Urinary iodine concentration and its associations with thyroid function in pregnant women of Shanghai.

Objective: To assess the iodine status and its associations with thyroid function in pregnant women of Shanghai. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 562 pregnant women were enrolled from January to December 2021. Both serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAB), thyroglobulin antibody (TGAB), and urinary iodine concentration (UIC) were detected. Participants were divided into four groups based on their UIC values. Correlation analysis was used to investigate the association between UIC and thyroid function-associated parameters. Results: The median UIC of the pregnant women studied was 158.25µg/L (interquartile range [IQR] 90.15, 245.65µg/L). Among all the subjects, 45.55% had iodine deficiency according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, and 15.65% had thyroid autoimmunity. FT3, FT4, TSH, TPOAB and TGAB levels were not different among different UIC groups (P > 0.05). UIC and TSH were negatively correlated (r=-0.127, p=0.043) in UIC<150 µg/L group. In the group with UIC 250- 499 µg/L, UIC was positively correlated with total T4 (TT4), total T3 (TT3) and TPOAB (r= 0.228, p=0.022, r=0.208, p= 0.039, r=0.190, p=0.042, respectively). A negative correlation between UIC and TPOAB values was observed in TPOAB-positive (+) pregnant women (r=-0.384, p=0.012). The prevalence of isolated hypothyroxinemia in UIC<150 µg/L group was significantly higher than that of other groups(p=0.033). The relationship between the prevalence of thyroid diseases and UIC embodied a U-shaped curve. Conclusion: Pregnant women on Chongming Island of Shanghai were iodine sufficient during the second trimester, but iodine deficiency was still prevalent. Both low and high gestational iodine status was related to thyroid function and autoimmunity. Optimal iodine nutrition status during gestation was important.

The influence of different glucose tolerance on QTc interval: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Corrected QT (QTc) interval has been reported to be associated with type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to explore the relationship between different glucose tolerance and QTc intervals among middle-aged and older Chinese individuals. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis that included 9898 subjects (3194 men and 6704 women) in a Chinese population. Glucose tolerance was studied during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Insulin, blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), serum lipids, hepatic transaminases and waist-to-hip ratio were assessed. The QTc interval was derived from ECG recordings, and the subjects were stratified based on different glucose tolerance. RESULTS: QTc interval levels were increased significantly in the subjects with abnormal glucose metabolism compared with the normal glucose regulation group. Multiple regression analyses showed that the QTc interval was significantly associated with fasting plasma glucose, 2-h OGTT plasma glucose and HbA1c. The odds ratio of prolonged QTc was 1.396 for impaired glucose regulation (IFG)/impaired fasting glucose (IGT) (95% CI 0.126-1.730), and 1.342 for type 2 diabetes (95% CI 0.142-1.577) after all potential confounders were adjusted. CONCLUSIONS: Impaired glucose tolerance (IGR) and diabetes are associated with prolonged QTc intervals among middle-aged and older Chinese individuals. Abnormal glucose regulation can be used to monitor the QTc interval in the population.

Effects of 5-aminolevulinic acid on the inflammatory responses and antioxidative capacity in broiler chickens challenged with lipopolysaccharide.

5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is an intermediate in haem biosynthesis and has anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other pharmacological effects. This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with 5-ALA on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and inflammatory response of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged broiler chickens. The experiment was designed as a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with dietary 5-ALA (0 or 60 mg/kg) and LPS (injection of saline or 0.5 mg/kg BW) levels as treatments. A total of 240 one-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were distributed into four treatments consisting of six replicates of 10 birds. All the experimental broilers were intraperitoneally injected with LPS or sterile saline at 16, 18, and 20 days of age. Our results showed that dietary 5-ALA supplementation reduced (P < 0.05) the feed to gain before broilers were stimulated with LPS (days 1-15). LPS challenge decreased (P < 0.05) the catalase (CAT), total superoxide dismutase activities and increased the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the serum of broiler chickens. However, 5-ALA supplementation had a tendency to increase (P = 0.08) the activity of CAT and decreased (P < 0.05) the content of MDA. LPS challenge showed higher (P < 0.05) interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and IL-10 concentrations in the serum, whereas dietary 5-ALA supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) the levels of IL-1ß and IL-6. Additionally, dietary 5-ALA supplementation significantly attenuated (P < 0.05) the upregulation of mRNA expression levels of hepatic toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), IL-1ß, and IL-2 induced by LPS challenge. Moreover, dietary 5-ALA supplementation also enhanced the mRNA expression of 5-aminolevulinate dehydratase, ferrochelatase, and haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1) as compared to the unsupplemented groups. In conclusion, our results suggested that supplementation of 60 mg/kg 5-ALA exhibited LPS-induced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties by enhancing the HO-1 expression and inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signalling pathway.

