Gender differences in first and secondhand smoke exposure, spirometric lung function and cardiometabolic health in the old order Amish: A novel population without female smoking

A Cross-Sectional Observational Study to Assess the Efficacy of Triglyceride to High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio as a Marker of Insulin Resistance in Subjects of Central Rural India

INTRODUCTION

The rising prevalence of insulin resistance (IR), obesity, and its complications in India is due to lifestyle changes, eating patterns, stress, and genetic factors. Markers for IR are often expensive, invasive, or impractical for use in economically disadvantaged or remote areas. To address this, we evaluated the efficacy of the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein (TG/HDL) ratio as a simple, reliable, accessible, and affordable surrogate marker of IR in comparison to the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).

METHODS

This cross-sectional observational study was performed at a tertiary care center in central India and included 815 subjects aged 18 to 60 years after excluding those with systemic diseases, drugs affecting weight, or pregnant or lactating women. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was done to represent the study findings.

RESULTS

Males and obese subjects were more insulin resistant than females and non-obese subjects, respectively. The TG/HDL had a sensitivity of 91.81%, a specificity of 92.88%, a positive predictive value of 94.46%, and a negative predictive value of 89.56%, with a diagnostic accuracy of 92.27% when compared to HOMA-IR.

CONCLUSION

We concluded that TG/HDL serves as a simple, affordable, and accurate marker of IR in a diverse population of central India. There is a definite scope to use the same for large-scale screening, epidemiological research, and routine clinical practice.

The Effect of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

Cardiometabolic disease (CMD) is increasing along with its predisposing factors and adverse consequences. As gut microbiota dysbiosis is established in these patients, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), which alters the bacterial composition of the intestine, supposedly can help improve cardiometabolic disturbances. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the impact of FMT on the cardiometabolic parameters and gut microbiota composition of patients experiencing at least one cardiometabolic issue.

METHODS

Eligible studies were searched through the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases until December 2022. The initial search results underwent duplication removal and screening until each included study was scanned for intended data. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to evaluate the methodologic accuracy of studies and the random effects model was used for conducting the meta-analysis.

FINDINGS

Eighteen of the original 2414 articles from the literature search were entered into the systematic review; of these, 11 were included in the meta-analysis. Insulin showed a significant decrease by 24.7 pmol/L (weighted mean difference [WMD], -24.77; 95% CI, -48.704 to -0.848) after short-term follow-up, and HDL increased by 0.1 mmol/l(WMD, 0.106; 95% CI, 0.027 to 0.184) and 0.12 mmol/l(WMD, 0.120; 95% CI, 0.003 to 0.237) in those using a capsule deliver mode and in short-term follow-up, respectively. No significant changes were seen in other lipid profiles, blood glucose, insulin resistance, or anthropometric indices. In addition, multiple studies reported gut microbiota alterations after the intervention, including an increase in butyrate-producing species.

IMPLICATIONS

Although some articles reported the beneficial effects of FMT on metabolic parameters, we failed to find a clinically significant alteration. Also, information regarding proper donors and the best method to induce FMT have not yet been sufficiently investigated, which should be considered along with means to prevent potential damages. PROSPERO identifier: CRD42022380705.

Patterns of use, perceptions, and cardiopulmonary health risks of cigar products: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the use patterns, health perceptions, and cardiopulmonary health effects of cigars.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for peer-reviewed articles published between June 2014 and February 2021. Search keywords included cigars, cigarillos, little cigars, and cardiopulmonary health outcomes.

STUDY SELECTION

Of 782 papers identified, we excluded non-English articles, review articles, commentaries, and those without empirical data on cigars. Three coders independently reviewed all articles and compared codes to resolve discrepancies. 93 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Cigars have evolved from premium cigars to encompass little cigars and cigarillos (LCCs). LCCs are available in an array of flavors and at a price advantage, and as a result, are used by different groups compared to premium cigars. LCCs are more frequently used by youth, young adults, and those who identify as Black/African American. LCCs are often used in combination with other tobacco products, alcohol, and cannabis. Despite limited regulation, cigars generate smoke of a similar composition as cigarettes. Among the studies identified, evidence suggests that cigar use is associated with cardiovascular and pulmonary toxicity. Higher all-cause and cancer-related mortalities are associated with cigar use, particularly with more frequent and deeper inhalation, compared to non-tobacco users.

