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ABSTRACT: Iron overload identified by elevated ferritin concentrations has been implicated in risks of altered glucose metabolism and diabetic complications. The relationship between ferritin and insulin resistance in different gender and ethnicities remains uncertain; this study aimed to investigate it using homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR), and to explore whether it is gender-specific.
A total of 524 type 2 diabetic patients were selected cross-sectionally from a cohort participating in a diabetic control study in Taiwan.
Overall, tertiles of ferritin were significantly and dose-dependently associated with elevated fasting plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, HOMA-IR levels as well as Western dietary pattern scores generated by factor analysis (all p trend <0.05). Stratified by gender, a 1-tertile ferritin increase significantly correlated with a 0.241-unit increase in HOMA-IR (beta = 0.241, p = 0.001) in female diabetes, but not in male diabetes (beta = 0.072, p = 0.232), after adjusting for demographic, dietary, clinical and inflammatory factors.
Iron overload, which produces elevated levels of ferritin, may augment insulin resistance in female but not in male type 2 diabetes. Longitudinal studies are warranted to establish relationships between iron stores and diabetes development in men and women of different ethnicities.
Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism 07/2012; 61(1):32-40. · 2.26 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), ARA (arachidonic acid, 20:4n-6) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, 22:6n-3) have positive effects and environment pollutants, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans(PCDD/F) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) have negative effects on neural development during early life. Placental dioxin/PCB serves as markers for cumulative exposure to fetus. Fatty acid composition of placenta depends on nutrient supply during pregnancy, serving as indicators for fetal ARA and DHA accretion. This study investigated correlation between placental PCDD/F and PCB toxic equivalent (TEQ) and LC-PUFA in 34 pregnant women from Taiwan. Placental PCDF TEQ were inversely correlated with placental ARA (p=0.020), C20:3n-6 (p=0.01), C22:4n-6 (p=0.04), C22:5n-6 (p<0.01) and with DHA (p=0.03), but ARA and DHA did not vary with PCDD, dioxin-like and indicator PCB. After adjustment for age and body mass index, a one-unit PCDF TEQ increase was associated with 1.021%w/w and 0.312%w/w decreases in ARA (β=-1.021, p=0.03) and DHA (β=-0.312, p=0.03). Since ARA and DHA were unrelated to three classes of toxins, and a weak negative association was found with PCDF, these data provide no basis for discouraging marine fish consumption during pregnancy for Taiwan women on the basis of these organics. Pregnant women should consume fish for its unique package of nutrients while avoiding few species with high organic pollutant or mercury contamination.
Food and chemical toxicology: an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association 08/2011; 49(8):1711-7. · 2.99 Impact Factor
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Chih-Cheng Hsu,
Hsing-Yi Chang, Meng-Chuan Huang,
Shang-Jyh Hwang,
Yi-Ching Yang,
Tong-Yuan Tai,
Hung-Jen Yang,
Chwen-Tzuei Chang,
Chih-Jen Chang,
Yu-Sheng Li,
Shyi-Jang Shin,
Ken N Kuo
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ABSTRACT: An association between insulin resistance and microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetes has often been found in cross-sectional studies. We aimed to reassess this relationship in a prospective Taiwanese cohort of type 2 diabetic subjects.
We enrolled 738 normoalbuminuric type 2 diabetic subjects, aged 56.6 ± 9.0 years, between 2003 and 2005 and followed them through the end of 2009. Average follow-up time was 5.2 ± 0.8 years. We used urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio to define microalbuminuria and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) to assess insulin resistance. The incidence rate ratio and Cox proportional hazards model were used to evaluate the association between HOMA-IR and development of microalbuminuria.
We found incidences of microalbuminuria of 64.8, 83.5, 93.3, and 99.0 per 1,000 person-years for the lowest to highest quartiles of HOMA-IR. Compared with those in the lowest quartile of HOMA-IR, the incidence rate ratios for those in the 2nd, 3rd, and highest quartiles were 1.28 (95% CI 0.88-1.87), 1.44 (0.99-2.08), and 1.52 (1.06-2.20), respectively (trend test: P < 0.001). By comparison with those in the lowest quartile, the adjusted hazard ratios were 1.37 (0.93-2.02), 1.66 (1.12-2.47), and 1.76 (1.20-2.59) for those in the 2nd, 3rd, and highest HOMA-IR quartiles, respectively.
