88The Role of Visceral Adiposity in the Metabolic Phenotype of multi-ethnic South-East Asian population

Abstract Background Ethnic Asians are known to exhibit worse metabolic phenotypes as compared to Caucasians despite lower body mass index1, 2. Ethnic South-Asians and Malays were also found to display greater insulin resistance than Chinese3. One potential biological mechanism for this phenomenon is the inter-ethnic differences in the visceral adiposity deposition4. Here we hypothesised that visceral adiposity contributes to ethnic differences in metabolic phenotype more than subcutaneous adiposity. Methods We quantified total, subcutaneous and visceral adipose deposition (BMI, waist circumferences, Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry [DEXA]) and metabolic phenotypes (blood pressure, fasting glucose and lipid profile, HbA1c) in 3403 participants. Analyses were adjusted for age, and sex. Results Participants were 40.6% male, mean age 49.7±11.4 years, Chinese: Malays: South-Asians in 72:9:19 ratio. Ethnic Malays and South-Asians had raised blood pressure, fasting glucose, triglycerides, HbA1c, reduced HDL, and higher total and visceral fat than Chinese (P < 0.001), independent of covariates. Increased adiposity was strongly associated with poorer metabolic phenotype (all P < 0.0001), with strongest associations found amongst visceral Fat Mass Index (□□95%CI]=0.48[0.20;0.23]) and android/gynoid ratio (□[95%CI]=0.55[1.31;1.63]) with triglycerides levels. Visceral adiposity contributed 17-40% (all P < 0.0001) to the variance in the associations of ethnic Malays and South-Asians with metabolic phenotypes, 3-7% higher than subcutaneous adiposity. Conclusions Visceral adiposity contributes to poorer metabolic phenotype in ethnic Malays and South Asians as compared to Chinese. Key messages Visceral adiposity expansion is an important determinant of metabolic health in Asian populations.

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Abstract P472: Addressing Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease in South Asian San Joaquin Population

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.141.suppl_1.p472 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 141 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Maha Siddiqui

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

At Risk ◽

South Asian ◽

Low Income ◽

South Asians ◽

Asian Population ◽

The South ◽

South Asian Population ◽

Asian Community ◽

South Asian Community

Introduction: South Asians have a higher death rate than any other population for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and high blood pressure (HBP). San Joaquin has a growing rate of South Asians immigrants who may be at risk for CVD. Objectives: Trainees conducted hypertension and CVD screenings at South Asians religious organizations to reduce the risk of CVD and spread awareness about the factors that lead to CVD and its implications in the South Asians population due to environmental racism in the most underserved county for health care, San Joaquin. Methods: I trained low-income minority high school students to conduct weekly blood pressure screenings and serve as a health technology coach by each student monitoring 2 hypertensive patients of 48 hypertensive or at risk hypertensive and low-income San Joaquin residents and constantly stressed, and at risk for CVD. CVD screenings were conducted at all San Joaquin gurdwaras and mosques to spread awareness about heart health and track hypertension in the South Asians community. Findings: -61.7% of the South Asian population of San Joaquin are at risk for CVD -3.3% of the South Asian population of San Joaquin are hypotensive -28.6% of the South Asian population of San Joaquin are Stage 1 hypertensive -29.7% of the South Asian population of San Joaquin are Stage 2 hypertensive -38.3% of the South Asian population of San Joaquin have normal blood pressure but consume red meat more than 4 times a month Direct Outcomes of Events: -Development of self-advocacy in the South Asian community. Community members became activists for their own heart health. -Increased participation of youth, in an otherwise adult dominant environment (i.e. the mosques and gurdwaras). -Increased awareness of CVD, hypertension, hypotension, and periodontal disease (PD) among the South Asian community. -Increased participation by youth and adults on activities such as games, challenges and information booths dispensing awareness on CVD and PD. -Increased interaction between community members of different religions, creed, and socioeconomic backgrounds. -Awareness, education among the South Asian community for better heart and oral health -Diagnoses and referrals of suspected cases of hypertension and CVD -Improved patient-provider trust -San Joaquin high school students trained for community outreach events and determined to address CVD. -Youth learned the value of empathy, multiculturalism, and service to disadvantaged communities through the program and volunteering.

