Trends in the prevalence of atrophic gastritis and Helicobacter pylori infection over a 10­year period in Japan: The ROAD study 2005­2015.

Few large population-based studies have examined the prevalence of atrophic gastritis (AG) and Helicobacter pylori infection in Japan. The purpose of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of AG and H. pylori infection by age, in addition to investigating their change rates from 2005 to 2016 in Japan using data from a large population-based cohort. A total of 3,596 participants [1,690 in the baseline survey (2005-2006) and 1,906 at the fourth survey (2015-2016)] aged 18 to 97 years were included in the cohort. The prevalence of AG and H. pylori infection were examined at baseline and in the fourth survey based on serological tests for the H. pylori antibody titer and pepsinogen levels. The prevalence of AG and H. pylori infection were 40.1% (men, 44.1%; women, 38.0%) and 52.2% (men, 54.8%; women, 50.8%), respectively, at baseline. AG seropositivity rates showed a significant decrease from 40.1 to 25.8% in 10 years. H. pylori seropositivity rates decreased significantly from 52.2 to 35.5% in 10 years. Stratified for age, the prevalence of AG showed an increasing trend with age, whereas the prevalence of H. pylori infection increased with aging, except for in the elderly group, showing an inverted U-shaped association. In this population-based, cross-sectional study with a 10-year interval survey, the prevalence of AG and H. pylori infection decreased significantly. This change may influence the prevalence of H. pylori-related diseases, including extra-gastric disorders associated with H. pylori-induced systemic subclinical inflammation and hypochlorhydria, such as colorectal neoplasia and arteriosclerosis.

Risk factors for the development of second primary esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma after endoscopic resection for esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma according to genetic polymorphisms related to alcohol and nicotine metabolism.

BACKGROUND: Multiple development of esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma is explained by field cancerization and is associated with alcohol consumption and smoking. We investigated the association between the development of second primary esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma after endoscopic resection for esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma and genetic polymorphisms related to alcohol and nicotine metabolism. METHODS: The study group comprised 56 patients with esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma after endoscopic resection. The main variables were the following: (i) cumulative incidence and total number of second primary esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma according to genetic polymorphisms in alcohol dehydrogenase 1B, aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 and cytochrome P450 2A6; and (ii) risk factors of second primary esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma identified using a multivariate Cox proportional-hazards model. The frequencies of alcohol dehydrogenase 1B, aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 and cytochrome P450 2A6 genetic polymorphisms in the buccal mucosa were analyzed. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 92.8 months (range: 2.7-134.2). Slow-metabolizing alcohol dehydrogenase 1B was associated with a higher 7-year cumulative incidence of second primary esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma (fast-metabolizing alcohol dehydrogenase 1B vs slow-metabolizing alcohol dehydrogenase 1B: 20.5% vs 71.4%, P = 0.006). Slow-metabolizing alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (relative risk [95% confidence interval]: 3.17 [1.49-6.73]), inactive aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (2.17 [1.01-4.63]) and poorly-metabolizing cytochrome P450 2A6 (4.63 [1.74-12.33]) had a significantly higher total number of second primary esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma per 100 person-years. In the multivariate Cox proportional-hazards model, slow-metabolizing alcohol dehydrogenase 1B was a significant risk factor of the development of second primary esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma (hazard ratio 9.92, 95% confidence interval: 2.35-41.98, P = 0.0018). CONCLUSIONS: Slow-metabolizing alcohol dehydrogenase 1B may be a significant risk factor for the development of second primary esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma. In addition, inactive aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 and poorly-metabolizing cytochrome P450 2A6 may be important factors.

Epidemiology of locomotive syndrome using updated clinical decision limits: 6-year follow-ups of the ROAD study.

