Dietary Exposure to Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Dioxins and Its Relationship to Telomere Length in Subjects Older Than 55 Years from the SUN Project

Exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) may influence telomere length (TL), which is considered as a marker of biological age associated with the risk of chronic disease. We hypothesized that dietary exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins could affect TL. Our aim was to evaluate the association of dietary exposure to PCBs and dioxins with TL. In this cross-sectional study of 886 subjects older than 55 y (mean age: 67.7; standard deviation (SD): 6.1; 27% women) from the “Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra” (SUN) project. TL was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and dietary PCBs and dioxins exposure was collected using a validated 136-item Food Frequency Questionnaire. Multivariable linear regression models were used to control for potential confounding factors. Shorter TL was associated with dietary total PCBs (SD of T/S ratio/(ng/day) = −0.30 × 10−7; 95% CI, −0.55 × 10−7 to −0.06 × 10−7), dioxin-like PCBs (DL-PCBs) (SD of T/S ratio/(pg WHO TEQ (Toxic Equivalents)/day) = −6.17 × 10−7; 95% CI, −11.30 × 10−7 to −1.03 × 10−7), and total TEQ exposure (SD of T/S ratio/(pg WHO TEQ/day) = −5.02 × 10−7; 95% CI, −9.44 × 10−7 to −0.61 × 10−7), but not with dioxins (SD of T/S ratio/(pg WHO TEQ/day) = −13.90 × 10−7; 95% CI, −37.70 × 10−7 to 9.79 × 10−7). In this sample of middle-aged and older Spanish adults, dietary exposure to total PCBs and DL-PCBs alone and together with dioxins was associated with shorter TL. Further longitudinal studies, preferably with POPs measured in biological samples, are needed to confirm this finding.

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Abstract 3456: Polychlorinated biphenyls and relative telomere length in the Anniston Community Health Survey: A cross-sectional study

10.1158/1538-7445.am2016-3456 ◽

2016 ◽

Author(s):

Catherine Callahan ◽

Marian Pavuk ◽

Xuefeng Ren ◽

James R. Olson ◽

Matthew R. Bonner

Keyword(s):

Polychlorinated Biphenyls ◽

Community Health ◽

Telomere Length ◽

Health Survey ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Relative Telomere Length ◽

Community Health Survey

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Cytomegalovirus Infection and Its Relationship with Leukocyte Telomere Length: A Cross-Sectional Study

Mediators of Inflammation ◽

10.1155/2021/6675353 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-5

Author(s):

Zhu Lin ◽

Hongmei Gao ◽

Bing Wang ◽

Yongqiang Wang

Keyword(s):

Confidence Interval ◽

Telomere Length ◽

Smoking Status ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Leukocyte Telomere Length ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Cmv Infection ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Reactive Protein ◽

Unit Increase

Background. Telomeres undergo shortening with each cell division, which could be accelerated by infection. The association between virus infection and telomere length is poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the putative associations between leukocyte telomere length (TL), cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, and C-reactive protein (CRP) in a national representative sample of noninstitutionalized population. Methods. We analyzed data that was collected in a cross-sectional setting, where 3,987 participants were enrolled with available data on telomere length. The association between telomere length with previous CMV infection and CRP was analyzed using multivariable linear regression models. We further tested if obesity, measured by body mass index (BMI), and smoking could modify this relationship. Results. In total, around 46% percent of the study population were men and 54% were women. Average ages were 35.1 years for men and 35.0 years for women. One unit increase of CMV antibody IgG titer was associated with -0.07 (95% confidence interval: -0.12, -0.01) unit decrease of leukocyte TL when sex was adjusted for. After additionally adjusting for BMI and smoking status, the magnitude of the association was only slightly decreased to -0.06 (95% confidence interval: -0.11, -0.01). The effect sizes were comparable after additionally adjusting for CRP. These analyses imply that previous CMV infection affects leukocyte TL through pathways other than CRP. Conclusions. Previous CMV infection was associated with shorter leukocyte TL. This association was independent of CRP.

