1.Risk factors for multiple myeloma and its precursor diseases.
Wanyun MA ; Liang ZHAO ; Wen ZHOU
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(4):560-572
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a common hematologic malignancy that originates from precursor conditions such as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM). Identifying its risk factors is crucial for early intervention. The etiology of MM is multifactorial, involving race, familial clustering, gender, age, obesity, cytogenetic abnormalities, and environmental exposures. Among these, cytogenetic abnormalities and modifiable factors play pivotal roles in MM pathogenesis and progression. 1) cytogenetic abnormalities. Primary abnormalities [e.g., hyperdiploidy, t(11;14), t(14;16)] emerge at the MGUS stage, while secondary abnormalities [e.g., 1q+, del(17p)] drive disease progression. The accumulation of 1q+ promotes clonal evolution, and del(17p) is associated with significantly reduced survival. 2) modifiable risk factors. Obesity promotes MM via the acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2)-interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) pathway. Vitamin D deficiency weakens immune surveillance. Exposure to herbicides such as Agent Orange and glyphosate increases MGUS incidence. Insufficient UV exposure, by reducing vitamin D synthesis, elevates MM risk. Gut microbiota dysbiosis (enrichment of nitrogen-cycle bacteria and depletion of short-chain fatty acids producers) induces chromosomal instability through the ammonium ion-solute carrier family 12 member 22 (SLC12A2)-NEK2 axis. Therefore, risk-based screening among high-risk populations (e.g., those who are obese, elderly, or chemically exposed), along with early interventions targeting cytogenetic abnormalities [e.g., B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) inhibitors for t(11;14), ferroptosis inducers for t(4;14)] and modifiable factors (e.g., vitamin D supplementation, gut microbiota modulation), may effectively delay disease progression and improve prognosis.
Humans
;
Multiple Myeloma/epidemiology*
;
Risk Factors
;
Obesity/complications*
;
Chromosome Aberrations
;
Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance/etiology*
;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome
;
Vitamin D Deficiency/complications*
;
Precancerous Conditions/genetics*
2.Distribution characteristics and influencing factors of overweight and obesity among urban and rural primary and secondary school students in Hunan Province.
Lixi QIN ; Miyang LUO ; Kexin LI ; Yang ZHOU ; Yanhua CHEN ; Yaqing TAN ; Fei WANG
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(4):684-693
OBJECTIVES:
The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents continues to rise, becoming one of the most serious global public health issues of the 21st century. Given the differing growth and development environments between urban and rural children, associated risk factors also vary. This study aims to explore the distribution characteristics and influencing factors of overweight and obesity among urban and rural primary and secondary school students in Hunan Province, providing scientific evidence for targeted interventions.
METHODS:
A stratified, randomized cluster sampling method was used to select participants. A total of 197 084 students from primary and secondary schools across 14 prefectures in Hunan Province underwent physical examinations and questionnaire surveys. Population and spatial distribution characteristics of overweight and obesity were analyzed. Spatial distribution maps and spatial autocorrelation analyses were conducted using ArcGIS. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to identify influencing factors for overweight and obesity.
RESULTS:
The overall overweight and obesity rates among students in Hunan Province were 14.7% and 10.9%, respectively. Both rates were higher in urban areas than in rural counties (16.0% vs 13.9% for overweight; 12.1% vs 10.2% for obesity). Among both urban and rural students, boys had higher rates of overweight and obesity than girls. Higher-grade students had a higher overweight rate but a lower obesity rate than lower-grade students. In urban areas, the overweight and obesity rates of Han Chinese primary and secondary school students are lower than those of ethnic minority students (both P<0.05). In rural areas, the obesity rate of Han primary and secondary school students is lower than that of ethnic students (P<0.05). Across cities and prefectures, urban overweight and obesity rates ranged from 14.7% to 18.7% and 8.4% to 20.6% respectively, while rural rates ranged from 10.9% to 17.2% and 6.6% to 13.7% respectively. Spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed high-value clusters of overweight/obesity in urban areas of Changde and Zhangjiajie, and in rural areas of Loudi, Huaihua, and Shaoyang. Multivariate Logistic regression showed that gender, school stage, ethnicity, frequency of fresh vegetable intake, and sleep duration were associated with overweight and/or obesity in both urban and rural students. In urban students, frequency of fried food and fresh fruit intake, breakfast habits, physical activity on weekdays and holidays, and screen time on computers were also significant. In rural students, TV viewing time and sedentary duration were additional relevant factors.
