Association of metabolic syndrome risk factors with selected markers of oxidative status and microinflammation in healthy omnivores and vegetarians

Conditions predisposing to metabolic syndrome (MetS) are associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation. We studied, in vegetarians (n = 90) and omnivores (n = 46), the impact of the dietary regimen on the occurrence of MetS risk factors (RFs: BMI, blood pressure, glucose metabolism and lipid profile) in relation to oxidative status (advanced glycation end products (AGEs), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), malondialdehyde, ferric reducing ability of plasma, vitamins A, E, C, beta-carotene and superoxide dismutase activity) and microinflammation (C-reactive protein, leukocytes and neopterin). The proportion of subjects without/positive for one or two MetS RFs was comparable between the groups. From the components of MetS only immunoreactive insulin levels differed significantly (95% CI: omnivores: 5.0-7.1 microU/mL, vegetarians: 4.5-5.4, p = 0.03). Omnivores had lower AOPP (omnivores: 0.29-0.36 micromol/g albumin, vegetarians: 0.36-0.52, p = 0.01) and beta-carotene levels than vegetarians, they consumed more calories, proteins, fat and saturated fatty acids, and less fibres, beta-carotene and vitamin C. Multiple regression analysis revealed vitamin E and AOPP levels as the most important independent determinants of MetS RFs. The vegetarian diet seems to exert beneficial effects on MetS RFs associated microinflammation. Whether the vegetarian diet may counteract the deleterious effects of elevated AOPPs and AGEs, remains to be elucidated.     

Sodium status and the metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been greatly increased, worldwide. In recent years, investigators have proposed that sodium might contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome; however, the published data were conflicting. The present systematic review aimed to summarize the evidence from observational studies in this regard. We conducted a systematic search for relevant observational studies investigating the association between sodium status and MetS, published until June 2017 in electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Google Scholar. Summary effects were derived using random effects model. After screening the records, seventeen publications with 66,274 participants were eligible to be included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The analysis revealed that subjects with MetS have significantly higher levels of sodium compared to healthy controls (Hedges' g = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.29, I² = 68.6). Subgroup analyses revealed that the difference was significant when the sodium status was assessed using urinary sodium levels. The random effects meta-regression analysis also revealed that body sodium level increases with the number of MetS components. Furthermore, participants with highest dietary/urinary or serum sodium levels had 37% higher chance of developing MetS when compared with participants with the lowest sodium levels (OR = 1.37 95%CI: 1.31, 1.42, I² = 86.9). The current meta-analysis revealed that higher sodium input into the body is directly associated with the likelihood of MetS. Prospective cohort studies and well-designed randomized clinical trials considering the effect of sodium restricted diets on the risk of MetS as an outcome are necessary to represent the causal association.     

Resistant starch type 4‐enriched diet lowered blood cholesterols and improved body composition in a double blind controlled cross‐over intervention

A metabolic health crisis is evident as cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of mortality in the United States. Effects of resistant starch type 4 (RS4), a prebiotic fiber, in comprehensive management of metabolic syndrome (MetS) remain unknown. This study examined the effects of a blinded exchange of RS4‐enriched flour (30% v/v) with regular/control flour (CF) diet on multiple MetS comorbidities. In a double blind (participants–investigators), placebo‐controlled, cluster cross‐over intervention (n = 86, age≥18, 2–12 week interventions, 2‐week washout) in the United States, individuals were classified as having MetS (With‐MetS) or not (No‐MetS) following International Diabetes Federation (IDF)‐criteria. RS4 consumption compared with CF resulted in 7.2% (p = 0.002) lower mean total cholesterol, 5.5% (p = 0.04) lower non‐HDL, and a 12.8% (p < 0.001) lower HDL cholesterol in the With‐MetS group. No‐MetS individuals had a 2.6% (p = 0.02) smaller waist circumference and 1.5% (p = 0.03) lower percent body fat following RS4 intervention compared to CF. A small but significant 1% increase in fat‐free mass was observed in all participants combined (p = 0.02). No significant effect of RS4 was observed for glycemic variables and blood pressures. RS4 consumption improved dyslipidemia and body composition. Incorporation of RS4 in routine diets could offer an effective strategy for public cardio‐metabolic health promotion.     

Weight concerns and cognitive style: which carries more "weight" in the prediction of smoking among college women?