CONCLUSIONS

LCCs are used more frequently by at-risk groups compared to premium cigars. Recent studies evaluating cigar cardiopulmonary health effects are limited but suggest cigars have similar health risks as conferred by cigarette smoking. With the use of LCCs and targeted marketing on the rise among high-risk groups, there is a critical need for continued research in this area.

Physical health conditions of the Amish and intervening social mechanisms: an exhaustive narrative review

As an ethnic religion, the Amish are of interest to population health researchers due to a distinctive health profile arising from ethnic attributes, including a closed genetic pool and shared culture that shapes lifestyle practices. Amish-focused health research both furthers our knowledge of health conditions by comparing Amish with non-Amish and assists health practitioners in serving this rapidly growing population. Amish health research, now representing approximately a quarter of all Amish-focused publications, is in need of review, to the end of strengthening this knowledge body's coherence, clarifying research directions, and identifying knowledge gaps, lapses, and stagnations. Herein, we synthesize and discuss Amish physical health conditions research, both the population's distinctive health profile and mechanisms shaping this profile. Specifically, we summarize research addressing BMI, physical activity, and body image; diet and supplements; cancer; cardiovascular conditions; communicable diseases; immunity; sleep; genetic disorders; tobacco and alcohol use; periodontal conditions; traumatic injuries; natural treatments for burns; fertility; and sexually transmitted diseases. In reflection, we raise questions about the nature of intervening mechanisms shaping the Amish health profile, the strange omission of several common independent variables commonly used when studying other ethnic groups' health, several recurring methodological complications, and public health policy considerations.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in never-smokers: risk factors, pathogenesis, and implications for prevention and treatment

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was traditionally thought to be caused by tobacco smoking. However, recognition of the importance of non-smoking-related risk factors for COPD has increased over the past decade, with evidence on the burden, risk factors, and clinical presentations of COPD in never-smokers. About half of all COPD cases worldwide are due to non-tobacco-related risk factors, which vary by geographical region. These factors include air pollution, occupational exposures, poorly controlled asthma, environmental tobacco smoke, infectious diseases, and low socioeconomic status. Impaired lung growth during childhood, caused by a range of early-life exposures, is associated with an increased risk of COPD. Potential mechanisms for the pathogenesis of COPD in never-smokers include inflammation, oxidative stress, airway remodelling, and accelerated lung ageing. Compared with smokers who develop COPD, never-smokers with COPD have relatively mild chronic respiratory symptoms, little or no emphysema, milder airflow limitation, and fewer comorbidities; however, exacerbations can still be frequent. Further research-including epidemiological, translational, clinical, and implementation studies-is needed to address gaps in understanding and to advance potential solutions to reduce the burden of COPD in never-smokers.

Living with a Smoker and Physical Inactivity across Eight Years in High-Risk Medical Patients

Recent research has demonstrated a link between living with a smoker and physical inactivity. However, no research has examined this issue in the context of recovery in medical patients. The present study broadens research on living with a smoker by applying it to physical inactivity in a group of high-risk medical patients with histories of cancer or cardiovascular disease compared to a control group without histories of these conditions. In addition, this study extends the time frame of research on living with a smoker in predicting physical inactivity to eight years. Participants were 76,758 women between 49 and 81 years of age from the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study. Data on living with a smoker were collected at baseline; data on physical activity were collected at baseline and annually from 3 to 8 years. Analyses utilized latent growth modeling. Patient status, compared to control status, was associated with more physical inactivity at baseline. Independent of patient status, living with a smoker predicted a significant increase in the odds of no moderate or strenuous exercise and a significant increase in the odds of no walking at baseline. The effect of living with a smoker on physical inactivity was stronger than that of patient status. Moreover, the living with a smoker effect on physical inactivity remained stable across eight years. These findings highlight an overlooked impediment to compliance with recommendations for lifestyle change among high-risk medical patients.

