T B Harris

Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Utrecht, Provincie Utrecht, Netherlands

Are you T B Harris?

Claim your profile

Publications (123)446.49 Total impact

  • Article: Serum Vitamin D and Parathyroid Hormone in Relation to Cardiac Structure and Function: The ICELAND-MI Substudy of AGES-Reykjavik.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Context:Emerging evidence suggests that vitamin D and PTH may play a role in the development of cardiac diseases.Objective:We investigated whether 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and PTH concentrations are cross-sectionally associated with cardiac structure and function using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Design, Setting, and Participants:ICELAND-MI is a substudy of the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility-Reykjavik Study, an older-aged community-dwelling cohort with oversampling of participants with diabetes (29%) and measurements between 2004 and 2007. Serum 25OHD concentrations were measured using an immunoassay (n = 992). Intact PTH concentrations were measured using a 2-site immunoassay (n = 203). We included 969 participants for this cross-sectional analysis (mean age 76 ± 5.3 years, 51% female). Mean 25OHD was 54.2 ± 25.5 nmol/L and the median PTH was 4.5 pmol/L (range 1.5-18).Main Outcomes:MRI to measure cardiac structure and function was the main outcome.Results:The lowest 25OHD category (<25 nmol/L) compared with the highest category (≥75 nmol/L) was associated with a smaller left and right atrial area in unadjusted analyses; however, the associations became nonsignificant after adjustment for covariates. The highest PTH quartile compared with the lowest quartile was significantly associated with a 7.3 g (95% confidence interval 0.8, 13.8) greater left ventricular (LV) mass and a 5.1% (-9.1, -1.1) lower LV ejection fraction compared with the lowest PTH quartile in the fully adjusted model.Conclusions:Serum 25OHD concentrations were not associated with MRI measures in an older white population. Higher PTH concentrations were associated with greater LV mass and lower systolic function and may point to a potential role for PTH as a determinant of cardiac remodeling.
    The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism 04/2013; · 6.50 Impact Factor
  • Article: Drug-gene interactions and the search for missing heritability: a cross-sectional pharmacogenomics study of the QT interval.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Variability in response to drug use is common and heritable, suggesting that genome-wide pharmacogenomics studies may help explain the 'missing heritability' of complex traits. Here, we describe four independent analyses in 33 781 participants of European ancestry from 10 cohorts that were designed to identify genetic variants modifying the effects of drugs on QT interval duration (QT). Each analysis cross-sectionally examined four therapeutic classes: thiazide diuretics (prevalence of use=13.0%), tri/tetracyclic antidepressants (2.6%), sulfonylurea hypoglycemic agents (2.9%) and QT-prolonging drugs as classified by the University of Arizona Center for Education and Research on Therapeutics (4.4%). Drug-gene interactions were estimated using covariable-adjusted linear regression and results were combined with fixed-effects meta-analysis. Although drug-single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) interactions were biologically plausible and variables were well-measured, findings from the four cross-sectional meta-analyses were null (Pinteraction>5.0 × 10-8). Simulations suggested that additional efforts, including longitudinal modeling to increase statistical power, are likely needed to identify potentially important pharmacogenomic effects.The Pharmacogenomics Journal advance online publication, 5 March 2013; doi:10.1038/tpj.2013.4.
    The Pharmacogenomics Journal 03/2013; · 4.54 Impact Factor
  • Source
    Article: GWAS of 126,559 Individuals Identifies Genetic Variants Associated with Educational Attainment
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: A genome-wide association study of educational attainment was conducted in a discovery sample of 101,069 individuals and a replication sample of 25,490. Three independent SNPs are genome-wide significant (rs9320913, rs11584700, rs4851266), and all three replicate. Estimated effects sizes are small (R2 approximately 0.02%), approximately 1 month of schooling per allele. A linear polygenic score from all measured SNPs accounts for approximately 2% of the variance in both educational attainment and cognitive function. Genes in the region of the loci have previously been associated with health, cognitive, and central nervous system phenotypes, and bioinformatics analyses suggest the involvement of the anterior caudate nucleus. These findings provide promising candidate SNPs for follow-up work, and our effect size estimates can anchor power analyses in social-science genetics.
