Hiromi Hoshino

Relationship of body mass index to percent body fat and waist circumference among schoolchildren in Japan--the influence of gender and obesity: a population-based cross-sectional study.

BackgroundAlthough the correlation coefficient between body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat (%BF) or waist circumference (WC) has been reported, studies conducted among population-based schoolchildren to date have been limited in Japan, where %BF and WC are not usually measured in annual health examinations at elementary schools or junior high schools. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship of BMI to %BF and WC and to examine the influence of gender and obesity on these relationships among Japanese schoolchildren.MethodsSubjects included 3,750 schoolchildren from the fourth and seventh grade in Ina-town, Saitama Prefecture, Japan between 2004 and 2008. Information about subjects age, sex, height, weight, %BF, and WC was collected from annual physical examinations. %BF was measured with a bipedal biometrical impedance analysis device. Obesity was defined by the following two criteria: the obese definition of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the definition of obesity for Japanese children. Pearsons correlation coefficients between BMI and %BF or WC were calculated separately for sex.ResultsAmong fourth graders, the correlation coefficients between BMI and %BF were 0.74 for boys and 0.97 for girls, whereas those between BMI and WC were 0.94 for boys and 0.90 for girls. Similar results were observed in the analysis of seventh graders. The correlation coefficient between BMI and %BF varied by physique (obese or non-obese), with weaker correlations among the obese regardless of the definition of obesity; most correlation coefficients among obese boys were less than 0.5, whereas most correlations among obese girls were more than 0.7. On the other hand, the correlation coefficients between BMI and WC were more than 0.8 among boys and almost all coefficients were more than 0.7 among girls, regardless of physique.ConclusionsBMI was positively correlated with %BF and WC among Japanese schoolchildren. The correlations could be influenced by obesity as well as by gender. Accordingly, it is essential to consider gender and obesity when using BMI as a surrogate for %BF and WC for epidemiological use.

Difference in effects of cigarette smoking or alcohol consumption on serum non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels is related to mitochondrial DNA 5178 C/A polymorphism in middle-aged Japanese men: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMitochondrial DNA 5178 cytosine/adenosine (Mt5178 C/A) polymorphism is associated with longevity in the Japanese. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether Mt5178 C/A polymorphism modifies the effects of habitual smoking or habitual drinking on serum non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol levels in middle-aged Japanese men.MethodsA total of 394 male subjects (age 53.9 ± 7.9 years; mean ± SD) were selected from among individuals visiting the hospital for regular medical check-ups. After Mt5178 C/A genotyping, a cross-sectional study assessing the joint effects of Mt5178 C/A polymorphism and cigarette smoking or alcohol drinking on serum non-HDL cholesterol levels was conducted. High levels of serum non-HDL cholesterol were defined as serum non-HDL cholesterol levels ≥160 mg/dl or ≥190 mg/dl.ResultsFor men with Mt5178A, cigarette smoking may increase serum non-HDL cholesterol levels (P for trend < 0.001), as well as the risk of high levels of non-HDL cholesterol (serum non-HDL cholesterol levels ≥160 mg/dl, P for trend < 0.001; serum non-HDL cholesterol levels ≥190 mg/dl, P for trend = 0.004). On the other hand, for men with Mt5178C, after adjusting for age and body mass index, alcohol consumption may decrease serum non-HDL cholesterol levels (P for trend = 0.043) and the risk of high levels of non-HDL cholesterol (serum non-HDL cholesterol level ≥160 mg/dl, P for trend = 0.005).ConclusionsThese gene-environment interactions on serum non-HDL cholesterol levels may contribute to the establishment of individualized prevention of the risk of high levels of serum non-HDL cholesterol.

