Childhood maltreatment and risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease - Evidence of sex-specific associations in the general population.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Childhood maltreatment (CM) is linked to self-reported liver disease in adulthood. However, specific diagnostic entities, e.g., metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) as the most frequent chronic liver disease, and sex-differences have previously not been considered. METHODS: Cross-sectional analyses were conducted in 4188 adults from a population-based cohort in Northeastern Germany after excluding individuals with excessive alcohol consumption, cirrhosis, or chronic viral hepatitis. CM-exposure was assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Liver-related outcomes included serologic liver enzymes, fibrosis-4 score (FIB-4) and, in 1863 subjects who underwent magnetic resonance imaging examination, liver fat content. Sex-stratified linear regression and logistic regression models predicting liver-related outcomes and risk for MASLD, respectively, from overall CTQ scores were adjusted for age, school education, alcohol consumption, and waist circumference. Exploratory analyses investigated effects of CTQ-subscales on liver-related outcomes and risk for MASLD. RESULTS: In both sexes, overall CM-exposure was associated with higher levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase and FIB-4 score. In men, effects were mainly driven by physical abuse, and in women by emotional neglect. Only in men, overall CM-exposure (ß = 0.70, 95%-CI 0.26-1.13, p = 0.002) and four CTQ-subscales were associated with greater liver fat content, and physical abuse (aOR = 1.22, 95%-CI 1.02-1.46, p = 0.034) and physical neglect (aOR = 1.25, 95%-CI 1.04-1.49, p = 0.015) were associated with higher risk for MASLD. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest sex differences in the association between CM and objective serum and imaging markers of MASLD in adulthood. For men especially, a history of CM-exposure may increase risk of developing MASLD in adulthood.

Lower muscular strength is associated with greater liver fat content and higher serum liver enzymes-"The Sedentary's Liver" The Study of Health in Pomerania.

We investigated the associations of low handgrip strength (HGS, i.e., a marker of muscular fitness) with liver fat content (LFC) and serum liver enzymes in a population-based setting. We used data from 2700 participants (51.7% women), aged 21-90 years, from two independent cohorts of the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-START-2 and SHIP-TREND-0). Cross-sectional, multivariable adjusted regression models were performed to examine the associations of HGS with LFC, measured by magnetic resonance imaging and serum liver enzymes. We found significant inverse associations of HGS with both LFC and serum liver enzymes. Specifically, a 10-kg lower HGS was associated with a 0.59% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.24-0.94; p = 0.001) higher LFC, a 0.051 µkatal/L (95% CI: 0.005-0.097; p = 0.031) higher gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) concentration and a 0.010 µkatal/L (95% CI: 0.001-0.020; p = 0.023) higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentration. The adjusted odds-ratio for prevalent hepatic steatosis (defined by a MRI-PDFF ≥5.1%) per 10-kg lower HGS was 1.21 (95% CI: 1.04-1.40; p = 0.014). When considering only obese individuals, those with low HGS had a 1.58% (95% CI: 0.18-2.98; p = 0.027) higher mean LFC and higher chance of prevalent hepatic steatosis (adjusted OR 1.74, 95% CI: 1.15-2.62; p = 0.009) compared to individuals with high HGS. We found similar associations in individuals with overweight, but not in those with normal weight. Lower HGS was strongly associated with both higher LFC and higher serum GGT and AST concentrations. Future studies might clarify whether these findings reflect adverse effects of a sedentary lifestyle or aging on the liver.

Central obesity and fat-free mass are associated with a larger spleen volume in the general population.