According to the dose-response effects of HOMA-IR shown in this prospective study, we conclude that insulin resistance could significantly predict development of microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetic patients.
Diabetes care 02/2011; 34(4):982-7. · 8.09 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We examined associations between the first-week energy and protein intake and clinical outcomes in medical ICU (MICU) patients who survived at least seven days.
We retrospectively studied 295 patients admitted to a 28-bed MICU between 2005 and 2007. High and low energy delivery (ED) and protein delivery (PD) were defined as having a mean daily intake relative to recommendation at ≥ 60% and <60%, respectively, during the 1st to 7th day of ICU stay.
The high and low ED or PD groups did not differ with regard to length of ICU stay, length of hospital stay, or ventilator free time. Patients with low ED or low PD intake were at greater risk of mortality than their high intake counterparts (OR = 3.7 and 3.6; both p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounders, we found patients receiving low ED to be at 2.43 times the risk of ICU mortality than high ED (p = 0.020). Low PD was unrelated to ICU mortality.
Patients receiving less than 60% of recommended energy intake during the first week of critical illness are at greater risk of mortality. There is a need for future randomized trials to investigate optimal energy delivery during critical illness.
Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) 10/2010; 30(2):209-14. · 3.27 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The aims of this study were to determine the concentrations of 4-nonylphenol (NP) and 4-octylphenol (OP) in 59 human milk samples and to examine related factors including mothers' demographics and dietary habits. Women who consumed over the median amount of cooking oil had significantly higher OP concentrations (0.98 ng/g) than those who consumed less (0.39 ng/g) (P < 0.05). OP concentration was significantly associated with the consumption of cooking oil (beta = 0.62, P < 0.01) and fish oil capsules (beta = 0.39, P < 0.01) after adjustment for age and body mass index (BMI). NP concentration was also significantly associated with the consumption of fish oil capsules (beta = 0.38, P < 0.01) and processed fish products (beta = 0.59, P < 0.01). The food pattern of cooking oil and processed meat products from factor analysis was strongly associated with OP concentration in human milk (P < 0.05). These determinations should aid in suggesting foods for consumption by nursing mothers in order to protect their infants from NP/OP exposure.
Food and chemical toxicology: an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association 05/2010; 48(7):1939-44. · 2.99 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This cross-sectional study analyzed the effects of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of the adiponectin gene, SNP45 and SNP276, on hyperglycemia in indigenous Taiwanese, and whether central obesity modulates the effects of these SNPs. Overall, 550 indigenous Taiwanese were recruited for this cross-sectional study. The subjects were categorized into a hyperglycemic group if fasting plasma glucose was > 126 mg/dL (n = 88) or the control group if fasting plasma glucose was < 100 mg/dL (n = 462). The SNP276 TT homozygote carried greater hyperglycemia risk than SNP276 GG [odds ratio (OR) = 2.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.05-6.78], but not heterozygote (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 0.95-2.50). SNP45 T > G was not associated with hyperglycemia risk. In multivariate-adjusted modeling, we found a significant relationship between SNP276 T carriers (GT + TT) (OR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.10-3.88) and central obesity (OR = 4.50, 95% CI = 1.91-10.61) with hyperglycemia. Compared with non-central-obese carriers of SNP276 GG, non-central-obese SNP276 T carriers, and central obese subjects with SNP276 GG and SNP276 T carriers had 5.50, 8.31 and 13.76-fold, respectively, higher risks for hyperglycemia; obese carriers of the T-containing variants experienced a combined risk for hyperglycemia. Furthermore, the hyperglycemic risks were more pronounced in leaner (non-central-obese) individuals carrying the T variant than the central-obese individuals. The adiponectin SNP276 T variant and central obesity had independent and additive effects on hyperglycemia risks. These findings may provide valuable information regarding preventive strategies that might be useful to prevent or treat diabetes and its related complications.
The Kaohsiung journal of medical sciences 05/2010; 26(5):227-36. · 0.61 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: In this randomized controlled trial we evaluated the effect of registered dietitian-led management of diabetes on glycemic control and macronutrient intake in type 2 diabetic patients in primary care clinics in Taiwan and studied the association between changes in macronutrient intake and glycemic measures.
We recruited 154 adult patients with type 2 diabetes and randomly assigned them to a routine care control group (n = 79) or a registered dietitian-led intervention group (n = 75) who received on-site diabetic self-management education every 3 months over 12 months.