High Blood Pressure in Obese and Nonobese Japanese Children: Blood Pressure Measurement is Necessary Even in Nonobese Japanese Children

Background Although the prevalences of obesity and hypertension (HT) are increasing in children, there have been few epidemiological studies of HT in Japanese children. We evaluated the prevalences of HT and high-normal blood pressure (HNBP), and examined the relationship between blood pressure (BP) and body mass index (BMI), in Japanese children. Methods The subjects of this study were 2420 children living in the town of Ina, Saitama Prefecture, Japan during the period from 2006 through 2008. Body height, weight, and BP were measured. HT and HNBP were defined according to the HT criteria for Japanese children. Children with HNBP or HT were defined as having high blood pressure (HBP). Results The prevalences of HBP were 15.9% and 15.8% in fourth-grade boys and girls, respectively, and 11.1% and 10.8% in seventh-grade boys and girls, respectively. Irrespective of sex or grade level, a higher BMI was associated with a higher prevalence of HBP (P < 0.001). When compared with the <50th percentile BMI category, the crude odds ratios (ORs) were statistically significant for the 75th to 84th percentile category in fourth-grade boys (OR: 4.54, 95% CI: 2.36–8.76), the ≥95th percentile in fourth-grade girls (13.29, 5.93–29.77), the 85th to 94th percentile (3.16, 1.46–6.84) in seventh-grade boys, and the ≥95th percentile (7.96, 3.18–19.93) in seventh-grade girls. Conclusions BMI was associated with HBP in Japanese school children. In addition, some children in the lower BMI categories also had HBP.

Combined effect of longevity-associated mitochondrial DNA 5178 C/A polymorphism and coffee consumption on the risk of hyper-LDL cholesterolemia in middle-aged Japanese men

The objective of this study was to investigate whether the mitochondrial DNA 5178 cytosine/adenine (Mt5178 C/A) polymorphism modifies the effects of coffee consumption on serum lipid levels and the risk of dyslipidemia in middle-aged Japanese men. A total of 397 male subjects (age, 53.9±7.8 years; mean±s.d.) were selected from among individuals visiting the hospital for regular medical check-ups. After adjustment for age, body mass index, habitual alcohol consumption, habitual smoking and use of antihypertensive medication, among subjects who consumed <1 cup of coffee per day, the odds ratio (OR) for hyper-low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterolemia (serum LDL cholesterol ⩾140 mg per 100 ml) was significantly lower in those with Mt5178A than in those with Mt5178C (OR=0.378, 95% confidence interval: 0.153–0.919). After adjustment, the association between the Mt5178A genotype and hyper-LDL cholesterolemia depended on coffee consumption (P for trend=0.018). Coffee consumption was positively associated with serum LDL cholesterol levels only in subjects with Mt5178A. However, in subjects with Mt5178C, serum LDL cholesterol level or risk of hyper-LDL cholesterolemia did not seem to depend on coffee consumption. These results suggest that for men with Mt5178A, coffee consumption negates the genetic benefit of lower risk for hyper-LDL cholesterolemia.

LDL-cholesterol and body mass index among Japanese schoolchildren: a population-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundSerum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is one of the most important risk factors for coronary heart disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between LDL-C and body mass index (BMI) in population-based Japanese schoolchildren.MethodsThe subjects comprised all fourth graders and seventh graders in Ina Town, Saitama Prefecture, Japan, during 2002-2009. Information about each subject’s age, sex, and family history of hypercholesterolemia was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The body height, weight, and LDL-C were measured for each child. LDL-C was measured using the direct method. According to the LDL-C criteria of the Japan Atherosclerosis Society, LDL-C level was categorized into three subgroups: acceptable, < 110 mg/dL; borderline, 110-139 mg/dL; and high, ≥ 140 mg/dL. Children with either borderline or high LDL-C level were considered to have high-normal LDL-C (HLDL-C).ResultsData from a total of 5869 subjects were analyzed. A higher BMI category was associated with a higher prevalence of HLDL-C regardless of sex or grade level (P < 0.05). When compared with the <50th percentile BMI category, the odds ratio (OR) for HLDL-C was statistically significant in the 75th to 84th percentile category of fourth-grade boys (OR: 1.95, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.28-2.97), the 85th to 94th percentile of fourth-grade girls (2.52, 1.74-3.64), and the 85th to 94th percentile of seventh-grade boys (2.04, 1.31-3.20) and girls (1.90, 1.24-2.91).ConclusionA statistically significant association between LDL-C levels and BMI was observed in Japanese school children.

