Trends and future projections of the prevalence of adult obesity in Saudi Arabia, 1992-2022.

The prevalence of obesity among adults in Saudi Arabia increased from 22% in 1990-1993 to 36% in 2005, and future projections of the prevalence of adult obesity are needed by health policy-makers. In a secondary analysis of published data, a number of assumptions were applied to estimate the trends and projections in the age-and sex-specific prevalence of adult obesity in Saudi Arabia over the period 1992-2022. Five studies conducted between 1989 and 2005 were eligible for inclusion, using body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m(2) to define obesity. The overall prevalence of obesity was projected to increase from around 12% in 1992 to 41% by 2022 in men, and from 21% to 78% in women. Women had much higher projected prevalence than men, particularly in the age groups 35-44, 45-54 and 55-64 years. Effective national strategies are needed to reduce or halt the projected rise in obesity prevalence.

Diabetes characteristics and long-term management needs in diabetic TB patients.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is common among patients with TB. We assessed DM characteristics and long-term needs of DM-TB patients after completing TB treatment.METHODS: Newly diagnosed TB patients with DM were recruited for screening in a randomised clinical trial evaluating a simple algorithm to improve glycaemic control during TB treatment. DM characteristics, lifestyle and medication were compared before and after TB treatment and 6 months later. Risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), albuminuria and neuropathy were assessed after TB treatment.RESULTS: Of 218 TB-DM patients identified, 170 (78%) were followed up. Half were males, the mean age was 53 years, 26.5% were newly diagnosed DM. High glycated haemoglobin at TB diagnosis (median 11.2%) decreased during TB treatment (to 7.4% with intensified management and 8.4% with standard care), but this effect was lost 6 months later (9.3%). Hypertension and dyslipidemia contributed to a high 10-year CVD risk (32.9% at month 6 and 35.5% at month 12). Neuropathy (33.8%) and albuminuria (61.3%) were common. After TB treatment, few patients used CVD-mitigating drugs.CONCLUSION: DM in TB-DM patients is characterised by poor glycaemic control, high CVD risk, and nephropathy. TB treatment provides opportunities for better DM management, but effort is needed to improve long-term care.

The impact of smoking and quitting on household expenditure patterns and medical care costs in China.

BACKGROUND: Smoking remains very common in Chinese men, and the economic burden caused by cigarette consumption on smokers and their families may be substantial. Using a large nationally representative household survey, the third National Health Services Survey (NHSS, 2003), we estimated the economic impact of smoking on households. METHODS: Smoking status of all household members (over 15 years) was collected by interview for the NHSS, and households classified into one of seven categories based on their smoking status. Information on household income and expenditure, and use of health services was also obtained. We assessed both the "direct" costs (reducing funds available for spending on other commodities such as food, education, medical care, etc, using a fractional logit model), and "indirect costs" (increasing medical expenditures, using a log-linear model). RESULTS: Every five packets of cigarettes consumed per capita per month reduces household spending on other commodities, most notably on education (by about 17 yuan per capita per annum) and medical care (11 yuan). The effects are greatest among low-income rural households. Households with quitters spend substantially more on medical care than never-smoking households (64 yuan for households with two or more quitters). CONCLUSIONS: If a household member smokes, there is less money available for commodities such as education and medical care. Medical care expenditure is substantially higher among households with quitters, as ill-health is the main reason for quitting smoking in China. Smoking impoverishes a substantial number of poorer rural households.

Adverse risk factor trends limit gains in coronary heart disease mortality in Barbados: 1990-2012.