Although weight concerns and smoking are related, anorexic and bulimic women, both of whom have elevated weight concerns, have significant differences in smoking status. Fewer anorexic women smoke, compared with bulimic women, suggesting that weight concerns do not fully explain smoking status. This study investigated the contribution of one factor, cognitive style, to differences in smoking status among college women with different levels of weight concerns: Anorexic tendencies (n = 47), bulimic tendencies (n = 62), weight concerns (n = 56), and no weight concerns (n = 76). Nearly 47% of women with bulimic tendencies, 37.5% of women with weight concerns, and 27.7% of women with anorexic tendencies were current smokers. A total of 22% of women without weight concerns were current smokers. A logistic regression model revealed that race, age, the Personal Standards subscale of the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, the Self-Control and Self-Esteem subscale of the Brief Mizes Anorectic Cognitions Questionnaire, and membership in the bulimic tendencies category were significant independent predictors of smoking status. Both weight concerns and cognitive-style variables, including perfectionism and self-control, carried "weight" in the prediction of smoking among college women. In light of these findings, treatment research should explore both the behavioral and cognitive factors associated with weight-concerned college smokers.     

Validity of self-reported smoking status: Comparison of patients admitted to hospital with acute coronary syndrome and the general population

Many studies rely on self-reported smoking status. We hypothesized that patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), a smoking-related condition, would be more prone to misclassify themselves as ex-smokers, because of pressure to quit. We compared patients admitted with ACS with a general population survey conducted in the same country at a similar time. We determined whether ACS patients who classified themselves as ex-smokers (n = 635) were more likely to have cotinine levels suggestive of smoking deception than self-reported ex-smokers in the general population (n = 289). On univariate analysis, the percentage of smoking deceivers was similar among ACS patients and the general population (11% vs. 12%, p = .530). Following adjustment for age, sex and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, ACS patients were significantly more likely to misclassify themselves (adjusted OR = 14.06, 95% CI 2.13-93.01, p = .006). There was an interaction with age whereby the probability of misclassification fell significantly with increasing age in the ACS group (adjusted OR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.93-0.97, p<.001), but not in the general population. Overall, smoking deception was more common among ACS patients than the general population. Studies comparing patients with cardiovascular disease and healthy individuals risk introducing bias if they rely solely on self-reported smoking status. Biochemical confirmation should be undertaken in such studies.     

Anemia in pregnant women who use smokeless tobacco

A significantly higher mean hemoglobin level in women smokers in comparison to nonsmokers with a generalized rightward shift of the hemoglobin distribution curve has been reported at the population level. Studies on pregnant women, however, have often associated smoking with decreased hemoglobin levels, although not consistently. We examined whether smokeless tobacco use during pregnancy influenced hemoglobin levels in a population-based cohort of 918 pregnant women in Mumbai, India. Mean hemoglobin levels (Hb) were significantly lower in users (10.00 g/dl) compared with nonusers (10.46 g/dl), p<.000. Anemia (Hb<10 g/dl) was significantly associated with smokeless tobacco in the univariate analysis (OR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.2-2.5). There was no change after adjusting odds ratios for potential confounders in multivariate analysis (OR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.2-2.5). The odds ratios for anemia were adjusted for age of mother, education, socioeconomic status, type of residence, lower body mass index, parity, vegetarian or nonvegetarian food habit, and hemodilution during pregnancy. The results suggest that smokeless tobacco use during pregnancy is associated with lower hemoglobin levels, as has often been observed with cigarette smoking. Smokeless tobacco use is widely prevalent among women in Southeast Asia and is gaining popularity across the world as a safe alternative to smoking. Further exploration and clarification of this association is therefore of considerable importance to public health.     

A pilot study to determine the short-term effects of a low glycemic load diet on hormonal markers of acne: a nonrandomized, parallel, controlled feeding trial

Observational evidence suggests that dietary glycemic load may be one environmental factor contributing to the variation in acne prevalence worldwide. To investigate the effect of a low glycemic load (LGL) diet on endocrine aspects of acne vulgaris, 12 male acne sufferers (17.0 +/- 0.4 years) completed a parallel, controlled feeding trial involving a 7-day admission to a housing facility. Subjects consumed either an LGL diet (n = 7; 25% energy from protein and 45% from carbohydrates) or a high glycemic load (HGL) diet (n = 5; 15% energy from protein, 55% energy from carbohydrate). Study outcomes included changes in the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), free androgen index (FAI), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and its binding proteins (IGFBP-I and IGFBP-3). Changes in HOMA-IR were significantly different between groups at day 7 (-0.57 for LGL vs. 0.14 for HGL, p = 0.03). SHBG levels decreased significantly from baseline in the HGL group (p = 0.03), while IGFBP-I and IGFBP-3 significantly increased (p = 0.03 and 0.03, respectively) in the LGL group. These results suggest that increases in dietary glycemic load may augment the biological activity of sex hormones and IGF-I, suggesting that these diets may aggravate potential factors involved in acne development.     