Trends of Underweight and Overweight/Obesity Among Japanese Schoolchildren From 2003 to 2012, Defined by Body Mass Index and Percentage Overweight Cutoffs

Background We investigated the prevalence and trends of underweight and overweight/obesity in a population-based sample of Japanese schoolchildren from 2003 to 2012, defined by body mass index (BMI) and percentage overweight (POW). Methods Subjects comprised fourth and seventh graders from the town of Ina, Japan, from 2003 to 2012. The height and weight of each subject were measured. Children were classified as underweight, normal weight, or overweight/obese using two criteria: BMI cutoff points proposed by the International Obesity Task Force and cutoffs based on POW in Japan. Results Data from 4367 fourth graders and 3724 seventh graders were analyzed. The prevalence of underweight and overweight as defined by POW criteria were lower than those based on BMI criteria. There was a decrease in the prevalence of overweight among fourth-grade boys and girls and seventh-grade girls according to BMI; this decrease was also observed when POW criteria were used for the definition of overweight. Conclusions The prevalence and trends of both underweight and overweight as defined by POW were underestimated among Japanese schoolchildren compared to those determined using BMI. The results of this study also suggest that trends in underweight and overweight/obesity using POW criteria are similar to those based on BMI criteria among schoolchildren in Japan.

The impact of eating quickly on anthropometric variables among schoolgirls: a prospective cohort study in Japan

BACKGROUND Because most studies about the relationship between eating quickly and overweight/obesity have been cross-sectional, it is necessary to investigate prospectively the influence of eating quickly on anthropometric variables in order to examine the causal relationship. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of eating quickly on anthropometric variables among schoolgirls in a prospective cohort study. METHODS We investigated 427 non-overweight/obese schoolgirls from fourth grade (aged 9 or 10 years) in Ina-town, Japan from 2004 to 2006. Physical examinations and a questionnaire survey were conducted in fourth grade and 3 years later (in seventh grade). Height, weight, percent body fat (%BF) and waist circumference (WC) were measured in physical examinations, and information on eating speed was collected in a questionnaire survey. RESULTS The differences in anthropometric variables (body mass index, %BF, WC and waist-to-height ratio) between fourth and seventh grade were significantly greater in girls who continued to eat quickly from fourth to seventh grade than in those who did not continue to eat quickly during this 3-year period. In contrast, these differences were not statistically significant in girls who ate quickly in fourth grade but not in seventh grade compared with those who did not continue to eat quickly during the 3-year period. CONCLUSION Eating quickly was associated with excess gains in anthropometric variables. The present study also suggested that stopping a habit of eating quickly prevents these excess gains in non-overweight/obese girls, which could contribute to the prevention of childhood overweight and obesity.

Combined effect of mitochondrial DNA 5178 C/A polymorphism and alcohol consumption on estimated glomerular filtration rate in male Japanese health check-up examinees: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPrevention of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health issue. Although several studies have been performed on the association between alcohol consumption and CKD or renal function, it remains controversial. Numerous genetic polymorphisms have been reported to be associated with CKD and kidney function. Mitochondrial DNA cytosine/adenine (Mt5178 C/A) polymorphism is associated with longevity in Japanese. This polymorphism modifies the effects of alcohol consumption on blood pressure, risk of hypertension, serum triglyceride levels, risk of hyper-LDL cholesterolemia and serum uric acid levels. The objective of this study was to investigate whether Mt5178 C/A polymorphism modifies the effects of alcohol consumption on renal function in male Japanese health check-up examinees.MethodsA total of 394 male subjects aged 29–76 years were selected from among individuals visiting the hospital for regular medical check-ups. After Mt5178 C/A genotyping, a cross-sectional study assessing the combined effects of Mt5178 C/A polymorphism and habitual drinking on the risk of mildly decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (<90 ml/min/1.73 m2) was conducted.ResultsFor Mt5178A genotypic men, habitual drinking may increase eGFR (P for trend = 0.003) or reduce the risk of mildly decreased eGFR (P for trend = 0.003). Daily drinkers had a significantly higher eGFR than non-drinkers (P = 0.005). The crude odds ratio for decreased eGFR was significantly lower in daily drinkers than in non-drinkers (odds ratio = 0.092, 95% confidence interval: 0.012-0.727, P = 0.024). On the other hand, for Mt5178C genotypic men, habitual drinking does not appear to affect eGFR.ConclusionThe present results suggest a joint effect of Mt5178 C/A polymorphism and alcohol consumption on eGFR and the risk of mildly decreased eGFR in male Japanese subjects.