BACKGROUND: Although most countries face increasing population levels of obesity and diabetes their effect on coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality has not been often studied in small island developing states (SIDs) where obesity rates are among the highest in the world. We estimated the relative contributions of treatments and cardiovascular risk factors to the decline in CHD mortality from 1990 to 2012 in the Caribbean island, Barbados. METHODS: We used the IMPACT CHD mortality model to estimate the effect of increased coverage of effective medical/surgical treatments and changes in major CHD risk factors on mortality trends in 2012 compared with 1990. We calculated deaths prevented or postponed (DPPs) for each model risk factor and treatment group. We obtained data from WHO Mortality database, population denominators from the Barbados Statistical Service stratified by 10-year age group (ages 25-34 up to 85 plus), population-based risk factor surveys, Global Burden of Disease and Barbados' national myocardial infarction registry. Monte Carlo probabilistic sensitivity analysis was performed. RESULTS: In 1990 the age-standardized CHD mortality rate was 109.5 per 100,000 falling to 55.3 in 2012. Implementation of effective treatment accounted for 56% DPPs (95% (Uncertainty Interval (UI) 46%, 68%), mostly due to the introduction of treatments immediately after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (14%) and unstable angina (14%). Overall, risk factors contributed 19% DPPs (95% UI 6% to 34%) mostly attributed to decline in cholesterol (18% DPPs, 95% UI 12%, 26%). Adverse trends in diabetes: 14% additional deaths(ADs) 95% UI 8% to 21% ADs) and BMI (2% ADs 95%UI 0 to 5% ADs) limited potential for risk factor gains. CONCLUSIONS: Given the significant negative impact of obesity/diabetes on mortality in this analysis, research that explores factors affecting implementation of evidenced-based preventive strategies is needed. The fact that most of the decline in CHD mortality in Barbados was due to treatment provides an example for SIDs about the advantages of universal access to care and treatment.

Point of care HbA1c level for diabetes mellitus management and its accuracy among tuberculosis patients: a study in four countries.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is common among tuberculosis (TB) patients and often undiagnosed or poorly controlled. We compared point of care (POC) with laboratory glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) testing among newly diagnosed TB patients to assess POC test accuracy, safety and acceptability in settings in which immediate access to DM services may be difficult. METHODS: We measured POC and accredited laboratory HbA1c (using high-performance liquid chromatography) in 1942 TB patients aged 18 years recruited from Peru, Romania, Indonesia and South Africa. We calculated overall agreement and individual variation (mean ± 2 standard deviations) stratified by country, age, sex, body mass index (BMI), HbA1c level and comorbidities (anaemia, human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]). We used an error grid approach to identify disagreement that could raise significant concerns. RESULTS: Overall mean POC HbA1c values were modestly higher than laboratory HbA1c levels by 0.1% units (95%CI 0.1-0.2); however, there was a substantial discrepancy for those with severe anaemia (1.1% HbA1c, 95%CI 0.7-1.5). For 89.6% of 1942 patients, both values indicated the same DM status (no DM, HbA1c <6.5%) or had acceptable deviation (relative difference <6%). Individual agreement was variable, with POC values up to 1.8% units higher or 1.6% lower. For a minority, use of POC HbA1c alone could result in error leading to potential overtreatment (n = 40, 2.1%) or undertreatment (n = 1, 0.1%). The remainder had moderate disagreement, which was less likely to influence clinical decisions. CONCLUSION: POC HbA1c is pragmatic and sufficiently accurate to screen for hyperglycaemia and DM risk among TB patients.

Hand washing for preventing diarrhoea.

BACKGROUND: Diarrhoea is a common cause of morbidity and a leading cause of death among children aged less than five years, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. It is transmitted by ingesting contaminated food or drink, by direct person-to-person contact, or from contaminated hands. Hand washing is one of a range of hygiene promotion interventions that can interrupt the transmission of diarrhoea-causing pathogens. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of interventions to promote hand washing on diarrhoeal episodes in children and adults. SEARCH STRATEGY: In May 2007, we searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2007, Issue 2), MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, PsycINFO, Science Citation Index and Social Science Citation Index, ERIC (1966 to May 2007), SPECTR, Bibliomap, RoRe, The Grey Literature, and reference lists of articles. We also contacted researchers and organizations in the field. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials, where the unit of randomization is an institution (eg day-care centre), household, or community, that compared interventions to promote hand washing or a hygiene promotion that included hand washing with no intervention to promote hand washing. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently assessed trial eligibility and methodological quality. Where appropriate, incidence rate ratios (IRR) were pooled using the generic inverse variance method and random-effects model with 95% confidence intervals (CI). MAIN RESULTS: Fourteen randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. Eight trials were institution-based, five were community-based, and one was in a high-risk group (AIDS patients). Interventions promoting hand washing resulted in a 29% reduction in diarrhoea episodes in institutions in high-income countries (IRR 0.71, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.84; 7 trials) and a 31% reduction in such episodes in communities in low- or middle-income countries (IRR 0.69, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.87; 5 trials). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Hand washing can reduce diarrhoea episodes by about 30%. This significant reduction is comparable to the effect of providing clean water in low-income areas. However, trials with longer follow up and that test different methods of promoting hand washing are needed.

