Sex/Gender-Specific Imbalance in CVD: Could Physical Activity Help to Improve Clinical Outcome Targeting CVD Molecular Mechanisms in Women?

The cardiovascular disease burden attributable to low physical activity in the Western Pacific Region, 1990-2019: an age-period-cohort analysis of the Global Burden of Disease study

AIMS

To increase the comprehensive understanding of trends in the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) attributable to low physical activity in the Western Pacific Region.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Based on data from the Global Burden of Disease study for the years 1990-2019, an age-period-cohort analysis was conducted to investigate trends in CVD-related mortality attributable to low physical activity in the Western Pacific Region and associations with age, period, and birth cohort. We also used joinpoint regression analysis to identify the periods with the most substantial changes. The results show that, the Western Pacific Region witnessed a substantial increase in CVD deaths attributable to low physical activity, accompanied by a rise in all-age CVD-related mortality. However, the age-standardized death rate was lower in the region than the global level, highlighting the importance of considering the age composition of CVD burden in the region. Countries with higher socio-demographic index (SDI) levels exhibited lower mortality than those with lower SDI levels. The longitudinal analysis using the age-period-cohort model indicated an overall improvement in CVD-related mortality attributable to low physical activity in the region, but with differences between sexes and CVD subtypes. Specific period in which CVD-related mortality decreased significantly was 2011-16, for the average annual percentage change for the period was -0.69%.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights the significance of addressing low physical activity as a modifiable risk factor for CVD burden in the Western Pacific Region. Further research is essential to understand the factors contributing to inter-country variations, sex disparities, and CVD subtypes distinctions.

Machine-learning-based models to predict cardiovascular risk using oculomics and clinic variables in KNHANES

BACKGROUND

Recent researches have found a strong correlation between the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index or the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, there is a lack of research on non-invasive and rapid prediction of cardiovascular risk. We aimed to develop and validate a machine-learning model for predicting cardiovascular risk based on variables encompassing clinical questionnaires and oculomics.

METHODS

We collected data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). The training dataset (80% from the year 2008 to 2011 KNHANES) was used for machine learning model development, with internal validation using the remaining 20%. An external validation dataset from the year 2012 assessed the model's predictive capacity for TyG-index or AIP in new cases. We included 32122 participants in the final dataset. Machine learning models used 25 algorithms were trained on oculomics measurements and clinical questionnaires to predict the range of TyG-index and AIP. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score were used to evaluate the performance of our machine learning models.

RESULTS

Based on large-scale cohort studies, we determined TyG-index cut-off points at 8.0, 8.75 (upper one-third values), 8.93 (upper one-fourth values), and AIP cut-offs at 0.318, 0.34. Values surpassing these thresholds indicated elevated cardiovascular risk. The best-performing algorithm revealed TyG-index cut-offs at 8.0, 8.75, and 8.93 with internal validation AUCs of 0.812, 0.873, and 0.911, respectively. External validation AUCs were 0.809, 0.863, and 0.901. For AIP at 0.34, internal and external validation achieved similar AUCs of 0.849 and 0.842. Slightly lower performance was seen for the 0.318 cut-off, with AUCs of 0.844 and 0.836. Significant gender-based variations were noted for TyG-index at 8 (male AUC=0.832, female AUC=0.790) and 8.75 (male AUC=0.874, female AUC=0.862) and AIP at 0.318 (male AUC=0.853, female AUC=0.825) and 0.34 (male AUC=0.858, female AUC=0.831). Gender similarity in AUC (male AUC=0.907 versus female AUC=0.906) was observed only when the TyG-index cut-off point equals 8.93.

CONCLUSION

We have established a simple and effective non-invasive machine learning model that has good clinical value for predicting cardiovascular risk in the general population.

