Metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease in cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: The risk of subsequent cardiovascular disease (CVD) is high in cancer survivors. Although metabolic syndrome is an established risk factor for CVD, its association with cancer survivors has not yet been established. This study aimed to clarify whether metabolic syndrome is associated with subsequent CVD risk in patients with cancer using a nationwide epidemiological dataset. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 53 510 patients with a history of breast, colorectal, or stomach cancer, which is reportedly a major site for developing cancer in Japan. Study participants were categorized into two groups based on the presence of metabolic syndrome, defined using the Japanese criteria (high waist circumference and ≥2 metabolic parameters including elevated blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or elevated fasting plasma glucose). The clinical outcomes were collected between 2005 and 2021. The primary endpoint was defined as the composite CVD outcome, including myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, stroke, and heart failure. RESULTS: The median patient age was 54 years, and 37.5% of the patients were men. Metabolic syndrome was observed in 5558 (10.4%) patients. Over a mean follow-up period of 973 ± 791 days, 3085 composite CVD outcomes were recorded. Multivariable Cox regression analyses showed that metabolic syndrome was associated with a greater risk of developing CVD events (HR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.15-1.45). Metabolic syndrome was also associated with an increased risk of CVD in patients with a follow-up period ≥1 year (HR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.15-1.53). This relationship was also observed when metabolic syndrome was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria (HR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.21-1.49) and the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria (HR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.19-1.46). Subgroup analyses showed that the relationship between metabolic syndrome and incident CVD was more pronounced in the non-obese participants than in the obese participants. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic syndrome is associated with a greater risk of developing CVD, even among cancer survivors.

Association of Cancer and Its Interaction with Conventional Risk Factors on Cardiovascular Disease Risk.

Introduction We sought to examine the association of cancer history with the incidence of individual cardiovascular disease events and to clarify whether the history of cancer modifies the relationship between conventional cardiovascular risk factors and incident cardiovascular disease. Methods This retrospective cohort study used the JMDC Claims Database, including 3,531,683 individuals. The primary endpoint was the composite cardiovascular disease outcome, which included myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Results During a follow-up, 144,162 composite endpoints were recorded. Individuals with a history of cancer had a higher risk of developing composite cardiovascular disease events (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.22-1.29). The HRs for myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation were 1.11 (95% CI 0.98-1.27), 1.15 (95% CI 1.10-1.20), 1.11 (95% CI 1.05-1.18), 1.39 (95% CI 1.34-1.44), and 1.22 (95% CI 1.13-1.32), respectively. Individuals who required chemotherapy for cancer had a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Although conventional risk factors (e.g., overweight/obesity, hypertension, and diabetes) were associated with incident composite cardiovascular disease even in individuals with a history of cancer, the total population-attributable fractions of conventional risk factors were less in individuals with a history of cancer. Conclusion Individuals with a history of cancer (particularly those requiring chemotherapy) have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Traditional risk factors are important in the development of cardiovascular disease in individuals with and without a history of cancer. In individuals with a history of cancer, however, the total population-attributable fractions of conventional risk factors decreased.

Association of four health behaviors in Life's Essential 8 with the incidence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: The association between health behaviors and the risk of developing hypertension and diabetes is not fully understood. We aimed to examine the association between four health behaviors involved in Life's Essential 8, the American Heart Association's key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health, and the incidence of hypertension and diabetes. METHODS: This observational cohort study used the JMDC Claims Database between 2005 and 2021, which is a health check-up and claims database. We analyzed 2,912,183 participants without a history of hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or renal failure. Non-ideal health behaviors included smoking, slow gait speed, eating fast, and poor sleep quality. RESULTS: During 1140 ± 877 days, 201,385 hypertension and 142,156 diabetes events were recorded. In a multivariable Cox regression analysis, the risk of hypertension and diabetes increased with an increasing number of non-ideal health behaviors. The hazard ratios (HRs) (95% confidence interval [CI]) per 1-point increase in non-ideal health behavior components for hypertension and diabetes were 1.11 (1.10-1.11) and 1.08 (1.08-1.09), respectively. Each health behavior was independently associated with the incidence of hypertension and diabetes. A 1-point improvement in health behaviors was associated with a lower risk of developing hypertension (HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.93-0.95) and diabetes (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.94-0.96). CONCLUSION: Factors that can be substituted for the four health behaviors involved in Life's Essential 8 can stratify the risk of hypertension and diabetes, and improving these health behaviors is useful in preventing hypertension and diabetes in general population.