INTRODUCTION: Locomotive syndrome (LOCOMO) is defined by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) as a condition requiring nursing care due to a decline in mobility resulting from musculoskeletal disorders. In 2020, the JOA announced the new definition of LOCOMO stage 3 and revision of clinical decision limits in stages of LOCOMO. However, there are few reports on the epidemiological indices of LOCOMO. This prospective cohort study aimed to investigate the prevalence, incidence, and association of poor prognosis with LOCOMO stages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The third survey of the Research on Osteoarthritis/Osteoporosis Against Disability (ROAD) study was conducted during 2012-2013, examining a population-based cohort of 1575 participants (513 men and 1062 women, mean age 65.6 years). Three LOCOMO risk tests were performed, and patients were classified into LOCOMO stages 0, 1, 2, and 3. They were followed up for 6 years, and identical examination of LOCOMO was performed in 3- and 6-year follow-ups. Data on patients' prognoses, including disability and death, were collected. RESULTS: The prevalence of LOCOMO stages 1, 2, and 3 was 41.3, 14.9, and 11.6%, respectively. The incidence of LOCOMO stages 1, 2, and 3 were 83.7, 23.0, and 18.6 per 1000 person-years, respectively. Compared with LOCOMO stage 0, logistic regression analysis showed that LOCOMO stage 3 significantly increased the risk of disability and mortality. In addition, each value of LOCOMO risk tests for LOCOMO stage 3 increased the risk of poor prognosis. CONCLUSION: LOCOMO stage 3 is a sensitive indicator of future disability and mortality.

Efficacy of Low-Dose Aspirin in Colorectal Cancer Risk Prevention is Dependent on ADH1B and ALDH2 Genotype in Japanese Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Patients.

Aspirin has gained great attention as a cancer preventive agent. Our previous study revealed that the low-dose aspirin prevents colorectal tumor recurrence in Japanese patients with colorectal adenomas and/or adenocarcinomas, whereas aspirin increases risks in smokers and has no effects on regular drinkers. Our recent study revealed that aspirin reduces polyp growth in Japanese patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). In this study, we have studied the association of genotypes of alcohol metabolizing enzymes (ADH1B and ALDH2) on aspirin's efficacy of suppressing polyp growth (≥5 mm) in a total of 81 Japanese patients with FAP. Our study revealed that aspirin showed significant preventive effects for patients with ADH1B-AA and AA+GA types [OR = 0.21; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.05-0.95, and OR = 0.31; 95% CI, 0.10-0.95, respectively], and for patients with ALDH2-GG and GG+GA types (OR = 0.10; 95% CI, 0.01-0.92, and OR = 0.29; 95% CI, 0.09-0.94, respectively), but not for patients with ADH1B-GG and GA+GG types, and ALDH2-AA and GA+AA types. In addition, substantial preventive effects of aspirin were seen for patients with ADH1B-AA type who do not drink regularly (<3 times/week, OR = 0.11; 95% CI, 0.02-0.78), where a statistically significant interaction between aspirin and ADH1B was observed (P interaction = 0.036). Results from this exploratory study strongly indicate that aspirin is beneficial in prevention of polyp growth for patients with FAP with ADH1B-AA and AA+GA types, and ALDH2-GG and GG+GA types. Taken together, we propose ADH1B and ALDH2 as candidate markers for the personalized prevention by aspirin. Significance: Aspirin is beneficial to patients with FAP with ADH1B-AA and AA+GA types or ALDH2-GG and GG+GA types. ADH1B and ALDH2 genotypes can be the markers for the personalized prevention of colorectal cancer by aspirin.

The Combination of Cigarette Smoking and Alcohol Consumption Synergistically Increases Reactive Carbonyl Species in Human Male Plasma.

Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption are major risk factors for lifestyle-related diseases. Although it has been reported that the combination of these habits worsens risks, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Reactive carbonyl species (RCS) cause chemical modifications of biological molecules, leading to alterations in cellular signaling pathways, and total RCS levels have been used as a lipid peroxidation marker linked to lifestyle-related diseases. In this study, at least 41 types of RCS were identified in the lipophilic fraction of plasma samples from 40 subjects using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS). Higher levels of 10 alkanals, 5 trans-2-alkenals, 1 cis-4-alkenal, and 3 alkadienals were detected in the smoking/drinking group (N = 10) as compared to those with either habit (N = 10 each) or without both habits (N = 10) in the analysis of covariances adjusted for age and BMI. The levels of 3 alkanals, 1 trans-2-alkenal, 1 alkadienal, and 1 4-hydroxy-2-alkenal in the smoking/drinking group were significantly higher than those in the no-smoking/drinking and no-smoking/no-drinking groups. These results strongly indicate that the combination of cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking synergistically increases the level and variety of RCS in the circulating blood, and may further jeopardize cellular function.

Effects of polymorphic cytochrome P450 2A6 genotypes on chemoprevention against colorectal tumors in single Japanese cohort using daily low-dose aspirin: insights into future personalized treatments.

BACKGROUND: A chemopreventive effect of low-dose aspirin against colorectal tumors was previously found in participants of two Japanese multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials investigating the effects of daily aspirin (100 mg/day) for 0.7-2 years on tumor recurrence in colorectal cancer patients whose tumors were excised endoscopically. METHODS: In the current study, chemopreventive data from single-center subsets having daily aspirin (100 mg/day) were reanalyzed with respect to variations in polymorphic cytochrome P450 2A6 (CYP2A6). From the J-CAPP study, 56 of 311 participants (47 men, 9 women; excluding patients with familial adenomatous polyposis) were genotyped for CYP2A6*1, *4 (whole-gene deletion), *7 (amino acid substitution), and *9 (upstream mutation), and from the J-FAPP IV study, 81 of 102 participants (43 men, 38 women; including patients with familial adenomatous polyposis) were also genotyped. RESULTS: The chemopreventive effects of daily aspirin were found to be inversely dependent on the predicted enzyme activity of the CYP2A6 phenotype [based on normal genotypes (CYP2A6*1/*1,*7,*9) and impaired genotypes (CYP2A6*4,*7,*9/*4,*7,*9 and CYP2A6*1/*4)] among a nonsmoker Japanese cohort without familial adenomatous polyposis. CONCLUSIONS: The CYP2A6 wild-type allele could be a candidate biomarker for reduced chemopreventive effects of daily aspirin in a population with wide-ranging CYP2A6 phenotypes with a high frequency of impaired activities resulting from variations and whole-gene deletions. The CYP2A6 genotypes could be applicable to future personalized treatments for colorectal tumor chemoprevention with daily aspirin.

Chemoprevention with low-dose aspirin, mesalazine, or both in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis without previous colectomy (J-FAPP Study IV): a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, two-by-two factorial design trial.