Aortic Valve Calcification Score in Patients with Arterial Hypertension Environmentally Exposed to Tobacco Smoke

The objective of our study was to determine the relationship between exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and the value of the aortic valve calcification score (AVCS) in people suffering from arterial hypertension (AH). 107 non-smokers with AH (mean age 67.16 ± 8.48 years) were qualified for the study. The degree of exposure to ETS was assessed using the Second-hand Smoke Exposure Scale (SHSES) questionnaire. Study group was divided depending on ETS exposure: A—no exposure, B—low, C—medium and D—high. AVCS was measured based on the aortic valve plane multiplanar reconstruction from the non-contrast phase of the cardiac computed tomography. The Agatston algorithm was used, in which calcifications were considered changes with a density exceeding 130 HU. The mean AVCS value in the study group of patients was 213.59 ± 304.86. The AVCS was significantly lower in subgroup A than in subgroups C and D. In subgroup A, the lack of aortic valve calcification (AVCS = 0) was observed significantly more frequently than in subgroups C and D. There was a positive correlation between the number of SHSES points and the AVCS value (r = 0.37, p < 0.05). Based on the ROC curve, the SHSES value was determined as the optimal cut-off point for the prediction of AVCS = 0, amounting to 3 points. The accuracy of SHSES < 3 as the predictor of AVCS = 0 was set at 62.18%. Hypertensive patients have an unfavourable relationship between the amount of exposure to ETS, determined on the SHSES scale, and the AVCS value.

Research Trends in Amish Population Health, a Growing Literature about a Growing Rural Population

The Amish are an endogamous rural population experiencing rapid growth; consequently, they have attracted the attention of population health researchers and service providers. With approximately one quarter of all Amish studies publications now devoted to population health (n=246), the time is ripe to review research trends. Using bibliometric measures, we map the genealogy, influence, and configuration of Amish health publications. Amish population health research has (1) a health culture-focused core with clusters representing social science and health practice, (2) peripheral clusters addressing health conditions-mental, physical, and injury/safety-and (3) several clusters straddling both. We identify fruitful interdisciplinary studies and recommend researchers investigating health culture and conditions seek ways to integrate their research agendas. This article represents a pivot-point for Amish population health research, for it provides a first-ever bibliometric mapping, allowing researchers to more easily locate their work within the literature and identify opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations.

Effects of Chronic Secondhand Smoke (SHS) Exposure on Cognitive Performance and Metabolic Pathways in the Hippocampus of Wild-Type and Human Tau Mice

BACKGROUND

Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) is a risk factor for developing sporadic forms of sporadic dementia. A human tau (htau) mouse model is available that exhibits age-dependent tau dysregulation, neurofibrillary tangles, neuronal loss, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress starting at an early age (3-4 months) and in which tau dysregulation and neuronal loss correlate with synaptic dysfunction and cognitive decline.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to assess the effects of chronic SHS exposure (10 months' exposure to ∼30 mg/m3) on behavioral and cognitive function, metabolism, and neuropathology in mice.

METHODS

Wild-type (WT) and htau female and male mice were exposed to SHS (90% side stream, 10% main stream) using the SCIREQ® inExpose™ system or air control for 168 min per day, for 312 d, 7 d per week. The exposures continued during the days of behavioral and cognitive testing. In addition to behavioral and cognitive performance and neuropathology, the lungs of mice were examined for pathology and alterations in gene expression.