    Science. 01/2013;
  • Article: Associations of current and remitted major depressive disorder with brain atrophy: the AGES-Reykjavik Study.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: To examine whether lifetime DSM-IV diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD), including age at onset and number of episodes, is associated with brain atrophy in older persons without dementia.Method Within the population-based Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility (AGES)-Reykjavik Study, 4354 persons (mean age 76±5 years, 58% women) without dementia had a 1.5-T brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Automated brain segmentation total and regional brain volumes were calculated. History of MDD, including age at onset and number of episodes, and MDD in the past 2 weeks was diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). RESULTS: Of the total sample, 4.5% reported a lifetime history of MDD; 1.5% had a current diagnosis of MDD (including 75% with a prior history of depression) and 3.0% had a past but no current diagnosis (remission). After adjusting for multiple covariates, compared to participants never depressed, those with current MDD (irrespective of past) had more global brain atrophy [B=-1.25%, 95% confidence interval (CI) -2.05 to -0.44], including more gray- and white-matter atrophy in most lobes, and also more atrophy of the hippocampus and thalamus. Participants with current, first-onset MDD also had more brain atrophy (B=-1.62%, 95% CI -3.30 to 0.05) whereas those remitted did not (B=0.06%, 95% CI -0.54 to 0.66). CONCLUSIONS: In older persons without dementia, current MDD, irrespective of prior history, but not remitted MDD was associated with widespread gray- and white-matter brain atrophy. Prospective studies should examine whether MDD is a consequence of, or contributes to, brain volume loss and development of dementia.
    Psychological Medicine 05/2012; · 6.16 Impact Factor
  • Article: Association of heat shock proteins with all-cause mortality.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Experimental mild heat shock is widely known as an intervention that results in extended longevity in various models along the evolutionary lineage. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are highly upregulated immediately after a heat shock. The elevation in HSP levels was shown to inhibit stress-mediated cell death, and recent experiments indicate a highly versatile role for these proteins as inhibitors of programmed cell death. In this study, we examined common genetic variations in 31 genes encoding all members of the HSP70, small HSP, and heat shock factor (HSF) families for their association with all-cause mortality. Our discovery cohort was the Rotterdam study (RS1) containing 5,974 participants aged 55 years and older (3,174 deaths). We assessed 4,430 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using the HumanHap550K Genotyping BeadChip from Illumina. After adjusting for multiple testing by permutation analysis, three SNPs showed evidence for association with all-cause mortality in RS1. These findings were followed in eight independent population-based cohorts, leading to a total of 25,007 participants (8,444 deaths). In the replication phase, only HSF2 (rs1416733) remained significantly associated with all-cause mortality. Rs1416733 is a known cis-eQTL for HSF2. Our findings suggest a role of HSF2 in all-cause mortality.
    Age 05/2012; · 6.28 Impact Factor
  • Source
    Article: Genome-wide meta-analyses of smoking behaviors in African Americans.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: The identification and exploration of genetic loci that influence smoking behaviors have been conducted primarily in populations of the European ancestry. Here we report results of the first genome-wide association study meta-analysis of smoking behavior in African Americans in the Study of Tobacco in Minority Populations Genetics Consortium (n = 32,389). We identified one non-coding single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; rs2036527[A]) on chromosome 15q25.1 associated with smoking quantity (cigarettes per day), which exceeded genome-wide significance (β = 0.040, s.e. = 0.007, P = 1.84 × 10(-8)). This variant is present in the 5'-distal enhancer region of the CHRNA5 gene and defines the primary index signal reported in studies of the European ancestry. No other SNP reached genome-wide significance for smoking initiation (SI, ever vs never smoking), age of SI, or smoking cessation (SC, former vs current smoking). Informative associations that approached genome-wide significance included three modestly correlated variants, at 15q25.1 within PSMA4, CHRNA5 and CHRNA3 for smoking quantity, which are associated with a second signal previously reported in studies in European ancestry populations, and a signal represented by three SNPs in the SPOCK2 gene on chr10q22.1. The association at 15q25.1 confirms this region as an important susceptibility locus for smoking quantity in men and women of African ancestry. Larger studies will be needed to validate the suggestive loci that did not reach genome-wide significance and further elucidate the contribution of genetic variation to disparities in cigarette consumption, SC and smoking-attributable disease between African Americans and European Americans.
