Association of blood pressure and body mass index with intraocular pressure in middle-aged and older Japanese residents: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study.

To clarify whether high blood pressure (BP) and high body mass index (BMI) are associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), a cross-sectional and longitudinal study was conducted. This epidemiological study analyzed health examination data obtained between 2001 and 2005 from 896 Japanese individuals (aged 32-79 years) who had not undergone any ocular surgery or medical treatment for hypertension, ocular hypertension, or glaucoma. Multiple-regression analysis of our cross-sectional data showed that systolic and diastolic BP (SBP and DBP) and BMI had significant and near-significant positive associations with IOP in men (p＜0.05) and women (p＜0.1). Our longitudinal study from analyses of covariance found that the adjusted mean level of changes in IOP tended to increase with increased levels of SBP, DBP, and BMI in men (p＜0.1). In women also, changes in SBP and BMI tended to be positively related with that of IOP (p＜0.1). The results of this study suggested that BP and BMI were positively associated with IOP in middle-aged and older Japanese. Therefore, management of BP and improvement of obesity might be especially important to Japanese patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension as they have a higher incidence of normal-tension glaucoma than Europeans and Americans.

Association of smoking with intraocular pressure in middle-aged and older Japanese residents.

OBJECTIVES: To clarify whether smoking was associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and to evaluate the interrelationship among IOP, blood viscosity, and smoking. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed health examination data obtained between 2001 and 2004 from 1113 individuals (829 men and 284 women), ranging in age from 28 to 79 years, who had not undergone any ocular surgery or medical treatment for hypertension, ocular hypertension, and glaucoma. RESULTS: Multiple-regression analysis showed that systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body mass index (BMI), and number of cigarettes smoked per day had a significantly positive association with IOP in men (P < 0.05). In women also, SBP, DBP, and BMI were positively related to IOP (P < 0.05). On the contrary, age had a significant negative association with IOP in both sexes (P < 0.01). Analysis of covariance and multiple logistic regression analyses showed that the adjusted mean IOP and the multivariate odds ratios for IOP increased with increasing cigarette consumption in men (P for trend = 0.01 and 0.06, respectively). Analysis of covariance found that smoking was significantly associated with both high IOP and high hematocrit in men (P for trend <0.05); however, the adjusted mean IOP values were higher in smokers than in nonsmokers, regardless of the hematocrit level. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggested that the IOP level may be substantially affected by smoking habit in middle-aged and older Japanese men.

Factors associated with dietary habits and mood states affecting taste sensitivity in Japanese college women.

We conducted a cross-sectional survey to evaluate the factors associated with dietary habits and mood states affecting taste sensitivity in 127 Japanese college women with a mean age of 19.2 y. Differential thresholds for the four basic tastes on the tongue were determined by the filter paper disc method, while dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Psychological mood states were evaluated by the Profile of Mood State (POMS) questionnaire. Differential thresholds for saltiness and bitterness in alcohol drinkers were higher than those in alcohol non drinkers, whereas differential thresholds for the other tastes did not differ significantly between any of the stratified groups. Canonical correlation analysis revealed that among the five POMS mood states, POMS fatigue scores showed relatively stronger association with combined variables of taste thresholds. Logistic regression analysis revealed significant involvement of zinc and iron intake, and that POMS fatigue and anger scores affected the differential threshold for sourness. Specific mood and dietary factors were shown to be associated with sensitivity to sourness and bitterness. Among the five POMS mood states, high POMS fatigue scores and low POMS anger scores appeared to be associated with decreased taste sensitivity.

Beneficial modification of functional renal parameters in 5/6 nephrectomized rats by nutraceutical. In view of a kidney-protective intervention.