Background and aim: As the spleen plays a significant role in immunity, the aim was to investigate the associations of different body composition markers derived from various sources with spleen volume in a general population sample. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional data of 1095 individuals (570 women; 52%) aged between 30 and 90 years were collected in the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-START-2). We measured spleen volume by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Body composition markers were derived from classic anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis, including absolute fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM), as well as from MRI, including visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and liver fat content. Sex-stratified-adjusted linear regression models were used to analyze the associations of body composition markers with spleen volumes. Results: We observed positive associations of body mass index, body weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-height ratio, absolute FM, absolute FFM, and VAT and SAT with spleen volume in men and women. An 8.12 kg higher absolute FFM was associated with a 38.4 mL (95% confidence interval [CI]: 26.7-50.1) higher spleen volume in men and a 5.21 kg higher absolute FFM with a 42.6 mL (95% CI: 26.2-59.0) higher spleen volume in women. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that obesity-related body composition markers and FFM are associated with a higher spleen volume. Particularly, higher absolute FFM showed a strong association with a larger spleen volume in both men and women. Further studies are warranted to understand the clinical significance of body composition markers on large spleen volume.

Body surface scan anthropometrics are associated with grip strength in the general population.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Body shape and anthropometrics are well-known risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and mortality. Hand-grip strength (HGS) is also a meaningful marker of health and a promising predictor of CVD and mortality. There is a lack of studies that have systematically investigated associations between body shape and anthropometrics with HGS. In a population-based study, we investigated if anthropometric markers derived from 3D body scanning are related to HGS. METHODS AND RESULTS: We used the data of 1,599 individuals aged 36 to 93 years, who participated in the Study of Health in Pomerania. A total of 87 anthropometric markers, determined by a 3D body scanner, were included in the analysis. Anthropometric measurements were standardized and used as exposure variables. HGS was measured with a hand dynamometer and used as outcome. Sex-stratified linear regression models adjusted for age and height were used to relate standardized anthropometrics and HGS. Anthropometric markers were ranked according to -log-p-values. In men, left and right forearm circumference, left arm length to neck (C7), left forearm length, and forearm-fingertip length were most strongly related to HGS. In women, right forearm circumference, forearm-fingertip length, shoulder breadth, left forearm circumference, and right wrist circumference showed the most significant associations with HGS. The final prediction models contained 13 anthropometric markers in males (R2=0.54) and eight anthropometric markers in females (R2=0.37). CONCLUSIONS: The identified parameters may help estimate HGS in the clinical setting. However, studies in clinical settings are essential to validating our findings.

Associations between 47 anthropometric markers derived from a body scanner and relative fat-free mass in a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Low relative fat free mass (FFM) is associated with a greater risk of chronic diseases and mortality. Unfortunately, FFM is currently not being measured regularly to allow for individuals therapy. OBJECTIVE: One reason why FFM is not being used may be related to additional equipment and resources, thus we aimed to identify easily accessible anthropometric markers related with FFM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed data of 1,593 individuals (784 women; 49.2%, age range 28-88 years) enrolled in the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-TREND 1). Forty-seven anthropometric markers were derived from a 3D optical body-scanner. FFM was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (FFMBIA) or air displacement plethysmography (FFMADP). In sex-stratified linear regression models, FFM was regressed on anthropometric measurements adjusted for body height and age. Anthropometric markers were ranked according to the coefficient of determination (R2) derived from these regression models. RESULTS: Circumferences of high hip, belly, middle hip, waist and high waist showed the strongest inverse associations with FFM. These relations were stronger in females than in males. Associations of anthropometric markers with FFMAPD were greater compared to FFMBIA. CONCLUSION: Anthropometric measures were more strongly associated with FFMADP compared to FFMBIA. Anthropometric markers like circumferences of the high or middle hip, belly or waist may be appropriate surrogates for FFM to aid in individualized therapy. Given that the identified markers are representative of visceral adipose tissue, the connection between whole body strength as surrogate for FFM and fat mass should be explored in more detail.

The Association Between C24:0/C16:0 Ceramide Ratio and Cardiorespiratory Fitness is Robust to Effect Modifications by Age and Sex.