Metabolic and hemodynamic effects of metformin and glibenclamide in normotensive NIDDM patients.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the metabolic and hemodynamic effects of metformin and glibenclamide in normotensive NIDDM patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: After a 2-wk run-in period on dietary treatment alone, 12 Chinese normotensive patients with uncomplicated NIDDM were randomized to receive either metformin, or glibenclamide for 4 wk before being crossed-over to the alternative treatment for an additional 4 wk. Metabolic and hemodynamic index, including cardiac output estimation by impedance cardiography, were measured at baseline and at the end of each treatment period. RESULTS: Body mass index was reduced more with metformin than with glibenclamide, although glycemic control was similar with both drugs. Plasma total cholesterol concentration fell more with metformin (mean difference -0.65 mM, 95% confidence interval -0.96 to -0.32) than glibenclamide (mean difference -0.20 mM, 95% confidence interval -0.54-0.12) (P < 0.05). Compared with baseline values, erect diastolic blood pressure was reduced more by metformin (12.9% [95% confidence interval -21.5 to -4.4%]) than glibenclamide (-6.8% [95% confidence interval -14.9 to 1.2%]) (P < 0.001). The relative changes in the systemic vascular resistance index also differed between the two treatments (glibenclamide, 6.2 [-4.3 to 16.6%]; metformin, -1.2 [95% confidence interval -8.8-6.4%]) (P < 0.05)]. CONCLUSIONS: In normotensive NIDDM patients, treatment with metformin was associated with greater reductions in body weight, plasma total cholesterol concentration, and erect diastolic blood pressure, whereas the systemic vascular resistance index increased after treatment with glibenclamide. These findings merit long-term investigation.

Angiotensinogen T235 and ACE insertion/deletion polymorphisms associated with albuminuria in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients.

OBJECTIVE: Genetic polymorphisms of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic proteinuria. Ethnic differences in the frequencies of these genotypes have also been reported. To date, most of these studies have been performed in white and Japanese populations. In this study, we examined the associations between albuminuria and RAS genetic polymorphisms in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In a case-control study, the ACE insertion/deletion (I/D) gene, the angiotensinogen (AGT) gene (M235T), and the angiotensin II (AII) type 1 receptor gene (AT1 A1166C) were examined in 110 Chinese type 2 diabetic patients. Increased urinary albumin excretion (UAE) was defined as > or = 30 mg/day on at least two occasions during a 6-week study period. RESULTS: Compared with whites, there were high frequencies of the AGT TT genotype in Chinese control subjects (120/183 = 70%) and type 2 diabetic patients (74/110 = 67%). The frequencies of the MM genotype were 5 and 3%, respectively, and those of the ACE DD genotype were 13 and 10%, respectively. Although 9% of subjects carried the C allele, the AT1 CC genotype was not found in either group. Chinese type 2 diabetic patients with increased albuminuria (n = 56) had higher systolic blood pressure (160 +/- 26 mmHg vs 145 +/- 27 mmHg, P < 0.001) than the normoalbuminuric patients (n = 54). Both the AGT TT genotype (78.6% [44/56] vs. 55.6% [30/54], odds ratio [OR]: 3.0 [1.3-6.8]) and the T allele (88% [99/112] vs. 77% [83/108], OR: 2.5 [1.3-5.4]) were associated with an increased risk of albuminuria. Patients with the AGT TT genotype (n = 74) had higher 24-h UAE than those with the MT or MM genotypes (n = 36) (median: 37.8 mg/day vs. 17.8 mg/day, P < 0.01). This association remained significant in patients with normotension (56 mg/day [n = 19] for patients with the TT genotype vs. 22 mg/day [n = 14] for those with the MT/MM genotype, P = 0.03). The D allele carriers (DD or DI, n = 61) had higher serum ACE activities (75.5 +/- 29 U/l vs. 60.5 +/- 36.3 U/l, P < 0.01) than the noncarriers (II genotype). The median 24-h UAE also tended to be higher in the D allele carriers (38.9 mg/day vs. 21.4 mg/day, P = 0.07). The lowest UAE was observed in patients with the MM/MT/II genotype (16.3 mg/day [n = 18]) and the highest, in patients with the TT/DD/DI genotype (52.3 mg/day [n = 43]). No association was found between the TT genotype or D allele and hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: The high frequencies of the TT genotype and T allele in Chinese populations may contribute to the high prevalence of albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes. The possibility of synergism between the AGT TT genotype and the ACE D allele should also be explored.