Subjective Gait Speed and Risk of Developing Cardiovascular Events in 56,589 Cancer Survivors.

Despite having a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), there are currently limited data for stratifying CVD risk among cancer survivors. The purpose of this study was to uncover the relationship of subjective gait speed with incident CVD among cancer survivors.This retrospective observational cohort study analyzed data from the JMDC Claims Database between 2005 and 2021 including 56,589 patients with a prior history of breast, colorectal, or stomach cancer but no history of CVD. Gait speed was evaluated using information from self-reported questionnaires collected during health checkups. The primary endpoint was composite CVD outcome, which included heart failure, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, and stroke.The median (interquartile range) age was 54 (48-61) years, and 20,981 (37.1%) were male. Among them, 25,933 patients (45.8%) reported fast gait speed. During a mean follow-up period of 1002 ± 803 days, 3,221 composite CVD outcomes were recorded. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, slow gait speed was associated with a higher risk of developing CVD compared with fast gait speed (hazard ratio, 1.14, 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.22). This association was consistent across a variety of sensitivity analyses.We demonstrated that subjective slow gait speed was associated with a greater risk of CVD development among cancer survivors. This suggests the potential value of gait speed assessment for the CVD risk stratification of cancer patients as well as the clinical importance of maintaining exercise capacity among patients living with cancer.

The estimation of coronary artery calcium thickness by computed tomography angiography based on optical coherence tomography measurements.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is recommended to be the most appropriate modality in assessing calcium thickness, however, it has limitations associated with infrared attenuation. Although coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) detects calcification, it has low resolution and hence not recommended to measure the calcium size. The aim of this study was to devise a simple algorithm to estimate calcium thickness based on the CCTA image. A total of 68 patients who had CCTA for suspected coronary artery disease and subsequently went on to have OCT were included in the study. 238 lesions of them divided into derivation and validation dataset at 2:1 ratio (47 patients with 159 lesions and 21 with 79, respectively) were analyzed. A new method was developed to estimate calcium thickness from the maximum CT density within the calcification and compared with calcium thickness measured by OCT. Maximum Calcium density and measured calcium-border CT density had a good correlation with a linear equation of y = 0.58x + 201 (r = 0.892, 95% CI 0.855-0.919, p < 0.001). The estimated calcium thickness derived from this equation showed strong agreement with measured calcium thickness in validation and derivation dataset (r2 = 0.481 and 0.527, 95% CI 0.609-0.842 and 0.497-0.782, p < 0.001 in both, respectively), more accurate than the estimation by full width at half maximum and inflection point method. In conclusion, this novel method provided the estimation of calcium thickness more accurately than conventional methods.

