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Agyemang C, van der Linden EL, Chilunga F, van den Born BJH. International Migration and Cardiovascular Health: Unraveling the Disease Burden Among Migrants to North America and Europe. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e030228. [PMID: 38686900 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.030228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Europe and North America are the 2 largest recipients of international migrants from low-resource regions in the world. Here, large differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and death exist between migrants and the host populations. This review discusses the CVD burden and its most important contributors among the largest migrant groups in Europe and North America as well as the consequences of migration to high-income countries on CVD diagnosis and therapy. The available evidence indicates that migrants in Europe and North America generally have a higher CVD risk compared with the host populations. Cardiometabolic, behavioral, and psychosocial factors are important contributors to their increased CVD risk. However, despite these common denominators, there are important ethnic differences in the propensity to develop CVD that relate to pre- and postmigration factors, such as socioeconomic status, cultural factors, lifestyle, psychosocial stress, access to health care and health care usage. Some of these pre- and postmigration environmental factors may interact with genetic (epigenetics) and microbial factors, which further influence their CVD risk. The limited number of prospective cohorts and clinical trials in migrant populations remains an important culprit for better understanding pathophysiological mechanism driving health differences and for developing ethnic-specific CVD risk prediction and care. Only by improved understanding of the complex interaction among human biology, migration-related factors, and sociocultural determinants of health influencing CVD risk will we be able to mitigate these differences and truly make inclusive personalized treatment possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Agyemang
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore MD USA
| | - Eva L van der Linden
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Felix Chilunga
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Bert-Jan H van den Born
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences Amsterdam The Netherlands
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Kusi-Mensah YA, Hayfron-Benjamin C, Chetty S, van der Linden EL, Meeks KAC, Beune E, Anokye-Danso F, Ahima RS, van den Born BJ, Agyemang C. Serum Adiponectin and Leptin Among Ghanaian Migrants in Amsterdam and Their Compatriots in Rural and Urban Ghana: The RODAM Study. Clin Med Insights Endocrinol Diabetes 2023; 16:11795514231218592. [PMID: 38107873 PMCID: PMC10725148 DOI: 10.1177/11795514231218592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The rapidly rising cardiometabolic disease (CMD) burden in urbanizing sub-Saharan African populations and among sub-Saharan African migrants in Europe likely affects serum adiponectin and leptin levels, but this has not yet been quantified. Objectives To compare the serum levels of adiponectin and leptin among migrant, and non-migrant (urban and rural) populations of Ghanaian descent. Methods Cross-sectional analysis of serum leptin and adiponectin in the multi-centre Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) study. Logistic-regression models were used to examine the association between these adipocyte-derived hormones after stratification (sex, geographic area) and adjustments for potential confounders. Results A total of 2518 Ghanaians were included. Rural participants had the highest serum adiponectin and lowest leptin levels compared to Amsterdam and urban Ghanaians (P < .001). In fully adjusted models, participants living in urban Ghana had significantly higher odds of hyperleptinemia compared to rural participants (women-odds ratio 2.88; 95% CI, 1.12-7.38, P = .028 and men 43.52, 95% CI, 4.84-391.25, P < .001). Urban Ghanaian men also had higher odds of elevated leptin: adiponectin ratio (6.29, 95% CI, 1.43-27.62, P = .015). The odds of hyperleptinemia were only higher in Amsterdam Ghanaian men (10.56; 95% CI, 1.11-100.85, P = .041), but not in women (0.85; 95% CI, 0.30-2.41, P = .759). There was no significant association between hypoadiponectinemia and geographical location in both sexes. Conclusion Urbanization is associated with serum adiponectin and leptin levels after adjusting for confounding covariates in sub-Saharan Africans. These findings serve as a backdrop for further research on the role adipokines play in CMD epidemiology among Africans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaw A Kusi-Mensah
- Department of Public & Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Physiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University (Tygerberg Hospital), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Charles Hayfron-Benjamin
- Department of Public & Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Physiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Sean Chetty
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University (Tygerberg Hospital), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Eva L van der Linden
- Department of Public & Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karlijn AC Meeks
- Department of Public & Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Erik Beune
- Department of Public & Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frederick Anokye-Danso
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rexford S Ahima
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bert-Jan van den Born
- Department of Public & Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Charles Agyemang