Red palm oil supplementation: a feasible diet-based approach to improve the vitamin A status of pregnant women and their infants

This double-blinded, randomized, controlled study was designed to study the effect of dietary supplementation with red palm oil during pregnancy on maternal and neonatal vitamin A status. A total of 170 women were recruited at 16 to 24 weeks of gestation and randomly assigned to an experimental group that received red palm oil to supply approximately one recommended dietary amount (RDA) (2,400 micrograms) of beta-carotene or to a control group that received an equivalent volume of groundnut oil. The women received the oils for a period of 8 weeks, starting at 26 to 28 weeks of gestation and extending to 34 to 36 weeks of gestation. The mean postintervention (34 to 36 weeks) levels of serum retinol were 1.20 +/- 0.22 (SD) mumol/L (95% CI, 1.15-1.25) in women receiving red palm oil and 0.73 +/- 0.15 mumol/L (95% CI, 0.69-0.77) in their infants; these levels were significantly higher than those in women receiving groundnut oil (1.07 +/- 0.26 mumol/L; 95% CI, 1.01-1.13; p < .01) and their infants (0.62 +/- 0.17 mumol/L; 95% CI, 0.57-0.67; p < .001). A significantly lower proportion of women in the red palm oil group than in the control group had vitamin A deficiency (serum retinol levels < 0.7 mumol/L) after intervention (1.5% vs. 9.7%). The proportion of women having anemia was significantly lower (p < .01) in the red palm oil-supplemented group (80.6%) than in the control group (96.7%). The mean birthweight and gestational age of the infants did not differ significantly between the two groups. An increased risk of low birth-weight (p = .003) and preterm delivery (p = .000) was observed with decreasing serum retinol levels in the third trimester of pregnancy. These results show that red palm oil supplementation significantly improved maternal and neonatal vitamin A status and reduced the prevalence of maternal anemia. Maternal vitamin A status in the later part of pregnancy is significantly associated with fetal growth and maturation. Hence red palm oil, a rich source of bioavailable vitamin A, could be used as a diet-based approach for improving vitamin A status in pregnancy.     

Fertility of postpartum dairy cows after administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and prostaglandin F2 alpha: a field trial

Our objective was to examine further the potential profertility effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and prostaglandin F2 alpha in postpartum Holstein cows. Reproductive performance was monitored in 843 cows milked thrice daily. One group of cows (n = 218) was untreated, while three groups received either 100 micrograms gonadotropin-releasing hormone administered once between d 11 and 25 (n = 211); 25 mg prostaglandin F2 alpha given once between d 11 and 25 (n = 215); or 25 mg prostaglandin F2 alpha given once between d 25 and 40 postpartum (n = 190). No profertility effects were detected in cows, regardless of their health status during the periparturient period, except cows given gonadotropin-releasing hormone between d 11 and 18 had shorter intervals to first estrus and to first service than controls. Cows with reproductive disorders (abnormal health status) in the concurrent lactation had longer intervals from calving to conception after receiving gonadotropin-releasing hormone between d 18 and 25 or prostaglandin F2 alpha between d 33 and 40. Abnormal health status adversely affected every reproductive trait measured. Early postpartum treatments with either hormone failed to improve reproductive performance of dairy cows, in contrast to several reports of profertility effects for gonadotropin-releasing hormone, and a few reports for prostaglandin F2 alpha.     

