Serum Levels of Proinflammatory Biomarkers in Military Recruits with and without Metabolic Syndrome.

Objectives: Inflammatory mediators are associated with many chronic diseases; however, their role in metabolic syndrome (Met-S) is not well documented. We therefore aimed to compare the serum markers of inflammation including C-reactive protein (CRP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and TNF-ß in young military recruits with and without Met-S. We hypothesized that any significant change in inflammatory markers between the two groups would indicate the role of inflammation in Met-S that would help in future directions for screening and treatment of Met-S. Design and Methods. A total of 2010 adult men, aged 18-30 years, were divided into two groups: with Met-S (N = 488) and without Met-S (N = 1522), according to the International Diabetes Federation definition. We compared the serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers between the two groups. We also studied the correlations between the inflammatory markers and the components of Met-S to explore the biomarker potential of inflammatory markers for screening of Met-S. Logistic regression analysis was performed to test the association between inflammatory markers and Met-S. Results: A large number of subjects in the Met-S group were suffering from obesity. Out of the 2010 total subjects, only 731 (36.4%) had normal fasting blood sugar (FBS), while the prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes was significantly higher in subjects with Met-S. We observed significant increases in serum levels of CRP, MPO, IL-6, and TNF-ß but not TNF-α in subjects with Met-S as compared to subjects without Met-S. All the markers of inflammation showed significant correlations with Met-S, triglycerides (TG), blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and age; however, none of these markers were correlated with HDL. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between Met-S and inflammatory markers. Conclusions: Serum levels of CRP, MPO, IL-6, and TNF-ß are significantly increased in young adults with Met-S. This is probably the first study reporting TNF-ß levels in Met-S. Since a proinflammatory cascade precedes many years before the onset of cardiovascular disease, these inflammatory biomarkers could help in the monitoring of high-risk individuals with Met-S who will be requiring therapeutic intervention.

Association between preventable risk factors and metabolic syndrome.

The risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome (Met-S) including hypertension, hyperglycemia, central obesity, and dyslipidemia are preventable, particularly at their early stage. There are limited data available on the association between Met-S and preventable risk factors in young adults. We randomly selected 2,010 Saudis aged 18-30 years, who applied to be recruited in military colleges. All the procedures followed the guidelines of International Diabetes Federation. The results showed that out of 2,010 subjects, 4088 were affected with Met-S. The commonest risk factors were high blood sugar (63.6%), high systolic and diastolic blood pressures (63.3 and 37.3%), and high body mass index (57.5%). The prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes were 55.2 and 8.4%, respectively. Obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and hypertriglyceridemia were significantly associated with Met-S. The frequency of smoking was significantly linked with the development of Met-S. The prevalence of Met-S was found to be significantly higher in individuals with sedentary lifestyle. In conclusion, the results of this study clearly indicate that military recruits, who represent healthy young adults, are also prone to Met-S. The findings of this study will help in designing preventive measures as well as public awareness programs for controlling the high prevalence of Met-S in young adults.

Full range determination of ²²²Rn at the watershed scale by liquid scintillation counting.

(222)Rn has been increasingly used to identify groundwater contribution to surface water. Particular attention has been paid to analytical protocols and counting parameters used for liquid alpha scintillation measurements over a range of activities covering river and groundwater domains. Direct measurements and Rn-extraction protocols are optimized, and scintillometer efficiency is calibrated using international standards over the 0.5-35 Bq/L range. The interval of activities was performed in surface water and groundwater from a small Canadian watershed.

The loading history of trace metals and nutrients in Altata-Ensenada del Pabellón, lagoon complex, northwestern Mexico.

This paper summarizes the geochemical investigations about the origin and loading history of some trace metals (Ag, Cu and Zn) and nutrients (N and P) in the coastal lagoon complex of Altata-Ensenada del Pabellón, Mexico, by using the radioactive chronometers 210Pb and 228Th and the stable isotopes of C and N. The examination of sediment cores collected at different locations in the lagoon system identified a slight enrichment in metals and nutrients in some points, which was mainly associated to organic matter accumulation. Stable C and N isotope ratios revealed wastewater inputs to the lagoon system and the 210Pb geochronology showed that anthropogenic impact started 50 years ago, with the beginning of the agriculture development and the associated urban growth of the surrounding area. Several atypical 210Pb and 228Th/232Th profiles demonstrated that biological and physical disturbances are common phenomena in these environments, that frequently mask the pollution records; and therefore, considering that the contaminated sediments at some locations in the lagoon system are frequently resuspended and re-oxygenated, the pollutants will continue to be easily remobilized in the food chain.

Recent sedimentary history of anthropogenic impacts on the Culiacan River Estuary, northwestern Mexico: geochemical evidence from organic matter and nutrients.

210Pb geochronology and sediment profiles of carbon, phosphorus and nitrogen were used to study time dependent changes in nutrients fluxes to Culiacan River Estuary. Results indicate that the release of urban sewage and agriculture wastes transported through Culiacan River has produced historically increased carbon, phosphorus and nitrogen fluxes to the study area. C:N:P elemental ratios showed that increments in the nutrients input begins simultaneously for C, N and P in 1948 with the clearing of the catchment for agriculture; although excess of nutrients input increased most importantly around the 1970s to roughly follow the rapidly growing population of Culiacan City. C/N ratios, delta13C and delta15N suggested that nutrient enrichment is mostly influenced by sewage delivered through Culiacan River.