised as a double-duty action that can simultaneously address multiple forms of malnutrition. This study aimed to assess diet quality among non-pregnant non-lactating women of reproductive age (WRA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A 1-d quantitative 24 h recall was conducted among 653 non-pregnant/non-lactating women. Diet quality, assessed using the women dietary diversity score (WDDS), the Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) and the Nova 4 classification reflecting consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF), was compared. The proportion that meets the minimum dietary diversity for women (MDD-W) was estimated. The average MDD-W score was 2·6 (sd 0·9), with only 3 % of women meeting the MDD-W (≥ 5 food groups). Consumption of wholegrain and legumes was high, but UPF were also consumed by 9 % of the women. GDQS was positively associated with WDDS, age and skipping breakfast and was negatively associated with eating out of home and UPF consumption (P < 0·05). The multivariate regression model showed that GDQS (total) was not associated with wealth but was significantly associated with both UPF and WDDS (P < 0·001). Unlike UPF and WDDS alone, GDQS was able to predict both nutrient adequacy and unhealthy dietary practices. The diet quality of WRA in Addis Ababa is low in diversity, possibly exposing them to higher risk of nutrient inadequacy and non-communicable diseases as reflected by the low GDQS. Understanding what drives food and dietary choices in urban settings is urgently needed.

A Cell-Free Biosensor for Assessment of Hyperhomocysteinemia

Hyperhomocysteinemia─a condition characterized by elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood─is associated with multiple health conditions including folate deficiency and birth defects, but there are no convenient, low-cost methods to measure homocysteine in plasma. A cell-free biosensor that harnesses the native homocysteine sensing machinery of Escherichia coli bacteria could satisfy the need for a detection platform with these characteristics. Here, we describe our efforts to engineer a cell-free biosensor for point-of-care, low-cost assessment of homocysteine status. This biosensor can detect physiologically relevant concentrations of homocysteine in plasma with a colorimetric output visible to the naked eye in under 1.5 h, making it a fast, convenient tool for point-of-use diagnosis and monitoring of hyperhomocysteinemia and related health conditions.

[Rate and characteristics of H-type hypertension in Chinese hypertensive population and comparison with American population]

OBJECTIVE

To study the rate and characteristics of H-type hypertension in Chinese hypertensive population, and to compare them with the relevant data from the United States.

METHODS

Observational studies on the prevalence of H-type hypertension in Chinese population published before April 30, 2022 were searched in several Chinese and English databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Databases, and Chinese Biome-dical Literature Database). Study selection, date extraction and quality evaluation were conducted. Random effect model was used to estimate the rate of H-type hypertension in hypertensive patients and the pooled prevalence of H-type hypertension. Stratified analysis was used to explore the distribution characteristics of H-type hypertension in China. We made meta-regression to search the source of heterogeneity. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) population from 1999 to 2006 in the United States was divided into four stages according to the time of data collection. Basic information of the participants was acquired from the database and the rate and prevalence of H-type hypertension analyzed.

RESULTS

This study was finally comprised of 33 studies, involving 78 470 patients with hypertension, among whom 59 842 patients were with H-type hypertension. The rate of H-type hypertension in hypertensive population in China was 73.1% (95%CI: 69.3%-76.9%, I2=99.4%, P < 0.001), and the prevalence of H-type hypertension in general population was 26.9% (95%CI: 21.1%-32.8%, I2=99.8%, P < 0.001). In the stratified analysis, the rate of H-type hypertension was higher among the elderly over 65 years, males, ethnic minorities, and residents in the inland, western, northern, and rural areas. During the decade from 2011 to 2020, the rate of H-type hypertension in China declined slowly (2011-2013: 79.2% vs. 2014-2016: 70.4% vs. 2017-2020: 66.6%, P < 0.001). Meta-regression showed that area was the source of heterogeneity. The rate of H-type hypertension in the United States increased over time, reaching a high value in 2003-2004 and then declining in 2005-2006. The rate of H-type hypertension in hypertensive patients and the prevalence of H-type hypertension in general population in the United States was lower than that in China.

CONCLUSION

Although the rate of H-type hypertension in Chinese hypertensive patients has a downtrend, it still far exceeds that in the United States, especially in the elderly, males, ethnic minorities, and residents in the inland, western, northern, and rural areas. Understanding the epidemiology of H-type hypertension provides scientific evidence for further prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

[Rate and characteristics of H-type hypertension in Chinese hypertensive population and comparison with American population]

OBJECTIVE

To study the rate and characteristics of H-type hypertension in Chinese hypertensive population, and to compare them with the relevant data from the United States.

