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Biomedical subjects

F Gyntelberg

Publications and source records attributed to F Gyntelberg.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Socioeconomic status and ischaemic heart disease mortality in middle-aged men: importance of the duration of follow-up. The Copenhagen Male Study.

OBJECTIVES: The predictive value of some risk factors may diminish with increasing duration of follow-up. This study was performed to elucidate the role of socioeconomic status as a risk factor for ischaemic heart disease (IHD) mortality in middle-aged men, testing the hypothesis that the role of mediators of the association of socioeconomic status with risk of IHD would diminish with increasing length of follow-up. METHODS: A cohort of 5249 men aged 40-59 was established in 1971. Baseline data on social class and other confounder variables were collected, and the cohort was followed through registers for 8, 15, and 22 years. In all, 5028 without a history of myocardial infarction or angina pectoris were included in the follow-up. Four factors associated with either occupation or lifestyle were strong mediators of the association found between social class and risk of fatal IHD, and were more common in the lower social classes (classes IV and V): occasional demand for vigorous activity at work, low leisure time physical activity level, high alcohol consumption, and smoking. RESULTS: After the first 8 years, 78 men had died due to IHD, after 15 years: 222, and after 22 years: 411. Compared with social classes I, II, and III, the age-adjusted relative risk (RR) with 95% CI for classes IV and V was 1.69, P < 0.05 after the first 8 years; adjusted for the above potential risk factors the RR dropped to 1.09, P = NS. Corresponding RR after 15 years were 1.67, P < 0.001 and 1.33, P = NS; and after 22 years, 1.59, P < 0.001 and 1.36, P < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors with an uneven social distribution related to occupation and lifestyle were strong mediators of the association of socioeconomic status with risk of IHD. A quite strong explanatory potential persisted but diminished with length of follow-up.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Occupational exposure to airborne proteolytic enzymes and lifestyle risk factors for dental erosion--a cross-sectional study.