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DNA Methylation Changes Associated with Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetic Kidney Disease in an East Asian Population

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism ◽

10.1210/clinem/dgab488 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Hakyung Kim ◽

Jae Hyun Bae ◽

Kyong Soo Park ◽

Joohon Sung ◽

Soo Heon Kwak

Keyword(s):

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Dna Methylation ◽

Kidney Disease ◽

Diabetic Kidney Disease ◽

Fasting Glucose ◽

East Asian ◽

Asian Population ◽

Diabetic Kidney ◽

Metabolic Phenotypes

Abstract Background There is a growing body of evidence that epigenetic changes including DNA methylation influence the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its microvascular complications. We conducted a methylome-wide association study (MWAS) to identify differentially methylated sites (DMSs) of T2D and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in a Korean population. Methods We performed an MWAS in 232 participants with T2D and 197 non-diabetic controls with Illumina EPIC bead chip using peripheral blood leukocytes. T2D group was subdivided into 87 DKD cases and 80 non-DKD controls. Additional 819 individuals from two population-based cohorts were used to investigate the association of identified DMSs with quantitative metabolic phenotypes. Mendelian randomization (MR) approach was applied to evaluate the causal effect of metabolic phenotypes on identified DMSs. Results We identified eight DMSs (each at BMP8A, NBPF20, STX18, ZNF365, CPT1A, and TRIM37, and two at TXNIP) which were significantly associated with the risk of T2D (P < 9.0×10 -8), including three that were previously known (DMSs in TXNIP and CPT1A). We also identified three DMSs (in COMMD1, TMOD1, and FHOD1) associated with DKD. With our limited sample size, we were not able to observe a significant overlap between DMSs of T2D and DKD. DMSs in TXNIP and CTP1A were associated with fasting glucose and HbA1c. In MR analysis, fasting glucose was causally associated with DMS in CPT1A. Conclusions In an East Asian population, we identified eight DMSs, including five novel CpG loci, associated with T2D and three DMSs associated with DKD at methylome-wide statistical significance.

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High multivitamin intake by Wistar rats during pregnancy results in increased food intake and components of the metabolic syndrome in male offspring

AJP Regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajpregu.90354.2008 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 295 (2) ◽

pp. R575-R582 ◽

Cited By ~ 37

Author(s):

Ignatius M. Y. Szeto ◽

Alfred Aziz ◽

Paul J. Das ◽

Ameer Y. Taha ◽

Nobuhiko Okubo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Food Intake ◽

Systolic Blood Pressure ◽

Wistar Rats ◽

Fasting Glucose ◽

Male Offspring ◽

Metabolic Phenotype ◽

Oral Glucose ◽

The Metabolic Syndrome

The effect of high multivitamin intake during pregnancy on the metabolic phenotype of rat offspring was investigated. Pregnant Wistar rats ( n = 10 per group) were fed the AIN-93G diet with the recommended vitamin (RV) content or a 10-fold increase [high vitamin (HV) content]. In experiment 1, male and female offspring were followed for 12 wk after weaning; in experiment 2, only males were followed for 28 wk. Body weight (BW) was measured weekly. Every 4 wk, after an overnight fast, food intake over 1 h was measured 30 min after a gavage of glucose or water. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed every 3–5 wk. Postweaning fasting glucose, insulin, ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide-1, and systolic blood pressure were measured. No difference in BW at birth or litter size was observed. Food intake was greater in males born to HV dams ( P < 0.05), and at 28 wk after weaning, BW was 8% higher ( P < 0.05) and fat pad mass was 27% higher ( P < 0.05). Food intake reduction after the glucose preload was nearly twofold less in males born to HV dams at 12 wk after weaning ( P < 0.05). Fasting glucose, insulin, and ghrelin were 11%, 62%, and 41% higher in males from HV dams at 14 wk after weaning ( P < 0.05). Blood glucose response was 46% higher at 23 wk after weaning ( P < 0.01), and systolic blood pressure was 16% higher at 28 wk after weaning ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, high multivitamin intake during pregnancy programmed the male offspring for the development of the components of metabolic syndrome in adulthood, possibly by its effects on central mechanisms of food intake control.

