Association of current and former smoking with body mass index: A study of smoking discordant twin pairs from 21 twin cohorts

Association of overweight and obesity with coronary risk factors and the presence of multivessel disease in patients with obstructive coronary artery disease - A nationwide registry study

Background

The growing prevalence of obesity is expected to increase the burden of coronary artery disease. This study examined the prevalence of overweight and obesity in patients with a first-time diagnosis of obstructive coronary artery disease in a contemporary population. The association of body-mass-index (BMI) with age, traditional risk factors, and the presence of multivessel disease were explored.

Methods and results

Using the Danish Nationwide registries, we identified 49,733 patients with a first-time diagnosis of obstructive coronary artery disease in the period 2012-2018. We investigated the association between BMI and coronary risk factors by multivariate logistic regression. Mean age was 65.8 ± 11.8 years, mean BMI was 27.5 kg/m2 ± 7.2, and 73.2 % were men. 66.3 % had a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and 1.3 % were underweight. The prevalence of patients with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 decreased with increasing age and was 69 % in patients <50 year vs. 46.2 % in patients ≥80 years (p < 0.001). In all age groups, higher odds of BMI ≥25 kg/m2 were observed in males, former smokers, and patients with hypertension. In multivariate logistic regression, BMI ≥25 kg/m2 was not associated with presence of multivessel disease (p = 0.74).

Conclusion

In this large, nationwide study, 66.3 % of patients with first time diagnosis of obstructive coronary disease had BMI ≥25 kg/m2. Young patients had higher BMI and were more likely to be current smokers. Overweight or obesity was independently associated with the presence of diabetes and hypertension. BMI ≥25 kg/m2 was not independently associated with the presence of multivessel disease.

Body Mass Index, Height and Head and Neck Cancer Risk: the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study

BACKGROUND

Although both a lower and a higher body mass index (BMI) are reportedly associated with head and neck cancer (HNC), reports from Asia are scarce. Moreover, evidence regarding the association between height and HNC is limited.

METHODS

We investigated associations between BMI, height, and the incidence of HNC among 102,668 participants (49,029 men and 53,639 women) aged 40-69 years in the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study. We followed participants from 1990 to 2013. We conducted a Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, which included adjustment for potential confounders such as smoking status. Baseline weight and height information were self-reported.

RESULTS

Over an average follow-up of 18.7 years, 311 HNC cases were newly diagnosed. Lower BMI was significantly associated with HNC, with hazard ratios [HR] of 2.75 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.63-4.64) for <18.5 kg/m2 and 1.63 (95% CI=1.15-2.30) for 18.5-20.9 kg/m2 compared to 23-24.9 kg/m2. Increased risk was suggested for higher BMI, with an HR of 1.30 (95%CI=0.84-2.00) for ≥27.5 kg/m2. This trend was also observed in quadratic models. Results were similar among never smokers. Meanwhile, only lower BMI showed a strong association with HNC risk among former and current smokers (HR: 3.09, 95%CI: 1.54-6.20 for <18.5 kg/m2 compared to 23 to 24.9 kg/m2). Height showed no association with HNC.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower BMI was significantly associated with HNC risk, while increased HNC risk was suggested in higher BMI among never smokers. Among former and current smokers, only lower BMI was associated with HNC risk.

Self-reported smoking, urine cotinine, and risk of type 2 diabetes: Findings from the PREVEND prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Smoking is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D), but the evidence has mostly relied on self-reports. We aimed to compare the associations of smoking exposure as assessed by self-reports and urine cotinine with T2D.

METHODS

Using the PREVEND prospective study, smoking status was assessed at baseline by self-reports and urine cotinine in 4708 participants (mean age, 53 years) without a history of diabetes. Participants were classified as never, former, light current and heavy current smokers according to self-reports and analogous cut-offs for urine cotinine. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs were estimated for T2D.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 7.3 years, 259 participants developed T2D. Compared with self-reported never smokers, the multivariable adjusted HRs (95% CI) of T2D for former, light current, and heavy current smokers were 1.02 (0.75-1.4), 1.41 (0.89-2.22), and 1.30 (0.88-1.93), respectively. The corresponding adjusted HRs (95% CI) were 0.84 (0.43-1.67), 1.61 (1.12-2.31), and 1.58 (1.08-2.32), respectively, as assessed by urine cotinine. Urine cotinine-assessed but not self-reported smoking status improved T2D risk prediction beyond established risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Urine cotinine assessed smoking status may be a stronger risk indicator and predictor of T2D compared to self-reported smoking status.

Tobacco smoking is associated with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma but not with basal cell carcinoma or melanoma in adult subjects at risk of skin cancer: A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

The relationship between tobacco smoking and cutaneous photodamage or malignancies is still unclear. In addition to smoking, both ultraviolet radiation and immunosuppression have an impact on carcinogenesis. The purpose was to study the association of smoking with cutaneous photoaging, actinic keratosis (AK), skin cancers, and pigment cell nevi in adult subjects at risk of any type of skin cancer.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study at Kuopio University Hospital, Finland, between May 2017 and October 2020, 488 subjects (aged 21-79 years, 246 males and 242 females, 94 with immunosuppression) were examined for a variety of skin lesions, photoaging severity, nevi, tobacco pack-years (TPY), as well as for possible confounding factors.

RESULTS

In logistic regression analyses, no marked association was found between TPY and total skin photoaging, facial photoaging, AK, or nevi, especially when other confounding factors, such as age, were considered. In addition, TPY was not associated with melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, or any type of skin cancer. However, ever smokers produced an elevated crude odds ratio (OR=1.99; 95% CI: 1.02-3.88, p=0.043) for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) compared to non-smokers. In further analysis, TPY of ≤10 produced an elevated multivariable adjusted odds ratio (AOR=4.90; 95% CI: 1.31-18.26, p=0.018) for SCC, but TPY >10 did not (AOR=1.14; 95% CI: 0.22-6.05, p=0.876).

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking was associated, though not dose-dependently, with an increased likelihood of SCC, but it was not associated with basal cell carcinoma or melanoma. However, the impact of smoking on cutaneous photoaging severity, AK, and nevi, appears to be weak.

Risk of Death and Cardiovascular Events in Asian Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Report From the Prospective APHRS Registry

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with an increased risk of adverse events in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF); however, few data are available on this topic in Asian populations.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Prospective observational study conducted on patients with AF enrolled in the Asia-Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) AF Registry. The diagnosis of COPD was based on data reported in the case report form by the investigators. Cox-regression models were used to assess the 1-year risk of a primary composite outcome of all-cause death, thromboembolic events, acute coronary syndrome, and heart failure. Analysis on single outcomes and cardiovascular death was also performed. Interaction analysis was used to assess the risk of composite outcome and all-cause death in different subgroups. The study included 4094 patients with AF (mean±SD age 68.5±12 years, 34.6% female), of whom 112 (2.7%) had COPD. Patients with COPD showed a higher incidence of the primary composite outcome (25.1% versus 6.3%, P<0.001), all-cause death (14.9% versus 2.6%, P<0.001), cardiovascular death (2.0% versus 0.6%, P<0.001), and heart failure (8.3% versus 6.0%, P<0.001). On multiple Cox-regression analysis, COPD was associated with a higher risk of the primary composite outcome (hazard ratio [HR], 3.17 [95% CI, 2.05-4.90]), all-cause death (HR, 3.59 [95% CI, 2.04-6.30]), and heart failure (HR, 3.32 [95% CI, 1.56-7.03]); no statistically significant differences were found for other outcomes. The association between COPD and mortality was significantly modified by the use of beta blockers (Pint=0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

In Asian patients with AF, COPD is associated with worse prognosis. In patients with AF and COPD, the use of beta blockers was associated with a lower mortality.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT04807049.

Associations between body mass index and smoking behaviour: A cross-sectional study of the German adult population

BACKGROUND

Both smoking and high body weight are risk factors for disease, hence, the association between smoking and body weight is an important health issue. Furthermore, concern about weight gain after quitting smoking is for many smokers a barrier to smoking cessation. The present study aims to explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and current tobacco smoking status in the population of Germany, and smoking and quitting behaviour amongst smokers (and recent ex-smokers =<12 months since quitting).

METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis of two waves of data collected from March through June 2021 through a representative face-to-face household survey in Germany (N = 3 997 respondents aged ≥18). The associations between smoking and quitting behaviours and BMI were analysed through four regression models adjusted for socio-demographic, socio-economic, and smoking characteristics of respondents.

RESULTS

Long-term ex-smokers (>= 12 months since quitting smoking) were more likely to have a higher BMI compared to never smokers (β = 0.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.10-1.19). There was no statistically significant association between current smoking status or recent ex-smoking status and BMI (β = -0.29,95 %CI = -0.75-0.17 and β = -0.53, 95 %CI = -2.45-1.40). Among current smokers, no statistically significant association was found between BMI and the motivation to stop smoking (OR = 1.01, 95 %CI = 0.99-1.03). Neither number of cigarettes smoked a day nor outcome of most recent quit attempt were related to BMI (β = 0.01, 95 %CI = -0.04-0.05 and OR = 0.41, 95 %CI = 0.05-3.05).

