Biomedical subjects

A Kroke

Publications and source records attributed to A Kroke.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2001

Lovastatin blocks basic fibroblast growth factor-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling in coronary smooth muscle cells via phosphatase inhibition.

We have recently reported that the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) through specific protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms is required for basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-induced proliferation of coronary smooth muscle cells (cSMC). In this study, we investigated the effects of the 3hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitor lovastatin on bFGF-induced signal transduction in cSMC. The present study shows that lovastatin inhibits bFGF-stimulated DNA synthesis in cSMC, and that this inhibition is reversed by mevalonate (50 micromol/l) and by geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate (1-5 micromol/l). Although lovastatin prevented Ras farnesylation the amount of bFGF-stimulated MAPK phosphorylation decreased only partially after lovastatin treatment. In addition, lovastatin pretreatment resulted in a sustained phosphorylation of MAPK. We observed a dose-dependent lovastatin-dependent increase in PKC activity, which could be prevented by mevalonate. This increase was comparable to the one induced by calyculin A (2 nmol/l), an inhibitor of protein phosphatase PP-1 and PP-2A. Lovastatin inhibited the expression of the PP-1 protein, which is involved in bFGF-induced DNA synthesis in cSMC. Thus, our data suggest that, lovastatin possibly affects the dephosphorylation processes of PKC and MAPK by inhibition of PP-1/PP-2A protein phosphatases which are involved in the bFGF-induced mitogenesis in cSMC.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Dietary patterns and their association with food and nutrient intake in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Potsdam study.

Dietary pattern analysis has recently received growing attention, as it might be more appropriate in studies of diet-disease associations than the single food or nutrient approach that has dominated past epidemiological research. Factor analysis is a technique which is commonly used to identify dietary patterns within study populations. However, the ability of factor solutions to account for variance of food and nutrient intake has so far remained unclear. The present study therefore explored the statistical properties of dietary patterns with regard to the explained variance. Food intake of 8975 men and 13 379 women, assessed by a food-frequency questionnaire, was aggregated into forty-seven separate food groups. Dietary patterns were identified by principal component analysis and subsequent varimax rotation. Seven factors were retained for both men and women, which accounted for about 31 % of the total variance. The explained variance was relatively high (>40 %) for cooked vegetables, sauce, meat, dessert, cake, bread other than wholemeal, raw vegetables, processed meat, high-fat cheese, butter and margarine. Factor scores were used to investigate associations between the factors and nutrient intake. The patterns accounted for relatively large proportions of variance of energy and macronutrient intake, but for less variance of alcohol and micronutrient intake, especially of retinol, beta-carotene, vitamin E, Ca and ascorbic acid. In addition, factors were related to age, BMI, physical activity, education, smoking and vitamin and mineral supplement use.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Comparison of self-reported alcohol intake with the urinary excretion of 5-hydroxytryptophol:5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid, a biomarker of recent alcohol intake.

Under-reporting of alcohol intake has been frequently reported. However, due to the lack of an objective reference method, e.g. a biomarker, information about the extent of under-reporting of alcohol intake obtained with dietary assessment instruments is not available. The objective of this study was to compare reported alcohol intake data derived from a 24 h recall with a biomarker of recent alcohol intake, the urinary excretion of 5-hydroxytryptophol (5-HTOL):5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA). Embedded into the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Potsdam Study, Germany, a validation study that collected 24 h recall data and 24 h urine samples was conducted. Cohort study participants (n 107) volunteered to participate in this validation study. Among them were five subjects who reported no consumption of alcoholic beverages but had a 5-HTOL:5-HIAA ratio that indicated recent alcohol intake when the clinical cut-off point was taken as a judging criterion. After exclusion of these under-reporters, the Pearson's correlation coefficient between reported alcohol intake and the 5-HTOL:5-HIAA ratio was 0.92 (P<0.0001). Except for low alcohol intake of <0.1 g/kg body mass, a significant increase in 5-HTOL:5-HIAA excretion was observed with increasing amounts of alcohol intake. In conclusion, the 5-HTOL:5-HIAA excretion ratio appears to be a valuable quantitative biomarker of recent alcohol consumption. Denial of alcohol intake can be detected, but for the quantification of under-reporting of alcohol intake 24 h reference data are not yet available. With these data at hand, however, 5-HTOL:5-HIAA could become a biomarker for validation purposes in nutritional epidemiology.

