NAF1 rs4691896 Is Significantly Associated with Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis in a Chinese Han Population: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND Previous studies have demonstrated the important role of genetic predisposition in coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) in addition to environmental factors. The pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis disease is related to telomere activity. We performed this study to assess the association between genetic variants of telomere-related genes and the risk of CWP. MATERIAL AND METHODS We enrolled 652 CWP Chinese Han patients and 648 dust-exposed controls in this case-control design study, genotyping 8 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) including TERT (rs2736100), TERC (rs10936599 and rs12696304), and NAF1 (rs7675998, rs3822304, rs12331717, rs936562 and rs4691896) using the Sequenom MassARRAY system. RESULTS We identified a significant allele association between NAF1 rs4691896 and CWP by comparing patients with controls (22.0% vs. 13.0%, odds ratio [OR]: 1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.54-2.33, Pc=1.14×10⁻8). The genotype frequency of rs4691896 differed significantly between the patients and controls (Pc=1.49×10⁻8). In addition, rs4691896 was correlated with CWP in an additive genetic model (OR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.58-2.44, Pc=8.96×10⁻9) and a dominant model (OR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.70-2.73, Pc=2.39×10⁻9). CONCLUSIONS Our study for the first time demonstrates an association between a telomere-related gene (NAF1) and CWP in a Chinese Han population, and provides valuable insight to further understand the possible pathogenetic mechanism of fibrosis in CWP.

Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the CYBA gene with coal workers' pneumoconiosis in the Han Chinese population.

Coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) is caused by long-term exposure to inhaled coal dust; it is likely influenced by the interaction between environmental factors and multiple susceptibility genes, such as the CYBA (cytochrome b-245α polypeptide) gene that has recently been identified to be involved in the genetic susceptibility for several pulmonary diseases. The aim of this case-control study was to explore the association between CYBA gene polymorphisms and the development of CWP in coal miners belonging to the Han ethnic group in China. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs7195830, rs13306296, rs4673, rs9932581, and rs16966671 of the CYBA gene were analyzed in CWP patients (n = 652) and dust-exposed control subjects (n = 648) using the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) on the Sequenom MassARRAY® platform (Sequenom, San Diego, CA, USA). Results from the present study showed a strong allele association between CWP patients and the CYBA SNP rs7195830 polymorphism (p < .001, OR = 1.550). Using the additive and the dominant model, the CYBA SNP rs7195830 polymorphism also showed significant associations with CWP patients (p < .001, OR = 1.621; p = .003, OR = 1.711, respectively). No statistically significant difference was demonstrated in either the allele or genotype frequencies of the other four examined SNPs (rs13306296, rs4673, rs9932581, and rs16966671) between the CWP group and dust-exposed control group (all p > .05). The present study is the first to have demonstrated an association between CYBA (rs7195830) polymorphism and the risk of developing CWP in subjects belong to the Han ethnic group in China and provides further clues for research into the pathogenesis of CWP.

Serum leptin concentrations in relation to dietary patterns in Chinese men and women.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to evaluate the independent associations between serum leptin concentration and dietary patterns in a Chinese population. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTING: Data obtained from the 2006 wave of the China Health and Nutrition Survey in Jiangsu Province, China. SUBJECTS: The sample contained 1061 Chinese adults (488 men and 573 women). BMI was calculated as a parameter of obesity. Factor analysis was used to derive dietary patterns. ANCOVA was performed to assess the associations between serum leptin concentration and the dietary patterns. RESULTS: Four dietary patterns were derived: Western, High-wheat, Traditional and Hedonic. The Western pattern (rich in meat, milk and cake) was significantly associated with a higher level of serum leptin in men and women, both in an unadjusted model (both P for trend < 0·001) and after adjusting for sex, age, income, total energy intake, physical activity, smoking status and BMI (P for trend = 0·007 for men and P for trend < 0·001 for women). The other three dietary patterns were not significantly associated with serum leptin after adjustment. Sensitivity analysis showed there was an interaction between age and the Western pattern in relation to leptin level. An interaction also existed between current smoking status and the Western pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Serum leptin concentration was positively associated with the Western dietary pattern in a Chinese population independent of BMI, energy intake and other factors.

Association of dietary pattern and body weight with blood pressure in Jiangsu Province, China.