Lymphocytes ≥ 2.9 (109/L) in Newly Diagnosed Diabetes Are A Predictor of Future CVD Events.

OBJECTIVE: Atherosclerosis is considered a chronic inflammatory condition. The immune system is a key mediator in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. In a previous study, we found that the immune system was activated in diabetes and that total white blood cell (WBC) counts were elevated significantly in diabetic patients. To investigate whether WBC subtype counts in newly diagnosed diabetes are risk factors for future cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, we conducted a prospective population-based cohort study. METHODS: A total of 1498 newly diagnosed diabetic patients aged 40 to 70 years old were followed up for three years. Participants with previous CVD history and abnormal WBC counts were excluded. CVD events were recorded during follow-up. RESULTS: We found that the baseline lymphocyte counts were independently associated with cardiovascular events during follow-up, with the Exp (ß) (95% CI) at 1.749 (1.084-2.821). Lymphocyte count ≥2.9 (109/L) was significantly associated with the development of CVD (HR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.12-4.67). The corresponding incidence of CVD per 1000 person-year for the lymphocyte count ≤2.8 (109/L) and lymphocyte count ≥2.9 (109/L) groups were 11.26 and 26.38, respectively. CONCLUSION: We concluded that even in a normal range, higher lymphocyte levels may result in a significantly higher CVD risk among diabetic patients. Lymphocyte count ≥2.9 (109/L) is an independent predictor of developing future CVD events.

Serum creatinine levels and risk of nonalcohol fatty liver disease in a middle-aged and older Chinese population: A cross-sectional analysis.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now regarded as the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Recent research has suggested that serum creatinine (SCr) may be an indicator of MetS and its related diseases. We aimed to investigate the association between SCr and NAFLD in Chinese adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional sample of 8862 subjects aged 40 years or older (40-73 years) from China were analysed in this study. The anthropometric measurements, laboratory tests, and hepatic ultrasonography were conducted. NAFLD presence was defined by hepatic ultrasound in the absence of other liver diseases. RESULTS: NAFLD subjects had higher SCr than those without NAFLD (66.8 µmol/L vs. 65.6 µmol/L, p < 0.001). Moreover, SCr levels were correlated with alanine aminotransferase (ß = 0.099, p < 0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (ß = 0.135, p < 0.001), γ-glutamyltransferase (ß = 0.039, p < 0.001), and insulin resistance (ß = 0.027, p = 0.014) after adjusted for potential covariates. In the multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analyses, compared to the first SCr quintile, the odds ratio for NAFLD was 1.35 (95% confidence interval 1.14-1.60, p < 0.001) for the fifth quintile after adjusting multiple measured confounders. CONCLUSION: SCr concentration is independently associated with NAFLD in a middle aged and older Chinese population. Elevated SCr levels, even within normal ranges, were associated with higher risk of NAFLD.

