PURPOSE: An unresolved inflammatory state contributes to the pathogenesis of periodontal disease and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of lipoxin A4 (LXA4), a proresolving lipid mediator, in the association between periodontal disease and MetS. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients with MetS and 65 patients without MetS were included in the study. Sociodemographic information was obtained via a questionnaire, and detailed medical diagnoses were made. Periodontal parameters (plaque index [PI], gingival index [GI], probing pocket depth [PD], and clinical attachment level [CAL]) and metabolic parameters were measured, and serum LXA4 levels were determined. The associations among MetS, periodontal parameters, and serum LX levels were evaluated by adjusted multivariate linear regression analyses. RESULTS: Patients with MetS were older and had a higher body mass index than patients without MetS. Periodontal parameters (PI, GI, PD, and CAL) were higher in patients with MetS than in those without MetS. Serum LXA4 levels were higher in patients without MetS. Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated a positive association between MetS and periodontal parameters (PD and CAL). Negative associations were established between MetS and LXA4 levels, and between LXA4 and periodontal parameters (PI, PD, and CAL). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of higher values of periodontal parameters in patients with MetS and the negative relationship of LXA4 with MetS and periodontal disease may support the protective role of proresolving lipid mediators in the association between periodontal disease and MetS.
Body Mass Index ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Linear Models ; Lipoxins ; Metabolic Syndrome X ; Periodontal Diseases ; Periodontal Index

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common life-threatening cancers worldwide. Recently, many patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have progressed to HCC even in the absence of cirrhosis. As the morbidity of metabolic syndrome increases, the proportion of HCC associated with NAFLD is expected to increase gradually. A new mechanism for the development of HCC in NAFLD has been identified; Diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, obesity, lipotoxicity, gut dysbiosis are risk factors. Inflammatory cytokines such as adipokines, leptin, tumor necrosis factor-α, interlukin-8, nuclear factor-κB constitute dysplasia-carcinoma sequence. At the time of diagnosis, NAFLD/NASH related HCC tend to progress to larger and in advanced tumor-node-metastasis stages compared to viral hepatitis related HCC. But there are no guidelines for early detection of NAFLD-related HCC. So, it is essential to study the screening program for the early detection of NAFLD-related HCC and precise methods for NAFLD.
Adipokines ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* ; Cytokines ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Diagnosis ; Dysbiosis ; Fatty Liver ; Fibrosis ; Hepatitis ; Humans ; Insulin Resistance ; Leptin ; Mass Screening ; Metabolic Syndrome X ; Necrosis ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* ; Obesity ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify the sex-based association between depression and the development of metabolic syndrome (Mets) among middle-aged and older Korean adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used for the secondary analysis of the 2010–2014 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Data from 1,938 men and 2,404 women were analyzed. Mets was defined in accordance with the criteria used for clinical diagnosis. Depression was assessed with a question about having clinical depression. The association between depression and the development of Mets with or without adjustment for covariates was identified by conducting logistic regression analysis on weighted data using a complex sample procedure. RESULTS: More women than men had depression. Before covariate adjustment, depression was significantly associated with the development of Mets among women (odds ratio [OR], 1.586; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.152–2.183) and with a higher triglyceride level among men (OR, 1.679; 95% CI, 1.001–2.818). After covariate adjustment; depression was significantly associated with higher waist circumference among women (adjusted OR [AOR], 1.532; 95% CI, 1.046–2.245) and higher triglyceride level (AOR, 1.511; 95% CI, 1.029–2.219) than was Mets. Conversely, depression did not have significant effects on the development of Mets among men. CONCLUSION: Depression was associated with the development of Mets among middle-aged and older Korean women. Healthcare providers in communities should assess women with depression for the presence of Mets components. Interventions for relieving depressive symptoms should also be provided to women at risk for Mets.
Adult* ; Depression* ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Health Personnel ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Metabolic Syndrome X ; Nutrition Surveys ; Sex Characteristics ; Triglycerides ; Waist Circumference

