Published papers

OBJECTIVE: Although small fish are an important source of micronutrients, the relationship between their intake and mortality remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the association between intake of small fish and all-cause and cause-specific mortality. DESIGN: We used the data from a cohort study in Japan. The frequency of the intake of small fish was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all-cause and cause-specific mortality according to the frequency of the intake of small fish by sex were estimated using a Cox proportional hazard model with adjustments for covariates. SETTING: The Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort (J-MICC) Study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 80,802 participants (34,555 males and 46,247 females), aged 35-69 years. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 9.0 years, we identified 2,482 deaths including 1,495 cancer-related deaths. The intake of small fish was statistically significantly and inversely associated with the risk of all-cause and cancer mortality in females. The multivariable-adjusted HRs (95% CIs) in females for all-cause mortality according to the intake were 0.68 (0.55-0.85) for intakes 1-3 times/month, 0.72 (0.57-0.90) for 1-2 times/week, and 0.69 (0.54-0.88) for ≥3 times/week, compared with the rare intake. The corresponding HRs (95% CIs) in females for cancer mortality were 0.72 (0.54-0.96), 0.71 (0.53-0.96), and 0.64 (0.46-0.89), respectively. No statistically significant association was observed in males. CONCLUSIONS: Intake of small fish may reduce the risk of all-cause and cancer mortality in Japanese females.

Purpose: Hypertension (HT), dyslipidemia (DL), and diabetes mellitus (DM) are major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Despite the wide availability of medications to reduce this risk, poor adherence to medications remains an issue. The aim of this study is to evaluate medication adherence of prevalent users in these disease medications (HT, DL, DM) using claims data. Factors associated with non-adherence were also examined. Methods: Of 7538 participants of the Tsuruoka Metabolomics Cohort Study, 3693 (HT: 2702, DL: 2112, DM: 661) were identified as prevalent users of these disease medications. Information on lifestyle was collected through a questionnaire. Adherence was assessed by a proportion of days covered (PDC) and participants with PDC ≥0.8 were defined as adherent. Predictors of non-adherence were determined by performing multivariable logistic regression. Results: Medication adherence differed by treatment status. Among those without comorbidities, those with HT-only showed the highest adherence (90.2%), followed by those with DM-only (81.2%) and those with DL-only (80.8%). Factors associated with non-adherence in each medication group were skipping breakfast and poor understanding of medications among those with HT medications, females, having comorbidities, having a history of heart disease, and drinking habit among those with DL medications, and good sleep quality and skipping breakfast among those with DM medications. Conclusion: While participants showed high medication adherence, differences were observed across medication groups. The identified predictors of non-adherence could help target those in need of adherence support.

目的 生活習慣病の予防戦略立案において、循環器疾患危険因子の有病率、治療率およびそのコントロール率を性・年齢別に詳細に実態把握することは公衆衛生上重要である。高齢者の医療の確保に関する法律に基づく「レセプト情報・特定健診等情報データベース」の研究利用が可能になったことに伴い、滋賀県の特定健診全受診者における高血圧、糖尿病および高LDLコレステロール血症の有病率、治療率およびコントロール率を明らかにする。方法 滋賀県在住の平成20年度特定健診受診者全員を対象者とし、本データベースにおける特定健診に関する提供データを用い、性・年齢別(5歳階級)に高血圧、糖尿病、高LDLコレステロール血症の有病率、治療率、コントロール率およびその95%信頼区間を算定した。コントロール率は、高血圧、糖尿病、高LDLコレステロール血症治療者のうち、検査値が基準値未満の者の割合とした。結果 滋賀県在住の平成20年度特定健診受診者は211,976人であった。高血圧では男女ともに有病率(男性16〜60%、女性6〜58%)と治療率(男性23〜71%、女性24〜71%)は年齢上昇に伴い増加したが、コントロール率は約55%で年齢による違いがなかった。糖尿病では、男女の有病率(男性3〜15%、女性1〜10%)と男性の治療率(44〜62%)は年齢上昇に伴い増加し、コントロール率も男性で43〜51%、女性で32〜50%と緩やかに増加した。高LDLコレステロール血症では女性の有病率(16〜57%)と男女の治療率(男性6〜44%、女性6〜51%)、コントロール率が年齢上昇に伴い増加し、コントロール率は男性で63〜80%、女性で64〜77%と高い値を示した。結論 レセプト情報・特定健診等情報データベースの特定健診データの活用により循環器疾患危険因子の有病率、治療率の詳細把握が可能になるとともに、これまで報告がなかったコントロール率が明らかとなり、本データベースは生活習慣病の実態把握に有効に利用できることが示された。(著者抄録)