BACKGROUND: The only established treatment for preventing colorectal cancer in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is colectomy, which greatly reduces patient quality of life. Thus, an alternative method is warranted. In this trial, we aimed to clarify the individual and joint effects of low-dose aspirin and mesalazine on the recurrence of colorectal polyps in Japanese patients with FAP. METHODS: This was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial with a two-by-two factorial design done in 11 centres in Japan. Eligible patients were aged 16-70 years and had a history of more than 100 adenomatous polyps in the large intestine, without a history of colectomy. Before the study, patients underwent endoscopic removal of all colorectal polyps of at least 5·0 mm in diameter. Randomisation was done with a minimisation method with a random component to balance the groups with respect to the adjustment factors of sex, age (<30 years vs ≥30 years), or smoking status at the time of entry. Patients and researchers were masked to the treatment group. There were four groups: aspirin (100 mg per day) plus mesalazine (2 g per day), aspirin (100 mg per day) plus mesalazine placebo, aspirin placebo plus mesalazine (2 g per day), or aspirin placebo plus mesalazine placebo. Treatment was continued until 1 week before 8 month colonoscopy. The primary endpoint was the incidence of colorectal polyps of at least 5·0 mm at 8 months and was assessed in the intention-to-treat population. Safety was assessed in the ITT population. We also did a per-protocol analysis including only patients who took at least 70% of the allocated study drug. This trial is registered with the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, number UMIN000018736, and is complete. FINDINGS: Between Sept 25, 2015, and March 13, 2017, 104 patients were randomly assigned to receive either aspirin or aspirin placebo (n=52) or mesalazine or mesalazine placebo (n=52). Two patients withdrew from the aspirin plus mesalazine placebo group. 26 (50%) of 52 patients who received no aspirin had colorectal polyps of at least 5·0 mm at 8 months, as did 15 (30%) of the 50 patients who received any aspirin, 21 (42%) of the 50 patients who received no mesalazine, and 20 (38%) of the 52 patients who received any mesalazine. The adjusted odds ratio for polyp recurrence was 0·37 (95% CI 0·16-0·86) in the patients who received any aspirin and 0·87 (95% CI 0·38-2·00) in any who received mesalazine. The most common adverse events were grade 1-2 upper gastrointestinal symptoms in three (12%) of 26 patients who received aspirin plus mesalazine, one (4%) of 24 patients who received aspirin plus mesalazine placebo, and one (4%) of 26 patients who received mesalazine plus aspirin placebo. There was one grade 4 event in the mesalazine plus aspirin placebo group, but not related to the treatment. INTERPRETATION: Low-dose aspirin safely suppressed the recurrence of colorectal polyps larger than 5·0 mm in patients with FAP. These results suggest an effect of low-dose aspirin for FAP and could be an alternative method for preventing colorectal cancer in FAP. FUNDING: Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development.

Different Effects of Polymorphic Flavin-Containing Monooxygenase 3 and Cytochrome P450 2A6 Activities on an Index of Arteriosclerosis as a Lifestyle-Related Disease in a General Population in Japan.

BACKGROUND: The relationships between lifestyle-related diseases and polymorphic drug-metabolizing enzyme activities in the general population in Japan remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: In this study, the relationships between an index of arteriosclerosis and the phenotypic activities of flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) and cytochrome P450 (P450) 2A6 were analysed. METHODS: Subjects in a general population in Japan (age range 35-97 years, 640 men and 795 women, 12% were current smokers) who took part in a health check program were recruited. RESULTS: Subjects were divided into two groups using the median ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI) score. Subjects harbouring P450 2A6 wild-type allele had a significant age-adjusted odds ratio of 1.3 (95% CI, 1.0-1.6) of having a lower than median ABI score compared with subjects for mutant P450 2A6. For subjects with wild-type FMO3, the odds ratio of 0.89 was not significant. The proportions of P450 2A6 extensive metabolizers varied significantly across the inter-quartile ranges of the ABI scores (p = 0.008). Furthermore, the proportion of subjects with low ABI scores was also dependent on the phenotypic P450 2A6 activity (p = 0.025) as estimated from the P450 2A6 genotype. These results suggest that in a general population in Japan, the ABI score, as a risk index for arteriosclerosis, is associated with the predicted P450 2A6 phenotype but is not associated with FMO3 function. CONCLUSION: The P450 2A6 wild-type allele may be a possible candidate biomarker for arteriosclerosis in a general population in Japan with a variety of dietary habits.

[Liver Fibrosis is Associated with Loss of Skeletal Muscle Mass in Community-Dwelling Older Adults with No History of Liver Diseases].

