Epidemiology of 369 diseases and injuries attributable to 84 risk factors: 1990-2019 with 2040 projection

Circulating Cytokines Mediate the Protective Effect of Physical Activity on Cardiovascular Diseases: A Mendelian Randomization Mediation Analysis

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent a major public health concern globally, being one of the leading causes of illness and death across populations. While physical activity is widely recognized as a protective factor against these diseases, the exact biological mechanisms that explain this relationship are still not fully understood. This study utilized a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method to investigate the potential role of circulating cytokines in mediating the effects of physical activity on major CVD outcomes, including coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure (HF), and ischemic heart disease (IHD). Our primary MR analysis revealed an inverse association between physical activity and IHD risk. Moreover, a two-step MR mediation approach identified IL10RB (Interleukin-10 receptor subunit beta) as an intermediate mediator, explaining about 6.65% of the observed contribution of physical activity to IHD. These results indicate that physical activity may mitigate CVD risk through modulation of immune pathways, particularly via IL10RB signaling. Our findings underscore the significance of cytokine networks in mediating the cardiovascular benefits of exercise and suggest potential therapeutic strategies for CVD risk reduction through immune system modulation.

Global burden and future trends of metabolic dysfunction-associated Steatotic liver disease: 1990-2021 to 2045

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is a growing global health challenge. This study examines the global burden of MASLD from 1990 to 2021 and projects data for 2045.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021, the study analyzed MASLD across 204 countries from 1990 to 2021, focusing on prevalence, incidence, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Linear and Joinpoint regression assessed trends, an age-period-cohort model evaluated health outcomes, and a Bayesian model forecasted future cases.

RESULTS

In 2021, approximately 1.27 billion people globally had MASLD, with a higher prevalence in males (51.41 %). There were 48.35 million new cases, primarily in males (52.24 %). The age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) increased from 12,085.09 in 1990 to 15,018.07 per 100,000 in 2021 (AAPC 0.71). The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) rose from 475.54 to 593.28 per 100,000 (AAPC 0.71). MASLD caused 138,328 deaths, with females experiencing higher mortality (52.18 %). East Asia, South Asia, and North Africa/Middle East had the highest prevalence and incidence rates, while Western Europe showed the fastest growth. By 2045, ASIR is projected to reach 928.10 per 100,000, resulting in 667.58 million new cases, predominantly affecting males.

CONCLUSIONS

MASLD poses a significant burden with notable gender and regional disparities. The projected increase by 2045 underscores the need for urgent public health interventions and targeted strategies to mitigate this growing epidemic.

Diabetes Fact Sheets in Korea 2024

BACKGRUOUND

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, management, and comorbidities of diabetes mellitus among Korean adults.

METHODS

Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019-2022) were analyzed to assess the prevalence, treatment, risk factors, and comorbidities of diabetes. Comparisons between young and older adults with diabetes were emphasized.

RESULTS

Among Korean adults aged ≥30 years, the prevalence of diabetes is 15.5% during 2021-2022. Of these, 74.7% were aware of their condition, 70.9% received antidiabetic treatment, and only 32.4% achieved glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) <6.5%. Moreover, 15.9% met the integrated management targets, which included HbA1c <6.5%, blood pressure <140/85 mm Hg, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol <100 mg/dL. In young adults aged 19 to 39 years, the prevalence of diabetes was 2.2%. Among them, 43.3% were aware of their condition, 34.6% received treatment, and 29.6% achieved HbA1c <6.5%. Obesity affected 87.1%, and 26.9% had both hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Among adults aged ≥65 years, the prevalence of diabetes was 29.3%, with awareness, treatment, and control rates of 78.8%, 75.7%, and 31.2%, respectively. Integrated management targets (HbA1c <7.5%, hypertension, and lipids) were achieved by 40.1%.

CONCLUSION

Diabetes mellitus remains highly prevalent among Korean adults, with significant gaps in integrated glycemic, blood pressure, and lipid control. Older adults with diabetes show higher awareness and treatment rates but limited integrated management outcomes. Young adults with diabetes bear a significant burden of obesity and comorbidities, alongside low awareness and treatment rates. Therefore, early intervention programs, education, and strategies tailored to younger populations are urgently required.