1.Association between DNA methylation clock and obesity-related indicators:A longi-tudinal twin study
Shunkai LIU ; Weihua CAO ; Jun LV ; Canqing YU ; Tao HUANG ; Dianjianyi SUN ; Chunxiao LIAO ; Yuanjie PANG ; Runhua HU ; Ruqin GAO ; Min YU ; Jinyi ZHOU ; Xianping WU ; Yu LIU ; Wenjing GAO ; Liming LI
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(3):456-464
Objective:To explore the relationship between obesity indicators and DNA methylation clocks acceleration,and to analyze their temporal sequence.Methods:Data were obtained from two sur-veys conducted in 2013 and 2017-2018 by the Chinese National Twin Registry.Peripheral blood DNA methylation data were measured using the Illumina Infinium Human Methylation 450K BeadChip and EPIC BeadChip.DNA methylation clocks/acceleration metrics(GrimAA,PCGrimAA and Dunedin-PACE)were calculated using the DNA methylation online tool(https://dnamage.genetics.ucla.edu/)or R code provided by researchers.Obesity indicators included weight,body mass index(BMI),waist circumference,waist-hip ratio,and waist-height ratio.A total of 1 070 twin individuals were included in the cross-sectional analysis,comprising 378 monozygotic(MZ)twin pairs and 155 dizygotic(DZ)twin pairs for within-pair analysis.Mixed-effects models were used to examine the associations between obesity indicators and DNA methylation clocks,as well as their acceleration measures.The longitudinal analysis included 314 twin individuals,comprising 95 MZ twin pairs and 62 DZ twin pairs for within-pair analy-sis.Cross-lagged panel models were applied to further explore the temporal relationships between obesity and DNA methylation clock indicators.All analyses were conducted both in the full twin sample and separately within MZ and DZ twin pairs.Results:In the cross-sectional analysis population,monozygotic twins accounted for 71.0%,males for 68.0%,and the mean chronological age was(49.9±12.1)years.In the longitudinal analysis population,monozygotic twins accounted for 60.5%,males for 60.8%,with a mean baseline chronological age of(50.4±10.2)years and a mean follow-up duration of(4.6±0.6)years.Except for the waist-to-hip ratio,which was significantly higher at follow-up com-pared with baseline,no statistically significant differences were observed in the means of other obesity in-dicators between baseline and follow-up.Correlation analysis revealed that weight,BMI,waist circumfe-rence,waist-hip ratio(WHR),and waist-height ratio(WHtR)were positively correlated with Dunedin-PACE in all the twins,with WHtR showing the strongest association(β=0.21,95%CI:0.11 to 0.31).Weight and BMI were negatively associated with GrimAA(β=-0.03,95%CI:-0.05 to-0.01;β=-0.07,95%CI:-0.12 to-0.02),while weight was negatively associated with PCGrim-AA(β=-0.02,95%CI:-0.03 to 0.00).However,within-twin-pair analyses showed no statistically significant correlations.Cross-lagged panel model analysis indicated that higher baseline weight might lead to increased GrimAA at follow-up,while elevated baseline weight,BMI,and waist circumference might increase PCGrimAA.Higher baseline WHR was associated with increased DunedinPACE at follow-up.Conclusion:Obesity indicators correlate with DNA methylation clock acceleration metrics.Baseline obesity may influence changes in certain DNA methylation clock indicators over time,suggesting that obesity could exert long-term health effects by accelerating DNA methylation aging.However,these associations may be confounded by shared genetic or environmental factors among the twins.