CONCLUSIONS
The situation of overweight and obesity among primary and secondary school students in Hunan Province remains concerning. Greater attention should be paid to regions with high-value clusters of overweight/obesity, and targeted interventions should be developed based on urban-rural differences in influencing factors.
Humans
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Adolescent
;
Male
;
Female
;
Rural Population/statistics & numerical data*
;
Child
;
Overweight/epidemiology*
;
Students/statistics & numerical data*
;
Urban Population/statistics & numerical data*
;
Risk Factors
;
Prevalence
;
Obesity/epidemiology*
;
Surveys and Questionnaires
;
Pediatric Obesity/epidemiology*
;
Schools
3.Association between visual impairment and body mass index in students from rural China.
Hongyu GUAN ; Zhijie WANG ; Yuxiu DING ; Yunyun ZHANG ; Kang DU ; Yaojiang SHI
Singapore medical journal 2025;66(7):362-367
INTRODUCTION:
Visual impairment and obesity remain the major public health issues among school-age students in rural areas of China. Obesity is an underlying risk of vision problems. This study aimed to assess the association between visual impairment and body mass index (BMI) among school-age students in rural northwest China.
METHODS:
This study included 39,385 students from the 4 th to 9 th grade in rural northwest China. From 2018 to 2020, students underwent an assessment of visual acuity (VA) and completed a questionnaire on family demographics, and height and weight measurements. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to analyse the data.
RESULTS:
The association between visual impairment and BMI groups was significant in the study population ( P = 0.002) and in different groups (at the different educational, provincial and national levels) ( P < 0.001, separately). Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed a positive relationship between visual impairment and obesity in the study population, including those attending primary school, Han students and the residents of Ningxia autonomous region.
CONCLUSION
The association between visual impairment and obesity was significant among school-age students in rural northwest China. There should be implementation of policies to address the problem about visual impairment and obesity among school-age students in rural areas.
Humans
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Body Mass Index
;
Male
;
Female
;
Rural Population
;
Vision Disorders/complications*
;
Child
;
Adolescent
;
Students
;
Surveys and Questionnaires
;
Logistic Models
;
Obesity/complications*
;
Visual Acuity
;
Cross-Sectional Studies
4.Health profile of workers from different industries in Singapore.
Sin Eng CHIA ; Mei Ling TAN ; Elise CHEOK ; Peh Woon ONG
Singapore medical journal 2025;66(5):271-277
INTRODUCTION:
Workplace safety and health are interrelated - a worker who is not healthy may cause safety lapses at the workplace; conversely, safety lapses could affect the health of the workers. This study was part of a larger Total Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) programme run by the Workplace Safety and Health Council, Singapore. The objectives were to obtain a baseline health profile of workers across four major industries and identify important health risks for targeted workplace interventions.
METHODS:
Five service providers (SPs) were appointed to run the Total WSH programme. As part of the programme, SPs conducted an anonymous basic health survey among workers of participating companies.
RESULTS:
The responses of 6,373 respondents from the cleaning, construction, manufacturing, and transport and storage industries were studied. The overall response rate was 62%. Key health issues identified were high rates of obesity (22%) and smoking (24%) and low prevalence of regular exercise and healthy dietary habits. Chronic disease rates were similar to population self-reported rates (hypertension 15%, high lipid 12% and diabetes mellitus 6%). The workers reported high work stress (13%).
CONCLUSION
Health issues are prevalent in the workforce and may affect work and employee safety. It is increasingly important for employees' health to be considered in risk assessments and prioritised in workplace safety and health management systems and strategies. Health promotion interventions should be targeted, and multilevel and multicomponent initiatives should be integrated with pre-existing occupational safety programmes.
