Cardiorespiratory fitness and body mass index on metabolic syndrome in middle-aged Japanese adults under national health guidance: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Poor cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and high body mass index (BMI) increased the risk of developing metabolic Syndrome (MetS) mostly in Caucasians. However, the sex-specific combined association of CRF and BMI on MetS considering health-related behaviors has yet to be thoroughly examined in Japanese. This study aims to investigate the sex-specific independent and combined associations of CRF and BMI with MetS in middle-aged Japanese adults. METHODS: 421 participants were included in this cross-sectional study. CRF was estimated using a submaximal cycle ergometer. CRF and BMI were respectively divided into three categories according to tertile distribution. MetS was diagnosed based on five risk factors: waist circumference, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, and fasting glucose. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate independent and combined association of CRF and BMI with MetS. RESULTS: Results showed that 154 (57.5%) and 70 (45.8%) of men and women had MetS, respectively. Compared to men with lower CRF or higher BMI, men with middle and higher CRF or middle and lower BMI were less likely to have MetS. Compared with 'unfit and higher BMI' group, 'unfit and lower BMI', 'fit and higher BMI', and 'fit and lower BMI' groups in men showed statistically significant decreased prevalences of MetS. However, no significant associations were found in women. CONCLUSIONS: This study found significant independent and combined associations of CRF and BMI with MetS only in men, but not in women. However, prospective studies are warranted to confirm sex-specific associations of CRF and BMI with MetS.

Leisure-time physical activity and incidence of objectively assessed hearing loss: The Niigata Wellness Study.

Previous cohort study reported that high physical activity was associated with a low risk of self-reported hearing loss in women. However, no studies have examined the association between physical activity and the development of hearing loss as measured using an objective assessment of hearing loss in men and women. Here, we used cohort data to examine the association between leisure-time physical activity and incidence of objectively assessed hearing loss in men and women. Participants included 27 537 Japanese adults aged 20-80 years without hearing loss, who completed a self-administered physical activity questionnaire between April 2001 and March 2002. The participants were followed up for the development of hearing loss as measured by audiometry between April 2002 and March 2008. During follow-up, 3691 participants developed hearing loss. Compared with the none physical activity group, multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for developing hearing loss were 0.93 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.86-1.01) and 0.87 (0.81-0.95) for the medium (<525 MET-min/week) and high (≥525 MET-min/week) physical activity groups, respectively (p for trend = 0.001). The magnitude of risk reduction was slightly greater in vigorous-intensity activity than in moderate-intensity activity (p for interaction = 0.01). Analysis by sound frequency showed that the amount of physical activity was inversely associated with high frequency hearing loss development (p for trend <0.001), but not with low frequency hearing loss development (p for trend = 0.19). Higher level of leisure-time physical activity was associated with lower incidence of hearing loss, particularly for vigorous-intensity activities and high sound frequencies.

Physical Fitness and Dyslipidemia Among Japanese: A Cohort Study From the Niigata Wellness Study.

BACKGROUND: Grip strength reflects systemic muscle strength and mass and is reportedly associated with various metabolic variables. However, its prognostic association with dyslipidemia is unknown. We examined the association of grip strength and other physical fitness markers with the incidence of dyslipidemia among Japanese adults. METHODS: A total of 16,149 Japanese (6,208 women) individuals aged 20-92 years who underwent a physical fitness test between April 2001 and March 2002 were included in this cohort study. Grip strength, vertical jump, single-leg balance with eyes closed, forward bending, and whole-body reaction time were evaluated at baseline. Dyslipidemia was annually determined based on fasting serum lipid profiles and self-reported dyslipidemia from April 2001 to March 2008. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, 4,458 (44.9%) men and 2,461 (39.6%) women developed dyslipidemia. A higher relative grip strength (grip strength/body mass index) was associated with a lower incidence of dyslipidemia among both men and women (P for trend <0.001). Compared with those for the first septile, the hazards ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the seventh septile were 0.56 (95% CI, 0.50-0.63) for men and 0.69 (95% CI, 0.58-0.81) for women. Moreover, relative vertical jump (vertical jump strength/body mass index) was also inversely associated with the incidence of dyslipidemia among both men and women (P for trend <0.001). There was no association between other physical fitness and dyslipidemia among both men and women. CONCLUSION: Relative grip strength and vertical jump may be useful risk markers of the incidence of dyslipidemia.