目的 平成20年度より開始された特定健診の平均受診率は市町村国保で31%前後であり,参酌標準の65%と大きく乖離している。健診受診率に影響を及ぼす要因について,受診勧奨施策の受診率への効果を検討した報告は少ない。本研究では,滋賀県野洲市において特定健診未受診者の未受診理由を明らかにし,得られた未受診理由を踏まえた健診受診勧奨手法を開発して,その効果について検討した。方法 滋賀県野洲市の国保加入者を対象として,平成21年度に,前年度(平成20年度)の特定健診未受診者4,122人のうち無作為抽出した1,579人に郵送にて特定健診未受診の理由を尋ねる質問紙調査を実施し,760人(48.1%)から回答を得た。特定健診未受診理由に基づき,未受診理由を踏まえた受診勧奨手法を開発し,平成22年度に受診率向上のための対策を実施した。勧奨手法の効果は,健診実施期間が平成22年度と同じであった平成20年度の健診受診率との比較により評価した。結果 健診未受診理由調査の結果,年齢層に関わらず「病院などにかかっている」「事業所健診等を受けている」「たまたま受け忘れた」「健康だから」が多く,中壮年層では加えて「受ける時間がない」も多かった。これらの未受診理由を踏まえて,個人と集団,それぞれへのアプローチを組み合わせた受診勧奨手法を開発した。個人へのアプローチとしては健診開始時に受診券と一緒に受診勧奨チラシを対象者全員に個別送付し,また健診期間の中間時点に,その時点の未受診者全員に再度,受診勧奨チラシと健診実施機関一覧表を個別送付した。集団に対するアプローチとしては同じく健診期間の中間時点で,「健康で自覚症状のない時の受診の重要性」をテーマにした記事の広報掲載とポスターの掲示を行った。この受診勧奨手法を用いた平成22年度の特定健診受診率は,用いていない平成20年度に比べて7.2%有意に上昇し,これは年齢層に分けても同様の結果であった。受診のきっかけを調査したところ,今回の受診勧奨手法をあげた者の割合は,ほぼ受診率の増加分に相当する660人(受診率8%相当)であった。結語 特定健診未受診理由を踏まえた受診勧奨手法を開発し,その効果を評価した。タイミングを見計らった個別通知や,健診受診の意義を伝える勧奨を,集団および個人を対象に実施したことにより,高年層,中壮年層ともに健診受診率は大きく上昇し,本受診勧奨手法の有用性が示された。(著者抄録)

In Asian countries, a major source of salt intake is from seasoning or table salt added at home. However, little is known about the adverse effects of salt intake evaluated according to household unit. We investigated the relationship between household salt intake level and mortality from all-cause and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Participants included 8702 individuals (56% women) who were living with someone else and who were aged 30-79 years and enrolled in the National Nutritional Survey of Japan in 1980 with a 24-year follow-up. Household nutrient intake was evaluated using a 3-day weighing record method in which all foods and beverages consumed by any of the household members were recorded. The household salt intake level was defined as the amount of salt consumed (g) per 1000 kcal of total energy intake in each household, and its average was 6.25 (2.02) g/1000 kcal. During the follow-up, there were 2360 deaths (787 CVD, 168 coronary heart disease [CHD], and 361 stroke). Cox proportional hazard ratios (HRs) for an increment of 2 g/1000 kcal in household salt intake were calculated and adjusting for sex, age, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol consumption status, self-reported work exertion level, household potassium intake, household saturated fatty acid intake, and household long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake. The HRs (95% confidence intervals) were 1.07 (1.02, 1.12) for all-cause mortality, 1.11 (1.03, 1.19) for CVD, 1.25 (1.08, 1.44) for CHD, and 1.12 (1.00, 1.25) for stroke. The household salt intake level was significantly associated with long-term risk of all-cause, CVD, CHD, and stroke mortality in a representative Japanese population.