Age-period-cohort analysis of ischemic stroke deaths attributable to physical inactivity in different income regions

This study assessed the global and regional burden of IS (ischemic stroke) deaths due to LPA (low physical activity) from 1990 to 2019, analyzed regional, sex, and age differences in ASMR (age-standardized mortality rate), and provided a comprehensive understanding of the impact of age, period, and cohort on low physical activity related ischemic stroke ASMR. We conducted an APC (age-period-cohort) analysis of the global and four World Bank income level regions' IS mortality data attributed to LPA from 1990 to 2019, using the GBD2019 database, and the results showed that the global net drift of the Ischemic stroke age-standardized mortality attributable to low physical activity was - 1.085%[95% CI: - 1.168, - 1.003].The ASMR drop is most pronounced in the high-income zone, with a net drift of - 2.473% [95% CI: - 2.759, - 2.187] across the four income groups. The influence of age on mortality is increasing in the worldwide old population, while the period and cohort effects are decreasing. We also performed a Joinpoint regression analysis, which revealed that the specific time of considerable drop in ASMR of IS in the global LPA population was 2002-2007, with an APC of -2.628%. The specific period of considerable drop in ASMR in high-income regions with the highest variation was 1999-2007, with an APC = - 4.726%. The global burden of public health deaths caused by LPA is diminishing, with the most notable progress observed in high-income regions. However, in low and lower-middle income areas, the situation continues to deteriorate. Within the global elderly population, the effects of age on mortality is increasing, while the effects of period and cohort are diminishing. These trends vary across income levels, highlighting the necessity for enhanced international collaboration to formulate context-specific public health strategies aimed at enhancing cardiovascular health on a global, regional, and national scale.

Associations between air pollution and the risk of first admission and multiple readmissions for cardiovascular diseases

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate the associations between air pollutants and the risk of admission and multiple readmission events for cardiovascular disease (CVD).

METHODS

A total of 285 009 participants free of CVD at baseline from the UK Biobank were included in this analysis. Four major cardiovascular admission events were identified during the follow-up: chronic ischaemic heart disease (CIHD), cerebrovascular disease, atrial fibrillation and heart failure. We used Prentice, Williams and Peterson-Total Time model to examine the association between ambient air pollution and first admission, as well as multiple readmissions for these CVDs.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 12 years, 17 176 (6.03%) participants were hospitalised with CVDs, and 6203 (36.11%) patients with CVD had subsequent readmission events for CVDs. We observed significant associations between air pollution and both first admission and readmission for CVDs, with generally stronger associations on readmission for cardiovascular events. For example, the adjusted HRs for the first admission and subsequent readmission for cerebrovascular disease were 1.130 (95% CI 1.070 to 1.194) and 1.270 (95% CI 1.137 to 1.418) for each IQR increase of particulate matter with a diameter ≤2.5 µm. The corresponding HRs for CIHD were 1.060 (95% CI 1.008 to 1.114) and 1.120 (95% CI 1.070 to 1.171). Sex stratified analyses showed that the associations were generally more pronounced among females than males.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence that ambient air pollutants might play an important role in both first admission and readmission for cardiovascular events. In addition, patients with pre-existing CVDs may be more vulnerable to air pollution compared with healthy population.

Association between renal surface nodularity and increased adverse vascular event risk in patients with arterial hypertension

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association of renal surface nodularity (RSN) with the increased adverse vascular event (AVE) risk in patients with arterial hypertension.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included patients with arterial hypertension aged 18-60 years who underwent contrasted computed tomography (CT) of kidney from January 2012 to December 2020. The subjects were classified into AVE or not (non-AVE) matched with age (≤5 years) and sex. Their CT images were analyzed using both qualitative (semiRSN) and quantitative RSN (qRSN) methods, respectively. Their clinical characteristics included age, sex, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure, hypertension course, diabetes history, hyperlipidemia, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

RESULTS

Compared with non-AVE group (n = 91), AVE (n = 91) was at lower age, higher SBP, and fewer rate of diabetes and hyperlipidemia history (all P < .01). Rate of positive semiRSN was higher in AVE than non-AVE (49.45% vs 14.29%, P < .001). qRSN was larger in AVE than non-AVE [1.03 (0.85, 1.33) vs 0.86 (0.75,1.03), P < .001]. The increased AVE was associated with semiRSN (odds ratio = 7.04, P < .001) and qRSN (odds ratio = 5.09, P = .003), respectively. For distinguishing AVE from non-AVE, the area under receiver operating characteristic was bigger in the models combining the clinical characteristics with either semiRSN or qRSN than that of semiRSN or qRSN alone (P ≤.01).