Over the 1-year period, neither the intervention group (n = 75) nor the control group (n = 79) had significant changes in A1C, whereas the intervention patients with poorly controlled baseline A1C (> or =7%) (n = 56) had significantly greater improvements in A1C and fasting plasma glucose than the control subjects (n = 60) (-0.7 vs. -0.2%, P = 0.034; -13.4 vs. 16.9 mg/dl, P = 0.007) during the same period. We also found significant net intervention-control group differences in overall energy intake (-229.06 +/- 309.16 vs. 56.10 +/- 309.41 kcal/day) and carbohydrate intake (-31.24 +/- 61.53 vs. 7.15 +/- 54.09 g/day) (P < 0.001) in patients with poorly controlled A1C. Multivariable adjusted modeling revealed an independent association between changes in carbohydrate intake and A1C in the intervention group (n = 56; beta = 0.10, SEM = 0.033, P = 0.004).
On-site registered dietitian-led management of diabetes can improve glycemic control in patients with poorly managed type 2 diabetes in primary care clinics in Taiwan. A reduction in carbohydrate intake may improve glycemic status.
Diabetes care 11/2009; 33(2):233-9. · 8.09 Impact Factor
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Hung-Pin Tu,
Albert Min-Shan Ko,
Shu-Jung Wang,
Chien-Hung Lee,
Rod A Lea,
Shang-Lun Chiang,
Hung-Che Chiang,
Tsu-Nai Wang, Meng-Chuan Huang,
Tsan-Teng Ou,
Gau-Tyan Lin,
Ying-Chin Ko
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ABSTRACT: Taiwanese aborigines have a high prevalence of hyperuricemia and gout. Uric acid levels and urate excretion have correlated with dopamine-induced glomerular filtration response. MAOs represent one of the major renal dopamine metabolic pathways. We aimed to identify the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA, Xp11.3) gene variants and MAO-A enzyme activity associated with gout risk. This study was to investigate the association between gout and the MAOA single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs5953210, rs2283725, and rs1137070 as well as between gout and the COMT SNPs rs4680 Val158Met for 374 gout cases and 604 controls. MAO-A activity was also measured. All three MAOA SNPs were significantly associated with gout. A synonymous MAOA SNP, rs1137070 Asp470Asp, located in exon 14, was associated with the risk of having gout (P = 4.0 x 10(-5), adjusted odds ratio 1.46, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.11-1.91). We also showed that, when compared to individuals with the MAOA GAT haplotype, carriers of the AGC haplotype had a 1.67-fold (95% CI: 1.28-2.17) higher risk of gout. Moreover, we found that MAOA enzyme activity correlated positively with hyperuricemia and gout (P for trend = 2.00 x 10(-3) vs. normal control). We also found that MAOA enzyme activity by rs1137070 allele was associated with hyperuricemia and gout (P for trend = 1.53 x 10(-6) vs. wild-type allele). Thus, our results show that some MAOA alleles, which have a higher enzyme activity, predispose to the development of gout.
Human Genetics 11/2009; 127(2):223-9. · 5.07 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Our study evaluates the usefulness and the limitations of using the medical records of a central referral hospital to develop a child injury surveillance system in northern Malawi. The most prevalent types of injury were falls (29.6%), road traffic injuries (22.0%), burns (21.4%) and poisoning (15.1%). Older children (aged 5-14 years), in the cool-dry season (May to August) and the hot-dry season (September to October), were significant predictors for total injury admissions. Our study indicated that hospital medical records are a valuable component of a child injury surveillance system and can illustrate the trends and patterns of moderate to severe injuries as well as suggest potential prevention strategies for local settings. Combined with a specially designed trauma registry form, it is possible for developing countries at local level to combat the emerging public health issues.