BACKGROUND: The mechanisms by which exercise reduces the risk of coronary heart disease remain poorly understood. Irisin, an exercise-induced polypeptide secreted from skeletal muscles, is proposed to potentially mediate beneficial effects of exercise, especially in metabolic regulation and development of atherosclerosis. We examined whether higher serum irisin levels are associated with lower prevalence and progression of coronary atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed a prospective, population-based study of Japanese men aged 40-79 years without known coronary heart disease. We measured baseline serum irisin levels using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantified coronary artery calcification (CAC) from serial computed tomography scans. Of 1038 participants (mean age, 63.9 years) at baseline, 670 (64.6%) had prevalent CAC. Of 810 participants at follow-up (median, 5.1 years), 407 (50.3%) experienced CAC progression. In Poisson regression with robust error variance adjusted for age and behavioral factors, serum irisin levels were inversely associated with CAC prevalence (relative risk [RR] of 4th versus 1st quartiles [95% confidence interval], 0.88 [0.78-0.99]; trend P = 0.016) and CAC progression (RR, 0.76 [0.63-0.91]; trend P = 0.002). After further adjustment for cardiometabolic risk factors, the inverse association with CAC prevalence disappeared (RR, 0.95 [0.84-1.08]; trend P = 0.319), but that with CAC progression persisted (RR, 0.77 [0.64-0.93]; trend P = 0.003). These associations were consistent when we applied ordinal logistic regression and across subgroups by cardiometabolic risk factor status. CONCLUSIONS: Higher serum irisin levels were associated with less burden of coronary atherosclerosis. This association would be mediated through and beyond traditional cardiometabolic pathways.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the most common valve disease. Although micronutrients are known to contribute to cardiovascular disease, the relationship with CAVD remains poorly evaluated. We examined the association of serum levels of magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium with prevalence, incidence, and progression of aortic valve calcification (AVC). METHODS: We conducted a prospective study in a population-based sample of Japanese men aged 40-79 years without known cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease at baseline, and quantified AVC from serial computed tomographic images with the Agatston method. RESULTS: Of 938 participants at baseline (mean age, 63.7 ± 9.9 years), AVC prevalence was observed in 173 (18.4%). Of 596 participants without baseline AVC at follow-up (median duration, 5.1 years), AVC incidence was observed in 138 (23.2%). After adjustment for demographics, behaviors and cardiovascular risk factors, relative risks (95% confidence intervals) in the highest versus lowest categories of serum magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium were 0.62 (0.44-0.86), 1.45 (1.02-2.04), and 1.43 (0.95-2.15), respectively, for AVC prevalence and 0.62 (0.42-0.92), 1.93 (1.28-2.91), and 1.09 (0.77-1.55), respectively, for AVC incidence. Their linear trends of serum magnesium and phosphorus were also all statistically significant. Of 131 participants with baseline AVC, there was no association of any serum micronutrients with AVC progression. CONCLUSIONS: Serum magnesium was inversely associated, while serum phosphorus was positively associated with AVC prevalence and incidence, suggesting that these serum micronutrients may be potential candidates for risk prediction or prevention of CAVD, and warranting further studies.

Aims: To test a hypothesis that women with diabetes mellitus (DM)versus those without DM had a significantly higher risk of heart disease (HD), stroke and all-cause mortality than their male counterparts in the U.S. as well as in Japan. Methods: We analyzed two nationally representative datasets, one from the U.S. NHANES III cohort (n = 13,169), and the other from the Japan NIPPON DATA90 cohort (n = 7445). Hazard ratios (HRs)of DM for risk of mortality and sex-DM interaction effect on mortality were analyzed prospectively using Cox's proportional hazards regression models. Results: Patients with DM had significantly higher mortality from HD, stroke and all-cause mortality in the U.S. and in Japan. However, the HRs of DM versus non-DM for HD and all-cause mortality were significantly higher in women compared to men in the U.S. (sex-DM interaction: HR = 1.59, p = 0.01, and 1.24, p = 0.045 for HD and all-cause mortality), but the sex-DM interaction effect was not statistically significant in the Japanese cohort. Discussion: Patients with DM had a significantly higher risk of mortality than those without DM in the U.S. and Japan. However, women with DM versus those without DM had a higher relative risk of HD and all-cause mortality than their counterparts in men in the U.S, but this sex difference by DM status was not observed in the Japanese cohort. Whether the sex-difference effect of DM on HD and all-cause mortality is due to a difference in metabolic disorders between the two populations warrants consideration and further studies.