CONCLUSION

Among the patients with arterial hypertension aged 18-60 years, CT imaging-based RSN was associated with increased AVE risk.

The Biological Basis of Sex Differences in Athletic Performance: Consensus Statement for the American College of Sports Medicine

ABSTRACT

Biological sex is a primary determinant of athletic performance because of fundamental sex differences in anatomy and physiology dictated by sex chromosomes and sex hormones. Adult men are typically stronger, more powerful, and faster than women of similar age and training status. Thus, for athletic events and sports relying on endurance, muscle strength, speed, and power, males typically outperform females by 10%-30% depending on the requirements of the event. These sex differences in performance emerge with the onset of puberty and coincide with the increase in endogenous sex steroid hormones, in particular testosterone in males, which increases 30-fold by adulthood, but remains low in females. The primary goal of this consensus statement is to provide the latest scientific knowledge and mechanisms for the sex differences in athletic performance. This review highlights the differences in anatomy and physiology between males and females that are primary determinants of the sex differences in athletic performance and in response to exercise training, and the role of sex steroid hormones (particularly testosterone and estradiol). We also identify historical and nonphysiological factors that influence the sex differences in performance. Finally, we identify gaps in the knowledge of sex differences in athletic performance and the underlying mechanisms, providing substantial opportunities for high-impact studies. A major step toward closing the knowledge gap is to include more and equitable numbers of women to that of men in mechanistic studies that determine any of the sex differences in response to an acute bout of exercise, exercise training, and athletic performance.

miRNAs Epigenetic Tuning of Wall Remodeling in the Early Phase after Myocardial Infarction: A Novel Epidrug Approach

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of death in Western countries. An early diagnosis decreases subsequent severe complications such as wall remodeling or heart failure and improves treatments and interventions. Novel therapeutic targets have been recognized and, together with the development of direct and indirect epidrugs, the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) yields great expectancy. ncRNAs are a group of RNAs not translated into a product and, among them, microRNAs (miRNAs) are the most investigated subgroup since they are involved in several pathological processes related to MI and post-MI phases such as inflammation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and fibrosis. These processes and pathways are finely tuned by miRNAs via complex mechanisms. We are at the beginning of the investigation and the main paths are still underexplored. In this review, we provide a comprehensive discussion of the recent findings on epigenetic changes involved in the first phases after MI as well as on the role of the several miRNAs. We focused on miRNAs function and on their relationship with key molecules and cells involved in healing processes after an ischemic accident, while also giving insight into the discrepancy between males and females in the prognosis of cardiovascular diseases.

Association of physical activity with metabolic profile from adolescence to adulthood

OBJECTIVE

Physical activity benefits cardiometabolic health, but little is known about its detailed links with serum lipoproteins, amino acids, and glucose metabolism at young age. We therefore studied the association of physical activity with a comprehensive metabolic profile measured repeatedly in adolescence.

METHODS

The cohort is derived from the longitudinal Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project. At ages 13, 15, 17, and 19 years, data on physical activity were collected by a questionnaire, and circulating metabolic measures were quantified by nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics from repeatedly assessed serum samples (age 13: n = 503, 15: n = 472, 17: n = 466, and 19: n = 361).