2.Distribution characteristics of smoking behavior among adult twins in China
Shunkai LIU ; Wenjing GAO ; Weihua CAO ; Jun LYU ; Canqing YU ; Shengfeng WANG ; Tao HUANG ; Dianjianyi SUN ; Chunxiao LIAO ; Yuanjie PANG ; Ruqin GAO ; Min YU ; Jinyi ZHOU ; Xianping WU ; Zhong DONG ; Fan WU ; Dezheng WANG ; Zhihua XU ; Yu LIU ; Jianrui WANG ; Jie YIN ; Shengli YIN ; Liming LI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(7):1090-1096
This study aims to describe the population and regional distribution characteristics of smoking behavior among adult twins in the China Twin Registry (CNTR), as well as the concordance rates for smoking behavior in monozygotic and dizygotic twins, and estimate the heritability. The study population included adult twins in CNTR who had smoking questionnaire data. A random-effects regression model was used to describe the distribution of smoking behavior among different subgroups based on various characteristics. The concordance of smoking behavior between different zygosity groups was calculated, and heritability was estimated. A total of 28 444 twin pairs were included in this study, with an average age of (36.6±12.0) years. Among male twins, 41.2% were current smokers, while only 1.2% of females smoked. Higher smoking rates were observed among male smokers in the 50-59 age group ( z=23.0, P<0.001), northern regions ( z=2.9, P<0.01), rural areas ( z=-5.2, P<0.001), those who were divorced/widowed ( z=3.8, P<0.001), and first-born twins ( z=-4.3, P<0.001), while lower smoking rates were found in those with higher education ( z=-16.1, P<0.001) and unmarried individuals ( z=-16.0, P<0.001). The smoking concordance rate for male monozygotic twins was 69.6%, significantly higher than the 57.3% concordance rate for dizygotic twins ( χ 2=105.0, P<0.05). The heritability of smoking behavior in male twins was estimated at 28.9% (95% CI: 24.3%-33.4%). Stratified analyses showed differences in heritability across regions and age groups: the heritability in northern regions was 32.6% (95% CI: 27.3%-38.0%), higher than the 21.0% (95% CI: 12.4%-29.5%) observed in southern regions; the highest heritability of 35.1% (95% CI: 26.3%-43.9%) was found in the 18-29 age group, with heritability decreasing with age. In conclusion, the smoking rate and influencing factors in the twin population are similar to those in the general population, with unique characteristics, such as higher smoking rates in first-born twins. Genetic factors have a significant impact on smoking behavior.
3.Distribution characteristics and heritability of alcohol consumption behavior in adult twins in China
Yuanchen LI ; Wenjing GAO ; Weihua CAO ; Jun LYU ; Canqing YU ; Shengfeng WANG ; Tao HUANG ; Dianjianyi SUN ; Chunxiao LIAO ; Yuanjie PANG ; Ruqin GAO ; Min YU ; Jinyi ZHOU ; Xianping WU ; Zhong DONG ; Fan WU ; Dezheng WANG ; Zhihua XU ; Yu LIU ; Yanxia MA ; Jie YIN ; Shengli YIN ; Liming LI
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(1):73-80
Objective:To describe the distribution characteristics of alcohol consumption in adult twins in the Chinese National Twin Registry (CNTR), and further explore the influence of genetic factors on alcohol consumption in adult twins.Methods:The subjects of the study were twins registered by CNTR in 11 project areas across China from 2010 to 2018. A total of 56 966 twins (28 483 pairs) aged 18 years and above who answered questions about drinking behavior were included, and the random effect model was used to describe the population and regional distribution characteristics of alcohol consumption. Intra-pair analysis was performed to calculate the concordance rate and heritability of their alcohol consumption.Results:The age of all subjects was (36.6±12.0) years, and current drinkers accounted for 16.6% (9 461/56 966) of all subjects. In men, those aged 50-59 years, those in northern China, those living in rural area, those with low education level and those with high BMI, the proportions of current drinkers were higher. After excluding 468 pairs of twins who had stopped alcohol use and 21 764 pairs of twins who had no drink or had small amount drink, an intra-pair analysis was conducted in 4 929 pairs of same-sex twins, and found that the concordance rate of alcohol consumption was 64.0% (2 059/3 215) in monozygotic twins, and 52.6% (902/1 714) in dizygotic twins, the difference was significant ( P<0.001), and the heritability of alcohol consumption was 24.1% (95% CI: 18.9%- 29.3%). The further stratified analysis found that in southern men, the heritability was highest in those aged 40-49 years (36.1%, 95% CI: 21.6%-50.7%), while in northern men, the heritability was highest in those aged 50-59 years (34.2%, 95% CI: 18.1%-50.3%). Conclusions:In adult twins in China, there were population and regional differences in the distribution of alcohol consumption behavior, and alcohol consumption was influenced by genetic factors, and gender, age and region had potential modifying effects.