CONCLUSION

In the German population long-term ex-smoking but not current and recent ex-smoking was associated with increased BMI. Future research should further explore the association between smoking behaviour and abdominal obesity, preferably using a more accurate measure for abdominal obesity than BMI.

Investigation of the Associations of Smoking With Hip Osteoarthritis: A Baseline Cross-Sectional and Four- to Five-Year Longitudinal Multicohort Study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effect of smoking on the prevalence, incidence, and progression of hip osteoarthritis (OA). We used data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) and the Cohort Hip and Cohort Knee (CHECK) studies.

METHODS

We analyzed 9,386 hips from 4,716 participants (OAI cohort) and 1,954 hips from 977 participants (CHECK cohort). The primary exposure was smoking status at baseline, categorized as current, former, or never smoker. Outcomes of radiographic hip OA (RHOA) and symptomatic hip OA were evaluated both cross-sectionally at baseline and longitudinally over a 4- to 5-year follow-up, with adjustments for major covariates.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed between current or former smokers and never smokers for any of the outcomes examined, either at baseline or at the 4- to 5-year follow-up. In the cross-sectional analysis, the odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for the prevalence of RHOA for current and former smokers were 1.29 (0.68-2.46) and 0.99 (0.70-1.40) in the OAI cohort and 1.38 (0.78-2.44) and 0.85 (0.54-1.32) in the CHECK cohort, respectively. In the longitudinal analysis, odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals for the incidence of RHOA were 1.03 (0.23-4.50) and 0.92 (0.46-1.85) in the OAI cohort and 0.61 (0.34-1.11) and 1.00 (0.69-1.44) in the CHECK cohort, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our study found no clear association between smoking and the prevalence, incidence, or progression of RHOA or symptomatic hip OA, either at baseline or over a 4- to 5-year period.

Metabolic disturbances are risk factors for readmission to psychiatric hospitals in non-smokers but not in smokers: results from a Swiss psychiatric cohort and in first-episode psychosis patients

Background

Psychiatric patients are at high risk of readmission, and a high body mass index has previously been shown as a risk factor. We sought to replicate this finding and 1) to prospectively assess the association of metabolic syndrome and its five components with readmission in psychiatric hospitals and 2) to identify other clinical and sociodemographic predictors of readmission.

Methods

Between 2007 and 2019, data on 16727 admissions of 7786 adult and elderly patients admitted to the Department of Psychiatry of the Lausanne University Hospital, were collected. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation definition. Cox frailty models were used to investigate the associations between readmission and metabolic disturbances.

Results

A total of 2697 (35%) patients were readmitted to our psychiatric hospital. Novel risk factors for readmission in non-smokers were identified, including being overweight (HR=1.26; 95%CI=[1.05; 1.51]) or obese (HR=1.33; 95%CI=[1.08; 1.62]), displaying hypertriglyceridemia (HR=1.21; 95%CI=[1.04; 1.40]) and metabolic syndrome (HR=1.26; 95%CI=[1.02; 1.55]). Central obesity and hyperglycemia increased the risk of readmission when considering the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales variable. In first-episode psychosis patients, obesity (HR=2.23; 95%CI=[1.14; 4.30]) and high-density lipoprotein hypocholesterolemia (HR=1.90; 95%CI=[1.14; 3.20]) doubled the risk of readmission.

Conclusion

The observed interaction between smoking and metabolic variables are compatible with a ceiling effect; metabolic variables increase the risk of readmission in non-smokers but not in smokers who are already at higher risk. Future studies should determine whether better metabolic monitoring and treatment can reduce readmission risk.

Double burden of malnutrition and associated factors among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa: a multilevel multinomial logistic regression analysis

BACKGROUND

Globally, malnutrition among women of reproductive age is on the rise and significantly contributing to non-communicable disease, deaths and disability. Even though the double burden of malnutrition (DBM) is a common problem among women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), there are limited studies examining the factors contributing to underweight, overweight, and obesity at the SSA level.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the factors associated with the DBM, and their relative magnitude, among women of reproductive age in SSA.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study design.

SETTING

33 SSA countries.

PARTICIPANTS

240 414 women of reproductive age.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

A multilevel multinomial logistic regression model was applied to identify factors associated with malnutrition. The adjusted relative risk ratio with 95% CI was used to declare the statistical significance of the association.

RESULTS

The pooled prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity among women in SSA were 8.87%, 16.47% and 6.10%, respectively. Women who are from rural residence and smoke cigarettes were more likely to be underweight. Conversely, women between the age of 24-34 and 35-49, who have higher education, belong to a middle and rich household, are ever married, have high parity, use contraceptives, have media exposure and smoke cigarettes were more likely to be overweight and/or obese.

CONCLUSION

The findings of our study suggest that certain factors such as residence, education status, wealth, marital status, occupation, cigarette smoking, and contraceptive use have a significant assocation with malnutrition among women. Therefore, it is important for public health programs aimed at preventing the double burden of malnutrition to focus on these factors through comprehensive public awareness and cost-effective operational health interventions.

Factors associated with overweight and obesity among women of reproductive age in Cambodia: Analysis of Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey 2021-22

Overweight and obesity are associated with increased chronic disease and death rates globally. In Cambodia, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among women is high and increasing. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with overweight and obesity among women of reproductive age (WRA) in Cambodia. We analyzed data from the 2021-22 Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey (CDHS). Data analysis was restricted to non-pregnant women, resulting in an analytic sample of 9,417 WRA. Multiple logistic regressions were performed using STATA V17 to examine factors associated with overweight and obesity. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among WRA was 22.56% and 5.61%, respectively. Factors independently associated with increased odds of overweight and obesity included women aged 20-29 years [AOR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.22-2.80], 30-39 years [AOR = 3.34; 95% CI: 2.21-5.04], and 40-49 years [AOR = 5.57; 95% CI: 3.76-8.25], women from rich wealth quintile [AOR = 1.44; 95% C: 1.19-1.73], having three children or more [AOR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.00-1.95], ever drink alcohol [AOR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.04-1.47], and current drink alcohol [AOR = 1.2; 95% CI: 1.01-1.45]. Women completed at least secondary education were less likely being overweight and obese [AOR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.58-0.91]. Overweight and obesity remains highly prevalent among WRA in Cambodia. Therefore, there is an urgent need to take interventions that target women from higher socio-demographic status to reduce the risk of life-threatening caused by being overweight and obese through raising awareness of important changing lifestyles.

A Comprehensive Review of Inguinal Hernia Occurrence in Obese Individuals

Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed surgical activities worldwide. Given the circumstances, understanding and identifying the risk and the protective factors is an essential step in order to prevent, diagnose and treat such a common condition. For a long time, obesity was generally considered to be a risk factor in the occurrence of an inguinal hernia. Studies have provided some unexpected data, suggesting that it might actually be a protective factor. This review aims to provide an overview on this topic, taking into account systemic aspects such as collagen distribution and metabolism. In inguinal hernia patients, the ratio between type I collagen and type III collagen is decreased, with type III collagen being responsible for the weakness of the abdominal wall. In obese patients, the extracellular matrix becomes richer in collagen, especially type I collagen, which will generate strength and stiffness. Obesity seems to be a protective factor indeed, but in order to understand the underlying mechanism and to choose the optimal surgical approach, further research is needed.

Race- and Gender-Specific Associations between Neighborhood-Level Socioeconomic Status and Body Mass Index: Evidence from the Southern Community Cohort Study

Obesity and a low socioeconomic status (SES), measured at the neighborhood level, are more common among Americans of Black race and with a low individual-level SES. We examined the association between the neighborhood SES and body mass index (BMI) using data from 80,970 participants in the Southern Community Cohort Study, a cohort that oversamples Black and low-SES participants. BMI (kg/m2) was examined both continuously and categorically using cut points defined by the CDC. Neighborhood SES was measured using a neighborhood deprivation index composed of census-tract variables in the domains of education, employment, occupation, housing, and poverty. Generally, the participants in lower-SES neighborhoods were more likely to have a higher BMI and to be considered obese. We found effect modification by race and sex, where the neighborhood-BMI association was most apparent in White female participants in all the quintiles of the neighborhood SES (ORQ2 = 1.55, 95%CI = 1.34, 1.78; ORQ3 = 1.71, 95%CI = 1.48, 1.98; ORQ4 = 1.76, 95%CI = 1.52, 2.03; ORQ5 = 1.64, 95%SE = 1.39, 1.93). Conversely, the neighborhood-BMI association was mostly null in Black male participants (ORQ2 = 0.91, 95%CI = 0.72, 1.15; ORQ3 = 1.05, 95%CI = 0.84, 1.31; βQ4 = 1.00, 95%CI = 0.81, 1.23; ORQ5 = 0.76, 95%CI = 0.63, 0.93). Within all the subgroups, the associations were attenuated or null in participants residing in the lowest-SES neighborhoods. These findings suggest that the associations between the neighborhood SES and BMI vary, and that other factors aside from the neighborhood SES may better predict the BMI in Black and low-SES groups.