Serum selenium levels in healthy women in Tabriz, Iran

BACKGROUND: Selenium is of fundamental importance to human health, and selenium deficiency is associated with disease conditions. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the serum level of selenium in women of childbearing age and postmenopausal women living in Tabriz, Iran. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 60 healthy women of childbearing age and 60 healthy postmenopausal women were studied with the use of biochemical methods (measurement of serum selenium by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry), anthropometric measurements (weight and height), and interviews. RESULTS: The average serum selenium was 76.67 +/- 17.98 microg/L (range, 42.00 to 166.61 microg/L). This level was lower than those reported in other provinces of Iran and some other countries. Sixty-nine women (57.5%) had serum selenium concentrations under 80 microg/L. There was no significant difference in selenium level between the two groups of women. Serum selenium level did not vary with age and body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: Some Iranian women are of borderline selenium status and as a consequence are more susceptible to selenium-deficiency diseases. There is a need for community-based programs to encourage people to increase consumption of selenium-rich sources, such as marine foods.     

Impact of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder on early smoking lapse and relapse during a self-guided quit attempt among community-recruited daily smokers

The present investigation examined whether daily smokers with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as compared to daily smokers with either anxiety psychopathology or no current Axis I psychopathology, have decreased success in the early phases of a self-guided smoking quit attempt. Participants were 140 daily smokers (81 women; M (age) = 29.5; SD = 11.9; range = 18-65 years); approximately one-third of the sample met criteria for current PTSD (n = 47), one-third met criteria for other current anxiety disorders (without PTSD; n = 33), and one-third did not meet criteria for any current Axis I disorder (n = 60). Consistent with prediction, membership in the PTSD group, compared to membership in the other anxiety disorders group and the group with no current Axis I psychopathology, was associated with increased risk of lapse during the first week following quit day. Additionally, daily smokers with PTSD and other anxiety disorders were at significantly increased risk of relapse during the first week post-cessation compared to persons without Axis I psychopathology. However, the PTSD group and the other anxiety disorders group did not differ from one another in terms of relapse. Results suggest that PTSD is associated with increased risk of smoking lapse and relapse compared to smokers with no current Axis I psychiatric problems, and increased risk of early smoking lapse but not relapse, as compared to those with other anxiety disorders. Findings provide novel evidence that PTSD, and perhaps anxiety disorders more generally, may be important factors in reducing the odds of successful unaided quit attempts in the early phases of cessation.     

营养干预对维持性血液透析患者营养状况的影响

目的：探讨营养干预对维持性血液透析（MHD）患者营养状况的影响。方法：将研究对象随机分为实验组（50例）和对照组（58例）,实验组实施营养干预6个月。采用主观全面评定法（SGA）,评价实验前后两组患者营养状况的变化。结果：两纽研究对象的基线资料有可比性,实验组营养干预前后营养不良发生率无统计学差异;对照组营养不良发生率增加;两组相比,差异有统计学意义。结论：营养干预可延缓维持性血液透析患者营养不良的进展或加重,有必要推出个体化的MHD患者营养干预措施。     

Determinants of salivary cotinine levels among current smokers in Mexico.

The present study describes salivary cotinine levels and their relationship to cigarettes smoked per day in Mexican smokers. Using a sampling strategy based on the number of cigarettes per day, we recruited 1,222 smokers from Mexico City and the state of Morelos in Mexico during 1999. Smoking behaviors and other factors known to affect nicotine intake and cotinine level were identified in an interview using a standardized questionnaire. Salivary cotinine was measured by capillary gas chromatography with nitrogen-phosphorus detection. We used generalized additive models to describe the relationship between salivary cotinine levels and variables of interest. The mean age of the population was 39.7 years (SD=15.6 years), with a mean cotinine level of 194.7 ng/ml (SD=134.8; range=10.1-767). Participants smoked a mean of 15.5 cigarettes per day (SD=11.3). Salivary cotinine and cigarettes smoked per day were positively related, although the association was not linear, flattening above 20 cigarettes per day. After adjusting for cigarettes per day, we found that significant predictors of cotinine levels included age, body mass index, cigarette producer, and smoking behavior variables. These results may have implications for dosing with nicotine medications to aid smoking cessation in Mexican smokers and suggest that whether the cigarette is labeled light or regular has no relationship to nicotine dose from smoking cigarettes.     