Association of weight change and in-hospital mortality in patients with repeated hospitalization for heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Although weight loss in heart failure (HF) is a detrimental condition known as cachexia, weight gain caused by fluid retention should also be considered harmful. However, studies with sufficient number of patients examining the impact of weight change and its interval on in-hospital mortality in HF have not been conducted thus far. We sought to elucidate the association of weight change with in-hospital mortality in patients with HF. METHODS: This retrospective observational study used data from the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database, a nationwide inpatient health claims database in Japan. In total, 48 234 patients repeatedly hospitalized for HF (median 82 [74-87] years; 46.4% men) between 2010 and 2018 were included. Weight change was derived from body weight at the first and second admissions. RESULTS: The median weight change and interval between two hospitalizations were -3.1 [-8.3 to -1.8] % and 172 [67-420] days, with 66.9% of overall cohort experiencing any weight loss. As a result of multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analysis, weight loss <-5.0% and weight gain >+5.0% were associated with increased in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval]: 1.46 [1.31-1.62], P < 0.001 and 1.23 [1.08-1.40], P = 0.002, respectively) whereas mild weight loss and gain of 2.0-5.0% were not (OR [95% confidence interval]: 0.96 [0.84-1.10], P = 0.57 and 1.07 [0.92-1.25], P = 0.37, respectively), in comparison with patients with a stable weight (fluctuating no more than -2.0% to +2.0%) used as a reference. Restrictive cubic spline models adjusted for multiple background factors illustrated that higher mortality in patients with weight loss was observed across all subgroups of the baseline body mass index (<18.5, 18.5-24.9 and ≥25.0 kg/m2 ). In patients with short (<90 days) and middle (<180 days) intervals between the two hospitalizations, both weight loss and weight gain were associated with high mortality, whereas the association between weight gain and high mortality was attenuated in those with longer intervals. CONCLUSIONS: Both weight loss and weight gain in patients with repeated hospitalization for HF were associated with high in-hospital mortality, especially weight loss and short/middle-term weight gain. Such patients should be treated with caution in a setting of repeated hospitalization for HF.

Association of cardiovascular health metrics with annual incidence of prediabetes or diabetes: Analysis of a nationwide real-world database.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Little is known about the relationship between cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics and the risk of developing prediabetes or diabetes. We examined the association of CVH metrics with the annual risk of developing prediabetes or diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We carried out this study including 403,857 participants aged 18-71 years with available data on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) data for five consecutive years and with normal FPG (<100 mg/dL) at the initial health checkup. We identified the following ideal CVH metrics: non-smoking, body mass index of <25 kg/m2 , maintaining physical activity, taking breakfast, untreated blood pressure of <120/80 mmHg and untreated total cholesterol of <200 mg/dL. We defined the primary end-point as prediabetes (FPG 100-125 mg/dL) or diabetes (FPG ≥126 mg/dL or use of antihyperglycemic medications). We examined the relationship of CVH metrics with the annual incidence of prediabetes or diabetes. Additionally, we examined the association of 1-year changes in CVH metrics with the risk for prediabetes or diabetes. RESULTS: The median age was 44 years, and 65.6% were men. An increasing number of non-ideal CVH metrics was associated with an elevated risk of prediabetes or diabetes. A non-ideal body mass index was most strongly associated with the risk of prediabetes or diabetes. The risk of developing prediabetes or diabetes rose as the number of non-ideal CVH metrics increased over 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: CVH metrics could stratify the risk of the annual development of prediabetes or diabetes. The risk of developing prediabetes or diabetes might be reduced by improving CVH metrics.

Resolution of Laryngeal Ulceration with Prednisolone Therapy in a Patient with Crohn's Disease.

A 23-year-old man diagnosed with Crohn's disease (CD) was treated with infliximab. He developed new-onset sore throat and dysphagia during admission, and nasopharyngoscopy revealed epiglottic ulceration. Laryngeal ulceration was considered as an extraintestinal manifestation of CD owing to treatment failure with antibiotics and hydrocortisone. This strongly suggested that laryngeal ulceration was a complication of CD because of the rapid improvement in the symptoms and lesions after prednisolone administration. Furthermore, this treatment process demonstrated the superior anti-inflammatory effect of prednisolone over that of hydrocortisone and supported the assumption of inflammation related to CD.

Blood Pressure Classification Using the 2017 ACC/AHA Guideline and Heart Failure in Patients With Cancer.