This study examined the hypothesis that occupational exposure to airborne proteolytic enzymes is associated with dental erosions on the facial surfaces of exposed teeth. Individuals (n = 425) working at a pharmaceutical and biotechnological enterprise (Novozymes A/S) were examined; their mean age was 35 years (range = 18-67 years) and 143 (34%) were women. Two hundred and two of these individuals were newly employed by the company. Occupational exposure was assessed from questionnaire and workplace information. For practical analytical purposes, individuals were categorized as either previously exposed to proteolytic enzymes or not. Information on relevant lifestyle factors and medical history was obtained from a questionnaire. The main effect measure was facial erosion, but lingual erosion indices and the presence of Class V restorations were also considered. The validity of these measures was shown to be very high. Adjusted for potential confounders, there was no association between history of occupational exposure to proteolytic enzymes and prevalent facial or lingual erosion. With respect to prevalence of Class V restorations, the association was significant. The present study did not support directly our primary hypothesis that occupational exposure to airborne proteolytic enzymes is associated with dental erosions on the facial surfaces of exposed teeth. However, the results indicate that exposure to proteolytic enzymes may lead to pronounced tooth substance loss, demanding treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Lewis phenotypes, leisure time physical activity, and risk of ischaemic heart disease: an 11 year follow up in the Copenhagen male study.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that the predictive value for risk of fatal ischaemic heart disease associated with Lewis phenotypes depends on the level of leisure time physical activity. DESIGN: Prospective study controlling for alcohol, tobacco, serum cotinine, blood pressure, body mass index, serum lipids, work related physical activity, and social class. SETTING: The Copenhagen male study, Denmark. SUBJECTS: 2826 white men aged 53-75 years without overt cardiovascular disease; 266 (9.4%) had the Le(a-b-) phenotype. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Incidence of death from ischaemic heart disease during 11 years. RESULTS: 107 men died of ischaemic heart disease. Among men with a low level of leisure time physical activity (</= 4 hours/week moderate or </= 2 hours/week more vigorous activity), being Le(a-b-) was associated with an increased risk of having a fatal ischaemic heart disease event compared with men with other Lewis phenotypes (relative risk (RR) 2.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4 to 5.2; p < 0.01). Among men with a high level of leisure time physical activity, the RR associated with being Le(a-b-) was 1. 3 (95% CI 0.5 to 3.1; NS). Compared with all other alternatives tested, being Le(a-b-) and having a low level of leisure time physical activity was associated with an RR of 3.2 (95% CI 1.7 to 5. 8; p < 0.001). As a point estimate and adjusted for confounding variables, among men with low leisure time physical activity the attributable risk associated with Le(a-b-) was 12%-that is, assuming that all sedentary men had phenotypes other than Le(a-b-), 12% of all fatal ischaemic heart disease events would not have occurred. The corresponding point estimate among those more active was 2%. CONCLUSIONS: The excess risk of fatal ischaemic heart disease in middle aged and elderly men with the Le(a-b-) phenotype is strongly modified by leisure time physical activity. Public health and clinical implications may be important in populations with a predominantly sedentary lifestyle and in a high proportion of men with the Le(a-b-) phenotype.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Exposure to cold and draught, alcohol consumption, and the NS-phenotype are associated with chronic bronchitis: an epidemiological investigation of 3387 men aged 53-75 years: the Copenhagen Male Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to estimate the strength of association between chronic bronchitis and lifetime exposure to occupational factors, current lifestyle, and the NS-phenotype in the MNS blood group among middle aged and elderly men. METHODS: The study was carried out within the frameworks of the Copenhagen Male Study. Of 3387 men 3331 men with a mean age of 63 (range 53-75) years could be classified by prevalence of chronic bronchitis. As well as the completion of a large questionnaire on health, lifestyle, and working conditions, all participants had a thorough examination, including measurements of height and weight and blood pressure and a venous blood sample was taken for the measurement of serum cotinine and MNS typing; 16.5% of the men had the NS-phenotype. Chronic bronchitis was defined as cough and phlegm lasting 3 months or more for at least 2 years; 14.6% had chronic bronchitis. RESULTS: Smoking and smoke inhalation were the factors most strongly associated with prevalence of chronic bronchitis. There were three major new findings: (a) long term (>5 years) occupational exposure to cold and draught was associated with a significantly increased prevalence of chronic bronchitis; compared with others, and adjusted for confounders, the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 1.4 (1.1 to 1.7), p=0.004; (b) a significant J shaped association existed between alcohol use and bronchitis, p<0.001, with the lowest prevalence found among moderate users; (c) a significant gene by environment association existed between smoking and the NS-phenotype in the MNS blood group; only among smokers was the NS-phenotype associated with a significantly decreased risk of chronic bronchitis, OR 0.67 (0.47-0.97), p=0.02. Other well known associations between dust, fumes, and even exposure to solvents and bronchitis were confirmed. CONCLUSION: The results emphasise the multifactorial nature of chronic bronchitis, and show some hitherto unrecognised associations between cold and draught exposure, alcohol consumption, and the NS-phenotype and chronic bronchitis.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Major reproductive health characteristics in male Gulf War Veterans. The Danish Gulf War Study.

INTRODUCTION: The male reproductive system could have been affected by various hazardous agents and exposures during and in the aftermath of the Persian Gulf War scenario. We tested the hypothesis that, compared to controls, male Danish Gulf War Veterans would have adverse sex hormone levels, decreased fertility, and a larger proportion of adverse pregnancy outcomes including spontaneous abortions, congenital diseases and malformations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed during the period January 1997 to January 1998 which included 661 male subjects who had been deployed in the Persian Gulf within the period August 2 1990 until December 31 1997. A control group of 215 Danish military men, not deployed in the Gulf region, was selected with random matching by age and type of work. All participants underwent clinical and paraclinical examinations, and had an interview based on a previously completed comprehensive questionnaire. A venous blood sample was drawn to determine serum concentrations of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), the luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, serum hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and inhibin B. The free androgen index was calculated from testosterone and SHBG levels. RESULTS: No differences were found between Gulf War Veterans and controls with respect to any of the reproductive hormones measured, nor with respect to fertility or the prevalence of spontaneous abortions, congenital diseases or malformations among the offspring. Also cohabitational characteristics were similar. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study we conclude that the biological reproductive health of male Danish Gulf War Veterans seemed to be unaffected by their engagement in the post war peace-keeping mission.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Self-reported dyspnea is strongly associated with psychological and cognitive symptoms. The Danish Gulf War Study].