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to examine the possible association between liver fibrosis and loss of skeletal muscle mass (SM) in community-dwelling older adults with no history of liver diseases. METHODS: A total of 2,028 older adults (mean age, 69.8 ± 5.2 years) who had not received any treatment for liver diseases and had participated in a comprehensive health survey for community residents in Wakayama, Japan were included in this study. We carried out bioelectrical impedance analysis to estimate the SM of the whole body including the arms, legs, and trunk of the subjects. Liver fibrosis was evaluated by calculating the Fib4 index based on the subject's age, AST level, ALT level, and platelet counts. RESULTS: The subjects were divided into three groups according to cutoff values of the Fib4 index (low: <1.30, medium: 1.30-2.66, high: ≥2.67). The SM index (kg/m2) was the lowest among subjects in the high-Fib4-index category, followed by the medium- and low-Fib4-index categories. This dose-response reduction in the SM index was more pronounced among individuals with lower blood albumin level (low nutrition) and in those with more sedentary behavior (physical inactivity). Among the selected 262 subjects who underwent SM measurement twice with an interval of 3 years, the subjects with a high Fib4 index showed greater reduction in the SM index than those with medium and low Fib4 indices. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the Fib4 index was significantly associated with the SM index, independent of age, sex, albumin level, sedentary behavior, diabetes mellitus, alcohol intake, and smoking status. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest that the potential progression of liver fibrosis is associated with the excessive loss of SM among apparently healthy older adults without any treatment for liver diseases.

Association of serum uric acid with subsequent arterial stiffness and renal function in normotensive subjects.

Serum uric acid (SUA) is correlated with an increased risk of not only gout but also cardiovascular diseases. The present study aimed to longitudinally evaluate the effects of SUA level on renal function and arterial stiffness in a population-based sample of normotensive subjects. The subjects completed a health checkup in 2002 at baseline and in 2011 or 2012 at the end of the follow-up period. A total of 407 normotensive subjects (171 men and 236 women) aged 26-66 years were enrolled in this study. We measured blood pressure (BP), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), central BP, intima-media thickness, SUA level and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). We divided the subjects into four subgroups according to the SUA quartile at baseline and compared renal function and arterial stiffness after the follow-up. The cutoff values were 3.6, 4.4, 5.6 and 9.6 mg dl-1. The SUA levels associated with baPWV (Q1, 1324; Q2, 1457; Q3, 1442; Q4, 1489 cm s-1), systolic BP (SBP) (Q1, 110.9; Q2, 110.1; Q3, 112.8; Q4. 116.1 mm Hg) and eGFR (P for trend <0.001). There was a significant difference in the incidence of arterial stiffness in women. Multivariate regression analyses showed that after adjusting for potential confounders, including age, sex, body mass index, SBP and lipids, SUA was a significant determinant of baPWV (ß=0.117; P<0.05) and eGFR (ß=-0.335, P<0.001). The results of this study suggest that elevated SUA levels may be associated with a higher risk of increased arterial stiffness and reduced renal function in normotensive subjects.

Relationships between Lifestyle, Living Environments, and Incidence of Hypertension in Japan (in Men): Based on Participant's Data from the Nationwide Medical Check-Up.

This study aims to investigate factors that contribute to the differences in incidence of hypertension between different regions in Japan, by accounting for not only individual lifestyles, but also their living environments. The target participants of this survey were individuals who received medical treatment for hypertension, as well as hypertension patients who have not received any treatment. The objective variable for analysis was the incidence of hypertension as data aggregated per prefecture. We used data (in men) including obesity, salt intake, vegetable intake, habitual alcohol consumption, habitual smoking, and number of steps walked per day. The variables within living environment included number of rail stations, standard/light vehicle usage, and slope of habitable land. In addition, we analyzed data for the variables related to medical environment including, participation rate in medical check-ups and number of hospitals. We performed multiple stepwise regression analyses to elucidate the correlation of these variables by using hypertension incidence as the objective variable. Hypertension incidence showed a significant negative correlation with walking and medical check-ups, and a significant positive correlation with light-vehicle usage and slope. Between the number of steps and variables related to the living environment, number of rail stations showed a significant positive correlation, while, standard- and light-vehicle usage showed significant negative correlation. Moreover, with stepwise multiple regression analysis, walking showed the strongest effect. The differences in daily walking based on living environment were associated with the disparities in the hypertension incidence in Japan.