Hemoglobin concentration is associated with the incidence of metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: An association between hemoglobin and metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been reported. However, the relationships between hemoglobin and individual MetS components remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated these associations at baseline and at the 3-year follow-up. METHODS: We enrolled 9960 middle-aged and elderly subjects (6726 women and 3234 men) and performed a 3-year follow-up cohort study. All subjects completed a questionnaire and underwent anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests. Logistic regression models were developed to assess the association between hemoglobin and MetS and its components. RESULTS: MetS was present in 45.1% of women and 41.4% of men at baseline. The hemoglobin concentration was positively correlated with SBP, DBP, TGs, WC, FPG, insulin, HOMA-IR, BMI and uric acid (p < 0.05). The mean hemoglobin concentration was higher in subjects with hypertension, high TGs, abdominal obesity or elevated FPG (p < 0.01). At follow-up, elevated hemoglobin correlated with an increased incidence and ORs for MetS, high TGs, low HDL-c, hyperuricemia and NAFLD but not abdominal obesity, BP or FPG in women. Increased hemoglobin corresponded with an increased incidence and ORs for MetS, abdominal obesity, low HDL-c, hyperuricemia and NAFLD but not BP, high TGs or FPG in men. CONCLUSIONS: Hemoglobin may play a role in predicting new-onset MetS in both women and men. Hemoglobin was notably correlated with future risk of high TGs, low HDL-c, hyperuricemia, and NAFLD among women and abdominal obesity, low HDL-c, hyperuricemia, and NAFLD among men.

Visceral adiposity index is associated with lung function impairment: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The effects of visceral adiposity on decreased lung function have drawn much attention. Recently, the visceral adiposity index (VAI) has been proposed as a visceral fat distribution and dysfunction marker. However, the relationship between the VAI and lung function has not been investigated. The objective of the study was to analyze the association between the VAI and lung function and evaluate the potential of VAI as a predictor of lung function. METHODS: We collected data from a population-based study of 1786 subjects aged 40 years or older. All subjects completed a questionnaire and underwent anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests. Linear and logistic regression models were developed to assess the association between the VAI and lung function. RESULTS: The VAI was inversely related to FVC%predicted in men and negatively associated with both FVC%predicted and FEV1%predicted in women. In the linear regression analysis, the decrease in FVC%predicted associated with each 10% increase in the VAI was 1.127% in men and 1.943% in women; the decrease in FEV1%predicted associated with each 10%increase in the VAI was 0.663% in men and 1.738% in women. Further regression analysis revealed that the VAI was positively correlated with FVC and FEV1 impairment in women. CONCLUSIONS: We were the first to show a clear correlation between the VAI and lung function impairment in the Chinese population. The VAI could be a simple and reliable approach in daily practice, and individuals, especially women with a high VAI, should receive additional screening and preventive interventions for respiratory disease.

Polydextrose Alleviates Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Modulates the Gut Microbiota in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice.

The soluble dietary fiber polydextrose (PDX) is a randomly linked glucose oligomer containing small amounts of sorbitol and citric acid and is widely used in the food industry. However, whether PDX can prevent and treat obesity in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice has not been directly investigated, and further studies are needed to better understand the complex interactions among PDX, adipose tissue inflammation and the gut microbiota. In the present study, PDX reduced body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), adipose tissue accumulation, adipocyte hypertrophy, serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in HFD-fed mice. Moreover, PDX alleviated serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels and macrophage infiltration in epididymal adipose tissue and resulted in macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that PDX promoted the growth of beneficial microbes such as Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, Alloprevotella, Muribaculum, Akkermansia, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 and UBA1819 in obese mice, which were negatively correlated with subcutaneous fat, epididymal fat, body weight, FBG, serum TC, HDL-C, LDL-C and LPS levels. Our results indicates that PDX can prevent and treat obesity in HFD-fed mice, specifically in alleviating glucolipid metabolism disorders and adipose tissue inflammation, which may be mediated by modulating the structure of the gut microbiota. Therefore, PDX may become a promising nondrug therapy for obesity.

Large mid-upper arm circumference is associated with metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and elderly individuals: a community-based study.