    Translational psychiatry. 02/2012; 2:e119.
  • Article: Lifelong physical activity in maintaining bone strength in older men and women of the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility-Reykjavik Study.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: We examined if lifelong physical activity is important for maintaining bone strength in the elderly. Associations of quantitative computerized tomography-acquired bone measures (vertebral and femoral) and self-reported physical activity in mid-life (mean age, 50 years), in old age (≥65 years), and throughout life (recalled during old age) were investigated in 2,110 men and 2,682 women in the AGES-Reykjavik Study. Results conclude lifelong physical activity with continuation into old age (≥65 years) best maintains better bone health later in life. Skeletal loading is thought to modulate the loss of bone in later life, and physical activity is a chief means of affecting bone strength by skeletal loading. Despite much discussion regarding lifelong versus early adulthood physical activity for preventing bone loss later in life, inconsistency still exists regarding how to maintain bone mass later in life (≥65 years). We examined if lifelong physical activity is important for maintaining bone strength in the elderly. The associations of quantitative computerized tomography-acquired vertebral and femoral bone measures and self-reported physical activity in mid-life (mean age, 50 years), in old age (≥65 years), and throughout life (recalled during old age) were investigated in 2,110 men and 2,682 women in the AGES-Reykjavik Study. Our findings conclude that lifelong physical activity with continuation into old age (≥65 years) best maintains better bone health in the elderly.
    Osteoporosis International 01/2012; 23(9):2303-12. · 4.58 Impact Factor
  • Article: Age-related loss of proximal femoral strength in elderly men and women: the Age Gene/Environment Susceptibility Study--Reykjavik.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: The risk of hip fracture rises rapidly with age, and is particularly high in women. This increase in fracture risk reflects both the age-related change in the risk of falling and decrements in the strength of the proximal femur. To better understand the extent to which proximal femoral density, structure and strength change with age as a function of gender, we have carried out a longitudinal analysis of proximal femoral volumetric quantitative computed tomographic (vQCT) images in men and women, analyzing changes in trabecular and cortical bone properties, and using subject-specific finite element modeling (FEM) to estimate changes in bone strength. In the AGES-Reykjavik Study vQCT scans of the hip were performed at a baseline visit in 2002-2006 and at a second visit 5.05±0.25 years later. From these, 223 subjects (111 men, 112 women, aged 68-87 years) were randomly selected. The subjects were evaluated for longitudinal changes in three bone variables assessed in a region similar to the total femur region quantified by DXA: areal bone mineral density (aBMD), trabecular volumetric bone mineral density (tBMD) and the ratio of cortical to total tissue volume (cvol/ivol). They were also evaluated for changes in bone strength using FEM models of the left proximal femur. Models were analyzed under single-limb stance loading (F(Stance)), which approximates normal physiologic loading of the hip, as well as a load approximating a fall onto the posterolateral aspect of the greater trochanter (F(Fall)). We computed five-year absolute and percentage changes in aBMD, tBMD, cvol/ivol, F(Fall) and F(Stance). The Mann-Whitney Test was employed to compare changes in bone variables between genders and the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was used to compare changes in bone strength between loading conditions. Multiple (linear) regression was employed to determine the association of changes in F(Fall) and F(Stance) with baseline age and five-year weight loss. Both men and women showed declines in indices of proximal femoral density and structure (aBMD: men -3.9±6.0%, women -6.1±6.2%; tBMD: men -14.8±20.3%, women -23.9±26.8%; cvol/ivol: men -2.6±4.6%, women -4.7±4.8%, gender difference: p<0.001). Both men and women lost bone strength in each loading condition (F(Stance): men -4.2±9.9%, women -8.3±8.5%; F(Fall): men -7.0±15.7%, women -12.8±13.2%; all changes from baseline p<0.0001). The gender difference in bone strength loss was statistically significant in both loading conditions (p<0.001 for F(Stance) and P<0.01 for F(Fall)) and F(Fall) was lost at a higher rate than F(Stance) in men (p<0.01) and women (p<0.0001). The gender difference in strength loss was statistically significant after adjustment for baseline age and weight loss in both loading conditions (p<0.01). In these multi-linear models, men showed increasing rates of bone loss with increasing age (F(Fall): p=0.002; F(Stance): p=0.03), and women showed increasing bone strength loss with higher degrees of weight loss (F(Stance): p=0.003). The higher loss of F(Fall) compared to F(Stance) supports previous findings in animal and human studies that the sub-volumes of bone stressed under normal physiologic loading are relatively better protected in aging. The gender difference in hip bone strength loss is consistent with the higher incidence of hip fracture among elderly women.