Tobacco smoking and blood parameters in the kurdish population of Iran

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the relationship between smoking and blood parameters in the Iranian Kurdish population.

METHOD

The current study was conducted based on the recruitment phase of the Ravansar Non-Communicable Disease (RaNCD) cohort study.

RESULTS

Current smokers had higher levels of RBC count, HCT, HGB, MCV, MCH, MCHC, WBC count, and GR%, than in other groups significantly. Passive smokers had higher levels of PLT count and PCT statistically. The increasing exposure time of smoking positively affected WBC count, GR%, PLT count, PCT, and RDW in female passive smokers. In addition, heavy smokers, as well as participants with a higher duration time of smoking, had the same results for significantly lower levels of lymphocyte and monocyte and a higher level of RBC indices.

CONCLUSION

According to the present study, along with the current smokers, the intensity of smoking, as well as the duration time of the smoke, could have a positive correlation with blood parameters. Furthermore, passive smokers and specifically secondhand female smokers were more vulnerable to smoke.

Plasma metabolomics of oral squamous cell carcinomas based on NMR and MS approaches provides biomarker identification and survival prediction

Metabolomics has proven to be an important omics approach to understand the molecular pathways underlying the tumour phenotype and to identify new clinically useful markers. The literature on cancer has illustrated the potential of this approach as a diagnostic and prognostic tool. The present study aimed to analyse the plasma metabolic profile of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and controls and to compare patients with metastatic and primary tumours at different stages and subsites using nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. To our knowledge, this is the only report that compared patients at different stages and subsites and replicates collected in diverse institutions at different times using these methodologies. Our results showed a plasma metabolic OSCC profile suggestive of abnormal ketogenesis, lipogenesis and energy metabolism, which is already present in early phases but is more evident in advanced stages of the disease. Reduced levels of several metabolites were also associated with an unfavorable prognosis. The observed metabolomic alterations may contribute to inflammation, immune response inhibition and tumour growth, and may be explained by four nonexclusive views-differential synthesis, uptake, release, and degradation of metabolites. The interpretation that assimilates these views is the cross talk between neoplastic and normal cells in the tumour microenvironment or in more distant anatomical sites, connected by biofluids, signalling molecules and vesicles. Additional population samples to evaluate the details of these molecular processes may lead to the discovery of new biomarkers and novel strategies for OSCC prevention and treatment.

Associations between smoking and alcohol consumption with blood pressure in a middle-aged population

INTRODUCTION

Inconsistent association between tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption and hypertension have been highlighted. The purpose of our study was to investigate the associations between smoking use and alcohol with systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) and hypertension in a middle-aged population.

METHODS

Smoking status was based on smoking pack-years and cigarettes per day, and alcohol consumption was measured in units/day. Gender associations between smoking and alcohol consumption with BP and hypertension were estimated using multiple linear regressions. Synergistic effects between smoking and alcohol were investigating in both genders.

RESULTS

A total of 290913 individuals of the UK Biobank population were included (133950 men and 156963 women). Current smoking was significantly associated with lower SBP, DBP and lower hypertension prevalence, in both genders (p<0.001). However, cigarettes per day were associated with higher SBP in men current smokers [B=0.05 (0.02), p<0.001] with higher hypertension (p=0.001) but not with DBP (p=0.205). Similar results were observed in women current smokers [SBP: B=0.10 (0.02), p<0.001; DBP, p=0.217 and hypertension, p=0.019]. The number of smoking pack-years was only associated with higher levels in SBP in men (p=0.047) and in women (p<0.001). In both genders, alcohol consumption was associated with higher SBP, DBP and hypertension (p<0.001). Synergistic effects were observed for alcohol consumption on smoking pack-years and cigarettes per day with SBP and DBP.

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking and alcohol were associated with higher BP in current smokers with synergistic effects. The findings suggest the importance of considering smoking and alcohol consumption in BP control in addition to antihypertensive medication and public health practice.

Genetic and Environmental Factors Underlying Parallel Changes in Body Mass Index and Alcohol Consumption: A 36-Year Longitudinal Study of Adult Twins

INTRODUCTION

While the genetic and environmental underpinnings of body weight and alcohol use are fairly well-known, determinants of simultaneous changes in these traits are still poorly known. We sought to quantify the environmental and genetic components underlying parallel changes in weight and alcohol consumption and to investigate potential covariation between them.

METHODS

The analysis comprised 4,461 adult participants (58% women) from the Finnish Twin Cohort with four measures of alcohol consumption and body mass index (BMI) over a 36-year follow-up. Trajectories of each trait were described by growth factors, defined as intercepts (i.e., baseline) and slopes (i.e., change over follow-up), using latent growth curve modeling. Growth values were used for male (190 monozygotic pairs, 293 dizygotic pairs) and female (316 monozygotic pairs, 487 dizygotic pairs) same-sex complete twin pairs in multivariate twin modeling. The variances and covariances of growth factors were then decomposed into genetic and environmental components.

RESULTS

The baseline heritabilities were similar in men (BMI: h2 = 79% [95% confidence interval: 74, 83]; alcohol consumption: h2 = 49% [32, 67]) and women (h2 = 77% [73, 81]; h2 = 45% [29, 61]). Heritabilities of BMI change were similar in men (h2 = 52% [42, 61]) and women (h2 = 57% [50, 63]), but the heritability of change in alcohol consumption was significantly higher (p = 0.03) in men (h2 = 45% [34, 54]) than in women (h2 = 31% [22, 38]). Significant additive genetic correlations between BMI at baseline and change in alcohol consumption were observed in both men (rA = -0.17 [-0.29, -0.04]) and women (rA = -0.18 [-0.31, -0.06]). Non-shared environmental factors affecting changes in alcohol consumption and BMI were correlated in men (rE = 0.18 [0.06, 0.30]). Among women, non-shared environmental factors affecting baseline alcohol consumption and the change in BMI were inversely correlated (rE = -0.11 [-0.20, -0.01]).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on genetic correlations, genetic variation underlying BMI may affect changes in alcohol consumption. Independent of genetic effects, change in BMI correlates with change in alcohol consumption in men, suggesting direct effects between them.

Early-life residential green spaces and traffic exposure in association with young adult body composition: a longitudinal birth cohort study of twins

BACKGROUND

Globally, the rapid increase of obesity is reaching alarming proportions. A new approach to reduce obesity and its comorbidities involves tackling the built environment. Environmental influences seem to play an important role, but the environmental influences in early life on adult body composition have not been thoroughly investigated. This study seeks to fill the research gap by examining early-life exposure to residential green spaces and traffic exposure in association with body composition among a population of young adult twins.

METHODS

As part of the East Flanders Prospective Twin Survey (EFPTS) cohort, this study included 332 twins. Residential addresses of the mothers at time of birth of the twins were geocoded to determine residential green spaces and traffic exposure. To capture body composition, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist circumference, skinfold thickness, leptin levels, and fat percentage were measured at adult age. Linear mixed modelling analyses were conducted to investigate early-life environmental exposures in association with body composition, while accounting for potential confounders. In addition, moderator effects of zygosity/chorionicity, sex and socio-economic status were tested.

RESULTS

Each interquartile range (IQR) increase in distance to highway was found associated with an increase of 1.2% in WHR (95%CI 0.2-2.2%). For landcover of green spaces, each IQR increase was associated with 0.8% increase in WHR (95%CI 0.4-1.3%), 1.4% increase in waist circumference (95%CI 0.5-2.2%), and 2.3% increase in body fat (95%CI 0.2-4.4%). Stratified analyses by zygosity/chorionicity type indicated that in monozygotic monochorionic twins, each IQR increase in land cover of green spaces was associated with 1.3% increase in WHR (95%CI 0.5-2.1%). In monozygotic dichorionic twins, each IQR increase in land cover of green spaces was associated with 1.4% increase in waist-circumference (95%CI 0.6-2.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

The built environment in which mothers reside during pregnancy might play a role on body composition among young adult twins. Our study revealed that based on zygosity/chorionicity type differential effects of prenatal exposure to green spaces on body composition at adult age might exist.

Asthma and its relationship with anthropometric markers among adults

BACKGROUND

Many studies have examined the association between anthropometric indicators and the likelihood of developing asthma. However, no study has yet examined the link between asthma and anthropometric markers of risk. This study addresses this gap in the literature by evaluating the relationship between asthma, smoking, and anthropometric measurements such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) among individuals residing in the United States.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study conducted a secondary analysis of the 2011-2014 National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States, using data from 2,257 participants aged 25-74. We classified the participants into four groups based on self-reported smoking and asthma status: nonsmokers with no asthma, asthma alone, smokers only, and smokers with asthma. The outcomes of interest were BMI, WC, HC, and WHR scores in the latter three groups compared to the nonsmokers with no asthma group.

RESULTS

Linear regression analysis showed that those with asthma alone and smokers with asthma were significantly more likely to have a BMI, WC, or HC score of 1 or higher than people without asthma and smokers only.