PURPOSE: Despite the growing recognition of the importance of hypertension in patients with cancer, little is known about whether high blood pressure (BP) among patients with cancer is associated with incident heart failure (HF) and other cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and what BP levels are linked to these events. We examined the association of BP classification on the basis of the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association BP guideline with the risk of HF and CVD events in patients with cancer. METHODS: We studied 33,991 patients with a history of breast, colorectal, or stomach cancer (median age, 53 years; 34.1% men). Patients receiving treatment with BP-lowering medications or having a history of CVD including HF were excluded. Using BP measurements at baseline, 33,991 participants were categorized as having normal BP (n = 17,444), elevated BP (n = 4,733), stage 1 hypertension (n = 7,502), or stage 2 hypertension (n = 4,312). The primary outcome was HF. RESULTS: Over a mean follow-up of 2.6 ± 2.2 years, 779 HF events were recorded. After multivariable adjustment, the hazard ratios (HRs) for HF were 1.15 (95% CI, 0.93 to 1.44) for elevated BP, 1.24 (95% CI, 1.03 to 1.49) for stage 1 hypertension, and 1.99 (95% CI, 1.63 to 2.43) for stage 2 hypertension. A stepwise increase in risk with BP categories was also observed in other CVD events. This association was observed even in patients undergoing active cancer treatment. The relationship between hypertension and the risk of developing HF in patients with cancer was confirmed in the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. CONCLUSION: Medication-naïve stage 1 and 2 hypertension was associated with a greater risk of HF and other CVD events in patients with cancer. Our results suggest the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration (eg, oncologists and cardiologists) to establish the optimal management strategy for hypertension in patients with cancer.

Biomarkers associated with coronary high-risk plaques.

Vascular inflammation, lipid metabolism, and thrombogenicity play a key role not only in atherogenesis but also in the development of acute coronary syndromes. Biomarkers associated with coronary high-risk plaques defined according to intravascular imaging have not been systematically studied. A total of 69 patients with coronary artery disease who underwent both optical coherence tomography and intravascular ultrasound imaging, and who provided blood specimens were included. Comprehensive biomarkers for inflammation, lipid, and coagulation were analyzed. Composite models sought biomarker patterns associated with thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) and "high-risk plaques" (TCFA and large plaque burden). Two different composite models were developed for TCFA, based on the finding that high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, fibrinogen, IL-6, homocysteine and amyloid A levels were elevated, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and bile acid levels were decreased in these patients. Both composite models were highly accurate for detecting patients with TCFA (area under curve [AUC]: 0.883 in model-A and 0.875 in model-B, both p < 0.001). In addition, creatinine, hsCRP, fibrinogen, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, homocysteine, amyloid A, HDL, prothrombin, and bile acid were useful for detecting patients with "high-risk plaques". Two composite models were highly accurate for detection of patients with "high-risk plaques" (AUC: 0.925 in model-A and 0.947 in model-B, both p < 0.001). Biomarkers useful for detection of patients with high-risk coronary plaques defined according to intravascular imaging have been identified. These biomarkers may be useful to risk stratify patients and to develop targeted therapy.Clinical Trial Registration https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/ , UMIN000041692. Biomarkers and high-risk plaques hsCRP, PAI-1, fibrinogen, IL-6, homocysteine, amyloid A, HDL, and bile acid were useful for detecting patients with TCFA. hsCRP, fibrinogen, IL-6, homocysteine, amyloid A, creatinine, TNFα, HDL, prothrombin, and bile acid were useful for detecting patients with "high-risk plaques" (plaque which has both TCFA and large plaque burden). White arrowhead denotes TCFA. Red and green dashed lines denote lumen area and external elastic membrane area, respectively.

Association of Life's Simple 7 with incident cardiovascular disease in 53 974 patients with cancer.

AIMS: Cancer survivors have a greater risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although Life's Simple 7 is used for CVD risk stratification in a general population, its utility in cancer survivors remains unknown. We aimed to clarify the association of Life's Simple 7 with incident CVD among cancer survivors. Furthermore, we analyzed the relationship between the change in Life's Simple 7 and the subsequent CVD risk. METHODS AND RESULTS: This retrospective observational study was conducted using the JMDC Claims Database, and we analyzed 53 974 patients with a prior history of breast, colorectal, or stomach cancer, which is a common cancer site in the Japanese population. The median age was 54 years, and 37.8% were men. We modified the original definition of Life's Simple 7 and identified the following ideal Life's Simple 7 cardiovascular health metrics: non-smoking, body mass index < 25 kg/m2, physical activity at goal, optimal dietary habits, untreated fasting plasma glucose < 100 mg/dL, untreated blood pressure < 120/80 mmHg, and untreated total cholesterol < 200 mg/dL. The primary endpoint was composite CVD outcome, including myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, stroke, and heart failure. Over a mean follow-up period of 975 ± 794 days, 3150 composite CVD outcomes were recorded. The risk of CVD events increased with a greater number of non-ideal Life's Simple 7. The hazard ratio per 1-point increase in non-ideal Life's Simple 7 was 1.15 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12-1.18). Furthermore, a 1-point increase in non-ideal Life's Simple 7 over 1 year was associated with subsequent CVD risk (hazard ratio: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.06-1.19). CONCLUSION: Life's Simple 7 could be applicable for CVD risk stratification even among cancer survivors. Optimizing Life's Simple 7 may prevent the development of CVD in cancer survivors.