    Bone 12/2011; 50(3):743-8. · 4.02 Impact Factor
  • Article: Retinopathy in old persons with and without diabetes mellitus: the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility--Reykjavik Study (AGES-R).
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: We aimed to describe the prevalence of retinopathy in an aged cohort of Icelanders with and without diabetes mellitus. The study population consisted of 4,994 persons aged ≥ 67 years, who participated in the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility-Reykjavik Study (AGES-R). Type 2 diabetes mellitus was defined as HbA(1c) ≥ 6.5% (>48 mmol/mol). Retinopathy was assessed by grading fundus photographs using the modified Airlie House adaptation of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study protocol. Associations between retinopathy and risk factors were estimated using odds ratios obtained from multivariate analyses. The overall prevalence of retinopathy in AGES-R was 12.4%. Diabetes mellitus was present in 516 persons (10.3%), for 512 of whom gradable fundus photos were available, including 138 persons (27.0%, 95% CI 23.2, 31.0) with any retinopathy. Five persons (1.0%, 95% CI 0.3, 2.3) had proliferative retinopathy. Clinically significant macular oedema was present in five persons (1.0%, 95% CI 0.3, 2.3). Independent risk factors for retinopathy in diabetic patients in a multivariate model included HbA(1c), insulin use and use of oral hypoglycaemic agents, the last two being indicators of longer disease duration. In 4478 participants without diabetes mellitus, gradable fundus photos were available for 4,453 participants, with retinopathy present in 476 (10.7%, 95% CI 9.8, 11.6) and clinically significant macular oedema in three persons. Independent risk factors included increasing age and microalbuminuria. Over three-quarters (78%) of retinopathy cases were found in persons without diabetes and a strong association between microalbuminuria and non-diabetic retinopathy was found. These results may have implications for patient management of the aged.
    Diabetologia 12/2011; 55(3):671-80. · 6.81 Impact Factor
  • Article: Dietary antioxidants and forced expiratory volume in 1 s decline: the Health, Aging and Body Composition study.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Increased antioxidant defences are hypothesised to decrease age- and smoking-related decline in lung function. The relationship between dietary antioxidants, smoking and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)) was investigated in community-dwelling older adults in the Health, Aging and Body Composition study. 1,443 participants completed a food frequency questionnaire, self-reported smoking history and had measurements taken of FEV(1) at both baseline and after 4 yrs of follow-up. The association of dietary intake of nutrients and foods with antioxidant properties and rate of FEV(1) decline was investigated using hierarchical linear regression models. In continuing smokers (current smokers at both time-points), higher vitamin C intake and higher intake of fruit and vegetables were associated with an 18 and 24 mL · yr(-1) slower rate of FEV(1) decline compared with a lower intake (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.003, respectively). In quitters (a current smoker at study baseline who had quit during follow-up), higher intake was associated with an attenuated rate of decline for each nutrient studied (p ≤ 0.003 for all models). In nonsmoking participants, there was little or no association of diet and rate of decline in FEV(1). The intake of nutrients with antioxidant properties may modulate lung function decline in older adults exposed to cigarette smoke.