Aim: Irisin, an exercise-induced myokine, is a potential neurotrophic factor; however, its relationship with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated whether serum irisin levels are associated with CSVD in healthy Japanese men. Methods: We analyzed data from 720 men free of stroke and participated in this observational study. Serum irisin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CSVD was assessed on deep and subcortical white matter hyperintensities (DSWMHs), periventricular hyperintensities (PVHs), lacunar infarcts (LIs), and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) on brain magnetic resonance imaging. We calculated the total CSVD score (ranges 0–4) to express the total CSVD burden. We computed the adjusted odds ratios (ORs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), of the total CSVD score and individual CSVD features using logistic regression models according to the quartiles of irisin (reference: Q1). Results: Serum irisin levels were associated with lower ORs of higher (vs. zero or lower score) total CSVD score, with the lowest risk (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.41–0.97) being observed in Q3 compared to Q1 after adjustment of potential covariates. Similar results were obtained for younger adults (＜65 years). Among individual CSVD features, irisin was associated with a reduced risk of LIs in the total sample and PVHs, LIs, and CMBs in younger adults. No relationship was observed in older adults (≥ 65 years). Conclusions: Serum irisin levels were associated with less burden of total CSVD in healthy Japanese men. Serum irisin levels were also related with a reduced risk of PVHs, LIs, and CMBs, but not DSWMHs.

This study aimed to investigate the association between daily sedentary time and the risk of breast cancer (BC) in a large Japanese population. The participants were 36,023 women aged 35–69 years from the Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort Study. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for BC incidence in relation to time spent sedentarily (categorical variables: <7 and ≥7 hours/day [h/d]). Additionally, the associations of BC incidence to the joint effect of sedentary time with each component of physical activity, such as leisure-time metabolic equivalents (METs), frequency of leisure-time physical activity, and daily walking time, were examined. During 315,189 person-years of follow-up, 554 incident cases of BC were identified. When compared to participants who spent <7 h/d sedentary, those who spent ≥7 h/d sedentary have a significantly higher risk of BC (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.07–1.71). The corresponding HRs among participants who spent ≥7 h/d sedentary with more physical activity, such as ≥1 h/d for leisure-time METs, ≥3 days/week of leisure-time physical activity, and ≥1 h/d of daily walking were 1.58 (95% CI, 1.11–2.25), 1.77 (95% CI, 1.20–2.61), and 1.42 (95% CI, 1.10–1.83), respectively, compared with those who spent <7 h/d sedentary. This study found that spending ≥7 h/d of sedentary time is associated with the risk of BC. Neither leisure-time physical activity nor walking had a BC-preventive effect in those with ≥7 h/d of sedentary time.

Aim: The present study aimed to clarify the association between body mass index (BMI) and the activities of daily living (ADL). Although BMI is likely to be concerned regarding the relationship with specific diseases or mortality, few studies have focused on the relationship of BMI and ADL. Methods: A total of 3353 Japanese participants of a 22-year cohort study from 1990 to 2012 aged 45–74 years at baseline were divided into four groups according to their BMI levels: ≤18.5, 18.5–21.9 (reference), 22.0–24.9 and ≥25.0 kg/m 2 . Outcomes were becoming dependent in ADL (including death after ADL decline) and death without observation of ADL decline as a competing risk. Sex-specific multinomial logistic regression analysis was carried out in 2017 to estimate the odds ratios (OR) after adjusting for age, smoking, alcohol drinking, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes and serum albumin. Results: After multivariable adjustment, though the relationship between BMI and risk of ADL decline was U-shaped among women, only those with BMI ≥25.0 showed a higher risk for ADL decline (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.01–1.92) compared with the reference. The OR for death without observation of ADL decline was significantly lower for men with BMI ≥25.0 (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.50–0.98). Conclusions: This study suggests being overweight is a good predictor of future decline in ADL for women, whereas men with BMI 22.0–24.9 had lower risks of ADL decline. Appropriate management of weight in older women could prevent disabilities. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 799–805.

