Induction of NAFLD with Increased Risk of Obesity and Chronic Diseases in Developed Countries

Vitamin A (retinol) is one of the key elements for regulating the immune response and controls the division and differentiation of epithelial cells of the mucous membranes of the bronchopulmonary system, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, eyes, etc. Its significance in the context of the COVID‑19 pandemic is difficult to overestimate. However, a number of studies conducted in the past have associated the additional intake of vitamin A with an increased risk of developing cancer, as a result of which vitamin A was practically excluded from therapeutic practice in developed countries. Our review highlights the role of vitamin A in maintaining human health and the latest data on its effect on the development mechanisms of somatic pathology.

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Seroprevalence of Antibodies against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis in Adult At-Risk Patients

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9010018 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 18

Author(s):

Lise Boey ◽

Eline Bosmans ◽

Liane Braz Ferreira ◽

Nathalie Heyvaert ◽

Melissa Nelen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

At Risk ◽

Chronic Diseases ◽

Age Groups ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Solid Organ ◽

Recent Infection ◽

Vaccination Programs ◽

Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Risk Patients

Patients with chronic diseases are at increased risk of complications following infection. It remains, however, unknown to what extend they are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases. We assessed seroprevalence of antibodies against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis to evaluate whether current vaccination programs in Belgium are adequate. Antibody titers were assessed with a bead-based multiplex assay in serum of 1052 adults with chronic diseases. We included patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1) (n = 172), DM2 (n = 77), chronic kidney disease (n = 130), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (n = 170), heart failure (n = 77), HIV (n = 196) and solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients (n = 230). Factors associated with seroprevalence were analysed with multiple logistic regression. We found seroprotective titers in 29% for diphtheria (≥0.1 IU/mL), in 83% for tetanus (≥0.1 IU/mL) and 22% had antibodies against pertussis (≥5 IU/mL). Seroprotection rates were higher (p < 0.001) when vaccinated within the last ten years. Furthermore, diphtheria seroprotection decreased with age (p < 0.001). Tetanus seroprotection was less reached in women (p < 0.001) and older age groups (p < 0.001). For pertussis, women had more often a titer suggestive of a recent infection or vaccination (≥100 IU/mL, p < 0.01). We conclude that except for tetanus, the vast majority of at-risk patients remains susceptible to vaccine-preventable diseases such as diphtheria and pertussis.

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Nutrition as a Key Modifiable Factor for Periodontitis and Main Chronic Diseases

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10020197 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 197

Author(s):

Prescilla Martinon ◽

Laurie Fraticelli ◽

Agnes Giboreau ◽

Claude Dussart ◽

Denis Bourgeois ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Diseases ◽

Chronic Diseases ◽

Periodontal Diseases ◽

Saturated Fat ◽

Warning Signal ◽

Dietary Quality ◽

Omega 3 ◽

Periodontal Health ◽

High Fiber ◽

Increased Risk

Nutrition is recognized as an essential component in the prevention of a number of chronic diseases, including periodontal disease. Based on these considerations, a better understanding is required regarding how the diet, and more particularly the intake of macronutrients and micronutrients, could impact the potential relationship between nutrition and periodontal diseases, periodontal diseases and chronic diseases, nutrition and chronic diseases. To overcome this complexity, an up-to-date literature review on the nutriments related to periodontal and chronic diseases was performed. High-sugar, high-saturated fat, low-polyols, low-fiber and low-polyunsaturated-fat intake causes an increased risk of periodontal diseases. This pattern of nutrients is classically found in the Western diet, which is considered as an ‘unhealthy’ diet that causes cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancers. Conversely, low-sugar, high-fiber and high-omega-6-to-omega-3 fatty acid ratio intake reduces the risk of periodontal diseases. The Mediterranean, DASH, vegetarian and Okinawa diets that correspond to these nutritional intakes are considered as ‘healthy’ diets, reducing this risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancers. The role of micronutrients, such as vitamin D, E, K and magnesium, remains unclear, while others, such as vitamin A, B, C, calcium, zinc and polyphenols have been shown to prevent PDs. Some evidence suggests that probiotics and prebiotics could promote periodontal health. Periodontal and chronic diseases share, with a time delay, nutrition as a risk factor. Thus, any change in periodontal health should be considered as a warning signal to control the dietary quality of patients and thus reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases later on.

