No strong association among epigenetic modifications by DNA methylation, telomere length, and physical fitness in biological aging.

Cellular senescence is greatly accelerated by telomere shortening, and the steps forward in human aging are strongly influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors, whether DNA methylation (DNAm) is affected by exercise training, remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the relationships between physiological functions, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), vertical jump, working memory, telomere length (TL) assessed by RT-PCR, DNA methylation-based estimation of TL (DNAmTL), and DNA methylation-based biomarkers of aging of master rowers (N = 146) and sedentary subjects (N = 95), aged between 37 and 85 years. It was found that the TL inversely correlated with chronological age. We could not detect an association between telomere length and VO2max, vertical jump, and working memory by RT-PCR method, while these physiological test results showed a correlation with DNAmTL. DNAmGrimAge and DNAmPhenoAge acceleration were inversely associated with telomere length assessed by both methods. It appears that there are no strong beneficial effects of exercise or physiological fitness on telomere shortening, however, the degree of DNA methylation is associated with telomere length.

Coffee consumption and skeletal muscle mass: WASEDA'S Health Study.

Few studies have examined the association between coffee consumption and muscle mass; their results are conflicting. Therefore, we examined the association between coffee consumption and low muscle mass prevalence. We also performed an exploratory investigation of the potential effect modification by demographic, health status-related and physical activity-related covariates. This cross-sectional study included 2085 adults aged 40-87 years. The frequency of coffee consumption was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Muscle mass was assessed as appendicular skeletal muscle mass/height2 using a multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analyser. We defined low muscle mass using cut-offs recommended by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Multivariable-adjusted OR for low muscle mass prevalence were estimated using a logistic regression model. The prevalence of low muscle mass was 5·4 % (n 113). Compared with the lowest coffee consumption group (< 1 cup/week), the multivariable-adjusted OR (95 % CI) of low muscle mass prevalence were 0·62 (0·30, 1·29) for 1-3 cups/week, 0·53 (0·29, 0·96) for 4-6 cups/week or 1 cup/d and 0·28 (0·15, 0·53) for ≥ 2 cups/d (P for trend < 0·001). There were no significant interactions among the various covariates after Bonferroni correction. In conclusion, coffee consumption may be inversely associated with low muscle mass prevalence.

Association between alcohol dietary pattern and prevalence of dyslipidaemia: WASEDA'S Health Study.

The association between a dietary pattern characterised by high alcohol intake and dyslipidaemia has not been fully investigated. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the association between alcohol dietary patterns and the prevalence of dyslipidaemia and its components. This cross-sectional study enrolled 2171 men and women aged ≥40 years who were alumni of a Japanese university. To identify dietary patterns, a principal component analysis was performed based on the energy-adjusted food intake estimated by a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Three dietary patterns were identified, the second of which was named the alcohol dietary pattern and was characterised by a high intake of alcoholic beverages, liver, chicken and fish. This alcohol dietary pattern was associated with reduced LDL-cholesterol levels. The fully adjusted OR (95 % CI) of high LDL-cholesterol for the lowest through highest quartile of alcohol dietary pattern score were 1·00 (reference), 0·83 (0·64, 1·08), 0·84 (0·64, 1·10) and 0·68 (0·49, 0·94), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that the alcohol dietary pattern was inversely associated with the prevalence of dyslipidaemia in women, whereas it was positively associated with high TAG levels in men. In conclusion, the alcohol dietary pattern, characterised by a high intake of alcoholic beverages, liver, chicken and fish, was associated with the prevalence of dyslipidaemia and its components. This finding provides useful information for the prevention and treatment of dyslipidaemia by modifying the diet.

The combination of cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular fitness, and prevalence of diabetes mellitus in middle-aged and older men: WASEDA'S Health Study.