CONCLUSION

A higher score on the anthropometric parameters was substantially related to participants who had only asthma and those who had both asthma and smoking.

The relationship of smoking with gestational diabetes: a large population-based study and a matched comparison

RESEARCH QUESTION

Is smoking associated with an increased risk for gestational diabetes (GDM)?

DESIGN

A retrospective population-based study using data from the United States Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-Nationwide Inpatient Sample. A dataset of all deliveries that took place between 2004 and 2014 (inclusive) was created. The population was divided into two groups according to smoking status and matched 1:1 for age, obesity, race, insurance type, thyroid disease, drug use and chronic hypertension. Delivery outcomes were compared between the two matched groups and the control group of non-smokers as a whole. A multivariate logistic analysis was performed adjusting for any statistically significant confounding baseline effects not matched for.

RESULTS

The study identified 9,096,788 births between 2004 and 2014, of which 443,590 (4.9%) were maternal smokers. When compared with the entire group of non-smokers as controls, there was an increased risk of GDM, adjusted odd ratio (aOR) 1.10 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-1.14, P < 0.001). This relationship was of a mild nature and there were many confounding variables that differed between the groups. As such a matched control group was developed to compare the risk of GDM in the smokers and non-smokers. An increased risk for GDM among smokers remained, with an aOR of 1.07 (95% CI 1.05-1.10, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The current data suggest that smoking is a small but significant risk factor for GDM with an aOR of 1.07.

Recent Smoking History Is Not Associated with Adverse 30-Day Standardized Postoperative Outcomes following Microsurgical Reconstructive Procedures of the Upper Extremity

Background: Upper extremity (UE) microsurgical reconstruction relies upon proper wound healing for optimal outcomes. Cigarette smoking is associated with wound healing complications, yet conclusions vary regarding impact on microsurgical outcomes (replantation, revascularization, and free tissue transfer). We investigated how smoking impacted 30-day standardized postoperative outcomes following UE microsurgical reconstruction. Methods: Utilizing the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, all patients who underwent (1) UE free flap transfer (n = 70) and (2) replantation/revascularization (n = 270) were identified. For each procedure, patients were stratified by recent smoking history (current smoker ≤1-year preoperatively). Baseline demographics and standardized 30-day complications, reoperations, and readmissions were compared between smokers and nonsmokers. Results: Replantation/revascularization patients had no differences in sex, race, or body mass index between smokers (n = 77) and nonsmokers. Smokers had a higher prevalence of congestive heart failure (5.2% vs 1.0%, P = .036) and nonsmokers were more often on hemodialysis (15.6% vs 10.4%, P = .030). Free flap transfer patients had no differences in age, sex, or race between smokers (n = 14) and nonsmokers. Smokers had a longer length of stay (6.6 vs 4.2 days, P = .001) and a greater prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD; 7.1% vs 0%, P = .044). Recent smoking was not associated with increased odds of any 30-day minor and major standardized surgical complications, readmissions, or reoperations following UE microsurgical reconstruction via free flap transfer or replantation/revascularization. Baseline diagnosis of COPD was also not a predictor of adverse 30-day outcomes following free flap transfer. Conclusion: Recent smoking history was not associated with any 30-day adverse outcomes following UE microsurgical reconstruction via replantation/revascularization or free flap transfer. In light of these findings, further investigation is warranted, with particular focus on adverse events specific to free flaps and replantation/revascularization.

Epidemiological correlates of overweight and obesity in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa

Background

In the past several decades, obesity has become a major public health issue worldwide, associated with increased rates of chronic disease and death. Like many developing nations, South Africa is experiencing rapid increases in BMI, and as a result, evidence-based preventive strategies are needed to reduce the increasing burden of overweight and obesity. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of overweight and obesity among a multi-ethnic cohort from the rural Northern Cape of South Africa.

Methods

These data were collected as part of a tuberculosis (TB) case-control study, with 395 healthy control participants included in the final analysis. Overweight and obesity were defined according to WHO classification. Multivariate linear models of BMI were generated using sex, age, education level, smoking, alcohol consumption, and diabetes as predictor variables. We also used multivariable logistic regression analysis to assess the relationship of these factors with overweight and obesity.

Results

The average BMI in our study cohort was 25.2. The prevalence of overweight was 18.0% and the prevalence of obesity was 25.0%. We find that female sex, being older, having more years of formal education, having diabetes, and being in a rural area are all positively associated with BMI in our dataset. Women (OR = 5.6, 95% CI [3.3-9.8]), rural individuals (OR = 3.3, 95% CI [1.9-6.0]), older individuals (OR = 1.02, 95% CI [1-1.04]), and those with more years of education (OR = 1.2, 95% CI [1.09-1.32]) were all more likely to be overweight or obese. Alternatively, being a smoker is negatively associated with BMI and decreases one's odds of being overweight or obese (OR = 0.28, 95% CI [0.16-0.46]).

Conclusions

We observed a high prevalence of overweight and obesity in this study. The odds of being overweight and obese were higher in women, those living in rural areas, and those with more education, and increases with age. Community-based interventions to control obesity in this region should pay special attention to these groups.

Longitudinal analyses and predictive factors of radiation-induced lung toxicity-related parameters after stereotactic radiotherapy for lung cancer

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate changes in longitudinal parameters after stereotactic radiotherapy for lung cancer and to identify possible pretreatment factors related to radiation-induced lung toxicity and the decline in pulmonary function after radiotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Protocol-specified examinations, including 4-D CT, laboratory tests, pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and body composition measurements, were performed before SRT and at 1 month, 4 months and 12 months after stereotactic radiotherapy. Longitudinal differences were tested by using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Correlations were examined by using the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (r).

RESULTS

Sixteen patients were analyzed in this study. During a median follow-up period of 26.6 months, grade 1 and 2 lung toxicity occurred in 11 patients and 1 patient, respectively. The mean Hounsfield units (HU) and standard deviation (SD) of the whole lung, as well as sialylated carbohydrate antigen KL-6 (KL-6) and surfactant protein-D (SP-D), peaked at 4 months after radiotherapy (p = 0.11, p<0.01, p = 0.04 and p<0.01, respectively). At 4 months, lung V20 Gy (%) and V40 Gy (%) were correlated with changes in SP-D, whereas changes in the mean HU of the lung were related to body mass index and lean body mass index (r = 0.54, p = 0.02; r = 0.57, p = 0.01; r = 0.69, p<0.01; and r = 0.69, p<0.01, respectively). The parameters of PFTs gradually declined over time. When regarding the change in PFTs from pretreatment to 12 months, lung V5 Gy (cc) showed significant correlations with diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), DLCO/alveolar volume and the relative change in DLCO (r = -0.72, p<0.01; r = -0.73, p<0.01; and r = -0.63, p = 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated that some parameters peaked at 4 months, but PFTs were the lowest at 12 months. Significant correlations between lung V5 Gy (cc) and changes in DLCO and DLCO/alveolar volume were observed.

Are Women's Empowerment and Income Inequality Associated with Excess Weight in Latin American Cities?

While income gradients and gender inequalities in excess weight have been noted elsewhere, data from Latin American cities is lacking. We analyzed gender-specific associations between city-level women's empowerment and income inequality with individual-level overweight/obesity, assessing how these associations vary by individual education or living conditions within cities in Latin America. Data came from national surveys and censuses, and was compiled by the SALURBAL project (Urban Health in Latin America). The sample included 79,422 individuals (58.0% women), living in 538 sub-cities, 187 cities, and 8 countries. We used gender-stratified Poisson multilevel models to estimate the Prevalence Rate Ratios (PRR) for overweight/obesity (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2) per a unit change in city-level women's empowerment (proxied by a score that measures gender inequalities in employment and education) and income inequality (proxied by income-based Gini coefficient). We also tested whether individual education or sub-city living conditions modified such associations. Higher city labor women's empowerment (in women) and higher city Gini coefficient (in men) were associated with a lower prevalence of overweight/obesity (PRR = 0.97 (95%CI 0.94, 0.99) and PRR = 0.94 (95%CI 0.90, 0.97), respectively). The associations varied by individual education and sub-city living conditions. For labor women's empowerment, we observed weakened associations towards the null effect in women with lower education and in residents of sub-cities with worse living conditions (men and women). For the Gini coefficient, the association was stronger among men with primary education, and a negative association was observed in women with primary education. Our findings highlight the need for promoting equity-based policies and interventions to tackle the high prevalence of excess weight in Latin American cities.

