scholarly journals Maternal Glucose and LDL-Cholesterol Levels Are Related to Placental Leptin Gene Methylation, and, Together With Nutritional Factors, Largely Explain a Higher Methylation Level Among Ethnic South Asians

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Line Sletner ◽  
Aina E. F. Moen ◽  
Chittaranjan S. Yajnik ◽  
Nadezhda Lekanova ◽  
Christine Sommer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Methylation Level ◽  
Ldl Cholesterol ◽  
South Asians ◽  
Nutritional Factors ◽  
Asian Ethnicity ◽  
Glucose And Lipid Metabolism ◽  
Cholesterol Levels ◽  
South Asian Ethnicity ◽  
Maternal Glucose

BackgroundLeptin, mainly secreted by fat cells, plays a core role in the regulation of appetite and body weight, and has been proposed as a mediator of metabolic programming. During pregnancy leptin is also secreted by the placenta, as well as being a key regulatory cytokine for the development, homeostatic regulation and nutrient transport within the placenta. South Asians have a high burden of type 2 diabetes, partly attributed to a “thin-fat-phenotype”.ObjectiveOur aim was to investigate how maternal ethnicity, adiposity and glucose- and lipid/cholesterol levels in pregnancy are related to placental leptin gene (LEP) DNA methylation.MethodsWe performed DNA methylation analyses of 13 placental LEP CpG sites in 40 ethnic Europeans and 40 ethnic South Asians participating in the STORK-Groruddalen cohort.ResultsSouth Asian ethnicity and gestational diabetes (GDM) were associated with higher placental LEP methylation. The largest ethnic difference was found for CpG11 [5.8% (95% CI: 2.4, 9.2), p<0.001], and the strongest associations with GDM was seen for CpG5 [5.2% (1.4, 9.0), p=0.008]. Higher maternal LDL-cholesterol was associated with lower placental LEP methylation, in particular for CpG11 [-3.6% (-5.5, -1.4) per one mmol/L increase in LDL, p<0.001]. After adjustments, including for nutritional factors involved in the one-carbon-metabolism cycle (vitamin D, B12 and folate levels), ethnic differences in placental LEP methylation were strongly attenuated, while associations with glucose and LDL-cholesterol persisted.ConclusionsMaternal glucose and lipid metabolism is related to placental LEP methylation, whilst metabolic and nutritional factors largely explain a higher methylation level among ethnic South Asians.

scholarly journals The influence of South Asian ethnicity on the incremental shuttle walk test in UK adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 241-249
Author(s):  
Mark Orme ◽  
Lauren Sherar ◽  
Mike Morgan ◽  
Michael Steiner ◽  
Dale Esliger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Asian ◽  
South Asians ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Specific Reference ◽  
Asian Ethnicity ◽  
South Asian Ethnicity ◽  
Reference Equations ◽  
Predicted Values ◽  
Asian People ◽  
Mixed Gender

The objective of this study was to compare incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT) performance between South Asian and Caucasian British adults, identify predictors of ISWT distance and produce ethnicity-specific reference equations. Data from a mixed gender sample aged 40–75 years from Leicestershire, United Kingdom, were selected for analyses. Analysis of covariance determined differences in ISWT performance between South Asian and Caucasian British ethnic groups. Linear regressions identified predictors of ISWT distance, which determined the reference equations. In total, 144 participants took part in the study (79 South Asian (54 ± 8 years, 71% female) and 65 Caucasian British (58 ± 9 years, 74% female)). Distance walked for the ISWT was shorter for South Asian individuals compared with Caucasian British (451 ± 143 vs. 575 ± 180 m, p < 0.001). The ethnicity-specific reference equations for ISWT distance explained 33–50% of the variance (standard error of the estimate (SEE): 107–119 m) for South Asians and explained 14–58% of the variance (SEE: 121–169 m) for Caucasian British. Ethnicity univariately explained 12.9% of the variance in ISWT distance and was significantly associated with ISWT distance after controlling for age, gender, height, weight, dyspnoea and lung function ( B = −70.37; 1 = Caucasian British, 2 = South Asian), uniquely explaining 3.7% of the variance. Predicted values for ISWT performance were lower in South Asian people than in Caucasian British. Ethnicity-specific reference equations should account for this.

scholarly journals Pregnant women of South Asian ethnicity in Canada have substantially lower vitamin B12status compared with pregnant women of European ethnicity