5-Hydroxytryptophan↗

PubMed2001

Macronutrient, vitamin, and mineral intakes in the EPIC-Germany cohorts.

This article presents intakes of nutrients in the EPIC-Heidelberg and the EPIC-Potsdam (European Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) studies. Estimates are based on standardized 24-hour dietary recalls. Recalls from 1,013 men and 1,078 women in Heidelberg and from 1,032 men and 898 women in Potsdam were included in the analysis. The estimated nutrient intake was based on the German Food Code and Nutrient Data Base version II.3. Analyses were carried out stratified by sex and weighted for the day of the week and age. Men in Potsdam reported significantly higher intakes of energy (mean Potsdam = 10,718 kJ, mean Heidelberg = 10,387 kJ) and higher intakes of vitamins and minerals as compared with men in Heidelberg. However, Heidelberg men consumed more alcohol, alpha-tocopherol, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. Potsdam women reported lower energy (mean Potsdam = 7,537 kJ, mean Heidelberg = 7,855 kJ), alcohol, and cholesterol intakes as compared with Heidelberg women. Vitamin and mineral intakes were lower too, except for retinol and ascorbic acid. The intakes of energy and most nutrients observed in the Potsdam and Heidelberg study populations were within the range reported from other German studies. The observed differences between both study populations indicate different dietary patterns, increasing the exposure variation in the EPIC study.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Influence of body composition on quantitative ultrasound parameters of the os calcis in a population-based sample of pre- and postmenopausal women.

Body mass is known to be related to measures of bone mineral density (BMD) as well as to parameters of quantitative ultrasound (US). To examine the effect of the body compartment's fat mass and lean body mass on quantitative ultrasonic bone parameters, data from a sample of 3241 German women were analyzed. Anthropometric measures, including skinfold thickness, were obtained from standardized measurements, and fat and lean body mass were derived from classical regression formulas based on skinfold measurements. Ultrasonic bone measurements were performed on the right os calcis, and speed of sound (SOS) and broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) were determined. Women were grouped into pre- and postmenopausal status; postmenopausal women were further stratified into ever and never hormone-replacement user. Correlation analysis indicated lean body mass to be stronger correlated with BUA than fat mass in both pre- (r = 0.23; P = 0.0001) and postmenopausal women with (r = 0.19; P = 0.0001) and without hormone replacement therapy (HRT) (r = 0.26; p = 0.0001). SOS demonstrated very small or no associations with body mass or its components. Multiple linear regression models were used to describe the relationship among body weight, fat mass, and lean body mass on BUA after adjustment for confounding variables. Both in pre- and postmenopausal women lean body mass was more strongly related to BUA than fat mass. However, body mass measures explained only small amounts of the overall variance in BUA (R(2) = 1-3% in premenopausal women; R(2) = 1% postmenopausal with HRT; R(2) = 4-5% in postmenopausal women without HRT). In conclusion, the strong influence of body mass and its components previously reported for BMD was not observed for quantitative ultrasonic bone parameters.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Differences of blood pressure estimates between consecutive measurements on one occasion: implications for inter-study comparability of epidemiologic studies.

Currently, substantial variation in epidemiologic studies exists regarding the number of blood pressure (BP) readings obtained and the way in which they are combined. This might result in systematically different BP estimates. We therefore analysed data from 25,891 subjects (10,124 men and 15,767 women) of the EPIC-Potsdam Study (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) to estimate the magnitude of differences between consecutive BP readings and their combinations. Three measurements with 2 min intervals were performed in the sitting position on the right arm with the supported arm elevated at heart level by trained interviewers using oscillometric devices. Mean BP declined from first to second reading and further to third reading by systolic 5.0/0.9 mmHg in men and 4.9/0.8 mmHg in women and by diastolic 1.5/0.3 mmHg in men and 1.9/0.5 mmHg in women, as well as pulse pressure (PP) (3.5/0.6 in men, 3.0/0.3 in women) and hypertension prevalence (9.1/1.7%-points). The magnitude of BP decline depended on BP level, age, body mass index (BMI), and BP medication. Combinations including the first reading lead to generally higher estimates than subsequent readings or their combination. Published data on mean BP, PP and hypertension prevalence depend on the number and subsequent handling of BP readings which might introduce bias to the comparison of different studies unless the same defined readings were used. The combination of the second and third reading seems to be favourable over any single reading or other combinations.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Association between glycated hemoglobin and diet and other lifestyle factors in a nondiabetic population: cross-sectional evaluation of data from the Potsdam cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition Study.