RESULTS

Mice exposed to chronic SHS exposure showed the following genotype-dependent responses: a) lower body weights in WT, but not htau, mice; b) less spontaneous alternation in WT, but not htau, mice in the Y maze; c) faster swim speeds of WT, but not htau, mice in the water maze; d) lower activity levels of WT and htau mice in the open field; e) lower expression of brain PHF1, TTCM1, IGF1β, and HSP90 protein levels in WT male, but not female, mice; and f) more profound effects on hippocampal metabolic pathways in WT male than female mice and more profound effects in WT than htau mice.

DISCUSSION

The brain of WT mice, in particular WT male mice, might be especially susceptible to the effects of chronic SHS exposure. In WT males, independent pathways involving ascorbate, flavin adenine dinucleotide, or palmitoleic acid might contribute to the hippocampal injury following chronic SHS exposure. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP8428.

Evaluation of epicardial fat thickness and the ankle-brachial index in patients with rosacea: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

Recent data suggest that rosacea is related to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) due to its inflammatory nature and immune dysregulation.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the values of epicardial fat thickness (EFT) and the ankle-brachial index (ABI) in patients with rosacea, as indicators of subclinical atherosclerosis and CVD risk.

METHODS

This prospective case-control study was carried out on 62 participants, including 31 rosacea patients and 31 controls. The values of EFT and ABI were measured in all subjects.

RESULTS

The mean thickness of EFT was statistically higher in rosacea patients (0.54 ± 0.12 mm) than in the controls (0.39 ± 0.05 mm) (P < 0.01). ABI was not significantly different between the subjects with rosacea and the comparison group (1.02 ± 0.1 vs 0.98 ± 0.07; P = 0.131). A total of 29% of the rosacea patients had mitral valve insufficiency (MVI), while 3.2% of the control group had MVI (P = 0.006). A mild degree of tricuspid valve insufficiency (TVI) was present in 45.2% of the rosacea patients, while 19.4% of the controls had TVI (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Rosacea may be associated with subclinical cardiac dysfunction. EFT measurements in rosacea patients can provide early detection of possible subclinical cardiovascular diseases, which can be life-extending in rosacea. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm the present findings.

Living with a Smoker and Multiple Health-Risk Behaviors

BACKGROUND

Behavioral medicine is showing growing theoretical and applied interest in multiple health-risk behaviors. Compared to engaging in a single health-risk behavior, multiple health-risk behaviors are linked to increased morbidity and mortality. A contextual determinant of multiple risk behaviors may be living with a smoker.

PURPOSE

This study investigated the role of living with a smoker in predicting multiple health-risk behaviors compared to a single health-risk behavior, as well as whether these multiple risk behaviors occur across both physical activity and dietary domains. Moreover, the study tested these effects across 3 years in longitudinal and prospective (controlling for health-risk behaviors at baseline) analyses.

METHODS

Participants were 82,644 women (age M = 63.5, standard deviation = 7.36, age range = 49-81) from the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study. Analyses used multinomial and binary logistic regression.

RESULTS

Living with a smoker was more strongly associated with multiple health-risk behaviors than with a single health-risk behavior. These multiple risk behaviors occurred across both physical activity and dietary domains. The effects persisted across 3 years in longitudinal and prospective analyses. Living with a smoker, compared to not living with a smoker, increased the odds of multiple health-risk behaviors 82% cross-sectionally and, across 3 years, 94% longitudinally and 57% prospectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings integrate research on multiple health-risk behaviors and on living with a smoker and underscore an unrecognized public health risk of tobacco smoking. These results are relevant to household-level interventions integrating smoking-prevention and obesity-prevention efforts.

Living with a smoker, health risk behaviors, and adiposity: an analysis with middle-aged and older women

This study investigated: (a) the association between living with a smoker and weight-related health risk behaviors, and (b) the role of these behaviors in indirectly linking living with a smoker to general and central adiposity. Participants were 83,492 women (age M = 63.5, SD = 7.36) from the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study. In logistic regression analyses at baseline, living with a smoker was associated with increased odds of no exercise (29%), no walking (33%), high dietary fat (62%), and low fruit and vegetable consumption (43%). Using structural equation modeling, bootstrap confidence intervals confirmed a significant indirect effect from living with a smoker to adiposity through health risk behaviors at baseline and prospectively across 3 and 8 years. Health risk behaviors fully explained the living with a smoker-adiposity relationship. These findings integrate clustering and contagion theoretical perspectives on health behaviors and contribute to understanding a novel pathway to adiposity.