Abnormal albuminuria as a predictor of mortality and renal impairment in Chinese patients with NIDDM.

OBJECTIVE: Microalbuminuria predicts mortality in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), but its association with deterioration of renal function remains more controversial than in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Using albumin-to-creatinine ratios (ACRs) in random spot urine samples is a convenient method for evaluating albuminuria. We studied prospectively the predictive values of albuminuria in NIDDM when assessed by this urine measurement. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Between 1991 and 1992, we restudied the clinical and biochemical status of 403 Chinese NIDDM patients recruited in 1989 after a follow-up period of 26.6 +/- 3.2 months (mean +/- SD). Spot urine ACR was measured on two occasions and microalbuminuria was defined as a mean ACR between 5.6 and 38 mg/mmol. RESULTS: From the original cohort, 29 patients had died mostly because of cardiovascular events with or without renal failure. The overall relative risk of death in patients with abnormal albuminuria was 7.1 (P < 0.001) (microalbuminuria: 3.7, P = 0.04; macroalbuminuria: 11, P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, the independent predictive factors for mortality were plasma creatinine (wald = 12.1, P < 0.001) and glucose concentrations (wald = 10.4, P < 0.001) in the normo- and microalbuminuric patients (n = 11) and age (wald = 4.4, P = 0.03) and plasma creatinine (wald = 8.2, P < 0.01) in the macroalbuminuric group (n = 18). In the survivors (n = 374), baseline spot urine ACR was independently associated with 2-year spot urine ACR in the normo- (P < 0.001), micro- (P < 0.01), and macroalbuminuric groups (P = 0.01). In addition, baseline spot urine ACR was independently related to 2-year plasma creatinine (P = 0.01) in the macroalbuminuric group. The rates of change of the reciprocal of plasma creatinine ( delta [Cr]-1) were -27.3 +/- 62.5, -43.4 +/- 68.6, and -108.8 +/- 98.81.mumol01.month-1 in the normo-, micro-, and macroalbuminuric groups, respectively (P < 0.001). The delta [Cr]-1 was independently and inversely related to the baseline spot urine ACR (P < 0.001) and 2-year systolic blood pressure (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal albuminuria as indicated by a random spot urine ACR > 5.6 mg/mmol predicts increased mortality and is associated with the progression of albuminuria and deterioration of renal function in Chinese NIDDM patients.

Factors predicting the age when type 2 diabetes is diagnosed in Hong Kong Chinese subjects.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the factors predicting age at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in Hong Kong Chinese. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The relationships between age at diagnosis and parental history of diabetes as well as an array of clinical and metabolic factors were examined using a hospital clinic-based diabetes registry involving 3,414 index patients with type 2 diabetes Patterns of age at diagnosis in successive generations were also examined using 21 affected child-parent pairs and 7 affected child-parent-grandparent trios. RESULTS: Approximately 29% of the index patients were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at < or = 35 years of age (hereby defined as early-onset). Compared with the patients diagnosed at >35 years of age (hereby defined as late-onset) the early-onset patients had higher rates of positive paternal (16 vs. 5%) and maternal (22 vs. 12%) history of diabetes (both at P < 0.01) and had poorer metabolic profiles. In the overall index patients, male sex, higher HbA1c waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and systolic blood pressure (sBP); lower HDL cholesterol level; and a positive paternal was well as maternal history of diabetes predicted younger age at diagnosis. More senior age and higher BMI and diastolic blood pressure predicted olderq age at diagnosis. Predictors for younger age at diagnosis in the male patients were higher HbA1c and sBP and a positive paternal history of diabetes Predictors for younger age at diagnosis in the female patients were higher HbA1c WHR, and sBP and a paternal as well as maternal history of diabetes. In the affected child parent pairs and clild-parent-grandparent trios there was a decrease in age at diagnosis in successive generations. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that both familial (possibly genetic) and metabolic factors affect the age of onset of type 2 diabetes in the Chinese population. The results also suggest an onset and progression pattern of the disease that is compatible with the phenomenon of anticipation.