BACKGROUND: Glycation reactions of proteins and other compounds, depending on blood glucose concentrations, have a detrimental effect on health. OBJECTIVE: The association of diet and other lifestyle factors with glycated hemoglobin (Hb A(1c)) values was examined in a nondiabetic population. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study of 1773 middle-aged men and women. Mean Hb A(1c) values were calculated for categories of diet and lifestyle factors, and odds ratios (ORs) for the highest versus lowest tertiles of Hb A(1c) were determined and compared. RESULTS: The OR of being in the highest Hb A(1c) tertile compared with the lowest increased with greater age [age 40-44 y compared with >60 y: men (OR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.60, 5.20) and women: (6.11; 3.15, 12.30)] and greater obesity [body mass index (in kg/m(2)) >25 and waist-hip ratio >1.0 in men and >0.8 in women): men (2.80; 1.48, 5.45) and women (1.73; 1.15, 2.61)]. High energy and energy-adjusted saturated fat intakes were associated with increased risk of being in the highest tertile of Hb A(1c) [highest compared with lowest quintile: (1.53; 1.04, 2.26; P for trend = 0.013) and (1. 98; 1.33, 2.95; P for trend = 0.003), respectively]. No significant associations were observed for intakes of carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber, or beta-carotene; however, some of the associations were nearly significant. Alcohol, vitamin C, and vitamin E intakes were inversely related to risk [highest compared with lowest quintile: (0.56; 0.38, 0.83; P for trend = 0.001), (0.50; 0.33, 0. 74; P for trend = 0.003), and (0.65; 0.43, 0.96; P for trend = 0. 036), respectively]. CONCLUSION: Hb A(1c) values might be modifiable by diet and other lifestyle factors.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Validation of a self-administered food-frequency questionnaire administered in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) Study: comparison of energy, protein, and macronutrient intakes estimated with the doubly labeled water, urinary nitrogen, and repeated 24-h dietary recall methods.

BACKGROUND: The validation of dietary assessment instruments is critical in the evaluation of diet as a chronic disease risk factor. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to assess the validity of a self-administered food-frequency questionnaire by comparison with dietary recall, urinary nitrogen excretion, and total energy expenditure data. DESIGN: Over a 1-y period, data from twelve 24-h dietary recalls, a food-frequency questionnaire, and four 24-h urine samples were obtained from 134 study participants of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) Study in Potsdam, Germany. In a substudy of 28 participants, total energy expenditure from doubly labeled water measurements was assessed. RESULTS: Energy-adjusted, deattenuated correlation coefficients between the questionnaire and the recalls ranged from 0.54 for dietary fiber to 0.86 for alcohol. Cross-classification of quintiles of nutrient intakes from the questionnaire and recalls indicated severe misclassification to be <4%. Reported protein intake correlated with estimated protein excretion (r = 0.46). Energy intake and total energy expenditure were also significantly correlated (r = 0.48); however, all but one subject underreported their energy intake. The magnitude of underreporting varied considerably, by 22% on average, and increased slightly with increasing energy intake. A similar pattern of underreporting was observed when energy intakes from the 24-h dietary recalls were compared with total energy expenditure. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate an acceptable relative validity of the food-frequency questionnaire in this study population. Compared with measurements of total energy expenditure and protein excretion, however, only moderate agreement with both the food-frequency questionnaire and the 24-h dietary recalls was observed.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Measures of quality control in the German component of the EPIC study. European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition.

Quality control is an indispensable part of quality assurance in any study, intending to ensure high standards during data acquisition. The aim of this paper is to describe the measures of quality control undertaken in the German EPIC study centers and to present selected results of these procedures (EPIC = European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition). For all data assessment tools applied in the German EPIC study, procedures were developed to monitor both the personnel as well as the technical instruments. These procedures combined quantitative and qualitative measurements of quality control. Interviewer performance was evaluated through direct observation and rated according to an evaluation score. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were both controlled through direct observation of measurement procedures as well as through periodical technical control of measurement devices. Blood sampling procedures were directly monitored and subsequent handling of the probes tightly recorded, including information on time sequence of work-up and room temperature. With these diverse control measurements and the obtained rating of assessment procedures a broad pool of information has been made available to support a critical evaluation of the data obtained in the EPIC study centers in Heidelberg and Potsdam.

Cohort Studies↗

PubMed1999

Quantitative food intake in the EPIC-Germany cohorts. European Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition.