    European Respiratory Journal 10/2011; 39(4):979-84. · 5.89 Impact Factor
  • Article: Shorter telomeres are associated with obesity and weight gain in the elderly.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Objective:Obesity and shorter telomeres are commonly associated with elevated risk for age-related diseases and mortality. Whether telomere length (TL) may be associated with obesity or variations in adiposity is not well established. Therefore, we set out to test the hypothesis that TL may be a risk factor for increased adiposity using data from a large population-based cohort study.Design:Levels of adiposity were assessed in six ways (obesity status, body mass index (BMI), the percentage of body fat or % body fat, leptin, visceral and subcutaneous fat mass) in 2721 elderly subjects (42% black and 58% white). Associations between TL measured in leukocytes at baseline and adiposity traits measured at baseline, and three of these traits after 7 years of follow-up were tested using regression models adjusting for important covariates. Additionally, we look at weight changes and relative changes in BMI and % body fat between baseline and follow-up.Results:At baseline, TL was negatively associated with % body fat (ß=-0.35±0.09, P=0.001) and subcutaneous fat (ß=-2.66±1.07, P=0.01), and positively associated with leptin after adjusting for % body fat (ß=0.32±0.14, P=0.001), but not with obesity, BMI or visceral fat. Prospective analyses showed that longer TL was associated with positive percent change between baseline and 7-year follow-up for both BMI (ß=0.48±0.20, P=0.01) and % body fat (ß=0.42±0.23, P=0.05).Conclusion:Our study suggests that shorter TL may be a risk factor for increased adiposity. Coupling with previous reports on their reversed roles, the relationship between adiposity and TL may be complicated and may warrant more prospective studies.
    International journal of obesity (2005) 10/2011; 36(9):1176-9. · 4.34 Impact Factor
  • Source
    Article: Dietary patterns, insulin sensitivity and inflammation in older adults.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Several studies have linked dietary patterns to insulin sensitivity and systemic inflammation, which affect risk of multiple chronic diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the dietary patterns of a cohort of older adults, and to examine relationships of dietary patterns with markers of insulin sensitivity and systemic inflammation. The Health, Aging and Body Composition (Health ABC) Study is a prospective cohort study of 3075 older adults. In Health ABC, multiple indicators of glucose metabolism and systemic inflammation were assessed. Food intake was estimated with a modified Block food frequency questionnaire. In this study, dietary patterns of 1751 participants with complete data were derived by cluster analysis. Six clusters were identified, including a 'healthy foods' cluster, characterized by higher intake of low-fat dairy products, fruit, whole grains, poultry, fish and vegetables. In the main analysis, the 'healthy foods' cluster had significantly lower fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance values than the 'breakfast cereal' and 'high-fat dairy products' clusters, and lower fasting glucose than the 'high-fat dairy products' cluster (P≤0.05). No differences were found in 2-h glucose. With respect to inflammation, the 'healthy foods' cluster had lower interleukin-6 than the 'sweets and desserts' and 'high-fat dairy products' clusters, and no differences were seen in C-reactive protein or tumor necrosis factor-α. A dietary pattern high in low-fat dairy products, fruit, whole grains, poultry, fish and vegetables may be associated with greater insulin sensitivity and lower systemic inflammation in older adults.
    European journal of clinical nutrition 09/2011; 66(1):18-24. · 3.07 Impact Factor
  • Article: The effects of adiponectin and leptin on changes in bone mineral density.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: We tested the hypothesis that low leptin and high adiponectin levels are associated with higher rates of bone mineral density (BMD) loss among 3,075 men and women, aged 70-79, from the Health Aging and Body Composition Study. Results suggest that adiponectin, but not leptin, is a risk factor for bone loss in women. Adiponectin and leptin are hormones secreted by adipose cells that may impact BMD. Few studies have evaluated the longitudinal association of leptin and adiponectin levels with rates of BMD change. Hip and whole-body areal BMD (aBMD) were measured five times using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry over 10 years (average follow-up time, 7.95 ± 1.92 years). Trabecular lumbar spine volumetric BMD (vBMD) was measured using quantitative computed topography at baseline and year 6 in the Pittsburgh cohort only. Random slope and intercept models were used to account for within person correlation as a result of repeated measures of hip and whole-body aBMD. Linear regression was used to model changes in spine trabecular vBMD. Among women, the annualized rate of hip aBMD loss in the highest tertile of adiponectin was -0.67% (95% CI -0.77, -0.58) compared to [-0.43% (95% CI -0.51, -0.35)] in the lowest tertile (p trend = 0.019) after adjusting for age, race, BMI, diabetes, baseline hip aBMD, and weight change. In men, hip aBMD loss was greatest in the high adiponectin group (tertile 3), however this association was not significant (p trend = 0.148). After adjusting for weight change in women, the association between higher leptin and lower hip aBMD loss was attenuated and no longer significant (p trend = 0.134). Leptin and adiponectin levels were not associated with whole-body aBMD or trabecular lumbar spine vBMD loss. Adiponectin was associated with increased hip aBMD loss in women only, supporting evidence that adiponectin may have an important role in bone health.
