Background. Although the link between hyperuricemia and metabolic syndrome had been recognized, the association of the dyslipidemia among individuals with hyperuricemia remains not comprehensively assessed.Methods. Using NHANES III study, we examined the relation between serum lipid profiles and different serum uric acid levels, including serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein-B, lipoprotein (a), apolipoprotein AI, ratio of triglycerides to HDL cholesterol, and ratio of apolipoprotein-B to AI.Results. After adjusting for potential confounders, average differences (95% confidence interval) comparing the top to the bottom (reference) serum uric acid were 0.29 (0.19, 0.39) mmol/L for total cholesterol, 0.33 (0.26, 0.41) mmol/L for triglycerides, 0.14 (0.01, 0.27) mmol/L for LDL cholesterol, −0.08 (−0.11, −0.05) mmol/L for HDL, and 0.09 (0.05, 0.12) g/L for serum apolipoprotein-B. Notably, ratios of triglycerides to HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein-B to AI were also linearly associated with uric acid levels (Pfor trend < 0.001).Conclusions. This study suggested that serum LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, total cholesterol, apolipoprotein-B levels, ratio of triglycerides to HDL cholesterol, and ratio of apolipoprotein-B to AI are strongly associated with serum uric acid levels, whereas serum HDL cholesterol levels are significantly inversely associated. In the clinical practice, the more comprehensive strategic management to deal with dyslipidemia and hyperuricemia deserves further investigation.

Although the link between impaired lung function and cardiovascular events and type 2 diabetes mellitus has been recognized, the association between impaired lung function and metabolic syndrome has not been comprehensively assessed in the United States (U.S.) population. The aim of our study was to explore the association between impaired lung function and metabolic syndrome in a nationally representative sample of men and women. This cross-sectional population-based study included 8602 participants aged 20–65 years in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). We examined the relationship between the different features of metabolic syndrome and lung function, including forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). After adjusting for potential confounders such as age, body mass index, inflammatory factors, medical condition, and smoking status, participants with more components of metabolic syndrome had lower predicted values of FVC and FEV1 (p for trend <0.001 for both). Impaired pulmonary function was also associated with individual components of metabolic syndrome, such as abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and low high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (p<0.05 for all parameters). These results from a nationally representative sample of US adults suggest that a greater number of features of metabolic syndrome is strongly associated with poorer FVC and FEV1. In clinical practice, more comprehensive management strategies to address subjects with metabolic syndrome and impaired lung function need to be developed and investigated.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), an emerging multisystem disease, has the similar pathogenesis with diabetes and is prevalent in diabetes. This study investigated whether NAFLD is associated with retinopathy in individuals with diabetes and without diabetes. The association between NAFLD and retinopathy was investigated in 5963 participants aged 40 years and older who participated in the NHANES III, a nationally representative, population-based and cross-sectional study. NAFLD was detected via ultrasonography, and fundus photographs were obtained to grade retinopathy patterns. We performed multivariate logistic regression analysis to investigate the relationship between the presence of retinopathy and NAFLD and diabetes. After adjusting for multiple covariates, NAFLD population had no evidence of retinopathy increase in population without diabetes (odds ratio [OR]: 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.48 to 1.26). In addition, NAFLD in individuals with diabetes was not significantly associated with retinopathy (OR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.47 to 1.26), independent of age, gender, ethnicity, waist circumference, serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, serum triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, and glycated hemoglobin. In the US general population, NAFLD is not a precipitating factor of retinopathy in population with or without diabetes.

This study aimed to explore the links of handgrip strength and asymmetry with cognitive impairment. This was a seven-year prospective cohort study. We used data from wave 3 (2015-2017) to wave 5 (2019-2022) from the ongoing Taiwan Initiative of Geriatric Epidemiological Research (TIGER), with wave 3 as the baseline (n = 446). The study included community-dwelling participants aged 65 years or older. Handgrip strength was measured, and abnormalities were determined based on handgrip strength weakness and asymmetry. Handgrip strength asymmetry was categorized into three groups at baseline based on the handgrip strength ratio (left handgrip strength/right handgrip strength). Cognitive tests evaluating global and specific cognitive domains were conducted at baseline and two biennial follow-ups. Generalized linear mixed models were utilized to assess the associations of abnormal handgrip strength with global cognition and multiple cognitive domain progression over time. This study included 392 dementia-free participants, with an average age of 75.8 years and 179 (45.7%) males. Mild handgrip strength asymmetry was present in 88 participants (22.4%), while 53 (13.5%) exhibited moderate asymmetry. In men, the coexistence of low handgrip strength and handgrip strength asymmetry was linked to cognitive impairment over time. These associations were observed in global cognition (β^ = -1.76, 95% CI: -2.79 to -0.74), memory (immediate free recall: β^ = -0.67, 95% CI: -1.17 to -0.17), executive function (Trail Making Test-A: β^ = -0.54, 95% CI: -0.94 to -0.13), and attention (Digit span-forward: β^ = -1.00, 95% CI: -1.46 to -0.54). This study found that individuals with reduced handgrip strength and handgrip strength asymmetry had an increased risk of cognitive impairment across various domains. Moreover, this association appears to be more pronounced among men than women. Incorporating these simple assessments into regular clinical practice improves the allocation of limited screening resources and timely clinical interventions in older adults.

This study aimed to compare sarcopenia prevalence in older adults using nine diagnostic criteria from different regions to assess how these guidelines influence prevalence rates within the same population. Additionally, we analyzed variations across subgroups to identify factors contributing to prevalence differences. A total of 1760 participants aged 65-99 were enrolled. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to assess muscle mass, while muscle strength and physical performance were evaluated using grip strength, gait speed, and the repeated chair stands test. Sarcopenia prevalence was determined based on definitions provided by ESPEN (European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism), EWGSOP (European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People), IWGS (International Working Group on Sarcopenia), SCWD (Society for Sarcopenia, Cachexia, and Wasting Disorders), AWGS (Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia), FNIH (Foundation for the National Institutes of Health), and SDOC (Sarcopenia Definitions and Outcomes Consortium). Additionally, prevalence rates were assessed across subgroups based on age, sex, and BMI categories. Sarcopenia prevalence varied from 4.8 % (n = 79), based on the FNIH criteria, to 16.1 % (n = 261), according to the EWGSOP criteria. Among females, higher prevalence rates were observed using the ESPEN, AWGS, and EWGSOP2 criteria, while the FNIH criteria indicated a higher prevalence in males. Prevalence increased with age, especially in those aged 85 and older. Lower BMI was associated with higher sarcopenia prevalence according to most criteria, except the FNIH and ESPEN. The notable variability in sarcopenia prevalence across different diagnostic criteria highlights the need for population-specific guidelines. Refining diagnostic criteria to address demographic variations could enhance the accuracy and applicability of sarcopenia assessments. Future studies should aim to further tailor diagnostic approaches and interventions to meet the needs of diverse populations.