BACKGROUND: The mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) is a proxy for subcutaneous fat in the upper body and is a reliable screening measure for identifying individuals with abnormal regional fat distribution. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between MUAC and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in middle-aged and elderly individuals. METHODS: We measured the MUAC in a cross-sectional sample with a total of 9787 subjects aged 40 years and older. The measurement of MUAC is performed on the right arm using a non-elastic tape held midway between the acromion and the olecranon processes in duplicate, with the arm hanging loosely at the side of the body. The MetS was defined according to the Joint Statement of the International Diabetes Federation Task Force on Epidemiology and Prevention. RESULTS: MUAC was positively correlated with waist circumference (r = 0.437, P < 0.001), BMI (r = 0.334, P < 0.001), fasting insulin (r = 0.348, P < 0.001), HOMA-IR (r = 0.134, P < 0.001), triglycerides (r = 0.138, P < 0.001), SBP (r = 0.124, P < 0.001), and DBP (r = 0.123, P < 0.001), and inversely correlated with adiponectin (r = - 0.147, P < 0.001) and HDL-cholesterol (r = - 0.176, P < 0.001) after adjusting for age and gender. Compared with the lowest quartile group, the odds ratios were substantially higher for MetS (OR 1.77; 95% CI 1.51-2.09, P for trend< 0.001) in the highest MUAC quartile group after adjustment for potential cofounder. CONCLUSION: Large mid-upper arm circumference is significantly associated with metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and elderly individuals.

Large thigh circumference is associated with lower blood pressure in overweight and obese individuals: a community-based study.

OBJECTIVE: A small thigh circumference is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and total mortality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between thigh circumference and hypertension in the middle-aged and elderly population. METHODS: A total of 9520 individuals aged 40 years and older with measurement of thigh circumference were available for analysis. The measurement of thigh circumference was performed directly below the gluteal fold of the thigh. The association of thigh circumference with hypertension was tested in logistic regression analyses and reported as odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI. RESULTS: Thigh circumference was negatively correlated with systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, and total cholesterol. Compared with the lowest thigh circumference tertile group, the risk of hypertension was significantly lower in the highest tertile group, both in overweight individuals (OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.59-0.79, P < 0.001) and obese individuals (OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.38-0.70, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In the present study, large thigh circumference is associated with lower risk of hypertension in overweight and obese Chinese individuals.

Turning Detrimental Effect into Benefits: Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction Activity of Cobalt-Free Perovskites at Intermediate Temperature via CO2-Induced Surface Activation.

A minor amount of CO2 in air usually causes a detrimental effect on oxygen activation over a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) cathode because insulating surface carbonate is easily formed, which inhibits charge transfer during the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In this study, we report that the detrimental effect due to the CO2 interaction with perovskite oxide can be turned into a beneficial effect for facilitating ORR through tailoring the material composition of the perovskite. More specifically, for cobalt-free SrSc0.025Nb0.075Fe0.9O3-δ (SSNF), the exposure to the CO2 atmosphere results in the formation of a minor amount of surface strontium carbonate mainly in the form of a nanofilm over the perovskite surface, which protects the electrode from further corrosion by CO2, thus achieving a relatively stable performance even under a 10% CO2-containing air atmosphere. When CO2-free air is restored, the SrCO3 is successfully decomposed at intermediate temperatures. As a result, the surface reaction kinetics is recovered to the initial degree while the charge transfer process is obviously improved. An area-specific resistance of only 0.07 Ω cm2 is achieved at 650 °C after the CO2-induced surface activation, much smaller than the original value of 0.13 Ω cm2. In addition, the CO2-treated electrode shows a fairly stable performance for ORR under a subsequent CO2-free air atmosphere. To create such a beneficial effect, it is critical to tailor the degree of interaction of the perovskite surface with CO2, while the benchmark Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ (BSCF) shows a too strong interaction with CO2 with the formation of bulk-phase-like carbonate, which failed to decomposed even when restored with a CO2-free atmosphere at intermediate temperatures, and as a result, worsened the ORR activity after the CO2 treatment.