BACKGROUND: To identify risk factors, associations between dietary patterns, body mass index (BMI), and hypertension in a Chinese population. METHODS: Dietary intake was assessed in 2518 adults by a 3-day 24 h recall and a food frequency questionnaire. Salt and oil intake was assessed by weighing records. Four dietary patterns were identified using principal component analysis. Overweight and obesity was determined according to the Chinese cut-offs for BMI. High blood pressure was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg. Prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated using Poisson regression. RESULTS: Of the subjects, 26.7% had high blood pressure. Subjects with overweight and obesity were more likely to have high blood pressure than those with normal weight (PR, 95% CI: 1.60, 1.40-1.87; 2.45, 2.11-2.85, respectively). Subjects with a 'traditional' dietary pattern were more likely to have high blood pressure (P for trend = 0.001), whereas those with a 'macho' or 'sweet tooth' dietary pattern were less likely to have high blood pressure (P for trend = 0.004 and <0.001, respectively). More than half of the population had salt intakes > 9 g/d, and blood pressure increased with salt intake (P for trend <0.001). Subjects with a 'traditional' dietary pattern had the highest salt intake (12.3 g/d). CONCLUSION: A traditional dietary pattern is associated with high blood pressure among the population of Jiangsu Province, which may be mainly due to high salt intake. Moreover, high BMI is an important determinant of high blood pressure. Both issues need to be addressed by lifestyle interventions.

Riboflavin intake and 5-year blood pressure change in Chinese adults: interaction with hypertensive medication.

BACKGROUND: One previous large cross-sectional study across four countries suggests that riboflavin intake may be inversely associated with blood pressure. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this analysis was to investigate a possible association between riboflavin intake and change in blood pressure over 5 years. METHODS: The study population comprised Chinese men and women who participated in the Jiangsu Nutrition Study. Quantitative data relating to riboflavin intake at baseline in 2002 and measurements of blood pressure at baseline and follow-up in 2007 were available for 1,227 individuals. RESULTS: Overall, 97.2% of the participants had inadequate riboflavin intake (below the Estimated Average Requirement). In multivariable analysis adjusted for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors and dietary patterns, a higher riboflavin intake was inversely associated with change in systolic blood pressure (p = .036). In participants taking antihypertensive medication at baseline, the relationship between riboflavin intake and systolic blood pressure persisted; whereas, in those not taking antihypertensive medication, the diastolic blood pressure was less likely to increase with the increasing intake of riboflavin (p = .031). There was a three-way interaction between antihypertensive medications, body mass index, and riboflavin intake. Among those who were obese and taking antihypertensive medication, a higher riboflavin intake was associated with a smaller increment in systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure. CONCLUSIONS: There are complex interactions between riboflavin intake and blood pressure change that depend on prior antihypertensive use and the presence or absence of obesity.

Dietary patterns are associated with insulin resistance in Chinese adults without known diabetes.

The aim of the present study was to examine the association between dietary patterns and insulin resistance in Chinese adults without known diabetes. Study subjects were 1070 Chinese adults aged 18 years and above in Jiangsu Province who participated in the 2006 wave of the China Health and Nutrition Survey. Usual dietary intake was assessed by using a validated FFQ. Dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis using a principal component analysis method. Insulin resistance was defined as the highest quartile of the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) scores. We derived four dietary patterns in our population by factor analysis: the Western, High-wheat, Traditional and Hedonic pattern. After adjusted for potential confounders, the Western pattern was significantly associated with greater odds for insulin resistance (P for trend = 0·009), while a significant negative association was found between the Hedonic pattern and insulin resistance (P for trend = 0·035). Compared with the lowest quartile of the Western pattern, the highest quartile had higher odds of insulin resistance (adjusted OR 1·89, 95 % CI 1·12, 3·19). There was a 42 % decrease in the odds after adjustment for all covariates in the highest quartile of the Hedonic pattern, compared with the lowest quartile (adjusted OR 0·58, 95 % CI 0·34, 0·99). HOMA-IR levels as a continuous variable also increased across the quartiles of the Western pattern and decreased across the quartiles of the Hedonic pattern. In conclusion, dietary patterns were significantly associated with insulin resistance in Chinese adults without known diabetes.