Humans
;
Singapore/epidemiology*
;
Occupational Health
;
Male
;
Female
;
Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
Industry
;
Workplace
;
Health Surveys
;
Surveys and Questionnaires
;
Smoking/epidemiology*
;
Obesity/epidemiology*
;
Health Status
;
Occupational Stress/epidemiology*
;
Young Adult
5.Secular trend and projection of overweight and obesity among Chinese children and adolescents aged 7-18 years from 1985 to 2019: Rural areas are becoming the focus of investment.
Jiajia DANG ; Yunfei LIU ; Shan CAI ; Panliang ZHONG ; Di SHI ; Ziyue CHEN ; Yihang ZHANG ; Yanhui DONG ; Jun MA ; Yi SONG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(3):311-317
BACKGROUND:
The urban-rural disparities in overweight and obesity among children and adolescents are narrowing, and there is a need for long-term and updated data to explain this inequality, understand the underlying mechanisms, and identify priority groups for interventions.
METHODS:
We analyzed data from seven rounds of the Chinese National Survey on Students Constitution and Health (CNSSCH) conducted from 1985 to 2019, focusing on school-age children and adolescents aged 7-18 years. Joinpoint regression was used to identify inflection points (indicating a change in the trend) in the prevalence of overweight and obesity during the study period, stratified by urban/rural areas and sex. Annual percent change (APC), average annual percent change (AAPC), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to describe changes in the prevalence of overweight and obesity. Polynomial regression models were used to predict the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in 2025 and 2030, considering urban/rural areas, sex, and age groups.
RESULTS:
The prevalence of overweight and obesity in urban boys and girls showed an inflection point of 2000, with AAPC values of 10.09% (95% CI: 7.33-12.92%, t = 7.414, P <0.001) and 8.67% (95% CI: 6.10-11.30%, t = 6.809, P <0.001), respectively. The APC for urban boys decreased from 18.31% (95% CI: 4.72-33.67%, t = 5.926, P = 0.027) to 4.01% (95% CI: 1.33-6.75%, t = 6.486, P = 0.023), while the APC for urban girls decreased from 13.88% (95% CI: 1.82-27.38%, t = 4.994, P = 0.038) to 4.72% (95% CI: 1.43-8.12%, t = 6.215, P = 0.025). However, no inflection points were observed in the best-fit models for rural boys and girls during the period 1985-2019. The prevalence of overweight and obesity for both urban and rural boys is expected to converge at 35.76% by approximately 2027. A similar pattern is observed for urban and rural girls, with a prevalence of overweight and obesity reaching 20.86% in 2025.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of overweight and obesity among Chinese children and adolescents has been steadily increasing from 1985 to 2019. A complete reversal in urban-rural prevalence is expected by 2027, with a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity in rural areas. Urgent action is needed to address health inequities and increase investments, particularly policies targeting rural children and adolescents.
Humans
;
Child
;
Adolescent
;
Female
;
Male
;
Rural Population/statistics & numerical data*
;
Overweight/epidemiology*
;
Prevalence
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Pediatric Obesity/epidemiology*
;
Obesity/epidemiology*
;
Urban Population
6.Prevalence of chronic diarrhea and its association with obesity in a Chinese community-based population.
Ke HAN ; Xiangyao WANG ; Yan WANG ; Xiaotong NIU ; Jingyuan XIANG ; Nan RU ; Chunxu JIA ; Hongyi SUN ; Zhengting HE ; Yujie FENG ; Enqiang LINGHU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(13):1587-1594
BACKGROUND:
Epidemiological data on chronic diarrhea in the Chinese population are lacking, and the association between obesity and chronic diarrhea in East Asian populations remains inconclusive. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of chronic diarrhea and its association with obesity in a representative community-dwelling Chinese population.