ASCVD risk stratification modifies the effect of HbA1c on cardiovascular events among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with basic to moderate risk.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 7.0%-8.0% and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with different baseline 10-year atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) risk stratification. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A prospective population-based cohort of 10 060 adults aged 40-70 years in Chongming District of Shanghai was established in 2011. These participants were followed up for 3.25 years and CVD information was recorded. We investigated this association between HbA1c categories and incident CVD stratified by the 10-year ASCVD risk using multiple Cox regression analysis among 1880 patients with T2DM without CVD history. CVD events were defined as cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or non-fatal stroke. RESULTS: The corresponding incidence of CVD per 1000 person-years for the HbA1c≤6.5%, 6.6%-6.9%, 7.0%-8.0% and >8.0% groups were 12.5, 21.8, 22.9 and 28.9, respectively. The HbA1c>8.0% group was significantly associated with a higher CVD risk in patients with T2DM. The HbA1c 7.0%-8.0% group was significantly associated with a higher CVD risk in patients with T2DM with moderate baseline ASCVD risk (HR 2.48; 95% CI 1.15 to 5.32). CONCLUSION: HbA1c of 7.0%-8.0% may result in a significantly higher CVD risk among patients with T2DM with moderate baseline ASCVD risk, which support the use of HbA1c combined with baseline ASCVD risk assessment to determine future glucose-lowering treatment decisions among patients with T2DM with basic to moderate risk.

Low serum adiponectin is a predictor of progressing to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: The association between adiponectin and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been studied before, but most of the studies are cross-sectional and cannot prove a causal link. OBJECTIVE: To prospectively investigate the relationship between serum adiponectin levels and the incidence of NAFLD in 3 years. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 1325 subjects aged 40 to 70 from the Chongming District of Shanghai, China, were included. All of them did not have fatty liver according to the liver ultrasound examination at entry; alcohol abuse and hepatitis were also excluded. Serum adiponectin levels and other indices were measured at baseline. After 3 years of follow-up, hepatic ultrasound examination was performed on each participant again to detect fatty liver. RESULTS: The serum adiponectin levels at entry were significantly lower in subjects who developed NAFLD compared with those who did not develop NAFLD after 3 years (1.75 ± 0.89 ug/mL vs 2.37 ± 1.01 ug/mL, P < 0.001). After multiple adjustments, the highest odds ratios for NAFLD were in the second adiponectin quartile, the adjusted ORs were 1.89 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25 to 2.86) compared with those in the highest quartile. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showing variables at entry independently associated with NAFLD after 3 years was adiponectin (P < 0.01), sex (P < 0.01), BMI (P < 0.001), insulin (P < 0.001), HOMA-IR (P < 0.01), GGT (P = 0.001), TG (P < 0.001), and WBC (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Lower serum adiponectin level is a predictor of NAFLD among middle-aged and elderly subjects.

Metabolic syndrome and osteoporotic fracture: a population-based study in China.

BACKGROUND: Associations between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and osteoporotic fracture have been reported. However, the epidemiological studies are not conclusive. The objective of the study was to determine whether metabolic syndrome associates with osteoporotic fracture. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 9930 Chinese adults aged 40 year or older in the Chongming District, Shanghai, China. A questionnaire, anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests were conducted. MetS was defined according to the updated National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for Asian-Americans. A history of fractures was collected with an interviewer-assisted questionnaire. Osteoporotic fractures were defined as fractures that occurred due to low-trauma in 2 years prior to the study. RESULTS: Among women, the prevalence of osteoporotic fractures was significantly higher in those with MetS (3.5 vs. 2.6 %, P =0.028). However, the difference was not found in men (2.6 vs. 2.4 %, P =0.737). The presence of Mets was significantly associated with increased odds of osteoporotic fracture among women (odds ratio 1.22; 95 % confidence interval 1.12-1.54; P = 0.039) after controlling for potential confounders. The significant associations were not detected in men. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of MetS was significantly associated with a recent history of osteoporotic fracture in middle-aged and elderly Chinese women.

Characteristic enhancement of blood pressure V-shaped waves in sinoaortic-denervated rats in a conscious and quiet state.

