Cigarette smoking and increased central adiposity

Article Abstract:

Cigarette smoking and obesity have both been independently established as risk factors for cardiovascular disease and increased mortality. The fact that smokers generally weigh less than non-smokers tends to complicate studies in this area. A large study was performed on an older white population consisting of 836 men and 1,112 women between the ages of 50 and 79 years old. The association between smoking and the distribution of body fat was examined. Specifically, the incidence of central obesity, defined by the ratio of waist-to-hip circumference and by body mass index, was measured in this population. Each individual also completed a standard questionnaire concerning his smoking habits. The results indicated that smokers had a higher incidence of abdominal obesity. This was especially evident in female smokers. It is not clear why this correlation between smoking and increased central fat distribution occurs. However, these results do suggest that behavioral modification can be instrumental in changing body fat distribution. Possible explanations for these results may involve additional factors which were not monitored, such as alcohol intake or levels of physical activity. Sex hormone activity may also play a significant role. Upper body fat is associated with the male fat pattern, whereas female fat patterns more frequently occur in the lower body region. The male fat pattern that was observed in female smokers may be a result of an increased concentration of male hormones. Further research is recommended to better understand and to confirm these observations. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, Obesity, Tobacco, Fat, Fats

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Lower endogenous androgen levels and dyslipidemia in men with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Article Abstract:

Older men with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) who have lower blood levels of androgen hormones may have a higher risk of diabetic dyslipidemia than other men. Diabetic dyslipidemia is a condition characterized by abnormal blood levels of lipids (fats), and has been associated with the development of cardiovascular disease. A study compared 44 men between 53 and 88 years old with NIDDM to 88 men the same age without NIDDM. The blood levels of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) of men with NIDDM were significantly lower than those of men without NIDDM. Men with NIDDM had significantly lower blood levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and significantly higher blood levels of triglycerides than the men without NIDDM. Lower blood levels of total testosterone were associated with lower blood levels of HDL cholesterol.

Abnormalities, Type 2 diabetes, Blood lipids, Androgens

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Effects of Estrogen and Estrogen--Progestin on Mammographic Parenchymal Density

Article Abstract:

Hormone replacement therapy appears to increase the density of breasts in mammographic images. Identifying the influence of hormones on breast density is important, because increased density may be a sign of increased risk for breast cancer. Researchers compared 307 women who took estrogen, estrogen plus progesterone, or placebo for one year. Four percent of women taking estrogen alone had increased breast density, while 16-24% of women taking estrogen plus progesterone had increased density. Women taking the placebo had no change in the density of their breasts.

United States, Estrogen, Estrogens, Mammography, Progesterone, Breast

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