RESULTS

Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA;MET h/wk) was directly associated with concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and inversely with the ratio of monounsaturated fatty acids to total fatty acids (-0.006SD; [-0.008, -0.003]; p < 0.0001). LTPA was inversely associated with very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) particle concentration (-0.003SD; [-0.005, -0.001]; p = 0.002) and VLDL particle size (-0.005SD; [-0.007, -0.003]; p < 0.0001). LTPA showed direct association with the particle concentration and size of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and HDL cholesterol concentration (0.004SD; [0.002, 0.006]; p < 0.0001). Inverse associations of LTPA with triglyceride and total lipid concentrations in large to small sized VLDL subclasses were found. Weaker associations were seen for other metabolic measures including inverse associations with concentrations of lactate, isoleucine, glycoprotein acetylation, and a direct association with creatinine concentration. The results remained after adjusting for body mass index and proportions of energy intakes from macronutrients.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical activity during adolescence is beneficially associated with the metabolic profile including novel markers. The results support recommendations on physical activity during adolescence to promote health and possibly reduce future disease risks.

Heart development and regeneration-a multi-organ effort

Development of the heart, from early morphogenesis to functional maturation, as well as maintenance of its homeostasis are tasks requiring collaborative efforts of cardiac tissue and different extra-cardiac organ systems. The brain, lymphoid organs, and gut are among the interaction partners that can communicate with the heart through a wide array of paracrine signals acting at local or systemic level. Disturbance of cardiac homeostasis following ischemic injury also needs immediate response from these distant organs. Our hearts replace dead muscles with non-contractile fibrotic scars. We have learned from animal models capable of scarless repair that regenerative capability of the heart does not depend only on competency of the myocardium and cardiac-intrinsic factors but also on long-range molecular signals originating in other parts of the body. Here, we provide an overview of inter-organ signals that take part in development and regeneration of the heart. We highlight recent findings and remaining questions. Finally, we discuss the potential of inter-organ modulatory approaches for possible therapeutic use.

Association Between Patient Factors and the Effectiveness of Wearable Trackers at Increasing the Number of Steps per Day Among Adults With Cardiometabolic Conditions: Meta-analysis of Individual Patient Data From Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Current evidence supports the use of wearable trackers by people with cardiometabolic conditions. However, as the health benefits are small and confounded by heterogeneity, there remains uncertainty as to which patient groups are most helped by wearable trackers.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the effects of wearable trackers in patients with cardiometabolic conditions to identify subgroups of patients who most benefited and to understand interventional differences.

METHODS

We obtained individual participant data from randomized controlled trials of wearable trackers that were conducted before December 2020 and measured steps per day as the primary outcome in participants with cardiometabolic conditions including diabetes, overweight or obesity, and cardiovascular disease. We used statistical models to account for clustering of participants within trials and heterogeneity across trials to estimate mean differences with the 95% CI.

RESULTS

Individual participant data were obtained from 9 of 25 eligible randomized controlled trials, which included 1481 of 3178 (47%) total participants. The wearable trackers revealed that over the median duration of 12 weeks, steps per day increased by 1656 (95% CI 918-2395), a significant change. Greater increases in steps per day from interventions using wearable trackers were observed in men (interaction coefficient -668, 95% CI -1157 to -180), patients in age categories over 50 years (50-59 years: interaction coefficient 1175, 95% CI 377-1973; 60-69 years: interaction coefficient 981, 95% CI 222-1740; 70-90 years: interaction coefficient 1060, 95% CI 200-1920), White patients (interaction coefficient 995, 95% CI 360-1631), and patients with fewer comorbidities (interaction coefficient -517, 95% CI -1188 to -11) compared to women, those aged below 50, non-White patients, and patients with multimorbidity. In terms of interventional differences, only face-to-face delivery of the tracker impacted the effectiveness of the interventions by increasing steps per day.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with cardiometabolic conditions, interventions using wearable trackers to improve steps per day mostly benefited older White men without multimorbidity.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42019143012; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=143012.