A hemodynamic feature of chronic sinoaortic-denervated (SAD) rats is the increase in blood pressure variability (BPV) without significant changes in the average level of blood pressure (BP). The current study was designed to investigate the changes in BP V-shaped waves (V waves) in SAD rats. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into 2 groups: SAD rats and sham-operated rats (n=13). Hemodynamics measurements were obtained in conscious, freely moving rats, four weeks after sinoaortic denervation or sham operation. V wave indices were evaluated in rats in both conscious and quiet states. Additionally, normal and high BPV was simulated by the production of V waves with different amplitudes. The results showed that the V wave amplitude was dramatically increased, with a significantly prolonged duration and reduced frequency in SAD rats. V wave BPV in SAD rats was significantly increased, though BP remained unchanged. The twenty-four hour BPV in all rats was positively correlated with amplitude, duration time and V wave BPV and negatively correlated with frequency. The systolic BP spectral powers in the low frequency range (0.38-0.45 Hz) were significantly reduced in the V waves of SAD rats. Moreover, there was a remarkable increase in mean BPV and a normal mean BP after simulating high BPV in SAD rats. These results suggest that enhancement of V waves might be a waveform character of BP in SAD rats in both the conscious and quiet states. These types of V waves appear to be related to a depression of sympathetic regulation of BP induced by sinoaortic denervation.

Association between metabolic syndrome and lung function in middle-aged and elderly Chinese individuals.

Subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS) had lower FVC and FEV1 than non-MetS subjects and decreased gradually with the increasing number of MetS components. After adjusting for potential risk factors, the lowest quartile of FVC and FEV1 was associated with increased risk of MetS.

Association between serum uric acid levels and cardiovascular disease in middle-aged and elderly Chinese individuals.

BACKGROUND: A link between uric acid (UA) levels and cardiovascular diseases has been previously reported. However, its importance as a risk factor is still controversial. This study sought to determine whether elevated serum uric acid levels are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in middle-aged and elderly Chinese individuals. METHODS: We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study in Shanghai, with a total of 8510 participants aged ≥40 years. The CVD included diagnosed coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. MetS was defined according to the updated National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for Asian Americans. RESULTS: Uric acid levels were positively associated with BMI, waist circumference, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, glycohemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose, postprandial 2-hour plasma glucose (all P < 0.05), and negatively associated with HDL-cholesterol (P < 0.001). The prevalence of CVD significantly increased with increasing quartiles of UA in those without MetS group (p trend < 0.001), but not necessarily increased in those with MetS. After adjustment for metabolic syndrome and other cardiovascular risk factors, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that odds ratios (OR) for CHD, stroke, and CVD in those in the fourth quartiles were 2.34 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.73 to 3.45), 2.18 (95% CI 1.86 to 3.28), and 2.16 (95% CI 1.80 to 3.29), respectively, compared with those in the first quartile of UA. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated serum uric acid level was associated with CVD, independent of conventional cardiovascular disease risk factors and metabolic syndrome.

Pretreatment with hydrogen-rich saline reduces the damage caused by glycerol-induced rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury in rats.

BACKGROUND: Rhabdomyolysis is a leading cause of acute kidney injury. The pathophysiological process involves oxidative stress and inflammation. Hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. This study explored the protective effect of pretreatment with HRS on the development of glycerol-induced rhabdomyolysis acute kidney injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into four equal groups. Group 1 served as the control, group 2 was given 50% glycerol (10 mL/kg, intramuscular), group 3 was given glycerol after 7 d pretreatment with high dose HRS (10 mL/kg/d, intraperitoneal), and group 4 was given glycerol after 7 d pretreatment with low dose HRS (5 mL/kg/d, intraperitoneal). Renal health was monitored by serum creatinine (Cr), urea, and histologic analysis; rhabdomyolysis was monitored by creatine kinase (CK) levels; and oxidative stress was monitored by kidney tissue reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) levels. Inflammation was monitored by interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) evaluation. RESULTS: Glycerol administration resulted in an increase in the mean histologic damage score, serum Cr, urea and CK, kidney tissue ROS, malondialdehyde, 8-OH-dG, GSH-PX, IL-6, and TNF-α, and a decrease in kidney tissue superoxide dismutase activity. All these factors were significantly improved by both doses of HRS, but the mean histologic damage score, urea, Cr, CK, ROS, 8-OH-dG, GSH-PX, IL-6, and TNF-α for the high dose HRS treatment group were even lower. CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment by HRS ameliorated renal dysfunction in glycerol-induced rhabdomyolysis by inhibiting oxidative stress and the inflammatory response.