METHODS:
This cross-sectional study was based on a multistage, randomized cluster sampling involving 3503 residents aged 20-69 years from representative urban and rural communities in Beijing. Chronic diarrhea was assessed using the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS), and obesity was determined based on body mass index (BMI). Logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic splines were used to evaluate the relationship between obesity and chronic diarrhea.
RESULTS:
The standardized prevalence of chronic diarrhea in the study population was 12.88%. The average BMI was 24.67 kg/m 2 . Of all the participants, 35.17% (1232/3503) of participants were classified as overweight and 16.13% (565/3503) as obese. After adjustment for potential confounders, individuals with obesity had an increased risk of chronic diarrhea as compared to normal weight individuals (odds ratio = 1.58, 95% confidence interval: 1.20-2.06). A nonlinear association between BMI and the risk of chronic diarrhea was observed in community residents of males and the overall participant group ( P = 0.026 and 0.017, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
This study presents initial findings on the prevalence of chronic diarrhea among residents of Chinese communities while offering substantiated evidence regarding the significant association between obesity and chronic diarrhea. These findings offer a novel perspective on gastrointestinal health management.
Adult
;
Aged
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Young Adult
;
Body Mass Index
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Chronic Disease/epidemiology*
;
Cross-Sectional Studies
;
Diarrhea/epidemiology*
;
Obesity/complications*
;
Prevalence
;
East Asian People/statistics & numerical data*
8.Age-related changes in the impact of metabolic syndrome on prostate volume: a cross-sectional study.
Guo-Rong YANG ; Chao LV ; Kai-Kai LV ; Yang-Yang WU ; Xiao-Wei HAO ; Qing YUAN ; Tao SONG
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(4):475-481
This study investigated the impact of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components on prostate volume (PV) in the general Chinese population. In total, 43 455 participants in The First Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital (Beijing, China) from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2022, undergoing health examinations were included in the study. Participants were categorized into four groups according to PV quartiles: Q1 (PV ≤24.94 ml), Q2 (PV >24.94 ml and ≤28.78 ml), Q3 (PV >28.78 ml and ≤34.07 ml), and Q4 (PV >34.07 ml), with Q1 serving as the reference group. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between MetS and PV, with subgroup analyses conducted by age. Among the participants, 18 787 (43.2%) were diagnosed with MetS. In the multivariate analysis model, a significant correlation between MetS and PV was observed, with odds ratios (ORs) increasing as PV increased (Q2, OR = 1.203, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.139-1.271; Q3, OR = 1.300, 95% CI: 1.230-1.373; and Q4, OR = 1.556, 95% CI: 1.469-1.648). Analysis of MetS components revealed that all components were positively associated with PV, with abdominal obesity showing the most significant effect. The number of MetS components was identified as a dose-dependent risk factor for elevated PV. The impact of MetS, its components, and component count on PV exhibited a decreasing trend with advancing age. Overall, the influence of MetS, its components, and component count on PV was predominantly observed in the age groups of 40-49 years and 50-59 years. Early intervention targeting MetS can significantly alleviate the increase in PV, particularly benefiting individuals aged 40-59 years who have abdominal obesity.
Humans
;
Male
;
Metabolic Syndrome/complications*
;
Middle Aged
;
Cross-Sectional Studies
;
Aged
;
Prostate/diagnostic imaging*
;
Adult
;
Age Factors
;
Organ Size
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Obesity, Abdominal
;
Risk Factors
9.Meta analysis of the prevalence and risk factors of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in overweight and obese children and adolescents in China.
Yi XIAO ; Yu-Fan PAN ; Yu DAI ; Yu-Jian SUN ; Yue ZHOU ; Yu-Feng YU
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(4):410-419
OBJECTIVES:
To systematically evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in overweight and obese children and adolescents in China.
METHODS:
Databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, VIP Database, China Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched, from database inception to October 2024. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the quality of the studies according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. A Meta analysis was conducted using Stata 16.0 software.