- Department of Public & Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Aovare P, Abdulai K, Laar A, van der Linden EL, Moens N, Richard E, Moll van Charante EP, Agyemang C. Assessing the Effectiveness of mHealth Interventions for Diabetes and Hypertension Management in Africa: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2023; 11:e43742. [PMID: 37646291 PMCID: PMC10477453 DOI: 10.2196/43742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mobile health (mHealth) interventions are effective in improving chronic disease management, mainly in high-income countries. However, less is known about the efficacy of mHealth interventions for the reduction of cardiovascular risk factors, including for hypertension and diabetes, which are rapidly increasing in low- and middle-income countries. Objective This study aimed to assess the efficacy of mHealth interventions for diabetes and hypertension management in Africa. Methods We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, African Journals Online, and Web of Science for relevant studies published from inception to July 2022. The main outcomes of interest were changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. The random or fixed effect model was used for the meta-analysis, and the I2 statistic was used to gauge study heterogeneity. Z tests and P values were used to evaluate the effect of mHealth interventions on HbA1c and blood pressure levels. Results This review included 7 studies (randomized controlled trials) with a total of 2249 participants. Two studies assessed the effect of mHealth on glycemic control, and 5 studies assessed the effect of mHealth on blood pressure control. The use of mHealth interventions was not associated with significant reductions in HbA1c levels (weighted mean difference [WMD] 0.20, 95% CI -0.40 to 0.80; P=.51) among patients with diabetes and systolic blood pressure (WMD -1.39, 95% CI -4.46 to 1.68; P=.37) and diastolic blood pressure (WMD 0.36, 95% CI -1.37 to 2.05; P=.69) among patients with hypertension. After conducting sensitivity analyses using the leave-one-out method, the Kingue et al study had an impact on the intervention, resulting in a 2 mm Hg reduction in systolic blood pressure (WMD -2.22, 95% CI -3.94 to -0.60; P=.01) but was nonsignificant for diastolic blood pressure and HbA1c levels after omitting the study. Conclusions Our review provided no conclusive evidence for the effectiveness of mHealth interventions in reducing blood pressure and glycemic control in Africa among persons with diabetes and hypertension. To confirm these findings, larger randomized controlled trials are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pearl Aovare
- Department of Public & Occupational Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Kasim Abdulai
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Amos Laar
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Eva L van der Linden
- Department of Vascular Medicine, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Nicolaas Moens
- Department of Economics, eHealth, and Digital Transformation, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Edo Richard
- Department of Neurology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Cognition, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Eric P Moll van Charante
- Department of Public & Occupational Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of General Practice, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Charles Agyemang
- Department of Public & Occupational Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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van der Linden EL, Meeks KAC, Chilunga F, Hayfron-Benjamin C, Bahendeka S, Klipstein-Grobusch K, Venema A, van den Born BJ, Agyemang C, Henneman P, Adeyemo A. Epigenome-wide association study of plasma lipids in West Africans: the RODAM study. EBioMedicine 2023; 89:104469. [PMID: 36791658 PMCID: PMC10025759 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA-methylation has been associated with plasma lipid concentration in populations of diverse ethnic backgrounds, but epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) in West-Africans are lacking. The aim of this study was to identify DNA-methylation loci associated with plasma lipids in Ghanaians. METHODS We conducted an EWAS using Illumina 450k DNA-methylation array profiles of extracted DNA from 663 Ghanaian participants. Differentially methylated positions (DMPs) were examined for association with plasma total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides concentrations using linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, and technical covariates. Findings were replicated in independent cohorts of different ethnicities. FINDINGS We identified one significantly associated DMP with triglycerides (cg19693031 annotated to TXNIP, regression coefficient beta -0.26, false discovery rate adjusted p-value 0.001), which replicated in-silico in South African Batswana, African American, and European populations. From the top five DMPs with the lowest nominal p-values, two additional DMPs for triglycerides (CPT1A, ABCG1), two DMPs for LDL-cholesterol (EPSTI1, cg13781819), and one for TC (TXNIP) replicated. With the exception of EPSTI1, these loci are involved in lipid transport/metabolism or are known GWAS-associated loci. The top 5 DMPs per lipid trait explained 9.5% in the variance of TC, 8.3% in LDL-cholesterol, 6.1% in HDL-cholesterol, and 11.0% in triglycerides. INTERPRETATION The top DMPs identified in this study are in loci that play a role in lipid metabolism across populations, including West-Africans. Future studies including larger sample size, longitudinal study design and translational research is needed to increase our understanding on the epigenetic regulation of lipid metabolism among West-African populations. FUNDING European Commission under the Framework Programme (grant number: 278901).