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Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Among British Female University Students

European Psychologist ◽

10.1027/1016-9040/a000049 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

pp. 55-62 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Viren Swami ◽

Angela Nogueira Campana ◽

Rebecca Coles

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Ethnic Differences ◽

Cosmetic Surgery ◽

South Asians ◽

Ethnically Diverse ◽

Self Esteem ◽

Demographic Variables ◽

Lower Body ◽

Body Appreciation ◽

African Caribbean

Although patients of cosmetic surgery are increasingly ethnically diverse, previous studies have not examined ethnic differences in attitudinal dispositions toward cosmetic surgery. In the present study, 751 British female university students from three ethnic groups (Caucasians, South Asians, and African Caribbeans) completed measures of acceptance of cosmetic surgery, body appreciation, self-esteem, and demographic variables. Initial between-group analyses showed that Caucasians had lower body appreciation and self-esteem than Asian and African Caribbean participants. Importantly, Caucasians had higher acceptance of cosmetic surgery than their ethnic minority counterparts, even after controlling for body appreciation, self-esteem, age, and body mass index. Further analyses showed that ethnicity accounted for a small proportion of the variance in acceptance of cosmetic surgery, with body appreciation and self-esteem emerging as stronger predictors. Possible reasons for ethnic differences in acceptance of cosmetic surgery are discussed in Conclusion.

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Ethnic differences in depression, stress, and social support blood pressure correlations during and after pregnancy

PsycEXTRA Dataset ◽

10.1037/e633942013-952 ◽

2005 ◽

Author(s):

Clayton Hilmer ◽

Christine Dunkel Schetter ◽

Laura Glynn ◽

Calvin Hobel ◽

Curt Sandman

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Ethnic Differences

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IMPROVING HYPERTENSION CONTROL IN THE UNITED STATES: UNDERSTANDING RACIAL/ETHNIC DIFFERENCES IN THE BLOOD PRESSURE CASCADE

Journal of the American College of Cardiology ◽

10.1016/s0735-1097(21)02833-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 77 (18) ◽

pp. 1475

Author(s):

Rahul Aggarwal ◽

Nicholas Chiu ◽

Rishi Wadhera ◽

Andrew Moran ◽

Changyu Shen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Ethnic Differences ◽

The United States ◽

Hypertension Control ◽

Racial Ethnic

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Autoimmune encephalitis in a South Asian population

BMC Neurology ◽

10.1186/s12883-021-02232-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Nilanka Wickramasinghe ◽

Dhanushka Dasanayake ◽

Neelika Malavige ◽

Rajiva de Silva ◽

Thashi Chang

Keyword(s):

Sri Lanka ◽

Psychiatric Symptoms ◽

South Asians ◽

Laboratory Data ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Autoimmune Encephalitis ◽