4.Distribution characteristics of smoking behavior among adult twins in China
Shunkai LIU ; Wenjing GAO ; Weihua CAO ; Jun LYU ; Canqing YU ; Shengfeng WANG ; Tao HUANG ; Dianjianyi SUN ; Chunxiao LIAO ; Yuanjie PANG ; Ruqin GAO ; Min YU ; Jinyi ZHOU ; Xianping WU ; Zhong DONG ; Fan WU ; Dezheng WANG ; Zhihua XU ; Yu LIU ; Jianrui WANG ; Jie YIN ; Shengli YIN ; Liming LI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(7):1090-1096
This study aims to describe the population and regional distribution characteristics of smoking behavior among adult twins in the China Twin Registry (CNTR), as well as the concordance rates for smoking behavior in monozygotic and dizygotic twins, and estimate the heritability. The study population included adult twins in CNTR who had smoking questionnaire data. A random-effects regression model was used to describe the distribution of smoking behavior among different subgroups based on various characteristics. The concordance of smoking behavior between different zygosity groups was calculated, and heritability was estimated. A total of 28 444 twin pairs were included in this study, with an average age of (36.6±12.0) years. Among male twins, 41.2% were current smokers, while only 1.2% of females smoked. Higher smoking rates were observed among male smokers in the 50-59 age group ( z=23.0, P<0.001), northern regions ( z=2.9, P<0.01), rural areas ( z=-5.2, P<0.001), those who were divorced/widowed ( z=3.8, P<0.001), and first-born twins ( z=-4.3, P<0.001), while lower smoking rates were found in those with higher education ( z=-16.1, P<0.001) and unmarried individuals ( z=-16.0, P<0.001). The smoking concordance rate for male monozygotic twins was 69.6%, significantly higher than the 57.3% concordance rate for dizygotic twins ( χ 2=105.0, P<0.05). The heritability of smoking behavior in male twins was estimated at 28.9% (95% CI: 24.3%-33.4%). Stratified analyses showed differences in heritability across regions and age groups: the heritability in northern regions was 32.6% (95% CI: 27.3%-38.0%), higher than the 21.0% (95% CI: 12.4%-29.5%) observed in southern regions; the highest heritability of 35.1% (95% CI: 26.3%-43.9%) was found in the 18-29 age group, with heritability decreasing with age. In conclusion, the smoking rate and influencing factors in the twin population are similar to those in the general population, with unique characteristics, such as higher smoking rates in first-born twins. Genetic factors have a significant impact on smoking behavior.
5.Association between DNA methylation clock and obesity-related indicators:A longi-tudinal twin study
Shunkai LIU ; Weihua CAO ; Jun LV ; Canqing YU ; Tao HUANG ; Dianjianyi SUN ; Chunxiao LIAO ; Yuanjie PANG ; Runhua HU ; Ruqin GAO ; Min YU ; Jinyi ZHOU ; Xianping WU ; Yu LIU ; Wenjing GAO ; Liming LI
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(3):456-464
Objective:To explore the relationship between obesity indicators and DNA methylation clocks acceleration,and to analyze their temporal sequence.Methods:Data were obtained from two sur-veys conducted in 2013 and 2017-2018 by the Chinese National Twin Registry.Peripheral blood DNA methylation data were measured using the Illumina Infinium Human Methylation 450K BeadChip and EPIC BeadChip.DNA methylation clocks/acceleration metrics(GrimAA,PCGrimAA and Dunedin-PACE)were calculated using the DNA methylation online tool(https://dnamage.genetics.ucla.edu/)or R code provided by researchers.Obesity indicators included weight,body mass index(BMI),waist circumference,waist-hip ratio,and waist-height ratio.A total of 1 070 twin individuals were included in the cross-sectional analysis,comprising 378 monozygotic(MZ)twin pairs and 155 dizygotic(DZ)twin pairs for within-pair analysis.Mixed-effects models were used to examine the associations between obesity indicators and DNA methylation clocks,as well as their acceleration measures.The longitudinal analysis included 314 twin individuals,comprising 95 MZ twin pairs and 62 DZ twin pairs for within-pair analy-sis.Cross-lagged panel models were applied to further explore the temporal relationships between obesity and DNA methylation clock indicators.All analyses were conducted both in the full twin sample and separately