    Osteoporosis International 08/2011; 23(6):1699-710. · 4.58 Impact Factor
  • Article: European ancestry and resting metabolic rate in older African Americans.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Resting metabolic rate (RMR) contributes 60-80% of total energy expenditure and is consistently lower in populations of African descent compared with populations of European populations. Determination of European ancestry (EA) through single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis would provide an initial step for identifying genetic associations that contribute to low RMR. We sought to evaluate the association between RMR and EA in African Americans. RMR was measured by indirect calorimetry in 141 African American men and women (aged 74.7±3.0 years) enrolled in a substudy of the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study. Ancestry informative markers were used to estimate individual percent EA. Multivariate regression was used to assess the association between RMR and EA after adjustments for soft tissue fat-free mass (STFFM), fat mass, age, study site, physical activity level and sex. Mean EA was 23.8±16% (range: 0.1-70.7%) and there were no differences by sex. Following adjustments, each percent EA was associated with a 1.6 kcal/day (95% Confidence interval: 0.42, 2.7 kcal/day) higher RMR (P=0.008). This equates to a 160 kcal/day lower RMR in a population of completely African ancestry, with one of completely European ancestry. Additional adjustment for trunk STFFM that partially accounts for high-metabolic rate organs did not affect this association. EA in African Americans is strongly associated with higher RMR. The data suggest that population differences in RMR may be due to genetic variants.
    European journal of clinical nutrition 04/2011; 65(6):663-7. · 3.07 Impact Factor
  • Article: Male-female differences in the association between incident hip fracture and proximal femoral strength: a finite element analysis study.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Hip fracture risk is usually evaluated using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) or quantitative computed tomography (QCT) which provide surrogate measures for proximal femoral strength. However, proximal femoral strength can best be estimated explicitly by combining QCT with finite element (FE) analysis. To evaluate this technique for predicting hip fracture in older men and women, we performed a nested age- and sex-matched case-control study in the Age Gene/Environment Susceptibility (AGES) Reykjavik cohort. Baseline (pre-fracture) QCT scans of 5500 subjects were obtained. During 4-7 years follow-up, 51 men and 77 women sustained hip fractures. Ninety-seven men and 152 women were randomly selected as age- and sex-matched controls. FE-strength of the left hip of each subject for stance (F(Stance)) and posterolateral fall (F(Fall)) loading, and total femur areal bone mineral density (aBMD) were computed from the QCT data. F(Stance) and F(Fall) in incident hip fracture subjects were 13%-25% less than in control subjects (p ≤ 0.006) after controlling for demographic parameters. The difference between FE strengths of fracture and control subjects was disproportionately greater in men (stance, 22%; fall, 25%) than in women (stance, 13%; fall, 18%) (p ≤ 0.033), considering that F(Stance) and F(Fall) in fracture subjects were greater in men than in women (p < 0.001). For men, F(Stance) was associated with hip fracture after accounting for aBMD (p = 0.013). These data indicate that F(Stance) provides information about fracture risk that is beyond that provided by aBMD (p = 0.013). These findings support further exploration of possible sex differences in the predictors of hip fracture and of sex-specific strategies for using FE analysis to manage osteoporosis.