Anemia in relation to body mass index and waist circumference among Chinese women.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the relationship of anemia and body mass index among adult women in Jiangsu Province, China. Data were collected in a sub-national cross-sectional survey, and 1,537 women aged 20 years and above were included in the analyses. Subjects were classified by body mass index (BMI) categories as underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese according to the Chinese standard. Central obesity was defined as a waist circumference ≥ 80 cm. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin concentration < 12 g/dl. Prevalence ratios (PRs) of the relationship between anemia and BMI or waist circumference were calculated using Poisson regression. FINDINGS: Overall, 31.1% of the Chinese women were anemic. The prevalence of overweight, obesity and central obesity was 34.2%, 5.8% and 36.2%, respectively. The obese group had the highest concentrations of hemoglobin compared with other BMI groups. After adjustment for confounders, overweight and obese women had a lower PR for anemia (PR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.62-0.89; PR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.43-0.79). Central obesity was inversely associated with anemia. CONCLUSION: In this Chinese population, women with overweight/obesity or central obesity were less likely to be anemic as compared to normal weight women. No measures are required currently to target anemia specifically for overweight and obese people in China.

Monosodium glutamate intake increases hemoglobin level over 5 years among Chinese adults.

The aim of this analysis was to determine the relationship between monosodium glutamate (MSG) intake and change in hemoglobin (Hb) levels and the risk of anemia over 5 years in 1197 Chinese men and women who participated in the Jiangsu Nutrition Study (JIN). MSG intake and Hb were quantitatively assessed in 2002 and followed up in 2007. Diet and lifestyle factors were assessed at both time points. There was a positive association between MSG intake and increase in Hb among men but not women. In the multivariate model adjusting for demographic and lifestyle factors as well as baseline dietary pattern, the beta values and 95% confidence interval for Hb changes across quartiles of MSG intake were 0, 0.67(0.04-1.29), 0.99(0.38-1.60), 0.73(0.13-1.34) among men (p for trend 0.091); 0, -0.01(-0.45-0.43), 0.23(-0.25-0.71), and -0.45(-0.96-0.05) among women (p for trend 0.087). Among anemic participants at baseline, there was a significant inverse association between MSG intake and the risk of anemia at follow-up. Comparing extreme quartiles of MSG intake among those anemic at baseline, the relative risk for persistent anemia at follow-up was 0.49 (95% CI: 0.28-0.86, p < 0.01). The association was independent of dietary patterns and lifestyle factors. A dose-response relationship between MSG intake and increase in Hb levels among anemic participants was seen. MSG intake may have independent Hb-increasing effects, especially among men and those anemic at baseline.

Interaction between physical activity and sleep duration in relation to insulin resistance among non-diabetic Chinese adults.

BACKGROUND: It is of a public health interest to explore the relationship between different types of physical activity, sleep duration and diabetes/insulin resistance. However, little is known about such relationship. This study examines the single and joint associations of different types of physical activity, and sleep duration on insulin resistance among non-diabetic Chinese adults. METHODS: Data was collected from 1124 non-diabetic adults in Jiangsu Province from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). Domestic, occupational, transportation and leisure physical activity were assessed in terms of metabolic equivalent (MET)-hours-per-week to account for both intensity and time spent. Sleep duration was categorized into three groups: ≤ 7 hours, 7-9 hours, and ≥ 9 hours. Insulin resistance was evaluated by the homeostasis model of assessment (HOMA) and defined as the highest quartile of HOMA. RESULTS: Total physical activity was mainly composed of occupational activity (75.1%), followed orderly by domestic, transportation and leisure time activity in both men and women. Total physical activity level was strongly negatively associated with fasting insulin and HOMA (p < 0.001). Among four types of physical activity, occupational activity was significantly negatively associated with HOMA after full adjustment (p < 0.05). Transportation activity was also negatively associated with HOMA when adjusted for age and gender (p = 0.028). Moreover, the combination of low physical activity and short sleep duration was associated with the highest odds of insulin resistance (adjusted OR = 3.26, 95% CI: 1.57-6.78), compared to those with high physical activity and adequate sleep duration. CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity, mainly occupational physical activity, was negatively associated with insulin resistance in non-diabetic Chinese population, independently of potential confounders. There was a synergic effect of low physical activity and short sleep duration on insulin resistance.

Dietary pattern and weight change in a 5-year follow-up among Chinese adults: results from the Jiangsu Nutrition Study.