Tropical Doctor 08/2009; 39(3):170-2. · 0.66 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The relationship between cigarette smoking and cell damage is complicated, particularly considering the role of oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to identify the relationships among plasma nicotine metabolites, lipophilic antioxidants, and metabolic parameters in smokers and nonsmokers. This cross-sectional study recruited 100 subjects who visited the Department of Family Medicine at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital. Excluding 14 ineligible cases, 46 smokers and 40 non-smokers were enrolled. Plasma nicotine metabolites, lipophilic antioxidants (including retinol, lycopene, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, delta-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol and alpha-tocopherol), related metabolic parameters, and body composition (including height, weight, body mass index, body fat, and waist circumference) were examined by comparison of means, correlations and regressions. Significant correlations among nicotine metabolites, age, sex, body composition and plasma lipophilic antioxidants were noted. Nicotine metabolites, age, body height and body weight were closely associated with plasma antioxidant levels (p < 0.05) in multiple linear regression. The levels of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, gamma-tocopherol and lycopene were lower in smokers than in non-smokers (p < 0.01). The plasma level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), which is a marker for high cardiovascular risk, was higher in smokers than in non-smokers (p = 0.003). We conclude that the lower plasma antioxidant levels and the higher level of hsCRP in smokers may lead to decreased protective efficacy compared with non-smokers. Further studies are warranted to support our hypothesis.
The Kaohsiung journal of medical sciences 08/2009; 25(8):423-30. · 0.61 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The outcome analysis of obese patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in Asia-Pacific countries is rarely reported. This study examined associations between body mass index (BMI) and clinical outcomes of elective LC in Taiwan.
A total of 627 patients with gallbladder disease due to gallstones undergoing LC were divided into three groups based on BMI: <25.0 kg/m2 (normal, NO; n = 310), 25.0-29.9 kg/m2 (overweight, OW; n = 252), and >30 kg/m2 (obese, OB; n = 65).
Both overweight and obesity were not associated with conversion and complication rates. The conversion rates of the three groups were 5.5 (NO), 6.0 (OW), and 4.6% (OB), and the complication rates were 3.2 (NO), 2.4% (OW), and 4.6% (OB), respectively. However, overweight and obesity were related to a trend toward longer operating time (NO 67.4 +/- 31.8; OW 77.8 +/- 35.6; OB 79.0 +/- 37.9 min) (P trend <0.001). One death (BMI 40.6 kg/m2) was due to septic complications. In the multivariable logistic analysis, only acute cholecystitis, but not BMI, was a predictor for conversion and complications.
Based on these results, it appears that BMI was not associated with clinical outcomes and that LC is a safe procedure in obese patients with uncomplicated gallstone disease in Taiwan.
Journal of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery 05/2009; 16(5):648-54. · 1.60 Impact Factor
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Chien-Hung Lee,
Deng-Chyang Wu,
I-Chen Wu,
Yih-Gang Goan,
Jang-Ming Lee,
Shah-Hwa Chou,
Te-Fu Chan,
Hsiao-Ling Huang,
Yu-Hsiu Hung, Meng-Chuan Huang,
Tai-Cheng Lai,
Tsu-Nai Wang,
Cheng-Che E Lan,
Sharon Tsai,
Wen-Yi Lin,
Ming-Tsang Wu
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ABSTRACT: Genetic variants in alcohol dehydrogenase-1B (ADH1B) and aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) genes modulate acetaldehyde removal upon alcohol ingestion. Although these genetic vulnerabilities have been linked to higher esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) risks, it is unclear whether they also determine the time of malignancy presentation. The purpose of this investigation was to unravel genotoxic effects of the two alcohol-metabolizing genes with regard to alcohol and tobacco consumption on the age at ESCC diagnosis and tumor dissemination. ADH1B/ALDH2 genotyping was performed on lymphocyte DNA specimens taken from 406 consecutively registered incident patients with pathology-proven ESCC. To fully utilize individual genetic and survival information, survival analyses and gene-longevity applied approaches were introduced. Among heavy drinkers, the ADH1B Arg/Arg (55 years) and ALDH2 Glu/Lys genotypes (54 years) were found to confer a 15 and 16 years earlier carcinoma diagnosed age than His/His and Glu/Glu nondrinkers (both 70 years), respectively. For drinkers, 1-year age advancement was, separately, associated with a 0.977 and 0.953-fold stepwise reduced likelihood of being ADH1B Arg homozygote and ALDH2 Lys variant. Noticeably elevated hazard-ratio (HR) for drinkers of ADH1B slow-form genotype and ALDH2 inactive-form allele were identified in smokers (HR = 2.3-2.6), but no in nonsmokers. In smokers, appreciably higher cumulative cancer onset risks were correspondingly recognized from the age of 45 and 49 upward among any + Lys allele and Arg/Arg + Glu/Glu combined-ADH1B/ALDH2-genotype drinkers than nondrinkers. In conclusion, consumption of tobacco and alcohol, coupled with genetic susceptibilities associated with acetaldehyde elimination, as modulated by ADH1B and ALDH2 genotypes, determines a substantial magnitude of tumorigenetic effect on earlier age ESCC diagnosis.