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva L van der Linden
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Karlijn A C Meeks
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Felix Chilunga
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Charles Hayfron-Benjamin
- Department of Physiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana; Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands; Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Andrea Venema
- Department of Human Genetics, Genome Diagnostics Laboratory Amsterdam, Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bert-Jan van den Born
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Charles Agyemang
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Henneman
- Department of Human Genetics, Genome Diagnostics Laboratory Amsterdam, Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Adebowale Adeyemo
- Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Agyemang C, van der Linden EL, Antwi-Berko D, Nkansah Darko S, Twumasi-Ankrah S, Meeks K, van den Born BJH, Henneman P, Owusu-Dabo E, Beune E. Cohort profile: Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants in Europe and Africa Prospective (RODAM-Pros) cohort study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e067906. [PMID: 36521887 PMCID: PMC9756160 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) prospective (RODAM-Pros) cohort study was established to identify key changes in environmental exposures and epigenetic modifications driving the high burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among sub-Saharan African migrants. PARTICIPANTS All the participants in the RODAM cross-sectional study that completed the baseline assessment (n=5114) were eligible for the follow-up of which 2165 participants (n=638 from rural-Ghana, n=608 from urban-Ghana, and n=919 Ghanaian migrants in Amsterdam, the Netherlands) were included in the RODAM-Pros cohort study. Additionally, we included a subsample of European-Dutch (n=2098) to enable a comparison to be made between Ghanaian migrants living in the Netherlands and the European-Dutch host population. FINDINGS TO DATE Follow-up data have been collected on demographics, socioeconomic status, medical history, psychosocial environment, lifestyle factors, nutrition, anthropometrics, blood pressure, fasting blood, urine and stool samples. Biochemical analyses included glucose metabolism, lipid profile, electrolytes and renal function, liver metabolism and inflammation. In a subsample, we assessed DNA methylation patterns using Infinium 850K DNA Methylation BeadChip. Baseline results indicated that migrants have higher prevalence of CVD risk factors than non-migrants. Epigenome-wide association studies suggest important differences in DNA methylation between migrants and non-migrants. The follow-up study will shed further light on key-specific environmental exposures and epigenetic modifications contributing to the high burden of CVD risk among sub-Saharan African migrants. FUTURE PLANS Follow-up is planned at 5-year intervals, baseline completed in 2015 and first follow-up completed in 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Agyemang
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eva L van der Linden
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Antwi-Berko
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Samuel Nkansah Darko
- School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Sampson Twumasi-Ankrah
- School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Karlijn Meeks
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Bert-Jan H van den Born
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Henneman
- Department of Human Genetics, Genome Diagnostics laboratory Amsterdam, Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ellis Owusu-Dabo
- School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Erik Beune
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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van der Linden EL, Halley A, Meeks KAC, Chilunga F, Hayfron-Benjamin C, Venema A, Garrelds IM, Danser AHJ, van den Born BJ, Henneman P, Agyemang C. An explorative epigenome-wide association study of plasma renin and aldosterone concentration in a Ghanaian population: the RODAM study. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:159. [PMID: 36457109 PMCID: PMC9714193 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01378-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epigenetic regulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) potentially plays a role in the pathophysiology underlying the high burden of hypertension in sub-Saharan Africans (SSA). Here we report the first epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) of plasma renin and aldosterone concentrations and the aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR). METHODS Epigenome-wide DNA methylation was measured using the Illumina 450K array on whole blood samples of 68 Ghanaians. Differentially methylated positions (DMPs) were assessed for plasma renin concentration, aldosterone, and ARR using linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and technical covariates. Additionally, we extracted methylation loci previously associated with hypertension, kidney function, or that were annotated to RAAS-related genes and associated these with renin and aldosterone concentration. RESULTS We identified one DMP for renin, ten DMPs for aldosterone, and one DMP associated with ARR. Top DMPs were annotated to the PTPRN2, SKIL, and KCNT1 genes, which have been reported in relation to cardiometabolic risk factors, atherosclerosis, and sodium-potassium handling. Moreover, EWAS loci previously associated with hypertension, kidney function, or RAAS-related genes were also associated with renin, aldosterone, and ARR. CONCLUSION In this first EWAS on RAAS hormones, we identified DMPs associated with renin, aldosterone, and ARR in a SSA population. These findings are a first step in understanding the role of DNA methylation in regulation of the RAAS in general and in a SSA population specifically. Replication and translational studies are needed to establish the role of these DMPs in the hypertension burden in SSA populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva L. van der Linden