The aim of the present study was to examine the association between dietary patterns and weight change prospectively. We followed up 1231 adults aged 20 years and older (mean age 49·3 years) from 2002 to 2007. Food intake was assessed at baseline by an FFQ. Factor analysis was used to identify dietary patterns. Nutrient intake was measured by food weighing plus consecutive individual 3 d food records. Body weight and height were measured. The mean 5-year weight gain among all participants was 0·8 (sd 4·7) kg. The mean weight changes across quartiles of the 'traditional' pattern (rice, fresh vegetables, pork and wheat flour) were 2·0, 0·6, 0·6 and 0·0 kg. The corresponding values were 0·4, 0·5, 0·7 and 1·6 kg across quartiles of the 'vegetable-rich' pattern. No significant association between the 'macho' dietary pattern (meat and alcohol), the 'sweet tooth' pattern (drinks and cake) and weight gain was found. In multivariate linear regression, using the first quartile as the reference, participants in the highest quartile of the 'traditional' pattern had a ß of - 2·18 (95 % CI - 2·91, - 1·45) for weight gain. However, the ß from weight change of the highest quartile of the 'vegetable-rich' pattern was 1·00 (95 % CI 0·25, 1·74). In conclusion, the 'traditional' dietary pattern was negatively and the 'vegetable-rich' pattern was positively associated with weight gain in Chinese adults.

Alterations of serum biomarkers associated with lung ventilation function impairment in coal workers: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that alterations in certain circulating biomarkers may be correlated with Coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP). This study investigated the relationship between changes of serum biomarkers and pulmonary function during the development of CWP. METHODS: Lung function parameters and specific serum indices were measured in 69 non-smoking coal workers, including 34 miners with CWP, 24 asymptomatic miners and 11 miners with minimal symptoms. The associations between changes in pulmonary function and serum indices were tested with Pearson's correlation coefficients. Multivariable analysis was used to estimate the predictive power of potential determinant variables for lung function. RESULTS: Compared to healthy miners, lung function (FVC, FEV1, FEF50, FEF75, FEF25-75 % of predicted values) was decreased in miners with CWP (p < 0.05). Increased serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) was associated with decreased FVC% of predicted values in the asymptomatic miners (r = -0.503, p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: In coal mine workers, alterations of lung function parameters are associated with the development of CWP and with changes in circulating MMP-9, TIMP-9, IL-13 and IL-18R. These serum biomarkers may likely reflect the pathogenesis and progression of CWP in coal workers, and may provide for the importance of serum indicators in the early diagnosis of lung function injury in coal miners.

[Probabilistic evaluation of dietary exposure to lead and age-related exposure centile for residents in Jiangsu].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a probabilistic model for evaluation of dietary exposure to lead and construct age-related exposure centiles for the residents in Jiangsu. METHODS: Lead contamination data were obtained from the national food contamination monitoring program during 2001 - 2006 and 2791 samples from 232 food products in Jiangsu were included. Food consumption data were from the national diet and nutrition survey conducted in 2002, including 3938 subjects in Jiangsu. A non-parametric probabilistic model using Monte Carlo simulation was applied to derive the intake distribution. The intake data was then analyzed using the LMS method, which constructs exposure percentiles adjusted for the median (M), the coefficient of variation (S) and the skewness (L) of the intake distribution. RESULTS: The median and P(99) of the lead exposure for the residents in Jiangsu were 1.02 µg×kg(-1)×d(-) and 9.29 µg×kg(-1)×d(-1), respectively.6.38% of the total population showed to have a lead intake exceeding the tolerable limit, which for the urban and rural population were 4.31% and 7.06%, respectively. The exceeding rate for children of 2 - 10 years old from the urban and rural areas were 13.17% and 17.70%, respectively. CONCLUSION: There was a large variation in the lead exposure level of the population in Jiangsu; People in rural areas are in greater risk for higher lead exposure than urban people; The dietary exposure to lead for children and the high-end population was serious.

Monosodium glutamate is not associated with obesity or a greater prevalence of weight gain over 5 years: findings from the Jiangsu Nutrition Study of Chinese adults.

Animal studies and one large cross-sectional study of 752 healthy Chinese men and women suggest that monosodium glutamate (MSG) may be associated with overweight/obesity, and these findings raise public concern over the use of MSG as a flavour enhancer in many commercial foods. The aim of this analysis was to investigate a possible association between MSG intake and obesity, and determine whether a greater MSG intake is associated with a clinically significant weight gain over 5 years. Data from 1282 Chinese men and women who participated in the Jiangsu Nutrition Study were analysed. In the present study, MSG intake and body weight were quantitatively assessed in 2002 and followed up in 2007. MSG intake was not associated with significant weight gain after adjusting for age, sex, multiple lifestyle factors and energy intake. When total glutamate intake was added to the model, an inverse association between MSG intake and 5 % weight gain was found (P = 0.028), but when the model was adjusted for either rice intake or food patterns, this association was abolished. These findings indicate that when other food items or dietary patterns are accounted for, no association exists between MSG intake and weight gain.