BACKGROUND: Although the negative relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) or muscular fitness and diabetes mellitus were respectively observed in many previous studies, there is still a lack of studies that include CRF and muscular fitness simultaneously. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between the combination of CRF and muscular fitness and diabetes through a cross-sectional study.  METHODS: This study was part of WASEDA'S Health Study, a cohort study launched in 2014. We used a part of the baseline data collected for this study. Maximal exercise test using a cycle ergometer and leg extension power (LEP) test were respectively used to evaluate CRF and muscular fitness. Since LEP is affected by body weight, relative LEP (rLEP) which is LEP per body weight, was used as an index of muscular fitness. 796 men (56.5 ± 10.4 years old) who completed a medical examination and fitness tests, were divided into two groups based on CRF and rLEP, respectively. The prevalence of diabetes was collected based on a self-reported questionnaire or blood test. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the prevalence of diabetes were obtained using logistic regression models while adjusting for age, body mass index, exercise habits, family history of diabetes, smoking habits, and drinking habits. RESULTS: 55 (7%) participants had diabetes. Compared to participants with lower CRF or rLEP, the odds ratio (95% CIs) of diabetes in those with higher CRF or rLEP was 0.46 (0.21-0.98) or 0.34 (0.16-0.74), respectively. Furthermore, using the lower CRF and lower rLEP group as the reference, the odds ratio (95% CIs) for the lower CRF and higher rLEP group was 0.32 (0.12-0.88), and higher CRF and higher rLEP group was 0.21 (0.07-0.63), after adjusting for potential confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS: CRF and rLEP have independent and joint inverse associations with diabetes prevalence. In addition, participants with high CRF and high rLEP had a lower prevalence of diabetes compared to those with only high CRF or only high rLEP.

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.

Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Body Composition and Physical Fitness in Healthy Adults: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to clarify whether 1 year of vitamin D3 supplementation has a direct effect on body composition and physical fitness in healthy adults. METHODS: Ninety-five participants randomly received either 420 IU vitamin D3 per day (n = 48) or placebo (n = 47) in a double-blind manner for 1 year. Lean body mass and percentage body fat were determined. Physical fitness including hand grip strength, leg extension power and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) were assessed. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25[OH]2D) concentrations were assessed using ELISA kits. RESULTS: Serum 25(OH)D and (1,25[OH]2D) concentrations significantly increased by approximately 11.2 ± 9.2 ng/mL (pinteraction <0.001)and 7.0 ± 7.8 pg/mL (pinteraction <0.001) after 1 year of vitamin D3 supplementation respectively. Lean body mass significantly increased from 43.8 ± 9.6 to 44.3 ± 9.8 kg in vitamin D group, while no change was observed in placebo group (from 42.6 ± 8.9 to 42.4± 8.9 kg) after 1 year intervention. Furthermore, no treatment effects on other indicators of body composition and physical fitness were observed. CONCLUSIONS: One year of vitamin D supplementation effectively improves lean body mass, but not muscle strength and CRF in healthy adults.

Association of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations With Glucose Profiles in Male Collegiate Football Athletes.

Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations are associated with a high risk of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. However, it is unknown whether this is the case for American collegiate football and rugby football athletes. This study investigated the associations between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and glucose profiles in male collegiate football athletes. Thirty-four collegiate athletes (13 American football players and 21 rugby football players) aged 21 years were recruited. Their body fat percent and visceral fat area were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and magnetic resonance imaging, respectively. The participants completed an oral glucose tolerance test (75 g glucose) with venous blood samples obtained at time points 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min for the determination of plasma glucose and serum insulin concentrations. Fasting serum 25(OH)D concentrations were also measured. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was 17.6% and 58.8%, respectively. The serum 25(OH)D concentrations were negatively associated with the increments in the areas under the curve (iAUC) for glucose (r = -.429, p = .011) and were borderline significantly correlated with the Matsuda index (r = -.303, p = .082). No relationships were observed between the serum 25(OH)D concentrations and other glucose profiles. Multiple stepwise regression analysis of glucose iAUC concentrations as the dependent variable indicated that the serum 25(OH)D concentrations, but not body fat indicators, were independently associated with glucose iAUC (ß = -0.390, p = .025). The serum 25(OH)D concentrations were only an independent predictor for glucose iAUC in male collegiate football athletes, suggesting that increased 25(OH)D concentrations would be helpful for maintaining glucose homeostasis.

Ageing affects the association between serum 25- hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and cardiorespiratory fitness in middle-aged and elderly men.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The studies investigated the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are few, and the results are controversial. We aim to evaluate the association of serum 25(OH)D concentrations with CRF in adults, and assess whether the associations vary with ageing. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: The study included 78 middle-aged (30-64 years) and 83 elderly (65-79 years) Japanese men. Hand grip strength and leg extension power were measured using hand grip and leg dynamometers, respectively. CRF was measured via a maximal graded exercise test and quantified as the peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Fasting serum 25(OH)D concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. RESULTS: Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were positively related to hand grip strength (r=0.331, p<0.001), leg extension power (r=0.353, p<0.001), CRF (r=0.285, p<0.001) in all adults after adjustment for age. Significant interaction between 25(OH)D and age on CRF was observed (p<0.05). Age-related reduction of CRF was prevented in high 25(OH)D group (p<0.05). In the elderly, subjects in high 25(OH)D group had higher CRF compared with those in low group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found that serum 25(OH)D concentrations significantly related with leg extension power, hand grip strength and CRF after adjustment for age. The relationship of vitamin D and CRF was affected by ageing. Higher serum 25(OH)D concentrations are a key predictor for CRF in the elderly, but not in middle-aged men.