Ceramides and cardiorespiratory (CR) fitness are both related to cardiovascular diseases. The associations of three blood plasma ceramides (C16:0, C22:0, and C24:0) with CR fitness in the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-START-1; n = 1,102; mean age 50.3 years, 51.5% women) are investigated. In addition, subgroup analysis according to age (

Sex-specific associations of childhood maltreatment with obesity-related traits - The Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP).

BACKGROUND: Child maltreatment (CM) is linked to obesity in adulthood. However, sex-differences and direct measurements of body fat have previously been insufficiently considered in this context. OBJECTIVE: To assess sex-specific associations of CM with anthropometric markers of overweight/obesity and direct measures of body fat. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Analyses were conducted in 4006 adults from a population-based cohort in Northeastern Germany (SHIP-TREND-0). METHODS: CM was assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Obesity-related traits included anthropometric indicators (i.e., height, weight, body mass index [BMI], waist [WC] and hip circumference [HC], waist-to-hip ratio [WHR], waist-to-height ratio [WHtR]), fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) ascertained using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Sex-stratified linear regression models predicting obesity-related traits from total CTQ scores were adjusted for age and education. Exploratory analyses investigated effects of CTQ subscales on obesity-related traits. RESULTS: In men, CM was positively associated with WHtR (ß = 0.04; p = .030) and VAT (ß = 0.02; p = .031) and inversely with body height (ß = -0.05; p = .010). In women, CM-exposure was positively associated with body weight (ß = 0.07; p = .018), BMI (ß = 0.03; p = .013), WC (ß = 0.07; p = .005), HC (ß = 0.05; p = .046), WHR (ß = 0.03; p = .015), WHtR (ß = 0.04; p = .006), FM (ß = 0.04; p = .006), and SAT (ß = 0.06; p = .041). In both sexes, effects were mainly driven by exposure to emotional and physical abuse. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that associations between CM-exposure and obesity-related traits in adulthood are primarily present in women. This may have implications for sex-specific obesity-related cardiometabolic risk after CM.

Body composition markers are associated with changes in inflammatory markers but not vice versa: A bi-directional longitudinal analysis in a population-based sample.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Growing body of evidence consistently link obesity and inflammation, Although the direction of the association is still unclear. We aimed to investigate longitudinal associations of body anthropometric, composition and fat distribution parameters with inflammatory markers and vice versa. METHOD AND RESULTS: We used data from 2464 individuals of the SHIP-TREND cohort with a median follow-up of 7 years. Linear regression models adjusted for confounders were used to analyze associations of standardized body composition markers derived from classic anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline with changes in inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC), fibrinogen) and vice versa. Higher level of anthropometric markers at baseline were associated with an increase in the change of inflammatory markers. A 13.5 cm higher waist circumference (WC), 16.0 kg body weight and 7.76 % relative fat mass (FM) at baseline was associated with a change in CRP of 0.52 mg/L (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.29 to 0.74), 0.51 mg/L (95 % CI: 0.29; 0.74) and 0.58 mg/L (95 % CI: 0.34; 0.82) respectively. Absolute FM showed the strongest association with changes in serum fibrinogen levels (ß for 8.69 kg higher FM: 0.07 g/L; 95 % CI: 0.05; 0.09). Baseline inflammatory markers were only associated with changes in hip circumference. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates the importance of anthropometric, body composition and fat distribution markers as a risk factor for the development of inflammation. To prevent inflammatory-related complications, important is to take measures against the development of obesity.