2017 ◽  
Vol 118 (6) ◽  
pp. 454-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theresa H. Schroder ◽  
Graham Sinclair ◽  
Andre Mattman ◽  
Benjamin Jung ◽  
Susan I. Barr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Infant Development ◽  
South Asians ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Asian Ethnicity ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
South Asian Ethnicity ◽  
Adverse Pregnancy

AbstractMaternal vitamin B12(B12) status has been inversely associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and positively with fetal growth and infant development. South Asians, Canada’s largest ethnic minority, are prone to B12deficiency. Yet, data are lacking on B12status in South Asian pregnant women in North America. We sought to determine B12status, using multiple biomarkers, in 1st and 2nd trimester pregnant women of South Asian and, for comparison, European ethnicity living in Vancouver, Canada. In this retrospective cohort study, total B12, holotranscobalamin (holoTC), methylmalonic acid (MMA), and total homocysteine concentrations were quantified in two routinely collected (mean gestational week: 11·5 (range 8·3–13·9) and 16·5 (range 14·9–20·9)), banked serum samples of 748 healthy pregnant South Asian (n371) and European (n377) women. South Asian pregnant women had significantly lower B12status than European pregnant women at both time points, as indicated by lower serum total B12and holoTC concentrations, and higher MMA concentrations (allP≤0·001). The largest difference, which was substantial (Cohen’sd≥0·5), was observed in mean serum total B12concentrations (1st trimester: 189 (95 % CI 180, 199)v. 246 (95 % CI 236, 257) pmol/l; 2nd trimester: 176 (95 % CI 168, 185)v. 226 (95 % CI 216, 236) pmol/l). Further, South Asian ethnicity was a significant negative predictor of B12status during pregnancy. South Asian women living in Vancouver have substantially lower B12status during early pregnancy. Future research identifying predictors and health consequences of this observed difference is needed to allow for targeted interventions.

scholarly journals South Asian Ethnicity, Socioeconomic Status, and Psychological Mediators of Faecal Occult Blood Colorectal Screening Participation: A Prospective Test of a Process Model

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheina Orbell ◽  
Ala Szczepura ◽  
David Weller ◽  
Anil Gumber ◽  
Martin S Hagger
Keyword(s):  
South Asian ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Process Model ◽  
South Asians ◽  
Occult Blood ◽  
Asian Ethnicity ◽  
Faecal Occult ◽  
Screening Participation ◽  
South Asian Ethnicity ◽  
Colorectal Screening

Objective: Although ethnicity and socio-economic status (SES) correlate with health inequality, efforts to explain variance in health behavior attributable to these factors are limited by difficulties in population sampling. We used ethnicity identification software to test effects of psychological beliefs about screening as mediators of ethnicity and SES on faecal occult blood colorectal screening behavior in a no-cost health care context. Method: N=1678 adults aged 50-67 years of whom 28 % were from minority South Asian religio-linguistic ethnic groups (Hindu-Gujarati/Hindi, Muslim-Urdu and Sikh-Punjabi) participated in a prospective survey study. Subsequent screening participation was determined from medical records. Results: Screening non-participation in the most deprived SES quintile was 1.6 times that of the least deprived quintile. Non-participation was 1.6 times higher in South Asians compared to non-Asians. A process model in which psychological variables mediated effects of ethnicity and SES on uptake was tested using structural equation modeling. Self-efficacy and perceived psychological costs of screening were, respectively, positive and negative direct predictors of uptake. Paths from Hindu, Muslim and Sikh ethnicity, and SES on uptake were fully mediated by lower self-efficacy and higher perceived psychological costs. Paths from South Asian ethnicity to participation via self-efficacy and psychological costs were direct, and indirect via SES. Conclusion: SES is implicated, but does not fully account for low colorectal screening uptake among South Asians. Targeting increased self-efficacy and reduced perceived psychological costs may minimize health inequality effects. Future research should test independent effects of SES and ethnicity on lower self-efficacy and higher psychological costs.

scholarly journals Very high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in South Asian adults (n 6433) in the UK Biobank: urgent action required

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Darling ◽  
David Blackbourn ◽  
Kourosh Ahmadi ◽  
Susan Lanham-New
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
South Asian ◽  
South Asians ◽  
Uk Biobank ◽  
Baseline Serum ◽  
Asian Ethnicity ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
South Asian Ethnicity ◽  
The Uk

