Association of vitamin D and risk of hypertension in Henan rural population / 中华疾病控制杂志

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and hypertension in Henan rural residents, and to explore the association between vitamin D and risk of hypertension. Methods 2 013 Henan rural participants aged 18-80 years were recruited from a cross-sectional study. Logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline model were used to evaluate odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) and dose-response relationship between vitamin D and risk of hypertension. Results In total population, the prevalence of hypertension was 40.34% (30.64% after age-standard), and the mean serum 25-(OH)D was (24.50 ± 16.18) ng/ml, and 53.95% of all participants were presenting vitamin D deficiency. Compared with non-hypertension, a lower level of serum 25-(OH)D was observed in people with hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension was 45.21% in vitamin D deficient group which was higher than in the vitamin D sufficient group (31.07%). Compared with the vitamin D sufficient group, the risk of hypertension was increase in the vitamin D deficient group (OR=1.59, 95% CI: 1.21-2.10), and the risk of hypertension decreased by 14% for every 10 ng/ml increase in serum 25-(OH) D levels. Moreover, an L-shaped relationship was observed between 25-(OH)D concentration and risk of hypertension. Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency is associated with risk of hypertension and there is an L-shaped relationship between 25-(OH)D concentration and risk of hypertension.

Maternal Lead Exposure Induces Down-regulation of Hippocampal Insulin-degrading Enzyme and Nerve Growth Factor Expression in Mouse Pups / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Lead exposure is a known potential risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Exposure to lead during the critical phase of brain development has been linked with mental retardation and hypophrenia in later life. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of lead exposure of pregnant mice on the expressions of insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in the hippocampus of their offspring. Blood samples were collected from the tail vein, and after anesthetizing the pups, the brain was excised on postnatal day 21. Lead concentrations were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and the expressions of IDE and NGF were determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Results showed that the reduction in IDE and NGF expression in the hippocampus of pups might be associated with impairment of learning and memory and dementia induced by maternal lead exposure during pregnancy and lactation.