Cardiac remodelling in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the general population.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Our study investigates the contribution of NAFLD to changes in cardiac structure and function in a general population. METHODS: One thousand ninety-six adults (49.3% female) from the Study of Health in Pomerania underwent magnetic resonance imaging including cardiac and liver imaging. The presence of NAFLD by proton density fat fraction was related to left cardiac structure and function. Results were adjusted for clinical confounders using multivariable linear regression model. RESULTS: The prevalence for NAFLD was 35.9%. In adjusted multivariable linear regression models, NAFLD was positively associated with higher left ventricular mass index (ß = 0.95; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.45; 1.45), left ventricular concentricity (ß = 0.043; 95% CI: 0.031; 0.056), left ventricular end-diastolic wall thickness (ß = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.20; 0.38), left atrial end-diastolic volume index (ß = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.01; 1.32) and inversely associated with left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (ß = -0.78; 95% CI: -1.51; -0.05). When stratified by sex, we only found significant positive associations of NAFLD with left ventricular mass index, left atrial end-diastolic volume index, left ventricular cardiac output and an inverse association with global longitudinal strain in women. In contrast, men had an inverse association with left ventricular end-diastolic volume index and left ventricular stroke volume. Higher liver fat content was stronger associated with higher left ventricular mass index, left ventricular concentricity and left ventricular end-diastolic wall thickness. CONCLUSION: NAFLD is associated with cardiac remodelling in the general population showing sex specific patterns in cardiac structure and function.

Study of Health in Pomerode (SHIP-Brazil): aims, methodological issues and descriptive results / Estudo Vida e Saúde em Pomerode (SHIP-Brazil): objetivos, aspectos metodológicos e resultados descritivos

Background Few studies compared populations with similar genetic and culture background on different continents with standardized methods. Objective To describe methodological issues of the Study of Health in Pomerode - SHIP-Brazil and some characteristics of the participants of the baseline examination. Design and Setting Prospective, population-based cohort study of a representative sample of residents (aged 20 to 79 years) of Pomerode, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Methods Data for the baseline survey (from 2014 to 2018) were collected through interviews and medical examinations, including socio-demographic and lifestyle information, clinical and subclinical conditions, oral and mental health, among others. Biosamples (blood, urine, stool, and saliva) were collected and stored. Methods of data collection and quality control are described. Preliminary descriptive statistics were performed. Results The response rate was 67.6% (n=2,488 individuals). The Kappa test-retest of some variables varied from 0.54 to 1.0. German culture participants are older (46.5 vs 38.7 years), self-declared white (97.3% vs 82.1%), more frequently never smokers (71.4% vs 66.9%) but had higher risk of consuming alcohol (16.9% vs 13.4%) compared to participants with non-German background. Germans were taller (169 cm vs 166 cm), had greater abdominal circumference among men (101.9 cm vs 97.3 cm). Furthermore, they reported more multimorbidity (56.7% vs 43.6%) , had more arterial hypertension (30.7% vs 18.5%), but less depression (15.4% vs 19,1%) than non-Germans. Conclusions The interaction of genetic and social/environmental issues should be examined to understand the role of risk factors on clinical conditions observed.

Introdução Poucos estudos compararam populações com histórico genético e cultural semelhante em diferentes continentes com métodos padronizados. Objetivos Descrever questões metodológicas do estudo de "Vida e Saúde em Pomerode - SHIP-Brazil" e algumas características dos participantes do exame inicial do estudo. Desenho de estudo e local Estudo de coorte prospectivo de base populacional em amostra representativa de moradores (20 a 79 anos) de Pomerode, Santa Catarina. Métodos As informações para a linha de base (de 2014 a 2018) foram coletadas por meio de entrevistas e exames médicos, incluindo dados sociodemográficos, de estilo de vida, condições clínicas e subclínicas, saúde bucal e mental, entre outros. Amostras biológicas (sangue, urina, fezes e saliva) foram coletadas e armazenadas. A coleta de dados e o controle de qualidade foram descritos. Foram realizadas análises descritivas preliminares. Resultados A taxa de resposta foi de 67,6% (n=2.488 indivíduos). O Kappa teste-reteste de algumas variáveis variou  de 0,54 a 1,0. Os participantes de cultura alemã são mais velhos (46,5 vs 38,7 anos ), autodeclarados brancos (97,3% vs 82,1%), com menor número de fumantes (71,4% vs 66,9%), mas tiveram maior risco de consumir álcool (16,9% vs 13,4%), eram mais altos (169 cm vs 166 cm), tinham maior circunferência abdominal entre os homens (101,9 cm vs 97,3 cm) em comparação com participantes "não-alemães". Pessoas de cultura alemã relataram mais multimorbidade (56,7% vs 43,6%), apresentavam mais hipertensão arterial (30,7% vs 18,5%), mas menos depressão (15,4% vs 19,1%). Conclusões A interação genética e social/ambiental devem ser examinadas para melhor entender o papel desses fatores de risco nas condições clínicas observadas.

