Exposure to Parental Smoking in Childhood is Associated with High C-Reactive Protein in Adulthood: The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study

Identification of potential hub genes and regulatory networks of smoking-related endothelial dysfunction in atherosclerosis using bioinformatics analysis

BACKGROUND

Endothelial dysfunction, the earliest stage of atherosclerosis, can be caused by smoking, but its molecular mechanism requires further investigation.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to use bioinformatics analysis to identify potential mechanisms involved in smoking-related atherosclerotic endothelial dysfunction.

METHODS

The transcriptome data used for this bioinformatics analysis were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The GSE137578 and GSE141136 datasets were used to identify common differentially expressed genes (co-DEGs) in endothelial cells treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and tobacco. The co-DEGs were annotated using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics (KEGG) databases. Additionally, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to visualize their interactions and screen for hub genes. GSE120521 dataset was used to verify the expression of hub genes in unstable plaques. The miRNA expression profile GSE137580 and online databases (starBase 2.0, TargetScan 8.0 and DGIdb v4.2.0) were used to predict the related non-coding RNAs and drugs.

RESULTS

A total of 232 co-DEGs were identified, including 113 up-regulated genes and 119 down-regulated genes. These DEGs were primarily enriched in detrimental autophagy, cell death, transcription factors, and cytokines, and were implicated in ferroptosis, abnormal lipid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress pathways. Ten hub genes were screened from the constructed PPI network, including up-regulated genes such as FOS, HMOX1, SQSTM1, PTGS2, ATF3, DDIT3, and down-regulated genes MCM4, KIF15, UHRF1, and CCL2. Importantly, HMOX1 was further up-regulated in unstable plaques (p= 0.034). Finally, a regulatory network involving lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-hub genes and drug-hub genes was established.

CONCLUSION

Atherosclerotic endothelial dysfunction is associated with smoking-induced injury. Through bioinformatics analysis, we identified potential mechanisms and provided potential therapeutic targets.

Secondhand Smoke Exposure in Childhood and Mortality from Coronary Heart Disease in Adulthood: the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study for Evaluation of Cancer Risk

AIMS

We examined whether secondhand smoke exposure in childhood affects the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in adulthood.

METHODS

In the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study, we analyzed data on 71,459 participants aged 40-79 years, with no history of CHD, stroke, or cancer at baseline (1988-1990) and who completed a lifestyle questionnaire including the number of smoking family members in childhood (0, 1, 2, and 3+ members) and followed them up until the end of 2009. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate the multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of CHD mortality according to the number of smoking family members in childhood.

RESULTS

During the median 18.9 years' follow-up, 955 CHD deaths were reported. There was a dose-response relationship between the number of smoking family members at home and CHD mortality among middle-aged individuals (40-59 years); the multivariable HRs (95% CIs) were 1.08 (0.76-1.54) for 1, 1.35 (0.87-2.08) for 2, and 2.49 (1.24-5.00) for 3+ smoking family members compared with 0 members (p for trend=0.03). The association for 3+ smoking family members among the middle-aged group was more evident in men than in women (the multivariable HRs [95% CIs] were 2.97 [1.34-6.58] and 1.65 [0.36-7.52], respectively) and more evident in non-current smokers than in current smokers (the multivariable HRs [95% CIs] were 4.24 [1.57-11.45] and 1.93 [0.72-5.15], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Secondhand smoke exposure in childhood was associated with an increased risk of CHD mortality in adulthood, primarily in middle-aged men and non-current smokers.

Childhood and Adulthood Passive Smoking and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver in Midlife: A 31-year Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Identifying early life risk factors remains key to the prevention of nonalcoholic fatty liver (hereinafter "fatty liver") in adulthood. However, the longitudinal association of childhood passive smoking with adult fatty liver is not studied. We examined the association of childhood and adulthood passive smoking with fatty liver in midlife.

METHODS

This was a 31-year prospective cohort study of 1,315 participants. Information on childhood passive smoking (parental smoking) was collected in 1980 (aged 3-18 years) and 1983 and adulthood passive smoking in 2001, 2007, and 2011. Fatty liver was determined by ultrasound in 2011 (aged 34-49 years).

RESULTS

The prevalence of fatty liver was 16.3%. Both childhood and adulthood passive smoking were associated with higher risk of fatty liver, adjusting for potential confounders such as age, sex, childhood socioeconomic status, and adulthood physical activity and alcohol consumption (relative risk = 1.41, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.97 for childhood; 1.35, 1.01-1.82 for adulthood). Individuals with persistent exposure to passive smoking between childhood and adulthood had the highest risk (relative risk = 1.99, 95% confidence interval: 1.14-3.45) compared with those without passive smoking in either childhood or adulthood.