Background: The association of proteinuria and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with cognition needs more clarification. We cross-sectionally examined whether proteinuria and reduced eGFR, even in moderate stages, were independently associated with lower cognition in a community-based sample of elderly men.Methods: Our cohort initially comprised 1,094 men aged 40–79 years from a random sample from Shiga, Japan in 2006–2008. Of 853 men who returned for the follow-up examination (2009–2014), we analyzed 561 who were ≥65 years, free of stroke, and completed the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI) at follow-up (higher CASI scores [range 0 to 100] indicate better cognition). Proteinuria was assessed via dipstick. eGFR was calculated according to the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration Equation. Participants were divided into three groups either by eGFR (≥60, 59–40, and <40 mL/min/1.73 m2) or by proteinuria (no, trace, and positive), considered normal, moderate, and advanced, respectively. Using linear regression, we computed mean CASI score, with simultaneous adjustment for proteinuria and eGFR in addition to other potential confounders.Results: Significant trends of lower cognition were observed across the groups of worse proteinuria and lower eGFR independently: multivariable-adjusted mean CASI scores were 90.1, 89.3, and 88.4 for proteinuria (Ptrend = 0.029), and 90.0, 88.5, and 88.5 for eGFR (Ptrend = 0.015) in mutual-adjustment model.Conclusions: Proteinuria and reduced eGFR, even in their moderate stages, were independently associated with lower cognition in a community-based sample of elderly men. The results suggest the importance of proteinuria and low eGFR for early detection and prevention of cognitive decline.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The association between carbohydrate intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk has been investigated, but whether the quality of carbohydrate is more important than its amount is not known. We examined the associations between intake of dietary fibre (DF), carbohydrate, available carbohydrate, and starch with long-term CVD mortality in a Japanese population. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We prospectively followed 8925 participants (3916 men and 5009 women) aged 30-79 years without CVD at baseline who participated in the National Nutrition Survey in Japan. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CVD mortality by quartiles of exposure variables. RESULTS: During 24 years of follow-up, 823 CVD deaths were observed. In men, the multivariable-adjusted HR for CVD mortality was lower in the highest quartile of DF intake (HR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.47-0.87; Ptrend = 0.007) compared with the lowest quartile. This association was not significant in women. Multivariable-adjusted HR for total stroke mortality was lower in the highest quartile of DF intake (HR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.38-0.98; Ptrend = 0.046) compared with the lowest quartile in women. Carbohydrate, available carbohydrate, and starch intake were not associated with CVD mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Higher intake of DF was associated significantly with a lower risk of CVD mortality in men and lower risk of stroke mortality in women. Intake of carbohydrate, available carbohydrate, and starch were not associated with the risk of CVD mortality in men or women.

Studies from Western countries suggest that smokers tend to display greater abdominal obesity than non-smokers, despite showing lower weight. Whether this holds true in a leaner population requires clarification. Using indices of abdominal obesity including visceral adipose tissue, we examined whether lifetime cigarette smoking is associated with unfavorable fat distribution among Japanese men. From 2006 to 2008, we conducted a cross-sectional investigation of a community-based sample of Japanese men at 40-64 years old, free of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Areas of abdominal visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were calculated using computed tomography. We divided participants into four groups: never-smokers; and tertiles of pack-years of smoking among ever-smokers. Using multivariable linear regression, we calculated adjusted means of obesity indices (VAT, SAT, VAT-SAT ratio [VSR], and waist-hip ratio [WHR]) for each group, and mean differences between consecutive groups. We analyzed 513 men (median age, 58.2 years; current smokers, 40.1%). Two-thirds showed body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m(2) (median, 23.5 kg/m(2)). Overall, greater lifetime smoking group was associated with greater WHR and VSR. On average, one higher smoking group was associated with 0.005 higher WHR (95% CI, 0.001-0.008; P = 0.005) and 0.041 greater VSR (95% CI, 0.009-0.073; P = 0.012) after adjustment for potential confounders, including BMI. In this sample of relatively lean Japanese men, greater lifetime smoking was associated with a metabolically more adverse fat distribution. Although smoking is commonly associated with lower BMI, minimizing the amount of lifetime smoking should be advocated.