Associations of spleen volume with markers of blood count and lipid profile in a large population-based study.

Background: The aim of our study was to investigate associations of spleen volume with blood count markers and lipid profile in the general population. Materials & methods: Cross-sectional data from 1,106 individuals aged 30-90 years from the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-START-2) were analyzed. Blood count markers included red blood cell (RBC) counts, hemoglobin, platelet count, and white blood cell (WBC) counts. Lipid profile included total-cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) as well as triglycerides. Linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, body height, and weight were used to associate standardized spleen volume with blood counts and lipid profile markers. Results: Spleen volume was positively associated with RBC (ß = 0.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.03 to 0.08) and hemoglobin (ß = 0.05; 95% CI = 0.01 to 0.09) but inversely with platelet count (ß = -16.3; 95% CI = -20.5 to -12.1) and WBC (ß = -0.25; 95% CI = -0.37 to -0.14). Furthermore, spleen volume showed inverse associations with total cholesterol (ß = -0.17; 95% CI = -0.24 to -0.09), HDL-C (ß = -0.08; 95% CI = -0.10 to -0.05), and LDL-C (ß = -0.12; 95% CI = -0.17 to -0.06). There was no significant association of spleen volume with triglycerides. Conclusion: Our study showed that the spleen volume is associated with markers of the blood count and lipid profile in the general population.

Correlation of systolic and diastolic blood pressure with echocardiographic phenotypes of cardiac structure and function from three German population-based studies.

Arterial hypertension is considered a risk factor for the development of heart failure. Here we investigate cross-sectional associations of systolic and diastolic blood pressure with subtle functional and morphological changes of left ventricular echocardiographic parameters representing early dysfunction in three representative German population-based studies. We assessed 26,719 individuals without symptomatic heart failure from the Hamburg City Health Study (HCHS, n = 7396, derivation cohort), the Gutenberg Health Study (GHS, 14,715, validation cohort) and the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP, 4608, validation cohort). Multivariable linear regression analyses with systolic and diastolic blood pressure as continuous exposure variables were adjusted for common cardiovascular risk factors and antihypertensive medication. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure were consistently associated with measures of left ventricular hypertrophy (ß per standard deviation (SD) for LV mass (g) and systolic blood pressure: 5.09 (p < 0.001); diastolic blood pressure: 2.29 (p < 0.001) in HCHS). Systolic blood pressure correlated with declining diastolic function (ß per SD for E/e': 0.29, p < 0.001 in HCHS) and diastolic blood pressure with declining systolic function (ß per SD for LVEF, in %: - 0.15; p = 0.041 in HCHS) in all cohorts. Pending further validation, our results from three independent German population samples suggest differential effects of systolic versus diastolic blood pressure on left ventricular structure and function.

High Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone and Low Free Triiodothyronine Levels Are Associated with Chronic Kidney Disease in Three Population-Based Studies from Germany.

High serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels have previously been associated with a low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), but studies associating thyroid hormone levels with albuminuria revealed inconsistent results. We used cross-sectional data from 7933 individuals aged 20 to 93 years of the Berlin Aging Study II and the Study of Health in Pomerania to associate serum TSH, fT3, and fT4 levels with eGFR and albuminuria. In multivariable analyses adjusted for confounding, we found inverse non-linear associations of serum TSH levels with eGFR, while serum fT3 levels showed a positive association with eGFR. High as well as low serum fT4 levels were associated with a lower eGFR. Age but not sex modified the association between thyroid hormone levels and eGFR. The inverse associations between serum TSH levels and eGFR were strongest in the youngest age groups, while the positive associations between serum fT3 levels and eGFR were strongest in older individuals. No significant associations between thyroid hormone levels and albuminuria were found. Our results indicate that hypothyroidism might be associated with a reduced kidney function. Thyroid function might be more tightly related to the eGFR than to albuminuria in the general population.