Age-related change in kidney function, its influencing factors, and association with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis in healthy individuals--a 5-year follow-up study.

OBJECTIVES: To better define the longitudinal changes in renal function, to examine the associated risk factors, and to investigate whether there is an independent association of decline in renal function with presence of carotid plaque in a middle-aged and elderly healthy population. METHODS: 245 healthy individuals (98 males, 147 females) evaluated at baseline and 5 years later. RESULTS: Over five years, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decreased from 98.1±15.6 to 90.4±17.3mL/min/1.73m(2). There are three kinds of change in eGFR (elevated, stable and decreased) during follow-up, accounting for 14%, 29% and 57%, respectively. Multivariate analysis of cross-sectional data showed that gender, age, and serum uric acid (UA) were major factors which consistently affected eGFR at both baseline and follow-up, and that higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) and presence of plaque were involved in lower eGFR at the follow-up point. In longitudinal analysis, five baseline factors - age, SBP, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), serum transferrin (TRF) and eGFR - independently predicted a greater variability in renal function. In addition, presence of plaque was an independent risk factor for a faster decline of eGFR. CONCLUSIONS: Cross-sectional analysis demonstrates that renal function declines with increasing age. However, 43% of participants did not experience a decline in eGFR during follow-up. Besides older age and higher initial eGFR, presence of atherosclerotic carotid plaque, higher SBP, higher LDL-C and lower TRF are independent risk factors to predict a rapid decline of renal function in the healthy Chinese population.

Effects of decline in renal function with age on the outcome of asymptomatic carotid plaque in healthy adults: a 5-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: It has been long suggested that abnormal clinical factors in the body, such as dyslipidemia and diabetes, can affect the presence of atherosclerosis. However, few studies on the effect of factors within the normal range, such as the loss of renal function with age, on the prevalence of atherosclerosis are few know in healthy individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors affecting the presence of asymptomatic carotid plaques in a middle-aged and elderly healthy population. METHODS: In this regard, we prospectively evaluated 245 healthy individuals (98 males and 147 females) at baseline and after 5 years. Changes in the presence of carotid plaque between 2003 and 2008 were categorized into four groups, i.e. subjects without plaque at entry (n = 165): Group 1 (without plaque on two occasions, n = 129) and Group 2 (with nascent plaque at follow-up, n = 36); subjects with plaque at entry (n = 80); Group 3 (with plaque regression at follow-up, n = 29) and Group 4 (with plaque on two occasions, n = 51). RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed that the positive rate of carotid plaques in males was higher than that in females at the baseline, and that a significantly inverse correlation existed between the prevalence rate of plaque and aging. Logistic regression analysis of cross-sectional research showed that independent risk factors for the prevalence of atherosclerosis were male gender, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) at the baseline, and older age and lower eGFR were involved in the presence of carotid plaques at follow-up point. However, logistic regression analysis of the longitudinal data showed that older age, decreased eGFR and increased systolic blood pressure (SBP) independently predicted the presence of carotid plaques after 5 years in subjects without plaque at entry. In addition, in subjects with plaque at entry, age, changes in eGFR and the baseline levels of serum albumin (ALB) and serum total bilirubin (BIL) dependently influenced the outcome of carotid plaque. CONCLUSION: Physiological decline of renal function, together with advancing age, was an independent risk factor which consistently affected the presence of carotid atherosclerosis in two categories of healthy individuals.