Renin-angiotensin system gene polymorphisms, blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and diabetes in Hong Kong Chinese: a significant association of tne ACE insertion/deletion polymorphism with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: In Chinese populations, hypertension is common and is a major risk factor for cerebrovascular and coronary heart disease, particularly when associated with diabetes. The clustering of these disorders and dyslipidemia and obesity is termed the metabolic syndrome and is increasing in prevalence in the populations of modernizing Asian nations. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) helps maintain blood pressure and salt homeostasis and may play a role in the pathogenesis of aspects of the metabolic syndrome. We investigated three RAS gene polymorphisms--the ACE insertion/deletion (I/D), angiotensinogen (AGT) M235T, and angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) A1166C polymorphisms--for a possible role in modulating these disorders in 853 Chinese subjects with varying components of the metabolic syndrome. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The three gene polymorphisms of this cross-sectional study were detected using polymerase chain reaction-based protocols. The genotype frequencies were compared between the controls (n = 119) and both overlapping and nonoverlapping groups of patients with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia using chi2 test. Differences in levels of the biochemical parameters between the genotypes were determined using analysis of variance. RESULTS: No significant relationship was identified between these polymorphisms and blood pressure in this population. Although the AT1RA1166C polymorphism was not associated with any aspect of the metabolic syndrome examined, there was limited evidence to suggest that the AGT M235T polymorphism may be associated with cholesterol levels. The ACE I allele was significantly more frequent in each group comprising subjects with type 2 diabetes/glucose intolerance (GIT), and the I allele was associated with higher fasting plasma glucose levels. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that these polymorphisms are unlikely to be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. The ACE I/D polymorphism was associated with the metabolic syndrome, having a higher frequency of I allele-containing genotypes in those groups, but this appeared to result predominantly from the relationship with type 2 diabetes/GIT in this population of Chinese subjects.

Plasma insulin, growth hormone, cortisol, and central obesity among young Chinese type 2 diabetic patients.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationships between central obesity, insulin resistance index, plasma insulin, growth hormone (GH), and cortisol concentrations in 90 young Chinese type 2 diabetic patients (aged 33+/-5 years) and 104 age- and sex-matched control subjects (aged 32+/-9 years). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Young Chinese diabetic patients (aged <40 years) were recruited from the Prince of Wales Hospital. Blood pressure, height, weight, and waist and hip circumferences were determined. Venous blood was sampled for measurements of fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, lipids, creatinine, insulin, GH, and cortisol. A 24-h urine was assayed for urinary albumin excretion (UAE). General and central obesity was represented by BMI and waist circumference, respectively. Insulin resistance index was estimated as a product of fasting plasma insulin and glucose concentrations. RESULTS: Compared with control subjects, diabetic patients were more obese, hyperglycemic, and had worse lipid profile, higher blood pressures, UAE, insulin resistance index, plasma insulin, and cortisol concentrations (all P < 0.001) but lower GH concentrations (P < 0.05). When analyzed as a whole group (n = 194), increasing quartiles of waist circumference were associated with increasing trends of insulin resistance index, plasma insulin, and cortisol concentrations (all P < 0.01) but a decreasing trend of plasma GH concentration (P < 0.05). Using stepwise multiple regression analysis, waist circumference was only associated with sex variable (being higher in men) in the control subjects. In the diabetic group, 51% of waist circumference was independently related to male sex and increased plasma insulin and cortisol concentrations as well as reduced plasma GH levels. CONCLUSIONS: In young Chinese type 2 diabetic patients, hyperinsulinemia, hypercortisolemia, and reduced plasma GH levels were closely associated with central obesity. Based on these findings, we postulate that maladaptive hormonal responses to rapid changes in lifestyle may have led to obesity and type 2 diabetes in these young patients. Alternatively, lifestyle-related obesity may have given rise to these hormonal changes. More studies are required to delineate the nature of these relationships.