METHODS

Observational studies on the prevalence of H-type hypertension in Chinese population published before April 30, 2022 were searched in several Chinese and English databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Databases, and Chinese Biome-dical Literature Database). Study selection, date extraction and quality evaluation were conducted. Random effect model was used to estimate the rate of H-type hypertension in hypertensive patients and the pooled prevalence of H-type hypertension. Stratified analysis was used to explore the distribution characteristics of H-type hypertension in China. We made meta-regression to search the source of heterogeneity. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) population from 1999 to 2006 in the United States was divided into four stages according to the time of data collection. Basic information of the participants was acquired from the database and the rate and prevalence of H-type hypertension analyzed.

RESULTS

This study was finally comprised of 33 studies, involving 78 470 patients with hypertension, among whom 59 842 patients were with H-type hypertension. The rate of H-type hypertension in hypertensive population in China was 73.1% (95%CI: 69.3%-76.9%, I²=99.4%, P < 0.001), and the prevalence of H-type hypertension in general population was 26.9% (95%CI: 21.1%-32.8%, I²=99.8%, P < 0.001). In the stratified analysis, the rate of H-type hypertension was higher among the elderly over 65 years, males, ethnic minorities, and residents in the inland, western, northern, and rural areas. During the decade from 2011 to 2020, the rate of H-type hypertension in China declined slowly (2011-2013: 79.2% vs. 2014-2016: 70.4% vs. 2017-2020: 66.6%, P < 0.001). Meta-regression showed that area was the source of heterogeneity. The rate of H-type hypertension in the United States increased over time, reaching a high value in 2003-2004 and then declining in 2005-2006. The rate of H-type hypertension in hypertensive patients and the prevalence of H-type hypertension in general population in the United States was lower than that in China.

CONCLUSION

Although the rate of H-type hypertension in Chinese hypertensive patients has a downtrend, it still far exceeds that in the United States, especially in the elderly, males, ethnic minorities, and residents in the inland, western, northern, and rural areas. Understanding the epidemiology of H-type hypertension provides scientific evidence for further prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Prevalence and risk factors for hyperhomocysteinemia: a population-based cross-sectional study from Hunan, China

OBJECTIVES

Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for hyperhomocysteinemia, especially modifiable lifestyle factors, such as smoking behaviour and dietary factors.

DESIGN

Population-based cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Hunan Province, China PARTICIPANTS: A total of 4012 participants completed the study, between July 2013 and March 2014. The median age is 55 (interquartile range: 45-63) years, with 1644 males (41%) and 2368 females (59%).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Homocysteine level were measured by the microplate enzyme immunoassay method. Hyperthomocysteinemia was defined as ≥15 µmol/L. Questionnaire was used to investigate potential risk factors of hyperhomocysteinemia. Crude odd ratio (OR) or adjusted OR with 95% CI were determined by using univariable or multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS

The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia is 35.4% (45.4% vs 28.5% for men, women, respectively). One-year increase in age is significantly associated with 2% higher risk of hyperhomocysteinemia (OR=1.02, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.03). One unit increase of BMI is associated with 5% higher risk of hyperhomocysteinemia (OR=1.05, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.07). Compared with the non-smoker, smoking participants have a 24% higher risk of hyperhomocysteinemia (OR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.006 to 1.53), while the risk for those quitting smoking are not significantly different (OR=1.14, 95% CI: 0.85 to 1.54). compared with those consuming fruit and vegetable at least once every day, those consuming less than once every day had a significantly higher risk of hyperhomocysteinemia (OR=1.29, 95% CI:1.11 to 1.50). In addition, we found there were significant sex interaction with education level or alcohol drinking on the risk of hyperhomocysteinemia (p_interaction <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher BMI and older age are potential risk factors for hyperhomocysteinemia. Current smoking but not quitting smoking is associated with higher risk of hyperhomocysteinemia. Fruit and vegetable consumption may have protective effect against hyperhomocysteinemia. Alcohol consumption or education level might interact to influence the risk of hyperhomocysteinemia.

Prevalence of Hyperhomocysteinemia in China: An Updated Meta-Analysis

Simple Summary

Hyperhomocysteinemia has been defined as an elevated serum concentration of homocysteine exceeding 15 μmol/L and has been proven to play an important role in the pathogenesis of cerebrovascular disease. The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in China has been outlined in a previous meta-analysis. Considering the key role of homocysteine in the process of vascular injury, more studies have been conducted to prevent hyperhomocysteinemia by nutritional supplements such as folic acid or other treatments. Additionally, studies have shown that the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia increases over time; therefore, it was necessary to provide an update from the previous meta-analysis on homocysteine status in China. This was needed to understand the prevalence, the trend in changes over time, and its determinants. The results highlight that the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia is increasing in China, especially among the elderly, men, and residents in the north, inland areas, and rural areas of China.