Background:Several cohort studies have demonstrated an association between socioeconomic status (SES) and health outcomes in Japan. As long-term employment is common in Japan, the size of the company may be related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality risk. We examined the association of employment conditions with CVD mortality risk among working-age Japanese men (30–59 years, n=2,091).Methods and Results:We used 20-year follow-up data from NIPPON DATA90, for which baseline data were obtained from the 4th National Survey on Circulatory Disorders in 1990. Participants were classified into 4 groups: 3 strata for indefinite-term employees according to company size (large company/public office, moderate-sized, or small), and the self-employed/administrator group. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were adjusted for age, lifestyle, and CVD risk factors. Smokers were more common, habitual exercise was less common, and the average systolic blood pressure was higher among indefinite-term employees of small companies compared with employees at large companies/public offices. There was no significant difference in the total CVD mortality risk between indefinite-term employees and self-employed/administrator participants. The age-adjusted HR (95% confidence interval) for total CVD using indefinite-term employees of large companies/public office as a reference was 2.53 (1.12, 5.69) for employees of small companies.Conclusions:Working as an indefinite-term employee at a small company in Japan was significantly associated with elevated risk of CVD mortality among Japanese men.

BACKGROUND: Recently, high-density lipoprotein particles (HDL-P) have been found to be more strongly inversely associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) risk than their counterpart, HDL cholesterol (HDL-C). Given that lifestyle is among the first targets in CAD prevention, we compared the associations of HDL-P and HDL-C with selected lifestyle factors. Methods and Results: We examined 789 Japanese participants of the INTERLIPID Study: men (n=386) and women (n=403) aged 40-59 years in 1996-1998. Participants treated for dyslipidemias were excluded. Lifestyle factors included alcohol intake, smoking amount, and body mass index (BMI). Multivariable linear regression was used for cross-sectional analyses of these factors with HDL-P, HDL-C, HDL-P size subclasses (small, medium and large) and mean HDL-P size. In men, higher alcohol intake was associated with higher HDL-P and higher HDL-C. The associations of alcohol, however, were strongest with HDL-P. A higher smoking amount tended to be associated with lower HDL-P and HDL-C. In contrast, BMI was not associated with HDL-P, but was strongly inversely associated with HDL-C. While alcohol intake favored larger mean HDL-P size, smoking and BMI favored a lipid profile with smaller HDL-P subclasses and overall smaller mean HDL-P size. Similar, but generally weaker results were observed in women. CONCLUSIONS: Although both HDL-P and HDL-C are parameters of HDL, they have different associations with alcohol, smoking and BMI.

: The association between nutrient patterns and metabolic syndrome (MetS) has not been examined in a Japanese population. A cross-sectional study was performed on 30,108 participants (aged 35-69 years) in the baseline survey of the Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort Study. Dietary intake was assessed using a 46-item food frequency questionnaire. MetS was diagnosed according to the Joint Interim Statement Criteria of 2009, using body mass index instead of waist circumference. Factor analysis was applied to energy-adjusted intake of 21 nutrients, and three nutrient patterns were extracted: Factor 1 (fiber, potassium and vitamins pattern); Factor 2 (fats and fat-soluble vitamins pattern); and Factor 3 (saturated fatty acids, calcium and vitamin B2 pattern). In multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted for sex, age, and other potential confounders, Factor 1 scores were associated with a significantly reduced odds ratio (OR) of MetS and all five components. Factor 2 scores were associated with significantly increased prevalence of MetS, obesity, and high blood pressure. Factor 3 scores were significantly associated with lower OR of MetS, high blood pressure, high serum triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol levels. Analysis of nutrient patterns may be useful to assess the overall quality of diet and its association with MetS.