Body flexibility and incident hypertension: The Niigata wellness study.

A high level of physical fitness, especially cardiorespiratory fitness, is associated with lower incidence of hypertension. However, the relationship between flexibility, which is a component of physical fitness, and the incidence of hypertension is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between flexibility and the incidence of hypertension in a cohort study. A total of 22,972 (14,805 men and 8167 women; median age 49 years) normotensive participants were included in this study. Between April 2001 and March 2002, flexibility (standing forward bending) was measured using a standing trunk flexion meter. The participants were divided into quartiles of flexibility by sex and age group. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mm Hg, or a self-reported history of previously diagnosed hypertension or current medication for hypertension at a health examination between April 2002 and March 2008. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the incidence of hypertension were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, exercise habits, smoking status, and drinking status. During 102,948 person years of follow-up (median 5.6 years), 4235 participants developed hypertension. Compared with the lowest flexibility (quartile 1), hazard ratios and 95% CI were 0.96 (0.88 - 1.04) for quartile 2, 0.94 (0.86 - 1.03) for quartile 3, and 0.83 (0.76 - 0.91) for quartile 4. A high level of flexibility was associated with lower incidence of hypertension, independent of other confounding factors.

Greater arterial wall viscosity in endurance-trained men.

PURPOSE: The age-associated increase in arterial wall viscosity (AWV) is attenuated by high cardiorespiratory fitness level. However, AWV in endurance-trained athletes have not been determined. We designed a cross sectional study to compare central AWV and compliance between endurance-trained young athletes and age-matched control men. METHODS: Twenty-one endurance-trained men (age 20.7 ± 0.3 years) and 20 age-matched healthy control men (age 21.6 ± 0.4 years) were studied. The common carotid artery was measured noninvasively by tonometry and automatic tracking of B-mode images to obtain instantaneous pressure and diameter hysteresis loops, and we calculated the dynamic carotid arterial compliance, static (effective and isobaric) compliance, and viscosity index. RESULTS: The AWV index in the endurance-trained men was larger than the control peers (2285 ± 181 vs. 1429 ± 124 mmHg·s/mm: P < 0.001). In addition, dynamic and static compliance were not statistically different between both groups. CONCLUSION: The present study indicated that the central AWV in endurance-trained athletes was greater than age-matched healthy control men. We believe that the AWV, as well as arterial compliance, is an important element for assessing vascular adaptation to endurance training.

[Associations between psychological attitudes toward exercise and fitness club membership resignation among new members: A cohort study].

Objectives　Approximately 40% of new fitness club (FC) members drop out within the first six months; however, the factors associated with FC membership resignation are largely unknown. This study aimed to identify the association between psychological attitudes toward exercise and FC membership resignation.Methods　We conducted a cohort study enrolling participants from 17 FCs. All individuals who became members at FCs between April 1st, 2015 and March 31st, 2016 (n=5,421) were invited to participate in the study, and those who agreed to participate completed a self-administered baseline questionnaire (n=2,934). We excluded participants aged <20 years (n=167) and those with missing values (n=702). Psychological factors were evaluated using the short version of the perceived benefit and barriers to exercise scale. Participants were followed until September 30th, 2016, at which time we assessed the FC membership drop-out rate. Cox proportional-hazards models were used to evaluate the association between perceived benefits/barriers of exercise and FC membership resignation. Sub-analyses were then conducted, stratifying by gender and age group.Results　A total of 2,065 participants were included in the analyses. The mean (standard deviation) age was 39.0 (15.0) years and 28.8% were male. Over 10.1 (4.4) months of newly-joined member follow-up, the FC membership drop-out rate was 24.6 instances per 1000 person-months. Multivariable analyses revealed no significant factors associated with FC membership drop-out. However, men aged 40-59 years who had a high physical benefit score and who perceived improving physical fitness as a benefit, were less likely to resign their memberships (hazard ratio [HR], 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72 [0.52-1.00]). However, women aged <40 years with a high discomfort score and who saw discomfort as a barrier were more likely to resign membership (HR, 1.10 [1.01-1.19]). Women aged 40-59 years with high social benefit scores and who perceived social interaction as a benefit were less likely to resign their memberships, as were women with higher lack of motivation to exercise scores and who perceived lack of motivation as a barrier to exercise (HR for social benefit, 0.84 [0.74-0.97]; HR for lack of motivation, 0.85 [0.73-0.99]). Among both male and female participants aged ≥60 years, higher self-improvement scores, indicating that peer recognition was perceived as a benefit of exercise, was associated with higher HR for drop-out (men, 2.52 [1.10-5.81]; women, 1.31 [1.00-1.72]).Conclusions　The results revealed gender and age differences in the association between the perceived benefits/barriers of exercise and FC membership dropout. Implementing programs based on enrollees' characteristics and psychological factors may contribute to preventing FC dropout in the future.