Longevity-associated mitochondrial DNA 5178 C/A polymorphism and its interaction with cigarette consumption are associated with pulmonary function in middle-aged Japanese men

AbstractPulmonary function is a crucial factor associated with longevity. Mitochondrial DNA 5178 cytosine/adenine (Mt5178 C/A) polymorphism is reported to be associated with longevity in the Japanese population. We have previously reported that Mt5178 C/A polymorphism is widely associated with physiological and biochemical status. The objective of this study was to investigate whether Mt5178 C/A polymorphism is associated with pulmonary function. The subjects were 463 Japanese men (mean age ± SD 54.0 ± 7.6 years). Genotyping of Mt5178 C/A was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. A cross-sectional study of the relationship between genotype and spirometric data, namely forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), was conducted. Among younger subjects (age <55 years), FVC and FEV1 were significantly higher for men with Mt5178A than for those with Mt5178C. Interaction between Mt5178 C/A polymorphism and smoking habits in FEV1/FVC ratio was observed. Cigarette consumption (pack-years of smoking) was significantly and negatively associated with FEV1/FVC ratio for men with Mt5178C. Among older subjects (age ≥55 years), FEV1/FVC ratio was significantly lower for current smokers with Mt5178C than for never smokers with Mt5178C or for never smokers with Mt5178A. Mt5178 C/A polymorphism and its interaction with cigarette consumption may be associated with pulmonary function in Japanese men.

High-molecular-weight adiponectin and anthropometric variables among elementary schoolchildren: a population-based cross-sectional study in Japan.

BackgroundStudies about the relationship between high-molecular-weight adiponectin (HMW-adn) and anthropometric variables among population-based elementary schoolchildren have been too limited, especially in Japan, where blood collection is not usually performed in the annual health examination at elementary schools. The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between HMW-adn and anthropometric variables (body mass index [BMI], percent body fat [%BF], waist circumference [WC], and waist-to-height ratio [WHtR]) among population-based elementary schoolchildren in Japan.MethodsSubjects comprised all fourth-grade schoolchildren (9 or 10 years of age) in the town of Ina, Saitama Prefecture, Japan during 2005–2008 (N = 1675). After excluding 21 subjects because of refusal to participate or incomplete data, data from a total of 1654 subjects (846 boys and 808 girls) were analyzed. The height, weight, %BF, and WC of each subject were measured, while blood samples were drawn from the subjects to measure adiponectin levels (HMW-adn and total adiponectin). Childhood obesity was determined according to the age- and sex-specific cut-off points proposed by the International Obesity Task Force. Spearman’s correlation coefficients between adiponectin levels and anthropometric variables were calculated for each sex.ResultsThe anthropometric variables were negatively correlated with HMW-adn in both boys and girls. Correlation coefficients of HMW-adn with anthropometric variables in the obesity group were consistently higher than those in the non-obesity group among both boys and girls. In addition, only WHtR was significantly correlated with HMW-adn regardless of sex and physique (obesity or non-obesity); the correlation coefficient was -0.386 among boys and -0.543 among girls in the obesity group, while it was -0.124 among boys and -0.081 among girls in the non-obesity group.ConclusionsHMW-adn was negatively correlated with anthropometric variables, while the correlation coefficients of HMW-adn with anthropometric variables in the obesity group were consistently higher than those in the non-obesity group. Moreover, only WHtR was significantly associated with HMW-adn regardless of sex and physique. The results of this study suggested that it is useful to monitor WHtR as a surrogate for HMW-adn among elementary school students, especially obese children.