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Location AMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adrienne Halley
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Location AMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karlijn A. C. Meeks
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Location AMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.280128.10000 0001 2233 9230Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Felix Chilunga
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Location AMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Charles Hayfron-Benjamin
- grid.8652.90000 0004 1937 1485Department of Physiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana ,grid.415489.50000 0004 0546 3805Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - Andrea Venema
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Human Genetics, Genome Diagnostics Laboratory Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid M. Garrelds
- grid.5645.2000000040459992XDivision of Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A. H. Jan Danser
- grid.5645.2000000040459992XDivision of Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bert-Jan van den Born
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Location AMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Henneman
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Human Genetics, Genome Diagnostics Laboratory Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Charles Agyemang
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Location AMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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van Apeldoorn JA, van der Linden EL, Bahendeka S, Beune E, Meeks KA, Klipstein-Grobusch K, van den Born BJ, Agyemang C. C-reactive protein and hypertension among Ghanaian migrants and their homeland counterparts: the Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants study. J Hypertens 2022; 40:283-291. [PMID: 34478414 PMCID: PMC8728758 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000003006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension (HTN) is a growing public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and SSA migrants in Europe. Elevated levels of inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) have been linked to HTN but the relationship of CRP and HTN among SSA populations has not been studied. To address this knowledge gap, we studied the association between CRP and HTN in migrant and nonmigrant SSA populations residing in different settings. METHODS Cross-sectional data from the multicentre Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) study were analysed including 5683 Ghanaians aged at least 18 years, residing in rural and urban Ghana, and Europe. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between high levels of CRP (≥3 mg/l) and HTN (SBP ≥140 mmHg and/or DBP ≥90 mmHg and/or use of antihypertensive medication) per geographical site and sex. RESULTS The association between CRP levels and HTN varied by sex and geographical location. In age-adjusted models, there was an association between high CRP levels and HTN in urban-Ghanaian women (odds ratio 1.50, 95% confidence interval 1.10-2.03), and European-Ghanaian men (1.68, 1.16-2.43) and women (1.63, 1.28-2.07). However, these associations were attenuated after adjustment for conventional risk factors, especially BMI. No association was found in rural-Ghanaians or urban-Ghanaian men. CONCLUSION Our findings show an association between CRP and HTN among Ghanaian migrants and urban-Ghanaian women, however, this was largely explained by conventional risk factors. Thus, prevention of conventional risk factors, in particular obesity, may help to reduce the potentially low-grade inflammatory mechanism underlying HTN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A.N. van Apeldoorn
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute
| | - Eva L. van der Linden
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Erik Beune
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute
| | - Karlijn A.C. Meeks
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute
- Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Bert-Jan van den Born
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Charles Agyemang
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute
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Ndong AK, van der Linden EL, Beune EJAJ, Meeks KAC, Danquah I, Bahendeka S, Klipstein-Grobusch K, Schulze MB, Addo J, van den Born BJH, Agyemang C. Serum potassium concentration and its association with hypertension among Ghanaian migrants and non-migrants: The RODAM study. Atherosclerosis 2021; 342:36-43. [PMID: 34952692 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2021.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Low serum potassium concentration is associated with hypertension, but whether the same association can be found in African origin populations, is unknown. We assessed serum potassium concentration, and its association with hypertension among Ghanaians living in different geographical locations. METHODS Baseline data of 962 rural, 1420 urban, and 2947 migrant Ghanaians from the Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants study were analysed. Mean serum potassium concentration was compared between the groups, and the association between serum potassium and hypertension was assessed using multivariate regression analyses. RESULTS Mean serum potassium concentration was higher in rural Ghana (4.28, 95% confidence interval 4.25-4.32 mmol/L) than in Ghanaians living in Amsterdam (3.90, 3.88-3.92 mmol/L) and London (4.11, 4.07-4.14 mmol/L), but lower than in Ghanaians living in urban Ghana (4.38, 4.34-4.42 mmol/L) and Berlin (4.57, 4.51-4.62 mmol/L) in both sexes. In the age-adjusted analyses, serum potassium was associated with hypertension in urban- (odds ratio 0.44, 0.23-0.82), London- (0.34, 0.17-0.64) and Amsterdam-Ghanaian males (0.41, 0.20-0.86), and in rural- (0.49, 0.28-0.84), London- (0.29, 0.17-0.49) and Amsterdam-Ghanaian females (0.33, 0.17-0.64). However, after adjustment for demographic, lifestyle, and health factors, serum potassium was associated with hypertension in Amsterdam-Ghanaian males only (0.12, 0.02-0.59). CONCLUSIONS This study shows differences in mean serum potassium among Ghanaian populations living in different locations in Europe and Ghana, and different associations with hypertension between sites. Further research should focus on elucidating the mechanism underlying potassium handling and blood pressure regulation in African populations, in order to mitigate the burden of hypertension among these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amie K Ndong
- Department of Public & Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Eva L van der Linden
- Department of Public & Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Erik J A J Beune
- Department of Public & Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Karlijn A C Meeks
- Department of Public & Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ina Danquah
- Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universitaet zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Department of Molecular Epidemiology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | | | - Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands; Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Matthias B Schulze
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Juliet Addo
- Department of Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bert-Jan H van den Born
- Department of Public & Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Charles Agyemang
- Department of Public & Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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9
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Abstract
European populations are ethnically and culturally diverse due to international migration. Evidence indicates large ethnic inequalities in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes. This review discusses the burden of type 2 diabetes and its related complications, and the potential explanatory mechanisms among migrants in Europe. The current available data suggest that the rate of type 2 diabetes is higher in all migrant groups and that they develop this disease at an earlier age than the host European populations. The level of diabetes awareness among migrant populations is high, but glycaemic control remains suboptimal compared with Europeans. The culturally adapted lifestyle modification intervention trials to prevent type 2 diabetes mainly focus on South Asian adults in Europe. Diabetes-related microvascular and macrovascular complications remain a major burden among migrant populations in Europe. Earlier studies found higher mortality rates among migrants, but recent studies seem to suggest a shifting trend in favour of first-generation migrants. However, the extent of the burden of type 2 diabetes varies across migrant groups and European countries. Despite the higher burden of type 2 diabetes among migrants, the key underlying factors are not well understood mainly due to limited investment in basic science research and development of prospective cohort studies. We hypothesise that the underlying risk factors for the high burden of type 2 diabetes and its related complications in migrants are multifaceted and include pre-migration factors, post-migration factors and genetic predispositions. Given the multi-ethnic nature of the current European population, there is a clear need for investment in research among migrant populations to gain insight into factors driving the high burden of type 2 diabetes and related complications to facilitate prevention and treatment efforts in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Agyemang
- Department of Public & Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Eva L van der Linden
- Department of Public & Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Louise Bennet
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Clinical Research and Trial Centre, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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10