INTRODUCTION: Danish Gulf War veterans (GWVs) have a high prevalence of mental and cognitive symptoms and self-reported dyspnoea. METHODS: 686 GWVs were included in the study and compared with 231 controls. Extensive information about the participants was obtained from a questionnaire, and they all underwent clinical and paraclinical examinations. RESULTS: The prevalence of dyspnoea in GWVs was 29.2%, in controls 19.5%, p = 0.005. Adjusted for age, smoking and physical activity the GWVs OR for dyspnoea at light physical demand was OR = 1.55(1.1-2.3), p = 0.02. Further adjustment for cognitive and mental symptoms reduced the OR to a non significant level, OR = 1.09(0.7-1.6), p = 0.68. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of dyspnoea among GWVs could largely be attributed to their high prevalence of mental and cognitive symptoms. In general, the results emphasize the psychological component in dyspnoea.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Shift work, social class and ischemic heart disease in middle-aged and elderly men. A 22-year follow-up in the "Copenhagen Male Study"].

Shift work has been reported as a risk factor for ischaemic heart disease. Most studies have only partly controlled for social class differences, a recognized risk factor for ischaemic heart disease (IHD), and the relative risk of 1.4 could be a result of confounding. The Copenhagen Male Study was established in 1971 as a prospective cohort study of 5,249 men, and included questions on working time, social class and other potential confounders. The cohort was followed through registers for 22 years. Risk of IHD and all cause mortality did not differ between shift and day workers, the adjusted relative risk for IHD being 0.9 (0.7-1.1). Restriction to social class III led to lower risk estimates, with an adjusted relative risk of 0.7 (0.5-1.0). The study gave no support to the hypothesis that shift work is an independent risk factor for IHD. The role of shift work as an independent risk factor for IHD is still controversial.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

A clinical index for evaluating and monitoring dental erosion.

This study describes a new fine-scaled system for classifying initial and advanced dental erosions. The system includes the use of study casts of the teeth in an epoxy resin with an accurate surface reproduction. The severity of erosion on each tooth surface is scored according to six grades of severity. In addition, the presence of a Class V restoration and dental erosion on the same surface increases the erosion score, as it is assumed that the need for restorative treatment can be caused by the erosion. A high inter-examiner agreement was found when the present scoring system was used by two examiners on the same sample. With this prerequisite it is proposed that an index value for facial, oral, incisal/occlusal and cervical surfaces is calculated as the mean value of scores for the respective surfaces. The index values represent the severity of tooth substance loss in various locations of the oral cavity and are furthermore suitable for data analysis. The system is thereby well-suited for determining etiologic factors and monitoring the progression of erosion over time.

Disease Progression↗
PubMed2000

High triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol and blood pressure and risk of ischemic heart disease.