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Football and team handball training postpone cellular aging in women

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-91255-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Marie Hagman ◽

Bjørn Fristrup ◽

Rémi Michelin ◽

Peter Krustrup ◽

Muhammad Asghar

Keyword(s):

Telomere Length ◽

Copy Number ◽

Mononuclear Cells ◽

Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cellular Aging ◽

Elderly Subjects ◽

Mtdna Copy Number ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Team Handball

AbstractSeveral hallmarks of aging have been identified and examined separately in previous exercise studies. For the first time, this study investigates the effect of lifelong regular exercise in humans on two of the central aging hallmarks combined. This cross-sectional study involved 129 healthy, non-smoking women, including young elite football players (YF, n = 29), young untrained controls (YC, n = 30), elderly team handball players (EH, n = 35) and elderly untrained controls (EC, n = 35). From a resting blood sample, mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated and sorted into monocytes and lymphocytes. Telomere length, mitochondrial (mtDNA) copy number and key regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis and function (PGC-1α and PGC-1β expression) were measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Overall, young women showed significantly longer telomeres and higher PGC-1α and PGC-1β expression, but lower mtDNA copy number compared to elderly subjects. A multivariate analysis showed that YF had 22–24% longer telomeres in lymphocytes and MNCs compared to YC. In addition, YF showed 19–20% higher mtDNA copy number in lymphocytes and MNCs compared to YC. The two young groups did not differ in PGC-1α and PGC-1β expression. EH showed 14% lower mtDNA copy number in lymphocytes compared to EC, but 3.4-fold higher lymphocyte PGC-1α expression compared to EC. In MNCs, EH also showed 1.4–1.6-fold higher PGC-1α and PGC-1β expression. The two elderly groups did not differ in telomere length. Elite football training and lifelong team handball training are associated with anti-aging mechanisms in leukocytes in women, including maintenance of telomere length and superior mitochondrial characteristics.

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Associations between multimorbidity and glycaemia (HbA1c) in people with type 2 diabetes: cross-sectional study in Australian general practice

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-039625 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. e039625

Author(s):

Jason I Chiang ◽

John Furler ◽

Frances Mair ◽

Bhautesh D Jani ◽

Barbara I Nicholl ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

General Practice ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Long Term Conditions ◽

Australian General Practice

ObjectivesTo explore the prevalence of multimorbidity as well as individual and combinations of long-term conditions (LTCs) in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) attending Australian general practice, using electronic health record (EHR) data. We also examine the association between multimorbidity condition count (total/concordant(T2D related)/discordant(unrelated)) and glycaemia (glycated haemoglobin, HbA1c).DesignCross-sectional study.SettingAustralian general practice.Participants69 718 people with T2D with a general practice encounter between 2013 and 2015 captured in the MedicineInsight database (EHR Data from 557 general practices and >3.8 million Australian patients).Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrevalence of multimorbidity, individual and combinations of LTCs. Multivariable linear regression models used to examine associations between multimorbidity counts and HbA1c (%).ResultsMean (SD) age 66.42 (12.70) years, 46.1% female and mean (SD) HbA1c 7.1 (1.4)%. More than 90% of participants with T2D were living with multimorbidity. Discordant conditions were more prevalent (83.4%) than concordant conditions (69.9 %). The three most prevalent discordant conditions were: painful conditions (55.4%), dyspepsia (31.6%) and depression (22.8%). The three most prevalent concordant conditions were hypertension (61.4%), coronary heart disease (17.1%) and chronic kidney disease (8.5%). The three most common combinations of conditions were: painful conditions and hypertension (38.8%), painful conditions and dyspepsia (23.1%) and hypertension and dyspepsia (22.7%). We found no associations between any multimorbidity counts (total, concordant and discordant) or combinations and HbA1c.ConclusionsMultimorbidity was common in our cohort of people with T2D attending Australian general practice, but was not associated with glycaemia. Although we did not explore mortality in this study, our results suggest that the increased mortality in those with multimorbidity and T2D observed in other studies may not be linked to glycaemia. Interestingly, discordant conditions were more prevalent than concordant conditions with painful conditions being the second most common comorbidity. Better understanding of the implications of different patterns of multimorbidity in people with T2D will allow more effective tailored care.