Asian Population ◽

South Asian Population ◽

Clinical Presentations

Abstract Background Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is now considered a main, potentially curable cause of encephalitis, but remains conspicuously underreported from South Asia. We studied the clinical characteristics in relation to their antibody status and outcomes of patients presenting with AE in Sri Lanka. Methods Patients admitting to government hospitals who were clinically suspected of AE by an on-site neurologist were prospectively recruited over a period of 12 months. Sera and cerebrospinal fluid were tested for NMDAR, AMPAR1, AMPAR2, LGI1, CASPR2, GABARB1/B2 antibodies (Ab) using commercial cell-based assays. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were compiled into an investigator-administered proforma. Patients were reviewed at 1 year follow up either in person or via telephone. Results One-hundred and forty-two patients from 21 of 25 districts in Sri Lanka (median age = 20.5 years; range 1–86 years; females = 61.3%) were recruited. Of them, 65 (45.8%; median age = 19 years; range 1–86 years; females = 64.6%) fulfilled diagnostic criteria for probable NMDAR-antibody encephalitis (NMDARE) and 6 (4.2%; median age = 44 years; range 28–71 years; females = 83.3%) limbic encephalitis (LE). Abnormal behaviour (95.3%), seizures (81.5%) and movement disorders (69.2%) were the most frequent clinical manifestations of probable NMDARE. NMDAR-antibodies were detectable in 29 (44.6%) and not detectable in 36 in CSF of probable-NMDARE patients. Abnormal EEG was more frequent (p = 0.003) while a worse outcome (OR = 2.78; 95% CI = 0.88–9.09) and deaths (OR = 2.38; 95% CI = 0.67–8.33) were more likely in antibody-negative than antibody-positive probable-NMDARE. Most patients with LE had amnesia (50%) and/or confusion (100%) with agitation (83.3%) and seizures (100%) but none had detectable antibodies to any of the antigens tested. Conclusions NMDARE is the commonest type of AE among South Asians as is the case worldwide. Clinical presentations of NMDARAb-positive and NMDARAb-negative AE patients do not significantly differ but EEG may be a useful marker of an autoimmune basis for psychiatric symptoms.

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Ethnic differences in the incidence of pterygium in a multi-ethnic Asian population: the Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Diseases Study

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-020-79920-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Xiao Ling Fang ◽

Crystal Chun Yuen Chong ◽

Sahil Thakur ◽

Zhi Da Soh ◽

Zhen Ling Teo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ethnic Differences ◽

Regression Models ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Anterior Segment ◽

Asian Population ◽

Eye Diseases ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Income Status ◽

Baseline Visit

AbstractWe evaluated the 6-year incidence and risk factors of pterygium in a multi-ethnic Asian population. Participants who attended the baseline visit of the Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Diseases Study (year 2004–2011) and returned six years later, were included in this study. Pterygium was diagnosed based on anterior segment photographs. Incident pterygium was defined as presence of pterygium at 6-year follow-up in either eye, among individuals without pterygium at baseline. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with incident pterygium, adjusting for baseline age, gender, ethnicity, body mass index, occupation type, educational level, income status, smoking, alcohol consumption, presence of hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia. The overall age-adjusted 6-year incidence of pterygium was 1.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0–1.6%); with Chinese (1.9%; 95% CI 1.4%-2.5%) having the highest incidence rate followed by Malays (1.4%; 95% CI 0.9%-2.1%) and Indians (0.3%; 95% CI 0.3–0.7%). In multivariable analysis, Chinese (compared with Indians; odds ratio [OR] = 4.21; 95% CI 2.12–9.35) and Malays (OR 3.22; 95% CI 1.52–7.45), male (OR 2.13; 95% CI 1.26–3.63), outdoor occupation (OR 2.33; 95% CI 1.16–4.38), and smoking (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.16–0.87) were significantly associated with incident pterygium. Findings from this multi-ethnic Asian population provide useful information in identifying at-risk individuals for pterygium.