RESULTS:
A total of 42 studies involving 16 481 overweight and obese children and adolescents were included. The Meta analysis results showed that the prevalence of NAFLD among overweight and obese children in China was 43% (95%CI: 37%-48%). Factors associated with NAFLD included being male (OR=1.61, 95%CI: 1.17-2.04), increased weight (MD=10.33, 95%CI: 9.08-11.57), increased waist circumference (MD=5.49, 95%CI: 3.36-7.62), longer duration of obesity (MD=0.31, 95%CI: 0.02-0.61), higher body mass index (MD=3.11, 95%CI: 2.07-4.16), elevated fasting blood glucose levels (MD=0.17, 95%CI: 0.06-0.29), higher triglyceride levels (MD=0.32, 95%CI: 0.17-0.47), elevated total cholesterol levels (MD=0.15, 95%CI: 0.10-0.21), higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (MD=0.14, 95%CI: 0.04-0.23), increased alanine aminotransferase levels (MD=24.39, 95%CI: 18.57-30.20), increased aspartate aminotransferase levels (MD=12.49, 95%CI: 9.67-15.32), elevated serum insulin levels (MD=4.47, 95%CI: 2.57-6.36), higher homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (MD=0.45, 95%CI: 0.30-0.59), and elevated uric acid levels (MD=55.91, 95%CI: 35.49-76.32) (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of NAFLD among overweight and obese children and adolescents in China is high. Male gender, increased weight, increased waist circumference, prolonged obesity duration, higher body mass index, dyslipidemia, and elevated levels of fasting blood glucose, liver enzymes, serum insulin, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance, and uric acid are potential risk factors for NAFLD in this population.
Humans
;
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/etiology*
;
Risk Factors
;
Adolescent
;
Child
;
Overweight/complications*
;
Prevalence
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Obesity/complications*
;
Male
;
Female
10.Association between Chinese visceral adiposity index and the risk of nephrolithiasis.
Wei ZHANG ; Shengqi ZHENG ; Tianchi HUA ; Yifan LI ; Qibing FAN
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2025;54(3):382-389
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the association between Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI) and the risk of nephrolithiasis.
METHODS:
This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 78 438 Chinese adults who underwent ultrasound examinations during health screening at the Health Examination Center of Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University. Participants were divided into quartiles (Q1-Q4 groups) based on CVAI. Multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to evaluate the association between CVAI and nephrolithiasis risk, followed by subgroup analyses to further explore potential relationships. The performance of CVAI in predicting the risk of nephrolithiasis was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.
RESULTS:
Increased CVAI was significantly associated with a higher risk of nephrolithiasis, with prevalence rising from 3.36% in the Q1 group to 10.67% in the Q4 group (P<0.01). In adjusted models, CVAI was positively correlated with the prevalence rate of nephrolithiasis (OR=1.002, 95%CI: 1.001-1.004, P<0.01). The risks of nephrolithiasis in the Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups were 1.196-fold (95%CI: 1.069-1.338, P<0.01), 1.260-fold (95%CI: 1.109-1.433, P<0.01), and 1.316-fold (95%CI: 1.125-1.539, P<0.01) higher than in the Q1 group, respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that CVAI was positively associated with the risk of nephrolithiasis in male participants, individuals aged <60 years, the hypertension group, populations with or without diabetes mellitus, and the normal body mass index subgroup. Genders and age had an interaction effect on the correlation between CVAI and the risk of nephrolithiasis development (both P<0.05). The ROC curve analysis demonstrated that CVAI exhibited superior predictive efficacy compared to waist circumference, body mass index, visceral adiposity index, weight-adjusted waist index, cardiometabolic index and body shape index, with an area under the curve of 0.622.
CONCLUSIONS
In Chinese adults, CVAI is positively associated with the risk of nephrolithiasis development, which may serve as a potential predictive marker for nephrolithiasis.
Humans
;
Nephrolithiasis/etiology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Cross-Sectional Studies
;
Adult
;
Intra-Abdominal Fat
;
Risk Factors
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Adiposity
;
Aged
;
Logistic Models
;
Obesity, Abdominal/epidemiology*
;
East Asian People

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