The EPIC-Heidelberg and the EPIC-Potsdam studies with about 53,000 study participants represent the German contribution to the EPIC (European Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) cohort study. Within the EPIC study, standardized 24-hour dietary recalls were applied as a quantitative calibration method in order to estimate the amount of scaling bias introduced by the varying center-specific dietary assessment methods. This article presents intake of food items and food groups in the two German cohorts estimated by 24-hour quantitative dietary recalls. Recalls from 1,013 men and 1,078 women in Heidelberg and 1,032 men and 898 women in Potsdam were included in the analysis. The intake of recorded food items or recipe ingredients as well as fat used for cooking was summarized into 16 main food groups and a variety of different subgroups stratified by sex and weighted for the day of the week and age. In more than 90% of the recalls, consumption of dairy products, cereals and cereal products, bread, fat, and non-alcoholic beverages, particularly coffee/tea, was reported. Inter-cohort evaluations revealed that bread, potatoes, fruit and fat were consumed in higher amounts in the Potsdam cohort while the opposite was found for pasta/rice, non-alcoholic, and alcoholic beverages. It was concluded that the exposure variation was increased by having two instead of one EPIC study centers in Germany.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Dietary habits in the German EPIC cohorts: food group intake estimated with the food frequency questionnaire. European Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition.

In the baseline assessment of the two EPIC-Germany cohorts Heidelberg and Potsdam, dietary information was obtained with an identical food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The optically readable FFQ was designed to assess the usual food and nutrient intake of individuals during the past 12 months. The present analysis was based on dietary data from 25,212 participants in Heidelberg (11,776 men, 13,436 women) and 26,270 participants in Potsdam (10,249 men, 16,021 women). This paper presents the first results of a descriptive dietary analysis on a food group level based on 16 food groups and selected subgroups. Each of these food groups and subgroups was divided into quintiles, and the age-adjusted mean intake for each quintile was calculated. The comparison of dietary habits between the two cohorts, as well as the comparison between men and women within each cohort showed clear differences both in the quintiles of most food groups as well as in the range between the lowest and highest quintile. Except for the food groups non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, sugar and confectionery, sauces, and soups, men and women participating in Potsdam reported higher intakes of all the other food groups. The amount of food intake was generally lower in women than in men, with the exception of vegetables, fruit, dairy products, and non-alcoholic beverages. Further differences between the study centers were observed regarding the use of cooking fat for meat and vegetable preparation. In conclusion, the dietary variation, e.g. the exposure variation, was increased by recruiting two geographically distinct cohorts, instead of only one, in Germany.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Patterns of past alcohol consumption in the EPIC-Germany cohorts. European Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition.

Information on life-long history of alcohol consumption might be more relevant to chronic diseases than current intake. The aim of this study was to describe past alcohol intake and consumption patterns in the EPIC-Germany cohorts, by sex and age, from 1949 to 1998. Past daily consumption of alcoholic beverages - beer, wine, and spirits - was assessed through a lifestyle questionnaire administered to 27,099 subjects of the EPIC-Potsdam and 25,449 subjects of the EPIC-Heidelberg cohort. Recruitment of the cohorts concentrated on men aged 40-64 and on women aged 35-64. For each alcoholic beverage, the consumption at ages 20, 30, and 40 was asked. The data were used to calculate previous mean consumption in 10-year intervals from 1949 to 1998. Alcohol intake was observed to be higher in the Heidelberg than in the Potsdam cohort. Differences between cohorts were most marked for wine consumption which was considerably higher in the Heidelberg cohort. Men consumed approximately 3 times the amount of alcohol of women. Men preferred to drink beer, women preferred to drink wine. For the Potsdam cohort, alcohol intake was observed to increase since 1949. For the Heidelberg cohort, a recent decrease in alcohol intake in males and females of 30 and 40 years of age was noted. The data indicate that collection of alcohol consumption data at various discrete points in time is essential to depict life-long history of alcohol consumption.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

[Influence of lifestyle on the use of supplements in the Brandenburg nutrition and cancer study].