Validity of Combination Use of Activity Record and Accelerometry to Measure Free-Living Total Energy Expenditure in Female Endurance Runners.

Yoshida, A, Ishikawa-Takata, K, Tanaka, S, Suzuki, N, Nakae, S, Murata, H, Taguchi, M, and Higuchi, M. Validity of combination use of activity record and accelerometry to measure free-living total energy expenditure in female endurance runners. J Strength Cond Res 33(11): 2962-2970, 2019-Herein, we attempted to prove the validity of a new approach to assessing total energy expenditure (TEE) that combines activity recording and accelerometry in athletes. Eight female endurance runners participated in this study. We measured TEE over 8 days in the regular training season by using the doubly labeled water (DLW) method. In the combined method, an activity record of the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was used to estimate energy expenditure (EE) during the training period, whereas a triaxial accelerometer was used to evaluate EE during the nontraining time over the TEE measurement period using the DLW method. Training EE was calculated from the subjects' individual rating of perceived exertion-EE correlations provided by the exercise tolerance test. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was measured using indirect calorimetry. There were no significant differences in TEE, activity-induced EE (AEE), or physical activity level (PAL; TEE/RMR) between the DLW method and the combined method (TEE, 3,032 ± 344 vs. 3,033 ± 495 kcal·d; AEE, 1,585 ± 303 vs. 1,586 ± 442 kcal·d; and PAL, 2.68 ± 0.37 vs. 2.68 ± 0.48, respectively). Significant positive correlations and no systematic errors were observed in AEE and PAL. Intraclass correlation coefficients were high (TEE, 0.785; AEE, 0.841; and PAL, 0.779, respectively). These findings suggest that the combined method has high validity against the DLW method. Thus, the combined method would be able to estimate free-living TEE in the regular training season for female endurance runners.

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.

Influence of Different Loads on Force-Time Characteristics during Back Squats.

The deceleration sub-phase during the back squat (BSQ) makes it difficult to stimulate the muscles throughout the full range of motion, and it has only been reported for one load during BSQ. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a deceleration sub-phase occurs during BSQ with different loads and to assess the influence of load on the deceleration sub-phase duration and negative impulse during the deceleration sub-phase. Sixteen healthy men (mean ± standard deviation: age: 25 ± 3 years; height: 1.73 ± 0.07 m; mass: 83.2 ± 16.1 kg; BSQ one repetition maximum (1RM): 163.8 ± 36.6 kg; BSQ 1RM/body weight: 2.0 ± 0.4) who had performed resistance training for at least 1 year were recruited for this study. The subjects performed parallel BSQ with 0%, 12%, 27%, 42%, 56%, 71%, and 85% of each 1RM on a force plate in a random order. The deceleration sub-phase duration and negative impulse during the deceleration sub-phase were calculated from force-time data. The absolute durations of the deceleration sub-phase were not significantly different according to load except for 27% 1RM and 85% 1RM (p = 0.01). However, as the load increased from 12 to 85% 1RM, the relative duration of the deceleration sub-phase decreased (p < 0.05). The negative impulse during the deceleration sub-phase also increased from 0 to 42% 1RM (p < 0.05). A deceleration sub-phase occurs regardless of the load (0%-85% 1RM), and a large portion of the deceleration sub-phase occupied the concentric phase, with low-moderate loads, and a large amount of negative impulse occurred during the short deceleration sub-phase with a high load.

Acute endurance exercise lowers serum fibroblast growth factor 21 levels in Japanese men.

OBJECTIVE: The independent effects of acute endurance exercise on FGF21 metabolism are poorly understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether acute endurance exercise modulates serum postprandial FGF21 levels in an age-dependent manner. DESIGN: Exercise intervention trial. PATIENTS: Twenty-eight subjects participated in the experiment, of whom 13 were excluded mainly because of a serum FGF21 level below the limit of detection. Thus, data from seven young (age: 18-22 years) and eight elderly male subjects (age: 62-69 years) were analysed. MEASUREMENTS: Participants were asked to perform a cycling exercise for 30 min at 70% maximal oxygen uptake, following carbohydrate intake. Blood samples were collected pre-exercise and 0 min, 30 min, 1 h, 3 h and 24 h after the cessation of exercise. Serum FGF21 levels were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Higher serum FGF21 was observed in the elderly subjects group throughout the experiment (P < 0·05). There was no significant increase in serum FGF21 levels after the cessation of exercise, whereas serum FGF21 levels were significantly lower 24 h after the exercise compared with those pre-exercise, 0 min, 30 min and 1 h after the cessation of exercise in both groups (P < 0·01). The response did not differ between the two groups because of no significant group × time interaction. CONCLUSIONS: Acute endurance exercise lowers serum FGF21 levels 24 h following exercise. The results suggest that acute endurance exercise modulates postprandial FGF21 metabolism regardless of age.