Familial early-onset type 2 diabetes in Chinese patients: obesity and genetics have more significant roles than autoimmunity.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the prevalence of different forms of diabetes in Hong Kong Chinese patients with familial early-onset type 2 diabetes and compared their clinical features with patients with familial late-onset type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 145 young patients with early-onset diabetes (age and age at diagnosis < or = 40 years) and a family history of diabetes were studied. They were screened for mutations in the genes encoding glucokinase, hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-4alpha, and HNF-1alpha. The mitochondrial DNA A-->G at nucleotide 3243 (mt3243) and amyLin S20G mutations were studied, and antibodies to GAD (anti-GADs) were also examined. RESULTS: The prevalence of putative diabetogenic gene mutations and autoimmune markers were 4% for glucokinase, 0% for HNF-4alpha, 5% for HNF-1alpha, 3% for mt3243, 2% for amylin 520G, and 4% for anti-GAD. Compared with late-onset patients, the patients with early-onset diabetes had a higher prevalence of a parental history of diabetes and were generally more obese. When classified by obesity indexes (BMI and waist circumference), the obese patients, especially those with early-onset diabetes, had a clustering of cardiovascular risk factors and increased rates of retinopathy and albuminuria. CONCLUSIONS; Genetic factors (up to 14%) and obesity (55%) play more significant roles than autoimmunity (4%) in familial type 2 diabetes in young Chinese patients. The significance of obesity-related genes and other gene-gene and gene-environment interactions in these young patients remains to be determined.

Visceral fat and cardiovascular risk factors in Chinese NIDDM patients.

OBJECTIVE: The interrelations between obesity, glucose intolerance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance are well recognized. These relationships are of particular interest in Hong Kong's Chinese population, in whom increasing affluence has coincided with a marked increase in the prevalence of NIDDM. We designed a pilot study to examine the relationships between visceral fat and cardiovascular risk factors in Chinese NIDDM patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We studied 21 Chinese NIDDM patients whose visceral fat was quantified by magnetic resonance imaging. Cardiovascular risk factors including plasma lipids and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (BP) were measured. In addition, insulin resistance was determined by a short insulin tolerance test (SITT). RESULTS: Increased visceral adiposity was significantly correlated with plasma triglycerides (r = 0.63, P = 0.004), the total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio (r = 0.61, P = 0.008), the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (r = 0.49, P = 0.04), and decreased insulin sensitivity as measured by the SITT (r = 0.47, P = 0.03). When the data were analyzed by tertiles, increasing visceral fat area was associated with higher plasma triglycerides, lower HDL cholesterol, and a smaller plasma glucose decrement during the SITT. In addition, the diurnal rhythm in BP and heart rate tended to be best preserved in those with the least visceral obesity. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study demonstrates that visceral fat accumulation is associated with dyslipidemia, hypertension, insulin resistance, and albuminuria in Chinese patients with NIDDM.

Diabetes in Hong Kong Chinese: evidence for familial clustering and parental effects.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate transmission patterns of diabetes and their relationships with clinical characteristics in Hong Kong Chinese patients with late-onset (age > or =35 years) type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This study involved 2,310 patients consecutively selected from a hospital clinic-based diabetes registry. These patients all reported the diabetes status of their parents as well as siblings. RESULTS: Approximately 36% of the 2,310 patients reported at least 1 affected parent or sibling (25 and 21% reported at least 1 diabetic parent and sibling, respectively). These patients, irrespective of their sex, were more likely to have a diabetic mother than a diabetic father (17 vs. 13% of the male patients and 18 vs. 9% of the female patients, P<0.01). The male patients were more likely than the female patients to have a diabetic father (13 vs. 9%, P<0.01). The female patients with a diabetic mother were found to have higher levels of plasma total cholesterol compared with the female patients with a diabetic father in multiple comparisons with adjustment for significance (5.56+/-1.30 vs. 5.09+/-0.95 mmol/l, P<0.05). In 2-group comparisons, there was also evidence that the male patients with a diabetic father had higher BMI values than the male patients with a diabetic mother (25.9+/-3.5 vs. 25.0+/-3.5 kg/m2, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found familial clustering of diabetes in the Hong Kong Chinese population as well as a significant maternal influence and a male sex-specific paternal effect. We suggest that both maternal and paternal factors may be implicated in the development of type 2 diabetes in the Chinese population.