Associations of Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference with the Risk of Head and Neck Cancer: A National Population-Based Study

Background: We investigated the association between BMI and HNC subtype incidence in a cohort study of ten million people, adjusting for the effect of smoking and drinking. We also investigated the relationship between waist circumference (WC) and HNC subtype. Methods: All data used in this study originated from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. We analysed subjects who had undergone health check-ups in 2009 and monitored subjects until 2018 (n = 10,585,852). Finally, 9,598,085 subjects were included after exclusions. We collected variables that could affect the risk of HNC. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The overall incidence of HNC was higher in the low BMI category (BMI < 18.5 according to WHO recommendations for Asian people) (HR: 1.322; 95% CI: 1.195−1.464) compared with the normal BMI category. Among the HNC cases, the incidence rates of laryngeal (HR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.085−1.558), oral cavity (HR: 1.277; 95% CI: 1.011−1.611), and oropharyngeal (HR: 1.584; 95% CI: 1.25−2.008) cancers were higher in the low BMI category compared with the normal BMI category. No significant association was detected between low BMI and sinus cancer, salivary gland cancer, or nasopharyngeal cancer. The low WC category (<80 cm in men and <75 cm in women) was related to a risk of hypopharyngeal (HR: 1.268; 95% CI: 1.061−1.514) and laryngeal (HR: 1.118; 95% CI: 1.007−1.241) cancers. The HR for occurrence of HNC was high in underweight participants according to smoking status (1.219 for never smoker vs. 1.448 for ever smoker, p for interaction = 0.0015) and drinking status (1.193 for never drinker vs. 1.448 for ever drinker, p for interaction = 0.0044). Conclusions: Low BMI was associated with the risk of some types of HNC. The results of this study could assist etiological investigations and prevention strategies.

Relationship between inflammatory cells level and longer duration of hypertension in Chinese community residents

BACKGROUND

To explore the relationship between duration of hypertension and inflammatory cell levels and to assess whether long duration might aggravate these inflammatory cells among Chinese urban community residents.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 5199 hypertensive and 2675 no-hypertensive participants who registered in community health service centers for physical examination was performed in Tianjin, China. Data of blood pressure and inflammatory cells were collected. Binary logistic regression was performed to assess the effect of hypertensive duration on the level of inflammatory cells before and after adjustment for the potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

Individuals with hypertension had significantly higher level of leukocyte count, neutrophil proportion, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and lower level of lymphocyte proportion than those without hypertension. Two-way ANOVA showed that hypertension duration, rather than blood pressure control or their interaction, had significant influence on the levels of neutrophil proportion, lymphocyte proportion, and NLR. With the prolongation of the duration of hypertension, the level of neutrophil proportion and NLR increased, and the level of lymphocyte proportion decreased. Long hypertension duration (>10 years) was significantly associated with high level of neutrophil proportion (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.25, 1.75), high level of NLR (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.29, 1.81), and low level of lymphocyte proportion (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.30, 1.82) in comparison with short duration (<5 years) after adjustment for confounding factors.

CONCLUSION

Hypertensive patients had higher level of leukocyte count, neutrophil proportion, NLR, and lower level of lymphocyte proportion than normotensive ones. Long duration of hypertension was associated with aggravated inflammatory biomarkers.

Increased burden of cardiovascular risk among youth suicide attempters

BACKGROUND

Suicide and cardiovascular disease rank among the leading causes of disability and premature mortality worldwide. Young adult suicide attempters are at increased risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease even compared to those with major depressive disorder suggesting an increased burden of cardiovascular risk factors. We compared the cardiovascular risk burden between youth attempters and other high-risk individuals.

METHODS

Participants were from the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys (CPES), a U.S. population-based study, aged 18-30 years [suicide attempt (SA): n = 303; suicidal ideation (SI): n = 451; controls: n = 3671]; and psychiatric inpatients admitted for a SA (n = 38) or SI (n = 40) and healthy controls (n = 37) aged 15-30 years. We computed a cardiovascular risk score and high- and low-risk latent classes based on risk factors of high blood pressure, obesity, and smoking.

RESULTS

Suicide attempters showed an increased cardiovascular risk score (CPES: B = 0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31-0.54, p < 0.001; inpatient sample: B = 1.61, 95% CI 0.53-2.68, p = 0.004) compared to controls. They were also more likely to be classified in the high cardiovascular risk group (CPES: odds ratio (OR) 3.36, 95% CI 1.67-6.78, p = 0.001; inpatient sample: OR 9.89, 95% CI 1.38-85.39, p = 0.03) compared to those with SI (CPES: OR 1.15, 95% CI 0.55-2.39, p = 0.71; inpatient sample: OR 1.91, 95% CI 0.25-15.00, p = 0.53).

CONCLUSIONS

Youth attempters show an increased burden for cardiovascular risk compared to other high-risk individuals in inpatient and population-based samples. Clinicians should pay particular attention to cardiovascular risk factors among suicide attempters in order to reduce their risk for cardiovascular events.

The 2018 World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) Score and All-Cause, Cancer, and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Risk: A Longitudinal Analysis in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study

Background

The World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) published Cancer Prevention Recommendations in 2018 focused on modifiable lifestyle factors.

Objectives

The aim was to examine how adherence to WCRF/AICR recommendations via the 2018 WCRF/AICR score is associated with risk for all-cause, cancer, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality outcomes among older US adults.

Methods

Baseline and follow-up questionnaire data (n = 177,410) were used to calculate weight, physical activity, and diet components of the 2018 WCRF/AICR score (0-7 total points). Adjusted HRs and 95% CIs were estimated, stratified by sex and smoking status.

Results

There were 16,055 deaths during a mean of 14.2 person-years. Each 1-point score increase was associated with a 9-26% reduced mortality risk for all outcomes, except for current male smokers' cancer mortality risk. When the score was categorized comparing highest (5-7 points) with lowest (0-2 points) scores, associations with reduced all-cause mortality risk were strongest in former smokers (HRmales: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.61; HRfemales: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.31, 0.46), followed by current smokers (HRmales: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.89; HRfemales: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.32, 0.59) and never smokers (HRmales: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.47, 0.70; HRfemales: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.41, 0.60). An association with cancer mortality risk was also seen in former smokers (HRmales: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.81; HRfemales: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.37, 0.73) and female current (HRfemales: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.32, 0.96) and never (HRfemales: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.40, 0.80) smokers; findings were not statistically significant in other strata. For CVD mortality, highest compared with lowest scores were associated with a 49-73% risk reduction, except in male never and current smokers. In exploratory analysis, physical activity, body weight, alcohol, and plant-based foods were found to be predominant components in the score.

Conclusions

Greater 2018 WCRF/AICR scores were associated with lower mortality risk among older adults. Future research can explore how smoking modifies these relations, and further examine different populations and other cancer-relevant outcomes.

How does childhood maltreatment influence cardiovascular disease? A sequential causal mediation analysis

BACKGROUND

Childhood maltreatment has been consistently associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the mechanisms of this relationship are not yet fully understood. We explored the relative contribution of anxiety/depression, smoking, body mass index (BMI) and inflammation (C-reactive protein, CRP) to the association between childhood maltreatment and CVD in men and women aged 40-69 years in the UK.

METHODS

We used data from 40 596 men and 59 511 women from UK Biobank. To estimate the indirect effects of childhood maltreatment (physical, sexual and emotional abuse, and emotional and physical neglect) on incident CVD via each of the mediators, we applied a sequential mediation approach.

RESULTS

All forms of maltreatment were associated with increased CVD risk [hazard ratios (HRs) ranging from 1.09 to 1.27]. Together, anxiety/depression, smoking, BMI and inflammation (indexed by CRP) mediated 26-90% of the association between childhood maltreatment and CVD, and the contribution of these mediators differed by type of maltreatment and sex. Anxiety/depression mediated the largest proportion of the association of sexual abuse, emotional abuse and emotional neglect with CVD (accounting for 16-43% of the total effect), especially in women. In men, BMI contributed the most to the indirect effect of associations of physical abuse and physical neglect with CVD; in women, anxiety/depression and BMI had similar contributions.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings add to the understanding of how childhood maltreatment affects CVD risk and identify modifiable mediating factors that could potentially reduce the burden of CVD in people exposed to maltreatment in early life.

Obesity Does Not Protect From Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Pooled Analyses of 3 Large Prospective Nordic Cohorts

BACKGROUND

Several population-based cohort studies have related higher body mass index (BMI) to a decreased risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The main objective of our study was to investigate whether the previously reported inverse association can be explained by modifying effects of the most important risk factors of SAH-smoking and hypertension.

METHODS

We conducted a collaborative study of three prospective population-based Nordic cohorts by combining comprehensive baseline data from 211 972 adult participants collected between 1972 and 2012, with follow-up until the end of 2018. Primarily, we compared the risk of SAH between three BMI categories: (1) low (BMI<22.5), (2) moderate (BMI: 22.5-29.9), and (3) high (BMI≥30) BMI and evaluated the modifying effects of smoking and hypertension on the associations.

RESULTS

We identified 831 SAH events (mean age 62 years, 55% women) during the total follow-up of 4.7 million person-years. Compared with the moderate BMI category, persons with low BMI had an elevated risk for SAH (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.30 [1.09-1.55]), whereas no significant risk difference was found in high BMI category (HR, 0.91 [0.73-1.13]). However, we only found the increased risk of low BMI in smokers (HR, 1.49 [1.19-1.88]) and in hypertensive men (HR, 1.72 [1.18-2.50]), but not in nonsmokers (HR, 1.02 [0.76-1.37]) or in men with normal blood pressure values (HR, 0.98 [0.63-1.54]; interaction HRs, 1.68 [1.18-2.41], P=0.004 between low BMI and smoking and 1.76 [0.98-3.13], P=0.06 between low BMI and hypertension in men).