Spermatogenic and sperm quality differences in an experimental model of metabolic syndrome and hypogonadal hypogonadism

The synergistic effect of the co-morbidities that comprise metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasingly being recognised as an important contributor in the pathology of a broad spectrum of seemingly disparate conditions. However, in terms of male reproductive function, beyond erectile dysfunction, little is known about the influence of this cohort (collectively or separately) on spermatogenesis and sperm quality. The aims of this study were to assess the reproductive tract of a MetS animal model for detrimental changes, to determine whether a group of compounds (advanced glycation end products and their receptor) known to cause cell dysfunction and DNA damage was present and assess whether hypogonadotropic hypogonadism was the main contributing factor for the changes seen. Animals fed a high-fat diet were found to have significantly increased cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose, mean arterial pressure and visceral fat levels. Although serum testosterone was decreased, no changes were seen in either testicular or epididymal histology. Immunolocalisation of N(ε)-carboxymethyl-lysine and the receptor for advanced glycation end products was found in the testes, epididymides and sperm of the two treated groups of animals; however, ELISA did not show any difference in protein levels. Similarly, assessment of sperm nuclear DNA (nDNA) fragmentation by acridine orange test did not find significant differences in nDNA integrity. We conclude that the minimal effect on spermatogenesis and sperm quality seen in our model is probably due to the moderate increase of blood glucose rather than the hypogonadism.     

Wine--an important source of lead exposure

Blood lead levels in 32 male chronic alcoholic patients were measured and related to drinking habits. An external reference group and a group with previous high alcohol consumption served as controls. Blood lead concentrations were significantly higher (P less than 0.05) in the group with current high alcohol consumption (mean +/- S.D.) (90 +/- 48 micrograms/l, n = 17) than in the external reference group (57 +/- 27 micrograms Pb/l, n = 35). The blood lead concentrations in the latter group were similar to those in the group with previous high alcohol consumption (55 +/- 20 micrograms Pb/l, n = 15). Patients with excessive consumption of wine only (average intake 2.61 wine/day, range 1.3-4.5 l/day) had particularly elevated blood lead concentrations (149 +/- 31 micrograms Pb/l, n = 5), whereas blood lead levels were close to the control value in patients with excessive consumption of spirits only (68 +/- 28 micrograms Pb/l, n = 7). Furthermore, within the external reference group blood lead levels were higher in those who regularly drank more than 0.51 of wine on several occasions each week (96 +/- 22 micrograms Pb/l, n = 6) than in those who consumed less wine (48 +/- 20 micrograms Pb/l, n = 29). In a recent study of table wines sold in Sweden the average lead concentration in 84 samples was found to be 73 micrograms/l.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Comprehensive tobacco control policies and the smoking behaviour of Canadian adults

OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations of cigarette prices, restrictions on public smoking, and health education with the odds of adult smoking and amount smoked daily. DESIGN: Multi-level analysis of adult (age 25+) smoking patterns in Canada's National Population Health Survey, after adding administrative data on prices, bylaws, and health education according to the survey respondent's place of residence. SETTING/SUBJECTS: Population based sample of Canadians age 25+ in households (n = 14 355). OUTCOME MEASURES: Smoking status, amount consumed daily. ANALYSIS: Logistic regression for smoking status, multiple regression for amount smoked, with controls for age, education, marital status; separate analyses for men and women. RESULTS: Cigarette prices were positively associated with the odds of being a non-smoker and negatively with amount smoked, for adults of both sexes. Per capita health education expenditures were positively associated with the odds of being a non-smoker and negatively with amount smoked--for men but not women. The restrictiveness of municipal bylaws limiting public smoking was positively associated with the odds of being a non-smoker and negatively with amount smoked--for women but not men. These results are independent of age, education, and marital status. CONCLUSIONS: To be effective, tobacco control must comprise a mix of strategies as men and women respond differently to health education and restrictions on public smoking; taxation, reflected in higher cigarette prices, is the only one of these measures related to smoking for both sexes. This model permits calculations of the level of increase in each measure that is required to reduce the prevalence of smoking by a specified amount.     

Rat endometrial Vdup1 expression: changes related to sensitization for the decidual cell reaction and hormonal control