Simple-measured leg muscle strength and the prevalence of diabetes among Japanese males: a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Kameda health study.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between leg muscle strength, measured by a very simple one-leg stand-up test, and the prevalence of diabetes among Japanese males to raise awareness of diabetes prevention. [Participants and Methods] This cross-sectional analysis was conducted in 1,800 Japanese males (median [interquartile range] age, 61 [56-67] years) who completed health examinations and a one-leg stand-up test. The prevalence of diabetes was defined if any of the following conditions applied: 1) fasting blood glucose level more than 126 mg/dl, 2) two-hour blood glucose level more than 200 mg/dl (75-g oral glucose tolerance test), 3) HbA1c more than 6.5%, 4) diagnosed with diabetes by a physician, and/or 5) treated for diabetes. [Results] There were 490 participants with diabetes, and 517 participants were unable to complete the sit-to-stand task. When males, who could stand up, were used as a reference, the odds ratio for the prevalence of diabetes was significantly higher among those who were unable to stand up on neither leg than those who successfully stood up on both right and left legs after adjustment for covariates. [Conclusion] Low leg muscle strength, as measured by the one-leg stand-up test, was associated with a higher prevalence of diabetes among Japanese males. Because of its simplicity, this test could be useful detecting individuals who are at increased risk of developing diabetes.

Physical Fitness Tests and Type 2 Diabetes Among Japanese: A Longitudinal Study From the Niigata Wellness Study.

BACKGROUND: Simple physical fitness test can be a useful potential predictor of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). We examined the association between performances on simple physical fitness tests and the incidence of T2DM. METHODS: This longitudinal study was conducted in 21,802 nondiabetic Japanese (6,649 women) aged 20 to 92 years, who underwent all physical fitness tests at baseline (April 2001 to March 2002). From April 2001 to March 2008, physical fitness tests, including grip strength, vertical jump, single-leg balance with eyes closed, forward bending, whole-body reaction time, and supine legs-up, were performed every year. Participants had physical fitness tests at least two times during the period. T2DM was also annually determined based on fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and self-reported diabetes during the period. Discrete-time logit models were used to examine the influence of the serial level of each physical fitness test on the incidence of T2DM. RESULTS: During the entire study period, 972 participants developed diabetes. Lower relative grip strength (grip strength/body weight) and single-leg balance performance were associated with a higher incidence of T2DM. For relative grip strength, as compared with the fourth quartile group, the odds ratios for other groups ranged from 1.16 to 1.56 (P for trend < 0.001). For single-leg balance, the odds ratios ranged from 1.03 to 1.49 (P for trend < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The performance of a simple single-leg balance test as well as that of a grip strength test were negatively associated with the risk of T2DM among Japanese.