    Bone 03/2011; 48(6):1239-45. · 4.02 Impact Factor
  • Article: Effects of age and sex on the strength and cortical thickness of the femoral neck.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: A group of 48 men (22 aged 65-75 years, 26 aged 80-90 years) and 59 women (32 aged 65-75 years, 27 aged 80-90 years) were enrolled in the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility-Reykjavik study and imaged with in vivo volumetric Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT) to investigate the effects of age and sex on femoral neck structure and strength. Femoral neck cross-sectional moment of inertia for bending directions near those of standing and walking (I(AP)), bending strength (M(y)), and axial compressive strength (F(y)) were computed at the location of minimum cross-sectional area (minCSA). Local cortical thickness was computed in the inferior femoral neck based on density profiles extending through the cortex of the minCSA femoral neck section. Multivariate models accounting for height, weight, and age group (younger or older) showed that men had a 46% higher M(y) and a 23% higher F(y) than women, while women had a 13% thicker inferior cortex than men. Cortical thickness in the inferoposterior region of the femoral neck was significantly related to bending and axial strength after adjusting for overall volumetric bone mineral density. Both minCSA and I(AP) were higher in the older, gender-pooled age group, but F(y) and M(y) did not differ between the two age groups. The results suggest that age-related expansion of the femoral neck primarily occurs in the superior and inferior directions and helps maintain homeostasis of femoral neck stiffness and strength. The higher bending strength of the male femoral neck may partly explain why elderly men have a lower risk of hip fracture than elderly women.
    Bone 12/2010; 48(4):741-7. · 4.02 Impact Factor
  • Article: Cerebral microbleeds, retinopathy, and dementia: the AGES-Reykjavik Study.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: To determine whether microvascular damage, indicated by cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and retinal microvascular signs, is associated with cognitive function and dementia in older persons. This is a cross-sectional study of 3,906 participants (mean age 76 years; 58% women) in the AGES-Reykjavik Study (2002-2006). We assessed CMBs on MRI and retinal microvascular signs on digital retinal images. Composite Z scores of memory, processing speed, and executive function were derived from a battery of neurocognitive tests. Dementia and subtypes were diagnosed following international criteria. Regression models were used to relate cognitive Z scores and dementia to CMBs and retinal microvascular signs, adjusting for demographics, cardiovascular factors, and brain ischemic lesions. People with multiple (≥ 2) CMBs had lower Z scores on tests of processing speed (β-coefficient -0.16; 95% confidence interval -0.26 to -0.05) and executive function (-0.14; -0.24 to -0.04); results were strongest for having multiple CMBs located in the deep hemispheric or infratentorial areas. The odds ratio of vascular dementia was 2.32 (95% confidence interval 1.02 to 5.25) for multiple CMBs and 1.95 (1.04 to 3.62) for retinopathy. Having both CMBs and retinopathy, compared to having neither, was significantly associated with markedly slower processing speed (-0.25; -0.37 to -0.12), poorer executive function (-0.19; -0.31 to -0.07), and an increased odds ratio of vascular dementia (3.10; 1.11 to 8.62). Having multiple CMBs or concomitant CMBs and retinopathy is associated with a profile of vascular cognitive impairment. These findings suggest that microvascular damage, as indicated by CMBs and retinopathy lesions, has functional consequences in older men and women living in the community.
    Neurology 12/2010; 75(24):2221-8. · 8.31 Impact Factor
  • Article: Executive function, memory, and gait speed decline in well-functioning older adults.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: In community-dwelling older adults, global cognitive function predicts longitudinal gait speed decline. Few prospective studies have evaluated whether specific executive cognitive deficits in aging may account for gait slowing over time. Multiple cognitive tasks were administered at baseline in 909 participants in the Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study Cognitive Vitality Substudy (mean age 75.2 ± 2.8 years, 50.6% women, 48.4% black). Usual gait speed (m/s) over 20 minutes was assessed at baseline and over a 5-year follow-up. Poorer performance in each cognitive task was cross-sectionally associated with slower gait independent of demographic and health characteristics. In longitudinal analyses, each 1 SD poorer performance in global function, verbal memory, and executive function was associated with 0.003-0.004 m/s greater gait speed decline per year (p =.03-.05) after adjustment for baseline gait speed, demographic, and health characteristics. In this well-functioning cohort, several cognitive tasks were associated with gait speed cross-sectionally and predicted longitudinal gait speed decline. These data are consistent with a shared pathology underlying cognitive and motor declines but do not suggest that specific executive cognitive deficits account for slowing of usual gait in aging.