Treatment of high blood pressure (BP) has not produced the expected reduction in risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD). Subjects with high BP often have the metabolic syndrome X, an aggregation of abnormalities in glucose and lipid metabolism. We tested the hypothesis that the BP level would be less predictive of risk of IHD in those with high triglycerides (TG) and low HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), the characteristic dyslipidemia in the metabolic syndrome than in those without. Baseline measurements of fasting lipids, systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and other risk factors were obtained in 2906 men, age 53 to 74 years, free of overt cardiovascular disease. High TG/low HDL-C was defined as TG >1.59 mmol/L and HDL-C <1.18 mmol/L. Within an 8-year period, 229 men developed IHD. In men with high TG/low HDL-C, the incidence of IHD according to SBP (<120, 120 to 140, >140 mm Hg) was 12.5%, 12.9%, and 10.0% (P=NS), respectively, and according to DBP, the incidence of IHD was (<75, 75 to 90, >90 mm Hg) 13.7%, 10.6%, and 13.7% (P=NS), respectively. The corresponding figures for other men were 5.2%, 8. 0%, and 9.7% for SBP (P<0.001), and 6.1%, 7.5%, and 9.9% for DBP (P<0.03). In conclusion, the BP level did not predict the risk of IHD in those with high TG/low HDL-C. This finding may explain the reason lowering BP has not produced the expected reduction in IHD.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Socioeconomic status, ABO phenotypes and risk of ischaemic heart disease: an 8-year follow-up in the Copenhagen Male Study.

OBJECTIVES: The association of socioeconomic status with the risk of ischaemic heart disease is only partly explained by the uneven distribution of conventional risk factors. We tested the hypothesis that an uneven socioeconomic distribution of ABO phenotypes could contribute to the explanation. DESIGN: A prospective study controlling for age and other relevant potential confounders: smoking, physical activity, wine consumption, height, weight, serum lipids, blood pressure, hypertension, type II diabetes, serum selenium concentration and soldering fumes exposure. SETTING: The Copenhagen Male Study, Denmark. STUDY PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand, nine hundred and ninety-three men aged 53-74 years without overt ischaemic heart disease. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Incidence of ischaemic heart disease in an 8-year follow-up. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty-two men (8.1%) had a first ischaemic heart disease event. There was no association between socioeconomic status and the ABO blood group phenotypes and, in accordance with this, ABO phenotype was not a confounder for the association of socioeconomic status with the risk of ischaemic heart disease. However, ABO blood group was a strong risk or effect modifier. Only among men with the O phenotype was socioeconomic status (social classes IV and V versus social classes I, II and III) associated with a significant excess risk (relative risk 1.7, 95% confidence interval 1.1-2.7 and P = 0.02 after adjustment for confounders; the corresponding relative risks among the A and B/AB phenotypes comparing low social classes with the higher social classes were 1.08 (P = 0.77) and 1.08 (P = 0.89), respectively). CONCLUSION: ABO phenotypes did not contribute directly to the explanation of socioeconomic inequalities in the risk of ischaemic heart disease. However, the finding of ABO phenotypes being effect modifiers for the association of socioeconomic status with the risk of ischaemic heart disease may open up new possibilities of clarifying the roles of socioeconomic status and ABO blood group as cardiovascular disease risk factors.

ABO Blood-Group System↗
PubMed1999

[Health status after serving in the Gulf war area. The Danish Gulf War Study].

Increased symptom reporting has been found in American Gulf War Veterans. The symptoms comprise headache, fatigue, impaired short-term memory, sleep disturbances, agitation, respiratory symptoms, muscle and joint pain, diseases of the skin, and intermittent fever. This cross-sectional study was performed to clarify whether a corresponding pattern existed among Danes having served in the Persian Gulf during and mainly after the Gulf War. The investigation took place during the period January 1997 to January 1998 and included 821 subjects who had been deployed in the Persian Gulf within the period August 2, 1990 until December 31, 1997. Of 686 (83.6%) subjects who participated in the study, 95% had been engaged in peace keeping operations after the war. A group consisting of randomly selected age- and gender matched controls, comprised 231 of 400 potential participants (57.7%). All participants underwent clinical and paraclinical examinations, and had an interview based on a previously completed questionnaire. Unspecific symptoms such as repeated fits of headache, fatigue, memory and concentration difficulties, sleep disturbances, agitation, dyspneoa, diseases of the skin, and intermittent fever, were significantly more frequent among Danish Gulf War Veterans (p < 0.05) than among controls; no association was found with respect to muscle and joint pain. The higher symptom prevalence among Gulf War Veterans was observed for conditions which had made their first appearance during or after the Gulf War. The prevalence of diseases and symptoms which had made their first appearance before August 2, 1990 was similar for both groups. This study demonstrated a pattern of diseases and symptoms among Danish Gulf War Veterans consistent with the findings among American Gulf War Veterans. Considering that American Gulf War Veterans were predominantly deployed during the armament phase and the brief war phase, and that Danish Gulf War Veterans were predominantly deployed after the war restoring peace, the results indicate the existence of some common risk factors independent of war action.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Genetic and life-style determinants of peptic ulcer. A study of 3387 men aged 54 to 74 years: The Copenhagen Male Study.