Stand-up test overestimates the decline of locomotor function in taller people: a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Kameda Health Study.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify which physical attribute could influence each outcome in the Stand-up test and the Two-step test and the degree of their involvement. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 2,476 people (1,674 males and 802 females), who underwent a two-day health checkup and were requested to take the Locomotive Syndrome Risk Test (Locomo Test). Participants were divided into groups under the Locomo level based on the result of Locomo Test by gender. Furthermore, the relationship between each physical attributes (quartile) based on the result of Locomo Test and the Locomo level was evaluated. [Results] According to the relationship between each physical attributes and Locomo level 1 in the Stand-up test, height showed a positive relationship and the multivariable adjusted odds ratio significantly increased with taller height in both genders. Body weight and BMI showed a negative relationship, although rather weak positive relationship, it was identified in waist circumference. On the other hand, there was no clear correlation between each physical attribute and Locomo level 1 in the Two-step test. [Conclusion] The findings indicate The Stand-up test would overestimate the decline of locomotor function in taller people and would underestimate it in shorter individuals.

Importance of Achieving a "Fit" Cardiorespiratory Fitness Level for Several Years on the Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Japanese Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The "Physical Activity Reference for Health Promotion 2013" provides "fit" reference values for cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) for good health. The importance of achieving a fit CRF level for several years on the subsequent prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains to be clarified. METHODS: This cohort study was conducted in 2,235 nondiabetic males aged 21 to 59 years, enrolled in April 1986 through March 1987. We calculated the ratio of the area under the curve (AUCratio) for actual measured values and the AUC for the reference values of CRF in each individual during an 8-year measurement period before the baseline. According to whether they met a fit CRF level or not, participants were categorized into groups based on the AUCratio (FitAUC or UnfitAUC) and initial CRF (Fitinitial or Unfitinitial), respectively. T2DM was evaluated on health checkups until March 2010. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, 400 men developed T2DM. After adjustment for confounders, as compared with those in the FitAUC group, the hazard ratio (HR) for those in the UnfitAUC group was 1.33 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-1.65). A combined analysis with the categories of initial value and AUCratio showed that, compared with the Fitinitial and FitAUC group, the HRs of Fitinitial and UnfitAUC, Unfitinitial and FitAUC, and Unfitinitial and UnfitAUC groups were 1.41 (95% CI, 0.99-2.00), 1.18 (95% CI, 0.81-1.70), and 1.40 (95% CI, 1.08-1.83), respectively. CONCLUSION: Achievement of a fit CRF level established in the Japan physical activity guideline for several years was associated with lower subsequent risk of T2DM.

Long-term Impact of Cardiorespiratory Fitness on Type 2 Diabetes Incidence: A Cohort Study of Japanese Men.

BACKGROUND: We sought to examine the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and incidence of type 2 diabetes considering the follow-up period in a cohort of Japanese men with a maximum follow-up period of 23 years. METHODS: This study enrolled 7,804 male workers free of diabetes in 1986. CRF was measured using a cycle ergometer, and maximal oxygen uptake was estimated. During 1986-2009, participants were followed for development of type 2 diabetes, which was diagnosed using fasting blood tests, self-administered questionnaires, or oral glucose tolerance tests after urinary tests from annual health checkups. Hazard ratios for the incidence of type 2 diabetes were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, 1,047 men developed type 2 diabetes. In analyses by follow-up periods (1986-1993, 1994-2001, and 2002-2009), there was an inverse dose-response relationship between CRF and the development of type 2 diabetes for all three follow-up periods (P for trend 0.019, <0.001, and 0.001, respectively), and the association between CRF at baseline and the incidence of type 2 diabetes did not weaken with longer follow-up period. Compared with the lowest CRF group, hazard ratios of developing type 2 diabetes were 0.69 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.49-0.97) for the highest CRF group in 1986-1993, 0.57 (95% CI, 0.42-0.79) for the highest CRF in 1994-2001, and 0.47 (95% CI, 0.30-0.74) for the highest CRF in 2002-2009. CONCLUSION: High CRF is associated with a lower risk of the incidence of type 2 diabetes over an extended period of >20 years among men.