Modulation of blood pressure and obesity with the dopamine D2 receptor gene TaqI polymorphism.

Pharmacological data suggest that obesity and blood pressure (BP) may be modulated through the dopamine D2 receptor (DD2R), which may represent an underlying mechanism that links these conditions. A TAQ:I polymorphism near the DD2R gene has been associated with indices of obesity in white populations. We compared anthropometric and fasting plasma biochemical parameters between 209 nondiabetic hypertensive and 174 gender-matched normotensive Chinese subjects. The hypertensives had increased dyslipidemia, increased fasting plasma glucose concentrations, and a greater degree of obesity. The A1 and A2 alleles of the DD2R gene TAQ:I polymorphism were identified with a polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism protocol. The A1 allele frequency was decreased in the hypertensives (42.0%) compared with the control subjects (52.0%, P=0.006), and genotype frequencies were different (P=0.05) between the 2 groups. In the combined population (n=383), systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial BPs were 6, 5, and 6 mm Hg lower, respectively, in subjects with the A1A1 genotype relative to the A2A2 genotype (all P<0.05), whereas skinfold thickness was increased at the iliac (P<0.001) and triceps (P<0.03) sites but not at the biceps or subscapular sites. Furthermore, this DD2R gene polymorphism was shown to be a significant independent predictor of diastolic BP and iliac and triceps skinfold thicknesses (all P<0.03). These contrasting associations of the DD2R TAQ:I polymorphism A1 allele with lower BP but increased markers of "gynoidal" or peripheral subcutaneous obesity (iliac and triceps skinfold thicknesses) in our Chinese population may provide some insight into the underlying relationship between BP and body fat distribution, but the exact nature of this link remains to be determined.

Obesity and cardiovascular risk factors in Hong Kong Chinese.

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the risk associations between obesity indexes [body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC)], cardiovascular risk factors [plasma glucose and lipids, blood pressure and urinary albumin excretion (UAE)] and morbidity conditions (Type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and/or albuminuria) in Hong Kong Chinese. Seven-hundred and two Hong Kong Chinese subjects (18-65 years of age, 59.4% of whom had at least one morbidity condition) were recruited from the Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong SAR. The measurements taken of the subjects included: height; weight; waist and hip circumferences; blood pressure; fasting plasma glucose and lipids; and 24-h UAE. The mean BMI was 22.4 and 25.7 kg m(-2) in healthy subjects and patients, respectively. The mean WC measurements of healthy subjects and patients were 77.1 and 86.4 cm in males and 71.0 and 81.8 cm in females, respectively. There were increasing trends between obesity indexes and the severity of cardiovascular risk factors and the prevalence of morbidity conditions (all P-values for trend <0.05). Using 19.0-20.9 kg m(-2) and <70 cm as a referent, subjects with a BMI of > or =25.0 kg m(-2) (in both sexes) and/or a WC of > or =85 cm in males and > or =75 cm in females had an age-adjusted odds ratio between 3.2 and 4.4 for the occurrence of at least one morbidity condition. Patients with a greater number of comorbidities also had higher BMI and WC measurements (all P-values for the trend were <0.05 with adjustment for age and gender). Hence, despite Hong Kong Chinese being less obese than Caucasians, the intimate relationships among obesity, cardiovascular risk factors and morbidity conditions remain. Our data support using lower BMI and WC levels to define obesity and its associated health risks rather than using the criteria established from Caucasians who generally have larger body frames.