Living With a Smoker and General and Central Adiposity in Middle-Aged and Older Women

PURPOSE

We hypothesized that living with a smoker would be positively associated with general and central adiposity among middle-aged and older women.

DESIGN

Prospective across up to 8 years.

SETTING

Women's Health Initiative Observational Study.

SAMPLE

A total of 83 492 women (age 50-79 at baseline).

MEASURES

The predictor was living with a smoker at baseline. Outcomes were clinic-assessed obesity and high waist circumference, examined cross-sectionally at baseline and prospectively at year 3 and (for self-reported obesity) year 8.

ANALYSIS

All analyses used logistic regression and controlled for sociodemographic factors and participants' current smoking; prospective analyses also adjusted for baseline obesity or high waist circumference.

RESULTS

Living with a smoker was associated (1) cross-sectionally with obesity (n = 82 692, odds ratio [OR] = 1.38, P < .001) and a high waist circumference (n = 83 241, OR = 1.41, P < .001) and (2) prospectively with obesity (n = 68 753, OR = 1.22, P < .001) and a high waist circumference (n = 68 947, OR = 1.22, P < .001) 3 years later and obesity (n = 38 212, OR = 1.21, P < .001) 8 years later.

CONCLUSION

These results document an essentially unrecognized health risk associated with living with a smoker. For practitioners, these findings underscore the need for innovative household-level interventions for families living with a smoker integrating established smoking and obesity prevention efforts.

Mechanisms of vascular comorbidity in autoimmune diseases

Purpose of review

Persuasive statistics support the clinical observation that because of cardiovascular comorbidities patients with inflammatory joint disease die significantly earlier despite anti-inflammatory therapy.

Recent findings

The reason for this earlier death is multifactorial and involves a combination of a complex genetic background, environmental influences, classical cardiovascular risk factors and the impact of anti-inflammatory therapy. We will describe the importance of several new mechanisms, especially the diverse intercellular communication routes including extracellular vesicles and microRNAs that support the development of cardiovascular comorbidities.

Summary

The aim of this review is to give an updated overview about the known risk factors in the development of cardiovascular comorbidities with the latest insights about their mechanism of action. Furthermore, the impact of newly identified risk factors and significance will be discussed.

Polyherbal dietary supplementation for prediabetic adults: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Prediabetes describes a state of hyperglycemia outside of normal limits that does not meet the criteria for diabetes diagnosis, is generally symptomless, and affects an estimated 38% of adults in the United States. Prediabetes typically precedes the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, which accounts for increased morbidity and mortality. Although the use of dietary and herbal supplements is popular worldwide, and a variety of single herbal medicines have been examined for glycemic management, the potential of increasingly common polyherbal formulations to return glycemic parameters to normal ranges among adults with prediabetes remains largely unexplored. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a commercially available, polyherbal dietary supplement on glycemic and lipid parameters in prediabetic individuals.

Methods

In this multi-site, double-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial, 40 participants with prediabetes will be randomized to either a daily oral polyherbal dietary supplement (GlucoSupreme™ Herbal; Designs for Health®, Suffield, CT, USA; containing cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum cassia), banaba leaf (Lagerstroemia speciosa standardized to 1% corosolic acid), kudzu root (Pueraria lobata standardized to 40% isoflavones), fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum-graceum standardized to 60% saponins), gymnema leaf (Gymnema sylvestre standardized to 25% gymnemic acid), American ginseng root (Panax quinquefolius standardized to 5% ginsenosides), and berberine HCl derived from bark (Berberis aristata)) or placebo for 12 weeks. Short-, medium-, and comparatively long-term markers of glycemic control (blood glucose and fasting insulin, fructosamine, and glycated hemoglobin/A1c, respectively), and other glycemic parameters (GlycoMark, β-cell function, and insulin sensitivity/resistance) will be obtained. Lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides), inflammation (hs-CRP), progression to type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as safety indices (ALT, AST) will be obtained. An intention-to-treat analysis will be used to assess changes in study outcomes.