Iron intake and body iron stores, anaemia and risk of hyperglycaemia among Chinese adults: the prospective Jiangsu Nutrition Study (JIN).

OBJECTIVE: Fe supplementation has been used to prevent anaemia in China; however, high Fe intake and body Fe stores may increase diabetes risk. The present study aimed to prospectively examine the association between Fe intake/stores and hyperglycaemia, and to assess the joint effects on anaemia. DESIGN: We followed 1056 healthy adults aged 20 years and older from 2002 to 2007. Body Fe stores were measured. Dietary data were collected using a 3 d food record and FFQ. Hyperglycaemia was defined as fasting plasma glucose >5.6 mmol/l. RESULTS: Of the participants, 28.8 % were anaemic at baseline. During the 5 years of follow-up, we documented 125 incident cases of hyperglycaemia, among them twenty-three were diabetic. Haem Fe intake was positively associated with the risk of hyperglycaemia in men and women: the OR (95 % CI) across increasing quartiles of haem Fe intake was 1.00 (referent), 1.49 (0.74, 3.01), 2.16 (1.06, 4.42) and 3.48 (1.71, 7.11), respectively (P for trend <0.001). Comparing the fourth quartile of serum ferritin with the others, the age- and gender-adjusted OR (95 % CI) was 1.54 (1.01, 2.34), P for trend = 0.043. The association between total Fe intake and the risk of hyperglycaemia was significant in men (P for trend = 0.002). Anaemia added additional risk of hyperglycaemia on haem Fe intake. Comparing extreme quartiles of haem Fe intake, the OR (95 % CI) was 5.67 (1.43, 22.49) and 3.44 (1.51, 7.85) for hyperglycaemia among anaemic and non-anaemic participants (P for trend = 0.008 and 0.010, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The present cohort study suggests that high haem Fe intake, anaemia and high ferritin are associated with an increased risk of hyperglycaemia in Chinese men and women. There was a joint effect between anaemia and haem Fe intake on the risk of hyperglycaemia.

[Resident dietary exposure of cadmium in Jiangsu province].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the resident dietary cadmium exposure in Jiangsu province and assess its safety. METHODS: Cadmium concentration of 229 food items under 12 food groups were obtained from the food surveillance program in Jiangsu province between 2001 and 2006. Food consumption data of 778 food items of 3938 residents who were classified into four age groups (< 7, 7-, 13-, 18-) were got from the Nutrition and Health Status Survey of the Jiangsu resident in 2002 by 24 h dietary recall on three consecutive days. Dietary cadmium exposures for the residents of different age groups were obtained by using both point estimation and simple distribution estimation through integrating the two datasets above. The safety of dietary cadmium exposure was assessed. RESULTS: Point estimation showed that the average dietary cadmium intakes of different age groups ranged from 5.7 to 8.6 microg/kg, accounting for 567.1% - 857.1% of the provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI, 1.0 microg/kg). Result of simple distribution method showed mean daily cadmium exposure of different age groups ranged from 0.2 to 0.4 microg/kg, accounting for 20% - 40% of PTDI. Mean weekly cadmium exposure ranged from 1.4 to 2.5 microg/kg, accounting for 20% - 35.7% of the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI, 7.0 microg/kg). The mean daily dietary cadmium exposure for different groups were as follows: < 7, 0.4 microg/kg; 7-, 0.3 microg/kg; 13-, 0.2 microg/kg; 18-, 0.2 microg/kg. Differences of daily dietary cadmium exposures among groups were significant (F = 69.0, P < 0.05). The mean weekly dietary cadmium exposure for different groups were: < 7, 2.5 microg/kg; 7-, 2.0 microg/kg; 13-, 1.4 microg/kg; 18-, 1.4 microg/kg. Differences of weekly dietary cadmium exposures among groups were also significant (F = 41.6, P < 0.05). The P97.5 of daily cadmium exposure for < 7 and 7- were 1.4 and 1.2 microg/kg, respectively, both of which were higher than PTDI. The P99.0 of daily cadmium exposure for 13- and 18- were 1.3 and 1.1 microg/kg, respectively. The daily dietary exposure from cereals for different age groups were 21.5 - 253.4 microg/kg, occupying 42.2% - 47.8% of the total daily exposure. Vegetables were 8.0 - 119.4 microg/kg, occupying 14.6% - 20.1%. CONCLUSION: The average level of dietary cadmium exposures for residents in Jiangsu province calculated by simple distribution estimation were much lower than that calculated by point estimation and were considered to be at no risk. P97.5 or P99.0 of daily or weekly dietary cadmium exposure of different age groups exceeded PTWI and PTDI. The main food types of dietary cadmium exposure were cereals and vegetables.