Association between objectively measured physical activity and body mass index with low back pain: a large-scale cross-sectional study of Japanese men.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the combination of physical activity (PA) and body mass index (BMI) with low back pain (LBP) is unclear. The present study offers a cross-sectional assessment of how combinations of PA and BMI are related to LBP in Japanese men. METHODS: Participants were 4022 Japanese men (mean age = 47) who underwent regular clinical examinations. PA was measured using a uniaxial accelerometer and divided into tertiles (PAhigh, PAmiddle, PAlow). A self-administered questionnaire was used to report on persistent LBP experience, drinking and smoking habits, and any existing lifestyle diseases. After covariance adjustment, a logistic regression model was used to assess how combinations of PA and BMI are related to persistent LBP. RESULTS: 428 of the participants had persistent LBP. A clear negative dose-response relationship was found between PA levels and persistent LBP (P for linearity = 0.012). Regarding BMI, odd ratios were shown to be higher in the overweight/obese category (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) than for the normal weight category (BMI < 25 kg/m2). When the PAhigh was taken as the reference in the normal weight category, odds ratios for PAlow and PAmiddle in the normal weight category were shown to be high. Moreover, in the overweight/obese category, odd ratios for every fitness level were also high as for the normal weight category. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that both PA and BMI are related to persistent LBP. Also, the prevalence of persistent LBP became higher when PAlow and high BMI are combined rather than the group of PAhigh and low BMI combination.

Caffeine Consumption Is Associated With Higher Level of Physical Activity in Japanese Women.

Caffeine has been described as a sports performance-enhancing substance. However, it is unclear whether it can increase the level of physical activity (PA) in nonathletic individuals. This study investigates the relationship between daily caffeine consumption and (a) daily PA/fitness or (b) intervention-induced changes in PA in women and men. On the basis of responses to a dietary habit questionnaire, which included items on caffeinated beverages, 1,032 Japanese adults, were categorized into lower or higher caffeine consumption groups (relative to the median caffeine consumption). In each group, daily step count; sedentary time; and light, moderate, and vigorous PA outcomes were objectively measured. Physical fitness, including peak oxygen consumption, was also evaluated. The relationship between daily caffeine consumption and the change in the levels of PA was investigated in a subgroup of 202 subjects who participated in a 1-year PA counseling intervention. Women in the higher caffeine consumption group presented higher moderate-to-vigorous PA and step count compared with their counterparts in the lower consumption group (4.0 ± 2.1 vs. 3.3 ± 2.1 MET-hr/day, p < .001; 10,335 ± 3,499 vs. 9,375 ± 3,527 steps/day, p < .001). A significant positive correlation was noted between caffeine consumption and peak oxygen consumption among women (r = .15, p < .001). No caffeine-related effects were noted in men. The lower and higher caffeine consumption groups showed no significant differences in their levels of PA at the end of the 1-year intervention. Therefore, caffeine consumption appears to be associated with higher levels of PA in Japanese women. Further studies are needed to clarify this association.

Obesity and low back pain: a retrospective cohort study of Japanese males.

[Purpose] This study evaluated whether obesity is a risk factor for low back pain, by using body fat percentage (%FAT) and body mass index (BMI) as indices of obesity among Japanese males. [Subjects and Methods] This study included 1,152 males (average age: 28.0 ± 4.6 years). BMI was calculated from subject's height and weight, and %FAT was estimated by the thickness of two parts of skin. Low back pain, drinking and smoking were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire, and maximal oxygen uptake was measured by a submaximal exercise test using a cycle ergometer. [Results] A significant positive dose-response relationship was shown between %FAT and persistent low back pain prevalence. Similarly, a significant positive dose-response relationship was confirmed between BMI and persistent low back pain. [Conclusion] This study suggests that both high %FAT and BMI are risk factors for persistent low back pain.

Body Mass Index and Kidney Stones: A Cohort Study of Japanese Men.