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Carbohydrate Restriction with or without Exercise Training Improves Blood Pressure and Insulin Sensitivity in Overweight Women

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9060637 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 637

Author(s):

Shengyan Sun ◽

Zhaowei Kong ◽

Qingde Shi ◽

Haifeng Zhang ◽

On-Kei Lei ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Insulin Sensitivity ◽

Exercise Training ◽

Fasting Glucose ◽

Training Group ◽

Moderate Intensity ◽

Cardiometabolic Health ◽

Carbohydrate Restriction ◽

Obese Women ◽

Low Carbohydrate Diet

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 4-week low-carbohydrate diet (LC) with or without exercise training on cardiometabolic health-related profiles in overweight/obese women. Methods: Fifty overweight/obese Chinese women (age: 22.2 ± 3.3 years, body mass index (BMI): 25.1 ± 3.1 kg·m−2) were randomized to either a LC control group (LC-CON, n = 16), a LC and high-intensity interval training group (LC-HIIT, n = 17), or a LC and moderate-intensity continuous training group (LC-MICT, n = 17). All groups consumed LC for 4 weeks, while the LC-HIIT and LC-MICT groups followed an additional five sessions of HIIT (10 × 6 s cycling sprints and 9 s rest intervals, 2.5 min in total) or MICT (cycling continuously at 50–60% of peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) for 30 min) weekly. Blood pressure, fasting glucose, insulin sensitivity, and several metabolic or appetite regulating hormones were measured before and after intervention. Results: Significant reductions in body weight (− ~2.5 kg, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.772) and BMI (− ~1 unit, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.782) were found in all groups. Systolic blood pressure was reduced by 5–6 mmHg (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.370); fasting insulin, leptin, and ghrelin levels were also significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while insulin sensitivity was improved. However, there were no significant changes in fasting glucose, glucagon, and gastric inhibitory peptide levels. Furthermore, no group differences were found among the three groups, suggesting that extra training (i.e., LC-HIIT and LC-MICT) failed to trigger additional effects on these cardiometabolic profiles. Conclusions: The short-term carbohydrate restriction diet caused significant weight loss and improved blood pressure and insulin sensitivity in the overweight/obese women, although the combination with exercise training had no additional benefits on the examined cardiometabolic profiles. Moreover, the long-term safety and effectiveness of LC needs further study.

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Influence of methyltestosterone postmenopausal therapy on plasma lipids, inflammatory factors, glucose metabolism and visceral fat: a randomized study

Acta Endocrinologica ◽

10.1530/eje.1.02065 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 154 (1) ◽

pp. 131-139 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Lenora M Camarate S M Leão ◽

Mônica Peres C Duarte ◽

Dalva Margareth B Silva ◽

Paulo Roberto V Bahia ◽

Cláudia Medina Coeli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Insulin Resistance ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽

Postmenopausal Women ◽

Fat Mass ◽

Visceral Fat ◽

Increased Risk

Background: There has been a growing interest in treating postmenopausal women with androgens. However, hyperandrogenemia in females has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Objective: We aimed to assess the effects of androgen replacement on cardiovascular risk factors. Design: Thirty-seven postmenopausal women aged 42–62 years that had undergone hysterectomy were prospectively enrolled in a double-blind protocol to receive, for 12 months, percutaneous estradiol (E2) (1 mg/day) combined with either methyltestosterone (MT) (1.25 mg/day) or placebo. Methods: Along with treatment, we evaluated serum E2, testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), free androgen index, lipids, fibrinogen, and C-reactive protein; glucose tolerance; insulin resistance; blood pressure; body-mass index; and visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat mass as assessed by computed tomography. Results: A significant reduction in SHBG (P < 0.001) and increase in free testosterone index (P < 0.05; Repeated measures analysis of variance) were seen in the MT group. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, fibrinogen, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lowered to a similar extent by both regimens, but high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased only in the androgen group. MT-treated women showed a modest rise in body weight and gained visceral fat mass relative to the other group (P < 0.05), but there were no significant detrimental effects on fasting insulin levels and insulin resistance. Conclusion: This study suggests that the combination of low-dose oral MT and percutaneous E2, for 1 year, does not result in expressive increase of cardiovascular risk factors. This regimen can be recommended for symptomatic postmenopausal women, although it seems prudent to perform baseline and follow-up lipid profile and assessment of body composition, especially in those at high risk of cardiovascular disease.

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