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Starchy Vegetables and Metabolic Syndrome in Costa Rica

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13051639 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 1639

Author(s):

Zhongyao Li ◽

Dongqing Wang ◽

Edward A. Ruiz-Narváez ◽

Karen E. Peterson ◽

Hannia Campos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Regression Models ◽

Fasting Blood Glucose ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Costa Rican ◽

Least Square ◽

Inverse Association ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Cross Sectional

Only a few studies primarily examined the associations between starchy vegetables (other than potatoes) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). We aimed to evaluate the association between starchy vegetables consumption and MetS in a population-based sample of Costa Rican adults. We hypothesized that a higher overall intake of starchy vegetables would not be associated with higher MetS prevalence. In this cross-sectional study, log-binomial regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) of MetS across quintiles of total, unhealthy, healthy starchy vegetables, and individual starchy vegetables (potatoes, purple sweet potatoes, etc.), among 1881 Costa Rican adults. Least square means and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from linear regression models were estimated for each MetS component by categories of starchy vegetable variables. Higher intakes of starchy vegetables were associated with a higher prevalence of MetS in crude models, but no significant trends were observed after adjusting for confounders. A significant inverse association was observed between total starchy and healthy starchy vegetables consumption and fasting blood glucose. In this population, starchy vegetables might be part of a healthy dietary pattern.

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Physical Activity and Diet Quality Modify the Association between Comorbidity and Disability among Stroke Patients

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13051641 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 1641

Author(s):

Lien T. K. Nguyen ◽

Binh N. Do ◽

Dinh N. Vu ◽

Khue M. Pham ◽

Manh-Tan Vu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Diet Quality ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

Short Version ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Disability Score ◽

Cross Sectional

Background: Comorbidity is common and causes poor stroke outcomes. We aimed to examine the modifying impacts of physical activity (PA) and diet quality on the association between comorbidity and disability in stroke patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 951 stable stroke patients in Vietnam from December 2019 to December 2020. The survey questionnaires were administered to assess patients’ characteristics, clinical parameters (e.g., Charlson Comorbidity Index items), health-related behaviors (e.g., PA using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire- short version), health literacy, diet quality (using the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Quality (DASH-Q) questionnaire), and disability (using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHODAS II)). Linear regression models were used to analyze the associations and interactions. Results: The proportion of comorbidity was 49.9% (475/951). The scores of DASH-Q and WHODAS II were 29.2 ± 11.8, 32.3 ± 13.5, respectively. Patients with comorbidity had a higher score of disability (regression coefficient, B, 8.24; 95% confidence interval, 95%CI, 6.66, 9.83; p < 0.001) as compared with those without comorbidity. Patients with comorbidity and higher tertiles of PA (B, −4.65 to −5.48; p < 0.05), and a higher DASH-Q score (B, −0.32; p < 0.001) had a lower disability score, as compared with those without comorbidity and the lowest tertile of PA, and the lowest score of DASH-Q, respectively. Conclusions: Physical activity and diet quality significantly modified the negative impact of comorbidity on disability in stroke patients. Strategic approaches are required to promote physical activity and healthy diet which further improve stroke rehabilitation outcomes.

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Health and nutrition literacy in adults: Links with lifestyle factors and obesity

Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.3233/mnm-200471 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 361-370

Author(s):

Maria Michou ◽

Demosthenes B. Panagiotakos ◽

Christos Lionis ◽

Vassiliki Costarelli

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Linear Regression ◽

Smoking Status ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Lifestyle Factors ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional

BACKGROUND: Low Health Literacy (HL) and Nutrition Literacy (NL) are associated with serious negative health outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate certain lifestyle factors and obesity, in relation to HL and NL. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the urban area of the Attica region, in Greece. The sample consisted of 1281 individuals, aged ≥18 years. HL, NL sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle factors (physical activity, smoking status, alcohol consumption,) were assessed. Mann-Whitney U, the Kruskall Wallis, Pearson chi-square tests and multiple linear regression models were used. RESULTS: Linear regression analysis has shown that smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity, were associated with HL levels (–1.573 points for ex-smokers in comparison to smokers, p = 0.035, –1.349 points for alcohol consumers in comparison to non-consumers, p = 0.006 and 1.544 points for physically active individuals to non-active, p = 0.001). With respect to NL levels, it was also not associated with any of these factors. Obesity was not associated with HL and NL levels. CONCLUSIONS: Certain lifestyle factors, including physical activity, are predicting factors of HL levels, in Greek adults. The results contribute to the understanding of the relationship between lifestyle factors and HL and should be taken into account when HL policies are designed.