Drug interactions affecting analgesic toxicity.

Most reports of interactions involving analgesics deal with their effects on the actions of other drugs rather than vice versa. Aspirin and ethanol have synergistic effects on the development of gastritis, gastrointestinal bleeding, and chronic gastric ulcer. This must be the most common and most important interaction affecting analgesic toxicity. Combined overdosage of aspirin with central nervous system depressants may be particularly hazardous because suppression of the salicylate-induced respiratory stimulation further shifts the disordered acid-base balance towards acidosis. The toxicity of acetaminophen (paracetamol) depends primarily on the balance between the rate of formation of the hepatotoxic metabolite and the rate of glutathione synthesis in the liver. In animals, prolonged pretreatment with ethanol increases the metabolic activation and acute toxicity of acetaminophen, and there is some evidence that chronic alcoholics are more susceptible to hepatotoxicity following acute overdosage. It has been assumed that this sensitivity in chronic alcoholics is due to microsomal enzyme induction with enhanced metabolic activation of acetaminophen. However, the metabolic activation of acetaminophen, as judged by the urinary excretion of its cysteine and mercapturic acid conjugates, is not increased in heavy drinkers or in patients induced by long-term treatment with anticonvulsants or rifampicin. Microsomal enzyme induction is complex. There are important species differences and different agents may selectively induce different variants of the multiple forms of cytochrome P-450. The acute administration of ethanol greatly reduces the metabolic activation of acetaminophen in heavy drinkers with more than a 50 percent decrease in cysteine and mercapturic acid conjugate production. Thus ingestion of ethanol should reduce the risk of liver damage following acetaminophen overdosage. Cimetidine, which inhibits the oxidative metabolism of some drugs, reduces the hepatotoxicity and increases the dose of acetaminophen in mice required to kill 50 percent of the animals. However, contrary to expectations, cimetidine does not inhibit the oxidative metabolism of acetaminophen in man. Salicylamide competes with acetaminophen for sulphate conjugation but is unlikely to potentiate toxicity following overdosage since sulphate conjugation is rapidly saturated anyway. Animal studies suggest that the hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen after overdosage may be increased by other agents which deplete glutathione, but there is no information on this point in man.

Effects of fluvastatin on lipid profile and apolipoproteins in Chinese patients with hypercholesterolemia.

The effects of fluvastatin treatment on lipid profile and apolipoproteins were assessed in a group of 31 Chinese patients with hypercholesterolemia, maintained on a constant low-fat diet. Some patients had the additional cardiovascular risk factors of hypertension and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and 6 patients had familial hypercholesterolemia. Baseline lipid levels were measured after a 4-week placebo period, and these were repeated after 4 weeks of treatment with fluvastatin 20 mg daily, and after 4 weeks of treatment with fluvastatin 40 mg daily. Total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein (apo) B were each reduced to the same extent with the 2 doses of fluvastatin (-20%, -26%, and -20%, respectively). Triglycerides and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol were also reduced by about 12% with the 2 doses of fluvastatin. Apo A-I was increased by 7% and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was increased by 10% with the 40 mg dose. The increase in HDL-C was due to increases in both HDL2-C (18%) and HDL3-C (7%). Lipoprotein(a) levels did not show any significant change with the 2 doses of fluvastatin in this short-term study. One patient developed reversible asymptomatic elevation of liver enzymes with the higher dose of fluvastatin; otherwise the drug was well tolerated and no patients had to be withdrawn from the study.

Lack of association between insertion/deletion polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene and end-stage heart failure due to ischemic or idiopathic dilate cardiomyopathy in the Chinese.

Homozygosity for the deletion allele of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene (DD) has been associated with a variety of cardiovascular diseases, including ischemic and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, in Caucasians. In this study of 104 Chinese patients with end-stage heart failure due to idiopathic dilated or ischemic cardiomyopathy, the DD genotype frequency was low (12% and 11%, respectively) and was not seen more often than in a control group of 183 subjects without cardiac disease (13%). Therefore, in the Chinese, the DD genotype is less common than in Caucasians and does not appear to be associated with the development of either ischemic or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.