    The Journals of Gerontology Series A Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences 10/2010; 65(10):1093-100. · 4.60 Impact Factor
  • Article: IGF2BP1, IGF2BP2 and IGF2BP3 genotype, haplotype and genetic model studies in metabolic syndrome traits and diabetes.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Genetic variation at the insulin-like binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) gene has been associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) by genome-wide association studies and by replication analyses. Our aim was to explore the underlying genetic model and mechanism of action, factors accounting for non-replications of the associations, and the effect of variation from pathway-related genes IGF2BP1 and IGF2BP3. We analysed here the association between T2D (and related traits) and rs4402960 and rs1470579 in IGF2BP2, and rs46522 and rs6949019 (marking IGF2BP1 and IGF2BP3 respectively) from the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility (AGES)-Reykjavik Study (N approximately 2500 aged 65-96 years). We undertook a retrospective analysis of the deviations from the multiplicative model in previous studies and the present study. We replicated an association between rs4402960 and T2D status, and reported significant associations with anthropometric traits, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR and HOMA-%B. These associations were also observed for rs1470579, but not for the SNPs marking IGF2BP1 and IGF2BP3. The lower fasting insulin levels and the impaired beta-cell function associated with IGF2BP2 SNPs are independent of obesity phenotypes. The action of these SNPs on T2D may result from an effect on beta-cell function. This could lead to lower insulin levels, the association with anthropometric traits being secondary. We discuss possible mechanisms of action relating IGF2BP2 with T2D traits. The occurrence of null alleles, the inclusion of T2D patients in analyses of metabolic syndrome risk traits and the genetic model, are possible factors accounting for non-replications of IGF2BP2 associations with T2D.
    Growth hormone & IGF research: official journal of the Growth Hormone Research Society and the International IGF Research Society 08/2010; 20(4):310-8. · 2.35 Impact Factor
  • Article: COMT genotype and cognitive function: an 8-year longitudinal study in white and black elders.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), an enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of dopamine, is necessary for cognitive function. Few studies have examined the prospective association between COMT (val(158)met) genotype and cognition in older adults. We assessed a biracial cohort of 2,858 elderly subjects without dementia who were followed for 8 years. The Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS) and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) were administered at baseline and years 3, 5, and 8. COMT by race, gender, and APOE status interactions were examined. Stratified by race and adjusted for covariates, repeated-measures mixed-effects models showed no association between COMT genotype and baseline cognitive function in black or white subjects. In white subjects, COMT was associated with change in 3MS (Met/Met: -2.3 [0.60], Met/Val: -1.7 [0.40], and Val/Val: -1.2 [0.50]) and DSST (Met/Met: -5.60 [1.00], Met/Val: -4.80 [0.70], Val/Val: -4.00 [0.90]). In black subjects, COMT was associated with change in the DSST (Met/Met: -4.10 [2.1], Met/Val: -4.80 [0.90], Val/Val -2.60 [1.00]). These findings suggest that the Val allele has a protective impact on cognitive decline in late life.
    Neurology 04/2010; 74(16):1296-302. · 8.31 Impact Factor

Institutions

  • 2012
    • Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht
      • Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care
      Utrecht, Provincie Utrecht, Netherlands
  • 2011
    • University of Florida
      • Department of Aging and Geriatric Research
      Gainesville, FL, USA
  • 1993–2011
    • National Institute on Aging
      • Laboratory of Epidemiology, Demography and Biometry (LEDB)
      Baltimore, MD, USA
  • 2001–2010
    • University of Pittsburgh
      • • Department of Epidemiology
      • • School of Medicine
      Pittsburgh, PA, USA
    • Duke University
      • Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development
      Durham, NC, USA
  • 2009
    • University of California, San Francisco
      • Division of Hospital Medicine
      San Francisco, CA, USA
    • Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
      Beersheba, Southern District, Israel
  • 2007
    • Wake Forest School of Medicine
      • Department of Internal Medicine
      Winston-Salem, NC, USA
  • 2000–2002
    • VU University Amsterdam
      • Faculty of Medicine/VU University Medical Center
      Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
    • INRCA Istituto Nazionale di Ricovero e Cura per Anziani
      Ancona, The Marches, Italy
    • Children's Hospital Los Angeles
      Los Angeles, CA, USA
  • 1991–2000
    • National Institutes of Health
      • Laboratory of Epidemiology, Demography, and Biometry (LEDB)
      Bethesda, MD, USA
  • 1994
    • University of South Carolina
      • School of Medicine
      Columbia, SC, USA