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking and hypertension appear to explain, at least partly, the previously reported inverse association between BMI and the risk of SAH. Therefore, the independent role of BMI in the risk of SAH is likely modest.

Lymphoma-Associated Biomarkers Are Increased in Current Smokers in Twin Pairs Discordant for Smoking

Simple Summary

Smoking is associated with a moderate increased risk of Hodgkin and follicular lymphoma. To help understand why, we examined lymphoma-related biomarker levels among 134 smoking and non-smoking twins (67 pairs) ascertained from the Finnish Twin Cohort. We validated self-reported smoking history by measuring serum cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine, from previously collected frozen serum samples. In total, 27 immune biomarkers were assayed using the Luminex Multiplex platform (R & D Systems). We found that four immune response biomarkers were higher and one was lower among smoking compared to non-smoking twins. The strongest association was observed for CCL17/TARC, a biomarker elevated in Hodgkin lymphoma patients. Immune biomarker levels were similar in former smokers and non-smokers. Current smoking may increase levels of immune proteins that could partially explain the association between smoking and risk of certain lymphomas.

Abstract

Smoking is associated with a moderate increased risk of Hodgkin and follicular lymphoma. To understand why, we examined lymphoma-related biomarker levels among 134 smoking and non-smoking twins (67 pairs) ascertained from the Finnish Twin Cohort. Previously collected frozen serum samples were tested for cotinine to validate self-reported smoking history. In total, 27 immune biomarkers were assayed using the Luminex Multiplex platform (R & D Systems). Current and non-current smokers were defined by a serum cotinine concentration of >3.08 ng/mL and ≤3.08 ng/mL, respectively. Associations between biomarkers and smoking were assessed using linear mixed models to estimate beta coefficients and standard errors, adjusting for age, sex and twin pair as a random effect. There were 55 never smokers, 43 current smokers and 36 former smokers. CCL17/TARC, sgp130, haptoglobin, B-cell activating factor (BAFF) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1) were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with current smoking and correlated with increasing cotinine concentrations (P_trend < 0.05). The strongest association was observed for CCL17/TARC (P_trend = 0.0001). Immune biomarker levels were similar in former and never smokers. Current smoking is associated with increased levels of lymphoma-associated biomarkers, suggesting a possible mechanism for the link between smoking and risk of these two B-cell lymphomas.

Impact of smoking on the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: results from a nationwide population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Smoking has been considered an important risk factor for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) incidence. However, there are no population-based large-scale studies demonstrating the effects of smoking on the development of IPF. We aimed to evaluate the effect of smoking on IPF development using a nationwide population-based cohort.

METHODS

Using the Korean National Health Information Database, we enrolled individuals who had participated in the health check-up service between 2009 and 2012. Participants having a prior diagnosis of IPF were excluded. The history of smoking status and quantity was collected by a questionnaire. We identified all cases of incident IPF through 2016 on the basis of ICD-10 codes for IPF and medical claims. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate the adjusted HR (aHR) of the development of IPF.

RESULTS

A total of 25 113 individuals (0.11%) with incident IPF were identified out of 23 242 836 participants registered in the database. The risk of IPF was significantly higher in current and former smokers than in never smokers, with an aHR of 1.66 (95% CI 1.61 to 1.72) and 1.42 (95% CI 1.37 to 1.48), respectively. Current smokers had a higher risk of IPF than former smokers (aHR 1.17, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.21). The risk of IPF development increased as the smoking intensity and duration increased.

CONCLUSION

Smoking significantly increased the risk of IPF development. Current smokers had a higher risk of IPF than former smokers. A dose-response relationship was observed between smoking and the development of IPF.

Predictors of Prolonged Opioid Use After Lumbar Fusion and the Effects of Opioid Use on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

OBJECTIVE

To determine risk factors associated with prolonged opioid use after lumbar fusion and to elucidate the effect of opioid use on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after surgery.

METHODS

Patients who underwent 1-3 level lumbar decompression and fusion with at least one-year follow-up were identified. Opioid data were collected through the Pennsylvania Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. Preoperative "chronic use" was defined as consumption of >90 days in the one-year before surgery. Postoperative "prolonged use" was defined as a filled prescription 90-days after surgery. PROMs included the following: Short Form-12 Health Survey PCS-12 and MCS-12, ODI, and VAS-Back and Leg scores. Logistic regression was performed to determine independent predictors for prolonged opioid use.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 260 patients. BMI >35 (OR: .44 [.20, .90], P = .03) and current smoking status (OR: 2.73 [1.14, 6.96], P = .03) significantly predicted postoperative opioid usage. Chronic opioid use before surgery was associated with greater improvements in MCS-12 (β= 5.26 [1.01, 9.56], P = .02). Patients with prolonged opioid use self-reported worse VAS-Back (3.4 vs 2.1, P = .003) and VAS-Leg (2.6 vs 1.2, P = .03) scores after surgery. Prolonged opioid use was associated with decreased improvement in VAS-Leg over time (β = .14 [.15, 1.85], P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Current smoking status and lower BMI were significantly predictive of prolonged opioid use. Excess opioid use before and after surgery significantly affected PROMs after lumbar fusion.

Cannabis use and obesity-traits: A Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Observational studies suggested that cannabis use is associated with decreased body fatness; however, observational studies are subject to confounding, making causal inference and determining the direction of these associations difficult. We performed Mendelian randomization (MR) using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to investigate the potential causal association of cannabis use and obesity-related traits.

METHODS

We used 51 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with lifetime cannabis use at P 1<×  10^-5 from a GWAS of 184,765 individuals of European descent and 27 SNPs genome-wide associated with cannabis use disorder as instrumental variables. The GWAS for body mass index (BMI) was derived from a meta-analysis of up to 322,154 individuals, and the GWAS for waist circumference (WC) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) included 210,088 participants.

RESULTS

MR showed that lifetime cannabis use (beta = - 0.018, 95 % confidence interval (CI): - 0.05-0.015; P-value = 0.279, Q-value = 0.279) and cannabis use disorder (beta = 0.023, 95 % CI: 0.023-0.045; P-value = 0.034, Q-value = 0.092) were not associated with BMI. Considering WC and WHR as indicators of obesity, our findings did not support a causal association. Leave-one out analyses and pleiotropy-robust methods did not indicate bias in any of the estimates.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the MR study provides little evidence that cannabis influences obesity related traits.

Genetic determinants of increased body mass index mediate the effect of smoking on increased risk for type 2 diabetes but not coronary artery disease

Clinical observations have linked tobacco smoking with increased type 2 diabetes risk. Mendelian randomization analysis has recently suggested smoking may be a causal risk factor for type 2 diabetes. However, this association could be mediated by additional risk factors correlated with smoking behavior, which have not been investigated. We hypothesized that body mass index (BMI) could help to explain the association between smoking and diabetes risk. First, we confirmed that genetic determinants of smoking initiation increased risk for type 2 diabetes (OR 1.21, 95% CI: 1.15–1.27, P = 1 × 10⁻¹²) and coronary artery disease (CAD; OR 1.21, 95% CI: 1.16–1.26, P = 2 × 10⁻²⁰). Additionally, 2-fold increased smoking risk was positively associated with increased BMI (~0.8 kg/m², 95% CI: 0.54–0.98 kg/m², P = 1.8 × 10⁻¹¹). Multivariable Mendelian randomization analyses showed that BMI accounted for nearly all the risk smoking exerted on type 2 diabetes (OR 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01–1.11, P = 0.03). In contrast, the independent effect of smoking on increased CAD risk persisted (OR 1.12, 95% CI: 1.08–1.17, P = 3 × 10⁻⁸). Causal mediation analyses agreed with these estimates. Furthermore, analysis using individual-level data from the Million Veteran Program independently replicated the association of smoking behavior with CAD (OR 1.24, 95% CI: 1.12–1.37, P = 2 × 10⁻⁵), but not type 2 diabetes (OR 0.98, 95% CI: 0.89–1.08, P = 0.69), after controlling for BMI. Our findings support a model whereby genetic determinants of smoking increase type 2 diabetes risk indirectly through their relationship with obesity. Smokers should be advised to stop smoking to limit type 2 diabetes and CAD risk. Therapeutic efforts should consider pathophysiology relating smoking and obesity.