Urinary 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α as a marker of metabolic risks in the general Japanese population: The ROAD study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) is a reliable biomarker of the accumulation of metabolic risks [e.g., overweight, hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and dyslipidemia]. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of the baseline characteristics of a Japanese general population cohort study: Research on Osteoarthritis/Osteoporosis Against Disability (ROAD). Of 1,690 participants, 1,527 fulfilled all questionnaires and examinations. Free and conjugated urinary 8-iso-PGF2α levels and metabolic syndrome (MetS) components including blood pressure, HbA1c, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and non-HDL-C were analyzed. The data were analyzed by ANCOVA, multiple regression analysis, and multinomial logistic analysis. RESULTS: 8-iso-PGF2α was significantly associated with HbA1c and significantly inversely associated with total cholesterol and non-HDL-C. Notably, IGT with an HbA1c cut-off of 5.5% was significantly associated with 8-iso-PGF2α level in participants aged ≤50 years. Multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed 8-iso-PGF2α level was significantly associated with a greater number of MetS risks present; this association was stronger in younger participants. In participants aged ≥71 years, 8-iso-PGF2α was significantly associated with a greater number of MetS risks with higher IGT cut-offs. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary 8-iso-PGF2α can be a reliable marker of IGT and the accumulation of MetS risks, especially in younger people.

Genetic alcohol sensitivity regulated by ALDH2 and ADH1B polymorphisms as indicator of mental disorders in Japanese employees.

AIMS: Alcohol-related disorders (ARD) have been shown to be accompanied by a variety of other comorbid mental disorders. This study evaluated the associations between a variety of mental disorders and genetic alcohol sensitivity. METHODS: A total of 1944 Japanese workers were interviewed regarding their mental disorders by the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.). We investigated the relationship of ADH1B rs1229984 and ALDH2 rs671 polymorphisms' combination with mental disorder risks. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations between those polymorphisms and mental disorders, adjusting for sex, age, and job rank. RESULTS: The degree of alcohol sensitivity was classified into five groups according to the combination of ADH1B and ALDH2 genotypes (Group I-V in order starting from the lowest alcohol sensitivity). Those with ALDH2 *1/*1 and ADH1B *1/*1 or with ALDH2 *1/*1 and ADH1B *1/*2,*2/*2 (low sensitivity) were significantly or nearly significantly associated with an increased risk of ARD compared with those with ALDH2 *1/*2 and ADH1B *1/*2,*2/*2 as a reference. Those with ALDH2 *1/*1 and ADH1B *1/*1 were also likely to be at an increased risk of any mental disorder except ARD, as well as disorders without comorbid ARD. This tendency was more apparent among women (OR 11.94, 95% CI 0.73-195.63) and non-drinkers (OR 5.43, 95% CI 1.05-28.23). CONCLUSION: The genotype combination of ALDH2 *1/*1 and ADH1B *1/*1 is significantly associated with an increased risk of any mental disorder, especially ARD. Non-drinkers or women with ALDH2 *1/*1 and ADH1B *1/*1 are likely to suffer from any mental disorder except ARD.

Genetic alcohol sensitivity regulated by ALDH2 and ADH1B polymorphisms is strongly associated with depression and anxiety in Japanese employees.

BACKGROUND: Although alcohol-related disorders (ARD) have been shown to be accompanied by comorbid depressive and anxiety disorders, and alcohol metabolic enzyme genes, ADH1B and ALDH2 polymorphisms, have been associated with an increased risk of ARD, no studies have been conducted to evaluate the associations between these genetic polymorphisms and anxiety or depression. METHOD: A total of 1944 Japanese workers were interviewed regarding their depressive and anxiety disorders, including suicidality, by a brief psychiatric structured interview (MINI). We investigated the relationship of ADH1B rs1229984 and ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism combinations with mental disorder risks. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations between those polymorphisms and anxiety/depressive disorders, adjusting for sex, age, and job rank. The degree of alcohol sensitivity was classified into five groups according to the combination of two enzyme genotypes (Group I-V, in order from the lowest alcohol sensitivity). RESULTS: Those with ALDH2(*)1/(*)1 and ADH1B(*)1/(*)1 were likely to be at an increased risk of depressive and anxiety disorders as well as ARD. This tendency was more apparent among non-drinkers (OR 9.20, 95% CI 1.66-50.89). No adverse effects of ALDH2 or ADH1B alone were observed with mental disorder risks. Likewise, analyses conducted combining job rank and genetic alcohol sensitivity showed no material associations with such risks. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic alcohol sensitivity, especially that with the genotype combination of ALDH2(*)1/(*)1 and ADH1B(*)1/(*)1, was significantly associated with an increased risk of depressive and anxiety disorders as well as ARD.