To study the effect of re-immunization against inhibin on ovarian response and hormonal profiles, Japanese beef heifers (n = 5) were re-immunized three times with inhibin vaccine (recombinant ovine inhibin alpha-subunit in oil emulsion, 125 microg ml(-1)) one year after the primary immunization. Control heifers (n = 5) were injected with placebo (Montanide: Marcol adjuvant alone). Oestrous cycles were synchronized by using prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) and ovarian response was monitored daily by ultrasonography. Blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture for assessment of hormonal levels and inhibin antibody titres. In contrast to controls, inhibin re-immunized heifers generated antibodies against inhibin rapidly reaching a peak level 9 days after the first booster injection. The mean concentrations of FSH in re-immunized cows increased significantly in comparison with controls. In addition, there was a significant increase in oestradiol-17beta and progesterone levels in re-immunized cows compared with controls. Inhibin re-immunized heifers had a significant increase in small (> or =4 < 7 mm), medium (> or =7 < 10 mm) and large (> or =10 mm in diameter) sized follicles. Moreover, the mean ovulation rate was 5.0 +/- 1.1 after the third booster injection in re-immunized heifers compared with control heifers (single ovulation). These results clearly demonstrate that re-immunization of inhibin can be used to enhance ovarian follicular development and ovulation rate. Furthermore, the great number of follicles is a potential source of oocytes that could be harvested for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer programmes.     

Mercury and Fatty Acids in Canned Tuna, Salmon, and Mackerel

ABSTRACT: Canned tuna ( n = 240), salmon ( n = 16), and mackerel ( n = 16) were analyzed for mercury and fatty acids. Average mercury levels were 188, 45, and 55 ppb, respectively, and below the FDA Action Level of 1000 ppb. "Light tuna in water" contained lower mercury (x = 54 ppb) compared with "white/albacore tuna in water," which contained higher eicosapentaenoic acid/docosahexaenoic acid (EPA/DHA) x= 711 mg/100 g wet tissue). Mercury residues in salmon (x = 45 ppb) and mackerel (x = 55 ppb) were lower than in tuna products, but the EPA/DHA levels were higher (salmon, ×= 1623 mg/100 g wet tissue; mackerel, ×= 851 mg/100 g wet tissue). Information from this study will help women of childbearing age to limit their intake of mercury while obtaining healthy fats from fish.     

Reproductive and neurobehavioural effects of thiabendazole administered to mice in the diet

Thiabendazole was given in the diet to provide levels of 0 (control), 0.031, 0.125, and 0.5% from 5 weeks of age of the F₀ generation to 9 weeks of age of the F₁ generation in mice, and selected reproductive and neurobehavioural parameters were measured. The average litter size and weight were significantly reduced in the high-dose group at birth. No adverse effects were observed in the sex ratio at birth. The average body weight of offspring was significantly increased in the low-dose group during the late lactation period, and was significantly reduced in the high-dose group during the lactation period. In the assessment of neurobehavioural parameters, surface righting at postnatal day (PND) 7 was significantly delayed in a dose-related manner in both sexes. Swimming limb movement at PND 14 and olfactory orientation at PND 14 were significantly depressed in the high-dose group in both sexes. In movement activity at 3 weeks of age in the F₁ generation, vertical time and number of defaecations were significantly decreased in the high-dose group in female offspring. Several adverse effects on reproductive and neurobehavioural parameters were produced at the highest dose level of thiabendazole used in the present study (equivalent to 700-1800mg/kg bw/day). Slight, dose-related delays were also seen in surface-righting ability at the two lower dose levels. The lowest dose level (equivalent to 50-180mg/kg bw/day) is 500     

Sex-related differences in serum cotinine concentrations in daily cigarette smokers

Self-reported use of cigarettes generally underestimates the true cigarette exposure of smokers. Serum cotinine is considered the best biomarker to evaluate tobacco exposure. This study determined whether or not there were any significant differences in serum cotinine concentrations between men and women when they reported smoking the same number of cigarettes per day. We analyzed cotinine and tobacco consumption data on 680 women and 840 men, aged 20 years or older, who smoked at least 100 cigarettes during their lifetime and were still actively smoking at the time of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (1999-2002). Overall, compared with men, women reported smoking fewer cigarettes per day (16.1 vs. 18.7, p<.001) and had lower serum cotinine concentrations (1163.3 nmol/L vs. 1343.9 nmol/L, p<.001). Women were more likely than men to smoke filtered (p = .018) and mentholated (p<.001) cigarettes. After adjustment for the number of cigarettes smoked per day, age, race, body mass index, poverty status, the use of either menthol or regular cigarettes, and the nicotine content in cigarettes, female compared with male smokers had lower serum cotinine concentrations (difference of 117.6 nmol/L; 95% CI = 42.6-192.6, p = .003). The difference was particularly notable in moderate to heavy smokers (i.e., those who smoked more than 15 cigarettes/day). These findings indicate that significant sex-related differences exist in serum cotinine levels among smokers, which suggests that self-reports may overestimate cigarette exposure in women compared with men.