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Sperm DNA methylation mediates the association of male age on reproductive outcomes among couples undergoing infertility treatment

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-020-80857-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Oladele A. Oluwayiose ◽

Haotian Wu ◽

Hachem Saddiki ◽

Brian W. Whitcomb ◽

Laura B. Balzer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dna Methylation ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Infertility Treatment ◽

Reproductive Outcomes ◽

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes ◽

Male Age ◽

Age Related ◽

Sperm Dna ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Sperm Dna Methylation

AbstractParental age at time of offspring conception is increasing in developed countries. Advanced male age is associated with decreased reproductive success and increased risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring. Mechanisms for these male age effects remain unclear, but changes in sperm DNA methylation over time is one potential explanation. We assessed genome-wide methylation of sperm DNA from 47 semen samples collected from male participants of couples seeking infertility treatment. We report that higher male age was associated with lower likelihood of fertilization and live birth, and poor embryo development (p < 0.05). Furthermore, our multivariable linear models showed male age was associated with alterations in sperm methylation at 1698 CpGs and 1146 regions (q < 0.05), which were associated with > 750 genes enriched in embryonic development, behavior and neurodevelopment among others. High dimensional mediation analyses identified four genes (DEFB126, TPI1P3, PLCH2 and DLGAP2) with age-related sperm differential methylation that accounted for 64% (95% CI 0.42–0.86%; p < 0.05) of the effect of male age on lower fertilization rate. Our findings from this modest IVF population provide evidence for sperm methylation as a mechanism of age-induced poor reproductive outcomes and identifies possible candidate genes for mediating these effects.

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Social networks, health and identity: exploring culturally embedded masculinity with the Pakistani community, West Midlands, UK

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-020-09504-9 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Farina Kokab ◽

Sheila Greenfield ◽

Antje Lindenmeyer ◽

Manbinder Sidhu ◽

Lynda Tait ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Networks ◽

Qualitative Interviews ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Cultural Norms ◽

Social Hierarchies ◽

Lifestyle Choices ◽

Increased Risk ◽

West Midlands ◽

Community Spaces ◽

Social Causes

Abstract Background Migrants from South Asia living in developed countries have an increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), with limited research into underlying social causes. Methods We used social capital as an interpretive lens to undertake analysis of exploratory qualitative interviews with three generations of at-risk migrant Pakistani men from the West Midlands, UK. Perceptions of social networks, trust, and cultural norms associated with access to healthcare (support and information) were the primary area of exploration. Results Findings highlighted the role of social networks within religious or community spaces embedded as part of ethnic enclaves. Local Mosques and gyms remained key social spaces, where culturally specific gender differences played out within the context of a diaspora community, defined ways in which individuals navigated their social spheres and influenced members of their family and community on health and social behaviours. Conclusions There are generational and age-based differences in how members use locations to access and develop social support for particular lifestyle choices. The pursuit of a healthier lifestyle varies across the diverse migrant community, determined by social hierarchies and socio-cultural factors. Living close to similar others can limit exposure to novel lifestyle choices and efforts need to be made to promote wider integration between communities and variety of locations catering to health and lifestyle.

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Risk of major chronic diseases in transport, rescue and security industries: a longitudinal register-based study

Occupational and Environmental Medicine ◽

10.1136/oemed-2021-107764 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. oemed-2021-107764

Author(s):

Kimmo Herttua ◽

Linda Juel Ahrenfeldt ◽

Tapio Paljarvi

Keyword(s):

Oral Cancer ◽

Chronic Diseases ◽

Respiratory Disease ◽

Regression Models ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Chronic Respiratory Disease ◽