BACKGROUND: In the Copenhagen Male Study men with the Lewis blood group phenotype Le(a+b-), non-secretors of ABH antigen, and men with the O or the A phenotype in the ABO blood group have been found to have a significantly higher lifetime prevalence of peptic ulcer than others. We investigated the importance of the association of these genetic markers, life-style factors, and social class with lifetime risk of peptic ulcer, testing specifically the hypothesis that the strength of the association of risk factors with peptic ulcer depends on genetic susceptibility. METHODS: Three thousand three hundred and forty-six white men 55-74 years old were included for study. From a questionnaire validated during an interview information was obtained about life-style factors and peptic ulcer history (gastric or duodenal). Potential non-genetic risk factors examined were smoking history, alcohol consumption, physical activity level, consumption of tea and coffee, and use of sugar in tea or coffee. RESULTS: Three hundred and eighty-four men (11.5%) had a history of peptic ulcer; 120 (3.6%) had had an operation due to peptic ulcer. Non-genetic peptic ulcer risk factors identified were ever having been a smoker, use of sugar in tea or coffee, abstention from tea consumption, and low social class. On the basis of these and the genetic factors, it was possible to identify a low-risk group (n = 142) with a lifetime prevalence of 4.2%, several intermediate-risk groups, and a high-risk group (n = 55) with a prevalence of 29%; the odds ratio with 95% confidence limits (OR) was 9.3 (3.4-25.3). Corresponding values with regard to operation were 1.4% and 20.0%; OR = 17.5 (3.7-82.0). Several significant interactions were found; for example, the use of sugar was associated with peptic ulcer risk only when interacting with genetic risk groups. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the role of Helicobacter pylori, it is interesting that the factors identified in this study were able to identify groups with extremely different lifetime risks. This finding and also the finding of strong interactions between genetic and life-style factors and between genetic factors and social class for the risk of peptic ulcer may have both public-health and clinical implications.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Shift work, social class, and ischaemic heart disease in middle aged and elderly men; a 22 year follow up in the Copenhagen Male Study.

OBJECTIVES: Shift work has been associated with an increased risk of ischaemic heart disease (IHD). Most published studies have had potential problems with confounding by social class. This study explores shift work as a risk factor for IHD after controlling for social class. METHODS: The Copenhagen male study is a prospective cohort study established in 1970-1 comprising 5249 men aged 40-59. Information obtained included working time, social class, and risk factors for IHD. A second baseline was obtained in 1985-6. The cohort was followed up for 22 years through hospital discharge registers for IHD, and cause of death was recovered from death certificates. RESULTS: One fifth of the cohort was shift working at entry with a significantly larger proportion of shift workers in lower social classes. Risk of IHD and all cause mortality over 22 years, adjusted for age only, for age and social class, and finally for age, social class, smoking, fitness, height, weight, and sleep disturbances, did not differ between shift and day workers. The relative risk of IHD, adjusted for age and social class was 1.0 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.9-1.2). Men being shift workers in both 1971 and 1985 had the same risk as ex-shift workers in an 8 years follow up from the 1985-6 baseline. CONCLUSIONS: The present study questions shift work as an independent risk factor for IHD. The results of the study emphasise the importance of controlling adequately for the interplay of shift work and social class.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

State of health after deployment in the Persian Gulf. The Danish Gulf War Study.