Longitudinal Associations Between Fat-Derived Dietary Patterns and Early Markers of Cardiovascular Disease Risk in the UK Biobank Study

Background Although the impact of dietary fats on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is widely researched, longitudinal associations between dietary patterns (DPs) based on fat type and early markers of CVD risk remain unclear. Methods and Results UK Biobank participants (46.9% men, mean age 55 years) with data on early markers of CVD risk (n=12 706) were followed longitudinally (2014-2020; mean 8.4 years). Two DPs (DP1, DP2) were derived using reduced rank regression (response variables: monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, and saturated fat based on two 24-hour dietary assessments. Multivariable logistic and linear regression were used to investigate associations between DPs and odds of elevated CVD risk (using the nonlaboratory Framingham Risk Score) and changes in early CVD markers, respectively. DP1 (characterized by higher nuts and seeds and lower fruit and legumes intake) was positively correlated with saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, and polyunsaturated fat; DP2 (characterized by higher butter and high-fat cheese, lower nuts and seeds intake) was positively correlated with saturated fat and negatively with polyunsaturated fat and monounsaturated fat. DP2 was associated with slightly higher odds of elevated CVD risk (odds ratio, 1.04 [95% CI, 1.00-1.07]). DP1 was associated with higher diastolic blood pressure (β, 0.20 [95% CI, 0.01-0.37]) and lower cardiac index (β, -0.02 [95% CI, -0.04 to -0.01]); DP2 was associated with higher carotid intima medial thickness (β, 1.80 [95% CI, 0.01-3.59]) and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (β, -0.15 [95% CI, -0.24 to -0.07]) and cardiac index (β, -0.01 [95% CI, -0.02 to -0.01]). Conclusions This study suggests small but statistically significant associations between DPs based on fat type and some early markers of CVD risk. Further research is needed to confirm these associations.

Menopause: a cardiometabolic transition

Menopause is often a turning point for women's health worldwide. Increasing knowledge from experimental data and clinical studies indicates that cardiometabolic changes can manifest at the menopausal transition, superimposing the effect of ageing onto the risk of cardiovascular disease. The menopausal transition is associated with an increase in fat mass (predominantly in the truncal region), an increase in insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, and endothelial dysfunction. Exposure to endogenous oestrogen during the reproductive years provides women with protection against cardiovascular disease, which is lost around 10 years after the onset of menopause. In particular, women with vasomotor symptoms during menopause seem to have an unfavourable cardiometabolic profile. Early management of the traditional risk factors of cardiovascular disease (ie, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, and smoking) is essential; however, it is important to recognise in the reproductive history the female-specific conditions (ie, gestational hypertension or diabetes, premature ovarian insufficiency, some gynaecological diseases such as functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea, and probably others) that could enhance the risk of cardiovascular disease during and after the menopausal transition. In this Review, the first of a Series of two papers, we provide an overview of the literature for understanding cardiometabolic changes and the management of women at midlife (40-65 years) who are at higher risk, focusing on the identification of factors that can predict the occurrence of cardiovascular disease. We also summarise evidence about preventive non-hormonal strategies in the context of cardiometabolic health.

Association of accelerometer-measured physical activity with kidney function in a Japanese population: the DOSANCO Health Study

BACKGROUND

Sedentary behavior and decreased physical activity are associated with reduced kidney function, yet most evidence is based on self-reported physical activity. This study investigated the association between accelerometer-based physical activity level and kidney function in a general Japanese population.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 440 community-dwelling Japanese participants, aged 35-79 years. Time (min/d) was assessed for the following types of physical activity: sedentary behavior, light physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Kidney function was assessed using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). A linear regression model was employed to calculate the β coefficient of eGFR for a 60-min/d increase in sedentary behavior and LPA and a 10-min/d increase in MVPA. A logistic regression model was used to calculate the odds ratio for low eGFR (< 60 versus ≥60 mL/min/1.73m²) for a 60-min/d or 10-min/d increase in each physical activity type.

RESULTS

MVPA time and eGFR were positively associated in both men and women, after adjusting for age, body mass index, and other clinical characteristics (Men: β, 0.91; P = 0.021; Women: β, 0.70; P = 0.034). In women, sedentary behavior and eGFR were inversely associated after adjusting for the same factors (β, - 1.06; P = 0.048). The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for low eGFR associated with a 60-min increase in sedentary behavior was 1.65 (1.07-2.55) after adjusting for the same factors in women.