Nicotine and energy balance: A review examining the effect of nicotine on hormonal appetite regulation and energy expenditure

Nicotine has been shown to decrease appetite, food intake (FI) and body weight, but the mechanisms are unclear. The purpose of this review was to examine research on the effects of nicotine on energy balance by exploring physiological mechanisms and hormone regulation related to FI, subjective appetite and energy expenditure (EE). We searched PubMed and MEDLINE, and included articles investigating the effects of nicotine on central appetite regulation, FI, leptin, peptide-YY (PYY), ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), adiponectin, cholecystokinin (CCK), orexin, and EE. A total of 65 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and review. Our findings suggest that the decrease in appetite and FI may be attributed to nicotinic alterations of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) but the effect of nicotine on FI remains unclear. Furthermore, nicotine increases resting EE (REE) and physical activity EE (PAEE) in both smokers and non-smokers; and these increases may be a result of the catecholaminergic effect of nicotine. Decreases in body weight and appetite experienced by nicotine users results from increased EE and changes in the central hypothalamic regulation of appetite. There is not enough evidence to implicate a relationship between peripheral hormones and changes in appetite or FI after nicotine use. Although nicotine increases REE and PAEE, the effect of nicotine on other components of EE warrants further research. We conclude that further research evaluating the effect of nicotine on appetite hormones, FI and EE in humans is warranted.

Relevance of obstructive sleep apnea and smoking: Obstructive sleep apnea and smoking

BACKGROUND

The data concerning the association of smoking and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are limited. The effects of cigarette smoking on OSA still remain obscure.

OBJECTIVES

To reveal the impact of smoking on obstructive sleep apnea.

METHODS

About 384 patients with the diagnosis of OSA through full night polysomnographic (PSG) examination were included to the study. The demographic data (age, sex and BMI), complaints and medical history, status of smoking as non-smokers and smokers, smoking frequency (cigarettes/day), polysomnograhic data comprising apnea hypopnea index (AHI), non-REM sleep AHI (NREM AHI), REM sleep AHI (REM AHI), minimum oxygen saturation (min SaO2) were recorded for all the subjects. Non-smokers and smokers were compared in terms of severity of OSA.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 384 subjects, 253 males and 131 females. Smoking frequency was not found correlated with OSA severity. Among smokers, males had higher severe OSA rate (P = 0.002, P < 0.05). In subjects with BMI < 30, severe OSA rate was higher in smokers (34.44% versus 21%) (P = 0.027, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study detected higher rate of severe OSA in male smokers and smokers with BMI < 30. PSG data did not yield statistically significant difference in non-smokers and smokers. OSA severity was not found correlated with smoking frequency. Along with the study results, the impact of smoking on OSA is still controversial. Prospective studies with larger sample size may be contributive to further evaluation of the association of OSA with smoking.

Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, and Cancer Risk

Obesity and type 2 diabetes have both been associated with increased cancer risk and are becoming increasingly prevalent. Metabolic abnormalities such as insulin resistance and dyslipidemia are associated with both obesity and type 2 diabetes and have been implicated in the obesity-cancer relationship. Multiple mechanisms have been proposed to link obesity and diabetes with cancer progression, including an increase in insulin/IGF-1 signaling, lipid and glucose uptake and metabolism, alterations in the profile of cytokines, chemokines, and adipokines, as well as changes in the adipose tissue directly adjacent to the cancer sites. This review aims to summarize and provide an update on the epidemiological and mechanistic evidence linking obesity and type 2 diabetes with cancer, focusing on the roles of insulin, lipids, and adipose tissue.

Associations between smoking, sex hormone levels and late-onset hypogonadism in men differ depending on age

Few studies have investigated whether associations between smoking, sex hormone levels, and symptoms of late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) in men are affected by age. This multi-center, cross-sectional study involving 6,296 men aged 40-79 years was conducted between June 1, 2013 and August 31, 2016 in 6 provinces of China. Total testosterone, free testosterone, and Aging Males’ Symptoms scale (AMS) scores were compared depending on smoking status and the number of cigarettes smoked. Total testosterone was higher in smokers than in non-smokers in all except the 70-79 year old subgroup. Free testosterone was higher in smokers than non-smokers for the 40-49 and 50-59 year old subgroups, but not the 60-69 and 70-79 year old subgroups. Total testosterone was positively associated with number of cigarettes consumed in smokers aged 40-49 and 50-59 years. Sexual and somatic AMS scores were higher in current and ex-smokers than in non-smokers in all age subgroups from 40 to 79 years and were negatively associated with cigarette consumption in smokers aged 40-49 years. These results indicate that, as men age, the positive association between smoking and testosterone weakens, while the positive association between smoking and LOH symptoms becomes stronger.

Obesity and eating behavior from the perspective of twin and genetic research

Obesity has dramatically increased during the last decades and is currently one of the most serious global health problems. We present a hypothesis that obesity is a neuro-behavioral disease having a strong genetic background mediated largely by eating behavior and is sensitive to the macro-environment; we study this hypothesis from the perspective of genetic research. Genetic family and genome-wide-association studies have shown well that body mass index (BMI, kg/m²) is a highly heritable and polygenic trait. New genetic variation of BMI emerges after early childhood. Candidate genes of BMI notably express in brain tissue, supporting that this new variation is related to behavior. Obesogenic environments at both childhood family and societal levels reinforce the genetic susceptibility to obesity. Genetic factors have a clear influence on macro-nutrient intake and appetite-related eating behavior traits. Results on the gene-by-diet interactions in obesity are mixed, but emerging evidence suggests that eating behavior traits partly mediate the effect of genes on BMI. However, more rigorous prospective study designs controlling for measurement bias are still needed.

Associations of Taste Perception with Tobacco Smoking, Marijuana Use, and Weight Status in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Habitual smoking of tobacco and marijuana can lead to weight changes and poor diet quality. These effects may be caused by taste changes related to smoking and marijuana use. This study examined the associations among taste perceptions of a bitterant (quinine) and salt, tobacco and marijuana use, and weight status. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of adults who responded to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2013-2014. Participants (n = 2808; female = 51.7%) were adults ≥40 years with an average body mass index (BMI) of 29.6 kg/m2. Participants completed whole mouth and tongue tip assessments of bitter (quinine) and salty (NaCl) tastes, and questionnaires on demographics, cigarette, tobacco, and drug use. Measured height and weight were used to calculate BMI. Compared with never smokers, current smokers reported increased bitter ratings. Smoking status was not associated with salty taste intensity ratings after adjustment for demographic variables. Current marijuana users reported lower tongue tip quine ratings than never users. Among current smokers, current marijuana users had lower whole mouth quinine ratings than never users. Taste perception for salt and quinine for current and former smokers as well as marijuana smokers varied in whole mouth and tongue tip assessment. Changes in taste perception among cigarette smokers and marijuana consumers may be clinically relevant to address to improve diet and weight status.

Cardiometabolic Morbidity and Mortality with Smoking Cessation, Review of Recommendations for People with Diabetes and Obesity

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Obesity is closely linked with the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), and whilst smoking cessation is associated with weight gain, there are concerns that this weight gain may offset the benefit of CVD risk reduction especially in those with considerable post-cessation weight gain. The aim of this narrative review is to evaluate recent evidence on smoking cessation and cardiometabolic outcomes and discuss limitations of current knowledge and studies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Nicotine is a key player in modulating energy balance by influencing lipid storage in adipose tissue by affecting lipolysis, energy input by modulating appetite and energy output by increasing sympathetic drive and thermogenesis. It also increases insulin resistance and promotes abdominal obesity. The CVD risk and mortality associated with cigarette smoking potentiate the CVD risks in patients with diabetes. Evidence supports the benefit of quitting cigarette smoking regardless of any subsequent weight gain. Data suggests that the cardiometabolic risk is limited to the first few years and that cardiovascular health and mortality benefit of smoking cessation outweighs the harm related to weight gain. This weight gain can be limited by nicotine replacement of which e-cigarettes (vaping) are increasingly popular if it is not an alternative to cigarette smoking. However, long-term health data on e-cigarettes is needed prior to formal recommendation for its use in smoking cessation. The recommendation for cessation of cigarette smoking is justified for those at high risk of weight gain and diabetes. However, for most benefit, consideration should be given for personalized weight management to limit weight gain. Awareness of a 'lean paradox' by which lower weight is associated with increased CVD risk may help to improve motivation and insight into the bias of smoking, health and body composition otherwise known to epidemiologists as the 'obesity paradox'.

Correlations between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, blood eosinophils and clinical characteristics in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is currently the third leading cause of death worldwide, with increasing mortality and morbidity. The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and blood eosinophils level (EOS) represent biomarkers of inflammation in various diseases, with current research in the field of COPD. The aim of this study was to determine correlations of NLR and EOS with certain characteristics of COPD in a group of patients without major comorbidities.

METHODS

We conducted an observational study on COPD patients admitted to the Clinical Hospital of Pneumology in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. The smoking history, body mass index (BMI), NLR, EOS, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and the arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) were determined. Functional assessment consisted of spirometric and BODE index determinations. The duration of hospitalization was expressed as the length of stay (LOS). The patients were divided into 3 subgroups: active smokers (AS), former smokers (FS) and never smokers (NS).