BACKGROUND: Multiple symptoms have been reported in American Gulf War Veterans including headache, fatigue, impaired short-term memory, sleep disturbances, agitation, respiratory symptoms, muscle and joint pain, diseases of the skin, and intermittent fever. The Danish Gulf War Study was performed to clarify if a corresponding pattern existed among Danes having served in the Persian Gulf during and mainly after the conflict. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed during the period January 1997 to January 1998 which included 821 subjects who had been deployed in the Persian Gulf within the period August 2 1990 until December 31 1997. Of 686 (83.6%) subjects who participated in the study, 95% had been engaged in peace keeping operations after the war. A group consisting of randomly selected age- and gender matched controls, comprised 231 of 400 potential participants (57.7%). All participants underwent clinical and paraclinical examinations, and had an interview based on a previously completed questionnaire. RESULTS: Unspecific symptoms such as repeated fits of headache, fatigue, memory and concentration difficulties, sleep disturbances, agitation, dyspnea, diseases of the skin, and intermittent fever, were significantly more frequent among Danish Gulf War Veterans, p < 0.05, than among controls; no association was found with respect to muscle and joint pain. The higher symptom prevalence among Gulf War Veterans was observed for conditions which had made their first appearance during or after the Gulf War. The prevalence of symptoms which made their first appearance before August 2 1990 was similar for both groups. CONCLUSION: Except for musculo-skeletal symptoms, this study demonstrated a pattern of symptoms among Danish Gulf War Veterans consistent with the findings among American Gulf War Veterans. Considering that American Gulf War Veterans were predominantly deployed during the armament phase and the brief war phase, and that Danish Gulf War Veterans were predominantly deployed after the war in peace keeping missions, the results indicate the existence of some common risk factors independent of war action.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Risk factors for gastrointestinal symptoms. The Danish Gulf War Study.

INTRODUCTION: Compared with controls, up to six years after their return, Danish Gulf War Veterans have a significantly higher prevalence of self-reported gastrointestinal symptoms characterized by constant or occasional recurrent diarrhoea and frequent rumbling of the stomach within the preceding 12 months. The aim of this study was to clarify whether these symptoms could be attributed to physical, chemical or biological exposures. METHODOLOGY: Some 686 subjects who had been deployed in the Persian Gulf within the period August 2 1990 until December 31 1997 were included in a prevalence study using retrospective data on exposure; the control group comprised 257 subjects matched according to age, gender and profession. All participants underwent clinical and paraclinical examinations, and were interviewed by a physician based on a previously completed questionnaire. RESULTS: Among Gulf War Veterans the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms was 9.1% vs 1.7% among controls, p < 0.001. Of 24 physical, chemical or biological exposures, 15 were significantly, p < 0.05, associated with the outcome in bivariate analyses. After multivariate adjustment, two exposure variables were significantly associated with the outcome: Burning of waste or manure and exposure to insecticides against cockroaches; tooth brushing using water contaminated with chemicals or pesticides, and bathing in or drinking contaminated water, were nearly significant, p < 0.10. A group of 74 subjects had 3-4 of these exposures, and a prevalence of 18.9%; 164 subjects had 2 exposures and a prevalence of 12.8%, 270 subjects with one symptom had a prevalence of 7.4%, and 153 subjects without any of these exposures had a prevalence of 2.0%, a prevalence comparable to that of controls. The associations were not explained by differences in psychiatric symptoms, age or gender. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that, 1) a large proportion of long-term gastrointestinal problems among Gulf War Veterans can be attributed to specific exposures, 2) it should be possible to avoid a large proportion of long-term gastrointestinal symptoms in future similar missions by committed interventive measures.

Adult↗