DISCUSSION

Passive smoking in both child and adult lives are associated with increased risk of adult fatty liver, suggesting that the prevention of passive smoking should start as early as possible and maintain throughout lifetime.

Relationship between high sensitivity C-reactive protein and angiographic severity of coronary artery disease

Background

Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Cytokines play a potential role in atherosclerosis pathogenesis and progression. We investigated the association between high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and severity of CAD.

Methods

CAD patients were stratified according to hsCRP cut-off value into high levels hsCRP group (≥ 8.4 mg/L) and low levels hsCRP group (< 8.4 mg/L). Severity of CAD was assessed according to artery stenosis degree and the number of vessel involved. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, version 23.0).

Results

The mean age was 60.3 ± 11.0 years. The level of hsCRP was increased and ranged from 0.2 to 1020.0 mg/L. Biochemical risk factors and severity of CAD didn't show significant differences between the two groups. In multivariate linear analysis, cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and serum amyloid A (SAA) were predictors of hsCRP. As shown in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis performed in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and compared to myonecrosis biomarkers, hsCRP (area under the curve (AUC): 0.905; 95%CI: 0.844-0.966; P < 0.001) could be a powerful predictor marker in evaluating the infarct size after myocardial infarction but not better than cTnI.

Conclusions

HsCRP levels were not associated with the severity of CAD but could be useful in the evaluation of myocardial necrosis in patients with STEMI.

Influence of Second-Hand Smoke and Prenatal Tobacco Smoke Exposure on Biomarkers, Genetics and Physiological Processes in Children-An Overview in Research Insights of the Last Few Years

Children are commonly exposed to second-hand smoke (SHS) in the domestic environment or inside vehicles of smokers. Unfortunately, prenatal tobacco smoke (PTS) exposure is still common, too. SHS is hazardous to the health of smokers and non-smokers, but especially to that of children. SHS and PTS increase the risk for children to develop cancers and can trigger or worsen asthma and allergies, modulate the immune status, and is harmful to lung, heart and blood vessels. Smoking during pregnancy can cause pregnancy complications and poor birth outcomes as well as changes in the development of the foetus. Lately, some of the molecular and genetic mechanisms that cause adverse health effects in children have been identified. In this review, some of the current insights are discussed. In this regard, it has been found in children that SHS and PTS exposure is associated with changes in levels of enzymes, hormones, and expression of genes, micro RNAs, and proteins. PTS and SHS exposure are major elicitors of mechanisms of oxidative stress. Genetic predisposition can compound the health effects of PTS and SHS exposure. Epigenetic effects might influence in utero gene expression and disease susceptibility. Hence, the limitation of domestic and public exposure to SHS as well as PTS exposure has to be in the focus of policymakers and the public in order to save the health of children at an early age. Global substantial smoke-free policies, health communication campaigns, and behavioural interventions are useful and should be mandatory.

Association of childhood socioeconomic status with edentulism among Chinese in mid-late adulthood

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to examine the association between childhood socioeconomic status (SES) and edentulism.

METHODS

The edentulous status of Chinese in mid-late adulthood was determined using self-reported lost all of teeth from the Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Childhood SES was determined based on the following parameters: the education, occupation and working status of the parents; financial situation of the family; relationship with the parents; care, love and affection from the mother; quarrels and fights between parents; primary residence; neighbors' willingness to help and with close-knit relationships. Adulthood SES was assessed by educational achievements. This study used principal component analysis (PCA) to select variables and binary logistic regression models to determine the association between childhood SES and edentulism.

RESULTS

Data were available from a total of 17,713 respondents, 984 of whom were edentulous (2.9%). The prevalence of edentulism in mid- to late-age Chinese individuals was higher in those with poor childhood SES. In final regression model, edentulism was significantly associated with willingness of neighbors to help with close-knit relationships (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.79-0.99), parents with high school education or above (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.01-1.39) and drinking and smoking habits of the father (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 0.97-1.24).

CONCLUSION

Childhood SES was significantly associated with the prevalence of edentulism in mid- to late-age Chinese individuals. In particular, parents with high school education or above, unwillingness of neighbor to help with close-knit relationships, drinking and smoking habits of the father independent of adulthood SES were significantly associated with edentulism. Accordingly, the development of optimal recommendations and more effective intervention strategies requires considering the experiences in early life associated with poor SES contributes to poor oral health.

Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in schoolchildren from a rural and urban area in Colombia

Introduction: Cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) have their origin in childhood. Several studies have shown differences in the prevalence of CVRFs between rural and urban areas, probably related to lifestyle behaviors. Objective: To describe the CVRFs identified in children from a rural and urban population in Colombia. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between March and June 2013 in schoolchildren from an urban and a rural area in Colombia. Weight, height, blood pressure, triglycerides, fasting glucose, and total cholesterol were measured, and a survey covering nutrition, physical activity, and passive smoking was applied. The prevalence of CVRFs was calculated with a 95% CI. Results: A total of 1,055 schoolchildren (833 urban, 222 rural) participated; their mean age was 6.71 years. The prevalence of CVRFs in the rural and the urban study population, respectively, was 68.69%/90.16% for sedentary lifestyle, 97.18%/95.44% for unhealthy diet, 11.16%/14.52% for passive smoking, 0%/5.64% for obesity, 6.31%/11.28% for hypertension, 0%/0% for diabetes, and 18.28%/16.31% for total cholesterol. A total of 99.15% of the study population had at least one CVRF, with an average of 3.14 for the urban area (SD:1.12), and of 2.76 for the rural one (SD: 1.1). Overweight children had a higher prevalence of hypertension (15.21%; 95% CI:11.04%-20.59%) and sedentary lifestyle (90.69%), compared to those without this risk factor (8.98% and 84.32%, respectively). Conclusions: Our results showed a high prevalence of CVRFs in children, especially in the urban area. Public health strategies adapted to the rural and urban populations should be implemented.

The Influence of the Japanese Nationwide Cardiovascular Prevention System Health Guidance on Smoking Cessation Among Smokers: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis

Aim: We investigated whether 2 types of personalized health guidance (repeated and single counseling) in the Japanese nationwide cardiovascular prevention system promoted smoking cessation among smokers.

Methods: The study included 47,745 Japanese smokers aged 40 to 74 years classified into 2 personalized health guidance schemes. After a 1-year follow-up, we compared the rates of smoking cessation between individuals who had received counseling (“supported”) and those who had not received counseling (“unsupported”). Using propensity score matching analysis, we estimated the average treatment effect (ATE) of each approach on smoking cessation after balancing out the characteristics between the supported and unsupported groups. The propensity score regression model included age, medical insurance type, weight gain since the age of 20 years, exercise, eating habits, alcohol intake, quality of sleep, readiness to modify lifestyle, willingness to receive support, and body mass index.

Results: In the repeated counseling scheme, the age-adjusted rates of smoking cessation in the supported and unsupported groups were 8.8% and 6.3% for males, and 9.8% and 9.1% for females respectively. In the single counseling scheme, the corresponding rates were 8.4% and 7.3% for supported and unsupported males, and 11.0% and 11.7% for supported and unsupported females respectively. The ATE of repeated counseling was + 2.64% (95% confidence interval: + 1.51% to + 3.77%) for males and + 3.11% (−1.85% to +8.07%) for females. The ATE of single counseling was +0.61% (−1.17% to +2.38%) for males and −1.06% (−5.96% to +3.85%) for females.

Conclusions: In the Japanese cardiovascular prevention system, repeated counseling may promote smoking cessation among male smokers.

Associations of Tobacco Smoking with Impaired Endothelial Function: The Circulatory Risk in Communities Study (CIRCS)

Aims: Smoking impairs endothelial function as an acute effect. However, few population-based studies have examined the association between smoking status and endothelial function or the dose-response and duration- response association of smoking with endothelial function. We examined whether smoking habits were associated with impaired endothelial function depending on smoking dose and duration.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 910 men and women aged 30–79 years from 2013 to 2016. Statistical analyses of the data were conducted between 2016 and 2017. Endothelial function was assessed by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) measurement. Low FMD was defined in two ways as the cutoff point based on the lowest quartile of %FMD (< 5.1%) and median of %FMD (< 6.8%), regarding as impaired endothelial function. We investigated the smoking status in terms of cigarettes consumed per day and the duration of smoking.

Results: Heavy and chronic smokers were associated with a high prevalence of impaired endothelial function. Those associations did not change substantially after adjustment for other cardiovascular risk factors. Among all participants, the multivariable-adjusted ORs (95% CIs) of low FMD (< 5.1%) with reference to never smokers were 2.23 (1.00–5.14) for current heavy smokers of ≥ 30 cigarettes per day, 1.83 (1.04–3.20) for heavy smokers of ≥ 40 pack-years, and 2.16 (1.15–4.06) for chronic smokers of ≥ 40 years. For low FMD (< 6.8%) those values was 2.17 (1.01–5.05), 1.70 (1.01–2.86), and 1.98 (1.07–3.69), respectively.

Conclusions: Similar associations were observed among only men. Heavy or long-term tobacco smoking may induce impaired endothelial function.