[Development and verification of Chinese dietary exposure evaluation model software].

OBJECTIVE: To develop the dietary exposure evaluation model software accredited of Chinese intellectual property rights and to verify the rationality and accuracy of the results from the probabilistic model in Chinese dietary exposure evaluation model software according to international standards. METHODS: The software of SAS was used to build various evaluation model based on the data from Chinese dietary survey and the chemical compound in food surveillance and to design an operation interface. The results from probabilistic dietary exposure model for children 2 - 7 years old were compared with that from duplicate portion study of 2-7 years children dietary exposure in Jinhu, Jiangsu province in order to analyze the rationality of model. The results from probabilistic model of dietary exposure were compared with the results from @Risk software to verify the correction of the probabilistic model by using the same data of randomly selected 10 000 study subjects from national dietary survey. While, the mean drift was used as an internal index to illustrate the accuracy of the computation. RESULTS: Chinese dietary exposure evaluation software was developed successfully. On the rationality, the results from probabilistic model were lower than that from the point estimation (e.g., cucumber: the result of point estimation of acephate was 4.78 microg x kg(-1) x d(-1), while the results of probabilistic model which was 0.39 microg x kg(-1) x d(-1)). Meanwhile the results from probabilistic model were higher than the results of duplicate portion study (on the P95, the result of probabilistic model of Pb exposure in children was 11.08 microg x kg(-1) x d(-1), while the results of duplicate portion study was 5.75 microg x kg(-1) x d(-1)). On accuracy, the results from @Risk and the probabilistic model were highly consistent (on the P95, the result of probabilistic assessment of acephate diet exposure was 4.27 microg x kg(-1) x d(-1), while the results of duplicate portion study was 4.24 microg x kg(-1) x d(-1)), and the mean drift was of random distribution, the drift region varied from 0.05% to 11.9%. CONCLUSION: The results computed by the software of Chinese dietary exposure evaluation model are reliable and reasonable, which is a meaningful step to improve the dietary exposure evaluation technique in China.

[Comparison of dietary vitamin A intake of residents in Jiangsu Province between 2002 and 2007].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the change of dietary vitamin A intake between 2002 and 2007 in Jiangsu Province. METHODS: The data from the Nutrition Survey in Jiangsu province in 2002 and the fellow-up survey in 2007 were statistically analyzed with SAS 8.0. RESULTS: The average intake of retinol equivalent was 766.9 microg/d per reference man in 2007 (776.0 microg for man, 738.8 microg for women, 738.8 microg for urban and 776.0 microg for rural residents), which was higher than that in 2002. The percentage of retinol equivalent intake equal to or higher than RNI was 39.0% in 2007 and 16.1% in 2002. The dietary intake of vitamin A in northern Jiangsu was lower than that in southern Jiangsu and was positively correlated with the income. The dietary retinol equivalent from vegetable and fruits was increased, and from animal foods was decreased in 2007. CONCLUSION: The dietary vitamin A intake of residents in Jiangsu was improved in the past 5 years. The dietary vitamin A intake of low income population, women and residents in northern Jiangsu should be improved.