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Serum Concentrations of Selected Organochlorines in Pregnant Women and Associations with Pregnancy Outcomes. A Cross-Sectional Study from Two Rural Settings in Cambodia

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17207652 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (20) ◽

pp. 7652

Author(s):

Margit Steinholt ◽

Shanshan Xu ◽

Sam Ol Ha ◽

Duong Trong Phi ◽

Maria Lisa Odland ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Polychlorinated Biphenyls ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Low Income ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Maternal Serum ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Rural Settings

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 194 pregnant women from two low-income settings in Cambodia. The inclusion period lasted from October 2015 through December 2017. Maternal serum samples were analyzed for persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The aim was to study potential effects on birth outcomes. We found low levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCP), except for heptachlors, β-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), heptachlor epoxide, and p,p’-DDE. There were few differences between the two study locations. However, the women from the poorest areas had significantly higher concentrations of p,p’-DDE (p < 0.001) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) (p = 0.002). The maternal factors associated with exposure were parity, age, residential area, and educational level. Despite low maternal levels of polychlorinated biphenyls, we found significant negative associations between the PCB congeners 99 (95% CI: −2.51 to −0.07), 138 (95% CI: −1.28 to −0.32), and 153 (95% CI: −1.06 to −0.05) and gestational age. Further, there were significant negative associations between gestational age, birth length, and maternal levels of o,p’-DDE. Moreover, o,p’-DDD had positive associations with birth weight, and both p,p’-DDD and o,p’-DDE were positively associated with the baby’s ponderal index. The poorest population had higher exposure and less favorable outcomes.

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The influence of demographic factors on subjective cognitive concerns and beta-amyloid

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610216001502 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 29 (4) ◽

pp. 645-652 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Sarah L. Aghjayan ◽

Rachel F. Buckley ◽

Patrizia Vannini ◽

Dorene M. Rentz ◽

Jonathan D. Jackson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Positron Emission Tomography Imaging ◽

Demographic Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Mediation Effect ◽

Aging Brain ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Clinically Normal ◽

Positron Emission ◽

The Relationship

ABSTRACTBackground:Converging evidence suggests that subjective cognitive concerns (SCC) are associated with biomarker evidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) prior to objective clinical impairment. However, the sensitivity of SCC reports in early AD may be biased by demographic factors. Here, we sought to investigate whether age, education, and sex influence the relationship between SCC and amyloid (Aβ) burden.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, we examined 252 clinically normal (CN) individuals (57.7% females) enrolled in the Harvard Aging Brain Study, ages 63–90 years (mean 73.7±6) with 6–20 years of education (mean 15.8±3). SCC was assessed as a composite score comprising three questionnaires. Cortical Aβ burden was assessed with Pittsburgh compound B positron emission tomography imaging. A series of linear regression models assessed the potential modifying role of demographic variables with respect to Aβ burden and SCC. A post-hoc mediation model was implemented to further understand the relationship between Aβ burden and SCC via their relationship with education.Results:Age (β = −0.84, p = 0.36) and sex (β = −0.55, p = 0.22) did not modify the relationship between SCC and Aβ burden. Fewer years of education was correlated with greater SCC (r = −0.12, p = 0.05), but the relationship between Aβ burden and SCC was stronger in those with more education (β = 1.16, p < 0.05). A partial mediation effect was found of Aβ burden on SCC via education (b = −0.12, 95% CI [−0.31, −0.02]).Conclusions:These findings suggest that the association between SCC and Aβ burden becomes stronger with greater educational attainment. Thus, SCC may be of particular importance in highly educated CN individuals harboring amyloid pathology.

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