within MZ and DZ twin pairs.Results:In the cross-sectional analysis population,monozygotic twins accounted for 71.0%,males for 68.0%,and the mean chronological age was(49.9±12.1)years.In the longitudinal analysis population,monozygotic twins accounted for 60.5%,males for 60.8%,with a mean baseline chronological age of(50.4±10.2)years and a mean follow-up duration of(4.6±0.6)years.Except for the waist-to-hip ratio,which was significantly higher at follow-up com-pared with baseline,no statistically significant differences were observed in the means of other obesity in-dicators between baseline and follow-up.Correlation analysis revealed that weight,BMI,waist circumfe-rence,waist-hip ratio(WHR),and waist-height ratio(WHtR)were positively correlated with Dunedin-PACE in all the twins,with WHtR showing the strongest association(β=0.21,95%CI:0.11 to 0.31).Weight and BMI were negatively associated with GrimAA(β=-0.03,95%CI:-0.05 to-0.01;β=-0.07,95%CI:-0.12 to-0.02),while weight was negatively associated with PCGrim-AA(β=-0.02,95%CI:-0.03 to 0.00).However,within-twin-pair analyses showed no statistically significant correlations.Cross-lagged panel model analysis indicated that higher baseline weight might lead to increased GrimAA at follow-up,while elevated baseline weight,BMI,and waist circumference might increase PCGrimAA.Higher baseline WHR was associated with increased DunedinPACE at follow-up.Conclusion:Obesity indicators correlate with DNA methylation clock acceleration metrics.Baseline obesity may influence changes in certain DNA methylation clock indicators over time,suggesting that obesity could exert long-term health effects by accelerating DNA methylation aging.However,these associations may be confounded by shared genetic or environmental factors among the twins.
6.Distribution characteristics and heritability of alcohol consumption behavior in adult twins in China
Yuanchen LI ; Wenjing GAO ; Weihua CAO ; Jun LYU ; Canqing YU ; Shengfeng WANG ; Tao HUANG ; Dianjianyi SUN ; Chunxiao LIAO ; Yuanjie PANG ; Ruqin GAO ; Min YU ; Jinyi ZHOU ; Xianping WU ; Zhong DONG ; Fan WU ; Dezheng WANG ; Zhihua XU ; Yu LIU ; Yanxia MA ; Jie YIN ; Shengli YIN ; Liming LI
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(1):73-80
Objective:To describe the distribution characteristics of alcohol consumption in adult twins in the Chinese National Twin Registry (CNTR), and further explore the influence of genetic factors on alcohol consumption in adult twins.Methods:The subjects of the study were twins registered by CNTR in 11 project areas across China from 2010 to 2018. A total of 56 966 twins (28 483 pairs) aged 18 years and above who answered questions about drinking behavior were included, and the random effect model was used to describe the population and regional distribution characteristics of alcohol consumption. Intra-pair analysis was performed to calculate the concordance rate and heritability of their alcohol consumption.Results:The age of all subjects was (36.6±12.0) years, and current drinkers accounted for 16.6% (9 461/56 966) of all subjects. In men, those aged 50-59 years, those in northern China, those living in rural area, those with low education level and those with high BMI, the proportions of current drinkers were higher. After excluding 468 pairs of twins who had stopped alcohol use and 21 764 pairs of twins who had no drink or had small amount drink, an intra-pair analysis was conducted in 4 929 pairs of same-sex twins, and found that the concordance rate of alcohol consumption was 64.0% (2 059/3 215) in monozygotic twins, and 52.6% (902/1 714) in dizygotic twins, the difference was significant ( P<0.001), and the heritability of alcohol consumption was 24.1% (95% CI: 18.9%- 29.3%). The further stratified analysis found that in southern men, the heritability was highest in those aged 40-49 years (36.1%, 95% CI: 21.6%-50.7%), while in northern men, the heritability was highest in those aged 50-59 years (34.2%, 95% CI: 18.1%-50.3%). Conclusions:In adult twins in China, there were population and regional differences in the distribution of alcohol consumption behavior, and alcohol consumption was influenced by genetic factors, and gender, age and region had potential modifying effects.