[Changes of serum matrix metalloproteinases-9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases-9 in coal workers' pneumoconiosis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the changes and significance of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-9 in serum of patients with coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP). METHODS: Serum MMP-9 and TIMP-9 were determined by sandwich ELISA in 188 cases of coal workers' pneumoconiosis (including 53 cases of coal pneumoconiosis, 67 cases of coal-silica pneumoconiosis and 68 cases of silicosis), 57 cases of 0+ miner (group 0+), 64 cases of healthy miner (dust exposed control) and 50 healthy people (healthy control) , and were further evaluated according to stage, complication, and the duration of exposure to dust in CWP group. RESULTS: The median of serum MMP-9 in coal pneumoconiosis, coal-silica pneumoconiosis and silicosis were 17.16, 15.14 and 17.50 ng/ml respectively. The levels of serum MMP-9 in silicosis and coal-silica pneumoconiosis were lower than that in dust exposed control and 0+ group (P < 0.05), and there were no differences among 3 groups of CWP. The levels of serum TIMP-9 in coal pneumoconiosis, coal-silica pneumoconiosis and silicosis were (330.00 +/- 108.42), (312.04 +/- 120.09) and (366.81 +/- 135.50) ng/ml respectively, and compared with dust exposed control and 0+ group, it increased in silicosis and coal pneumoconiosis significantly (P < 0.05). The levels of serum TIMP-9 in silicosis were higher significantly than that of coal-silica pneumoconiosis (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in the levels of serum MMP-9 and TIMP-9 in CWP according to CWP stage, complications and the duration of exposure to dust (P > 0.05). There was a positive correlation between age and the concentration of TIMP-9 in silicosis (r = 0.249, P < 0.05). A positive correlation was shown between the levels of serum MMP-9 and TIMP-9 only in dust exposed control (r = 0.294, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The levels of serum MMP-9 and TIMP-9 are associated with the harmful effect to miner resulted from dust. The apparent disturbance of MMP-9 and TIMP-9 might take part in the pathogenesis of CWP. Dynamic observation of its concentration in group 0+ and health miners might contribute to the prevention, early diagnosis and differential diagnosis of CWP.

Strong negative association between intake of tofu and anemia among Chinese adults in Jiangsu, China.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is prevalent in China. Tofu made from soybean is a popular food. Soybean is shown to have an affect on iron status. No study has examined the relation between tofu and iron status. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between tofu intake and anemia among Chinese adults. DESIGN: A cross-sectional household survey of 2,849 men and women aged 20 years and older (mean age 47.0+/-14.5 years), from a nationally representative random sample in Jiangsu province undertaken in 2002 (response rate 89%). Tofu intake was assessed by food frequency questionnaire. Nutrient intake was measured by 3-day weighed food records. Serum ferritin and hemoglobin were measured. RESULTS: The prevalence of anemia was 18.3% in men and 31.5% in women. Mean hemoglobin values increased by quartiles of tofu intake (men: 14.1, 14.0, 14.5, and 14.8 mg/dL [141, 140, 145, and 148 g/L]; women: 12.4, 12.5, 12.6 and 13.3 g/dL [124, 125,126, and 133 g/L]), and the prevalence of anemia decreased concomitantly. Comparing first and fourth quartiles of tofu intake, the prevalence of anemia was 23.9% vs 10.7% in men, and 38.1% vs 16.8% in women. Tofu intake was inversely associated with serum ferritin levels in women. In multivariate analyses, the odds ratio of anemia for men in fourth compared to first quartile of tofu intake was 0.30 (95% confidence interval 0.17 to 0.50), and the corresponding odds ratio for women was 0.31 (95% confidence interval 0.20 to 0.47). The association between tofu intake and anemia was independent of iron intake. CONCLUSIONS: Tofu intake was associated with lower risk of anemia among Chinese adults in both sexes.

Joint association of magnesium and iron intake with anemia among Chinese adults.

OBJECTIVE: Inflammation and iron deficiency are two important causes of anemia. Magnesium intake is inversely associated with inflammation. However, little is known as to whether magnesium intake is related to anemia. We assessed the joint association of magnesium and iron intake with anemia among Chinese adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional household survey of 2849 men and women 20 y of age or older was conducted in 2002. Nutrient intakes were assessed by 3-d weighed food records. Serum ferritin and hemoglobin concentrations were measured. RESULTS: The prevalence of anemia was 18.3% in men and 31.5% in women. Magnesium and iron intakes were positively associated with hemoglobin levels and inversely related to the prevalence of anemia. The risks of anemia were reduced by 26% (P for trend = 0.03) and 52% (P < 0.01), respectively, for iron and magnesium intake comparing the fourth quartile with the first with adjustment for potential confounders. The lowest risk of anemia was observed among participants with the highest intakes of magnesium and iron (odds ratio 0.46, 95% confidence interval 0.31-0.68). The inverse association of iron intake and anemia but not the association of magnesium intake and anemia was modified by serum ferritin levels. The observed relations were not appreciably modified by gender. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that magnesium is a potent predictor of anemia in Chinese adults.