Differences in dietary habits and lifestyle factors associated with a high dietary intake of fruit and vegetables are discussed and used to explain the disparity between results of observational epidemiologic studies consistently showing antioxidative vitamins to exert a protective effect on chronic diseases, and intervention studies so far not confirming this association. Within the scope of the "Brandenburger Ernährungs- und Krebsstudie", the East German contribution to the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC), we examined whether study participants using supplements on a regular basis--minerals, vitamins, protein formulation, bran/linseed, fiber, yeast or garlic pills--differed from those who did not report use of supplements according to selected lifestyle factors and dietary intake of vitamins, minerals, fiber, cholesterol, and fat from food. The study sample consisted of 10,522 participants (4,500 men and 6,022 women) aged 35-65 years enrolled in the cohort from January 1995 to July 1996. Regular intake of one or more supplements during the past year was reported by 32.6% of women and 25.5% of men. Vitamin supplements were used by 18.8% of the women and 15.8% of the men. Figures for minerals were 14.2% for women and 8.6% for men, respectively. Garlic pills were taken regularly by 9.7% of men and 9.3% of women. Prevalence of supplement use was generally higher in women and was more pronounced in elderly participants. The most frequently used combinations were vitamin and mineral supplements, followed by a combination of garlic and either vitamin or mineral supplements. Increased use of supplements was significantly associated with higher level of education attained, regular engagement in sporting activities, health complaints, and dietary change during the previous year. No association between use of supplements and smoking status nor elevated alcohol consumption was observed. Body mass index above 30 was significantly related to increased intake of garlic pills, and in women to significantly increased use of vitamin and mineral supplements. For both men and women, age-adjusted consumption of fruit and vegetables and intake of vitamins, minerals, and fiber from food was higher for participants using mineral but also vitamin supplements compared to those who did not use these supplements. For the cohort of the "Brandenburger Ernährungs- und Krebsstudie" we observed on the one hand that age, gender, and health-conscious lifestyle factors were related to supplement use. On the other hand presence of subjective health complaints was related to supplement use, especially for use of vitamins and minerals. Participants, who regularly consumed minerals and vitamins were also shown to have a higher intake of foods and nutrients considered to exert an antioxidative effect.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

[Flavonols, flavone and anthocyanins as natural antioxidants of food and their possible role in the prevention of chronic diseases].

Flavonoids are non-nutritive compounds of plants that have been intensively investigated during the past years due to their possible protective effects against chronic diseases. In vitro studies were able to demonstrate for flavonols, flavones, and most recently also for anthocyanins a considerable antioxidative activity, mainly based on scavenging of oxygen radicals. Flavonols and anthocyanins are commonly found in European fruits and vegetables. In addition, black tea and red wine may have a high content of these compounds. Those food items are the main sources of flavonol consumption each contributing to a different degree to the overall intake. The absorption of aglycones has been established before. However, only recently could the absorption of flavonolglycosides be demonstrated. The mean intake of flavonols of the German population was calculated using data from the National German Food Consumption Survey. According to this analysis, the daily per capita intake was about 11.5 mg flavonols, mainly derived from fruits and vegetables, but also from black tea and red wine. Epidemiological studies have been directed to investigate the association between flavonol consumption and diseae risk. An inverse association between flavonol intake and mortality from myocardial infarction was observed. According to one of three studies, the flavonoid intake can be inversely correlated with cancer risk. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the occurrence, intake, bioavailability, and antioxidative properties of flavonols, flavones, and anthocyanins as well as the associations between flavonol intake and disease risks. Possible health related effects especially of flavonols are critically reflected, and the necessity of further research in outlined.

Anthocyanins↗

PubMed1998

[EPIC-SOFT a European computer program for 24-hour dietary protocols].

Within the EPIC study (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) a calibration approach is applied to compare dietary data obtained by food frequency questionnaires from 9 European countries. A software for 24-h recalls was developed as the calibration instrument by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in collaboration with all national EPIC centers. This computer program, called EPIC-SOFT, is an interview-based dietary assessment instrument that allows one to obtain a very detailed description and quantification of foods, recipes, and supplements consumed in the course of the preceding day. Probing questions and entering consumed foods in chronological order support the respondent's memory. The standardized structure prescribes--on the food group level--possibilities of description and quantification of food items to choose from. Quantification of consumed foods is supported by the EPIC-SOFT picture book that comprises colored photographs of foods in different portion sizes. The software provides an automatic coding of food items and recipe ingredients as well as calculation of nutrient intake. EPIC-SOFT is characterized by the obtained standardization of dietary data within Europe, a large number of available foods and recipes, and a very detailed description of consumed foods. Currently, EPIC-SOFT is one of the few dietary instruments providing comparable nutritional data within Europe.

