Body mass index is not associated with early onset cataract in the 45 and Up cohort study

[Relationship between body composition and the risk of non-communicable chronic diseases in active older women from Chillán (Chile).]

OBJECTIVE

In Chile, the elderly represent 18% of the population. In women, the aging process impacts body composition, in addition to the coexistence of other pathologies such as chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The aim of the study was to relate body composition to the presence of chronic noncommunicable diseases in active older women in the city of Chillán.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 284 women belonging to senior centers in Chillán. Body composition was determined by bioimpedanciometry. Sociodemographic information, prevalent pathologies, geriatric syndromes and physical activity were determined by means of a validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics in STATA 15.0 software with an α<0.05.

RESULTS

Of the sample, 63% were under seventy-five years of age, 77.5% had less than twelve years of schooling, the predominant socioeconomic level was low, and the poor perception of health was mainly referred to as well as the use of regular medication. Arterial hypertension (AHT) and hypercholesterolemia were prevalent with 70.4% and 48.2% respectively. Body mass index (BMI) was 29.7±4.8 and 71.8% had excess malnutrition. The group older than seventy-five years presented more body fat (BMF) and extracellular water (ECW). AHT was related to higher BMI, TGM, MBC (Mean Arm Circumference), PC (Calf Circumference) and ECW (p<0.05), while Diabetes mellitus was related to BMI and MBC.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypertension is the most frequent pathology and is related to higher BMI, MGT, CMB, CP and ECW, followed by DM2 which is related to BMI and CMB.

Risk Factor Analysis of Early-Onset Cataracts in Taiwan

Purpose: According to previous studies, the prevalence rate of cataracts has increased in recent years. This study aims to investigate and analyze the risk factors of early-onset cataracts in Taiwan. Methods: A total of 71 subjects aged between 20 and 55 were diagnosed with cataracts in a medical center. Participants were divided into three groups: control, early-onset cataract (EOC), and combined (EOC combined with dry eye) groups. Eye examinations including autorefraction, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), subjective refraction, axial length, fundus, slit lamp, and reactive oxygen species (ROS, including total antioxidative capacity, TAC; C-reactive protein, CRP; and glutathione peroxidase, GPx) were performed. In addition, a questionnaire on patient information, history, habits, family history, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) was completed before the examination. Results: 27 non-EOC (control group), 20 EOC, and 24 combined patients participated in the study. Compared with the control group, Body Mass Index (BMI), gender, educational level, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, chronic pain, and body-related diseases were significantly different between the three groups. Family history was also significantly different: family heart disease, hypertension, asthma, allergies, stroke, and immune system were also significantly different. In addition, subjects who took hypertensive drugs, antihistamines, and other medications were also significantly different. Statistical analysis indicated that best corrective visual acuity and the spherical equivalent were significantly different between the three groups. Similar results were found in CRP blood analysis. Discussion and Conclusion: According to the results, EOC may result from systemic diseases. The risk corresponded to an increase in ROS blood analysis. Furthermore, eye drops and medicine intake significantly influenced EOC patients. To prevent or defer early-onset cataracts, monitoring physical health, CRP, and GPx analysis may be worth considering in the future.