AbstractPublished studies have suggested a high prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) deficiency in western dwelling South Asians, particularly in women. However, sample sizes have been relatively small with few men. Moreover, South Asians are vastly under-represented in national dietary surveys and further research into 25(OH)D status is needed. The UK Biobank is a cohort of 500,000 individuals; n 6433 are of South Asian ethnicity and have baseline serum 25(OH)D data (2006–2010, aged 40–69 years). Blood draws were spread across the year. Of note, the 25(OH)D measurements were produced using the DiaSorin Liaison XL assay which underestimates 25(OH)D by 4% at 25nmol/L, but overestimates 25(OH)D by 5–10% at ≥ 40nmol/\L(1). We used the commonly used cut-points of < 25nmol/L (deficiency), < 50nmol/L (insufficiency). In women (n 2927), median (IQR) was 24.3 (20.5) nmol/L with 50.4% < 25nmol/L, and 88.6% < 50nmol/L. In men (n 3506), median (IQR) was 21.7 (16.2) with 58.4% < 25 nmol/L and 93.8% < 50 nmol/L. Of concern, 17.8% of women and 21.1% of men had 25(OH)D < 15nmol/L. A Mann Whitney test showed that gender differences were statistically significant (P < 0.0001). In terms of ethnic sub-groups, in the Bangladeshi group (n 207), median (IQR) was 26.1 (14.3) nmol/L with 43.5% < 25nmol/L and 91.3% < 50nmol/L. In the Indian group (n 4792), median (IQR) was 23.8 (19.3) with 52.0% < 25nmol/L and 90.4% < 50nmol/L. Finally, in the Pakistani group (n 1434) median (IQR) was 19.3(14.5) with 65.7% < 25nmol/L and 94.9% < 50nmol/L. A Kruskal Wallis test showed that ethnic subgroup differences were statistically significant (P < 0.0001). To the authors’ knowledge, this is the largest analysis to date of 25(OH)D status in European dwelling South Asians. Deficiency of 25(OH)D was almost universal, with 50% or more not even reaching 25nmol/L. Of great concern, 20% of participants had levels < 15nmol/L which, although not a widely used cut-off point, still represents severe deficiency and likely osteomalacia. Moreover, these results are most probably an underestimation of this societal challenge as the UK Biobank is likely to contain participants that are healthier and more educated than the general population. In conclusion, our analyses suggest the need for urgent public health interventions to prevent and treat vitamin D deficiency in UK South Asians. This research was conducted using the UK Biobank Resource under application number 15168.

The Effects of L-Carnitine Supplementation on Serum Lipids: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (30) ◽  
pp. 3266-3281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hadis Fathizadeh ◽  
Alireza Milajerdi ◽  
Željko Reiner ◽  
Fariba Kolahdooz ◽  
Maryam Chamani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Serum Lipids ◽  
Ldl Cholesterol ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Hdl Cholesterol ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Carnitine Supplementation ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Cholesterol Levels ◽  
Vldl Cholesterol ◽  
Subgroup Analyses

Background: The findings of trials investigating the effects of L-carnitine administration on serum lipids are inconsistent. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to summarize the effects of L-carnitine intake on serum lipids in patients and healthy individuals. Methods: Two authors independently searched electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar from 1990 until August 1, 2019, in order to find relevant RCTs. The quality of selected RCTs was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. Cochrane’s Q test and I-square (I2) statistic were used to determine the heterogeneity across included trials. Weight mean difference (SMD) and 95% CI between the two intervention groups were used to determine pooled effect sizes. Subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the source of heterogeneity based on suspected variables such as, participant’s health conditions, age, dosage of L-carnitine, duration of study, sample size, and study location between primary RCTs. Results: Out of 3460 potential papers selected based on keywords search, 67 studies met the inclusion criteria and were eligible for the meta-analysis. The pooled results indicated that L-carnitine administration led to a significant decrease in triglycerides (WMD: -10.35; 95% CI: -16.43, -4.27), total cholesterol (WMD: -9.47; 95% CI: - 13.23, -5.70) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations (WMD: -6.25; 95% CI: -9.30, -3.21), and a significant increase in HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (WMD: 1.39; 95% CI: 0.21, 2.57). L-carnitine supplementation did not influence VLDL-cholesterol concentrations. When we stratified studies for the predefined factors such as dosage, and age, no significant effects of the intervention on triglycerides, LDL-C, and HDL-C levels were found. Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrated that L-carnitine administration significantly reduced triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels, and significantly increased HDL-cholesterol levels in the pooled analyses, but did not affect VLDL-cholesterol levels; however, these findings were not confirmed in our subgroup analyses by participant’s health conditions, age, dosage of L-carnitine, duration of study, sample size, and study location.

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