Gut Microbiota and Coronary Plaque Characteristics.

Background The relationship between gut microbiota and in vivo coronary plaque characteristics has not been reported. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between gut microbiota and coronary plaque characteristics in patients with coronary artery disease. Methods and Results Patients who underwent both optical coherence tomography and intravascular ultrasound imaging and provided stool and blood specimens were included. The composition of gut microbiota was evaluated using 16S rRNA sequencing. A total of 55 patients were included. At the genus level, 2 bacteria were associated with the presence of thin-cap fibroatheroma, and 9 bacteria were associated with smaller fibrous cap thickness. Among them, some bacteria had significant associations with inflammatory/prothrombotic biomarkers. Dysgonomonas had a positive correlation with interleukin-6, Paraprevotella had a positive correlation with fibrinogen and negative correlation with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, Succinatimonas had positive correlations with fibrinogen and homocysteine, and Bacillus had positive correlations with fibrinogen and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. In addition, Paraprevotella, Succinatimonas, and Bacillus were also associated with greater plaque volume. Ten bacteria were associated with larger fibrous cap thickness. Some were associated with protective biomarker changes; Anaerostipes had negative correlations with trimethylamine N-oxide, tumor necrosis factor α, and interleukin-6, and Dielma had negative correlations with trimethylamine N-oxide, white blood cells, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and homocysteine, and a positive correlation with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Conclusions Bacteria that were associated with vulnerable coronary plaque phenotype and greater plaque burden were identified. These bacteria were also associated with elevated inflammatory or prothrombotic biomarkers. Registration URL: https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/; Unique identifier: UMIN000041692.

Medication-Naïve Blood Pressure and Incident Cancers: Analysis of 2 Nationwide Population-Based Databases.

BACKGROUND: Results of preceding studies on the relationship between blood pressure (BP) and cancers have been confounded due to individuals taking antihypertensive medications or shared risk factors. We assessed whether medication-naïve high BP is a risk factor for incident cancers. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 1,388,331 individuals without a prior history of cancer and not taking antihypertensive medications enrolled in the JMDC Claims Database between 2005 and 2018. The primary outcome was 16 cancers. RESULTS: The median [interquartile range] age was 45 [40-52] years and 56.2% were men. Mean systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were 117.7 ± 15.8 and 72.8 ± 11.6 mm Hg. Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that SBP per 1-SD was associated with a higher incidence of thyroid (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.16), esophageal (HR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.07-1.24), colorectal (HR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.07), liver (HR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.03-1.20), and kidney (HR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.14-1.31) cancers, but with a lower incidence of stomach cancer (HR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.91-0.98). These associations remained significant after adjustment for multiple testing. DBP was associated with higher incidences of thyroid, esophageal, colorectal, kidney, and corpus uteri cancers, but with a lower incidence of stomach cancer. The associations between SBP and incidences of thyroid, esophageal, colorectal, liver, and kidney cancers were confirmed in the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. CONCLUSIONS: Medication-naïve BP was associated with higher incidences of thyroid, esophageal, colorectal, liver, and kidney cancers. Uncovering the underlying mechanisms for our results may help identify novel therapeutic approach for hypertension and cancer.