Police Force ◽

Rescue Service ◽

Active Population ◽

Increased Risk

ObjectiveTo investigate the risk of hospitalisation for major chronic diseases across representative transport, rescue and security industries.MethodsWe performed a register-based study of 624 571 workers from six industries in Denmark between 2000 and 2005, followed up hospitalisation for chronic diseases up to 17 years, and compared with a 20% random sample of the economically active population.ResultsHR from the Cox regression models showed that seafarers had higher risk of lung cancer (men: 1.54, 95% CI 1.31 to 1.81; women: 1.63, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.36), and male seafarers had higher risk of diabetes (1.32, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.43) and oral cancer (1.51, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.88). Men and women in land transport had increased risk of diabetes (men: 1.68, 95% CI 1.63 to 1.73; women 1.55, 95% CI 1.40 to 1.71) and chronic respiratory disease (men: 1.21, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.25; women 1.42, 95% CI 1.32 to 1.53). Among women, a higher risk of gastrointestinal cancer was observed in aviation (1.53, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.89) and police force (1.29, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.65), oral cancer in defence forces (1.83, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.79), and chronic respiratory disease in rescue service (1.47, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.77), while men in defence forces, police force and rescue service had mainly lower risk of these chronic diseases.ConclusionsWe observed considerable health disparities from chronic diseases across transport, rescue and security industries, with workers in seafaring and land transport generally bearing the greatest relative burden.

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Epigenetics and DOHaD: from basics to birth and beyond

Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease ◽

10.1017/s2040174417000733 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 8 (5) ◽

pp. 513-519 ◽

Cited By ~ 74

Author(s):

T. Bianco-Miotto ◽

J. M. Craig ◽

Y. P. Gasser ◽

S. J. van Dijk ◽

S. E. Ozanne

Keyword(s):

Dna Methylation ◽

Chronic Disease ◽

Chronic Diseases ◽

Early Life ◽

Later Life ◽

Metabolic Health ◽

Number Of Children ◽

Early Life Environment ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Early Life Exposures

Developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) is the study of how the early life environment can impact the risk of chronic diseases from childhood to adulthood and the mechanisms involved. Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs are involved in mediating how early life environment impacts later health. This review is a summary of the Epigenetics and DOHaD workshop held at the 2016 DOHaD Society of Australia and New Zealand Conference. Our extensive knowledge of how the early life environment impacts later risk for chronic disease would not have been possible without animal models. In this review we highlight some animal model examples that demonstrate how an adverse early life exposure results in epigenetic and gene expression changes that may contribute to increased risk of chronic disease later in life. Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease are chronic diseases with an increasing incidence due to the increased number of children and adults that are obese. Epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation have been shown to be associated with metabolic health measures and potentially predict future metabolic health status. Although more difficult to elucidate in humans, recent studies suggest that DNA methylation may be one of the epigenetic mechanisms that mediates the effects of early life exposures on later life risk of obesity and obesity related diseases. Finally, we discuss the role of the microbiome and how it is a new player in developmental programming and mediating early life exposures on later risk of chronic disease.

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Oral manifestations in premature infants. A systematic review

10.21203/rs.2.20435/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Lara Vivero Couto ◽

Elena Planells del Pozo ◽

José Ignacio Salmerón Escobar ◽

Jorge Molina López ◽

Ángela Ruiz-Extremera ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Preterm Delivery ◽

Preterm Infants ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Prenatal Development ◽

Supporting Evidence ◽

Dental Anomalies ◽

Enamel Defects ◽

Increased Risk

Abstract Background Preterm delivery, defined as delivery occurring before a gestational age of 37 weeks, represents 6-10% of all births in developed countries. Preterm infants are characterized by a short prenatal development period and are at an increased risk of systemic disorders as a result of their immaturity. Few studies have analyzed oral alterations among preterm infants. This systematic review examines the orofacial characteristics most commonly found among preterm infants versus infants born at term and evaluates their repercussions upon oral health and quality of life.Methods The search was limited to articles published in English or Spanish that compared orofacial characteristics of preterm infants versus infants born at term. Their methodological quality was assessed based on the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI).Results Most of the studies found the prevalence of structural enamel defects of the primary dentition to be greater among preterm infants. Other disorders such as structural enamel defects of the permanent dentition, caries, malocclusions or alterations in dental composition, size and development also appeared to be more frequent among preterm infants, though the supporting evidence was weak.Conclusions Further studies are needed, analyzing the association between preterm delivery and certain orofacial disorders such as caries, malocclusions and dental anomalies.