RESULTS

No significant differences between AS and FS were found when age, airway obstruction, BODE index, PaO2, ESR and CRP were considered. The NLR was higher in AS versus FS (p=0.035), while EOS was lower in AS group (p=0.061). COPD patients with ≥300 EOS/μL had lower CRP, ESR levels and NLR compared to those with eosinophilia <300/μL (p=0.020, p=0.009 and p=0.007, respectively). With a threshold of 3.5 for NLR, patients with lower NLR had lower CRP values (p=0.05). COPD patients with higher NLR had significant lower EOS levels (p=0.018). Overall, the NLR and EOS were not correlated with the investigated characteristics (p>0.05), but intragroup analysis (based on smoking status) revealed correlations with ESR (p=0.0001), CRP (p=0.053), BODE index (p=0.029) and LOS (p=0.042).

CONCLUSIONS

AS have higher NLR and lower EOS levels versus FS. COPD patients with higher EOS level have lower CRP, ESR and NLR. In AS, EOS level is positively correlated with BODE index and negatively correlated with NLR.

Association between overweight, obesity and incidence of advanced dental caries in South Korean adults: A 10-year nationwide population-based observational study

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between overweight, obesity and the incidence of advanced dental caries in South Korean adults, using alternate measures. The participants included 376,077 people aged 20 years and older who had health examination at least one time between 2005 and 2008. This evaluation is based on a change of body mass index (BMI) category, for 10 years, using a nationally representative data resource available from the National Health Insurance System. Instead of using decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT), the diagnostic codes which indicate dental caries, pulpal disease and visiting frequency at dental health professionals were used in this case. A multivariate adjusted Cox regression analysis was performed to examine the association between advanced dental caries and BMI. In addition to the BMI, a multivariate analysis of gender, age, lifestyle behaviors and systemic disease information was included. To this end, the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Chiefly, it is noted that the overweight and obese people were more likely to develop advanced dental caries independent of the noted variables. The positive association between high BMI and incidence of advanced dental caries was more prominent in the population's characteristic of people who were in a classification of the elderly and women. Among the health and lifecycle behaviors, smoking or not was found to be one of the factors affecting the results. The alternate method used in this study showed that being overweight and obesity had a direct association with the incidence of advanced dental caries in Korean adults.

Five-year cumulative incidence of overweight and obesity, and longitudinal change in body mass index in Japanese workers: The Japan Epidemiology Collaboration on Occupational Health Study

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to estimate cumulative incidence of overweight and obesity and describe 5-year longitudinal changes in body mass index (BMI) in a large occupational cohort in Japan.

METHODS

Participants were 55 229 Japanese employees, who were aged 20-59 years and attended at all subsequent annual health check-ups between 2009 and 2014. Mixed model analysis was performed to examine the effects of age and cohort by gender on BMI change, with age as a random variable. Cumulative incidence of overweight (23.0≤ BMI <27.5 kg/m2 ) and obesity (BMI ≥27.5 kg/m2 ) was calculated. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratios for the incidence of overweight and obesity according to age group.

RESULTS

The incidence of overweight and obesity was approximately double in men (28.3% and 6.7%, respectively) compared to women (14.3% and 3.9%, respectively).The incidence of obesity decreased with age in men, but did not differ according to age in women (P for trend: .02 and .89, respectively). Among overweight participants, the incidence of obesity was higher in women (18.9%) than men (14.5%) and decreased with advancing age (P for trend: <.001 in men and .003 in women). Mean BMI was higher in men than women in all age groups throughout the period. Younger cohorts tended to have a higher BMI change compared with older cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

In this Japanese occupational cohort, transition from overweight to obesity is higher in women than men, and the more recent cohorts had a higher change in mean BMI than the older cohorts.

Geographic influences in the global rise of thyroid cancer

The incidence of thyroid cancer is on the rise, and this disease is projected to become the fourth leading type of cancer across the globe. From 1990 to 2013, the global age-standardized incidence rate of thyroid cancer increased by 20%. This global rise in incidence has been attributed to several factors, including increased detection of early tumours, the elevated prevalence of modifiable individual risk factors (for example, obesity) and increased exposure to environmental risk factors (for example, iodine levels). In this Review, we explore proven and novel hypotheses for how modifiable risk factors and environmental exposures might be driving the worldwide increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer. Although overscreening and the increased diagnosis of possibly clinically insignificant disease might have a role in certain parts of the world, other areas could be experiencing a true increase in incidence due to elevated exposure risks. In the current era of personalized medicine, national and international registry data should be applied to identify populations who are at increased risk for the development of thyroid cancer.

The CODATwins Project: The Current Status and Recent Findings of COllaborative Project of Development of Anthropometrical Measures in Twins

The COllaborative project of Development of Anthropometrical measures in Twins (CODATwins) project is a large international collaborative effort to analyze individual-level phenotype data from twins in multiple cohorts from different environments. The main objective is to study factors that modify genetic and environmental variation of height, body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) and size at birth, and additionally to address other research questions such as long-term consequences of birth size. The project started in 2013 and is open to all twin projects in the world having height and weight measures on twins with information on zygosity. Thus far, 54 twin projects from 24 countries have provided individual-level data. The CODATwins database includes 489,981 twin individuals (228,635 complete twin pairs). Since many twin cohorts have collected longitudinal data, there is a total of 1,049,785 height and weight observations. For many cohorts, we also have information on birth weight and length, own smoking behavior and own or parental education. We found that the heritability estimates of height and BMI systematically changed from infancy to old age. Remarkably, only minor differences in the heritability estimates were found across cultural-geographic regions, measurement time and birth cohort for height and BMI. In addition to genetic epidemiological studies, we looked at associations of height and BMI with education, birth weight and smoking status. Within-family analyses examined differences within same-sex and opposite-sex dizygotic twins in birth size and later development. The CODATwins project demonstrates the feasibility and value of international collaboration to address gene-by-exposure interactions that require large sample sizes and address the effects of different exposures across time, geographical regions and socioeconomic status.

Body mass index in young men and risk of inflammatory bowel disease through adult life: A population-based Danish cohort study

Body mass index (BMI) is associated with increased future risk of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) particularly Crohn’s disease(CD), where associations with high and low BMI have been observed. Most studies are based on adult women. We aimed to explore the impact of BMI in men entering adult life on their long-term risk of developing IBD. A total of 377,957 men born during 1939–1959, with BMI measured at draft boards at mean age 19, were followed from 1977, or time of examination, to end of 2015. Risk of IBD was assessed using Cox regression. During 13 million person-years of follow-up, 1,523 developed CD and 3,323 UC. Using normal weight as reference, for CD the following HRs were observed: BMI < 18.5, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.12–1.62, BMI 25–29.9; 0.83; 95% CI, 0.68–1.02. and BMI > 30 1.20; 95% CI, 0.75–1.90). The increased risk of CD in underweight was maintained up until age 60 not explained by known effects of smoking. For UC, minor inverse associations were observed. Restricted cubic splines revealed a U-shape association between BMI and CD, but not UC. Low BMI of men entering adult life is associated with an increased incidence of CD and UC up to 40 years later.

Differentials in prevalence and correlates of metabolic risk factors of non-communicable diseases among women in sub-Saharan Africa: evidence from 33 countries

BACKGROUND

Even with the widespread recognition of non- communicable diseases (NCDs) in sub-Saharan Africa region, yet, sufficient evidence-based surveillance systems to confirm the prevalence and correlates of these diseases is lacking. In an attempt to understand the problem of NCDs in resource-constrained settings, this study was conducted to establish the pattern of the risk factors of NCDs in sub-Sahara Africa region.

METHODS

The current Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data sets from 33 countries in sub-Sahara Africa region were used in this study. The individual woman component of DHS 2008-2016 was used. The outcome variables include anemia, hypertension and body mass index (underweight, overweight and obesity). BMI was categorized into; underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), normal (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). Hemoglobin level: anemic < 12.0 g/dL (< 120 g/L) for women. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90 mmHg. Binary and multinomial logistic regression models were used to investigate the correlates of the variables.

RESULTS

The percentage of hypertension was highest among women in Lesotho with about 17.3% and lowest among women in Burundi (1.0%). Anemia was prevalent among sub-Saharan Africa women; where more than half of the women from several countries were anemic with Gabon (60.6%) reporting the highest prevalence. The percentage of obesity in sub-Saharan Africa showed that Lesotho (19.9%), Gabon (18.9%) and Ghana (15.6%) were the prominent countries with obese women, while Madagascar (1.1%) had the minimum obese women. Body mass index was significantly associated with hypertension and anemia. The behavioural or modifiable factors of hypertension and body mass index were; smoking, fruits, vegetables and alcohol consumption. While the non-modifiable significant factors include; age, residence, religion, education, wealth index, marital status, employment and number of children ever born. However, anemia shared similar factors except that smoking and vegetable consumption were not statistically significant. In addition, involvement in exercise was associated with anemia and hypertension.

CONCLUSION

The problem of NCDs and associated factors remains high among women of reproductive age in sub-Sahara region. The findings of this study suggest that promotion of regular positive health care-seeking behaviour, screening and early treatment are essential to mitigate the burden of NCDs. Furthermore, preventive interventions of NCDs risk factors should be strengthened among key population through behavior change communication with support from government and stakeholders in health care.