Association between proteinuria and incident colorectal cancer: analysis of a nationwide population-based database.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess whether adults with proteinuria were at a higher risk of incident colorectal cancer (CRC) than those without proteinuria using a large-scale population-based database. DESIGN: A retrospective observational study. SETTING: The JMDC Claims Database, an administrative health claims database, was used. Data were collected between 2005 and 2020. PARTICIPANTS: We selected records of participants (n=3 543 705) who underwent health check-ups, including physical examinations, blood tests and urine dipstick tests. We excluded participants who were aged <20 years (n=25 577), had a history of CRC, colorectal disease, renal disease and renal replacement therapy (n=114 888), or had missing data on medications (n=170 145), cigarette smoking (n=14 835), alcohol consumption (n=366 414) or physical activity (n=106 550). Finally, we analysed 2 745 296 participants. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was CRC at any stage. RESULTS: Participants were categorised as having no proteinuria (n=2 435 872), trace proteinuria (n=231 153) or positive proteinuria (n=78 271). Over a mean follow-up period of 1189±914 days, 10 615 CRC diagnoses were recorded. The incidence of CRC (95% CI) was lowest in participants without proteinuria (11.7; 95% CI, 11.5 to 11.9 per 10 000 person-years), followed by trace proteinuria (12.5; 95% CI, 11.7 to 13.3 per 10 000 person-years) and positive proteinuria (16.1; 95% CI, 14.6 to 17.7 per 10 000 person-years). After multivariable adjustment, compared with no proteinuria, HRs for incident CRC were 1.20 (95% CI, 1.12 to 1.29) and 1.23 (95% CI, 1.11 to 1.36) for trace and positive proteinuria, respectively. The association between proteinuria and incident CRC existed in participants after multiple imputations for missing data, with a follow-up period of ≥365 days, regardless of age, sex, obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and estimated glomerular filtration rate. CONCLUSIONS: Trace and positive proteinuria were associated with a greater risk of incident CRC. Assessment of proteinuria could help identify individuals at an increased risk of CRC.

Prediabetes in Young Adults and Its Association With Cardiovascular Health Metrics in the Progression to Diabetes.

CONTEXT: The natural history of young adults with prediabetes and its association with cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics in progression to diabetes remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: We examined the association between CVH metrics and the annual incidence of diabetes in young adults with prediabetes. METHODS: This observational cohort study used the JMDC Claims Database. We analyzed 18 908 participants aged 18 to 44 years, with available fasting plasma glucose (FPG) data for 5 consecutive years, and who had prediabetes (FPG 100-125 mg/dL) at the initial health checkup. The ideal CVH metrics were as follows: nonsmoking, body mass index (BMI) less than 25 kg/m2, physical activity at goal, optimal dietary habits, blood pressure less than 120/80 mm Hg, and total cholesterol less than 200 mg/dL. We analyzed the association between CVH metrics and the annual incidence of diabetes. We also examined the relationship between 1-year changes in CVH metrics and the subsequent risk of diabetes. RESULTS: The incidence of diabetes was 3.3% at 1 year and 9.5% at 5 years after the initial health checkup. An increasing number of nonideal CVH metrics have been associated with an increased risk of diabetes. Nonideal BMI, smoking, blood pressure, and total cholesterol level were associated with an increased risk of diabetes. This association was observed both in men and women. A one-point increase in the number of nonideal CVH metric components was associated over 1 year with an increased risk of diabetes. CONCLUSION: CVH metrics can stratify the risk of diabetes in young adults with prediabetes. Improving CVH metrics may reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

Observation of the drainage process of the residual lipoma after endoscopic unroofing technique during colonoscopic evaluation of post-procedural hematochezia.

A 57-year-old man was referred to our hospital for further management of a subepithelial lesion noted on colonoscopy. He underwent endoscopic treatment of unroofing technique, in which the protruding portion of the tumor was partially resected. Due to a small amount of hematochezia, colonoscopy was performed to re-evaluate the lesion post-treatment. This enabled the observation of the drainage process of the residual lipoma. Remission was achieved and confirmed 8 months after the treatment. Endoscopic unroofing technique has been reported as a safe and effective method of treating lipomas, particularly large ones. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first endoscopic unroofing case in which the drainage process of the residual lipoma was observed and the remission of the lesion was confirmed.