Abstract

We conducted a meta-analysis to systematically assess the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) in China, its change over time, and its determinants. Literature searches were conducted using English databases (PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science) and Chinese databases (CNKI, CBM, VIP, and Wanfang). The time ranges were from Jan 2014 to Mar 2021 in China. We adopted the random effects model to estimate the pooled positive rates of HHcy and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). To find the sources of heterogeneity, we performed subgroup analysis and meta-regression. A total of 29 related articles were identified involving 338,660 participants with 128,147 HHcy cases. The estimated prevalence of HHcy in China was 37.2% (95% CI: 32.6–41.8%, I² = 99.8%, p for heterogeneity < 0.001). The trend of HHcy prevalence was gradually upward over time, with increases during 2015–2016 (comparison to 2013–2014, p < 0.001), but steady between 2015–2016 and 2017–2018. Subgroup analysis showed that the prevalence was higher in the elderly over 55 years old, males, and residents in the north, inland, and rural China (for each comparison, p < 0.001). Meta-regression analysis revealed that age and area of study contributed to 42.3% of the heterogeneity between studies. The current meta-analysis provides strong evidence that the prevalence of HHcy is increasing in China, and varies substantially across different ages, genders, and geographic distribution. Accordingly, high-risk population groups should be focused on, and public health policies and strategies should be carried out to prevent and control HHcy in China.

Gender differences in risk factors for high plasma homocysteine levels based on a retrospective checkup cohort using a generalized estimating equation analysis

Background

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is associated with various health problems, but less is known about the gender differences in risk factors for high plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels.

Methods

In this study, a retrospective study was carried out on 14,911 participants (7838 males and 7073 females) aged 16–102 years who underwent routine checkups between January 2012 and December 2017 in the Health Management Department of Xuanwu Hospital, China. Anthropometric measurements, including body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio, were collected. Fasting blood samples were collected to measure the biochemical indexes. The outcome variable was Hcy level, and a generalized estimating equation (GEE) analysis was used to identify the associations of interest based on gender.

Results

Males exhibited increased Hcy levels (16.37 ± 9.66 vs 11.22 ± 4.76 μmol/L) and prevalence of HHcy (37.0% vs 11.3%) compared with females. Hcy levels and HHcy prevalence increased with age in both genders, except for the 16- to 29-year-old group. GEE analysis indicated that irrespective of gender, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, uric acid, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were positively correlated with Hcy levels, and alanine aminotransferase, total cholesterol and glucose were negatively correlated with Hcy levels. However, age, BMI and triglycerides (TGs) were positively correlated with Hcy levels exclusively in females.

Conclusions

Gender differences in risk factors for high plasma Hcy levels were noted. Although common correlational factors existed in both genders, age, BMI and TGs were independent risk factors for Hcy levels specifically in females.

Association between methionine cycle metabolite-related diets and mild cognitive impairment in older Chinese adults: a population-based observational study

BACKGROUND

Homocysteine (Hcy) and folate, involved in a common metabolic pathway supplying essential methyl groups for DNA and protein synthesis, have been found to be associated with cognitive function. Moreover, diet may influence methionine cycle metabolites (MCM) as well as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), but MCM-related dietary patterns are unclear in an older population.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to identify MCM-related dietary patterns of older Chinese adults, and examine their association with the prevalence of MCI in a large population-based study.

METHODS

This study included 4457 participants ≥ 60 years of age from the Tianjin Elderly Nutrition and Cognition Cohort study. Dietary data were collected using a valid self-administered food frequency questionnaire, and factor analysis was used to identify major dietary patterns in the population. MCM-based dietary patterns were derived using reduced rank regression (RRR) based on serum folate and Hcy as response variables.

RESULTS

Compared with the participants in the lowest quartile of vegetarian pattern and processed foods pattern, the odds ratios (ORs) of MCI in the highest quartile were 0.72 (95% CI 0.53-0.98) and 1.39 (95% CI 1.03-1.88), respectively. In the MCM-based dietary patterns derived using RRR, the ORs for MCI for the highest quartile of MCM patterns I and II were 0.58 (95% CI 0.44-0.78) and 1.38 (95% CI 1.04-1.83), respectively, compared with participants in the lower quartile.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this large population-based study suggested that adopting an MCM-related dietary pattern, especially avoiding processed foods, can decrease the occurrence of MCI.