International Journal of Cancer 03/2009; 125(5):1134-42. · 5.44 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia, considered to be an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease, is high in Taiwanese aborigines. This study was undertaken to examine the effect of the -1131T>C polymorphism in the apolipoprotein A5 gene on serum triglyceride levels in female Taiwanese aborigines. This was a cross-sectional study, and a total of 316 unrelated female Taiwanese aborigines were genotyped at the -1131T>C polymorphism in apolipoprotein A5 using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Serum triglyceride > or = 150 mg/dL was defined as the hypertriglyceridemia group and triglyceride < 150 mg/dL was considered to be the control group. The frequency of the minor C allele was significantly higher in the hypertriglyceridemia group (0.53) than in the control group (0.35) (p < 0.001). The frequency of this rare allele was comparable to that in Japanese and Han Chinese, but was higher than that in Caucasians. In a multiple logistic model adjusted for possible confounders, C allele-containing variants were independently associated with greater risks (CT genotype: OR = 3.28, 95% CI = 1.43-7.56; CC genotype: OR = 5.86, 95% CI = 2.15-15.99) of hypertriglyceridemia than the TT genotype (p < 0.01), notably with the CC homozygote exhibiting the greatest risks. The genotype polymorphisms were also associated with serum triglyceride concentrations in a linear fashion (for trend, p < 0.05). Our results indicate that the -1131T>C polymorphism of the Apo A5 gene influences serum triglyceride levels in female Taiwanese aborigines, and that differences exist in the frequency of the C allele among people of various ethnicities.
The Kaohsiung journal of medical sciences 04/2008; 24(4):171-9. · 0.61 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Dietary energy and protein play important roles in chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study investigates the relationship between energy/protein intake status and renal function in CKD.
This cross-sectional study included 599 adult patients diagnosed with stage 3 to 5 CKD in nephrology and nutrition outpatient clinics in Taiwan.
Energy and protein intakes were assessed using 24-h dietary recall. We recorded recommended calorie/protein amounts and renal function indices, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Patients were categorized into three intake calorie/protein groups by a ratio of actual intake vs. recommended intake. High intake was defined as a ratio of actual intake/recommended intake > or = 110%, moderate intake as > or = 90% to <110%, and low intake as <90%. Data were analyzed by paired t test, one-way analysis of variance, least significant differences, and multiple linear regression.
The energy and protein intakes in CKD patients were significantly higher and lower than recommended levels (P < .001). Low energy intake was significantly related to worsening GFR at increments of -4.41 mL/min/1.73 m(2), compared with moderate and high energy intake (P = .008); high protein intake was also associated with worsening GFR at increments of -3.50 mL/min/1.73m(2), compared with moderate and low protein intake (P < .001). Low energy intake and high protein intake were significantly positively correlated with elevations in creatinine and BUN.
Lower energy and higher protein intakes than recommended may be associated with deteriorating renal function.