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Obesity and low levels of physical activity are associated with a decreased health-related quality of life in postmenopausal women: a Wroclaw pilot study

HIGHER SCHOOL’S PULSE ◽

10.5604/01.3001.0015.3944 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (SUPPLEMENT 2) ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Joanna Lewandowska ◽

Mateusz Tomaczak ◽

Iwona Wilk ◽

Felicja Lwow

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Waist Circumference ◽

Postmenopausal Women ◽

Chronic Diseases ◽

Short Form ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Health Related ◽

Low Levels

Background: Menopause is associated with numerous somatic dysfunctions, an increased risk of chronic diseases, and complications in the mental and social components of health that lower the quality of life (QoL). Obesity and related comorbidities affect over 60% of postmenopausal women in Poland. A significant role for systematic physical activity (PA) in the prevention of dysfunctions and chronic diseases, including obesity and mental disorders, has been observed previously. A low level of PA is observed across the Polish population, especially in postmenopausal women. Aim of the study: To examine QoL in postmenopausal women participating in a community health promotion program as it relates to obesity and levels of PA. Material and methods: The study sample consisted of 76 postmenopausal women (aged 65.75±5.14 years) participating in the Active Wrocław 55+ program. Before starting the program, anthropometric measurements were taken, and QoL and PA were assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), respectively. Results: Most women had a PA level above 600 MET -min/week (78.95%), and were overweight or obese (86.84%). A waist circumference over 80 cm, indicating an increased risk for metabolic syndrome, was observed in 85.89% of the participants. BMI and waist circumference negatively correlated with the level of PA (p=0.001 and p=0.017, respectively). Women exhibiting low levels of PA and higher BMIs showed a significantly lower QoL compared to those with higher PA and lower BMIs, particularly with regard to the physical domains of QoL. Conclusions: Obesity and a low level of PA are associated with a significant decline in the health-related QoL (especially in the PF and PCS domains) of postmenopausal women an urban setting.

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Perceptions of risk in pregnancy with chronic disease: A systematic review and thematic synthesis

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0254956 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (7) ◽

pp. e0254956

Author(s):

Elizabeth R. Ralston ◽

Priscilla Smith ◽

Joseph Chilcot ◽

Sergio A. Silverio ◽

Kate Bramham

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Chronic Disease ◽

Chronic Diseases ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

Risk Perceptions ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Pregnancy Risk ◽

Thematic Synthesis ◽

Increased Risk ◽

In Pregnancy

Background Women with chronic disease are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Pregnancies which pose higher risk, often require increased medical supervision and intervention. How women perceive their pregnancy risk and its impact on health behaviour is poorly understood. The aim of this systematic review of qualitative literature is to evaluate risk perceptions of pregnancy in women with chronic disease. Methods Eleven electronic databases including grey literature were systematically searched for qualitative studies published in English which reported on pregnancy, risk perception and chronic disease. Full texts were reviewed by two researchers, independently. Quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative checklist and data were synthesised using a thematic synthesis approach. The analysis used all text under the findings or results section from each included paper as data. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO. Results Eight studies were included in the review. Three themes with sub-themes were constructed from the analysis including: Information Synthesis (Sub-themes: Risk to Self and Risk to Baby), Psychosocial Factors (Sub-themes: Emotional Response, Self-efficacy, Healthcare Relationship), and Impact on Behaviour (Sub-themes: Perceived Risk and Objective Risk). Themes fitted within an overarching concept of Balancing Act. The themes together inter-relate to understand how women with chronic disease perceive their risk in pregnancy. Conclusions Women’s pregnancy-related behaviour and engagement with healthcare services appear to be influenced by their perception of pregnancy risk. Women with chronic disease have risk perceptions which are highly individualised. Assessment and communication of women’s pregnancy risk should consider their own understanding and perception of risk. Different chronic diseases introduce diverse pregnancy risks and further research is needed to understand women’s risk perceptions in specific chronic diseases.

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