7.Association between waist circumference and ischemic stroke: a prospective study in adults from Qingdao
Yuhui LI ; Lei LIU ; Dan HU ; Xiaoyan ZHENG ; Jun LYU ; Canqing YU ; Pei PEI ; Haiping DUAN ; Ruqin GAO ; Zengchang PANG ; Xiaocao TIAN ; Dianjianyi SUN
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(2):178-184
Objective:To analyze the association between waist circumference (WC) and ischemic stroke (IS).Methods:The data for the present study were from the prospective cohort study of China Kadoorie Biobank in Qingdao. Using baseline information and IS events of the participants, the Cox proportional hazard regression model and restricted cubic spline (RCS) were used to analyze the association between WC and IS.Results:A total of 33 355 participants were included in the study, with 302 008.88 person-years of follow-up. A total of 1 093 new cases of IS were observed. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model analysis showed that compared to the respondents with normal WC (male <85.0 cm, female <80.0 cm), respondents with excessive WC (male ≥85.0 cm, female ≥80.0 cm) had a 78% higher risk of IS incidence [hazard ratio( HR)=1.78, 95% CI: 1.51-2.10], and the risk increased by 72% ( HR=1.72, 95% CI: 1.40-2.12) and 83% ( HR=1.83, 95% CI: 1.40-2.39) in men and women. According to the RCS, the increase in WC and the risk of IS showed an "S" trend of nonlinear dose-response relationship. Conclusions:The risk of IS would increase with the WC. Keeping a normal WC is important for preventing IS.
8.Association of solid fuel use for heating and smoking with respiratory diseases: a prospective cohort study
Yang YU ; Xiaocao TIAN ; Hua ZHANG ; Dan HU ; Jun LYU ; Canqing YU ; Pei PEI ; Dianjianyi SUN ; Ruqin GAO ; Zengchang PANG ; Haiping DUAN
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(10):1356-1361
Objective:To investigate the association between solid fuel use for heating, smoking, and respiratory diseases.Methods:This study is based on the Qingdao project of the China Kadoorie Biobank. After screening, 26 165 individuals were included in the study. We employed Cox proportional hazards regression models, stratified by risk age (in 5-year intervals) and sex while adjusting for confounding variables such as occupation and physical activity level to analyze the association between solid fuel use for heating, smoking, and increased risk of respiratory diseases.Results:Among the 26 165 participants, the average age of those using solid fuel for heating was (52.57±10.31) years, with females constituting 58.04% and former/current smokers accounting for 65.38%. The results indicated that both the solid fuel group and the former/current smoking group had a higher risk of respiratory diseases, with hazard ratios ( HR) (95% CI) of 1.21 (1.04-1.41) and 1.41 (1.16-1.71), respectively. For the duration of solid fuel use, the HR (95% CI) for 20 years or more, it was 1.27 (1.07-1.51). The multiplicative interaction term between solid fuel use and smoking was statistically significant. Conclusions:The use of solid fuel for heating and smoking significantly increases the risk of respiratory diseases, and there may be a multiplicative interaction between solid fuel use and smoking.
9. Association between fruit consumption and stroke in adults in Qingdao: a prospective study
Xiaocao TIAN ; Shaojie WANG ; Shanpeng LI ; Yu GUO ; Zheng BIAN ; Silu LYU ; Wenying QU ; Jiben LIU ; Ruqin GAO ; Zengchang PANG ; Liming LI ; Zhengming CHEN
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2019;40(5):515-520
Objective:
To understand the fruit consumption of adults of Qingdao and examine the association between fruit consumption and stroke.
Methods:
We analyzed baseline data and stroke incidence of the participants who were aged 30-79 years and had been enrolled into the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) study from Qingdao city. Cox proportional hazards regression model was conducted to estimate the association of fruit consumption with risk of stroke.
Results:
A total of 35 509 participants were investgated in the baseline survey. Ratio of male to female was 1∶1.27, and the average age was (50.3±10.2) years. Respondents with higher frequency of fruit consumption were younger, more women, with higher education level and higher income (
10. Study on correlation between alcohol consumption and obesity in adults in China
Xiang XU ; Mi ZHOU ; Ruqin GAO ; Yu GUO ; Xiaocao TIAN ; Zheng BIAN ; Yunlong TAN ; Pei PEI ; Canqing YU ; Shaojie WANG ; Zhengming CHEN ; Liming LI
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2019;40(7):759-764
Objective:
To evaluate the correlation between alcohol consumption and obesity in adults in China.
Methods:
The information about alcohol consumption were collected at the baseline survey of the China Kadoorie Biobank. The general obesity and central obesity were defined by BMI and waist circumference (WC) respectively. Logistic regression model was employed to examine the relationship of drinking behavior with general obesity and central obesity.
Results:
A total of 249 873 adults were included. A J-shaped relationship was observed between alcohol consumption and obesity measurement index (BMI and WC) in men. Compared with non-drinkers, the proportion of general obesity and central obesity were lower in light drinkers (men:

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