BACKGROUND: In Japan, the incidence of kidney stones has increased markedly in recent decades. Major causes of kidney stones remain unclear, and limited data are available on the relationship between overweight/obesity and the incidence of kidney stones. We therefore evaluated body mass index (BMI) and the incidence of kidney stones in Japanese men. METHODS: Of the workers at a gas company, 5984 males aged 20-40 years underwent a medical examination in 1985 (baseline). This study includes 4074 of the men, who were free of kidney stones at baseline and underwent a second medical examination performed between April 2004 and March 2005. BMI was calculated from measured height and weight in 1985, and men were categorized into tertiles. The development of kidney stones during follow-up was based on self-reports from questionnaires at the second medical examination. RESULTS: The average duration of follow-up was 19 years, with 258 participants developing kidney stones during this period. Using the lowest BMI (1st tertile) group as a reference, the hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for the 2nd and 3rd BMI tertiles were: 1.26 (95% CI, 0.92-1.73) and 1.44 (95% CI, 1.06-1.96), respectively (P for trend = 0.019). After additionally adjusting for potential confounders, such as age, systolic blood pressure, cardiorespiratory fitness, cigarette smoking, and alcohol consumption, the hazard ratios were 1.28 (95% CI, 0.93-1.76) and 1.41 (95% CI, 1.02-1.97), respectively (P for trend = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that increased BMI is a risk factor for kidney stones in Japanese men.

Dynapenic Obesity and Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes in Middle-Aged Japanese Men.

BACKGROUND: The independent and combined associations of muscle strength and obesity on the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Japanese men remain unclear. METHODS: Hand grip strength was cross-sectionally evaluated between 2011 and 2013 to assess muscle strength in 5039 male workers aged 40 to 64 years. Weight and height were measured, and overweight/obesity was defined as a body mass index ≥25 kg/m(2). The prevalence of type 2 diabetes, defined as fasting plasma glucose ≥126 mg/dL and/or hemoglobin A1c ≥6.5% and/or self-reported physician-diagnosed diabetes, was evaluated. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the prevalence of type 2 diabetes were obtained using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: In total, 611 participants had type 2 diabetes, and 1763 participants were overweight/obese. After adjustment for covariates, we found an inverse association between muscle strength and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (P for trend <0.01). In addition, when the analyses were stratified by obesity status, the multivariable-adjusted OR per 2-standard-deviation increase in muscle strength was 0.64 (95% CI, 0.49-0.83) in the overweight/obese group, compared to a weaker relationship in the normal-weight group (OR 0.79 per 2-standard-deviation increase; 95% CI, 0.60-1.06). CONCLUSIONS: Dynapenia, an age-related decrease in muscle strength, is associated with increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes, and this relationship is stronger in overweight/obese middle-aged Japanese men than in normal-weight men.

Low-dose vitamin K2 (MK-4) supplementation for 12 months improves bone metabolism and prevents forearm bone loss in postmenopausal Japanese women.

Menaquinone-4 (MK-4) administered at a pharmacological dosage of 45 mg/day has been used for the treatment of osteoporosis in Japan. However, it is not known whether a lower dose of MK-4 supplementation is beneficial for bone health in healthy postmenopausal women. The aim of this study was to examine the long-term effects of 1.5-mg daily supplementation of MK-4 on the various markers of bone turnover and bone mineral density (BMD). The study was performed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The participants (aged 50-65 years) were randomly assigned to one of two groups according to the MK-4 dose received: the placebo-control group (n = 24) and the 1.5-mg MK-4 group (n = 24). The baseline concentrations of undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) were high in both groups (>5.1 ng/ml). After 6 and 12 months, the serum ucOC concentrations were significantly lower in the MK-4 group than in the control group. In the control group, there was no significant change in serum pentosidine concentrations. However, in the MK-4 group, the concentration of pentosidine at 6 and 12 months was significantly lower than that at baseline. The forearm BMD was significantly lower after 12 months than at 6 months in the control group. However, there was no significant decrease in BMD in the MK-4 group during the study period. These results suggest that low-dose MK-4 supplementation for 6-12 months improved bone quality in the postmenopausal Japanese women by decreasing the serum ucOC and pentosidine concentrations, without any substantial adverse effects.

Higher cardiorespiratory fitness attenuates the risk of atherosclerosis associated with ADRB3 Trp64Arg polymorphism.