Journal of Renal Nutrition 03/2008; 18(2):187-94. · 1.57 Impact Factor
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Chien-Hung Lee,
Jang-Ming Lee,
Deng-Chyang Wu,
Yih-Gang Goan,
Shah-Hwa Chou,
I-Chen Wu,
Ein-Long Kao,
Te-Fu Chan, Meng-Chuan Huang,
Pei-Shih Chen,
Chun-Ying Lee,
Chia-Tsuan Huang,
Hsiao-Ling Huang,
Chih-Yang Hu,
Yu-Hsiu Hung,
Ming-Tsang Wu
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ABSTRACT: The consumption of alcohol, tobacco and betel quid has been found to be an important contributor to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in Taiwan. The genotoxic effect of the ADH1B and ALDH2 genes modulating an individual's alcohol-metabolizing capacity on ESCC may be linked to drinking behavior, intake pattern and other exogenous factors. To investigate the interplay of these genetic and environmental factors in determining the risk of ESCC, a multicenter case-control study was conducted. Here, 406 patients with pathology-proven ESCC, as well as 656 gender, age and study hospital matched controls were recruited. Genetic polymorphisms of ADH1B and ALDH2 appeared to correlate with the abstinence of alcohol, though not with tobacco and betel quid. Within the same levels of alcohol consumption, carcinoma risks increased along with an increase in the numbers of ADH1B*1 and ALDH2*2 alleles. The inactive ALDH2*1/*2 genotype was found to multiplicatively interact with a low-to-moderate (0.1–30 g/day) and a heavy (>30 g/day) ethanol intake to increase the ESCC risk (the joint aOR = 14.5 and 102.6, respectively). Among low-to-moderate drinkers, a smoking-dependent carcinogenetic effect for the ADH1B*1/*1 and ALDH2*1/*2+*2/*2 genotypes was recognized, with significant risks found in smokers, but not in nonsmokers. Further, a supra-multiplicative combined risk of ESCC for alcohol and tobacco use was identified among carriers of the ADH1B*1/*1 genotype (p for interaction = 0.042). In conclusion, the interplay of the ADH1B and ALDH2 genotypes, in conjunction with a behaved drinking habit and a practiced drinking pattern, along with continued tobacco consumption, plays an important pathogenic role in modulating ESCC risk. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
International Journal of Cancer 11/2007; 122(6):1347 - 1356. · 5.44 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) are commonly added to infant formula worldwide; however, dietary concentrations needed to obtain optimal tissue levels have not been established. Hence, we studied tissue responses in piglets fed various doses of DHA and ARA. Doses were 0, 1, 2, and 5 times those used in U.S. infant formulas and DHA/ARA in Diet 0, Diet 1, Diet 2, and Diet 5 were 0, 4.1/8.1, 8.1/16.2, and 20.3/40.6 mg/100 kJ formula, respectively. Supplementation of dietary DHA and ARA increased DHA in brain, retina, liver, adipose tissue, plasma, and erythrocyte by 1.1- to 25.8-fold of Diet 0 (P-trend < 0.01). Tissue ARA (1.1- to 6.0-fold of Diet 0) responded to dietary ARA in liver, adipose tissue, plasma, and erythrocytes (P-trend < 0.05); brain and retina ARA was, however, unresponsive to dietary DHA and ARA. Plasma and erythrocyte DHA were positively associated with DHA in neural (brain and retina) and visceral (liver and adipose) tissues (r(2) = 0.11-0.56; P < 0.001-P = 0.042). Plasma and erythrocyte ARA did not correlate with neural ARA. Only plasma ARA was associated with liver ARA (r(2) = 0.222; P = 0.02) and adipose ARA (r(2) = 0.867; P < 0.001) and erythrocyte ARA correlated with adipose ARA (r(2) = 0.470; P < 0.001). We conclude that dietary DHA supplementation affords an effective strategy for enhancing tissue DHA, ARA in visceral but not neural tissues is sensitive to dietary ARA, and erythrocyte and plasma DHA can be used as proxies for tissue DHA, although blood-borne ARA is not an indicator of neural ARA.
Journal of Nutrition 10/2007; 137(9):2049-55. · 3.92 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a heterogeneous metabolic disorder. The aim of this study was to examine associations among genetic polymorphisms, SstI polymorphism of apolipoprotein CIII (ApoCIII) and Hind III polymorphism of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), environmental factors and risks of HTG.
Two hundred and forty-nine southern Taiwanese aborigines were recruited for a cross-sectional study, which included 90 subjects with triglyceride (TG)>150 mg/dl (HTG) and 159 with TG<or=150 mg/dl (NTG). The frequencies of SstI major allele (S1) and minor allele (S2) of ApoCIII were 66.1% and 33.9% in HTG and 73.6% and 26.4% in NTG (p<0.1). In female subjects, the frequencies of the S2 allele was significantly higher in HTG (0.38) than NTG (0.27) (p<0.04). The frequencies of the LPL HindIII major allele (H+) and minor allele (H-) were similar between HTG (H+ 84.3%; H- 15.7%) and NTG (H+ 78.9%; H- 21.1%). In a multivariate adjusted logistic model, education<or=6 year (odds ratio (OR)=3.71, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.24-8.13), Amis tribe (OR=3.08, 95% CI: 1.41-6.77), body mass index (BMI)>or=25 (OR=2.22, 95% CI: 1.18-4.16), starchy food consumption>or=3 times/week (OR=1.89, 95% CI: 1.00-3.59) and ApoCIII S2S2 genotype (OR=3.35, 95% CI: 1.10-10.19) were independently (p<0.05) associated with HTG risks. Among ApoCIII S1S1, S1S2 and S2S2 genotypes, ApoCIII and TG concentrations increased (p<0.01) in a dose-responsive manner.