BACKGROUND: Many studies show that dietary factors such as vegetables, fruit, and salt are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, a risk assessment chart for CVD mortality according to combinations of dietary factors has not been established.Methods and Results:Participants were 9,115 men and women aged 30-79 years enrolled in the National Nutritional Survey of Japan in 1980 with a 29-year follow-up. Dietary intake was assessed using a 3-day weighed dietary record at baseline. Cox regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of CVD mortality stratified by vegetables, fruit, fish, and salt consumption. HRs of CVD mortality according to combinations of dietary factors were color coded on an assessment chart. Higher intakes of vegetables, fruit, and fish, and lower salt intake were associated with lower CVD mortality risk. HRs calculated from combinations of dietary factors were displayed using 5 colors corresponding to the magnitude of the HR. People with the lowest intake of vegetables, fruit, and fish, and higher salt intake had a HR of 2.87 compared with those with the highest intake of vegetables, fruit, and fish, and lower salt intake. CONCLUSIONS: Vegetables, fruit, fish, and salt intake were independently associated with CVD mortality risk. The assessment chart generated could be used in Japan as an educational tool for CVD prevention.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive dysfunction has been recognized as a diabetes-related complication. Whether hyperglycemia or elevated fasting glucose are associated with cognitive decline remains controversial. We aimed to investigate the relationship between fasting glucose levels and cognitive function in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. METHODS: Participants were Japanese diabetic (n = 191) and non-diabetic (n = 616) men, aged 46-81 years, from 2010-2014. Blood samples were taken after a 12 h fast. The Cognitive Ability Screening Instrument (CASI), with a maximum score of 100, was used for cognitive assessment. Cognitive domains of CASI were also investigated. Fractional logit regression with covariate adjustment for potential confounders was used to model cross-sectional relationships between fasting blood glucose and CASI score. RESULTS: For diabetic individuals, CASI score was 0.38 (95% confidence interval: 0.66-0.12) lower per 1 mmol/L higher fasting glucose level. Short-term memory domain also exhibited an inverse association. For non-diabetic individuals, a reverse U-shaped relationship was observed between fasting glucose and cognitive function, identifying a threshold for highest cognitive performance of 91.8 CASI score at 3.97-6.20 mmol/L (71.5-111.6 mg/dL) fasting glucose. Language ability domain displayed a similar relationship with fasting glucose. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated fasting glucose levels in diabetic men were associated with lower cognitive function, in which short-term memory was the main associated domain. Interestingly, in non-diabetic men, we identified a threshold for the inverse relationship of elevated fasting glucose with cognitive function. Contrastingly to diabetic men, language ability was the main associated cognitive domain among non-diabetic men.

Background: Excessive alcohol intake has been shown to be associated with cardiovascular disease via metabolic pathways. However, the relationship between alcohol intake and obesity has not been fully elucidated. We aimed to examine the association of alcohol consumption with fat deposition and anthropometric measures.Methods: From 2006–2008, we conducted a cross-sectional study in a population-based sample of Japanese men aged 40 through 79 years. Areas of abdominal visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were calculated using computed tomography imaging. Based on a questionnaire, we classified participants into five groups according to weekly alcohol consumption, excluding former drinkers: non-drinkers (0 g/week), 0.1–160.9, 161–321.9, 322–482.9, and ≥483 g/week. Multivariable linear regression was used to estimate adjusted means of obesity indices for each group.Results: We analyzed 998 men (mean age and body mass index [BMI], 63.8 years and 23.6 kg/m2, respectively). Higher weekly alcohol consumption was strongly and significantly associated with higher abdominal VAT area, percentage of VAT, and VAT-to-SAT ratio (all P for trend <0.001), and also with waist circumferences and waist-to-hip ratio (P for trend = 0.042 and 0.007, respectively). These associations remained significant after further adjustment for BMI, whereas alcohol consumption had no significant association with abdominal SAT area.Conclusions: Higher alcohol consumption was associated with higher VAT area, VAT%, and VAT-to-SAT ratio, independent of confounders, including BMI, in general Japanese men. These results suggest that alcohol consumption may have a potential adverse effect on visceral fat deposition.