Epstein-Barr Virus-positive Intestinal Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma in a Japanese Patient with Celiac Disease: First Reported Case and a Literature Review.

A 60-year-old Japanese woman was diagnosed with celiac disease (CeD) and treated with a gluten-free diet. For five years, she had a good clinical course. However, she complained of inappetence and nausea. Colonoscopy revealed ulcerative tumors in the terminal ileum. A histological examination of biopsy specimens from the ulcerative tumor showed diffuse infiltration of large atypical lymphocytes. Immunohistologically, the atypical lymphoid cells were positive for cluster of differentiation (CD) 10 and CD20. Many Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA (EBER)-positive atypical lymphocytes were detected by in situ hybridization. This represents the first reported case of Epstein-Barr virus-positive intestinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma complicated with CeD.

Fasting Plasma Glucose and Incident Colorectal Cancer: Analysis of a Nationwide Epidemiological Database.

CONTEXT: Although diabetes mellitus (DM) was reported to be associated with incident colorectal cancer (CRC), the detailed association between fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and incident CRC has not been fully understood. OBJECTIVE: We assessed whether hyperglycemia is associated with a higher risk for CRC. DESIGN: Analyses were conducted using the JMDC Claims Database [n = 1 441 311; median age (interquartile range), 46 (40-54) years; 56.6% men). None of the participants were taking antidiabetic medication or had a history of CRC, colorectal polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease. Participants were categorized as normal FPG (FPG level < 100 mg/dL; 1 125 647 individuals), normal-high FPG (FPG level = 100-109 mg/dL; 210 365 individuals), impaired fasting glucose (IFG; FPG level = 110-125 mg/dL; 74 836 individuals), and DM (FPG level ≥ 126 mg/dL; 30 463 individuals). RESULTS: Over a mean follow-up of 1137 ± 824 days, 5566 CRC events occurred. After multivariable adjustment, the hazard ratios for CRC events were 1.10 (95% CI 1.03-1.18) for normal-high FPG, 1.24 (95% CI 1.13-1.37) for IFG, and 1.36 (95% CI 1.19-1.55) for DM vs normal FPG. We confirmed this association in sensitivity analyses excluding those with a follow-up of< 365 days and obese participants. CONCLUSION: The risk of CRC increased with elevated FPG category. FPG measurements would help to identify people at high-risk for future CRC.

Association Between Blood Pressure Classification Using the 2017 ACC/AHA Blood Pressure Guideline and Retinal Atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to explore the association between the blood pressure (BP) classification defined by the 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) guideline and the prevalence of retinal atherosclerosis. METHODS: This study was a retrospective observational cross-sectional analysis using the JMDC Claims Database. We analyzed 280,599 subjects not taking any antihypertensive medications. According to the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline, each subject was categorized as having normal BP (n = 159,524), elevated BP (n = 35,603), stage 1 hypertension (n = 54,795), or stage 2 hypertension (n = 30,677) using the BP value at the initial health checkup. Retinal photographs were assessed according to the Keith-Wagener-Barker system. RESULTS: The median age was 46 years, and 50.4% subjects were men. Retinal atherosclerosis, defined as Keith-Wagener-Barker system grade ≥1, was observed in 3.2% in normal BP, 5.2% in elevated BP, 7.7% in stage 1 hypertension, and 18.7% in stage 2 hypertension. Compared with normal BP, elevated BP (odds ratio [OR], 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23-1.38), stage 1 hypertension (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.64-1.79), and stage 2 hypertension (OR, 4.10; 95% CI, 3.93-4.28) were associated with a higher prevalence of retinal atherosclerosis. Among 92,121 subjects without obesity, high waist circumference, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, cigarette smoking, and alcohol consumption, elevated BP (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.19-1.51), stage 1 hypertension (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.61-1.98), and stage 2 hypertension (OR, 4.42; 95% CI, 4.00-4.92) were associated with a higher prevalence of retinal atherosclerosis. This association was observed in all subgroups stratified by age or sex. CONCLUSIONS: Our investigation suggests that retinal atherosclerosis could start even in individuals with elevated BP and stage 1 hypertension.