Dietary patterns and nutritional assessment in middle-aged and elderly men.

Objectives Dietary patterns are studied to determine the relationship between diet and health. However, little is known about whether various dietary patterns fulfill adequate nutrient intake. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the association between major dietary patterns and nutritional intakes in middle-aged and elderly men. Furthermore, we examined the associations between dietary patterns and micronutrients status by using the reference values from the Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese 2010 (DRIs-J 2010).Methods A total of 229 middle-aged and elderly men (age range, 40-79 years) participated in this study. The dietary patterns were determined using principal component analysis of 52 food and beverage items via a validated brief diet history questionnaire. Overall, micronutrient intake status was quantified using a dietary reference intakes score (DRIs-score) for 21 micronutrients (based on the DRIs-J 2010). The association of the nutrient intake and the DRIs-score with each factor score was evaluated using Spearman's correlation coefficient.Results Three dietary patterns were identified: "side dish", "evening drink", and "snack". The "side dish" pattern was characterized by a high intake of vegetables, fruits, seaweeds, mushrooms, and potatoes, and low intake of rice. Spearman's correlation showed that the "side dish" pattern correlated with each of the 21 micronutrients, and positively correlated with the DRIs-score (ρ=0.782, P<0.001).Conclusions The "side dish" pattern was positively related with the DRIs-score, calculated from the DRIs-J 2010. The result suggested the "side dish" pattern may provide a favorable nutrient balance in middle-aged and elderly 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.

Polygenic risk for hypertriglyceridemia is attenuated in Japanese men with high fitness levels.

High cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is associated with a reduced risk for dyslipidemia; however, blood lipid levels are also affected by individual genetic variations. We performed a cross-sectional study to determine whether CRF modifies polygenic risk for dyslipidemia. Serum levels of triglycerides (TG), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), and HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured in 170 Japanese men (age 20-79 yr). CRF was assessed by measuring maximal oxygen uptake (Vo2max), and subjects were divided into low-fitness and high-fitness groups according to the reference Vo2max value for health promotion in Japan. We analyzed 19 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with TG, LDL-C, or HDL-C levels. Based on these SNPs, we calculated three genetic risk scores (GRSs: TG-GRS, LDL-GRS, and HDL-GRS), and subjects were divided into low, middle, and high groups according to the tertile for each GRS. Serum TG levels of low-fitness individuals were higher in the high and middle TG-GRS groups than in the low TG-GRS group (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively), whereas no differences were detected in the TG levels of high-fitness individuals among the TG-GRS groups. In contrast, the high LDL-GRS group had higher LDL-C levels than did the low LDL-GRS group, and HDL-C levels were lower in the high HDL-GRS group than in the low HDL-GRS group regardless of the fitness level (P < 0.05). These results suggest that high CRF attenuates polygenic risk for hypertriglyceridemia; however, high CRF may not modify the polygenic risk associated with high LDL-C and low HDL-C levels in Japanese men.

High cardiorespiratory fitness can reduce glycated hemoglobin levels regardless of polygenic risk for Type 2 diabetes mellitus in nondiabetic Japanese men.

High cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is associated with a reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and improved ß-cell function; genetic factors also determine these risks. This cross-sectional study investigated whether CRF modifies the association of polygenic risk of T2DM with glucose metabolism in nondiabetic Japanese men. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were measured in 174 Japanese men (age: 20-79 yr). ß-Cell function and insulin resistance were evaluated by calculating HOMA-ß and HOMA-IR, respectively. CRF was assessed by measuring maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o2max). Subjects were divided into the low and high CRF groups within each age group according to the median V̇o2max. Eleven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with T2DM were analyzed and used to calculate genetic risk score (GRS); subjects were divided into the low, middle, and high GRS groups. The high GRS group had higher HbA1c levels than the low GRS group in both the low and high CRF groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the individuals with a high GRS had a lower HOMA-ß than those with a low GRS regardless of CRF (P < 0.05). In multiple linear regression analysis, although GRS was a significant predictor of HbA1c (ß = 0.153, P = 0.025), V̇o2max was also associated with HbA1c (ß = -0.240, P = 0.041) independent of GRS. These results suggest that CRF is associated with HbA1c levels independent of GRS derived from T2DM-related SNPs; however, it does not modify the association of GRS with increased HbA1c or impaired ß-cell function.