Association of plasma chemerin with all-cause and disease-specific mortality - results from a population-based study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Various cross-sectional studies have observed an association between high circulating concentrations of the adipokine chemerin and an unfavorable metabolic profile. However, the prognostic value of chemerin for the risk of associated diseases and mortality was examined only in a few studies mostly using small and highly selected patient populations. We aimed to analyze the association between plasma chemerin concentrations and all-cause as well as cause-specific mortality in the general population. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: From the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP), participants of two independent cohorts (SHIP-START-1 [n = 3037], SHIP-TREND-0 [n = 4193]) were followed up for 15 and 9 years (median), respectively. The association between plasma chemerin and all-cause mortality was analyzed using multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models. Additionally, cause-specific hazards for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer mortality were modeled considering competing events. RESULTS: A total number of 507 and 208 deaths occurred during follow-up in SHIP-START-1 and SHIP-TREND-0, respectively. Multivariable regression analyses revealed a significant association between high plasma chemerin concentrations and greater overall mortality that was independent of major confounders. Each 30 ng/mL increase in chemerin was associated with a 17% higher risk of all-cause mortality (95%-confidence interval: 1.10-1.26). Cause-specific analyses further showed that the chemerin concentration was significantly associated with cancer mortality but not with CVD mortality. CONCLUSION: The present study detected a positive association between plasma chemerin concentrations and all-cause mortality in a large population-based study sample. Cause-specific analyses have shown that chemerin is likely to play a decisive role in cancer-related deaths. However, a direct association with cardiovascular mortality could not be established.

Body composition markers from classic anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and magnetic resonance imaging are associated with inflammatory markers in the general population.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The associations of body composition markers derived from different modalities with inflammatory markers are unclear. The aim of this study was to determine associations of the body composition markers from different modalities with inflammatory markers in a population-based study. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed data from 4048 participants (2081 women, 51.4%) aged 20-84 years. Linear regression models adjusted for confounding were used to analyze the association of classic anthropometry markers, absolute and relative fat mass, absolute fat-free mass (FFM), and body cell mass (BCM) assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis, subcutaneous, visceral, and liver fat from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with markers of inflammation. We found positive associations of classic anthropometry markers, total body fat, subcutaneous, visceral, and liver fat, with all inflammatory markers. Waist circumference (WC) showed the strongest association with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (ß: 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22 to 1.56) and white blood cell (WBC) (0.39; 0.29 to 0.48), whereas visceral fat showed the strongest association with ferritin (41.9; 34.7 to 49.0). Relative body fat was strongly associated with hsCRP (1.39; 1.20 to 1.58), fibrinogen (0.29; 0.27 to 0.32), and WBC (0.35; 0.25 to 0.46). Conversely, we found inverse associations of body height, FFM, and BCM with hsCRP, fibrinogen, and WBC. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates the importance of WC as an easily measured marker for early inflammation. MRI-assessed markers of central obesity seem to be most strongly related to ferritin.

Association of moderate and vigorous physical activity and relative muscle strength with neck circumference: a cross-sectional analysis of the Study of Health in Pomerode (SHIP-Brazil).