PURPOSE: ß3-Adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) Trp64Arg polymorphism is associated with atherogenic risk factors that include weight gain, insulin resistance, and diabetes. Habitual exercise brings higher cardiorespiratory fitness and results in the amelioration of atherosclerotic risk factors. However, the effects of cardiorespiratory fitness level and ADRB3 Trp64Arg polymorphism on the risk of cardiovascular disease remain unclear. A cross-sectional investigation of 877 Japanese men and women (18-75 years old) was performed to clarify the effects of cardiorespiratory fitness on the relationship between ADRB3 Trp64Arg polymorphism and risk of cardiovascular disease. METHOD: Common carotid intima-media thickness (ccIMT) and blood lipid profiles were assessed as surrogate markers of atherosclerosis. We measured peak oxygen uptake (V̇O(2peak)) during incremental cycle ergometer exercise testing. Subjects were divided into groups with high (High-Fit) and low (Low-Fit) levels of cardiorespiratory fitness based on the median value of V̇O(2peak) for sex and decade. RESULTS: Levels of body fat, triglycerides, and plasma glucose were lower and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and V̇O(2peak) were higher in High-Fit subjects than Low-Fit subjects. ADRB3 Trp64Arg polymorphism did not significantly affect ccIMT or blood lipid profiles. In Low-Fit subjects, ccIMT was higher in individuals with the Arg/Arg genotype compared to the Trp/Trp and Trp/Arg genotypes (each P < 0.0001); however, ADRB3 polymorphism had no effect in High-Fit subjects. CONCLUSION: Higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness may attenuate the risk of atherosclerosis associated with ADRB3 Trp64Arg polymorphism.

Higher cardiorespiratory fitness attenuates arterial stiffening associated with the Ala54Thr polymorphism in FABP2.

Fatty acid binding protein 2 (FABP2) Ala54Thr polymorphism is a candidate gene associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease. Habitual exercise brings higher cardiorespiratory fitness and results in the improvement of cardiovascular disease risk. However, the effect of cardiorespiratory fitness level and FABP2 Ala54Thr polymorphism on the risk of cardiovascular diseases remains unclear. In the present study, a cross-sectional investigation of 837 Japanese men and women was performed to clarify the effects of cardiorespiratory fitness on the relationship between risk of cardiovascular disease and FABP2 Ala54Thr gene polymorphism. The study subjects were divided into high-cardiorespiratory fitness (High-Fit) and low-cardiorespiratory fitness (Low-Fit) groups based on the median value of peak oxygen uptake in each sex and decade. The FABP2 Ala54Thr polymorphism did not significantly affect carotid ß-stiffness or blood pressure. In the Low-Fit group, carotid ß-stiffness, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were higher for individuals with the Ala/Ala genotype compared with those with the Ala/Thr or Thr/Thr genotype, whereas no differences were observed in the High-Fit group. Additionally, serum triglyceride and plasma glucose levels were lower and serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were higher in the High-Fit group compared with the Low-Fit group; the FABP2 Ala54Thr polymorphism did not significantly affect these parameters. These results suggest that the higher cardiorespiratory fitness may attenuate the changes in central arterial stiffness and blood pressure that are associated with the FABP2 genotype.

Effects of different modes of exercise on appetite and appetite-regulating hormones.

The present study determined the changes in appetite and appetite-regulating gut hormones during and following bouts of both rope skipping exercise (weight-bearing) and bicycle ergometer exercise (non-weight-bearing). After a 12-h fast, 15 young men (mean ± SD, age 24.4 ± 1.7 yrs, maximal oxygen uptake 47.0 ± 6.5 mL/kg/min) participated in three 160 min trials: (1) rope skipping exercise (295 ± 40 kcal, 3 sets × 10 min with 5-min interval, then rested for 120 min); (2) bicycle ergometer exercise (288 ± 36 kcal, 3 sets × 10 min with 5-min interval, then rested for 120 min); (3) control (rested for 160 min). Ratings of perceived hunger and acylated ghrelin were suppressed and total peptide YY (PYY) were increased during and immediately after exercise in both exercise trials, but glucagon liked peptide-1 was not changed. Furthermore, suppressed hunger during rope skipping exercise was greater than that during bicycle ergometer exercise, but there were no differences in acylated ghrelin and total PYY. These results indicate that weight-bearing exercise has a greater exercise-induced appetite suppressive effect compared with non-weight-bearing exercise, and both forms of exercise lowered acylated ghrelin and increased total PYY, but the changes did not differ significantly between exercise modes.