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van der Linden EL, Collard D, Beune EJAJ, Nieuwkerk PT, Galenkamp H, Haafkens JA, Moll van Charante EP, van den Born BJH, Agyemang C. Determinants of suboptimal blood pressure control in a multi-ethnic population: The Healthy Life in an Urban Setting (HELIUS) study. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2021; 23:1068-1076. [PMID: 33675159 PMCID: PMC8678779 DOI: 10.1111/jch.14202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Among ethnic minority groups in Europe, blood pressure (BP) control is often suboptimal. We aimed to identify determinants of suboptimal BP control in a multi‐ethnic population. We analyzed cross‐sectional data of the Healthy Life in an Urban Setting (HELIUS) study, including 3571 participants aged 18‐70 with prescribed antihypertensive medication, of various ethnic backgrounds (500 Dutch, 1052 African Surinamese, 656 South‐Asian Surinamese, 637 Ghanaian, 433 Turkish, and 293 Moroccan) living in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. 53.3% of the population had suboptimal BP control, defined as BP ≥140/90 mmHg despite prescribed antihypertensives. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, female sex (OR 0.50, 95%CI 0.43‐0.59), being married (0.83, 0.72‐0.96), smoking (0.78, 0.65‐0.94), alcohol intake (0.80, 0.66‐0.96), obesity (1.67, 1.35‐2.06), cardiovascular disease (CVD) history (0.56, 0.46‐0.68), non‐adherence to antihypertensives (1.26, 1.00‐1.58), and family history of hypertension (1.19, 1.02‐1.38) were identified to be independently associated with suboptimal BP control in the total population. In the ethnic‐stratified analysis, factors associated with better BP control were female sex (all ethnic groups), smoking (Turks), and CVD history (Dutch, South‐Asian Surinamese, and African Surinamese), whereas factors associated with suboptimal BP control were older age (Turks), obesity (Dutch, African Surinamese, Ghanaian, and Turks), and non‐adherence to antihypertensives (Dutch). In conclusion, our analysis identifies several key determinants that are independently associated with suboptimal BP control in a multi‐ethnic population, with some important variations between ethnic groups. Targeting these determinants may help to improve BP control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva L van der Linden
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Didier Collard
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erik J A J Beune
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pythia T Nieuwkerk
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henrike Galenkamp
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joke A Haafkens
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eric P Moll van Charante
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bert-Jan H van den Born
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Charles Agyemang
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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11
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van der Linden EL, Couwenhoven BN, Beune EJ, Daams JG, van den Born BJH, Agyemang C. Hypertension awareness, treatment and control among ethnic minority populations in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Hypertens 2021; 39:202-213. [PMID: 32925300 PMCID: PMC7810417 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000002651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ethnic minority populations (EMPs) are disproportionally affected by hypertension-mediated complications compared with European host populations (EHPs), which might be due to disparities in hypertension awareness, treatment and control. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare awareness, treatment and control rates among EMPs with EHPs. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched from inception to 29 January 2020. Critical appraisal was performed according to methods of Hoy et al. Pooled odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated for these rates, stratified by ethnic group, using either random or fixed effect meta-analysis based on I2-statistics. Study was registered in PROSPRO (CRD42020107897). RESULTS A total of 3532 records were screened of which 16 were included in the analysis with data on 26 800 EMP and 57 000 EHP individuals. Compared with EHPs, African origin populations were more likely to be aware (odds ratio 1.26, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.56) and treated (1.49, 1.18-1.88) for hypertension, but were less likely to have their blood pressure controlled (0.56, 0.40-0.78), whereas South Asian populations were more likely to be aware (1.15, 1.02-1.30), but had similar treatment and control rates. In Moroccan populations, hypertension awareness (0.79, 0.62-1.00) and treatment levels (0.77, 0.60-0.97) were lower compared with EHPs, while in Turkish populations awareness was lower (0.81, 0.65-1.00). CONCLUSION Levels of hypertension awareness, treatment and control differ between EMPs and EHPs. Effort should be made to improve these suboptimal rates in EMPs, aiming to reduce ethnic inequalities in hypertension-mediated complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva L. van der Linden
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute
- Department of Internal and Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences
| | | | - Erik J.A.J. Beune
- Department of Internal and Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences
| | - Joost G. Daams
- Medical Library AMC, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bert-Jan H. van den Born
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute
- Department of Internal and Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences
| | - Charles Agyemang
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute
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12
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van der Linden EL, Meeks K, Beune E, de-Graft Aikins A, Addo J, Owusu-Dabo E, Mockenhaupt FP, Bahendeka S, Danquah I, Schulze MB, Spranger J, Klipstein-Grobusch K, Tetteh Appiah L, Smeeth L, Stronks K, Agyemang C. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among Ghanaian migrants and their homeland counterparts: the Research on Obesity and type 2 Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) study. Eur J Public Health 2020; 29:906-913. [PMID: 31220248 PMCID: PMC6761842 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. It is unknown whether the MetSyn prevalence differs within a homogenous population residing in different settings in Africa and Europe. We therefore assessed the prevalence of MetSyn among Ghanaians living in rural- and urban-Ghana and Ghanaian migrants living in Europe. Methods We used data from the cross-sectional multi-centre RODAM study that was conducted among Ghanaian adults aged 25–70 years residing in rural- and urban-Ghana and in London, Amsterdam and Berlin (n = 5659). MetSyn was defined according to the 2009 harmonized definition. Geographical locations were compared using age-standardized prevalence rates, and prevalence ratios (PRs), adjusted for age, education, physical activity, and smoking and stratified for sex. Results In men, the age-standardized prevalence of MetSyn was 8.3% in rural Ghana and showed a positive gradient through urban Ghana (23.6%, adjusted PR = 1.85, 95% confidence interval 1.17–2.92) to Europe, with the highest prevalence in Amsterdam (31.4%; PR = 4.45, 2.94–6.75). In women, there was a rural-to-urban gradient in age-standardized MetSyn prevalence (rural Ghana 25%, urban Ghana 34.4%, PR = 1.38, 1.13–1.68), but small differences in MetSyn prevalence between urban-Ghanaian and European-Ghanaian women (Amsterdam 38.4%; London 38.2%). Conclusion MetSyn is highly prevalent in Ghana as well as in Ghanaian migrants in Europe. To assist prevention efforts, further research is needed to understand the mechanisms driving the geographical differences in MetSyn prevalence between migrant and non-migrant Ghanaians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva L van der Linden
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Karlijn Meeks
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Erik Beune
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ama de-Graft Aikins
- Regional Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Juliet Addo
- Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ellis Owusu-Dabo
- School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Frank P Mockenhaupt
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Ina Danquah
- Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Molecular Epidemiology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Matthias B Schulze
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Joachim Spranger
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Center for Cardiovascular Research (CCR), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.,Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lambert Tetteh Appiah
- Regional Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.,Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Liam Smeeth
- Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Karien Stronks
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Charles Agyemang
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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13
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Blok S, van der Linden EL, Somsen GA, Tulevski II, Winter MM, van den Born BJH. Success factors in high-effect, low-cost eHealth programs for patients with hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2020; 28:1579-1587. [DOI: 10.1177/2047487320957170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background eHealth programs can lower blood pressure but also drive healthcare costs. This study aims to review the evidence on the effectiveness and costs of eHealth for hypertension and assess commonalities in programs with high effect and low additional cost. Results Overall, the incremental decrease in systolic blood pressure using eHealth, compared to usual care, was 3.87 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.98–4.77) mmHg at 6 months and 5.68 (95% CI 4.77–6.59) mmHg at 12 months’ follow-up. High intensity interventions were more effective, resulting in a 2.6 (95% CI 0.5–4.7) (at 6 months) and 3.3 (95% CI 1.4–5.1) (at 12 months) lower systolic blood pressure, but were also more costly, resulting in €170 (95% CI 56–284) higher costs at 6 months and €342 (95% CI 128–556) at 12 months. Programs that included a high volume of participants showed €203 (95% CI 99–307) less costs than those with a low volume at 6 months, and €525 (95% CI 299–751) at 12 months without showing a difference in systolic blood pressure. Studies that implemented eHealth as a partial replacement, rather than addition to usual care, were also less costly (€119 (95% CI –38–201 at 6 months) and €346 (95% CI 261–430 at 12 months)) without being less effective. Evidence on eHealth programs for hypertension is ambiguous, heterogeneity on effectiveness and costs is high ( I2 = 56–98%). Conclusion Effective eHealth with limited additional costs should focus on high intensity interventions, involve a large number of participants and use eHealth as a partial replacement for usual care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiaan Blok