Reference values for cardiorespiratory fitness and incidence of type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: In "Physical Activity Reference for Health Promotion 2013" the Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare publication gives reference values for cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) required for good health. We examined the associations between the CRF reference values and incidence of type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This prospective cohort study enrolled 4633 nondiabetic Japanese men aged 20 to 39 years at baseline. CRF was measured using the cycle ergometer test, and maximal oxygen uptake was estimated. On the basis of the CRF reference value, participants were classified into 2 groups: those with values less than the reference value (under-RV) and those with values equal to or greater than reference value (over-RV). Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for incident type 2 diabetes were estimated using a Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: A total of 266 participants developed type 2 diabetes during the 14 years of follow-up. As compared with the under-RV group, the over-RV group had a significantly lower multivariable-adjusted HR for type 2 diabetes (HR 0.67; 95% CI, 0.51-0.89). In receiver operating characteristic analysis, the optimal CRF cut-off value for predicting incident type 2 diabetes was 10.8 metabolic equivalents (sensitivity, 0.64; specificity, 0.64), which was close to the CRF reference value of 11.0 metabolic equivalents. CONCLUSIONS: The reference CRF value appears to be reasonably valid for prevention of type 2 diabetes, especially among Japanese men younger than 40 years. Development of type 2 diabetes can be prevented by maintaining a CRF level above the reference value.

[Physical activity reference for health promotion 2013 and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome: A cross-sectional study].

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the association between meeting the reference value for physical activity (PA) defined in the "Physical activity reference for health promotion 2013" recommendations or incremental increases in PA (add 10-minute per day) and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS). METHODS: A total of 906 adults aged 23-64 years participated in this cross-sectional study. The amount of moderate to vigorous PA was measured with a tri-axial accelerometer. The participants were classified into 2 groups-those with a PA level greater than or equal to the reference value of 23 metabolic equivalents (METs)-hours/week versus those with a PA level less than the reference value. Pre-MS and MS were determined based on the diagnostic criteria used in Japan. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the prevalence of pre-MS and MS by adherence with the PA reference value were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model. Furthermore, adjusted ORs were calculated for each 3.5 METs-hours/week increase in PA, which is comparable to 10-minute increments of PA such as walking. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of pre-MS and MS were 10.3% (n=93) and 4.4% (n=40), respectively. The adjusted OR (95% CI) for the prevalence of pre-MS/MS among the participants meeting the PA reference compared with those not meeting the reference was 0.49 (0.33-0.74). Each 3.5 METs-hours/week increase in PA was associated with a lower adjusted OR for the prevalence of pre-MS/MS (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.87-0.98). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that meeting the reference value for PA (as defined in the "Physical activity reference for health promotion 2013" recommendations) and an increase in PA (add 10-minute) are both associated with a lower prevalence of pre-MS/MS.

Healthy Japanese dietary pattern is associated with slower biological aging in older men: WASEDA'S health study.

Aging is the greatest risk factor for numerous diseases and mortality, and establishing geroprotective interventions targeting aging is required. Previous studies have suggested that healthy dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, are associated with delayed biological aging; however, these associations depend on nationality and sex. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns identified through principal component analysis and biological aging in older men of Japan, one of the countries with the longest life expectancies. Principal component analysis identified two dietary patterns: a healthy Japanese dietary pattern and a Western-style dietary pattern. Eight epigenetic clocks, some of the most accurate aging biomarkers, were identified using DNA methylation data from whole-blood samples. Correlation analyses revealed that healthy Japanese dietary patterns were significantly negatively or positively correlated with multiple epigenetic age accelerations (AgeAccel), including AgeAccelGrim, FitAgeAccel, and age-adjusted DNAm-based telomere length (DNAmTLAdjAge). Conversely, the Western-style dietary pattern was observed not to correlate significantly with any of the examined AgeAccels or age-adjusted values. After adjusting for covariates, the healthy Japanese dietary pattern remained significantly positively correlated with DNAmTLAdjAge. Regression analysis showed that healthy Japanese dietary pattern contributed less to epigenetic age acceleration than smoking status. These findings suggest that a Western-style dietary pattern may not be associated with biological aging, whereas a healthy Japanese dietary pattern is associated with delayed biological aging in older Japanese men. Our findings provide evidence that healthy dietary patterns may have mild beneficial effects on delayed biological aging in older Japanese men.