Calibration↗

PubMed1998

Is macronutrient composition of dietary intake data affected by underreporting? Results from the EPIC-Potsdam Study. European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether subjects with low reported relative energy intake differ from those with higher relative energy intake according to characteristics such as obesity, physical activity, and macronutrient composition of the diet. DESIGN: Cross-sectional data from a cohort study employing a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (SFFQ). To determine energy intake relative BMR the ratio of reported energy intake (EI) to BMR was used and categorized by quintiles. SETTING: East German (Potsdam) cohort of the EPIC study (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) SUBJECTS: 2862 women and 2356 men taking part in the EPIC-Potsdam study from January 1st to December 31st 1995. RESULTS: A significant declining trend could be observed for BMI, percentage of body fat, and body weight from the lower to the highest quintile of EI/BMR. BMR was slightly decreasing, whereas physical activity was slightly increasing with quintiles of EI/BMR. Absolute macronutrient intake was directly related to EI/BMR. Percent macronutrient intake indicated lower fat intake, and higher carbohydrate and protein intake in low energy reporters. Energy adjusted macronutrient intake by the residual method showed no dependencies on EI/BMR. CONCLUSIONS: Underestimation of energy intake is related to obesity and affects the relation of macronutrients in the reported diet. This implies, that the assumption of adequate ranking of subjects by a SFFQ cannot be maintained. Energy adjusted intake values according to the residual method should be employed in diet-disease risk analysis since they are found to be independent of the methodological influence of underreporting.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Reproducibility of self-reported past body weight.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the reproducibility of self-reported past body weight for ages 25 and 40 y and effects influencing recall of body weight. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: Repeated administration of a computer-guided interview including questions on past body weight for 25 and 40 y of age to 120 middle-aged participants of a validation study on dietary assessment methods at the EPIC-Potsdam study centre. Recall error was defined as difference in body weight reported in the second compared to the first interview. Reproducibility of recall of body weight was assessed by plotting the difference between the interviews against the mean of the recalled weight. Possible influences of sex, age, measured current body weight, current body mass index, and highest education attained on recall error were examined. RESULTS: Mean difference in recalled body weight was small, but variation of differences was considerable. Classification into recall error strata demonstrated reproducibility of weight recall within +/-3 kg for 75.8% for weight recall for age 25 y and 81.7% for age 40 y, respectively. Absolute recall error was not influenced by age, sex, current body weight, current BMI, and educational attainment. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a high degree of reproducibility of self-reported past body weight for ages 25 and 40 y between the two interviews administered. With respect to reproducibility administration of a single questionnaire or interview to obtain information on past body weight thus seems to be sufficient.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Obesity, body fat distribution and body build: their relation to blood pressure and prevalence of hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relation of skeletal body build and obesity to blood pressure and the prevalence of hypertension. DESIGN: Cross-sectional data obtained from the baseline recruitment of the EPIC-Potsdam Study, which is part of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). SUBJECTS: A total of 10,303 subjects (4387 men, aged 40-65 y and 5916 women, aged 35-65 y) were recruited between January 1995 and July 1996. MEASUREMENTS: Anthropometric measures included body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR) and metrik index (MIX) as a measure of body build that is derived from the relation of chest depth and breadth to body height. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was obtained using automatic oscillometric devices. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure > or = 160/95 mmHg or current use of antihypertensive medication. Information on lifestyle factors were obtained by personal interview. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Logistic regression was used to define the association of categories of BMI, WHR, and MIX and the prevalence of hypertension. Odds ratios (ORs) of being hypertensive were estimated comparing the highest to the lowest quintile, adjusting for age, smoking status, alcohol intake level, educational attainment, physical activity categories, and each of the anthropometric variables. RESULTS: The simultaneously adjusted OR of being hypertensive, comparing the highest vs the lowest category, was for BMI 2.3 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.6-3.2) in men and 1.8 (95% CI = 1.4-2.5) in women, for WHR 1.8 (95% CI = 1.4-2.4) in men and 1.5 (95% CI = 1.2-2.0) in women, and for MIX (largest chest size vs lowest chest size relative to body height) 2.0 (95% CI = 1.4-2.8) in men and 2.2 (95% CI = 1.6-3.1) in women. CONCLUSION: In addition to measures of overall obesity (BMI) as well as central obesity (WHR), skeletal body build (MIX) was independently associated with the prevalence of hypertension. The biological mechanism relating MIX to hypertension, however, is still unclear and needs further exploration.

Adipose Tissue↗