Safety and adherence of Umezu polyphenols in the Japanese plum (Prunus mume) in a 12-week double-blind randomized placebo-controlled pilot trial to evaluate antihypertensive effects.

OBJECTIVES: Medications or lifestyle changes to prevent or improve hypertension often press considerable efforts on patients suffering from mild hypertension. Capsules including Umezu polyphenols (UP), polyphenols in Japanese plums, may help them to control their blood pressure (BP). The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of UP on BP and its safety. METHODS: A total of 15 healthy workers without antihypertensive medication who had some concerns about their BP, preferably normal-high BP or hypertension level 1, were randomized in a double-blind manner into UP ingesting and placebo groups. Each subject was instructed to take four capsules daily for 12 weeks (daily UP dose, 800 mg for the UP ingesting group; and 0 mg for the placebo group). These subjects were followed for 12 weeks, and their BP both at home and at the examination site, as well as self-perceived quality-of-life outcomes and possible side effects, was monitored during that period. Group × time interactions on BP changes were examined. RESULTS: All of the 15 subjects completed the 12-week intervention trial. The BP changes did not significantly differ between the UP ingesting and placebo groups, neither at the examination site nor at home. But during the study period, no adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: No remarkable effect of UP on BP was observed. However, a higher dose of UP was confirmed safe and high in adherence in this 12-week randomized controlled trial. Its effect on BP and other outcomes shall be confirmed in a larger sample.

Roles of the ALDH2 and ADH1B genotypes on the association between alcohol intake and serum adiponectin levels among Japanese male workers.

BACKGROUND: Adiponectin secreted from adipose tissue is assumed to mediate protective effects on development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and MetS-related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Relationship between alcohol intake and circulating adiponectin levels is not consistent among the several previous studies. In the present study, we investigated effects of alcohol intake and the alcohol-related polymorphisms on serum adiponectin levels among Japanese male workers. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional design study with 541 male workers aged 51.5 ± 5.9 (mean ± SD) years in a Japanese plant. Information on alcohol intake and other lifestyles was obtained by a self-administered questionnaire. Serum total adiponectin (T-Ad), high-molecular-weight adiponectin (HMW-Ad), medium-molecular-weight adiponectin (MMW-Ad), and low-molecular-weight adiponectin (LMW-Ad) levels were measured by the enzyme-linked immune assay system kit. Two genotypes in the alcohol dehydrogenase-1B (ADH1B) and aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) genes were determined using blood sample. In multivariate regression analyses, we adjusted for age, body mass index, smoking, and physical exercise. RESULTS: Among all subjects, high alcohol consumption of 12 units (1 unit contains 22.9 g of ethanol) a week or more was negatively associated with T-Ad levels in the multivariate model, although not significant. When we performed analyses separately for each genotype, high alcohol consumption was negatively associated with T-Ad, HMW-Ad, and LMW-Ad levels only in those with ADH1B *2/*2. Such relationships were not observed in each ALDH2 genotype group. CONCLUSIONS: High alcohol consumption was inversely associated with T-Ad, HMW-Ad, and LMW-Ad levels in those with ADH1B *2/*2 genotype, but not in those with the other ADH1B genotypes. To our knowledge, this is the first study that reports combined effects of the alcohol-related polymorphisms and alcohol intake on serum adiponectin levels. Additional studies are required to confirm the present finding.