OBJECTIVE: Neck circumference is a simple anthropometric measurement that may be linked to chronic diseases, physical activity, and muscle strength. We sought to verify the association of moderate and vigorous physical activity levels and relative muscle strength with neck circumference in a community in southern Brazil. METHODS: We cross-sectionally analyzed data from 2,488 participants (51% women), aged 20-79 years old from the Study of Health in Pomerode (SHIP-Brazil) conducted in Pomerode, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Increased neck circumference was defined with cutoff points of >39cm for men and >35cm for women. The independent variables were the level of moderate and vigorous physical activity using the short International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and relative muscle strength using the handgrip test and body mass. Univariate and multiple Poisson regression models were used to determine the association between variables (p≤0.05). RESULTS: The prevalence of increased neck circumference was 48.2% (60.4% in men, 39.6% in women) and was associated with low relative muscle strength (PR=1.26, 95%CI: 1.17-1.35) in men, insufficient moderate and vigorous physical activity levels (PR=1.23, 95%CI: 1.14-1.32), and relative muscle strength (PR=1.73, 95%CI: 1.61-1.87) in women. After adjusting for covariates, no significant associations were observed between insufficient moderate and vigorous physical activity levels in men (PR=1.02, 95%CI: 0.95-1.07). CONCLUSION: Increased neck circumference seems to be an important predictor of low moderate and vigorous physical activity and relative strength loss in adults, and more pronounced in women.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate levels are inversely associated with left ventricular and atrial chamber volume and cardiac mass in men : The Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP).

AIMS: Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a signaling lipid, which is involved in several cellular processes including cell growth, proliferation, migration and apoptosis. The associations of serum S1P levels with cardiac geometry and function are still not clear. We investigated the associations of S1P with cardiac structure and systolic function in a population-based sample. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed cross-sectional analyses of 858 subjects (467 men; 54.4%), aged 22 to 81 years, from a sub-sample of the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-TREND-0). We analyzed the associations of serum S1P with structural and systolic function left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) parameters as determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using sex-stratified multivariable-adjusted linear regression models. In men, MRI data showed that a 1 µmol/L lower S1P concentration was associated with an 18.1 mL (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.66-32.6; p = 0.014) larger LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), a 0.46 mm (95% CI 0.04-0.89; p = 0.034) greater LV wall thickness (LVWT) and a 16.3 g (95% CI 6.55-26.1; p = 0.001) higher LV mass (LVM). S1P was also associated with a 13.3 mL/beat (95% CI 4.49-22.1; p = 0.003) greater LV stroke volume (LVSV), an 18.7 cJ (95% CI 6.43-30.9; p = 0.003) greater LV stroke work (LVSW) and a 12.6 mL (95% CI 1.03-24.3; p = 0.033) larger LA end-diastolic volume (LAEDV). We did not find any significant associations in women. CONCLUSIONS: In this population-based sample, lower levels of S1P were associated with higher LV wall thickness and mass, larger LV and LA chamber sizes and greater stroke volume and work of the LV in men, but not in women. Our results indicate that lower levels of S1P were associated with parameters related with cardiac geometry and systolic function in men, but not in women.

[Meat consumption by adults and the elderly in a city colonized by Germans in the south of Brazil: a population-based study]. / Consumo de carnes por adultos e idosos de uma cidade de colonização alemã do sul do Brasil: estudo de base populacional.

Excessive meat consumption, especially red and processed meats, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The pattern of meat consumption varies in Brazil and is influenced by economic and cultural factors in the world. The study aimed to analyze the consumption of meat by adults and the elderly in a city colonized by Germans in the south of Brazil. It involved a cross-sectional population study. Sociodemographic and meat consumption data were collected using a previously validated Food Frequency Questionnaire. Frequencies and amounts were analyzed by type of meat and processing. The association between excessive meat consumption and the study variables was estimated by Prevalence Ratio. Among the 1,941 participants, the average amount of meat consumed was 250 g/day, the most consumed being white unprocessed meat (138 g/day), especially poultry (80 g/day). The prevalence of excessive consumption of red and processed meat (more than 500 g/week) was 63%, mainly among men (PR=1.6; 95%CI 1.5-1.8), aged 20 to 29 years (PR=1.4; 95%CI 1.2-1.5), and higher economic class (PR=1.2; 95%CI 1.0-1.3). Excessive consumption of red and processed meat among young men of upper economic class should be the target of public health actions for the adequacy of food consumption.

