Alcohol Consumption and Binge Drinking in Young Men as Predictors of Body Composition Changes During Military Service.

AIMS: To evaluate the influences of alcohol consumption frequency and binge drinking on changes in the body composition, lifestyle habits and physical fitness of healthy young men during military service. METHODS: A population-based study of men performing their military service in the Sodankylä Jaeger Brigade, Finland in 2005. Body composition, fitness and lifestyle habits were evaluated at baseline and 6-12 months follow-up. Alcohol consumption frequency and binge drinking were categorized as: 'not at all', 'at least once a month' and 'at least once a week'. RESULTS: Data were available for 983 participants. Mean (SD) age was 19.2 (1.0) years. At baseline, participants who reported binge drinking at least once a week (29.8%) had the most unfavourable body composition, lifestyle habits and physical fitness compared with the group with no binge drinking. Significant (P < 0.05) mean reductions in % body fat (-2.3%) and weight (-1.8 kg), as well as improvements in lifestyle habits and physical fitness were observed in the weekly binge drinking group during the military service. The reductions in relative weight (%) and % body fat were associated with binge drinking at least once a week (regression coefficient for relative weight -1.39, 95% CI [-2.32; -0.45], P = 0.004, and for % body fat -0.68, 95% CI [-1.35; -0.01], P = 0.049). CONCLUSION: Frequent binge drinking is associated with poorer body composition, lifestyle habits and fitness among young men. Frequent binge drinkers may obtain the greatest benefit of military-service-based exercise intervention, as reflected in the improvements in body composition, lifestyle habits and physical fitness. SHORT SUMMARY: Frequent binge drinking is associated with poorer body composition, lifestyle habits and fitness among young men. The greatest benefit of military service comprehending exercise intervention was observed among those with binge drinking once a week at the baseline, with favourable changes in lifestyle factors, body composition and fitness.

Update of in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo fluoro-edenite effects on malignant mesothelioma: A systematic review (Review).

Fluoro-edenite (FE), asbestiform fiber found in Biancavilla (Sicily, Italy), presents various characteristics similar to the asbestos group, in particular two fibrous phases tremolite and actinolite. Indeed, epidemiological studies have shown that FE fibers have similar effects to those of asbestos fibers. Such studies have reported a high incidence of malignant mesothelioma (MM), an aggressive neoplasm of the serosal membranes lining the pleural cavity, in individuals residing there due to FE exposure in Biancavilla related to environmental contamination. Evidence has led to the classification of FE as a Group 1 human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The aim of this systematic review is to compare the results achieved in in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo experimental studies involving FE in order to update the current knowledge on the pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms responsible for FE-mediated MM development as well as the availability of effective biomarkers for MM prevention and diagnosis. This review is focused on the pathophysiological mechanisms mediated by inflammation induced by FE fiber exposure and which are responsible for MM development. This review also discusses the discovery of new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for the management of this pathology. It is known that the risk of cancer development increases with chronic inflammation, arising from enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NO• production stimulated by the body to remove exogenous agents, causing DNA damage and enhanced signal transduction that may lead to activation of oncogenes. Studies concerning MM biomarker discovery indicate that several biomarkers have been proposed for MM, but mesothelin is the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved biomarker for MM, with limitations. In recent studies, in silico analysis to identify selected miRNAs highly deregulated in cancer samples when compared with normal control have been developed. This in silico approach could represent an effort in the field of biomarker discovery for MM.

Reduction in metabolic syndrome among obese young men is associated with exercise-induced body composition changes during military service.

AIMS: A population-based study of 1046 young Finnish men was performed to evaluate whether body composition changes observed during military service are associated with a reduction in prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), and whether the effect is body mass index (BMI)-dependent. METHODS: A prospective study of 1046 men (mean age 19.2 years, SD 1.0), with follow-up during 6-12 months of military service in northern Finland. Anthropometry, body composition, biochemical measurements and physical fitness were assessed at baseline and follow-up. MetS was defined using the International Diabetes Federations (IDF) criterion, continuous MetS Z-score calculated, and changes evaluated in BMI categories. RESULTS: Prevalence of MetS at baseline and follow-up was 6.1% and 3.6%, respectively (p < 0.001). Prevalence of MetS decreased by 40% (p < 0.001) among the obese young men (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2)). Reduction in the MetS Z-score was mainly attributable to weight loss and reduced fat mass (p < 0.001) and improvement in physical fitness (muscle fitness index, p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Beneficial exercise-induced changes in body composition significantly reduced the prevalence of MetS among young, obese men. Our findings support the efficacy of increased physical activity for prevention of early-onset cardiovascular disease, particularly among overweight and obese young men.