The objective of this study is to ascertain the potential beneficial effects of a novel phytoterapeutic formula (DTS, Kyotsu Jigyo, Japan) on renal function and morphological structure in 5/6 nephrectomized rats. Male Spraque-Dawley rats, 240-280 g, were divided into sham control (Group A) and nephrectomized (Group B and Group C) groups. The 5/6 nephrectomy was performed by removal of the right kidney and 2/3 ligation of left renal artery. After surgery, the animals were kept in individual cage for 6 weeks. Rats in Group A and Group B were fed with a normal protein diet only while those in Group C were fed normal protein diet added with DTS (10 mg/rat/day). The DTS supplementation was started a day after surgery. After 5 weeks, all rats were subjected to renal function study and then their left kidneys were isolated for morphological study. There were no significant differences in body weight, blood pressure, and heart rate among groups. DTS supplementation significantly increased (p<0.05) plasma creatinine concentration, glomerular filtration rate, effective renal plasma flow, and urine flow rate in nephrectomized rats when compared to sham control (Group A) and untreated nephrectomized (Group B) controls. In contrast, plasma urea concentration and morphological structure were not significantly modified by DTS supplementation in nephrectomized animals. These data suggest that feeding with a normal protein diet and DTS supplementation improves renal function without any morphological effect in 5/6 nephrectomized rats if not a slight preservation.(www.actabiomedica.it).

Longevity-associated mitochondrial DNA 5178 C/A polymorphism is associated with fasting plasma glucose levels and glucose tolerance in Japanese men.

Mitochondrial DNA 5178 cytosine/adenine (Mt5178 C/A) polymorphism is reportedly associated with longevity in the Japanese population, and the Mt5178A genotype may resist the onset of type 2 diabetes. To investigate whether Mt5178 C/A polymorphism is associated with glucose tolerance, we conducted a cross-sectional study using the 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in which non-diabetic Japanese male subjects were classified into three subgroups by body mass index (BMI): BMI<22 (n=91); 22< or =BMI<25 (n=138); and BMI> or =25 (n=67). The frequency of Mt5178A was significantly lower among 'BMI<22' subjects exhibiting impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance than among those with normal glucose tolerance. In the 'BMI<22' group, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels and plasma glucose levels at 60 and 120 min after glucose load (OGTT-1h and OGTT-2h, respectively) were significantly lower in the Mt5178A genotype than in the Mt5178C genotype. After adjusting for age, BMI, habitual smoking, habitual drinking and family history of diabetes, FPG levels and OGTT-2h levels were still significantly lower in the Mt5178A genotype than in the Mt5178C genotype. However, after adjusting for covariates, in both the '22< or =BMI<25' and 'BMI> or =25' groups, FPG levels were significantly higher in the Mt5178A genotype than in the Mt5178C genotype. Differences in the effect of alcohol consumption on FPG levels and glucose tolerance between the Mt5178 C/A genotypes were observed. The present results suggest that Mt5178 C/A polymorphism may be associated with FPG levels and glucose tolerance in middle-aged Japanese men.

Longevity-associated NADH dehydrogenase subunit-2 polymorphism and serum electrolyte levels in middle-aged obese Japanese men.

Mitochondrial DNA 5178 cytosine/adenine polymorphism, which is also called NADH dehydrogenase subunit-2 237 leucine/methionine (ND2-237 Leu/Met) polymorphism is associated with Japanese longevity. This polymorphism is widely associated with blood pressure, serum lipid levels, hematological parameters, intraocular pressure, and serum protein fraction levels. However, there have been no reports on the association between ND2-237 Leu/Met polymorphism and serum electrolyte levels. To investigate this relationship, we performed an association study in 321 healthy middle-aged Japanese men. Crude data showed that serum sodium levels and serum chloride levels were significantly lower in men with ND2-237 Met than in those with ND2-237 Leu (P = 0.021 and 0.003, respectively). Cigarette consumption and body mass index were significantly and positively associated with serum chloride levels (P = 0.002 and 0.008, respectively) and hemoglobin levels were significantly and negatively associated with them (P = 0.007) in ND2-237 Leu genotypic men. In men with ND2-237 Met, only hemoglobin levels were significantly and negatively associated with serum chloride levels (P = 0.025). After adjusting for covariates, only in male obese (body mass index> or =25) subjects, serum sodium and chloride levels remained significantly lower, and serum calcium levels appeared to be significantly higher in ND2-237 Met than in ND2-237 Leu (P = 0.013, <0.001, and 0.046, respectively). Longevity-associated NADH dehydrogenase subunit-2 polymorphism may influence serum electrolyte levels in middle-aged obese Japanese men.

