Effect of cigarette smoking on serum α-tocopherol and the lipid profile in a Portuguese population

Prevalence of Hyperlipidemia and Its Risk Factors for the Middle-Aged and Elderly in the Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang and Han Populations

BACKGROUND

Han is the largest and Zhuang is the second largest among the 56 nationalities in China. Geographically and linguistically, Zhuang can be classified into 43 ethnic subgroups, among which Hei Yi (which means "black worship" and "black dressing") Zhuang is the most conservative group, according to its unique culture and customs. Little is known about the lipid profiles and corresponding risk factors of hyperlipidemia in this population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of demographic characteristics, health-related behaviors, and lifestyle factors on the prevalence of hyperlipidemia for the middle-aged and elderly in the Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations.

METHODS

A sample of 657 people of Hei Yi Zhuang aged 40 years and over was randomly selected from 7 villages in Napo County, Guangxi, China. Information on demographic characteristics, health-related behaviors, and lifestyle factors was collected by questionnaire. Blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference, and serum lipid and apolipoprotein (apo) levels were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated as a measure of weight relative to height. The results were compared with those in 520 people of Han living in the same region.

RESULTS

The prevalence of hyperlipidemia in the Hei Yi Zhuang was significantly lower than that in the Han (36.2% vs 42.3%; p < .05). The levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apo B in Hei Yi Zhuang were also significantly lower than those in the Han (p < .05 to .001), but the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and the ratio of apo A-I to apo B in the Hei Yi Zhuang were significantly higher than those in the Han (p < .01 and < .001, respectively). There were no significant differences in apo A-I levels between the two ethnic groups (p > .05). The prevalence of hyperlipidemia was positively correlated with BMI and blood pressure in the Hei Yi Zhuang. Hyperlipidemia was positively associated with age, BMI, and blood pressure and negatively associated with gender (female higher) in the Han.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study of the middle-aged and elderly population, the Hei Yi Zhuang have a more favorable lipid profile and a lower prevalence of hyperlipidemia than do the Han, and there is also a significant difference in the risk factors for hyperlipidemia between the two ethnic groups, which might result from the effects of different demographic characteristics, health-related behaviors, and lifestyle factors.

Psychobiological correlates of smoking in patients with erectile dysfunction

Although it is clear that cigarette abuse is closely linked to sexual dysfunction, it is still unclear which are the psychobiological correlates of smoking among individuals with sexual dysfunction. The aim of the present study is the assessment of the organic, psychogenic and relational correlates of erectile dysfunction (ED) in outpatients with different smoking habits. We studied the psychobiological correlates of smoking behaviour in a consecutive series of 1150 male patients, seeking medical care for ED. All patients were investigated using a Structured Interview (SIEDY), which explores the organic, relational and intra-psychic components of ED, and a self-administered questionnaire for general psychopathology (MHQ). In addition, several biochemical and instrumental parameters were studied, to clarify the biological components underlying ED. Current smokers (CS) showed a higher activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-testis axis (higher LH, testosterone and right testicular volume) and lower levels of both prolactin and TSH. Hormonal changes were reverted after smoking cessation. CS showed a higher degree of somatized anxiety and were more often unsatisfied of their occupational and domestic lifestyle. Smoking, as part of a risky behaviour, was significantly associated with abuse of alcohol and cannabis. Both CS and past smokers (PS) showed an impairment of subjective and objective (dynamic peak systolic velocity at penile duplex ultrasound) erectile parameters. This might be due to a direct atherogenic effect of smoking, a cigarette-induced alteration of lipid profile (higher triglyceride and lower HDL cholesterol in CS than in non-smokers or PS), or due to a higher use of medications potentially interfering with sexual function. This is the first comprehensive evaluation of the biological and intrapsychic correlates to the smoking habit. Our report demonstrates that smoking has a strong negative impact on male sexual life, even if it is associated at an apparently more sexual-favourable hormonal milieu.