CONCLUSION

Longer sedentary behavior and shorter MVPA time were associated with lower kidney function in the Japanese population.

OUP accepted manuscript

Aims

The prevalence of chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI) is increasing and available data often derive from cohorts with various selection criteria. In the present study, we included CLTI patients and studied sex-related differences in their risk profile, vascular procedures, and long-term outcome.

Methods and results

We analysed 199 953 unselected patients of the largest public health insurance in Germany (AOK: Local healthcare funds), hospitalized between 2010 and 2017 for a main diagnosis of CLTI. A baseline period of 2 years before index hospitalization to assess comorbidities and previous procedures, and a follow-up period until 2018 were included. Female CLTI patients were older (median 81.4 vs. 73.8 years in males; P < 0.001) and more often diagnosed with hypertension, atrial fibrillation, chronic heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. Male patients suffered more frequently from diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, smoking, cerebrovascular disease, and chronic coronary syndrome (all P < 0.001). Within hospitalized CLTI patients, females represent the minority (43% vs. 57%; P < 0.001) and during index hospitalization, women underwent less frequently diagnostic angiographies (67 vs. 70%) and revascularization procedures (61 vs. 65%; both P < 0.001). Moreover, women received less frequently guideline-recommended drugs like statins (35 vs. 43%) and antithrombotic therapy (48 vs. 53%; both P < 0.001) at baseline. Interestingly, after including age and comorbidities in a Cox regression analysis, female sex was associated with increased overall-survival (OS) [hazard ratio (HR) 0.95; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94–0.96] and amputation-free survival (AFS) (HR 0.84; 95% CI 0.83–0.85; both P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Female patients with CLTI were older, underwent less often vascular procedures, and received less frequently guideline-recommended medication. Nevertheless, female sex was independently associated with better OS and AFS during follow-up.

Patient experiences with a phone-based cardiovascular risk reduction intervention: Are there differences between women and men?

OBJECTIVES

To explore gender-based differences in experiences with a telehealth-delivered intervention for reduction of cardiovascular risk.

METHODS

We conducted 23 semi-structured qualitative interviews by telephone with 11 women and 12 men who received a 12-month, pharmacist-delivered, telephone-based medication and behavioral management intervention. We used content analysis to identify themes.

RESULTS

We identified three common themes for both men and women: ease and convenience of phone support, preference for proactive outreach, and need for trust building in the context of telehealth. While both genders appreciated the social support from the intervention pharmacist, women voiced appreciation for accountability whereas men generally spoke about encouragement.

CONCLUSIONS

Rapport building may differ between telehealth and in-person healthcare visits; our work highlights how men and women's experiences can differ with telehealth care and which can inform the development of future, purposeful rapport building activities to strengthen the clinician-patient interaction.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Clinicians should seek opportunities to provide frequent and routine support for patients with chronic disease. Telehealth interventions may benefit from gender-specific tailoring of social support.

Lipidomic Signatures of Changes in Adiposity: A Large Prospective Study of 5849 Adults from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study

Lipid metabolism is tightly linked to adiposity. Comprehensive lipidomic profiling offers new insights into the dysregulation of lipid metabolism in relation to weight gain. Here, we investigated the relationship of the human plasma lipidome and changes in waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI). Adults (2653 men and 3196 women), 25–95 years old who attended the baseline survey of the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study (AusDiab) and the 5-year follow-up were enrolled. A targeted lipidomic approach was used to quantify 706 distinct molecular lipid species in the plasma samples. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the relationship between the baseline lipidomic profile and changes in WC and BMI. Metabolic scores for change in WC were generated using a ridge regression model. Alkyl-diacylglycerol such as TG(O-50:2) [NL-18:1] displayed the strongest association with change in WC (β-coefficient = 0.125 cm increment per SD increment in baseline lipid level, p = 2.78 × 10⁻¹¹. Many lipid species containing linoleate (18:2) fatty acids were negatively associated with both WC and BMI gain. Compared to traditional models, multivariate models containing lipid species identify individuals at a greater risk of gaining WC: top quintile relative to bottom quintile (odds ratio, 95% CI = 5.4, 3.8–6.6 for women and 2.3, 1.7–3.0 for men). Our findings define metabolic profiles that characterize individuals at risk of weight gain or WC increase and provide important insight into the biological role of lipids in obesity.