Interaction between longevity-associated mitochondrial DNA 5178 C/A polymorphism and cigarette smoking on hematological parameters in Japanese men.

Mitochondrial DNA 5178 C/A (mt5178 C/A), namely NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 237 Leu/Met, polymorphism is as reported in literature associated with longevity and susceptibility to ischemic heart disease or cerebrovascular disorders in the Japanese population. Previous reports suggested that mt5178A genotype exerts antiatherogenic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate whether mt5178 C/A polymorphism is associated with hematological parameters, such as thrombogenic risk factors for myocardial infarction and stroke, in 321 healthy Japanese men. No significant differences were observed between mt5178 C/A genotypes, but in subjects with body mass index (BMI) of < or = 23, this polymorphism influenced the effects of habitual smoking on hematological parameters. Red blood cell (RBC) counts were significantly lower and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) levels were significantly higher in smokers with mt5178A than nonsmokers with mt5178A. Platelet counts were significantly higher in smokers with mt5178C than nonsmokers with mt5178C. Cigarette consumption was strongly associated with RBC counts, mean corpuscular volume levels, and MCH levels for men with mt5178A, and was associated with platelet counts for those with mt5178C. Moreover, BMI was significantly positively associated with RBC counts and platelet counts only in men with mt5178A, age was significantly negatively associated with RBC counts only in men with mt5178C. These data suggest that mt5178 C/A polymorphism may influence the effects of cigarette smoking on hematological parameters in healthy BMI < or = 23 Japanese men.

Longevity-associated mitochondrial DNA 5178 A/C polymorphism modulates effects of daily drinking and cigarette consumption on serum triglyceride levels in middle-aged Japanese men.

Mitochondrial DNA 5178 adenine/cytosine (mt5178 A/C) polymorphism is one of the longevity-associated mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms. The frequency of the mt5178A genotype is significantly higher in Japanese centenarians than in the general population. We previously reported that serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly higher in men with mt5178A than in those with mt5178C. However, this significant difference disappeared after adjusting for drinking frequency. To investigate the interaction between mt5178 A/C polymorphism and habitual drinking on serum lipid levels, we performed an association study in 321 healthy middle-aged Japanese men. Interaction between mt5178 A/C polymorphism and daily drinking on serum triglyceride (TG) levels was observed (P=0.019). Moreover, interaction between mt5178 A/C polymorphism and cigarette consumption on serum TG levels was also observed (P=0.022). Multiple regression analysis showed that, in men with mt5178A, daily drinking decreased TG levels (P=0.025), and cigarette consumption increased TG levels (P<0.001), while in men with mt5178C, the effects of daily drinking and cigarette consumption on TG levels were unclear. No interaction was observed on other lipid levels. Longevity-associated mitochondrial DNA 5178 A/C polymorphism thus influences the effects of daily drinking and cigarette consumption on TG levels in middle-aged Japanese men.

Longevity-associated mitochondrial DNA 5178 A/C polymorphism influences effects of cigarette smoking on serum protein fraction levels in Japanese men.

Mitochondrial DNA 5178 adenine/cytosine (mt5178 A/C) polymorphism is reportedly associated with longevity and susceptibility to age-related diseases in Japanese individuals. We previously reported an association between mt5178 A/C polymorphism and serum protein fraction levels in healthy Japanese women. An association between habitual smoking and serum protein fraction levels has also been reported previously. The aim of this study was to examine whether mt5178 A/C polymorphism influenced the effects of habitual smoking on serum protein fraction levels in 321 healthy Japanese men. In mt5178C genotype men, alpha-1 and alpha-2 globulin levels were higher in smokers than in nonsmokers (P<0.001, and P=0.002, respectively). The influence of smoking on these globulin levels depended on cigarette consumption. However, in mt5178A genotype men, no significant difference was observed in alpha-1 or alpha-2 globulin levels between smokers and nonsmokers. These results suggest that longevity-associated mt5178 A/C polymorphism may influence the effects of cigarette smoking on serum protein fraction levels in healthy Japanese men.