O consumo excessivo de carnes, em especial as vermelhas e processadas, está associado ao aumento da morbi-mortalidade. O padrão de consumo de carnes varia no Brasil e no mundo influenciado por fatores econômicos e culturais. O estudo buscou analisar o consumo de carnes por adultos e idosos de uma cidade de colonização alemã do sul do Brasil. Trata-se de estudo populacional seccional. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficas e de consumo de carne por Questionário de Frequência Alimentar previamente validado. Foram analisadas as frequências, e as quantidades por tipo de carne e processamento. A associação entre o consumo excessivo de carne e as variáveis de estudo foi estimada por Razão de Prevalência. Entre os 1.941 participantes, a média de carne consumida foi de 250 g/dia, sendo a carne não processada branca (138 g/dia) a mais consumida, com destaque para as aves (80 g/dia). A prevalência de consumo excessivo de carne vermelha e processada (mais que 500 g/semana) foi de 63%, principalmente entre os homens (RP=1,6; IC95% 1,5-1,8), de 20 a 29 anos (RP=1,4; IC95% 1,2-1,5), e mais alta classe econômica (RP=1,2; IC95% 1,0-1,3). O consumo excessivo de carne vermelha e processada entre homens jovens de classe econômica alta deve ser alvo de ações de saúde pública para a adequação no consumo alimentar.

Consumo de carnes por adultos e idosos de uma cidade de colonização alemã do sul do Brasil: estudo de base populacional / Meat consumption by adults and the elderly in a city colonized by Germans in the south of Brazil: a population-based study

Resumo O consumo excessivo de carnes, em especial as vermelhas e processadas, está associado ao aumento da morbi-mortalidade. O padrão de consumo de carnes varia no Brasil e no mundo influenciado por fatores econômicos e culturais. O estudo buscou analisar o consumo de carnes por adultos e idosos de uma cidade de colonização alemã do sul do Brasil. Trata-se de estudo populacional seccional. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficas e de consumo de carne por Questionário de Frequência Alimentar previamente validado. Foram analisadas as frequências, e as quantidades por tipo de carne e processamento. A associação entre o consumo excessivo de carne e as variáveis de estudo foi estimada por Razão de Prevalência. Entre os 1.941 participantes, a média de carne consumida foi de 250 g/dia, sendo a carne não processada branca (138 g/dia) a mais consumida, com destaque para as aves (80 g/dia). A prevalência de consumo excessivo de carne vermelha e processada (mais que 500 g/semana) foi de 63%, principalmente entre os homens (RP=1,6; IC95% 1,5-1,8), de 20 a 29 anos (RP=1,4; IC95% 1,2-1,5), e mais alta classe econômica (RP=1,2; IC95% 1,0-1,3). O consumo excessivo de carne vermelha e processada entre homens jovens de classe econômica alta deve ser alvo de ações de saúde pública para a adequação no consumo alimentar.

Abstract Excessive meat consumption, especially red and processed meats, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The pattern of meat consumption varies in Brazil and is influenced by economic and cultural factors in the world. The study aimed to analyze the consumption of meat by adults and the elderly in a city colonized by Germans in the south of Brazil. It involved a cross-sectional population study. Sociodemographic and meat consumption data were collected using a previously validated Food Frequency Questionnaire. Frequencies and amounts were analyzed by type of meat and processing. The association between excessive meat consumption and the study variables was estimated by Prevalence Ratio. Among the 1,941 participants, the average amount of meat consumed was 250 g/day, the most consumed being white unprocessed meat (138 g/day), especially poultry (80 g/day). The prevalence of excessive consumption of red and processed meat (more than 500 g/week) was 63%, mainly among men (PR=1.6; 95%CI 1.5-1.8), aged 20 to 29 years (PR=1.4; 95%CI 1.2-1.5), and higher economic class (PR=1.2; 95%CI 1.0-1.3). Excessive consumption of red and processed meat among young men of upper economic class should be the target of public health actions for the adequacy of food consumption.