PURPOSE: Recent studies have revealed close relationships between hepatic injury, metabolic pathways, and gut microbiota. The microorganisms in the intestine also cause irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The aim of this study was to examine whether IBS was associated with elevated hepatic enzyme [alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)], gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT) levels, and metabolic syndrome (MS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional, case-control study. The case and control groups comprised subjects who visited our health promotion center for general check-ups from June 2010 to December 2010. Of the 1127 initially screened subjects, 83 had IBS according to the Rome III criteria. The control group consisted of 260 age- and sex-matched subjects without IBS who visited our health promotion center during the same period. RESULTS: Compared to control subjects, patients with IBS showed significantly higher values of anthropometric parameters (body mass index, waist circumference), liver enzymes, gamma-GT, and lipid levels. The prevalences of elevated ALT (16.9% vs. 7.7%; p=0.015) and gamma-GT (24.1% vs. 11.5%; p=0.037) levels were significantly higher in patients with IBS than in control subjects. A statistically significant difference was observed in the prevalence of MS between controls and IBS patients (12.7% vs. 32.5%; p<0.001). The relationships between elevated ALT levels, MS, and IBS remained statistically significant after controlling for potential confounding factors. CONCLUSION: On the basis of our study results, IBS may be an important condition in certain patients with elevated ALT levels and MS.
Adult ; Alanine Transaminase/analysis/*metabolism ; Aspartate Aminotransferases/analysis/*metabolism ; Body Mass Index ; Case-Control Studies ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome/diagnosis/*enzymology/epidemiology ; Liver/metabolism ; Male ; Metabolic Syndrome X/complications/diagnosis/*enzymology/epidemiology ; Middle Aged ; Obesity/epidemiology ; Prevalence ; Retrospective Studies ; Waist Circumference ; gamma-Glutamyltransferase/analysis/*metabolism

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study evaluated the relationship between thyroid nodules and metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components in apparently healthy Koreans. METHODS: We reviewed the records of 3,298 subjects with no noticeable symptoms who underwent thyroid ultrasound imaging as part of a routine check-up between July 2009 and June 2010; of these, 1,308 were excluded based upon predefined criteria. Among the remaining 1,990 patients, we examined the association between MS and its components and the incidence of thyroid nodules. RESULTS: Of the 1,990 subjects included in this study, 38.4% (n = 764) had thyroid nodules and 12.7% (n = 253) had MS. Female sex, older age, higher body mass index, larger waist circumference, higher glycated hemoglobin level, lower thyroid stimulating hormone level, and presence of MS were all closely related with the presence of thyroid nodules (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, the relevant number of MS components showed a positive linear correlation with the occurrence of thyroid nodules (p < 0.001). Evidence of MS alone was not independently associated with thyroid nodules after adjusting for sex and age in a multivariate binary logistic regression analysis; however, glycated hemoglobin for females and waist circumference for males, as well as both age and thyroid stimulating hormone for all patients, were identified as independent predictors for the existence of thyroid nodules (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests a positive relationship between the components of MS and thyroid nodules in an ostensibly healthy Korean population. Our data support the idea that the recent increase in thyroid nodules is partly due to increases in both MS and obesity.
Adult ; Biomarkers/blood ; Body Mass Index ; Chi-Square Distribution ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Diabetes Mellitus/diagnosis/epidemiology ; Female ; Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated/analysis ; Humans ; Incidence ; Linear Models ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Metabolic Syndrome X/blood/diagnosis/*epidemiology ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Obesity/diagnosis/epidemiology ; Odds Ratio ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Thyroid Nodule/blood/diagnostic imaging/*epidemiology ; Thyrotropin/blood ; Waist Circumference

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is recognized as a public health concern. One of the pathophysiologies in the development of DES is inflammation, and metabolic syndrome (MetS), which is highly prevalent in the general population, is a well-known chronic and systemic inflammatory condition. Despite the increasing interest regarding a relationship between DES and MetS, information is lacking on the association between DES and MetS and its individual components. We investigated the association between DES symptoms and MetS and its components among adults aged ≥ 19 years using population-based data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V. A sample group of 15,294 adults (42.67% men and 57.33% women) completed household interviews in which they provided blood (for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, and glucose) and anthropometric measurements (including waist circumference, weight, and height) to define MetS. We also collected information regarding sociodemographic and behavioral risk factors. The survey results showed that 11.50% of men and 22.35% of women experienced DES and 5.30% of patients had both DES and diagnosis of MetS, including 204 men and 606 women. Thus, no significant difference was observed between DES and the diagnosis of MetS according to sex (P = 0.4008 in men; P = 0.0804 in women); however, a significant association was observed between DES and hypertriglyceridemia in women (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.01-1.29). Therefore, hypertriglyceridemia might be an important factor in the association between DES and MetS. Further longitudinal research is needed to evaluate this relationship.
Adult ; Aged ; Blood Glucose/analysis ; Body Height ; Body Weight ; Cholesterol, HDL/blood ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Dry Eye Syndromes/complications/*diagnosis/epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertriglyceridemia/complications/diagnosis ; Interviews as Topic ; Male ; Metabolic Syndrome X/complications/*diagnosis/epidemiology ; Middle Aged ; Nutrition Surveys ; Prevalence ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Risk Factors ; Sex Factors ; Triglycerides/blood ; Waist Circumference ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is a major health problem in postmenopausal women, along with psychological issues. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate the relationship between metabolic syndrome and mental health properties targeting middle-aged menopausal women, and analyzed the psychological factors affecting the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. METHODS: The study subjects were 479 postmenopausal women aged 45-64 years, who had taken their routine health screenings from August to October in 2012. The presence of 3 or more of 5 risk factors constitutes diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. Depression, trait anxiety, and stress level were measured by Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Inventory, and Brief Encounter Psychological Instrument, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to confirm the relationship between the metabolic syndrome and psychological characteristics. RESULTS: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women was 16.5%. Metabolic syndrome was significantly related with trait anxiety (odds ratio [OR]=16.53, P=0.007) and depression (OR=0.16, P=0.012), after adjusting for age, marital status, educational level, monthly income, body mass index, eating habits and exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Trait anxiety and depression were found to be related with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women.
Anxiety ; Body Mass Index ; Depression ; Diagnosis ; Eating ; Female ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Marital Status ; Mass Screening ; Mental Health ; Metabolic Syndrome X ; Postmenopause ; Prevalence ; Psychology ; Risk Factors