Habitual coffee consumption inversely associated with metabolic syndrome-related biomarkers involving adiponectin.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this cross-sectional study was to assess whether habitual coffee consumption shows beneficial association with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adults. METHODS: The association of coffee consumption and MetS-related biomarkers including visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area (SFA), total serum adiponectin (T-Ad), low-molecular-weight serum adiponectin (LMW-AD), medium-molecular-weight serum adiponectin (MMW-Ad), and high-molecular-weight serum adiponectin (HMW-Ad) levels were analyzed among 364 Japanese men (36-61 y old) using two models of multivariate regression analyses; model 1 (adjusted for age, alcohol drinking, smoking, and walking status) and model 2 (adjusted for body mass index in addition to model 1 analysis). Participants were categorized into two groups according to their MetS risk score (raised blood pressure and hemoglobin A1c levels, and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels). RESULTS: Both light (1-3 cups/d) and moderate (≥4 cups/d) coffee consumption showed significant inverse associations with VFA and VFA/SFA ratio (P < 0.0001). Moderate coffee consumption showed a favorable tendency toward these associations with T-Ad (P = 0.06) and HMW-Ad (P = 0.07) levels in model 1 analysis. In participants with lower MetS risk score (≤1), moderate coffee consumption showed significant associations with T-Ad and HMW-Ad levels (P < 0.05) in both analyses, whereas no significant associations of coffee consumption with adiponectin levels were seen in the men with higher MetS risk scores (≥2). CONCLUSIONS: Habitual moderate coffee consumption shows significant inverse associations with MetS-related biomarkers possibly involving adiponectin, which is inversely related to visceral fat accumulation.

Relationship between coffee consumption and prevalence of metabolic syndrome among Japanese civil servants.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome has become a major worldwide public health problem. We examined the relationship between coffee consumption and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among Japanese civil servants. METHODS: The study participants were 3284 employees (2335 men and 948 women) aged 20 to 65 years. Using data from their 2008 health checkup records, we analyzed the relationship between coffee consumption and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the Japanese criteria. RESULTS: Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 374 of the 2335 men (16.0%) and 32 of the 948 women (3.4%). In univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses, the odds ratios (ORs) among men for the presence of metabolic syndrome were 0.79 (95% CI: 0.56-1.03) and 0.61 (0.39-0.95), respectively, among moderate (≥4 cups of coffee per day) coffee drinkers as compared with non-coffee drinkers. Among all components of metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure and high triglyceride level were inversely associated with moderate coffee consumption in men, after adjusting for age, body mass index, smoking status, drinking status, and exercise. However, in women, moderate coffee consumption was not significantly associated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome or its components. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate coffee consumption was significantly associated with lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Japanese male civil servants.

[Effects of kakisu (persimmon vinegar) on plasma antioxidant power and urinary 8-isoprostane level].

OBJECTIVES: To clarify the antioxidative effects of kakisu (persimmon vinegar), plasma antioxidant power and urinary oxidative stress level in healthy subjects were measured using enzyme immunological assays. METHODS: Eighty-one subjects (age 30-69, 58.4 +/- 0.8) were randomly divided into two groups using a crossover design. Group A drank kakisu for 56 days starting in March, whereas group B drank kakisu for 54 days starting in June. Copper reducing equivalent level in plasma was measured as antioxidant power, and urinary 8-isoprostane (8-iso-prostaglandin F2alpha) level was measured as oxidative stress marker. RESULTS: Baseline plasma antioxidant power and urinary 8-isoprostane level showed no significant correlation among the subjects in this study. By drinking kakisu for 8 weeks, total antioxidant power significantly increased, and urinary 8-isoprostane level decreased. Total antioxidant power increased more markedly in group A than in group B. In contrast, urinary oxidative stress level decreased more markedly in group B than in group A. Smoking habits significantly correlated with urinary 8-isoprostane level. Males were more sensitive to the antioxidative effects of kakisu than females. CONCLUSIONS: Kakisu has antioxidative effects that increase plasma antioxidant power and reduce urinary 8-isoprostane level. Further study is needed to clarify the influence of season and gender on such antioxidative effects.