Exploring the Social Networks' Use in the Health-Care Industry: A Multi-Level Analysis

The application of social networks in the health domain has become increasingly prevalent. They are web-based technologies which bring together a group of people and health-care providers having in common health-related interests, who share text, image, video and audio contents and interact with each other. This explains the increasing amount of attention paid to this topic by researchers who have investigated a variety of issues dealing with the specific applications in the health-care industry. The aim of this study is to systematize this fragmented body of literature, and provide a comprehensive and multi-level overview of the studies that has been carried out to date on social network uses in healthcare, taking into account the great level of diversity that characterizes this industry. To this end, we conduct a scoping review enabling to identify the major research streams, whose aggregate knowledge are discussed according to three levels of analysis that reflect the viewpoints of the major actors using social networks for health-care purposes, i.e., governments, health-care providers (including health-care organizations and professionals) and social networks’ users (including ill patients and general public). We conclude by proposing directions for future research.

Sex disparities and adverse cardiovascular and kidney outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease: results from the KNOW-CKD

AIMS

Longitudinal studies of the association between sex and adverse clinical outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are scarce. We assessed whether major outcomes may differ by sex among CKD patients.

METHODS

We analyzed a total of 1780 participants with non-dialysis CKD G1-5 from the KoreaN cohort study for Outcome in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (KNOW-CKD). The primary outcome was a composite of non-fatal cardiovascular events or all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events, all-cause mortality, and a composite kidney outcome of ≥ 50% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate from baseline or the onset of end-stage kidney disease.

RESULTS

There were 1088 (61%) men and 692 (39%) women in the study cohort. The proportion of smokers was significantly higher in men (24% vs. 3%). During 8430 person-years of follow-up, 201 primary outcome events occurred: 144 (13%) in men and 57 (8%) in women, with corresponding incidence rates of 2.9 and 1.7 per 100 person-years, respectively. In multivariable Cox models, men were associated with a 1.58-fold (95% CI 1.06-2.35) higher risk of composite outcome. Propensity score matching analysis revealed similar findings (HR 1.81; 95% CI 1.14-2.91). Risk of all-cause mortality was significantly higher in men of the matched cohort. However, there was no difference in the risk of CKD progression. In the subgroup with coronary artery calcium (CAC) measurements, men had a higher likelihood of CAC progression.

CONCLUSIONS

In Korean CKD patients, men were more likely to experience adverse cardiovascular events and death than women.

Could Physical Activity Have any Role in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Prisoners? A Systematic Review

More than 10.74 million people are currently held in penal institutions worldwide. Moreover, there is also evidence that the percentage of elder and female prisoners has been consistently growing. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Exercise training and physical activity help to prevent both primary and secondary cardiovascular events. Data on the influence of physical activity on the well-being in prison population is scarce. Here, we discussed, in a systematic review, the general health conditions and the cardiovascular risk profile in the prisoners compared to the general population and evaluated whether or not exercise could be a valuable tool in preventing these diseases in inmates. We performed a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement: 769 were initially identified, and a total of 24 studies were finally included. Nine studies evaluated the health conditions in prisoners, five studies evaluated the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD) in the prison population, and 10 studies evaluated the feasibility and the effectiveness of exercise programs in prisoners. Sports-educational programs can benefit prison inmates. It appears that supervised exercise training is an effective coping strategy to deal with incarceration. Moreover, it seems the sports programs might be a useful tool in improving physical and mental health of prisoners as well as in decreasing cardiovascular risk factors.