This randomized controlled trial study aimed to investigate the effects of a lifestyle intervention on metabolic syndrome (MetS) among middle-aged Koreans. A total of 243 middle-aged Koreans with MetS were randomly assigned to either of 2 types of lifestyle intervention for MetS and followed for 12 months. Health examinations and interventions were implemented at 16 regional branch facilities of a Korean medical institution from 2010, following the NCEP-ATP III criteria and recommendations. Lifestyle intervention (LI) group (n = 137) participated in a 12-week multi-component intervention including individual counseling, group sessions, and self-help materials. Basic usual intervention (BI) group (n = 106) was provided with one-page health information sheet on MetS and MetS management at baseline. Prevalence of MetS and each of MetS components, except for low HDL-cholesterol, in both groups were significantly reduced and maintained after the intervention. Notably, prevalence of hypertension and abdominal obesity continued to improve during the follow-up period. Between-group differences in results were not found. Both interventions were effective when they were accompanied with repeated check-ups and notification of MetS status. It is recommended to design clear guidelines for the notification of MetS after MetS screening and to encourage checking MetS status periodically for effective MetS management (KCT 0000446).
Adult ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Directive Counseling/*methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mass Screening/*methods ; Metabolic Syndrome X/*diagnosis/epidemiology/*therapy ; Middle Aged ; Patient Education as Topic/methods ; *Risk Reduction Behavior ; *Self-Help Groups ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUND/AIMS: An association between serum uric acid and cancer risk has been noted over the past few decades. There is ongoing debate about whether hyperuricemia represents an independent risk factor for colorectal neoplasm. We investigated the association between serum uric acid and prevalence of colorectal adenoma considering numerous confounding factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed with individuals who underwent a routine health check-up examination, including a screening colonoscopy and blood chemistry. The association between serum uric acid and prevalence of colorectal adenoma was estimated from the results of a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 1,066 participants, 402 had colorectal adenoma (37.7%). In univariate models, the prevalence of colorectal adenoma was higher in participants in the fourth quartile uric acid level, compared to those in the first quartile uric acid level (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.17-2.42; p=0.004). However, no significant association was detected between serum uric acid and prevalence of colorectal adenoma in multiple logistic regression analysis. A number of metabolic syndrome components exhibited a strong association with the prevalence of colorectal adenoma in the multivariate model (OR, 3.46 for highest vs. lowest; 95% CI, 1.30-9.20; p=0.021). Moreover, serum uric acid was strongly associated with metabolic syndrome-associated variables, including waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein. CONCLUSIONS: Uric acid is not an independent risk factor for colorectal adenoma but is a risk indicator for metabolic syndrome-related colorectal adenoma.
Adenoma/*diagnosis/epidemiology/etiology ; Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Blood Glucose/analysis ; Blood Pressure ; Colonoscopy ; Colorectal Neoplasms/*diagnosis/epidemiology/etiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Metabolic Syndrome X/*diagnosis ; Middle Aged ; Odds Ratio ; Prevalence ; Republic of Korea ; Risk Factors ; Triglycerides/blood ; Uric Acid/*blood/urine ; Waist Circumference

No abstract available.
Adenoma/*diagnosis ; Colorectal Neoplasms/*diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Metabolic Syndrome X/*diagnosis ; Uric Acid/*blood