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiology Centers of the Netherlands, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Internal and Vascular Medicine, The Netherlands
| | - Eva L van der Linden
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Internal and Vascular Medicine, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Public Health, The Netherlands
| | - G Aernout Somsen
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiology Centers of the Netherlands, The Netherlands
| | - Igor I Tulevski
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiology Centers of the Netherlands, The Netherlands
| | - Michiel M Winter
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiology Centers of the Netherlands, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, University of Amsterdam, The NetherlandsAmsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Cardiology, The Netherlands
| | - Bert-Jan H van den Born
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Internal and Vascular Medicine, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Public Health, The Netherlands
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14
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van der Linden EL, Agyemang C, van den Born BJH. Hypertension control in sub-Saharan Africa: Clinical inertia is another elephant in the room. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2020; 22:959-961. [PMID: 32431011 PMCID: PMC7383612 DOI: 10.1111/jch.13874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Eva L van der Linden
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Internal and Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Charles Agyemang
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bert-Jan H van den Born
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Internal and Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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15
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Hayfron-Benjamin CF, van den Born BJ, Maitland-van der Zee AH, Amoah AGB, van der Linden EL, Stronks K, Klipstein-Grobusch K, Bahendeka S, Danquah I, Beune E, Smeeth L, Agyemang C. Higher prevalence of peripheral arterial disease in Ghana compared to Ghanaian migrants in Europe: The RODAM study. Int J Cardiol 2019; 305:127-134. [PMID: 31864791 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2019.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that the burden of peripheral artery disease (PAD) is rising more rapidly than other forms of cardiovascular diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, but the extent to which they differ between rural and urban settings in Africa and upon migration to Europe is unknown. We assessed the burden of PAD among Ghanaians living in rural- and urban-Ghana and Ghanaian migrants living in three European countries. METHODS Cross-sectional analyses of baseline data from the multicenter Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) study were done. Data from 5516 participants living in Europe (1487 Amsterdam, 546 Berlin, 1047 London) and Ghana [1419 urban and 1017 rural] aged 25-70years were included. PAD was defined as ankle brachial index≤0.90. Comparisons among sites were made using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS The age-standardized prevalence of PAD was higher in Ghanaians living in rural [7.52%, 95% CI = 5.87-9.51] and urban [8.93%, 7.44-10.64] Ghana than for their compatriots living in Europe [5.70%, 4.35-7.35 for London; 3.94%, 2.96-5.14 for Amsterdam; and 0.44%, 0.05-1.58 for Berlin]. The differences persisted even after adjustment for age, sex, education and the conventional cardiovascular risk factors [adjusted odds ratio = 3.16, 95% CI = 2.16-4.61, p < .001 for rural-Ghana; and 2.93, 1.87-4.58, p < .00 for urban-Ghana, compared with Ghanaian migrants in Europe]. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that Ghanaians living in Ghana have higher prevalence of PAD than their migrant compatriots. Further work is needed to identify potential factors driving the high prevalence of PAD among non-migrant Ghanaians to assist interventions aimed at reducing PAD burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles F Hayfron-Benjamin
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Physiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana; Department of Anaesthesia, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Bert-Jan van den Born
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Albert G B Amoah
- Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana; National Diabetes Management & Research Centre, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - Eva L van der Linden
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Karien Stronks
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands; Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Silver Bahendeka
- Mother Kevin Post Graduate Medical School, Uganda Martyrs University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ina Danquah
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Molecular Epidemiology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Erik Beune
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Liam Smeeth
- Department of Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charles Agyemang
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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