Discussion

Treatment options for adults with prediabetes are currently limited. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a commercially available dietary supplement in the popular, but as yet insufficiently studied, category of polyherbal formulas for the management of glycemic parameters and other biomarkers associated with prediabetes.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03388762. Retrospectively registered on 4 January 2018.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-018-3032-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke and respiratory symptoms in non-smoking adults: cross-sectional data from the general population of Telemark, Norway

Background

In Norway, data on the association between second-hand tobacco smoke (SHS) exposure at home and respiratory symptoms in adults are limited.

Methods

We assessed the association between self-reported exposure to SHS and the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among never-smokers aged 16 to 50 years from the general population who were included in a cross-sectional population-based study in Telemark County, Norway. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratios of symptoms among 8850 never-smokers who provided an affirmative response to questions regarding SHS; 504 (5.7%) of these reported that they lived in a home with daily or occasional indoor smoking.

Results

Productive cough and nocturnal dyspnoea were statistically associated with daily SHS exposure (ORs 1.5 [95% CI 1.04–2.0] and 1.8 [1.2–2.7], respectively). In analyses stratified by gender, nocturnal dyspnoea was associated with SHS among women (OR 1.8 [1.1–3.1]), but not among men (OR 0.93 [0.49–1.8]). Symptoms were not associated with occasional SHS exposure in the entire group, but infrequent exposure among men only was associated with increased prevalence of chronic cough; (OR 1.6; [1.04–2.6]) and was negatively associated with wheeze; (OR 0.44 [0.21–0.92)].

Conclusions

Daily SHS exposure in private homes was associated with productive cough and nocturnal dyspnoea. Our results suggest that preventive measures may be needed to reduce the respiratory effects of SHS at home.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02073708 Registered February 27. 2014.

Association of smoking with prevalence of common diseases and metabolic abnormalities in community-dwelling Japanese individuals

Smoking is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Given that certain common pathologies, including hypertension, dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus, are major risk factors for CVDs, the association of smoking with CVDs may be attributable, at least in part, to its effects on common diseases. The aim of the present study was to determine the association of smoking with the prevalence of common diseases and metabolic abnormalities in community-dwelling Japanese individuals. The study included 5,959 subjects (1,302 current smokers, 1,418 past smokers and 3,239 nonsmokers) recruited to the Inabe Health and Longevity Study, a longitudinal genetic epidemiological study of atherosclerotic, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Various metabolic parameters and prevalence of common diseases were compared between smokers and nonsmokers using multivariable regression or logistic regression analysis with adjustments for age. Analysis indicated significantly higher serum concentrations of triglycerides and lower concentrations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol in current smokers compared with nonsmokers in men and women. Serum concentrations of creatinine and systolic blood pressure were significantly lower and estimated glomerular filtration rate was higher in male current smokers. In addition, body weight was higher in female current smokers. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, smoking was significantly associated with the prevalence of dyslipidemia [P=6.3×10^-10; odds ratio (OR), 1.81], hypertriglyceridemia (P=2.3×10^-20; OR, 2.39), hypo-HDL-cholesterolemia (P=2.0×10^-9; OR, 2.14), metabolic syndrome (P=0.0003; OR, 1.61) and chronic kidney disease (P=4.4×10^-15; OR, 0.54) in men, but not in women. The results indicated that smoking is significantly associated with various metabolic abnormalities and prevalence of common diseases in Japanese individuals, with certain sex differences, which may lead to accelerated development of CVDs.