The ApoCIII S2 variant and environmental factors, including education, tribal background, BMI and starchy food intake, modulate the risks of HTG in aboriginal Taiwanese. Interaction between genetic and environmental factors warrants further investigation.
Circulation Journal 09/2006; 70(8):1030-6. · 3.77 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We examined the genetic associations of the G-2548A polymorphism in the promoter of the leptin (LEP) gene and the Gln223Arg (Q223R) polymorphism of the leptin receptor (LEPR) gene with obesity. Two hundred twenty-six obese aboriginal subjects (BMI > or = 27 kg/m2) and 182 aboriginal subjects with normal weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2) participated in this study. The polymorphisms of LEP G-2548A and LEPR Q223R were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism, and their anthropometric characteristics were measured. Levels of leptin, triglycerides, and cholesterol were measured after overnight fasting. We found that the frequencies of the LEP G/G homozygote (22.6%) with Mendelian recessive (chi2 = 7.89, p = 0.005) and codominant (chi2 = 7.93, p = 0.02) models to be higher in the extremely obese subjects (BMI > or = 35 kg/m2) than in normal weight subjects (6.9%) but not in moderately obese subjects (35 > BMI > or = 27 kg/m2). There was no difference in genotypic frequency of the LEPR Q223R polymorphism between the extreme obese and control groups. We suggest that the LEP -2548 G/G homozygote plays a genetic recessive role in the development of extreme obesity in Taiwanese aborigines.
Obesity 03/2006; 14(2):183-7. · 4.28 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A multicenter case-control study was conducted in northern and southern Taiwan to clarify the independent and combined effects of alcohol intake, tobacco smoking and betel quid chewing on the risk of esophageal cancer. A total of 513 patients with newly diagnosed and histopathologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus and 818 gender, age and study hospital-matched controls were included. We found a significant dose-response relationship between the duration and intensity of consumption of the 3 substances and the development of this neoplasm in this site. Although the amount of alcohol consumed had a stronger effect on the risk of esophageal cancer than the number of years it was consumed, however, the number of years one smoked had a stronger effect on the risk than the amount of cigarettes consumed. The strongest risk factor of esophageal cancer was alcohol intake, with highest risk (OR = 13.9) being for those who consumed more than 900 g/day-year. Combined exposure to any 2 of 3 substances brought the risks up to 8.8-19.7 fold and, to all 3 substances, to 41.2-fold. A multiplicative interaction effect for alcohol drinkers who smoked on cancer risk was detected, whereas an additive interaction effect was found among drinkers who chewed. The combined effect of all 3 substances accounted for 83.7% of the attributable fraction of contracting esophageal cancer in this population. In conclusion, these results suggest that the intensity and the length of time alcohol and tobacco are used play different roles in the etiology of esophageal cancer. Alcohol separately interacts with tobacco and betel quid in a differently synergistic way in determining the development of this site of cancer.
International Journal of Cancer 02/2005; 113(3):475-82. · 5.44 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Several studies have reported the importance of dietary factors in the development of esophageal cancer. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of several common dietary factors on the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus in a Taiwanese population.
The association between diet and esophageal cancer was examined in 284 male patients and 480 male controls, who were recruited during 6 year period.
Consumption of preserved and overheated foods was found to be associated with increased risk of esophageal cancer, whereas intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, and tea was inversely associated with this risk. Men who consumed fermented bean products, salted food and preserved/pickled vegetables more than once a week after age 40 years had a 3.4-fold risk (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.9-6.2), 2.3-fold risk (95%CI: 1.2-4.2), and 2.5-fold risk (95%CI: 1.3-4.5), respectively, compared to men eating these items less than once a week. It was further found that these preserved foods were more strongly associated with esophageal cancer among men who consumed fruit less than once per day than those who consumed fruits one or more times per day.
These results suggest that a high intake of preserved foods and overheated drinks might increase the risk of esophageal cancer, and intake of fruit, vegetables, and tea might be negatively associated with risk of esophageal cancer. The results also suggest that diet is an important factor in the development of esophageal cancer in Taiwan.
Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 07/2004; 19(6):632-7. · 2.87 Impact Factor
